Elbert County News 0218

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February 18, 2021

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 3

County approves changes to road deal Original plan foresaw second development that never was built

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

and a push to treat cannabis-based medicine the same as any other medication in K-12 schools.

As if the state Legislature didn’t

After hearing four hours of testimony from developer Jim Marshall and concerned citizens, the Elbert County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 10 to approve changes to Marshall’s Spring Valley Ranch development guide agreement, with conditions that include the addition of a snow fence and a drainage study for the area north of Meadow Station.

The decision was a long time coming, after the Elbert County Safety and Taxpayer Accountability citizen group began registering complaints

SEE LEGISLATURE, P10

SEE COUNTY, P4

The state Capitol in Denver.

FILE PHOTO

Governor’s powers, health care reform to take center stage State Legislature was set to return Feb. 16 after month delay due to COVID-19

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Issues hanging over the 2021 session of the Colorado General Assembly include: Republicans’ ob-

jections to the governor’s far-reaching powers during the pandemic; an expected attempt by Democrats to advance a type of health care reform known as the “public option”; a slate of gun control bills;

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 12 | CALENDAR: PAGE 11

NOT ALONE

Couples share the challenges of dating and relationships during the pandemic P12

2 Elbert County News

February 18, 2021F

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Kiowa looks to revive police department Department was closed last spring due to lack of funds

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Kiowa Board of Trustees members discussed reopening the town’s suspended police department at the board’s Feb. 9 meeting.

The department was suspended in May of 2019 because of lack of revenue necessary to support an in-house department. The move was widely publicized in the media at the time, after rumors surfaced that town officials announced the closing of the department via text message. Interim Town Administrator Joe Racine stated at the time that those charges were “bogus,” adding that he had personally contacted the police chief about the need to suspend the department.

Now, according to Town Administrator Maria Morales, the town has reorganized some funds within the budget, and is reaching out to other police departments to try to assess how much it would cost to get the Kiowa department up and running again.

“We’re not in a financial deficit anymore,” said Morales. “We’re discussing with other police departments, and we’re looking at prices and how much it will cost.

It’s imperative for the town to have a police department. It’s been more than a year and a half since we’ve had one, and in that time the Elbert County Sheriff ’s Department has been responding to 911 calls in the town.”

Before suspending the department last year, the town was working with a $211,000 police budget, which paid for a chief, a part-time officer and one volunteer officer.

Morales said the new department would be started with one officer and increase the number of officers going forward.

“We don’t know when we’ll get a department again. We’re still doing the research, and want to make sure we take all the right steps this time,” said Morales. “We would start with one officer, but that’s better than what we have right now.”

Morales said the town would need to purchase all new equipment for the department, including a police car, since the equipment they have is outdated.

SEE POLICE, P13

Elbert County News 3

1February 18, 2021

Bill boosting funds for school districts advances Measure would cushion impact tied to enrollment declines

BY ERICA MELTZER CHALKBEAT.ORG

Colorado school districts would avoid the worst budget hits from losing 30,000 students this school year under a bill that received initial support from the Joint Budget Committee in early February.

The bill sends an extra $60 million to school districts — $41 million to make up for lost local tax revenue and another $19 million to districts that saw particularly large enrollment declines or that

experienced a notable decrease in the number of students living in poverty.

Rural districts will share another $25 million from a new nicotine tax approved by voters in November.

Colorado funds districts based on how many students they have, as well as other factors like district size and student poverty, with the state and school districts sharing the costs. With the state budget set in the spring, lawmakers always adjust school funding midway through the year to account for changes in enrollment and local tax collections from the previous year’s estimates.

Many school districts were bracing for significant cuts this year — on top of cuts the legislature al-

ready made last year in response to a pandemic-related economic slump — because 3% fewer students have showed up to school.

According to the school finance formula, the full hit to school districts should have been almost $121 million. But Colorado lawmakers already hold back hundreds of millions every year that the state constitution says should go to K-12 schools to pay for other priorities. The withholding reached $1.2 billion this school year, as lawmakers struggled to balance the budget during the height of business restrictions and job losses. Colorado’s K-12 budget is about $7.2 billion.

Rather than claw back $121 million for the state, the school funding adjustment bill essential-

ly treats it as part of the amount that was already withheld.

The additional $19 million in the bill will benefit districts that saw more than a 2% decrease in enrollment or that saw a big decrease in students deemed “at-risk.” These are students who qualify for free lunch or food stamps under federal guidelines or who are learning English, and districts get more money to serve these students.

That means that decreases in this student population have a bigger financial impact.

Officials believe the drop in low-income students comes from families not filling out paperwork, rather than fewer families struggling amid historic job losses.

SEE FUNDS, P4

It’s not good for our water... either.

Whenever you are outside and you notice a piece of trash, please stop and dispose of it properly. What isn’t collected today is picked up in the next rainstorm and sent directly to the nearest creek. From the moment this small piece of trash enters our waterways, it is responsible for a tremendous amount of damage.

Local stormwater agencies are teaming together to bring you this message. We take this so seriously that we posted this ad rather than send you more garbage in the mail.

One thing is clear: our creeks, rivers and lakes depend on you.

T H IS ST ORMWATER MESSAGE B R OUGHT TO YOU B Y

Visit onethingisclear.org to: • Report accidental and illegal dumping to your local agency • Search local volunteer events • Find more helpful tips Creek and highway cleanup efforts help offset pollution from our major transportation corridors.

Contact your local agency to find out how you can get involved.

Colorado Community Media agrees: Please recycle this newspaper responsibly and partner with our communities for a better tomorrow.

Ad campaign creative donated by the Castle Rock Water, Stormwater Division.

4 Elbert County News

February 18, 2021F

COUNTY

The newly approved agreement will involve developing County Road 178 up to Delbert Road and improving sections of County Roads 13 and 174.

FROM PAGE 1 “In terms of roads, Elbert County has a contract with this developer worth $16.8 milwith the county regarding the proposed changlion,” said citizen Candace Head-Dylla during es, including allegations of unsafe road conthe land use hearing. “The developer wants to ditions and allowing Marshall to build fewer reduce that contract to $8.4 million. That’s a roads than called for in the original agreement, $6.4 million loss for Elbert County taxpayers, which was approved in 2006. The land use hearwhich is, at least, $640 for ing had been postponed every single household in numerous times since Dec. Elbert County. Your fidu1, 2019. ciary responsibility to the “One of the things about taxpayers of this county is agreements and negotiavery clear.” tions is the conclusions Commissioners said they should always be based had received hundreds of on current and projected emails, letters and phone facts,” Commissioner calls from concerned citiGrant Thayer said in the zens about the proposed land use hearing, held at changes, but felt the curthe Elbert County Fairrent conditions warranted grounds. “In terms of an approval of the change.

DGA2, which this will “I do take the citizen amend, the circumstances input very seriously,” said that facilitated the agreeCommissioner Rick Pettitt. ment have changed in a “But I also have to look at very material sort of way.” what recommendations the Spring Valley Ranch is a staff and the professional subdivision located bepeople that are doing these tween County Road 29 on Rick Pettitt, projects, and what they the east and Delbert Road on the west, with County Elbert County commissioner have to say. I have to look at what I think is going to Line Road and Singing benefit the county down Hills Road bordering the the road. Also there’s legal north and the south. implications you have to The Spring Valley Ranch look at, whether on the citizens’ or developers’ Development Guide Agreement DGA (2) was side and weigh those on the best course of acapproved in 2006 and included the creation of tion.” five miles of County Road 182 plus a two-mile To read the updated agreement and supportextension to County Road 13. According to ing documents, go to www.elbertcounty-co.

Marshall, the original agreement was made in gov/129/Agendas-Minutes, click on “County anticipation of building a second community called Spring Valley Vista, but that project was Commission” from 2/10/2021, then scroll to the bottom to the “Land Use Hearings” section. abandoned in 2008 due to the market crash.

‘I do take the citizen input very seriously. But I also have to look at what recommendations the staff and the professional people that are doing these projects, and what they have to say.’

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FUNDS FROM PAGE 3

“I think the at-risk students are there, and we didn’t effectively count them,” legislative budget analyst Craig Harper told the Joint Budget Committee.

Districts like Aurora, Westminster, Adams 14 and Sheridan, all workingclass Denver suburbs with large immigrant populations, faced particularly large cuts related to students in poverty not showing up in the count.

With Democratic majorities in both chambers of the Colorado legislature, the bill is likely to pass easily, but Republicans still could raise objections.

State Sen. Bob Rankin, a Carbondale Republican, said he supported the financial adjustment bill in committee so that it can move forward, but he has concerns about effectively paying for students that districts are not educating.

“We have 30,000 fewer students and we’re going to increase funding?” he said. “I’ll vote for this (today) but I’m going to have a lot to say about it going forward.”

State Rep. Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said the bill maintains funding that districts were counting on and need now more than ever.

“I really do think this solution is the right solution for our school districts and our students,” she said.

This story is from Chalkbeat Colorado, a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools. Used by permission. For more, and to support Chalkbeat, visit co.chalkbeat.org.

Elbert County News 5

1February 18, 2021

U.K. variant of COVID-19 takes root in Colorado Health official takes situation in stride, but warns of other strains now in United States

BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN

The new coronavirus variant first identified in the United Kingdom has firmly taken root in Colorado, with the state reporting 41 cases so far.

But one of Colorado’s top health officials said on Feb. 10 that there is not yet cause for alarm in the spread of the variant, as overall COVID-19 cases in the state continue to decline and cases from the variant make up a small fraction of the total. As long as Coloradans continue to maintain a high degree of mask-wearing and social distancing, mathematical models do not show the variant leading to a dramatic resurgence of cases.

“We actually see very little impact from the variant” if transmission control remains high, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist.

The U.K. variant — known scientifically as the B.1.1.7. variant — has been linked through modeling studies to faster rates of spread and, potentially, higher rates of deaths.

Reports of all new coronavirus cases in Colorado are falling — though Herlihy said the rate of decline had slowed in the days preceding her comments.

The number of patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 had dropped to levels not seen since October. The number of deaths had also declined, though around 15 people with COVID-19 are still dying per day.

Because Colorado’s metrics are moving in the right direction, Herlihy said the B.1.1.7. variant may not prove to be as explosive as it was in the United Kingdom, where it emerged while the country was seeing a surge in cases.

“We don’t necessarily expect the experience here to be the same as it was in the U.K.,” she said.

More reassuring news is that current vaccines appear to provide strong protection against the B.1.1.7. variant, and there also haven’t been reports that the variant can sneak past the body’s SEE VARIANT, P7

- E DUC AT IONA L A DV E RT I S E M E N T -

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But many aren’t taking advantage of this unprecedented period. According to new statistics, senior homeowners in the U.S. are now sitting on more than 7.7 trillion dollars* of unused home equity. It’s not surprising that more than a million homeowners have already used a government-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan to turn their home equity into extra cash for retirement.

It’s a fact, with a government-insured HECM loan, no monthly mortgage payments are required; however, the borrowers are still responsible for paying for the maintenance of their home, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and, if required, their HOA fees.

Today, HECM loans are simply an effective way for homeowners 62 and older to get the extra cash they need to enjoy retirement. The cash from a HECM loan can be used for almost any purpose. Other common uses include making home improvements, paying off medical bills, or helping other family members. Some people simply need the extra cash for everyday expenses while others are now using it as a safety net for financial emergencies.

AAG Area Sales Manager, Jarred Talmadge, says, “As your local AAG team, our goal is to provide you with information and never pressure you.

We’re here to answer your questions and give you guidance. If that means you want to work with us, great. If not, that’s okay, too. The best part? We are local, right here in Denver!”

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6 Elbert County News

February 18, 2021F

Denver metro counties move V to looser rules in level yellow

F

Colorado finalizes color-coded ‘dial 2.0’ of COVID-19 restrictions

of the

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

2021 BEST OF THE

BEST

In the latest ratcheting down of Colorado’s COVID-19 restrictions, the state public-health department confirmed it would drastically ease the limits that allow counties to remain in certain color-coded levels of coronavirus restrictions.

The “dial 2.0” changes put Denver metro counties in level yellow, promising loosened businesscapacity restrictions, according to information from the state public-health department as of Feb. 5. Some would even sit close to entering the notably low blue level.

The changes took effect Feb. 6.

In the Denver metro area, Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, Denver, Jefferson, Elbert and Broomfield counties — all in level orange under the previous rules — moved to yellow under the new framework on Feb. 6.

Counties now enter level yellow starting at about 100 new

COVID019 cases per 100,000 people within one week, a measure knownt n as a county’s incidence rate.

The state’s new framework starts f w measuring the rate in one-week periods rather than 14-day chunks. v h The line a county needs to a cross to enter level red was set to change drastically in the new g rules. Rather than 350 new cases a per 100,000 people over a two-week t period, the threshold essentially fi changes to 1,000. The line for level i orange, the level nearly all coun- a ties were operating in as of early a e February, was 175. Now, it’s 600.

Level yellow’s threshold changes c i from 75 to 200.

Technically, the new thresholds are about 500 for red, 300 for C orange and 100 for yellow over one- n a week windows. e Elbert County’s two-week rate sat at 236 — or, roughly, just over v s 100 for a one-week rate — as of Feb. 5, placing it close to entering t level blue, one level below yellow, h if the virus’s spread drops. Jeffer- i son County sat close behind at 256. o The move comes as the number 1 of vaccinated Coloradans contin- w ues to grow, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, b the department’s executive direc- i tor, said in an earlier news release. u s i SEE YELLOW, P13

PUBLIC ONLINE AUCTION

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ElbertCountyNews.net To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourage readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning, no purchase required. Please see voting website for complete contest rules and regulations.

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Elbert County News 7

1February 18, 2021

VARIANT

Variants can’t be identified simply from a standard coronavirus test. In order to confirm the presence of a variant, the state or othFROM PAGE 5 er labs must genetically sequence the virus found in test samples, a immune system to cause reinfeccumbersome, time-consuming protion in people previously infected cess. Earlier this month, Herlihy with a more common variant of said the state’s public health lab the coronavirus. was sequencBut those two ing 200 to 300 things aren’t specimens a necessarily true week, with a for two more goal of eventuworrisome ally being able variants that to sequence 5% have emerged of all positive around the specimens per globe. Scientists week. (There are concerned were about that variants 8,900 new cases first identified reported last in South Africa week.) and in Brazil “(We’re) are capable of continuing to evading vactry to improve cines and causthe work we’re ing reinfections. doing,” Herlihy Herlihy said said, “but at Colorado has this point feelnot identified ing pretty good any cases from about the caeither of those Dr. Rachel Herlihy, pacity we have variants in the state so far — state epidemiologist in the state and the fact that though they we don’t see a have been found clear increasin a handful of ing trend.” other states. Colorado has found 16 cases of the L452R variant, This story is from The Colorado which has been connected to outSun, a journalist-owned news outbreaks in California. But there let based in Denver and covering is not enough information yet to the state. Used by permission. For understand whether that variant more, and to support The Colorado spreads faster or causes worse Sun, visit coloradosun.com. illness.

‘(We’re) continuing to try to improve the work we’re doing, but at this point feeling pretty good about the capacity we have in the state and the fact that we don’t see a clear increasing trend.’

Looking for COVID-19 vaccine information?

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

Do you have a passion for public health and a heart for service?

Applications are being accepted through Feb. 25 for a Douglas County representative on the Tri-County Health Department Board of Health. For more information and to apply visit douglas.co.us and search for Board of Health.

Are you in need of food or other assistance?

On Saturday, Feb. 27, Strive to Thrive is partnering with local food pantries to provide food and increase awareness of resources available for families in our community who are struggling. The events will be held at locations throughout Douglas County and times will vary.

To learn more about how to participate, please visit douglas.co.us/community-of-care or call 303-660-7460.

Reminder - first half property tax payments due First half payment is due by the last day of February, second half payment due by June 15 or full payment due

by April 30. For more information visit douglas.co.us/ treasurer or douglascotax.com

Volunteer to serve on the CSU Extension Advisory Council Do you have time to give and an interest in 4-H and youth development, agriculture/gardening, community engagement, and family wellness? Apply by March 5 to join the CSU Extension Advisory Council. It’s your opportunity to help shape the Extension’s education and programming efforts in your community. Visit douglas. co.us and search CSU Extension Advisory Council.

US Highway 85 improvements Construction is under way to improve US 85 between Sedalia (SH 67) and Louviers in Douglas County. For more information and the schedule of work please visit douglas.co.us and search for US 85.

What’s happening with your County government?

Our commitment to open and transparent government includes online posting of information about public meetings at which the business of government is conducted.

To view public meeting agendas, participate in-person or remotely, or watch select meeting livestreams visit douglas.co.us and search for Meetings and Agendas.

Visit douglas.co.us

8 Elbert County News

R

LOCAL

February 18, 2021F

VOICES

Enjoy the journey on a search for the worst

ecently, Turner Classic Movies showed what many consider the worst movie ever made.

“Plan 9 from Outer Space,” directed by Edward D. Wood Jr., and starQUIET ring Bela Lugosi DESPERATION who died during production.

Lugosi’s place was taken by Wood’s wife’s chiropractor who concealed his face with a cape.

Get the idea?

Pilots in the cockCraig Marshall pit of an airplane Smith are seated in lawn chairs. Behind them is a shower curtain that separates them from the passengers.

Low budget.

The film is so bad it’s good.

I own it.

“Ed Wood,” an excellent Tim Burton biopic about the director, starring Johnny Depp and Martin Landau, was released in 1994. Landau, as Lugosi, won the Academy

Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Is “Plan 9 from Outer Space” the worst film ever made? It’s close, but there are many to choose from.

Anything with Liza Minnelli in it.

And her mother in “Meet Me in St. Louis,” singing the “Trolley Song,” is good for a few nightmares.

There’s one on my list that might surprise you: Billy Wilder’s “Some Like it Hot.” Notoriously, it required Marilyn Monroe 47 takes to read “It’s me, Sugar,” correctly.

“Plan 9 from Outer Space” is narrated by Criswell who was known for “wildly inaccurate predictions,” often appearing on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson.

Carson, in fact, developed a character based on Criswell and his loony predictions.

The film is a hodgepodge of continuity errors, low production values, and unrelated stock footage inserted at odd times.

It got me thinking about the worst television shows ever. Again, there are plenty to choose from, including everything that has a laugh track. Everything, including “M*A*S*H” and “Friends.”

Don’t make me watch “Friends” and I will be your friend.

“My Mother the Car” is right up there. It starred Jerry Van Dyke and a 1928 Porter touring car that, it’s learned, is his mother reincarnated.

“Reincarnated.” Get it?

The car talks to Van Dyke (it’s actress’s Ann Sothern’s voice) and tells him what to do.

My one and only lunch box featured a character on a show I watched long before I knew what “production values” meant.

“Captain Video.”

“Captain Video and His Video Rangers” aired between 1949 and 1955; there were an estimated 1,537 episodes.

How bad? To save money, each episode was “interrupted” for about ten minutes with old cowboy movies. The cowboys were Captain Video’s “undercover agents on Earth.”

During live broadcasts, actors often had to turn away from the camera so they wouldn’t be seen laughing about the script or the prop miscues.

The show’s prop budget was twenty-five dollars a week.

What did I know? I believed in Captain Video and I believed in Howdy Doody.

The program gets mentioned in a better Billy Wilder-Marilyn Monroe film, “The Seven Year Itch,” that also starred Tom Ewell as Richard Sherman.

Sherman’s son Ricky is shown wearing a space suit in one of the opening scenes.

When television was new it was a threat to filmmakers.

Outrageous films were made in the 1950s in an attempt to lure audiences back into theaters.

That’s when most of the best of the worst movies, often featuring horrific monsters, were made, including “The Creature from the Black Lagoon,” the movie Sherman and “The Girl” go to in “The Seven Year Itch.”

What are your worsts?

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

Merging onto the highway of grace

A

friend of mine had recently posted his frustrations about someone not thanking him for allowing them to merge into the traffic ahead of him. No wave, no thank you, they WINNING just moved on and WORDS into the flow of traffic. Have you been there? Have you found yourself more agitated these days, letting some of the simplest annoyances become major irritations?

Have we found Michael Norton ourselves dancing on a wire, a thread, and ready to snap? Probably more so than we would like to admit.

I know that for myself I started noticing the little things. The small stuff was beginning to get to me.

Yup, I was on edge and maybe even dancing on a wire.

What I appreciated most about my friend’s post was that he posed it as a question, asking people if they ever felt the same sense of being disrespected or under-

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appreciated when allowing other drivers to merge into traffic. My first response to his question was a simple, “Nope.” And then I thought about it more, placing myself as both the driver giving grace to another person and then as the person receiving the grace to merge into traffic. Would I be agitated and irritated? Would I be grateful and appreciative? How would I have demonstrated either?

As the driver who let the other person in, I would do so because it is the right thing to do to keep traffic moving safely. There have been times when it absolutely irritated me. Luckily, the wisdom of my grandfather and maturity has brought sense back to my nonsensical way of thinking and driving.

His encouragement was to always offer grace in every aspect of life, and every aspect of life includes driving.

After thinking about the question posted by my friend, I commented on his original post with the questions my grandfather would have asked me if I was feeling underappreciated: Have I given thanks to God 100% of the time for every gift

and blessing in my life? My answer then and now would be, “No.” Assessing the driving situation, he would’ve asked me if I might have missed a slight nod of the head or tip of the hat, or was I just looking for a hand gesture that would acknowledge appreciation? The good kind of gesture of course. The questions would continue: Was I close enough to hear the driver say to their passenger, “That sure was nice of that driver to let me in, I sure do appreciate them”? Is there a chance that the driver had an arm injury, or perhaps was missing an arm and needed to keep the only good hand on the steering wheel for safety?

Have I ever been so wrapped up in a “hands-free” phone conversation or paying close attention to the GPS where I mumbled quietly or silently, “Thank you” instead of a wave of gratitude?

There are certainly enough things going on in our lives that are creating stress, and anxiety, and maybe even have us dancing on a wire. The best way to turn that wire or tightrope we are walking into solid footing is to respond instead

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of reacting to each small indiscretion. Respond with grace instead of feeling disrespected, insulted, or underappreciated. Respond the way that you would hope they would respond to you. This takes the heat off which in turn lowers our blood pressure, stress levels, and anxiety.

Doing what is right, because it’s the right thing to do, will always yield far more favorable results than allowing ourselves to be so easily offended by the words, actions, or the lack of both from those around us, and maybe especially as we are driving.

How about you? Are you dancing on a wire? Are the little annoyances becoming bigger irritations? Or have you found that the best way to find a more solid footing is by offering grace? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@tramazing.com, and when we can learn how to respond instead of reacting, it really will be a better than good year.

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

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

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

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Elbert County News 9

1February 18, 2021

Independent bookstore part of trend Sudden Fiction shop carries on despite pandemic

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The Sudden Fiction bookstore is nestled in the basement of the Ecclesia Market in Castle Rock. Like a scene straight out of a book, Sudden Fiction’s decor includes vintage high-backed green velvet chairs, a matching couch, various era posters and — of course — walls and walls of books.

While America has seen the decline of large brick-and-mortar bookstores over the years, co-owner Gina McReynolds said she and partner Joe Durst knew their little independent bookstore would survive in a tough economy.

“Actually, it’s common to think that bookstores are becoming obsolete,” said McReynolds. “But over the past five years independent bookstores are seeing a surge.”

The duo opened the store in June 2019, in an office upstairs in the Ecclesia Market that occupied 105 square feet and contained eight bookshelves. They moved downstairs to their current space, which is about 1,000 square feet, in February 2020, shortly before the coronavirus pandemic would force businesses across the state to close their doors temporarily.

“We opened and were like `here we are! Then we were like `oh, now we’re closed,’” said McReynolds.

“But the community has been so supportive. Our holiday season was great. Through COVID, everyone has been committed to shopping local.”

McReynolds moved to Castle Rock from Denver three years ago, and said she was excited to embrace the small-town lifestyle, including quaint coffee shops, local boutiques and lounging at small bookstores.

The problem, she realized, was the lack of an independent bookstore in town.

“I really liked the small-town feeling, but then I realized there wasn’t

The Sudden Fiction bookstore in Castle Rock supports local authors.

a little bookstore that I could go to, so we decided to open one ourselves,” said McReynolds. “We both wanted to become business owners, and we’re both big readers, so we decided this was going to be it.”

Because of limited space, McReynolds said she and Durst have to curate the collection carefully, buying books that they think readers will want, as well as managing donated books. Books that aren’t put on the shelves are donated to local charities.

Sudden Fiction carries new and used books, in just about every genre imaginable. They offer store credit for donated books, and currently serve pour-over coffee with plans to offer a beer selection in the future.

While COVID restrictions prohibit a full capacity of customers from lounging in the store, McReynolds said customers are welcome to take advantage of the entire Ecclesia Market.

“They can bring food in here from downstairs, or they can come take books to the restaurant, or take a book and go outside,” said McReynolds.

By nature of being a bookstore,

Trader Joe’s looking at Parker location Public hearing for liquor license will be Feb. 18

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Trader Joe’s may be coming to Parker after the popular grocery store chain submitted a licensing application to the town in December.

The fermented malt beverage, or liquor license application, was made for a lot near the town’s Costco at 18374 Cottonwood Drive, Suite 150.

“At this time, we are in the very early stages and are taking the necessary steps to bring a store to the area,” said Kenya Friend-Daniel, a spokesperson with Trader Joe’s.

“I do not have a timeline to share at this time. I look forward to shar-

ing more information as I get it.”

The public hearing for the liquor license will be Feb. 18 during a Special Licensing Authority meeting.

Residents can join this meeting by visiting parkeronline.org/2118 and selecting the “Special Licensing Authority” meeting listed for that date.

Transmark, a local developer, has also submitted a site plan for the lot listed on Trader Joe’s application.

Trader Joe’s, which is a national chain, has seven other locations in Colorado with two stores in Denver and one each in Greenwood Village, south Jefferson County, Boulder, Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.

The store offers many unique products under its own brand.

“We can’t confirm anything yet but we do have an application for a liquor license on file,” Parker Mayor Jeff Toborg said. “We’re very excited.”

Gina McReynolds rings up a customer at the Sudden Fiction bookstore in Castle Rock.

PHOTOS BY TABATHA STEWART

McReynolds said money’s always a little tight, but COVID restrictions have posed an even tighter operating budget.

“We got some disaster loans and

CARES funds, which allowed us to keep our one employee,” said McReynolds. “And our landlord gave us a two-month abatement, which really saved us.”

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10 Elbert County News

February 18, 2021F

LEGISLATURE

FROM PAGE 1

have enough on its plate during the ongoing economic downturn wrought by COVID-19, other highprofile proposals are sure to draw heated debates at the Capitol.

State lawmakers convened for a three-day session in January, approving a handful of bills that — among other measures — renewed certain pandemic-related tax credits and retooled a relief program for minority-owned businesses in light of a court challenge that called its race-based criteria discriminatory.

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tect against COVID-19, the Legislature was expected to return on Feb. 16 to continue this year’s legislative session, the roughly four-month period in which bills are passed.

Asked what his biggest targets are for the session, Republican Chris Holbert, state Senate minority leader, said with a laugh that his goal is “to not be asked that question.”

“It’s mathematically impossible to have goals unless the Holbert Democrats” agree, Holbert said, noting that Democrats still control both the state Senate and House and the governor’s office.

In Colorado’s third year of total statehouse control by Democrats after the 2018 election, here’s a look at the proposals likely to grab attention.

‘Not about the man named Polis’ After an 11-month stream of nearconstant executive orders related to the coronavirus, Republicans such as Holbert, the state senator from Parker, are questioning whether a governor should have such a longstanding expansion of authority.

But Holbert draws a careful line: A Republican proposal may focus on how long a disaster emergency declaration — which can give a governor broader powers — can last before the governor has to depend on the state Legislature to extend it. But the proposal isn’t so much about changing the authority itself that exists under such a declaration, Holbert said.

However, Holbert did call into question the type of rulemaking that has come via state order during the pandemic.

He says he’s heard from constituents in Douglas County who assume Holbert decided that hair salons could only open at a certain percentage of their capacity or 10 people, or less, citing the type of public health rules Colorado has seen throughout the pandemic.

“I had nothing to do with that, and people want to know why,” Holbert said, arguing state lawmakers should have more say. A proposal might include giving the Legislature an opportunity to review rules made by executive order, he added.

“Right now, I think we understand that we don’t have that authority,” Holbert said.

Senate Republicans intend to float either a state-law or constitutional proposal — if it’s a constitutional change, it would come as a referred measure to state voters — to ask about the timeline for future statewide disaster emergencies, Holbert said.

“Should the Legislature have to (weigh in) in 30 days? Sixty days?

Ninety? Six months? A year?” Holbert asked.

The senator framed the issue as centered on future potential emergencies — no matter who the governor is. “This isn’t about the man named Jared Polis,” Holbert said.

If Republicans were to target Polis’ current authority “relative to where we are right now, Democrats would kill that in (legislative) committee. So that would be a short conversation,” Holbert said.

But he took issue with Colorado’s classification of certain businesses as “nonessential” or noncritical, a move that placed them under restrictions other “critical” businesses were spared. He heard of a tobacco store in the Parker area that attempted to stay open against pandemic-related orders, while nearby, big-box stores were able to sell tobacco.

“So it wasn’t the product, and it wasn’t the size of the store because you could see small liquor stores, and for some reason those were essential. A person could visit a small cannabis dispensary (in Arapahoe County),” Holbert said.

A potential proposal could arise on that matter, Holbert said. He added: “Again, not to interfere with what Polis has done now or to criticize him, but in the future, why can’t small (businesses stay open)?”

State House Speaker Alec Garnett thanked the governor for his approach in responding to the pandemic.

“If we want to have a more robust discussion about the Legislature’s role and how this is all supposed to work in the next pandemic, I don’t think it’s an appropriate time Garnett (for that) when we’re toward the end of this crisis,” said Garnett, a Democrat of Denver.

“I don’t want to cast any disparaging light on what this governor has accomplished,” the House leader added.

Health care focus amid virus Democrats heard during election season that health-care costs remain a “No. 1 priority” for Coloradans, Garnett said.

“There is no doubt that the pandemic has underscored the gap in health (care) for Coloradans,” with costs standing as a hurdle for families trying to make ends meet, Garnett said.

Last year, Democratic lawmakers envisioned a type of “public option,” which would have added a government-overseen program alongside current private health insurance. Supporters of a public option say it would drive costs down by creating more competition for private companies.

The state government would have overseen the program, but private insurance carriers would have administered it and held the financial risk, according to a fact sheet by the state, which referred to the plan as a public-private partnership.

The pandemic upended last year’s legislative session, but Democrats are back this year with a modified proposal that tweaks the possible Colorado public option — and tries a less government-driven approach first.

Dubbed the Colorado Health Insurance Option, it’s what’s known as a total-cost-of-care proposal that would set cost-reduction goals for health insurance premiums that Coloradans pay.

Under the plan, insurance companies would negotiate reimbursement rates — the amounts that insurance companies pay out — with hospitals, pharmaceutical

companies and other health-care industry entities to enable the lower premium costs that consumers would pay, according to Jarrett Freedman, spokesman for state House Democrats.

The proposal would put the total-cost-of-care model in effect for years 2023 and 2024, and if the proposal’s insurance premiumreduction goals aren’t met, then in 2025, a plan for a Colorado public option would take effect.

That system in 2025 may look more like a traditional public option compared to last year’s idea, with the government entirely running the program rather than overseeing private insurers’ administration of it.

But if insurers are able to meet the goals, any creation of a statebacked public option would be delayed until the targets are no longer met, according to a fact sheet on the plan.

Individuals and small employers would be able to purchase insurance through the plan, the sheet says.

Holbert argued that if lawmakers want to make health care more affordable or accessible, they should “get government out of it.”

“They like to call it the public option, but it’s government interference and it’s price controls, and it means that some or most will pay more while fewer will pay less,” Holbert said.

Stakeholders in the health care industry have said they share the goal of cost reduction and want flexibility to meet them rather than having the state “force anything on top of us,” Garnett said.

“What we’re trying to do is set goals for price reduction that are going to help Coloradans. Give insurers the option to work with hospitals and pharma and different players in the industry to set premiums … to achieve a goal,” Garnett said.

‘Citizen control’ Three gun-control bills face good odds in the Democrat-led Legislature: This year could see proposals regarding requirements for storing firearms safely, a waiting period for purchasing firearms, and a duty to report lost or stolen firearms.

Holbert characterized the proposals as “citizen control” bills.

“They don’t really seem to do anything about criminals but seem to (affect) law-abiding citizens,” Holbert added.

For Garnett, the focus is partly on Colorado’s suicide rates and preventing suicides that involve a firearm, he said, adding: “We all support the Second Amendment.”

“I really don’t understand why these proposals seem to be as partisan as they are,” Garnett said.

“The goal is to improve responsible gun ownership.”

The House speaker called the proposals “narrowly focused” and ones that have been beneficial in other states. He argues they’ll be tailored to address the outlined goal, as with 2019’s Extreme Risk Protection Order bill, Garnett argued. That’s known as Colorado’s “red flag” law.

“The number of talking points around the ERPO have not come true,” Garnett said.

Elbert County News 11

1February 18, 2021

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12 Elbert County News

Stories of romance reflect unique challenges, opportunities

BY CORINNE WESTEMAN CWESTEMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

LOCAL

LIFE

Couples

February 18, 2021F

find love

O

n Oct. 21, Chuck Coughlin was visiting his wife’s grave in a Boulder cemetery when he noticed a woman visiting her husband’s grave.

He saw her name — Marj O’Reilly — on the tombstone next to her husband’s and made a comment about how her first name was similar to his mother’s.

Not the best pick-up line, O’Reilly later joked.

The two struck up a conversation and found out they had a lot in common, and decided to meet again soon.

Before long, the two were in a relationship, and on New Year’s Day, Coughlin proposed. They recently set a date — June 11 — for their wedding.

All because they bumped into each other at the cemetery last October, O’Reilly said.

Just like their meeting, Coughlin and O’Reilly’s relationship during the pandemic has been unique.

And they’re not alone.

COVID-19 has forced couples across the Denver area to confront serious topics, such as health and politics, early in a relationship while eliminating many activities they might do on dates.

“Pandemic dating kind of expedites dating 10 times over,” said Blair Nelson of Denver, who met her boyfriend virtually last spring. “… We often joke that we’ve been together almost nine months, and it feels like we’ve been together for three years.”

Meanwhile, how to meet each

amid p a nd

d n i w emic whirl

Chuck Coughlin and Marj O’Reilly spend time at Davidson Mesa Open Space on Jan. 23. After meeting O’Reilly in October, Coughlin PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN proposed on New Year’s Day. The two will be married June 11.

Chuck Coughlin and Marj O’Reilly sit together at Louisville’s Davidson Mesa Open Space. After meeting O’Reilly in October, Coughlin proposed on New Year’s Day. The two will be married June 11.

P

PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN

other’s friends and family has varied from couple to couple, with

Denver’s Blair Nelson and Idaho Springs’ Patrick Marlin met virtually in May and had their first in-person date in July after Marlin moved back from North Carolina. The COURTESY PHOTO two enjoy hiking and skiing together.

many saying they’re taking precautions while others said they haven’t taken any.

Coughlin and O’Reilly, who live in Lakewood and Broomfield, respectively, have taken precautions by meeting loved ones virtually or

outside with social distancing.

“Our families live so far apart,” Coughlin said, “I’m not sure it would’ve been any different (without the pandemic).”

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Elbert County News 13

1February 18, 2021

FROM PAGE 6

“Since the dial’s last major change in November, Colorado has begun distributing COVID-19 vaccines throughout the state,” Hunsaker Ryan said in the Feb. 5 announcement. “More people now have immunity to COVID-19, including people over 70 and frontline health care workers. This relieves the strain on our hospital system.”

Compared to the draft of the new rules announced on Jan. 30, the final version of the update changes capacity limits for restaurants in level yellow. Other than that, capacity limits remain the same for all other businesses and other settings across the dial’s levels.

Businesses certified as part of the state’s 5-Star program are still allowed to operate one level lower on the dial than they otherwise would be able to without certification, except they may not operate in level green, or “Protect Our Neighbors,” unless the county is formally in that level.

“Because caution is still a priority, (businesses in) counties in yellow with a 5-Star Business Program may only operate in blue once 70% of 70-year-olds in the state are vaccinated with at least one dose, expected to happen by the end of the month,” the Feb. 5 news release said.

The following are some of the capacity changes that businesses and other settings in level orange could see with a move to the lessrestrictive level yellow, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

POLICE FROM PAGE 2

“Since we have moved some funds around, we have reprioritized what’s important and what the town needs. It’s become needs versus wants,” said Morales. “I

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

think in doing so, the town has freed up some money that was being spent elsewhere, stuff that was nice to have but not necessary.”

The town is discussing holding some town hall meetings to hear input from residents regarding the reopening of a Kiowa police department.

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

YELLOW

For a complete list of differences between all the levels, go to the state’s COVID-19 website at covid19.colorado.gov/data/covid19-dial-dashboard and click “level restrictions” below the map.

When capacity limits are expressed as both a percentage and a total number of people, business owners and other organizers must use whichever number is fewer, according to the state’s website.

• Restaurants: Changes from 25% capacity or 50 people, whichever is less, to 50% or 50 people (or up to 150 using Colorado’s social distancing space calculator) — whichever is less. View the calculator at covid19.colorado.gov/socialdistancing-calculator.

• Offices: Changes from a 25% limit to a 50% limit. Remote work is “strongly encouraged” under both the orange and yellow levels.

• Gyms/fitness centers: Changes from 25% or 50 people indoors, whichever is less, to 50% or 50 people, whichever is less.

• Indoor unseated events and entertainment: Under level orange, limits are 25% or 50 people (with the calculator), whichever is less.

Under level yellow, limits are 50% capacity or 50 people while not using the calculator (or up to 100 with the calculator), whichever is less.

The new change for restaurants in level yellow — that they may now operate at 50% or up to 50 people (or up to 150 with the calculator). — is up from the previous level yellow limit of 100 people with the calculator, according to the Feb. 5 news release.

For a breakdown of what newcase rates and rates of positive COVID-19 tests qualify counties for each dial level, see page 2 at tinyurl.com/NewColoradoDial.

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Elbert County News 15

1February 18, 2021

LOVE FROM PAGE 12

O’Reilly felt that, by now, they at least would have connected more with their family members who live in Colorado, particularly over the holidays.

Nelson and her boyfriend, Patrick Marlin of Idaho Springs, have taken similar measures. Marlin met most of Nelson’s friends and coworkers virtually while Nelson met Marlin’s family outdoors at hikes and bonfires.

However, Nelson described how Marlin met her parents much earlier when her parents were in town while driving from Texas to Seattle for the summer.

Nelson and Marlin have also driven to Texas twice, and quarantined both times.

“We’ve been very careful when we’re in public or traveling,” Marlin said, adding that they wear masks and clean their hands frequently.

“We haven’t gotten COVID yet, but some of that is probably luck.”

Finding things to do

Nelson said the pandemic prompted her to take a more serious look at her love life and have a greater interest in a relationship.

However, while other couples said they met through dating apps and websites during the pandemic, Nelson knew that wasn’t for her.

Instead, she took the premise behind online dating, and applied it to her professional network. She

described how, in May, she sent out a very honest and vulnerable newsletter-like email about herself and what she was looking for in a partner to 110 people, asking if they knew anyone who would be a good fit.

Marlin’s cousin was one of the recipients and set them up virtually, as Marlin was actually in North Carolina.

As a someone in business-to-business sales with a part-time bartending gig, Marlin recalled spending a lot of time alone in his apartment, and getting an email one day about Nelson.

The two described how they texted for a few weeks before their first phone call.

In July, Marlin packed everything he could in his car and headed back to Colorado. The two had planned their first in-person date on July 17.

It didn’t go well.

Marlin recalled how the restaurant they went to had terrible food and drinks, so they left, got groceries and cooked at home.

“I think it was too much pressure after months of talking,” he continued.

However, things went much better after that, and because of the pandemic, Marlin described how they would spend a few days together rather than a few hours on a date.

Hiking, biking, skiing and camping have been very popular activities for Marlin and Nelson, as well as others. As for indoor activities, couples said they’ve also spent time cooking; doing puzzles and coloring books; and playing card, board and video games together.

“It’s hard to get reservations and capacities are limited,” Nelson said.

“We didn’t have ballgames or concerts or the ease of spontaneity. We really had to plan and be intentional about things.”

In each other’s bubble

While they hadn’t contracted COVID-19 as of late January, Marlin and Nelson said they’d dealt with a few potential exposure scares and subsequent quarantines. They’ve discussed the likelihood of both of them getting it if one of them contracts it, and decided they’re going to support each other if that happens.

Arguably, the bigger concern has been keeping their loved ones safe, explaining that they were going to quarantine for a week before visiting family in late January.

Other individuals in relationships, especially those who live alone, consider them and their significant other as in the same bubble, so if one of them gets COVID, they’ll probably both get it.

Coughlin and O’Reilly had to confront that reality in mid-November, when O’Reilly tested positive for COVID-19. Coughlin never had symptoms but later tested positive for antibodies.

While they’ve certainly been concerned that they gave it to each other, Coughlin explained that, at that point, they’d never spent time in close quarters together. All their meetings had been outside or socially distanced. Thus, they’re not sure where O’Reilly contracted it.

All throughout their relationship,

the two have been emailing and video-chatting almost every day.

They also went hiking and walking together a lot.

“I think (COVID-19) made us more cautious with each other,” O’Reilly said of their initial interactions.

Now the two, who are both in their 70s, have received their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and are looking forward to getting married in June.

Both of them came from very happy marriages, and their widowhood was something helped them bond so quickly and deeply. Coughlin and O’Reilly also both lost their spouses to cancer-related complications in March 2020 and December 2018, respectively.

Finding someone who understood that loss and who was able to support them through it was providential, they described.

“I was so blessed to find this woman,” Coughlin said. “The chances of finding each other are so low.”

Likewise, Marlin and Nelson described how, after spending months alone in their apartments, they were thankful to have someone in their lives to support them, especially through job loss, stress and anxiety, and other pandemic-caused issues.

“I think we are so much stronger,” Nelson said of being in a relationship during the pandemic. “… It’s hard but it’s definitely been worth it.”

Contact reporter Corinne Westeman at 303-567-4491 or cwesteman@coloradocommunitymedia.com, and follow her on Twitter @cwesteman.

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice NOTICE OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE Pursuant to Chapter 5, Article II of the Town of Elizabeth Municipal Code and 31-32-102 C.R.S., notice is hereby given that the Town Board of Trustees will consider adoption of the following named and described ordinance during its Regular meetings on February 23 and March 9, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. at the Town of Elizabeth, Town Hall, 151 S Banner St, Elizabeth, Colorado, 80107.

Title of Proposed Ordinance: An Ordinance Approving a Franchise Agreement Between the Town of Elizabeth, Colorado and Intermountain Rural Electric Association Subject Matter Summary: The proposed ordinance renews the Town’s franchise agreement with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) for a period of twenty years.

The entire text of the proposed ordinance is available for public inspection upon request of the Town Clerk. In response to COVID-19, Town Offices are closed to the public and walk-in services. To schedule a meeting with the Administrator, Town and Court Clerks, please call (303) 646-4166 extension 2 or 3.

Legal Notice No. 24553 First Publication: February 4, 2021 Last Publication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE No. 77504 STATE OF TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES, Petitioner, vs.

Rebecca Ann Floyd, Mother And Billy Brown, Father of Aliyah Respondents.

IN THE MATTER OF: Aliyah Floyd : D.O.B 1/4/2006 CHILD UNDER EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE NOTICE TO: RESPONDENT, REBECCA FLOYD The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services, has filed a Petition against you seeking to terminate forever your parental rights to Aliyah Floyd. It appears that ordinary process of law cannot be served upon you because your whereabouts are unknown or you are evading service. You are hereby ORDERED to appear in the Rutherford County Circuit Court on April 6, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. to personally answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights. The trial shall be held before the Honorable Darrell Scarlett for the Rutherford County Circuit Court located at 116 W Lytle St., Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Failing to appear for the hearing on this date and time, without good cause will result in the loss of your right to contest the petition to terminate your parental rights to the child listed above. You may view and obtain a copy of the Petition and any other subsequently filed legal documents at the Rutherford County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.

Entered the 11th day of January, 2021. /s/ Darrell Scarlett

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

HONORABLE Judge Darrell Scarlett APPROVED BY: /s/ Martha Gillespie-Stewart Martha M. Gillespie-Stewart, BPR#032125 Assistant General Counsel Tennessee Department of Children’s Services 434 Jayhawk Court Murfreesboro, TN 37128 615-217-8907 Legal Notice No. 24554 First Publication: February 4, 2021 Last Publication: February 25, 2021 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Water Court Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO JANUARY 2021 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of JANUARY 2021 for each County affected.

21CW2 QUENTIN DEHANN, APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS IN THE DENVER BASIN AQUIFERS IN ELBERT COUNTY. Please send all correspondence to Quentin DeHann, 33443 County Rd 21, Elizabeth, CO 80107, 720-589-9310 QDHIGHRIDGE47@yahoo.com. All applicants listed have joint ownership of the parcel and/or joint consent to withdraw the water underlying the parcel(s), which is/are the subject of this application. All of the parcels of land claimed in this application are contiguous (that is, no part of land claimed in the application is physically separate from the rest of the land).

The parcel of land consists of 40 acres, more or

less, in Elbert County, located generally in S17, T8S, R64W of 6th PM, IN Elbert County. The claim of Applicant(s) to the water underlying the parcel described previously is based on ownership of the parcel. The Applicant seeks to adjudicate the Denver Basin ground water underlying the Subject Property in all of the available aquifers. Applicant certifies that Applicant owns the Subject Property free and clear of all liens and encumbrances and that no other person or entity has a financial interest in the Subject Property. There is one well located on the property.

WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions.

Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of MARCH 2021 (forms available on www. courts.state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office) and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. 24558 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Publication: February 18, 2021 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors

Estate of Gaylene Takako Uyemura, aka Gaylene T. Uyemura, aka Gaylene Uyemura, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30000 All persons having claims against the abovenamed Estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Elbert County District Court on or before June 8, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Janice R. Ogawa, Personal Representative 8122 West Frost Avenue Littleton, CO 80128 Legal Notice No. 24551 First Publication: February 4, 2021 Last Publication: February 18, 2021 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of James L. Geerdes, Deceased Case Number: 2021PR30001

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

James L. Geerdes, Jr. and Paul V. Geerdes, Co-Personal Representatives C/O Gubbels Law Office, P.C. 402 N. Wilcox Street, Suite 100 Castle Rock, CO 80104 Legal Notice No. 24559 First Publication: February 18, 2021 Last Pulication: March 4, 2021 Publisher: The Elbert County News

###

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Elbert County Legals 2.18.21 * 1

16 Elbert County News

February 18, 2021

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