Elbert County News 0611

DISTANCE DATING Residents are finding creative ways to date during the pandemic P10

$1.00

June 11, 2020

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Elbert Co. restaurants ‘happy’ to open again Young residents of Elbert County enjoy cooling off on a hot day at the Evans Park splash pad, which is available through reservation for now. Parents can apply for a waiver of the $15 hourly fee.

PHOTO BY TABATHA STEWART

Have a blast, Elizabeth Parks & Rec urges Park amenities, splash pad, trails open with restrictions

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

As Colorado and Elbert County begin loosening restrictions on gather-

ing sizes, opening of businesses and summer programs, officials from the Elizabeth Parks and Recreation District want residents to take advantage of the many activities and resources the district has to offer.

“Our job is to bring fun to the community,” said JC Cook, president of the district. “We have worked closely with the county health department, and are following Colorado guidelines for safely reopening our

For one Kiowa eatery, business is better than it was a year ago

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Playgrounds open for kids Cook said that while playgrounds are now open, using them is not risk-free, and he encourages parents to watch their younger children who may put their hands in their mouths.

He also urges residents to maintain

After more than two months of takeout service only, Patty Ann’s Cafe in Kiowa, along with other restaurants in Elbert County, opened its doors to in-person dining on May 27, with limited seating capacity and social distancing measures in place.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of restaurants across Colorado, owner Annette Burmaster, who purchased Patty Ann’s nearly three years ago with her husband Todd, said the community was

SEE PARKS, P14

SEE RESTAURANTS, P15

playgrounds, splash pad and some of our youth sports programs.”

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

“I don’t hate cops. I fear them. But I’m about to turn 66 years old, and I’d like to exhale for a change.”

Gregory L. Moore, former editor of The Denver Post | P8 INSIDE

VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10 | SPORTS: PAGE 12

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 19

2 Elbert County News

June 11, 2020J

Parker protesters decry racial injustice, police brutality ‘I don’t want to talk.

I want to be about it.’

BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Hundreds marched through downtown Parker on the night of June 4 in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

Organizer Nina Garcia told Colorado Community Media that she was surprised at the turnout for the protest. She said she has children who are bi-racial and felt she needed to do something to decry racism.

“I don’t want to talk. I want to be about it,” Garcia said. “I want to be part of something that is very near and dear to my heart. My kids have dealt with racism before, and it’s not right.”

Protestors have demonstrated in Denver since May 28 to honor George Floyd, a black man killed while in police custody in Minneapolis May 25. The June 4 protest was the first organized demonstration related to Floyd’s death in Parker and the second in Douglas County, following demonstrations in Castle Rock.

Garcia said she lives in Aurora and works in downtown Parker. She said she has never organized a protest before, but felt she needed to do something for Parker.

“I spend a lot of my time here in

Nina Garcia, right, said she was surprised to see the turnout of the June 4 Black Lives Matter march through downtown Parker.

Garcia works in downtown Parker and said she felt she needed to take action for her town.

PHOTOS BY NICK PUCKETT Parker. I love Parker. I work down the street,” Garcia said. “I consider this my town. I love it.”

A few police officers stationed them-

Got a taste of remote learning and liked it?

Then you’ll be happy to know you can continue to be a remote learner next year! Jeffco Virtual Academy is here for you!

JVA has been offering 6-12 grade students an online learning path since 2009.

We’re proud to provide full-time program options to residents of Colorado-Middle School, High School, Credit Recovery, Credit Advancement, and Concurrent Enrollment for college credit. JVA is a Jeffco Public School and has been offering 6-12 grade students a tuition-free online learning path since 2009. These programs expose students to challenging coursework with academic and social support. Some programs require students to be on campus one day a week.

Interested in finding more about JVA in an upcoming Information Session, visit www.jeffcovirtual.org or email jeffcovirtualacademy@jeffco.k12.co.us

selves every few blocks along Parker’s Mainstreet. Two Lone Tree Police Department squad cars and one Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office car were seen around downtown Parker.

Garcia and a few others addressed the crowd first. Garcia then led a demonstration where the crowd lay on the grass for 8 minutes and 46 seconds, the length of time Floyd was on the ground with an officer kneeling on his neck in an act that led to his death.

Some chants of “I can’t breathe” could be heard.

The crowd began marching east on the sidewalk along Victorian Drive and back down Mainstreet twice. Protestors intermittently chanted “Black lives matter,” “I can’t breathe” and “No justice, no peace,” as well as a few names of prominent victims of police brutality or racial profiling, including Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin and Floyd.

Some protesters expressed surprise that the Parker protest happened at all — and at this scale.

Steven Madena, originally from

Houston, said he moved to Parker two years ago with his wife.

“Being here (in Parker), you don’t really ever feel like you have a corner,” Madena said. “To see all these people here definitely was something that made me feel like it took away lot of the apprehension I’ve had about living here and not being able to have the diversity for my kids so they can understand what it looks like.”

“I didn’t expect this many people, honestly. There’s a good feeling about it. Everybody seems happier and seem like they came here to do what they came to do,” said Martin Caliz, an eight-year resident of Parker. “It’s a good experience, especially for my kids.”

“It was nice to come into a community that really is doing the right thing. This makes us proud,” said Carl Ladson, a five-year Parker resident.

Ladson attended the march with his wife Gwen and son Grayson. “It’s great to see all these people come together to support what’s right, regardless of color of skin.”

Hundreds marched through downtown Parker twice on June 4, decrying racial injustice and police brutality. The march was the first Black Lives Matter demonstration held in Parker and the second in Douglas County.

Elbert County News 3

June 11, 2020

Primary Election June 30 Vote Early. Near You. Ballot Drop Boxes open now through Election Day Always visit DouglasVotes.com for the most up-to-date election information.

Did you know?

Demonstrators marched in Denver on March 28, three days after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. He died while in police custody, sparking nationwide protests.

CHRISTY STEADMAN

Polis encourages protesters to get COVID-19 test Expanded access to free testing at Pepsi Center includes ‘anyone potentially exposed to virus’

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After several days of protests in Denver over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers, Gov. Jared Polis spoke about the incident and advised protesters — who marched in large crowds — to be tested for COVID-19.

“What happened to George Floyd was not only wrong; it was brutal, it was inhumane and it was murder,” Polis said at a June 2 news conference.

The governor lamented violent protesters and vandalism distracting from the protest’s “righteous message.”

But, he said: “Property can be cleaned, but the black lives that are taken cannot be replaced or brought back.”

Polis told peaceful protesters he is listening, and “more importantly, I want to work with you.”

Despite Polis’ support for the motivation for protests, he worried about the effect of large demonstrations on the spread of COVID-19 and encouraged participants to get tested in light of their activity. The governor stressed the importance of wearing masks and staying 6 feet from others.

“Health experts tell me (the protests) could result in hundreds of new cases,” Polis said.

The City of Denver has expanded the criteria for its test site at the Pepsi Center in a way that includes those who attended the protests, and those participants should get tested if they develop symptoms — and they also should get tested if they have not developed symptoms about seven days after attending a protest, Polis said.

“That’s the way we can act to (detect) earlier some of the folks who

might be contagious without knowing it,” Polis said.

In light of the recent demonstrations and many people returning to work, Denver encourages “any participant who would like a free COVID-19 test” to come to the drive-up testing at the Pepsi Center.

“Only an individual’s name and date of birth need be verified to obtain the test and receive confidential results,” the city said in a news release.

The testing is open to everyone, not just Denver residents, according to Tammy Vigil, a spokeswoman for the Denver Department of Public Health and Environment. There is no cost to anyone, whether they have health insurance or not, Vigil said.

The City of Denver expanded access to testing to anyone potentially exposed to the virus and those heading back to work amid the current phase of recovery in the pandemic, according to a June 2 news release.

“People who do not currently have COVID-19 symptoms but believe they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have been deemed essential by their employers, are now eligible,” the release said.

The Pepsi Center site has been testing more than 400 people each day since it opened on May 22, with the ability to increase that capacity as needed, according to a city news release.

The site is open daily, excluding holidays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals administer the nasal swab themselves to speed up the process and increase safety, the release said. If individuals are unable to, staff will assist.

The testing site is located in the Prius parking lot on the far west side of the Pepsi Center, accessible from the entrance at seventh Street and Auraria Parkway. There is no access to the testing site off of Speer Boulevard or at the main entrance of the Pepsi Center, the release said.

For more information and how to register to be tested, see the city’s website at tinyurl.com/DenverTest SignUp.

*

Registered Democratic, Republican, Libertarian or unaffiliated voters will receive your ballot(s) by mail the week of June 8.

*

Unaffiliated voters will receive TWO mail ballots – one Democratic and one Republican - but may return ONLY ONE

*

17-year-olds who will be 18 by the Nov. 3, General Election are eligible to vote in the Primary.

County Government Services Update Residents and businesses have access to 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.

Paperwork drop boxes are also available at Motor Vehicle offices in Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, and Castle Rock. The drop boxes serve Motor Vehicle, Recording, Veterans Affairs and the Assessor’s Office.

Visit douglas.co.us/covid19/ or DoItOnlineDouglas.com for details.

Interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child?

Join us on June 15 or June 27, for free, remote information nights to learn more about foster care and adoption.

For more information and to register please visit collaborativefostercare.com/152/Information-Night

Live Town Hall: COVID-19 and Older Adults Douglas County older adults, their families and caregivers are invited to join us for a live town hall on Monday, June 15 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. We will share updates, resources and take your questions about staying healthy during safer-at-home as we reopen our economy. Visit douglas.co.us/townhall/ to learn more.

Helping Older People

Stay Independent!

AgingResourcesDougCo.org • 303-814-4300

DoItOnlineDouglas.com douglas.co.us

4 Elbert County News

June 11, 2020J

Food, toiletry items available in Blessing Box Community invited to ‘take what they need, leave what they can’

WE’RE HERE FOR MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Most insurance plans accepted, including Medicaid.

STAFF REPORT

Whether you or a loved one is facing anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use or other mental health challenges, AllHealth Network is here to help.

COUNSELING IS AVAILABLE TODAY Ask about our Telehealth Services 303-730-8858 www.allhealthnetwork.org

Counseling. Connection. Compassion.

Residents in need of a blessing can find one in a new miniature food pantry recently established in Elizabeth.

Blessing Box can be found at the corner of Main Street and Broadway, directly across from the Mountain Man Nut and Fruit Company. The box provides a place to find free food and toiletry items at any time, day or night.

Community members, businesses and civic groups are encouraged to donate items to the Blessing Box with hopes of keeping it stocked. The idea of the food cabinet is to “take what you need, leave what you can.”

Food or personal hygiene items can be made by anyone, at any time. Blessing Box is open to the public 24/7.

Businesses or civic groups that would like to sponsor a month of blessings can contact coloradoblessingbox@gmail.com or call 720-766-5519.

A miniature food pantry was recently established in Elizabeth.

EARN 2.25 UP TO

COURTESY OF TIFFANI SCHANS

%APY

*

ON A BELLCO BOOST CHECKING ACCOUNT NO MONTHLY FEES | NO MINIMUM BALANCE REQUIREMENTS | FREE ATMS | FREE MOBILE BANKING

Bellco.org Federally Insured by NCUA *Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 5/1/2020. The interest rate and APY may change after the account is opened. 2.25% APY applies to balances up to and including $25,000. The APY may range from 2.25% to 0.25% for balances in excess of $25,000. Fees may reduce the earnings on the account. Visit BellcoBoost. com or speak to a Bellco representative for more details about applicable fees and terms. Membership eligibility required.

Elbert County News 5

June 11, 2020

Pines and Plains invites you to ‘Imagine Your Story’ Libraries’ summer reading program returns for all ages STAFF REPORT

Children, teens and adults will enjoy monthly activities and virtual story times during the Pines & Plains Libraries annual summer reading program — “Imagine Your Story” — running in June and July.

Children who complete their reading logs will receive Color-MeDragons and be entered into a grand prize drawing for an unlimited Boondocks pass.

Teen adventurers can also take

part in one activity for each month of the program. Those who complete their reading log will receive a Nerf gun prize, which they can brandish to gain exclusive entry into a library Nerf Night battle. Finishers will enter a drawing for a $50 Game Stop gift card.

Adults will receive a footed glass mug prize if they answer the call to read or listen to one book. For grown-ups, Pines and Plains will provide two bingo sheets with various reading quests. Those who complete their bingo cards will receive entry into a grand prize drawing for a gift basket.

One prize will be given for each age group at each branch.

Sign up for the free summer reading program at pplibraries.org.

Because you want to know...

What’s going on in my hometown?

From special events to local politics, We’ve got you covered.

Local News , it makes a difference.

The SBDC is VIRTUAL Free Business Consulting SBDC VIRTUAL CONSULTING Strategic planning is a must.

Sign up or request an appointment today!

www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/consulting

Free Training for Entrepreneurs

AuroraSouth Metro SBDC

SBDC WEBINARS Register for an online workshop today.

Scroll through the current offerings.

Helping existing and new businesses grow and prosper By appointment only: SBDC Host:

CITY OF AURORA

Aurora Municipal Center

www.Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com/training

Disaster Recovery Assistance The SBDC offers assistance to clients currently in business with your disaster recovery questions and tips to stay afloat during the pandemic.

Email is best: info@Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com

CITY OF ENGLEWOOD Englewood Civic Center

PANORAMA POINT DTC | Centennial

Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Aurora-SouthMetroSBDC.com (303) 326-8686

C Mo #1 olora rtg Rev do ag ers ’s eB e rok er

The Reality of Retirement

by Matt Witt

According to a Recent Survey of Seniors: • 80% were concerned about their ability to age-in-place.

• 60% of seniors have less than $10,000 in savings or retirement plans.

• 50% of homeowners ages 65–79 carry a mortgage.

In addition, seniors are living longer than previous generations. All this adds up to a reality that most retired homeowners struggle financially on a daily basis.

However, there is a smart way to afford retirement and live without a monthly mortgage payment*, call Silver Leaf Mortgage. Ask us how a reverse mortgage can get you the financial freedom you deserve. Our job is never to sell you on a reverse mortgage. Our goal is to educate and equip you with the knowledge and tools to make a sound financial decision for yourself.

Key Reverse Mortgage Benefits: • A reverse mortgage is governmentinsured.

• Proceeds are tax-free and can be used any way you choose.

• You will always own your home.

• It does not need to be paid back until the last person leaves the home.

• It is a “non-recourse” loan. This means the debt cannot exceed the market value of the property.

• Your heirs can keep the house and settle/ refinance the loan, or sell the house to settle the loan and keep the remaining money. If the house isn’t worth enough to cover the loan no debt will pass to them.

We all want to live a long, healthy, independent life. With a reverse mortgage, aging-in-place is possible! Call me today to see if a reverse mortgage is right for you.

Silver Leaf Mortgage, Colorado’s #1 Reverse Mortgage Broker.

Matt Witt, NMLS #1638881, President at Silver Leaf Mortgage in Centennial.

Contact me at: (720) 458-4034, or you can email me at: MattW@SilverLeafMortgage.com

* The homeowner is still responsible for applicable property taxes and homeowner’s insurance,as well as maintaining the property.

720-458-4034

Located in The Streets at SouthGlenn 6972 South Vine Street | Suite 366 | Centennial, CO 80122

No Upfront Appraisal Fee. Offer Code 0612CCM

Matt Witt

NMLS #1638881 Reverse Mortgage Specialist

720-458-4034

Matt Witt: Reve Mortgage Experse rt!

MattW@SilverLeafMortgage.com Listen to: The Reverse Mortgage Show Hosted by Matt Witt Legends 810 and 94.3FM, 670 KLTT, 100.7FM KLZ and 560 KLZ or see us live on Colorado’s Best KWGN CW2 & Fox-31, or Colorado & Company KUSA 9News SLM NMLS #1394377 is an Equal Housing Lender. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Regulated by the Department of Real Estate.

6 Elbert County News

June 11, 2020J

Castle Rock demonstrations focus on racial inequality Story-sharing event at Festival Park gives way to protests downtown

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Nationwide protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis reached Castle Rock on June 2 as a community event held to give people of color a platform to share stories gave way to protesting throughout the downtown area.

Castle Rock resident Janine Reid said she organized a demonstration held at 2 p.m. in Festival Park to spark conversations in the community about racial injustice in the U.S. and to promote education.

“There are just so many people who have racist ideas and don’t see that they are racist,” Reid said.

An event leader, Joshua Pease, announced shortly after 2 p.m. the event would not be a protest — no marching, no chanting — and instead a platform for people to share their stories.

“What we are here to do today is to acknowledge the fact that racism and inequality is not a Denver problem, it is not an Aurora program, it is not a Colorado Springs problem, it is our problem as well,” Pease said.

Reid and Pease said they hope white Americans will work to educate

An event decrying racial injustice gave way to protests in Castle Rock on June 2. themselves on issues surrounding inequality and the treatment of people

of color. Reid said she was “just a suburban mom trying to do my part,” and that she also has much to learn.

Throughout the hour-long event, people of color from Castle Rock took turns giving firsthand accounts of their experiences with racism and their ideas for moving the country forward.

Brandon Davis of Castle Rock said it is the responsibility of everyone to speak up against injustice. Davis called on the crowd to “be the difference maker. Silence is not an option.”

Talking about racial inequality can change a person’s perspective, he said.

“I’m maybe one of the few male African Americans here,” he said.

“Take some time to discover and ask, ask questions, because knowledge is power. A lot of things happen, and a lot of perspectives happen because of ignorance, you just don’t know, you don’t know you are operating with a sense of limited knowledge.”

Michelle Jones of Castle Rock described the phrase “All Lives Matter,” a common and controversial rebuke to the Black Lives Matter movement, as “gaslighting.”

“It’s like revisionism in history where you are ignoring the fact that everybody sees color and that it’s important to see color so that we understand the different experiences, the realities of people of color in this country,” she said.

Jones thanked the crowd for standing up for people of color and “acknowledging the racism in this country.” She urged understanding of the tense scenes playing out across the country through riots and violence in cities including Denver.

“When you see riots happening out in the streets that’s not because people

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GIBBS

Janine Reid said she organized an event held at 2 p.m. on June 2 in Castle Rock to decry racial injustice after the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. of color are criminals or savages it’s because trauma is pouring out of them, generational trauma,” she said.

“They are not being heard, and they don’t know what else to do.”

The Castle Rock demonstrations remained peaceful, but one nearby business still took preacautions. Three men boarded up windows at Dazbog Coffee, on the edge of Festival Park, before and during the event.

Landon Dees, director of operations for Dazbog, said it was a precaution after the police department informed downtown businesses a protest was planned that afternoon.

Police Chief Jack Cauley spoke to the crowd as the event came to a close, saying the department’s philosophy is to treat everyone they meet like family and with empathy.

SEE PROTESTS, P7

Elbert County News 7

June 11, 2020

PROTESTS FROM PAGE 6

“We all want to heal, we all want to heal together,” he said.

Cauley then asked the crowd to kneel with him and led the group in a prayer for the town and country.

“I pray that everybody can heal together that we can listen to each other, that we can be empathetic and passionate and treat everybody with dignity and respect. Everybody,” he said.

Kennedi Scales, a 16-year-old Douglas County High School student, said she appreciated the platform Reid’s event gave people of color, but she came expecting to protest. Scales wanted the opportunity to peacefully protest police brutality and failures of the criminal justice system to protect people of color, she said.

“As a young African American I think it’s so important to stress to people that racism is everywhere and it’s taught,” Scales said.

Every aspect of her life is negatively impacted by the color of her skin, she said, adding she believes “there are a lot of people who have racist ideals and morals” even if they do not realize it.

Scales said the first step to progress is recognizing the problems, and she believe more measures are needed to prevent police brutality and improve the justice system.

Shortly after Reid’s event concluded, protesting broke out in the park, which gave way to marching through-

Men board up Dazbog Coffee in downtown Castle Rock before a protest took place the afternoon of June 2.

JESSICA GIBBS out the downtown. Crowds gathered on Wilcox Street, waving signs reading “Black Lives Matter” and decrying racism.

The protesting crowd, mostly young adults and teenagers, chanted the names of George Floyd, Breonna Tay-

lor, and laid face-down on the ground for nine minutes in honor of Floyd, chanting, “I can’t breathe.”

Helping lead the group at one part of the afternoon was Riley Yantra, 19, of Castle Rock.

Standing in the center of Festival

Park circled by dozens of protesters, Yantra shouted a sentiment he repeated throughout the night — the group was not standing against something, but rather, “this is about being for something,” he said.

Yantra condemned the violence and riots following Floyd’s death, and said that is not representative of protesters.

“Anybody who is violent is not about this cause right here,” he said as the crowd marched and chanted behind him. “This is beautiful.”

Yantra said he loves his community and the Castle Rock Police Department. He had asked Cauley to lead the crowd in taking a knee, he said.

Yantra’s father is black and his mother white, he said. He hopes the protests will push people to educate themselves about systemic racism and urged people to use their votes to enact change in the U.S. That’s why he protested in Castle Rock.

“It made me emotional,” he said. “I couldn’t hold my tears back.”

RISING IN THE EAST.

TAKE OUT

10 OFF

$

THE FEAST

Easily feeds a family of four $61.25

51.25

$

• BABY BACK RIBS (1.5 RACKS) • BBQ CHICKEN • POTATOES (2) • PULLED PORK • CORN ON COB (2) • BEEF BRISKET • BAKED BEANS • GARLIC TOAST (2) • COLE SLAW EXTRA RIBS

ADD HALF RACK $729

EXTRA RIBS

ADD FULL RACK $1369

During COVID, Take-Out or Delivery Only Sun, Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs only. Not valid Friday or Saturday VALID THRU THURSDAY, JUNE 18TH Must bring coupon. One Coupon good for entire party.

Coupon not valid for Online Ordering or Delivery

TAKE OUT AVAILABLE 11 AM - 2 PM

4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

10335 S. Parker Rd., Parker 303-805-9742

With the west side of our community nearly fully developed, RidgeGate is now expanding to the east side of I-25. Our community encompasses a total of 3,500 acres, or six square miles, on both sides. In the years ahead, you’ll see the new Lone Tree City Center become an energized mixed-use downtown for our region.

Our multiple light rail stations will keep us connected to the greater metro area. Three new residential villages and a regional park will come to life, with Shea Homes as the master homebuilder for the first neighborhoods in the Southwest Village. Along with the city center, two additional commercial districts will help to create upwards of 35,000 new jobs. Stay tuned as the future comes into view.

A more natural approach to urbanism. ridgegate.com

8 Elbert County News

LOCAL

June 11, 2020J

VOICES

Police and black folks — the swagger and disrespect must end

I

’m a 65-year-old black man, and I have literally spent most of my life doing everything possible to avoid encounters with police.

My mother warned me when I was about 12 to beware of the police because even though I was a good boy, I could be killed with impunity. I’d be just GUEST another dead black boy supposedly mixed COLUMN up in guns, drugs or gangs.

I wish I wasn’t afraid of the police. I have never had a cop live on my street. I’ve known only two law enforcement officers socially; one is a former FBI agent who Gregory L. Moore I met a decade ago and is a great guy, and the other is a black cop who I played street basketball with in the 1980s.

The vast majority of police never fire a weapon, but the bad deeds rightly get more attention because of the suffering.

As a journalist I did some of those stories. I wrote about suburban police officers using sap gloves to beat sus-

pects. I wrote about a white cop who shot and killed an unarmed black man, who was on his way home from a party. The police officer had numerous complaints against him and was known in the department as the “Orkin Man,” after a commercial for a pest-control company.

I’ve made it this far by being extremely careful. I’ve never hung out in bars, don’t lose my temper with authority figures, and haven’t had a fight since high school, all in an effort to avoid any dealings with the police.

Yet, I know the fear. I have been stopped at least 20 times by the police, fortunately without escalation.

Once I was stopped on an early Sunday morning as my family hurried to church. I was admittedly speeding. But you could feel the air being sucked in by my family as I pulled over and waited for the officer to approach.

I rolled down the window, careful to put both hands in plain view on the steering wheel. The officer asked me if I knew why he stopped me. I quickly offered that I was late for church and was probably over the speed limit.

He said yes sir, that was correct, took my license and registration and walked

to his cruiser. When he came back, he said he was giving me a warning.

Shocked, I said thank you. He leaned into my car and replied: “Despite what you think, my job is not to make your day worse.”

There have been other encounters like that. But there have been dark moments.

Returning from a concert with four black male college classmates in the 1970s, we were pulled over and ordered out of our car in the snow, some of us without our shoes or coats on, because we allegedly “fit the description” of robbery suspects. After standing in the cold for a half hour, we were let go after we checked out with no warrants.

Then, there was the time in the early 1990s when I was traveling with my family from Boston to Vermont to start vacation. We were driving along a deserted New Hampshire road around midnight when we passed a cop sitting at a closed gas station.

My wife and son were slumped down in the car asleep, but I immediately knew it was trouble when the cop car slowly rolled out behind me. After following me for a mile or so, the blue lights and siren came on. My wife

jumped up in her seat and asked what was going on. I told her I didn’t know.

I was driving the speed limit, so that couldn’t be it. The officer tapped on the window and brusquely asked for my license and registration. I calmly asked him what was the problem, but he silently stalked off as my 8-year-old son came to life in the backseat.

As my blood began to boil, my wife and kid pleaded with me to stay calm.

No other cars were on the road. After about 10 minutes, the officer came back and handed me my documents. My hands in plain view, I asked why he had stopped me. “You were driving too close to my vehicle,” he snapped.

I sat there for a moment fuming, letting him take off before me. I told my wife that he stopped me simply because he saw a black man and suspected I was a criminal only to be surprised to find a family.

Then, there was the time the cops showed up at my house in Golden. My wife was in the car with our two daughters, and when she buzzed herself into our gated street she noticed a police car pull in behind her.

SEE MOORE, P9

Not kidding at all — this dachshund is deep

“I

’ll take him,” a friend said.

A neighbor made the same offer.

If Harry outlives me, he’s covered and I will go contentedly to my urn.

What I didn’t tell them was that Harry’s services were QUIET obtained on a very specific schedule, and DESPERATION timed according to my life expectancy and a dachshund’s down to the hour.

If my calculations are correct, we should both slip into the unknown within hours of each other.

But if I calculated Craig Marshall wrong, and Harry’s meter is still running, Smith I wanted to be clear with these individuals that Harry has certain preferences, allergies and aversions.

Together we listen to cello on Sunday

mornings, generally Yo-Yo Ma, and more often than not his Bach suites, which are divine.

Harry can’t wait to go for car rides and road trips, but for some reason he refuses to go for walks. It’s something I have never seen before. Perhaps this will change as he ages.

By the way, Harry was born on October 23, 2017, in Bevier, Missouri.

He was advertised as a miniature but isn’t. By the time it was discovered, it was too late: We already had become best friends.

Like father, like son: he appreciates films, especially older ones. Nothing violent, and none of those moronic, epic, space-opera rhubarbs.

He never has and never will wear costumes or be referred to as a “wiener dog” or a “sausage dog” by me.

He will come with a tub of toys.

Right now, for unknown reasons, he seems to prefer stuffed replicas of Shari Lewis’ hand puppet Lamb Chop, which Harry unstuffs after giving them a good thrashing.

JERRY HEALEY President

A publication of

750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: ElbertCountyNews.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

Again, perhaps this will no longer be true when he is in his teens.

Have you ever wanted to hold on to someone in time, and not let him age?

This is my fourth and final dachshund. Knowing that, I look at him with admiration and appreciation each day.

We bunk together; he hogs.

We are rarely separated and when we are I can’t wait to see him. It’s mutual.

Anyone who has been welcomed home by their dog knows what this means.

As for allergies, he has a few, as well as some strong dislikes.

He had a reaction to something in our home or environment that resulted in little scab-like bumps on his otherwise impeccable torso.

Lab work showed he is allergic to oats and corn. We had been having midnight snacks of a Kashi oat cereal.

He disfavors rap and considers it an abomination. Imagine that.

He thinks “graffiti art” is an oxymoron. Imagine that.

He covers his ears when anyone starts to preach or proselytize.

DAVID L. THOMPSON Marketing Consultant

We both believe in leashed dogs.

Seems others don’t always: There was a bloody incident right across the street, and we heard about something that happened in Central Park not too long ago.

I insist no one try to pet him when we’re out together. People think that cute dogs are innately good-natured.

Dachshunds were bred to hunt tunneling animals, specifically badgers.

Lately I have been donating and giving away things I have been holding on to for years. My college camera, for example.

A Nikkormat “tank,” that I took everywhere with me until digital cameras the size of a pack of cigarettes came along.

Parting with objects enveloped in memories is not as difficult as I thought it would be.

If, however, my calculations are wrong and Harry takes the off-ramp before I do, there will be a rhythm of darkness over me.

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

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

dthompson@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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

MARK HARDEN Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

We welcome letters to the editor. Please Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

mharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100) A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday

by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110.

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Elbert County News, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Elbert County News 9

June 11, 2020

O

Watch out for fraud connected to legitimate COVID-19 fears

ver the past several months, our country and others around the world have pulled inward, slowed down, and taken a more conservative pace amidst the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. GUEST Yet, scammers are COLUMN showing their ugly faces by turning up the volume and initiating aggressive campaigns to commit fraud using a broad range of scams.

Fraud does not discriminate. Anyone can be the victim of Jamie Sorrells fraud. The elderly, the young, individuals and businesses. Our country and other world economies are facing challenging economic, financial and health-related

MOORE FROM PAGE 8

She assumed they were heading to a neighbor’s house, but they pulled into our driveway and asked for her brother, who was living with us at the time. He is the nicest guy and has never been in trouble.

But apparently he had gotten into a verbal altercation with a white guy after he rolled through a roundabout and cut him off as they both turned into a gas station. The enraged white guy berated him, and my brother-in-law gave it back to him. As they both pumped their gas, the guy threatened to call the cops. My brother-in-law said go ahead, got into his car and headed home.

It’s mind boggling that two cops showed up at our house simply based on the word of a white guy over a minor traffic dispute. No witnesses, no physical altercation, no evidence of a crime.

After my wife in a tense exchange demanded the officers get off of our property as she held her brother in the garage, they finally left. Incredibly, he was issued a court summons, which was withdrawn after I called the police chief to object. It is the only time I have ever mentioned my position as editor during a personal complaint.

We were outraged and have no doubt that my brother-in-law would have been face down in our driveway or worse had he stepped outside of that garage. And for what?

Watching the life ebb from George Floyd on TV brought these memories flooding back. I literally said that could have been me under that officer’s knee.

And very few of my white friends can honestly say they had that feeling.

That speaks volumes. Over the years, I have had many discussions with white colleagues and friends about the police, and it’s clear that we live in different worlds.

They have run from police, driven off from traffic stops, and flung clipboards handed to them across highways without any repercussions. I can’t imagine a black person getting away with that.

Maybe that’s because for many whites they know cops as fathers, brothers,

hardships. Such hardships are the catalyst of uncertainty, scarcity and fear. Anxiety is showing itself on one level or another. During moments of crisis, emotions begin to override the logical insights we carry and leverage, especially when we are desperate for answers and solutions. Scammers feed off our fears and try to take advantage of the pain points in life.

As usual, the majority of fraudulent activity and source of complaints take place through robocalls, fake text messages, emails and online purchases.

Most of the circulating text messages and emails carry a COVID-19 theme, but they are nothing more than basic phishing schemes, which are a fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information such as user names, passwords, and credit card details.

Scammers reach out electronically to entice consumers to simply click on a link or open an attachment in order cousins, friends and neighbors.

We, however, know them as a swaggering, disrespectful, and threatening presence.

The history of the police and black people dates back to the slave catchers and overseers. A lot of police officers in our country come to the job generationally with stereotypes and disdain toward black people that has been handed down from the old days.

Whether they want to admit it or not, it is part of the DNA of the profession, and it really doesn’t matter what color the person is who wears the uniform.

Those attitudes are ingrained in the culture.

So to fix the problem the culture has to be changed, which is no easy feat. We have had black police chiefs, and that has not made much of a difference. To change the culture you have to send police officers who murder innocent civilians to prison, plain and simple.

Police officers who abuse their power have to be held accountable, just like in any other profession. A clerk miscounts the money, they get fired.

A journalist makes big mistakes, they get dismissed. You’re sitting in the car when a companion robs a store, you go down, too.

The argument that we ask police to risk their lives and make split decisions is no excuse for them being wrong when making life-and-death decisions.

They should have a higher standard to be right when using lethal force, not a lower one.

Reforming policing in America will require changing their culture, reinventing their training and unerring accountability.

I’m exhausted watching black men die at the hands of police. I hate seeing the fear in my daughters’ eyes from knowing I could die, begging for air, under the knee of a police officer.

I don’t hate cops. I fear them. But I’m about to turn 66 years old, and I’d like to exhale for a change.

Gregory L. Moore was the editor of The Denver Post from 2002 to 2016. This column was first published by The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. Used by permission. For more, visit coloradosun.com.

to access and harvest their personal information.

Anxiety and emotions are running high during the current pandemic.

Emails are hitting personal inboxes promising vaccines, treatments and products relating to the coronavirus.

The email recipient is then directed to click on a link to a website where their information is obtained and compromised. These emails ask for credit card information for products and services, which often never arrive.

Keep in mind, there are no current vaccines or treatments. If the solicitation is for a product or service, be careful. If truly interested, then research the company or organization on your own. Visit secure and official websites independently, not through the embedded links. Confirm the sender’s identity. Look for typos and inaccuracies. While not all, many online messages and entities relating

to COVID-19 are fake.

In addition, government agencies such as the IRS and Social Security Administration will never call, text or email you. These agencies will reach out to you through the mail, even during COVID-19. No legitimate agency will ask you to pay anything for your stimulus check nor will they contact via phone, text or email demanding that you provide sensitive personal or financial information.

Finally, there has been a recent surge in the number of charitable and co-funding entities, particularly around the coronavirus. Many are fraudulent, illegitimate and nonexistent. Do your homework. Research.

Is the entity legitimate? Do not feel rushed. This is your money. Do not send cash in the mail, gift cards, wire money or Bitcoin.

SEE SORRELLS, P13

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

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

June 11, 2020J

LIFE

Residents are finding creative ways to date during the pandemic

BY JOSEPH RIOS JRIOS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

ownsend Wenzler of Arvada is just getting used to his new home.

Wenzler, 23, moved out to Colorado from Arkansas last August, and he came only knowing some family members and friends who live in the state.

And as COVID-19 closed social places where Wenzler would go to look to find people to date, he and other residents throughout the Denver metro area turned to dating apps like Hinge, Bumble and Tinder to meet other people.

“I don’t think it’s anything crazy, it’s just how it is, and young people are young and dumb and going insane and just wanting to branch out and meet each other. It’s impossible without the bars, so thank God for dating apps,” said Wenzler.

Since mid-March, mobile dating apps like Tinder and Bumble, where users swipe through a feed of profiles to see who is interested in them, have seen an uptick in use.

BBC reported that on March 29, Tinder users made 3 billion swipes worldwide — a record for the app.

Other apps like Bumble reported that it saw a 16% increase in messages sent during the week ending on May 1 as opposed to the week ending on March 13. Bumble also has a voice call and video chat feature and reported that it saw a near 70% increase in video calls during the week ending on May 1 in comparison to the week ending on March 13.

Wenzler had a date over to his home that he met on Tinder to cook her dinner during the pandemic. He said he thinks people are bored, and because

Townsend Wenzler swipes through the Bumble dating app outside his Arvada home on June 4. Dating apps like Bumble have reported that they have seen more users since the pandemic started. of that, he believes residents his age aren’t afraid to forgo social distancing recommendations.

“Half of you wants to social distance, while the other part of you is going insane. I had more suc-

Weekly Carrier Routes Available Castle Rock & Parker Areas

• Part-time hours • Adaptable route sizes • No suit & tie required!

Previous carrier experience encouraged; reliable vehicle and email access, required. no telephone inquiries - but

email us at:

snevins@coloradocommunitymedia.com

cess (dating) toward the end of (the stay-at-home order) just because initially, people were more freaked out and less willing to go on dates with people they didn’t know,” said Wenzler.

A different way of meeting people Meredith Gerdes of Denver also uses Bumble to meet other people for dating. She believes residents who are looking to date are realizing how dependent they are on bars and restaurants to meet someone.

“The important message to bring across is no one is meeting anyone in a normal setting,” she said.

Gerdes said dating during the pandemic is restoring a safer environment for women to meet men. She said before the pandemic, some of her friends would go over to men’s houses after their only interactions were on Bumble.

“Rather than meeting someone with dimmed lights and alcohol at a restaurant or bar, you’re meeting in the park in broad daylight. It’s kind of cool because you are forced to be put into a

JOSEPH RIOS

different environment, so therefore, it could almost change the dynamic for whatever the relationship might be,” Gerdes said.

Gerdes has gone on a date to a park with a man who she met on Bumble during the COVID-19 era. She also added that before the pandemic, she met a man on Bumble who was visiting from San Diego, and although he is back in California, the two have been Facetiming and getting to know each other more.

“I am abiding to social distancing, and it has helped me learn more about myself. I feel good coming out of this knowing what I want and getting to learn more about myself,” said Gerdes. “I think COVID-19 has enabled (residents) to get to know each other more.”

Forming a new relationship during the pandemic Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sam Whitley met his now girlfriend Chelsea Benavides through a friend.

SEE DATING, P11

Elbert County News 11

June 11, 2020

DATING FROM PAGE 10

The two went out together to a restaurant, hit it off and decided they wanted to go out together again.

But COVID-19 forced restaurants to close, so Whitley and Benavides ordered take-out food and ate together at a park.

“After our second date, we decided to do social distance dating because we wanted to be cautious with what’s going and be safe. For a good while, we didn’t see each other at all,” said Whitley.

Wanting to still keep the connection with Benavides, Whitley dropped off a care package to her that included ice cream and dinner.

After that, the two spent time video chatting and did online tours of places like Machu Picchu — while still keeping a distance from each other.

Whitley said his big idea was to set up a projector in his driveway with a screen. Benavides sat in her car on Whitley’s driveway, and he sat outside of it and kept a distance as the two watched a movie together.

“I think my mentality was trying to figure out what I would do on a typical date and how I can modify it so that we can still do a date like a typical one in a way to still social distance,” he said.

Whitley said dating during the pandemic has been a crazy time, but it has forced him to think outside the

Dating and relationship tips

box in terms of setting up dates with Benavides. He added that it has been worth it, because he has had a great time with her.

“I feel like it allowed us to connect, and it caused us to have deeper conversations. It was a time to spend at a park or watch the sunset and catch up on each other’s days and to get to know each other and what our lives are like,” said Whitley. “It was really nice to be able to connect, and because there was so much other stuff going on, we really got to know each other. I really appreciate that.”

THOMAS DECO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

STEVENS ESTATE ONLINE ONLY RANCH & ANTIQUE AUCTION

6233 Crowfoot Valley Rd, Parker, CO Bidding begins June 11, 2020 and ends Thursday, June 18, 2020 beginning at 5:00 p.m.

PREVIEW: Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with Jana Thomas 970580-2508 PICKUP OF ITEMS: At the ranch 6233 Crowfoot Valley Rd, Parker, CO on Friday, June 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 20th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Go to www.michaelauction.com and click on “Click Here for Our Current Online Auctions.”

You will then click on “Register to Bid” and follow the directions.

IREA has purchased thirty $100 gift cards good at Parker-area restaurants and will award them randomly to donors who give blood at Vitalant’s Parker donation center in June.

Visit irea.coop for more info, and vitalant.org to schedule an appointment to donate.

SELLING: 500 lots including 1996 Chevy Silverado 1500 ext cab 4wd pickup, 117,000 miles; 1976 gooseneck 24’ tandem axle 5th wheel trlr w/dove tail & ramps; Big Valley Squeeze chute; skid steer attachments; shop tools & equipment; saddles & lg amt of tack; lg amt of old spurs; cowboy memorabilia; Russell & Remington framed prints; lg selection of good roping ropes; household furniture; antique furniture; appliances; Gibson elec & acoustic guitars; banjo.

Richard’s spur, cowboy collectible and antique auction will be happening this summer when permitted at live auction.

Catalog, pictures and bidding at michaelauction.hibid.com

MICHAEL AUCTION SERVICE Lloyd Michael, Jr. – Julesburg, CO

970-520-0023 | www.michaelauction.com

12 Elbert County News

June 11, 2020J

Mustangs coach is raring to go Football squad should be contender if season gets to leave gate

Quarterback Jack Hanenburg greets head coach Jaron Cohen during a game last season.

Hanenburg will be a senior and three-year starter for the Mustangs.

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ponderosa High School football coach Jaron Cohen is anxious about the potential upcoming football season even though he hasn’t been able to have any in-person contact with his players.

Guidelines from the Douglas County School District and the Colorado High School Activities Association prevent any in-person contact between players and coaches for at least the time being.

“We haven’t been able to talk to any of our kids since March 13,” recalled Cohen. “We had some Hudl messages and some Zoom meetings to check on them and give them some tasks they could voluntarily do on their own.

They were on a virtual workout schedule. The kids are free to go to personal trainers if they want to, but the main thing Douglas County has said is that no Douglas County coach can be with them.”

The guidelines are necessary but hard to handle, says the Parker school’s coach.

“It does make it a little tougher, but we’ve had a few staff meetings,” added

COURTESY PHOTO

Cohen. “We’ve just said we know we can’t be around the players. When we know we can practice, then we’ll have to hammer out everything, and I’m confident in our staff ’s ability to get us ready for that first game, whenever that day might be. We’re staying positive and flexible.

“It’s frustrating, and part of the reason why you coach is that you love the camaraderie of your staff and your players, the teamwork and the community service projects we do in the summer. That’s all kind of been put on hold, but you can only control what you can control.”

So Cohen and the Ponderosa players are playing a waiting game to see when practices might open and games might begin.

“As of now there’s been talk of a season on time,” said Cohen.

SEE MUSTANGS, P13

Elbert County News 13

June 11, 2020

FROM PAGE 9

Never give confidential information.

Scammers like your fears.

In summary, everyone is subject to fraud. White-collar crimes. These frauds are NOT about intelligence.

They are more about how these criminals get around people’s intelligence.

Scammers do not want you thinking or deciding. They will push you and will try to get you to switch off the logical side of your brain. Scammers feed off your emotions, your fears, and during times of uncertainty.

COVID-19 is impacting all of us on one level or another. Many individuals and businesses are facing economic and financial uncertainty. There is scarcity. What a perfect playground for fraudulent activity. Whether tomorrow or just a few years from now, there will be a different theme. Through it all, same old scams. As a consumer, you can feel empowered to recognize,

MUSTANGS FROM PAGE 12

“There’s been talk about a delayed season and I know some states are exploring flip-flopping fall and spring sports based on what they decide the risk is. To me, that’s not ideal, but if that’s what we have to do, that’s what we have to do. You kind of feel like the CHSAA was getting hit a little unfairly when spring sports were canceled because this whole thing went from zero to 100 in a week.

“They are working on some alternatives and that took some of my anxiety away. A lot has been put on our senior leaders to stay on their teammates about staying ready. I’m not worried at all about our kids staying ready.”

Pondo has gone 37-10 the past five seasons after Cohen started his Mustangs’ coaching record with a 5-6 record in 2014. Cohen, who has also

deflect and refuse fraud. Though never absolute, we have the ability to minimize the impact of fraud upon ourselves and those close to us.

Stay alert to the variety of activities related to COVID-19, familiarize yourself with these scams and how they work. Your best defense is to stay informed and to report fraud to the FBI, FTC and to your local law enforcement agencies. Support fraud prevention.

Jamie Sorrells is the director of Consumer Fraud Protection for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which proudly serves Douglas, Arapahoe, Elbert and Lincoln counties.

For additional resources, questions, speaking engagements, or to report an incidence of consumer fraud, please reach out to consumer@da18.state.co.us or call the Consumer Fraud Protection Hotline at (720) 874-8547. This column is hosted by the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County. For more information, please visit www.MyDougCoSeniorLife. com, email DCSeniorLife@douglas. co.us or call 303-663-7681.

been the head coach at Liberty and Aurora Hinkley, might have one of his best Ponderosa teams if the 2020 season does commence.

“We return a ton of players that will be three-year starters,” said Cohen. “We’ve been back-to-back league champs and been to the state semifinals and quarters the past two years. Those teams were actually young. When we have a season, we’re bringing back a three-year starter at quarterback, running back, receiver, a couple linemen and linebackers so we should be real tough.

“It’s not like we’ve been a 4-6 team.

Now we have a three-year starter at QB (Jack Hanenburg) and we’ve won 18 games the past two years. We’re bringing back 16 starters. Obviously the goal every year is to win league, win state and play to our potential.

This year I do feel we have a team that is as talented as we’ve had. There’s room for improvement in the playoffs.

We’re excited to get rolling.”

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

SORRELLS

THANKS for

PLAYING!

14 Elbert County News

June 11, 2020J

PARKS

tancing, pick up after their dogs and keep dogs on a leash. No motorized vehicles are permitted.

FROM PAGE 1

Dragonfly Pond at Evans Park Anglers can spend the day fishing at Dragonfly Pond, which is stocked with trout annually, including 200 added this month. Those lucky enough to catch a “big one” are allowed to keep it, as long as it meets state guidelines in size. Anglers must also have a valid fishing license, and are asked to respect social distancing with other anglers.

safe social distancing procedures with others while recreating at the parks or hiking on the trails.

The district has been working hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, while many residents were staying at home whenever possible. The district has added some new amenities during the “stay-at-home” phase of the pandemic, and Cook said they are excited for residents to come out and see what’s new in their parks.

New half-pipe at skate park The skate park at Evans Park has a new addition, in the form of a halfpipe for skateboarders. The ramp is open for use, although a few finishing touches such as caulking and paint need to be applied. The half-pipe offers a 5-foot drop-in, as well as an elevated 7-foot drop-in. It measure 30 feet long by 16 feet wide to offer skaters of all skill levels an exciting experience.

Splash pad is open — reservations required The splash pad at Evans park just opened last year, but quickly became a favorite hangout for parents and kids as a free source of entertainment. Due to the pandemic, the splash pad is currently available by reservation only.

Families can reserve the pad for one hour for $15, and families who cannot afford the fee can apply for a fee waiver. Reservations are required un-

5-year old Stihl Wilson gets a dunking while playing at the splash pad at Evans Park.

The splash pad is currently open by reservation only, but district officials hope it will soon open to the public.

PHOTO BY TABATHA STEWART til June 15 for now, but Mike Barney, director of operations for the district, hopes it will be open to the public again soon.

“We’ve worked with the health department, and right now we are only allowing reserved groups in to the splash pad,” said Barney. “Things change so quickly, so we’re hoping after the 15th we’ll know more about opening it up completely.”

For splash pad reservations, go online to www.elizabethpr.com.

91 acres offer new trail at Casey Jones Park The district recently acquired 91 acres surrounding the arena at Casey Jones Park. The trail is available for hikers, dog-walking, cyclists and horseback riding. It is accessed from the parking lot of the arena, and the 30-minute hike is relatively easy and winds through acres of trees, with plenty of shade and a bench for relaxing and taking in the scenery. Hikers are encouraged to respect social dis-

Programs and special events The Elizabeth Stampede and the annual Celtic Festival have both been canceled for 2020, as well as youth baseball and softball leagues for the summer. The district will be offering small group baseball clinics for rookies and T-ball players. Clinics are limited to six participants and will focus on individual skill development.

They are also assessing similar program opportunities for older youths, but don’t have anything planned yet. It is unlikely that the district will be able to offer adult softball this summer, and fall sports programs may also be canceled. For updates to summer programs visit www.elizabethpr.com.

“Our employees have done a phenomenal job taking care of the trails and facilities, so residents can take advantage of them during the summer months,” said Cook. “We are looking forward to a great summer, and getting people outside and active again.”

Classifieds

Classifieds Carpet/Flooring

Electricians

B&W Electric, LLC

Licensed and Insured.

Residential or Commercial Ask about our Senior Citizen and/or Veteran discounts.

Call (720) 925-1241 Garage Doors Concrete/Paving

TLLC Concrete

FOR ALL YOUR GARAGE DOOR NEEDS!

Advertise: 303-566-4100

Handyman

ONE WAY

• Roofing

General Repairs Licensed General Contractor

• Gutters

HANDYMAN

303-805-7800

In business in Colorado 25 years We accept all major credit cards.

Specialize in barn floors, Driveways, Remove and replacement

• Siding • Insurance Claims

303-805-7800

www.1wayroofer.com In business in Colorado 25 Years We Accept All Major Credit Cards

Lawn/Garden Services

LIKE US on FACEBOOK

Tile

ANYTHING TILE

Ty Barrett

303-646-2355

Roofing/Gutters

• Springs, Repairs • New Doors and Openers • Barn and Arena Doors • Locally-Owned & Operated • Tom Martino’s Referral List 10 Yrs • BBB Gold Star Member Since 2002

Any job over 400 SF give us a call!

● Marble ● Repairs ● Granite Counter Tops Alpine Landscape Management

Weekly Mowing, Aerate, Fertilize, Spring Clean Up, Power Raking, Trim Bushes & Small Trees, Senior Discounts

Remodeling is my specialty!

Call now for free estimate

(303) 646-0140

720-329-9732

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

303-974-7404

www.mikesgaragedoors.com

Please Recycle this Publication when Finished

ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Elbert County News 15

June 11, 2020

RESTAURANTS FROM PAGE 1

supportive over the past couple of months, and the reopening of the restaurant has brought in more business that years past.

“We are so happy to be open again,” said Burmaster. “The takeout we’ve been doing for the past couple of months went way better than we thought it would. Our community banded together and have been very supportive and wonderful to our staff.

Now, things are a little different than before, but for the most part everyone seems to be doing OK with the new changes.”

Patty Ann’s has a normal indoor capacity of about 95 patrons, with a large patio outside that allows for about 40 additional patrons. Under the second-phase “Safer at Home” guidelines, the cafe is limited to approximately 50 patrons inside. The cafe is a regular gathering place for some residents in the county, and according to Burmaster, customers are happy to have a place to gather once again.

“We pride ourselves on being familyfriendly, so normally when you walk in the door it’s been a `seat yourself ’ arrangement,” said Burmaster. “Now you have to wait at the front, and send one person from your party in to let us know how many are in your party, if you prefer a booth or a table. A few regulars have sat at the same table or booth for years, and it’s been a little hard for them to adjust and wait while we take time to clean the tables, or have to seat them somewhere else because of capacity requirements. But everyone has been respectful.”

Reopening day was successful, and there was a short wait time to be seated, which wasn’t often the case preCOVID-19. Burmaster said business

Patty Ann’s Café in Kiowa.

GOOGLE MAPS STREET VIEW

has been steady, but not overwhelming.

“We’re beating last year’s numbers,” said Burmaster. “I don’t know why, I can’t explain it. We’re not being overwhelmed but we’re doing very well.”

Bill Phillips, who owns Billy’s Burgers in Simla, opened his restaurant in January of 2020, only to have to close his doors and offer only takeout March 16, when Governor Jared Polis ordered non-essential businesses, including restaurants to close their doors temporarily to help flatten the curve of the Coronavirus. He echoes Burmaster’s sentiment, and said community members have helped his business stay afloat over the past two months.

“A lot of people in the community have been supporting us and we’ve been staying afloat,” said Phillips. “I

only have 28 seats, and we’ve had to cut that in half when we reopened in order to keep seats six feet apart.”

Unfortunately, Phillips doesn’t have any room or opportunity to expand his business outside, as many restaurants in Colorado are doing. His capacity is restricted to indoor space only, which includes small tables that seat three people, with one larger table that seats six.

In addition to providing burgers and hot dogs for residents of Simla, Billy’s Burgers also serves as a fundraising entity for the Dakota Ranch Dog Rescue, a 501(c)(3) located in Matheson that rescues large breed dogs. Phillips, an electrical contractor by trade, opened Billy’s Burgers as a way to raise money for the more than 200 pounds of dog food each day that is

necessary to feed rescue dogs.

“I’ve divided the restaurant in half.

One half is dog-oriented and the other half is military-oriented,” said Phillips. “I’m passionate about helping dogs and veterans, and whenever we can, we set wounded warriors, and those suffering from PTSD, up with rescue dogs. When the COVID hit, naturally things really slowed down, but our customers and people in the community have stepped up and helped us keep going.”

The Colorado Safer at Home phase has been extended until July 1, and while some counties, including Elbert County, have applied for variances from the state to open some businesses sooner, there is no date given for when restaurants might be able to open at full capacity.

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Misc. Private Legals PUBLIC NOTICE SCHOOL DISTRICT RECORDS The East Central BOCES Member School Districts keep records on each student to use in the instruction and guidance of each student. The records contain information about the student and his/her education, including attendance, achievement, aptitude, description, assessment and progress. Parents of students under 18 and eligible students have the right to review these records.

Student records are kept in the school building the student attends. If records are not kept in the school the student attends, this will be noted by the person in charge of records in the building.

The principal is responsible for maintenance of student records in each building.

To review a student’s records, the parent(s) of

students under 18 or the eligible student should contact the records custodian. The records will be shown to you as soon as possible and in no case more than three days after the request. If you desire a copy of the educational record, a charge of 10 cents per copy may be charged, unless this fee prohibits your access. The records will be explained to you at your request.

Parents of eligible students may question the content of the records. Any other access to student records will only be allowed if written consent is obtained, upon court order or by any legally issued subpoena.

Student records are reviewed and inappropriate material removed periodically. Those records not of permanent importance must be destroyed at the parents request after graduation or when the student stops attending permanently. Parents of students with disabilities or eligible students will be notified before any personally identifiable information is removed from a record and destroyed.

A record of those persons reviewing the records will be kept by the records custodian and can be reviewed by the parent or eligible student.

A school official may release directory type infor-

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

mation to the public. To prevent the public release of such information, a parent or eligible student must file a written objection with the records custodian within ten days after receiving this notice.

For more detailed information about records, procedures and policies or to file a complaint, contact the local school district administrator, the East Central BOCES Executive Director or the Special Education Director. Letters may be addressed to: Jason Westfall, Executive Director, East Central BOCES, P. O. Box 910, Limon, CO 80828. Unresolved complaints can be appealed using the established appeals process.

The East Central BOCES member schools are: Bennett, Strasburg, Byers, Deer Trail, Agate, Woodlin, Arickaree, Limon, Genoa-Hugo, Karval, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Cheyenne Wells, ArribaFlagler, Hi-Plains, Stratton, Bethune, Burlington, Idalia, & Liberty.

Legal Notice No. 244381 First Publication: June 11, 2020 Last Publication: June 18, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Paul M. Donaldson, Deceased Case Number: 2020PR30006 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before October 13, 2020, or the claims may be forever barred.

Hal R. Blanchard, #1305 Attorney to the Personal Representative 400 S. Colorado Boulevard, Suite 590 Denver, CO 80246 Legal Notice No. 244382 First Publication: June 11, 2020 Last Publication: June 25, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of AMANDA MARIE RING, a/k/a AMANDA M. RING, a/k/a AMANDA RING, Deceased Case No.: 2020PR30010

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the undersigned or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before October 2, 2020 or said claims may be forever barred.

Barbara A. Ring Personal Representative P.O. Box 1000, Elbert, CO 80106 (303) 648-3135 Legal Notice No.: 244373 First Publication: May 28, 2020 Last Publication: June 11, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News ###

Elbert County Legals 6.11.20 * 1

16 Elbert County News

June 11, 2020J

Big Hearts in Littleton Food Drive

Now Open!

Saturday, June 13 & June 20 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

We have some big hearts in Littleton!

The residents at Sky Pointe Retirement Resort invite the community to donate shelf-stable foods to benefit our local food banks! Join us June 13 and 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for our Saturday Celebration of Life.

Bring your donation and enjoy complimentary refreshments! Donations will be accepted any time between June 13-20.

At Sky Pointe, we offer more than just a community we offer worry-free independent retirement living.

We take care of everything with one monthly price and no buy-in fee, so you can enjoy the good things in life.

Sky Pointe

Call today to learn more and schedule a private or virtual tour:

720-259-0034

5842 S. Taft St.  Littleton, CO 80127 SkyPointeRetirement.com

Y L T C E F R E P & R E D N TERANTEED DELICIOUS GUA

RSES 20 MAIN COUSE RT GET THE GRILLER’S BUNDLE

INTRODUCTORY PRICE:

$

Taller, thicker steaks, expertly hand-cut.

Double-trimmed for 100% flawless bites.

4 (5 oz.) Butcher’s Cut Filet Mignon 4 (4 oz.) Boneless Pork Chops 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers 4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Jumbo Franks 4 (2.8 oz.) Potatoes au Gratin 4 (4 oz.) Caramel Apple Tartlets Omaha Steaks Seasoning Packet

Aged 21 days for the most tenderness.

$224.91* separately

TRY THE EXCLUSIVE OMAHA STEAKS

BUTCHER’S CUT FILET MIGNON

THE BEST STEAKS OF YOUR LIFE OR

YOUR MONEY BACK

7999

+ SIDES & DES

+ 4 MORE BURGERS

FREE

com/family254

s.

25 | OmahaSteak 5 .6 9 9 .2 3 3 8 1. ow Order N Bundle 63281DCB Ask for the Griller’s

*Savings shown over aggregated single item base price. Limit 2.

Free burgers will be sent to each shipping address that includes (63281). Standard S&H added per address. Not valid with other offers. Expires 10/31/20. All purchases subject to Omaha Steaks, Inc. Terms of Use & Privacy Policy: omahasteaks.com/terms-of-useOSI and omahasteaks .com/info/privacy-policy or call 1-800-228-9872. Photos exemplary of product advertised.