Elbert County News 0628

75 CENTS

June 28, 2018

Winners Guide

INSIDE!

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

Settlement ends library district’s suit against county The Blazing Saddles Drill team executed a pinwheel formation during one of its recent performances. Blazing Saddles is the official drill team of the Elizabeth Stampede and performed at the June 1, 2 and 3 rodeos.

PHOTOS BY TOM MUNDS

Team’s precision result of hard work Blazing Saddles drill team performs at area rodeos

BY TOM MUNDS TMUNDS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

T

he gates swing open and members of the Blazing Saddles Equestrian Drill Team come into the arena at a gallop and keep that pace through all their drills as they perform at a number of area rodeos, parades and shows.

The 24-member team’s performance isn’t always the same. At the May 19 Elizabeth Community Rodeo, their performance included galloping into the arena in single file and forming into pinwheels before forming a double line for the rider carrying the American flag.

SEE TEAM, P4

Members of the Blazing Saddles Drill Team gallop into the arena during one of their performances as part of the June 1 Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo. Most of the 24 members of the team are Elbert County residents and the team performs at a number of rodeos and rides in parades at areas around the state.

Parties have entered into an intergovernmental agreement STAFF REPORT

A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit filed by Pines and Plains Libraries against the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners.

A key part of the settlement is the creation of an intergovernmental agreement between the two entities.

Elbert County’s library district filed the lawsuit in January in opposition to a policy adopted by the board of commissioners a month earlier. That policy sought to “control the qualifications, appointment, tenure and termination of the lbrary district’s board of trustees,” library officials stated at the time.

The district argued that the Colorado Library Law places those subjects beyond the authority of the board of county commissioners.

“The Trustee selection process required in the Policy is contrary to the Library Law,” stated the complaint, which was filed in district court in Kiowa. “The BOCC’s sole authority under the Library Law is to ratify or reject a candidate recommended to the Board.”

County commissioners contend the policy did not place restrictions on whom the library trustees could nominate.

SEE SETTLEMENT, P13

THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL

“We are not kicking (Paxton Lynch) to the curb. He can still develop.”

John Elway, Broncos general manager | PAGE 16 INSIDE

CALENDAR: PAGE 8 | VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 15 | SPORTS: PAGE 16

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 123 | ISSUE 22

2 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

Colorado politicians react to family separations

Examining claims about policy

White House rolled out, then halted, policy of separating children

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Images of children in large cages created by chain-link metal fencing and a former Walmartturned-migrant shelter near the U.S. border with Mexico have turned attention to the Trump administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy toward illegal entry into the country in recent weeks.

But the administration reversed course — to an extent — with a June 20 executive order that aims to detain and hold migrant families together, instead of separating children from their families during the process.

In the days leading up to that shift, a growing chorus of critics including Republican lawmakers decried the policy.

“We support the administration’s efforts to enforce our immigration laws, but we cannot support implementation of a policy that results in the categorical forced separation of minor children from their parents,” said a letter written by 13 Republican senators, including Colorado’s Cory Gardner, a Republican from Yuma, that was addressed to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and released June 19.

But with more than 2,300 children already separated from families in May and early June, the ripple effects — for families, Congress and the White House — will likely continue to reverberate.

The practice began in April, when Sessions announced a zerotolerance policy to prosecute as many border-crossing offenses as possible, national outlets reported.

As a result, virtually all adults

DeGette

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Bennet

Hickenlooper Gardner

this immoral policy. Yet the president and his administration continue to perpetuate falsehoods and blame others for their own cruelty,” said U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Denver, in a statement.

• “Tearing children from the arms of parents and then isolating them alone is antithetical to the America I grew up in, and to the America that I have many times fought to defend,” said U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman, a Republican from Aurora, in a tweeted statement.

“This isn’t who we are.”

• “Enough is enough. (Homeland Security) Secretary Nielsen should resign or be fired from her post,” U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Denver Democrat, said in a news release. “She has overseen an unprecedented humanitarian crisis ripping away thousands of young children from their parents without a clear path to reunification.”

• “Despite days of lies and misdirection, it is clear President Trump had the authority to stop these inhumane practices all along,” said U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, a Democrat from Arvada, in a statement.

• The Trump administration’s “practice of separating children from their parents when arriving at the southern border is offensive to our core values as Coloradans and as a country,” an executive order signed June 18 by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper said. The order bars Colorado from using state resources to separate children from their parents or legal guardians on the sole ground of immigration status.

crossing the border are subject to criminal prosecution, with their children taken and placed in shelters. One such location is a former Walmart in Brownsville, Texas, with dorm-style bedrooms. It houses about 1,500 boys and had to act to expand its capacity in recent weeks, national outlets reported.

A detention facility in nearby McAllen, Texas, one of the places where families are held together initially, uses a series of large chain-link cages where groups of people sit in areas with small mats and large foil sheets for blankets, the Associated Press reported.

Some migrants at certain entry points along the border can attempt to seek asylum — legal status for people who have been persecuted or fear persecution based on race or other characteristics — but even some asylum-seekers have been turned away and told facilities are too full for them, several outlets have reported.

About 500 of the more than 2,300 children separated from families have been reunited, a Trump administration official told the Associated Press June 22, but it was unclear what the ongoing process to reunite families would be. A government hotline was set up to help parents locate children, but lawyers said some parents have been deported without their children, the New York Times reported June 17.

Meanwhile, Colorado’s lawmakers and governor have weighed in on the policy: • “Americans of all political stripes have spoken out against

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Visit CopperColorado.com for a complete list of summer events.

Elbert County News 3

June 28, 2018

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4 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

FROM PAGE 1

Blazing Saddles is the official drill team of the Elizabeth Stampede and they ride for each performance. At the June 1 performance of the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo, they galloped into the arena in a single line as each rider carried flags identifying the rodeo sponsors. The next day they rode in the Elizabeth Stampede Parade.

Currently there are 24 riders on the team. The team is open to boys and girls but there are no boys on the team at this time. The youngest rider is 12 and the oldest is 22. Each rider owns, trains and transports her horse.

Fun prompted sign-up Blazing Saddles rider Maddie Garner said her cousin was riding with the team and it looked like fun so she decided to sign up about three years ago.

“I enjoy riding horses so I signed up for the team,” she said. “I knew it would be fun but it also required that I spent the time working to train my horse to get used to being in formation with other horses.”

The 16-year-old Elizabeth

‘My parents are definitely a part of our team. We travel to a number of rodeos and my parents drive and tow the horse trailer to each event for me.’

Maddie Garner, Blazing Saddles rider

High School student said both she and her horse had to learn to ride on the team.

She worked training her horse, Johnny, to ride with other horses in formation.

She said in team practices she learned the drills and at the same time she and Johnny got used to galloping through the drills in formation.

“It also took some practice for me to get used to riding the horse at a gallop carrying a flag,” she said. “It also took time getting to know all my teammates, how they ride and to know the drills so you always know where the other riders are and where you need to be.”

She said Blazing Saddles also is part of High Plains Horse Club that provides families a chance to ride and

take part in parades. Garner also said the team is one big family that includes the riders, their parents and their sibling.

“My parents are definitely a part of our team. We travel to a number of rodeos and my parents drive and tow the horse trailer to each event for me,” she said. “I try to ride every day and we usually practice once a week.

Now we are the official drill team for the Elizabeth Stampede so we have been practicing twice a week lately to get ready for the Stampede performances.”

Rodeo led to formation Blazing Saddles coach Cindy Adams said the team was formed in about 2006 when a group of riders competing in Little Britches Rodeo wanted

to form their own drill team. “I helped them put the team together,” she said.

“We worked together and developed a simple routine to carry flags and escort a rider carrying an American flag into the arena for the national anthem.”

She said a performance consists of high-speed precision movements on horseback to music. She also said coaching a horseback riding drill team doesn’t come without its challenges “Each rider is different and so is each horse,” the coach said. “You position the riders to where they best fit and are comfortable with their position in the formation. Some horses are faster so again you need to position where they fit in with the horses around them. Of

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course, there sometimes are horses that don’t like being next to one of the other horses so you have to make those adjustments too.”

Adams said boys and girls are eligible to sign up to join the team. There are 24 on the squad and three on the list waiting for spots to open up. Those on the waiting list practice with the team so they can fill in if needed.

There also a number of riders who including some as young as 6 who join with team members for parades Each member of the team pays $100 a year. The fee covers each rider and the rider’s siblings if they are also on the team.

“The rider’s fees and the support of sponsors help us pay for our outfits and to pay for the insurance we must have to perform,” the coach said. “The team provides the outfits for each rider. Each rider has two sets of chaps, a saddle blanket and 10 team shirts.”

The Blazing Saddles Drill Team rides at local events like the community rodeo and the stampede plus they travel to events like Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The Elbert County Fair and the Colorado Horse Expo held in March at the Denver Coliseum.

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Elbert County News 5

June 28, 2018

Good things come to those who wait.

Those people with the petition clipboards sure are in a rush to get your signature so they can try once more to permanently change Colorado’s laws and constitution. In their haste, they’re not telling you about the devastating consequences some amendments could have for our whole state—lost revenues for schools and local governments. Higher taxes. Wait a minute! Who wants to sign up for all that?

Readb4YouSign.org

6 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

Pension crisis fueling unrest among teachers Funding woes crimp pay now, put future benefit levels at risk

BY BRIAN EASON ASSOCIATED PRESS

The loudest rallying cries from Colorado teachers protesting for more education dollars were about dwindling paychecks that are steadily losing ground to the state’s rising cost of living.

Teachers usually say a persistent funding shortage, which has cost public schools $6.6 billion since 2009, led them to walk off the job and close down schools last week.

Among the biggest reasons for lagging pay is one of the least understood: the rising cost of state pensions.

Colorado isn’t the only state where an underfunded retirement system has played a role in a teacher uprising sweeping the U.S. In Kentucky, educators in at least 20 school districts walked out of their classrooms after the GOP-led Legislature in March passed a measure reducing retirement benefits for future teachers.

Elsewhere, pay and other benefits, such as health care, have been at the forefront of teachers’ demands,

including in Arizona, where a historic statewide strike has closed down schools for four days. But that doesn’t mean rising pension costs are not a factor behind the scenes.

Public pension systems nationwide face record levels of debt, totaling $1.4 trillion, according to a recent Pew Charitable Trusts study.

That puts downward pressure on wages and benefit checks as governments struggle to close the funding gap. It suggests the recent outcry over teacher pay could spread in coming years, whether pension costs are widely acknowledged as a driving factor or not.

“I think what you see happening in the state and local and municipal sector is it has now become very, very clear how expensive defined benefit plans are. I think we’re headed for a big crisis across the country,” said Olivia Mitchell, executive director of the Pension Research Council at the University of Pennsylvania. “Pensions are now becoming the tail that wags the government dog, if you will.”

In Colorado, school district payments to the public pension fund have roughly doubled since 2006, from about 10 percent of payroll to 20 percent. That has squeezed personnel budgets when the state also was cutting funding during the economic downturn.

In that time, average teacher

salaries have grown 21 percent, from $44,439 to $53,768, according to salary data from the National Education Association. But inflation in the greater Denver area has outpaced it, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, leaving teachers with an 8 percentage point drop in buying power.

Since the recession, Colorado school districts have shed staff, frozen pay and cut programming to make ends meet. Some have shifted to four-day weeks.

Pension costs have played a role in the financial woes at Cheyenne Mountain School District in Colorado Springs, Superintendent Walt Cooper said. Since 2009, the district has shuttered an elementary school and instituted a pay freeze twice.

Other years, it could only offer minimal raises that fell short of inflation, he said.

“Technically, it did come out of raises,” Cooper said. “Because if we knew we were going to have to increase our (pension) contributions by $250,000 the next year, for us, it’s all coming out of the same pot.”

For Colorado teachers, the pension’s role in school funding struggles adds insult to injury.

Additional contributions are not padding the benefits of current teachers. The bulk of the money that school districts spend on the Public Employees’ Retirement As-

sociation is paying off $32 billion in benefits previously promised to public-sector retirees but never properly funded.

Meanwhile, teachers are being asked to work longer hours at lower pay than their predecessors for benefits that are steadily being whittled away.

Current teachers indirectly paying for their predecessors’ retirement is not unique to Colorado. A 2016 study by Bellwether Education Partners found that $14 of every $20 that school districts contribute to the pension of each educator nationally are paying off unfunded debts, with just $6 going to the worker’s retirement.

The disparity is about twice as stark in Colorado. Just $3 of every $20 spent per teacher goes to their retirement, according to an analysis by the state retirement system.

The costs of those debts are likely to get worse before they get better. Colorado’s pension is among the worst funded in the U.S., and lawmakers are considering several solutions to shore it up.

Democrats and Republicans disagree on what taxpayers should contribute and the extent that employees should pay in. But lawmakers on both sides agree on cutting retirement benefits more deeply.

SEE TEACHERS, P7

Skip the trip to the DMV Coloradans can use Gov2Go for vehicle tag renewals, other government services STAFF REPORT

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ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

An app now accessible to Colorado residents makes it easier for them to interact with all levels of government.

Among other benefits, Gov2Go lets residents skip the trip to the DMV for vehicle tag renewals. Residents can download the free Gov2Go app, receive renewal reminders and renew their vehicle tags from the convenience of their mobile phones.

The announcement was made June 18 by Jack Arrowsmith, executive director of the Statewide Internet Portal Authority, in conjunction with Colorado Interactive. The portal authority’s mandate is to provide comprehensive e-government services to citizens through pioneering technology. CI is the team behind www.colorado.gov, the state’s official website.

“Gov2Go, the nation’s first personal government assistant, represents an innovative customer service

‘Gov2Go is a platform that makes it easier for citizens to interact with government on all levels.’

Fred Sargeson, CI president and general manager

approach for Colorado government,” Arrowsmith said in a news release.

“Gov2Go lets citizens take care of interactions with government in one convenient place, saving them time, worry and frustration. It uti-

lizes technology to give people back more time for family, work and the recreational activities so many of us love about living in Colorado.”

Gov2Go makes it easy for citizens to access government services anytime, anywhere. After users download Gov2Go and create profiles, they’ll receive reminders when their vehicle tags are due and can complete the transaction online. Users can show their stored electronic receipts, if needed, until their vehicle tags arrive in the mail.

However, Gov2Go isn’t just a single-purpose application.

“Gov2Go is a platform that makes it easier for citizens to interact with government on all levels,” CI president and general manager Fred Sargeson said in the release.

“Although users initially will see its convenience for handling vehicle registration renewals, Gov2Go will help them stay on top of election and voter information and government holidays, receive AMBER Alerts and purchase digital passes for select federal parks, including Colorado National Monument.”

Now in all 50 states, the Gov2Go platform is designed to expand as new services become available.

Learn more about the app at https:// www.colorado.gov/gov2go.

t i S t t o E

Elbert County News 7

June 28, 2018

Bingo game encourages residents to dine around Elbert County STAFF REPORT

The Pines and Plains Libraries Foundation has created a bingo game to encourage Elbert County residents to dine at local restaurants this summer.

Residents can pick up bingo cards at their library, or print them from the library website. When residents complete their bingo card — by visiting the local restaurants and getting stamps on their cards — they will be entered into a drawing for a restaurant gift certificate.

The drawing takes place after Aug. 1.

Contact Wendy Walp, 303-646-3792 ext. 12 or 303-243-1308 with questions.

TEACHERS FROM PAGE 6

Cutting future benefits worries teachers. Public sector workers in Colorado don’t receive Social Security checks, so proposed cuts to cost-of-living raises will leave them more vulnerable to inflation over time. That’s because the Public Employees’ Retirement Association,

Restaurants that are participating are: • Hi Test Elbert, Elbert, 303-648-3035 • Naked Goat, Elbert, 719-800-2380 • Bernie’s Kitchen, Elizabeth, 303646-3477 • Buzzards, Elizabeth, 303-646-3333 • Catalina’s Diner, Elizabeth, 303-6462700 • Domino’s, Elizabeth, 303-954-8022 • Golden Joe’s Coffee, Elizabeth, 720379-4145 • Sweet Alfa’s, Elizabeth, 720-398-8816 • Carriage Shoppe’s Tea Room, Elizabeth, 303-646-4681 • Bino’s Pizza, Kiowa, 303-621-1006 • Patty Ann’s Café, Kiowa, 303-6218008

or PERA, was created before Social Security, so its members do not make contributions to Social Security retirement while working and do not receive those benefits.

“We don’t have another option. So what happens to PERA affects us for the rest of our lives,” said Suzanne Etheredge, president of the Pueblo Education Association, whose members recently voted to authorize a strike following three straight years of difficult contract talks.

Independence Day Douglas County offices will be closed Wed., July 4. Many county services are available online at www.douglas.co.us

Help Yourself. Skip the Line at the DMV Douglas County residents can now renew their vehicle registration at self-service kiosks in Castle Rock, Lone Tree and Parker. For locations and to learn more about Motor Vehilcle self-service kiosks visit www.douglas. co.us/mv-kiosk/

Need flood zone information?

If you live in unincorporated Douglas County, Flood Insurance Rate Maps and zone information are available by request. Visit www.douglas.co.us and search for Flood Plain Information. A form may also be requested by calling 303-660-7490 or visiting the Public Works Engineering Office at 100 Third St. in Castle Rock.

Discover Douglas County Outdoors

Christ-Centered: Service

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303.841.5988

It’s summer! And time to get outside and discover one reason why Douglas County has been named the healthiest County in Colorado and second healthiest in the nation. Visit DCOutdoors.org to learn more.

Visit Prehistoric Times July 21 and July 28 More than 11,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, mammoths roamed Douglas County. Learn all about it by taking a tour of the world-renowned Lamb Spring Archaeological Preserve at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21 and 28. For reservations or additional tour dates, please visit www.lambspring.org

Online Engagement Tool of the Week

For more information or to register for CodeRed please visit www.DouglasCountyCodeRed.com 9650 Jordan Rd. • Parker, CO 80134 • sechristianschool.org

Visit www.douglas.co.us

8 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

THINGS TO DO Book Lovers: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 27 at Douglas County Libraries in Parker, 20105 East Mainstreet, Parker. Discover new authors and find great new reads at this evening of book talks, with a special guest from Hachette Books on hand. Enjoy refreshments and door prizes, too. Adults.

Registration is required at 303-791-7323 or DCL.org Lessons and Lemonade: 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 10901 S. Parker Road, Parker. Parker Artist Guild classes for children in grades 4-8. Upcoming classes: July 14, mixed media Brockisms, with Toni Brock; July 28, parentchild class, small totem poles, with Judy Pendleton; Aug. 11, alcohol ink painting, with Candace French; and Sept. 8, pastels, with Kristin Paulson. All teachers are professional artists and members of the Parker Artists Guild. Registration required; go to www.parkerartistsguild.com/classes/youth.

Contact judypendleton4@gmail.com.

Downtown Walking Tours: 10:30 a.m. the fourth Saturday of the month from June to September. The 45-minute tour begins at The Courtyard on Perry Street, between Third and Fourth streets, and will conclude at the Castle Rock Museum, 420 Elbert St. Contact 303-814-3164 or museum@ castlerockhistoricalsociety.org.

13th Annual Mark Wiebe’s Adam’s Camp Classic: Mark Wiebe’s Adam’s Camp Classic Monday, will be held 11 a.m. July 16th, at Colorado Country Club in Parker. The event, presented by Retirement Plan and Investment Providers, gives golfers a day of world-class golf and business networking

opportunities at a private club. Non-golfers may purchase tickets to attend the posttournament reception and dinner. If you are interested in purchasing dinner reservation only please contact me directly at 303-5638290 or lesley@adamscamp.org. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to help offset the cost for the children, youth, adults, and families in financial need to attend Adam’s Camp in the form of scholarships Visit adamscamp.org to learn more.

Bus Tour of Southern Douglas County: June 23. Tour begins at the Castle Rock Museum, heads southwest to Maguireville and over to Cherry Valley, Greenland and Sandstone Ranch. The museum is at 420 Elbert St., Castle Rock. Lunch provided.

Purchase tickets at www.castlerockhistoricalsociety.org.

Freedom Service Dogs Graduation: 1-3 p.m.

Saturday, June 23 at PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Celebrate with the trainers and volunteers who helped transform shelter dogs into service and professional therapy dogs. Go to https:// freedomservicedogs.org/event/summergraduation-2018/ Lessons and Lemonade: 9:30-11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturdays at Hobby Lobby, 10901 S. Parker Road, Parker. Parker Artist Guild classes for children in grades 4-8. Upcoming class June 23, BrockArt with Toni Brock. Registration required; go to www.parkerartistsguild.com/classes/youth.

Contact judypendleton4@gmail.com.

Pancake Breakfast: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at Elbert Creekside 4-H. Elbert

Woman’s Club event.

Faces of Freedom Sporting Clays Tournament: 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, June 29 at Kiowa Creek Sporting Club, 46700 E. County Road 30, Bennett. Teams of four; sponsorships available. Benefits Freedom Service Dogs. Go to https://freedomservicedogs. org/event/fofdenver/ Anime Nights: Watch and discuss anime, snacks provided. 1st & 3rd Mondays 7-9 p.m. at the Kiowa Library; 2nd & 4th Mondays 7-9 pm at the Elizabeth Library. pplibraries. org.

Book Clubs: Sci-Fi/Fantasy book club 2nd & 4th Mondays of the month 5:30-6:30 pm at the Elizabeth Library; Kiowa book club 4th Monday of the month 7-8 pm at the Kiowa Library; Elizabeth book club: 3rd Tuesday of the month 7-8 pm at the Elizabeth Library; Brown Bag book club 4th Thursday of the month 11 am-1 pm at the Elizabeth Library; Elbert book club last Thursday of the month at the Elbert Library, Diverse & Rowdy book club 2nd Saturday of the month 9:30-10:30 am at the Simla Library. pplibraries.org Garden Clubs: All things gardening! Seedy Ladies 4th Monday of the month 1-3 pm at the Elbert Library; Gardeners/Homesteaders 3rd Saturday of the month 11 am-12 pm at the Simla Library. pplibraries.org GED Preparation & Career Online High School: Get started with GED preparation and coaching throughout the process. COHS allows students 19+ to earn a certified high

school diploma. Call 303-646-3416 for more details. pplibraries.org Knitting & Crocheting Groups: Simla Witty Knitters Tuesdays 3:30-5 pm at the Simla Library; Close Knit Crochet Group Wednesdays 2-3 pm at the Kiowa Library; Hats for the Homeless Thursdays 11 am-1 pm at the Elizabeth Library. pplibraries.org

Lawyers at the Library: 6-8 pm 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Elizabeth Library.

Free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served h r basis. pplibraries.org o a Movie Night: Popcorn and movie of your s choice. Every Friday night 5-7 pm at the Kiowa Library. pplibraries.org e Playing Cards: Go fish, slap jack, black jack b C you name it. Mondays 1-2:30 pm at the Elbert Library; Thursdays 11 am-1 pm at the w b Elizabeth Library. pplibraries.org STEAM Activities: Science/Technology/Engineering/Art/Math fun for kids. Mondays 1:30-3 pm, Wednesdays 4:14-5:45 pm and Fridays 4-5:15 pm at the Simla Library; Wednesdays 4-6 pm at the Kiowa Library. pplibraries.org

d p Story Time: Help your little one build literacy h skills by interacting with engaging stories, C f h

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Colorado Irish Festival

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f t t n f a O s

Elbert County News 9

June 28, 2018

Colorado to adopt California’s stricter car pollution rules Trump plan to ease emission standards prompts states to take action

BY DAN ELLIOTT ASSOCIATED PRESS

Colorado’s governor has ordered his state to adopt vehicle pollution rules enforced in California, joining other states in resisting the Trump administration’s plans to ease emission standards.

Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper on June 19 told state regulators to begin writing rules that incorporate California’s low-emission standards with a goal of putting them in place by the end of the year.

Hickenlooper said the strict standards are important to Colorado, citing climate change and noting the state’s elevation makes pollution worse.

“Our communities, farms and wilderness areas are susceptible to air pollution and a changing climate,” his order said. “It’s critical for Coloradans’ health and Colorado’s future that we meet these challenges head-on.”

Hickenlooper’s order came about three months after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced it would not implement stricter emissions rules adopted by the Obama administration. Those rules would have started with the 2022 model year.

California has a waiver under federal Clean Air Act allowing it to impose tougher standards than the U.S. rules. Currently, California’s standards are the same as the federal standards. But if the Trump administration forgoes the stricter Obama-era rules, California could still impose them or others.

The law allows other states to

apply California’s standards. Colorado would be the 13th state, excluding California, to do so, said Luke Tonachel, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s clean vehicles project. The District of Columbia has also adopted the rules.

The states that currently apply California’s rules are Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

“Colorado is recognizing along with other states that the federal rollback is both unjustified and harmful, so the governor is joining others in protecting his state’s citizens,” Tonachel said.

The Colorado Automobile Dealers Association said California standards might not be a good fit for Colorado because a higher percentage of Coloradans buy pickups, SUVS, vans and all-wheel-drive vehicles, which burn more gas.

“We’re disappointed that the state of Colorado, the governor, or regulatory board or anybody else would cede air quality control regulation to an out-of-state, unelected board in Sacramento (California),” said Tim Jackson, president of the association.

The Obama rules would have required the nationwide fleet of new vehicles to get 36 miles per gallon (15 kilometers per liter) in real-world driving by 2025. That’s about 10 mpg (4 kilometers per liter) over the existing standard.

The EPA announced in April it would scrap the Obama-era rules, questioning whether they were technically feasible and citing concerns about how much they would add to the cost of vehicles. The EPA said it would come up with different rules.

California and 16 other states sued the Trump administration over the plan to drop the tougher rules. All the states that joined the lawsuit have Democratic attorneys general.

Colorado, which has a Republican attorney general, did not join.

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10 Elbert County News

VOICES Expect annual boom in lowbrow behavior

I

t doesn’t hurt to ask, but I know what you’re going to say.

Wouldn’t it be nice if the Fourth of July came and went without any residential explosions?

They’re illegal. They’re annoying.

They’re inconsiderate.

They negatively impact those who experience PTSD, those with pets (especially dogs), and those, like me, who consider them a juvenile form of entertainment.

“Look, it blowed up.”

It goes on every year because we’re entitled to do as we please, no matter how it might affect others.

Americans are not widely known for being considerate. We take spray paint into national parks.

Earlier this year, Delaware resident Michael Rohana was accused of breaking off a terracotta warrior’s thumb at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute.

On the way back to Delaware, Rohana allegedly bragged about sneaking into the exhibition and stealing the thumb.

If you don’t consider either of those

T

June 28, 2018J

LOCAL

QUIET DESPERATION

Craig Marshall Smith

a big deal, please move on to another column.

Wouldn’t it be much nicer if everyone celebrated July Fourth with backyard gatherings that maximized conversation and minimized skyrockets and mortar shells?

Nah. When it comes to the Fourth, silence isn’t golden. Far from

it.

“It’s a tradition,” I’m told over and over.

So is hazing.

Hazing will never end as long as there are fraternities somewhere. Boys will be boys, you say? Ask your son who went through it.

I am a wet blanket. A spoilsport. No doubt about it. Maybe I was raised wrong. I guess if something I were to do might bother someone, I wouldn’t do it.

That’s why I don’t mow my lawn at midnight, even though I am always up, and there’s plenty of lamp light.

My neighborhood sounds like a war zone on the Fourth. Then, late, it goes quiet. Have there been times when I wanted to get out the mower?

Absolutely. But, like I said, I was raised wrong.

My father always said, “Be considerate of others.”

It’s a lost cause. I heard a cell phone ring in church one day.

I heard a cell phone ring in an art museum one day.

If you don’t consider either of those a big deal, please move on to another column.

I would leave the country and take the dog with me, throughout July — if I had the money. Then I wouldn’t know or care what anyone around here might do.

Oh, I’d read about it, just like I do every year. Someone always gets killed or maimed. Of course, there are risks everywhere. I was at Altamont, hoping to hear the Jefferson Airplane. Or, as

I said later, “I went to a riot and a concert broke out.”

I don’t celebrate the Fourth of July.

At least not with a pack of matches.

I’m not sure what’s wrong with hamburgers and hot dogs and a vivid discussion about the moisture they found on Mars. I can hear the crickets, and your one word: “Boring.”

Fireworks bore me. They are tedious and repetitious. They haven’t changed since I was a kid, and offer me no amusement.

I’m not certain which is worse: Fourth of July fireworks or Christmas music in November.

I can avoid one (to an extent) but not the other.

When the Criblecoblis family down the street sets off a rocket, the harsh noise it makes is as much mine as it is theirs.

And they don’t care.

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

Communication, productivity — are we choosing the right battles?

he scene is a local coffee shop.

It’s mid-afternoon and there are no customers in the shop.

The three baristas are standing behind the counter looking at their telephone, texting or checking out social media. The store is spotless, the inventory re-stocked, bathrooms are clean, display cases arranged perfectly.

The manager returns from running to the bank and sees the employees on their phones, heads down. How does the manager respond?

The scene is the same, mid-afternoon and there are still no customers in the shop. The three baristas are still behind the counter preoccupied with their phones, but the store is in disarray, the floors need to be swept, the bathrooms are filthy, and the display cases are more than half empty. The manager returns from the bank and sees what’s going on, now how does the manager respond?

We know that in the first scenario the manager was probably very good at setting expectations and communicating policy around use of cell phones at work. And the staff knew the rules.

There were probably consequences out-

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lined for people who were on their phones when there was work that still needed to be done. The staff felt good about the fact that they could use their phones when the store was quiet, and when all the work was 100 percent completed.

Conversely, in the Michael Norton second scenario, which seems to happen more and more and frustrate managers and owners with increasing frequency, we would probably find that there was a “My way or the highway” management style, a lack of clearly articulated goals and expectations, and no enforced or reinforced consequences when it comes to keeping a clean shop filled with proper inventory and well-displayed products.

There is probably high turnover here as well, with employees and owners and managers becoming equally frustrated with one another.

And this is not just happening in local coffee shops or retail environments,

this is happening all over corporate America as well. So, we have to ask ourselves, which battle is it that we are choosing to fight? Is it the fact that we see our staff or team members with their heads down on their cell phone that bothers us? Or should we be asking if their work is 100 percent complete and have they already done more than they were asked to do?

Again, if clear office policies and procedures are communicated and enforced, these should be a non-issue.

If consequences for being distracted during work and not meeting deadlines are carried out, these also become non-issues. And this is not only happening at the new employee or younger employee level. We are seeing more and more senior leaders and managers on their phones as well.

It’s the way we are communicating in our world. Many of the CEOs and executives that I personally interact with prefer communicating via text.

It’s faster and more efficient.

The point is this, let’s not get so hung up on the person looking at their phones. Instead, let’s focus on their productivity, their contributions to

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the team or project, their attitude, and their overall performance. The battle we choose to fight should be based on these criteria, and not because someone has their head down. They could be texting a customer, researching a problem, watching a quick work-related video, or keeping up with current events. And yes, they might be texting or on social media too, and as long as it’s not distracting others or impacting their performance, it shouldn’t be the battle we have to fight.

So how about you? Does watching someone on their phone just get you all twisted up? Have you clarified your own policies around the use of phones and technology at work or at home? Either way, and as always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail. com. And when we can set proper expectations and choose the right battlefields, it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the president of the Zig Ziglar Corporate Training Solutions Team, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.

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

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Fri. 5 p.m. 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: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Elbert County News 11

June 28, 2018

HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE Editor’s note: Send new listings or changes to hharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Deadline is noon Wednesday a week before publication.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: Offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Need: Volunteers to to help older, lowerincome taxpayers prepare their tax returns.

Requirement: All levels of experience are welcome; training and support provided.

Contact: 1-888-OUR-AARP (687-2277) or www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide Alzheimer’s Association, Colorado Chapter: Provides care and support to 67,000-plus families dealing with all kinds of dementing illnesses.

Need: Walk to End Alzheimer’s committee members.

Requirements: Individuals who love to help plan and execute. Our Walk to End Alzheimer’s attracts more than 10,000 people, so planning committee members are essential.

Contact: Deb Wells, 303-813-1669 or dwells@alz.org.

Animal Rescue of the Rockies: Provides foster care for death-row shelter dogs and cats throughout Colorado Need: Foster families for animals on lists to be euthanized Contact: www.animalrescueoftherockies. org.

Arthritis Foundation, Colorado/Wyoming Chapter: Helps conquer everyday battles through life-changing information and resources, access to care, advancements in sciences and community connections.

Need: Walk to Cure Arthritis committee members and general office volunteer support.

Requirements: Individuals who love to help plan and execute Walk to Cure Arthritis. We combat arthritis every day, so support from volunteers so that we can serve people is crucial.

Contact: Amy Boulas, aboulas@arthritis.org, 720-409-3143.

ASSE International Student Exchange Program: Organizes student exchange programs Need: Local host families to provide homes for boys and girls age 15-18 from a variety of coutries.

Contact: Cathy Hintz, 406-488-8325 or 800-733-2773

AYUSA: International Youth Exchange Program: Promotes quality exchange programs for high school students from around the world.

Need: Host families for international high school students ages 15-18 studying in the Denver area.

Requirements: To provide students with a safe home, meals and transportation for 5-10 months. All family types are considered. Must fill out onlilne application and pass background check. y Contact: Adrienne Bivens, 720-467-6430 or abivens@ayusa.org. Go to www.ayusa.org.

Castle Rock Senior Activity Center: Provides services to local seniors Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to appointments, the grocery store, pharmacies and more.

Contact: Steph Schroeder, 303-688-9498 Colorado Humane Society: Handles animal

abuse and neglect cases Need: Volunteers to care for pregnant cats, dogs and their litters, as well as homes for cats and dogs that require socializing or that are recovering from surgery or injuries.

Contact: Teresa Broaddus, 303-961-3925 Court Appointed Special Advocates: Works with abused and neglected children in Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties Need: Advocates for children, to get to know, speak up for and ensure their best interests in court Contact: 303-695-1882 or www.adv4children.org.

Douglas/Elbert Task Force: Provides assistance to people in Douglas and Elbert counties who are in serious economic need, at risk of homelessness or in similar crisis.

Need: Volunteers to assist in the food bank, client services and the thrift store Treasures on Park Street.

Contact: Marion Dahlem, 303-688-1114, ext.

32 Dumb Friends League Harmony Equine Center: Cares for homeless horses and other equines.

Need: Volunteers to work with horses and other opportunities.

Requirements: Must be 16 years old, pass a background check, and be able to commit to at least three hours a week for three months.

Other Information: Two-hour orientation provides an overview of the services provided, learn about the volunteer opportunities, take a tour of the center, and talk with staff and volunteers.

Contact: 303-751-5772 or go to www.ddfl. org.

Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse: Supports the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Management with detentions support, patrol, administrative duties, event security, emergency services support, and call-outs as need arises.

Need: With proper training and clearances, volunteers help with patrol, fingerprinting, records keeping, community event security services, disaster response and management (wildfire, tornado, blizzard, flood, disaster relief, etc.).

Requirements: Must be 21 years of age or older; retired individuals are great. Must complete a employment application, pass a background check, and complete interviews. After being sworn in, in the first three months of membership, complete a minimum of 45 hours of orientation and training curriculum. After this 90-day probationary period, members must log a minimum of 10 hours of month and attend monthly training meetings. Persons ages 15-20, may join the Elbert County Sheriffs Explorer POST that is associated with the Posse.

Contact: David Peontek at djp1911@msn.com or 303-646-5456. Go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html; print out and complete an employment application and turn it into the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Office in Kiowa, “Attn: David Peontek.”

Girl Scouts of Colorado: Youth organization for girls Need: Troop leaders, office support, administrative help and more Age requirement: Men and women, 18 and older Contact: www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org, inquiry@gscolorado.org or 1-877-404-5708

Hospice at Home Need: Volunteers help patients and their families with respite care, videotaping, massage and other tasks. Home study training is available.

Contact 303-698-6404 Hospice of Covenant Care: Nonprofit, faithbased hospice Need: Volunteers to support patients and families Contact: 303-731-8039 Meals on Wheels: Delivers meals to residents in Englewood, southern Jefferson County and western Arapahoe County Need: Drivers to deliver meals; volunteers to help prepare, box and label meals Requirements: Must dedicate one to two hours a week Contact: Phil or Mary at 303-798-7642 (from 8 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays) Neighbor Network: Nonprofit that helps older adults stay independent. Serves all of Douglas County

Need: Volunteers who can provide transportation, light housekeeping, handyman and companion services to seniors.

Requirements: Must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

Contact: 303-814-4300, neighbornetwork@ douglas.co.us or dcneighbornetwork.org.

Parker Senior Center: Provides services to local seniors.

Need: Volunteer drivers to take seniors to the center for a hot meal, to appointments, to the grocery store, and more.

Contact: Louise West at 303-841-5370.

PeopleFirst Hospice: Denver hospice Need: Volunteers to provide companionship to hospice patients and their families.

Contact: Rachel Wang at 303-546-7921 Red Cross: Supports the elderly, international causes and social services Need: Volunteers to provide support Contact: 303-607-4768 or 303-266-7855

OBITUARIES GROSS

Walter Robert Gross 1/16/1937 - 6/18/2018

81, of Elizabeth, CO, passed away June 18, 2018. 35-year Meat Manager/ Cutter at Safeway Grocery. Loving Husband of 42 years to Linda. Proud HYDE

Father of Vicki (Bobby) Elder, Rick (Michelle) Dalrymple and Mike (Leslie) Gross. Proud Grandfather. See ponderosavalleyfunerals.com

Dorothy V. Hyde

12/31/1942 - 6/8/2018

75, entered into Heaven on June 8, 2018 with family at her side holding her hand. Loving Wife of 56 years to Marty. Amazing Mother of Missy,

Lisa and Laura. Special Grandma of 7. Great-Grandma. For details, see ponderosavalleyfunerals.com

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

Private 303-566-4100

Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

12 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

CLUBS Editor’s note: Send new listings or changes to hharden@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Deadline is noon Wednesday a week before publication.

AA If you want to drink, that’s your business.

If you want to stop, that’s ours. More than 1,000 AA meetings are offered in the Denver area every week. If you think you may have a problem with alcohol, come see us. To find a meeting near you, call 303-322-4440, or go to www.daccaa.org.

Affordable Colleges Online: guidebook includes a collection of scholarships for women, including due dates and award amounts; insight into the financial aid application process; and other funding opportunities, such as industry-specific scholarships and funding for special groups. Go to http://www. affordablecollegesonline.org/womens-guidepaying-for-college/ Camping Singles: 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. Membership ranges from 40s to 60-plus. Colorado single adults who enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, swimming, biking,

sightseeing, photography, the camaraderie of others, and starry nights around the camp fire.

We usually camp in designated forest service or state park campgrounds within 2 to 5 hours of Denver. Contact campingsingles@gmail. com Castle Rock Bridge Club: 1 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Plum Creek Golf Club, 331 Players Club Drive, Castle Rock. Friendly, ACBLsanctioned duplicate games. For assistance in finding a bridge partner, call Georgiana Butler at 303-810-8504. Go to www.castlerockbridge.com.

Chess: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the Simla Library. All skill levels and ages welcome. Call 719-541-2573.

Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association: 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Mainstreet. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse: a nonprofit

volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. Go to http://www.elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

individuals/families that qualify. We also distribute low-income senior food boxes for the state; those 60 and older may qualify for a monthly supplement. If you are in need of food assistance or know someone who is, we may be able to qualify you for one of these programs. Call the food pantry at 303-621-2376.

Elizabeth American Legion, Post 82: a veteran’s association supporting veterans, their families and the community, meets the first Monday of every month (except when the first Monday is a holiday, in which case the meeting is the second Monday) at the Legion Post Hall at South Banner Street and Elm Street in Elizabeth. Social hour begins at 5:30 and the regular business meeting starts at 6:30. Friday Afternoon Club meets from 5-7 p.m. every Friday and Veterans Coffee Club meets every Wednesday from 8-11 a.m. for social time with other veterans. All Veterans are invited to all meetings, we’d like to see you.

Website: aml82.org.

Knitting Group: 2 p.m. Tuesdays at the Kiowa Library. Knit and chat. All skill levels welcome.

Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org.

Elizabeth Food Bank: 12:30-3 p.m. Friday and 9-11:30 a.m. Saturday at 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church); available to help anyone who needs food. Other times by appointment.

LEGO Master Brickster: 3:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Kiowa Library. Build LEGO stuff together.

Call 303-621-2111 or go to pplibraries.org.

Game Night: 4 p.m. Mondays at the Kiowa Library; call 303-621-2111. Also, 5 p.m. Tuesdays and 5 p.m. Wednesdays at the Elbert Library; call 303-648-3533. Enjoy board, card, and video games for all ages. Go to pplibraries.org.

Kiowa Creek Food Pantry: open from 8:30 a.m. to noon Tuesdays in the Fellowship Hall at 231 Cheyenne Street, Kiowa. Distribution for the State of Colorado TEFAP food program.

Food is distributed monthly to low-income

Lawyers at the Library: 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mystery Book Club: 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library.

The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings.

Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-541-2573, or email farabe@ elbertcountylibrary.org.

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Elbert County News 13

June 28, 2018

FROM PAGE 1

“It simply ensures careful scrutiny and unanimity from the BOCC if a nominee doesn’t meet the broad requirements set for appointment to any of the county’s boards, commissions or committees,” the county stated in a January news release.

Documents show that the settlement, dated June 13, supersedes the appointments policy the board of commissioners, or BOCC, passed in December.

In part, the IGA states: • “The BOCC shall not be involved in the recommendation process for Trustees members of the Library Board other than to ratify or reject a recommendation.”

• “When a vacancy occurs, the Library Board shall notify the BOCC of the vacancy as soon as possible after a vacancy occurs… the Library Board may at its own discretion request that the BOCC advertise the open position at the County expense on County media sites, in an effort to maximize the potential exposure and notification of such vacancy…”

CLUBS FROM PAGE 12

Outback Express: public transit service provided by the East Central Council of Local Governments. To ensure a seat is available, 24-hour notice appreciated.

Call Kay Campbell, 719- 541-4275, or 800-825-0208 for reservations. Go to eccog.com. Outback Express runs from Simla and Matheson to Colorado Springs on the first and third Monday of each month; from Simla and Matheson to Limon on the fourth Thursday of each month; from Kiowa, Elizabeth and Elbert to Parker or Colorado Springs on the first and third Tuesday of each month; from Elizabeth to Colorado Springs or Parker

on the second Tuesday of each month.

Good Samaritan Nursing Home Residents may ride the bus on the second Thursday of each month.

Overeaters Anonymous: 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.

Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth Paper Crafting Club: regular meetings on various weekday evenings and weekends at 7786 Prairie Lake Trail, Parker (in the Pinery). Open to anyone interested in card making and scrapbooking. Contact Alison Collins at 720-212-4788 or find us online at http://www.meetup.com/ Parker-Franktown-Elizabeth-PaperCrafting-Club/

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

SETTLEMENT

• “All recommended candidates, including incumbents completing a term, must be presented for ratification or rejection by the BOCC.” • “The Library Board will provide recommendations for any vacancy as soon as possible…” To that end, the agreement states the library board must include a written explanation stating the reason it is recommending a candidate, or in the case of an incumbent, a letter of recommendation explaining the incumbent’s contributions during his or her previous term.

• “Trustees may be removed by the BOCC only upon a finding of good cause as required by C.R.S. 24-90108(5) during a public meeting that complies with the Colorado Open Meetings Law… ‘good cause’ shall be defined by the Library Board’s bylaws, but can be supplemented by Colorado law.”

The settlement calls for the IGA to be in effect for six years, “unless the BOCC or Library Board shall give written notice of termination in writing to the other party.”

A news release issued by Elbert County announcing the settlement said the lawsuit “cost the county government over $13,000 in taxpayer dollars.”

THANKS for

PLAYING!

14 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

Compulsive video-game playing deemed a mental health problem World Health Organization calls condition ‘Video gaming is like ‘Gaming Disorder’ a non-financial kind of gambling from a psychological point For video game addicts, it might soon be “game over.”

In its latest revision to a disease clasof view.’ sification manual, the World Health

BY JAMEY KEATEN AND MARIA CHENG ASSOCIATED PRESS

Organization said June 18 that compulsively playing video games now qualifies as a new mental health condition.

The statement confirmed the fears of many parents but led some critics to warn that it may risk stigmatizing young video players.

The U.N. health agency said classifying “Gaming Disorder” as a separate condition will “serve a public health purpose for countries to be better prepared to identify this issue.”

Dr. Shekhar Saxena, director of WHO’s department for mental health, said WHO accepted the proposal that Gaming Disorder should be listed as a new problem based on scientific evidence, in addition to “the need and the demand for treatment in many parts of the world.”

Dr. Joan Harvey, a spokeswoman for the British Psychological Society, said only a minority of gamers would be affected by the disorder and warned that the new designation might cause

Dr. Mark Griffiths, professor of behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University

unnecessary concern among parents.

“People need to understand this doesn’t mean every child who spends hours in their room playing games is an addict, otherwise medics are going to be flooded with requests for help,” she said.

Others welcomed WHO’s new classification, saying it was critical to identify video game addicts quickly because they are usually teenagers or young adults who don’t seek help themselves.

“We come across parents who are distraught, not only because they’re seeing their child drop out of school,

but because they’re seeing an entire family structure fall apart,” said Dr. Henrietta Bowden-Jones, a spokeswoman for behavioral addictions at Britain’s Royal College of Psychiatrists. She was not connected to WHO’s decision.

Bowden-Jones said gaming addictions were usually best treated with psychological therapies but that some medicines might also work.

The American Psychiatric Association has not yet deemed Gaming Disorder to be a new mental health problem.

In a previous statement, the association said it’s “a condition warranting more clinical research and experience before it might be considered for inclusion” in its own diagnostic manual.

The group noted that much of the scientific literature about compulsive gamers is based on evidence from young men in Asia.

“The studies suggest that when these individuals are engrossed in Internet games, certain pathways in their brains are triggered in the same direct and intense way that a drug addict’s brain is affected by a particular substance,’’ the association said in a 2013 statement.

“The gaming prompts a neurological response that influences feelings of pleasure and reward, and the result, in the extreme, is manifested as addictive behavior.”

Dr. Mark Griffiths, who has been researching the concept of video gaming disorder for 30 years, said the new classification would help legitimize the problem and strengthen treatment

strategies.

“Video gaming is like a non-financial kind of gambling from a psychological point of view,” said Griffiths, a distinguished professor of behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University.

“Gamblers use money as a way of keeping score whereas gamers use points.”

He guessed that the percentage of video game players with a compulsive problem was likely to be extremely small — much less than 1 percent — and that many such people would likely have other underlying problems, like depression, bipolar disorder or autism.

WHO’s Saxena, however, estimated that 2 to 3 percent of gamers might be affected.

Griffiths said playing video games, for the vast majority of people, is more about entertainment and novelty, citing the overwhelming popularity of games like Pokemon Go. “You have these short, obsessive bursts and yes, people are playing a lot, but it’s not an addiction,” he said.

Saxena said parents and friends of video game enthusiasts should still be mindful of a potentially harmful problem.

“Be on the lookout,” he said, noting that concerns should be raised if the gaming habit appears to be taking over.

“If (video games) are interfering with the expected functions of the person — whether it is studies, whether it’s socialization, whether it’s work — then you need to be cautious and perhaps seek help,” he said.

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Elbert County News 15

June 28, 2018

Comic Con takes Denver out of this world

D

PUBLIC NOTICE Elbert County, County Government, whose address is, 215 Comanche St. Kiowa, Colorado 80117, phone number, (303)two 621-3106 has filedMarEnglewood resident Justin Baca as Gandalf, with his children, a permit application for a conversion to a Regucus and Eric, as hobbits at this year’s Denver ComicMaterials Con. PHOTOS

BY CLARKE READER lar (112) Construction Operation Reclamation Permit with the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board under the provisions of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. The proposed mine is known as the Belveal Pit and is proposed to be located on a parcel of land located in the SW ¼ of Section 06, T13S, R58W, 6th P.M., Elbert County, State of Colorado.

BY CLARKE READER

owntown Denver is almost always a busy place, but it’s only during the weekend of Denver Comic Con that you see Superman, a storm trooper and Harry Potter crossing the busy 16th Street Mall.

More than 100,000 guests made the trip to the Colorado Convention Center for the annual event on June 15-17 to celebrate all things nerdy — films, television shows, video games, fantasy and science fiction and, of course, comic books.

“I’ve always wanted to come and see what the con is like,” said Jeff Libby, booth expert with MiHi Photo Booth, which ran an interactive, slow-motion film booth at the event. “What better way is there to be here than with some From left, JayJay, Paisley and Craig Dechant, really fun stuff ?” of Brighton, attended Denver Comic Con as Proceeds benefit Pop Culture Classmembers of the Belcher family from “Bob’s room, a Denver nonprofit focused on Burgers.” education and literacy.

More than 200 celebrity guests, like Doctor Who’s David Tennant, stopped by to join artists and authors in more than 600 hours of panels and programming. There was also a Kid’s Lab, where children and teens explored pop culture through projects and talks from industry luminaries.

The con featured cosplaying and shopping for all ages and levels of interest, from newbies in the world of comic culture to veteran collectors.

“This is my kid’s first time to the con, and I’m showing them all the fun there’s to be had while their mom is at a cosplaying class,” said Englewood resident Justin Baca, who was dressed as Gandalf, a character from “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings. His two New York Times bestselling author Terry Public Notice children, Marcus and Eric, dressed as Brooks visits with fans at the Tattered Cover NOTICE OF PUBLIC booth HEARING hobbits. The costumes were made by the at Denver Comic Con. For Re-zoning and children’s mother. “I love the commuMinor Residential Development nity here and all the things going on we & MD-18-001 Case Number RZ-17-0014 get to gather to celebrate.”Notice is hereby given that the property

Public Notices

City and County PUBLIC NOTICE

Elbert County, County Government, whose address is, 215 Comanche St. Kiowa, Colorado 80117, phone number, (303) 621-3106 has filed a permit application for a conversion to a Regular (112) Construction Materials Operation Reclamation Permit with the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board under the provisions of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. The proposed mine is known as the Belveal Pit and is proposed to be located on a parcel of land located in the SW ¼ of Section 06, T13S, R58W, 6th P.M., Elbert County, State of Colorado.

The proposed date of commencement is June 1, 2018, and the proposed date of completion is June 1, 2040. The proposed future use of the land is rangeland. Additional information and tentative decision date may be obtained from the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567, or at the Elbert County Clerk and Recorder’s office; 440 Comanche St., Kiowa, Colorado 80117, or the above-named applicant.

Comments must be in writing and must be received by the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety by 4:00 p.m. (Final Date for Comments) July 25, 2018.

Please note that under the provisions of C.R.S.

The proposed date of commencement is June 1, 2018, and the proposed date of completion is June 1, 2040. The proposed future use of the land is rangeland. Additional information and tentative decision date may be obtained from the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567, or at the Elbert County Clerk and Recorder’s office; 440 Comanche St., Kiowa, Colorado 80117, or the above-named applicant.

City and County

Comments must be in writing and must be received by the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety by 4:00 p.m. (Final Date for Comments) July 25, 2018.

Please note that under the provisions of C.R.S. 34-32.5-101et seq., comments related to noise, truck traffic, hours of operation, visual impacts, effects on property values and other social or economic concerns are issues not subject to the Office’s jurisdiction. These subjects, and similar ones, are typically addressed by your local governments, rather than the Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety or the Mined Land Reclamation Board.

Legal Notice No.: 24076 First Publication: June 14, 2018 Last Publication: July 5, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Notices

City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING For Re-zoning and Minor Residential Development Case Number RZ-17-0014 & MD-18-001 Notice is hereby given that the property described below shall be considered for a Rezoning and Minor Residential Development, pursuant to the Elbert County Regulations. Further information concerning this proposal may be obtained by calling the CDS department office at (303) 621-3185.

The hearing is to be held before the Planning Commission on the 17th day of July, 2018, in the Elbert County Commissioners Board Room, 215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, Colorado at 7:00PM, or soon thereafter as possible.

And The hearing is to be held before the Board of County Commissioners on the 8th day of August, 2018, in the Elbert County Commissioners Board Room, 215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, Colorado at 9:00AM, or soon thereafter as possible. Contact Elbert County Community Development Services for more information: 303-6213185.

The affected property as being described as a 74.9-acre tract of land situated in the Southwest Quarter of Section 22, Township 6 South, Range 65 West of the 6th Principal Meridian,

described below shall be considered for a Rezoning and Minor Residential Development, pursuant to the Elbert County Regulations. Further information concerning this proposal may be obtained by calling the CDS department office at (303) 621-3185.

The hearing is to be held before the Planning Commission on the 17th day of July, 2018, in the Elbert County Commissioners Board Room, 215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, Colorado at 7:00PM, or soon thereafter as possible.

And The hearing is to be held before the Board of To advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100 County Commissioners on the 8th day of August, 2018, in the Elbert County Commissioners Board Room, 215 Comanche Street, Kiowa, Colorado at 9:00AM, or soon thereafter as possible. Contact Elbert County Community Development Services for more information: 303-6213185.

City and County

The affected property as being described as a 74.9-acre tract of land situated in the Southwest Quarter of Section 22, Township 6 South, Range 65 West of the 6th Principal Meridian, Elbert County, Colorado.

Legal Notice No.: 24082 First Publication: June 28, 2018 Last Publication: June 28, 2018 Publisher: The Elbert County News

“Trust Us!” Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else.

Public notices are a community’s window into the government. From zoning regulations to local budgets, governments have used local newspapers to inform citizens of its actions as an essential part of your right to know. You know where to look, when to look and what to look for to be involved as a citizen. Local newspapers provide you with the information you need to get involved.

Notices are meant to be noticed.

Read your public notices and get involved!

Elbert County * 1

16 Elbert County News

June 28, 2018J

Broncos haven’t given up on Paxton Lynch CALM AFTER THE STORM

Head coach says quarterback drafted in 2016 first round has ‘rare talent’

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Denver Broncos fans have pretty much given up on Paxton Lynch.

No longer do they fill the airwaves and social media posts with debates about how Denver’s 2016 first-round draft pick should be learning on the job even though he hasn’t earned the Broncos’ starting quarterback job.

They’re wearing Case Keenum No. 4 jerseys now, ready to move on from the crisp No. 12s that have gotten about as much wear and tear as Lynch’s own game-day jersey.

Two men who aren’t quite ready to label Lynch a blunder are general manager John Elway and coach Vance Joseph.

While that might seem predictable, both men are adamant that the ex-Memphis quarterback is just a late bloomer, not a bust.

Even after signing Keenum in free agency to a two-year deal and declaring the sixth-year veteran the team’s starter, Elway has stuck by Lynch.

To the surprise of many, he bypassed a bevy of quarterback prospects in the NFL draft. After using all 10 of his picks on other positions, he declared that Lynch is still young and hasn’t run out of chances in Denver.

“We are not kicking him to the curb,’’ Elway said. “He can still develop. When we drafted him two years ago, we knew it was going to take some time.”

Elway added this caveat, however: Lynch will compete with Chad Kelly, “Mr. Irrelevant” as the final selection of the 2017 NFL draft out of Ole Miss, for the backup job this summer.

The buzz around Broncos headquarters is that Lynch is a more dedicated pro this year. His performances on the field, at least those open to the media, have looked a lot like his first two years: flashes of jaw-dropping brilliance but still some head-scratching poor plays and bad decisions.

Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave saluted Lynch’s red zone play recently and said, “We want those decisions, those habits, to become part of his fabric so they can become natural, reactive.”

Joseph praised Lynch in an interview with The Associated Press, saying, “I think Paxton is really motivated to show everyone that he can be a No. 1 quarterback in this league and watching him work this entire offseason he is different because I’ve seen him a lot more up in the halls here.

“And that takes time to find your comfort zone with coaches, with your organization.”

Joseph noted that Lynch has had three offensive coordinators in Denver

‘How can a guy comfortably get better as a quarterback in a system that is brand new every year, right?’

Vance Joseph,

Broncos coach

so far, something that reminds him of another QB he worked with early in his career.

“I was with Alex Smith his first three or four years and it kind of looked like Paxton because Alex had four coordinators in his first four years in the league,” Joseph said.

“How can a guy comfortably get better as a quarterback in a system that is brand new every year, right?

“These guys need time to develop as quarterbacks. We want them to walk in and play. Now some guys do. Russell Wilson walked in and did it. But most guys don’t do it.”

What Lynch needs, Joseph said, is “time to be in a system for a two-year period and you will see real growth.”

Joseph said he saw improvement last year even though Lynch was hurt most of the season and only started twice.

Like Elway, Joseph was impressed with Lynch’s performance in the season finale, when he went 21 for 31 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in a 27-24 loss to Kansas City.

“He played that position very, very naturally in that game,” Joseph said.

“Now, from that point to now, he’s a different guy. He’s 10 percent better.

Now, when it comes time for him to play for us this year and win a football game, he’s going to be 20 percent better because he’s been with Billy for a year and a-half now in the same system.

That makes a difference.”

First things first, Joseph insisted that Lynch still has to beat out Kelly in training camp to win the backup spot.

Yet, Joseph’s effusive praise of Lynch reveals the degree to which the Broncos’ brain trust still believes it didn’t whiff by moving up to select him with the 26th overall pick two years ago.

Joseph said Lynch deserves such patience “because he does have rare talent.”

“Who wants to throw out rare talent before you give him a chance to develop?” Joseph asked. “I don’t want to. John doesn’t want to.”