4 DCSD directors oppose transgender protection bill
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Four members of the Douglas County Board of Education signed an open letter dated May 5 opposing a state bill they say could infringe on parental rights, create legal confusion for schools and limit local control. The bill, which passed the Colorado General Assembly one day later, expands legal protections for transgender individuals under state law.
But a review of the bill’s language reveals discrepancies between what the board members claim and what the legislation mandates.
Board members Christy Williams, Becky Myers, Kaylee Winegar and Tim Moore submitted the letter through Douglas County resident Allyson Rydwell, who is identified in the letter as a parent of a child who is transgender.
It opposes House Bill 25-1312, titled “Legal Protections for Transgender Individuals,” which passed the Colorado General Assembly on May 6 and now awaits the signature of Gov. Jared Polis.
While signed by four current board members, the letter emphasizes that each signer is expressing an individual viewpoint and not speaking on behalf of the board as a whole.
The bill, also known as the “Kelly Loving Act,” includes anti-discrimination protections, gender identity recognition and updates to school policies involving
chosen names and dress codes.
In their letter, the Douglas County board members say they have “significant constitutional concerns” and argue the bill risks infringing on parental rights by classifying misgendering or deadnaming — referring to a transgender person by a name or gender they no longer use — as forms of coercive control in child custody disputes.
“By defining misgendering or deadnaming as coercive control in custody cases, the bill risks penalizing parents for their speech or beliefs about their child’s gender identity,” the letter states.
However, the bill does not penalize parents for speech. Instead, it allows courts to consider misgendering or deadnaming as potential evidence of coercive control when determining the best interests of the child in custody decisions. Judges retain discretion and are required to weigh multiple factors in such cases.
The board members also expressed concern that the bill mandates schools to implement policies requiring the use of chosen names and prohibits gender-specific dress codes, which they say undermines local control and creates ambiguity.
But the bill doesn’t require schools to adopt name policies. It states that if a school already has a chosen name policy in place, it must include all reasons a student may choose a name different from their legal one, not limited to gender identity.
Similarly, the bill does not ban dress codes but requires that any dress code allow all students to choose from available options, regardless of gender.
“Implementing chosen name policies across diverse school systems may conflict with existing recordkeeping standards or parental notification policies, creating confusion,” the letter argued.
Yet the bill does not change recordkeeping rules or require schools to notify parents of name changes. It focuses on preventing discrimination based on name or gender presentation, aligning with broader civil rights protections under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act.
The letter signers also warn that the bill could impose significant administrative burdens, particularly around documentation and policy enforcement, which they argue could divert attention from classroom learning.
HB 25-1312 also bars Colorado courts from recognizing laws from other states that penalize parents for allowing children to access gender-affirming care.
Additional provisions require state-issued forms to include an option for individuals to provide both a legal name and a chosen name.
The bill’s sponsors, Rep. David Ortiz (D-Littleton), Sen. Chris Kolker (DCentennial) and Sen. Faith Winter (DBroomfield), have said it is designed to ensure that transgender Coloradans can
ADVERTISEMENT
access public services, education and legal protections without discrimination, according to statements made during floor debate and in public remarks on the bill’s official legislative summary.
Kolker said the bill is about ensuring all school policies are applied fairly to every student, not just transgender students, and emphasized that it does not address or alter parental custody laws.
“It’s about protecting the transgender people who are feeling under threat and making sure that we’re strengthening those protections within the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act,” Kolker said.
Despite their opposition, the Douglas County board members state in their letter that they remain committed to safe and supportive schools.
“We believe House Bill 25-1312, by placing schools at the center of contentious legal and social debates, poses an obstacle to that goal rather than a help to it,” the letter concludes.
They argue the legislation places schools at the center of broader legal and social conflicts, which they say could detract from educators’ focus on student learning and well-being.
The board members note that the letter was submitted in compliance with Colorado’s Open Meetings Law and does not reflect an official vote or collective board action.
If Polis signs the bill, most provisions will take effect immediately.
Don’t Wait to Save for A Downpayment — Here’s How You Can Start Building Equity Now
For many would-be homebuyers in Colorado, the biggest obstacle isn’t affording monthly payments — it’s saving up for a down payment. But there’s a lesser-known solution: a unique down payment assistance program connected to FHA that offers generous terms with fewer limitations than many alternatives.
I learned about this program from Jaxzann Riggs, owner of The Mortgage Network, who explained how this option helps buyers get into homes sooner - with little or no money out of pocket.
“Some buyers have strong income and credit, but they just haven’t been able to save enough for a down payment,” she told me. “This program bridges that gap - without the typical income or location restrictions.”
HOAP, and MetroDPA, these programs often have income caps and/or location limits.
But as stated before, the national FHAbacked option offers broader eligibility, no income or area restrictions, and more flexible terms, making it a strong option for buyers who are ready now.
rising-rate environment.
Additionally, this program allows for higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratios, a hallmark of FHA financing. That means borrowers with student loans or other debt may still qualify.
Why This Matters Now
A Powerful Alternative to Traditional Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
This FHA-approved assistance is more flexible than many state or local programs. It comes in the form of a second mortgage behind an FHA loan, but here’s the twist: there are no income limits, no geographic restrictions, and more flexibility within FHA guidelines, compared to a conventional loan.
Buyers can use this program whether or not they’re a first-time homebuyer. It’s designed for those who are financially ready to buy but need help covering the minimum 3.5% down payment or closing costs. While Colorado offers down payment help through programs like CHFA, CHAC,
With rents and home prices both climbing, waiting to save for a traditional down payment could cost more in the long run. Getting into a home today versus two or three years from now allows you to start building equity instead of continuing to pay rent.
“Every month you rent is a month you’re not gaining ownership,” Jaxzann says. “This program gives you a way to step into the market faster and start growing wealth.”
Keep in Mind: Not All FHA Loans Are Eligible
It’s important to note that this assistance applies only to new FHA purchases. If you already have an FHA loan, you won’t qualify for this specific program — but there’s still a silver lining. FHA loans are assumable, meaning a future buyer could take over your low-interest mortgage without a rate hike, an incredibly valuable feature in a
“You can’t beat the ability to transfer a loan with no escalation in rate,” Jaxzann points out. “That’s something worth knowing if you already have an FHA loan.” Homeowners with existing low-rate FHA mortgages are sitting on a very valuable asset. When it is time to sell, they should consider allowing the new prospective purchaser to “assume” their existing loan.
This is done by having the prospective purchaser apply for a “qualifying assumption” with the lender that is currently servicing the loan. Because the prospective owner is qualifying to assume the existing loan, the original borrower is released from all future liability for the loan while allowing the new purchaser/owner to keep the original mortgage interest rate. The difference between the current loan balance and the purchase price of the home is paid to the seller in cash.
Weighing the Trade-Offs
As with most zero-down options, there are considerations:
Interest rates will be higher than traditional FHA loans with full down payments. On a $500,000 home, that might mean around $550 more per month.
You will have to pay off any remaining balance on the second mortgage when you refinance or sell.
All FHA loans require mortgage insurance on the loan. This insurance protects the lender in the event of foreclosure.
Unlike mortgage insurance on conventional mortgages, 30 year fixed rate FHA loans require that the mortgage insurance remain in place for the life of the loan.
You must intend to live in the home as your primary residence at the time of purchase.
Still, for many buyers, the ability to get into a home now outweighs the costs.
“This program can open doors much sooner than people think,” Jaxzann told me. “This is ideal for households with two incomes and/or those that might have been denied down payment assistance in the past because they exceed income limitations for other programs. If you’re ready to buy but short on upfront funds, it’s absolutely worth exploring.”
To learn more and find out if you qualify, contact Jaxzann Riggs at The Mortgage Network at (303) 990-2992.
NOTE: My “Real Estate Today” column that normally appears on this page is now published bi-weekly. Look for it here next week and every other week thereafter.
On those alternate weeks, look for a half-page ad like this on a related topic.
Celebrating young creators
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Elementary students across Douglas County showcased their artistic talents during the 2025 DCSD Art Exhibition at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree. Selected by their art teachers, the featured pieces represented some of the most creative work from kindergarten through fth grade. Judges awarded top honors, including Best in Show and Legacy Picks, to standout pieces that will remain on display at the Legacy Campus throughout the 2024-25 school year.
Elementary students across Douglas County showcased their artistic talents during the 2025 DCSD Art Exhibition at the Legacy Campus in Lone Tree. Selected by their art teachers, the featured pieces represented some of the most creative work from kindergarten through fifth grade. Judges awarded top honors, including Best in Show and Legacy Picks, to standout pieces that will remain on display at the Legacy Campus throughout the 2024-25 school year.
PHOTOS BY SUZIE GLASSMAN
Economic Factors, Policy Landscape Lead to Budget Shortfall
Fire and medical emergency response services are at risk
The Challenge
There’s been a 20% increase in calls for service since 2019.
This includes structure, vehicle, and wildland fires; explosions and hazmat incidents; water rescues; vehicle crashes; public or police assistance; and medical emergencies.
Emergency medical calls now account for 65% of all response – this is expected to increase with an aging population.
Costs have increased dramatically in six years; for example:
The cost for a fire engine has gone from $725,000 to $1.3 million (79% increase).
The cost for protective bunker gear has gone from $4,321 to $6,047 (40% increase).
To continue providing quality fire and emergency response, South Metro needs an additional $34 million annually.
State legislation that passed during a special session in 2024 reduces property tax revenue South Metro collects by $16 million in 2026 and $270 million over 10 years.
South Metro Fire Rescue is facing an immediate budget shortfall due to years of rising costs, consistent increases in demand, and new state legislation. Without new revenue, the organization will not be able to maintain the high level of service for fire and emergency response that residents and businesses deserve, and have come to expect.
Did You Know?
South Metro is a full-service department Here are a few key facts:
stations across 30 square miles 287
personnel across 800 divisions 8
residents, which will serving 571,500 in grow to 595,0004 years municipalities and 12 counties 3
Centennial Airport, Lockheed Martin, Highlands Ranch, 4 Square Mile, and The Pinery Including:
The Bottom Line
With $34 million needed to address increased demand for services and rising costs, plus the $16 million shortfall, South Metro needs to identify how it will generate $50 million in additional funding annually.
Douglas County assessor discusses property valuations
Residential
values level out, but property tax crisis continues
BY JULIA KING SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Eight metro-Denver assessors came together in late April to review property values across their counties. The latest numbers show Douglas County’s housing market has largely stabilized after a historic surge in 2023 — though its commercial sector isn’t faring as well.
As the new valuations roll out, property tax questions continue to loom large, with officials forecasting that elevated taxes could persist despite stabilizing home prices.
In compliance with Colorado statutes, real property — land and anything permanently attached to it, such as buildings, fences or natural resources — is revalued every two years. The valuations the county assessors came up with last month reflect property values as of June 30, 2024, based on data from the preceding two-year timeframe.
For the 2025 valuation cycle, residential property values in Douglas County and the broader metro area were flat, ranging from about -10% to +5%, with most hovering near zero. But even with stabilizing values, a property tax crisis continues, according to Douglas County Assessor Toby Damisch.
“Property taxes are still elevated. They
We’ve brought advanced orthopedic and sports medicine to South Denver. The multidisciplinary team at our new comprehensive clinic specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports-related injuries for all athletes – from youth to collegiate and amateur to professional. With performance optimization and injury prevention programs, state-of-the-art imaging, advanced treatment options, and more, our board-certified sports medicine physicians, orthopedic specialists, and athletic trainers are committed to helping you play on.
Scan the QR code or visit mountain.commonspirit.org/sportscenter to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Douglas County Assessor Toby Damisch meets with other Denver metro area assessors at the Colorado Capitol last month to review property values across their counties.
COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
PROPERTY TAXES
haven’t come down, and I don’t expect them to,” he told the Douglas County News-Press.
Damisch said the previous property reappraisal in 2023 reflected the sharpest rise in home prices in Colorado history, driven by pandemic-era conditions. Low interest rates, corporate investment in housing and increased demand for second homes and shortterm rentals fueled massive real estate inflation across the state. These trends peaked in spring 2022 — just before the June 30, 2022, appraisal date — resulting in residential value increases of 30-to-60% statewide and near 50% in Douglas County.
The outcome, Damisch said, was a property tax “war” in Colorado. Many homeowners were hit with tax bills that jumped more than 30%, sparking political and legal clashes across the state, including an ongoing battle between Douglas County and the State Board of Equalization.
While property valuations have been released, actual tax bills won’t be finalized until late 2025. That’s because two key parts of the formula — assessment rates and mill levies — aren’t deter-
mined until October and December, respectively. Unless voters approve new tax increases in November, homeowners can expect relatively flat tax bills, Damisch said, though they will still reflect the elevated rates from 2023.
Unlike previous cycles, there isn’t much consistency in this year’s residential valuations, Damisch said. Current valuations are “highly localized,” and aren’t based on property size, type or price — but instead vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.
The variation, Damisch explained, comes down to timing and subjectivity. Every neighborhood is on its own trajectory, and since real estate is driven as much by emotion and perception as by square footage or condition, some areas that peaked during earlier market booms are now regressing, while others are still catching up.
A map breaking down these trends is available on the assessor’s website.
The appeals window for property valuations is open until June 8.
Across the region, the Denver metro area is seeing “results more consistent than they ever have been before across the eight counties,” Damisch said, adding that this is both in terms of flat residential valuations and scattered trends across neighborhoods.
One area where Douglas County is diverging from its neighbors is in office
buildings — specifically large, singletenant, owner-occupied properties. Ongoing remote work trends and several low-price sales in areas like Lone Tree and Meridian prompted lower valuations. Unlike Denver or Arapahoe County, Douglas County’s office market is more suburban and less transitoriented, making it more vulnerable to shifts in demand, Damisch said.
In contrast, transit-oriented development sites — like office buildings located near a light rail station — have remained more attractive to companies seeking walkability, better access and an urban feel.
Douglas County weighs home rule as tax debate continues
Douglas County voters will decide in June whether to adopt a home rule charter — a move county commissioners say could lead to a reduction in property taxes. Though the reality might be more “nuanced,” Damisch said.
Much of Colorado’s property tax system is governed by the state constitution and statutes, which limits how much counties can change on their own.
“There’s no question (tax provisions in the proposed charter) have to be nuanced, because there are so many state laws and constitutional amendments about property taxes that the home rule
charter can’t just outright ignore,” Da
misch said.
Home rule wouldn’t allow Douglas County to completely rewrite the state’s tax architecture, but it could give the county more flexibility in the areas it does control, such as adjusting the local mill levy or developing targeted relief programs like expanded exemptions for low-income seniors. Those possibilities are still hypothetical, and would need to be explored while writing a home rule charter, said Damisch, who is running to be on the charter commission.
A home rule charter could also potentially create a stronger legal backing for valuation adjustments. For instance, in 2023, the county attempted to apply a 4% across-the-board valuation reduction to lower property taxes, which the State Board of Equalization overturned. County commissioners in March vowed to appeal that decision.
Under home rule, the county might have more flexibility to implement such valuation adjustments, according to Damisch.
“In a home rule existence, the county has a little more leverage or leeway to press in certain areas and look for things where we want to act differently … where we could not do without the existence of home rule,” Damisch said.
“That State Board of Equalization experience is one of many examples of that.”
BY HALEY LENA
Interactive map shows Dougco road projects
Every year, construction and maintenance crews repair sidewalks, restore pavement and refresh pavement markings on roads across Douglas County. In addition to neighborhood repairs, there are other spring and summer roadway projects taking place, which is why Douglas County has launched a new interactive map.
e map aims to help residents identify potential impacts to their commutes and help keep work zones safe.
According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, at a national level, there were more than 800 fatal crashes in work zones in 2022, which is the latest data available. e data estimates that there were 10 work zone fatalities in Colorado in 2022.
e Colorado Department of Transportation states that there were 23 crashes, resulting in 31 fatalities in Colorado in 2024, which was an increase from 16 fatalities in 2023.
To help prevent these crashes and fatalities, Douglas County’s new map indicates current county projects with an orange circle and current special events — such as the Highlands Ranch Mother’s
Day 5K — with a blue circle. Upcoming county projects and special events are represented by squares in the coordinating orange and blue colors.
By clicking on the circle or square, there is a description of the project, where it is taking place, when it is expected to be complete, who the company working on
the project is and contact information for the special event program managers. e interactive map can be found at tinyurl.com/Dougco-construction-map.
Coloradans lose big money to scammers
BY DEREK DRAPLIN
Coloradans filed almost 45,000 fraud reports last year with the Federal Trade Commission, reflecting an estimated loss of $210.7 million.
That’s up from 41,500 reports and $170 million lost in 2023, according to FTC data.
Nationally, consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud last year, with 38% of people filing fraud reports saying they lost money. FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection
Director Christopher Mufarrige said last
month that “scammers’ tactics are constantly evolving.”
“The FTC is monitoring those trends closely and working hard to protect the American people from fraud,” he added.
Colorado had over 73,200 total consumer reports, which includes other FTC consumer complaints in addition to fraud, and amounts to 1,260 reports per 100,000 people. That ranks as the 18th highest rate in the nation, according to FTC data.
Most of the state’s fraud reports involved imposter scams (15,028), followed by online shopping/negative reviews (6,535), internet services (2,492),
health care (2,332) and privacy/data security/cyber threat (2,322).
The FTC recommends reporting fraud cases at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
“People who report to ReportFraud. ftc.gov about losing money to a scam receive next steps information on how to try to recover their money,” the commission said. “These reports are a vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission and also help the FTC to warn consumers about fraud trends in the data.”
Coloradans can also report fraud to StopFraudColorado.gov, which is run by the state attorney general’s office.
The attorney general’s office said in
March there were 1,205 reported imposter scams out of 24,473 total consumer complaints filed in 2024.
“In many cases, these scams relate directly to fraudulent telephone calls, emails, or text messages from scammers posing as a government official or employees from a reputable company, often seeking monetary payments through gift cards, wire transfers, and other money transfer services,” the attorney general’s office said.
Republished from The Center Square, a national news service that is the project of the nonprofit Franklin News Foundation, headquartered in Chicago.
Shopping H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES H FAMILY FUN
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 Fri 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Festival
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm
SUNDAY, JUNE 15 Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm
TURF PROS SOLUTION EAST MUSIC Stage Music All Day — Highlights
Friday, June 13 presented by 6:00 pm: Blinker Fluid Band • 8:15 pm: Hillbilly Demons
Saturday, June 14 presented by 5:30 pm: Chris Daniels & The Kings 8:15 pm: The Walker Williams Band
Sunday, June 15 presented by 3:30 pm: The Threadbarons • 6:00 pm: Jewel & The Rough
Friday, June 13 presented by 6:30 pm: TEN YEARS GONE • 8:30 pm: PATRICK & THE LVB
Saturday, June 14 presented by 6:00 pm: GLITTER IN THE AIR • 8:30 pm: LAST MEN ON EARTH
Sunday, June 15 presented by 4:00 pm: DUEY & UNBROKEN • 6:30 pm: THOSE CRAZY NIGHTS ®
Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.
HOME RULE
for public discussion through several town halls. Commissioners Abe Laydon, George Teal and Kevin Van Winkle have already addressed their hopes for the charter — among them are reevaluating local diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; codifying the local government’s three-commissioner structure; and diverging from state minimum wage laws.
Laydon, Teal and Van Winkle, all of whom are running to be on the charter commission, have also signaled interest in challenging state gun and immigration policies. Teal told the Douglas County News-Press that he believes home rule could o er a legal foothold to circumvent laws that don’t include a “state concern” clause.
“We have latitude in terms of preserving gun rights here in Douglas County,” Teal said. “ at’s absolutely a top priority, and I will absolutely attempt to take advantage of that.”
He pointed to Colorado Senate Bill 3 — a recently approved measure restricting the sale of semiautomatic rearms — as an example. e bill does not explicitly include a state concern clause, which he said could open the door for local opposition.
at may be wishful thinking, according to the Colorado Attorney General’s O ce. In a letter addressed to local radio host Ross Kaminsky that was provided to the Douglas County News-Press, a sta er with the attorney general’s o ce wrote that county home rule “has not been found to be an expansive source of powers” and does not allow counties to override state laws they disagree with.
Municipal home rule, governed by a different part of the state Constitution, provides more authority. e state can only override a municipality’s local laws if they fall within a “matter of statewide concern” or “matter of mixed statewide and local concern,” but county home rule has no such provision.
“Some inaccurately con ate the two, arguing that home rule counties are on equal footing and have the same broad power as home rule municipalities to follow local laws over state laws. is is not the case,” the above-mentioned letter
lenge in the Colorado Supreme Court tied to its home-rule status. e court said Weld must comply with state redistricting laws, rejecting an argument that its home rule charter granted the county autonomy.
Similar to Douglas County, Weld ocials publicly opposed Senate Bill 3, but the county’s sheri , Steve Reams, said the county is obligated to enforce the law despite having home rule status.
“Any refusal to perform the duties that this legislation delegated to the O ce of Sheri will have a negative impact on the citizens of Weld County,” Reams said in a press release.
Critics question the process
State Rep. Bob Marshall, a Democrat who serves House District 43 covering most of Highlands Ranch, said he is “agnostic” to home rule in principle, but has concerns about how it’s being framed to voters.
While home rule “could be a good thing,” Marshall said, it shouldn’t be presented as a way to sidestep state laws. Any attempts to challenge the state on those
“( e commissioners) are saying, well, we could ignore Colorado’s gun laws — that’s not true. (And) that the sheri will be able to arrest migrants who haven’t committed a state crime and help enforce federal immigration law. Well, that’s not true, either,” Marshall added.
Beyond legal questions, Marshall is also watching how home rule could reshape the county’s political structure.
Marshall supports expanding the county’s board of commissioners to ve members. But depending on how it’s drafted, the home rule charter could cement the current three-member structure — a move Marshall sees as a way to keep “power concentrated in just a couple people’s hands.”
Former Douglas County Commissioner Lora omas, a Republican, and Marshall, along with Lone Tree resident Julie Gooden, have joined forces in a lawsuit alleging the commissioners violated Colorado’s Open Meetings Law in their e ort to initiate the home-rule process.
e lawsuit is asking a judge to nd that the commissioners violated the law, issue an injunction requiring future compli-
ance, and invalidate the March 25 meeting, which would force the home-rule process to restart.
e topic of home rule has been discussed in Douglas County for years, Teal said on the witness stand last month. It has been a talking point since the COVID-19 pandemic, he claimed, and both he and Van Winkle discussed the topic during their campaigns for seats as commissioners. It has also been mentioned in the county’s 2023 community survey, which showed that a vast majority of voters — 79% — view “more independence from state controls over county administration” as a high- or medium-priority ballot issue.
omas argues that data doesn’t necessarily mean voters understand home rule — or that they’re the ones driving the conversation. E orts in other counties to become home rule were citizen-led, she said. In Weld and Pitkin counties, residents mandated charters after they became frustrated with their local governments.
“(In Weld and Pitkin) the voters got together and they did it,” omas said.
SEE HOME-RULE, P11
VINTAGE
SATURDAY, MAY 24TH
10:00AM - 2:00PM
Take a step back in time and join us for a showcase of
Photo Courtesy of Jay Dixon
At a press conference on March 25, the Douglas County commissioners were joined by several elected o cials from across the county.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
HOME RULE
“
ere has to be something that draws the citizens together to do it. Here, there is no impetus for the people to get behind it.” e home-rule statute mandates three public meetings, each at least 45 days apart. Douglas County’s current plan would align with this requirement, including an administrative meeting right after the charter commission is elected, followed by two more to approve and submit the charter.
But omas still believes that the process is rushed, and calls for more public input before locking in a new government structure.
“I would like to see (in Douglas County) what Weld County did. Seven and a half months, 45 meetings, lots of citizen comment, lots of input,” omas said.
omas also criticized the candidate selection process for the proposed charter commission. She claimed the county GOP coordinated to ensure 21 preferred candidates made the ballot before any opposition could organize. An email sent by the Douglas County Republican Party chair on March 24 included a list of those 21 candidates.
“We are writing a charter that (would) represent everyone in this county,” omas said. “For the commissioners to just pick 21 Republicans — it’s not democratic. e people should be able to choose among Democrats, Republicans and una liated … rough good conversation, you get better results.”
Despite their opposition to the home-rule process thus far, both Marshall and omas are running for seats on the charter commission.
“Someone needs to be in the henhouse watching the foxes,” omas said. “Be in the room, know what’s going on.”
On the campaign trail
Nearly 50 names are on the list of candidates for the charter commission, including former and current Douglas County sheri s, a school district board member, a former state representative, a Highlands Ranch water board member, and others who have run for county commissioner and state representative seats in the past.
Little is known about who is funding the “Yes on Local Control” campaign committee supporting home rule. e only publicly available information on the group is that Katie Kennedy, a principal of Strategic Compliance LLC, is listed as the registered agent. e “Yes on Local Control” committee is required to le a report of contributions and expenditures by June 3, per the Colorado Secretary of State’s TRACER database. Kennedy did not respond to the Douglas County News-Press on a request for comment.
According to its website, Douglas County has about 315,000 registered voters — roughly 50% una liated, 31% Republican and 17% Democrat.
Teal said the charter could include a clause allowing municipalities to opt into countywide policies by resolution or charter amendment. Commissioners will make home-rule presentations to several municipalities — Castle Rock, Parker and Larkspur — leading up to the June special election.
“We’re saying, ‘hey, Castle Rock, what do you want to do with this?’” Teal said. “Adopt it how you see t.”
With the June 24 special election fast approaching, Douglas County stands at a crossroads. e decision to adopt home rule could reshape the county’s political landscape for years to come. As supporters and critics continue to voice their opinions, the outcome of the vote will ultimately determine whether the county chases greater independence or rea rms the status quo.
to the Ben Franklin Academy Class of 2025!
A very special group of students are graduating from BFA this year! We’re very proud of this imaginative, supportive and enthusiastic group of students. We’re going to miss their caring nature, their spunkiness and the way they’ve contributed their many talents to enriching the BFA community. During their time at BFA, they explored new interests, began life-long friendships, and grew into responsible, independent and intelligent young adults.
Graduates - We know your positivity and determination will inspire others and help you excel as you transition into high school. We wish you the very best!
Douglas County Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle talks about bringing a home rule charter to the residents of the county during a press conference on March 25.
Douglas County Commissioner Abe Laydon speaks at a press conference on March 25 about the county’s proposed home rule charter.
PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
We are living in a time of incredible pressure, and tragically, it’s our children who are carrying the heaviest burden. Anxiety and depression among children and teens have skyrocketed, with every credible study pointing to culprits like social media, internet access, and mounting academic, athletic, and social expectations. It’s overwhelming — and that’s putting it lightly.
It’s easy to point ngers at TikTok, Instagram, and the endless pursuit of “perfection.” And sure, those factors are real. But if we’re serious about loving and leading our families, we must ask the harder question: Are we doing enough at home to ease their worries, doubts, and fears?
VOICES
Communicating through the storm
WINNING
it, over-communication.
For most of us, the honest answer is not yet.
e Critical Role of Communication. Communication isn’t a “nice-to-have” in this battle for our children’s hearts and minds, it’s everything. And not just when problems show up. Proactive, frequent communication. Maybe even, dare I say
Our kids navigate a digital battle eld every day.
e loudest voices tell them they aren’t good enough. If we don’t ll their emotional tanks with hope, encouragement, love, and acceptance, someone else will, and it will be with poison, not life-giving truth.
I’ll never forget an incredible moment I witnessed with Zig Ziglar, one of the greatest motivational speakers ever.
At a packed seminar, a man stepped to the mic, thanking Zig for shaping his own life but sharing that his son was struggling. Zig’s response was pure wisdom: He told the man to sit on his son’s bed, look him in the eyes, and say:
“Son, I am so glad God entrusted me with your life. You are a blessing to me. I am proud of you. And I love you.”
Zig encouraged him to say it every
Seniors to get campus tour
The Seniors’ Council of Douglas County (SCDC) June meeting will be held at the Douglas County School District (DCSC) Legacy Campus on ursday, June 5. Our visit from 10 to 11:30 a.m. will include information about what our teens are learning and the ways older adults can become involved with and bene t from the school district. ere will be a tour and refreshments. Seniors’ Council meetings are free and open to older adults, service providers, and the public.
Superintendent Erin Kane will explain what happens at the school district and the DCSD Gold Card that is free and o ers special benets to older adults. We will meet at the DCSD Legacy Campus, Room 243, 10035 S. Peoria St., Lone Tree.
“At DCSD, every student can nd a post-high school path that ts their unique passions — whether college, career, military, or another option. We are grateful to our college and business partners for helping students gain real-world experience and save on tuition. At the Legacy Campus, we cultivate a Career and Technical Education environment where post-secondary and industry partnerships provide relevant learning opportunities for high school students and the Douglas County community in order to ensure a competitive advantage and workforce readiness.”
— Erin Kane, DCSD superintendent
e Seniors’ Council of Douglas County monthly meetings are on the rst ursday of every month at various locations in Douglas County. Meetings include announcements of interest to older adults and those who support older adults, a presentation on a topic relevant to older adults, and community conversation. A new
morning and night, not once, not when convenient, but every day.
As cameras panned the audience, thousands wiped away tears. Sitting beside me was Zig’s son, Tom Ziglar, a grown man and CEO, with tears streaming down his face. When I asked if Zig had done that for him, Tom smiled through the tears and said, “Yes. And he still does, even now.” ink about that: A father who never stopped telling his grown son how proud he was. Every single day.
Fighting for eir Hearts. If we want to lead and love our children in today’s chaotic world, we must show up with our words, not just advice or correction, but daily, intentional a rmation. ey need to hear it when they get straight A’s.
ey need to hear it when they fail a test. ey need to hear it when they make us proud, and especially when they break our hearts.
Because mistakes don’t de ne them, grace does. Growth does. And our unwavering love does.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Our communication must be a ood of love, encouragement, and constant reminders that they are more than enough that no failure can separate them from our love, and no outside voice can ever be louder than the voice of their family. e pressures and dangers are real. But so is our power to counteract them. If we don’t communicate, the world will. If we communicate relentlessly, intentionally, and lovingly, we can raise a generation that walks through the storm without losing their way.
Let’s speak up, every day, every chance we get. eir future depends on it. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@ gmail.com. And when we intentionally communicate through the storm, 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
Jean Spahr Plans
childcare volunteer training program will be highlighted at the July meeting. In other news … Plans are underway for a full-day educational event, Vintage and Vibrant 2025, on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Senior Center in Highlands Ranch. is special event will feature engaging speakers and interactive breakout sessions plus door prizes, breakfast, and lunch. Registration will begin in August.
e SCDC recognizes June happenings including:
— Alzheimer’s & Brain Health Awareness Month plus Men’s Health Month.
— Flag Day is June 14 — a great day to display Old Glory.
— Summer solstice — more daylight than any other day; the days grow shorter after the solstice on June 20.
— Father’s Day — on June 15 we remember fathers, uncles, and grandfathers as well as coaches, teachers, and those who serve as mentors.
— e abundance of owers and plants, including native and drought resistant. Have you considered joining a garden club? ere are several in Douglas County — do a Google search or stop by a Douglas County Library branch for assistance.
e SCDC is supported by Douglas County Community Services. For information and updates call 303-660-7460. e SCDC motto is Living Well/Aging Well.
is guest column was written by Jean Spahr, publicity chair of the Seniors’ Council of Douglas County.
Questions for DCSD candidates e end of the school year brings DCSD one step closer to the November Board of Education election. As a parent of three DCSD graduates, a long-time volunteer in neighborhood schools, and an una liated voter, I’m tired of Board of Education directors pursuing divisive national political agendas instead of focusing on hiring and retaining the best educators and supporting their work to optimize learning outcomes for all of our kids.
When candidates for the four open director seats in 2025 are announced, these are questions voters should expect them to answer, based on local issues in DCSD:
CCM reported on 3/7/25 that DCSD remains the lowest paying district in the metro area. How will you work to make DCSD an employer of choice that can e ectively attract and retain high quality educators in the face of a growing teacher shortage?
How will you work to repair the culture and reputation of DCSD in the wake of the sustained attacks on DCSD’s equity policy endorsed by Directors Williams, Winegar, Myers, and Moore and the pending federal civil rights lawsuit against DCSD? How will you ensure welcoming and accessible schools for students and families, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and di erences in physical, emotional, and learning abilities?
Will you put your duty as a director above your personal politics and keep culture wars out of our non-partisan school board? Actions speak louder than words.
On 2/13/24, Denver Post reported that Director Moore, while a deputy, violated the Douglas County Sheri O ce’s policy against political endorsements.
CCM reported in April that Board President Williams signed a letter urging CHSAA to exclude transgender students from athletic competition in alignment with divisive antiLGBTQIA+ rhetoric.
Similarly, Director Myers also highlighted her partisan beliefs in her close a liation with the controversial advocacy group G4K (reported by CCM in April).
I hope to see all candidates for the DCSD BOE directly address questions like these and commit to doing better. Douglas County deserves directors who will bring our community together, support our educators and truly prioritize our students.
Kim Turnage, Highlands Ranch
DCSD must do better
To the Douglas County School Board: As a 25-year resident of this district and parent to two transgender people, I address you with both deep investment in our schools and rsthand knowledge of their shortcomings regarding transgender students. is district has repeatedly articulated commitments to supporting high standards in education, inclusion, and anti-bullying policies. Yet the consistent implementation of these values remains selective at best.
What empirical data informs your positions on the transgender student policies which a ect a small number of students? Where is the evidence-based approach that should be foundational to educational decision-making?
e discrepancy in advocacy is striking. When the dyslexia screener bill was under consideration — a measure directly a ecting 20 percent of DCSD student welfare — there was no comparable public letter or organized response from this board. is board majority didn’t even advise their costly lobbyist to support a dyslexia screener. is selective concern raises legitimate questions about priorities, leadership and consistency.
If elected, what speci c actions will you take to ensure adherence to Colorado Open Meeting Laws? Directors Williams, Winegar, and Myers violated the Colorado Open Meetings law in the rst few months of their term, costing the district more than $250,000 as reported by CCM on 9/27/23.
Transphobia in our schools is not theoretical. It manifests in concrete ways: inconsistent enforcement of anti-bullying measures, bureaucratic resistance to a rming students’ identities, and the move by two of you to systemically exclude them from full participation in school activities. Each of these instances fundamentally undermines our district’s direct obligation to educate every student equitably.
I formally request:
1. Transparency regarding what data informs your positions on transgender student support
2. An evidence-based assessment of transgender students’ experiences within our schools
A publication of
750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110
Phone: 303-566-4100
Web: ElbertCountyNews.net
To subscribe call 303-566-4100 or Scan this QR Code
BROOKE WARNER
Executive Director brooke@ntln.org
LINDA SHAPLEY
Director of Editorial & Audience lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
CHRISTY STEADMAN
South Metro Editor csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
SCOTT GILBERT Editor sgilbert@coloradocommunitymedia.com
For advertiser or vendor questions, please email our business department at accounting@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
Columnists & Guest Commentaries
Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.
We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.
Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Deadline Tues. for the following week’s paper.
ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100)
A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110.
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO and additional mailing o ces.
POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Elbert County News, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110
YOUTH
skills such as stamina, focus and self-discipline. It has also become a valuable family activity that we all enjoy,” she said.
to me is such a valuable experience because it gives kids all over the country to build a community for the next generation of shooters and to grow the sport as a whole,” he went on.
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.
At the Junior Olympics this year, Reese Metzler placed an impressive second in Men’s Sport Pistol and has years of experience to back up his skill. “I like to pinpoint my start in shooting sports to when I joined 4-H in 2013,” he said. “I worked my way up to winning county fairs and eventually state fairs. I went to 4-H Nationals in 2022 for .22 pistol and after that I was invited to join the National Training Center Shooting Club at the Olympic Training Center.”
Metzler has continued to work his way up and now represents the United States in pistol on the Junior USA Shooting Team at championships in other countries. “Junior Olympics
“You get to make friends with others all over the country who will be right beside you when representing the United States in competitions around the world. I aspire to represent the United States in the 2028 LA Olympics, but there is a lot more work to be done before that.”
ough medals are only awarded for the top three places, the group placed fairly well. Reese placed 7th and Bryce placed 79th in Men’s Air Pistol; and Cora Lave and Torrence placed 24th and 186th, respectively, in Women’s Air Ri e. In Women’s Air Pistol, Torrence placed 29th, Tairney placed 33rd and Leah Lave placed 81st. Cora Lave also placed 61st in Women’s Smallbore Ri e.
Shooting sports have experienced a signicant rise in popularity over the last decade, according to PBS NewsHour, becoming one of
the most popular high school sports. Supporters of shooting sports say they promote rearm safety, are easy and accessible to all ages and they foster a close-knit community.
USA Shooting organizes the Ri e and Pistol National Junior Olympics in partnership with the Civilian Marksmanship Program. roughout the United States, there are approximately 655 competitors, representing 49 states.
Final event results from the Junior Olympics are available at usashooting.org/get-involved/ events. Photos of winners were also posted on USA Shooting’s Facebook page at facebook. com/usashooting.
NTC’s Junior Program is aimed at ages 9 to 20 years old and provides training in the international (Olympic) style shooting sports. NTC’s focus is training kids who have a longterm commitment to competitive shooting.
For more information on the NTC Shooting Club, visit ntcshootingclub.com/ri e--pistol. html.
Elizabeth resident Cora Lave competed in the Women’s Air Rifle competition as part of USA Shooting’s 2025 Junior National Olympics. Lave placed 24th overall in this category. COURTESY OF SARAH LAVE
A handful of pins from USA Shooting’s 2025 Junior Olympic National Championship. COURTESY OF SARAH LAVE
Reese Metzler competed in the Air Pistol at the 2025 Junior National Olympics through USA Shooting. Metzler placed 7th overall in the Men’s Air Pistol category.
COURTESY OF REESE METZLER
From left, Bryce and Reese Metzler of Elbert County both qualified to compete in Alabama at the 2025 Rifle and Pistol Junior Olympic National Championship.
COURTESY OF REESE METZLER
Elizabeth resident Leah Lave competed in Air Pistol at the 2025 Rifle and Pistol Junior Olympic National Championship. COURTESY OF SARAH LAVE
from NREL
as part of Trump cuts
President ridicules green energy e orts amid proposed $20B cut to Energy
BY MICHAEL BOOTH
THE COLORADO SUN
e National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden red 114 of its thousands of staers and contractors May 5, as part of the Trump administration’s e orts to sharply trim research spending across nearly all elds supported by federal agencies in the past.
e laboratory sta laid o includes employees and subcontractors in both research and operations, NREL said in a statement. “We appreciate their meaningful contributions to the laboratory. NREL’s mission continues to be critical to achieve an a ordable and secure energy future,” the statement said.
But the layo s could just be the start of slashes to the 3,675 employees NREL most recently listed on its website, if President Trump’s scal 2026 budget proposal survives at all intact through Congress.
e White House is pitching $19.3 billion in cuts to the Department of Energy’s allotted 2025 spending, according to the website utilitydive.com.
e White House budget request goes out of its way to ridicule renewable energy research and subsidies promoted heavily by the Biden and Obama administrations: “ e Budget cancels over $15 billion in Green New Scam funds committed to build unreliable renewable energy, removing carbon dioxide from the air, and other costly technologies burdensome to ratepayers and consumers,” the budget proposal says.
“NREL continues to navigate a complex nancial and operational landscape shaped by the issuance of stop work or-
ders from federal agencies, new federal directives, and budgetary shifts. As a result, NREL has experienced workforce impacts a ecting 114 employees across the laboratory, including sta from both research and operations, who were involuntarily separated today,” NREL’s statement said.
e Golden lab runs premier international research facilities and experiments in improving wind turbines and solar photovoltaic cells for power generation, in addition to dozens of other programs in biofuels, e ciency, hydrogen and fuel cells, transportation, and more. e lab frequently partners with universities and private business on innovative projects, such as the Colorado “SunTrain” proposal late in 2024.
NREL was to help Colorado government, Xcel and entrepreneurs apply for a $10 million grant to run trains with massive batteries charged up by solar and wind farms on the Eastern Plains. e trains could then roll into metro Denver or any other area in need of large-scale energy storage and output.
Some fans of the lab’s work had been encouraged it would maintain a top role in government research through involvement in Trump-favored concepts.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright came to the Golden lab in early April to promote a Trump administration plan for a private data center and power plant on land owned by NREL. e administration plans such facilities at 16 national laboratories.
“Private data center companies, that’s where the capital is, that’s where the investment is and on federal land, we make a commercial arrangement with them,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright said.
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Business filings tell story of uncertainty
Colorado added 48,600 new businesses in Q1, but lost about 17,000
BY TAMARA CHUANG THE COLORADO SUN
A high number of new business lings in Colorado in the rst quarter this year helped put the state back on a normal growth rate post pandemic, according to the latest data shared by the Secretary of State’s O ce on May 5.
More than 48,600 businesses started up during the quarter, up 19% from the December quarter. at was the highest quarterly number since second quarter 2023, when the state o ered a ling fee discount to reinvigorate small business post COVID.
But the gain was probably more about seasonality than anything else, said Brian Lewandowski, executive director of University of Colorado’s Business Research Division at the Leeds School of Business, which works with the Secretary of State to
produce the quarterly report.
“It’s a seasonal pattern,” Lewandowski said. “In fact, when I look back over time from 2005 and onward, it’s even a little bit lower than the average increase (of) 23% or 24%. e point is, this is the usual increase.”
Richard Wobbekind, a senior economist at Leeds who works with Lewandowski, called the uptick “encouraging, especially in light of the current uncertain economic environment.”
On the other hand, the number of companies that led to dissolve their business also increased, to 16,929, just barely up 0.7% from a year ago. But the number of companies in good standing continued to grow, up 1.1% from a year ago to 973,615 at the end of March.
Whether folks are starting a new business because of a lost job or the uncertainty they feel about the economy, other economic indicators seem to have Colorado holding steady with no large increases or declines.
Job growth continues, though the 2,300 jobs gained in March from a year ago was a
ROAD TRIP
Bemis Public Library
6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, CO 80120
Nestled in a sleepy grove across from the Littleton Historical Museum, Bemis Public Library is one of the few independent libraries in the metro area, meaning it is not part of any library system.
Instead, the library was built by the City of LIttleton in 1965 and is the namesake for former Littleton Independent Publisher Edwin A. Bemis.
Now, the library — which is walking distance from Downtown Littleton — sports a large kid’s section that sometimes hosts storytimes, as well as a teen area that is separated from the rest of the library.
Bemis Public LIbrary is also home to resources for
groups the library welcomes through its doors. e library also eliminated overdue fees in 2023 as an e ort to become more equitable to patrons.
Koelbel Library, Arapahoe Libraries
5955 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80121
Arapahoe Libraries comprises eight community libraries, a jail library and a bookmobile, all of which provide valuable resources to their patrons.
Oliver Sanidas, the executive director of Arapahoe Libraries, said that Koelbel Library in particular offers unique programming thanks to its cafe, meeting spaces, 39-seat theater, outdoor space and public art installations.
“We want to provide a place and services that help meet not only the information needs of our patrons, but also the social needs,” Sanidas said. “ e library provides a place for people to connect with others who
share their interests and passions. We do this through events and programs, and by providing spaces for patrons to meet, work and enjoy fun activities.”
Sanidas said that meetings rooms are used for birthday parties, business owners use the library’s cafe to meet with clients, tutors can meet with students and adults participate in book clubs and open mic nights at the library’s facilities.
“We want our library to be a community hub,” Sanie library’s cafe serves bites and sips from local vendors, and o ers a rotating series of drink speciale. e Koelbel Library Cafe is currently featuring a Purple Rain Latte, a Crimson and Clover Latte and a Strawberry Fields Lemonade.
Anythink Wright Farms, Anythink Libraries
5877 E. 120th Ave., ornton, CO 80602
Anythink Libraries branches o er all of the usual trappings of a library with a fun added twist: TryIts, a program wherein a patron can check out a kite, tarot deck, toy, musical instrument, games and more. e program is o ered throughout the Anythink system.
e library system’s agship branch, located at Wright Farms, features a digital lab featuring video, audio and design software that allows teens to work on their digital editing skills and push their creativity. e agship branch also contains a one-acre park adjacent to the li-
Castle Rock Public Library, Douglas County Libraries
100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80104
e new Phillip and Jerry Miller Library in Castle Rock was built in 2023 and was constructed with an emphasis on creating space for working adults, families and Douglas County history.
“ e Castle Rock location features two outdoor Aloha Plazas East and West, an interactive children’s play space called e Ranch, sponsored by Castle Rock Rotary Club, and DCL’s Archives & Local History, its collections and the Sjostrom History Lounge reading room,” said Melissa Anciaux, the sta writer for Douglas County Libraries.
e branch replaced the old Phillip S. Miller Library that stood at the same location.
Douglas County Libraries also partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which o ers books to children up to 5 years old that the youngsters are able to keep.
RIGHT : The Koelbel Library in Arapahoe County.
LEFT: The Castle Rock Library in Douglas County was built in 2023. BELOW: The Columbine Library is part of the Je erson County Library system. COURTESY PHOTOS
Thu 5/22
church �re
@ 6pm Creepatorium, 1974 S Acoma St, Denver
Shift w/ Joy Orbison
@ 7:30pm
Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver
Fri 5/23
Volunteer with Justice Necessary –Help Pack 1,000,000 Period
Products for Colorado Students!
@ 8am
May 23rd - May 24th
7007 S Clinton St, 7007 South Clinton Street, Greenwood Village. period palooza@justicenecessary.org, 720344-6489
The Delores Project 25 Years of Building Belonging
@ 5pm / $125
Castle Rock Band Free Memorial Weekend Concert May 24 @ 1pm
Festival Park, 300 2nd Street, Castle Rock. ericastull@gmail.com, 303-8092959
CHITO RANA$ - EL CACHO @ 7pm
The Roxy Theater, 2549 Welton St, Denver
Rick Lewis Project Featuring Vince Converse - Gaylord Street Fair 2025 @ 7pm
Reivers Bar & Grill, 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver
Sun 5/25
Jeffrey Dallet @ 2pm
Balfour at Littleton, 8160 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton
Sparkle @ 6pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Kaya
@ 6pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
The Bouncing Souls @ 6pm Ogden Theatre, 935 East Colfax, Den‐ver
Tue 5/27
Tony Medina Music: The Open Mic Hosted by Tony Medina @ 5:30pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton
Michael Sanzone @ 6pm
Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St,, Denver
The Black Keys: No Rain, No Flowers @ 7pm Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
Mile High Station, 2027 West Colfax Avenue, Denver. lucas@thedelorespro ject.org, 303-534-5411
King Rat
@ 6:30pm
Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
Red Stinger
@ 6:30pm Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver
Ninety Percent 90s
@ 8pm
Scruffy Murphy's, 2030 Larimer St, Denver
DeadPhish Orchestra
@ 8pm
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Den‐
ver
Sat 5/24
Lies or Lullabies (featuring the music of Bryan Adams and John Mellencamp):
Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centennial
Vince Converse and Big BrotherGaylord Street Fair 2025 @ 1pm
Mini bear @ 6pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Bobcat, White Rose Motor Oil @ Your Mom's House, Denver CO @ 7pm
Your Mom's House, 608 E 13th Ave., Denver
Mon 5/26
Wed 5/28
Keith Hicks @ 3:30pm
Sonesta Denver Downtown, 1450 Glenarm Pl, Denver
Thu 5/29
GRIZZLY GOPHER AT TAKODA TAVERN/PARKER @ 11am
Neil Z @ Carillon at Belleview Station @ 3pm Carillon at Belleview Station, 4855 Niagara St, Denver
Reiver's Bar and Grill, 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver
Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A, Parker
Mishka: Guest with Leftover Salmon / Kitchen Dwellers @ 3:30pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
ODD MOB @ 5pm
16th & Welton, 601-649 16th Street Mall, Denver
H2O
@ 6pm Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Tony Medina Music: The Blues Jam at The Alley hosted by Tony Medina @ 5pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton
Eric Golden @ 6pm
Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centennial
CHARTER SCHOOL
tions,” read the update.
“We have been feverishly working with the district to nd a suitable backup school location for ICA,” the update went on. “All existing school facilities and properties were reviewed as well as other potential properties in our community.
e timing of the leaking roof disclosure left us with very little time to nd a suitable alternative. Without a current viable school location, we feel we cannot move forward in opening the charter school this August.”
In a letter to the school board also dated April 25, ICA requested to meet with district representatives to discuss ve speci c topics: Frontier Center roof repairs, using classrooms at Singing Hills Elementary, partnership on a future development site, potential use of classrooms or modulars at Elizabeth Middle School, and potential use of modulars near Running Creek Elementary.
In regards to using space at Singing Hills, the letter reads, “We respectfully request that the District consider putting in writing that, should ICA secure at least 80 students from Singing Hills Elementary committed to enroll in Fall 2026, ICA would be granted access to four classrooms within the interior of the building if Singing Hills is chosen by ICA to be a suitable temporary location site.”
ICA is considering several options, including using “one of ESD’s 5 acre parcels” to potentially place modulars on or using space at Elizabeth Middle School.
e letter said “given the projected drop in middle school enrollment in 2026” there was potential availability of open classrooms and modular space at EMS.
e deadline for ICA to meet certain conditions was originally April 15 and included providing evidence of a suitable facility, securing CCSP (Colorado Charter School Program) funds, and providing evidence of enrollment for nancial viability.
Before postponing the opening date completely, on April 14 ICA requested an extension to meet these conditions until May 31. “As part of your approval of ICA, you set three conditions in the resolution,” reads the email. “While we are fully committed to meeting each of these conditions, we respectfully request an extension of the deadlines associated with the following requirements to allow adequate time to address these conditions.”
At that time, ICA rmly believed Elizabeth Middle School was the best option for both the Elizabeth School District and ICA. “With the student capacity of 624 and current enrollment at 386, plus a projected slight decline in enrollment this fall and the following year, we hope you agree that there is extra classroom space in the building and that space can be partially reallocated for ICA to open this fall,” read the email.
CCSP funds are still in the mix but ICA says the grant was not “included in the original nancial projections previously submitted to the district” and demonstrates the school’s ability to move forward without them. e grant remains an important part of their long-termnancial planning.
Numbers up in air
As for enrollment, the number of students necessary to make ICA scally viable depends on which building they end up operating out of. “If ICA can use the Elizabeth Middle School location, it affords ICA the opportunity to signi cantly
reduce costs because building renovations will be minimal as compared to the funds that were allocated to renovating the Frontier Center building,” their request for extension read. “As a result of the potentially lower costs, the number of students needed to make the school nancially viable will change.”
ICA has also acknowledged recent changes in their board membership may have negatively in uenced some families’ decision-making. “... we are actively
re-engaging with these families to ensure con dence in the school’s leadership and stability,” they wrote. For more information about the Independence Classical Academy, visit independenceclassical.org.
e latest Elizabeth School Board meetings and agendas are available at elizabethschooldistrict.org/domain/124. e latest meeting is also available on the District’s YouTube Channel at youtube. com/watch?v=FMCyzz4WUTI.
Watering Restrictions
Alternating watering days based on address:
Homes ending in an EVEN number = Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Homes ending in an ODD number = Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
Multi-family, HOAs, Commercial Properties = Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
No watering on Fridays
Watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. is prohibited.
Slow the Flow & Turf Replacement
PWSD customers can schedule an appointment to receive a free sprinkler system audit and learn about discounts for removing turf from your lawn! Visit ResourceCentral.org for information.
Singing Hills Elementary, at 41012 Madrid Drive in Elbert County, is one option Independence Classical Academy is exploring to help house their school until a separate facility can be built. ICA had planned to begin classes this fall in the Frontier Center but has postponed their opening until 2026.
PHOTOS BY NICKY QUINBY
Modular buildings behind the Elizabeth Middle School main building. Unused classrooms inside EMS and the external modular buildings are some of the options for Independence Classical Academy to use in the future.
FUNDING
Even with these adjustments, school funding will increase statewide next year, although some districts with shrinking enrollment will see no additional money beyond a “hold harmless” guarantee — a provision that ensures districts receive at least as much funding as the previous year, even if their enrollment declines.
A new revenue stream
As part of a late-session amendment to the School Finance Act, lawmakers also created the Kids Matter Fund, a dedicated account that will receive a small percentage of state income tax revenue beginning in the 2026-27 scal year.
While it won’t immediately change funding levels, the fund is expected to support total program costs through 2030, then shift toward base and categorical funding. at long-term infusion could eventually help districts with highcost student needs, though its exact impact remains to be seen.
Sen. Chris Kolker, who represents Arapahoe and Je erson counties, said the idea came from a shared concern that lawmakers could one day reverse course and divert money away from K-12 education. By designating 0.065% of state income tax into a trust beginning in the 2026-27 scal year, the amendment ensures a baseline of protected funding for public schools.
“Let’s put a priority that we’re funding education,” Kolker said. “Granted, it may not be up to the adequacy amounts by those studies, but it’s a start, based on the formula.”
How it will roll out
When the legislature passed a new
school nance formula in the spring of 2024, it promised that no district would lose funding immediately. at promise held for the 2024-25 school year:
• Every district was guaranteed at least as much total program funding as the previous year.
• A “hold harmless” provision ensured that even districts with enrollment declines received at least the same amount of funding they got for 2023-24.
However, the shift toward the new funding formula o cially begins in the 2025-26 school year. is year, districts’ funding will be calculated based on the greater of the two numbers:
• What the district received in 2024-25 (the hold harmless oor), or
• A phased-in amount that moves 15% closer to what the new, weighted formula would provide.
By 2027-28, the transition will accelerate, and by 2031-32, Colorado plans to fully fund schools using the new formula.
How several major metro districts are a ected
A look at ve of Colorado’s largest districts shows how uneven the impact will be over time, according to the scal note attached to House Bill 25-1320 and data from the Colorado Department of Education:
• Adams 12 Five Star Schools: Relatively at. For the 2024-25 school year, Adams 12 received a slight funding increase over the 2023-24 school year. However, by 2025-26, the district is projected to face a slight decrease of approximately 1.6%. Ongoing enrollment declines and fewer qualifying high-needs students are under the new weighted formula, contributing to this dip.
• Adams County School District 14: Small drop. Adams 14 saw at funding for 2024-25 compared to the previous
year. For 2025-26, projections show a minimal decrease of about 0.6%. Despite long-term enrollment loss, the district’s high concentration of at-risk and multilingual learners helps stabilize funding levels.
• Cherry Creek Schools: Solid increases. Cherry Creek Schools received a solid funding increase in 2024-25 and is projected to receive an even larger one in 2025-26, with a projected gain of 7.8%. Stable enrollment and a growing population of at-risk and multilingual learners align well with the new funding priorities, placing Cherry Creek in a strong nancial position. While its enrollment has remained stable, Cherry Creek’s at-risk and multilingual student populations have grown. at demographic shift aligns with the new weighted funding priorities, resulting in a projected 7.8% increase in funding from 2024-25 to 2025-26.
• Douglas County School District: Relatively at. Douglas County saw a modest increase in 2024-25 and is projected for a at to slight increase of about 0.8% in 2025-26. While enrollment is declining, strong local property wealth and demographic balancing help the district maintain relative stability under the phased-in new formula.
• Je erson County Public Schools: Steep losses. Je co Public Schools is protected from immediate funding cuts in 2024-25, thanks to the hold harmless provision. For the 2025-26 school year, the district is guaranteed to receive at least as much funding as it did in the 2024-25 school year.
However, long-term challenges are building. Without the hold-harmless protections, scal note projections show Je co would face a 14.9% drop in total program funding under the state’s new weighted formula. Several factors are driving this risk:
Several factors are converging:
• Enrollment loss: Je co’s student population continues to shrink, reducing its funding needs under both formulas.
• Property value surge: Rising home values increase local tax collections, reducing the amount of state funding Je co quali es for.
• New formula weighting: e new funding model places greater emphasis on at-risk and multilingual learners, areas where Je co’s demographics o er fewer additional dollars compared to other metro districts.
What the shift means for metro districts e 2025-26 school year marks the beginning of Colorado’s shift toward a new vision of school funding, one that prioritizes student needs more heavily but also leaves some communities facing complex adjustments.
While families may not notice dramatic changes immediately, the foundation for bigger nancial shifts is being laid now. Districts like Je co and Adams 12 will need to plan carefully to navigate tighter budgets, while Cherry Creek and others may nd new opportunities to invest in expanded programs and services. e hold harmless protection provides a temporary cushion, but districts like Je co face growing nancial challenges as the transition accelerates. By the end of the decade, Colorado’s school nance landscape will look very di erent from what it does today.
Charter schools will also see a share of the phased-in formula funding.
Another late-session amendment requires that charter and institute charter schools receive a per-pupil amount tied to their authorizing district’s incremental increase in 2025-26, ensuring they bene t proportionally as Colorado begins implementing the new formula.
1. MOVIES: What is the name of Han Solo’s ship in the “Star Wars” series?
2. TELEVISION: What is Ray Barone’s job on the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond”?
3. U.S. STATES: e Baltimore Ravens’ name is a nod to which past famous resident?
4. PSYCHOLOGY: What fear is represented in the condition called “alliumphobia”?
5. LITERATURE: Who created the ctional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?
6. GAMES: Which chess piece can’t move in a straight line?
7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby mouse called?
8. SCIENCE: What does the acronym RNA stand for?
9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was the rst to wear contact lenses?
TrIVIa
10. ASTRONOMY: Which constellation contains Polaris, the North Star?
Answers
1. Millennium Falcon.
2. Sportswriter.
3. Edgar Allen Poe, who wrote the poem “ e Raven.”
4. Fear of garlic.
5. Dorothy L. Sayers.
6. Knight.
7. A pinky or pup.
8. Ribonucleic Acid.
9. Lyndon Johnson.
10. Ursa Minor ( e Little Dipper).
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
Careers
Help Wanted
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
2 Day per week Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and Child Find Coordinator, for East Central BOCES for the 2025-2026 school year
• Duties include: Complete assessment & provide direct and indirect services with preschool children in rural school settings
• Requires a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Special Education
Can be hired with a Bachelor’s Degree in a Related Field if willing to enter into a Master’s degree program in Early Childhood Special Education upon hire
• Salary Range BA-$18,428-$20,948, dependent on experience
• Mileage reimbursement
• Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home.
• May be eligible for loan forgiveness!
• Financial support may be available through grants if required to enroll in a Master’s degree program
To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE
Part-Time Seasonal Public Works Crew Member
The Town of Kiowa is accepting applications for a part-time Seasonal Public Works Crew Member. Duties include maintaining parks, sidewalks, Town properties, and general Town beautification. This position will be required to assist with town events such as setting up/breaking down tents and trash removal. The applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have a High School Diploma or GED, and have a Valid Driver's License. Please see the attached supporting documents for the full job description and application. Applications are available online at the Town’s website at https://townofkiowa.colorado.gov/e mployment-volunteer or in person at Town Hall, located at 404 Comanche Street, Kiowa. Please submit an application by mail to Kim Boyd, Town Administrator, Town of Kiowa, PO Box 237, Kiowa, CO 80117; by email to kboyd@townofkiowa.com. open until filled.
MARKETPLACE
Classifieds
Misc. Notices
WIDOWED MEN AND WOMEN OF AMERICA.
A social club offering many exciting activities and life long friendships. Social hours for all areas of Metro Denver. Visit Widowedamerica.org for details In your area!
Garage and Estate Sales
Garage Sales
Save the Date! Gigantic Garage Sale in the Pradera Golf
Community Subdivision Friday & Saturday, May 16th and 17th 8am-4pm
Numerous homeowners in the Pradera community will be participating in this event Major cross streets into Pradera are Bayou Gulch and Parker Road, Parker 80134 Call Dotson Skaggs, Kentwood Real Estate 303-909-9350 for more information.
Community Garage Sale! Hidden River II off Hilltop South of Tallman in Parker May 16th and 17th Oepns at 8:30am. Household items, clothes, vintage tools, large rug, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and so much more! Bargains Galore!
or
Miscellaneous
Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
Extreme Internet $39 month! Insanely fast fiber speed! Available nationwide! No contracts! No credit check! Everyone approved! Get insane fiber speeds for $39/ month. 866-905-2272
SunSetter. America’s number one awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis. Up to 10-year limited warranty. Call now and SAVE $350 today! 1-855-914-1148
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM
DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-878-9091 Have zip code of property ready when calling!
MobileHelp America’s premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you’re home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! Call 1-888-489-3936
Home break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don’t wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/ day! 1-844-591-7951
Bath & shower updates in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1-877-5439189
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535
Miscellaneous
Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866
Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris -blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833610-1936
!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-4338277
Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-9554930
Don’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-3993595
Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-833887-0117. Have zip code of service location ready when you call!
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving all installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/25. 1-844-5013208
Become a published author We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877-7294998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ ads
DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/ Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866859-0405
Doodle Puppies Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles Home-Raised Heath Tested and Guaranteed Standard and Mini Size available Schedule a visit today! (970)215-6860 www.puppylovedoodles.com Wanted
Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
Pets Dogs
NEW BUSINESS
mere 0.1% growth. Colorado’s unemployment rate of 4.8% in March was higher than the nation’s 4.2% in April. The state still has a high level of adults who work, ranking sixth-highest nationwide for its labor force participation rate, at 67.8%.
Lewandowski said that he feels the job growth numbers are underrepresented based on how the Bureau of Labor Statistics is analyzing the data.
According to his division’s forecasts, they’re projecting meager job growth for the next two quarters in Colorado.
“Some of our models even have a loss of jobs. But that’s not our baseline forecast,” he said. “There are scenarios where, if we enter into a recession, we actually could see some job loss. But I’m not quite there yet. I think we could see some really thin job growth later this year.”
This story was printed through a news sharing agreement with The Colorado Sun, a journalistowned nonprofit based in Denver that covers the state.
Anxiety steers economic indicators, report says
BY SARAH MULHOLLAND CPR NEWS
Colorado economic signals are mixed as businesses try to make sense of President Donald Trump’s flip-flops on tariffs.
The number of people filing to start a business was up in the first quarter compared to the end of last year, according to a joint report from the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business and the Secretary of State’s Office.
At the same time, the state’s executives are feeling deeply anxious about how the new administration’s trade policies are going to impact their bottom lines, the report found.
“The indicators in this report do not show any immediate or significant economic disruption to Colo -
rado … but it does show business leaders in Colorado are nervous about these disruptions,” Secretary of State Jena Griswold said during a webinar about the report.
Colorado’s economy started slowing before Trump was sworn in for his second term. As of April, the state added 2,300 jobs during the prior 12 months, which equates to a growth rate of 0.1 percent. That compares to the U.S. rate of 1.2 percent.
Colorado now ranks 44th for job growth among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
“We were hard-charging for a long time. Now, some of the other states are catching up and are continuing to have that growth that we had,” said Richard Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director at
CU’s Leeds School of Business.
The state’s per capita personal income and labor force participation still rank high, he said.
“We are a prosperous state, and we are growing, we’re just growing at a slower rate,” Wobbekind said.
Colorado’s professional business services, which includes the tech sector, took a big hit in the past year. That sector has 8,400 fewer jobs than a year ago.
“That had been a disappointment in terms of job performance in 2024. And so far it’s continuing into 2025,” Wobbekind said.
This story is from CPR News, a nonprofit public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.
Valley Metropolitan District
NOTICE is hereby given that Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1 of Elbert County,
Consulting Group, Inc., 550 West Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, and file or register any objections at any time prior to the final adoption of the budgets. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: ELORA METROPOLITAN DISTRICT By: /s/ Andrew Kunkel, District Administrator
Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 on behalf of Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1, on or before the date and time hereinabove shown for final payment. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release Spring
