Six students honored by Englewood board
School leaders salute young people nominated by sta
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Six Englewood Schools students were recognized March 4 for their dedication, leadership, community involvement, integrity and more.
Students are often recognized during monthly Englewood Board of Education meetings. Faculty and sta at each school submit students’ names to be recognized by the board.
Sisco Leijahigh
Leijahigh is in third grade and attends Bishop Elementary School, and was recognized for
meeting the district’s core value of high expectations.
Leijahigh’s recognition was submitted by Bishop Principal Sheri Spenho and Erin Hu eld who describe him as thoughtful and attentive.
“Sisco is working well with his classmates and is a strong advocate for all students, no matter the age or grade,” Spenho said. “He has an amazing sense of justice, as well as an incredible sense of humor. He always knows how to crack the best jokes to ease the situation.”
Leijahigh is a junior coach and likes to help other students and make sure they are safe.
Paul Arteaga Petit
Arteaga Petit is in second grade and attends Clayton Elementary School. He was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of high expectations.
Arteaga Petit said it felt good to be nominated and his favorite aspect about Clayton are his friends.
Clayton faculty and sta , including the second grade team were the ones to submit Arteaga Petit’s recognition.
“Paul comes to school every day ready to learn – not just what we are learning in the classroom but also another language,” those who nominated him said. “He stands out as a leader among his peers, demonstrating how to listen and engage with others.”
Enrique Sanchez
Sanchez attends Englewood Early Childhood Education at Maddox and he was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of high expectations.
Sanchez’s mother, Esmeralda Sanchez, said she is so excited
to see Sanchez’s progress be recognized.
“Honestly, it’s crazy,” Esmeralda Sanchez said. “Once his teacher told me that he was nominated, I was like, ‘Oh my God…I’m super excited. I know he’s grown a lot being in this school – learning how to talk, he knows a lot more words and he knows the whole ABCs. (And) numbers, he can do all by himself. e school has taught him a lot.”
Maddox ECE teacher Taylor Parker is the one who submitted Sanchez’s recognition.
“Enrique is being recognized for his incredible growth and achievements this school year,” Parker said. “From the start, Enrique has shown determination, enthusiasm and a genuine love for learning.”
Englewood middle schools will merge Board
unanimously votes for change
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e Englewood Board of Education unanimously approved the merging of Englewood Middle School and Englewood Leadership Academy during its regular meeting March 4. Superintendent Joanna Polzin said in a letter to parents on March 5 that beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the middle schools will transition to a single middle school known as Englewood Middle School.
“We sincerely appreciate the community’s engagement throughout this process,” Polzin said. “ ank you for sharing your input through surveys, town hall discussions, public comments, formal recommendations and emails to the board of education. Your voices were invaluable and gave the board of education insight into what the community truly wanted for a middle school experience in Englewood.” Polzin said the district is “committed to making this transition an opportunity to enhance academic programming and expand opportunities for all students.” e decision comes after concerns from parents, the creation and discussion of animpact studyof each option and a town hall hosted by the district in January.
Englewood Schools students, from left to right Freimer Flores Sandoval, Enrique Sanchez, Paul Arteaga Petit and Annika Kueht receive special recognition from the Englewood Board of Education and Superintendent Joanna Polzin during the board’s March 4 meeting. The students who received recognition but aren‚Äôt pictured include Sisco Leijahigh and Diem Chong. PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
License for Sheridan animal rescue MAMCO suspended after rabies risk and allegations of neglect
The shelter’s 87 dogs are being transferred to nearby facilities
BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG
e license for Moms and Mutts Colorado (MAMCO) Rescue for Pregnant and Nursing Dogs was ordered to be suspended on Feb. 28 due to allegations of animal neglect, and mishandling of hookworm and potential rabies exposure.
is comes months after MAMCO faced scrutiny in August when a dozen puppies were euthanized following a rabies diagnosis. e Colorado Department of Agriculture now claims the rescue failed to properly isolate puppies with hookworm and those potentially exposed to rabies or distemper, leading to four puppies being euthanized. e Colorado Department of Agriculture also alleges that two dogs escaped the facility during an inspection.
In December, the shelter entered a probationary period with the state due to several allegations of multiple violations that occurred in 2024 between January and July. ese include inadequate pest control, failure to sanitize enclosures, keeping dogs in enclosures that were not appropriately sized, and insu cient cleaning of animal waste.
Aron Jones, who is an owner of MAMCO along with her husband, Robert Jones, are now transferring the 87 dogs that were housed in MAMCO to other shelters. ey deny the allegations, and in an Instagram post, claimed the state is using fabricated information to scare the public.
“We have been political pawns and (the state) has been using MAMCO Rescue as a way to make it so that no dogs can come into the state of Colorado without a rabies vaccine,” Aron Jones said in her March 1 Instagram video. “Which means no dogs under the age of 12 weeks can be brought into Colorado, which means no moms, no puppies — nothing.”
She also alleges that the state illegally “wrote up” the shelter and that the violations were only repairs the building required.
According to the order issued by the Department of Agriculture, the shelter was noti ed on Feb. 13 that it had failed two inspections in addition to the alleged vio-
lations in 2024, resulting in the suspension of its license. e Colorado Department of Agriculture ordered the immediate surrender of all dogs to other shelters or rescue organizations, citing an “imminent threat to the health and safety of Colorado dogs and their owners.”
e document states the shelter had imported puppies from Texas infected with hookworm in December, but failed to
isolate them, increasing the risk of crosscontamination.
One puppy became severely ill with symptoms possibly indicating distemper or rabies and was euthanized on Jan. 29 after visits to a vet emergency hospital. According to the document, despite potential exposure, the puppy’s three littermates were not isolated and were euthanized to be tested for rabies, which is the only pos-
sible way to test a dog for the virus. e MAMCO owners are now fundraising to ght the State in court.
In a caption of their social media post showing police ordering the shelter to be shut down, the owners stated, “And if this is the end, we thank you all for helping us save 1,4382 dogs and cats that wouldn’t have had voices without us as community.”
Federal public safety funding remains frozen
Governor Polis promises to find ways to ‘bridge the gap’
BY LINDSEY TOOMER
COLORADO NEWSLINE
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis on March 3 urged the Trump administration to comply with a court order prohibiting the federal government from freezing funding, highlighting $69.5 million in public safety grants promised to the state.
At the end of January, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping freeze on federal spending, which a federal judge soon temporarily blocked. State o cials said
more than $570 million that Congress approved for Colorado remained inaccessible in early February.
A news release from Polis, a Democrat, said the administration has stopped paying for Homeland Security grants allocated to the state in de ance of a court order mandating funding be disbursed. e release said the state will do “everything it can to bridge the gap in funding.”
“In Colorado, we are focused on improving public safety and this delay and uncertainty makes us less safe,” Polis said in a statement. “Common sense support to improve safety for Boys and Girls Clubs, places of worship, stopping school violence, and disaster assistance is illegally being cut o by the Trump adminis-
tration. is wrecking ball approach from the federal government puts communities throughout Colorado at risk.”
Funding promised to Colorado that the state has not received includes:
• $18.66 million from state homeland security grants
• $6.36 million from emergency management performance grants
• $9.79 million from state and local cybersecurity grants
• $2.45 million in emergency operations center grants
• $9.87 million from nonpro t security grants
• $775,720 from targeted violence and terrorism prevention grants
• $15.2 million from urban area security
initiative grants
Summit County Sheri Jaime FitzSimons said the ongoing funding freeze is “deeply concerning” for his county.
“As home to the most visited national forest in the nation — the White River National Forest — a critical stretch of Interstate 70, and dam infrastructure vital to the Colorado River Basin, Summit County relies on federal funding to support public safety across private, public, and federal lands,” FitzSimons, a Democrat, said in a statement. “Public safety must remain a priority, and restoring these funds is essential.” is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
Eighty-seven MAMCO Rescue dogs are being moved to other shelters amid a shutdown issued Feb. 28 by the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
COURTESY OF MAMCO’S
While
the White House Reverses ‘Green’ Policies, Will Colorado Be Able to Hold Its Course?
For many years, Colorado, like California, has pursued its own “green new deal,” with its Democratic Governor and General Assembly passing one law after another that promotes everything that is now anathema to the current national administration.
Colorado sends a lot of tax dollars to the federal government and gets lots of tax dollars in return, especially for road projects such as the rebuilding of Interstate 70 through Denver. The current administration is using the leverage of withholding funds to pressure localities to fall in line with its immigration policies. It could just as easily withhold funds unless the state reverses its own green initiatives, such as incentivizing the purchase of new or used electric vehicles with bigger tax credits than any other state.
structed under laws passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor.
The CEO’s website describes several laws it is implementing that address the issue of building efficiency, both residential and commercial. Primarily, it is requiring all jurisdictions in the state of Colorado that create or amend building codes to adopt the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which was adopted by the International Code Council, Inc., a non-governmental organization. It also requires all jurisdictions to adopt the Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code upon updating any other building code.
“Cities and counties with building codes must adopt the 2021 IECC along with the model electric ready and solar ready code when adopting or updating any building code between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2026.”
This isn’t a political column. Coloradans need to know whether its movement toward a “green” economy will be halted or reversed by the new administration. My intent in this column is merely to describe the programs and policies that may be in jeopardy.
The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) is the arm of state government which develops and implements “green policies,” including in the real estate domain, as authorized and in-
According to the CEO, jurisdictions are encouraged to amend their building codes every three years and to incrementally move in the direction of the model codes, and they are prohibited from making amendments to their code which “decrease the effectiveness or efficiency” of the code.
The more liberal jurisdictions, such as Aspen, Denver and Jefferson County, have moved quickly to adopt those model codes, which include requiring new construction to include conduits and pre-wiring to facilitate future installation of EV charging stations and solar panels. According to the CEO website,
Also being developed, according to the website, is The Model Low Energy and Carbon Code, consisting of the 2024 IECC, as amended by Colorado’s Energy Code Board. To the White House and DOGE, the names alone suggest they’ll be targeted by the new administration. Let’s just say they’re “woke.”
A Model Green Code, currently in draft form at the CEO, “will address building attributes such as energy and water use efficiency, electrification, low carbon building materials, and other strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings. Local governments may voluntarily adopt this code in addition to the required energy code,” according to the website.
The state of Colorado has no statewide building code, but it does require any jurisdiction (i.e., counties or home-rule cities) which
Some Eager Sellers Cut Out Potential Buyers by Accepting a Quick Good Offer
Yes, the seller’s market of the Covid years is over, but there are still listings which sell right away, and too many sellers accept a fullprice or better offer on the first or second day, when they might get a better price if they just waited a few days.
This January, the average days on the MLS for listings within 25 miles of downtown Denver peaked at 60, compared to 22 days in January 2022. The median days on the MLS peaked at 44 this January compared to only 5 days in January 2022.
However, of the 2,396 listings in that area which closed this January, 63 went under contract the first day they were on the MLS and another 44 listings sold without even being entered on the MLS so that other buyers could know about them. 47 more went under contract the second day they were on the market, and 57 went under contract on the third day. I tell my sellers that if someone makes an
offer that quickly, and there are lots of showings, there are probably other buyers who might have paid more. It is my job as a listing agent to help my sellers get the highest price for their home, and I’m not doing that if I don’t convince them not to go under contract in less than four days.
This topic was inspired by a broker associate who said that twice in the past couple of months his buyer had lost out on a new listing that he showed the first or second day it was on the market because the seller had accepted a quick offer that our buyer would have beaten, given the chance.
In conclusion, just because the market has
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slowed down, sellers who price their home wisely and get a quick full-price offer should at least look at how many showings have been set, inform those other agents about the offer, and give them a chance to submit.
has a building code to follow state laws regarding building codes, and it’s common to adopt one of the codes created every few years by the International Code Council, amended as appropriate to their local needs.
The above map from the CEO website, shows the extent to which each county has adopted the IECC codes by year. The lightest colors are counties which have adopted (likely with amendments) the 2021 IECC, and the darkest counties have no building codes. The other colors have building codes based on IECC years 2006, 2009, 2015 and 2018. It’s a interactive map, and can be changed to display home-rule cities and their codes, or you can search a county or city and it will display the details of its code requirements and IECC year.
As usual, I have the links for all this at http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
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Developer wants property transferred from Englewood
CityCenter land is focus of request made to council
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Developers of the old Weingarten property at CityCenter in Englewood have asked Englewood City Council to terminate the city’s ground lease on the property, which currently has about 50 years remaining.
During the March 3 study session, New Englewood LLC, which recently acquired the ground lease interest from LNR Partners, sought the city council’s guidance and approval to transfer the title of property east of Inca Street and north of Hampden Avenue to their entity, paving the way for the redevelopment of CityCenter. City council will have an executive session to discuss the proposal on March 10.
Dustin Jones, representing New Englewood, said the developer wants to see this property begin its redevelopment stage after being in limbo for so long because of an extensive planning phase.
“We’ve got a long way to go but it’s clear there has been a signi cant amount of work over the past several years developing a well thought out plan,” Jones said. “We want to dust this process o and really take advantage of the work that’s been done using the great base that you guys have done.”
New Englewood presented a loose concept for what the development of the property would look like, but didn’t have a de nitive plan.
At-large City Councilmember Tena Prange expressed some concerns regarding the development and questioned the company on how council members should address concerns from their constituents.
“How do I answer constituents who might have some skepticism about handing over the ground lease to devel-
Vote
opers who essentially, (from) what I’m seeing in this proposal, is not willing to give us a clear vision into what the design is?” Prange said. “Our residents want to know what’s going to happen to the area, and I as a council member want to know that there is some assurance of a continuity of vision for use of this space within the city – which should
be one of our more vibrant attractive places within the city.”
Background of CityCenter property and e CityCenter property sits on the site of the former Cinderella City mall and has long been a focal point for redevelopment e orts in Englewood.
City documents show that in 2000, the Englewood Environmental Foundation granted a 75-year ground lease to the Weingarten Miller Englewood Joint Venture for the central retail and mixed-use portions of the CityCenter site.
In August 2018, the bondholders who had provided re nancing to Weingarten Realty foreclosed on the debt associated with the property.
Since the foreclosure, city council has explored various options for the future of the property, with a goal of facilitating coordinated redevelopment for both the former Weingarten property and the surrounding city-owned land. e city took control of the ground lease and title in September 2023 following the dissolution of the Englewood Environmental Foundation, an ownership entity that was controlled by city sta .
The proposal
According to New Englewood representatives, the termination of the lease and transfer of title would allow the company to move forward with redevelopment planning, without the uncertainty and potential risk of investing signi cant time and resources into planning before securing full control of the property.
New Englewood LLC is o ering the city control of the 24-Hour Fitness building if o cials choose to terminate part of the city’s current ground lease, which has 50 years remaining.
PHOTO BY ELISABETH SLAY
In exchange for the termination of the lease and transfer of property ownership, New Englewood has proposed several conditions aimed at bene ting the city.
ese include granting the city ownership of the former 24-Hour Fitness building west of Inca Street that abuts the Englewood Civic Center and the surrounding plaza retail spaces. Additionally, New Englewood would o er the city a one-year option to purchase the Tokyo Joe’s multi-tenant building for $3.5 million.
District 4 City Councilmember Steve Ward questioned why New Englewood was o ering the city the option to purchase Tokyo Joe’s, rather than including it in the deal along with the 24-Hour Fitness building.
Jones said there are a few reasons for this option.
“I think the value that we think that we’re giving the city is in excess of the ground lease termination,” Jones said. “Today it’s worth something and we would o er a purchase option.”
New Englewood feels that without approval from city council, New Englewood faces a challenge with moving forward with redevelopment planning under uncertain conditions, risking signi cant costs and delays.
The options
New Englewood’s request anticipates two agreements.
e rst is a narrow termination and title transfer agreement that would be drafted and submitted for council consideration as soon as possible.
e second is a more detailed redevelopment agreement that would also be negotiated by New Englewood representatives and the city for later consideration by city council.
If the council chooses to reject the request, New Englewood said it would continue operating the property as is, with the option to lease out vacant spaces.
However, Jones said this decision could have long-term consequences, including prolonged redevelopment and limited tenant appeal.
ough New Englewood has expressed reluctance to pursue this route, the company could still choose to wait for a combined lease termination and redevelop-
ment agreement, which might provide a better nancial return in the future.
Additionally, with no immediate plans for redevelopment, New Englewood could attract lower-tier tenants, stalling revitalization e orts in the CityCenter core for up to 25 years due to long-term tenant leases and renewal options.
If the council approves the lease termination, Jones said the city will bene t by gaining immediate value while encouraging redevelopment.
If the city approves the lease termination and gains ownership of the former 24-Hour Fitness Center, Jones said the property could potentially serve as a new civic center or be repurposed for other uses, adding exibility to the city’s future planning of CityCenter.
The risks
If approved, city sta said the city would have limited control over how and when New Englewood will proceed with the redevelopment.
However, to mitigate these concerns, New Englewood has agreed to a twoyear prohibition on new leases that could interfere with redevelopment, ensuring that the site remains ready for redevelopment.
Additionally, the city could leverage its partnerships with New Englewood, the Englewood Downtown Development Authority, and potential nancing collaborations to ensure that redevelopment moves forward.
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Lawmakers seek to delay childcare cuts
Move by legislators aims to deter planned reductions
BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT
A powerful legislative committee on Feb. 27 expressed an interest in reversing some planned cuts to a Colorado program that provides therapies to babies and toddlers with delays. While the details are still up in the air, lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee essentially pledged to nd funding to prevent thousands of young children who get services through the state’s Early Intervention program from losing certain therapies starting this month.
e committee’s decision is sure to prompt a sigh of relief from parents and therapy providers, many of whom said they were panicked and heartbroken when they learned of the impending cuts announced by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood a few days before the announcement. e state’s $87 million Early Intervention program serves
around 11,000 children from birth to 3 years old each month.
“We are going to get this done and help these kids,” said Sen. Je Bridges, a Democrat who represents parts of the Denver metro area and is chairperson of the committee.
e committee voted unanimously to authorize a bill that would lay out possible xes to the cuts that directly impact children. e meeting was tense at times, with several lawmakers expressing frustration that the Department of Early Childhood’s leaders hadn’t informed the committee about the budget problems that prompted them to plan the cuts.
e cuts would have limited children to four hours of therapy a month, which is a fraction of what some get now. In addition, children who are on Medicaid, a health insurance program for lowincome people, would no longer have been allowed to get developmental intervention, which is therapy that can help young children with attention, cognitive development, and learning.
Colorado lawmakers indicated they’ll find the money to prevent some planned cuts to the state’s Early Intervention program. SHUTTERSTOCK
Douglas County deputies help solve kidnapping
Louisiana family grateful to have Abdul ‘Aziz’ Khan found after seven-year mystery
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A call to the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce to report a trespassing in a Highlands Ranch neighborhood resulted in the recovery of a child in a national kidnapping case.
“ is call not only led to the apprehension of two suspects, but — unknown to everyone at the time — to the discovery of a missing child and the resolution to a seven-year-old mystery,” said Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly.
Abdul “Aziz” Khan, now 14, was found safe and healthy after an e ort to locate him that spanned seven years and involved multiple agencies across the U.S. He was found at a Highlands Ranch home, with a 40-year-old woman who authorities have identi ed as his mother, Rabia Khalid, 42-year-old Elliot Blake Bourgeois and another child.
Aziz’s family in Louisiana are asking for privacy at this time, but provided the sheri ’s o ce with a statement: “We are overwhelmed with joy that Aziz has nally been found. We want to thank everyone for their support over the last seven years. We speci cally want to recognize the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce for their exceptional work in solving this case.”
Since Aziz went missing seven years ago, his case gained national attention, including being featured on Net ix’s
“Unsolved Mysteries.”
In addition to the Louisiana Kenner Police Department’s involvement, the U.S. Marshals Service got involved in 2020 and traveled to 11 di erent states for search e orts. e National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, a nonpro t corporation, also worked with the family.
“In family abduction cases, it can be di cult to garner public attention, but we knew that the national media coverage was crucial — Aziz could have been anywhere,” John Bischo III, vice president missing children division of the NCMEC said in a statement.
A call to Kelliwood Way
Just before 4 p.m. on Feb. 23, deputies with the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce were dispatched to a vacant home listed for sale on Kelliwood Way in Highlands Ranch after the homeowners saw two people enter the house on their security cameras.
Deputies thought they were there to investigate a trespassing and potential burglary in process, but when they arrived at the home, they found two children sitting in a vehicle parked in the driveway. e older child was identi ed as Aziz and the younger child’s identity is not being released at this time.
“When the deputies contacted the (older) child in the driveway, the child immediately called the two people inside” the home, said Weekly. “We believe that the child was actually coached on what to say if they came into contact with law enforcement.”
Bourgeois and Khalid later exited the home, claiming to be associated with a
real estate agent.
As deputies began to question them, bodycam footage reveals that the deputies gathered multiple and inconsistent stories from the two adults.
“ ey (the deputies) knew something wasn’t right,” said Weekly. “ ey dug and
dug for about ve hours until they could gure out what was going on.”
Meanwhile, the kids were taken to a neighbor’s house where they got food and watched TV.
District of Colorado U.S. Marshal Kirk Taylor joins Douglas County Sheri Darren Weekly and other elected o cials at the Douglas County Courthouse in Castle Rock on March 5 to speak about the nation-wide e ort to find a missing boy. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
CUTS
Planned cuts that only a ect Early Intervention therapists — for example, not reimbursing them for no-shows — will go forward as planned.
Parents, therapists, and lawmakers all expressed surprise when they heard about the cuts. Leaders from the early childhood department said the cuts were needed to stave o a projected $4 million shortfall caused by a growing Early Intervention caseload, the expiration of federal COVID stimulus funds, and the fact that fewer children are eligible for Medicaid.
But some lawmakers on the Joint Budget Committee were angry they had nev-
KIDNAPPING
After deputies located fake identication documents in the vehicle and tracked where the vehicle came from, they discovered that Khalid had an active warrant for kidnapping and that Aziz was involved.
Both children were taken into protective custody.
On Nov. 27, 2017, Khalid, a non-custodial parent, allegedly abducted her son from Atlanta, Georgia, and was charged with felony kidnapping, according to the Douglas County Sheri ’s O ce.
Both adults are being held in the Douglas County jail on multiple charges, including second degree kidnapping, forgery, identity theft, providing false information to authorities and trespassing.
George Brauchler, the District Attorney for the 23rd Judicial District, further explained that Bourgeois is facing 14 charges, 12 of them being felonies; and Khalid is facing nine charges, seven of them being felonies, including conspiracy to kidnap.
Each is being held on a one million dollar bond and are expected to appear in court on March 27.
Bourgeois and Khalid are facing state charges, and Brauchler said the conversation on if the federal government will get involved has not happened yet.
‘A long road ahead’
A lot of questions remain unanswered but detectives and the Douglas County Financial Crimes Unit continue to inves-
er been alerted of the impending shortfall or service cuts to babies and toddlers with disabilities.
Rep. Rick Taggart, a Republican from western Colorado, called it “insulting, to say the least.”
Jeanni Stefanik, chief nancial o cer for the early childhood department, said the funding shortfall “was not fully realized until just a few weeks ago” and called the factors contributing to it “a perfect storm.”
It’s not entirely clear why state ocials, who said they routinely monitor the number of children in Early Intervention, weren’t aware of the possible funding shortfall earlier.
Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.
tigate the incident.
Detectives are looking to answer why the family was in Colorado, what they were doing in Highlands Ranch and on Kelliwood Way, if the kids were enrolled in school, and if the child knew he was kidnapped, among other questions.
“I often wonder, how many law enforcement contacts did this family have before our deputies were able to dig in and identify exactly what was going on,” Weekly said.
Weekly met with Aziz’s father and family members after they made their way to Colorado.
Weekly said there was not a dry eye in the room as he heard from the family about how this transpired. He said the family supposedly had a hard time getting law enforcement to be responsive to what appeared to be a custody dispute.
e father told him that he had not had contact with Aziz for about nine years.
e mother, Khalid, allegedly left with the child after learning that the father was going to get full custody. Weekly said he believes they have been all over the country.
Aziz has not been reunited with his father yet, however, the transition is underway. Weekly said that it is going to be a slow process.
“ is is the only life that Aziz has known,” said Weekly. “It’s going to take some time, it’s baby steps to get up to that point, and there’s just a lot of work to be done for this reuni cation.”
is is an ongoing investigation. If you have information on where these individuals have been over the past seven years, contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
Parsons Dance keeps the joy in art form
Company will perform in Lone Tree on March 16
BY MARC SHULGOLD
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Here’s what to expect from Parsons Dance: A male dancer ying across the stage without wings or wires. A balletic romp through the music of Mozart. Six dancers swaying and leaping to the infectious rhythms of Brazil. e late Bill Withers’ life celebrated through his spoken words and songs.
David Parsons and his nine-member company have made the trek from New York to delight an audience at the Lone Tree Arts Center with these and other surprises — and he’s happy to talk about it.
“We’re going to keep pushing,” he said of his internationally renowned ensemble, re ecting on 38 years of creating works for his contemporary dance troupe and other major ensembles, in addition to performing in Europe, Russia, China and elsewhere around the world.
Life these days for dance companies has not been easy, Parsons admitted. “We don’t even have a studio or an o ce here in New York. I spend a lot of time fundraising. I now call myself a fundraiser/choreographer — in that order.”
But the joy of doing what he does can be heard in his energetic voice as he outlines the program his dancers will perform in Lone Tree.
“We created ‘Wolfgang’ for Aspen Santa Fe Ballet around 20 years ago,” he said, referring to the opening work. “It’s just a lot of fun using Mozart’s music. I got so inspired watching (the movie) ‘Amadeus.’”
A duet comes next — another piece inspired by a love of the movies, utilizing music by Oscar-winner omas Newman.
Parsons emphasized that the lighting here and throughout the program is by his longtime collaborator and “muse,” Howell Binkley, who lit some of the most important Broadway shows before his death in 2020.
What follows is a tribute to the late singer/songwriter Bill Withers. “I always look for people with real authenticity,” Parsons said of Withers. “You get to hear him talk, telling you where he’s from, sharing some of his life story, and then we hear his songs.”
And that’s just the rst half.
e second half dips into the jazz world of Miles Davis, featuring some “structured improvisation” for six dancers, followed by that ying fellow — Parsons’ iconic Caught from 1982, lit magically by Bin-
IF YOU GO
Parsons Dance will perform at 7 p.m. on March 16 at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St. in Lone Tree. For information, visit lonetreeartscenter.org or call 720-5091010.
kley — and concluding with Nascimento, which the choreographer described as “a gringo’s look at the colors of Brazil.” e piece grew from the gift of a song from that nation’s beloved songwriter, and ve-time Grammy winner, Milton Nascimento, during a visit to Brazil by Parson’s company.
“We recently did another tour down there,” he said. “It’s always been a special place for us, and he is such a wonderful man. His name means ‘birth,’ by the way.”
As one would expect, that nale brims with joy, rhythm and unstoppable energy — like so much of Parsons work through the years. Still, it’s hard to escape the fact that his dance company is one of the few still able to tour the country and the globe, leaving the safe con nes of New York City.
“ ere have been lots of changes, even before COVID hit all of us (in the dance world). But we’re starting to come back,” he said.
at said, there’s the worry about the shrinking source of talented dancers.
“ e old days of the university (training) system have changed,” he said. “We used to go and teach students in master classes in dance departments. But then it all stopped. ere’s been a disconnect.”
Ever the optimist, Parsons’ mood switches.
“ eaters are starting to be built,” he said. “Look, this is a business — everyone has to work at it to survive. We just did two weeks in Brazil. Before that, a six-week tour in Europe, then a two-week tour out of New York.”
e dance-maker shared his delight at the prospect of performing at the Lone Tree Arts Center — he’d heard good things about the facility, where it has been said that contemporary dance is getting a boost — and also spoke enthusiastically about visiting Los Angeles, where the company will do six shows for schoolchildren at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion.
“ ere they are,” he said of his L.A. audiences. “ ey’re the future. I’m watching dance change.”
He wondered if the thousands of kids attending those shows might include a few inspired enough to go out and start taking dance lessons — and one day become professionals.
Parsons Dance is a New York City-based contemporary American dance company. The company will perform at the Lone Tree Arts Center on March 16.
Parsons Dance will perform at 7 p.m. on March 16 at the Lone Tree Arts Center. PHOTOS BY RACHEL NEVILLE
Thu 3/20
Eric Golden
@ 5pm
Denco @ 9pm
Mon 3/24
The Ginn Mill, 2041 Larimer St, Denver
Sun 3/23
Moves & Brews at Western Sky Bar & Taproom @ 9am / $25
Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 11am Denver
Alpha Charlie's Tap & Tavern, 6631 S Peoria St Suite 100, Centennial
Clem RockZ: Live Littleton CO
@ 6pm
The Toad Tavern, 5302 S Federal Circle, Littleton
Tatiana Eva-Marie
@ 6pm
Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver
Corsicana
@ 7pm
Goosetown Tavern, 3242 East Colfax Ave, Den‐
ver
Fri 3/21
Chris Koza
@ 2pm
The Hampton Social - Denver, 2501 16th St, Denver
Don Goblin EP Release/Goodnight Native/Soph And Austin @ 7pm
Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver
Cheryl Wheeler: On A Winter's Night Reunion Tour
@ 7pm
Swallow Hill, 71 E Yale Ave, Denver
Avi Snow @ 8pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Sat 3/22
BILLY
@ 6pm Ski House, 2719 Larimer St, Denver
Nate Bergman @ 7pm
Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
Javier Rosas Y Su Artilleria Pesada
@ 8pm
Stampede, 2430 S Havana St, Aurora
Snap!
@ 8pm
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Den‐ver Five8
@ 9pm
Larimer Beer Hall, 2012 Larimer St, Denver
Western Sky Bar & Taproom, 4361 S BROADWAY, Englewood. westernsky barco@gmail.com
Heathers @ 3pm
The Delorean, 1753 S Broadway, Denver
Holy locust, yes ma’am and doom scroll at moe’s @ 6pm
Severo Y Grupo Fuego: Noche NBA Pregame Concert - Hispanic Heritage Night @ 5pm
Moe’s BBQ, Englewood
2ŁØT Presents the Entro Tour @ 6pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Pretty Boy Floyd @ 7pm
Wild Goose Saloon, 11160 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker
Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir, Denver
Thomas Day @ 5:30pm
Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver
Modern Swing Mondays 2025 @ 5:30pm / $16.51 Stampede, Aurora
Black Market Translation @ 6pm
Your Mom's House, 608 E 13th Ave., Denver
The Riverside: Looking for House Concert Hosts! @ 6pm
Looking for House Concert Hosts!, Denver
Stephen Day: Gold Mine Headline Tour @ 6pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
Tue 3/25
Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 3pm Denver
High Country Dance @ 6pm / $16.51 Stampede, Aurora
The Rocket Summer "hello, Good Friend." 20th Anniversary Tour w/ Mae @ 6pm / $30 Marquis, Denver
Wed 3/26
Ladies Night @ 5pm / $16.51 Stampede, Aurora
ANNABEL LEE @ 6pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
DEAD EYES @ 6pm
Shootin' DICE Studios @ The Rickhouse, 6100 East 39th Avenue, Denver
Raffaella @ 6pm Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
Peter Raffoul @ 6pm
Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver
Jake Xerxes Fussell @ 6pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
So True Live Tour With Caleb Hearon @ 6:30pm / $39.50-$49.50 Paramount Theatre, Denver Dollpile @ 7pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
Thu 3/27
Chris Koza @ 2pm
The Hampton Social - Denver, 2501 16th St, Denver
Jueves Pa" Gozar en La Rumba @ 7pm / $8.73 La Rumba, Denver
Rooler: Club Vinyl @ 9pm Club Vinyl, 1082 N Broadway, Denver
Finding the will and the way
When our oldest daughter, Kate, was just over two years old, I found her perched on top of the refrigerator with one hand holding open the door of the freezer and the other reaching in to grab an Otter Pop.
I was shocked by the sight and asked her what she was doing. Kate, who always wanted to be exactly like her mother and therefore refused to call me “Dad” because that’s not what Beth (Mom) called me, turned her head, looked at me, and said, “Nothing, Jim.”
To get in this precarious prone position six feet o the ground, Kate had gone to the corner of the kitchen and placed her plastic step stool on the counter. She then must have moved her highchair across the kitchen so that she could use the chair to climb onto the counter.
Apparently, after getting on the counter, she pushed her step stool over next to the refrigerator, stepped up on it and climbed on top of the refrigerator. From there, for this two-year-old fearless climber, it was easy to open the freezer door and begin to reach down to grab the prize.
We can critique our parenting regarding this situation all day long. How is it that a 2-year-old could be left alone long enough to accomplish such a feat? Why did I not hear the furniture being moved? What other safety features were not in place? e list goes on. In the end, whether it was good parenting or not, after getting her down safely from the top of the refrigerator, Katie, Beth, and I had Otter Pops. I am sure we took a few minutes to talk about not doing that anymore, but I do not remember that part of the conversation.
We have shared that story with people numerous times over the course of the last 30 years laughing with each retelling. ose are great memories. In the last 16 years, since my MS. Diagnosis, I have come to recognize that beyond the great memories, the story holds lessons about overcoming obstacles.
ree things stand out for me.
Most obviously, there is the idea that where there is a will, there is a way. In our struggles, it is so easy to get stuck with an “I can’t do that.” recording playing in our head. We need to get rid of that record; it is
Iam a recently retired lawyer, having practiced for 45 years in Colorado. Over the past 10 years, my wife and I have had the honor of working as volunteer interpretative rangers in Rocky Mountain National Park (“Rocky”).
Neither Rocky Mountain, nor any of Colorado’s other national park units (of which there are about 16, including parks, monuments, historic trails and other sites), are oversta ed. Indeed, they have been understa ed for quite some time. at is based on our rsthand knowledge. When Elon Musk announced the indiscriminate employment cuts to our federal government, including all of our national
limiting and debilitating. When we change the message to, “I can’t do that in the way I used to.” It opens doors and creates possibilities.
Next, while I can only imagine what her 2-year-old brain was thinking, I suspect that Kate broke the problem of wanting an Otter Pop into several parts: How do I get on the counter? How do I get on top of the fridge? How do I get an Otter Pop? To nd di erent ways to do things, we may have to break hurdles down into parts. Figure out one step that gets us a portion of the way there and then gure out the next. When we do that, eventually we will get our Otter Pop.
Finally, Kate was bold and open to taking chances. To take on the struggles we face we too must be bold, willing to take chances.
Struggles put us at a crossroads, an inection point where we must decide what our mindset and path will be. My hope for each of us is that we will choose the path with options, with possibilities, with joy.
You have got this.
I hope my words encourage you, and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you.
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife, Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.
Education in the United States, and how the di erent states fare
How does the U.S. do in educating its citizens compared with other developed nations? e following quote from education expert Judy Butler gives a perspective I never thought of.
“Education system rankings are always an apples and oranges comparison. Educational systems are a product of the countries’ culture,” she said.
She contends the U.S. is No. 1.
“ at’s because we educate everyone through age 18 and don’t siphon o kids around age 16, sending only the best students on to high school making them eligible for college and other post-high school education,” Butler said.
So, our democratic ideas a ect our ranking. We live up to the idea that everyone in the U.S. deserves a chance to succeed.
I looked at many rankings and only one, a U.S. News and World Report study in 2024, ranked the U.S. No. 1 in education. It included our world-class colleges and universities as part of our education system. As a result of my research, I know we are not 24th, as Elon Musk reported, but we are not the best either.
e U.S., despite ranking high in educational system surveys, falls behind in math and science scores compared to many other countries. In reality, we have 50 educational systems as our K-12 education is managed and funded almost completely by the 50 states, according to a 2024 report by Fullerton College of Education at Michigan State University.
So, as a result, I focused on measuring the 50 states in terms of their K-12 school systems. I found three credible studies that measured school quality, student safety and student success. As each study had di erences, I combined the three averaging each state’s scores.
e following are those results.
First quadrant (highest performing states in order): New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New York, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, Maryland, Illinois, Nebraska, Colorado, Iowa.
Second quadrant (above average
states in order):Indiana, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, Utah, Ohio, Maine, Florida, Delaware, Washington, South Dakota, Rhode Island. ird quadrant (Below average states in order):Montana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Idaho, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, North Carolina.
Fourth quadrant (Poorest performing states in order): Hawaii, California, Oregon, Mississippi, South Carolina, Alaska, Alabama, Nevada, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arizona, New Mexico.
Some of these rankings are in uenced by the makeup of the individual states. ere is a study by the National Center for Education, which studies 67,977 schools in 12,842 districts. at study shows that suburban schools produce reading scores of 50.7 vs. similar scores of 41.4 in rural schools and 37.4 in urban schools. Math scores are also highest in suburban schools at 49.7 vs. 41.7 in rural schools and 38.0 in urban schools. e three di erent school settings have similar student to pupil ratios and similar teacher pay per student ratios. is suggests that the scores students produce depend on their school environment. States with predominantly suburban schools will produce higher scores and the reverse is also true. You may be wondering how we are doing. Schooldigger.com, an organization that helps parents understand school quality, rates both Evergreen and Conifer High Schools in the top 3% of the over 26,000 high schools in America.
I had a wife, sister and two aunts who were teachers. All would agree that the two facts that matter most in student success are parental involvement and the quality of the teacher. Who among us has not had that special teacher who motivated and challenged us.
My son, upon graduating from college, wrote to his fth-grade teacher thanking her for her extra e ort on his behalf. I invite you to remember your special teacher and tell someone about them.
Jim Rohrer of Evergreen is a retired businessman who worked in small, medium and very large businesses. His books “Never lose your job. Become an MVP” and “Improve your bottom line, develop MVP’s today” focus on fostering success.
representatives
is guest column was written by Boulder County resident Kevin Allen, who moved to Colorado in 1978 and practiced law for 45 years, mostly at Allen Vellone Wolf Helfrich & Factor P.C. Now retired, he and his wife have served as volunteer interpretative rangers at Rocky Mountain National Park for 10 years. Protect our parks by contacting your
park units, I immediately began contacting the ofce of 8th District Congressman Gabe Evans to discuss the catastrophic e ect of these cuts on our national parks in Colorado, and I asked when he would publicly support our parks.
I’m in my third week of constant contact, and while I have spoken to people at his o ce, no one has given me any impression that he cares the least about our parks. Most re-
cently, when I asked a representative in his o ce to tell me when he would support the reversal of employee cuts in our national park units in Colorado, he said he did not know and instead referred me to the videos on Mr. Evans’ website touting his support for a recent House budget resolution and potential cuts in Medicaid. Please, let Mr. Evans know that our national parks are a beacon of light in the world.
My wife and I, in our jobs, discuss the beauty and majesty of Rocky with literally thousands of visitors from throughout the U.S. and dozens of other countries. I can think of nothing more important for us to promote in these trying times for our country, and nothing more shortsighted than ignoring the park’s needs. Let Mr. Evans further know that if he does not care about our parks, he does not care about Colorado and has no business representing its citizens, whether in the 8th or any other district.
Jim Roome
GUEST COLUMN
Kevin Allen
GUEST COLUMN
Jim Rohrer
The journey toward authentic transformation
In our pursuit of change, it’s easy to get caught up in the tangible, a new haircut, a sleek set of clothes, or even a shiny new ride. ese external adjustments can certainly provide a burst of con dence and a touch of swagger. ey are the visible badges of change, a way to signal to the world that something is di erent. But while a rep at the gym or a new car might spark a temporary uplift, true transformation begins with the subtle shift that happens within.
Consider the allure of physical tness. ere’s a moment of pride when you add weight to your bench press or see the de nition of muscle emerging under your skin. And yes, that newfound strength can translate into con dence. Yet, if the only change you make is super cial, the uplift is often eeting. It’s not merely the muscles we build, but the internal resilience we cultivate that leads to lasting transformation. When we push through our physical limits, we also train our minds to overcome obstacles, rea rming the belief that we are capable of more than we ever imagined. Similarly, a fresh haircut or updated
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Time to make a di erence
WINNING
wardrobe may transform how others perceive us and even how we see ourselves. New clothes can be a metaphor for new beginnings, a way to leave behind old patterns and step boldly into a reimagined self. But these changes, while invigorating, are just the surface. ey signal a desire to change, yet without the foundational work of inner growth, they risk being mere band-aids on deeper wounds. Real condence emerges not from the approval of others but from the acceptance and understanding of who we truly are. Sometimes, the urge for change leads us to alter our surroundings, even our social circles. We may think that by surrounding ourselves with high-energy, ambitious people, we will be swept up in their momentum. And indeed, the people we choose to spend time with can have a profound impact on our
SEE NORTON, P31
Recently, I did something I have never done before: I attended my rst town hall. Jason Crow, congressman for the 6th District in Colorado, hosted over 1,300 people at Hinkley High School in Aurora; I was proud to be one of them. I consider myself a relatively engaged citizen: I vote all the way down every ballot, I participated in the Women’s March in 2017, I volunteered for Barack Obama’s rst presidential campaign, I write letters to my representatives. However, showing up to a town hall is a bit less sexy and de nitely more inconvenient. I am a full-time high school teacher and I have three children under the age of seven. Needless to say — it’s di cult to make time on school nights for activities outside our regularly scheduled programming. But this is not a time to sit idly by and hope our neighbors step up for us. After all, we are each responsible for our own voice and making sure it is heard. I saw my role that night as one of a learner. My goal was to hear what my community had to say in the wake of the Trump administration’s latest actions, what Congressman Crow’s plans were, and to identify tangible next steps.
SMITH
OBITUARIES
M’Lissa Lou Smith February 16, 2024
M’Lissa Lou Smith of Littleton, CO, aged 67, passed away in Aurora, CO on Sunday, February 16th. e youngest of ve, M’Lissa was born in 1957 in Arvada to Grant and Grette Smith and grew up in a happy home with her parents, brothers, and sister. As a teacher, M’Lissa took pride in seeing her students thrive, and even in retirement kept in
touch with students who adored her classes. Some of M’Lissa’s joys were driving through Fairplay, old movies, witty humor, discovering small towns, good co ee, collecting gems and minerals, and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter Allison, brother Phil, sister Valerie, and nephew Jason. M’Lissa is eternally loved and deeply missed.
March 31, 1925 - February 12, 2025
Long-time Littleton resident, Vernie Bell Anderson Combellick, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, very near the age of 100. Vernie was born March 31, 1925, in St. Francis, Kansas, the youngest of the three children of Bennett Anderson and Magdalena Walz Anderson. At age 13, Bennett, 1st generation Swedish American, and his 15-yearold brother were sent alone by their father to homestead with a wagon and a mule in 1887. ey landed in St Francis. Magdalena immigrated to New York, and then Kansas, from Ukraine as a German descendant in 1907. is pioneer heritage gave Vernie her strong values in creative survival, determination, hard work, faith, and community.
While she was dating Glenn, Vernie took the time to go to Cedar City, Utah, for a year of college where she had her own radio show. At the station she recorded two of their songs, “Aways” and “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” and sent the record to him for Christmas when he was home in Billings, Montana. at recording grabbed Glenn’s heart and they were married on August 29,1948.
ask for more speci c information for agencies that need volunteer help. Even if it’s an hour a week, we can all make a di erence. To paraphrase Crow, “Together, collectively, our advocacy is more powerful.”
Jenna Chapman, Centennial
Bravo for Safe Streets
On March 3, Littleton city sta held a public meeting outlining their design ideas for the reconstruction of Euclid Avenue. e plans were promising and well received. is project is part of a growing trend of investing in our community and its future.
I was not disappointed. e crowd was invigorated, Crow spoke to speci c actions he was taking in Washington to combat some of the unjust actions of the president, and I was grateful to be there to take it all in. My two key takeaways were this: One, when I looked around the room, I couldn’t help but notice I was younger than the vast majority of the crowd by at least 10 years, if not decades more. Two, the most e ective way to resist this administration is litigation — my time could be well spent by volunteering for a legal aid agency. My call to action is for folks between the ages of 18 and 40 to not be disillusioned and disheartened with government and to instead, step up. It felt so reassuring to step beyond the headlines and hear rsthand from my neighbors and local representative. I followed up the next morning with Crow’s o ce to
A shortage of housing and rising home prices have pushed families out of the city. Census data from 2023 suggests that there are 25% fewer families in Littleton compared to 2010. Littleton Public Schools have been struggling with lower attendance rates due to this change in population.
Despite those challenges, public investments like this indicate that the city is not giving up on families. ey are signaling that safety and convenience for the people of Littleton is a priority. ey are telling parents that Littleton is still a great place to raise your family and we want to make it even better.
More and more families are being pushed to the outskirts of the Denver metro to nd communities that are still welcoming to children. And Littleton is putting its money where its mouth is and making this city family friendly. ere was a time not long ago when parents didn’t spend hours each week in school pickup and dropo lines. Children didn’t need to be chau eured everywhere because they had the condence and independence to get themselves to and from school. ose are vital skills for the development of successful people.
Raised near poverty in this tiny farming town, she found her purpose very early in life when as a toddler she began exploring music on the piano. She was largely self-taught until her mother hired out to iron shirts for ten cents each so she could pay for piano lessons. Her father was a ddle player who taught her how to play standard chords in many keys. By the age of 11, she was accompanying him at country barn dances throughout the county. Later during grade school, she made her way to the corner drug store to scan sheet music, commit it to memory because she could not a ord to buy it, and went home to play it from memory. is talent to play from memory was a signature talent all throughout her life. She also became the drum majorette for the St. Francis High School band and acted in many of the plays and musicals. In addition, she developed a beautiful voice, singing in hometown church choirs and many choirs after moving to Denver. She was an accomplished soloist all her life in these choirs and was featured in their recordings.
Vernie met University of Denver accounting student Glenn Combellick in 1946 at the Denver boarding house where they both lived. ey were great dancers and courted by going ballroom dancing to big band music. ey continued to dance most of their lives, even as octogenarians.
roughout their lives together, Glenn and Vernie worked tirelessly to provide a good home and life for their family. Moving to Littleton from Denver in 1956, Vernie continued planting her garden to provide fresh and home-canned food for the family. Raising her children, Rod, Janet, Sally, and Linda, was both disciplined and fun, spending time outdoors and with Glenn to move to two acres, on the edge of farmland at that time, where Glenn and Vernie lived for 56 years. e family helped build the house and Vernie did all the painting inside and out.
e family enjoyed trailer trips every summer, sometimes as far as Acapulco or Quebec. All four adult children still love to travel. During the years following Glenn’s retirement, the couple traveled all over the world, from Iceland to the Antarctic, the British Isles to Japan, making two to three trips every year. ey also spent many weekends on home turf going shing or taking road trips around
Vernie’s faith was strong through life’s challenges until the very end. She felt blessed to be able to dedicate her singing to God all her life. Her love of music will be missed but her children are all grateful for that legacy she shared, nurturing their musical talent in many ways.
Vernie’s memorial service will be at Our Father Lutheran Church, 6335 S. Holly St, Centennial, CO 80121 on May 10, 2025, at 10:00 am. Memorial charitable gifts can be sent to this church where Vernie was a devoted member. Full Obituary and details at Drinkwinemortuary.com.
ese Safe Streets projects are not only an investment in the infrastructure of this community, they are an investment in the future wellbeing of the residents.
Benjamin Traquair, Je erson
County
COMBELLICK
Vernie Bell (Anderson) Combellick
FINDING PIECES OF IRELAND IN THE METRO AREA
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Rather than vibrant green landscapes and stone bridges arched over running waters, the Rocky Mountains act as the backdrop for various pieces of Irish culture throughout the Denver metro area. Ireland’s rich history shines through in many aspects of life, re ected in clothing, cuisine, artwork, family life and much more. However, it’s the music, dancing and pubs that play integral roles in the nation’s identity and keeps Irish culture alive across Denver.
“Denver has a strong Irish cultural scene,” said Ariel Bennett, owner of the Denver-based Heritage Irish Stepdancers dance school.
Denver’s Irish history
e Irish have had a strong presence in Denver since the mid-to-late 1800s.
Between 1845 and 1855, many Irish people immigrated to the United States due to the Great Famine in Ireland that decimated potato crops. A few decades later, Irish immigrants migrated to Leadville when silver was discovered. But when the Colorado Silver Boom ended in 1893, they began to make their way to Denver.
ey continued to work as laborers, but as generations evolved with the turn of the century, the Irish became more involved in the development of the city – in uencing religion, education and politics.
“Including eight Irish dance schools, a number of Irish pubs and a bunch of home-grown Celtic bands.”
e in uence of the Irish continues to be seen today through dance, music and pubs.
“Singing, playing and dancing are an essential part of social interaction, artistic expression and cultural identity,” Bennett said.
Stepping into the culture
When Bennett was a child, her mom, Molly, played in an Irish band and while playing at a party, Molly met two teenagers from Ireland. e teens asked if anyone would be interested in joining an Irish dance class.
Bennett was immediately put in the class and was later joined by her sister and mom.
e family started their own school, Heritage Irish Stepdancers, in 1998. While the main studio is in Denver, located at 7808 Cherry Creek South Drive, they also have classes at the Dance Academy, 8600 Park Meadows Drive in Lone Tree, and at Flatirons Dance, 8390 W. 80th Ave. in Arvada.
Although the exact origin of Irish dance is unknown, Bennett has learned about the di erent types of dances and how important it is to the culture.
ere are two forms of Irish social dancing. One is called set dancing, which has roots in English dancing, said Bennett, and the other is ceili dancing. is type of dance – which has become popular in competitions – involves couples dancing with other couples, similar to American square dancing.
“Sometimes people would do what was called a stepabout at these gatherings, where dancers would take turns showing o their fanciest moves,” Bennett said.
One of the more commonly-known styles is seeing the dancers with their arms by their sides. is is stepdancing, also known as solo dancing, and there are two styles within stepdancing. e soft shoe is more like ballet and the hard shoe is more like tap.
Also, women typically perform light and graceful moves while men do moves that are more powerful and rhythmic.
“Historically, stepdancing was done by common people, and they didn’t have special dance equipment,” said Bennett. “ ey wore ordinary clothes and shoes when they danced.”
Women and girls wore knee-length dresses with embroidered Celtic designs, said Bennett, but as competitive Irish dance became more popular, performance attire became shorter and lighter, with bright and bold designs.
For Bennett, Irish culture has always been part of her life, and over time, she has seen how dancing plays a key role in Irish identity.
A rainbow sits over a bright green landscape at the Rock of Cashel in Cashel, Republic of Ireland.
The River Lee runs through the Republic of Ireland’s second largest city, Cork, which is home to the English Market and the Blarney Castle and Gardens. PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
PIECES OF IRELAND
Unique and distinctive music
“I was once told by an Irish person that the way you tell if someone has Celtic blood in them is by putting on Irish music. If they tap their feet and can’t sit still, they’re a Celt,” said Bennett. “ is just shows the importance that music has in Irish culture.”
With distinctive rhythms and unique traditional instruments, Irish music has always been a way to express emotions, tell stories and share culture.
Laura Schulkind, founder and executive director of the Chamber Music Society of Greater Denver, has been traveling around the metro area this March with the chamber, celebrating Celtic culture through music.
“Celtic music can be sorrowful, re ecting a lost love,” said Schulkind. “Or joyful and full of dance.”
Similar to many cultures, music was used to resist oppression. And Celtic music has also been used to preserve history, celebrate the nation’s identity and build community. It’s the instruments that are unique to the Celtic sound that instills life into the music.
Although Schulkind is a utist, she nds the distinctive sound of the Irish harp soothing and uplifting, making it one of her favorite instruments.
Other instruments that make up the Celtic sound include ddles, utes, the mandolin, concertina, tin whistles, highland pipes, uilleann pipes, Irish Bouzouki and the bodhrán.
A bodhrán is a frame drum where one side of the drum is open and the musician places their hand against the inside of the drum to control the tone and pitch while the other hand beats the drum.
“ e instruments create a rich texture that can go from a dense sound to a very light sound,” Schulkind said.
It’s often said that Irish music is a blend of storytelling and musical expression. Schulkind agrees.
A piece Schulkind is playing is called “In Ireland” by Hamilton Harty. She said the note at the beginning from the composer states: “In a Dublin street at dusk, two wandering musicians are playing.”
“ e composer is compelling me to tell a story with his piece,” said Schulkind. “He wants me to paint a picture with sound through the fantasy-type writing at the beginning and the joyful music at the end.”
Celtic music is not just for formal settings.
‘Good-ole Irish craic’
“Many of the tunes are also drinking tunes for the pubs,” Schulkind said.
From Celtic on Market to the Irish Rover, there are a multitude of pubs hidden throughout the Denver metro area. ere may not be as many as the 6,000 plus like in Ireland, but the metro area has its fair share.
Pubs are more than just a place to grab a drink. ey serve as a hub for the community, fostering a sense of belonging and contribution to the town.
“You just sit and have a good time, chat with your local friends, meet new people – and that’s exactly what we’ve tried to establish here,” said Megan Casey.
Casey has worked at Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub for 14 years and has fallen in love with getting to know the community and sharing a piece of Ireland.
e pub is a small, bright red building tucked away o Main Street in downtown Littleton. It rst opened in 2009 by two men – one of whom is from Ireland – after owning Scru y Murphy’s in downtown Denver.
Littleton “de nitely had the small town charm that a lot of Irish pubs have,” Casey said, adding that the building was remodeled in 2013 to make the pub more authentic.
While musical and stepdancing performances, as well as fundraising for local charities bring authenticity to the pub, Casey said getting to know its patrons on a personal level is what makes the pub feel genuine.
Having been to Ireland a few times, Casey said everyone in the pub is treated like family and that is what they aim for at Ned Kelly’s.
“ e few Irish pubs that I was in, that’s exactly how it was,” said Casey. “Everybody just welcomed you and wanted to get to know you. Like they say, ‘the good-ole Irish craic.”’
Stepdancing, also known as solo dancing, is a form of dance where the dancers perform with their arms down to their sides where women typically perform light and graceful moves while men do moves that are more powerful and rhythmic. COURTESY OF ARIEL BENNETT
Ned Kelly’s Irish Pub in downtown Littleton is one of many Irish pubs scattered throughout the Denver metro area. Established in 2009, it is the only Irish pub in Littleton. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
With various styles of social and competitive dance, dancing has been an integral part in Irish culture. The Denver-based Heritage Irish Stepdancers dance school continues to carry on the Irish culture in the metro area. COURTESY OF ARIEL BENNETT
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Mark Baisley to run for Colorado governor
He is the second Republican lawmaker to enter the 2026 race
BY BENTE BIRKELAND COLORADO PUBLIC RADIO
e list of Republicans aiming for Colorado’s top o ce is growing.
Two current statehouse Republicans have ofcially entered the race for governor in 2026, when Democratic Gov. Jared Polis is term limited.
Colorado has not elected a Republican governor since Bill Owens handily defeated a Democrat in 2002. is story was produced as part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance. It rst appeared at cpr.org.
Sen. Mark Baisley of Woodland Park said the political left has tightened its grip on the Colorado community to pass radical bills, some of which are “blatantly unconstitutional.”
“ e state government has taken on an attitude of micromanaging the people’s behavior rather than respecting and empowering ‘We e People’” he sent in a text message to CPR News.
Baisley said his campaign will focus on economic opportunity, education and safety.
“Working with innovative government and industry leadership, we have managed to make several meaningful accomplishments in bringing advanced technology and manufacturing to the state. We may even land the competition
MERGE
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Additionally, various parents expressed concerns or their preferences regarding the fate of ELA and EMS during public comment at a Jan. 7 board of education meeting.
Misty Le ar, a parent of Englewood students and an educator in the district, said at the Jan. 7 meeting she was in support of closing ELA and merging the schools into one school under the EMS name. She said she felt the division between the schools causes harm to the students, as her experience with her son led her to see a sense of entitlement from ELA students, even though both schools share educators and curriculum.
“I didn’t see a di erence between the two schools and it was never explained to me the di erence,” Le ar said.
to host the coveted Sundance Film Festival. I have spent much of my energies working with education institutions towards preparing students to step up to those good paying jobs.”
Rep. Scott Bottoms of Colorado Springs led paperwork with the Colorado Secretary of State’s O ce last month to launch his bid.
e second-term lawmaker is a pastor and Navy veteran. He is one of the most conservative members of the legislature and at times butts heads with Democrats on issues of free speech and decorum in the chamber. is session, he’s introduced bills to make it a Class 2 felony to help an out-of-state minor come to Colorado for gender-a rming care and to ban commercial insect production for human consumption. Both were defeated in their rst hearings.
Bottoms and Baisley are both sponsors of a bill this year that would have made it harder for medical professionals who provide gender a rming care to minors to get medical malpractice insurance. Democrats defeated that proposal. e two also worked together on the creation of an ‘In God We Trust’ license plate option which became law in 2023.
For the most part, Baisley has primarily focused on business and technology during his time at the Capitol. He previously served in the House and now sits on the Senate’s Business, Labor and Technology and the Local Government and Housing committees, as well as the General Assembly’s and Joint Technology Committee.
He’s also been working with Democrats on the AI task force that was set up to help imple-
“Over the last couple of years, there have been changes to the schools that have moved them towards more collaboration, such as sharing of sta and budget resources,” Jones-Kaplan said. “We also want to acknowledge that the pro les of these schools on paper, while di erent, do not re ect the fact that they do have much in this school year that is overlapping and that this has led to the sense of loss for many families.”
Parents also expressed concerns as to how the district’s model of sixth grade would be impacted, as it currently o ers parents and students the choice to complete sixth grade at an elementary level at EMS or a middle school level at ELA.
However, the board decided on Jan.7 that it will not make a decision on that matter, and parents and students will continue to have that choice.
e two schools were blended prior to the board’s March decision as they share a building and a principal at the Englewood Campus at 3800 S. Logan St.
ment Colorado’s rst-in-the-nation law aimed at preventing and reducing discriminatory AI systems in key decisions that impact people’s lives in areas like housing and education. Bottoms sits on the Appropriations Committee and the State, Civic, Military and Veterans A airs Committee.
is story was produced by the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS and e Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
est ‘performance’ rating on Colorado’s state accountability framework scale” for the last two years.
e Jan. 7 document states that there are 187 students enrolled in the seventh and eighth grades at EMS, which “o ers a larger and more diverse educational environment and has faced academic challenges, transitioning from ‘improvement’ to ‘turnaround’ status,” which are the lowest ratings on the state’s accountability framework scale.
Board President Katie Wilberding Cross and her fellow board members expressed gratitude to families, students and the community for providing input and perspectives about the merger to the board over the last several months.
CORRECTIONS
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“I think as we acknowledged in our last meeting how incredible it is that our small community is so incredible to inform us in this decision that it doesn’t feel like it’s us up here on our own,” Wilberding Cross said. “Expert experience includes lived experience, and (I’m) just really grateful and hopeful that we can leverage some of what we’ve learned to continue engaging our community in other ways to inform our decisions so that we are always making those that align with our community as best we can.” FROM PAGE 1
Two parents, Lauren Jones-Kaplan and Tiffany Kapler, who represented the ELA and EMS School Accountability Committees, presented a document to the board on Jan. 7 containing input from other parents at both schools regarding the option to merge.
Diem Chong
Chong is a fth grader that attends Charles Hay World School, and she was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of respect.
Chong said it felt good to be recognized out of all of the students at her school and that her favorite aspect about Charles Hay are the people.
“My friends and … there’s just a lot of nice people there,” Chong said.
Charles Hay faculty members Laine Goddard, Karly Gelinas and the specials teamsubmitted Chong’s recognition.
“Diem goes above and beyond by taking risks and always being on task,” those who nominated him said. “Diem is always open to
ELA is described by state ratings and parental input as a school with 98 students in sixth to eighth grade that is “known for its strong academic programming and personalized attention” that has “consistently achieved the high-
meeting new people and is never sarcastic or cruel toward anyone. She goes out of her way to include others and introduce herself to new classmates.”
Annika Kueht
Kueht is a third grader who attends Cherrelyn Elementary School, and she was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of community.
Kueht said her favorite aspects about Cherrelyn are that it’s not too big and that she has good relationships with her teachers. Her favorite class is STEAM.
Many faculty and sta from Cherrelyn submitted Kuehit’s recognition.
“Annika’s warm smile, positive attitude and natural ability to make others feel welcome set the tone for her entire class,” Cherrelyn sta said. “She is always the rst to check in on a friend, ensuring no one feels left out. Whether
sharing her love of dogs, pushing herself to speak up in class, or lending a helping hand, Annika is a quiet leader who inspires those around her.”
Freimer Flores Sandoval
Flores Sandoval is in fourth grade and attends Clayton Elementary School. He was recognized for meeting the district’s core value of high expectations.
e fourth grade team at Clayton submitted Flores Sandoval’s recognition.
“Freimer is a student who constantly shows up and gives his best e ort,” the fourth grade team said. “He is a model student whom others look to for encouragement and leadership.” Sta also said Flores Sandoval is always looking to push himself even further.
“Anytime he faces an obstacle, he meets it with grit and perseverance,” the fourth grade sta said.
State Sen. Mark Baisley, R-Woodland Park, in the Senate chambers on the first day of Colorado’s 2025 legislative session on Jan. 8 at the Colorado Capitol in Denver. PHOTO BY JESSE PAUL FOR
Report says fewer Coloradans are identifying as Christian
BY ELAINE TASSY CPR NEWS
e percentage of Coloradans who call themselves Christian has declined over the past decade and a half, as the percentage of Coloradans who de ne themselves as “religiously una liated” increased by almost the same amount over the same time period.
It’s a trend that matches what’s happening across the country.
e Pew Research Center’s “Religious Landscape Study,” published Feb. 26, found that in 2007, about a third of Coloradans (67%) identi ed as Christian. Last year, that number dropped to about half (52%).
Carl Raschke, a professor of philosophy of religion at the University of Denver, says this shift is based on some unique characteristics about the Centennial state.
“Colorado is one of the most educated states in the country …. Higher levels of education very much go hand in hand with higher levels of religious disa liation,” Raschke said. “Colorado has historically always been less religious than other parts of the country.”
e state of Colorado is 10% less Christian than the country as a whole, according to the study. e percentage of people who identi ed as Christian was 78% nationally in 2007 (as compared to Colorado’s 67% at that time). e percentage of people nationwide self-identifying as Christian declined to 62% in 2024, 10% higher than Colorado’s 2024 Christian percentage at just over half (52%).
Religiously una liated on rise
Besides providing data on the decline of how many people identify as Christian, the report also found that the percentage of people in the U.S. who aren’t a part of any religion and describe themselves as “religiously una liated” has gone up, and it appears that the people who are walking away from Christianity are not connecting with new faiths. Indeed, the decline in the number of people who identify as Christian nearly mirrored the rise in the number of people who are “religiously una liated” between 2007 and 2024. e number of people identifying as Christian declined nationally by 16%; those who de ned
themselves as religiously una liated rose 13%.
In Colorado, the percentage of people who de ned themselves as religiously una liated In 2007 was a quarter of the state’s population, 25%. at percentage shot up 15 percentage points to 40% last year.
DU’s Raschke said age is a factor in the shift away from Christianity and religiosity in general.
“Most of the decline has been among the younger generation,” he said. “ at’s been a national trend.”
About 37,000 people participated in the Pew research study, which has been conducted for the past 17 years.
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.
First Congregational Church in downtown Colorado Springs is part of the United Church of Christ, widely seen as the most progressive sect of Christianity in the nation.
PHOTO BY DAN BOYCE / CPR NEWS
Shaun White promotes Snow League in Thornton
Snowboarding legend visits SNÖBAHN to lend tips, skate with kids
BY JOHN RENFROW JRENFROW@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
It’s not often an arguable top-10 athlete of all time stops in for a session in your hometown. But that’s what kids in ornton got on March 4 when snowboarding legend Shaun White pulled up to SNÖBAHN Action Sports Center.
e three-time Olympic gold medalist and 15-time X Games gold medalist was in the Denver area ahead of the debut of Shaun White’s e Snow League at Buttermilk Ski Resort in Aspen. Beginning on March 7, the league is dubbed “the rst professional winter sports league entirely dedicated to snowboarding and freeskiing.”
e inaugural event will see some of the world’s top snowboarders compete headto-head in the halfpipe on NBC and Peacock. e qualifying day is March 7, and the nals are on March 8.
“I mean, look, Colorado, it’s hard to compete with it,” White said. “It’s one of the best places in the world for winter sports and the people are amazing. I’ve had plenty of memories and plenty of things happen for me here. And so, we’re so proud to kick o the league event here and support SNÖBAHN. I try to work in the places that I’ve had great experiences and have been good to me … Aspen’s one of, if not the most talked about, world destination for winter sports, plus just the vibe and the culture and all that. It’s a scene in many ways. I’ve had some amazing experiences there. All the stars really aligned.”
About the Snow League
Season one features a four-event global format boasting a $1.6 million prize purse, with athletes competing to earn points to determine the overall champions. After the season debut at Buttermilk in Aspen Snowmass this week, the event moves to Yunding Secret Garden in China on Dec. 4–6, where 16 of the world’s top freeskiers will join the roster at the Beijing 2022 Olympic venue.
e League returns to Aspen next Feb. 26–28 and concludes at LAAX, Switzerland, next March 19–21, where the rstever Snow League World Champions will be crowned.
e event features reigning Olympic gold medalist Ayumu Hirano of Japan, PyeongChang Olympic silver medalist Liu Jiayu of China, Beijing Olympic bronze medalist Sena Tomita of Japan, along with
U.S. Olympians Chase Josey, Lucas Foster and Maddie Mastro.
“ e nals is a head-to-head format. It’s like a March Madness or something,” White said. “It’s something that people recognize from other sports. It’s confusing format currently. But now, there’s a lot more education that’s going to go on to get people excited and understand what’s happening.”
Check out e Snow League on NBC and Peacock.
Shaun White + SNÖBAHN
White is an ambassador and investor at SNÖBAHN, an indoor action sports facility founded in 2016 with locations in ornton and Centennial.
SNÖBAHN o ers indoor skiing and snowboard lessons with slopes and trampolines, provides a full indoor skate park, camps throughout the year, rentals and more.
Visit www.snobahn.com for more information.
For more, read an extended Q&A with White at coloradocommunitymedia. com/2025/03/05/shaun-white-thornton/
Shaun White warms up with a few tricks at SNÖBAHN in Thornton on March 4. White stopped into the action sports center to do interviews with local media and skate with local youth boarders. PHOTOS BY ELISABETH SLAY
Shaun White, left, high-fives a local while skating with kids at SNÖBAHN Action Sports Center in Thornton on March 4.
Small program helps seniors age in place
Medicare does not cover services of CAPABLE
BY JOANNE KENEN KFF HEALTH NEWS
Chikao Tsubaki had been having a terrible time.
In his mid-80s, he had a stroke. en lymphoma. en prostate cancer. He was fatigued, isolated, not all that steady on his feet.
en Tsubaki took part in an innovative care initiative that, over four months, sent an occupational therapist, a nurse, and a handy worker to his home to help gure out what he needed to stay safe. In addition to grab bars and rails, the handy worker built a bookshelf so neither Tsubaki nor the books he cherished would topple over when he reached for them.
Reading “is kind of the back door for my cognitive health — my brain exercise,” said Tsubaki, a longtime community college teacher. Now 87, he lives independently and walks a mile and a half almost every day.
e program that helped Tsubaki remain independent, called Community Aging in Place: Advancing Better Living for Elders, or CAPABLE, has been around for 15 years and is o ered in about 65 places across 26 states, including Colorado. It helps people 60 and up, and some younger people with disabilities or limitations, who want to remain at home but have trouble with activities like bathing, dressing or moving around safely. Several published studies have found the program saves money and prevents falls, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says contribute to the deaths of 41,000 older Americans and cost Medicare about $50 billion each year.
versity School of Nursing, which coordinates research on CAPABLE. e model is participatory, with the client and care team “problem-solving and brainstorming together,” said Amanda Goodenow, an occupational therapist who worked in hospitals and traditional home health before joining CAPABLE in Denver, where she also works for the CAPABLE National Center, the nonpro t that runs the program.
CAPABLE doesn’t profess to x all the gaps in U.S. long-term care, and it doesn’t work with all older people. ose with dementia, for example, don’t qualify. But studies show it does help participants live more safely at home with greater mobility. And one study that Szanton co-authored estimated Medicare savings of around $20,000 per person would continue for two years after a CAPABLE intervention.
“To us, it’s so obvious the impact that can be made just in a short amount of time and with a small budget,” said Amy Eschbach, a nurse who has worked with CAPABLE clients in the St. Louis area, where a Medicare Advantage plan covers CAPABLE. at St. Louis program caps spending on home modi cations at $1,300 a person.
Both Hill sta and CMS experts who have looked at CAPABLE do see potential routes to broader coverage. One senior Democratic House aide, who asked not to be identi ed because they were not allowed to speak publicly, said Medicare would have to establish careful parameters. For instance, CMS would have to decide which bene ciaries would be eligible. Everyone in Medicare? Or only those with low incomes? Could Medicare somehow ensure that only necessary home modications are made — and that unscrupulous contractors don’t try to extract the equivalent of a “copay” or “deductible” from clients?
Despite evidence and accolades, CAPABLE remains small, serving roughly 4,600 people to date. Insurance seldom covers it (although the typical cost of $3,500 to $4,000 per client is less than many health care interventions). Traditional Medicare and most Medicare Advantage private insurance plans don’t cover it. Only four states use funds from Medicaid, the federal-state program for low-income and disabled people. CAPABLE gets by on a patchwork of grants from places like state agencies for aging and philanthropies. e payment obstacles are an object lesson in how insurers, including Medicare, are built around paying for doctors and hospitals treating people who are injured or sick — not around community services
that keep people healthy. Medicare has billing codes for treating a broken hip, but not for avoiding one, let alone for something like having a handy person “tack down loose carpet near stairs.”
And while keeping someone alive longer may be a desirable outcome, it’s not necessarily counted as savings under federal budget rules. A 2017 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services evaluation found that CAPABLE had high satisfaction rates and some savings. But its limited size made it hard to assess the long-term economic impact.
It’s unclear how the Trump administration will approach senior care. e barriers to broader state or federal
nancing are frustrating, said Sarah Szanton, who helped create CAPABLE while working as a nurse practitioner doing home visits in west Baltimore. Some patients struggled to reach the door to open it for her. One tossed keys to her out of a second-story window, she recalled. Seeking a solution, Szanton discovered a program called ABLE, which brought an occupational therapist and a handy worker to the home. Inspired by its success, Szanton developed CAPABLE, which added a nurse to check on medications, pain, and mental well-being, and do things like help participants communicate with doctors. It began in 2008. Szanton since 2021 has been the dean of Johns Hopkins Uni-
Szanton said there are safeguards and more could be built in. For instance, it’s the therapists like Goodenow, not the handy workers, who put in the work orders to stay on budget.
For Tsubaki, whose books are not only shelved but organized by topic, the bene ts have endured.
“I became more independent. I’m able to handle most of my activities. I go shopping, to the library, and so forth,” he said. His pace is slow, he acknowledged. But he gets there.
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
Chikao Tsubaki took part in a program called Community Aging in Place: Advancing Better Living for Elders, or CAPABLE, that helps people modify their homes and safely live independently as they age. In addition to an occupational therapist and a nurse, CAPABLE sent a handy worker to Tsubaki’s home to install grab bars and build a bookshelf that wouldn’t topple over when he reached for his cherished books.
PHOTO BY BRIAN FITZEK / KFF HEALTH NEWS
Should Colorado fear measles outbreaks?
Health leaders say vaccination is best means of prevention
BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN
e ongoing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico is edging closer to Colorado, at least geographically.
Four cases — and possibly a fth — have been reported in the Texas Panhandle county of Dallam, which sits about 35 miles south of Colorado’s southern border, separated by the Oklahoma Panhandle.
is doesn’t mean an outbreak is imminent in Colorado, of course. But state health o cials have been getting ready in case one is.
“Right now we are ensuring that we are prepared,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. “We know that measles cases can occur at any time. But we know the risk is going to be greater when there are large outbreaks occurring in other parts of the country.”
So what should you be doing now and how worried should you be? e Sun talked to Herlihy and to Dr. Michelle Barron, an infectious disease expert at UCHealth. Here are some answers.
What’s going on with this measles outbreak?
At least 155 cases have been reported in Texas and New Mexico as of March 4, with 146 of those reported in Texas. e cases in Texas have been concentrated in children, with 40 occurring in
kids under the age of 5, and 70 more in kids ages 5 through 17. One child has died, the rst measles death in the United States since 2015.
Of the 146 cases in Texas, ve have been in people who were inoculated with at least one dose of a measles vaccine. Of the remaining cases, 79 are in people who are unvaccinated and 62 in people with unknown vaccination status.
e outbreak was initially concentrated in an under-vaccinated Mennonite community in West Texas, but it has since spread outward.
Nationwide, a total of 164 cases of measles have been reported so far in 2025, including the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks. Of those infected, 20% have been hospitalized.
“I want people to fully appreciate that this is a huge outbreak, and we have not seen anything like this in a very long time,” Barron said.
Have there been any infections in Colorado?
As of March 4, there have been no measles infections in Colorado from the current outbreak.
e last measles case in a Colorado resident was in 2023. e patient was an adolescent who had traveled abroad.
Travel is a common source of exposure, Barron said, and Colorado often sees a case of measles every year or so related to travel. But you have to go all the way back to the mid-1990s to nd the last time there was a locally transmitted case of measles in Colorado, Herlihy said.
Back up, what is measles? Why is it bad?
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. Barron said the rash is typically at and not itchy. Another common symptom are white dots in the mouth called Koplik spots.
e disease can also cause ear infection and diarrhea. Worse, the disease can cause pneumonia or swelling of the brain, which is what can lead to hospitalization and death. Severe complications and deaths are most common in children under 5.
at’s bad enough, but measles also has a superpower: its contagiousness. e measles virus is among the most contagious ever documented, with one infected person able to pass the disease to as many as 18 other people. e virus is airborne and can linger in the air for as long as two hours after being exhaled by an infected person.
What can people do to prevent measles?
As with all viruses, good hygiene is helpful — wash hands thoroughly, avoid touching your face, wear a tight- tting mask in settings where you think you could be exposed, etc. But because the virus is so contagious, it can be di cult to avoid it if you are susceptible to infection. So the key, Herlihy said, is to make yourself not susceptible.
“We certainly want to make sure that Coloradans that are working on spring break plans are thinking about vaccine plans ahead of time,” she said.
A two-dose series of the MMR vaccine, which also covers the diseases mumps and rubella, is 97% e ective at protecting against measles.
e rst dose of MMR vaccine is typical-
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.
ly given to kids around their rst birthday, but it can be given to kids as young as 6 months old if they will be traveling, especially internationally. ( ose kids will still need two doses after they turn 1.) e best advice, Barron and Herlihy said, is to talk to your pediatrician for guidance.
I’ve already had measles or a measles vaccine. Do I need a booster?
e measles vaccine has gone through various formulas and dosing schedules over the years, creating an immunization hodgepodge, depending on when you were born (assuming you got your typical childhood vaccines as a kid).
SHUTTERSTOCK
1. TELEVISION: Which 1960s sitcom was about a TV comedy writer, his job and his family?
2. AD SLOGANS: Which candy slogan urges consumers to “Taste the rainbow”?
3. COMICS: Which superhero gets his power from a ring?
4. GEOGRAPHY: Which country has the most islands?
5. MEASUREMENTS: How many cups are in a pint?
6. MOVIES: Which scary 1980 movie contained the phrase “red rum” and what does it mean?
7. ANATOMY: What is the outermost layer of human skin called?
8. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Who was the rst president to ride in a car to his inauguration?
9. HISTORY: When did India gain its independence from Great Britain?
TrIVIa
10. CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Who lives at 32 Windsor Gardens?
Answers
1. “ e Dick Van Dyke Show.”
2. Skittles.
3. e Green Lantern.
4. Sweden.
5. Two.
6. “ e Shining.” It’s the word “murder” spelled backward.
7. Epidermis.
8. Warren Harding (1921).
9. 1947.
10. Paddington Bear and the Brown family.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
First Publication: 2/20/2025
Last Publication: 3/20/2025
Name of Publication: Littleton Independent
IF THE SALE
DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;
DATE: 12/13/2024
Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado
By: Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Anna Johnston #51978
Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557
Carly Imbrogno #59533
Randall M. Chin #31149
David W. Drake #43315
Ryan Bourgeois #51088 Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711 Attorney File # 00000010257038
The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.
©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015
0559-2024 LEGAL DESCRIPTION CONDOMINIUM UNIT F, THE STEEPLECHASE III CONDOMINIUMS, TOGETHER WITH GARAGE NO. F, ACCORDING TO THE CONDOMINIUM MAP THEREOF, RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 10, 1998 AT RECEPTION NO. A8187114 IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK AND RECORDER OF THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, COLORADO, AND AS DEFINED AND DESCRIBED IN THE CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION FOR THE STEEPLECHASE III CONDOMINIUMS RECORDED ON MAY 28, 1997 AT RECEPTION NO. A7062094, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.
Public Notice NO. 0559-2024
First Publication: 2/20/2025
Last Publication:3/20/2025
THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST. NOTICE OF SALE
The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein has filed otice of lection and emand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 04/16/2025, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the urchaser a Certificate of urchase all as provided by law.
Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103 FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0572-2024
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
On December 27, 2024, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.
Original Grantor(s) JC Mechanical Heating & Air Conditioning LLC, a Colorado Limited Liability Company Ori inal eneficiary ies Fall River Holdings LLC, a Colorado Limited Liability Company Current Holder of Evidence of Debt Fall River Holdings LLC, a Colorado Limited Liability Company Date of Deed of Trust November 22, 2023 County of Recording Arapahoe
Recording Date of Deed of Trust November 22, 2023
Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.)
E3079270
Original Principal Amount
$800,000.00
Outstanding Principal Balance
$683,681.48
Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to make timely payments required under said Deed of Trust and the Evidence of Debt secured thereb
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
SEE EXHIBIT A
Purported common address: 7390 South Fraser Street Unit B, Centennial, CO 80112.
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
NOTICE OF SALE
The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein has filed otice of lection and emand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 04/30/2025, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the urchaser a Certificate of urchase all as provided by law.
First Publication: 3/6/2025
Last Publication: 4/3/2025
Name of Publication: Littleton Independent
IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;
DATE: 12/27/2024
Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado By: Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
DEANNE R. STODDEN #33214
MESSNER REEVES LLP 1550 WEWATTA STREET, SUITE 710, DENVER, CO 80202 (303) 623-4806
Attorney File # 16903.0001
The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.
©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015
0572-2024 EXHIBIT A
CONDOMINIUM UNIT B, TWM OF -
FICE-WAREHOUSE CENTER (AN OFFICE WAREHOUSE CONDOMINIUM), IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DECLARATION
RECORDED OCTOBER 28, 2005 AT RECEP-
TION NO. B5163470 AND CONDOMINIUM
MAP RECORDED OCTOBER 28, 2005 UN-
DER RECEPTION NO. B5163471, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO
Legal Notice NO. 0572-2024
First Publication: 3/6/2025
Last Publication: 4/3/2025
Name of Publication: Littleton Independent
COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103
FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0006-2025
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
On January 7, 2025, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.
Original Grantor(s)
REGINA BALAGUL
Ori inal eneficiary ies
MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR NORTHPOINTE BANK
Current Holder of Evidence of Debt
LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC
Date of Deed of Trust
December 11, 2020
County of Recording
Arapahoe
Recording Date of Deed of Trust
December 11, 2020
Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.)
E0174447
Original Principal Amount
$240,000.00
Outstanding Principal Balance
$220,420.30
Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows:
Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with all other payments provided for in the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust and other violations of the terms thereof
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
LOT 5, BLOCK 5, SOUTHWIND SUBDIVISION FILING NO. 1, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO.
Purported common address: 7232 S SHERMAN ST, CENTENNIAL, CO 80122-1158.
THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN OF THE DEED OF TRUST.
NOTICE OF SALE
The current holder of the Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, described herein has filed otice of lection and emand for sale as provided by law and in said Deed of Trust.
THEREFORE, Notice Is Hereby Given that I will at public auction, at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, 05/07/2025, at The East Hearing Room, County Administration Building, 5334 South Prince Street, Littleton, Colorado, 80120, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property and all interest of the said Grantor(s), Grantor(s)' heirs and assigns therein, for the purpose of paying
the indebtedness provided in said Evidence of Debt secured by the Deed of Trust, plus attorneys' fees, the expenses of sale and other items allowed by law, and will issue to the urchaser a Certificate of urchase all as provided by law.
First Publication: 3/13/2025
Last Publication: 4/10/2025
Name of Publication: Littleton Independent
IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED;
DATE: 01/07/2025
Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee in and for the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado
By: Michael Westerberg, Public Trustee
The name, address, business telephone number and bar registration number of the attorney(s) representing the legal holder of the indebtedness is:
Anna Johnston #51978
Joseph D. DeGiorgio #45557
Carly Imbrogno #59533
Randall M. Chin #31149
David W. Drake #43315
Ryan Bourgeois #51088
Barrett, Frappier & Weisserman, LLP 1391 Speer Boulevard, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80204 (303) 350-3711
Attorney File # 00000010325991
The Attorney above is acting as a debt collector and is attempting to collect a debt. Any information provided may be used for that purpose.
©Public Trustees' Association of Colorado Revised 1/2015
Legal Notice NO. 0006-2025
First Publication: 3/13/2025
Last Publication: 4/10/2025
Name of Publication: Littleton Independent COMBINED NOTICE - PUBLICATION CRS §38-38-103
FORECLOSURE SALE NO. 0567-2024
To Whom It May Concern: This Notice is given with regard to the following described Deed of Trust:
On December 27, 2024, the undersigned Public Trustee caused the Notice of Election and Demand relating to the Deed of Trust described below to be recorded in the County of Arapahoe records.
Original Grantor(s) Keith B. Reaves Ori inal eneficiary ies Washington Mutual Bank, FA Current Holder of Evidence of Debt JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Deed of Trust May 31, 2005 County of Recording Arapahoe
Recording Date of Deed of Trust June 13, 2005
Recording Information (Reception No. and/or Book/Page No.) B5086115
Original Principal Amount
$68,000.00 Outstanding Principal Balance
$64,588.05
Pursuant to CRS §38-38-101(4)(i), you are hereby notified that the covenants of the deed of trust have been violated as follows: Failure to pay principal and interest when due together with
THE LIEN FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED
PROPERTY LOCATED IN THE COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: WEST 50 FEET
PUBLIC NOTICES
may reject any and all bids, and shall award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder as determined by the District.
Legal Notice No. Arap 2308
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent
The City Council of the City of Sheridan will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 24th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
These meetings will be held in person at the Sheridan Municipal Center 4101 S Federal Blvd. Sheridan, CO 80110. A link to the hearing will also be posted on the City of Sheridan’s website at https://www.ci.sheridan.co.us/ no later than 24 hours prior to the start of the hearing.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit questions, comments, or concerns to the City contact infor ation elo no later than five days prior to the hearing. For assistance with accessing the hearing or to request accommodations please contact the City of Sheridan Planning and Zoning Department.
Purpose: To review an application for rezoning from the Commercial (COM-C) district to the Business Light-Industrial (BUS-LI) district for property located at 3050 W. Hamilton Pl.
Legal Description: Lot 1 Cronen Subdivision
Owner: Peredereyev Sergey Sergeyevich, Peredereyev Irina Pavlovna
City Contact: Ari Zack Snow, Planner Planning and Zoning Department Phone: 303-438-3208 Email: asnow@ci.sheridan.co.us
Legal Notice No. Arap 2252 First Publication: March 6, 2025 Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Publisher: Englewood Herald
Metropolitan Districts
COUNTY NOTICE OF FINAL SETTLEMENT
To whom it may concern: This notice is
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION AND CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS §1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104, 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Marin Metropolitan District, Arapahoe County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to e filled includin candidates filin affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513(6) C.R.S.
The following candidates are hereby declared elected:
Cynthia Myers Until May 2029 (4 year term)
(Signature of the esi nated lection Official
Kimberly Bruetsch Contact Person for the District: 303-297-2600 1099 18th St., #2600, Denver, CO 80202 303-297-2750
kbruetsch@rwolaw.com
Legal Notice No. Arap 2303
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent
HEARING CASE NO PM22-006, ARCADIA CREEK #01 MINOR SUBDIVISION PLAT ***SPECIAL MEETING LOCATION***
PROPOSAL: The applicant, Arcadia Creek, LLC, is proposing to subdivide a 1.92-acre parcel into two lots for single-family residential homes. The subject parcel is located at 5100 Christensen Lane and is zoned R-2.
The applicant is proposing a gated covenant-controlled 55+ development that is situated in both Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties. Of this single-family residential development, 23 of these lots are in Jefferson County with the remaining two in Arapahoe County. Only the lots in Arapahoe County are being considered for this public hearing.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on March 18, 2025, the Arapahoe County Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing at 6:30 P.M., or as soon as possible thereafter at the Arapahoe County Administration Building, 5334 S Prince St, East Hearing Room, Littleton CO 80120; at which, all interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard concerning the above-described case number, Arcadia Creek #01 / Minor Subdivision Plat. The agenda will typically be posted by the Friday afternoon preceding the hearing and can be viewed on our website at https://arapahoe.legistar.com/Calendar. You can also listen to, or speak at, the meeting by calling 1-855-436-3656. To join the speaking queue, press *3 on the telephone keypad.
More information about this proposal is availa le at the offices of the ra ahoe County Public Works and Development Department, Planning Division, 6924 S Lima St., Centennial CO 80112 (please call ahead to schedule an appointment if you plan to walk-in), by calling 720-874-6650, or by emailing planning@ arapahoegov.com during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday).
Bids and Settlements
Public Notice
March 5, 2025 RE: “Advertisement for "Legal Notice and Invitation to Bid"
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids in an envelope marked:
PCWSD- 2025 DCIP WATER MAIN REPLACMENT PROJECT
will be received and opened by Platte Canyon ater and Sanitation istrict Offices at 3 W. Coal Mine Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123, until 10:00a.m. on Thursday, April 10th, 2025.
The PCWSD-2025 DCIP WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT includes the installation of approximately 1180 LF of 6" PVC, 2030 LF of 8" PVC, and 980 LF of 12” PVC water main, and approximately 53 water service reconnections, and asphalt patch paving, roto-milling and overlay per Jefferson County. The project is situated in the Platte Canyon Water and Sanitation District, in Littleton, Colorado.
The schedule is as follows: March 6th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. - Drawings, S ecifications and id or s ay e o tained online at bidnetdirect.com.
•April 10th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.Bids will be received and opened at 8739 W. Coal Mine Avenue, Littleton, CO 80123.
•October 24th, 2025 Substantial Project Completion.
•November 21st, 2025 - Project Final Completion.
Bids may not be withdrawn for a period of forty five 4 days after the ti e fi ed for bid closing.
The Owner reserves the right to waive irregularities or technical defects, so the best interests of the District may be served, and
Summons and Sheriff Sale
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, CROWLEY COUNTY, COLORADO Case No.: 2022CV30014
COMBINED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY
Plaintiff: KEIRTON, INC., a Canadian corporation, v. Defendants: TRAVA, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company; and MERSAD RAHMANOVIC, an individual
Regarding: Lot 19, Block 1, Village East, Unit 2, Fourth Filing, Arapahoe County, State of Colorado.
also known by street and number as: 1607 South Oakland Street, Aurora, Colorado 80012
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS,
Please take notice:
ou and each of you are here y notified that a Sheriff’s Sale of the referenced property is to be conducted by the Civil Unit of the Sheriff’s Office of ra ahoe County Colorado at 0 00 a.m., on the 1st day of May, 2025, at Arapahoe County Sheriff s Office located at 3 0 East Broncos Parkway, Centennial, Colorado 80112. At which sale, the above described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale.
**BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE MINIMUM BID AT TIME OF SALE.**
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. Judgment is in the amount of $300,671.98.
DATED in Colorado this 28th day of January, 2025.
Tyler S. Brown Sheriff of Arapahoe County, Colorado
By: Sgt. Trent Steffa, Deputy Sheriff
ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF
Sarah M. Andrzejczak BUCHALTER
1624 Market Street, Suite 400 Denver, CO 80202
Legal Notice No. Arap 2139 First Publication: March 6, 2025 Last Publication: April 3, 2025
Published in: Littleton Independent 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, Colorado, 80110 Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO Court Address: Arapahoe County District Court 7325 S Potomac St Centennial, CO 80112 303-649-6355
Case Number: 2025CV030015 Div.: 15
Plaintiff: SPINNAKER RUN II CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC. v. Defendants: MILIE A. SANDS; THE KNOWN AND UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF MILIE A. SANDS;
Attorneys for Plaintiff: ORTEN CAVANAGH HOLMES & HUNT, LLC
Hal R. Kyles, #23891 1445 Market St., Suite 350 Denver, Colorado 80202 Phone Number: (720) 221-9780 Matter ID #1200.0091 SUMMONS [BY PUBLICATION] THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:
You are hereby summoned and required to appear and defend against the claims of the co laint filed ith the court in this action y filin ith the cler of this court an ans er or other res onse. ou are re uired to file your answer or other response within 35 days after the service of this Summons upon you. Service of this summons shall be complete on the day of the last publication. A copy of the complaint may be obtained from the clerk of the court.
f you fail to file your ans er or other res onse to the complaint in writing within 35 days after the date of the last publication, judgment by default may be rendered against you by the court for the relief demanded in the complaint without further notice.
This is an action of foreclosure pursuant to Rule 105, C.R.C.P. to the real property situate in Aurora, Colorado more particularly described as CONDOMINIUM UNIT NO. 302, BUILDING NO. B4, SPINNAKER RUN II CONDOMINIUMS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DECLARATION RECORDED ON MAY 15, 1981 IN BOOK 3414, AT PAGE 741, AND CONDOMINIUM MAP RECORDED ON MAY 15 1981 TN BOOK 50, AT PAGE 62, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE. STATE OF COLORADO.
Dated: February 14, 2025. ORTEN CAVANAGH HOLMES & HUNT, LLC
By:/s/Hal R. Kyles
Hal R. Kyles, #23891
This Summons is issued pursuant to Rule 4(g), Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure.
Legal Notice No. Arap 2224
First Publication: February 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Case Number: 2024CV031620 COMBINED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED AS FOLLOWS: UNDER AN ORDER ON MOTION FOR DEFAULT JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND ORDER AND DECREE OF FORECLOSURE issued on December 9, 2024 in the above- captioned action, I am ordered to sell certain real property as follows:
Original Lienee(s): Eric Parsons
Original Lienor: Green Oaks Townhomes
Condominium Association, Inc.
Current Holder of the evidence of debt: Green Oaks Townhomes Condominium Association, Inc.
Date of Lien being foreclosed: November 29, 2021
Date of Recording of Lien being foreclosed: November 30, 2021
County of Recording: Arapahoe
Recording Information: E3044551
Original Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness: $1,845.76
Outstanding Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness as of the date hereof:
$7,082.44
Amount of Default Judgment: $8,712.44
Description of property to be foreclosed:
Unit 5805, Green Oak Townhomes, according to the Map thereof filed with the clerk and recorder of Arapahoe County, State of Colorado, February 24, 1981, as defined and described in the Condominium Declaration for Green Oak Townhomes similarly filed and recorded February 24, 1981 in Book 3370 at Page 404, together with the exclusive use of parking space no. 5805, a limited common element shown on said map, County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado
Also known as: 5805 S. Pearl Street, Centennial, CO 80121
THE PROPERTY TO BE FORECLOSED AND DESCRIBED HEREIN IS ALL OF THE PROPERTY CURRENTLY ENCUMBERED BY THE LIEN.
THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.
The covenants of Plaintiff have been violated as follows: failure to make payments on said indebtedness when the same were due and owing.
NOTICE OF SALE
ou and each of you are here y notified that a Sheriff's Sale of the referenced property is to e conducted y the Sheriff s Office of the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado at 10:00 A.M., on the 10th day of April 2025, at 13101 East Broncos Parkway, Centennial, CO 80112 phone number 720-874-3845. At which sale, the above described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale
**BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE MINIMUM BID AT TIME OF SALE. **
The name, address and telephone number of each of the attorneys representing the holder of the evidence of the debt is as follows:
Stephane R. Dupont
The Dupont Law Firm, LLC PO Box 1073 Castle Rock, CO 80104 (720) 644-6115
Dated: January 07, 2025
Tyler S. Brown, Sherriff County of Arapahoe, Colorado
By: Sgt. Trent Steffa, Deputy Sheriff Legal Notice No. Arap 2048
pursuant to C.R.S. 14-10-107(4) and 143 0 d that an action has een filed
Re: Allocation of Parental Responsibilities, Petitioner, Haylee Nicole Phifer, Respondent, o elio esus Oro co. ou are further notified that a copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court during regular business hours and that a Default Judgement may be entered against you if you fail to a ear or file a res onse ithin 3 days after the date of publication.
DATE: February 21, 2025
/s/ Kirbee Anderson Family Court Facilitator
Legal Notice No. Arap 2298 First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent
Public Notice
STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE 26TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF MONTMORENCY
File No. 2024 - 5571 - CH
ADWOA OBOSU-BAXTER and KERN C. BAXTER, Plaintiffs, V KRISTINA R. RICHARD, and/or UNKNOWN HEIRS, ASSIGNS, AND DEVISEES, Defendant.
Harris Law, P.C. By: Brooke Robinson (P78144) Attorney for Plaintiff 101 W. Main St Gaylord, MI 49735 (989) 731-4444 brooke@nmilawvers.com
AMENDED ORDER TO ANSWER
At a session of said court held in the Township of Montmorency, County of Montmorerny, State of Michigan, on this 6th day of February 2025.
PRESENT: Honorable K. Edward Black Circuit Court Judge TO KRISTINA RAE RICHARD, and/or UNKNOWN HEIRS, ASSIGNS, AND DEVISEES:
1. An action has been filed against you regarding certain real estate in Montmorency County, Michigan.
2. IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that you shall file your ans er ith this Court and serve it upon the attorney for the Plaintiff, or take such other action as may be permitted by law, within 28 days of the last publication of this Order.
3. Failure to comply with this Order may result in a Judgment by default against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.
4. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a copy of this Order be published once each week for three (3) consecutive weeks in the Montmorency County Tribune and the Littleton Independent.
IT IS SO ORDERED:
Date: 2/6/25
s/s Honorable K. Edward Black Circuit Court Judge Hon Lora E. Greene for K. Edward Black Legal Notice No. Arap 2285 First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice DISTRICT COURT, ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, CO 80112
In re the Marriage of: Petitioner: DESTINI A. HERNANDEZ-TORRES and Respondent: HUMBERTO HERNANDEZ-TORRES ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 5280 FAMILY LAW Bernadette Gonzales, #31676 PO Box 27681 Denver, CO 80227-9998
Phone: (720) 998-4400
E-mail: Bernadette@5280famlaw.com CASE NUMBER: 2024DR31250
SUMMONS FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
To the Respondent named above, this Summons serves as a notice to appear in this case.
If you were served in the State of Colorado, you ust file your es onse ith the cler of this Court within 21 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.
notice to you.
This is an action to obtain a Decree of: Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation as more fully described in the attached Petition, and if you have children, for orders regarding the children of the marriage.
Notice: §14-10-107, C.R.S. provides that u on the filin of a etition for issolution of Marriage or Legal Separation by the Petitioner and Co-Petitioner, or upon personal service of the Petition and Summons on the Respondent, or upon waiver and acceptance of service by the Respondent, an automatic temporary injunction shall
Petitioner: Haylee Nicole Phifer
If you were served outside of the State of Colorado or you were served by publication, you ust file your es onse ith the cler of this Court within 35 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.
ou ay e re uired to ay a filin fee ith your Response. The Response form (JDF 1103) can be found at www.courts.state.co.us by clicking on the “Self Help/Forms” tab.
After 91 days from the date of service or publication, the Court may enter a Decree affecting your marital status, distribution of property and debts, issues involving children such as child support, allocation of parental responsibilities (decision-making and parenting time), maintenance (spousal support), attorney fees, and costs to the extent the Court has jurisdiction.
ail file a es se i is ase any or all of the matters above, or any related matters which come before this Court, may be decided without further
and is ordered and directed to, issue to Defendant, CEDRIC RAMONE BUTCHER, the “Notice to Show Cause Pursuant to CRCP 354(h)” requiring said Defendant to show cause within 14 (fourteen) days from the service of such Notice, pursuant to CRCP
PUBLIC NOTICES
Legal Notice No. Arap 2296
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Steven Paul Zulauf, Deceased Case Number 2025PR30177
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 16, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Marion Irma Steed Personal Representative c/o Opfer Campbell Beck, P.C. 19751 East Mainstreet, Suite 215 Parker, CO 80138
Legal Notice No. Arap 2290
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of CINDY ANN SABAD, also known as CINDY A. SABAD, and CINDY SABAD, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30189
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Tammy M. Sabad
Personal Representative
2108 S. Idalia Street Aurora, CO 80013
Legal Notice No. Arap 2288
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Leon Edward Mardesen, a/k/a Leon E. Mardesen, Deceased Case Number: 2009PR807
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before Monday, July 14, 2025 or the claims may be forever barred.
Lee Mardesen Personal Representative
8020 S. Williams Way Centennial, CO 80122
Legal Notice No. Arap 2249
First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Englewood Herald
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Andrew Scott Gillespie, aka Andrew S. Gillespie, aka Andrew Gillespie, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR624
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Baysore & Christian Fiduciary Services.
LLC Personal Representative 7000 E Belleview Ave., Suite 150 Greenwood Village. CO 80111
Legal Notice No. Arap 2289
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of KARL LUDWIG BERNKLAU, ALSO KNOWN AS KARL L. BERNKLAU, AND KARL BERNKLAU, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30126
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the DISTRICT COURT OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO, on or before June 27, 2025 or the claims may be forever barred.
Lisa Lange, Personal Representative
1881 S. Union Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80228
Legal Notice No. Arap 2222
First Publication: February 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025
Publisher: Englewood Herald Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Grace Dorothy Grutza, aka Grace D. Grutza, aka Grace Grutza, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30131
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 18, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Baysore & Christian Fiduciary Services, LLC, Personal Representative
Patrick R. Thiessen (40185) Frie, Arndt, Danborn & Thiessen P.C. 7400 Wadsworth Blvd., #201 Arvada, Colorado 80003
303/420-1234
Attorney for Personal Representative
Legal Notice No. Arap 2283
First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Dorothy T. Zang, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30156
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 7, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Mary J. Zang, Personal Representative
Patrick A. Schilken, P.C.
5347 S. Valentia Way Suite No. 335 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. Arap 2250
First Publication: March 6, 2025
Last Publication: March 20, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Marion R Johnson, Deceased Case Number: 2024PR574
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before June 30, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Sara A Johnson
Personal Representative 1610 Little Raven Street, No. 404 Denver, CO 80202
Legal Notice No. Arap 2229
First Publication: February 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 12, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of LAURA LOUISE PERKINS, aka LAURA L. PERKINS, aka LAURA PERKINS, Deceased Case Number: 24PR31249
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the Arapahoe County Justice Center, State of Colorado on or before June 27, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Daniel J. Perkins
Personal Representative 17507 E. Jarvis Pl. Aurora, CO 80013
Legal Notice No. Arap 2239
First Publication: February 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Rosamond A. Hobby, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30190
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before Monday, July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Kathleen Beisswanger Personal Representative 10566 Canosa Court Westminster, Colorado 80234
Legal Notice No. Arap 2300
First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Englewood Herald Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Beverly L. Cummins, Deceased
Case Number: 2025PR30111
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before Monday, July 7, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Andrew H. Goertzel
Attorney to the Personal Representative c/o 6060 Greenwood Plaza Blvd #200 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. Arap 2247
First Publication: March 6, 2025
Last Publication: March 20, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Kenneth E Evans, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR38
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Amy M Over, Personal Representative 16652 Hitching Post Circle Parker, CO 80134
Legal Notice No. Arap 2286
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Englewood Herald Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of MARY GRACE MURPHY, a/k/a MARY ELIZABETH GRACE, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30053
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before Monday, July 7, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Michael F. Grace, Personal Representative 1271 NE Hwy 99W, Unit 450 McMinnville, Oregon 97128
Legal Notice No. Arap 2273
First Publication: March 6, 2025
Last Publication: March 20, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of JOHN T. REMAKLUS, ALSO KNOWN AS JOHN THOMAS REMAKLUS AND JOHN REMAKLUS, Deceased Case Number 2025 PR 30192
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the DISTRICT COURT OF ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO, on or before July 17, 2025 or the claims may be forever barred.
Bradley Forsthoefel
Personal Representative 6443 Jennifer Court Liberty TWP, OH 45044
Legal Notice No. Arap 2295
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Englewood Herald Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Peggy Lou Kennedy, a/k/a Peggy L. Kennedy. Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30139
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 31, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Shawn Kennedy Personal Representative c/o Aegis Law 6870 W. 52nd Ave., Suite 203 Arvada, CO 80002
Legal Notice No. Arap 2254
First Publication: March 6, 2025
Last Publication: March 20, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Lance Elton Shurtleff, aka Lance E. Shurtleff, aka Lance Shurtleff, Deceased Case Number: 25PR30059
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before June 27, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Kerri M. Anderson,
Personal Representative
c/o Hinds and Hinds Family Law, P.C.
Attention: Stuart S. Sargent, Esq. 8490 E. Crescent Parkway, Suite 395 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. Arap 2235
First Publication: February 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Publisher: Englewood Herald Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Douglas Glenn Smith, a/k/a Douglas G. Smith, a/k/a Douglas Smith, and Doug Smith, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30172
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to: The District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, Arapahoe County Justice Center, 7325 S. Potomac Street, #100 Centennial, CO 80112 on or before July 6, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Kayla Hume, Personal Representative c/o Law Office of Byron K. Hammond, LLC 4500 Cherry Creek Drive South, Suite 960Denver, CO 80246
Legal Notice No. Arap 2259
First Publication: March 6, 2025
Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Englewood Herald
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of KIMBERLY DAMON STANFIELD, aka, KIMBERLY D. STANFIELD, aka, KIMBERLY STANFIELD, aka, KIM STANFIELD, Deceased Case Number 25PR30151
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of ARAPAHOE County, Colorado on or before July 18, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
i e l a field
Personal Representative 3192 South Norfolk Street Aurora, Colorado 80013 Legal Notice No. Arap 2248
County, Colorado on or before July 7, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Joni Doiron, Personal Representative 29 Bonnie Brae Circle Council Bluffs, IA 51503
Legal Notice No. Arap 2258 First Publication: March 6, 2025 Last Publication: March 20, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Chad Allen Barton, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30039
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before: June 27, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Angela Conner-Sandoval Personal Representative c/o Whitcomb Selinsky, P.C. 300 Union Blvd., Ste. 200 Lakewood, CO 80228
Legal Notice No. Arap 2220
First Publication: February 27, 2025
Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Carol Jean Niehoff, aka Carol J. Niehoff, Carol Niehoff, fka Carol Jean Brodzinski, fka Carol J. Brodzinski, and Carol Brodzinski, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30219
All persons having claims against the abovenamed Estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before July 14, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Debra E. Johnson Personal Representative 772 Lyonwood Ave. Diamond Bar, CA 91789
Legal Notice No. Arap 2306
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Alverd Chaney Stutson II, a/k/a Alverd C. Stutson II, a/k/a A.C. Stutson II, a/k/a Alverd Chancey Stutson 2nd, a/k/a Alverd C. Stutson, a/k/a Al Stutson, a/k/a Alverd Chaney Stutson, II, a/k/a A. C. Stutson, II, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30061
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to
NORTON
mindset and behavior. Yet, if our inner dialogue remains unchanged, the external shift in friends can only do so much. e company we keep can mirror our aspirations, but the inner commitment to growth and self-improvement is what ultimately propels us forward. is brings us to the perennial debate: Does attitude drive behavior, or does behavior shape attitude? Some days, we wake up with a re in our belly, ready
MEASLES
Here’s what the state advises:
• For people born before 1957, you were likely exposed to measles as a kid. Prior infection is believed to create lifelong immunity for most, so no additional vaccination is recommended.
• For people born before 1968, you may have received an ine ective vaccine, especially if you were born from 1963 through 1967. You should receive a booster dose of the MMR vaccine unless you happen to know that the vaccine you received was a live measles vaccine, and not an inactivated measles vaccine. If you’re unsure, the recommendation is to get the booster.
• For people born from 1968 to 1989, you likely received only one dose of MMR.
to conquer every challenge. Every action we take, whether hitting the gym, taking on a new project, or engaging in meaningful conversations, reinforces our positive mindset. Conversely, there are mornings when motivation seems elusive. Even then, when we push ourselves to take that rst step, we often nd that our mindset catches up to our actions. e physical act of moving, of doing something, can spark an internal shift that transforms hesitation into determination.
At the heart of changing from the inside out is a willingness to examine our current state and envision who we want
ere is no overall recommendation for these folks to get a booster dose, since one dose of MMR is 93% e ective. But Barron said people in this group who didn’t get a second dose later in life may want to get a booster, especially if you live or work around young children.
Herlihy and Barron said there is no known harm in getting a booster if you are unsure of your vaccination status. Again, though, talking it through with your doctor is the best policy.
Does Colorado have a high measles vaccination rate?
Colorado is among the states with the lowest measles vaccination rates in the country for school-age children. at has long been true, but the COVID pandemic — both the lack of access to health care that many families experienced during the pandemic, as well as the rising levels
PUBLIC NOTICES
By: Sarah Ingemansen Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. Arap 2226
First Publication: February 27, 2025 Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
Public notice is given on January 31, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of a es as e e a ed e le e as e Case No.: 25C100091
By: Kim Boswell
Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. Arap 2228
First Publication: February 27, 2025 Last Publication: March 13, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
to become. It’s about taking a hard look at our values, our dreams, and the areas in our lives that feel stagnant. Whether that means working on our physical health, mastering a new skill, or deepening our spiritual journey, the catalyst for real change lies within us. It’s a journey that demands introspection and a commitment to personal growth. e truth is that transformation isn’t a destination but an ongoing process. It requires patience, persistence, and the courage to face our vulnerabilities. While external changes can temporarily boost our self-esteem, the internal shift, a renewed mindset, a commitment to life-
of vaccine skepticism — made it worse. e percentage of kids in kindergarten through 12th grade who were fully vaccinated against measles in Colorado hit its lowest level last year in at least six years. In the 2023-24 school year, 93.7% of students had received a full course of the MMR vaccine.
at may sound like a lot, but it is below the target level for achieving herd immunity. Because measles is so contagious, health experts say 95% vaccination coverage is needed to ensure the disease can’t spread within a community.
While many districts do hit that mark, there are pockets with measles vaccination coverage below 80%. e state’s immunization dashboard has data by district and by school.
Is it time to worry yet?
Barron said she isn’t trying to cause
Legal Notice No. Arap 2293
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
Public notice is given on February 24, 2025,, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of Blake Montgomery Williams be changed to Blake William Montgomery Case No.: 25C100153
By: Kim Boswell
Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. Arap 2309
First Publication: March 13, 2025
Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
The petition requests that the name of Kiara Yvonne Alvarado be changed to Kiara Yvonne Edwards Case No.: 25C100159
By: Kim Boswell Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. Arap 2299
First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent
Notice
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Public Notice given on February 14, 2025. that a Petition for a Change of Name of an dult has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The Petition requests that the name of Neal
a/k/a Larry Alfonzo Neal
a/k/a Bradley Roosevelt
a/k/a Bradley Roosevelt Neal a/k/a Alfonzo Neal
A Roberts a/k/a Larry Neal be changed to Larry Alfonzo Roberts Case Number: 25C32684
Public notice is given on February 21, 2025,, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of Autumn Jade Hood be changed to Bryclyn Camilla Pagano Case No.: 2025C100149
By: Kim Boswell
Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. Arap 2292
First Publication: March 13, 2025 Last Publication: March 27, 2025
Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name
Public notice given on February 19, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of Alex Fefer be changed to Aleksandr Melnichuk Case No.: 25C100137
By: Kim Boswell
Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk
Public notice is given on January 27, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a inor child has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of Suheeb Abdirahman Salad be changed to Suheeb Abdirizak Hashi Case No.: 25C100077
By:
long learning, and a deep-seated belief in our potential create lasting change. We are all a work in progress, under construction, always evolving.
I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can identify what we want to change and why, taking the necessary actions to pursue it, 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.
alarm, but she has been losing sleep as she worries about what could come from the growing outbreak in Texas and New Mexico. at’s why she said it is important for people to know their vaccination status.
“I don’t want to scare people, but I think people should truly be aware,” she said.
While measles has crept closest to Colorado’s southeastern border, Herlihy said she doesn’t see any one area or community more at-risk than another. Measles can just as easily be spread by someone on a plane or driving to the mountains for spring break.
“Really, it’s statewide,” she said of the area she’s watching. “It’s really di cult to predict.” is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Petition for a Change of Name of
adult has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of Dashawn Jerome Evans be changed to Dashawn Jerome Washington Case No.: 25C100093
By: Kim Boswell Clerk of Court Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No. Arap 2231
First Publication: February 27,
a Petition for a Change of Name of a inor child has een filed ith the ra ahoe County Court.
The petition requests that the name of REY ANTHONIO ADAME be changed to REY ANTHONIO CABRERA Case No.: 25C100084
By: Sarah Ingemansen
Petition requests that the name of Jessie Lynn Pannell be changed to Jesse Lynn Pannell Case Number: 25C33076
By: /s/ Sarah Ingemansen Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk Legal Notice No. Arap 2267
Publication: March 6, 2025
Publication: March 20,
Dispose of household chemicals properly
Never pour household chemicals or paint down a stormdrain. Stormdrains lead directly to our local creeks and waterways where wildlife live and people play! Check with your local Health Department for chemical disposal and Paintcare.org to recycle paint.
