Elbert County News March 20, 2025

Blazing Saddles Drill Team reaching out

group will hold open house on evening of April 1 at Messer Arena in Kiowa

BY NICKY QUINBY

e Elizabeth-based Blazing Saddles Drill Team will be hosting an open house on April 1 at Messer Arena in Kiowa. e team of young women performs at rodeos locally and across the Front Range, including the Douglas County Fair Parade and the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo.

Dani Tarin, coach and board vice president, said the open house is for anyone who is curious or wants to join the team so they can see what Blazing Saddles does and try it for themselves. Joining a drill team can seem daunting and the event is a low-key, low-pressure way to try it out. “People can bring their horses and play some games, try out some of our maneuvers and drills, meet the

team, and see if Blazing Saddles is the right t for them,” she shared.

Tarin moved to Elizabeth in 2014 at the age of 13. A neighbor asked if she wanted to do Blazing Saddles and even though Tarin had never ridden a horse before, she said yes. Tarin borrowed one of her neighbor’s horses, stuck with it, and ended up riding on the team for seven years before becoming a coach.

Blazing Saddles currently has about 18 riders but the performance team can have up to 24 riders at a time. Riders come from Elizabeth as well as Parker, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs and sometimes even farther. ough the young women on the team range from 9 to 20 years old, Tarin said they all get along very well and even do

Parker makes itself known at Capitol

Around 40 of Parker’s elected o cials, town sta and business owners spent a day at the state Capitol to learn how and why they should lobby for the town’s interest.

e group heard from state representatives and the executive director of the Colorado Competitive Council, which is a nonpro t organization focused on economic development and public policy, about bills that could impact Parker businesses and ultimately the

“Businesses are a ected by the policies that get set in the gold dome,” said Mayor Joshua Rivero. “We need them to be aware of how these policies get made, where they come from, what those e ects would be, and to be vocal.”

Rivero is no stranger to the Capitol building. He has been vocal for Parker as he is a member of the Colorado Municipal League, which helps lobby for the interests of cities and towns

With policies and state fees trickling down and impacting everyday citizens, Rivero said there needs to be checks and balances of the public interest, in which business owners can look at di erent perspectives of a policy and testify for or against a bill.

“ e average citizen of Parker needs to know that their businesses are on top of what pol-

The Blazing Saddles Drill Team in action. The team performs at local rodeos as well as events across the Front Range.

COURESY OF DANI TARIN

BY RACHEL COHEN KUNC

Sta cuts could doom black-footed ferret recovery

were rediscovered in Wyoming in 1981 when a ranch dog caught one, revealing a small remaining population. Over the past four decades, scientists have been working to revive this prairie carnivore that’s part of the weasel family. However, last month, their e orts su ered a blow.

covery across 12 states-including Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona-was red as part of the Trump Administration’s federal workforce cuts.

never been red from a role before.”

because she took the job as the national recovery coordinator with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service last year. But before that, she’d spent nearly 30 years as a wildlife biologist at Colorado Parks and Wildlife, with much of that time working on ferret conservation.

black-footed ferret to be one of the most endangered mammals in North America. It was among the rst species listed under the Endangered Species Act and remains critically endangered. Jackson was deeply aware of her role in their recovery.

species that’s still, honestly, on the brink of extinction,” she said.

Jackson’s job involved coordinating recovery e orts, securing permits for conservation work and overseeing the reintroduction of captive ferrets to 15 wild sites in partnership with federal and state agencies, tribes and nonpro t organizations.

“We’re losing that nexus, that glue, that holds all of us together,” said Travis Livieri, executive director of Prairie Wildlife Research, a nonpro t that works on ferret conservation in South Dakota.

Additionally, two of Jackson’s colleagues at the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center near Fort Collins, Colo. were also let go. e 11-member team suddenly shrunk to eight at a critical time-

of other species from needing state or federal listing,” Jackson said. However, ferret conservation is handson and labor-intensive. At the Fort Collins center, which houses about two-thirds of the captive population, sta provides round-the-clock feeding, cleaning and veterinary care. During breeding season, they carefully monitor the pairs, as the territorial animals can sometimes kill one another. By late summer, the center may have up to 500 ferrets on its watch, as it prepares about 200 for reintroduction into

With fewer sta , Jackson noted, the team might need to limit their breeding capacity, which could undermine partner organizations’ e orts to establish reintro-

One of the biggest threats to ferrets in the wild is the plague, which often requires annual disease mitigation. But federal funding uncertainty is complicating this part of the recovery process, too.

Livieri’s organization had planned to start spraying insecticide dust in April to eliminate the eas that carry the plague, but he’s not sure whether he’ll receive assurance by then that he can spend the federal money that usually funds that work. Last year, a plague outbreak caused a prairie dog die-o in the Badlands of South

“If we aren’t vigilant, the largest blackfoot ferret population in the world is potentially at risk,” he said.

Chamois Andersen of Defenders of Wildlife said while nonpro ts are prioritizing resources to ensure the recovery progress continues, the federal government plays a crucial role.

just as ferrets begin breeding season.

“Every time there’s a setback of some sort, whether it’s a biological setback, a disease outbreak, a budget cut or a staing cut, it’s something that sets back recovery,” Jackson said.

e U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it does not comment on personnel matters.

“We are working closely with the O ce of Personnel Management to ensure we are prioritizing scal responsibility for the American people,” a spokesperson wrote in a statement.

ough slender, black-footed ferrets are feisty predators. is is particularly useful since they are about the same size as prairie dogs, which make up 90% of their diet.

e ferrets also take up residence in the burrows dug by prairie dogs, sharing the space with other creatures like foxes, turtles and rattlesnakes. Because of this, Jackson refers to them as an “umbrella species”; their conservation helps other animals in the prairie ecosystem.

“By protecting that prairie dog habitat for ferrets, we’re keeping a whole bunch

“It’s going to be a real challenge for the NGOs to ll in those gaps,” she said. e black-footed ferret has made a big comeback since the 1980s when a handful from Wyoming were brought into captivity. Now, there are about 800 individuals.

“We’ve made amazing strides,” Jackson said. “But it’s still not the sort of number where we can say these guys will survive if we step away for a few years.” is story was made available via the Colorado News Collaborative. Learn more at https://colabnews.co

Spring-break travelers urged to get measles vaccine

BY BEAU BAKER, ALEX MURPHY KUNC

Colorado health o cials are closely watching the ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S., and recommended that residents get vaccinated against the virus ahead of spring break travel.

Over 100 cases were reported in West Texas last month and the virus has now shown up in 11 other states, including Colorado’s neighbor New Mexico.

Colorado’s state epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy does not take the prospect of a measles outbreak lightly.

“It’s actually the most contagious virus that we know of,” Herlihy said. “In a group of people that is not immune to the virus, 9 out of 10 people who come in contact with someone with measles will go on to develop a measles infection.”

e Centers for Disease and Control documented 222 cases as of March 6. Herlihy says that when measles outbreaks reach this size they can take several months before they resolve.

Measles is more than just a rash. It’s a serious respiratory disease that can have lasting e ects. About 20% of people infected will need hospital care, and it can be fatal.

What Herlihy is most concerned about are the pockets of under-vaccination that exist throughout the state.

“Individual schools or childcare facilities, playgroups, church groups or community organizations where vaccination rates in those much smaller groups are well below the threshold of protection,” she said.

Colorado’s health department keeps data on vaccination rates across the state. Front Range school districts are all above 90%, but some districts -- including Lake County and several in and around Colorado Springs -fall in the low- to mid-80% range.

Some residents may be wondering if they or their children have been vaccinated. You can request a copy of vaccine records through the Colorado Public Health and Environment website. O cials also recommend talking with your primary health provider. Herlihy can’t say for sure if Colorado will

see measles cases in the future but is using the current moment as a reminder of the risk.

“We’re really seeing these outbreaks occurring elsewhere as a call to action for all

of us in Colorado to make sure that we are protected,” she said. is story was made available via the Colorado News Collaborative. Learn more at https://colabnews.co

A captive-bred black-footed ferret undergoes preconditioning at the National Black-footed Ferret Conservation Center in Colorado before being reintroduced to the wild. The national recovery coordinator for the endangered species was fired as part of the Trump Administration’s cuts to the federal workforce.

PHOTO BY RYAN HAGERTY / USFWS

Homes Are Still Selling, Buyers Are Still Buying, But Market Is Slowed Down By Chaos in DC

It’s clear to real estate professionals that, although some buyers must buy and some sellers must sell, buyers and sellers who are not under pressure to do a deal are looking and listening before buying or selling a home. These are complicated times!

The statistics below reflect a slowing of the real estate market within 25 miles of downtown Denver — and likely nationwide. Due to space limitations, I’m only including statistics for the first two months of the last six years, but it’s instructive to see how these months compare year-over-year. At htttp://RealEstateToday.substack.com I have included all 12 months of each year. Although every other metric documents a slowing market, the median closed prices set a record for both January and February:

Meanwhile, look at how many listings expired without selling during the same months:

Kudos From a Reader

Jim, one of the things I look forward to when going up to my cabin in Bailey is reading the local Jeffco newspapers piled up in my mailbox containing your columns. I’m glad you wrote a column explaining you were a journalist before coming over to real estate. That explains a lot of the quality of your columns — and the ability to write when you and Rita are on a long cruise!

I have learned a lot from your writings, which I appreciate — never too old to keep up with new info. I offer my praise, as you have talked evenly and without bias about real estate issues. It comes through that you are several cuts above the normal real estate agents whom I’ve interacted with, because you point out the negatives in the real estate universe and are not hyping the sales pitch.

Unfortunately, I won’t need your services, as I will keep my Colorado Springs house with its low-interest mortgage, and my cabin in Bailey has such a low basis that I’ll put it in my will, denying the IRS and Colorado big capital gains tax payments.

The good news is that I have family members who will, hopefully, come home to Colorado from London in 2-3 years, and I will recommend that they hook up with your brokerage. Your columns are of great quality and speak well of the knowledge and care you provide your clients.

—R. Scott Schofield, Attorney at Law

The number of active listings is surging, but the number sold listings is dropping, as shown in these two charts:

That has resulted in the higher inventory of unsold listings in recent months:

Another important metric is the ratio of closed price to original listing price. During the pandemic, more than half the listings sold for as much as 4% above the listing price as a result of bidding wars, but look how that metric has changed:

With the “spring selling season” coming up, I find it hard to be optimistic about the real estate market, because it appears that the chaos we’re seeing in our national government is only going to get worse, and markets don’t like uncertainty.

If builders, who get most of their lumber from Canada, see a big increase in costs due to tariffs, they may pause construction or at least increase the price of new homes. Meanwhile, if the courts end up allowing the mass firing of federal workers — many of

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whom work in Lakewood’s Federal Center and elsewhere in Colorado (such as the national parks, VA hospitals and national forests), that could be very disruptive to our real estate market.

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Like You, We Have Wondered Why Some Window Wells Rust

This week I learned why, thanks to an email from Alpine Building Performance. Here’s what they wrote:

“If the screws used to attach the window well touch the metal bars (rebar) inside the concrete, it creates rust. This happens because electricity flows between the metals, causing the window well to rust faster.

“This is why sometimes you will see one window well completely rusted through and the other window wells in the home showing no signs of rust. Many people think that rusty window wells can be sanded and painted with a rust inhibitor to keep it from rusting further. This is not true.

“The window well rusts from the dirt side in, so once you see rust inside the window well, it has already made it through the entire thickness of the metal. Unfortunately, the only remedy to the rust issue is a full window well replacement.

“When having your window well replaced, make sure that it is replaced in a manner that it will not rust prematurely again.”

The email promoted a company, Window Well Solutions, LLC, which has developed a method of replacing window wells using a fiberglass composite mounting system which creates a non-conductive break between the foundation and the metal window well.

Unfortunately, that company is in Fort

Collins and doesn’t take on new customers south of Denver’s northern suburbs. But now you know what the answer is to this problem. The company has patented their system, so it is available nationwide.

On our blog I have a link to a video showing how WWS replaces rusted window wells.

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We were beyond impressed with Kathy Jonke! She went above and beyond for us. She accommodated all of our needs. She was insightful and extremely helpful throughout the entire process! I can’t recommend her more! — Eve Wilson Not only did Jim Smith do a superb job in the marketing and sale of our home, he provided his company's moving truck and long time handyman Mark to move our belongings to our new home in Broomfield. When a problem occurred, he hired an outside moving company to help complete the move in one day instead of two! We are so pleased that Jim helped us through the process of selling our home and moving us into our new home. — Reese & Sally Ganster I was helping my mom and her husband sell the house. David Dlugasch was very accommodating to this dynamic. He arranged for all the paperwork to be done at the nursing home for the ease of my mom. David and I worked together to get the very full and dated house ready to go on the market. He went above and beyond by going to the paint store and hardware store etc. He was always available via text for any question I had along the way. He had a lot of resources. The best one was Mark, the handyman. I could always count on Mark. Mark was very meticulous and could do anything. What a great team! I could not have taken on this monumental task without them!!

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beyond our expectations. My wife and I have done six real estate transactions and we think Chuck is the best Realtor ever. We would highly recommend Chuck to other home buyers.

— S. Diamond

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.

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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

Dave Dlugasch did a phenomenal job working with us! We were not easy buyers because of an extensive “wish list” and he did his homework on each property we looked at until we found the right one. He gave us great advice and was very supportive of all our questions throughout the entire process.

— M. Madigan

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Chuck Brown is a superb Realtor. He is very knowledgeable regarding the market, very proactive and highly professional. Chuck was great at identifying potential properties that met our criteria, he moved very quickly to show us potential properties and his analysis of property values was on point and very thorough. Chuck was extremely proactive and responsive in his communications with us. Chuck went above and

Based on Jim Smith's knowledge, experience, and expertise in the real estate arena, we decided to work with him when it came time to downsize. We used Jim and his real estate firm to both purchase the new home and sell our existing property. All communication with Jim has been top notch. He also provided all packing materials and labor to make our move. It was a great experience from start to finish! — R. Trujillo

Median Sold Price by Month

‘Booger Blaster’ helps kids in physical therapy

Virtual reality game at Children’s Hospital Colorado helps distract young patients from pain, discomfort

BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

What happens when physical therapists, patients and the gaming and technology department at Children’s Hospital Colorado come together?

A virtual reality game called “Booger Blaster” is created.

When Marian Brewer, a primary oncology physical therapist assistant at Children’s Hospital Colorado, transitioned from outpatient therapy to inpatient ve years ago, she began to learn how virtual reality can be a stepping stone in improving a patient’s willingness to participate in physical therapy.

“When you’re inpatient, it isn’t always easy,” said Brewer. “Sometimes just getting out of bed and sitting at the edge of the bed can be climbing a huge mountain and can be very exhausting.”

One of the main objectives when battling cancer, said Brewer, is preserving strength, exibility and mobility to help a person stay engaged with what brings them joy.

Brewer began working with Alyson McPherson after she was diagnosed with a rare ovarian cancer at the age of 10.

In July of 2023, McPherson, an active youth from Centennial, was diagnosed with germ cell tumor cancer, which accounts for less than 2% of ovarian cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

Several tumors were found in McPherson’s abdomen, and within two weeks, she underwent an extensive abdominal surgery to remove the tumors. Chemotherapy treatments followed, and McPherson started physical therapy to help build stamina and regain her strength.

“With these types of surgeries, patients typically don’t want to move, and when you don’t move, it can get harder to move each time,” Brewer said.

McPherson would have physical therapy rst thing in the morning.

“I’d be like ‘no, I don’t want to do this,’” said McPherson.

Motivated to nd ways that would help

patients eventually get out of bed, Brewer started working with Abe Homer, the gaming technology supervisor at Children’s Hospital Colorado, on a game that would make physical therapy more fun and engaging, while including important movements.

Brewer and Homer introduced McPherson to a virtual reality game called “Booger Blaster” and she was eager to try it.

“Alyson took o with it,” said Brewer. “She absolutely loved it.”

Inside the game of ‘Booger Blaster’

With some of the design elements thought up by the patients themselves, “Booger Blaster” involves a giant block of noses oating in the sky — and from a nose comes a booger ying at you.

e player has virtual access to a table with di erent items on it, designed to meet di erent physical therapy goals but disguised as silly items. For example, patients can use a ninja star in the shape of a pizza, a bow and arrow that shoots out french fries and hot dogs, and boxing gloves to ght o the boogers.

“ e punching, kicking and that just kind of took my mind o from doing all the exercises,” McPherson said.

Another part of the game that McPherson likes is the cat blaster. Accompanied with fun sound e ects, the patients can use the cat blaster to shoot hamburgers at a target to gain more points.

Depending on the goals of their treatment, each game makes the players do certain exercises. e physical therapist can also change the speed and cadence of the boogers, depending on what part of the body the therapist wants the patient to work on.

Additionally, virtual reality can be used as a technique that helps distract the patient’s brain from the pain that can be experienced when trying to reach their physical therapy goals.

Although virtual and extended reality, which is the blend of the physical and digital world, is not new to the healthcare eld, Brewer said professionals are

looking into research projects on how to expand this form of care throughout Children’s Hospital and to outpatient locations.

“It was a really fun, inventive way to just incorporate physical therapy in a nontraditional way,” said McPherson’s mom, Laura. “Especially for kids who aren’t allowed to leave their rooms because of immunity, or (when) they’re in the middle of infusions, they can’t leave. It makes it a lot easier for them to be able to accomplish what they need to do for physical therapy, to keep up their stamina and strength.”

After four rounds of chemotherapy, McPherson had a second abdominal sur-

gery later that year to remove a few of the remaining tumors.

McPherson has been cancer free since February 2024 and has gone back to her normal activities — including attending the Colorado Ballet Academy.

Wishing she could have played the game every day, McPherson said she believes this game will be able to help other patients.

“I’d say some kids don’t like it (physical therapy) that much, but when they have their mind o of something — but they’re still doing physical therapy — that can help them, but also do something that’s happy and silly,” McPherson said.

Alyson McPherson, an 11-year-old cancer survivor from Centennial, used a virtual reality game at Children’s Hospital Colorado to help her through her physical therapy sessions with Marian Brewer. PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAITLIN JENNEY

Boebert invites SBA to relocate state o ces to Douglas County

BY MCKENNA HARFORD

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert and Douglas County o cials have proposed moving the Small Business Administration’s Colorado District O ce from Denver to Douglas County, citing alignment with President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Earlier this month, the Small Business Administration announced it would move its o ces out of Denver, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York City and Seattle to “less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law.”

On March 10, Boebert sent a letter to Kelly Loe er, the lead administrator for the Small Business Administration, thanking her for her commitment to move the administration’s o ces out of sanctuary cities and encouraged her to relocate the o ces to Douglas County. e letter includes examples of Douglas County’s support for Trump’s immigration policies, such as the county’s lawsuit against the state over laws that limit how police can work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the county’s 2023 resolution a rming its anti-sanctuary status.

“In contrast to sanctuary cities, Douglas County has worked tirelessly to safeguard its residents and collaborate with federal agencies, such as ICE, to ensure

the safety and wellbeing of its citizens,” Boebert said in the letter.

Boebert touted the county as a “hub for pro-business policies” located along major highway corridors.

“Douglas County’s pro-business environment, focus on public safety, and dedication to upholding the rule of law make it an excellent choice for relocating SBA’s Colorado District O ce,” Boebert said in the letter. “I am con dent that this move would not only streamline SBA operations, but also strengthen support for small businesses across Colorado and beyond.”

Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon agreed that the county would be a natural t for the SBA o ces.

“As the healthiest, safest and most prosperous county in Colorado with the No. 1 school district, we are seeing significant interest from all sectors in relocating here, so the SBA would be a welcome addition and a perfect t as Dougco creates new generational wealth for Coloradans,” Laydon said.

e Colorado District O ce is located in the U.S. Customs House at 721 19th St. in Denver.

According to the Denver Post, Rep. Je Crank, a Republican representing southern Colorado in Congress, requested that the SBA regional headquarters be moved to Colorado Springs.

As of March 12, no decision about where the o ces would be relocated had been made.

“THE

WOMAN IN THE WORLD.” - JUDD APATOW

U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, pictured speaking at an event in 2024, and Douglas County o cials are proposing to move the Small Business Administration’s Colorado District O ce from Denver to Douglas County.

PHOTO BY HALEY LENA

DRILL TEAM

events outside of the drill team together.

“Blazing Saddles is a great group of girls who love to put on a show for many rodeos around our area, like Elizabeth Stampede, Cowboy Up in Kiowa, and Community Rodeo. Even up to Estes Park for Rooftop Rodeo,” Tarin said.

e group also o ers many opportu-

nities for the girls to volunteer and gain leadership experience. “Last season we volunteered to clean stalls at a horse rescue and we also ride at the CR Paradise Fundraiser,” Tarin explained. “We also make sure our girls learn and show good horsemanship. We ask the girls to dress nice and get out in the community asking local companies and businesses if they would like to sponsor them for the upcoming season.” Blazing Saddles has a youth board on the team, where girls help make team decisions and come up with

new team ideas.

e team emphasizes good horsemanship and teamwork. “Doing drills at such a fast pace takes a lot of communication and trust and these girls excel in that. Our riders must be able to walk, trot, lope, back up and be safe around others,” Tarin shared. If girls aren’t ready to perform, the team also o ers a parade-only option until team members are comfortable getting under arena lights.

Weekly team practices usually start in January and go through September.

Members must have their own horse and transportation. ey’re also expected to ride their horses on their own time outside practice. roughout that time frame, the team participates in about 10 to 15 events including performances, parades, team parties, etc.

For those interested in nding out more about Blazing Saddles, visit their Facebook page at tinyurl.com/mry6ad8e or Instagram at @Blazingsaddles_drillteam. e organization can be reached by email at blazingsaddlesdrill@gmail.com.

The Blazing Saddles Drill Team poses on horseback. The grup is hosting an open house on April 1 at the Messer Arena at 33955 CR 37 in Kiowa. COURESY OF DANI TARIN

A flyer for the Blazing Saddles Drill Team open house set for April 1. COURTESY

Boy Scouts roll out Pinewood Derby event

Gathering brings good times to Elbert County Fairgrounds

BY NICKY QUINBY

SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

During the Community Pinewood Derby at the Elbert County Fairgrounds, emcee Erin Bennett shouted encouragement and kept the crowd engaged between races by asking questions and awarding small prizes. Families counted down each and every race with a raucous, “3! 2! 1! Gooooo!”

Bennett is the committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 636, which hosted the March 8 derby. “A Pinewood Derby is an event where you make a small racing car out of a block of pine wood and race it down a track. is event is usually for Cub Scouts but we wanted it to be enjoyed by everyone, so we made it into a community event,” Bennett shared.

is year more than 60 people between the ages of 3 up to 75 showed up to race. Participants could also bid on silent auction items, buy snacks, make a racing ag, or visit the Hot Wheels play area.

Several community members and businesses helped make the derby a success. Employees from Matco Tools, owned by Assistant Scoutmaster Matt Ferland, contributed the trophies for the winners. e trophies were all handcrafted and totally unique, with some hiding details only visible under black light. Jim Rose, the owner of Rose’s Creamery in Elizabeth, donated four $25 gift certi cates as prizes. Rose, a former Boy Scout, also made his own derby car to race for the rst time in over 50 years.

David Palmer, fourth-generation owner

of Cold Ass Ranch Highland Cattle, also entered the adult division and entered a car in the race. Palmer has wonderful memories of his time as a Cub Scout making a Pinewood Derby car with his grandfather. He was thrilled to be able to do it again as an adult and cheered right along with the crowd.

Palmer’s wife, Jill Dreher-Palmer also entered a car in the adult division. “ e community thing is what makes it the best,” she said. She added that competing in a Pinewood Derby is a dream for a lot of people because they didn’t get a chance to do it as kids.

“As Elizabeth’s one and only local Boy Scout troop, we work hard to provide a fun and adventurous experience for boys aged 11-18,” Bennett said. “Our troop puts an emphasis on being boy-led which helps encourage leadership and cooperation even at a young age. Whether we are out digging snow caves to sleep in or shing at DragonFly Pond at Evans Park, it is the Scouts who do most of the planning and preparation.”

e troop also emphasizes being part of the Elizabeth community. “In the past we have volunteered for many ag ceremonies, trash cleanups and town events like the Main Street Color Run and the Haunted Maze at Casey Jones,” Bennett shared.

Fifteen-year-old troop member Alex Pepe said Scouts “teaches you life skills such as cooking, setting up a tent, independence, and leadership skills.” His younger brother Nico likes going on cool camping trips. Both agreed that Cub Scouts is a great place to meet friends,

learn good sportsmanship and learn public speaking skills. e Pepe brothers have been in Scouts for 10 years.

Troop 636 is thankful for everyone who came to the event. ey are especially grateful to Rose’s Creamery, Gigi’s Groom and Board, Small Town Mini Donuts, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Pines & Plains Library for their donations to the event.

Boy Scout Troop 636 has been a part of the community for nearly a century and will celebrate their 97th year in 2025. e troop is always looking for new members, especially Cub Scouts. Visit troop636colorado.com/front_page for more information.

Eagle Scout Duncan Davidson, left, volunteering from another troop, and Boy Scout John Schar helped volunteer at the Community Pinewood Derby on March 8th at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY

Local kids Waylon Ulmer and Jentry Jennings celebrate a racing win at the Community Pinewood Derby on March 8.

CAPITOL VISIT

icies are going on at the state Capitol,” Rivero said.

Rachel Beck, executive director of the Colorado Competitive Council, echoed the importance of being engaged with local legislators.

“Our legislators have 500 to 800 bills that they’re supposed to vote on every year. If they’re not talking to you, they can’t do their jobs,” said Beck. “When legislators hear from their constituents, that changes votes and changes outcomes.”

How businesses impact the community

Due to the high cost of living and the cost of doing business, Beck said Colorado’s economy and business climate is declining. To remain competitive, she said Colorado needs to continue to focus on businesses and jobs, which will then lead to better community outcomes.

“We know that if people are fully employed and they get a good wage working under good conditions, then education outcomes improve, health outcomes improve,” said Beck. “It’s really the foundation for some of the other community outcomes that we care about.”

According to the Colorado Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 Regulatory Impact Analysis Report, Colorado is the sixth most regulated state in the nation, including being one with the highest number of business restrictions.

ese business restrictions are what drives the cost of doing business, said Beck, and has a negative e ect on innovation and entrepreneurship, especially for small businesses. e cost of doing business ultimately impacts the consumers.

Other cost drivers include housing shortages, which have been impacted by construction defect laws, lingering e ects of in ation, interest rates, new ways to sue businesses, higher penalties and insurance increases.

Over the past two decades, homeowner policy costs in Colorado increased more than 200%, said Beck. High hail, wild re and automotive insurance costs have also increased.

When it comes to workforce challenges, the Colorado Competitive Council has seen that skill sets of people looking for work do not necessarily match some job openings. e council has also seen a trend in competition for lower-skilled labor jobs such as delivery services.

“Some of these factors are out of our control, but there is a lot that we can do in terms of policy,” Beck said.

Some current legislation to watch Rep. Anthony Hartsook, who represents Parker at the state Capitol, considers businesses to be the “lifeplug” of the community and what helps build cohesion in the town.

But to have a strong business community starts with education, Hartsook said, which is why he introduced HB25-1192, Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement.

“We nd ourselves in this state where student loans are out of control, debt is out of control, businesses are su ering, the government’s budget doubled in less than a decade, people don’t understand where their taxes are going because they don’t understand nancial literacy,” Hartsook said.

e bill would require the completion of a nancial literacy course in the 11th or 12th grade in public schools as part of graduation requirements.

Another piece of legislation that could impact Parker is HB25-1169, Housing Developments on Faith and Educational Land.  is bill would require local governments to allow the construction of residential developments on properties owned by school districts, state colleges or universities, and faith-based organizations. e bill states that these developments must “be used for child care and recreational, social or educational services provided by community organizations for use by local residents.”

Hartsook disagrees that the state should be able to step into the “municipal lane” and require certain buildings be constructed. He believes it should be up to the municipality to decide what to build in the community.

“ at should be between you and the government entity to decide, not a state statute,” Hartsook said.

Among the hundreds of proposed bills this session, Beck said there are many that deal with prices charged to community members. ese include, but are not limited to:

• Prohibiting Price Gouging in Sales of Necessities

• Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices

• Prohibit Surveillance Data to Set Prices and Wages

Concerns about the state’s budget deficit

With the state’s budget de cit being about $1.2 billion, the state is having to make budget cuts in an attempt to balance the budget.

When asked how these potential budget cuts would a ect Parker residents, Hartook said, “it depends.”

“Everyone is going to have to take that cut, we just don’t know where,” said Hart-

sook. “Some of the things getting pushed through are kind of out of control.”

He said it could be felt in healthcare, concerning cuts to Medicaid providers; the education system in how the state counts students to determine appropriate school funding; senior services; social service programs; and, potentially, law enforcement.

e de cit is also concerning to Rivero as he said that the potential cuts could lead to unfunded mandates to municipalities in Colorado.

“Now it’s a cost that we have to incur and that the citizens have to incur,” Rivero said.

Beck mentioned that the de cit has had a chilling e ect inside the Capitol because it is restricting what ideas legislators can propose.

How to testify at the Capitol

When a bill gets introduced, it goes to a committee, which is where a majority of the policy work gets done, and the committee hearing is when the public can testify for or against the bill.

According to the Colorado General Assembly website, members of the public who would like to testify, in-person or remotely, must register using a link on the registration page. However, there may be occasions when not everyone will have the chance to testify.

When recognized by the chair, the person wishing to testify must give their name, address and reason for testifying. A written testimony may also be submitted.  Bills can be found at leg.colorado.gov/ bills.

Learn more about how to testify at leg. colorado.gov/agencies/senate/publicparticipation-legislative-process.

Watch live legislative video at leg.colorado.gov/watch-listen.

Legend students get civically engaged

Editor’s note:Students attending Parker’s Legend High School got civically engaged this year. For a class assignment, they worked in small groups to choose an issue of importance in their school or community. ey then brought attention to their chosen issue — and a proposed solution — to the community by means of writing a letter to the editor, meeting with an elected o cial or making public comment during a public hearing. Here are two of the letters provided to the Parker Chronicle. To read more of the student letters, visit the Parker Chronicle online at parkerchronicle.net.

Dear Editor,

We are students from Legend High School writing to reach out to the public. We all spend time on Mainstreet, right? e farmers markets are lled with delicious food and beautiful handcrafted items. Driving down to Mainstreet on a peaceful morning can lead to you running into a long line of tra c, and it’s like a game of Tetris trying to let people park.

maybe even death if we are to let the issue persist. Our four solutions that would x the issue all revolve around making room for cars. e rst solution would be to create a pedestrian-accessible parking lot on Mainstreet. Pedestrian-accessible means a parking lot designed for the sole purpose of walking to Mainstreet. is solution would not only lessen the amount of trafc crowding on street side parking spots, but would also decongest the O’Brien parking lot during the Sunday farmers market.

e second solution would be to remove the side parking altogether, widen the sidewalk and add natural barriers between pedestrians and the road such as trees or ower pots.

Our issue lies with the chaotic tra c on Mainstreet. e lack of lanes and the huge population make a mess, and accidents will frequently happen as we build more apartments and living spaces. Congestion on Mainstreet also a ects the quality of living for residents in the area. It prevents us from the peace and safety of crossing the roads, along with compromising the safety of drivers within the area. is is a major problem because it poses a huge safety issue from accidents, injuries and

e third solution would be making side roads to decongest Mainstreet and divert heavy tra c to other parts of the city.

e fourth solution would be to make parking along Mainstreet more evident by creating signs that would lead to a more cautious environment while lowering the speed limit from downtown Mainstreet to the PACE Center to keep drivers more focused.

ank you for your time. We hope that you can consider our proposition to spread the word and make a di erence in the community.

Elliana Cooley, 16, Parker

Antonio Casillas, 17, Parker

Joseph Tavarez, 17 Parker

Austin Oster, 17, Elizabeth

Dear Editor,

Hello, we are students at Legend High School and we are writing to bring attention to a serious problem at the intersection of Hilltop and Village Road. Turning west onto Hilltop from North Village Road is often a slow process, taking a very long time, especially before and after school hours. is situation is also a safety concern because when people think they have time to turn onto Hilltop, people are always driving at high speeds. e fact that Hilltop Road has only one lane of tra c in each direction makes it even worse, causing tra c to build up, making it harder for people to stay safe on the road.

We think it’s essential to add a tra c light to this intersection to help accommodate the ow of tra c, and make it safer for drivers making that turn. In the morning and after school rushes, the road can get clogged up all the way back to Singing Hills Road, which is approximately 1.2 miles away from Village Road. With the newer housing out towards Elizabeth, the roads are congested, and with the new intersection, it would also be a good idea to widen Hilltop Road on both sides to make it a two-lane road. is will help reduce congestion and make the road safer for everyone.

ank you for considering this important issue.

Sincerely,

Grant Juarez, 16, Parker Colton Bonham, 16, Parker Malakai Holloway, 16, Elizabeth

Parker’s 2025 budget priorities

Each year, the Town of Parker’s annual budget is developed through a rich collaboration between the mayor, town council, the Parker community and town staff.

As the town’s staff, we are proud of the outcome of this comprehensive process — a balanced budget that advances our shared priorities while improving the quality of life for residents.

The 2025 budget, adopted by the council in late 2024, continues our efforts to strengthen the services the town provides while demonstrating disciplined fiscal stewardship. The town’s strategic priorities establish the foundation for the budget and assist in shaping goals into tangible results.

CPARKER TOWN TALK

The Schoolhouse to improve patron safety

operations, and the resources that fund them.

The town’s 2025 budget for all funds is $211.5 million and includes several high-profile projects, such as:

Michelle Kivela

• Phase 1 construction for the Salisbury Park North project

• Major road improvements, including the widening of Lincoln Avenue and Stroh Road

• Closing gaps in sidewalk sections along Parker Road and other locations

• Improvements to stormwater infrastructure in the Looking Glass and Anthology North neighborhoods

• Upgrades to the PACE Center and

• Replacement of exercise equipment at the Parker Recreation Center

The town operates transparently in its role as a steward of public finances and offers several options for residents to take a comprehensive look at the budget.

Our award-winning Finance Department, which has received the Distinguished Budget Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for more than 20 consecutive years, recently completed work on its 2025 annual budget document. This document provides citizens with a complete overview of the adopted budget, as well as the budget process, town services and

Navigating extreme growth in a rapidly advancing world

ompanies are often forced to move at breakneck speeds in today’s world of accelerated technological advancements and rapid market evolution. It’s no longer uncommon to see organizations launch products and services before they’re fully refined, sometimes even before the infrastructure to support them is entirely in place. This has led to a popular business analogy: fixing the plane while it’s already in the air. There are several companies that exemplified this approach over the past two decades and still achieved overwhelming success. From their inception, they disrupted the industries they served, never really launching with a fully formed model. Regulatory challenges, operational inconsistencies, and technological refinements were all addressed in real-time. Yet, despite turbulence, these high-flying companies soared to global prominence. Their success was not just about speed but about having the right people on board, people who could handle the chaos, make critical decisions, and innovate in the face of uncertainty.

WINNING

The Ground Crew: Lastly, leaders, advisors, and mentors may not be on the plane but play an equally crucial role in keeping it airborne. These are the “go-to” people, trusted guides with experience navigating similar challenges. Too often, fast-growing organizations fail to lean on these external advisors, missing valuable insights that could make the journey smoother and more strategic.

Other metaphors illustrate the same reality of moving forward at

The train has left the station, meaning you’re either on board or left behind on the platform, waving goodbye. There’s no time to second-guess or hesitate.

The horse is out of the barn, implying it’s too late to reverse course; now, the focus must be on finishing the race and finishing well.

DAdditionally, residents who are looking for a more immediate view of the town’s finances are welcome to explore the Open Budget Parker website. This resource offers up-to-date information on expenses and revenues, as well as any mid-year budget changes approved by the town council.

To view these online resources and learn more about the Town of Parker’s 2025 budget, visit ParkerCO.gov/Budget. For more information about the Town’s Strategic Goals, visit ParkerCO. gov/StrategicPlan.

This guest column was written by Michelle Kivela, the Parker town manager.

Seniors’ Council to tour center

ouglas County older adults and those who support them are invited to learn about the various activities available at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center, as well as tour the new facility that just opened in January. This event is on April 3 from 1011:30 a.m.

When a company moves so quickly, the people in that proverbial plane fall into four categories. The Parachuters: Some individuals don’t have the stomach for rapid change and uncertainty. As turbulence hits, they reach for the parachute, opting to leave rather than face the unknown. And that’s okay. Not everyone is cut out for highgrowth, high-pressure environments. Leaders should recognize this and let them go rather than trying to force a fit.

The Frozen: Another group remains in their seats, gripping the armrests, hoping the storm will pass without requiring their direct involvement. They may not leave but don’t contribute meaningfully to the solution. While these individuals might not cause immediate harm, their inaction can slow progress. If the plane does land safely, leaders must assess whether these employees can adapt to a culture that demands agility and resilience.

The Fixers: The fearless problem-solvers will tether themselves to the plane and climb onto the wing to fix what’s broken. These individuals thrive in chaos, find solutions in the most uncertain situations, and are willing to take calculated risks to ensure success. They are the innovators, the strategists, and the culture carriers who propel a company forward. Without them, highgrowth organizations would stall mid-flight.

The genie is out of the bottle, representing the unstoppable force of technological advancements, particularly AI, which will continue to shape our future whether we’re ready or not.

The fundamental question for leaders is: Do we have the right people on this plane, people willing to fix and help fly it to our goals? Equally important, are we, as individuals, committed to the mission? Do we have the passion, resilience, and willingness to be part of a team destined for greatness?

In an era where technology is evolving faster than we can predict, the key to success is not avoiding turbulence but embracing it with the right team. Those who can adapt, problem-solve, and remain agile will keep the plane in the air and take it to new heights.

How about you? Are you or someone you know a part of a growth-oriented and results-focused organization that may not be fully baked? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we experience and embrace the thrill of such a ride, 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.

LIVING AND AGING WELL

Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) meetings are free and open to the public.

Jill Hall, senior services manager, will host the visit at the Senior Center located at 200 E. Highlands Ranch Parkway. According to Hall, “We are delighted to showcase the new Highlands Ranch Senior Center. Since its opening in early January, we have had hundreds of older adults tour the center and sign up for activities. A dedicated center is crucial to combating loneliness and social isolation while providing meaning and purpose to the lives of older adult. “

The Highlands Ranch Senior Center will be the location for the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County signature all-day educational event, Vintage and Vibrant 2025, on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Vintage and Vibrant 2025 will be a high-quality event with various sessions aimed at older adults and service providers. Opportunities to partner with SCDC are available to interested service providers and supporters.

In other news, April is National Volunteer Month and a great time to consider becoming involved in a new activity.

For example, Douglas County Libraries offer a myriad of volunteer roles including reading to young children, assisting with literacy programs, and ensuring books are neatly organized. Go to dcl.org to browse opportunities at the various county libraries.

The hospitals in Douglas County provide interesting volunteer positions ranging from working in the gift shop to greeting visitors. Check the website of a hospital near you or call for information. The Highlands Ranch Senior Center and SCDC also offer volunteer roles.

According to Mayo Clinic, volunteers reap many physical and mental benefits while contributing to the community.

Visit the Seniors’ Council page on the Douglas County website, douglas.co.us, and search for Seniors’ Çouncil for information and updates or call Douglas County Community Services at 303-688-4825. SCDC promotes Living Well / Aging Well.

This guest column was written by Jean Spahr, the publicity chair of Seniors’ Council of Douglas County.

Jean Spahr

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Trump is a disaster

I’m wondering if you MAGA supporters and other misguided souls supporting Trump are rueing the day you voted for that idiot in November. is includes minorities as well as individuals across the religious spectrum.

Has in ation lessened yet? Is the stock market exhibiting strong gains? Are we hopeful we’ll avoid a recession? Do tari s really punish the countries exporting their goods to us?

Anyone except for a pea brain knows the answers to those questions.

We have a person in o ce who is completely unquali ed along with being racist, misogynistic, and probably su ering from the beginning stages of dementia. He is a hateful, narcissistic person with a total lack of empathy for anyone.

I’m not very hopeful that many of you will be swayed by anything I’ve said but maybe you’ll think about what’s happening to this country.

Lawrence Sena , Castle Rock

Remember Enola Gay

eir names were Mamie, Amy, Gladys and several other daughters- and sistersin-law born from 1890 to about 1910. One was my Aunt Gay. Her husband, uncle Doc, was the next oldest brother to my mother, Amy, and both lived to the age of 97.

About a thousand miles west of my home state of West Virginia lived a young woman by the name of Enola Gay Tibbets. Her son, Paul Tibbets, born in 1915, grew up to be one of the premier bomber pilots of WWII. He was chosen to drop the rst atomic bomb on Japan and named his B-29 bomber Enola Gay after his mother. What an honor for his mother. is one bomb, and another dropped by a di erent B-29 bomber days later, ended WWII, saving hundreds of thousands of lives.

eir names are Lauren, Gabe, Abe, George, Kevin and several other Douglas County Republican elected o cials who have the power and support of the majority of Douglas County residents to put an end to the sickness that has invaded our nation’s capital. ey support the sick Trump/Musk administration, which made a decision to purge the name Enola Gay from our history. is is not about purging a name from our history, but purging a “woman’s name” from the most famous aircraft in American history. Many people would call this woman hating.

e name is Enola Gay, wife, mother and daughter.

Roy Legg, Highlands Ranch

Library board disappointment

disproportionately impacts marginalized voices that deserve to be heard. By appointing board members who advocate for book removal (I consider “asking for books to be removed” equating to book banning though I read that Windju does not consider removing to be banning), the message being sent is that certain ideas are not welcome in our community — a dangerous precedent that compromises the rights of readers and the integrity of the library system. e freedom to read is a fundamental principle that must be protected, especially in a time when diverse representation and access to information are so important.

I sent an email to the county commissioner for my district, Abe Laydon, urging him to reconsider these appointments and prioritize board members who are committed to upholding the library’s mission of inclusivity, intellectual freedom, and access to information. Our community deserves leadership that champions open access to knowledge rather than restricting it. At the time of this letter submission, I have not heard back from any commissioners.

Reform defects law

Kalley Sadler, Lone Tree

e Government A airs Committee (GAC) of the Parker Chamber has made our local elected o cials aware of our support for House Bill 1272. If you’re a person in our community who cares about attainable housing for those in the “middle market” of homebuyers, then we encourage you to support the socalled “Construction Defects and Middle Market Housing” bill making its way through the state legislature.

I am disappointed in the recent appointments of Amy Windju and Pam Hampton to the Douglas County Library Board by County Commissioner George Teal. As an avid reader, committed supporter of intellectual freedom and access to diverse information and frequent library visitor, I am troubled by the decision to appoint an individual who has publicly expressed support for removing books from library shelves. Appointments like this risk undermining the core mission of our public libraries — to provide free and open access to information for all members of the community. Libraries play an essential role in fostering education, critical thinking, and inclusivity. ey are one of the few remaining spaces where individuals can explore ideas, learn from di erent perspectives, and engage in thoughtful dialogue. Censorship in any form threatens the very foundation of this purpose and

Everyone agrees, we need more housing volume in the Denver Metro area, particularly condominiums and other multi-family projects that make home ownership possible for young professionals and working families. While this bill isn’t perfect — and in our minds could be much stronger — it represents the best opportunity we’ve had in more than a decade to reinvigorate the development of this critical missing piece of the local housing market.

Under current law, it’s far too easy to sue developers of these projects. e resulting insurance costs make midmarket housing projects untenable. Bill 1272 puts additional quality checks on builders while raising thresholds for legal action against builders. e bill asks something from both sides, and no one is entirely happy with it. at means it’s a step in the right direction.

e bill has bipartisan support, the support of the governor and the Senate president, and endorsements from most state chambers. Even if 1272 passes into law, it will take time for the insurance industry to catch up, bring costs in line, and incentivize builders. More action is needed, but 1272 swings the regulatory pendulum back toward home ownership for an entire generation currently priced out.

We urge citizens to learn about the issue and support the bill in communications to our local elected o cials. For teachers, cops, service and healthcare workers, and so many others, the success of this bill is a long-term play in the right direction.

T.J. Sullivan, president and CEO

Brian McWilliams, chair, Government A airs Committee Parker Chamber of Commerce

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Cirque Italia Water Circus coming to Douglas County

BY MARC SHULGOLD SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Let’s return to yesteryear, to the good old days. Ah yes, when the arrival of the circus was cause for celebration. e long, brightly painted train would pull into the station, the unloading would begin and soon there would be a parade down Main Street, led by the circus marching band. e kids would line the sidewalks to ooh and aah at the elephants, the camels, the caged lions and tigers. ey’d wave at the trapeze artists and laugh at the clowns.

But those days are gone. Well, not entirely. Here comes Cirque Italia Water Circus to Castle Rock — and three other Colorado stops.

When the 20-member troupe comes to the Douglas County Fairgrounds this month, there will be no animal acts — circuses just don’t do that anymore. But there will be thrills and laughs aplenty, promises company spokesperson Felicia Rosenthal.

“We’re a water circus,” she said, con rming the billing of the show that will take place inside the troupe’s massive blue-and-white tent. “ ere will be fountains, a curtain of water and a water stage, but no one will actually be swimming.”

e acts — including jugglers, trapeze swingers, high-wire daredevils, trampoline leapers and such — will perform around occasional bursts of Vegas-style fountains, enhanced by lighting e ects including laser ashes. Oh yes, and pirates, too! is is their rst visit since 2019, she added.

ere are two touring Water Circuses traveling under the Cirque Italia banner. e other troupe performs with a 35,000-gallon water tank. e Colorado version, which will also visit Pueblo, Colorado Springs and ornton

this month, will utilize local water that is recycled during performances.

Cirque Italia was created in 2012 by an Italian immigrant named Manuel Rebecchi, a descendant of a multi-generation circus family. His approach echoes the European style of circuses, combining a modest storyline with a continuing ow of dazzling virtuoso acts on and above the stage. In this case, the plot — which unfolds without narration — concerns a country boy, portrayed by the show’s lead clown Rafael, who ventures into the big city and encounters a series of adventures. All this, naturally, provides the backdrop for a cast of athletic performers.

lombia, Peru, Brazil and Romania,” she said. “ ere are jugglers, aerial acts and gymnasts. ey put on quite a show. Most of them come from circus families or emerge from circus schools.”

Many of the performers, who range in age from 19 to 50, travel with husbands, wives and children, she added.

A life in the circus may sound romantic, but it’s hard work and, these days, it’s become a competitive business. Besides the omnipresent Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian organization that has dominated the circus world since its founding in 1984, Cirque Italia’s Rebecchi nds himself in competition once again with the legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum &

CORRECTIONS

Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.

Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.

According to Rosenthal, the cast is truly international.

“ ey come from Italy, Venezuela, Co-

Cirque Italia Water Circus will perform at the Douglas County Fairgrounds March 21-24.

PHOTO BY JOSH DAVIS

SEE CIRQUE ITALIA, P13

CIRQUE ITALIA

Bailey Circus, which reformed in 2023 after a six-year hiatus. at company also performs without animals.

Cirque Italia is on the road for 44 weeks — 11 months a year, kicking o each January, loading and unloading a series of 18-wheelers for a lengthy series of crosscountry stops. Setting up takes two days, Rosenthal said, while breaking down the stage and tent is done in a single night. Each season nds a new theme for touring shows. at means new ideas must come from the imagination of Rebecchi. “We love nding new themes and then creating a whole new show around them,”

Rosenthal said, adding that the performers are part of the process, adapting their skills to the new concept.

Times have changed. No more roaring lions. No more dancing elephants. But families have ocked to this company’s shows for years. And let’s face it: What kid doesn’t love the circus? is coverage comes courtesy of a grant from the Littleton Arts and Culture Program. As a matter of policy, funders exercise no control over editorial decisions.

IF YOU GO

Cirque Italia Water Circus will perform at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 500 Fairgrounds Road in Castle Rock, for seven performances March 21-24. Ticketing information: cirqueitalia.com or 941-704-8572.

Cirque Italia Water Circus is coming to the Douglas County Fairgrounds March 21-24.

PHOTO BY MARK OLIVER

BY BEN DICKSON AND JACOB QUILL UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO NEWS CORPS

Like most of his coworkers, Chino Dean leaves his University of Colorado maintenance job at 3:30 p.m. After work, however, he puts on a di erent face to excel at what he does in his second life. Dean is the champion of the 122-pound Muay ai division in Sparta FC. He’s only been training in martial arts for the past eight years and has been an Easton Training Center athlete for the entire time.

While primarily based in Boulder — where he began training in 2016 and started coaching in 2019 — Dean now teaches three classes each week. is has enabled him to branch out to other Easton locations, now guest coaching in Longmont, and planning to do the same at the company’s other gyms in the metro area. In terms of his own training, Dean nds himself mostly in Boulder, but he makes time to train with Easton’s competition team in both the Arvada and Denver locations

once every other week.

“We have a massive amount of people here from all walks of life,” Dean said about the gym “I’ll never run out of things to learn about the world through these people at Easton.”

Starting in Denver in the 1990s as a barely controlled brawl, ultimate ghting and combat sports has grown into a huge business as a mainstream sports league. Training centers like Easton have helped build that next generation of star athletes.

A champion’s journey

Originally, Dean moved to Colorado in search of a change of pace from his life on the East Coast. He had some friends in the area, and was attracted to the idea of leading an active lifestyle. Boulder’s access to a wide range of outdoor activities, as well as the scenery, were the main factors that brought Dean to the area.

Dean grew up in Maryland, and when he arrived in Boulder in 2015, his level of experience in martial arts

consisted of exactly one free karate class.

“It was that little desire that every little boy has to want to be a ninja,” he said with a smile. “A long time ago, I got the chance to try out a karate class but never got the chance to follow through with it.”

Although he had little experience with martial arts training in general, the spark from that one class led him onto Easton’s mat after he noticed a UFC ghter trained there while watching an event on TV.

“Just the fact that I got my foot in the door to see what it was like really lit that spark, which stayed within me for several years,” Dean said.

Dean fell in love with Muay ai when he attended an Easton class for the rst time. Early in his training career, he bought a heavy bag to put in his basement when he couldn’t a ord the Easton membership. As soon as he could, he bought the membership and was in the gym six days a week.

SEE TRAINING CENTER, P15

TRAINING CENTER

Dean grew into a champion Muay ai ghter for his weight class. Muay ai is a style of martial arts that revolves around striking with sts, feet, knees and elbows. However, Dean is interested in the sport’s more subtle aspects.

“Obviously, ghting is what this sport is. When you’re in the ring, it is a ght. But, there is an art aspect to it that the ais obviously created and gracefully shared with us,” Dean said. “It goes a lot into respect, it goes into trying to be calm and relating those things back into everyday life.”

Now 39, Dean’s Muay ai journey has helped to shift his mindset in his general life, even outside of the gym.

“I’ve become a lot more resilient,” Dean said. “It’s made me accept that I may not always get the things I want to in life, and that gives me a better approach.”

Dean treats his Muay ai training as a second job of sorts. Between training for his own ghts, actually competing, and providing coaching for other Easton members, Dean is a familiar face for people in the Easton community.

“Within even a year of me being here, they had already given me so much,” Dean said. “Not just in technique, but in the community. Just being able to give back to them in any way that I can, whether it be teaching them, showing them by example, or just being a good friend for them, that’s what drives me.”

Easton’s start

Dean’s experience at Easton is similar to many of the stories of people who have found a home there. Founded by Amal Easton in 1998, the chain has grown to nine locations around the state.  e community found in the gyms helps to explain how martial arts has seized large segments of the country’s imagination. But that story, once better understood, isn’t merely one of ghts and cage matches. Rather, it’s about respect and self-awareness and a way to think mindfully about life through the lens of those who wish to be enlightened warriors.

Easton trained under the legendary Gracie family in Brazil and started the gym to try and help bring jiu jitsu to the United States.

“ ere were very few jiu jitsu gyms at the time, and I rented out some space in a facility to teach three days a week,” Easton said.

Easton, who has a degree in traditional Chinese medicine, decided that he was more suited to help people as a jiu jitsu instructor as he fell in love with the sport. He grew up in a small New Mexico town and began training in martial arts when he was getting picked on at school.

Easton decided on Colorado as a starting point for his gym because of how many people are active in sports. He is active outside of the gym as well, an avid skier as well as having had a short stint as a surfer. Colorado is known for its culture of individual extreme sports, and Easton knew that it would be a good place for him and his gym to thrive. However, the Easton empire in Colorado today is nearly unrecognizable from its humble beginnings.

“How could you conceive that we would be where we are today?” Easton asked. “I was in King Soopers trying to convince the kid stocking the shelves that he should come and try jiu jitsu. It really was one brick at a time, one student at a time.”

Easton’s original location stands in Boulder. A 10,000-square-foot facility on 32nd Street, it is home to martial arts classes for every age and skill level. Easton believes that the format of martial arts training lends itself to bringing people together, and the story for his gym holds true for that.

“ e community is everything. When most people think about community activities they did, they’d have to go back to high school,” Easton said. “With jiu jitsu, it’s one of the most cohesive groups partly because we have every range of age, socioeconomic diversity, religion and body type.”

While the central location is in Boulder, being in the Denver area means you are never too far from an Easton mat. Satellite locations include facilities in Arvada, Centennial, Lowry, South Denver, the Littleton area, Longmont, Castle Rock and ornton.

Alec Schrum, another Easton ghter, competed in the B-class 142-pound division at the Colorado State Tournament

at the Douglas County Event Center in Castle Rock Feb. 28 to March 2. Early in his career, Schrum has showcased his skills in both jiu jitsu and Muay ai, with plans to transition into mixed martial arts competitions as he continues to grow as a ghter.

Schrum has only been training at Easton since he was a sophomore at CU Boulder. He graduated after the spring of 2024, and already has a few ghts on his record. He is just opening this chapter of his life, but he plans on leaving it open for the future.

“After I’m done competing, I’ll still train. Whether I’m coaching or if it’s just for fun, I’ll be in this for the rest of my life,” Schrum said.

Growing up as a wrestler in Pennsylvania, Schrum knew that he wanted to stay involved in martial arts. As soon as he moved to Colorado, he walked into Easton’s gym and hasn’t looked back.

Combat fighting’s popularity

While Easton’s resume of competition is what he is able to hang his hat on, his new passion stems from being an inspiration to the next generation of martial artists. He has noticed that the children he interacts with in the gym have di erent kinds of role models than those he was accustomed to seeing even just a few years ago.

“Some of those kids are going to get skills and chase that dream, because who they are looking up to now are ghters, not basketball players,” Easton said.

Easton’s Boulder location provides a mixture of the strong community that martial arts can provide and coaching that can compete with the best in the world.

Amid the growing popularity of Muay ai and other martial arts in Colorado, there’s also a rise in high-pro le, unconventional prize ghts on the national stage, such as the recent Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match streamed on Net ix.

e world of mixed martial arts would not be what it is today without the impact that the state of Colorado had on it.

e premier MMA organization, the Ultimate Fighting Championship, has its roots here in Denver. In 1993, it held its rst event, UFC 1: e Beginning. e event featured ghts with no judges, no weight classes, and no limits on how long ghts could last. When Easton was training in Rio, he remembers watching early MMA ghts at juice bars in the city.

“MMA was also something that had barely just started,” Easton said. “It was hard not to imagine that being a huge thing here someday.”

Easton’s prediction was likely more accurate than he knew at the time. Now, the UFC has become a mainstream sports league. With public eyes nally falling upon the world of combat sports, Colorado’s martial arts scene has begun to grow as well. At the UFC level, bigname athletes like Justin Gaethje and Rose Namajunas train for their ghts in Denver. ere are even UFC athletes who spend time at Easton locations, like Drew Dober and Curtis Blaydes.

“It’s a di erent era, kind of where a kid can grow up and say, like, I want to be Michael Jordan, or I want to be Jon Jones, they can say this is what I want to do, because they’re chasing a sports superstar that they want to be like. And, you know, a lot of that comes with growing the sport,” Easton said.

He pointed out that while some athletes may evolve into lifelong martial artists, others are driven by the pursuit of fame and fortune in a multi-billiondollar industry.

Easton takes pride in the way that he and the other coaches at his gym teach martial arts, providing focus on the lessons that are important outside of training. By emphasizing the skills and morals, Easton hopes to bring the next generation of ghters into the mainstream.

“We take the role of trying to teach values as a big part of our program, not just trying to raise champions,” Easton said. is story was created by students at the University of Colorado-Boulder’s News Corps, where Colorado Community Media is a media partner.

Alec Schrum, who trains at Easton, has competed in both jiu jitsu and Muay Thai since he graduated from the University of Colorado-Boulder.

PHOTO BY JACOB QUILL / CU NEWS CORPS

Chino Dean teaches classes at Easton Training Center in Boulder in November 2024. He also teaches as Easton facilities in Arvada and Denver.

PHOTO FROM VIDEO BY BEN DICKSON

Disappointed by Van Winkle

I was very discouraged to hear Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle refer to a town hall as a “political trick” in the recent video recording during a Board of County Commissioners meeting. Mr. Van Winkle seems to think that a town hall is “targeting” someone by the people they work for (“Like they did to me”), expressing their opinions.

As we’ve seen locally and now nationally, GOP elected individuals are now being directed to NOT have town halls. I guess they don’t have the courage to hear what their constituents have to say?

elected representative won’t meet with you any other way, what are we the people supposed to do when we disagree with what they are doing? Isn’t that the point of “political pressure”?

I also thought the Board of County Commissioners was a non-partisan elected body. I guess I was wrong, and Mr. Van Winkle doesn’t have the courage to face those he represents. He also now encourages other elected o cials to avoid getting feedback from those they work for — we the people. Shame on him.

Carol Sorensen Lone Tree

Take transit survey

in Dougco is encouraged to take the online survey to assist in planning the future of transportation in Douglas County. e survey is available for residents of Douglas County until March 31 at bit.ly/4geXGPO.

Many of the goals of future Douglas County transit are based upon the 16 identi ed transit areas in Douglas County. Collection of data included the number of cars on the many roads at speci c times during the day, and the number of drivers in age related categories and the expected additional drivers to the system.

tion; and designating bus lanes and transportation hubs to decrease wait times for public transportation. Circulator, electric buses within each of the identi ed transit areas would be helpful for the last mile of a commute and running errands.

Mr. Van Winkle then went on to say a town hall isn’t really a town hall. “ is isn’t what that is. ey are trying to put her in a situation and apply political pressure.” Really?

Recently I attended an informal meeting at the Parker Library regarding community input about the 2025 Douglas County Transportation Plan. At this event I was able to input my ideas, and highlight and prioritize my preferences for transportation in Douglas County.

Gee Mr. Van Winkle, when your

Anyone who drives, rides, walks or bikes

Douglas County is open to new ideas for transit and changes to the system can range from incremental to transformational. Multimodal options include safe walking routes, designated bike lanes, increased public transportation and changes to existing routes.

Of the many ideas discussed by participants at the meeting, here are just a few that resonated with me: encouraging carpooling to and from schools; prompting employers; expanding public transporta-

Douglas County transit planners are interested in sustainability of transportation and reducing emissions. A focus is upon safety and quick access and response to accidents and hazardous situations. Access to transit by all residents is a top priority. A resilient transit system is the objective for Douglas County going forward. I appreciate that transit planners want input from the community to identify transportation needs, to develop actions and projects to address the stated needs, to prioritize projects; and then identify funding strategies for implementation. It takes a resident community’s input to assure the best outcomes for smart transportation in Douglas County.

Irene McCahill Parker

Thu 3/27

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A Hundred Drums

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Fri 3/28

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Silver Lining

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The Roxy Theater, 2549 Walton St, Denver

Vince Converse & Big BrotherLincoln's

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Lincoln's Roadhouse, 1201 S Pearl St, Denver

Red Rock Vixens @ Tailgate Tavern Doubleheader

Denver Gay Mens Chorus w/ Col‐orado Jazz Repertory Orchestra @ 2pm Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver

Many Eyes @ 5pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Life of Pi @ 6:30pm

Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, 1400 Curtis Street, Denver

Leon Majcen @ 7pm

Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver

Mon 3/31

Modern Swing Mondays 2025

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KGNU Community Radio Presents: Sonido Gallo Negro @ 6pm / $20 Marquis, Denver

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BIJOU

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Latin Night: Reggaeton vs. House @ 9pm / $19.95 The Church Nightclub, Denver

No Promises @ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver Sun 3/30

Heather @ 3pm The Delorean, 1753 S Broadway, Denver

Agent of Kaos @ 4pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Lyncs @ 7pm

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Alternate Guitar Tunings Workshop w/Pierce Pettis @ 5pm

Swallow Hill Music, 71 E Yale Ave, Den‐

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Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver

Jade Oracle @ 7pm The Black Buzzard, 1624 Market St, Denver

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Bad Knees @ 6pm

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Tobyraps @ 6:30pm The Black Buzzard, 1624 Market St, Denver

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ver

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Alicyn Yaffee @ 6pm

Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver

Badlands Thursdays: Midnight Tyrannosaurus @ 9pm / $24.95

The Church Nightclub, Denver

CROWSSUPDRO

1. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who was Time Magazine’s First Man of the Year in 1927?

2. MOVIES: Who was the male lead in the lm “Risky Business”?

3. LITERATURE: In which novel does the character of Emma Woodhouse appear?

4. LANGUAGE: What does the acronym “sonar” stand for?

5. TELEVISION: What was the name of the Dukes’ car on the show “ e Dukes of Hazzard”?

6. HISTORY: e rst atomic submarine was built in which decade?

7. GEOGRAPHY: What modern-day country is in the area known in ancient times as Lusitania?

8. MEDICINE: What disease is caused by a de ciency of Vitamin A?

TrIVIa

9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which U.S. president’s image appeared on a dollar coin in 1971?

10. MATH: What does the symbol “r” stand for in geometry?

Answers

1. Aviator Charles Lindbergh.

2. Tom Cruise.

3. “Emma” by Jane Austen.

4. Sound navigation and ranging.

5. e General Lee.

6. 1950s.

7. Portugal.

8. Night blindness.

9. Dwight D. Eisenhower.

10. Radius.

(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Término de 4 años

FECHADO este 4th día de marzo de 2025.

DEER TRAIL RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

/s/ Kayla Hall

fi ial le al esi ad

Legal Notice No. ECN 1639

First Publication: March 20, 2025

Last Publication: March 20, 2025

Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Elbert & Highway 86 Metropolitan District, Elbert, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.

The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

Hjellum: 4 Year Term until May, 2029

Legal Notice No. ECN 1636

First Publication: March 20, 2025

Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News

Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the North Pines Metropolitan District, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.

The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

Alan Luke: 4 year term, until May, 2029

John Roberts: 4 year term until May, 2029

Dated this 6th day of March, 2025

/s/ Kathryn T. James Kathryn T. James esi a ed le i fi ial North Pines Metropolitan District

Contact Person for the District:

Kathryn T. James (303) 688-3045

18 S. Wilcox Street, Suite 200 Castle Rock, CO 80104 (303) 688-3189 james@ffcolorado.com

Legal Notice No. ECN 1634

First Publication: March 20, 2025

Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Clearwater Metropolitan District, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.

The following candidates are hereby declared elected:

Alan Luke: 4 year term, until May, 2029

John Roberts: 4 year term, until May, 2029

Dated this 6th day of March, 2025

/s/ Kathryn T. James

Kathryn T. James esi a ed le i fi ial Clearwater Metropolitan District

Contact Person for the District: Kathryn T. James (303) 688-3045

18 S. Wilcox Street, Suite 200 Castle Rock, CO 80104 (303) 688-3189 james@ffcolorado.com

Legal Notice No. ECN 1635

First Publication: March 20, 2025

Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION F REGULAR ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED ELECTION OFFI-

CIAL FOR THE DEER TRAIL RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Deer Trail Rural Fire Protection District, Arapahoe, Adams and Elbert Counties, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third (63rd) day before the election there were not more candidates for Director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025, is hereby cancelled. The following candidates are declared elected:

Phillip Donovan: 4-year term John M. Jolly: 4-year term Vacancy: 4-year term

DATED this 4th day of March, 2025.

DEER TRAIL RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

/s/ Kayla Hall

Designated Election Official

Legal Notice No. ECN 1638

Elbert Legals

First Publication: March 20, 2025

Last Publication: March 20, 2025

Publisher: Elbert County News

Water Court

Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO FEBRUARY 2025 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION

TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1

Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of FEBRUARY 2025 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www. coloradojudicial.gov)

CASE NUMBER 2025CW3019 JANELLE D SCHRAG, 30200 County Road 5, Elizabeth, CO 80107. Eric K. Trout, McGeady Becher Cortese Williams P.C., 450 E. 17th Ave., Suite 400, Denver, CO 80203. APPLICATION FOR UNDERGROUND WATER RIGHTS AND A PLAN FOR AUGMENTATION IN ELBERT COUNTY. Subject Property: A parcel totaling approximately 40 acres located in the SW1/4 of the SW1/4 of Section 35, Township 8 South, Range 65 West of the 6th P.M., also known as 30200 County Road 5, Elizabeth, CO, 80107, as shown on Exhibit A (the “Subject Property”). Lien Holder Certification: There are no mortgage or lien holders, therefore no notice is required under C.R.S. § 37-92-302(2)(b). Deed is attached as Exhibit B. Well Permits: There is one Upper Dawson Aquifer exempt well on the Subject Property under Well Permit Number 106629 (the “Existing Well”). The Existing Well anticipated to be re-permitted under the plan for augmentation requested in this application. Additional well permits will be applied for prior to construction of additional wells. Source of Water Rights: The Upper Dawson Aquifer is not-nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.7), and the Lower Dawson, Denver, Arapahoe, and Laramie-Fox Hills aquifers are nontributary as defined in C.R.S. § 37-90-103(10.5). Estimated Volumes: Applicant desires to leave no groundwater unadjudicated. Applicant estimates the following volumes may be available for withdrawal:

Upper 16.92 5.64 1,692

Dawson (NNT)

Lower Dawson (NT) 9.74 3.25 974

Denver (NT) 13.444.48 1,344

Arapahoe (NT) 15.445.15 1,544

Laramie-Fox Hills (NT) 13.54 4.51 1,354

Proposed Uses: Groundwater withdrawn from the not-nontributary and nontributary aquifers underlying the Subject Property will be used, reused, and successively used to extinction for all allowable beneficial uses, including, but not limited to, domestic, including in-house use, commercial, irrigation, stock watering, fire protection, recreational, fish and wildlife, and augmentation purposes, including storage. The water may be immediately used or stored for subsequent use, used for exchange purposes, for direct replacement of depletions, and for other augmentation purposes, including taking credit for all return flows resulting from the use of such water for augmentation of, or as an offset against, any out-of-priority depletions. The water may be leased, sold, or otherwise disposed of for all the above uses both on and off the Subject Property. Jurisdiction: The Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter of this application pursuant to C.R.S. §§ 37-90137(6), 37-92-203(1), 37-92-302(2). Summary of Plan for Augmentation: Groundwater to be Augmented: 4 acre-feet per year of not-nontributary Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater for 300 years. Water Rights to be Used for Augmentation: Return flows from the use of not-nontributary and nontributary groundwater and direct discharge of nontributary groundwater. Statement of Plan for Augmentation: The not-nontributary Upper Dawson Aquifer groundwater will be used in up to four (4) wells. Each well will provide in-house use in up to two (2) single-family dwellings or their equivalent (0.6 acre-feet per year per well, 2.4 acre-feet per year total), outdoor irrigation of up to 6,000 square-feet of home lawn, garden, and trees (0.3 acre-feet per year per well, 1.2 acre-feet

or republishing the

same. Sewage treatment for in-house use will be provided by non-evaporative septic systems. Return flow from in-house use will be approximately 90% of that use and return flow from irrigation use will be approximately 15% of that use. During pumping Applicant will replace actual depletions pursuant to C.R.S. § 37-90-137(9)(c.5). Depletions occur to the South Platte River stream system and return flows accrue to that stream system and are sufficient to replace actual depletions while the subject groundwater is being pumped. Applicant will reserve an equal amount of nontributary groundwater underlying the Subject Property to meet post-pumping augmentation requirements. Applicant requests the Court approve the above underground water rights and augmentation plan, find that Applicant has complied with C.R.S. § 37-90-137(4) and water is legally available for withdrawal, find there will be no material injury to the owners of or persons entitled to use water under any vested water right or decreed conditional water right, and grant such other and further relief as is appropriate. 4 pages.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of APRIL 2025 (forms available on www.courts. state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Applicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. ECN 1641

First Publication: March 20, 2025 Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, WATER DIVISION 1, COLORADO FEBRUARY 2025 WATER RESUME PUBLICATION

TO: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN WATER APPLICATIONS IN WATER DIV. 1 Pursuant to C.R.S. 37-92-302, you are notified that the following is a resume of all water right applications, and certain amendments filed in the Office of the Water Clerk during the month of FEBRUARY 2025 for each County affected. (This publication can be viewed in its entirety on the state court website at: www. coloradojudicial.gov)

CASE NUMBER 2025CW3018 TOWN OF ELIZABETH, Town of Elizabeth (“Applicant” or the “Town”) c/o Director of Public Works 151 S Banner Street, Elizabeth Colorado 80107 Telephone: (303) 646-4166 Mailing

Address for Purposes of this Application: David L. Kueter, #26136 Kent Holsinger, #33907 Holsinger Law, LLC 1800 Glenarm Place, Suite 500 Denver, Colorado 80202 Telephone: (303) 722-2828 dkueter@ holsingerlaw.com; kholsinger@holsingerlaw.com. APPLICATION FOR FINDING OF REASONABLE DILIGENCE, ELBERT COUNTY. 2. Name of structure: Gold Creek Lower Reservoir 3. Describe conditional water right (as to each structure) including the following information from previous decree: Gold Creek Lower Reservoir was originally decreed on December 8, 1994 in Case No. 94CW044 (Water Div. 1). Gold Creek Lower Reservoir water right was continued as conditional by decrees, dated November 3, 2003, in Case No. 99CW153, June 28, 2011, in Case No. 09CW146, and February 8, 2019, in Case No. 17CW3088. A. Legal Description of Structure: The reservoir will be located on Gold Creek in the NE1/4 of Section 13, Township 8 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M. Elbert County, at a point approximately 100 feet from the North line and 2200 feet from the East line of Section 13. A map showing the decreed location for the Gold Creek Lower Reservoir is attached as Exhibit A. B. Source: Gold Creek and runoff tributary to Gold Creek collected from the land surrounding Gold Creek Lower Reservoir. C. Appropriation Date: April 27, 1994. D. Amount: 5.0 acre-feet, conditional, with the right to one refill in the amount of 5.0 acre-feet, conditional (collectively, the “Gold Creek Lower Reservoir Water Right”). E. Decreed Use: Irrigation of approximately 70 acres in the E1/2 NW1/4 and W1/2 NE1/4, Section 13, Township 8 South, Range 65 West, 6th P.M., and stockwater. The land to be irrigated is generally depicted on attached Exhibit A. 4. Evidence of Reasonable Diligence: On May

24, 2019, Elizabeth 86 Water LLC, the prior owner of the Gold Creek Lower Reservoir Water Right, dedicated the right to Applicant as part of the annexation of the underlying property into the Town. During the diligence period since May 2019, Applicant has spent in excess of $5,000,000 on its integrated water system of which the subject water right is a part. Project-specific activities include the following: A. In 2019, the Applicant negotiated the annexation of the property on which Gold Creek Lower Reservoir will be located and used and the dedication to the Town of the water rights associated with the property including the Gold Creek Lower Reservoir Water Right.

B. On February 25, 2020, Applicant obtained a decree in Case No. 18CW3073 adjudicating the Denver Basin groundwater underlying annexed properties within the Town, including properties surrounding the subject property.

C. Applicant’s attorneys

D. The amounts in paragraph 4 include more than $530,000 for engineering and $50,000 for legal fees and costs during the diligence period. 5. Name and address of owner of land on which any new storage structure or is or will be constructed or upon which water is or will be stored: Elizabeth 86 Water LLC 7931 S. Broadway #312 Littleton, CO 80122. WHEREFORE, Applicant respectfully requests that the Court enter an order and decree: A. Finding that Applicant has exercised reasonable diligence as to the continuing development of the Gold Creek Lower Reservoir Water Right, and that the Gold Creek Lower Reservoir Water Right is continued in full force and effect for all conditional amounts and uses; and B. Granting such other relief that the Court deems proper. Application is 4 pages and 1 exhibit page.

THE WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED BY THESE APPLICATIONS MAY AFFECT IN PRIORITY ANY WATER RIGHTS CLAIMED OR HERETOFORE ADJUDICATED WITHIN THIS DIVISION AND OWNERS OF AFFECTED RIGHTS MUST APPEAR TO OBJECT WITHIN THE TIME PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR BE FOREVER BARRED.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that any party who wishes to oppose an application, or an amended application, may file with the Water Clerk, P. O. Box 2038, Greeley, CO 80632, a verified Statement of Opposition, setting forth facts as to why the application should not be granted, or why it should be granted only in part or on certain conditions. Such Statement of Opposition must be filed by the last day of APRIL 2025 (forms available on www.courts. state.co.us or in the Clerk’s office), and must be filed as an Original and include $192.00 filing fee. A copy of each Statement of Opposition must also be served upon the Applicant or Ap plicant’s Attorney and an affidavit or certificate of such service of mailing shall be filed with the Water Clerk.

Legal Notice No. ECN 1640

First Publication: March 20, 2025

Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors

Public Notice NOTICE TO CREDITORS