Elbert County News June 5, 2025

Douglas County uses AI for faster fire response

ing to the NASA Earth Observatory.

It’s no secret that Colorado has been the home to numerous disastrous wild res within the past decade, as it has one of the hottest red zones on wild re heat maps.

e state has even set records for having some of the largest wild res in the nation, accord-

In Douglas County, wild res remain the number one natural hazard threat. With more than half of the county’s residents living within the wildland urban re interface, Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly said that more people are in harm’s way than ever before, which is why response time is critical.

For years, residents often reported smoke or res to emergency responders, but through more recent use of Pano AI technology, Steve Roberts, a Douglas County emergency services supervisor, said emergency responders have been able to manage the res more e ectively.

“A third of our county is forest service, and there could be res up there that no one sees, no one smells it, no one even knows it’s there,” said Roberts. “With the Pano’s (arti cial intelligence), it tells us and we can get up in the air immediately.”

Pano AI, a company based in

California, provides wild re detection through arti cial intelligence and real-time camera feeds across 10 U.S. states and in areas in Canada and Australia.

Peter Ambler, vice president of global a airs for Pano AI, said the company’s mission is to detect wild re faster so that communities have more time to respond. He added that nearly 100 cameras are set up around Colorado and 12 of them are in Douglas County.

“More eyes on the landscape translates directly into faster

Kiowa passes business moratorium downtown

Action gives the town some breathing room amid concerns over Elbert County’s plans

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Town of Kiowa Board of Trustees held an emergency meeting on May 21 and unanimously passed an emergency ordinance, Ordinance 4, putting a temporary moratorium on businesses, o ces, and nonrevenue-producing activities in the town center.

e moratorium, which could be in place for one year unless it’s ended early, centered on concerns that Elbert County government might want to occupy more commercial properties in Kiowa, threatening the town’s revenue base that relies on sales taxes and economic activity.

Kiowa is the Elbert County seat.

e new Main Street Board and various community stakeholders attended the meeting, in-person or virtually. e Elbert County commissioners were invited to the meeting to speak with both boards but did not attend.

“When it came to our attention that the county was systematically acquiring properties in Kiowa’s small town center, directly impacting the area … by leasing or purchasing unique, prime business spaces that have the potential to generate signi cant tax revenue,” said Town Administrator Kim Boyd, “we felt an urgency to intervene to prevent a potential economic disaster.”

At the meeting, Boyd explained that the county’s actions could be a threat to Kiowa’s ability to maintain a revenue ow, with potential to a ect the town’s sustainability. In general, the

A new chapter for Colorado Community Media

It’s an honor to introduce myself to you as the new publisher of Colorado Community Media. ese newspapers (21 in total) serve some of the most vibrant and historical communities in the Denver metro area, and I consider it a privilege to now be responsible for their sustainability and future. is is more than a business transaction to me, it’s personal. I was born in Colorado and have spent a great deal of time here throughout my life. My family immigrated to the Huerfano County area as ranchers and coal miners in the late 1800s; we own a ranch near the Spanish Peaks that has been in our family for generations. Colorado’s culture, values and communities have always been close to my heart, and to now play a role in ensuring that trusted, locally produced journalism continues here is, in many ways, a dream come true.

At Times Media Group, our parent company, our mission has always been clear: to amplify local voices, support local businesses and to foster community connections. We believe deeply in the role of community news, not just as chroniclers of events, but as stewards of truth, watchdogs of public interest and partners in civic life. at’s not a slogan — it’s our North Star. In every market we serve, we work to be a reliable source of local news people can trust.

at may sound old-fashioned in today’s media landscape. Much of the industry is moving in the opposite direction toward consolidation, centralization and increasingly disconnected coverage. We believe that lo-

FROM THE PUBLISHER

cal stories matter, that communities deserve to see themselves re ected in the pages of their newspapers, and that good journalism starts on the ground, in the neighborhoods and cities where people live and work.

As the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “You’re entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts.” at quote is a guiding principle for us. Credibility, accuracy and integrity are not just ideals, they’re necessities. ey’re what build trust between us and our dedicated readers. We never take that trust for granted.

To uphold these standards, we invest in skilled journalists who are immersed in the communities they cover. We also employ a modern, nimble editorial model that allows us to “platoon” our newsroom resources, moving experienced journalists to areas where they are needed most, whether to cover major events or to ll temporary gaps. is isn’t about cutting corners, it’s about building a sustainable system that keeps local news alive in an era when too many papers are folding, leaving behind “news deserts” where civic accountability is severely diminished or no longer exists.

Our commitment also extends to our local business partners. We know that strong communities are supported by strong local economies, and our platforms

provide advertisers with a trusted and targeted way to reach their ideal customers. We don’t just sell ads, we sell solutions, building campaigns that help local business partners thrive.

To the readers of Colorado Community Media: thank you for your support and loyalty. Your engagement, whether through picking up a paper, subscribing to our free digital edition, sending in a letter to the editor or supporting our advertisers, makes all this possible.

To our advertisers: thank you for recognizing the value of local media. You are investing not just in your business, but in the health of your community.

And to the dedicated team of journalists, editors, designers, advertising sales consultants and support sta who make up Colorado Community Media: thank you for your talent and passion. You are the heart of this enterprise, and I look forward to working alongside you to build a strong and enduring future for these publications.

ere is important work ahead. Together, with shared purpose and deep roots in the communities we serve, I believe we can not only preserve the legacy of these community news platforms but elevate them. at’s our commitment, and we’re just getting started.

Finally, please feel free to drop me a line to let us know how or what we could be doing better. My email address is steve@timeslocalmedia.com. We’re here to serve you.

At Colorado Community Media, we’re local rst, Colorado always!

Music returns to Kiowa’s Nordman Memorial Park

Series of four concerts begins with June 7 show

BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

e Town of Kiowa is hosting its third annual “Music in the Park” series this summer at Nordman Memorial Park, 201 Navajo St.

“We’re ecstatic to host our third Music in the Park event in Kiowa, building on the momentum of our previous successes,” said Town Administrator Kim Boyd. “Our goal is to put Kiowa on the map, sharing its unique charm with locals and visitors alike. By rening our events each year, we’re creating a more enjoyable experience for attendees.” is year the lineup includes crowd favorites from last year and a variety of local food trucks. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, nd some dinner and enjoy the show.

Boyd said there’s been a lot of interest in the event. “Our participation has risen steadily over the past three years, and we’re optimistic that this year will be our most successful yet,” she said. “Our rst event this year has already generated tremendous interest, with almost 800 clicks on our Facebook event page - we’re eager to see the impressive turnout at this summer’s event!”

“We’re excited to see the community come together and experience the best of Kiowa,” Boyd went on. “With growing interest on our Facebook page and our Public Works team hard at work preparing the park, we’re condent that this year’s event will be our best yet. By hosting events like Music in the Park, we’re showcasing Kiowa’s unique character and fostering a sense of community pride.” ough the rst scheduled concert on May 24 with the band ` ese Guys’ was canceled due to rain, it’s been rescheduled for July 5.

Concerts start at 4 p.m. and the lineup is currently as follows:

Sarah P and the Dirty Logger — June 7

Kevin Betts — June 21

ese Guys — July 5

Randi Keira — July 12

For more information about Music in the Park, visit townofkiowa.colorado.gov/ music-in-the-park.

Kiowa’s Music in the Park concert series has hosted a variety of musical guests from di erent genres, including country, folk and funk rock. COURTESY OF TOWN OF KIOWA

The Town of Kiowa will host Music in the Park for the third year in 2025. The event, which features a different musical artist and food trucks at each event, takes place at Nordman Memorial Park, 201 Navajo St. in Kiowa.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

Part 2: Why Aren’t More

This is the second installment of my monthly series about one of the hottest topics in real estate: Accessory Dwelling Units. ADUs have gotten a lot of attention recently as a housing option. My thanks to John Phillips of Verdant Living for helping on the research for it.

ADUs – accessory or additional dwelling units, also called granny flats — are a wonderful idea. They use an existing piece of residential real estate and create a separate living space. They are often used for intergenerational housing (aging parents, adult children just starting out, etc.) and have long-term value as rental property and add to the value of your real estate. But very few have been built in Colorado. The experience in the City of Denver is instructive. I have been told that since June 2015 the city has issued 528 ADU permits, of which 418 have received Certificates of Occupancy. There are thousands of possible sites. There are no easily attainable totals for areas outside Denver, but there are a few ADUs scattered around the suburbs, and there must be tens of thousands of possible sites.

Accessory

the preferred option. But times have changed.

Dwelling Units (ADUs) Being Built?

quickly baffles the typical homeowner.



Now, land in urban areas is scarce (thus more expensive), homes are more expensive to build and aren’t as available, and smaller living spaces in closer proximity to others is more acceptable, often preferred. Zoning was a big hurdle. In Denver, applications for variance were rarely denied, but the variance process could take months and was expensive.

However, that is not the problem it once was. Laws have been passed that override local zoning regulations; Colorado did that last year, and that law takes effect this July.

That has opened the door, but there is a long way to go. Most homeowners have never even heard of ADUs, much less thought of how building an ADU might address their needs. This series is a small attempt to address that education gap.

Other impediments:

 Other local regulations and rules

Cost. The amount of money needed, even for the least expensive ADUs, is not trivial for most homeowners. It exceeds the purchase of a car or the cost of a tiny home, and many don’t understand why.

 Finance. Beyond the raw cost, financing an ADU can be a challenge. Most lenders (but not our Wendy Renee, below) are not yet comfortable with the dynamics, and there are few lenders actively doing it. Call Wendy!

 Time. The time between signing a contract to build an ADU and receiving a certificate of occupancy could be a year (and often longer). Before you get to the contract phase, investigation of options and selecting a vendor takes even more time. Sometimes a homeowner who wants an ADU has an immediate need, and the timelines may not match.

So, one might ask, why aren’t more ADUs being built?

For many years, they were discouraged by the restrictive zoning regulations of local governments. That made a lot of sense when land was relatively inexpensive, housing was generally affordable, and single-family residences were

Some of these are hangovers from the anti-ADU sentiment, but many are necessary to ensure the quality and safety of the dwelling as well as it being an acceptable addition to the community. These range from soil testing, setbacks, size limitations, parking, utility fees, construction inspections, and more. These sorts of things are dealt with as a matter of course by builders of multi-family buildings and main residences, but the complexity

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 Market awareness. As mentioned above, most potential purchasers of ADUs are unaware of the opportunity. That education is happening, slowly.

 Vendors. In Colorado the cottage industry of ADU vendors and other service providers is only now developing. It exists but is small, hard to find (and vet), and doesn’t have a broad community presence.

All these factors are self reinforcing and limit the development of ADUs. And there is another factor at work. The very nature of ADUs which makes them such a terrific addition to the housing stock,

Instead of having a different website for each listing, we now link them to a single site, www. GRElistings.com. The QR code at right will open that site up on your smartphone.

We pride ourselves on the thoroughness of our listings. We complete all the data fields in the MLS, not just the mandatory ones, so you’ll find measurements and descriptions for each room, as well as narrated video tours which simulate an actual showing.

works against widespread adoption. They are “gentle density,” one here, one there. They are rarely installed at multiple residences close to each other. The impact, such as traffic, on a particular neighborhood is minimal. They don’t change the character of the neighborhood, but individual homeowners must have the need and desire.

Most have little experience with a construction project, understand how to research the options, are willing to turn their backyard into a construction site, and, especially for homeowners of moderate means, able to take on the risk and responsibility of a second mortgage (or make the necessary decisions). The whole thing is not part of their perspective.

To help with these issues Verdant Living has published a buyer’s guide, BuyersGuideColoradoADUs.com. A good place to begin is the Verdant Living website, VerdantLiving.us, or just contact John Phillips at 303-717-1962. I want to thank John and the following people for their input: Gary Fleisher, Modular Home Source; Kol Peterson, Accessory Dwelling Strategies, Renee Martinez-Stone, Denver Housing Authority and West Denver Renaissance Collaborative, and Eric Scott, TinyMod. Next month: Financing an ADU

View All our Active & Pending Listings on a Single Website

Room dimensions and descriptions are not required, and you’d be amazed how few

agents bother to enter that information on their MLS listings. Of course, narrated video tours are not required either, and most “video tours” you see on other brokerages’ listings are really just slide shows with a music track. We have sold many of our own listings, including one that closes next week, to buyers who haven’t seen the home in person until they fly in for the inspection. The video tour gives them enough of a sense of what the listing is like to ask me or their agent write up an offer and go under contract for it.

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Wilson

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— Reese & Sally Ganster

Chuck Brown is a superb Realtor. He is very knowledgeable regarding the market, very

Greg Kraft was knowledgeable and professional. He was very easy to work with and was super proactive in searching the listings. That was a key in us managing to buy the townhome in a very competitive market. He was also very responsive and communicated really well with us and the listing agents. We would recommend him without reservation.

— J. Knight

Jim Swanson was kind and patient while listening to my questions. He helped me to translate the real estate language and manage the sale process. He connected the dots, allowing me to make good decisions, maintain my personal integrity and profit from the sale when a great offer came to the forefront. Jim, Thank you for putting communication and community first. — Name Withheld

$479,000 Opportunty Alert! Kol Peterson, a recognized authority on ADUs, is holding an ADU Academy in Denver on June 13 Visit https://www.aduspecialist.org/ aduacademy for more information.

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Protesters greet Evans, Boebert at state Capitol

Crowd chants opposition to “One Big, Beautiful Bill”

BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG

Over the loud chants of protesters, U.S. Reps. Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert plowed ahead to outline the bene ts of the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” for Coloradans on May 29 while on the steps of the state Capitol.

About 30 or so protesters chanted “One and Done”  and “Gabe You Lie” to Evans, who is in his rst term in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District seat.

He and Boebert told reporters and supporters that the measure would ensure the long-term viability of Medicaid. By getting 1.4 million undocumented immigrants o the Medicaid rolls as well as knocking o 1.2 million people who aren’t eligible for Medicaid bene ts, the bill is “preserving the program for the people who need it the most,” Evans said.

“It’s about cutting wasteful spending,” Boebert added. “… e waste, the fraud, the abuse, the illegal aliens who are receiving taxpayer bene ts. is is going to stop under this one big, beautiful bill.”

Evans and Boebert continued to speak into microphones during the one-hour presentation but were often drowned out by the full-throated opposition. About 20 advocates of the two lawmakers stood on one side and clapped their support.

Colorado state troopers formed a single line between the protesters, reporters and the lawmakers to guard against any confrontations, which never occurred.

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Senate considering e “One Big, Beautiful Bill” legislation passed the U.S. House last week and is heavily backed by President Donald Trump. e measure would extend his 2017 tax cuts, fund more border security, impose work requirements for those on Medicaid and roll back Joe Biden-era lean energy tax credits, say supporters.

e Congressional Budget O ce says the bill would increase the nation’s de cit by $3.8 trillion by 2034.

Critics of the bill argue that it is one of the largest transfer of wealth from the poor to the rich in American history, and they have nicknamed it the Reverse Robin Hood Bill.   e bill still must pass the United State Senate.

Alan Franklin of ProgressNow Colorado said he thought Evans would moderate his views after narrowly winning the 8th District race over Yadira Caraveo last No-

vember. Caraveo was the rst representative of CO-08 when it was newly drawn in 2022, becoming Colorado’s rst Latina member of Congress. She narrowly won the CD-8 seat in 2022 and then lost to Evans in November by fewer than 2,500 votes.

Evans, by ipping the seat, helped the GOP achieve a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. But Evans is now just in “lockstep” behind Trump and his policies, Franklin said. “He’s just not a good t for the 8th Congressional District,” Franklin said. Caraveo has said she is running in the Democratic primary in hopes of being nominated in order to take on Evans in 2026. Shannon Bird , a former Westminster city councilwoman, and Manny Rutinel — both currently serving in the Colorado House — have announced they are also running in the Democratic primary  in a bid to unseat Evans. Evans also defended himself against calls that he has avoided any town hall meetings and sessions with constituents.

Evans claimed he has held at least two town halls and met with 11,000 people in di erent settings. “We have met with all kinds of people to get and understand their concerns,” Evans said.

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Gabe Evans and Lauren Boebert speak out about the “One Big, Beautiful Bill” at the steps of the state Capitol.

PHOTO BY MONTE WHALEY

Parents warned about the dangers of chatbots

Consumer alert urges conversations at home about AI tools, content

BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SUZIE@COTLN.ORG

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser issued a consumer alert warning parents about the growing risks posed by social AI chatbots. Chatbots are tools designed to mimic human conversation, which, in some cases, can lead young users into harmful interactions.

“ ese chatbots interact with people as if they were another person,” Weiser said. “ ey can take on personas like a celebrity, ctional character or even a trusted adult, and the conversation can turn inappropriate or dangerous quickly, especially when it comes to sexual content, self-harm or substance use.”

e alert, released May 21, comes amid a sharp rise in reports of children engaging with AI bots in ways that have resulted in mental health crises and unsafe behaviors. Weiser’s o ce warns that children and teens may not realize they’re interacting with an AI rather than a real person, making them more vulnerable to manipulation.

Realistic, relatable and risky

Social AI chatbots are increasingly common on popular platforms. Some are embedded in social media sites, while others exist as standalone apps. ey’re often marketed as friends, mentors or entertainers.

According to HealthyChildren.org, chil-

dren and teens are turning to chatbots not just for quick answers but also for entertainment or companionship, which can be risky as these programs are not designed with kids in mind and may expose them to false, harmful or inappropriate content.

“What you thought might be benign can turn quite harmful,” Weiser said. “Parents need to be mindful of what their kids are doing.” e alert outlines several dangers, including chatbots generating age-inappropriate content, encouraging disordered behavior, or providing false and biased information. In some cases, children have

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Election Day is Tuesday, June 24

shared private details with these bots, raising concerns about how that data may be used or stored.

Legal tools, limited reach

Weiser said his o ce is watching closely for violations of Colorado’s consumer protection laws, particularly those related to deceptive or unfair trade practices. He pointed to the state’s ongoing lawsuit against Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, which alleges harm to children through manipulative design and lack of safeguards.

“If these platforms are crossing the line, whatever we can do in enforcement, we

will,” he said.

Still, Weiser acknowledged that regulation alone can’t keep pace with the fast-moving world of AI. He called for a broader federal conversation and urged technology companies to act more responsibly.

What parents can do

e most e ective protection, Weiser said, begins at home.

“Monitor their use. Be engaged,” he said. “Ask your kids what they’re doing online. If they say they’re talking to someone, make sure they understand who or what that really is.”

e alert recommends using parental controls, ltering tools and built-in age restrictions. But more importantly, Weiser said, families should normalize regular conversations about digital habits and online experiences.

“Teach your kids that these chatbots are not human,” he said. “ ey’re designed to seem human but they’re not. Don’t wait to talk to your kids.”

Looking ahead

Weiser said he’s not ruling out the need for new state legislation but believes current laws provide a strong foundation for accountability. For now, raising awareness remains a top priority.

To help parents get started, his o ce has created a one-page tip sheet with safety advice and conversation starters, available at stopfraudcolorado.gov.

“Arti cial intelligence is evolving rapidly, and many parents may not even be aware of social AI chatbots and their potential to harm children,” Weiser said. “ at needs to change.”

AI chatbots that mimic friendly conversation may pose hidden risks for kids, Colorado’s attorney general warns. SHUTTERSTOCK

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RESPONSE

alerts and better outcomes for communities and residents,” Ambler said.

With a tiny windshield wiper to keep the camera clean, the cameras are attached to cell phone towers or poles, and scans the horizon every few seconds to detect movement. Zareen Isaac, a manager at Pano AI, said that based on the learning the system has done, the technology can discern if movement is dust, fog or smoke.

A crew of analysts verify what the camera is detecting and send an alert out to emergency responders with precise coordinates and real-time imagery of the scene so that responders can make informed decisions faster.

“When early intelligence is shared across agencies and jurisdictions, it strengthens the entire region’s ability to respond before small ignitions become major disasters,” Amber said.

How fire response preparedness has evolved

Coming from a forest service background, Roberts has been with the Douglas County Emergency Services Unit for about seven years. He has seen the team evolve from a small mitigation team using helicopters for just water operations, to a full-blown helitack crew.

“Every year, we’ve been evolving more, with more people, more resources,” Roberts said.

“ at re was a warning shot, and Douglas County heard it loud and clear,” Laydon said.

As part of the county’s ongoing approach to wild re response, the county has come together with multiple partners over the years, such as Xcel Energy and CORE Electric Cooperative, to use tools to combat res from spreading.

Last year, Douglas County’s helitack team responded to 34 wild res, nine of which were outside of the county. is team is able to reach where other re apparatuses cannot get to.

In mid-May, a Type 2 helicopter arrived in Douglas County after the county commissioners invested $1.5 million in it earlier this year. e helicopter is capable of delivering 300 gallons of water per drop and is available at the discretion of the Douglas County O ce of Emergency Management through the end of the year.  rough this investment, Douglas County is the only county in the state with a dedicated re ghting helicopter and helitack team on standby all year long, as wild re threats are no longer seasonal, said Laydon.

With Douglas County having its own helicopter, Roberts said it eliminates a number of procedures when obtaining an aircraft.

“We don’t have to borrow it from either the forest service, state or anything like that,” said Roberts. “We have our own resource so we can get it up in the air and really cut down that response time, almost in half.”

AI technology already making a di erence Pano’s AI technology has already been making a di erence in the county.  Around 9:30 a.m. on June 14, 2024, FROM PAGE 1

After the Chatridge 2 Fire in summer 2020 came within feet of the Backcountry neighborhood in Highlands Ranch, Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon helped establish the Douglas County Wild re Action Collaborative.

P7

Members of the Douglas County helitack team stay close to one another as the Type 2 firefighting helicopter takes o to go retrieve water for a water drop during a live demonstration on May 23.

PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA

Brianna Smith, a member of the Douglas County helitack team, stands in front of the county’s Type 2 firefighting helicopter before a demonstration on May 23.

Cameras, which are typically attached to cell phone towers or poles, have a tiny windshield wiper to keep the camera clean so it can properly scan the horizon every few seconds to detect movement.

RESPONSE

detected wild re smoke in what would become known as the Bear Creek Fire.

“Conditions that day were forecasted to be hot, dry and windy, meaning a new re start could rapidly grow out of control,” said Mike Alexander, director of the O ce of Emergency Management.

“Douglas County emergency sta quickly determined that this was a high-risk re with signi cant potential to grow.”

e Douglas County O ce of Emergency Management and other response personnel were alerted with coordinates and video footage showing the re nearing a remote watershed that provides drinking water to more than one million

people.

Brianna Smith, who has been with the helitack team for more than a year, said that once they get noti ed, the team loads the helicopter and ies over the location to assess before landing nearby to set up for the helicopter’s water operations.

Alexander said the county’s helitack team located the Bear Creek Fire in about 30 minutes after receiving the Pano AI alert. By that time, the re was about a quarter acre in size on a steep forested slope, with heavy forest vegetation and no vehicle access.

After several hours of battling the blaze, the re was fully contained at only three acres.

“Early re detection by the AI technology shared with Douglas County, combined with aggressive re response via helicopter, resulted in a disaster being adverted,” Alexander said.

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Members of the Douglas County helitack team suit up for a ride in the county’s Type 2 firefighting helicopter, which is available at the discretion of the Douglas County O ce of Emergency Management for the rest of the year. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

Pano AI cameras

Hickenlooper hears from businesses

Fluctuating tari s, international politics impacting bottom line

BY LINDSAY TOOMER NEWSLINE

Colorado small businesses from various sectors have made changes to their operations and even lost customers as a result of uncertainty around the Trump administration’s tari s.

Grady Cope, CEO of Reata Engineering and Machine Works, a Centennial, Colorado-based manufacturing company, said his company spent most of last year working to bring a Canadian customer on board.

But in February, that customer said it would stop working with Reata because it was their only U.S.-based vendor, and “our people would just be really upset if we were buying from a U.S. vendor.”

“So they’re gone after a year’s worth of work,” Cope said at a press conference Tuesday with U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper of Colorado and other small business leaders.

Many of the materials used to make Reata’s products are not made in the U.S., Cope said. e company also ships parts to customers all over the world, with two of its biggest customers in Germany and

the United Kingdom.

“One of the things that has truly surprised all of us is that the inconsistency of we-don’t-know-where-the-tari s-arefrom-day-to-day is causing many of our customers to put orders on hold,” Cope said. “Everybody’s waiting for some stabilization and normalcy.”

President Donald Trump has issued executive orders to implement tari s that involve every country in the world, including those with which the U.S. conducts

Yoga in the Park

Colorado business owners told Sen. John Hicklenlooper that changing tari s are hurting thier businesses, driving away some customers and limiting their supplies of necessary supplies and equipment.

extensive trade, such as Canada, Mexico and China. He has said trade de cits are a national emergency, and part of his goal is to force more companies to manufacture products in the U.S. But he has repeatedly changed course on tari policy.

Democratic attorneys general, including Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, have sued the administration, saying tari s are the purview of Congress, not the president.

Hickenlooper said people well-versed

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Enjoy these free summertime concerts out on the grass in Prairie Sky Park, just west of the Lone Tree Recreation Center, courtesy of the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District.

Tuesday, June 24th, 6-8pm – Ninety Percent 90s

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Tunes on the Terrace at the Lone Tree Arts Center

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Saturday,

held within the RidgeGate community, just south of Lincoln Avenue, on both sides of I-25.

in economics tell him that “tari s have never worked” except in speci c situations. He said all tari s do is create “a level of uncertainty that is almost untenable” and prevents businesses from growing and maintaining supply chain relationships.

“All these tari s, in one way or another, they’re not bringing manufacturing back to this country,” Hickenlooper said. “What they’re doing is putting an unbearable burden on small businesses like we see here.”

Hickenlooper toured 4 Noses Brewing Company in Denver before hosting the press conference there with local business leaders. He sits on the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. He is running for reelection in 2026.

Jack Caporal, trade policy chair at the World Trade Center Denver, said trade is an “engine of growth” in Colorado, as 1 in 5 jobs in the state is supported by trade, and gives Colorado consumers a choice on how and where to spend their money. He said tari s are “aggressive taxes” that small businesses “have the hardest time absorbing the cost of.”

“When there are trade issues that ought to be resolved to open that market access for Colorado businesses, the approach should be one that’s surgical and well thought out and well intentioned … Colorado businesses shouldn’t be caught in the cross re of unnecessary trade wars that raise costs for consumers and businesses,” Caporal said.

Caporal said the uncertainty and the “whiplash” that comes with changing tari policies prompt other countries “...to become less reliant on the U.S. market” and to do business outside of the U.S. He said it also makes it harder for American businesses to enter those markets.

Jeremy Petersen, CEO of Identity Pet Nutrition, said while his business is headquartered in Colorado, all of its products are made in Canada because the U.S. had “no available production to create the quality of product that we wanted to create for pets.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, the business tried to bring manufacturing into the U.S., but it is not possible in the U.S. to achieve the quality the company wants, he said.

While Identity’s products have a “made in Canada” label and the country was the second top retail market last year for the company, Petersen said Canada is now his worst market.

“Despite being Canadian-made, they know we’re U.S.-owned, and so the boycott is on,” Petersen said.

Petersen said the company has also seen panic buying worse than it saw during the pandemic. It will be increasing its pricing by 6% on June 1 because of the uncertainty of how tari s will change. He said this has been “the most di cult year” of his professional career because of the uncertainty that comes with uctuating tari s.

“It’d be really nice if the president could just put this all on the back burner and recognize that we can’t exist solely with products created in America,” Petersen said. “We’ve always been a land of opportunity, and a land of small businesses and making it easier for small business owners, and now here at the ip of a switch this year, that’s all threatened.” is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

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Winning from failing and succeeding

We all want to win. It feels good to succeed, hit the target, cross the nish line, or land the deal. But if we’re honest, most of us fail far more often than we win, and many of those failures are quietly swept under the rug. at’s human nature. We hide the stumbles and spotlight the wins. But here’s the truth: both wins and losses hold valuable lessons. e people who truly multiply their success are the ones who learn from both.

Some people are wired to extract deep insight from failure. When something goes wrong, they pause, re ect, and analyze. ey don’t just brush past the loss; they dissect it. What went wrong? What could I have done di erently? What will I change next time? ey turn the pain of failure into fuel for growth. It’s not always easy, but it’s powerful.

Others, however, respond to failure with anger, blame, or retreat. ey shut down. If you’re in that camp or know someone who is, let me recommend Josh Seibert’s book, “Winning From Failing.” It’s a gamechanger for those who get stuck in frustration when things don’t go their way. Seib-

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Look skeptically at home rule

ert challenges us to see failure as a necessary and even valuable part of the journey to success.

WINNING the

David Sandler, founder of the Sandler Selling System, emphasized this same truth in his foundational book, “ e Sandler Rules: 49 Timeless Selling Principles and How to Apply em.” Rule #1? “You have to learn to fail, to win.” Not rule #37. Not rule #49. Rule number one. Failure isn’t optional on the path to success. It’s the tuition we pay.

And let’s not forget Zig Ziglar’s wisdom:

“Failure is an event, not a person. Yesterday really did end last night.” at one quote alone can shift your entire perspective. It reminds us not to let a setback today de ne who we are tomorrow. But let’s ip the script. We’ve talked enough about failure. What about success? Are we learning from that just as intentionally?

Too often, we only conduct a “post-

We have a home rule special election coming June 24. e voice of voters will only heard if they turn out to vote. A “no” vote will not be counted if the ballot is tossed in the trash. If only those in favor of home rule vote, then guess what, the process will get voted in. ere are some things to educate ourselves on before we vote. Who really wants this? Commissioners Teal, Laydon, and Van Winkle want it, and they want it bad, so bad that they chatted amongst themselves and their special interests groups and political favorites and signed the resolution to get the process going without any input from their constituents. Why do they want it? I don’t think anyone, except them, knows for sure. ere is what they say in public and then what they say behind closed doors and they may not the same. e evidence that the real reasons are those that they don’t say out loud becomes a little more clear when you take a look at the 2024 Colorado Revised Statutes Title 30-GovernmentCounty section 30-1-101 - 30-35-106, it is very complex and vast, but there in all the sections and parts and titles you can see just how much governing power our county already has and how many more will come with home rule, as it pertains to structure and organization.

In addition, the proposed timeframe for the charter creation is a mere 60 days, approximately. It’s such a complex endeavor, we need to consider whether 60 days is too rushed to be successful. e money for the election has already been spent, we might as well get our money’s worth by turning out to vote.

Chrissy Saccardi-Williams, Castle Rock

Pine Canyon explanation needed

At the May 20 Castle Rock Town Council meeting the council approved the Pine Canyon project 7-0. e sta wrote a memorandum in June 2024, listing their concerns on the project. When selected concerns from the memorandum were presented to the council, they were ignored and not discussed Following are quotes from the memorandum, which interestingly enough I can no longer nd on the town website.

Do not mistakenly believe that a home rule county means independence from Colorado state laws, because it does not, even though it sounds lovely. It appears to be an expansion of government and one really needs to ask why do we need bigger government. Douglas County already has, without home rule, its own health department, its place in a new judicial district, planning commission that has provided for continued growth, a sheri department, boasting statics of crime reduction of 7%, ballot initiatives for more taxes, ability to write county ordinances relating to public health and safety, a school district that has improved test scores and has 92% graduation rate. Do we really need bigger government?

mortem” when things go wrong. Leaders gather the team, do a retrospective, and ask, “Why did we miss the mark?” at’s valuable. But how often do we pause and re ect after a big win and ask, “Why did we succeed?”

When we nish a 10K faster than ever, hit a new sales target, or deliver a project under budget, we should celebrate, but we should also re ect. Did we prepare di erently this time? Did we collaborate more closely with the team? Were we more strategic in how we communicated? Were we more consistent in execution? Did we build stronger relationships? Did we make fewer assumptions and ask better questions?

As salespeople, for example, maybe our pre-call planning was sharper. Maybe we looped in colleagues who brought added expertise. Maybe we stopped winging it and started acting like professionals. Success leaves clues, but only if we take the time to look for them.

e truth is, for some people, it’s the lessons from failure that stick. For others, it’s the clarity that comes from understanding why they won. Both are essential. e tragedy is when we do neither. When we lose

“It is not possible to develop this property without causing true impacts to the Town of Castle Rock’s community and infrastructure. e higher the density, the higher the impacts will be on a community that is not currently regulating this area.”

“Constructing an unincorporated urban level community in the middle of Town will cause negative impacts on the surrounding area, including Town roadways, open space, parks and trails, and existing neighborhoods located within the Town limits.”

“ e Application states that the Pine Canyon Planned Development will add 22,054 daily vehicle trips per day to Town owned roadways within the immediate vicinity of the Development, a number which Town sta believes to be grossly underestimated.” If you annualize this gure it equates to 8.3 million additional vehicle trips per year, a number that is grossly understated according to town sta .

System, as Founders is the only potential connection for this current proposed urban level development in unincorporated County. erefore, the engineering review is currently based on an inaccurate and incomplete TIS at this time.”

Clearly these four comments re ect sta ’s concern over the size of the project. e town council should have critically evaluated these concerns before approving the project. As our elected o cials they owe their constituents a critical evaluation. Instead, they chose to ignore sta ’s concerns and sta appears to have pivoted 180 degrees that these concerns are no longer relevant. e project has not substantively changed so the concerns are still relevant.

“It is clear through the documents submitted to the County that neither the County nor CDOT have seen a project TIS (Tra c impact study) that accurately demonstrates the proposed project’s actual tra c impacts to the State Highway

and shrug it o with “We’ll get ‘em next time.” Or when we win and move on with a quick high- ve and no deeper insight. Success is not just about doing more, it’s about learning more from the setbacks and the triumphs. Multiply your wins by making time to understand them. Let your failures instruct you, but don’t let your victories go unanalyzed. In both, there’s wisdom waiting. And wisdom compounds.

Which way do you prefer to increase your odds of winning in the future? Is it the setbacks that we learn what not to do? Or is it found in the success and what we want to replicate? Either way, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we understand that our future successes are born by both our failures and our successes, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Both the town sta and the town council owe the community an explanation of why the concerns raised in this memorandum are no longer relevant.

Stephen Snodgrass, Castle Rock

Stop the home-rule rush job

By now, DougCo residents are aware of the county commissioners’ hasty attempt to pass home rule in our county — with no input from the community outside that of their cronies, many of whom were directly hand-picked to run for the charter commission because, one assumes, they will agree to whatever the BoCC dictates.

Commenting on the BoCC’s motivation for home rule, Commissioner George Teal said, “If the political winds do change here in the county, we preserve these conservative principles that can’t just be changed by two county commissioners being elected who are Democrats.” Sounds to me like he’s saying that the constituents of the county shouldn’t get to decide what kind of representative government they’d like. In fact, if the resolution to form a home rule charter is passed in the $500,000 June 24 special election, it’s possible that the charter commission, under Teal’s guidance, could decide to change elected county positions into appointed ones, which

would further undermine constituents’ right to choose their representatives. Commissioner Abe Laydon voted to explore home rule on March 25, stating that, “We are pursuing home rule status to assert our right to govern ourselves in the best interest of our people,” yet clearly the best interest of the people is not being taken into account if we are unable to have input into the structure of our county government as a result of the BoCC’s power grab and designation of charter commission appointees. I believe that any exploration of home rule should involve multiple town halls where constituents can ask questions and provide feedback prior to voting on whether to form a home rule charter commission, and much closer to the 240 days allowed by Colorado statute for writing the charter than the mere 60 days that will be allowed by the BoCC’s whims. at is why I am voting no on the formation of the home rule charter commission on June 24, and I ask my fellow residents to do the same. Check out stopdougcopowergrab.com for more info.

Jennifer Williams, Sterling Ranch

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Another no on home rule

I am a resident of Sterling Ranch, and I have serious concerns about how home rule in Douglas County could affect schools and communities in unincorporated areas like ours. While cities like Castle Pines and Lone Tree have municipal home rule, communities like Sterling Ranch and Highlands Ranch do not, and that leaves us vulnerable to county decisions that we may not agree with. Douglas County’s recent opt-out of state firearm restrictions in government buildings only applies to unincorporated areas, for example. That’s a preview of how home rule could expand the county’s authority over zoning, land use, utilities, and even school safety without clear input from our communities.

What powers would the county gain over our schools, parks, and infrastructure?

Could they mandate school safety measures or allow firearms on school grounds? And if so, who pays for it?

Would our school district be accountable to the county?

Without municipal home rule, what recourse do we have if we disagree with county policies?

This feels like a shift that could silence the voices of residents in the most populous parts of Douglas County, and I can’t support handing over that kind of unchecked power.

I’d also like to express my concern that the school district allowed the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners to speak for over an hour in favor of this rushed home rule initiative without an opposing viewpoint at the May 27 school board meeting. I hope the DCSD Board will make time for an opposing viewpoint at its next meeting on June 10. I’m voting no on 1A on June 24.

Loreli Wright, Sterling Ranch

Wrong kind of exclusive venue

Graduation is meant to be a celebration of unity, growth, and identity. Yet for at least the past five years, Highlands Ranch High School (HRHS) has hosted its Senior Celebration at Mission Hills Church — a venue that publicly rejects LGBTQ+ identities.

On May 19, 2025, the event was again held at Mission Hills, a church that in its blog series “A Pride Conversation: Truth and Grace” labels same-sex relationships as sinful and calls on LGBTQ+ individuals to “repent.” These aren’t abstract beliefs—they are central to the church’s public messaging. For LGBTQ+ students and families, attending a milestone event in that space is painful and alienating. When a public school repeatedly holds celebrations in such a venue, the message is clear: your accomplishments are recognized, but your identity is not. Even if the event is parent-organized, it is promoted by HRHS, attended by staff — including the principal — and experienced by students as a formal school milestone. That connection matters.

Principal Dr. Christopher Page has stated that parents chose the venue for its low cost — just $100 — and ability to hold 650 people. He wrote, “Our actions (not just our words and posts) will often help move us all toward a more equitable solution.” As co-author of the 2021 Douglas County School District Educational Equity Policy, Dr. Page helped shape a document stating the Board “shall NOT condone exclusive practices, discriminatory behaviors … or policies that support

exclusion or intolerance.” The 2023 revision reinforces that all students deserve equitable opportunities, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Affordability alone cannot justify holding events in venues that deny the worth of LGBTQ+ people. Public education must ensure that all students are respected, affirmed, and celebrated — not just academically, but in the spaces where their milestones are marked. This isn’t about attacking religion. Many faith-based spaces are LGBTQaffirming. But Mission Hills is not one of them. Public school events must reflect public values — equity, inclusion, and belonging. There are other venues in our community that meet logistical needs without compromising on dignity.

Moving forward, HRHS and Douglas County School District must acknowledge the harm, commit to inclusive venues, and engage the broader school community in these decisions. Graduation should be a moment of pride for every student — not one clouded by exclusion.

Tiffany Baker, Highlands Ranch

Declining trust in government

Given how much of our lives are affected by government, it is not surprising that almost everyone dislikes one or more aspects of governing. This is true of federal, state and local governments. Given citizens’ differing views on taxation, public services and laws, some dislike is to be expected.

Many factors can generate distrust. First, government does not always do a good job of explaining difficult decisions. Some issues are very complex and require significant effort to understand them. Public servants need to do a better job of communicating the rationale for their decisions. The public media financial need to attract a viewing or listening audience does not help when they won’t waste limited air time explaining an issue when a dramatic sound bite is quicker and cheaper. Then there are those individuals who attract attention for personal gain by bad mouthing government and public servants.

However, probably the most significant factor creating government distrust is when government officials take very important or significant actions that are not fully discussed and debated with its citizens. There are ongoing distrust examples at the federal level. However, we have our local example in the Douglas County Commission decision, without any public discussion or debate, to spend a half million taxpayer dollars to initiate a rushed home rule charter process. This is like writing a local constitution which will have long-term implications for Douglas County citizens. Without any debate before this decision, there is now insufficient time allowed to inform the voters on all the issues before voting and insufficient time for the home rule commission deliberation in drafting the charter. Such a rushed and concealed process does not garner citizen confidence or trust. Given the commissioners’ secretive and rushed approach on home rule, we all should reject their proposal and vote no on this attempt at home rule. Another attempt can be made in the future when there is more opportunity for citizens to participate. That would help to improve citizen trust in their Douglas County government.

Lee Frame, Home rule commission candidate Highlands Ranch

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MORATORIUM

town is concerned about the lack of incomegenerating businesses on Main Street and a few other issues pertaining to the town center.

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“… it’s not anything to do with any individual business owner or property owner here,” Boyd said. “Really … it’s the county taking up the very small commercial district that we are limited to in this small municipality. And choosing to place their o ces in any remaining, limited spaces we have in that small commercial district, when there is plenty of legitimate county-owned property in and around this town that they can build on and occupy.”

Boyd said the town did not receive timely communication clarifying the county’s intentions and plans, which led to speculation about their goals. Given these concerns, the town decided to put forth the moratorium in order to answer these questions and possibly make revisions to town codes.

Kiowa Mayor eresa Howard emphasized that the purpose of the ordinance is to slow things down and give the town a chance to make any necessary changes. “Everybody has said we need to slow down. e purpose

of this emergency ordinance that we’re wanting to put in place, if the board approves it, is to slow down so that we can take a look at what we need to change in our zoning codes and such …”

“ is is a temporary moratorium, it’s to put the brakes on everything, give us time, give the Planning Commission time, the Kiowa Main Street Board’s time, to iron everything out and make this compatible for everybody,” she went on.

Elbert County Commissioner Byron McDaniel clari ed that Elbert County government is currently not looking to purchase property on Main Street in Kiowa.

“We recently signed a lease agreement for o ce space to better serve our citizens starting June 1 and had been considering the possibility of leasing a second o ce space,” he explained. “However, the Kiowa mayor expressed concerns that this decision could potentially cause further hardship for the town. She emphasized a preference for a retail setting that would generate more tax revenues.”

McDaniel met with Mayor Howard and said their conversation was productive. “ e mayor and the town board have some excellent ideas for revitalizing that area,” he said. “We are now collaborating to explore options that would bene t both the town and the county.”

McDaniel said the county and the town plan to have additional discussions mov-

ing forward and he looks forward to working closely with the mayor to establish a strong working relationship between the town and the county. “I believe this partnership will create positive outcomes for everyone involved,” he added.

Some residents at the meeting expressed concerns about property rights, potential vacant buildings on Main Street as a result and even the legality of the town’s actions. Kiowa town resident and business owner Debbie Ullom doesn’t support the moratorium. “It takes away property rights,” she said. “ e town does not want o ces in property that is zoned for it. I should be able to put anything in my building that is allowed by zoning.”

“When attracting businesses, small municipalities like Kiowa need to be vigilant, considering the signi cant impact these entities can have on the local economy, social fabric, and environment,” Boyd said. “Businesses can have far-reaching e ects, both bene cial and detrimental, on a small town’s resources, community, and overall quality of life.”

To listen to the May 21 meeting in its entirety, visit the Town of Kiowa’s YouTube channel at tinyurl.com/kiowamora. For other town meetings and agendas, visit townofkiowa. colorado.gov/agendas-and-minutes. e Elbert County website, including information about current commissioners, is available at elbertcounty-co.gov.

Kiowa Mayor Theresa Howard, center, emphasized at the May 21 meeting that the intention of the temporary business moratorium is to slow things down to give all town entities time to make any necessary zoning changes.

SCREENSHOT FROM TOWN OF KIOWA YOUTUBE CHANNEL

The Town of Kiowa has imposed a business moratorium downtown to buy time amid concerns that the Elbert County government could occupy buildings that otherwise would produce tax revenue.

PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY

Kiowa Town Administrator Kim Boyd speaks at the special meeting on May 21 to discuss a temporary moratorium.

SCREENSHOT FROM TOWN OF KIOWA YOUTUBE CHANNEL

Economic Factors, Policy Landscape Lead to Budget Shortfall

Fire and medical emergency response services are at risk

The Challenge

There’s been a 20% increase in calls for service since 2019.

This includes structure, vehicle, and wildland fires; explosions and hazmat incidents; water rescues; vehicle crashes; public or police assistance; and medical emergencies.

Emergency medical calls now account for 65% of all response – this is expected to increase with an aging population.

Costs have increased dramatically in six years; for example:

The cost for a fire engine has gone from $725,000 to $1.3 million (79% increase).

The cost for protective bunker gear has gone from $4,321 to $6,047 (40% increase).

To continue providing quality fire and emergency response, South Metro needs an additional $34 million annually.

State legislation that passed during a special session in 2024 reduces property tax revenue South Metro collects by $16 million in 2026 and $270 million over 10 years.

South Metro Fire Rescue is facing an immediate budget shortfall due to years of rising costs, consistent increases in demand, and new state legislation. Without new revenue, the organization will not be able to maintain the high level of service for fire and emergency response that residents and businesses deserve, and have come to expect.

Did You Know?

South Metro is a full-service department Here are a few key facts:

stations across 30 square miles 287

personnel across 800 divisions 8

residents, which will serving 571,500 in grow to 595,0004 years municipalities and 12 counties 3

Centennial Airport, Lockheed Martin, Highlands Ranch, 4 Square Mile, and The Pinery Including:

The Bottom Line

With $34 million needed to address increased demand for services and rising costs, plus the $16 million shortfall, South Metro needs to identify how it will generate $50 million in additional funding annually.

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORAODOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Antique shops across the Denver metro are more than places to buy old things — they’re spaces where history meets creativity.

Across the metro area, vintage lovers and curious newcomers alike are fueling a growing scene rooted in nostalgia, community and the thrill of discovery.

Colorado Antique Gallery

Standing at 52,000 square feet and advertised as “Denver’s largest antique mall,” Colorado Antique Gallery in Littleton is lled to the brim with unique vintage items for all types of people.

Colorado Antique Gallery is operated by President Chris Rodriguez who took ownership of the business in 2012. It is located at 5501 S. Broadway, Unit 135.

“I have 275 vendors and we rent space to them on a monthly basis, and then I take a commission of all their sales,” Rodriguez said. “So most of the merchandise in the store is not ours.”

Rodriguez said the store has been operating since 1992. He decided to purchase the store after initially taking a business interest in it.

For Rodriguez, he said the best aspect of operating an antique store is the unknown of daily life.

“Every day is di erent. Every day is new,” Rodriguez said. “You’re going to run into di erent people and this is the type of business that brings out eccentric people — and it brings out just people who you may

not see on a normal day, maybe, if you were shopping in a mall.”

From Native American jewelry to speci c crystal canoes, Rodriguez said people are looking for all sorts of items and every day “is not going to be boring.”

“What also is nice is we keep all this stu from going into the land ll and we give everything a second home so they can use it again,” Rodriguez said. “We like saving stu .”

Rodriguez said he would describe Colorado Antique Gallery as “large, di erent and fun,” adding that the store has evolved over the last three decades.

Heirloom Antiques Mall

Tucked in a quiet shopping mall in Aurora that includes an adult bingo venue and a hobby shop lies Heirloom Antiques Mall. Filled with various items including toys, art and more, the shop stands two stories tall.

Behind the counter, owner and operator Scott Davenport often greets his customers by asking if they’ve been in the shop, and explains the business to rsttime visitors.

e way Davenport described the store is simple but heartfelt.

“It’s just a fun place,” he said, glancing around at the eclectic mix of vintage furniture, old signage and toy collections tucked in every corner.

His business model is shaped by inclusivity and a sense of community.

“I try to o er something for everyone and I want it to be family friendly … We try to have stu that they can see and interact with,” Davenport said.

Davenport hadn’t always owned the store. His jour-

ney began as a vendor at a di erent antique shop.

“I was a dealer at another antique store for eight years. And I came in and I took a spot here. And when I brought my wife back, I stepped on the bottom stair, and I looked at her, and said, ‘I’m going to buy this store.’ And one year to the month, not to the day, I bought it,” he said.

It was a decision that would change his life.

“It’ll be 10 years in August,” he said.

What keeps him in it isn’t just the love of antiques — it’s the people.

“I like the interaction with the customers, you know — you get to know them and their families. We have so many regulars,” Davenport said.

Currently there are over 100 vendors in the shop, and Davenport said he also recently added more space to the business.

And he isn’t done yet.

“I just hope for continued growth,” Davenport said when asked what the future held.

e antique scene in the Denver metro area, according to Davenport, has seen a shift.

“I think it’s gone more vintage and more clothing. It’s better now. e younger generation has found … a greater interest in repurposing and recycling,” Davenport said.

Overkill Thrift & Consign

Overkill rift & Consign in Englewood opened its doors last year and o ers a blend of what Davenport describes as what “the younger generation” has found, including vintage clothing in various styles

Overkill Thrift & Consign is located at 3041 S. Broadway in Englewood and is owned and operated by 26-year-old Megan Hartberger.

PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY

THRIFTING

and some antiques.

“While Overkill primarily deals in modern second-hand clothing, we very frequently receive vintage and antique pieces from our consignors with ages ranging anywhere from 1960s to the early 2000s,” owner Megan Hartberger said. “We try to carry all the small staples that an antique store might o er, such as vintage Playboy magazines, antique knick knacks like wooden kaleidoscopes, vintage movie memorabilia items and cassette tapes.”

Located at 3041 S. Broadway, Overkill is a small but bustling purple building where Hartberger seeks to provide curated, unique fashions at reasonable prices.

Hartberger maintains a “punk rock” style herself, but like Davenport, strives to have “a bit of everything” for vintage seekers who cross the threshold of her store.

“No matter what your style is, I want you to be able to come in and nd anything,” Hartberger said. “So, you know, goth, grunge, grandma, gearhead. We’ve got it all.”

Hartberger said Overkill is partially a thrift store because it has various items under $5, including $2 bins, and much of those pieces are actually from her own personal collection.

“We (also) have consign, which means you can come in and sell your clothes with us,” she said.

“ ose are going to be our slightly higher-priced items but I still like to have a good deal.”

Overkill used to be operated under the name Inner Me with a di erent owner, and Hartberger said it had a strong customer base that she has maintained since taking over the space in May last year.

“I wanted to make something for myself to put my name on, and this place worked out,” she said.

“It’s a great location, the landlord is really awesome, and there were just a bunch of great ways to get started.”

For the fashion collector, one of the best elements of the shop is chatting with the people who travel in and peruse her bins and racks.

“My favorite aspect is just looking at clothes all day, but I have loved getting to know people who have similar style to me or just really appreciate the pieces I’ve brought in,” she said.

Overkill is also a place where Hartberger encourages people to take the quirky or eclectic and make it their own.

“Put it on. If it looks good, keep it,” Hartberger said. “Let yourself be yourself.”

Hartberger describes the thrift and antiquing scene in Denver as “thriving.”

“Broadway especially is bustling with thrift and vintage stores alike, while several antique malls can be found throughout the area as well,” Hartberger said. “ ere’s something for every budget, whether you’re looking for records, comic books, clothes or antique home decor. rift stores have these items at lower prices but require more e ort to dig for, while dedicated vintage and antique stores will be more curated at the cost of higher pricing.”

Heirlooms Antique Mall in Aurora has something for everyone. It’s two stories with about 106 di erent vendors.

PHOTOS BY ELISABETH SLAY

Owner of Heirloom Antique Mall in Aurora, Scott Davenport, restocks a case in his shop located at 1947 S. Havana St.

Divided into di erent style sections, Overkill Thrift & Consign o ers curated fashions that don’t “break the bank.” Owner Megan Hartberger provides vintage clothing at thrift store prices.

Colorado Antique Gallery is located in Littleton and o ers many unique and vintage items.

Season opens strong at Festival Park Farmers Market

BY JULIA KING SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Storm clouds loomed — and eventually delivered — over Castle Rock on Memorial Day weekend, but the weather didn’t deter crowds from the year’s rst Festival Park Farmers Market. e storm held o just long enough to let shoppers stroll through rows of vendor tents, mingle over locally-grown produce, and snag the summer’s rst jar of re-roasted salsa.

Nearly 40 vendors are set to take part in the weekly market this season, o ering everything from fresh eggs and meats to handmade soaps and bouquets. e market will ll Festival Park with local color every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., now through mid-October.

Among the familiar faces at this year’s opening Festival Park Farmers Market was Jeremy Tobin, one half of the married couple behind Mountain Screamer salsas. By weekday, Tobin works at DirecTV. By weekend, he’s a regular on the local market circuit, hustling homemade heat from Colorado Springs to Castle Rock. Tobin credited his neighbors and friends with turning his homemade salsa into a viable business.

“Me and my wife were always trying to get into business ... and talking to neighbors and friends and family, they’re like, ‘why don’t you just make your salsa? Because that’s

are

coctions like re-roasted dynamite chili and a tropical pineapple-mango-habanero blend he’s dubbed Island Screamer.

Newcomer Marianne Martinez brought fresh blooms to the scene with her rstever farmers market booth. A school teacher by trade and Elizabeth resident, she said she was pleasantly surprised by the turnout. Despite a hailstorm back home the night before, Sunday’s weather held steady enough to draw a solid crowd.

“I would say right o the bat, right at open we were pretty busy. From 9:30 to 10:30, if I’d pick one hour, it was the busiest,” she said.

Martinez described the oral venture as a summer passion project.

“I’m a teacher, too, so this is my fun passion project in the summer when I’m not teaching,” she added.

e Festival Park Farmers Market is part of a broader network run by e LOCAL Colorado, which also hosts popular markets in nearby Parker and the Southlands Shopping Center.

If this Memorial Day weekend was any indication, the market is more than enough to keep the crowds coming — even when the clouds look less than friendly.

Learn more about the farmers market at https://thelocalcolorado.com/castlerock-farmers-market.

awesome, awesome salsa,’” Tobin said.

Now, Tobin and his wife, Maribel,

expanding the salsa line with new con-

Local vendor Jeremy Tobin sells jars of his homemade Mountain Screamer salsa during a busy day at Castle Rock’s Festival Park Farmer’s Market.

PHOTO BY JULIA KING

How to enjoy the worst team of all time

Some suggestions for resilient Rockies fans

BY JOHN RENFROW JOHN@COTLN.ORG

Dismayed Colorado fans still turn up at Coors Field to support their spiraling Rockies, with yells of “Sell the team!” ringing out behind hot dog bites and swigs of beer. But it’s the results on the eld that are often di cult to stomach.

e old adage in baseball is that before the season even begins, you get 40 wins and 40 losses, and what your team does between them will determine the course of the season.

But even before June, the Rockies lost their 40th game on May 20.

But at least tickets were only $5 that day, and will likely remain in the single digits for the remainder of the season. ere will be price hikes when teams like the Yankees and Dodgers come to town, but the organization knows it’s getting increasingly di cult to put butts in seats.

Colorado is on pace to be even worse than the 2024 Chicago White Sox, a team that nished 41-121 last season, the worst since the 1962 New York Mets, who were 40-120.

According to an article from ESPN on May 13, the Rockies’ record through 40 games puts them on pace to nish 28-134. Let that sink in.

So anyway, here are some ways to better enjoy the possible worst team ever.

Arrive early for cheap beers

If you arrive two hours before the game’s rst pitch, you might see fans doublesting 12-ounce beers as they make their way to their seats.

at’s because fans can enjoy $3 Coors Lights (yes, $3 for 12 ounces) and $6 craft beers (16 ounces) before the game starts. Or you can wait until the drinks are literally $10 more expensive than that after the national anthem.

at way, you don’t feel bad leaving in the seventh inning when the team is down a gross number of runs (like the 21-0 loss to the San Diego Padres on May 10, the third-biggest shutout margin in the major leagues since 1901).

Pin the promotional schedule to the fridge

Whether it’s buy-one-get-one hot dog night, bobblehead night or enjoying reworks after the game, promos are always a good excuse to get to the ballpark.

Plus, summer in Colorado makes for a picture-perfect night for baseball, if you can stomach the score of the game.

For example, catch a star-studded night when the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town on June 25. e rst 10,000 fans through the door receive a Rockies cowboy hat. Or show up for other fan favorite nights like Star Wars or Grateful Dead

night.

Put some cheddar on the games

Of course, be sure to gamble responsibly. But if you truly can’t bear to watch the team continue to struggle, consider a prop bet or two to add a little seasoning to your experience.

Bet on a player to get a hit, hammer a home run or the Rockies to only lose by three runs or less.

Or, if you get really cynical, bet on the other team. at way, at least the loss results in something positive for your night out.

For the most diehard of fans, bet on the Rockies to win. Your passion for the game will soar with each at-bat, and the odds will reward you if the team pulls it o . Imagine beating the Yankees and going home with a fatter pocket.

‘Enhance’ your game experience It’s Colorado. Enough said? You might nd you care less and less about the team’s record if you enjoy a nice night of weather after some homegrown Colorado enhancements, like a gummy or a chocolate bar.

Just make sure you nd a cozy seat away from other people, especially rowdy fans of the other team. With fewer people ocking to the stadium, it shouldn’t be di cult to nd a nice solitary spot with a pretty view. But be careful throwing those cheap beers into the mix.

As always, plan for a ride or use public transportation, and never drive under the in uence.

Only so much can be done to alleviate the pain of watching your team suck at a historic level. But as always, Go Rockies forever.

Coors Field shines on a beautiful May evening as the Colorado Rockies play the Philadelphia Phillies on May 20. The Phillies won 7-4 to give Colorado its 40th loss of the season. JOHN RENFROW

Thu 6/12

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Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver

Night Jobs @ 6pm

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Spells @ 6pm

Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver

Black Dots

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Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

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Fri 6/13

Knucklehorn @ rock bottom @ 5pm

DJ Rockstar Aaron: Adulti-Verse: Pirates & Princesses, an all-handson-deck PRIDE party @ 6pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Sta‐tion, 1338 1st St, Denver

Mon 6/16

Lindsey Stirling: Night with the Colorado Symphony @ 5pm

Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 1505 Park Central Dr, Highlands Ranch

Sat 6/14

Matt Hynes @ 10am

The Hampton Social - Denver, 2501 16th St, Denver

Eagle Eats Summer Culinary Class - Italian Food @ 7:30am / $300 Jun 16th - Jun 19th

Valor Center Teaching Kitchen, 3775 E Grace Blvd, Highlands Ranch. 303471-3000

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison

Sage & Aera: Planting Seeds: Celebrating the Launch of Col‐orado's Natural Medicine Program @ 5:30pm The Beacon, 2854 Larimer St, Denver

Wed 6/18

Week 2 @ 7:30am / $75 Jun 16th - Jun 20th

Milheim House, 1515 Race Street, Denver. 303519-8062

Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 11am Denver

Modern Swing Mondays 2025 @ 5:30pm Stampede, Aurora

Saridae: MBG Juneteenth Celebration @ 12pm Sonny Lawson Plaza, Denver

DJ Rockstar Aaron @ 6pm The Angry Clover, 15350 E Smoky Hill Rd, Au‐rora Knolls

Dave Mensch - Tailgate TavernParker, CO @ 5pm Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Main‐street, Parker

Candi Jenkins @ 6pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Russell Moore w/Alison

& Union Station @ 6:30pm Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison

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Thu 6/19

Scotty Allen: Fracos Open Mic Hosted by Open Stage Denver @ 6pm The Toad Tavern, 5302 S Federal Cir‐cle, Littleton Liquid Bloom: PORTAL Meow Wolf Take-Over @ 9pm Meow Wolf Denver | Convergence Station, 1338 1st St, Denver

Krauss

1. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are male bees called?

2. TELEVISION: Which TV streaming network plans to host a new series based on the “Harry Potter” books?

3. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: How many months have 31 days?

4. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the rst president to appear on television?

5. MATH: What is the Roman numeral MMXXV in Arabic numbers?

6. MOVIES: What is the name of the spaceship in the movie “Alien”?

7. LITERATURE: “Nicholas Nickleby” is a novel written by which author?

8. AD SLOGANS: Which airline uses the slogan “Fly the Friendly Skies”?

9. ACRONYMS: What phrase does the real estate acronym DTI stand for?

10. FOOD & DRINK: What are the seeds of a pomegranate called?

TrIVIa

Answers

1. Drones.

2. HBO Max.

3. Seven: January, March, May, July, August, October and December.

4. Franklin D. Roosevelt.

5. 2025.

6. Nostromo.

7. Charles Dickens.

8. United Airlines.

9. Debt-to-income ratio.

10. Arils.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

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• May be eligible for loan forgiveness!

• Financial support may be available through grants if required to enroll in a Master’s degree program

• Questions contact Tracy (719) 775-2342 ext. 101.

To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

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PLUMBING

LETTERS

Lee Frame is good choice

As a Douglas County resident of the Wind Crest senior community, I have become acutely aware of the home rule commission and its proposal to establish a home rule charter. I highly recommend Lee H. Frame to be elected to this commission should it be created. His impressive background speaks to his many capabilities to take on this critical task.

Libby Bortz, LCSW, Highlands Ranch

It’s never enough

Gathering from “Letters” of 5/15/25, it’s apparent the usual “nonpartisan” suspects calling for “unity” are once again gearing up for another divisive Board of Education election in the fall. The refrain is familiar: the current board majority represents a threat to their equity over equality agenda.

For these folks, more is never enough. More money for teachers (CCM/HRH 3/7/25)? OK great, but not going to cut it. Even more funding for building updates (5A)? Sorry voters, still not good enough. What about Superintendent Erin Kane, who along with BoE majority support, was instrumental in making those two funding initiatives possible? Nope. She’s one of “them”. She worked in the private sector and founded a charter school.

Sports and locker rooms exclusively for girls? Not so fast. How dare the BoE protect girls, they say. Biological boys and their enabling parents can win by bullying and taking opportunities away from girls. The message? It’s just tough luck, ladies. Be a good sport, take a seat on the bench, and be inclusive and equitable.

And those lawsuits? Thank Highlands Ranch’s own street-corner Confederate flag-waving (captured on DCSO body cam) attorney and Rep. Bob Marshall, who himself appeared party to, and was found to have violated open meetings laws while in the Colorado House (CCM/ HRH 1/9/24). Missing, of course, was mention and trademark outrage over McNellis v. DCSD, where the assistant prin-

cipal was fired after expressing concerns over a school production and religious beliefs. They’ll define inclusion, thank you. When those car windows get painted and the “do it for the kids” sloganeering begins, remember: it’s not about the kids, it’s sure not about your daughters. It’s about the well-funded, brash, and condescending activists unified by the notion that no matter how much you give them, it will never be enough.

Brad Kuska, Highlands Ranch

Keep home rule away from schools

I am writing to voice my opposition to the proposed home rule charter in Douglas County. While it may be presented as a way to give our county more local control, the fine print tells a different story — one that raises serious concerns for our schools, our children, and our community.

Under home rule, county commissioners would gain discretion over the use of public lands which includes land currently designated for public schools. They would also have jurisdiction over roads, water and sewer, that would be necessary for making a school site viable. That means they could make decisions that disrupt school planning, limit school expansion, or repurpose land that was intended for education. Expanded county authority over land use puts new and growing communities at risk of having inadequate space for neighborhood public schools.

Even more troubling, the proposed charter would give commissioners the power to “enact and provide for the enforcement of all county ordinances necessary to protect life, health, and property.” This opens the door for them to influence critical matters of school safety — including whether to require metal detectors, arm teachers, or allow firearms on school grounds. These decisions should be made by educators, parents, and public safety experts — not by politicians with no direct ties to our classrooms.

Home rule opens the door to politicizing education and jeopardizing student safety. I urge Douglas County residents to look below the surface and vote no on

home rule. Our schools — and our children — deserve better.

Patti Anderson, Parker

Home rule would hurt DCSD

I attended the May 27 DCSD Board meeting to learn about how home rule might impact Douglas County’s influence over land use and safety in the district.

Although the commissioners’ presentation was billed as information not advocacy, it seemed more like a campaign event. Commissioner Teal repeatedly used the platform to assert what he would prioritize if he were elected to the charter commission. In my view, the presentation to the DCSD Board was a clear example of electioneering, and that impression was confirmed when Teal ended the meeting by asking the directors to make a resolution that DCSD, “as a municipality,” endorses home rule.

Questions from board directors uncovered significant possibilities for a home rule Douglas County to infringe on district independence. Teal, who has consistently opposed funds for new neighborhood schools, declared his strong inclination to use home rule powers to designate land previously dedicated to DCSD to charter schools. Commissioner Laydon expressed a desire to use home rule authority to require (but not to fund) the use of metal detectors at DCSD schools. Doug-

las County Attorney Jeff Garcia clarified that, under home rule, the county might have the authority to override district policies on immigration enforcement, DEI, and school security. His responses clearly communicated a strong likelihood that any conflicts between the district and county home rule could be settled in court. Given the district’s limited resources, asserting independence from county home rule could be extremely costly.

Teal stated that he did not invite DCSD board members to a meeting he called with other elected officials, because he had never considered how home rule might affect the school district and its elected board. Ironically, he went on to malign Director Meek as “uninformed” when she directly questioned his assumption that there would be no conflicts between county home rule and DCSD policy decisions.

The commissioners’ grandstanding and clear disregard for home rule’s effects on the independent board, the staff, and most importantly the students of the only school district and the largest employer in DougCo cause grave concern. Home rule could infringe on DCSD’s planning for future schools and decisions about school security. Yet the commissioners ask for a resolution from the BOE in support of home rule?

Catherine

Lees, Highlands Ranch

Elbert Legals