Elbert County News 0514

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May 14, 2020

FARMING THE CITY Urban homesteaders get back to the land P14

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Treatment center discussion tabled SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

COVID-19 testing expands across Colorado Locations have been set up in Kiowa, Wheat Ridge, Aurora

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Nearly two months after COVID-19 testing got off to a rocky start in

Colorado, the state announced expanded locations that appear to approach its goal of mass testing for Coloradans.

And at some of those sites, Coloradans don’t need to be in a prioritized group — such as health care workers or first responders — to get tested.

Gov. Jared Polis unveiled a map that showed about 30 community testing sites as of May 7. Eventually, the state hopes to have a testing site

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

in each of Colorado’s 64 counties.

The map is online at tinyurl.com/ COVIDtestingsites.

“We are working every day with public and private partners to expand testing across Colorado,” Scott Bookman, incident commander for the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, said in a news release.

Forty people attended the Elbert County Planning Commission meeting May 5, via a Zoom virtual meeting, to discuss concerns regarding Healing Pines, a proposed residential treatment center at 5550 County Road 124 for men recovering from addiction.

Residents expressed concerns that the facility would bring undesirable people to the area, increase crime and calls to the sheriff ’s office, and expose children living near the property to the risk of dangerous behavior.

SEE TESTING, P8

SEE CENTER, P13

PERIODICAL

DID YOU KNOW INSIDE

Owner, neighbors at odds over plan for facility to fight addiction

A builder wants to create a community of tiny homes in Elbert County. Find out more on Page 2.

VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 15

2 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

Self-sustaining community of tiny houses proposed Builder hopes to create first project of its kind in Elbert County

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Bernie Schmidt comes from a long line of builders.

As a child born to a builder and growing up in Ohio, he began building early as he worked alongside his father. After graduating from Northwestern University near Chicago as an adult, Schmidt earned a civil engineering degree and set about on his own career of building houses that would span more than 30 years.

He moved to Colorado in 2014 to learn more about solar-powered homes, and after a health scare, he reevaluated his life, and decided he needed to start eating better and change to a more wholesome lifestyle.

For the past eight years, Schmidt has been researching the concept of a self-sustaining community, where community members can work together toward a common goal of supporting themselves by growing their own food, producing their own energy, recycling their waste and living a life of low stress and healthy living.

After searching the states for an appropriate piece of land to build his first-of-its-kind community on,

A rendering shows the planned layout of the proposed Greenland Communities east of the town of Elbert.

Schmidt found a 40-acre piece of land in Elbert County, and felt it was the

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perfect place for Greenland Communities. The rural setting, surrounded by hard-working people who valued working the land and the relaxing lifestyle of the country, seemed like a perfect fit. The site is at 24500 County Road 37, straight east of the town of Elbert.

Preliminary plans call for 14 tiny homes, about 400 square feet each, a 4,000-square-foot community and welcome center, a 1,000-square-foot agricultural and energy center, 5,000-square-foot barn, a 3,000-squarefoot building with six kitchenette units, a gazebo, a 100-foot-tall wind turbine, four to six acres of organic gardens, two to four acres of fruit and nut trees, and small buildings for artist spaces, scientific experiments and an 800-square-foot gift shop.

“In today’s world, we wanted to build something that would give people the opportunity to get away from the stressful world of going to work every day, then coming home tired, putting on Netflix and falling asleep,” said Schmidt. “This community would give all residents the chance to be self-supporting, rather than spend their time worrying about paying mortgages, putting food on their table or paying utility bills.”

Greenland Communities would be run as a co-op with residents paying about $79,000 to buy in as a stockholder. Their stockholder rights would give them a right to lease a house for 99 years, and the buy-in fee includes the tiny home plus all food and utilities, as long as they contribute to the community in a sustainable way.

“This is our pilot program, so for this community we need to bring residents in who have valuable skills and knowledge to make it work,” said

COURTESY OF GREENLAND COMMUNITIES

Schmidt. “We have to vet the people who move here. We’re looking for people who have expertise in several categories, including organic gardening, farming, animal care, and a nurse who is proactive in holistic-type health. We’ll need somebody who is committed to marketing and promoting the property.”

Schmidt said once Greenland Communities is successfully up and running, they hope to develop other properties around the states using the knowledge from building the first one.

“We’ll basically create `manuals’ of what we do, so it can be applied in other places,” said Schmidt. “It could be the perfect kind of community for retirees, who don’t want to maintain an entire homestead, but can still garden and work with animals. They could have a sense of community and purpose. It could also be the answer to the homeless problem in some areas.”

The pilot community wouldn’t have any large family homes, and according to Schmidt the small homes are sufficient for one or two residents, possibly a couple with one small child. The homes will be on concrete foundations, with small basements or walk-out basements. Residents can build porches as they want around their homes, and each home will be run by solar electricity and utilize a composting toilet. Each home will also have a small cast iron stove for backup heating.

A greenhouse will allow residents to grow food year-round, and “forest clusters,” or small orchards, will be scattered around the property. Solar and wind power will be harnessed from the community, and a gray water SEE TINY HOUSES, P4

Elbert County News 3

May 14, 2020

to the 2019-20 Eighth Grade Graduates!

Many of these students formed our inaugural Kindergarten class, and during their time at BFA they explored new interests, began life-long friendships and grew into responsible, intelligent young adults. All of these wonderful kids have demonstrated adaptability, tenacity and are ready to excel in high school. We are so proud of you and wish you all the best!

Introducing the Ben Franklin Academy Class of 2020 Alakappan, Dannush Altonen, Olivia M Anderson, Ella A Baker, Rowan C Bay, Chandler S Billups, Grace K Brawley, Jack E Brock, Aidan J Brown, Cora E Carroll, Christopher J Carroll, Elli R Castor, Nicholas W Chesy, Zoe R Corson, Brecken T Dana, Jackson H Day, Camille E Duffy, Ethan B Dunkleberger, Hannah M Edwards, Jack A Emig, Charlotte Feifarek, Alexander J Ferguson, Kyle S Fierro, Zaylie B Fischer, Nicholas T Ford, Jordan E Gautier, Micah P Gould, Ella Z Graves, Lucia K

Grissom, Ashley D Grissom, Lillie N Gruszczynski, Ian D Hackerott, Noah P Harrington, Kirsten R Haynes, Grace E Henbest, Sawyer D Hodge, London C Hoff, Katelyn E Homan, Brianna D Humphries, Joseph L Inman, Virginia E Ivey, Phoenix A Jenkins, Sarvani S Jones, Alexandra M Jones, Elaina K Jovanovich, Piper M Kannojoo, Ajitha Kazazean, Armen E Kearney, Emma J Kim, Elijah S (Eli) Kolbo, Abigail M Kolodziej, Nicholas K Kotzker, Raleigh A Kraft, Rachel A Krendl, Landon Leverson, Blake R Lewicki, Jeremy M

Lobis, Kate A Maikkula, Samuel T McDermott, Evan G McMullen, Hannah J Midavaine, Carra E Molen, Kaitlyn R Morris, Cooper J Mullenix, Nathaniel J Mumford, Tayla P Murri, Austin J Nagel, Braden S Neal, Peytin T Niven, Madilyn R Otero, Natalie Partlow, Olivia C Paul, Ryan E Plumb, Marcus J Poleschook, Mina M Porterfield, Abigail F Powell, Isabella R Prusse, Andrew W Reader, Grace O Richardson, Reed M Schmit, Elyse V Schroeder, Alexandria M Schuldt, Corban L Shuler, Katherine E Smith, Hayden M

Smith, Liam J Spangler, Madison E Stevenson, Braden S Stolte, Emelie A Suchanek, Noah L Sunahara, Tyler T Sundaresh, Siva Suniga, Alex M Sur, Tuhin Talus, Cole S Tefft, Whitney M Tenney, Eve Lyn K Titus, Aiva Tompkins, Mikaela A Torres, Addison B Tripathi, Vinisha Trotter, Luke E Walters, Avery J Washeck, Anson C Watanabe, Tyler D West, Brynna N White, Talen R Wight, Thomas J Wilemon, Emma R Williams, Cameran Winkler, Vera C Winton, Rebecca K Young, Brayden L

4 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

TINY HOUSES FROM PAGE 2

system will allow them to use water conservatively. Waste produced by the site will be captured and converted through a pyrolysis method to run generators.

The reactions Schmidt’s first order of business was to hold a community meeting on the evening of May 7, where he would present his concept to neighbors and community members, and give them a chance to ask questions or give input on his concept. The meeting, hosted virtually via Zoom, drew 80 residents, and Schmidt was immediately met with hostility and anger, with residents accusing him of proposing to create inhumane living conditions, steal their water, ruin their way of rural life — and of being a scam artist.

Because the meeting was a public information meeting, those weighing in didn’t have to give their name, and many were identified by their screen names.

An older gentleman with the screen name of NJ accused Schmidt of building a commune of indentured servants, and called the homes “inhumane,” and couldn’t comprehend why anyone would choose to live in such a small space.

Carrie weighed in with support for tiny house living, and said: “Some people make a conscious decision to downsize and take up less space.”

contingency plan if the commune Resident Audrey Walker, whose or village fails? It seems more like a property is adjacent to Schmidt’s, was social experiment.” concerned the development would be Curtis Ingalls fired back at neigha commune. bors who were lobbing accusations “I bought Parcel 1. I’m less than 2,000 feet away from this, so we’re pret- and threats at Schmidt, and asked for those on the call to be more respectful. ty (angry),” said Walker. “We weren’t “We can’t dictate what’s going to told about this when we bought our happen in the land. We didn’t future. You can’t sell everything dictate what we own to move your neighbors out here and have do,” said Ingalls. them next to us.

“It sounds like I’m concerned the neighbors about our pond, are trying to the road and all intimidate the you people drivapplicant. I’ve ing, your visigot neighbors I’m tors, your RVs. not especially I’m also worried fond of either, that it sounds but I would never like a commune. be threatenThey’re going ing. Everything to set up their they’re doing is own presidential revolving around system and set up Audrey Walker, agriculture. How their own rules the first day. What whose property is adjacent many people out grow food kind of people to Bernie Schmidt’s here that humans are going to move can’t even eat?” in here?”

An unnamed Casey Laird caller said he said he moved to didn’t agree with the community livthe county to get away from people, and having 30 residents on the 40 acres ing lifestyle.

“He’s trying to do something in that next to him was unacceptable. area that’s never been done before, “I bought parcel 4 recently. My and the neighbors have to live with plan was to build my forever home. that. You give them an inch and they If this passes I’ll probably sell,” said take a mile. There could be all kinds Laird. “This is not what I wanted at of these communities out there if this all. I was looking to get more open in goes through.” an agriculture zone. And what is the

‘We weren’t told about this when we bought our land. We didn’t sell everything we own to move out here and have them next to us.’

Katherine was concerned that millennials and baby boomers would be the demographic.

“This sounds like a modern version of a commune, and that raises some red flags for me,” she said. “What kind of person would want to join a community that’s so hands-on? Will this be a millennial community? A group of young people who are looking to have an inexpensive way of life in an environment that may not be inclined to support that long term? It sounds a little threatening to have this newer concept of community coming in with a completely opposing demographic.”

Schmidt assured her they would promote community participation and outreach, and the community would be open to the public at all times, and they would welcome neighbors or community members coming to visit and see how the place is run.

“I think you’re right. The millennials and baby boomers who want to semi-retire are good candidates,” said Schmidt.

Going forward Schmidt said he wasn’t disheartened by the meeting.

“It’s kind of normal for those reactions when you’re presenting something new. We’re going to talk to the neighbors and address some issues.

This is just a concept stage so we’ll address their concerns,” said Schmidt.

“This process is really all about what this concept will look like in the neighborhood, and we’re committed to being good neighbors and stewards of the land.”

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Elbert County News 5

May 14, 2020

Some laid-off workers refusing employers’ back-to-work calls

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As limits on business operations triggered by the coronavirus pandemic are slowly being relaxed across Colorado, some employers are asking their laid-off workers to come back to work — but not all of those idled workers are agreeing to return.

And in some cases, state officials are allowing workers who refuse to go back to their jobs to continue to collect unemployment benefits.

In Colorado, employers have reported 250 job refusals in the first couple weeks since late April, around the time the statewide stay-at-home order ended, according to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.

Two of those were refusals of work from somewhere other than the person’s most recent work situation, but the rest were offers to return to the most recent employer.

Ninety-eight of those refusals had been processed as of May 7, with 93 of those state decisions determining the workers are still eligible for benefits, according to the department.

Workers can’t choose to stay on unemployment simply because they’re taking in more money that way, said Cher Roybal Haavind, the labor department’s deputy executive director.

That’s important because, in light of the new federal program that gives an extra $600 per week on top of a state’s regular unemployment assistance, the

possibility of people making more on unemployment than they would while working has become a hot topic.

On average, Colorado workers eligible for unemployment benefits are receiving nearly as much in benefits now — with the $600 boost included — as they were paid on the job as of late 2019, the New York Times has reported. That means that a large percentage of Colorado laid-off workers are paid more in benefits than they were in wages.

Under state rules, those workers who receive benefits are required to make biweekly reports to the labor department, and those updates must say if a person refused a job offer. From there, the department evaluates whether that person is still eligible for benefits.

Failing to report job refusals when requesting benefit payment can be considered a fraudulent act under Colorado law, said Philip Spesshardt, a manager at the state labor department. That rule applies for any job offer, not just an offer to return to a previous position.

Some reasons a person could turn down a job offer and still collect unemployment benefits, according to Haavind, include: • The work environment is not complying with social distancing or the guidelines of Colorado’s recent safer-at-home order.

• The person is part of a group that is more vulnerable to COVID-19 than others.

• The person has COVID-19 or is caring for someone with the disease.

• Work offered involves an “unreasonable” reduction in the rate of pay.

• Work offered is substantially different and less favorable to the employee than their prior experience with the employer.

The department is asking employers who make a return-to-work offer, or any job offer, that is not accepted to report it on the coloradoui.gov website.

After either an unemployed Coloradan or an employer reports that a job offer has been turned down, the department suspends the Coloradan’s benefits while it contacts both parties about the job offered and the reason for the refusal before issuing a decision.

The process typically takes between two and five business days, depending upon the responsiveness of both parties, Spesshardt said. Any decision can be appealed by either party, according to Haavind.

Gig, self-employed, contract workers For gig workers — such as Lyft drivers — and self-employed and contract workers, their unemployment benefits come through the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, a new stream of money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. In April, the state announced that people who have lost gig work and similar previously ineligible positions would be able to apply for benefits.

Federal guidelines for returning to work for those groups are not explicit,

Haavind said.

The state doesn’t judge when workers should return to work based on market demand in their field.

Such labor market information does not determine whether individuals on regular state unemployment should continue to be eligible for benefits, so any labor market information related to gig workers and the self-employed also would not determine eligibility on pandemic unemployment assistance, Spesshardt said.

“The information would more commonly be used to determine whether an individual is performing an active and reasonable search for work when required,” Spesshardt added.

Record-breaking numbers During the fallout from the Great Recession, the week with the highest number of claims for unemployment assistance filed in Colorado was the week ending Jan. 9, 2010, with 7,749 claims.

This year, the week ending March 21 — when Colorado closed dine-in restaurant and bar service, and hair and nail salons, spas, and tattoo and massage parlors — shattered that record with 19,745 new unemployment claims filed.

Then, the next three weeks saw the numbers increase fivefold. And although the numbers have dropped off from that high point, Colorado continues to see historic numbers of claims each week.

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6 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

Colorado’s ‘safer at home’ order: What’s allowed, what’s open?

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Coloradans dodged the possibility of a second extension of the statewide stay-at-home order, but the new set of rules that went into effect April 27 may strike people as even more confusing.

The main difference is that staying home is now a guideline, not a requirement.

But it’s not an invitation to go back to “the way we lived our lives in January or February,” Gov. Jared Polis said in late April. He implored Coloradans to limit social interactions as much as possible, although seeing friends in person is allowed under the new order.

Colorado’s new safer-at-home order encourages people only to leave home for “necessary activities” that generally mirror what the stay-at-home order allowed: shopping for groceries, exercising outdoors, taking care of family members and other essentials.

The new order is set to run through May 26, but it likely will see an extension, though possibly with some changes.

Still ‘necessary’ Under the new order, Coloradans still are encouraged to stay home except for necessities — the same ones the stay-athome order listed — such as shopping for groceries or seeking medical care.

Caring for a family member or pet in another household, or for livestock at

a location other than a person’s home, are other examples.

That includes taking care of other “vulnerable” people, which in this part of the order isn’t limited to older adults, or people with disabilities or serious health conditions.

Young people who have disabilities or other needs may need support, too, Mike Willis, director of the state Emergency Operations Center, has said.

Other essential actions include obtaining medication or medical supplies, collecting supplies needed to work from home, working in allowed industries, or walking, biking, or other outdoor activity. People must remain at least 6 feet apart from others.

New guidelines Travel for recreation should be limited to a person’s own community, such as their county of residence, or traveling no more than about 10 miles.

The new order urges Coloradans to wear non-medical cloth face coverings over the nose and mouth when in public.

Back on April 17, Polis announced an executive order requiring workers in critical businesses to wear face coverings when in close proximity with others. That includes workers in grocery stores, banks, homeless shelters, nursing homes and other care facilities, and many more industries.

What’s still banned, still closed The new order allows socializing but

limits all public and private gatherings to no more than 10 people, except for the purposes of necessary activities. Gatherings of members living in the same residence aren’t prohibited.

The following businesses that shuttered under a March public health order remain closed: • Restaurants, bars and clubs (delivery and take-out still available); • Movie and performance theaters, opera houses, and concert and music halls; • Casinos, horse tracks and off-track betting facilities; • Gyms, except that indoor personal training or classes are allowed for up to four people unless participants live in the same household, and those from different households cannot share equipment.

A gradual reopening of restaurants by mid-May is the goal, Polis has said.

The state will work toward a gradual reopening of bars as well.

Retail, services, tech programs “Noncritical” retail stores that shuttered under the stay-at-home order could re-open as of May 1, including those that sell clothing, cellphones, appliances, vape and tobacco products, sporting equipment, crafts, fabrics and more.

Critical and noncritical retail must take safety measures, such as providing face coverings and gloves to all employees whenever possible, holding dedicated hours for at-risk customers,

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and offering hand sanitizer and wipes at entrances as much as possible.

Also as of May 1, personal services — which also closed under a March public health order — could re-open.

They include, but are not limited to, dog grooming, body art, hair and nail salons, and massage therapists. The services only may be performed with 10 or fewer people in a location or up to 50% occupancy for the location, whichever is less — for example, five hairstylists serving five customers.

Employees and customers must wear cloth face coverings or medicalgrade masks at all times.

Offices, real estate, health As of May 4, noncritical office businesses could re-open with up to 50% of their employees for in-person work.

They must take many precautions, including minimizing in-person meetings, maintaining 6-foot distancing and allowing working from home to the greatest extent possible.

Real estate home showings can resume with cleaning and disinfection between each showing, but open houses may not be held.

As with the stay-at-home order, critical businesses — which had already been allowed to operate — must still adopt work-from-home policies for operations that can be done remotely, and use other strategies, such as staggered schedules or redesigning workplaces, to create more distance between workers.

Elbert County News 7

May 14, 2020

County plans phased reopening of government offices WORKERS STAFF REPORT

Elbert County plans to open its government offices to appointments and walk-up traffic in phases through May as long as the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Elbert County remains stable, according to a news release.

As of May 4, appointments can be made at the assessor’s office, county extension office and 4-H, along with the administration building, including community development services, public

works, building department, human resources and finance. These offices are set to open for walk-up traffic starting May 18.

The Samuel Elbert Building, which houses the clerk, recorder, elections, treasurer and public trustee, plus the health and human services office were scheduled to open for appointments May 11, and plan to open for walkup traffic on May 26.

The sheriff ’s office is now open for walk-up traffic.

Social distancing practices will be in place, and visitors are asked

to wear face coverings and stay home if they are sick in order to protect staff members.

The county closed its offices to walk-up traffic in mid-March, and employees worked in the interim to make services available using new and existing email, online, drive-through and drop-off tools to protect the health and safety of residents and staff.

Go to www.elbertcounty-co.gov or email pio@elbertcounty-co. gov with questions. For appointments, contact the county office directly.

FROM PAGE 5

In the week ending April 11, the department counted 104,217 initial claims filed.

There were 67,334 initial unemployment claims filed the week ending April 18, more than 79,000 initial claims filed the week ending April 25 and more than 41,000 filed the week ending May 2, according to state Labor Department news releases.

For those last two weeks, the total includes both regular unemployment and pandemic unemployment assistance for those such as gig workers and the self-employed.

The week ending April 25, there were 40,906 pandemic unemployment assistance claims.

There were 13,149 of those claims filed the week ending May 2.

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8 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

TESTING FROM PAGE 1

“But obtaining sufficient testing supplies continues to be the limiting factor in our ability to reach that goal.”

The state sent testing supplies to support 42 testing sites that will be operated by local public health agencies or community health providers, the state announced in late April. In an optimistic turn, Polis announced an order of more than 100,000 tests from South Korea in late April.

Here’s a look at where and how people can get tested in the Denver metro area.

Testing starts to catch up Colorado may have had one of the first drive-thru testing locations in the country in early March in Denver, Polis said at the time. The state had to close it early a couple times due to high demand, and it soon began sending testing resources to locations throughout the state.

Although state officials in following weeks noted the importance of increased testing as Colorado geared up to relax social distancing restrictions, it appeared Colorado did not achieve widespread statewide testing before the stay-at-home order ended in late April.

Now, one community health center in Wheat Ridge, two in Aurora and one in Kiowa — along with about two dozen others statewide, according to

the state’s map — are more readily allowing the public to get tested.

Most tests to detect COVID-19 are nasal swab tests. A test that uses saliva instead had limited availability as of late April, the Associated Press reported.

to the general public, according to STRIDE Community Health Center, which operates those sites.

Coloradans should check with the testing locations to see if they are testing the general public. View the map at tinyurl.com/y9d8yscp.

Not just priority groups The state health department has advised testing providers to prioritize people in the following order: • Hospital patients and health care workers.

• Patients in long-term care facilities or those in other residential settings, such as homeless shelters or prisons.

• Patients over age 65 and patients with underlying health conditions.

• First responders and critical infrastructure workers, such as those in the energy, water or agriculture sectors.

• People who work with vulnerable populations or in group residential settings.

• Other individuals (general public).

Although the specific groups should still be prioritized for testing, as capacity for testing increases, the state is encouraging health care providers to expand testing to all symptomatic people when feasible.

There’s no special methodology to that, said Ian Dickson, a health department spokesman.

“If and when they are able to expand testing, we encourage them to do that,” Dickson added.

Drive-thru testing at the Aurora and Wheat Ridge locations is open

Does it cost?

In March, there was confusion over the actual cost of a COVID-19 test.

“Testing is free,” a March 10 state news release said.

The cost of medical visits related to getting tested was a different story.

Now, because of federal legislation, people with any kind of private health insurance should have free access to the COVID-19 test — along with any doctor visits associated with getting the test — with no co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance charged, according to the Colorado Division of Insurance.

Coloradans should check with their health care provider to be sure, though.

For Coloradans with Medicare, all of the costs are covered if a doctor orders a COVID-19 test, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Under Colorado’s Medicaid program — Health First Colorado — and the Child Health Plan Plus (CHP+),

Got a taste of remote learning and liked it?

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all the costs of testing and the doctors’ visits associated with getting tested are covered, according to the state Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

Uninsured Coloradans should contact that office at 303-866-2993 to ask about options. To apply for Medicaid and Child Health Plan Plus, visit colorado.gov/peak.

Other testing Local testing sites are one element of the state’s mass testing plan, according to the state Unified Command Center, the multi-agency group of state officials working on Colorado’s COVID-19 response. Other testing includes: • Hospitals and health care facilities testing staff, inpatients and some outpatients.

• The state coordinates testing in partnership with local health agencies and the private sector to prevent, identify or mitigate outbreaks at places such as nursing homes and care facilities.

• The state collaborates with private partners on other testing options. For example, King Soopers announced a partnership with the state for drive-thru testing. The first testing occurred at the Auraria Campus in Denver in late April.

Peak Vista expands COVID-19 testing in Kiowa Screening for virus available for people showing symptoms age 12 and older

Elbert County News 9

May 14, 2020

61 COUNTY SERVICES.

ONE LOCATION.

Do it online,Douglas!

DoItOnlineDouglas.com

County Government Services Update Residents and businesses may now access new remote services, 61 online services and some in-person services that require a visit to the County’s Human Services and Philip S. Miller County Administration buildings - open for public access from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Dean Edmundson, the owner of Dead Hippie Brewing on Santa Fe Drive in Sheridan, holds up a bandana printed with the brewery’s logo that can be used as a face mask inside the taproom, which is empty aside from his dog.

PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO

Craft breweries fight for survival Many seeing furloughs, sharp sales declines

BY PAUL ALBANI-BURGIO PALBANIBURGIO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Since opening in Sheridan’s River Point development west of South Santa Fe Drive in 2016, Dead Hippie Brewing has seen “continuous growth” in its revenues. However even by those standards, owner Dean Edmundson said January and February had been two of the “most amazing” months of business in the brewery’s existence.

But then came March, the COVID-19 epidemic and, eventually, Gov. Jared Polis’ stay-at-home order.

The result? A 60% drop in revenue that is creating a “very challenging situation” for the brewery, where Edmundson said he has remained committed to keeping on his sixperson staff.

Now, Edmundson is left to hope that the staff can begin serving customers again in the brewery’s taproom soon (for now only to-go sales are allowed) — and that those customers start coming back once they can do so.

“As long as we are opening back up around mid-May we should be OK,” Edmundson said. “If this goes to mid-July it’s a different story, but I think we will probably still survive.”

Thousands could close nationwide Edmundson’s read on the situation and its impact seems to be a

common one among brewers, both along the Front Range and around the country. On April 7, the Brewers Association, a trade group of approximately 5,400 small and independent brewers, released the results of a survey it had conducted of its member breweries about the impact COVID-19 was having on them.

The survey found that member breweries reported an average drop in revenue of 65%, with 62% of respondents reporting they could not sustain their breweries for longer than three months if current social distancing restrictions remain in place. There are 8,150 active breweries in the country, according to the data, meaning that 5,053 breweries could be in danger of closing across the nation in the next three months.

So far, no breweries are known to have closed in Colorado, according to the Colorado Brewers Guild.

Government help uncertain Chris Reigrut, the co-owner of Halfpenny Brewing Company in Centennial, said that his brewery’s sales have declined by 70% and that the overall fate of his brewery will depend not only on how long social distancing measures remain in place but also what kind of assistance he is able to get from the government.

“We had our applications in for almost two weeks and we did not get money from the first round of the Paycheck Protection Program,” Reigrut said. “We are hoping we get some from the second round passed this week but it’s looking tough.”

SEE BREWERIES, P17

Paperwork drop boxes are now available at the County’s Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock motor vehicle offices. The drop boxes will serve Motor Vehicle and Recording Division customers, the Veteran’s Affairs Office and the Assessor’s Office (including remote appeals).

Visit douglas.co.us/covid19/ for more details.

It’s wildfire season It only takes one spark to change your life forever. Thankfully, it takes only seconds to sign up for free emergency notifications at douglas.co.us/CodeRed/ ensuring that you will be in the know if a wildfire is happening near you.

Thinking of starting a garden?

With people spending more time at home, gardening is quickly becoming a popular activity. Douglas County Master Gardeners are working and happy to answer your yard and garden questions. Contact them at dcmgardenr@gmail.com or learn more at douglas. extension.colostate.edu/horticulture/mastergardener/

Memorial Day holiday closure Douglas County offices will be closed May 25 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Visit DoItOnlineDouglas.com for a list of online services.

DoItOnlineDouglas.com DouglasCOVID19.com

10 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

Parker stores see huge support on reopening Douglas County retail open with social distancing, mask guidelines

BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Some Parker retail stores partially reopened May 1, allowing customers to shop indoors for the first time since the state-issued stay-at-home order began March 26.

The Tri-County Health Department extended its stay-at-home order for Arapahoe and Adams counties. But the regional health agency exempted Douglas County from the order due to the county’s slower rate of COVID-19 cases.

Parker Shoppes, a boutique retail at 10685 Parker Road, is among the merchants that reopened May 1. Owner JoDee Dean said the store does not require shoppers to wear cloth face coverings, but most have been wearing masks anyway.

Prominently displayed near the front door is a selection of masks with different designs. Dean said they have sold out of the $8 disposable cloth face coverings since they started selling.

Retail stores in Douglas County can operate at about 50% of the building’s capacity. Six-foot social distancing guidelines must be enforced, and employees must wear face coverings.

Parker Shoppes owner JoDee Dean, left, and marketing manager Karen Carter exhibit how they remind themselves to keep six feet of distance while at work.

PHOTOS BY NICK PUCKETT Despite the new rules, Dean said business on May 1 was up 41% from the previous year. One loyal customer of hers, she said, took the day off work just to come visit the store.

WE’VE GOT 2020 VISION

“We’re part of their community, their tribe, their people,” Dean said.

Even before May 1, Parker Shoppes was deemed essential for its sale of propane and remained open a few hours a day, four days a week.

Dean usually counts on Mother’s Day and springtime, one of the most lucrative seasons of the year. To be able to open, Dean “quadrupled” her staff ’s cleaning and disinfecting efforts, implementing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to remain 6 feet apart.

“We’ve been surviving,” Dean said.

“It’s been hard and it’s been scary because we have people who are not working now for us. We’re very conscious getting them back as soon as we can.”

On the first day stores could open, Mainstreet in downtown Parker was abuzz. With the sun shining and a high of 84 degrees that day, folks strolled Mainstreet and enjoyed the ability to shop where they could.

Parker Panache owner Brenda Zdanowicz said business was the best it had been all year.

“People almost fall into two camps,” Zdanowicz said. “They’re staying home and not having any part of it, or they’re just like, ‘I’m getting on with my life. I’m not going to worry about it.’ They’re just going to live life how they did. That’s how (May 1) felt.

People were still cautious and respectful of one another, but it was almost like ‘I’ll wear the mask out of respect of you not because I really feel I need to.’”

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The Parker Shoppes opened again May 1, now selling fashionable, disposable face shields. The owners encourage customers to wear masks while shopping but they are not required to do so.

Elbert County News 11

May 14, 2020

For grieving parents, ‘everything in life is different’ One year later, Kendrick Castillo’s parents urge community to remember STEM

John and Maria Castillo sit beside the grave of their son, Kendrick, who was shot and killed during the STEM School shooting a year ago.

They are reflected on the polished surface of another nearby headstone.

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

By April 24, John Castillo had begun struggling to sleep. May 7 was approaching — the day he and his wife, Maria, lost their only child. With each passing day, anxiety built up a little more.

“I didn’t know what my emotional realm would be,” he said by Zoom interview that afternoon.

John began thinking about his son, 18-year-old Kendrick, more and more as the one-year mark of Kendrick’s death drew near.

Kendrick was fatally shot May 7, 2019 while he and fellow students Brendan Bialy and Josh Jones rushed a student who is set to face trial for his alleged role in the shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch last year.

A second shooter pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. Eight students were injured in the attack.

Kendrick, Brendan and Josh are credited with saving lives that day.

Kendrick is remembered as a hero.

One year later, John and Maria tearfully reflected on a tumultuous 12 months. John hopes his words will help people and keep Kendrick’s memory alive.

As time goes on, he fears people’s memories of his son will fade. Or, that they will think less often of STEM, particularly now as a global pandemic consumes the world’s attention.

That’s why he still tells his story, difficult as it is.

“Everywhere you turn, everything in life is different after an event like this. Nothing is as easy as it was before,” John said.

‘One of a kind’ On April 30, John and Maria sat in front of Kendrick’s grave, as they do every afternoon. The couple has not missed a day visiting Kendrick since his death. The only exceptions were a couple out-of-state trips for speaking engagements. For those, Maria packed pictures of Kendrick to take along.

When they returned, they drove straight from the airport to see Kendrick, as they put it.

Maria gently tended to the roses by his headstone and straightened little gifts left for him. A small cow, for Kendrick’s favorite, Chick-fil-A, where he loved to eat with friends. A columbine flower left by a survivor of the Columbine High School mass shooting. Tools from technology students Kendrick mentored.

May 7, then one week away, now had John reflecting on the days leading up to the shooting. If he could have known what his son would face that day, maybe he could have helped.

He could have kept him home from school, he thought.

The Castillos quietly looked at

JESSICA GIBBS

Kendrick’s grave as the sun hung over Douglas County’s foothills, shining across Kendrick’s headstone. Birds sang nearby, bringing a lighter mood to the scene. The soothing sound of running water from nearby fountains filtered around them.

Sometimes, deer gather by the cemetery and eye them, John said. The deer enjoy munching on roses they bring Kendrick, particularly in the winter. John and Maria come back to find only stems, he said, chuckling.

The botanical-gardens cemetery in Douglas County where Kendrick rests, Seven Stones, focuses on healing through nature, director of customer care Becky Holm said. She quickly became friends of the Castillos, having seen them nearly every day this past year. The couple brought “a sense of peace to the gardens,” she said.

Sometimes John and Maria see someone they know at the cemetery, which is near Chatfield State Park.

Other times people recognize them while visiting. Either way, the Castillos are open with everyone, she said.

“Last week another family lost their son too young to cancer, and they prayed with them after the service,” Holm said. “That’s a very common occurrence, that the Castillos will pray with other families that have just lost their loved ones, and it’s very welcome all around.”

Not far from Kendrick’s grave is the resting place of Zackari Parrish, the Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office deputy fatally shot on Dec. 31, 2017, while trying to assist a mentally ill man from Highlands Ranch. The Castillos’ victim’s advocate was a friend of Parrish, John said, who told them about Seven Stones.

Holm said it did not take the Castillos long to find the perfect spot for Kendrick — right next to a trio of column sculptures made of Colorado basalt. The memorial reminded John and Maria of their family of three.

Being in Kendrick’s presence while surrounded by nature is comforting, John said. The shift to springtime brought an added sense of peace as the world came to life. Plants began to grow.

He liked listening to the birds chirp.

When people get too busy, they do

not always notice the changing of the seasons, John said. Going to Seven Stones gave him a renewed appreciation for that. Maria thinks Seven Stones is less scary than other cemeteries, John said as she smiled.

John remembers Kendrick as a calming presence in his life.

Kendrick never hated or got angry, he said. If John got upset at a driver on the road, Kendrick was the one to talk him down. When Kendrick was a child, he once put himself in timeout after his parents scolded him.

Kendrick was not afraid to show his faith. He quietly prayed over a Taco Bell meal when eating out, and never did it so people would see him, John said. That was “just his demeanor. He was brave that way.”

Kendrick loved the outdoors, space and robotics. He set goals and worked toward them. When friends fought, he tried to bring them together. He stood up for what was right, and ultimately died living by that standard, John said.

SEE STEM, P18

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12 Elbert County News

“F

LOCAL

May 14, 2020M

VOICES

Disease that’s spreading isn’t entirely about virus

our dead in Ohio,” the song says. It was recorded by countertenor Neil Young and the other members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on May 21, 1970, just weeks after a tragic incident on the Kent State University QUIET campus.

“Kent State” for DESPERATION many has a similar recall effect that “Columbine” does.

I heard the song on the 50th anniversary of Kent State and saw the familiar media images of the massacre, notably Mary Ann Vecchio Craig Marshall screaming over the body of a student Smith lying face down.

At the time, college students were protesting the war in Vietnam. Many of us carried homemade signs, had

long hair, and stood in defiance of government-imposed rules and regulations.

Sound familiar?

It’s unlikely, however, that a song will rise from the current coronavirus protests that will change the nation like “Ohio” did. But who knows?

There are other similarities between then and now: The nightly news then had a body count; likewise, the nightly news now.

Protesters then were called every name in the book. Protesters now are called every name in the book.

The line of separation, it seems, is represented by nothing more than a face mask.

Many refuse, can’t be bothered. One woman said masks were “uncomfortable.” I wondered what she would think about a ventilator?

Photojournalism student John Filo’s photo of Vecchio, who was 14 at the time, won a Pulitzer Prize. Vecchio was kneeling over the body of

Jeffrey Miller, who had been shot by the Ohio National Guard.

Vecchio was a runaway from Florida. She exchanged her colorful story to a reporter for a ticket to California but was returned to her home.

Currently she is working as a respiratory therapist, a field that generally requires her to wear: A mask.

The B-side of “Ohio” was “Find the Cost of Freedom,” a song that did not chart.

The band recorded “Ohio” in just a few takes. Young later said David Crosby cried after one of them. His voice can be heard during the fade.

“Four, why? Why did they die?”

Sadly and ironically, on the leadup to the Kent State anniversary, a security guard at a Family Dollar store in Flint, Michigan, was shot and killed.

News articles and legal filings give this account: The guard told a woman her daughter would not be allowed in the store without a mask. The woman

left after spitting on the guard, and returned with her husband and son, one of whom allegedly shot the guard. All face charges of first-degree murder.

Inevitably, some of the current protesters, or their mothers, fathers and children, will be impacted by the virus and require attention from doctors and nurses.

And they will get it, won’t they?

Fifty years ago, the nation was divided because of a war. Same thing now. Only the conflict isn’t in Southeast Asia. It’s in Flint, and it’s on Florida and California beaches. And it’s during press conferences where fingers are being pointed.

For the record, I wear a mask.

Maybe it won’t make any difference; maybe it will.

Maybe it will.

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

Achieving excellence by thinking ahead

P

lanning and preparing for our future may seem a little challenging right now, right?

Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”

You may be wondering how these two are connected or related. Keep readWINNING ing as I connect the WORDS dots for us.

As I speak with clients and partners each day, I find myself in conversations around the importance of planning and thinking ahead.

We are playing a most formidable opponent right now, Michael Norton the COVID-19 virus.

And not only are we fighting against the virus, we are fighting against our differences of opinion as to whether or not we open up the state or country, how we open it up, and what the new normal will look like.

With each passing day and new news, our opinions may shift, and our thinking may be different. And

as we do, we must remember that the way we see our past is not as important as the way we see our future. So many times, we get caught up living in the past, or trying to just live in the moment. And as we balance what we know and what we see in the news, living each day and living in the moment, being present in the moment, is a good strategy. Making the most out of the time we have right now is an awesome way to look at life. And so is thinking ahead and having a plan.

Wait, what? Live in the moment and still think and plan ahead? Yes, that is exactly right. You may be asking how we do that when we do not know what tomorrow will bring.

And that is why it is so very important to do it and do it now. Sure, what we plan today may have us pivot tomorrow, but it’s better than having no plan, so when we are forced into a pivot situation, it’s better to have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D, and as many plans as possible so that we do not get caught off guard.

Here is where Aristotle’s quote comes in. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an

JERRY HEALEY President

A publication of

Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ElbertCountyNews.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

DAVID L. THOMPSON Marketing Consultant

is it excellent, especially during this crisis we are living through? It is awesome, excellent, and fantastic because we have a series of plans and strategies already prepared. We took the time to think ahead.

And when we think ahead, plan for change, and ready ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, when new information hits or new laws, restrictions, and policies come our way, we stay completely calm because we expected this to happen.

We expected the worst and planned for the best.

So how about you? Are you thinking ahead? Do you have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D and even more plans? I really would love to hear your “thinking ahead” story and strategy at mnorton@tramazing.com. And when we plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win, it really will be a better than good week.

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.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.

MARK HARDEN Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

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act, but a habit.” There is so much to be said about learning from our past and learning from brilliant philosophers and subject matter experts.

We are what we repeatedly do. So, if excellence is something we aspired to before, we should not change that now. It may mean that we look for the things we did in the past that made us successful, and repeat those behaviors, attitudes, and skills.

And then, during this time, evaluate what works and what does not work so that we can do more of something else, strive to do things better, and look at different ways to tackle the challenges or opportunities in front of us. More, better, different. And do more, better, different until we meet with excellence again.

Not perfection, but excellence.

And one of those ways is to plan and prepare for success. To plan and prepare for excellence. Okay, so we think ahead and the world changes, awesome, as now we go to Plan B. And now we are fully onboard with Plan B and another law or change comes our way, that is fantastic, now we get to move into Plan C. Are you kidding me? This is excellent. Why

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Elbert County News 13

May 14, 2020

CENTER FROM PAGE 1

Paul Leafstedt, who hopes to open the facility with his mother Cristi, said he was disappointed at the outcome of the meeting, not only because he didn’t feel he was given sufficient time to address the concerns personally, but also because of what he characterized as the misinformed prejudice of commenters about how they perceive people recovering from addition.

“Addiction and substance abuse affects all walks of life. I know very successful individuals who have the illness of addiction,” said Leafstedt, who has been in recovery for years. “I chose this area because of its beauty, the feeling of the community and my own experience that has shown me that rural settings are very effective in aiding the recovery process. Addiction is a recognized medical condition, and as such those recovering are a protected class, just like anyone who is suffering from cancer or muscular dystrophy.”

40-acre site Healing Pines sits on 40 acres of land, and includes a 6,500-squarefoot home, which would house up to eight residents, all men aged 18 and older. Leafstedt hopes to incorporate gardening, equine therapy, yoga and relaxation therapies into the program.

Before public comments were opened during the meeting, Commissioner Peter Hoogendyk expressed concerns about the purchase and deed to the property.

“I’m concerned about the purchase of the property and the second home clause,” said Hoogendyk. “If you look at the second home agreement on the deed of trust, if we approve this we’re enabling them to bypass that in the deed of trust, and I think we would have some liability.”

Several commenters also pointed to the fact that the property had been purchased as a second home, and claimed deception on Leafstedt’s part.

“We were totally transparent with our intent with the property use when purchasing the property, and the lender is now responsible for correcting the type of loan that is suitable for our desired use,” said Leafsted in a response sent to the Elbert County News. “That is our current focus.”

Increased calls to law enforcement was also a concern expressed by several attendees, after the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office weighed in as a referral agency.

“No security plan. Calls for service will increase not only from the facility, but also from the surrounding neighborhood,” were comments submitted during the initial referral comment process last year. After Leafstedt resubmitted the proposal on Feb. 26, the department commented: “Calls for service will increase.”

Resident Laurie Forington, who lives near the proposed site, shared her concerns about increased calls.

“I’m concerned about the sheriff staff getting out there if there are any issues,” said Forington. “Based

homes could be on where it’s gone in minutes located, and the because of their services required, carelessness.”

I ask that the speLeafstedt cial use permit be said he’s saddenied.” dened by the Leafstedt beliefs that submitted a letportray those ter along with recovering from his application addiction as for a special use careless, violent by right (SUR) or lawbreaking from Brandon people.

Burns, chief “We screen all operating officer of our appliand founder of — anyone Peaks Recovery, a Paul Leafstedt, cants with a violent or 75-bed facility in who wants to open facility sexual assault Colorado Springs, stating in the with his mother background is not permitted,” five years they’ve he said. “I know been open, there some really inhas been no credible people increase in law who are recovering, and they’re good enforcement calls to the neighborcitizens, responsible people. Many hood. of them function in society without “In our experience, especially in ever having a DUI, they’ve never been the managing of homes that are much more proximate to neighbors here in Colorado Springs, and in the last five years of operating our facilities, Peaks Recovery has never had a single instance where either we had to call on police, the neighbors had to call on the police, or the local code enforcement division was ever called upon due to our patients disrupting the community,” Burns stated.

Some commenters stated they have experience in law enforcement, and had seen firsthand the problems that people suffering from addiction can cause.

‘Addiction and substance abuse affects all walks of life.

I know very successful individuals who have the illness of addiction.’

Screening promised “There is nothing inaccurate about what Sheriff Norton described,” said Leafstedt. “It’s what can happen at a poorly run facility that is not properly staffed and that admits the wrong type of client for the services they provide. Our clients come to us voluntarily, they’re not using and they’re ready to seek help. We screen them for any medical or psychiatric issues that we are not equipped to handle.”

Kevin McHugh, who lives cattycorner from the property, expressed concern for children in the area.

“My main concern is the safety of our children. The closest properties to this place all have children,” said McHugh. “They cannot stop a resident from leaving the property and entering the surrounding properties. Our children ride their bikes and walk along the county roads. We moved to this beautiful area not to have a drug treatment center next to us. I don’t consider males over 18 a protected class of people.”

Cindy Campbell, whose property is adjacent to the proposed facility, was concerned about the fire hazard residents might pose, even though the proposal includes plans to adhere to county guidelines regarding smoking areas, including a three-foot-wide area free of any flammable items.

“We are a very dry area, and I have a very serious concern about the fire hazard out there,” said Campbell. “If they’re out there smoking in their little three-foot area it doesn’t mean anything to them to flip a cigarette butt out into the woods. Anyone’s

fired, their marriages and family lives haven’t crumbled. They’re just good people who are ready to address their addiction.”

The discussion was tabled, and Leafstedt must reapply with the county after addressing the issues of the deed, as well as an easement issue with adjoining neighbors that ceased at the time of property transfer.

Leafstedt said he hopes they can work things out and go forward with the proposed facility.

“Cristi and I hope to be a part of the community here for a long time,” said Leafstedt. “We understand how much you value the way of life that you have chosen, and we do not want to disrupt it. We’d like to be part of it. We were attracted to this area for many of the same reasons you were — safety, peace, tranquility and its natural beauty. Ultimately, we have to earn your trust. We can’t simply demand that you believe what we say.

The success of our endeavor requires that we do what we can to be good neighbors.”

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

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

14 Elbert County News

LOCAL

May 14, 2020M

LIFE

Urban homesteaders get back to the land

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

S

undari Kraft grew up reading Laura Ingalls Wilder. But while she fantasized about a self-sufficient life in a little house on the prairie, she lived in a bungalow in Northglenn.

“As I got older, I realized moving to the country wasn’t in the cards, but I’m not one to say that’s that,” Kraft said. “The question became: What’s possible?”

When Kraft and her husband bought a place in northwest Denver, she had big ideas: gardens, a greenhouse, goats and chickens. The only catch? Bureaucracy.

With a can-do pioneer spirit, Kraft was the organizer and driving force behind code changes that eased up on urban livestock, greenhouses and front-yard gardens in Denver and beyond.

As time went by and her urban mini-farm flourished, Kraft found herself at the forefront of a movement to rethink how we live in cities.

“It used to be you either live in the

“Urban homesteaders” make the most of small plots of city soil to grow food. Michele Hanley, the owner of Mile High Urban Farming, said her tomato plants are a good return on investment.

COURTESY OF MICHELE HANLEY city or the country,” said Kraft, the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to

Urban Homesteading.” “People aren’t buying into that anymore.”

Outside of her busy life as a public affairs consultant and a mom of two young kids, Kraft milks goats, collects eggs from her chickens, preserves her garden harvests and makes her own soap and bread.

“You can be an urban homesteader, even if you don’t have a yard,” Kraft said. “It’s about a mindset and practices to live more sustainably and self-sufficiently. I didn’t grow up on a farm. There’s not some number of boxes you have to check. If I can do it, you can do it.”

Grow what you like For beginners looking to start growing their own food, the first question is: What do you like?

“Think about what you actually want to eat,” said Michele Hanley, who runs Mile High Urban Farming, which helps design, plan and even maintain gardens around the metro area. “I see a lot of people plant kale because it grows well and it’s good for you, but people don’t like to eat it.”

The cost to start a brand-new garden can add up, Hanley said, but it can pay off.

“Tomatoes are a good return on investment,” she said. “Good tomatoes are, what, $5 to $6 a pound? Well, one good tomato plant can generate 40 pounds. You can even get away with that in a patio pot.”

The biggest misconception Hanley sees is people who think they have a “black thumb.”

“Find groups on social media, ask a friend, and don’t give up,” Hanley said. “It’s not the end of the world if it’s not a success. It’s like Jake said in

‘Adventure Time’: ‘Sucking at something is the first step in being sort of good at something.’”

The scientific method For those looking to step up their homesteading game, there are few better resources than Colorado State University’s county extension offices. Focused on bringing sciencebased education and information to the community, the offices employ experts in fruit and vegetable gardening, keeping livestock, and safe canning and preserving — all just a phone call away.

“Colorado can be a challenging place to garden,” said Lisa Mason, the horticulture agent for Arapahoe County’s extension office. “We have a short growing season, a variable climate, and tough soil. But we’re here for the community.”

It’s tough to say how much of a family’s diet can be supplemented with garden produce, Mason said, depending on how much time and energy they want to put into it and how much space they have. Even people in apartments can grow herbs, lettuce, tomatoes and peppers on a balcony.

The extension office’s website is loaded with fact sheets on all sorts of gardening topics, all developed to maximize efficiency in the Denver area’s climate and soil.

“There’s an art to gardening, but there’s also a lot of science you can employ,” Mason said.

In the old days Colorado’s early homesteaders didn’t have the luxury of county extension agents, but they developed SEE FARMING, P20

Elbert County News 15

May 14, 2020

BECAUSE THIS YEAR IS DIFFERENT

2020 GRADS

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16 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

‘Everybody’s dream grandma’ Caravan marks Castle Rock woman’s 100th birthday amid pandemic

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Evelyn Berkey of Castle Rock learned to ski at 57 years old. That was almost half a century ago.

Skiing became her favorite activity from the day she learned the sport.

She didn’t stop until she was 70.

She and her husband, Johnny, first skied with their only child, Bill; his wife, Lyndia; and their grandchildren.

Three generations trekked up to the mountain and went to ski school together. The family didn’t stop for 13 years, Bill said, taking annual ski trips around Christmas and New Year’s.

“I’d come down from the mountain and mom and dad wouldn’t be there in the evening. I’d wonder, ‘Where are they?’” Bill said.

A bus driver told Bill his parents were the first ones up the mountain and the last ones down. Evelyn explained to Bill she feared each time would be her last time down the mountain. So, she kept going.

The ski trip memories are at least 30 years old now, but they remain Bill’s favorite times with his mother.

Although the memories they share are

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Friends of Evelyn Berkey counted more than 70 cars in the caravan that drove past her house on April 21 to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Evelyn Berkey of Castle Rock greeted every car in her 100th birthday caravan with a smile, wave and often an “I love you” on April 21.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GIBBS too many to count and the family is making new ones each day.

Evelyn on April 21 celebrated her 100th birthday from the home she shares with Bill and Lyndia, and it was another memory for the books.

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Bill was armed with a video and still-shot camera throughout the day to document his mother’s milestone birthday.

Evelyn cheerfully soaked up every moment of the celebration.

“I never expected to live this long,” Evelyn said. “I think it’s wonderful.”

The day did not go as originally planned. The Berkey family had to cancel a party scheduled at the local country club because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a backup, Evelyn’s friend Charlee VanderLinden arranged a caravan of loved ones to drive past Evelyn’s home.

The Berkeys set up a throne-like, wicker chair in their garage surrounded by bouquets of bright flowers and photos from Evelyn’s life. Evelyn watched from her seat as more than 70 vehicles drove past her, decorated in streamers, posters and balloons.

She waved with two hands at each visitor who stopped to talk to her, a smile beaming, her energy never wavering.

Evelyn credits her long life to three things. First, she has good genes, she said. Both her parents lived into their 90s.

Second, she always focuses on her physical health. She never drank or smoked and tries to eat well. Having lived through the Great Depression, she remembers when families were lucky to have food on the table. She always taught Bill to clean his plate because of it, she said.

“To this day he doesn’t clean his plate,” she said. “I do.”

Lastly, she has always kept up a vibrant social life. Having friends and spending time with them is important, she said, and she thinks socializing contributed to her reaching 100.

‘Everybody’s dream grandma’ Most of her closest friends today are members of the two Bible studies she attends each week, including VanderLinden. Neighbor John Robbins watches the Bible study ladies

pick Evelyn up each week. He’s always been impressed by how active she is.

Amid the pandemic, Evelyn still participates in the studies by Zoom, said David Runyan, her pastor at Canyons Community Church.

VanderLinden said Evelyn quickly became a role model for the women in her groups, known for grace, strength and her smile. Both she and Runyan described Evelyn as one of the most giving people they know.

“She is like everybody’s grandma — everybody’s dream grandma,” Runyan said.

When VandeLinden’s mother died in November 2018, Evelyn became her rock.

“She was on the phone with me, because I was in Arizona where my mother was, and Evelyn stayed in touch with me practically 24 hours a day. She became my spiritual mother,” she said. “She’s just a constant reminder of how good people can be.”

When he met her in 2016, Runyan was immediately struck by Evelyn’s wisdom and leans on it often as a pastor. He worked in the secular world in financial services for more than 20 years and transitioned into pastoring five years ago.

As he learned how to lead a congregation, he often turned to Evelyn for guidance. She’s read the Bible cover to cover 35 times as of this year, and her “prayer life” put his to shame, he said.

Evelyn hand-wrote reading guides for church members that the Canyons copied and distributed, Runyan said.

At 97 years old, she signed up to serve as a deaconess and did so through age 99.

Evelyn has instructed Runyan to handle her funeral when the day comes, and she insists it be a celebration.

“That’s pretty awesome, somebody that faces their mortality with joy,” he said. “She’s just a jewel. An incredible woman. I can’t even imagine at a hundred years what you witness and now you’re going through (COVID-19).”

A century of experiences Evelyn can describe well the major global events she has experienced and how she has witnessed the world change.

SEE GRANDMA, P21

Elbert County News 17

May 14, 2020

BREWERIES

of the customers that do come in are buying tickets for the brewery’s Red For Med fundraiser, in which customers can buy $5 tickets which can then FROM PAGE 9 be exchanged for a free beer by first responders and those who have lost With the epidemic looming, Denver their jobs due to the pandemic.

Beer Co. founder Charlie Berger said “The response has been so great,” he “had to make quick decisions in said owner Karen Hertz. “We actually order to conserve cash to be able to need more people to come in and take reopen the doors at the end of this.” some free beers.”

So he made “drastic cuts” to the Still, Holidaily continues to take a hours of the staff at his breweries in big hit — particularly in distribution.

Denver’s LoHi neighborhood and on “Our beer is in Coors Field and Wadsworth Boulevard in Olde Town Mile High and things like that, so Arvada. with summer concerts and baseball But the brewery also got creative not happening, that hurts our distriand launched new virtual events, bution real bad because that’s a lot including a beer pairing series and a volume that we move through those virtual Friday afternoon happy hour accounts,” Hertz said. with guests ranging from Colorado Tristan Schmid, the marketing Rockies pitcher Kyle Freeland to and events manager for the Colorado former governor and current Senate Brewers Guild, said many breweries candidate John Hickenlooper. have also been able to take advantage “By doing some of these creative of Polis’ decision things we’ve to allow beer driven some to be delivered more interest during the crisis. and demand However, he said in our current breweries will beers, to the also need to inpoint where we novate and adapt have more hours in other ways to for a staff and survive. everybody who “We’d encouris wanting hours age them to is getting them,” be nimble, be Berger said. able to pivot to Despite that, opportunities overall sales are they’d shied still way down away from or from where they outright avoided typically are Charlie Berger, before,” he said. and Berger said he is no longer Denver Beer Co. founder “But brewers are smart people, sure about how and they already fast the brewery know this.” will be able to At Dead Hippie Brewing, Edmundproceed with a plan to build a third son said he is now working to do just taproom on Downing Street in South that.

Denver.

“One thing this is forcing us to do “I’m very nervous honestly that is move into distribution and canthat is going to be a year to 18 months ning our beer, which is something I to get through this, and for those thought we were eight to 12 months reasons I’m losing sleep,” Berger way from,” he said. “Once we open up said. “We are not going to go out we might only be able to have 25 perof business but we are going to be cent of our occupancy so something a super different thing based upon like distributing cans becomes real the way I’m reading the governor’s important.” plans to open up but maintain social Ultimately, however, it will be up distancing and the health authority’s to customers to determine whether suggestions. It’s nobody’s fault, but it Dead Hippie and other breweries is going to take that long.” survive.

“Support your brewery, because if Tickets help first responders you want them to be around and be Golden’s Holidaily Brewing Comable to go hang out there again, they pany, which furloughed employees at are going to need it,” Edmundson the start of the pandemic, has also said. seen sluggish sales. However, many

‘I’m very nervous honestly that that is going to be a year to 18 months to get through this, and for those reasons I’m losing sleep.’

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May 14, 2020M

STEM FROM PAGE 11

“He truly was one of a kind,” John said.

Pain persists amid new crisis The family’s grief and anxiety has been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. John, a diabetic, is at risk for the pneumonia-like disease that is more lethal for people with underlying conditions.

The pandemic also prompted many governments, including Colorado, to ban gatherings and issue a stayat-home order that recently expired in Douglas County, creating more challenges in the Castillos’ grief process.

“The support that we probably normally would have isn’t there right now. That’s been a very difficult thing,” John said when the order was in place. “There is a big distraction.

We know that they’re concerned for their families.”

COVID-19 spurred a painful drawing out of the open case against the older suspect, who pleaded not guilty in January. The suspect’s trial was rescheduled from May to September.

The second teenager is scheduled to be sentenced in May, but it’s possible the pandemic will delay that hearing as well.

John worries trial jurors will feel uncomfortable serving during the pandemic and won’t focus.

“It’s been difficult. The COVID-19 situation has thrown an interesting

QUALITY & VA

A number of items at Kendrick Castillo’s grave honor things he loved — a small cow to remember his times eating Chick-fil-A with friends, a columbine flower left by a Columbine survivor, tools from technology students he mentored and more.

JESSICA GIBBS When there, he and Maria read kind notes left at Kendrick’s grave by friends. That uplifts them. They think of his friends around the one-year mark, too.

“It also hurts our hearts that they’re suffering the loss that we are. They are suffering the pain as well,” John said. “We think and wonder about those kids every day and how they are making it through.”

twist on a lot of things that we just, I guess, never thought of before,” John said. “From a survivor standpoint, it does play heavy on our minds, what justice will look like going forward with this new twist of a pandemic.”

COVID-19 also ruined original plans to honor Kendrick on May 7.

John wanted to hold a candlelight vigil to speak about his faith and the importance of family values. The pandemic rendered that impossible.

Instead, he and Maria will have a small gathering of friends and family at Seven Stones with a prayer service and bagpipes.

Being tested John and Maria thought seriously about moving closer to Kendrick.

There are too many memories in their

Denver home, he said, which sits 17 miles from Seven Stones. The couple looked at some properties before COVID-19 geared up and made selling their home, in their view, impossible.

For now, they are working on home improvement projects to make their property more sellable.

The pandemic changed their work plans, too.

Maria, a chef, and John, an engineer in the hotel industry, are both on sabbatical and have been since May 7, 2019. John expected his employer to reevaluate his work status in June or July before COVID-19 hit but doubts he can return to work under the pandemic.

The couple’s grief symptoms worsened as they weathered both crises.

After losing their son, John and Maria battled sleep deprivation. During the pandemic that grew worse. They stay up, restless, until 12:30 a.m., 1 a.m., 2 a.m., and wake up by 4:30 or 5 a.m.

Each morning John puts on coffee.

They drink their cups next to a wall covered in photos of Kendrick — prom photos, senior photos and one signed by his senior class — while thinking about ways to occupy their time. John does yardwork, waters plants and grows vegetables.

John and Maria typically visit Kendrick in the afternoons. On especially hard days, the Castillos skip coffee at home, grab a Starbucks and drive to Seven Stones, where they sit in the gardens. They often return again on those days to spend more time with him.

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Elbert County News 19

May 14, 2020

STEM FROM PAGE 18

An added challenge during the pandemic was losing the ability to leave the house. Like most people, John said, the couple is limiting time away from home, only getting groceries every three to four weeks.

They mostly leave to fuel their vehicle at Costco so they can go to and from the cemetery, which feels safe because they are often alone there.

Before COVID, John spent time at the state Capitol, but work under the dome came to “a screeching halt.”

“I will say that it doesn’t matter what we’re involved in,” John said.

“There always comes a point at the end of the day when we’re having dinner. There is just a calm, empty time where we eat, we think about Kendrick, and it’s difficult, extremely difficult, for about an hour.”

This experience has tested them in many ways they didn’t expect, John said.

Significantly, it tested their faith.

The couple wanted 18th Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler to pursue the death penalty in the older suspect’s case, but they are devout Catholics and John knows capital punishment is against their doctrine, he said.

Brauchler announced through court documents filed in March he would not seek the death penalty, noting jurors would have to consider the 19-year-old suspect’s age and lack of

serious prior offenses.

John said at the time he believes justice for Kendrick means the suspect giving up his life. John hopes people will not judge him and Maria for their stance on the death penalty. No one could understand unless also in their place, he said.

“It pits our loss against our spiritual beliefs,” John said.

The experience also sharpened his views on the importance of strong family systems, and the need to be informed community members. He urged people to understand local laws and get involved in shaping policy.

If people want to support survivors of mass violence, they should pay attention to how the criminal justice system works, he said. He stressed victim impact statements in the STEM case will have influence years into the future if the convicted shooter seeks parole.

John is eager for solutions to school safety and believes it starts with strong families. Court hearings revealed the younger suspect grew up amid abuse and neglect, and is accused of masterminding the shooting, then coercing the older suspect into aiding him.

Washington Post reporter Robert Klemko tweeted that March 2020 was the first March without a school shooting in the U.S. since 2002. John called that profound.

“I thought, how ironic,” he said. “Is this what it takes to end the cycle of terror and violence that takes place in our schools?”

Crushing clarity Talking about Kendrick often overwhelms Maria.

For most of the past year, she let John take the lead during news interviews at court hearings and serve as their spokesman in other situations.

She’s never far from John’s side, though, usually listening with a tearstricken face and quiet sobs.

When she does speak, Maria moves people deeply. She left a packed courtroom weeping in November 2019 after she testified during a hearing that decided the 16-year-old suspect would be tried as an adult, not a juvenile, if his case had progressed to trial.

Kendrick, she said, was her life.

As John spoke on April 24, Maria sat nearby listening and overcome with emotion. She later wrote her thoughts down in an email, describing the past year as a personal hell. She is angry and in pain. She usually stays home, sometimes sitting at her computer searching for answers and information.

“Even going to church is extremely difficult, seeing other families together,” she said, “and mine is not complete anymore.”

Maria misses Kendrick’s hugs, “his beautiful smile,” his jokes and everything they used to do together, all stolen “by one evil day.” She would trade places with him if she could. Kendrick had too much to live for, she said.

“He was not only my only child, he was my best friend, my life, everything that we did was for him and with him,” Maria said.

John said time failed to lessen their pain.

“I wish I could say that things have gotten better, or seem like we have, but honestly, it doesn’t feel much different than this time last year. I guess the only difference is there’s a sense of clarity now,” John said.

That clarity makes the grief stronger. For months after the tragedy, John and Maria felt a sense of denial. They lived in a fog. Now, the shock and disbelief of Kendrick’s death has worn off. His loss feels more real.

“I never knew a person could be in shock for many months,” John said.

‘A really bad nightmare’ The Castillos frequently close down Seven Stones.

Holm, the director of customer care, doesn’t mind if they come in late at night, such as after a long court hearing, or leave after she does. John and Maria fasten the gate when they leave and make sure the grounds are locked up.

“They can come and go as they please, whatever they need,” Holm said. “They’re family. There’s no other way to describe it. We’re sad that they have to be there, but we love having them.”

John said Holm is special. He and Maria will keep seeing her around as they visit Kendrick, taking each day as it comes.

“It seems like just a really bad nightmare that you’re never going to wake up from,” he said. “We made it through one year. What’s the next year going to be like?”

20 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

FARMING FROM PAGE 14

wisdom of their own, said Suellen Winstead, the curator of the Littleton Museum, which features an authentic, functioning 1860s-style homestead.

“Back then, your garden was your life,” Winstead said. “Pioneers had to grow enough during a short growing season to preserve food for winter.

This was not a hobby.”

Pioneer families had access to a wide variety of heirloom seeds that were well-suited to local climates, and had keen senses for the intricacies of gardening, developed over lifetimes and generations.

But among their most important resources was community.

“There’s a perception that the Old West was families alone in a cabin miles from the nearest person,” Winstead said. “But what we had here was people settling in communities and relying on each other for support.”

When times got tough, neighbors could rely on each other, Winstead said.

“If my wheat crop failed or my tomatoes died, people pitched in.

I think we could learn from that.

Gardening and homesteading can bring people together. If you grow more than you can use, find someone in need.”

The frugal mindset of homesteaders carried on into the Great Depres-

sion and World War II, Winstead said.

“It was a habitual thing,” she said.

“They went through a time of great scarcity. You don’t waste. You eat everything on your plate. You find a use for things.”

l ‘Success isn’t always easy’ a Some urban homesteaders still b rely on their skills and hard work to provide for their families. a Operating from the yard of a rental r duplex in Adams County, Tess and Jeff Curry make a good chunk of W their living from the fruits of their t labor. Known as “The Honey People” at north Denver farmers markets, the 1 Currys sell honey from their beehive, i eggs from their chickens and more. y Tess said she started producing her w own food during the Great Recession, when Jeff, a construction worker, was hurting for work and laid up with an n S injury. n “It’s hard work. Success isn’t always easy, but one benefit is the food just tastes so much better,” Tess said. l w “I know what’s in my food. I know where it comes from. My grandkids s k know a potato comes out of the a ground.”

Tess said her work has introduced t her to the larger community of local growers, and she enjoys trading m w plants and produce. And if things take a turn for the worse, she knows o i she can rely on herself and her t friends to stay fed.

“We might have to eat a lot of eggs and beans for a while, but hey, at least k h we’d be eating.”

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Elbert County News 21

May 14, 2020

GRANDMA FROM PAGE 16

She remembers how funny cars looked when they came out. It’s been a while since she’s seen a horse and buggy, she jokes.

“The Spanish Flu was talked about a little bit,” she said of her childhood, referring to a global pandemic in 1918.

She was too young to witness World War I, but she saw the fallout and how the war impacted people, she said.

She does remember World War II. In 1943, Johnny went overseas to serve in the Army Air Force. Bill was 1 ½ years old when he left and 3 years old when he returned.

“In a way we served too,” she said.

Raising Bill alone for two years was not easy, but it came with blessings.

She and Bill formed a bond they would not have otherwise, she said.

“It was a blessing to have that. I learned to be independent, and that was a good thing,” she said. “Women should be independent. They should know how to take care of themselves and somebody else.”

Still, she was grateful when Johnny, the love of her life, came home. They married when she was 20 and Johnny was 23 years old. Their dates consisted of Evelyn sitting in bleachers watching Johnny pay softball, and him attending church with her on Sundays.

Johnny died after a battle with Parkinson’s disease in 2010, with Evelyn holding his hand.

“I miss my husband terribly. I’ll

Evelyn Berkey sat in a chair in her garage surrounded by flowers and cards to celebrate her 100th birthday on on April 21. Friends and family planned to surprise her with a caravan so loved ones could drive past and wish her a happy birthday.

JESSICA GIBBS always miss him. We were married 70 years,” she said, adding she knows she will see him again.

‘Love your fellow men’ Evelyn is grateful for her health. Being 100 would not be much fun without it, she said. She’s also grateful to have her friends.

“God knew when I got to be 100, I would need friends like this,” Evelyn said.

Evelyn’s mind is sharp and her memory of decades past clear. A stroke in 2018 affected her speech slightly, but she still holds a conversation with ease. She’s seen much — although nothing like COVID-19, she said.

“I’ve never seen anything like this virus, this shut down,” she said.

Runyan admires how, despite the global pandemic, Evelyn’s positive spirit and faith is steadfast. The world

should look to people like her in times of such uncertainty and fear, he said.

If Evelyn could give people any advice after 100 years of living, she would offer a few simple thoughts.

“Don’t put off anything that is important. Do it now,” she said. “Life is fleeting, but it’s been good to me for 100 years. And so I would say that you need to walk with God, love your fellow men and always be thankful in your heart for all the blessings you have.”

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Agenda.

22 Elbert County News

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of May 25, 2020, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

May 14, 2020M

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written protest or intervention with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you.

Under Commission Rule 511, if no protest or intervention is filed, the Application may be approved as part of the Commission’s Consent Agenda.

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice.

You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

Public Notice

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088

BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

City and County

Summons and Sheriff Sales

Public Notice

Public Notice

NOTICE OF ELECTION

DISTRICT COURT, ELBERT COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO CIVIL ACTION NO. 2020CV30002 Division/Courtroom SALE NO. 20-01

Primary Election Elbert County, Colorado Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Elections in Colorado are conducted by mail ballot with Voter Service Centers available for those who would like additional assistance or prefer to vote in person. See below for a list of locations and hours/days of operation.

For this Primary Election, ballots will be mailed the week of June 8 to all active registered voters affiliated with the Democratic, Republican or Libertarian Parties. Eligible electors who are not affiliated with a political party may declare an affiliation with a participating political party and vote in the primary election. All active registered Unaffiliated voters will be mailed the ballot of their preference, or if no preference is on record, both Democratic and Republican ballots will be mailed. Only one voted ballot may be returned.

Ballots must be returned to the Clerk and Recorder no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday June 30) in order for your votes to be counted. Voters can return their ballot by mail or by dropping it off at any designated ballot dropoff location or Voter Service Center. Ballots received after 7 p.m. on Election Day will not be counted. Postmarks do not count as a received date. Adequate postage must be applied.

If you need to register to vote or update your registration, please do so at www.govotecolorado.gov. The Elbert County Elections Division recommends all voters review their information to ensure their mailing address is correct.

If you make a mistake, damage, or lose your ballot, you may request a replacement by emailing elections@elbertcounty-co.gov or calling 303-621-3127 by June 23, 2020, or by visiting a Voter Service Center during the hours/days of operation listed below.

To view your sample ballot, visit www.govotecolorado.gov and click on the “Ballot Information” tab within your voter registration profile.

Voter Service Center

• Drop off your ballot • Cast a ballot in person • Request a replacement mail ballot • Resister to vote • Update your voter registration • Vote using equipment and facilities for persons with disabilities Voter Service Center Days/ Hours of Operation Samuel Elbert Building 440 Comanche Street Kiowa, CO 80117 Mon through Fri (Jun 22 - Jun 29) 8am to 5pm Sat (Jun 27) 8am to 12pm Tues Jun 30 (Election Day) 7am to 7pm Designated Election Official Dallas Schroeder 440 Comanche Street PO Box 990 Kiowa, CO 80117 303-621-3127 elections@elbertcounty-co.gov 24-hour Drop-Box Days/Hours of Operation Open through Jun 30 (Election Day) until 7pm Samuel Elbert Building 440 Comanche Street Kiowa, CO 80117 Open Jun 8 - Jun 30 (Election Day) until 7pm Town of Elizabeth Admin Building 151 South Banner Street Elizabeth, CO 80107 Legal Notice No.: 244365 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

NOTICE OF SHERIFF'S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY SPRING VALLEY RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation, Plaintiff: v.

PHILLIP BURR ULLOM; CITYWIDE HOME LOANS, a Utah corporation dba Citywide Home Loans; SHERYL L. HEWLETT, Elbert County Public Trustee, Defendant(s): Regarding: Lot 31, Section 33 Township 6 Range 64 Subdivision Spring Valley Ranch Phase 2, County of Elbert, State of Colorado Also known as: 42395 Forest Oaks Dr., Elizabeth, CO 80107 (the “Property”).

Under a Judgement and Decree of Foreclosure entered on March 13,2020, relating to Transcripts of Judgments recorded in the Elbert County Government 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 Elbert County, Colorado at 10:00 A.M., on the 18th day of June, 2020, at 751 Ute Ave. Kiowa, CO 80117, phone number 303-6212027. 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 303-621-2027 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 $6,493.43.

All telephone inquiries for information should be directed to the office of the undersigned Sheriff at 303-621-2027. The name, address and business telephone number of the attorneys representing the current owner of the Deed of Trust and Modifications are: Tammy M. Alcock Esq., Alcock Law Group P.C., 19751 E. Mainstreet, Suite 225, Parker, CO 80138, 303-993-5400, Attorney Reg. No. 39816.

Dated 04/30/20, Kiowa, Colorado Timothy Norton, Sheriff Elbert County, Colorado Kristy Haas, Civil Clerk Elbert County, Colorado Legal Notice No.: 244355 First Publication: April 30, 2020 Last Publication: May 28, 2020 Published In: Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, UNNAMED FIELD, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 200300079 TYPE: POOLING

be able to participate in a prehearing conferlegals@coloradocommunitymedia.com ence during the week of May 25, 2020, if a preBy: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary

IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, UNNAMED FIELD, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

Misc. Private Legals CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 200300079 TYPE: POOLING NOTICE OF HEARING

GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“GMT” or “Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here: http://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/about/Help/ Pooling%20Pamphlet.pdf APPLICATION LANDS Township 6 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Section 22: S½ Section 27: All DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change) The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location: Date: June 22, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 PROTESTING OR INTERVENING DEADLINE FOR PROTESTS OR INTERVENTIONS: May 22, 2020 Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written protest or intervention with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you.

Under Commission Rule 511, if no protest or intervention is filed, the Application may be approved as part of the Commission’s Consent Agenda.

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of May 25, 2020, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice.

You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary Dated: April 22, 2020 GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 555 17th Street, Suite 975 Denver, CO 80202 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO Dated: April 22, 2020

GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 555 17th Street, Suite 975 Denver, CO 80202 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com

Misc. Private Legals

Legal Notice No.: 244360 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THENIOBRARA FORMATION, UNNAMED FIELD, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO ) CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 200300081 TYPE: POOLING NOTICE OF HEARING GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“GMT” or “Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here: http://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/about/Help/ Pooling%20Pamphlet.pdf APPLICATION LANDS Township 6 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Section 24: S½ Section 25: All Section 36: All DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change) The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location: Date: June 22, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 PROTESTING OR INTERVENING DEADLINE FOR PROTESTS OR INTERVENTIONS: May 22, 2020 Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written protest or intervention with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you.

Under Commission Rule 511, if no protest or intervention is filed, the Application may be approved as part of the Commission’s Consent Agenda.

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of May 25, 2020, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must

hearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Misc. Private Legals

For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary Dated: April 22, 2020 GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 555 17th Street, Suite 975 Denver, CO 80202 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com Legal Notice No.: 244361 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, UNNAMED FIELD, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO ) CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 200300084 TYPE: POOLING NOTICE OF HEARING

GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“GMT” or “Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here: http://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/about/Help/ Pooling%20Pamphlet.pdf APPLICATION LANDS Township 6 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Section 10: All Section 15: All Section 22: N½ DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)

The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location:

Date: June 22, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 PROTESTING OR INTERVENING DEADLINE FOR PROTESTS OR INTERVENTIONS: May 22, 2020

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written protest or intervention with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to

Elbert County Legals 5.14.20 * 1

tion with the Commission no later than the deadMay 14, 2020above. Please see Commission line provided

Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you.

Under Commission Rule 511, if no protest or intervention is filed, the Application may be approved as part of the Commission’s Consent Agenda.

Misc. Private Legals

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of May 25, 2020, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you.

Under Commission Rule 511, if no protest or intervention is filed, the Application may be approved as part of the Commission’s Consent Agenda.

Misc. Private Legals

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of May 25, 2020, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice.

You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary

By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary

Dated: April 22, 2020

Dated: April 21, 2020 GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 555 17th Street, Suite 975 Denver, CO 80202 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com

GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 555 17th Street, Suite 975 Denver, CO 80202 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com

Legal Notice No.: 244362 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO

IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, UNNAMED FIELD, ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO ) CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 200300080 TYPE: POOLING NOTICE OF HEARING

GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“GMT” or “Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here: http://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/about/Help/ Pooling%20Pamphlet.pdf APPLICATION LANDS Township 6 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M. Section 8: All Section 9: All Section 10: W½ DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change)

The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location: Date: June 22, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 PROTESTING OR INTERVENING DEADLINE FOR PROTESTS OR INTERVENTIONS: May 22, 2020

Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written protest or intervention with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in

Legal Notice No.: 244363 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

“Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing may change without additional notice to you.

Under Commission Rule 511, if no protest or intervention is filed, the Application may be approved as part of the Commission’s Consent Agenda.

Misc. Private Legals

Anyone who files a protest or intervention must be able to participate in a prehearing conference during the week of May 25, 2020, if a prehearing conference is requested by the Applicant or by any person who has filed a protest or intervention.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION For more information, you may review the Application, which was sent to you with this Notice. You may also contact the Applicant at the phone number or email address listed below.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if any party requires special accommodations as a result of a disability for this hearing, please contact Margaret Humecki at Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us, prior to the hearing and arrangements will be made.

OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO By: Mimi C. Larsen, Commission Secretary Dated: April 21, 2020 GMT Exploration Company LLC c/o Jamie L. Jost Kelsey H. Wasylenky Jost Energy Law, P.C. 555 17th Street, Suite 975 Denver, CO 80202 720-446-5620 jjost@jostenergylaw.com kwasylenky@jostenergylaw.com Legal Notice No.: 244364 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice

Public Notice BEFORE THE OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE MATTER OF THE PROMULGATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF FIELD RULES TO GOVERN OPERATIONS FOR THE NIOBRARA FORMATION, UNNAMED FIELD,ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO ) CAUSE NO. 535 DOCKET NO. 200300082 TYPE: POOLING NOTICE OF HEARING GMT Exploration Company LLC (Operator No. 10243) (“GMT” or “Applicant”) filed an Application with the Commission for an order to pool all oil and gas (“mineral”) interests in lands identified below. This Notice was sent to you because the Applicant believes you may own mineral interests that will be pooled if the Commission approves the Application. Pooling is the consolidation and combining of mineral interests so that all mineral interest owners receive payment for their just and equitable share of produced oil and gas. For more information about the Commission’s pooling process, please see a brochure on the Commission’s website here: http://cogcc.state.co.us/documents/about/Help/ Pooling%20Pamphlet.pdf APPLICATION LANDS Township 6 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Section 12: All Section 13: All Section 24: N½ DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION OF HEARING (Subject to change) The assigned Hearing Officer will hold a hearing only on the above referenced docket number at the following date, time, and location: Date: June 22, 2020 Time: 9:00 a.m.

Place: Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission The Chancery Building 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 801 Denver, CO 80203 PROTESTING OR INTERVENING DEADLINE FOR PROTESTS OR INTERVENTIONS: May 22, 2020 Any interested party who wishes to participate formally must file a written protest or intervention with the Commission no later than the deadline provided above. Please see Commission Rule 509 at: http://cogcc.state.co.us , under “Regulation,” then select “Rules.” Please note that, under Commission Rule 506.c., the deadline for protests and interventions will not be continued even if the hearing is continued beyond the date that is stated above. Protests and interventions must be sent to the Applicant at the below address, and must be sent to the Commission via email to: Cogcc.Hearings_Unit@state.co.us . Pursuant to Commission Rule 509, if you do not file a proper protest or intervention, the Hearing Officer will not know that you wish to formally participate in this matter and the date and time of the hearing

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION FOR MINOR PLAT (CASE NUMBER MD-19-0051) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE 35695 BREEZY ACRES CIR, ELIZABETH, CO 80107 PROPERTY SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR A MINOR PLAT, PURSUANT TO ELBERT COUNTY REGULATIONS. AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION WILL BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ON THE REFERENCED APPLICATION BY: DATE: May 27, 2020 CONTACT ELBERT COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION: 303-621-3185 Legal Description: Section: 6 Township: 8 Range: 64Subdivision: BREEZY ACRES MINOR RESID DEVELOPEMENT Lot: 0001 Legal Notice No.: 244367 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO APRIL 2020 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of APRIL 2020 for each County affected.

20CW3059 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA – DENVER AREA COUNCIL; 10455 West 6th Avenue, Suite 100, Denver, CO 80215.

Stephen H. Leonhardt, Esq., Bernard F. Gehris, Esq.; BURNS, FIGA & WILL, P.C.; 6400 Fiddler’s Green Circle, Suite 1000, Greenwood Village, CO 80111; (303) 796-2626. APPLICATION FOR FINDING OF REASONABLE DILIGENCE AND TO MAKE CONDITIONAL WATER RIGHTS ABSOLUTE IN PART IN ELBERT COUNTY. B. Conditional Water Rights Decrees: 1. Original Case Nos.: 91CW024 and 98CW460. 2. Decree dates: 91CW024 - October 29, 1991; 98CW460 - September 20, 1999.

3. Dates of appropriation: a. Abrahamson Reservoir: December 31, 1973. b. Cris Dobbins Lake: December 31, 1984. c. Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake): March 31, 1991. d. Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake) – First Enlargement: April 4, 1993. 4. Last Diligence Decree: Case No. 13CW3077, entered on April 2, 2014. This decree made a finding of reasonable diligence continuing the conditional water rights for the Abrahamson Reservoir, Cris Dobbins Lake, the Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake), and the Family Enrichment Camp Lake First Enlargement. 5. Prior Change Decree: The Decree in Case No. 97CW333 added fire protection to the decreed uses for Abrahamson Reservoir, Cris Dobbins Lake and Family Enrichment Camp Lake. C. Conditional Water Rights. 1. Abrahamson Reservoir. a. Location: NW1/4 NW1/4 of Section 11 and NE1/4 NE1/4 of Section 10, Township 10 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M., Elbert County. The outlet is at a

continuing the conditional water rights for the Abrahamson Reservoir, Cris Dobbins Lake, the Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake), and the Family Enrichment Camp Lake First Enlargement. 5. Prior Change Decree: The Decree in Case No. 97CW333 added fire protection to the decreed uses for Abrahamson Reservoir, Cris Dobbins Lake and Family Enrichment Camp Lake. C. Conditional Water Rights. 1. Abrahamson Reservoir. a. Location: NW1/4 NW1/4 of Section 11 and NE1/4 NE1/4 of Section 10, Township 10 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M., Elbert County. The outlet is at a point approximately 200 feet South and 200 feet East of the NW corner of Section 11. b. Source: Springs and runoff tributary to Kiowa Creek. c.

Amount and Use: 10 a.f. absolute (with right to fill and refill when water is legally available) for irrigation of 110 acres, recreation, fish and wildlife, stock water and fire protection uses; and conditional for augmentation. 2. Cris Dobbins Lake. a. Location: SE1/4 NW1/4 and NE1/4 SW1/4, Section 14, Township 10 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M., Elbert County, Colorado. The outlet is at a point approximately 2300 feet South and 1550 feet East of the NW corner of Section 14. b. Source: Springs and runoff tributary to Kiowa Creek. c. Amount and Use: 75 a.f. total (with right to fill and refill when water is legally available). Of this amount, 11 a.f. is absolute for recreation, fish and wildlife, stock water, fire protection, aggregate camping and commercial uses; and 64 a.f. is conditional for recreation, fish and wildlife, stock water, fire protection, aggregate camping and commercial uses.

The entire 75 a.f. is conditional for domestic, irrigation, dust suppression, and augmentation. 3.

Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake). a. Location: NW1/4 of Section 15, Township 10 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M., Elbert County, Colorado. The outlet is at a point approximately 1500 feet South and 1500 feet East of the NW corner of Section 15. b. Source: Springs and runoff tributary to Kiowa Creek. c.

Amount and Use: 40.3 a.f. total (with right to fill and refill when water is legally available). Of this amount, 8 a.f is absolute for recreation, fish and wildlife, aggregate camping and commercial; and 32.3 a.f. is conditional for recreation, fish and wildlife, aggregate camping and commercial uses. The entire 40.3 a.f is conditional for domestic, stock water, dust suppression, fire protection, and augmentation. 4. Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake) - First Enlargement. a. Location: NW1/4 of Section 15, Township 10 South, Range 64 West, 6th P.M., Elbert County, Colorado. The outlet is at a point approximately 1500 feet South and 1500 feet East of the NW corner of Section 15. b. Source: Springs and runoff tributary to Kiowa Creek. c.

Amount and Use: 22.5 a.f. conditional enlargement, with right to fill and refill when water is legally available, for recreation, fish and wildlife, domestic, stock water, commercial, dust suppression, fire protection, aggregate camping uses, and augmentation. This is in addition to the previously decreed amount of 40.3 acre-feet, with right to fill and refill as water is available, decreed in Case No. 91CW024. D. Detailed outline of what has been done toward completion or for completion of the appropriation and application of water to a beneficial use as conditionally decreed, including expenditures: 1. All three lakes have been filled and used each year. The lakes have been filled in part with groundwater permitted by the Ground Water Commission, and in part with surface water decreed in Case No. 91CW024. 2. DAC has inspected the three dams annually, has assisted the Colorado Division of Water Resources (DWR) with its inspections of the dams for Dobbins Lake and Magness Lake, and has been implementing the resulting recommendations as described below. 3.

DAC has completed spillway repairs, tested the outlet gate, and replaced the previously installed staff gage at Magness Lake, and has completed design of dam, spillway and dam outlet improvements for Dobbins Lake, including staff gage replacement, at a cost of $25,500.

The DWR has approved the Dobbins Lake design, and DAC is raising funds to complete the improvements. 4. DAC has continued performing necessary maintenance on all three reservoirs: brush removal, weed control, rodent eradication, and the clearing of the spillways of trees and debris. 5. DAC is currently planning for dredging sediment from the lake beds and controlling vegetation to improve water quality and fishery habitat. 6. DAC has pursued and obtained approval from the Elbert County Commissioners in 2019 for a Planned Unit Development for Peaceful Valley Camp property, including the lakes and related facilities. 7. DAC has cooperated with its tenant in making substantial improvements to irrigation and stock watering systems on the property, consistent with Natural Resources Conservation Service guidelines. 8.

DAC has conducted forestry improvements on the Peaceful Valley Camp property, which improves water quality and sustainability of the lakes. 9. DAC has completed substantial improvements to the domestic water supply system for portions of the Camp property, at a cost of $46,500. 10. DAC has engaged engineering consultants to design substantial improvements to wastewater treatment and discharge facilities for the Camp, at a cost of $35,000. These improvements are designed to improve water quality for the lakes and other surface water bodies.

11. DAC has also retained water lawyers and engineers to develop and protect their rights for integrated use of underground water and surface water, including water stored in the reservoirs. The cost of this legal work done on behalf of DAC for such activities at the Peaceful Valley Camp during the current diligence period is approximately $4,600. DAC also has retained Wright Water Engineers to assist with water issues at Peaceful Valley Camp during the diligence period, at a cost in excess of $35,000. It is not yet clear whether a plan for augmentation or replacement plan will be needed for any of the planned water uses at Peaceful Valley. DAC would prefer to avoid the need for such a plan if possible. However, DAC intends to use one or more of the reservoirs for augmentation or replacement use in the event such a plan is ever required. It is the firm intent of DAC to continue to develop the conditional water rights decreed to all three reservoirs. This work evidences DAC’s continuing intent to develop the conditional water rights. Full development of these conditional rights by DAC is feasible, and there is no intent to abandon any of the conditional water rights. E. Notice to Abandon Other Conditional Rights: DAC has elected to abandon the portions of its conditional water rights listed be-

Misc. Private Legals

Elbert County News 23

would prefer to avoid the need for such a plan if possible. However, DAC intends to use one or more of the reservoirs for augmentation or replacement use in the event such a plan is ever required. It is the firm intent of DAC to continue to develop the conditional water rights decreed to all three reservoirs. This work evidences DAC’s continuing intent to develop the conditional water rights. Full development of these conditional rights by DAC is feasible, and there is no intent to abandon any of the conditional water rights. E. Notice to Abandon Other Conditional Rights: DAC has elected to abandon the portions of its conditional water rights listed below. This filing serves as notice of DAC’s intent to abandon only the conditionally decreed uses specified below. DAC does not intend to abandon any other water rights, structures or uses, whether those rights, structures or uses are currently conditional or absolute. 1. Abrahamson Reservoir conditional rights for irrigation use on an additional 134 acres, commercial, dust suppression, aggregate camping, and exchange uses. 2. Conditional rights decreed for exchange use for Chris Dobbins Lake, Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake), and Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a.k.a. Magness Lake) - First Enlargement. F. Claim to Make Absolute in Part. During the diligence period, the following amounts of surface water were stored under the structure’s decreed priority, as shown by DAC’s accounting, at times when there were no senior downstream calls, and were applied to beneficial use for storage and the structure’s other decreed purposes. 1. Chris Dobbins Lake. Water Applied to Beneficial Use November 2015 - October 2016. Amount: 16 acre-feet, in addition to the 11 acre-feet currently absolute (27 acre-feet total). Use: Storage for other decreed purposes: (recreation, fish and wildlife, aggregate camping, commercial, domestic, stock water, dust suppression, fire protection, and augmentation). 2. Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a/k/a Magness Lake). Water Applied to Beneficial Use November 2015 – August 2016. Amount: 12 acre-feet, in addition to the 8 acre-feet currently absolute (20 acre-feet total). Use: Storage for other decreed purposes (recreation, fish and wildlife, aggregate camping, commercial, domestic, stock water, dust suppression, fire protection, and augmentation).

WHEREFORE, the Applicant, Denver Area Council - Boy Scouts of America, requests that the Court enter a decree (1) making absolute an additional 16 acre-feet of the water right conditionally decreed to Chris Dobbins Lake, and an additional 12 acre-feet of the water right conditionally decreed to Family Enrichment Camp Lake (a/k/a Magness Lake), in Case No. 91CW024; and (2) finding reasonable diligence with respect to each of the above-referenced conditional water rights to the extent that they have not previously been decreed absolute, by reason of the activities and expenditure of monies by DAC. No. of pages in Application: 7.

Misc. Private Legals

WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of JUNE 2020 (forms available on www.courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office) and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No.: 244366 First Publication: May 14, 2020 Last Publication: May 14, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on February 3, 2020, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Elbert County Combined Court.

The Petition requests that the name of Katrina Berla Martin be changed to Katrina Luna Windecker Case No.: 2020 C 8 By: Jafeen Jenkins, Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No: 244358 First Publication: May 7, 2020 Last Publication: May 21, 2020 Publisher: Elbert County News

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Elbert County Legals 5.14.20 * 2

24 Elbert County News

May 14, 2020M

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