Good food, with emphasis on good
Further Up Farms is family operation o ering healthy products, Community Supported Agriculture shares
BY NICKY QUINBY
“ is soil, these seeds, and the fruits they now bear — are all a result of the creative work that God has done in us over all these years: a work that he invites us to actively participate in.”
— Grace E. Kelley’s Substack It’s not hard to get to Further Up Farms, a family-owned and operated farm south of Elizabeth. Despite the easy access, Further Up seems sheltered and secluded, nestled to itself among the rolling hills of Allan and Joy
Morton’s 32-acre property. e quote, “Come further up! Come further in!” from C.S. Lewis’ “ e Last Battle” was the inspiration for the name.
e rst thing visible coming up the driveway is a barn housing an indoor aquaponic garden, a merge of aquaculture ( sh farming) and hydroponics (growing plants in a water medium). e outdoor seasonal garden, hoop house and strawberry patch don’t come into view until after a short hike down a winding path. Right now, they farm one acre but are planning on
adding ve more acres this year. Running Creek, which ooded in 2023 after continual heavy rain, twists through the land.
e Mortons moved to Elbert County from Franktown in the fall of 2020. Allan grew up on a farm in North Carolina but moved away long ago. Two of their children, Grace E. Kelley and Noah Morton, live nearby and help run Further Up Farms with their families. Grace and her husband, Willy, moved to the Elizabeth area with the idea of starting a “market garden farm” on her parents’ property.
Douglas County commissioners violated law, suit claims
Complaint says Teal, Van Winkle, Laydon routinely met behind closed doors
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITY
Highlands Ranch state Rep. Bob Marshall, former Douglas County Commissioner Lora omas and Lone Tree resident Julie Gooden have come together as “concerned citizens of Douglas County” to le a lawsuit against the Douglas County commissioners following a series of alleged non-public meetings that violated Colorado Open Meetings Law.
“I have always worked for good government,” said omas, who served as a commissioner for eight years. “I’ve always believed that government is supposed to add value to lives, value to our community, and I just don’t see that anymore.”
ey make a good team, with everyone utilizing their own unique skill set and contributing in complementary ways. eir passion for farming has probably always been in their blood. “... the love of the dirt, the love of good food, and the desire to share both those things with others has always been central to our lives both together and apart. But for the longest time, we had no idea where those desires would lead,” wrote Grace on the Further Up Farms website.
Although omas and Marshall have disagreed about political issues in the past, they agree that public policy is basic business and should not be conducted in secret. e lawsuit claims that the Douglas County commissioners have, since mid-December 2024, engaged in “routine practice of convening all three of its members” to discuss public matters, such as home rule, behind closed doors and notice of such gatherings was not provided to the public . e lawsuit further claims that, behind closed doors, the county commissioners discussed and decided to adopt two resolutions concerning a home rule charter and its commission. ese resolutions were then “rubber stamped” during a 10-minute meeting that was not recorded.
A written statement provided by the Board of Douglas County Commissioners states that the legal action taken against the board is an attempt at keeping voters from voting. It reads, in part: “Commissioners are con dent that the people of
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Inside Further Up Farms’ hoop house, neat rows of arugula, kale, spinach, beets and carrots thrive. Tomatoes and peppers will be coming soon. PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
Panel clears bill that targets careless driving
Amendment disappoints some families of victims
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITY
In an e ort to hold negligent drivers accountable, more than 25 advocates and families of crash victims from across the state testi ed mid-April at the Colorado state Capitol in support of Senate Bill 25281 to increase the penalty for careless driving resulting in death.
“Somehow society has normalized that vulnerable road user deaths are accidents,” said Teri Vogel, a Parker resident. “ e majority of these deaths are in fact preventable … so the penalties that de ne and make the distinctions to support the di erences in crimes is imperative.”
However, an amendment made to the bill and passed on April 21 by the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee — which considers matters regarding civil and criminal proceedings, civil liberties, courts, judges, the state constitution and statutes, the state’s correctional system and prison facilities, homeland security and juvenile justice — disappointed the families of victims.
“It loses the spirit of what it’s supposed to be,” said Josh Stewart, whose son was killed in 2023 in Littleton.
“It’s not representative of what we were trying to accomplish,” Vogel added. e proposed bill was brought forth by Sen. John Carson, a Republican from Highlands Ranch, and Sen. Marc Snyder, a Democrat from Manitou Springs.
“If we increase public perception and awareness, it will have a deterrent e ect,” said Carson. “If people know they can face the penalty, go to jail for careless driving resulting in death of another person, then they may very well be more careful on the roads.”
e current penalty for a person who commits careless driving and causes the death of another is a Class 1 misdemeanor tra c o ense with 12 license suspension points.
An amendment to the bill adds a new eight-point deduction for careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury.
“ e number of people that get held accountable for the behavior is miniscule, perhaps even non-existent,” said Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard. “It is a choice to drive carelessly and this state should hold people accountable for making that choice.”
e original proposed bill would have brought the penalty up to a Class 6 felony, following the precedent set by the Move Over for Cody Act, also known as Title 424-705.
Title 42-4-705 states that drivers must move over one lane or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles, a tow vehicle or a public utility service vehicle. If the driver fails to avoid and show due care and their actions cause the death of another, the driver commits a Class 6 felony.
However, the amendment changes the o ense back to a Class 1 misdemeanor, unless the driver’s history meets one of two categories within the last ve years, then it can be elevated to a Class 6 felony.
One category is if the person has a prior conviction of vehicular homicide, criminally negligent homicide in which the act included driving a motor vehicle, vehicular assault, or careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death.
e second category includes if the person is driving without a current and valid
driver’s license, a minor’s driver’s license or instruction permit, driving without a complying insurance policy or self insurance, a prior DUI conviction, DWAI, aggravated driving with a revoked license, or driving with a license under restraint.
“ ere should be zero ways to kill somebody and it be a misdemeanor,” Stewart said. is amendment also led to Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Democrat who represents Colorado’s Eighth Senate District, to have a pit in his stomach, he said.
“Somebody else has to die and then somebody else might die after that before this gets treated as a felony,” said Roberts. “ at to me is, kind of a very, I think, strange thing to put into statute given the tragedy that it involves.”
e Judiciary Committee passed the bill in a 6-to-1 vote, and it will now be passed onto the House Appropriations Committee, which conducts hearings concerning the nancial impact of the bill.
“We’re not going to give up on it,” said Vogel. “We’re going to keep doing what we can to get the victims’ and the citizens’ voices out there.”
What is Senate Bill 25-281
ere are two other parts to the proposed Senate Bill 25-281. One is to address the language in the current statute that allows for only one sentence for a driver. If the driver causes the death of one or more people, each person killed would be a separate o ense.
e third part focuses on strengthening the requirement for chemical testing — for alcohol or substances — of drivers following any fatal or serious injury crash.
For Michael White, the father of 17-yearold Magnus who was killed on July 29, 2023, in Boulder, mandatory chemical testing is objective, removes bias and is impartial.
While on one of his last cycling training sessions before representing the United States in the World Mountain Bike Championships, Magnus was struck by a woman who had stayed up the night prior consuming alcohol and drugs.
“Without it (mandatory chemical testing), we are choosing ignorance over accountability and that cost is paid in human lives,” White said.
But Carson has also recognized that true accidents do happen.
He said there are some situations in which the victim may be involved. In that case, the district attorney should not use the charge of careless driving resulting in death; instead, the charge of careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury
may be more appropriate.
Potential concerns with the bill
While the bill looks to bring more accountability, there were concerns about the express consent for chemical testing, and over-penalizing drivers when there are charges such as reckless driving and vehicular homicide.
James Karback from the Colorado State Public Defender’s O ce said evidence tools have advanced to allow o cers and prosecutors to make more robust decisions and classify the level of crime correctly.
However, Packard added that there isn’t
From left, Jill White, Victoria Cegielski, Teri Vogel and Josh Stewart stand side-by-side in a press room at the Colorado Capitol, holding onto photos of their loved ones that have been killed as they listen to Sens. John Carson and Marc Snyder speak about proposed Senate Bill 25-281.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Colorado State Patrol Chief Col. Matthew Packard, Arvada Deputy Police Chief Todd Reeves representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, and Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly testify on April 16 in support of Senate Bill 25-281, which aims to increase the penalty for careless driving resulting in death.
DRIVING BILL
always an action from the driver that ts the statutory de nition.
Representatives from the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar brought up the importance of mens rea in the court system. Mens rea is the intention or knowledge of wronging that constitutes part of a crime. e potential class six felony would be severe for drivers who had no intention of taking a life and were not under any in uences, said Karback and Rhidian Orr from the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.
“If it becomes a felony, that person who’s driving loses a lot of ability to pay back — nancially, job-wise, whatever it may be — the victims of the family,” Orr said.
‘Born out of tragedy’ ose who were seemingly strangers to one another stood side-by-side testifying for Senate Bill 25-281, unitedbecause of a common tragedy: the death of a loved one.
“For those who keep saying that accidents happen, I can assure you, your opinion will change very quickly once you see your child or your loved one in a casket,” said Victoria Cegielski, whose son died in March of 2024.
With the statewide movement to encourage people to use alternate forms of transportation, like bicycling, more frequently, Snyder said there are more vulnerable road users today than before.
“Colorado begs for people to live an outdoor life,” said 23rd Judicial District Attorney George Brauchler. “Your life is at the hands of someone who may not even have their hands on the wheel.”
Between 2014 and 2024, pedestrian fatalities increased by 73%, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation’s fatal crash data. Within that decade, 1,131 bicyclists and pedestrians lost their lives on Colorado roads.
In 2023, 156 bicyclists and pedestrians lost their lives, which increased to 683 vulnerable road user deaths in 2024, including lives lost in construction zones. White, Vogel, Cegielski and Stewart’s
loved ones are part of those statistics.
On July 4, 2019, Chuck Vogel went on an early morning bike ride. Instead of coming home, Teri Vogel, was awoken by a call from AdventHealth Parker. He died the next day.
“ is might sound really strange, but Chuck was excited about turning 65,” said Vogel. “It was the anticipation of becoming a grandfather that put him over the moon. Chuck did not get to experience
any of that. A vibrant and beautiful life was taken by (a) driver’s poor choices.”
On their way to school, two 13-year-old boys were struck and killed by a vehicle, ve months apart. On Oct. 17, 2023, Liam Stewart was on his bike, following all the rules of the road when he was struck at an intersection in Littleton, Stewart said. en on March 6, 2024, Alex Mackiewicz was almost across a crosswalk in Highlands Ranch when a driver ran a red light and struck Mackiewicz.
“Clearly, we have an issue that’s getting worse in our state and we need to address it,” said Carson. “ is legislation is born out of tragedy.”
Next steps
Preferring the bill how it was originally proposed, Roberts said the bill needs to be more tailored with a focused approach to give justice to the people who testi ed. Other committee members also had reservations despite passing the bill.
Sen. Matt Ball, a Democrat representing Denver, added that he is not convinced the amended bill solves the core of the problem.
“What we heard was that we have a statutory scheme that theoretically gives district attorneys sort of a ladder of di erent charges to bring based on the facts,” said Ball. “We heard a lot of powerful anecdotal evidence that the accidents that are occurring are not being charged in the way many of us think they should.”
Although the bill that passed wasn’t exactly what the families had hoped for, Josh Stewart hopes that the discussion of careless driving can change the minds of others in the justice system.
“Maybe district attorneys will wake up and start realizing criminal negligence as a proper charge for these cases,” Josh Stewart said.
Part I: Affordable Housing? Think Small (Maybe an Accessory Dwelling Unit?)
This column is the first installment of a monthly series about one of the hottest topics in real estate: Accessory Dwelling Units. ADUs have gotten a lot of attention recently as a housing option. My thanks to John Phillips of Verdant Living for helping on the research for it. ADUs (accessory or additional dwelling units) are a wonderful idea. They utilize an existing piece of residential real estate and create a separate living space. They have been around for a long time. In the TV series Happy Days, Fonsie lived in one, on top of a garage. And often they have been a converted basement (still worth considering). They can be a separate building, usually in the backyard. Until recently, zoning regulations made that difficult to do. Throughout the United States, as a part of the need for more housing, zoning codes are being changed to allow ADUs. In Colorado, a law was passed last year allowing ADUs in all major metropolitan areas. That was the subject of my “Real Estate Today” column on February 13, 2025, which is archived online at www. JimSmithColumns.com
have been done by relatively well off homeowners and have been relatively expensive. They really don’t qualify as affordable.
When Colorado’s General Assembly passed the law, the legislature was concerned that ADUs would be possible for homeowners of moderate means and add to the affordable or “attainable” housing. Up until now, most of the few detached ADUs that have been built in Colorado
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So, can accessory dwelling units play a role in affordable housing? Absolutely, for a very understandable reason. They are smaller. The smaller living space is less expensive to build. Is it for everyone? Of course not, but the well designed living spaces are comfortable and mimic the way most of us live, which is in just a few rooms anyway.
Rita and I now live in a 3-bedroom apartment, having sold our 4,000-squarefoot home in Golden. Back then, we really only used the eat-in kitchen, the living room, the primary bedroom/bathroom, and the office. The basement was filled with stuff we didn’t use, except for a ping pong table we used a couple times a year and a portable sauna that we used a half dozen times. The formal dining room was made into a game room, but we hardly used that. The second bedroom was only occasionally used by a guest.
Now, in our 1,200-square-foot apartment, our life hasn’t changed much. We eat next to our kitchen, which is part of the living room. One bedroom is my office, and we have a guest bedroom that we’ve only used twice, but it’s nice to have. True, we have no room for a piece of exercise equipment that I’d like to buy, but there is a fitness center on the main
floor which has more equipment than I need. The apartment has all we need for daily life sort of like an ADU.
ADUs are perfect for intergenerational housing (AARP loves them), for young adults as starter homes, and for childless couples, like Rita and me.
ADUs are part of a larger movement emphasizing smaller, high quality living spaces. There are entire developments of smaller homes on smaller lots, some of them the size of an ADU.
Affordability Characteristics
¨ Cost. Because of their small size, ADUs offer a more affordable option compared to traditional homes, making homeownership accessible to a broader segment of the population, including young adults and seniors.
¨ Housing stock. By integrating ADUs into the housing market, communities increase the overall housing supply, especially when they are located in areas dealing with an affordable housing shortage.
¨ Operational expense. Because of their smaller footprint, ADUs require less heating and cooling, as well as less long-term maintenance.
¨ Versatility. ADUs can serve various housing needs, including for family members or as rental properties, providing the homeowner with an additional income source.
¨ Land cost. This is a big one. When the ADU is a backyard bungalow, it utiliz-
Opportunty Alert! Kol Peterson, a recognized authority on ADUs, is holding an ADU Academy in Denver on June 13. Early registration ends May 9. Visit https://www.aduspecialist.org/ aduacademy
es land that is already owned. For a standalone mini home, the size of the real estate is much smaller.
¨ Water & Sewer. When the ADU is just that accessory to an existing single family home it can share the same water and sewer tap, saving a 5figure cost associated with building a new standalone home. .
Another positive is that an ADU adds long-term value to an existing singlefamily home, increasing the wealth of the homeowner.
If you want to find out more about ADUs, you should check out the buyer’s guide on the Verdant Living website, which lists many other companies and resources: www.VerdantLiving.us Or call or text John Phillips on his cell: 303-717-1962.
Next month: Why aren’t more ADUs being built in Colorado?
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.
Josh Stewart, the father of Liam Stewart, a 13-year-old killed on his way to school in Littleton in 2023, testifies at the Colorado Capitol among other advocates and families of crash victims.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
State sees 4th measles case of 2025
Denver adult identified with disease in April
BY JOHN DALEY CPR NEWS
Denver has a second case of measles. It’s the fourth recorded in the state this year and a number not seen in Colorado since at least 2014. It comes as the number of measles cases in the U.S. is rising sharply.
e new case is in an adult — a household contact of the rst Denver case identi ed earlier this month.
e health departments of the city and the state say there’s no risk of exposure to the general public because the person has been in public health quarantine during their infectious period.
Measles can be severe but is preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97 percent e ective in preventing measles, according to a press release Wednesday from the Denver Department of Public Health & Environment. “ e MMR vaccine is safe and highly e ective, providing long-lasting protection,” the release said.
is latest case comes as numbers in Colorado climb, mirroring a national spike.
e latest case is now the fourth conrmed in Colorado in just the last three weeks. Four cases are double the most for the state recorded in a single year; two cases were reported in 2016, according to the state health department’s website.
In no other year in the last decade has the state recorded more than 2 cases. For
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six of those years, there were zero cases. Colorado recorded its rst case of 2025 in an adult in Pueblo County on March 31. A second case was con rmed in Denver in an infant about a week later. Both were unvaccinated.
e third case was in Archuleta County, in south-central Colorado, in an adult with an unknown vaccination history.
In the fourth case, the Denver health department could not verify proof of vaccination for the person; their blood results showed they did not have immunity to measles, a spokesperson said, via email.
As of April 17, 2025, a total of 800 conrmed measles cases were reported by more than two dozen states, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. e list includes Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington.
ree people have died from measles this year. Two were in Texas, which has recorded 624 cases as of April 18. e third, which is still under investigation, was in New Mexico.
What to know about Colorado’s confirmed measles cases
Nearly all the cases in the U.S. this year, 96%, were unvaccinated. Also, a third of the cases recorded were in those under 5 years, with another third being in people ages 5-19.
In about one in 10 U.S. cases recorded this year, the person has been hospitalized, according to the CDC.
People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms seven to 21 days, the incubation period, after exposure, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a distinctive rash. It usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. People with measles can spread the illness four days before the rash starts until four days after.
According to the CDC, if a person with the measles enters a room with 10 people who are not immune to the disease, nine will become infected.
Health o cials urge people to call their doctor immediately if they think they or their child has been exposed to the measles.
is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.
Measles is highly contagious. It can live for up to 2 hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves an area, according to the CDC. It spreads through contact with an infected person and via air droplets. Only humans spread measles, according to the agency.
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.
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People often associate measles with its telltale red rash, but the disease can be much more aggressive than that — attacking the brain and the respiratory system.
Rotary aids nonprofit Crutches 4 Africa
Gently used mobility devices being collected through May 15
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITY
e Castle Rock Rotary Club was looking for a service project that the entire community could get involved with when it discovered the nonpro t, Crutches 4 Africa, a Denver-based nonpro t that collects and distributes mobility devices across the globe.
e organization has expanded across the United States to collect devices such as crutches, canes, walkers, ankle boots and wheelchairs that are shipped to people in need throughout Africa and in other countries.
“ e need is signi cant,” said Ed Brewer, a member of the Castle Rock Rotary Club.
Having previously worked with Crutches 4 Africa and seeing the impact the organization makes, Brewer was reminded of how lucky many people in the United States are to have medical treatment.
“You need a knee replacement or a hip replacement, you’re going to eventually heal and not need your crutches anymore,” said Brewer. “Over there, they’re not getting knee replacements, they’re going to get a pair of crutches and probably be using them for the rest of their life.”
rough May 15, people can donate their used mobility devices — except those with a motor or battery — in one of the 55-gallon barrels that are spread
across Castle Rock, including in front of the Castle Rock Police Department, 105 West Brewing Company, and in select churches and schools.
“Most organizations here — clubs and service groups — don’t have connections and the ability to distribute these crutches in various countries in Africa, where (Crutches 4 Africa) does,” said Brewer. “Having these crutches drives saves them a lot of work because then they pack them up, ship them and distribute them.”
How it all started
e organization was started by Denver resident David Talbot after he visited Uganda in 2005. While working with a nonpro t assisting widows and orphans, he looked around and saw a woman whose leg was twisted up behind her back.
“I saw so many people that were struggling and having so much di culty with mobility,” Talbot said.
He added that people were using anything to help them move. He saw people being carried, the elderly using an old stool or chair instead of a walker, people using pieces of plywood as crutches or holding onto a pole with their hands and wrapping their a ected leg around the pole.
While some people might look at a pair of crutches and see them as a limitation, others around the world might see them as a chance to experience freedom, Talbot said.
“Mobility is freedom,” said Talbot. “Without mobility, you’re a prisoner and
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The Castle Rock Rotary Club has set up 55-gallon barrels across Castle Rock to collect mobility devices such as crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs, which will be donated to the nonprofit Crutches 4 Africa.
CRUTCHES
you have to depend on other people.”
Struggling with mobility is something Talbot has faced himself.
In the spring of 1955, Talbot was just a toddler when he had fallen ill. He was brought to a doctor who believed it was the flu. However, a few days later, his body had become stiff so he was taken to Children’s Hospital Colorado where he was diagnosed with polio, a highly infectious disease that can lead to paralysis.
His diagnosis came three weeks after the vaccine was proven to be successful in preventing the disease.
Whether it was a wheelchair, leg braces, crutches, “ugly shoes” — as Talbot called them — or a mobility scooter, Talbot has
often relied on different mobility devices throughout his life.
Although he was well enough to play sports and travel during periods of his life, at the age of 72, he has recently developed post-polio syndrome, which is a recurrence of the symptoms, not the disease itself.
Talbot believes so many people in the United States take mobility for granted.
“You turn on the faucet, you have water; you flip on the light switch, you have electricity. We just take it for granted,” said Talbot. “It’s the same thing with mobility.”
Nearly 20 years of making an impact
From Nigeria to Kenya to Tanzania, Crutches 4 Africa has distributed over 220,000 mobility devices to 17 countries in Africa and other countries outside of that continent, such as Albania.
“The harshness of knowing that there’s always one more person in line that didn’t get anything,” said Talbot. “That’s a big part of my motivation and that’s been present ever since we got started.”
With 235 pairs of crutches, Talbot began distributing mobility devices in 2006.
Over the past two decades, Talbot became inspired by Rotary International’s work to help eradicate polio, and at an annual international convention, he partnered with clubs from across the United States and developing countries to help collect and distribute mobility devices.
Once the organization gets enough mobility devices to fill a 40-foot shipping container, which is about 3,000 pieces of equipment, the containers are shipped. Crutches 4 Africa has shared containers in order to get devices to people in need.
With the cost of the shipping containers
to be approximately $10,000, Talbot said each mobility device essentially costs $3 to ship overseas, which is roughly the same amount it costs to buy a candy bar.
“Three dollars a piece,” said Talbot. “That’s outrageously inexpensive to help somebody get off the ground.”
The Castle Rock Rotary Club has also designated $4,000 to help with the cost of shipping.
When working with people with disabilities, Talbot said the mobility devices are also about giving them self-reliance, respect and something to hope for.
“I figure every other house has got some kind of mobility equipment that they’re not using — it’s stacked and it all ends up in the landfill if we don’t get after it,” said Talbot. “(We need) to utilize what we take for granted.”
Learn more about the organization’s impact at crutches4africa.org.
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FURTHER UP
Further Up Farms is committed to being pesticide- and herbicide-free and they even try to abstain from using neem oil, a natural insecticide, on plants in an e ort to protect the honeybees that live on their property. ey focus on improving and enriching the soil, which results in avorful, nutrient-dense produce that tastes delicious straight out of the ground.
“An apple is not just an apple, broccoli is not just broccoli. It’s not all the same,” Grace explained. “What’s in the food is what’s in the soil; nutrient-dense food comes from nutrient-dense soil.”
One of Further Up’s most popular products are rainbow carrots, among other things. “We sell a lot of tomatoes in the summer, lots of summer squash and cucumbers too,” said Grace. “Obviously the lettuce is a staple, as well as the microgreens. We have a lot of everything really,
except potatoes and corn.”
Further Up Farms provides several opportunities and avenues for the community to enjoy their vegetables. ey o er Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares, which Further Up calls “a coste ective and easy way to get a weekly supply of veggies from a local, sustainable grower.” For details on CSA sessions, cost, and what’s included, visit furtherupfarms.com/products/2025-csa.
As an option to o set the cost of a share, Further Up has a Working Share Program, which requires working a set number of hours at the farm in exchange for 50% o a share. “So many of our workshare members have become like family to us, even in just one season,” Grace said. e program application is available at tinyurl. com/2jex95um.
Further Up Farms o ers wholesale opportunities and currently supplies greens for Sammie D’s Fine Smoked Meats in Elizabeth. “We supply them with their lettuce for their salads and microgreens that they use on various dishes. ey put our
spicy microgreens on their potato salad, which is super yummy,” Grace said. “My dad just walked in there with samples one day, I think after they moved from a food truck to a brick-and-mortar model, and they loved it and love sourcing local, so they’ve been a regular customer ever since.”
e farm has also been able to start giving back to the community around them by donating to local food banks. “Right now it’s just lettuce, but I’m sure we’ll be donating a wide variety of produce this season,” Grace shared.
Further Up Farms sells in-person at the Black Forest Backyard Market and plans on visiting local communities in their new mobile farm stand. eir priority is to offer pop-up markets in places with limited proximity to local grocery produce.
e tentative summer schedule is as follows:
• Mondays 4-6 at Further Up Farms, 3623 Judge Adams Road
• Wednesdays 3-6 in Elizabeth (location TBD)
• Fridays 3-6 in Elbert/Kiowa (location TBD)
• Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Black Forest Backyard Market, 6845 Shoup Road
Customers can also order for pickup by visiting furtherupfarms.com/collections/ local-pickup.
Further Up Farms accepts SNAP/EBT and, because they were involved in the pilot for the Colorado Produce Bonus program, they are able to reimburse customers immediately, up to $20 per week or $60 per month. is is a “dollar-for-dollar match” automatically added onto an EBT card to use at any SNAP location. For updates and schedule changes, visit the Further Up Farms Facebook page at facebook.com/FurtherUpFarms or their website at furtherupfarms.com.
More information about the Black Forest Backyard Market, at 6845 Shoup Road, is available at thebackyardmarkets.com/ black-forest-market.
To read more about Grace E. Kelley’s love story with dirt and gardening, visit her Substack at tinyurl.com/y7fnkrps.
Further Up Farms, a family-owned and operated farm, is located at 3623 Judge Adams Road in Elbert County. They sell pesticide- and herbicide-free veggies locally at the Black Forest Backyard Market, in-person at the farm and from their mobile farm stand. PHOTO SBY NICKY QUINBY
Further Up Farms raises tilapia fish as part of their aquaponic farm. Luckily, Joy and Allan Morton’s son Noah had taken aquaponics courses years before the farm even opened.
Grace E. Kelley from Further Up Farms points out parsley and red cabbage seedlings in Further Up Farm’s indoor aquaponic garden.
The family behind Further Up Farms: from left, Jocelyn and Noah Morton, Willy and Grace E. Kelley, (Grace is holding one of their children), and Joy and Allan Morton.
Grace E. Kelley, one of the co-owners of Further Up Farms, stands in front of the existing one-acre outdoor garden. Mint, chives, cauliflower, spinach, green beans and radishes are just a few of the veggies and herbs grown there.
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.
LAWSUIT
Douglas County will prevail in this attack on their right to vote on issues of independence and local control.”
Not the first open meetings lawsuit is isn’t the rst time Marshall has led a lawsuit against a Douglas County entity alleging a violation of Colorado’s Open Meetings Law.
March 2022 began the 19-month legal battle between Marshall and the Douglas County School District after it was brought to his attention that four board members were having a series of private conversations about ring the former superintendent Corey Wise.
In that lawsuit, a Douglas County District Court judge ruled in September 2023 that the school board members acted illegally and the district was ordered to pay Marshall more than $103,000 in attorneys’ costs and court fees.
Now, Marshall has been joined by omas and an una liated voter, Gooden, who says she represents una liated residents: e residents who “just ll out their ballots and vote,” said Gooden. “ e ones that expect full transparency that we’re not currently seeing right now.” omas was looking at what was taking place in the Douglas County government when she found a string and pulled, she said. It led her to nd out that the commissioners were meeting behind closed doors in what she claims were called “advanced planning meetings,” and were not recorded or posted to the public.
With a lengthy feud between omas and current Commissioners Abe Laydon and George Teal, omas was asked if this was a way to “settle the score.”
“I don’t even want to talk about trying to settle scores,” said omas. “ is isn’t about that. is is about their … disregard of following Open Meetings Laws.”
What is in the lawsuit?
e lawsuit brought by Marshall, omas and Gooden against the commissioners includes three allegations.
e rst allegation listed on the lawsuit is the defendants’ — the Board of County Commissioners — routine practice of discussing public business among a quorum without providing notice or permitting public attendance. is claim is based on the records Marshall acquired by Douglas County gov-
ernment o cials and shared with the Douglas County News-Press. e records describe nearly a dozen dates in which all three commissioners met without providing notice or permitting the public to observe.
All three commissioners were also invited to speak at a private Parker Conservatives meeting in early April, during which a spokesperson for Douglas County told the News-Press that sta was unaware until a few hours before, which was when the event was posted on the commissioners’ agenda.
e private event invitation, provided to the News-Press from someone who had received it, stated that guests would hear
directly from the commissioners on how home rule would a ect them.
All meetings of a quorum or three or more members of a body during which any public business is discussed must be open to the public, according to the Colorado Department of Local A airs. However, this does not apply to executive sessions or if it is a chance meeting.
As previously reported by the NewsPress, a meeting is part of the policy-making process when it is held to purposefully discuss a rule, regulation, ordinance or formal action.
Furthermore, a meeting is subject to Open Meetings Law if the record supports that the meeting is rationally connected to the policy-making responsibilities of the public body by holding or attending the meeting, as the News-Press previously reported.
e lawsuit also claims that Douglas County did not post a notice of a private event held by a political organization called Freedom Fellowship that advertised current commissioners Teal and Kevin Van Winkle would appear and discuss public business.
e second allegation is that the Board of County Commissioners met behind closed doors on at least three occasions to discuss public business — appearing as “executive sessions” — but did not meet in public to announce the topic of the meetings. e allegation also claims that they did not vote in public to enter into an executive session as required by law.
e third allegation is that the Board of Douglas County Commissioners adopted two resolutions outside of any public meeting and “rubber stamped” those decisions at a convened special meeting, during which there were no minutes taken, allegedly.
From left, former Douglas County Commissioner Lora Thomas, Lone Tree resident Julie Gooden and Highlands Ranch Rep. Bob Marshall stand outside of the Douglas County building on April 22 to announce their lawsuit against the Board of Douglas County Commissioners.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
e lawsuit outlines a sequence of meetings, starting in early March, during which all three commissioners, other elected o cials of the county and County Attorney Je rey Garcia discussed a ninepoint plan for voters to approve adopting a home rule charter, establish a commission and to hold a special election.
According to a Colorado appellate court case, the adoption of a position outside of a public meeting is prohibited.
On March 25, the commissioners publicly announced adopting a resolution to pursue a home rule charter for the county and bring it to voters as a ballot initiative in a June 24 special election.
Page 6 of the lawsuit states that the statements made by the commissioners at the March 25 press conference were identical to the “run of show” “script” that had been prepared by the county’s communications consultant, Roger Hudson, which was drafted before the public special meeting. is documentation was shared with the News-Press.
Despite the subject of home rule, Marshall said this lawsuit is not directed at home rule.
“I’ve told people I’m kind of agnostic on home rule,” Marshall said. “It could be a good thing, it could be a bad thing — but it should be done in the open.”
In the lawsuit, Marshall, omas and Gooden are making three requests. ey are asking the judge to validate that the Open Meetings Law was violated by the board and to issue an injunction telling the board to not continue to violate these laws.
“ ey (the commissioners) could come in and say, ‘oh, sorry, we didn’t know we
were violating them.’ (But) that’s almost impossible because the newspapers were publishing front-page stories that they were violating open meetings laws and yet, they continue to do it,” said Marshall.
“Us going to the court and saying, ‘(the) court of public opinion won’t even get them to follow the law, you’re going to need to issue an injunction to stop them.’” e third request is to declare the be-
hind-closed-doors March 25 meeting to be null and voided.
“People can say, ‘you’re doing this because you’re a Democrat and hate Republicans’ or ‘you’re doing this because you don’t like those commissioners and you’re trying to get back at them.’ (But) the facts speak for themselves,” said Marshall. “You can attack the messengers or you can look at what the message is.”
A woman stands behind Highlands Ranch Rep. Bob Marshall with a “No Little Kings” poster in front of the Douglas County building in Castle Rock.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Bring out the di erence maker in you
“Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” - Michael Jordan
Let that quote sit for a moment. Let it challenge you. Because in today’s fastmoving, tech-saturated world, it’s easy, tempting even, to outsource initiative. Information is on demand. Groceries show up at your doorstep. AI can write your emails. We’re living in a time when tasks once considered necessary are now optional or automated. But here’s the truth: there will never be a substitute for the human spirit set on making a di erence. Yes, technology can help. It can save time, spark ideas, and extend our reach. But the spark, the heart behind real change, comes from you. You, with your God-given gifts, your experiences, your grit, your compassion. You are the one who makes it happen.
feel like we’ve got anything left to give. Life has a way of draining our tanks. Maybe you’re feeling overextended at work, at home, in your community. Maybe you’ve poured into others for years and you’re wondering, “When’s it my turn?” Or maybe, like so many, you’ve drifted into a mindset of convenience. After all, why go the extra mile when you can just
Being a di erence maker isn’t about grand gestures or public recognition. It’s about a consistent willingness to show up. To serve. To give. To lead with a servant’s heart, freely, generously, cheerfully. at’s what separates the people who wish and want from the ones who do.
But let’s be real: sometimes we don’t
Here’s why: because deep down, you want to matter. You want to be the one who makes things happen. And the truth is, you still can. Start by getting proactive. Don’t wait to react to life, lean into it. Take initiative. Set the tone. Be the thermostat, not the thermometer. en add intentionality. Being proactive is good, but without intention, it can become just more busywork. Intentionality means doing the right things, for the right reasons, at the right time. It’s what transforms action into impact. Ask yourself: What di erence did I
A look back at 2024-2025
HEDUCATION CORNER
ere in the Douglas County School District (DCSD), we have some of the most dedicated teachers, principals, and support sta who give their all each and every day to ensure that our students receive the best possible education. Because of their e orts, the 2024-2025 school year was full of celebrations!
Did you know?
• For the second year in a row, DCSD is the top scoring district in the Denver metro area!
• Our graduation rate is 92.2%! e highest it’s been in 15 years.
• DCSD is one of the only districts in the country to have met or exceeded our 2019 (pre-pandemic!) scores in every subject and every grade for two years in a row.
• DCSD o ers 76 Career and Technical Education and Concurrent Enrollment Pathways (including Trades) and is one of the leaders — nationwide — in “blurring the lines” between PK-12, higher education, and industry.
ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
• e Class of 2024 earned more than $131 million in scholarships and saved nearly $20 million in college expenses through DCSD’s concurrent enrollment partnerships and AP programming!
Award-winning academic success
• irty-two of our schools received the 2024 John Irwin Award of Excellence from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).
• Nine of our schools received the 2024 Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award from CDE. e future is bright!
What’s next for DCSD?
DCSD is developing a roadmap for our school district that will prepare students to not only adapt to the pace of our ever-changing world, but to lead the change! More information will be coming your way in the coming months! ank you for an incredible 20242025 school year. We are very grateful for our students, families, teachers, sta and community members. #ProudtoBeDCSD is guest column was written by Erin Kane, the superintendent of the Douglas County School District.
Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note the following rules:
• Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.
• Submit your letter by 5 p.m. on Wednesday in order to have it considered for publication in the following week’s newspaper.
• Letters must be no longer than 400 words.
• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and should not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on websites or social media. Submitted letters become the property of CCM and should not be republished elsewhere.
used to make that I’ve stopped making? Who have I stopped serving, not because I don’t care, but because I got distracted or discouraged? Where can I make something happen today, with no expectation of reward, just the joy of contributing? You don’t need a title, a platform, or permission. What you need is the decision.
e decision to say, “If it’s to be, it’s up to me.” at quote by Denis Waitley isn’t just motivational, it’s directional. It points us toward ownership, toward action, toward meaning.
We can’t let convenience rob us of calling. We can’t let fatigue steal our re. And we certainly can’t expect AI to take our place in the hearts and lives of the people around us. e world doesn’t just need more content, it needs more di erence makers.
So here’s your invitation: Look at your life, your team, your family, your company, your neighborhood, and ask, What’s one thing I can do today to make something happen? Not for applause, but for impact. Not for validation, but because it’s who you are.
Authenticity is the heartbeat of a true di erence maker. When you show up as
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
your authentic, imperfect, fully engaged self, people don’t just see you, they feel you. ey trust you. In a world full of lters, curated images, and polished personas, being genuine cuts through the noise like nothing else. It’s not about having all the answers or being the loudest voice in the room; it’s about being present, consistent, and honest in your intentions. When you lead with empathy and act from a place of sincerity, your impact becomes more than just what you do; it becomes who you are.
Has the di erence maker in you been dormant for a while, maybe even too long? Or are you always looking for an opportunity to help or serve in some way? As always, I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com. And when we adopt the philosophy of “If it’s to be, it’s up to me,” 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.
Frank the Pizza King is treasure I have known the Krascek family since about 1964. Frank sponsored an Old Timers baseball team playing at Denny Miller Field where I worked for the City of Englewood. In 1965 our family moved from Girard and Sherman out to South Englewood near Belleview Park. We did not have a lot of spare cash but a splurge from “Frank the Pizza King” was a special weekend treat. As I grew up, Frank’s became an after-game treat with that special girl. It was and is the most welcoming restaurant where all are treated as family. As my parents grew older they had a standing order from Frank’s on Friday night until their passing in 2015! My folks introduced our two daughters to the wonder of this unique pizza and now my kids brought their spouses and children to Frank’s. We have three generations of Frank’s enthusiasts, none of whom live in Englewood but who visit as often as possible.
Englewood has a treasure in this restaurant. Look around the Denver area and try to nd other restaurants that have survived 64 years. ey did this without a liquor license and in a very simple but homey building in an area that could be sketchy at times. I certainly understand private property rights of new owner and his prerogative to do as he wishes with the property. However, I hope that the city can commemorate this location in some way. I would like to think that the city has economic development money to help them relocate if they wish.
To Walter, Maria and Matt and the rest of the crew our family wishes to thank you for many wonderful memories. I hope you land on your feet in a new location! Gary Poole, Parker
Look at cause of divisiveness
House, not stop constantly spewing vitriol against perceived enemies (wasn’t that a wonderful Easter message on X?), not stop issuing of blatantly unconstitutional executive orders, not stop causing extreme market gyrations by constantly ip- opping on tari s (which were based on the most ignorant of algorithms) and attacking the independence of the Fed, not stop threatening to impeach judges, not stop the indiscriminate rings by the DOGE team, and not stop indiscriminately grabbing brown men, claiming they are all Tren de Aragua, for incarceration in El Salvador? So, who is really to blame? Let’s call spade a spade.
I agree with recent letter writer Linda Mazunik’s statement that divisiveness is the wrong path, but to place the blame on Democrats is disingenuous. Why does that “awful orange man’’ not stop the constant chaos coming from the White
Running the country is not a game show like ` e Apprentice,” Donald Trump’s only successful endeavor, where a ring a ects only that person. Yet, even with a history of failed enterprises and multiple bankruptcies, some continue to admire him as a businessman and give him free rein to drive the economy into recession after promising prosperity. ere is no longer an independent DOJ and the Republican Congress has forsaken its oversight responsibility as an equal partner of government. e only thing left for the Democrats is LLEAC and there are many who voted for him and are su ering the consequences of his actions that no longer believe that it is left-wing dogma. Finally, the Supreme Court, with its emergency ruling on the weekend prohibiting more deportations without due process, may be stepping up to the plate. Will he follow this order?
Ernst Popke, Highlands Ranch
Transparency talk rings hollow e Cabal of Douglas County Commissioners and their entourage have repeatedly shown all the cards … standing tall next to Donald Trump and kowtowing to his MAGAn tribalism and ideology.
Just as soon as e CABAL returned from D.C. and the inauguration (on the taxpayers’ dime, of course), they latched
onto Trump’s tribal patterns and gish-gallop governance tactics as their own.
The local redirection wasn’t a surprise, but it was an unnatural development, nonetheless.
The Cabal’s combination of arrogance and testosterone set the path to the Trumpistanian method — operating away from the light of day, making self-interested decisions, and snuggling up to those invited into the cocoon.
Has the Cabal overstretched its stubby wings? Seems so.
Sidling up to Trump’s dog whistles is turning out to be an ethical and moral dead end, even in a red county, carrying the political equivalent of a boat anchor.
More importantly, when The Cabal blows the official horn of transparency and engagement … it sounds like a solitary toot in the wind.
Lloyd Guthrie, Roxborough Park
Stop trashing others
I am writing this letter in response to the “Disappointed with letter” opinion published in the April 3, 2025 Highlands Ranch Herald. The writer is upset that the newspaper published the “Trump is a disaster” letter to the editor on grounds that it included name calling. Letters to the editor allows readers to express their opinions about various topics. The editor doesn’t choose only letters they agree with, as the writer implied. There are times I don’t agree with what a writer has said, but it is their constitutional right to express their opinion. They are not free to call for violence though. If someone doesn’t like Trump or any politician, that is their right. If someone feels the opposite, that is their right. That is part of living in a democracy rather than a dictator, fascist, communist, or autocratic country.
You don’t think people should call other people names. I agree. If you want to call someone out for calling other names, you should start at the top. Donald Trump calls everyone he disagrees with by a nasty name. Do you think that is OK? I don’t. Let’s all be respectful of others.
Janis Sabel, Highlands Ranch
Say no to home rule
Douglas County is at a crossroads, and the push for home rule presents a serious risk to transparent, balanced, and representative government. While the idea of home rule may sound like a chance for “local control,” the reality is far more troubling — especially given the rushed and opaque process being led by our current commissioners.
Home rule would allow our county to write its own charter — essentially a local constitution — and reshape everything from how elections are run to how taxes are managed. But the issue isn’t just what could change; it’s how it’s being done.
Commissioners George Teal, Kevin Van Winkle, and Abe Laydon are barreling ahead without public input, committing $500,000 in taxpayer dollars to push a plan most residents haven’t even been consulted about. They’re using less than half the legally allotted time — from July to October — to draft an entirely new government system that could fundamentally alter how Douglas County operates for de-
cades. All of this is being done behind closed doors, with a charter commission made up of handpicked allies. Out of 64 counties in Colorado, only two adopted home rule — and that was back in the 1970s. Why the sudden rush now? What’s the emergency?
The proposed charter could concentrate power in the hands of a few, weaken public oversight, and leave room for vague legal language that strips citizens of accountability and recourse. Imagine a future where commissioners appoint themselves or their allies to boards, eliminate independent oversight, and consolidate departments without checks or balances — all while reducing transparency and public input.
This is not hypothetical. We’ve already seen attempts to override normal appointment processes, like with the county library board. Home rule could make such overreach permanent.
Douglas County is already functioning well under our current system. This effort appears more like a political maneuver than a genuine attempt at better governance. A new charter could be written to serve a narrow agenda, not the broad interests of a rapidly growing community.
If home rule passes without a deliberate, transparent, and communityled process, we risk handing over far too much power to too few people — with no easy way to take it back.
Let’s not gamble with our future. Vote no on home rule in the June 24 election.
Constance Ingram, Highlands Ranch
President making life worse
I’m wondering how much time trump spends during the wee hours of the night and morning thinking of ways to make the lives of Americans a bit worse.
Let me count the ways:
The creation of DOGE headed by his wannabe co-president has eliminated thousands of federal jobs. Economic impacts on families are terrible.
His tariff policy has rattled stock markets worldwide. Everyday people have had their 401Ks reduced drastically in value.
trump’s immigration policy is terrible as it is inhumane and deprives human beings of due process. I fully agree deportation of illegally immigrants is necessary, especially known criminals, but only if due process is followed.
Proposed cuts to Medicaid will simply add more misery in the lives of many who are already struggling with housing, food, and medical costs.
Proposed cuts to Head Start will affect families, in which both parents work, adversely as it affects a child’s “head start” in education. It will undoubtedly affect the families’ budget.
Cuts in Americorps will cause the help the agency provides during disasters to be reduced. This agency, among other services, provides aid to military families including often building homes.
USAID budget cuts impact vulnerable populations worldwide as it provides aid and support with disasters, drought, and famine.
These are but a few of trump’s actions detrimental to most of us. Hopefully, Republicans in the House and Senate will grow some backbone and put a stop to his actions. I urge all voters to call your congressional representatives expressing your concern. Lawrence Sena, Castle Rock
OBITUARIES
GAGLIARDI
Robert Lee “Bob” Gagliardi August 15, 1943 - April 6, 2025
Robert L. “Bob” Gagliardi passed away on April 6, 2025, in Lakewood, Colorado.
Born in Trinidad, Colorado, Robert built a life marked by warmth and connection.
Known to many as “Bob,” he had a charismatic presence and a genuine love for engaging with others. His ability to form meaningful relationships left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Milner, who preceded him in death. Their enduring partnership was a source of happiness and strength throughout their lives together.
He is survived by his three children: Robert, Victoria, and David. His legacy continues through them and the many people whose lives he touched with his kindness and spirit. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew
Robert shared 35 years of marriage with Glena
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Lots going on in Kiowas these days
New board named, well project advances, Boebert aims to secure funding
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Town of Kiowa has good news to report, including a new Main Street Board and progress towards funding the Water Well Redundancy Project.
For the rst time ever, the Town of Kiowa has a Main Street Board. Members were formally recognized at the April 8 Board of Trustees meeting at the Kiowa Town Hall. e Main Street Board will be meeting with the Department of Local A airs on May 14 and 15 to create a mission and vision statement and work on branding, bylaws and more.
e new Main Street Board consists of eight community members: Erica Johnson, director of Elbert County Coalition for Outreach (ECCO); Joey Kuhns, local property and business owner; Ashley Larson, owner of the Just Peachy Day Spa; Joe Martel, Elbert County Historical Society president; Kim Miller, manager of the Kiowa branch of the Pines & Plains Library; Deb Nahm, local artist; Andrea Price, local business and property owner; and Jay Vier, Kiowa Lions Club president.
e goals of the new Kiowa Main Street Program will be to “elevate quality of life, preserve small town character and ensure that small businesses and the community prosper.”
After some starts and stops, the Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority is making headway on its Water Well Redundancy Project, thanks in part to Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. On March 20, Boebert visited with Town of Kiowa sta and town trustees.
Town Administrator Kim Boyd said, “It was a productive meeting wherein we discussed some of the struggles Kiowa is experiencing with the overdevelopment in our surrounding areas, shortage of water concerning such, and the projects we have in place now that would greatly bene t from any help in funding that she can provide for us.”
Boebert pledged to write letters supporting road improvement and parks projects, and also agreed to write Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority a congressional letter of support for the Well Redundancy Project, Boyd said.
Boyd further explained that the Town of Kiowa currently relies on a single 66-foot alluvial groundwater well to meet the community’s water needs. “ is infrastructure is insu cient for current demands and poses a signi cant risk in the event of mechanical failure or environmental stress,” she shared. “It limits the town’s ability to grow and sustain essential services, including domestic water supply and re protection.”
CORRECTIONS
A story in April 24 editions on the Mental Health First Aid courses had the incorrect titles of a couple of sources. The correct titles are: Laura Larson, assistant director for community health at the Douglas County Health Department; and Jennifer Morris, a licensed therapist who also serves as a school-based mental health specialist with the AllHealth Network.
Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.
e Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) mandates that municipal water systems maintain at least two wells to ensure redundancy and protect public health. “ e Well Redundancy Project would provide vital infrastructure to meet these requirements, improve resilience, and support future development,” Boyd added.
“ e Kiowa Water & Wastewater Authority has secured a $1,000,000 grant from the Department of Local A airs, yet the project’s total cost is $5,500,000. Without additional funding of $4,500,000, the project will remain out of reach and could result in further nancial strain on Kiowa’s already burdened residents and small businesses.”
Since receiving the DOLA grant, Kiowa has been in a holding pattern while legal issues were resolved. e town considered alterna-
tive options to completing the project, including taking out a loan, which would necessitate raising water rates, or reopening an old capped well.
“ en the congresswoman made an impromptu visit,” Boyd said. “… sometimes when you need it the most your prayers are answered in very unexpected ways.” Unfortunately, the existing DOLA grant is set to expire in October of this year. Kiowa will be asking for an extension until they can secure federal funding for Congress’ 2026 scal year.
Boebert is writing a congressional letter to enable Kiowa to receive Community Project Funding, a type of funding dedicated to local governments and quali ed nonpro ts. Organizations receive one-time federal funding to complete projects focused on major water or other infrastructure.
Boyd said Boebert is only allowed to recommend 15 funding requests a year. For a list
of previous projects Boebert endorsed, visit boebert.house.gov/services/communityproject-funding-requests.
KWWA’s Well Redundancy Project is separate from the Town of Kiowa’s ongoing e orts to improve the sidewalks and drainage along Highway 86. e next community meeting for this project will be on June 19 at 6 p.m. at the Elbert County Fairgrounds. More information is available at facebook.com/ share/1BsPFXtYBE.
For more information on the Kiowa Main Street Board, visit townofkiowa.colorado. gov/kiowa-main-streets.
e Kiowa Board of Trustees meets at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, following the Kiowa Water and Wastewater Authority’s monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Meeting agendas and minutes are available at townofkiowa.colorado.gov/agendas-andminutes.
U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert stands with Kiowa Mayor Terry Howard during the congresswoman’s visit to the town on March 20. COURTESY OF TOWN OF KIOWA
Be a part of Opera Colorado’s chorus
Denver’s biggest company is looking for singers for its 2025-2026 season
BY KYLE HARRIS DENVERITE
Do you sing Puccini in the shower and dream of the stage? Have you ever been to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, watched the chorus and thought: “I could do better?”
Well, now’s your chance.
Opera Colorado is inviting locals to audition for the chorus in their 2025-2026 season shows: “La Traviata” and “Madama Butter y.”
Here’s how to audition:
If you go, expect to perform two memorized songs, with at least one in a foreign language, from the art house or opera repertoires. A pianist will be on site to accompany you.
Auditions take place Wednesday, May 28, and Saturday, May 31, from 6-9 p.m. at the Opera Colorado Opera Center, at 4121 S. Navajo Street, Ste. 100, in Englewood.
You’ll be performing for the Iranian conductor, pianist and Opera Colorado chorus master Sahar Nouri.
Rehearsals will take place on weekday evenings and on weekends. “La Traviata” chorus members must be around from Sept. 11 to Nov. 17, 2025, and “Madama Butter y” chorus members from March 30 to May 11, 2026.
If you’re picked, you’ll receive a small stipend and two tickets to the nal dress
rehearsal, plus discounts on performance tickets.
Singers will also have the chance to try out for smaller roles in both operas.
To request an audition for the chorus, emailauditions@operacolorado.organd include a one-page resume. If you want to try out for larger roles, let the company know. Auditions are rst-come, rstserved.
What if you just want to watch the operas? Face it, not all of us can sing.
• “La Traviata” runs Nov. 1, 4, 7 and 9.
• “Madama Butter y” runs May 2, 5, 7, 8 and 10.
For more information about tickets and season memberships, go toOpera Colorado’s website. is story is from Denverite, a Denver news site. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite. com.
Sara Gartland prepares to go onstage in Opera Colorado’s production of “Die tote Stadt” at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House. Feb. 28, 2023.
PHOTO BY KEVIN J. BEATY / DENVERITE
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Veterinarian student Sarah Hilliard retreated to a far corner of a room lined with kennels for the animal hospital’s patients, sat down and thought about how she was going to end her life. Suicide seemed like the best exit out of a grueling, joyless life that included 70-hour work weeks and treating sick and dying animals in a callous, competitive environment.
“I just sat in the corner, and I cried and cried,” said Hilliard. “I was planning on going home and take a long cool smoothie with all my meds and calling it quits. I often thought about what it would be like to nally just take a long deep sleep and never wake up.”
Hilliard is now co-owner of PetVet 365, a new-style pet clinic in Westminster that emphasizes compassion for both animals and their veterinary caregivers. But in 2010 — when she considered her suicide — she was working on her residency in internal medicine at Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in old-school conditions that emphasized only clinical survival.
“ ere was no time for self-care,” said Hilliard. “ ere was no role model telling me, ‘Hey, you are not doing so well. Why don’t you take a day o ,’” she said. “You were pretty much on your own. No one talked about having any doubts about what they were doing. No one wanted to admit any kind of weakness.”’
A colleague found Hilliard and she was admitted to a psychiatric ward for seven days. She balked at going back to her residency and reconsidered her relationship with the veterinary profession, stepping away from practicing medicine for several years.
“I just felt the veterinary world just chewed me up and spit me out,” the 44-year-old Hilliard said. “I had to deal with the giant elephant in the world … what to do next.”
She underwent cognitive behavioral therapy to get to the root of her anxieties. She eventually helped open PetVet 365, which practices a “fear free” approach to treating its patients. She also speaks up about the prevalence of veterinarian suicides in the United States.
“It’s a problem that has not really been looked at or dealt with up until just the last few years,” Hilliard said. “It is time for people to realize that we deal with a lot of stu . It’s not just all bunny rabbits and owers.”
A study by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2019, found that veterinarians in the United States are three-to- ve times more likely to die by suicide than the general population. ere was a similar conclusion reached in a2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.
About 80% of all veterinarians su er from clinical depression at some point and about 50% report feeling unhappy in their careers, according to Psychology Today.
“ ese statistics paint a bleak picture that calls for a profound examination of the underlying factors fueling this troubling trend,” states Psychology Today.
e publication points to several factors that weigh heavily on the mental health of veterinarians, including performing euthanasia on patients, wrestling with large school debt and burnout.
“ e fear of making a mistake or failing to provide optimal care can foster feelings of inadequacy and perfectionism, which can be detrimental to their mental health,” the article states.
Veterinarians can also be the target of cyberbullying. A client can deliver poor online ratings on Yelp and Google or leave derogatory messages which leads to anxiety, depression and stress among
vets and veterinary technicians, states Psychology Today.
“Veterinarians may feel overwhelmed by the constant negativity,” the publication states.
Colorado State University o cials say they are responding to the new needs of veterinary students — including their mental health — through the university’s Veterinary Health and Education Complex, or VHEC, which includes a new Primary Care Center.
e facility includes a teaching hospital for routine and urgent care; a new Livestock Veterinary Hospital, fully equipped with medical, surgical and ambulatory facilities built to meet current and future demands for large animal care; and reimagined classrooms with interactive workstations, according to CSU. e complex — slated to be nished in fall 2026 — is coupled with a signi cant curriculum update. e new educational roadmap maintains the rigor of a robust science-based doctoral program while emphasizing ideas such as resilience, professionalism and wellbeing, according to CSU.
Dr. Matthew Johnston, professor of avian, exotic and zoological medicine and co-chair of the college’s curriculum renewal committee, told CSU Magazine last April that changes needed to be made to head o the mental and emotional toll exerted on veterinarian students and practitioners.
Veterinarian Sarah Hilliard holds Vienna, a rag doll cat at her practice. PHOTO BY MONTE WHALEY
Veterinarian Sarah Hilliard talks to her patient, Westly, an Australian shepherd.
VET HEALTH
“We started seeing declining attendance at lecture-based courses. We’ve seen upticks in students leaving the program not for academic reasons, but for mental health reasons,” Johnston told the magazine. “I personally have colleagues who have died by suicide.” Johnston, who has taught for more than 20 years, told the magazine that CSU’s revamped program can have a signi cant impact by changing the way it teaches veterinary medicine. Fewer static lectures. More hands-on learning and group work. Dedicated breaks throughout the semester for re ection and restoration.
“We’re not just going to give you information about mental health and wellness, we’re changing the whole system,” Johnston told CSU Magazine. “CSU is radically ipping the script more than any vet school has done.”
Melinda Frye, associate dean for veterinary academic and student a airs at CSU, said the school will include an embedded counselor to aid troubled students. Financial counselors will also be available, as well as someone to talk about a student’s “vocational wellbeing.” Students can also take time o for religious holidays, Frye said.
“We want to encourage students to understand the human dimensions of our profession,” Frye said.
Students still are faced with a curriculum that demands they gain expertise on a variety of animal species from kittens to dogs and horses, she said. And it’s all done in four years.
“I do understand this contributes to a lot of our students feeling a bit overwhelmed,” Frye said. “ at’s a lot to take in in a short period of time.”
Hilliard grew up in Ohio and was always interested in animals and science. She wedded the two by attending Ohio State’s veterinary school from 2004 to 2008 to become a general practitioner.
She got into CSU’s internal medicine residency program and began dealing with feelings of inadequacy and “imposter syndrome,” she said.
“I kept thinking to myself, ‘How did I get here? What am I doing here?” she said.
Hilliard got help in counseling and began taking prescription drugs for panic and anxiety.
“ e medicine did multiple things to help my physical feelings, but I didn’t understand what the underlying problem was,” she said.
She returned to Ohio State for her residency in small animal internal medicine. Hilliard admits she was not ready for the emotional toll the program would take on her.
“Everything just intensi ed, the patients were very sick, and you are supposed to know the answers,” she said. “But I did know that you were not supposed to ask for help.”
Her breakdown and departure from Ohio State led her down several paths that included going back into a general practice with a friend. She also worked for a pharmaceutical company for a few years.
“Still, I knew something just wasn’t right,” Hilliard said.
at led her to cognitive therapy and
to a group of friends starting a new kind of veterinary practice.
“ ey wanted a nice place to work and for people to bring their pets to,” Hilliard said.
e group created PetVet 365, a Fear Free practice. e waiting room is eliminated, and every patient and pet “guardian” is given their own private dog or cat suite, complete with a TV, couch, rug, toys, species-speci c pheromones and treats.
“Everyone feels more comfortable, including the patients, guardians and the sta ,” Hilliard said.
Not every problem has been eliminated. Some pet guardians are still angered or hurt when they receive bad news about their pets.
“We just talk to them and tell them that our sta needs to be treated respectfully,” Hilliard said.
And there are days when a dog or cat must be euthanized. Hilliard said her sta works to help the animals slip peacefully away.
“It’s not the easiest part of our day, but it’s one of the things we can give as a gift to families that they have an opportunity to end their pet’s su ering,” Hilliard said. “ at’s the unique part of our profession. In many ways, it’s one of the more beautiful things we can do.”
Westminster veterinarian Sarah Hilliard tends to Wesley, an Australian shepherd.
Sarah Hilliard helped start PetVet365 in Westminster. The clinic emphasizes a “Fear Free” environment.
PHOTOS BY MONTE WHALEY
Sarah Hilliard
Castle Rock’s month-long scavenger hunt reveals history
BY JULIA KING
TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Castle Rock’s Scavenge e Rock returns for its fth year this May, offering locals and visitors a chance to rediscover the town’s history while supporting small businesses.
Organized by the Castle Rock Historical Society and Museum, the free event runs through May 31 and invites participants to explore historic buildings and local shops downtown in honor of National Historic Preservation Month.
Originally, the goal of the hunt was to create something fun and educational during a time when local businesses were still recovering from COVID-19 shutdowns, said Claudine Phibbs, who has worked at the museum for nearly a decade and has organized the scavenger hunt since its inception.
“We thought this would be a great way to keep the museum on people’s minds and teach everyone about the history of Castle Rock,” Phibbs said.
“We also wanted to help the local businesses get some foot tra c.” e scavenger hunt has grown steadily over the years. e museum distributes 200 to 300 clue sheets annually, and last year, 75 completed sheets were turned in — a jump from just 50 in the rst year.
Participants earn points by visiting 25 historic markers around town, each with a QR code linking to the building’s history. Each page includes a red word that, when combined, forms a mystery question for
extra points. e clue sheet also includes visits to 26 businesses, where participants collect stickers. ose who earn 130 points or more are entered into a prize drawing, though all participants who return a clue sheet receive a goodie bag lled with local business “shwag,” Phibbs said.
New stops this year include Castle Toys, Mod Mountain Boutique, Sip Tea, Waxing the City and even the school district building.
“I love working with the businesses around town to organize the scavenger hunt. I even nd out about businesses that I didn’t know were here,” Phibbs said.
Top prizes this year include passes to Castle Rock’s Summer Concert Series, golf certi cates to Red Hawk Golf Course, and more gift cards from participating businesses. e prize drawing will be held at 3 p.m. on May 31 at the Castle Rock Museum, located at 420 Elbert St.
“Scavenge e Rock gives the community a taste of small-town charm, where friendly local businesses warmly welcome visitors as they explore the town and even learn some history,” Phibbs said.
“Many times when longtime residents come to the museum, they say they never knew Castle Rock had a museum, so we hope the scavenger hunt helps spread the word — we do have a museum, and it’s a meaningful part of our community.”
Clue sheets will be available starting May 1 at the museum. For more information, visit castlerockmuseum.org.
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Thu 5/08
Renao @ 7pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
SLASHA @ 8pm
The Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver
Fri 5/09
Mark May
@ 5pm
BONNIE X CLYDE
@ 7pm
The Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver
Sat 5/10
Deth Rali @ 6pm
Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Mon 5/12
Colfax Ave, Denver
Thu 5/15
Colorado Markets Littleton @ 9am / Free
Colorado Markets Littleton, 5900
South Suburban Golf Course, 7900 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
@ 6:45pm / $27.50
Trinity United Methodist Church - Den‐ver, 1820 Broadway, Denver. fever@ eventvesta.com
Adam Ezra Group: Get FolkedParker, CO (Adam Solo)
@ 7pm
Get Folked, Parker
DC the Don
@ 7pm
Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver
Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 11am
Denver
Freak Heat Waves @ 6pm
Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Lucy Dacus @ 6pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Tue 5/13
Katy Perry @ 6pm
South Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. events @coloradomarkets.com, 303-505-1856
Many Mountains Live at Stranahan’s @ 4pm
Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey, 200 S Kalamath St, Denver
Candlelight: Mozart vs Beethoven @ 4:30pm / $27
Trinity United Methodist Church - Denver, 1820 Broadway, Denver. fever@eventvesta.com
Candlelight: Tribute to the Beatles @ 6:45pm / $27
Trinity United Methodist Church - Denver, 1820 Broadway, Denver. fever@eventvesta.com
jeckett @ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Skrillex @ 5:30pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison Chandler @ 6pm
The Roxy Theater, 2549 Walton St, Denver
Beth Hart @ 7pm
Paramount Theatre, Denver
Wed 5/14
Brett Hendrix: Tailgate Tavern & Grill @ 4:30pm
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
Rilo Kiley @ 6pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Den‐ver
Rival Ghost @ Fracos @ 6pm
The Toad Tavern, 5302 S Federal Cir‐cle, Littleton
The 5280's Band @ 8:30pm BurnDown Denver, 476 S Broadway, Denver
Sun 5/11
@ 6pm Ogden Theatre, 935 East Colfax, Denver
Friends of Chamber Music Denver: Miró Quartet and Steven Banks, saxophone @ 6:30pm
Newman Center for the Performing Arts, 2344 E Iliff Ave, Denver
Colfax Speed Queen @ 7pm
Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, En‐glewood
@ 7pm
Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Feed Me @ 9pm
Church Nightclub, 1160 Lincoln St, Denver
With AI on hand, financial scammers on the rise
It started with a seemingly routine reminder for Nancy Hall to update her Norton antivirus software.
e 69-year-old Philadelphia resident sat down at her laptop to le her taxes recently and was prompted to call a number that was said to be the software company’s customer support. She had been hacked, the message said.
“It said, ‘you must call Microsoft right away, or else, you’re in danger of losing everything,’” Hall said.
A man on the line claimed to be in talks with her bank, saying hackers managed to download child pornography to her computer and transfer $18,000 to Russian accounts overnight.
He told Hall he was transferring her to the fraud department at her bank, where she spoke to someone who knew details about her local branch. After verifying personal details, that person asked her to come in to make a cash withdrawal that she could then use to purchase cryptocurrency at a speci c ATM.
e pair told her she was at threat of being arrested by Homeland Security for what was found on her laptop unless she obliged.
After a few stressful hours of trying to sort out the situation, something clicked, Hall said — a friend was scammed out of $800,000 in retirement savings last year after being persuaded to purchase cryptocurrency in an emergency. Hall hung up the phone, then blocked the number when it continually called her back.
Financial crimes, or scams like these, have always been around, experts say. But the rise of arti cial intelligence, access to sensitive information on the dark web, and a lack of federal oversight for these crimes means it’s never been easier to be a scammer, security experts say.
long?’” Hall said. “But then I look at this girl I know, and they managed to get her to go all the way.”
ask for cryptocurrency payments, or transfer them to crypto accounts shortly after the transaction.
“AI has made these things so believable,” said Melissa O’Leary, a Portland, Maine-based partner and chief strategy o cer at cybersecurity rm Fortalice Solutions. “Sometimes you can’t tell, ‘is this legitimate or not?’”
Hall’s experience mirrors many of the thousands of well-established attempts at tech-enabled nancial crimes currently underway in the U.S. Scammers often pose as trusted corporations, government departments or as someone a victim knows. Many companies that have been spoofed, like Norton, put out warnings about these scams. ey also use heightened emotional responses and a sense of urgency to get you to transfer money or release personal details, cybersecurity experts say.
“Now I look back on it, I’m like, ‘how was I so stupid to say stay on the line that
The business of scamming e Federal Trade Commission reported the overall loss Americans experienced via nancial scams in the 20232024 scal year to be between $23.7 billion and $158.3 billion. e gures differ so much because so many losses go under or unreported, the FTC said in the report.
Matthew Radolec, D.C.-based vice president of Incident Response and Cloud Operations at data security rm Varonis, said he sees these phishing attempts in two parts; the scam is the technique being used to get access to money, and the actual crime itself is the loss of the money.
Because these crimes are digital, it’s hard to know who to report them to, or how to follow up. Many scammers also
“ ere’s no insurance for accidentally wiring someone $10,000,” Radolec said. “If you fall for a ruse, you fall for a ruse. It’s like a carnival trick, a sleight of hand. It’s a digital form of that.”
Kimberly Sutherland, the Alpharetta, Georgia-based vice president of fraud and identity at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, said they’ve seen a 20% year-over-year increase in digital fraud since 2021, affecting as much as 1.5% of all transactions, though many of those attempts are caught before they can go through.
A large part of their e orts are focused on monitoring new account openings and payments, as fraudsters want to either create a fraudulent account at the start, or they want to be able to intercept transactions as they’re happening, Sutherland said. ey’ve also had to evolve their monitoring strategies, as
over the last few years, there’s been a shift from laptop and desktop targeting to mobile attacks, she said.
A few decades ago, scammers were focused on getting enough information from a company or individual to pull o a fake transaction. But as data breaches have become more common, the personal data unearthed makes it easier to pose as someone a victim knows, or give them details to become trustworthy.
Sutherland said the concept of synthetic identities — carefully crafted digital pro les of someone who doesn’t actually exist — have also deepened criminal’s abilities to get access inside of a variety of institutions like banks, colleges and corporations.
“You don’t have to steal an identity of someone; why not create a brand new one?” Sutherland said. “It started with jokes like, ‘I can get a credit card in the
SCAMMERS
name of my dog,’ and it became sophisticated fraud rings who could actually create identities and nurture them to be used by others.”
Individuals and companies are not the only ones at risk of nancial scams — government institutions have reported an increase in nancial crimes in recent years. In California, community colleges have reported at least $5 million in losses to AI-simulated students who applied for nancial aid.
One of the most current, wide-spread scams are texts and alerts from toll payment agency E-ZPass, asking a user to pay an outstanding bill at the included link. Last year, E-ZPass said the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center had received more than 2,000 complaints about the texts. ose who had lled out the included form should contact their banks, the company said.
It’s similar to a longstanding scam posing as UPS trying to deliver a package — it plays on our human nature of trust and curiosity, O’Leary said.
How AI is playing a role
AI has lowered the barrier for setting up a scam, O’Leary said. ose looking to lure someone to wire money or purchase cryptocurrency need some space on a server or in the cloud, and some sort of infrastructure to reach out to victims. Many programs that can be used to fake a persona, to send out mass text messages or phishing links are as easy as downloading an app.
“It’s almost a step by step for someone who wants to make a quick buck,” O’Leary said.
Large language models and AI chatbots can easily be prompted to sound like someone else, and give non-English speakers a much easier ability to communicate, O’Leary said.
Radolec has seen an uptick in AI bots being used to gain credentials to company databases or pay systems. Bots can hold legitimate conversations with a target to build rapport, and plant phishing scams to gain passwords in standard documents.
“ e next thing you know, you can log in as me,” Radolec said.
From there, scammers can divert paychecks to o shore accounts, sell data on the dark web or plant further phishing attempts in internal systems.
Because of the rapid advancements in AI technologies, phishing attempts and scam strategies are constantly changing. Now, AI tools can help alter legitimate images, and create deepfakes, or likenesses of someone’s image or voice, in just a few minutes. It’s the strategy behind an increasingly common scam on grandparents — they get a call from someone that sounds exactly like their grandchild, saying they need a wire transfer or cash for bail.
Many digital scams target older people, both because they’re expected to have less technical knowledge to spot a ruse, and because they tend to have larger sums of money accessible, Radolec said. In its report, the FTC estimated between $7.1 billion and $61.5 billion in losses for older adults.
is week, AARP, Amazon, Google and Walmart partnered on a new initiative that will be based out of Pittsburgh, called the National Elder Fraud Coordination Center, an attempt to tap in private companies who have resources in data privacy to assist in national law enforcement investigations. Its founder and
CEO, former FBI agent Brady Finta, said that the technical side of these crimes are often partnered with an emotional side, like pretending to be a family member in trouble.
“ ey’re talking you through the crime,” Finta said. “ ey’re adding this anxiety and thought process to you and to overcome your normal decision making processes.”
Legislation and enforcement ere are hundreds of thousands of victims of nancial scams each year, and they’re reporting them to di erent places — local police, state organizations, federal agencies, and the tech platforms where the crimes occurred, Finta said. Part of the reason some nancial scams go unreported is that there’s not one clear route, government agency or law enforcement agency that has ownership over them. at was also the consensus of a new report by the Government Accountability O ce, FedScoop reported this month. ere are 13 federal agencies, including the FBI, CFPB and the FTC, that work to counter scams, but they do not share one overarching strategy.
Finta is hoping that leveraging the private sector data from their partner corporations can help connect some fraud cases across the country and make these investigations more comprehensive.
While the FTC has the Fraud and Scam Reduction Act, which aims to raise awareness of nancial scams, there’s no o cial federal protection or legislation on this topic. Some states are passing consumer protection laws that put some liability on banks to do due diligence on fraud and even reimburse customers for fraudulent transactions.
And the U.S. may be facing less protections than it currently has. Susan Weinstock, CEO of the Consumer Federation
of America, said she’s worried that Congress just voted on a resolution under the Congressional Review Act that removed the rule that required digital payment apps like Venmo and Apple Pay to be regulated for fraud.
“Years ago, nobody had heard of Venmo or CashApp, and now these things are ubiquitous,” Weinstock said. “So it puts consumers in a really tough, scary position to be subject to fraud and not have the ability to deal with it.”
Because the strategies behind thesenancial scams change often and because there are few ways to track these crimes after they happen, a lot of responsibility falls on individuals and institutions to be able to spot them. Radolec’s rst piece of advice is to slow down. If it really is your grandson calling from jail? Is it the end of the world if he spends a night in jail, he said.
Adding another person into the loop of communication is another strategy that will usually knock o an impersonator. If it appears to be a higher-up at work making a strange request for access to your nances, there’s no harm in looping in another person to review, Radolec said.
Lastly, the cybersecurity experts all said, it’s always safer to get in contact with the original source. If someone on the phone says they’re with your bank, hang up and call the bank directly to verify information.
“A lot of times they’re trying to create a sense of urgency that’s from a false place, so how can we ground ourselves?” Radolec said. “And can we ask, is this truly like a life or death situation that you have to act on right now? Or can time be in our favor?”
is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
1. TELEVISION: Which actor was nominated for an Emmy for the same character on three di erent sitcoms?
2. MOVIES: Who was the rst actor to refuse an Oscar award for Best Actor?
3. GEOGRAPHY: Which modern city is in the shadow of the active volcano Mount Vesuvius?
4. FOOD & DRINK: What gas is used to create seltzer water?
5. SCIENCE: What is the center of an atom called?
6. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Who are the six men who have made a career Grand Slam in pro golf?
7. ANATOMY: What is the largest artery in the body?
8. LITERATURE: For which category is the O. Henry Award given?
9. ASTRONOMY: Which star system is nearest to our solar system?
TrIVIa
10. U.S. PRESIDENTS: How many presidents have died in o ce?
Answers
1. Kelsey Grammer for “Wings,” “Cheers” and “Frasier.”
2. George C. Scott, for “Patton.”
3. Naples, Italy.
4. Carbon dioxide.
5. Nucleus.
6. Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
7. e aorta.
8. Short stories.
9. Alpha Centauri.
10. Eight.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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• 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
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Butterfly Pavilion celebrates insects’ legacies in Mexico
Invertebrates represent many of the most ecologically important species on the planet, as well as some of the most culturally relevant. ey’ve inspired religious beliefs, landscapes, traditions and much more.
Now the critical role invertebrates play in Mexican culture is explored in Legacies: Invertebrates of Mexico, the Butter y Pavilion’s latest exhibit. Legacies not only provides a look at some of the insects that live in Mexico, but allows visitors to learn about their importance to modern life.
“A lot of people don’t necessarily think of insects as animals,” said Jennifer Quermann, senior director of communications and marketing at the Pavilion. “But when they meet them and learn about their personalities, people are more likely to want to help protect them.”
e exhibition runs at the Butter y Pavilion, 6252 W. 104th Ave. in Westminster, through next year and is included with a general admission ticket. To put Legacies together, the Pavilion collaborated
of the amount due and unpaid, and an account of such claim to AJ Beckman, District Manager, c/o Public Alliance LLC, 405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 on behalf of the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1, on or before the date and time hereinabove
By: /s/AJ Beckman
COMING ATTRACTIONS
with several partners, including the Consulate General of Mexico in Denver, the National Institute of Anthropology and History of Mexico, Calaveras en mi Ciudad and Harvest Of All First Nations.
As part of the exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to check out live animals like millipedes, scorpions, tarantulas, slipper lobsters and more, and learn about the various roles they play in life in Mexico. at includes everything from food sources to red dye, which is made from cochineal bugs.
“It is important to us that these stories are told,” said Sara Stevens, director of animal collections. “Without invertebrates, the stories and culture of Mexico would be very di erent than it is now.”
In addition to the animals, the exhibit also features sensory elements like sound-
Legal Notice No. ECN 1668 First Publication: April 24, 2025 Last Publication: May 1, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News Misc. Private Legals
Public Notice
District Court, Elbert County, Colorado 751 Ute Ave., Kiowa, Colorado 80117 Telephone: (303) 621-2131
In the Matter of the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both and of Interests in Property of: DELIGHT VERDENIUS KOLAR, Deceased
Attorney: Courtney L. Kelley, #54248 Kelsi B. White, #55170 Holland & Hart LLP 555 Seventeenth St., Suite 3200 Denver, Colorado 80202 Telephone: (303) 295-8000
Email: clkelley@hollandhart.com
kbwhite@hollandhart.com
Case Number: 2025PR30000
AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO INTERESTED PERSONS AND OWNERS BY DESCENT OR SUCCESSION PURSUANT TO § 15-12-1303, C.R.S.
To all interested persons and owners by descent or succession (List all names of interested persons and owners by descent or succession):
U.S. Bank, NA, Trustee of the Delight Verdenius Kolar Trust; Anne H. Gordon: Brittany Jones: Christopher E. Leonard: Colby Leonard: Courtnay Taylor Kenney: David G. Hilleary: Delight E. Pugel: Richard H. Leonard Jr.: Robert L. Hilleary: Thomas K. Hilleary: Whitney Leonard
A petition has been filed alleging that the above decedent(s) died leaving the following property (including legal description if real property):
scapes and natural scents to bring guests to the Mexican landscapes, and interactive educational activities that emphasize the importance of partnerships and local conservation.
“You can’t just do conservation work in one place,” Quermann said. “Community science is so important and there are many ways to get involved. We all need to be thinking of ways to work together.”
e importance of collaboration is highlighted in the annual Monarch butter y migration, one of nature’s most stunning displays. e Pavilion does volunteer work in Mexico’s Monarch Butter y Biosphere Reserve to protect the butter ies’ winter habitat, while also encouraging people in Colorado to plant Milkweed, a critical fuel source on their migration.
e aim of the Pavilion’s work is people will come away with a new appreciation of the animals and an interest in protecting them.
“One great thing about insects is that with minimal e ort, you can make a big impact,” Stevens said. “It’s a great return
on investment.”
Information and tickets are available at https://butter ies.org/legacies-invertebrates-of-mexico/.
Denver Ballet Theatre Dances to PACE Center Ballet, much like opera, deals in big emotions. at’s what makes it so compelling. And that’s what the Denver Ballet eatre is bringing to the Parker Arts, Culture & Events (PACE) Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, with its presentation of “Paquita ”
According to provided information, “Paquita” is a “breathtaking, romantic ballet featuring gypsies, a murderous plot, forbidden love, a heroic rescue and a grandiose wedding set in the south of Spain.”
Don’t miss this top-tier cultural experience at https://parkerarts.org/event/ denver-ballet-theatre-presents-paquita/.
Clarke Reader is an arts and culture columnist. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.
Elbert Legals
Description of Property
Property 1: Mineral Interest
Location of Property Township 6 South, Range 59 West, Section 34: SE/4 Elbert County, Colorado
The hearing on the petition will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:
Date: June 17, 2025 Time: 2:00 p.m. Courtroom or Division: Probate Address: 751 Ute Avenue, Kiowa, Colorado 80117*
*The hearing will be held virtually via Telephone: (720) 650-7664, Code: 2664 126 9096 #, # (no attendee ID is needed); https:// judicial.webex.com/meet/d23-elbe-div1
The hearing will take approximately 30 minutes.
Note:
• You must answer the petition on or before the hearing date and time specified above.
• Within the time required for answering the petition, all objections to the petition must be in writing, filed with the court and served on the petitioner and any required filing fee must be paid.
• The hearing shall be limited to the petition, the objections timely filed and the parties answering the petition in a timely manner. If the petition is not answered and no objections are filed, the court may enter a decree without a hearing.
Legal Notice No. ECN 1670
First Publication: April 24, 2025
Last Publication: May 8, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Notice to Creditors
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Robert Lee Belveal,
A/K/A Robert Belveal Deceased
Case Number: 2025PR30029
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado, on or before September 1, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marjory L. Belveal, Personal Representative c/o Budman Law, P.C. 5105 DTC Parkway, Suite 150 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. ECN 1672
First Publication: May 1, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
Elbert County Court
Elbert County, State of Colorado 751 Ute Street * P.O. Box 232 Kiowa, Colorado 80117
In the Matter of the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both and of Interests in Property of: ROY A. COUNCE, SR., Deceased.
Shari D. Caton, Esq., Atty. Reg.#: 32737 CATON LAW, LLC
Attorney for Richard Counce 7887 East Belleview Ave. Suite 1100
Englewood, Colorado 80111
Telephone: 720-766-7776
E-mail: shari@.caton-law.com
Case Number: 2017 PR 30040
Division: 1
NOTICE OF HEARING WITHOUT APPEARANCE PURSUANT TO C.R.P.P. 24
or
To all interested persons and owners by descent or succession: Richard A. Counce. Edward aka Edwin R. Counce, Roy A. Counce, Jr., Barbara A. Bonstrom McKinney, Karen S. Bonstrom Jackson, Malissa L. Counce, Malinda L. Counce, Ida Mae Willis Weber, Philip D. Willis, and Malinda S. Fooks Myers
A hearing without appearance on the Petition for Final Determination and Distribution of Property on the Petition for the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both, and of lnterests in Property and Supplement is set at the following date, time and location:
Date: June 6, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM Courtroom or Division: Division 1 Address: Elbert County Court, 751 Ute Street, Kiowa, Colorado 80117
The Petition for Final Determination and Distribution of Property on the Petition for the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both, and of Interests in Property and Supplement thereto has been filed and alleged that the above decedent died leaving the following property (including legal description if real property):
Description of Property Property 1
1/3 Interest as Tenant in Common
The SW1/4 of Section 9, in Township 8 South, Range 64 West 6th P.M., Except parcels of land as described in the instruments as recorded in the following Books and Pages, Elbert County Records: Book 241 at Page 107; Book 246 at Page 26; Book 246 at Page 89; Book 248 at
Clarke Reader
