Elbert County News 1001

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October 1, 2020

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

A publication of

ElbertCountyNews.net

VOLUME 125 | ISSUE 35

GET READY TO VOTE Coming next week: Q&As with candidates for state and local offices

Recall drive targets Kiowa school trustees Some parents claim low morale, misguided budgeting priorities

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Concerned parents of students in the Kiowa C-2 school district are calling for a recall of board members Kurt Wassil, Stephanie Buker and Stacy Morgan, claiming they have been misusing funds, cutting programs and staff members, and have created an unhealthy work environment, low staff morale and fear among staff members who speak out against the board’s actions.

SEE TRUSTEES, P4

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 8 | LIFE: PAGE 10

Members of the Kiowa school board listen to concerns from parents during a community meeting Sept. 23.

SCREENSHOT BY TABATHA STEWART

County a little above middle on virus metrics Local health director doesn’t anticipate falling to ‘stay at home’ level

BY TABATHA STEWART SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released its latest tool to help counties, towns and cities manage and monitor the number of COVID-19 cases in their communities. A simplified “Dial Framework” includes five levels of restrictions, and based on three metrics, county leaders can easily determine the best recommended actions to take within their communities.

“This framework recognizes unique local circumstances using an intuitive dial to visualize a community’s success in containing the spread of COVID-19. By increasing simplicity and predictability, local communities have another tool to make life amidst the pandemic more sustainable until we have a major breakthrough in testing, treatments, or a vaccine,” states the CDPHE website.

Based on three metrics — number of new cases, percent positivity and impact on hospitalizations — the dial recommends levels of restrictions, with the “protect our neighbors” level being the least restrictive, which means there is little spread within the community. The next levels fall under “safer at home,” level 1 being “cautious,” level 2 being “concern” and level 3 being “high risk.”

SEE VIRUS, P7

2 Elbert County News

October 1, 2020O

State plan would unify mental health services Fragmented system now in place needs to improve, task force says

BY JENNIFER BROWN THE COLORADO SUN

When Vickie Zacher found out her 11-year-old daughter was getting notes from kids at school suggesting that she kill herself, the Eagle County mom took her to a mental health counselor.

A program through Zacher’s job paid for three, one-hour sessions. But the price for more sessions was $270 per hour, and Zacher couldn’t afford it.

When her daughter turned 12, the girl’s pediatrician discovered she had been cutting herself and suggested she take medication. The first psychiatry appointment Zacher could get for Olivia was two months out.

A few weeks before that January 2018 appointment, 12-year-old Olivia tried to kill herself. The girl spent a few days in an in-patient Denver behavioral health program and was released after telling doctors she was no longer suicidal — a lie that other hospitalized children suggested the girl tell if she wanted to go home.

Zacher knew her daughter was still struggling, so she restarted her search for help and found a partialhospitalization program. Olivia attended for 12 days — until the family’s insurance company said it would no longer pay.

On Feb. 7, 2018, three days after her 13th birthday, Olivia came home from

Colorado Department of Human Services executive director Michelle Barnes announces a new action plan to consolidate mental health services in Colorado as she stands with Gov. Jared Polis outside the governor’s mansion on Sept. 23. PHOTO BY JENNIFER BROWN/THE COLORADO SUN school and killed herself. “My worst nightmare became real,” Zacher said.

Zacher shared her story Sept. 23 in a garden outside the governor’s mansion, recounting one of dozens of stories highlighting the massive failures of a fragmented mental health system told during the last year to Gov. Jared Polis’ statewide behavioral health task

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The group produced an action plan that calls for creating a centralized office for mental health — named the Behavioral Health Administration — instead of the splintered system that now includes 75 programs spread across three state agencies.

The state’s suicide prevention office is part of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, yet crisis services — including 24-hour, walk-in services for mental health — are overseen by the Colorado Department of Human Services, for example.

Substance abuse programs are housed within the human services department, but many are funded by state Health Care Policy and Financing.

“If we’re trying to prevent suicides, we also need to make sure we have a response to suicide and they are connected to each other,” said Robert Werthwein, the director of the state Office of Behavioral Health, which will oversee the new administration.

“We’ve really got to pull substance abuse and mental health together.

We’ve got to stop treating them like they’re two different systems.”

The task force, which included 27 members ranging from mental health

experts to county commissioners, wants the new state office to serve as a single point of entry for behavioral health care. The point is to avoid stories like the one shared by Zacher, who felt alone and without an advocate for her daughter as she tried to navigate the complex systems of treatment and insurance coverage.

Care coordinators at this new office would link Coloradans with the right programs and help set up funding, replacing a system that, for example, sends a person to one office for mental health care and another office to set up addiction treatment.

“If people walk in the door and say we need help, we’ve got to adapt to them, not them adapting to us,” Werthwein said. “We will walk with you through this very hard time.”

But there is no new money for what Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera called a “massive transformation” of the behavioral health system, at least not initially.

Michelle Barnes, executive director of the state human services department, said the governor “has made it very clear that this isn’t the time to be putting a lot of budget proposals forward.”

“And we adapted and we changed and we are happy to say that this will cost you nothing new,” she said.

For now, the office will operate on existing funding within the state human services department. It’s unclear, however, how it would provide coordinated care navigators without additional resources.

Polis, who established the task force in 2019, praised the group for designing a “system that puts people first.”

The current system is too fragmented, he said.

“It means too many Coloradans are slipping through the cracks when there are ways to help them,” Polis said. “We need to streamline this.”

For Zacher, help never came, no matter how many calls she made and how many times she argued with her insurance company.

“I do feel my daughter could have been saved, but she was just a number pushed through the system that failed us,” she said. “No one took the time to completely understand what my daughter was going through so they could help her.”

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. Used by permission. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun. com.

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Elbert County News 3

0October 1, 2020

Pandemic is unusual crisis hurting college enrollment Hard times usually cause numbers to rise at community colleges

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT.ORG

The coronavirus pandemic is causing fewer students to enroll in Colorado’s community college system this fall, especially those who are first-generation and low-income.

The roughly 9% drop in enrollment highlights the brutal situation that COVID has created and decisions thousands of students face. The pandemic also is altering student behavior patterns. Typically, community college enrollment increases during an economic downturn.

That’s not the case right now.

Community colleges tend to educate students who are more likely to be adults, low-income, or first-generation than are students in four-year colleges. Schools have shifted to hybrid instruction to ease coronavirus concerns about the spread of the virus, and online enrollment has grown. But that doesn’t ease the challenges students face and that are exacerbated by the virus, such as feeding families, needing to work, and having a harder time juggling finances while attending school.

If institutions can’t find a way to lure students back, it could affect the long-term prospects for both students and colleges.

Community College of Aurora

President Betsy Oudenhoven said enrollment at her college has decreased 18% from last year. Surveys of the Aurora campus show students who are low-income, first-generation and not from the U.S. have been more likely not to attend this fall — groups that make up a large share of her student body.

“It just feels like layers and layers that have hit our students really hard,” Oudenhoven said.

State data show that university undergraduate enrollment also is decreasing.

David Baime of the American Association of Community Colleges said that nationally two-year colleges are experiencing a 10% to 12% decline in enrollment.

Out of the ordinary The decrease is atypical. Even during the Great Recession, as in other economic downturns, community college enrollment increased. That’s because people might seek out new skills and credentials that they hope will make them more employable. But it appears that COVID is squeezing people harder.

“Community college students are typically working more. They’ve got more familial responsibilities,” Baime said. “All these things have made them the likeliest people to be impacted by this.”

Colorado’s community colleges are seeing pronounced declines this year among first-generation students, with numbers dropping by 16%. Meanwhile, Pell Grant-eligible students who receive more federal aid due to

WHAT THE NUMBERS SHOW Below is the percentage change in headcount from 2019 to 2020 at metro area community colleges: Arapahoe Community College: +4.4% Community College of Aurora: -18.4% Community College of Denver: -13.9% Front Range Community College: -5.7% Red Rocks Community College: -23.3% (Numbers based on Sept. 9, 2020 enrollment data provided by the Colorado Community College System to the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Compiled

by Jason Gonzales, of Chalkbeat.) their economic status also decreased by 14%. Many of these students may also be first-generation college-goers.

Almost every community college is enduring student population declines. But the Colorado Community College System has lost fewer students than it feared, said Joe Garcia, the system’s chancellor.

“For a while, we thought we were going to be down 30%, and that was quite alarming,” Garcia said.

Arapahoe Community College President Diana Doyle, who heads one of two schools in the state that saw enrollment increases, said factors behind the growth include serving a greater proportion of middle-class students, and a smaller segment of lowerincome and first-generation students than at other community colleges.

The virus, however, has changed Arapahoe’s demographic, she said.

More students who typically would attend a four-year university are attending Arapahoe instead, Doyle said.

State universities see declines The changes in student behaviors also have affected state universities.

Undergraduate enrollment has fallen at the University of Colorado system, the Colorado School of Mines, Western Colorado State University, and Adams State University, according to numbers provided by the Colorado Department of Higher Education.

Adams State experienced a 6% dip in undergraduate enrollment.

The school, however, is reporting flat enrollment this fall thanks to an increase in graduate students.

Adams State expanded opportunities at its graduate schools to students who might need additional training during the pandemic, said Cheryl Lovell, the school’s president.

Half of the regional university’s population in Alamosa is considered in high financial need, Lovell said.

“We knew our growth in graduate programs would not only meet workforce demand to provide highly trained, skilled advanced employees,” Lovell said. “It also provided an upward mobility for our students to advance themselves professionally.”

At the Community College of Aurora, Oudenhoven said the enrollment dips won’t impact student services and support this year. The enrollment declines won’t prompt immediate cuts thanks to federal stimulus money.

She does worry about the future, she said.

SEE COLLEGE, P4

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4 Elbert County News

October 1, 2020O

TRUSTEES FROM PAGE 1

Paid for by Friends to Elect Darien Wilson, Registered Agent: Darien Wilson

Petition formats were submitted to the Elbert County Clerk and Recorder’s Office Sept. 9, and were deemed sufficient Sept.

14. Parents now have until Nov. 13 to gather 244 valid signatures to begin the process for a recall election.

“Our schools have suffered loss of staff, and extracurricular activities/programs. The art program was eliminated for K-12, yet the auto shop program continues for 6 students at a budget of over $35,000,” states the petition. “Student enrollment/ratings are the lowest in Kiowa’s history and yet the superintendent is the highest paid in Kiowa’s history. Lack of support for staff and teachers has resulted in low morale, an unhealthy work environment, and a 42 percent turnover in teachers during 2018-2019.”

The petition also claims “for three years, the district’s budget has maintained a `red’ status with no sign of improvement.

They are $475,000 over budget with no plans, and refuse to acknowledge the consistent use of reserve funds.”

During a community meeting with the school board held Nov. 23, 35 parents attended in person, with an additional 37 attending via Zoom. Nearly 30 people addressed the board with

their concerns, including a lack of communication from the school board, and how budget numbers didn’t seem to align.

School board president Kurt Wassil addressed some of the issues during an interview with the Elbert County News.

“I think this all started in July, when we started holding community meetings. We explained some of the budget information and I think that alarmed a lot of the community,” said Wassil. “I saw community members getting involved, which I like, but I never in a million years ever thought there would be a recall.”

In response to the claim in the petition that the board members do not acknowledge passing a deficit budget, Wassil disagrees.

“We acknowledge every year that we’re deficit budgeting,” said Wassil. “We try not to cut programs or classes, but we have to anticipate the budget each year, and there’s a lot of guesswork with the revenue, we get funds from a lot of different sources. A lot of times you don’t know what the revenue will be until school starts and we get an actual number of students who are enrolled.”

He also wanted parents to understand the conflicting numbers, and reasoning, behind keeping the auto shop class, while cutting the art class for K-12 students.

“The $35,000 for auto shop is a three-year contract, for one

class, so it’s really about $10,000 a year. The art teacher is a much higher expense, at closer to $48,000 for one year, so the real number is $48,000 vs. $10,000 annually.”

Wassil said the district was looking for an art teacher when the coronavirus pandemic hit, and because of budget cuts on the state level, the board made the difficult decision to retain the teachers they had, and put off hiring an art teacher.

According to Superintendent Scott Mader, a $250,000 budget cut this year, along with state cuts to the district’s funding in previous year, have made balancing the budget and increasing programs that will attract more students nearly impossible.

“We live in a state where our funding is not adequate. Period.

We rate amongst the bottom in funding in the nation in our state, and we put COVID on top of that and the cuts from the state on top of that,” said Mader.

“We have severe funding issues, and those who haven’t been on school boards don’t realize what kind of issues the board has had to face, and they’ve done an outstanding job dealing with it.”

If the petition goes forward, is verified and board members don’t challenge it, a recall election would be held early next year, according to Schroeder.

A recall election would cost around $10,000 and the school board would be responsible for the cost.

COLLEGE FROM PAGE 3

State financial support drops Governmental support for higher education fell by 5% this year. Community colleges and small regional universities rely more heavily on money from the legislature than do the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University.

Next year is a bigger concern. State tax revenue will still be down and federal stimulus money that ensured colleges weren’t cut by 58% this year aren’t a guarantee, Garcia said.

“We’re hoping they will continue to invest in our future by investing in our students and our institutions, but we’re not confident that that’s going to happen,” he said.

Enrollment will also still be a concern, as it is a heavy driver of revenue. Larger schools such as the University of Colorado Boulder depend on tuition revenue. Preliminary data at the University of Colorado Boulder indicates overall fall 2020 enrollment dipped about 1.6%.

The school expects to feel the squeeze from lower tuition revenue for several years, said spokeswoman Deborah Mendez-Wilson. The school will trim costs, including eliminating vacant positions, cutting discretionary spending, postponing some commitments, and consolidating.

Presidents like Oudenhoven said despite the worries, the focus for her school is making this semester work for students.

“I’m trying to figure out with my colleagues, what can we do?” she said. “We’re not helpless in this. We’re not controlling the virus, but we control our response to it.”

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.

e t Vo

Douglas County Commissioner

SCIENCE.

DATA. FACTS. DARIEN WILL USE SCIENCE, DATA, AND FACTS TO DRIVE DECISIONS – NOT POLITICS.

Elbert County News 5

0October 1, 2020

Sheriff endorses Democratic commissioner candidate Republican Tony Spurlock criticized the GOP hopeful in an interview

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Republican Sheriff Tony Spurlock has endorsed Democrat Lisa Neal-Graves in the race for Douglas County District 2 commissioner.

In a Sept. 21 interview with Colorado Community Media, Spurlock lambasted one of Neal-Graves’ opponents, Republican George Teal, in a series of comments, including an allegation that Teal does not support law enforcement.

“I think he is dangerous for Douglas County,” Spurlock said about Teal.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Teal’s campaign said the endorsement “does not carry much water in Douglas County.”

“Previously, Sheriff Spurlock endorsed Clint Dorris, who was soundly defeated by George Teal in the June primary,” said spokesperson Ryan Lynch. “The voters chose George because they know he will stand with law enforcement to keep our schools and communities safe.”

On Sept. 21, Lynch said that Teal was unavailable for an interview but provided statements in response to questions about Spurlock’s endorsement.

Spurlock said he did initially support Dorris but when he lost the primary, he turned to Neal-Graves

to learn more about her platform.

“I spent several meetings with her getting an idea about who she was and what she wanted to do and I quickly realized that this is the candidate for Douglas County Spurlock commissioner who, if elected, could do amazing things,” Spurlock said.

He said the main reason for his support of Neal-Graves is her focus on supporting law enforcement and mental health resources.

“The sheriff ’s job is to Neal-Graves look for the best possible relationship for public safety and it is overwhelmingly clear that Lisa Neal-Graves is that person,” Spurlock said.

Spurlock said he has been a Republican his entire life, but said he finds Teal Democrats in Douglas County to be different from those in Denver and other major cities. “(Neal-Graves) has great ideas for Douglas County. They’re all moderate ideas. She doesn’t have this far-left agenda,” Spurlock said.

In his statement, Lynch said that by endorsing Neal-Graves, Spurlock was aligning himself with Tay Anderson, a Denver school board director who has voiced support for Neal-Graves on social media. Anderson, a vocal ac-

tivist in Denver’s Black Lives Matter movement, championed the decision by the city’s school board to remove police from schools.

Spurlock said when deciding whom to support in an election, he looks at the person and the issues at hand rather than the person’s party.

“Why would I support that guy?

Just because he’s in the party? That’s ridiculous,” he said.

Spurlock said part of the reason he won’t support Teal is because the candidate, a member of Castle Rock Town Council, once supported removing funding from the sheriff ’s office. Lynch responded that after the passage of the Red Flag Law —which allows law enforcement to confiscate someone’s firearms if a judge determines he or she is a threat to themselves or others — Teal voiced his belief that the county shouldn’t fund the “budgetary items” related to that law.

Spurlock, who also crossed party lines when supporting passage of the Red Flag Law in 2019, has been in office since 2014.

Neal-Graves reached out to Spurlock as the summer’s Black Live Matters protests spread across the country, she said.

“The BLM movement drove me to figure out what we’re doing in Douglas County,” she said. “Because I haven’t had an experience that was bad.”

Neal-Graves accompanied the sheriff ’s office Community Response Team on a ride-along in early September in order to get a closer look at the work being done, she said.

After seeing the program first hand, Neal-Graves wondered what other similar efforts could be put in place, she said.

“Here is a resource that is helping and providing support,” she said.

“We ought to be really promoting this and getting it out in front of more people.”

When speaking to the sheriff about the program, she found that the two agreed on more things than disagreed, she said. Still, this was the first time she’d seen a seated Republican endorse a Democrat, she said.

“The issues in our county are nonpartisan,” Neal-Graves said. “This really says, in essence, this race isn’t about partisan lines. It’s about the competency of the person.”

Neal-Graves said she would not support any efforts to defund law enforcement in Douglas County, adding that it “would be an atrocity.”

“I’m hoping that (the endorsement) gives moderate Republicans who recognize what I bring to the county some relief knowing that others agree with them and they can, in fact, vote for me,” she said.

Libertarian Victoria Reynolds is also a candidate in the race for the District 2 seat. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Spurlock said he will remain neutral in the District 3 commissioner’s race between Lora Thomas and Darien Wilson.

“I think both of them have some great ideas,” he said. “The most important race right now is the race that Lisa Neal-Graves is in, and that’s the one that I’m most concerned about.”

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6 Elbert County News

October 1, 2020O

‘This is the gem of the county’ Sandstone Ranch paths can be used for hiking, cycling, horseback riding

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A more than 2,000-acre property in southern Douglas County that was once destined for residential development is now open to the public with 12 miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding.

Sandstone Ranch, which was purchased by the county in January 2018, sits in the foothills between Denver and Colorado Springs. The property, adjacent to Pike National Forest, features mountain views, red rock formations, wildlife and a historic ranching operation.

The land, once owned by a residential development company, was slated to become a neighborhood until the housing market crashed in 2008, said open space director Cheryl Matthews. Then, the land was put on the market.

In 2017, the owner decreased the price to $18.75 million and the county was able to purchase it.

The Chatfield Reservoir Mitigation Company contributed $6 million to the project in order to mitigate environmental impacts caused by the increase in water supply in the reservoir. Funding also came from the Douglas County Open Space Sales and Use Tax. The county is also in the process of receiving Great Outdoors Colorado funds for

An informational board sits at a viewpoint in Sandstone Ranch. the project.

“We all know this is the gem of the county,” Commissioner Roger Partridge said. “It’s amazing how there are so many people around the whole metro area who know about Sandstone Ranch.”

The Douglas Land Conservancy will hold a conservation easement on the property, ensuring that the land remains open space.

“We’ve had to look at this from the aspect of how to open this to the public but also protect it,” Partridge said. “Because it can easily be overused. That’s been the hardest thing.”

If the need arises, there is room to develop additional trails in the future, Matthews said. More details on the Sandstone Ranch Master

Help Coloradans stay warm this winter by donating to Coats for Colorado.

Through Nov. 30, bring new or gently used winter coats to the collection bins outside IREA’s four offices: Conifer 13404 Old U.S. Highway 285 Sedalia 5496 N. U.S. Highway 85 Strasburg 1497 Main St. Woodland Park 800 N. Highway 67 Children’s and extra-large men’s and women’s coats are most needed, but all sizes are accepted.

Raincoats, other warm weather clothing and monetary donations are not accepted.

Commissioners Roger Partridge, Abe Laydon and Lora Thomas sign their names in a storm drain in the newly opened Sandstone Ranch Sept. 18.

PHOTOS BY ELLIOTT WENZLER Plan are available at douglas.co.us/ sandstone-ranch.

“When we came through here and looked I thought it was amazing and then we would go around a curve and I thought ‘this is even more amazing,’” Commissioner Lora Thomas said about the first time she came to the space. “It’s all possible because in Douglas County, we believe in partnership.”

All of the available trails will be multi-use.

“We have a big county with a lot of citizens and age ranges and interests. This is good for horseback riding, biking, families and bringing dogs out on leash,” Commissioner Abe Laydon said.

One portion of the property will continue to operate as a ranch, Matthews said.

“Get out there and enjoy it,” Matthews said.

A gazebo is available at the trailhead of Sandstone Ranch.

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Elbert County News 7

0October 1, 2020

VIRUS

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES, NONPROFITS

FROM PAGE 1

If a community surpasses level 3 of “safer at home,” they would revert back to the highest level of restriction — “stay at home.”

Elbert County Health Department Director Dwayne Smith said the county has bounced between “safer at home” levels 1 and 2, and doesn’t anticipate ever hitting the “stay at home” level.

“The county will most likely fluctuate periodically between level 1 and level 2,” said Smith. “Barring some unforeseen set of circumstances that contributes to a significant number of infections, I do not anticipate we will make it to level 3. We would take mitigation steps before them, like limiting the number of attendees at events.”

As of Sept 24, Elbert County had 154 confirmed COVID-19 infections, with three deaths and 24 hospitalizations. The county has seen positive cases almost daily over the last few weeks, most of which have been familial spread, which put the county in level 2 of “safer at home.”

“The community is the creator of the data,” said Smith. “It takes everyone to contribute to mitigating the rate and volume of infections. So if the cases go up, that’s an indication on many levels that we’re not being as optimally cautious as we can with regards to social distancing, face masks and washing our hands.”

The county has contracted with Cathryn Reiber, a resident of the area, to do contact tracing on all confirmed cases. Reiber checks the overnight reports of infection each morning, and reaches out to each person with specific questions, including who they have been in contact with, any symptoms they may have, and places they have visited within the previous two weeks. Reiber then reaches out to those contacts given by the infected person, confidentially, and informs them of the possible contact, as well as any actions to take and resources available.

“For confirmed positive cases we recommend a 10-day isolation from the date of the positive test result, and for contacts we recommend a 14day quarantine,” said Reiber. “Most people have been generally positive, and have often already reported their situation to their place of employment or contacted people they’ve been in contact with. This is a very real virus, and even though you may

Elbert County businesses and nonprofits affected by COVID-19 could receive up to $10,000 from Elbert County to help offset any hardships created by the pandemic.

The county received funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, and have allotted $900,000 to help community business owners and nonprofits. Deadline for application is currently Oct. 12, but may be extended.

To be eligible for the grants, businesses must be physically located in Elbert County, and cannot be a franchise or part of a chain of more than three locations.

The business must have been in operation before March 16, 2019, and include at least one, but not more than 50 employees. The business must be registered and in good standing with the state, with revenues that did not exceed $5 million in 2019. The business must have lost revenue due to shutdown or limited capacity orders, and must still be continuing to legally operate during the COVID-19 crisis.

Nonprofits must provide proof of 501(c) status, be located in Elbert County, provide COVID-19 relief services and meet the technical requirements of the grant program.

To apply for a grant, visit www.elbertcounty-co.gov and click on the COVID-19 information tab. not be too worried about yourself, we’re trying to protect the rest of the community.”

According to Smith, Elbert County has CARES Act funds that can be used to help people who have tested positive, including buying and delivering groceries and necessary items, or providing housing for an individual who may not be able to isolate in a home with others.

“In an effort to eliminate some barriers when a person is under isolation orders and has to stay home for 10 days, if you live out in the country or don’t have access to grocery delivery, we have put in orders to Safeway for groceries and delivered them,” said Smith. “We’re happy to do that. Also if someone doesn’t have their own space to isolate in a home, we have COVID funds to house them. We don’t want people going hungry or going without basic needs while they isolate to protect their community.”

Smith issues a daily report, via email, listing the number of new cases and where Elbert County falls on the COVID dial. He encourages residents to email him and get on the daily mailing, so they can be aware of the status in the county. Smith can be reached at dwayne.smith@ elbertcounty-co.gov.

Weekly Carrier Routes Available Castle Rock Area

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General Election NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Ballots mailed the week of October 12.

LIFE of a BALLOT Watch now: douglasvotes.com/life-of-a-ballot

VOTE EARLY. NEAR YOU. LEARN MORE AT

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$2.5 million Small Business Grant Program eases COVID-19 impacts Your business must have a physical location and have 100 or fewer employees to be eligible. Complete an online application for COVID-19-related expense reimbursement up to $10,000 by visiting douglas.co.us and search Small Business Grant Program. Applications will be accepted through Dec. 30, 2020, on a first-come, firstserved basis.

Community COVID-19 testing locations through Dec. 30 COVID-19 swabbing and antibody testing are available with or without health insurance for the remainder of the year. To preregister and to learn when and where testing is available visit douglas.co.us/covid19testing/events. For information about other testing providers visit douglas.co.us/covid19-testinglocations

Career workshops for ages 14-18 CSU Extension invites you to hands-on Douglas County Explores! workshops Thursdays in October. Discover careers such as animal and veterinary sciences, youth education and development, public safety, natural resources, plant sciences, and leadership. Tickets are $5/session at dcexplores.eventbrite.com or call 720-733-6951.

Voting open for Art Encounters outdoor sculptures 20 sculptures are showcased throughout Castle Rock, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree and Roxborough. You’re invited to visit the sculptures and nominate your favorite for a People’s Choice Award by Oct. 31. For art locations, voting online and more visit artencounters.douglas. co.us

Slash-mulch site open The County’s main slash-mulch site, at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock, is open from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays only through Oct. 26. For more information, directions and a list of acceptable items visit douglas. co.us and search for Slash Mulch.

Visit douglas.co.us

8 Elbert County News

D

October 1, 2020O

LOCAL

VOICES

You know, there may be, you know, something there

o you know anyone, you know, who says “you know” excessively?

Watching a documentary the other night, I started counting the number of QUIET times a commentator said “you know.” DESPERATION He reached 14 during one short stretch.

However, if I blocked out the “you knows” (a near impossibility) he made many good points, which raised the question about Craig Marshall form vs. content.

Is it forgivable Smith to overlook hems, haws, uhs, and other filler words, if, nevertheless, there’s significant content?

Is it forgivable when the English language is taken for a ride in car with four flat tires, if there are genuine insights and observations that provide meaning, wisdom or humor?

The answer, of course, is yes.

Take “Huckleberry Finn.” Take the Joads, who weren’t exactly scholars in “The Grapes of Wrath.”

Purists would probably want Bob Dylan to go back and add a “g” to all of his gerunds.

Saying “you know” apparently give the speaker time to think of what to say next.

Many of us can think faster than we can talk. Consider your ability to form an intelligent comment extemporaneously. It’s almost a miracle.

It’s a snap if you have a script.

Winging it, off the cuff, takes some doing.

No one writes with interjections such as “you know” or “uh.”

(Did you know that “uh” is a legitimate Scrabble word?)

This column will take up to an hour to write. If I were to be interviewed instead, I might triple the number of words in half the time.

Writing enables me to take my time, proofread, edit, and edit some more until what I have written is expressed to the best of my ability.

Stick a microphone in front of me

and I might say “you know” and not even know it, which I think was the case with the man in the documentary.

He was discussing Eric Clapton’s output in the 1970s in luminous terms that were littered with “you knows,” referred to as “acknowledgment words.”

I’m sure I have said “you know,” but not 14 times in two minutes.

There was an art history teacher, a distinguished man who had written art history texts, who lectured from a lectern.

He couldn’t get from one end of a sentence as short as this one to the other without saying “uh” two or three times.

Try listening to that for an hour.

I couldn’t. I began to keep track.

Art historians are a lot of fun.

They always require a book they’ve written.

One of the presidential candidates has talked about his boyhood stutter.

One of the presidential candidates seemingly talks without filtering his thoughts.

As we age, many of us lose our fluency.

I watched Johnny Carson, the late night talk show host, lose his fluency.

Instead of crisp and clean monologues, they turned into garbled ones.

Carson’s gift for recovery, however, saved him. He’d tap the overhead microphone when they were no laughs and ask, “Is this thing on?”

There was a Time magazine article written by an author who knew the day would come when he would be “unable to make the connections” as he wrote.

The next sentence wouldn’t come to him as easily as it once did.

In art classes we were taught form and content are equally important.

I have since learned it’s not always true.

But you know that, don’t you?

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

A little leadership goes a long way, especially now

A

little bit of leadership does go a long way.

Are you currently working with someone who you admire and respect as a leader?

Have they been able to provide guidance WINNING to you and your orWORDS ganization as they navigate change and work hard to keep up with the rush and crush of challenges and opportunities? What traits stand out to you?

Over the course of my career, I Michael Norton have been blessed to work with great leadership.

Some of the leaders were managers, chief executive officers, or business owners, all who provided terrific insights and contributed wisdom that furthered my own leadership journey. Other leaders were part of business groups, mentoring and coaching relationships, and some were, and are, close friends.

Through my experiences and through these relationships, here’s one of the lessons that I learned

A publication of

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

and have shared with people who have been a part of the teams I have personally led. It’s something that was demonstrated to me by some of the most influential managers and leaders I had the privilege of working with. It’s the idea of providing people with information that they can put to use immediately to help solve a problem, increase performance, and improve productivity. Not information overload, or simply theory, but actionable guidance that slowly builds the strengths and capabilities of individuals over a sustained period of time as they practice and apply the guidance given.

Why is this relevant, especially now? It’s relevant now because the expectations put on individuals and organizations has never been greater. And that means that the pressure on leadership is escalating at an equal to, or even amplified rate. And we need to take the pressure off of both.

Our ability to receive and deliver leadership in small doses will do more than just provide guidance, it will accelerate success. Life is moving fast; business is moving faster.

There is this need for speed that is driving many decisions that we

face at home and at work. The way that we achieve proficiency and the best way for us to help those on our teams to become proficient, and do so at the speed of expectation, is to layer in guidance at the pace that we can absorb strategies and skills.

Doing so will turn those strategies and skills into tactical applications in whatever role we play.

Here’s the other thing, many of the leadership skills or competencies that characterize some of the greatest leaders throughout history are the same skills and competencies that we use in our everyday lives such as; communication; creativity; the ability to earn, build, and maintain trust; taking action; courage; goal setting; decision making; time management; organization; setting proper expectations; inspecting what is expected; accountability; and living and working with integrity. Pick any one of these traits that need attention, work on it, and then move on to the next.

Another supporting lesson I learned along the way is that we really can make radical changes in small action-oriented steps.

“Have a bias towards action — let’s see something happen now. You

JERRY HEALEY President

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRIS ROTAR Interim Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

crotar@coloradocommunitymedia.com

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager

lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

efranks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

can break that big plan into small steps and take the first step right away.” — Indira Gandhi And Jack Welch tied this idea together when he said, “An organization’s ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive advantage.” Teaching an actionable strategy or skill and providing an environment for practice that leads to proficiency is what leads to lasting change. The kind of positive change that inspires confidence and trust in leadership.

How about you? Are there strategies and techniques that you would like to develop for yourself or share with your team? Do you have leadership knowledge that can be captured and delivered in smaller doses to help accelerate success? I would love to hear your story at mnorton@ tramazing.com and when we realize that we can impact positive and lasting change through a little bit of leadership, it really will be a better than good week.

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

Columnists & Guest Commentaries 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 Wed. for the following week’s paper.

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

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

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

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

Elbert County News 9

0October 1, 2020

Parker seniors enjoy drive-in bingo Parker Senior Center seeks creative, safe activities for members

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Amid the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the Parker Senior Center is keeping its doors closed but still looking for creative and safe ways to brings its community together.

That’s why staff and volunteers held a drive-in bingo tournament for members on Sept. 23. About 30 senior center members pulled up in their vehicles that afternoon, ready for several rounds of socially-distanced bingo.

Some stayed in their vehicles while others pulled out lawn chairs and set up camp in the parking lot, wearing masks and keeping several feet’s distance from friends. “Bingo!” they shouted while honking their horns to signal win.

Running prizes to each round’s winners was Donna Foerster, a volunteer with the center. Foerster said the center is focused on finding outdoor activities and she was glad to see people come out and have fun during the pandemic.

“Our doors might be closed but our hearts are open,” Foerster said.

Valerie Guyot, a center member, wore a warm smile as she sat with two friends in lawn chairs in the center parking lot, having already won cash and prizes after a few rounds. Guyot said it felt great to get out.

“I think it’s good because we need to socialize, us old people need socialization,” she said, marking her bingo card.

The center’s director, Jan Dengal, said that’s exactly what she hoped to provide through the event — a way for seniors to escape the isolation of COVID-19.

“That they can just get out of their house in a safe manner,” she said.

Dengal said shutdowns forced by COVID-19 have been difficult for their 650 members, and especially the temporary closure of the senior center to indoor activities.

“For most of these people, this is their home away from home,” she dsaid.

The outdoor bingo game was a way to get Parker Senior Center members together for safe and socially-distanced fun, organizers of the even said.

PHOTOS BY JESSICA GIBBS

OBITUARIES MILLER

In Loving Memory of Heath Ryan Miller April 4,1976-September 10,2020

While some people played bingo from their vehicle, others set up lawn chairs in the parking lot and soaked up the sun.

O

Heath Ryan Miller was born April 4, 1976 in Indianapolis, Indiana and deceased September 10, 2020 at his home in Elizabeth, Colorado. He is survived by 4 sons (Guy, Ryan, Taylor and Soyer) ,three grandchildren (Bailey, Levi and Trenton), a brother (Dr. Shaun Miller), and parents (Robert and Margaret (Peg) Miller).

Heath graduated from Ponderosa High School in 1995 and attained an Associate Degree with honors from Denver Automotive and Diesel College.

He was an entrepreneur and operated an auto repair facility on his property in Elizabeth, Colorado. He was an avid car enthusiast and a former member of Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing club. He raced a Formula Vee in Rocky Mountain Vintage Racing and built

his own modified stock race car to compete at Rocky Mountain National Speedway. Heath enjoyed working with his hands and had a broad knowledge and experience working with auto mechanics , which he readily shared with many people. His hobbies were gardening, woodworking, and animal care. He would willingly assist anyone in need and often charged clients what they could afford rather than what he was worth. He loved a good story, had an irrepressible laugh and adored his boys.

Heath loved life and is unconditionally loved by his entire family. He is forever in our thoughts and prayers and we will miss him for eternity. In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Elbert County Food Bank.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One.

y

Private 303-566-4100

Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com Players received 10 bingo cards at the Sept. 23 event.

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

LIFE

October 1, 2020O

Out of the ordinary

A crowd of kids and adults stands near the barn at 17 Mile House Farm Park, an Arapahoe County park that sits at 8181 S. Parker Road.

TAKE OUT

COURTESY OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY OPEN SPACES OFFICE

Curious sights around metro area tell historic tales

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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$15 bottles of Wine & $2 Beers are Take Out Only!

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ith many Coloradans still avoiding large crowds with the continued risk of COVID-19, some may be taking a better look at what’s in their neighborhood — or even driving around with no particular place to go.

Wandering eyes may pick up on odd or unusual sights in the Denver metro area — such as a Native American tipi near an upscale suburban neighborhood or, say, a 30-foot cowboy statue overlooking a busy city road.

Here’s the story behind some sights that may inspire curiosity around the Denver metro area.

A cowboy on Federal Those who have driven north of Denver on North Federal Boulevard may have been struck with the sight of a giant cowboy looming over the traffic.

“I have people who pull over and want to take pictures of him, especially with tourists,” said Jeffry Cook, park manager at Rustic Ranch Mobile Home and RV Park.

The park just south of Interstate 76 is home to the detailed cowboy statue, which was originally intended as part of an amusement park that never materialized, according to an old news article clipping Cook has. But it ended up as part of the mobile home park instead.

SEE SIGHTS, P12

Adams City High School sits along North Quebec Parkway near East 72nd Avenue. The name Adams City is a relic of an area that is now part of Commerce City. PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

A Native American tipi at Plains Conservation Center on East Hampden Avenue.

PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD

Elbert County News 11

0October 1, 2020

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12 Elbert County News

October 1, 2020O

SIGHTS

CURIOUS ABOUT A PLACE?

FROM PAGE 10

Built in the 1950s by Colorado artist John Sutton, the cowboy has become something of a local landmark. Cook, 54, remembers seeing the statue as a child.

“A fun fact for you is that the ‘American Pickers’ came to this park,” Cook said, referring to the show on the History Channel. The show tried to buy the cowboy several years ago, according to Cook.

In the mobile home park’s 106 units, most residents have lived at the park for at least 20 to 25 years, Cook estimates. He hopes the cowboy carries some sentimental meaning for those who call the place home.

“I guarantee you that if the cowboy wasn’t there tomorrow, everybody would be knocking on my door asking where the cowboy went,” Cook said.

The park sits just outside northwest Denver in unincorporated Adams County, near Arvada and Westminster.

Tipi along the prairie Along Aurora’s east edge, not far from east Centennial, stands a large gate that bears the word “Plains.”

It’s the entrance to Plains Conservation Center, a nature preserve and educational center that houses replicas of a Native American tipi camp and homestead village, showcasing life on the plains in the late 1800s, according to the City of Aurora’s website.

The center encompasses more than 1,100 acres of short-grass prairie with views of the Rocky Mountains, located at 21901 E. Hampden Ave., west of toll highway E-470.

In June 1950, the land was deeded

Seen an odd or interesting place in the Denver metro area that you’d like to know more about? Email earnold@coloradocommunitymedia.com or call 303-5664109, and we might look into it for you. to what became the West Arapahoe Conservation District, and the land was formally christened the Plains Conservation Center, according to the center’s website.

In 1997, 1,100 acres were sold to the City of Aurora to remain as passiveuse open space, with the center continuing to manage the land and offer programs, the site says.

Adams City?

North metro residents may be familiar with Adams City High School, which sits along North Quebec Parkway near East 72nd Avenue.

But the name Adams City doesn’t denote an actual city — the school sits in Commerce City.

The Adams City name dates back to an area that was laid out around 1902 with developers hoping that Adams County’s seat — the city or town that serves as a county’s governmental center — would be established there, according to the Commerce City Historical Society.

But Brighton was elected as the county seat in November 1904. Adams City never became a town and was vacated by 1922, the historical society’s website says.

The South Adams County Volunteer Fire Department was founded in 1942, and Adams City was beginning to redevelop with new houses being built. In 1946-47, Adams County School District 14 was formed from surrounding schools, with the first official class from Adams City High School gradu-

ating in 1949, according to the website.

That school took the place of Union High School, the region’s earlier school, according to an unofficial website for Adams City High alumni and a timeline by the historical society.

The South Adams County Water and Sanitation District was formed in 1951 at the same time Denver was considering annexing, or taking control of, the south Adams area. A plan to incorporate all of southern Adams County — meaning to declare the area as its own city or town — was developed, according to the historical society. In July 1952, a group of about 300 residents voted for incorporation of Commerce Town, comprising neighborhoods such as Rose Hill, Adams City, Dupont and Irondale.

Commerce Town annexed part of the Derby area in 1962, increasing the population fourfold. That was enough for the town to gain status as a city, and its name was then changed to Commerce City, according to the historical society.

At least one business — Adams City Liquor — still carries the area’s old name along with Adams City Middle School.

Four Mile, 17 Mile, 20 Mile Drivers who frequent South Parker Road may recall a large barn a short drive south of East Arapahoe Road.

Located just south of Centennial, the 17 Mile House is one of several inns that emerged along Cherry Creek for travelers and freighters when the 1859-60 gold rush caused large-scale settlement of the state, according to the Arapahoe County website.

The property is an Arapahoe County park that sits at 8181 S. Parker Road, just north of the Town of Parker.

The “mile houses” sat every two

to three miles along the Cherokee/ Smoky Hill wagon trails from Kansas, named based on their distance to the intersection of Colfax Avenue and North Broadway in Denver, according to the website. Out of the original six mile houses, only 17 Mile House and Four Mile House exist in their entirety today, the website says.

The buildings also included Seven Mile House, Nine Mile House, 12 Mile House and 20 Mile House, according to the National Register of Historic Places.

At mile houses, travelers could get a meal, spend the night, rest their animals and have minor repairs made to coaches or wagons, according to the Arapahoe County website.

The 17 Mile barn was constructed in the late 1870s, according to a county news release.

Construction likely began on what was to become the 20 Mile House around the mid-to-late 1860s, according to the Parker Area Historical Society.

The old 20 Mile House property continued to be a working farm until the mid-1990s, when the property was acquired by developers. Eventually, the cinderblock portion was torn down and the small plot of land on which the 20 Mile House structure was built was donated to the Town of Parker. With the help of the historical society, the original post office portion was restored and surrounded by a small park, according to the historical society’s website.

The 20 Mile Post Office sits on Mainstreet, a short drive west of Parker Road — and close to Twenty Mile Road.

Four Mile Historic Park sits in Denver, a short drive from South Colorado Boulevard and Leetsdale Drive.

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Elbert County News 13

0October 1, 2020

Scholarship honors noted watercolorist

Lone Tree performances Lone Tree Arts Center’s Main Stage Theater is starting some live performances in October, featuring local artists as well as some on tour. “Motones & Jerseys in Harmony” plays Oct. 16-18, featuring Emcee Mary Louise Lee overseeing an evening of 60s music in a competition between these two groups. The audience will decide the winner in each performance Oct. 16-18. Think Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, The Temptations, Beach Boys … “Adam Pascal: So Far” plays Oct. 24 at 1:30 and 8 p.m. On Oct. 25 at 7 p.m., the feature attraction will be “Rene Heredia’s Flamenco Fantasy Theatre,” Spanish dance with castanets, foot stomping, syncopated clapping and beautiful costumes, accompanied by guitarist Andreana Cortes, Heredia’s niece. Tickets, 720509-1000, lonetreeartscenter.org.

Depot Art Gallery The Depot Art Gallery and Caboose, 2069 W. Powers Ave., Littleton, will reopen on Oct. 2 with the first live show since that nasty virus appeared on the scene. “Best of the Best” will feature two- and three-dimensional works by member artists. Safety restrictions will be posted and at first, the gallery will only be open Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The guild will also keep its Virtual Gallery operant (depotartgal-

lery.org) as well as work displayed at Nixon’s Coffee House in Englewood, the Arapahoe County Justice Center, Vita, Stanton Gallery at Town Hall ...

303-795-0781, depotartgallery.org.

Night lights ...

Digital projection celebrating Colorado Women in Architecture will be shown Tuesday through Sunday in October, from dusk to 10 p.m. on the Daniels and Fisher Tower on the 16th Street Mall. It will show works designed by female and binary architects, with the hope of inspiring young women to consider an architecture career. Sponsored by Colorado AIA. Betsy Stage The Betsy Stage, at 1137 S. Huron St., Denver, presents “Being Here,” a compilation of monologues chosen by the actors, dealing with issues such as homelessness, Black Lives Matter, other real-world challenges, with 50% of proceeds to be donated to 4Oceans’ Pound + program to fund removal of trash from the oceans.

Each ticket ($30) equates to a pound and a half of trash removed. Masks required. betsystage.com. For ages 16 and older.

Virtual Insider tours Doors Open Denver, presented by the Denver Architecture Foundation, offers 12 tours over three weeks, including the new Freyer-Newman Center at Denver Botanic Gardens, Fitzroy Place/Iliff Mansion and the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library. Dates: Through Oct. 15, Monday through Thursday, one tour per day, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Visit denverarchitecture.org. DAF’s audio tours are accessible year-round at denveraudiotours.org, featuring two journeys, 24 locations-historically significant to Denver and Colorado.

Center for Visual Art “The Walls Between Us” presented by the collective, Artnauts, continues through Oct. 17 at the Center for Visual Art, 965 Santa Fe Drive, Denver.

Artnauts has a social justice focus and the theme of his show came from a discussion of crossing borders. Patricia Aaron of Greenwood Village is a member and has a painting in this show. 303-294-5207, www.msudenver. edu/cva/. Admission free.

Answers

Solution © 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

F

riends of late artist rita derjue have established a scholarship fund at Arapahoe Community College for women and minority students who are studying art at the college. To donate to the fund, go online to https://interland3. donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink. aspx?name=E330750&id=30 or send a check and explanaSONYA’S tion to Arapahoe Community ColSAMPLER lege Foundation, 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Campus Box 43, Littleton, CO 80120. derjue, who passed away in June, was internationally recognized for her dramatic watercolors of mountain scenery and historic Sonya Ellingboe sites.

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Elbert County News 15

0October 1, 2020

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice ORDINANCE 20-09 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING ARTICLE I OF CHAPTER 2 OF THE ELIZABETH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN FINANCE COMPLAINTS BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, COLORADO, THAT: Section 1. Article I of Chapter 2 of the Elizabeth Municipal Code is amended by the addition of the following new sections: Sec. 2-1-40. - Campaign finance complaints.

In addition to the campaign finance duties outlined in C.R.S. § 1-45-112 for a municipal clerk, the Town Clerk shall have the responsibilities set forth in this Article related to campaign finance complaints.

Sec. 2-1-50. - Complaint process.

Any person who believes that a violation of Article XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution, the Fair Campaign Practices Act, C.R.S. § 1-45-101, et seq., or the Secretary of State’s rules concerning campaign and political finance has occurred in municipal campaign finance matters may file a complaint with the Town Clerk. (a) A “municipal campaign finance matter” has the meaning defined in C.R.S. § 1-45-111.7(9)(b) and 8 C.C.R. 1505-6, both as amended. The process for review and handling of complaints related to a municipal campaign finance matter shall be as set forth in this Article in a manner consistent with the Fair Campaign Practices Act, C.R.S. § 1-45-101, et seq., specifically C.R.S. § 1-45-111.7, as amended, and the rules promulgated by the Colorado Secretary of State at 8 C.C.R. 1505-6, specifically Rule 23, as amended. (b) A complaint must be filed no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date on which the complainant either knew or should have known, by the exercise of reasonable diligence, of the alleged violation and must meet the minimum requirements set forth in 8 C.C.R. 1505-6, Rule 23.1, as amended. A complaint must be filed in writing and signed by the complainant on the form provided by the Town. The complaint must identify one or more respondents and include the information required to be provided on the form. (c) Upon receipt of a complaint, the Town Clerk shall notify the respondent of the complaint by e-mail or by regular mail if e-mail is unavailable. (d) Documents related to a complaint will be publicly available as set forth in 8 C.C.R. 1505-6, Rule 23.2, as amended.

Sec. 2-1-60. - Initial determination.

The Town Clerk shall conduct an initial review of a complaint to determine whether the complaint was timely filed, specifically identifies one or more violations of Article XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution, the Fair Campaign Practices Act, C.R.S. § 1-45-101, et seq., or the Secretary of State’s rules concerning campaign and political finance; and alleges sufficient facts to support a factual and legal basis for the violations of law alleged in the complaint.

Within ten (10) business days of receiving a complaint, the Town Clerk shall take one or more of the following actions: (a) If the Town Clerk determines that the complaint was not timely filed, has not specifically identified one or more violations of Article XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution, the Fair Campaign Practices Act, C.R.S. 1-45-101, et seq., or the Secretary of State’s rules concerning campaign and political finance, or does not assert facts sufficient to support a factual or legal basis for an alleged violation, the Town Clerk shall notify the complainant and respondent of such determination by e-mail or by regular mail if e-mail is unavailable. The Town Clerk’s determination hereunder is a final action subject only to judicial review pursuant to C.R.C.P. 106(a)(4). (b) If the Town Clerk determines that the complaint alleges one or more curable violations, the Town Clerk shall notify the respondent and provide the respondent an opportunity to cure the violations.

The process for curing shall be as set forth below. (c) If the Town Clerk determines that the complaint has specifically identified one or more violations of Article XXVIII of the Colorado Constitution, the Fair Campaign Practices Act, C.R.S. § 1-45-101, et seq., or the Secretary of State’s rules concerning campaign and political finance, and has alleged facts sufficient to support a factual or legal basis for each alleged violation, and that either a factual finding or a legal interpretation is required, the Town Clerk shall forward the complaint to a hearing officer appointed by the Board of Trustees.

Sec. 2-1-70. - Process for curing.

Upon the Town Clerk’s determination that a complaint alleges a failure to file or otherwise disclose required information, or alleges another curable violation, the Town Clerk shall notify the respondent by e-mail or by regular mail if e-mail is unavailable of the curable deficiencies alleged in the complaint. The process for curing shall be as set forth in C.R.S. § 1-45-111.7(4), as amended.

Sec. 2-1-80. - Hearing procedure.

The hearing officer shall schedule a hearing on a complaint referred by the Town Clerk within thirty (30) days of the filing of the complaint. The hearing may be continued upon the motion of any party for up to thirty (30) days or a longer extension of time upon a showing of good cause. The hearing shall be in compliance with C.R.S. § 1-45-111.7(6), as amended. Testimony shall be given under oath, and the hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses. The hearing shall be summary and not subject to delay and shall be concluded within sixty (60) days after the petition is filed. No later than five (5) days after the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written determination.

The hearing officer’s written determination is a final action subject only to judicial review pursuant to C.R.C.P. 106(a)(4).

Sec. 2-1-90. - Penalties.

The Town Clerk or a hearing officer, as appropriate, may impose a penalties and sanctions as set forth in C.R.S. § 1-45-111.5, and 8 C.C.R. 1505-6, Rule 23.3.3, both as amended. Recovery of a party’s reasonable attorney fees and costs shall be as set forth therein.

Section 2. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or enforceability of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance, the intent being that the same are severable.

Section 3. The Board of Trustees hereby finds, determines and declares that this Ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the Town, that it is promulgated for the health, safety and welfare of the public, and that this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety and for the protection of public convenience and welfare. The Board of Trustees further determines that the Ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative object sought to be attained.

Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after publication.

Read and approved at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Elizabeth, Colorado, this 22nd day of September, 2020.

Passed by a vote of 7 for and 0 against and ordered published.

Megan Vasquez, Mayor ATTEST Michelle M. Oeser, Town Clerk Legal Notice No. 24450 First Publication: October 1, 2020 Last Publication: October 1, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice ORDINANCE 20-11 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 6-3100 OF THE ELIZABETH MUNICIPAL CODE

BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION (b) REGARDING ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE RENEWAL OF A LIQUOR LICENSE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, COLORADO, THAT: Section 1. Section 6-3-100 of the Elizabeth Municipal Code is amended by the addition thereto of a new subsection (b) to read as follows: Sec. 6-3-100. Administrative Approval of Certain Applications. (a) The Town Clerk is authorized in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 47-302 and the provisions of the Colorado Liquor Code to administratively approve an application for a modification of, including a temporary modification of, a liquor licensed premises. Nothing in this Section shall prevent the Town Clerk from scheduling action on the application before the Authority if the Town Clerk determines an administrative approval of such an application is not warranted based on the circumstances of the particular application. (b) In the event that there have been no violations of the Colorado Liquor Code, or any other applicable Town ordinance, during the preceding year, and if there is no other derogatory information regarding the licensee, its partners, officers, directors, managers, or shareholders, then the Town Clerk may administratively approve applications for the renewal of a liquor license. In the event the Town Clerk’s investigation discloses any proved or alleged violations of the Colorado Liquor Code, or any other applicable Town ordinance, or any derogatory information as determined by the Town Clerk for any application submitted to the Town, the Town Clerk shall schedule action on the renewal application before the Board of Trustees.

Section 2. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or enforceability of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance, the intent being that the same are severable.

Section 3. The Board of Trustees hereby finds, determines and declares that this Ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the Town, that it is promulgated for the health, safety and welfare of the public, and that this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

and for the protection of public convenience and welfare. The Board of Trustees further determines that the Ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative object sought to be attained.

Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after publication.

Read and approved at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Elizabeth, Colorado, this 22nd day of September, 2020.

Passed by a vote of 6 for and1 against and ordered published.

Megan Vasquez, Mayor ATTEST Michelle M. Oeser, Town Clerk Legal Notice No. 24452 First Publication: October 1, 2020 Last Publication: October 1, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice ORDINANCE 20-10 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION 10-6-100 OF THE ELIZABETH MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING RAISING THE AGE TO POSSESS, USE, AND DISTRIBUTE TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS FROM EIGHTEEN (18) TO TWENTY-ONE (21) BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES FOR THE TOWN OF ELIZABETH, COLORADO, THAT: Section 1. Section 10-6-100 of the Elizabeth Municipal Code is amended as follows: Sec. 10-6-100. – Possession, Use, and Distribution of Tobacco and Nicotine by and to Minors. (a) Definitions. As used in this Section: (1) Minor means a person under TWENTY-ONE (21) years of age. * * * (e) It is unlawful for a person to sell or offer a tobacco product or nicotine product by use of a vending machine or any coin-operated machine that does not display a warning sign placed in a prominent place on such machine. The warning sign shall have a minimum height of three (3) inches wide and a width of six (6) inches and shall read as follows: WARNING IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANY PERSON UNDER TWENTY-ONE (21) YEARS OF AGE TO PURCHASE TOBACCO AND NICOTINE PRODUCTS, AND, UPON CONVICTION, A TWO HUNDRED DOLLAR ($200.00) FINE MAY BE IMPOSED. * * * (g) It is an affirmative defense to a prosecution under this Section that the person furnishing the tobacco product or nicotine product was presented with reasonably relied upon a document which identified the minor receiving the tobacco product or nicotine product as being TWENTY-ONE (21) years of age or older.

Section 2. Severability. If any section, paragraph, clause, or provision of this Ordinance shall for any reason be held to be invalid or unenforceable, the invalidity or enforceability of such section, paragraph, clause or provision shall not affect any of the remaining provisions of this Ordinance, the intent being that the same are severable.

Section 3. The Board of Trustees hereby finds, determines and declares that this Ordinance is promulgated under the general police power of the Town, that it is promulgated for the health, safety and welfare of the public, and that this Ordinance is necessary for the preservation of health and safety and for the protection of public convenience and welfare. The Board of Trustees further determines that the Ordinance bears a rational relation to the proper legislative object sought to be attained.

Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after publication.

Read and approved at a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Town of Elizabeth, Colorado, this 22nd day of September, 2020.

Passed by a vote of 4 for and 3 against and ordered published.

Megan Vasquez, Mayor ATTEST Michelle M. Oeser, Town Clerk Legal Notice No. 24451 First Publication: October 1, 2020 Last Publication: October 1, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF PROPERTY AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having Interest of Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to:

DELORES WARREN 30952 US HWY 24 SIMLA, CO 80835 You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 14th day of November 2017, the then County Treasurer of Elbert County, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to BIG SANDY INVESTMENTS, LLC the following described property situate in the County of Elbert, State of Colorado, to-wit: MBL HOME TITLE: 34E 070961 SERIAL: GW10166 MAKE: CENTRAL SIZE: 14x67 Section: 34 Township: 10 Range: 60 Certificate Number: 2017-02413 and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to BIG SANDY INVESTMENTS, LLC. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent property (and special assessment) taxes assessed against said property for the year 2017; That said property was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of DELORES WARREN for said year 2017; That said BIG SANDY INVESTMENTS, LLC on the 8th day of September 2020, the present holder of said certificate (who) has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said property;

15749 County Road 110 Calhan, Colorado 80808 Legal Notice No: 24439 First Publication: September 24, 2020 Last Publication: October 8, 2020 Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS In the Matter of the Estate of ELISE ARIEL OSBURN, aka Elise A Osburn, aka Elise Osburn, aka Elyse Osburn, Deceased Case Number: 20PR9

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before February 1, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Paul Osburn, Personal Representative 1800 Arrowhead Ct. Clarksville, TN, 37042 Legal Notice No. 24438 First Publication: September 17, 2020 Last Publication: October 1, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said property to BIG SANDY INVESTMENTS, LLC on the 29th day of October 2020, unless the same has been redeemed;

###

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

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This Notice of Purchase has also been published in Colorado Community Media on October 1, 2020.

Witness my hand this 23rd day of September 2020 Lisa Mackiewicz, Assistant Treasurer of Elbert County, Colorado Legal Notice No. 24453 First Publication: October 1, 2020 Last Publication: October 15, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of R. Lee Woods, a/k/a Roger Lee Woods, a/k/a Roger L. Woods, a/k/a Roger Woods, Deceased Case Number: 2020PR30282 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before January 18, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Bradley J. Bunderle, Personal Representative c/o KATZ, LOOK & ONORATO, P.C. 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1100 Denver, CO 80203 Legal Notice No. 24430 First Publication: September 17, 2020 Last Publication: October 1, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Heath Ryan Miller, aka Heath R. Miller, aka Heath Miller, Deceased Case No:. 20PR30023 All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the (District Court of the County of Elbert, Colorado) on or before February 1, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred. /s/ original on file in office of PGA, PC Guy T. Miller, Personal Representative c/o Tamra A. Palmer, Esq. Palmer, Goertzel & Associates, P.C. 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Phone Number: 303.789.2899 E-mail: tpalmer@pgapc.com Legal Notice No. 24449 First Publication: October 1, 2020 Last Publication: October 15, 2020 Publisher: The Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Lawrence J. Carleton, Deceased Case Number: 2020 PR 030015 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado, on or before February 8, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Linda McQueen, Personal Representative

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16 Elbert County News

October 1, 2020

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$100 VISA® Reward Debit Card: $100 Visa® reward debit card requires service activation. You will receive a claim voucher via email within 24 hours and the voucher must be returned within 60 days. Your $100 Visa® reward debit card will arrive in approximately 6-8 weeks. Card is issued by MetaBank®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. No cash access or recurring payments. Can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Card valid for up to 6 months; unused funds will forfeit after the valid thru date. Card terms and conditions apply. BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Installation. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Offer applies to homeowners only. Basic system requires landline phone. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Command: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your home environment and family lifestyle, require the purchase and/or activation of an ADT alarm system with monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. These ADT Pulse services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Pulse equipment. All ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the ADT Pulse features you desire. ADT VIDEO LITE: ADT Video Lite installation is an additional $299. 36-month monitoring contract required from ADT Video Lite: $59.99 per month, ($2,159.64), including Quality Service Plan (QSP). Indoor camera may not be available in all areas. GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies. Certain packages require approved landline phone. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply. Additional monitoring fees required for some services. For example, Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or activation of an ADT security system with monitored Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert devices and are an additional charge. Additional equipment may be purchased for an additional charge. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market. Some insurance companies offer discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. Licenses: AL-21-001104, AR-CMPY.0001725, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DC-EMS902653, DC-602516000016, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, GA-LVA205395, IA-AS-0206, ID-ELE-SJ-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-C.P.D. Reg. No. – 19-08088, City of Indianapolis: LAC-000156, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1914, LA-F1915, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1626, MELM50017382, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC#354, St. Louis County: 100194, MS-15007958, MT-PSP-ELS-LIC-247, NC-25310-SP-FA/LV, NC-1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ Burglar Alarm Lic. # -NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-0068518, City of Las Vegas: 3000008296, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000317691, NYS #12000286451, OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-AC1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA022999, RI-3582, RI-7508, SC-BAC5630, SD- 1025-7001-ET, TN-1520, TX-B13734, ACR-3492, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382(7C), WA-602588694/ECPROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: PAS-0002966, WV-WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. 3750 Priority Way South Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46240 ©2020 DEFENDERS, Inc. dba Protect Your Home DF-CD-NP-Q320