Clear Creek Courant 0127

INSIDE So Long 2020 Special pull-out section PAGE 7

Subscribe. All local, all the time. $41/year.

Discounts available.

Serving Clear Creek County since 1973

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2021

WWW.CLEARCREEKCOURANT.COM

75 CENTS

County staff expresses concerns about Five Star program Investment needed to start business safety program

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

used them when case counts exploded in the fall.

“We’re used to adapting,” paramedic and Idaho Springs resident Brook Anderson said. “… It’s so much different than it was before.”

There was fear of not only contracting COVID-19 themselves but also of spreading it to patients and loved ones.

And, all the while, EMS personnel

County staff members question whether implementing a Five Star State Certification Program in Clear Creek is worthwhile given how much time and money would be needed to get it off the ground.

According to Recovery Coordinator Alyssa Dinberg, Clear Creek can’t implement a Five Star State Certification Program until its COVID-19 case counts and incidence rates decline, noting, “While Clear Creek is technically in (Level) Orange, our numbers are actually in (Level) Red.” Counties in Level Red are eligible to implement the program but must show a sustained decline in case count and incidence rate for at least two weeks, which Clear Creek has yet to achieve, Dinberg said at the Jan. 19 county commissioners meeting.

The commissioners seemed undecided on whether to pursue it and directed staff to gather more information while Clear Creek waits for its numbers to decline.

While a Five Star program would allow participating businesses to have less restrictive capacity caps, Dinberg outlined a host of hurdles

SEE EMS, P16

SEE FIVE STAR, P4

Clear Creek EMT Aiden Fontana, left, and paramedic John Manasjan conduct a daily kit inspection Thursday inside the ambulance at PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN the Georgetown fire station.

‘So much different than it was before’ As they get second doses and a second wind, EMS personnel reflect on the pandemic’s emotional toll

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

While it’s hard to tell under all

their gear and masks, Clear Creek’s EMTs and paramedics probably look a little older than they should.

“We all aged twice as much,” Director Bryon Monseu said. “We aged two years instead of one.”

And, it’s no wonder.

Five of the 15 full-time personnel contracted COVID-19 — mostly from non-work sources — along with four part-timers. Everyone spent last spring figuring out new procedures while call volumes were low, and

Attention All Home Sellers

IT IS TIME TO SELL FOR TOP DOLLAR!

Inventory of homes is at an all time low.

Demand is at an all time high.

Call today for pricing and a free home valuation.

Josh Spinner - Broker, Owner Local Expert since 1999

Voted Best Realtor Clear Creek County Zillow Premiere Agent | Realtor.com Agent joshuaspinner@gmail.com

303.567.1010 Cell: 303 .825.2626

For a home loan call Jennifer Hager (720) 593-4385

Visit www .clearcreek courant.com for breaking news and updates.

Follow us on Facebook Visit www.facebook.com/pages/ Clear-Creek-Courant/171267532910583

2 Clear Creek Courant

January 27, 2021

Weather Observations for Georgetown, Colorado

CLOG-FREE GUT TERS

Week of January 18, 2021

OR YOUR MONEY BACK

GUARANTEED!

E

AFT

BEF

r

ilte

afF

Le ORE

ter

fFil

ea RL

A local National Weather Service volunteer observer makes temperature and precipitation observations each day at about 8 a.m. at the Georgetown Observations for Colorado Lake.

Weather Station.Weather Wind observations areGeorgetown, made at Georgetown “Max” and “Min” temperatures are from digital displays of a “MMTS” (“Maximum/Minimum Temperature System”); “Mean daily” temperature Weekmax of January 18, 2021“Total Precipitation” is is the calculated average of the and min. inches of rainfall plus melted snow. “Snowfall” is inches of snow that accumulated during preceding 24 hours.

T = Trace of each precipitation.

A local National Weather Servicethe volunteer observer makes temperature and precipitation observations day at about 8 a.m.

NR =at the Not Reported.

“Peak wind gust Georgetown is the velocity Georgetown Weather Station.

Wind observations are madeat at Georgetown Lake. “Max” Lake” and “Min” temperatures are from digital displays a “MMTS” (“Maximum/Minimum Temperature System”); “Mean daily” temperature the calculated average in miles per ofhour and the time of the maximum wind gustis that occurred of the the max andcalendar min. “Total Precipitation” is inches of rainfallthe plus melted is inches of snowHistoric that accumulated during day preceding datesnow. of“Snowfall” observation. preceding on 24 hours.

Trace of precipitation.

NR = Notfor Reported.

“Peak wind gust at Georgetown Lake”have is the dataduring arethebased theT =period of record which statistical data in miles per hour and the time the maximum wind gustthe that occurred during1893-2019). the calendar day preceding date of beenvelocity compiled (about 52 ofyears within period Anytheweather observation.

Historicare data are based on on the period of record for which statistical data have been compiledvalue (about 52 years within records noted based a comparison of the observed with the the period 1893-2019).

Any weather records noted are based on a comparison of the observed value with the historical data set. historical data set.

15% OFF

Day and date of observation (2021)

YOUR ENTIRE LEAFFILTER PURCHASE*

Temperature (T) (degrees F) Max Min Mean daily

Precipitation (P) (inches) Total Snowfall (TP) (SF)

Exclusive Offer – Redeem By Phone Today!

ADDITIONALLY

MILITARY DISCOUNTS

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-844-618-9585 Promo Code: 285

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST

PLUS!

THE FIRST 50 CALLERS WILL

RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL

5% OFF

YOUR ENTIRE INSTALL! **Offer valid at estimate only

FINANCING THAT FITS 1 YOUR BUDGET! Subject to credit approval.

Call for details.

1

*The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 License# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H

Summary

10% OFF SENIOR &

Monday, 01/18 Tuesday, 01/19 Wednesday, 01/20 Thursday, 01/21 Friday, 01/22 Saturday, 01/23 Sunday, 01/24

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

Week’s avg max, min, mean daily T; sum of TP, SF Historic week’s avg max, min, mean daily T; avg sum of TP, SF

During the 24 hours prior to 8 a.m.

38 26 32.0 0.04 0.5 31 13 22.0 0.03 0.3 36 13 24.5 0.00 0.0 40 27 33.5 0.00 0.0 39 24 31.5 0.00 0.0 40 22 31.0 0.00 0.0 38 16 27.0 0.00 0.0 37.4 20.1 28.8 0.07 0.8 36.6

15.9

26.2

0.14

Peak wind gust at Georgetown Lake Velocity Time (mph) (24 hr) During the previous calendar day 78 0520 34 1300 34 0000 74 1240 46 0350 42 0700 43 1640

2.4

SPRING REGISTRATION IS OPEN mountainlax.com

The mission of the Mountain Lacrosse League (MLAX) is to provide a safe and fun environment for mountain area youth to learn and play the game of lacrosse. Through grade-level programs open to all interested participants, MLAX teaches the fundamentals of the game while promoting good sportsmanship, respect for all participants, and teamwork.

Mountain Lacrosse offers the following spring programs: • • •

Boys teams from K through 8th grade.Girls teams from 1st through 8th grade.

Spring season runs from mid-February through May. Teams practice 2-3 times per week with games on weekends. Registration closes Jan 29th.

Please go to mountainlax.com for more information and to register or email info@mountainlax.com.

Clear Creek Courant 3

January 27, 2021

BizBeat: After years of work, Georgetown’s Microtel is open for business want to be part of the community.”

He noted that he and his staff take COVID-19 precautions seriously and that the dentistry profession, in general, does an excellent job of cleanliness and thus is set up to handle situations like this.

Santoro and Keys confirmed the practice has seen several new patients already, more so at the Winter Park location, and the office accepts most types of insurance.

To contact Colorado Dental Co., call 303-567-4412.

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After at least five years of planning and 15 months of construction near Georgetown Lake, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham hosted its first guest on Jan. 20.

“We’re really excited to open,” Brittany Patel, co-owner and managing partner, said Thursday.

While COVID-19 restrictions prevent a traditional open house event, Patel said community members are welcome to stop by and take a look around, commenting, “We’re your neighbors.”

The Microtel, at 2190 Argentine St., features 77 rooms, a pool and hot tub, a lounge area for small meetings, and bike and ski lockers. It’s also pet friendly.

Patel and Amy Romine, marketing director, described the community value the hotel offers, namely in jobs and partnerships.

Romine said all staff members live in Georgetown and Empire, and all the contractors who helped build the Microtel were local companies.

All the artwork in the Microtel is local, purchased from Georgetown’s Grizzly Creek Gallery.

Nearby Cabin Creek Brewing will provide an exclusive menu that guests can either have delivered to their rooms or eat at the restaurant by showing their room keys.

Additionally, the Microtel has partnered with the Clear Creek Metropolitan Recreation District to offer guests passes to the rec center and the ice skating rink, they said. It’s also arranged ski equipment rentals from a local shop.

So far, there are several reservations for March and April, along with bookings for fall weddings and Christmas.

Patel noted that the Microtel is less expensive than staying at the ski resorts, with rooms starting at $99 a night depending on the type of room and time of year.

“We want to offer that warm and cozy mountain vibe,” she continued.

For more information, visit wyndhamhotels.com/microtel or call 720-741-8989.

Marketing Director Amy Romine works behind the front desk of Georgetown’s new Microtel by Wyndham. The Microtel, which is along Argentine Street, officially opened on PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN Jan. 20.

Dentist Scott Keys, seen here in his office’s waiting room, opened his practice along Idaho Springs’ Miner Street in early December and splits his time between his Idaho Springs and Winter Park offices.

PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN

New dentist takes over Miner Street practice Scott Keys always wanted to practice dentistry in a small, mountain community, and on Dec. 1, he finally achieved that dream in Colorado Dental Co. Keys took over the dental practice and office at 1625 Miner St. in Idaho Springs, and he and his staff have beenworking to clean and modernize the space and bring in new patients.

Keys described taking over the practice as “cooking in someone else’s kitchen.”

“We didn’t know what to expect,” office administrator Jay Santoro said, “but everyone’s been great, friendly and welcoming.”

Originally from Oklahoma, Keys graduated from Louisiana State University and started practicing dentistry in 1996. He’d been in Texas for about 10 years before he heard about the Miner Street practice from a friend.

Along with Idaho Springs, Keys also has an office in Winter Park and goes between the two. He’s at the Idaho Springs location Mondays and Tuesdays, in Winter Park on Thursdays and Fridays, and he alternates on Wednesdays.

Keys said he does surgeries and dental implants, emphasizing that his ultimate goal as a dentist is to take care of people. He plans to move to Clear Creek, saying, “I

A LOCAL COLORADO METAL BUILDING PROVIDER FOR OVER 20 YEARS! - SHOP & GARAGE BUILDINGS - BARNDOMINIUMS - BARNS & AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS - EQUESTRIAN FACILITIES - AND MORE

CALL FOR YOUR QUOTE TODAY!

303-948-2038

www.MetalBuildingOutlet.com

Restaurant-retail business forthcoming in downtown Georgetown Ever been to a restaurant where not only the food but the décor looked good enough to buy?

That’s the premise behind the upcoming business at 511 Rose St. in Georgetown.

The Board of Selectmen recently approved transferring the premises’ liquor license, formerly Troia’s, to 511 Rose LLC. While it’s one more thing off the to-do list, there’s still a lot of work to be done, co-owner Ron Grady said.

Grady, who’s starting the business with his wife, Terri, said they’re cleaning up the building, exposing the original floors and installing a custom-made bar.

He estimated another month of physical work before starting on the kitchen and food vendors, and he’s hoping to be open by April, if not sooner.

“We’re just excited to be in the community,” he told the board at its Jan. 12 meeting. “We love the town and love the building.”

The restaurant side, including the menu, is still in the works, he said, but the unique part is that the dining area will also be the showroom. Anything people can see or touch will be for sale, including tables, chairs, barstools, pictures and mirrors.

Grady said he’s already commissioned about half the initial items already, including the bar, which is the bed of an antique Ford pickup truck.

“The retail side is my passion,” he said. “It’ll be food and beverage with a home and décor twist.”

4 Clear Creek Courant

WEEK OF JANUARY 25, 2021 FIVE STAR CLEAR CREEK COUNTY UPDATES ON COVID-19 TESTING & VACCINATIONS

URGENT COVID-19 TESTING INFORMATION

Due to the recent discontinuation of Curative test sites by the State, the Clear Creek drive-thru test site in Idaho Springs is cancelled until further notice. County Public Health is exploring lab availability and other logistics to re-open a Clear Creek County test site as quickly as possible.

Summit County is offering three alternative sites for community testing. These are NOT Curative tests and are available to all.

For more information on the Summit County COVID-19 Test Sites, please visit: https://www.summitcountyco.gov/1324/Testing For Clear Creek County COVID-19 testing updates and additional information, visit www.clearcreekcounty.us/covid19

YOU SHOULD GET TESTED IF: You have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

You are or will be in close contact with a member(s) of the vulnerable population.

You are experiencing one or more COVID symptoms, which typically appear 2-14 days after exposure

COVID-19 SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE: fever or chills | cough | fatigue | sore throat | headache shortness of breath or difficulty breathing muscle or body aches | new loss of taste or smell congestion or runny nose | nausea or vomiting | diarrhea

HOW DO I GET REGISTERED FOR THE VACCINE? In Clear Creek County, we remain in statewide VACCINATION PHASE 1 (above the dotted line on the CDPHE chart) and continue to provide vaccinations for the current statewide priority groups. It is a priority of Gov. Polis’ administration to vaccinate 70% of Coloradans that are 70 years or older by February 28th.

To pre-register for COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH VACCINATIONS: 1. Complete the brief electronic pre-registration form found at www.clearcreekcounty.us/covid19 2. After you complete this form, you will receive an instant pop-up receipt.

WEEK OF JANUARY 25, 2021

3. A short while later you will receive an email confirmation of the information you submitted.

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY UPDATES ON COVID-19

4. If you are unable to complete the online form, please leave a message, including your name and phone number, on our COUNTY COVID HEALTH LINE at 303-670-7528 for assistance. This is a message line TESTING only and you will receive get preURGENT COVID-19 INFORMATION HOW DO I a GETcall-back REGISTERED FOR to THE VACCINE? registered.

In Clear Creek County, we remain in VACCINATION PHASE 1/1B Due to the recent discontinuation of Curative test sites

TESTING & VACCINATIONS

by the State, the Clear Creek drive-thru test site in Idaho

FROM PAGE 1

that Clear Creek will have to navigate to implement it.

The application process is fairly lengthy, she said, and the host county has to create an administrative committee comprised of elected officials, business leaders, public health staff and other community members. It would meet weekly to implement and monitor the program.

The committee must develop a budget and determine how often and who will conduct third-party inspections for businesses to become certified. Dinberg said two companies have offered to run Clear Creek’s Five Star program, which would have different costs than if community members ran it themselves.

Dinberg listed several other concerns, including how inspectors would be trained, how some small businesses might not be able to participate because of the upgrade costs associated with the certification process, and the strain on the business community to put such a program together.

On top of all this, the state’s ever-

January 27, 2021 changing guidance could make any work on the program completely pointless, she said. “(The guidance) is changing every day and every hour,” Dinberg continued. “I’m concerned that we could start going down this path and then things change, and then we’ve wasted time and money.”

Dinberg and her colleagues said they were unsure how many businesses would want to participate, and Georgetown business owner Craig Abrahamson commented that his assessment is that there are about 25 prospective participants.

Commissioner Randy Wheelock said that Clear Creek is quickly vaccinating its most vulnerable populations and that a Five Star program could become moot within a year.

“We’re playing a risk-to-benefit game,” he said. “ … (The Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment) didn’t think that a Five Star program would make us (in Clear Creek) any safer.”

Tim Ryan, the county’s public health director, estimated that restaurant employees and other frontline workers will probably be eligible for the vaccine within the next six weeks, and getting that population vaccinated will likely have a dramatic effect on protecting the county’s workforce.

E V E ’ V ’ WE WE !

D !

E DV E V O O M M

Dr. KelvinWashington, DC DC Dr. Kelvin Washington, Denver Wellness Center Denver Wellness Center has moved to to has moved Tall Country Building Tall Country Building 2626726267 Conifer Road, Suite 205205 Conifer Road Suite Conifer, Co 80433 Conifer, Co 80433 Phone/Fax: 303-838-2443 Phone/Fax: 303-838-2443

(above the dotted line on the CDPHE chart) and continue to

provide vaccinations for the current statewide priority groups: 5. After Springs youisare pre-registered, your vaccination phase/ cancelled until further notice. Countywhen Public • Full-time Clear Creek County residents aged 70+ Health is exploring lab availability and other logistics to • People employed in Clear Creek County whose are category becomes eligible and a clinic is scheduled, you willjobsbe re-open a Clear Creek County test site as quickly as in categories 1A and 1B possible. notified by email (or phone if you are not able to receive email) To pre-register for COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH VACCINATIONS: Summit County is offering sitesonline for 1. Complete the brief electronic pre-registration and will receive a three linkalternative to the self-scheduling system toform community testing. These are NOT Curative tests and found at www.clearcreekcounty.us/covid19 Afterdose you complete this form, you will second receive an instant schedule your first and your are available to all. appointments for your 2. pop-up receipt. information on the Summit County COVID-19 3. A short while later you will receive an email confirmation dose For 28more days later.

Test Sites, please visit:

of the information you submitted.

www.clearcreekcounty.us/covid19

a call-back to get pre-registered.

4. If you are unable to complete the online form, please https://www.summitcountyco.gov/1324/Testing IDAHO SPRINGS SAFEWAY NOW OFFERS VACCINATIONS FOR leave a message, including your name 70+ and phone number, on our COUNTY COVID HEALTH LINE at 303-670-7528 for For Clear Creek County COVID-19 testing updates and Self-schedule at www.safeway.com/covidclinic. assistance.

This is a message line only and you will receive additional information, visit 5. After you are pre-registered, when your vaccination APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY IS DEPENDENT ON SUPPLY phase/category becomes eligible and a clinic is scheduled, you will be notified by email (or phone if you are not able

to receive email) and will receive aAND link to the online selfRECEIVED AND CURRENT PHASES You have been in close contact with someone who has tested ELIGIBILITY scheduling system to schedule your appointments for YOU SHOULD GET TESTED IF:

positive for COVID-19.

For more information on the Summit County COVIDYou are or will be in close contact with a member(s) of the vulnerable 19 Test Sites, please visit: population.

You are experiencing one or more COVID symptoms, which typically https://www.summitcountyco.gov/1324/Testing appear 2 to 14 days after exposure.

CATEGORIES PER STATE GUIDANCE.

your first dose and your second dose 28 days later.

IDAHO SPRINGS SAFEWAY NOW OFFERS VACCINATIONS FOR 70+ Self-schedule at www.safeway.com/covidclinic.

COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFEWAY RECEIVE COVID-19 SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE:

APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY IS DEPENDENT ON SUPPLY

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

CATEGORIES PER STATE GUIDANCE.

LIMTED SUPPLIES. PLEASE TOCURRENT BE PATIENT. fever or chills | cough | fatigue | sore throat | headache CONTINUE RECEIVED AND ELIGIBILITY PHASES AND muscle or body aches | new loss of taste or smell COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFEWAY RECEIVE CLEAR congestion CREEK HEALTH & VACCINATION LINE or runny COVID-19 nose | nausea or vomiting | diarrhea

LIMTED SUPPLIES. PLEASE CONTINUE TO BE PATIENT.

303-670-7528 CLEAR CREEK COVID-19 HEALTH & VACCINATION LINE: 303-670-7528 STAY HEALTHY. STAY INFORMED.STAY STAY OPEN. STAY HEALTHY. STAY INFORMED. OPEN.

www.clearcreekcounty.us/covid19 | Facebook: ClearCreekCountyCOgov

Join our monthly VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS |onFacebook: second ThursdaysClearCreekCountyCOgov from 6pm-7pm via Zoom or Facebook www.clearcreekcounty.us/covid19

Join our monthly VIRTUAL TOWN HALLS on second Thursdays from 6pm-7pm via Zoom or Facebook

30456 Bryant Drive 303.674.4803 Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-12

Now Sewin g Machine Repairs!

Advertising support makes it possible for us to deliver the news to you...

Support our advertisers...

SHOP LOCALLY

Clear Creek Courant 5

January 27, 2021

Clear Creek vaccinates 500 people in a day

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

More than 400 people — mostly residents 70 and older — received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Jan. 20 at Clear Creek’s drive-thru clinic at the EMS station in Dumont. Additionally, the 100 public health staff members and first responders who received their first dose on Dec. 23 returned for their second dose.

“I’m confident we could do 1,000 in a day,” Tim Ryan, the county’s public health director, said as the

clinic was winding down. “We’ve almost finished the list of pre-registered (seniors).”

While Clear Creek has the personnel and the resources to hold larger and/or multiple vaccination clinic sites, there are two major problems, Ryan explained.

The first and larger problem is supply.

The Jan. 20 clinic’s 500-patient capacity was only possible because Summit County donated 250 vaccines after it ran out of eligible residents.

While Ryan hopes these supply

chain problems will be resolved in the coming weeks, the biggest challenge now is ensuring enough supplies for second doses, he described.

The second problem is eligible population.

With Clear Creek’s small population, it’s been much easier to vaccinate those who are eligible. Now, the county has to wait for its larger counterparts to catch up so they can all move onto the next stage — vaccinating frontline workers — simultaneously, Ryan explained.

While almost everyone who’s registered has received their first dose,

county officials estimate there are still hundreds of residents 70 and older who haven’t registered yet.

To register, visit clearcreekcounty.us/1173 or call 303-670-7528.

Ryan confirmed that if someone is eligible but physically unable to get to the clinic, they should register and let county staff know whenever they schedule an appointment.

“No one has yet expressed a problem with getting to the clinic, but we do have the ability to address that,” Ryan said.

Police Blotter: Crime Calls from Jan. 11-17 Tuesday, Jan. 12 — Idaho Springs officers were dispatched to a local hotel for a report of an unoccupied vehicle left running outside a guest’s room. The vehicle was determined to have been abandoned after it was stolen. It was impounded and returned to its owner.

Tuesday, Jan. 12 — Georgetown police responded to a disturbance in the 1900 block of Clear Creek Drive. The incident reportedly involved a couple arguing, and the incident was resolved with a warning for disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.

Friday, Jan. 15 — An Idaho Springs officer was patrolling the 2700 block of Riverside Drive and

observed a vehicle without license plates and someone apparently sleeping inside. During contact, the officer reportedly found heroin and drug paraphernalia in the suspect’s possession. The occupant was arrested.

Saturday, Jan. 16 — Idaho Springs officers were patrolling near the 2300 block of Colorado Boulevard when they heard a collision and reportedly saw a vehicle drive over a curb. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving.

Saturday, Jan. 16 — Georgetown police contacted a man along Sixth Street who had an active warrant for his arrest out of Clear Creek County and wanted to turn himself

Peace Like a River

in. He was taken into custody.

Saturday, Jan. 16 — Georgetown police responded to an alcoholrelated ordinance violation at the lake. People reportedly had open containers, and both were issued a citation and a warning for fishing in a prohibited area.

Saturday, Jan. 16 — Idaho Springs police opened an investigation into allegations that a man had been able to access a credit card account and stole more than $4,700 from his ex-girlfriend, who also accused him of physically abusing her. Charges are pending.

Sunday, Jan. 17 — Idaho Springs police responded to a fight-in-progress call at an eastside residence.

According to reports, two suspects

known to the residents forced their way into the home and started assaulting them. One of the suspects and both residents were transported to the hospital. Both suspects were charged with burglary.

Enhanced charges are expected.

Sunday, Jan. 17 — Idaho Springs police took a report that a local rafting company had gas stolen from a vehicle. The case remains open.

Sunday, Jan. 17 — Idaho Springs police responded to a disturbance at a central residence. One person was in extreme duress and was taken to the hospital, and the other was arrested for violation of a protection order.

— Corinne Westeman

by Julianne Seifert

by Leif Enger, 2001

The beginning of a new year is often regarded as a time for reflection – for a review of all the years of our lives up to this current point in time, and a consideration of what we want the upcoming year to bring. It’s a time to think about the ways we’ve changed over the years, and about the things in us that have stayed the same.

When I first read Peace Like a River, I didn’t entirely like it, for reasons that I don’t remember now. My mother lists it as one of her all-time favorite books, and I recall feeling guilty that I couldn’t seem to understand what she saw in it, but beyond that, I retained little of the experience. Revisiting it and trying again is something I’ve been considering doing for years. It turned into one of those things that I put off and put off, finally got around to doing one day, and then regretted not doing earlier.

I don’t know whether it’s some personal change that has come over me in the past few years, or merely an altering in my taste, but this time around, I loved this book. It has all the elements I have come to value most in the books I read: strikingly beautiful writing, interspersed with down-to-earth humor and simple descriptions of everyday life; a straightforward plot made meaningful and complex in its telling; lovable, well-drawn characters; insight, wisdom, understanding, and so much else. It lovingly reimagines the Western genre, perfectly portrays the heart and voice of its eleven-year-old narrator, and looks at God and faith in a fearless, uncompromising way.

It is set in the Midwest over the course of a cold winter, but what makes reading it especially fitting for this time of year is not its setting, but its content. Ultimately, this is a book about the contrast between the changeableness of life and the world and the unchangeableness of love and truth. As we face new years and new stages of life, it’s

ORDER ON-LINE:

HEARTHFIREBOOKSANDTREATS.COM important to remember the things that remain constant no matter what. It’s equally important to remember that there’s still much out there to be discovered, and that we can still be moved and surprised and delighted by the things we read and experience. And for me, it was valuable to have it demonstrated just how much my opinions are still shifting and maturing.

MENTION THIS AD AND GET A FREE COFFEE OR FROZEN YOGURT M ENTION YOU SYAW IT IN, BOOKS , FROZEN OGURT C OURIER THETCOYSANYON , GIFTS, COFFEEAND 10% OFF RECEIVE670-4549 (303) PEACE LIKE A RIVER

I hope that this coming year is full of new perspective, new discoveries, and changes for the better for all of us. Here’s to 2021.

BERGEN VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER EVERGREEN, CO 80439 | 303-670-4549 HEARTHFIREBOOKSANDTREATS.COM INFO@HEARTHFIREBOOKSANDTREATS.COM

MON-SAT: 10-5 / SUN: 12-4

6 Clear Creek Courant

OPINION

January 27, 2021

Learning more about childhood learning What makes teaching fun? The students.

What makes teaching the most inspiring and fulfilling career? The students.

What makes teaching exhausting?

The students.

We love working kids; in an educator’s eyes, there’s really no other profession that comes close to the magic of watching students learn and grow. And because students are younger versions of their best and yet to be developed selves, they bring diverse and sometimes mindboggling challenges.

Earlier in January, on one of our days dedicated to professional learning, we spent our morning learning about the toxic stress and trauma experienced by some of our students. Jo Ann Freiberg, Ph.D., from School Climate Consultants, led us through the training. Part of the learning was to reflect on our own childhood experiences, which fostered empathy and understanding within our teams.

ACES refers to Adverse Childhood Experiences, which is a metric that can help us better understand the factors that may be influencing student behavior. It’s not about giving kids or each other excuses

for not engaging in learning; it’s also not about telling kids to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” or “make better choices.”

Instead, it’s all about empathy, empowering and finding the right supports that will lead to student success.

One of my KAREN favorite quotes QUANBECK from the mornCOLUMNIST ing, “There’s no bad behavior, only behavior asking for help.” Taking a step back from challenging behaviors and trying to understand what is needed by the child in that moment is a shift in mindset. It also can create a shift in access for our students.

Too often, the most challenging behaviors come from our students who need to be part of a community the most. So how do we address behaviors that could take away from the learning of others when we know those behaviors are signals for help?

We work proactively to build relationships with students. We work tirelessly to create respectful class-

room climates. We help students fix mistakes and repair the harm.

Restorative practices has been a strategy and topic of interest throughout schools for a number of years. However, our learning earlier this month pushed on our thinking: restorative practices are also a means to increase equity and access.

Instead of excluding kids who need to be part of the community the most, we find ways to build essential supports around them. We provide arenas for them to understand the impact of their action on others and help them find solutions to repair harm. Easier said than done, but we are taking the first steps towards this important work.

Another strategy for ensuring access to learning for all students (not just those who know how to “do school”) is our deep and mucky and wonderful work to shift to more meaningful, authentic learning experiences. There will always be a place for direct instruction and traditional means of digesting new information. But students will engage more deeply when they understand that their learning matters.

In Clear Creek, we are looking for numerous ways that our students can get involved in the community

and local businesses/organizations.

To date, we have kids reporting on the Collaborative Health Care Center’s progress in Idaho Springs. Kids have helped design each of the three elementary school playgrounds.

Kids are learning the art of storytelling through media under the mentorship of a film expert. Kids are learning how to repair bikes and solve mechanical problems. Kids will be helping design and maintain trails in our county.

If you are interested in supporting Clear Creek students through providing a job-shadow experience, an internship or another idea that could be connected to a possible career or work-based learning opportunity, we want to hear from you! You never know how your own experience could impact the thinking and interests of youth in our community. And, the best thing about spending time with kids?

You’ll discover they are incredibly inspiring and worth every minute of your time.

Email me if you are interested: Karen.Quanbeck@ccsdre1.org.

Karen Quanbeck is the superintendent of the Clear Creek School District.

Clear Creek Currents We’d like to know about events or activities of interest to the community. Email items of 75 words or less to dbrobst@coloradocommunitymedia. com. Items will appear on a spaceavailable basis.

JAN. 27 All People Considered will feature a re-broadcast with the Clear Creek TREK youth organization and adult sponsors at 5 p.m. on Jan. 27. Tune into KYGT-FM 102.3 and 103.7FM, or stream at www.clearcreekradio. com.

FEB. 1 Resilience1220 is hosting a talent contest for mountain-area youth 12 to 20. For contest rules, details and

an entry form, visit Resilience1220. org. Enter by Feb. 1, and winners will be revealed on Feb. 10 at the virtual Talent Spectacular, a fundraiser for the organization.

FEB. 10 The Clear Creek Democrats meeting will be virtual on at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 10. Visit clearcreekdems.org to get the link.

ONGOING THE ROTARY CLUB OF CLEAR CREEK 2000 will award a scholarship to a student to pursue vocational training at an accredited school or training institution. Students graduating from Clear Creek High School in May 2021, students who

Publisher: Kristin Witt

kwitt@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1049

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY’S LOCAL NEWS SINCE  VOL. 49, NO. 30

Contact us

Office hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday Main switchboard: 303-567-4491 or 303-674-5534 Main fax: 303-567-0520 Mailing address: P.O. Box 2020 Idaho Springs, CO 80452-2020 Physical address: 1630 Miner St., Suite 202, Idaho Springs, CO Online: www.clearcreekcourant.com

Advertising Department

Account exec Clear Creek/Evergreen: Kayte Walker kwalker@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1046 Account exec: Ruth Daniels rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1036

Editorial Department

Editor: Glenn Wallace gwallace@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-566-4129 Sports editor: Michael Hicks mhicks@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1039

are residents of Clear Creek County and completing home-schooling in 2021, and Clear Creek County residents, aged 20 or under as of next June 30 are eligible. The scholarship will be for tuition, fees, books and materials/tools, up to $2,000.

The award will be announced in May. Applications, which are due April 15, are at https://form.jotform.com/90025387104147.

DRIVESAFE DRIVING SCHOOLS are hosting a competition to award a $1,500 scholarship to a student who plans to attend college in 2021. The application deadline is March 1, and the winner will be notified by April 15. To apply, students must complete the application and submit a qualifying entry News editor/reporter: Deb Hurley Brobst dbrobst@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1041 Clear Creek reporter: Corinne Westeman cwesteman@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-567-4491

Creative Department

Production manager: Tom Fildey tfildey@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1030

Circulation

Circulation manager: Lindsay Nicoletti circulation@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-556-4120

of either an essay or other creative expression posted on social media.

For more information and complete competition rules, visit DriveSafeColorado.com/ scholarship.

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

Classifieds

Classified sales: Ruth Daniels rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-350-1036 rdaniels@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Legals

Public Notices: Sheree Sandell legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com 303-566-4088

SUBSCRIPTION RATES (Paid in advance) Inside Clear Creek County: $. a year Outside Clear Creek County: $. a year Out of state: $. a year Seniors  and older: $ discount Deadline for Legal ads: Friday at  p.m.

Deadline for Classifieds: Monday at noon

So Long 2020 - Clear Creek Courant 7

January 27, 2021

g n o L So

2020

Reflections on the year that was...

Hopes for the year ahead.

8 Clear Creek Courant - So Long 2020

January 27, 2021

2021 – All Things are New Again – or Maybe Not Gratitude and Kindness... for the Reflection of Yesterday and the Hope for Tomorrow... but the “Present” of this moment

Luna’s

mandala www.lunasmandala.com 720-937-4217 25797 Conifer Rd. B-204 • Conifer, CO 80433

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12-4

None of us are naïve enough to think that the challenges of 2020 are done. A pandemic doesn’t come and go over night, but this is what we believe. Despite all of the upheaval of the past year, there are many things that have not changed.

• We still grab a freshly brewed cup from one of our coffee houses and relish it as we walk around the lake.

• We still woke yesterday to eight bull elk holding a conference in our back yard.

• We still greeted our neighbor as we brought our trash bins in from the curb this morning.

• We still shop with our local merchants who greet us with warmth, know the name of our dog, and carry the one thing we can’t live without.

• We still descend on the grocery stores in a mob when there is threat of a heavy snow fall.

• We still go to the lake on a cold winter’s evening to enjoy the magic of outdoor ice skating under the lights.

• We still take quiet drives amongst the hills, soaking in the peace of the mountain community.

• We still stand in awe of the comfort that comes from living in our mountain towns.

• And if we’re smart, we still believe that it is our sense of family and our belief in better days that made the past year bearable.

Welcome 2021!

We’re planning on a great year!

Wednesday 12-7 • Saturday 10-4

Your Local Outdoor Living & Home Improvement Experts So long 2020. We are looking forward to a great year ahead serving the community we love.

In 2020 our community lifted our businesses when they needed us most.

In 2021 Iwe n rebuild 20021 21 Call Us Today for a FREE Estimate!

303-670-4919 We Bring Outdoor Living to Life!

See more transformations on our website rollingridgedeck.com/the-rolling-ridge-effect

So Long 2020 - Clear Creek Courant 9

January 27, 2021

Tell Me Something Good The great thing about 2020 was that it was only twelve months long. That said, it was a leap year so we got a dose of the year’s never-ending pain for one extra day. Fortunately, the leap year doesn’t add an extra month.

Vodka and gas prices remained affordable, so it wasn’t a total bust. T.G.

I will not miss the way everyone chalked up every mistake, inconvenience, or even tragedy to the bad year that was 2020. Amidst all those very real negatives, 2020 gave us many unique gifts. As a typical Evergreen family, I wonder how many of us share these gifts.

We gained downtime, togetherness, new traditions, extended road trips, a renewed passion for volunteering, and the best puppy a family could imagine. We learned new sports and new DIY skills. We found common ground with relatives who had been cemented in the opposite end of the political spectrum. We spent more time than ever with friends across the country, albeit on zoom. Enjoying so many things that had been long overlooked will enrich our lives in 2021 and beyond. J.R.

I am grateful when The Hustler carries the horoscope. It is very well interpreted and written. I hope that it is in weekly! (Way better than the Denver Posts!!, but you don’t have to publish that) H.B. I met more neighbors than ever before and was able to spend quality time with my wife and kids. Despite all the negative, I was able to grow closer to my family (and spend a lot of time on the front porch!). E.G.

With fewer cars on the highway below, we can hear the joyful sounds of the forest and mountain. Our early morning warm weather walks are now filled with the loud bird chorus of thousands of birds -- their songs echo through the valley and up the mountain.

In winter, the birds may be fewer but their songs ring out in the cold morning air. SMB In 2020 I gained a much deeper appreciation of our beautiful natural surroundings and the freedom to enjoy them within steps of my home. For 2021 I can’t wait to dance with my friends at an outdoor music event --hopefully without masks! C.L. I watched my son graduate in August from High School. It was bittersweet. I watched as I thought how many new opportunities await him. Shortly afterward I thought about the extraordinary obstacles that were placed on him with a pandemic and social unrest rampant. Even though it wasn’t at Red Rocks it was a spiritual event for my family! M.M.

The silver lining to the pandemic was getting to spend unplanned time with my adult son.

Upon being evacuated from the Peace Corp on March 16, 2020, his plans of teaching English in Southeast Asia and travel around some before heading off to graduate school was abruptly disrupted. I will always cherish this unexpected time with him. S.H.

In 2020, I have gained a greater appreciation for my family and also the privilege we have of living in Evergreen with easy access to all the outdoor activities. I look forward in 2021 to traveling to France and visiting my new granddaughter. My prayer now is that the fear and hardship of this pandemic will dissipate and be replaced with hope and progress. K.L.

I am thankful for our supportive community.

N.J.

As an individual, the COVID mandate to stay home for most of 2020 slowed time way down. Retired, without children under our roof, I had more time than I had ever claimed for myself in all of my 72 years, and the gentler pace felt mighty good. I walked more, listened more, stayed in touch with loved ones more, slept more, read more, saved more. So many events curtailed meant that we ended the year with more money than we were used to having. We thoroughly enjoyed distributing that excess in contributions to local non-profits that support the humanitarian and cultural life of our community, which felt a whole lot better than dinners out.

As a nation, 2020 showed me that we are more resilient and adaptable than I ever thought we could be. May those qualities continue to flourish in 2021. P.E.

We believe in our community and the value our small businesses bring to our lives. We are excited to see the great things we can accomplish for the community in 2021.

THE ANDERSON INSURANCE AGENCY, LLC Home

�

Auto � Life � Business � Renters Campers � RVs � Boats

Bruce Anderson 303.674.2724 banderson2@farmersagent.com 28000 Meadow Drive, Suite 2, Evergreen www.bruceandersoninsurance.com

m

10 Clear Creek Courant - So Long 2020

January 27, 2021

I am so grateful for our community that has shown such resilience throughout the challenges of 2020! I am honored to be part of it and am here to continue to assist you with your real estate needs.

I look forward to 2021 with hope and promise of great things to come.

Wishing you all health, happiness and blessings in the New Year!

From your Denver-Foothills Realtor -

Jacqueline Neal

Hello 2021!

Quali

fies!

Celebrate the New Year with a brand new 26% Tax Credit! You will save on your entire project with a qualifying wood burning fireplace, stove or insert. Call us or visit our showroom for details!

ifi ual

Q

Qualifies! www.MtnHP.com (303) 679-1601 office@mtnhp.com 7001 Highway 73 Evergreen

es!

January 27, 2021

Clear Creek Courant 11

SPORTS

Boys basketball preview - Going on the defensive

CCHS to push the tempo

2021 SCHEDULE

BY MICHAEL HICKS MHICKS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

To know Scott Haebe’s coaching style, one recognizes that the longtime boys’ basketball coach preaches defense. It’s the bread and butter of his attack. From there, the possibilities are endless on the offensive side of the floor.

That’s why, in part, Haebe, in his third season at Clear Creek High School this year, is placing more of an emphasis on defense and forcing the opposition into turnovers. From that comes fast-break opportunities for a Golddiggers team that appears to be quite deep with talent in 2021.

“Our defense will make our offense a lot better,” senior Seattle Schuessler said. “All the kids are really, really good at defense. I love that aspect and the energy that we bring on this team and how we can translate that into our offensive transition.”

Expect that to be the modus operandi for Clear Creek this season — an up-tempo offense ignited by the Diggers’ defensive pressure.

CCHS’ offense, however, has a big hole to fill in Ben Griffin, who led the team in scoring (15.4 points per game) and rebounds (7.9 per outing) a season ago. But with three returning seniors in Reese Onago, Kiefer Zabel and Schuessler and a talented core behind them Clear Creek should more than be able to do that.

“Everybody is in the mix (for playing time). We’ve got a couple of juniors, a couple of sophomores and two good freshmen. I can’t pinpoint one or two right now. It’s going to be a team effort,” Haebe said.

In Onago, Schuessler and Zabel, however, Clear Creek returns a combined 34.2 points per game, 15.1 rebounds, 10.3 assists and 5.8 steals for an offense that averaged nearly 56 points per contest. And this year that offense is looking to push the ball up the court even more so in years past. “(We can) spread the floor and

Reese Onago runs in to make a basket bringing Clear Creek ahead of Platte Canyon in PHOTO BY SARA HERTWIG the game they won 64-45 in 2019.

push teams and run them out of the gym,” Onago said.

That’s why it’s crucial that the Diggers’ implement their nine to 10man rotation, cycling players in and out so that they’ll be ready to play in the fourth quarter and late-game situations, Onago acknowledged.

“If we are on the same page, we’ll definitely be putting ourselves in a (position) to win,” Zabel said.

“The kids who’ve been with me the last couple of years know what I

value and how we want to play, what I expect,” Haebe said. “I see that, especially with the seniors this year.

The underclassmen will be looking at the seniors. I feel pretty good where we’re going.”

Where Clear Creek hopes to go is back to the 2A regionals, if not even farther, in 2021. Last year, the Golddiggers were just 11-12, but seven wins in nine games, including an exhilarating 57-52 overtime thriller over Byers in the district tourna-

DATE OPPONENT TIME Jan. 26 @ Platte Canyon 7 p.m.

(Results weren’t available at press time) Jan. 30 Middle Park 3:45 p.m.

Feb. 2 Denver Christian 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 4 @ Front Range Christian 7:45 p.m.

Feb. 6 Dayspring Christian 6 p.m.

Feb. 11 Heritage Christian 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 16 @ Gilpin County 7 p.m.

Feb. 18 Union Colony 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 20 Lyons 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 Twin Peaks 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 27 Denver Waldorf 2:45 p.m.

March 1 Dawson School 7:15 p.m.

March 3 @ Longmont Christian 7:15 p.m.

(Game will be played at Faith Point Church) March 5 @ Highland 7 p.m. ment, sealed that regional berth.

This year’s squad feels that getting to regionals is a realistic goal given its depth.

“I think we can go just as far if not farther,” said senior Bode Dalton, who returns to the team after a oneyear hiatus. “We have a deep bench, a deep roster. We’re super-talented and super-athletic. We can go far if we put in the work and commit ourselves.”

SHELTER PET OF THE WEEK

Eastwood

nt ry y Fo od Pa C om m un it Id ah o S pr in gs 3, 10 54 5 Rou te sd ay s 10 am –1 pm Wed ne 11am –6 pm Th ur sd ay ss 11am –4 pm ay w id Fr Ne -4 4 5 0 s 3 0 3 -5 6 7 et Hou r sh es co.n fi d an es lo av

Eastwood is a friendly 1 year-old, 51-pound male Australian Shepherd mix. Come meet Eastwood and all the other adoptable dogs and cats at Charlie’s Place!

“Charlie’s Place” The Clear Creek/Gilpin Co. Animal Shelter 500 W. Dumont Rd. • Dumont, CO 80436

303-679-2477

Open 12:00 pm to 4:30 pm Wed.-Sun. by appointment only

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS

to stock shelves & help shoppers Wednesday (10 to 1) Thursday (11 to 2) (2 to 6) Friday (11 to 4) Please email: martyhutt@gmail.com

WORSHIP DIRECTORY

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GEORGETOWN 812 Taos St., Georgetown • 303-569-2360 Serving the community since 1874.

Sunday worship 10:00 am. Reverend Whit Dempsey Please join us!

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF IDAHO SPRINGS 100 Colorado Blvd., PO Box 840, Idaho Springs, CO 80452 Pastor Pat Barnes, email: pastorpat4god@gmail.com

WE’RE OPEN! ALL ARE WELCOME! Come, join us for live worship on Sundays at 10:00 AM! *** PLEASE WEAR A FACE COVERING *** We livestream on Facebook at 10:00 AM on Sundays.

Recorded sermons are available on Facebook and YouTube.

THE UNITED CHURCH OF IDAHO SPRINGS AND CLEAR CREEK COUNTY 1410 Colorado Blvd., Idaho Springs (303) 567-2057 Sunday Worship Service – 10:00 AM PASTOR BILL ROBERTSON Taste and See Tuesdays - 5:30-7:00pm Good food and good conversation - Building community by bringing hope and encouragement to our town and county.

Moly Room in the Clear Creek Rec Center in Idaho Springs

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 1921 Virginia St., Idaho Springs. Serving the Clear Creek Valleys since 1896.

Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Worship service Office hours vary.

303-567-4378. Coordinator: Pastor Bryce Fellbaum Worship led alternating weeks by Pastor Terry Schjang or Pastor David Brock www.zion-lutheran-church.com; zion.lutheran.co@gmail.com

Join Our Worship Directory!

Call Kayte at 303-350-1046

12 Clear Creek Courant

January 27, 2021

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

CCSD briefs

BY DEB HURLEY BROBST DBROBST@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Haag named to school board

Erica Haag is the newest member of the Clear Creek school board.

Haag represents the southeastern part of the school district, replacing Letha Miller, who resigned from the board in December when she moved to Switzerland. Haag is a nutrition therapist with a private practice, and she also works under a mediHaag LANA FARFAN cal doctor at a weightloss clinic in Golden.

Her daughter, a fifth grader at King-Murphy, has Mosaic Turner Syndrome, which makes Haag attune to children with learning challenges. She is president of Turner Syndrome Colorado and a local PEO chapter, a philanthropic organization.

The school board on Jan. 19 also appointed her as a representative to the Mount Evans Board of Cooperative Educational Services that serves the Clear Creek, Gilpin and Platte Canyon school districts.

Superintendent Karen Quanbeck said she was excited that Haag agreed to serve on the board.

“I feel so fortunate to have your talents join the talents of other members of the board,” Quanbeck said. “This is a great group, and we have some fantastic thinkers. You will bring a different perspective … and a great skill set.”

Haag has been married 13 years to Sean Haag, who recently started a welding/fabrication business in Evergreen.

“I have always been very passionate about education,” Haag told the school board during an interview for the position on Jan. 14. “Growing up in a small town and going to a small school, I realized how much my education influenced me and my direction in life. I want to be able to

bring that to new generations and help create policies to have the same experiences I have.”

She wants students to have the opportunity to forge bonds with their teachers.

“That’s why we chose to bring our daughter to a smaller district,” she said. “We want her to be in a small enough school so she can make longterm connections with her teachers and other students. I really feel like that’s important for all of the students because it makes such a big difference to have somebody be your guide.”

Board to forge agreement with Boosters

Clear Creek High School’s new stadium is nearing completion, and Superintendent Karen Quanbeck will negotiate with the Clear Creek Booster Club regarding athletic-field sponsorships.

“I am so thrilled with how the project has come out and what it will offer to our students and our community,” Quanbeck told the school board on Jan. 19. “Now we need to talk about naming and sponsorships and what they might look like.”

Board member Larry Pyers said sponsorships through signs or banners would provide community-engagement opportunities, and having sponsorships routed through the Boosters was a great idea.

Quanbeck said it was important to work with the Boosters, which supports athletics and clubs at Clear Creek High School/Middle School, to create parameters about where banners and signs can go.

“Everything has to align with board policy, and we don’t want to micromanage this,” Quanbeck said.

“We want to be good partners with the Booster Club. They will take on soliciting and selling, and that will be detailed in a future agreement.”

Four Points moving forward with concepts for field, bus barn properties Four Points Development, the firm selected by the Clear Creek school board to buy Golddigger Field and the bus barn properties, is working on concepts for developing the propSEE CCSD BRIEFS, P16

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

Solution

Clear Creek Courant 13

January 27, 2021

g

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Town Clerk

Legals City and County CLEAR CREEK COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE REZONING CASE #RZ2020-0003 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following amendment to the Clear Creek County Zoning Maps has been proposed to the Board of County Commissioners, Clear Creek County, State of Colorado: Location: 201 Valley View Lane, being Parcel 2 of the Miller Division of Land as recorded in the Clear Creek County Clerk’s Office at Reception #160460.

Existing Zoning: Mountain Residential – Single Family Units (MR-1) Request: The applicant requests to rezone a portion of the subject property from MR-1 to Planned Development (PD) to allow for the construction of a 70-foot communications tower to facilitate the provision of high-speed internet broadband service for the area.

Acreage: 15.18 acres Prior to final action, the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2020 at 8:00 am, to consider the rezoning application. The hearing will be held virtually via an online Zoom internet meeting, where and when all parties may appear and be heard.

The Zoom meeting location can be found here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/1131/CountyCommissioner-Agendas-Packets-Minu (All Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner meetings are subject to change, without further notification. Please contact the planning department (see below for contact information) closer to the meeting dates for definitive information on the meeting location and/or web links if the meeting is held via online internet meeting.)

Written testimony may be submitted to Fred Rollenhagen, Clear Creek County Planning Department, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444 or faxed to 303-569-1103, ATTN: Planning Dept. For more information, and for definitive meeting venue location and applicable web links, you may contact the Planning Department at 303-679-2360 or email frollenhagen@clearcreekcounty.us George Marlin, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Published in the Clear Creek Courant on January 27, 2020 Legal Ad No.: CCC000015 GEORGETOWN LIQUOR AUTHORITY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Pursuant to the liquor laws of the State of Colorado and the ordinances of the Town of Georgetown, notice is hereby given that on January 4, 2021, Hum-Hi Food N Gas Inc. d/b/a HUMHIFNG, P.O. Box 1250, Georgetown, CO 80444, applied to the Town of Georgetown seeking approval of a new Retail Fermented Malt Beverage Off-Premises liquor license for 1502 Argentine St. in the Town of Georgetown.

A public hearing on the application will be held before the Georgetown Liquor Authority on February 9, 2021 at 6:15 p.m. This meeting is a virtual meeting due to COVID regulations.

Use the following link to join Meeting: www.zoom. us Webinar ID: 898 2172 6781 Or Telephone: +1 346 248 7799 All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing and comment on the application. Written comments may be submitted to the Georgetown Liquor License Authority at P.O. Box 426, Georgetown, CO 80444.

Given and posted at the town hall this 21st day of January, 2021 Jennifer Yobski

Legal Ad No.: CCC000017 First Publication: January 27, 2021 Last Publication: January 27, 2021 Published In: Clear Creek Courant CLEAR CREEK COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE REZONING CASE #RZ2020-0002 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following amendment to the Clear Creek County Zoning Maps has been proposed to the Board of County Commissioners, Clear Creek County, State of Colorado: Location: 1372 Sinton Road, being Combined Lots 24/25, Imes Subdivision, as recorded by Lot Combination Agreement in the County Clerk’s Office at Book 463, Page 940 Existing Zoning: Mountain Residential – Single Family Units (MR-1) Request: The applicant requests to rezone a portion of the subject property from MR-1 to Planned Development (PD) to allow for the construction of a 60-foot communications tower to facilitate the provision of high-speed internet broadband service for the area.

Prior to final action, the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 at 8:00 am, to consider the rezoning application. The hearing will be held virtually via an online Zoom internet meeting, where and when all parties may appear and be heard. The Zoom meeting location can be found here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/1131/CountyCommissioner-Agendas-Packets-Minu (All Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner meetings are subject to change, without further notification. Please contact the planning department (see below for contact information) closer to the meeting dates for definitive information on the meeting location and/or web links if the meeting is held via online internet meeting.)

Written testimony may be submitted to Fred Rollenhagen, Clear Creek County Planning Department, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444 or faxed to 303-569-1103, ATTN: Planning Dept. For more information, and for definitive meeting venue location and applicable web links, you may contact the Planning Department at 303-679-2360 or email frollenhagen@clearcreekcounty.us George Marlin, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Published in the Clear Creek Courant on January 27, 2021 Legal Ad No.: CCC000014 L-0113-TD 20-026 NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to J L MONTGOMERY INC And Whereas, You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 05 day of November, A.D. 2010, the then County Treasurer of Clear Creek County, in the State of Colorado, at the sale so publicly held on the 05 day of November, A.D. 2010 by the Treasurer, no bids were offered or made by any person for the tax lien on said property, and no person having offered to pay the said taxes, penalty interest and costs upon the said property for the year 2009, and the Treasurer having become satisfied that no sale of the tax lien on said property could be had, therefore, the said tax lien on said property was, by the then Treasurer of Clear Creek County, stricken off to the County, and a certificate of sale was duly issued therefor to THE CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION-

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERS (BOCC) in accordance with the statute in such case made and provided; TAX LIEN SALE CERTIFICATE OF PURCHASE #20090050 Property Schedule R011306 Parcel 196106100677 MINE: PORTLAND - 15841 3.704 ACRES TC 6-4-73 SRO 644/147 COUNTY OF CLEAR CREEK, STATE OF COLORADO AND, Whereas, CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS (BOCC), acting by and through its Treasurer, did, on the 29 day of December, A.D. 2020 duly assign the certificate of sale of the tax lien on the said property, so issued as aforesaid to CLEAR CREEK COUNTY BOCC, and all its rights, title, and interest in the said property held by virtue of said sale to David Van der Vieren, whose address is 2119 S Yukon St., Lakewood CO 80227 for the sum of Six thousand nine hundred ninety five dollars and ninety cents; And Whereas, That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2009; And Whereas, That said real estate was taxed in the name of J L MONTGOMERY INC for said year of 2009; And Whereas, That said David Van der Vieren on the 29 day of December, A.D. 2020, the present holder of said certificate, who has made request upon the Treasurer of Clear Creek County for a deed to said real estate; And Whereas, That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued to the said David Van der Vieren at 11:00 o’clock A.M., on the 18 day of May, A.D. 2021, unless the same has been redeemed.

And Whereas, Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed.

Witness my hand this 30 day of December, A.D., 2020. /s/ Carol Lee [Seal] Carol Lee, Treasurer Clear Creek County Published 3 x in the Clear Creek Courant, January 13, 20 & 27, 2021 L-0113-TD 20-026 CLEAR CREEK COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE REZONING CASE #RZ2020-0004 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the following amendment to the Clear Creek County Zoning Maps has been proposed to the Board of County Commissioners, Clear Creek County, State of Colorado: Location: 280 Yankee Creek Road, as described in the Correction Trustee’s Deed as recorded in the Clear Creek County Clerk’s Office at Book 455, Page 859.

Existing Zoning: Mountain Residential – Single Family Units (MR-1) Request: The applicant requests to rezone a portion of the subject property from MR-1 to Planned Development (PD) to allow for the construction of a 125-foot communications tower to facilitate the provision of high-speed internet broadband service for the area.

Prior to final action, the Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 2nd, 2021 at 8:00 am, to consider the rezoning application. The hearing will be held virtually via an online Zoom internet meeting, where and when all parties may appear and be heard. The Zoom meeting location can be found here: https://www.clearcreekcounty.us/1131/CountyCommissioner-Agendas-Packets-Minu (All Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioner meetings are subject to change, without further notification. Please contact the planning department (see below for contact information) closer to the meeting dates for definitive information on the meeting location and/or web links if the meeting is held via online internet meeting.)

location and applicable web links, you may contact the Planning Department at 303-679-2360 or email frollenhagen@clearcreekcounty.us George Marlin, Chairman Board of County Commissioners Published in the Clear Creek Courant on January 27, 2021 Legal Ad No.: CCC000016

rights, a parent shall: (a) no longer have the right to custody of, or parenting time with the child; (b) no longer have the right to any information concerning the whereabouts, activities, health, or well-being of the child; and (c) have no say in any further decisions concerning said child.

2. As an alleged birth father, you have the right to contest the termination of any parental rights you may have to the child.

Notice to Creditors NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Thomas Ward Hauser, Deceased Case Number 20PR15 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Clear Creek County, Colorado on or before May 13, 2021 or the claims may be forever barred.

Stephen Ward Hauser 11977 West Ranch Elsie Road Golden, CO 80403 Personal Representative Legal Notice No. CCC000002 First Publication: January 13, 2021 Last Publication: January 27, 2021 Publisher: Clear Creek Courant NOTICE TO CREDITORS

3. Failure to declare an intent to contest the termination of parental rights may likely result in a termination of parental rights to the child. In order to contest the termination of the parent-child legal relationship, you must:

• Return a “Reply Form to Notice of Anticipated Expedited Relinquishment” to Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado, 2801 Youngfield Street, Suite 320, Golden, CO 80401 or to the Law Office of Virginia L. Frank, at 1434 Spruce Street, Suite 100, Boulder, CO 80302 by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of notice or before the birth mother’s relinquishment petition is filed with the court, whichever occurs later. The date of notice shall be considered the date of the first day of publication in the newspaper, if you were served by publication notice. If you received this in person the date of notice, is the date it was served upon your person. If you were served by certified mail, the date of notice is from the date that you signed the certified mail card.

OR

Estate of Rose M. Thomas, a/k/a Rose Margaret Thomas, a/k/a Roe Thomas, Deceased Case Number 2020 PR 30026 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Clear Creek County, Colorado on or before May 13, 2021 or the claims may be forever barred.

Stephen B. Thomas 14742 Jackson Street Brighton, Colorado 80602 Personal Representative Legal Notice No. CCC000001 First Publication: January 13, 2021 Last Publication: January 27, 2021 Publisher: Clear Creek Courant

Adoption / Guardianship Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado A Not for Profit 501 (C) (3) 2801 Youngfield Street Suite 320 Golden, CO 80401 (303) 670-4401 NOTICE OF ANTICIPATED EXPEDITED RELINQUISHMENT OF PARENTAL RIGHTS DATE: January 15, 2021 TO: Any & All Unknown Birth Father(s) of Baby Girl Lamphear FROM: Virginia L. Frank, Attorney for Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 19-5-103.7, AS FOLLOWS: You have been identified by as a potential birth father(s) of a child, Baby Girl Lamphear, who is due to be born on or around January 28, 2021.

1. Ms. Kelli Lamphear plans to relinquish her parental rights to the child on an expedited basis pursuant to C.R.S. § 19-5-103.5 in order to make the child available for adoption. Ms. Lamphear plans to file the relinquishment action in the Clear Creek County District Court, State of Colorado, four business days after the child’s birth.

• Return a “Reply Form to Notice of Anticipated Expedited Relinquishment” in person to Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado, at the address indicated above, no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of notice or before the birth mother’s relinquishment petition is filed with the court, whichever occurs later. The date of notice shall be considered either: a) the date on which this notice was delivered to you personally by an employee or representative of Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado or a private process service: b) the date on the return receipt should you have received this notice by Certified Mail, whichever is applicable. You should bring photo identification with you for in-person submission.

YOU MUST ALSO:

• In the case of an alleged father, you shall also file a claim of paternity pursuant to Article 4 of Title 19, Colorado Revised Statutes in the Clear Creek County Court, Georgetown, Colorado and notify Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado pursuant to C.R.S. § 19-4-105.5 (4). This claim of paternity must be filed no later than twenty-one (21) days after the date of notice or before the birth mother’s relinquishment petition is filed with the court, whichever occurs later. The date of notice shall be considered either: a) the date on which this notice was delivered to you personally by an employee or representative of Adoption & Surrogacy Choices of Colorado (private process server), or; b) the date on the return receipt should you have received this notice by Certified Mail, whichever is applicable.

4. You may also waive your right to contest the termination of parental rights and doing so will likely result in a termination of any parental rights you may have to the child. If you do not believe that you are the father of this child, please check the appropriate box on the reply form.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED THAT IF YOU FAIL TO PROPERLY REPLY TO THIS NOTICE IN A MANNER DESCRIBED ABOVE, YOU ALSO WAIVE YOUR RIGHT TO ANY FURTHER NOTICE RELATED TO THE ANTICIPATED EXPEDITED RELINQUISHMENT PROCEEDINGS AND YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS, IF ANY, WILL LIKELY BE TERMINATED BY THE COURT. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sincerely, Virginia L. Frank Attorney & Counselor at Law

Get Involved!

Written testimony may be submitted to Fred Rollenhagen, Clear Creek County Planning Department, P.O. Box 2000, Georgetown, CO 80444 or faxed to 303-569-1103, ATTN: Planning Dept. For more information, and for definitive meeting venue

Placing a child for adoption requires termination of the birth mother and alleged birth father(s) parentchild legal relationships. Termination of parental rights means that pursuant to a court order, all rights, powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations existing between a parent and a child are permanently severed, except for inheritance rights, which will be severed at the time of the final decree of adoption. Upon termination of parental

Published in the Clear Creek Courant January 27, 2021 Legal Ad No.: CCC00013

Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.

- Aldous Huxley

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

Governments have relied on

Notices are meant to be noticed.

Read your public notices and get involved!

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

January 27, 2021 * 1

14 Clear Creek Courant

January 27, 2021

www.ColoradoServiceDirectory.com

To Advertise call Services Karen 303.566.4091 Business

kearhart@coloradocommunitymedia.com Painting Real Estate Lease

PEREZ PAINTING LLC

24 Hours A Day 365 Days A Year - We Never Close.

Towing And Recovery Professionals Serving Evergreen Co. And the surrounding Mountain Communities

V

ERGREEN

ACUUM

• Cedar & Log Home Specialists

NEW Vacuum Sales Authorized Repairs FREE Estimates

Excellent reviews, licensed & insured For appointment contact: perezpaintingcolorado@yahoo.com or call

720-298-3496

30456 Bryant Dr. • 303.674.4803 • M-F 9-5, Sat 9-12

Propane Delivery

Cleaning

Residential & Commercial • Real Estate Move In/Out Weekly, Bi-weekly, Monthly Cleaning 24/7, Mitigation

720-985-4648 Crane Service

CONIFER CRANE

February

Fill-Up Special!

DISC

VOLU ME OU N TS ! 5

00+

$1.79 9 GLOBAL PROPANE Gallon 303-660-9290 Family Owned Business

L imited Off

er

Text “globalpropane” to 22828 for email prices Roofing

2 Cranes 70’ Boom & 110’ Boom

720.431.4400

Evergreen Bailey Conifer NCCCO Certified • Insured • Experienced Home Improvement

GO HANDYMAN CONNECTION • Handyman Services • Remodeling • Electrical • Plumbing

Licensed & Bonded

720-985-4648

A & H DRYWALL, LLC Call for FREE Estimate 24/7 Any Drywall Needs... Hang • Tape • Texture • Painting Match any texture, remove popcorn Armando 720.448.3716 • Fully Insured

Sunny Constructors & Roofing LLC All Types of Roofing Residential & Commercial Sloped/Steep, Flat, Metal, and Tile Service and Pricing Can Not Be Beat!

Give us a call for your FREE Quote.

Locally Roofing for Over 25 Years

303.734.0956 www.sunnyroofing.com

NEED A HANDYMAN? Check out our Business Directories

DINE LOCAL Support Neighborhood Restaurants

LOOKING FOR WORK?

E

BOOK EARLY FOR SPRING TO RECEIVE BETTER PRICES!

Main 303.674.0198 • Toll Free 800.664.3886 www.towingevergreenco.com

Follow us on Facebook facebook.com/ DJ-towing

GENESEE ON STREAM Stunning lofted condo, $65,000 update, lots of upgrades, fabulous private location. 1530 sq. ft, 2 BD, 2 full BA, garage, fireplace, plenty of storage, wet bar, in 300 sq. ft. loft. Pool, club house, tennis courts, racquetball, playground. Available now! $2400 includes HOA. 303-888-5197.

Clear Creek Courant 15

CAREER

OPPORTUNITIES

January 27, 2021

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Bus Driver

FT / Benefits Coach / Middle School: Head Girls Soccer Visit our Website to View All Open Positions Apply at: www.ccsdre1.org Clear Creek School District RE1, does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, marital status, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its educational programs or activities.

Inquiries may be referred to the Director of Human Resources, Robin Payne, robin.payne@ccsdre1.org 303-567-3851

RANCH ASSISTANT EVERGREEN COLORADO

The ranch is searching for a full time assistant to the Ranch Manager. Resume Required. This is a hands-on position that requires performing all the activities to support a 5 owner 3,200 acre ranch. Duties include maintenance and upkeep of roads, trails, fencing, ponds, irrigation ditches, ranch buildings, and equipment. Additional duties include assisting the Ranch Manager with care of horses and poultry, haying, and guiding hunting parties. Ranch experience is preferred and experience with operating heavy equipment is a plus. Must be friendly, outgoing, a team player, and be available 24/7 in the event of ranch emergencies. Position pays $45,000 with health insurance and paid vacation. No housing is provided.

Qualified individuals please contact Brent Redstone by e-mail at Redrock01@icloud.com

WELL PUMP/WATER TREATMENT SERVICE TECHNICIAN WATER WELL TESTER / PART-TIME These positions are an excellent opportunity for candidates looking to establish themselves with a family-owned and operated company that places value in fostering an individual’s career growth.

Paratransit Driver in Evergreen Via Mobility Services No CDL Required M-F 7:30 am-2:30 pm, $16.50/hour Paid training, paid holidays, paid time off, bonuses Full Benefit Package - 1st of month after 30 days Must be at least 21 years of age, have a good MVR Must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen & background check

Apply online: https://viacolorado.org/work-with-us/careers/

A Successful Candidate will be: • Desiring Long Term Employment and Industry Development.

• Reliable and a Self Starter.

• Ethical and Displaying a Consistent Work History.

• Attentive to Detail and Customer Focused.

• Mechanically Inclined.

• Well Experience Preferred but not Required.

• Proof of Valid Driver’s License in Good Standing is Required GeoWater Services, LCC, an established, successful, Well Pump Service and Water Treatment Company, is offering competitive salary and fringe benefits, including a 401k, profit sharing (full & part-time), medical, dental, paid holidays and vacation/sick time (full-time).

Extensive on the job training provided.

If interested, please send cover letter and resume to: cs@geowaterusa.com

SEEKING COMPASSIONATE CAREGIVERS TO WORK WITH MOUNT EVANS AWARD WINNING TEAM Experienced Registered Nurse (RN) Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Experienced Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) Experienced Social Worker (LCSW preferred) Experienced RN needed part-time to full-time to provide home health and hospice care to our patients in the mountain communities west of Denver. Minimum requirements: 2 years of experience, an RN or BSN degree, and an active Colorado nursing license.

CNAs needed part-time to full-time to supplement our current staff. Our CNAs provide Home Health and Hospice patient care in the home, in nursing facilities and in assisted living facilities. An active Colorado CNA license is required.

Experienced SLP needed part-time to serve our mountain and foothills communities, specifically within our service area along the I-70 corridor. A Master’s degree, 4+ years of experience and an active Colorado license are required.

Experienced Social Worker (LCSW preferred) needed to support Palliative Care and Hospice patients and their families. Relevant home health, palliative, and counseling experience preferred. Must be able to provide home visits to patients in the mountain communities west of Denver, including both the I-70 and 285 corridors, and be available for a 24 to 32 hour weekly schedule.

Home health, hospice and geriatric experience preferred for all clinical positions. Our service area encompasses the mountain communities within Jefferson, Clear Creek, Gilpin and Park counties (along both the I-70 and 285 corridors). Ideal candidates are mountain-area residents with a reliable vehicle and all-season mountain driving experience. Health insurance available for eligible employees.

Send your resume to: Mount Evans Home Health Care & Hospice 3081 Bergen Peak Drive, Evergreen, CO 80439 / and/or download an application at www.mtevans.org. EOE. Call 303-674-6400 for additional info.

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

16 Clear Creek Courant

January 27, 2021

EMS

tably, I would get it. … I just had a feeling.”

Fontana recalled learning about the exposure while working at the COVID-19 testing site and got tested before going home.

“We knew if we got it, we’d handle it, and we did,” Fontana said of him and his colleagues.

FROM PAGE 1

saw what lack of self-care can do to individuals, families and communities, such as the increase in domestic violence and anxiety-related calls.

“The brunt of society’s lack of self-care falls on first responders,” paramedic John Manasjan said.

“People need to learn to take care of themselves.”

Still, having most staff members fully vaccinated is a victory, with Monseu saying, “Now, we have more energy; we got our second wind.”

‘We’d handle it and we did’ Anderson, a 17-year paramedic, was excited to get her second vaccine dose on Monday. She said helping with last week’s drive-thru clinic in Dumont was a nice change from running calls.

Anderson, who also works for Aurora Fire Rescue, said that — on a scale of one to 10 — her fear of contracting COVID-19 was a five.

Wearing all the personal protective equipment helped mitigate those fears, she said, explaining how she and her colleagues wear the maximum amount of equipment when dealing with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patient. They also started having fewer personnel respond to each call to reduce the chance of spread.

Just like the staff members, Clear Creek EMS as an agency also had to adapt throughout 2020, Monseu described.

When call volumes were low in the spring, it staffed down. When crew members were out sick, the captains and part-time staff filled their spots in the ambulances.

Manasjan recalled how, especially at the beginning of the pandemic, the lack of interaction with coworkers and Clear Creek Fire Authority personnel was alienating.

“It’s understated how interaction

CCSD BRIEFS FROM PAGE 12

erties in anticipation of community meetings in February.

The developers are communicating with Idaho Springs and Clear Creek rec district officials about how to develop the proper-

Clear Creek EMTs Dane Brungardt and Mike Anderson confer with a patient at the Jan. PHOTOS BY CORINNE WESTEMAN 20 drive-thru COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Dumont.

Paramedic John Manasjan and EMT Aiden Fontana conduct a daily kit inspection Thursday inside Clear Creek EMS’ ambulance at the Georgetown fire station.

is a necessity to feeling healthy,” he said.

Manasjan and his shift partner Aiden Fontana, a full-time EMT, both contracted COVID-19, albeit from

separate, non-work sources. Manasjan said he contracted it from a friend while Fontana got it from his roommate.

Manasjan added: “I knew, inevi-

ties to benefit everyone, Superintendent Karen Quanbeck told the school board on Jan. 14.

“When they come to the community with their concepts, they will have more than words to share,” Quanbeck said. “They are prepping visuals, which will make it easier for the community to understand. I have great confidence in the way things are going.”

Clear Creek school board has sold the two properties to Four Points Development for $2.525 million.

Alcohol request at Glice rink

The Clear Creek school board will work with the Clear Creek rec district so it can offer alcohol at the Glice ice-skating rink at the football field in Idaho Springs.

‘Emotional for everyone’ Twenty-eight days must feel like nothing after almost a year of waiting.

On Jan. 20, many Clear Creek EMS personnel received their second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and then helped distribute it to hundreds of seniors and first responders at the county’s drive-thru clinic.

“It means everything in the world; we wouldn’t be able to (vaccinate) 500 people in a day without them,” Tim Ryan, the county’s public health director, said of the EMS personnel.

“They’re incredibly valuable. They’re fun to work with, have great senses of humor, and they know everyone.”

Despite the strange and strenuous year, there hasn’t been an unusual amount of turnover at Clear Creek EMS. Monseu, a Silver Plume resident, felt his agency was better for the experience but acknowledged moments of strain, saying, “It’s been emotional for everyone.”

Staff members had their moments to vent about subjects ranging from politics to the weather, and all their colleagues understood, he said.

Manasjan and Fontana described how therapy has been an invaluable tool for them, even before the pandemic. They’ve recommended their coworkers also seek out mental health professionals, with Manasjan saying, “Everyone in health care should have one learn how to articulate how things are affecting you.”

They also recommended that Clear Creek residents prioritize self-care, which Manasjan invloved “Becoming aware of your state of mind and taking accountability for it.”

However, district policy doesn’t allow alcohol on its properties, so the school board on Jan. 19 authorized Superintendent Karen Quanbeck to negotiate modifying the agreement between the two to allow the exemption.

Quanbeck said the modification will include a release from liability for the district.

LOCAL COMPANY, VETERAN OWNED, INTEGRITY FOCUSED!

Residential and Commercial

Solar Systems VOTED BEST ROOFING COMPANY TWO YEARS IN A ROW! THANK YOU!

CALL NOW 303-647-3173

www.ValorRoofandSolar.com