Artists selected for the Brighton Tra c Box Project
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Five adult nalists and one youth nalist were selected as winners for the 2025 Tra c Box Mural Project, according to a news release on April 28.
e contest began earlier this year, inviting artists to submit artwork for the tra c signal boxes as part of the city’s effort to beautify Brighton through public art. e city received over 100 submissions, and the judges selected 15 based on community feedback.
Over 750 public votes were cast during the week-long voting period. e nalists will be installed this summer and displayed for up to two years. Additionally, the artist will receive a $500 honorarium.
In his piece “Reach,” David Swartz, a Denver-based artist, emphasizes the theme of connection, symbolized through water.
“My piece, ‘Reach,’ symbolizes reaching for your goals, aspiring for more, and spreading your wings to soar, designed to inspire hope and bring a smile to the viewer’s faces,” Swartz said.
Sabu Watanabe III, a husband and father of three, titled his piece “Mountain Life.”
“I love spending time with them outdoors. My artwork captures wildlife and the Rocky Mountains,” Watanabe said.
Kelsi Nicholson’s piece is titled “Sunower Field.” She is a graphic designer.
“I create collages inspired by personal passions, showcasing the beauty of Colorado,” Nicholson said.
Deborah Ewing, whose piece is titled “Butter ies,” is a retired art teacher who worked at the Butter y Pavilion for many years.
Her piece “Butter ies” is an original watercolor painting of butter ies that can be found in Colorado.
Samantha Pascavis created a piece called “Fawns in Field.” Born and raised in Colorado, she uses her art to celebrate and honor the ora, fauna, and natural surroundings.
“It provides me a much-needed source
Brighton, Anythink o er handheld air quality monitors
BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Anythink Libraries, Adams County and the City of Brighton are o ering residents a chance to monitor the quality of air in their homes this summer.
Residents can borrow an air monitoring device from the Anythink Brighton library, 327 E. Bridge St. e library has a small number of Temtop M10+ Air Quality Monitor and residents can take them home and use them for two weeks, according to a City of Brighton press release.
e rechargeable monitors provide real-time data on several key air quality metrics. ese monitors measure PM2.5 ( ne particulate matter), TVOCs (Total Volatile Organic Compounds), and formaldehyde (HCHO) levels, and provide a general Air Quality Index (AQI) rating. “ is initiative supports our goal of increasing community engagement around environmental health,” Traci McLean, Brighton sustainability coordinator, said in a written statement. “Together with Adams County and Any-
think Libraries, we’re equipping residents with tools to better understand and address air quality concerns in their homes, neighborhoods, and daily lives.”
e devices come with simple instruction guides and resources for interpreting readings and taking action based on the results.
According to the manufacturer’s website, dangerous particles can be directly emitted from wind-blown dust, mold spores, pollen and wild res. at dust and smoke from outdoors can enter your home, making the indoor air unhealthy.
“Based on this, the Temtop M10 Air Quality Monitor is a compact, tabletop device that tracks your air quality continuously, so it’s good for use in areas where you want easy access to air quality information, like a workshop, a baby’s room, or next to a gas replace,” manufacturers say on the website. “ e indicator LED will turn red if the sensors detect dangerous levels of any of the monitored substances.
For more information, visit www.brightonco.gov/3071/ Air-Q
of joy and escape throughout her childhood. “Fawns in the Field” represents a pair of fawns hiding amongst eld grass against a dusk sky with graphic stars.”
Youth nalist Alexandra Grein’s piece is called “Storm of the Game.” Grein is an eighth grader who not only loves to draw but also enjoys playing lacrosse.
“I play for the Bison Lacrosse Club, playing boys lacrosse on their eighthgrade team,” Grein said.
e Bison Lacrosse Club serves the Brighton, Commerce City, and orn-
ton areas to o er lacrosse at an a ordable rate, ensuring that all kids can play. Grein said that her artwork references both men’s and women’s lacrosse play. Lacrosse will be an Olympic sport in the upcoming Summer Games. It is a piece that connects lacrosse with the local community.
For more information on the Tra c Box Mural Project, contact Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky at kchernosky@brightonco. gov.
‘Drug dealer’ gets 30 year sentence
Meth dealer wore “drug dealer” T-shirt during o ense
BY MONTE WHALEY MWHALEY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A 32-year-old man — who wore a shirt that said “drug dealer” during one of his arrests for drug trafcking in ornton — has been sentenced to 30 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections for high-volume drug tra cking in Adams County.
e sentencing of Ivan Rodriguez marks the culmination of a multiple-year-long investigation by the North Metro Task Force into Rodriguez’s large-scale distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other dangerous narcotics across the region, said Adams County District Attorney Brian Mason.
“ is defendant was a major source of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine in our community and acted with utter disregard for the lives destroyed by these drugs,” Mason said in a news release. “ irty years in prison is an appropriate and necessary consequence for these crimes. I am grateful to our law enforcement partners for their thorough investigation in these cases. e District Attorney’s O ce will con-
tinue to prioritize the prosecution of high-level tra ckers like Mr. Rodgriguez, who pro t from addiction and death.”
Rodriguez pleaded guilty to multiple charges of Drug Felony 1 Possession with Intent to Distribute.
He was sentenced to 14 years in prison for one of three cases in Feb. 2025. He received an additional 16 years on April 29, 2025 for two other separate cases.
e April sentences will be served concurrently with each other but consecutively to the February sentence, for a total of 30 years in prison, according to the news release.
Operation ‘Dress for Less’
Rodriguez was arrested on Nov. 2, 2022, following a coordinated operation by the ornton Police Department involving SWAT and surveillance teams, according to the news release.
After tracking him from a hotel to a nearby store, o cers executed a search warrant and recovered a large stash of illegal drugs, including 147.94 grams of methamphetamine, 112.44 grams of counterfeit Oxycodone (fentanyl), 1.39 grams of Ketamine, and 13.77 grams of counterfeit Xanax.
e news release states that Rodriguez was wearing a shirt that read “drug dealer” at the time of the o ense.
e defendant posted bond on
November 8, 2022, but failed to appear in court on January 17, 2023, was re-arrested, and posted bond again on May 15, 2023.
In 2023, during an extensive narcotics investigation dubbed “Dress for Less,” North Metro Task Force detectives intercepted court-authorized wiretap communications revealing Rodriguez’s role in a drug tra cking operation with ties to a Mexican drug cartel, according to the news release.
While out on bond, Rodriguez was observed conducting a drug transaction and then led ornton Police on a high-speed chase, during which he discarded a backpack, which was later recovered from a dumpster.
e bag contained 1.68 kilograms of fentanyl, 2.56 kilograms of methamphetamine, a rearm, nearly $3,000 in cash, and multiple cell phones. e indictment in this case was led on Sep. 25, 2023, and an arrest warrant was issued, according to the news release.
On Dec. 10, 2023, Rodriguez was located during a surveillance operation, according to the news release. Detectives immobilized Rodriguez’s vehicle as he returned to a parking lot in a black Audi sedan. He attempted to ee again but was caught. Rodriguez admitted to possessing narcotics in the car. A search revealed nearly three pounds of methamphetamine and 21 grams of counterfeit fentanyl pills, the news release states.
Youth winner Alexandra Grein of painting “Storm of the Game” is designed to wrap around a tra c signal control box. A lacrosse player, Grein’s work is meant to celebrate both mens and womens’ lacrosse. COURTESY CITY OF BRIGHTON
A new life for Keenesburg newspaper
Lost Creek Guide back as The Lost Creek Sentinel
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Keenesburg’s bi-weekly newspaper e Lost Creek Guide– which was owned and operated by Bob Grand who passed away in 2024 – now has a new publisher, Ed Morales, and owner-editor, Tammy Whitaker.
It is now called e Lost Creek Sentinel.
“ is loss has impacted the ability of southeast Weld County businesses to connect with their communities, especially given the challenges posed by limited internet access in outlying areas,” said Morales. “Print publication remains essential for maintaining connections between businesses and residents.”
e Lost Creek Sentinel is a monthly news publication that covers south Weld County, Morgan County, and rural Adams County. It’s available in Keenesburg, Brighton, Fort Lupton,
Hudson, Lochbuie, Orchard, Prospect Valley, Roggen, Wiggins and Weldona.
Morales said he is pleased to announce the launch of a new print publication to address this void.
“ e Lost Creek Sentinel is set to release its rst issue in the upcoming months and will continue to be distributed to 18,000 homes across a tenzip code area,” said Morales.
e community-focused newspaper will emphasize delivering local news, events, and human-interest stories relevant to the residents, he said.
“By aiming to support local businesses, the Lost Creek Sentinel seeks to foster community engagement through comprehensive coverage of local and cultural events, school activities, and business news, contributing to our communities’ overall growth and well-being,” Morales said.
Morales said he joined the Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce to network with the community.
“As the newest member of the Chamber, the Lost Creek Sentinel is dedicated to forging relationships with Chamber members to reconnect local businesses with their communities,” Morales said. Morales can be reached at publisher@lostcreeksentinel.com.
Fort Lupton gets grant for swim lessons for kids
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Philip 66 has partnered with the Fort Lupton Recreation Center to o ernancial assistance for a swim program designed for families in spite of nancial di culties.
“I’m happy that Philip 66 reached out to us to o er the Swim Safety Scholarship grant program,” said Joisan Skrocki, aquatics coordinator at Fort Lupton Recreation. “Financial constraints make it harder for families with multiple children to a ord swimming lessons. Phillips 66 aimed to assist these families in covering the cost of swim classes.”
“Phillips 66, in collaboration with the City of Greeley, started the swim safety program last year. It was wildly successful, so this year we wanted to expand the program to other communities,” said Megan M. Hartman, Phillips 66 Gulf Coast Public A airs Director.
Fort Lupton and the Town of Windsor, the ompson Parks and Recreation and the City of Greeley are all
participating in the swim safety program, she said.
“ e initiative aims to enhance swim safety for local youth. Our hope in providing learn-to-swim scholarships is to ensure the children gain essential swimming skills, water safety knowledge, and con dence around water. e initiative underscores Phillips 66’s commitment to community well-being, safety, and social advancement.”
Drowning scare
Skrocki said she experienced a neardrowning scare when she was 6 years old. e experience inspired her to teach swimming lessons for both children and adults.
“Not having enough swimming experience, I had grabbed onto a rope in the pool to save myself. By the time the lifeguard saw me, the rope had saved me,” Skrocki said.
Skrocki said she needed more swimming lessons after that experience but the small community where she lived did not o er or focus on swimming lessons.
“I started to take the swimming les-
sons when I was 15, then later I moved to Colorado; I reached out and started working at the Recreation Center in Commerce City,” Skrocki said. “ en I moved to Fort Lupton and started teaching swim lessons during that time here, and I loved it.”
Skrocki said that the Fort Lupton recreation center has o ered swim lessons for approximately 20 years, since the pool opened. ey took a break during COVID but have been consistent otherwise.
“ ey’ve had a very strong program. I’ve been here for ve years; I started out as a swim instructor, and I’ve worked my way up into the coordinator position,” Skrocki said.
Skrocki said the program has developed signi cantly, with two or three instructors per session o ering two or three hours of swim lessons.
“Now we have four instructors with up to ve four-hour swim lessons every session. I love seeing the same kids over and over developing, and parents want their kids to be comfortable in the water, which is their biggest fear,” Skrocki said.
Summer camp helps kids with personal development
Camp Ripple focuses on martial arts to give campers a boost
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A summer camp designed to build condence in children and teens with karate classes kicks o May 23 in Johnstown.
“We’re thrilled to bring Camp Ripple to Johnstown,” Rachael Macy, co-owner of Ripple E ect Martial Arts, said. “Our goal is to give kids a summer lled with purpose, progress, and unforgettable fun. Martial arts gives kids the tools to believe in themselves, and Camp Ripple expands that impact to a fullday experience.”
Ripple E ect Martial Arts is a family-owned martial arts school committed to investing in students of all ages with physical training and personal development, inspiring kids and families, and guiding them with courage and kindness.
“We’re more than just kicks and punches,” said Master Greg Macy, co-owner. “We teach leadership, respect, focus, and resilience— and Camp Ripple is a natural extension of that mission.”
Camp Ripple accepts students from ages 5 to 12 and o ers a fresh option for youth summer camps that keeps kids active, creative, focused, having fun, and learning the discipline of martial arts and con dence.
In addition to the daily karate classes, the kids participate in reading time, crafts, active games, and rotating weekly activities to help develop them as con dent leaders in class, personal lives, and school, according to the Macy’s. e class also focuses on building self-discipline, focus, and resilience as students advance in a structured belt system of sparring and developing leadership skills.
Camp Ripple runs Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., through August 8 with weekly themes to keep campers engaged and excited.
Registration is now open for Camp Ripple is open and spots are lling up fast, and early enrollment is recommended. Families can make an advance registration for their children with a $25 registration fee at JohnstownSummerCamp.com.
ey also have schools in Broom eld, Fort Collins and Longmont that o er physical training with personal development. e Johnstown location is at 4870 ompson Parkway.
The late Bob Grand left a legacy in his communities with his bi-weekly newspaper the Lost Creek Guide. COURTESY PHOTO
“ e executive order does not provide enough details to truly know what federal actions will be taken,” said Colorado Department of Higher Education spokesperson Megan McDermott.
e Trump order sets up a possible legal showdown over the state-supported tuition programs that immigrant rights and higher education-advising groups have called essential to help undocumented students access higher education and educate them to ll in-demand jobs.
Twenty-four states, including Colorado, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey, along with Washington, D.C. have programs that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. While the programs have received bipartisan support, Republicans in several states have recently led bills to consider rolling back in-state tuition for undocumented students. Last week, Florida lawmakers ended the state’s decadeold program.
e order adds to an already uncertain environment for immigrant students, who worry about the risks of lling out nancial aid paperwork while grappling with deportation fears. Denver Scholarship Foundation’s Natasha Gar eld said the college-advising nonpro t will continue to provide students information about their options and allow them to decide whether college is right for them during a time when Trump’s immigration stance has brought incredible uncertainty.
“ ere are some who are very, very concerned about the state of things, and I don’t think there’s anything that DSF or anyone else could say to reassure them,” said Gar eld, the scholarship organization’s director of scholarships and nancial aid. “I think that’s completely understandable given some of the actions that
EDUCATION
Survivors often seek to escape by bus, train or ee to a transit center. As the region’s public transit provider, RTD is uniquely positioned to help identify and disrupt tra cking, the agency’s o cials say.
“I value RTD’s partnerships with TAT and DATA,” said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson, said in the news release. “Collectively, we aim to educate employees, customers and the general public about human tra cking while sharing resources to help eliminate it in our communities.”
we’ve seen coming from ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and the federal government.”
e order is part of Trump’s larger push to crack down on people in the United States without legal authorization. His directive to punish states with these programs also included several other enforcement actions such as punishing so-called sanctuary cities and states. e administration led suit Friday against Colorado and Denver for its policies.
e administration argues in the order that some state and local o cials use their “authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of federal immigration laws. is is a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law.”
States have a long history of o ering instate tuition at public universities to youth who were brought as children and without legal status. Texas and California passed the rst laws in 2001, and other states followed with similar laws. Each varies in how they approach granting in-state tuition.
About 408,000 undocumented students enroll in higher education each year, although not all bene t from these state programs, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. However, even in states without these laws, some private schools in Tennessee and elsewhere may o er in-state tuition for all students regardless of their residency or legal status. And in Pennsylvania, at least one public institution provides in-state tuition to undocumented students.
Colorado’s Advising Students for a Stronger Tomorrow law, or ASSET, updated in 2019, says students must have attended a Colorado high school for at least one year before graduation or been physically present in Colorado for at least one year to qualify for in-state tuition.
New York’s law says students must have attended at least two years of high school in New York and graduate or receive a general education diploma. Students must
RTD Transit Police – RTD-PD - trains and certi es its o cers to recognize, investigate and report human tra cking. RTD-PD also partners with the Denver Police Department and the FBI. e agencies work together to conduct an operation to better recognize and aid young adults who are at risk, runaways or have been victimized, the news release states. ese law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to support combined e orts focused on preventing human tra cking. ere are several “red ags” that may indicate an individual is a victim of trafcking. RTD says examples include individuals who are not allowed to speak for themselves, whose tickets and/or ID cards are being controlled by another
also apply to a college or university within ve years and show proof of residency. ey must also sign an a davit saying they will le for legal status.
Illinois’ law has similar requirements, while New Jersey requires three years of residency.
National student immigrant advocacy organizations FWD.us, eDream.US, and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration all criticized the order. Collectively, they said states, colleges, and universities shouldn’t overreact and that the order hurts states that need quali ed workers.
“Blocking states from o ering in-state tuition to undocumented students who have lived in these states for most of their lives would purposefully lock countless individuals out of the higher education system, waste years of educational investment, hurt local economies, and rob all Americans of future leaders,” said Todd Schulte, FWD.us president.
State leaders are still working to understand the impact of the order, and a spokesperson for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement the administration is
person and minors who are unaware of the person they are traveling to meet or reference meeting “a friend from the internet.”
Human tra cking groomers may approach individuals who look vulnerable to recruit victims, the news release states.
Customers and community members are encouraged to review resources shared on RTD’s social channels (RideRTD) and advertisements on RTD’s buses and at stations. e agency also created a webpage dedicated to human tra cking education. e agency said RTD sta will share these resources with community members during regularly scheduled outreach activities throughout the month,
looking into the impacts of this order. e state remains committed to ensuring the state remains a destination for all learners, the statement says.
e state has not led any legal action against the order, but leaders have been willing to push back on Trump administration orders.
Colorado’s largest university system also doesn’t plan changes at this time. University of Colorado System spokesperson Michele Ames said its schools are committed to following applicable laws and will not make any changes at this time. Other universities, such as the University of Northern Colorado, are monitoring the actions. Schools across the state have also said that they won’t release individual student information, such as information about undocumented students who attend schools through the ASSET program, to the federal government without a court order or warrant, per federal student privacy laws.
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.
which can be found on the RTD Community Calendar. Internally, RTD employees have access to additional training resources to further their understanding of tra cking and learn about the ways they can help stop it.
Customers who suspect an individual is a victim of human tra cking should contact law enforcement directly and should never confront a suspected trafcker. To report an incident in Colorado, call the Colorado Human Tra cking Hotline is 866-455-5075. e Call Center is available 24/7. e hotline can be reached via text on 720-999-9724 from noon to midnight MST. For more information and resources, visit RTD’s Youth on Transportation Safety Month page.
Higher education institutions in Colorado, such as the University of Northern Colorado, are monitoring the impacts of a recent order by the Trump administration that would punish states for programs o ering in-state tuition to undocumented students. PHOTO BY ELI IMADALI FOR CHALKBEAT
What losing $24M of federal money really means for Denver
Funding loss may foreshadow campaign to cut from cities that support immigrants
BY ANDREW KENNEY DENVERITE
e federal government just made it ofcial: It won’t be paying $24 million the city of Denver had expected to get back.
e city spent the money in 2023 and 2024 to run emergency shelters for tens of thousands of immigrants who were arriving in the city. Under the Biden administration, the federal government promised to reimburse cities for that kind of spending.
Under President Donald Trump, that’s not happening. e Federal Emergency Management Agency told the city this month that it wouldn’t be paying about $24 million in reimbursements that the city was expecting.
“ at’s $24 million that the city worked to procure — for a crisis that it did not create — that it will not be getting,” said Jon Ewing, a spokesperson for Mayor Mike Johnston.
e loss of funds could foreshadow a longer federal campaign to cut funding for Denver and other cities that support immigrants. Separately, a new executive order issued by Trump Monday requires the federal government to compile a list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions and take action against them.
e $24 million in question was spent in large part to aid people who had turned themselves in to Border Patrol and then were paroled into the country with the CBP One app.
e letter from FEMA didn’t accuse the city of doing anything wrong. Instead, it said that the spending “is not consistent with (federal Department of Homeland Security’s) current priorities” because of its support for immigrants without legal status.
e letter stated that the grant program provided money for “shelter, food,
transportation, acute medical care, and personal hygiene supplies for individuals released from [Department of Homeland Security] short-term holding facilities,” arguing that it provided “support for illegal aliens.”
e letter states the agency can terminate grants if they no longer align with its goals or priorities.
“It was a really onerous process to apply for that reimbursement. It took a really long period of time to le for that, but we did everything by the federal government standards so as to receive that money, and, you know, be made whole, or at least be partially compensated for this work,” Ewing said.
U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, of Denver, said in an interview that the city and state would ght back.
“I have no doubt that Denver and Colorado will push back,” DeGette said, “because we can’t be subservient to an authoritarian leader who just decrees that we have to do whatever he wants or he’s not going to give us the money that we’re legally entitled to.”
e city was awarded $32 million from the reimbursement program, and had already received $8 million, according to Ewing. City o cials are hoping that the federal government is only blocking the payout of the remaining money, and not pursuing a clawback of the money it already granted.
FEMA has been aggressive in canceling these grants elsewhere. e agency pulled $80 million of funding from New York City’s bank accountsin Februaryand was pursuing another $106 million as of April 1, Gothamist reported.
What does the loss of funds mean for Denver?
e city has already spent the money in question, dipping deep into its savings in 2024 to pay for its immigration response.
e good news, at least for the city’s budget, is that Denver o cials hadn’t expected to be paid anytime soon, anyway.
“We don’t incorporate those [reimbursements in] our budget, really, until
they’re in house, or until we have a really good assurance that we’re going to receive them. So in this case, we weren’t factoring those into the budget for this year or next year,” Ewing said.
Still, the loss of the money adds to the already signi cant pressure on the city’s budget. Denver ran a $108 million decit last year, in part because of a surge of spending on immigration and homeless responses.
e city cut spending to bring the budget closer to balance in 2025. But it’s now facing another tough budget year for 2026, with slow revenue growth due to a shaky economy — one that Ewing blames on Trump’s trade war.
at $24 million would have come in handy, especially with the city’s depleted savings account.
It doesn’t seem Denver o cials are holding out much hope of getting the money back. e city Department of Finance will go “back and forth” with the feds to try to get the grants paid, Ewing said. But at this point, he added, there’s no plan to go to court.
What’s next?
Ewing said he was unaware of any other speci c threats to federal funding for Denver. But bigger changes could be coming. On Tuesday, Trump issued anexecutive orderthat wasdescribedas “cracking down on sanctuary cities.”
While it didn’t name Denver or other cities speci cally, it ordered federal ocials to publish a list of states and cities that “obstruct the enforcement of Federal immigration laws.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem are to publish the list within a month. e federal government is then to identify federal funds to those “sanctuary” jurisdictions “for suspension or termination as appropriate.” Denver has received from about $100 million to nearly $220 million in federal grants in recent years.
“ e city does not have the capacity if all of that federal funding were to go away to back ll it. And so that is another risk that we are carefully monitoring and
very concerned about,” said Justin Sykes, the city’s budget director.
e latest Trump order also called for action to prevent federal bene ts for undocumented immigrants and against policies “favoring aliens over any group of American citizens.” at includes offering in-state tuition to immigrants, as Colorado does.
This fight has been happening since the first Trump term.
Trump issued similar “sanctuary” ordersin Januaryand at the beginning of his rst term in 2017, with both facing legal challenges. e 2017 order was blocked that year by federal Judge William Orrick III, who issued a nationwide permanent injunction against it.
e earlier 2025 order was temporarily blockedby the same judge last week. With the most recent order, the Trump administration is trying again.
City leaders have generally denied that Denver is a “sanctuary” city, though the city of Denver and the state of Colorado have passed numerous laws that limit cooperation with law enforcement or provide bene ts for undocumented immigrants. ose laws are the result of decades of advocacy.
Local o cials have defended many of these policies as good for public safety, arguing it harms the wider community when immigrants are afraid to report crime because of the threat of deportation, or drive without insurance because they can’t get a driver’s license.
“We do not harbor anyone,” Johnston said last month after testifying in Washington. “We were providing services. I think there’s no federal law that makes it illegal to give someone food who is hungry, or put someone into an overnight shelter who is at risk of freezing. I think that’s just common decency and humanity.”
CPR Washington correspondent Caitlyn Kim contributed to this article. is story is from Denverite, a nonpro t Denver news source a liated with CPR News. Used by permission. For more, and to support Denverite, visit denverite.com.
For those in search of a full life cultivated from the land, Farmlore represents a wonderful slice of small-town living that harkens back to a time when kids on bikes outnumbered cars, and neighbors could be spotted chatting over coffee or lemonade on the front porch.
Farmlore is located in Brighton, just west of Prairie Center, on 144th Ave.
New homes from $400s
Local author reads ‘Mamiachi’ tale for Cinco de Mayo
Thornton’s Jolene Gutiérrez tale celebrates culture, di ere
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNTIYMEDIA.COM
e Fort Lupton Library celebrated the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo a few days early with plenty of indoor and outdoor games for the kids, including mini golf, face painting, Loteria and hitting the piñata.
But one of the indoor events featured local author Jolene Gutiérrez, who read from one of her books, “Mamiachi & Me,” translated in English, “Mommy and Me.”
“ e story is about an all-female mariachi band, which used to be made up of only male performers. Recently, it’s become much more common for women to become mariachis,” Gutiérrez said. “It’s an all-female mariachi group, and Rosa, the young girl in my story, will perform for the rst time with her mommy, her Madrinas, and all of the women on stage performing together.”
Gutiérrez said its music embodies joy, girl power, and overcoming stage fright. Her husband conceived the idea during the pandemic. e ornton resident interviewed an all-female mariachi group before she began writing.
Like the story, the book was a family project.
“My daughter and I had already written a book about Ofrendas and Día de Muertos after my dad passed away, and it became essential for us. So, we wrote the book together,” Gutiérrez said
“I asked my son, who had planned to join his high school mariachi group but couldn’t because of COVID, if he wanted to write a story about mariachis, and we did that together.”
Gutiérrez said she has been a teacher librarian for 30 years, focusing on neurodivergent learners at Denver Academy. She co-authored children’s books with her Mexican American children to address the lack of representation in literature.
ese books, inspired by her family’s heritage, were published during the pandemic. e conversation also touched on the historical context of language learning in the U.S, Gutiérrez said.
Gutiérrez, who has been diagnosed as neurodivergent, discussed her experiences and challenges growing up, including sensory processing disorder. Even though Gutiérrez lived in ornton for over 30 years, her parents retired in Fort Lupton.
“ ey are no longer alive, but I have
some ties to this beautiful community. It was challenging for my parents to raise a neurodivergent child,” Gutiérrez said. “My parents probably would have used the word diva for me if that word existed. But I was spoiled. I was a brat. It was challenging for them and me because there were so many foods that I found the texture di cult to eat, so I was very picky.”
Gutiérrez said the sun is really hard for her, so she doesn’t like going outside in the bright sun. She also didn’t enjoy going to the car races with her parents, which they loved. It was too loud, overwhelming and painful for her.
“ ere were so many things they enjoyed that were tough for me, just within our family,” Gutiérrez said. “Both my kids are diagnosed with that as well as with sensory processing. Some people view that as part of the autism spectrum as well, that sensory sensitivity, but so many of us are sensitive to lots of di erent things.
“So, one of my books, ‘Too Much! An Overwhelming Day,’ is all about my experience of being overwhelmed by everything the world throws at you. It is what inspired me to write the book.”
Gutiérrez’ husband was born in Mexico and her kids’ are Mexican American. When her children were little, she tried to nd books that helped them learn more about their heritage and joyful celebrations.
“My kids are young adults now, but we were home together during the pandemic. I taught from home, and they learned from home. We also decided to write together. en we were fortunate enough that these books were published,” Gutiérrez said.
Gutiérrez has a Master’s degree in Library Science. e Colorado Department of Education has recognized her library as a recipient of the Highly E ective Schools rough Libraries award.
She has been a mentor teacher for graduate students and the president of the Colorado Independent School Librarians.
She is the author of eight books, including “Too Much! An Overwhelming Day,” which is based on her sensory processing disorder and has been translated into seven languages.
Gutiérrez’s book can be found on Amazon and bookshop.org, which supports independent local bookstores. You could also visit your local bookstore and ask them to order a copy. Additionally, your local public library could order a copy as well.
For more information about Gutierrez’s books, visit https://www.jolenegutierrez.com or visit: https://www. highlightsfoundation.org/faculty/ jolene-gutierrez/
Rachel Wolfmeier, who works for the library, is face painting a cactus design on Suri Carmon’s face.
PHOTO BY BELEN WARD
The kids participated in breaking the piñata.
PHOTO BY JUAN VENEGAS
State preschool enrollment high but quality guardrails lag
BY ANN SCHIMKE CHALKBEAT COLORADO
Colorado’s popular universal preschool program has dramatically increased the number of 4-year-olds who get statefunded preschool, but it’s unfolded largely without guardrails to ensure quality.
A report released by the National Institute for Early Education Research at Rutgers University highlights these twin realities and provides a more detailed look at where Colorado stands compared to other states.
Overall, the report suggests Colorado has prioritized quantity over quality as it moved from a small tuition-free preschool program for children with certain risk factors to one that’s open to all 4-yearolds. e state’s universal preschool enrollment numbers are impressive, with 70% of eligible children enrolled last year. at number helped Colorado leapfrog from its previous ranking of 27 to third in this year’s “State of Preschool” report. Only Washington, D.C. and Vermont had a larger share of 4-year-olds enrolled in public preschool programs last year.
Leaders at the research institute noted that California added more 4-year-olds to state-funded preschool than Colorado last year — 35,000 compared with 30,000 — but Colorado made far bigger gains than California when it comes to the percentage of children served.
“ e progress Colorado made in terms of enrollment and expanding access was pretty remarkable,” said Allison Friedman-Krauss, an associate research professor at the institute.
But Colorado’s showing deteriorated in the quality standards department. In
the latest report, it meets only two of 10 benchmarks, down from four in the previous preschool program. e benchmarks, which describe state policies that promote high-quality classrooms, touch on factors such as teacher training, curriculum, and class size.
Colorado o cials plan to put new rules governing universal preschool quality in place, but plan to postpone the start date by a year to July 2026. It’s the third time the rules have been delayed.
“ ey kicked the can down the road one more time,” said W. Steven Barnett, senior co-director of the institute.
Dawn Odean, the state’s universal preschool program director, acknowledged that the state has delayed the rules, but said Barnett’s statement is misleading because Colorado has been working on efforts related to quality for a long time and continues to do so.
She described the state’s approach as “going slow to go fast.”
Colorado leaders repeatedly pledged that universal preschool would provide highquality classes, starting when they pitched the program to voters, who approved a nicotine tax in 2020 to help fund it.
But currently, the “universal preschool” label doesn’t indicate anything about the caliber of classroom a child will join. Rather, it simply indicates the state is paying for 10 to 30 hours of class time. Of about 2,000 preschools participating in the program, some are excellent and have high state ratings, some are weak and meet only basic health and safety standards, and some are in between.
Experts say high-quality preschool can produce short- and long-term bene ts for kids.
In the report, Colorado got credit for meeting two quality benchmarks: having a set of early learning and development standards and providing guidance to preschools on curriculum. While the state has not yet released a list of curriculum approved for use in universal preschool classrooms, that is slated to happen sometime this year.
Texas, Wisconsin, and Indiana are the only other states to hit only two of the institute’s preschool quality benchmarks. More than a dozen states and Washington D.C. meet 9 or 10 of the benchmarks. ey include two of Colorado’s neighbors: New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Colorado didn’t meet benchmarks requiring class size caps of 20 and stastudent ratios of 1 to 10. Both limits have prompted heated debate over the last two years. Some private providers have argued they’ll lose money if they have to reduce class sizes below the state’s current cap of 24 and ratios below the current limit of one sta member for every 12 4-year-olds.
By the 2027-28 school year, state ocials do plan to require the class size and ratio caps recommended by the research
institute for universal preschool. ere’s one big exception though: Preschools that have one of the top two state ratings will be allowed to stick with the current caps.
Colorado also didn’t meet benchmarks related to the types of credentials teachers or assistant teachers should have or annual training and coaching for sta .
Lisa Roy, executive director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood, which administers the universal preschool program, said when Colorado’s rules on preschool quality are fully implemented over the next few years, she anticipates the state will meet at least half of the institute’s benchmarks.
Odean noted that the institute’s 10 benchmarks look at “outputs,” but that Colorado is focused on child outcomes.
“What families tell us consistently, and educators too, is that those outcomes are what’s a priority, and that’s not contemplated in the NIEER ratings,” she said, referring to the institute’s acronym. e institute’s report describes its benchmarks as “a set of minimum criteria, established by state policy, needed to ensure e ectiveness of preschool educa-
Communicating through the storm
We are living in a time of incredible pressure, and tragically, it’s our children who are carrying the heaviest burden. Anxiety and depression among children and teens have skyrocketed, with every credible study pointing to culprits like social media, internet access, and mounting academic, athletic, and social expectations. It’s overwhelming — and that’s putting it lightly.
It’s easy to point ngers at TikTok, Instagram, and the endless pursuit of “perfection.” And sure, those factors are real. But if we’re serious about loving and leading our families, we must ask the harder question: Are we doing enough at home to ease their worries, doubts, and fears?
it, over-communication.
Our kids navigate a digital battle eld every day. e loudest voices tell them they aren’t good enough. If we don’t ll their emotional tanks with hope, encouragement, love, and acceptance, someone else will, and it will be with poison, not life-giving truth.
I’ll never forget an incredible moment I witnessed with Zig Ziglar, one of the greatest motivational speakers ever.
For most of us, the honest answer is not yet.
e Critical Role of Communication. Communication isn’t a “nice-to-have” in this battle for our children’s hearts and minds, it’s everything. And not just when problems show up. Proactive, frequent communication. Maybe even, dare I say
TAt a packed seminar, a man stepped to the mic, thanking Zig for shaping his own life but sharing that his son was struggling. Zig’s response was pure wisdom:
He told the man to sit on his son’s bed, look him in the eyes, and say:
“Son, I am so glad God entrusted me with your life. You are a blessing to me. I am proud of you. And I love you.”
Zig encouraged him to say it every
he return of warmer weather to the Front Range adds a bit of dread to my mind. You see, it reminds me that one of the most frustrating parts of multiple sclerosis comes when it is super-hot. Heat wears me out incredibly quickly, making me feel like I am trying to walk through knee-deep quicksand to do anything. It is a feeling that is all-encompassing for my body. You might think the answer is to stay inside as much as possible. e problem is, cold air tightens my muscles and makes it di cult to bend and move around. So, a week of extreme temperatures leaves me deciding between navigating energy-sapping heat or muscletightening cold. We all face di erent struggles; mine are very present in weather extremes.
Last summer, we experienced a week of 100-degree days. For much of the week, I trudged, doing what we all do when we have struggles: I put one foot in front of the other, moved forward as best I could, and stayed positive while being exhausted by the e ort.
It was in my week of trudging that I had two appointments where I was asked questions that made me think about things in a di erent fashion.
I was with my chiropractor, Dr. Danielle Wesley, and she simply asked the question, “Are you keeping a journal of your victories so that you have something to look at when you feel like you are not making progress?” I had to answer “No,” but the brilliance in what she was asking me was clear because as soon as she nished the question, I could name ve or six things that had gone well in what I perceived as my week of trudging.
en Bear, my service dog in training, and I had a session with our coach Ana and she asked the question, “What do you and Bear do for fun?” I could name several things that
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morning and night, not once, not when convenient, but every day.
As cameras panned the audience, thousands wiped away tears. Sitting beside me was Zig’s son, Tom Ziglar, a grown man and CEO, with tears streaming down his face. When I asked if Zig had done that for him, Tom smiled through the tears and said, “Yes. And he still does, even now.”
ink about that: A father who never stopped telling his grown son how proud he was. Every single day.
Fighting for eir Hearts. If we want to lead and love our children in today’s chaotic world, we must show up with our words, not just advice or correction, but daily, intentional a rmation.
ey need to hear it when they get straight A’s.
ey need to hear it when they fail a test.
ey need to hear it when they make us proud, and especially when they break our hearts.
Because mistakes don’t de ne them, grace does. Growth does. And our un-
Find the shine amid the struggle
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
we do, each example I shared made me smile as I thought about his antics and the games we play.
e next day I was again trudging, doing some watering when Bear, as if right on cue, climbed a tree, looked at me, jumped down and climbed it again. It was as if he was reminding me about having fun and marking my victories. It was a simple moment of fun, it elicited a quick smile and a little laugh, and it made me appreciate the victory present in the fact that I could do the watering.
e origins of our struggles are di erent, but there are moments in every struggle that make us feel like any action is di cult. When you hit your trudge spot and it feels like everything is a battle, I hope you will both take a moment to look at a list of your accomplishments and that you will nd a way to have some fun.
Moving through a struggle is easier when you can reect on the progress you have made and nd a moment to smile.
I am not saying it is easy, but you have got this.
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.
• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for o ce. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent. Letters advocating for or against a political candidate or ballot issue will not be published within 12 days of an election.
• Publication of any given letter is at our discretion. Letters are published as space is available.
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• Please don’t send us more than one letter per month. First priority for publication will be given to writers who have not submitted letters to us recently. WINNING
wavering love does.
Our communication must be a ood of love, encouragement, and constant reminders that they are more than enough that no failure can separate them from our love, and no outside voice can ever be louder than the voice of their family. e pressures and dangers are real. But so is our power to counteract them. If we don’t communicate, the world will. If we communicate relentlessly, intentionally, and lovingly, we can raise a generation that walks through the storm without losing their way.
Let’s speak up, every day, every chance we get. eir future depends on it. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@ gmail.com. And when we intentionally communicate through the storm, it really will be a better-than-good life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
A plea for prairie dogs
Please humor the author of this letter and imagine what it must be like to be a humble prairie dog; to watch the world around you become smaller, more unfamiliar as it presses in around your home. To be treated like a pest, a nuisance, or even a danger just for existing. Prairie dogs are often seen as a problem to eliminate despite the key role they play in Colorado’s landscape. ey are a ‘keystone species’ and ‘ecosystem engineers,’ meaning they play a vital role in keeping our beautiful prairies alive and healthy. In fact, they support an entire ecosystem of predators, prey, insects and plant communities (over 100 species!) and prairie dog towns have been referred to as the “coral reefs of the prairie” and a “biological oasis” by the National Park Service. ere are many myths about prairie dogs. Perhaps the one I have heard the most is that they carry diseases.
e fact is that it is not easy for prairie dogs to transmit plague to people. e plague is transmitted through the bites of infected eas, not prairie dogs themselves. Prairie dog eas are very hostspeci c and therefore generally avoid humans and other animals.
Prairie dogs are not known to contract rabies and while they can contract other diseases, they die from these diseases and therefore cannot be carriers. e odds of prairie dogs spreading diseases to humans are incredibly low and are often exaggerated by misinformation. erefore, the risk of disease does not justify the widespread extermination of prairie dog colonies.
While driving through developing parts of Westminster and Broom eld, my heart breaks at how these innocent creatures are surrounded by encroaching construction. I worry that they are only temporarily safe and that development will harm them and therefore all of us that live in this ecosystem we call home.
Prairie dogs are not pests, they deserve our protection. ey deserve to be looked after and left in peace–they were here before any of us. is letter is a plea to anyone who might care to look to your representatives for their protection, to care about the land before it becomes a parking lot. eir habitat is shrinking and their numbers are too…we must protect them before they are pushed to endangerment or even extinction. If there are prairie dogs near you, please speak up for them before it is too late.
Chase Janis,
Westminster
Jim Roome
BY SARAH MULHOLLAND CPR NEWS
Anxiety steers economic indicators, report says
Colorado economic signals are mixed as businesses try to make sense of President Donald Trump’s ip- ops on tari s. e number of people ling to start a business was up in the rst quarter compared to the end of last year, according to a joint report from the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business and the Secretary of State’s O ce.
“ e indicators in this report do not show any immediate or signi cant economic disruption to Colorado … but it does show business leaders in Colorado are nervous about these disruptions,” Secretary of State Jena Griswold said during a webinar about the report.
Colorado’s economy started slowing before Trump was sworn in for his second term. As of April, the state added 2,300 jobs during the prior 12 months, which equates to a growth rate of 0.1 percent. at compares to the U.S. rate
At the same time, the state’s executives are feeling deeply anxious about how the new administration’s trade policies are going to impact their bottom lines, the report found.
of 1.2 percent.
Colorado now ranks 44th for job growth among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
“We were hard-charging for a long time. Now, some of the other states are catching up and are continuing to have that growth that we had,” said Richard Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director at CU’s Leeds School of Business.
e state’s per capita personal income and labor force participation still rank high, he said.
“We are a prosperous state, and we are
growing, we’re just growing at a slower rate,” Wobbekind said.
Colorado’s professional business services, which includes the tech sector, took a big hit in the past year. at sector has 8,400 fewer jobs than a year ago. “ at had been a disappointment in terms of job performance in 2024. And so far it’s continuing into 2025,” Wobbekind said.
is story is from CPR News, a nonprofit public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr. org.
DHS o ers $1,000 to immigrants who self-deport
BY ARIANA FIGUEROA COLORADO NEWSLINE
WASHINGTON — e U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced May 5 that the agency will provide $1,000 in what it called “travel assistance” to people in the United States without permanent legal status if they self deport. It’s the latest attempt by DHS to try to meet the Trump administration’s goal of removing 1 million migrants without permanent legal status from the country.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem touted the option as cost-e ective.
“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to
avoid arrest,” Noem said in a statement. “ is is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers.”
It’s unclear from which part of the DHS budget the funding for the travel assistance is coming, as it would roughly cost $1 billion to reimburse up to $1,000 to meet the goal of removing 1 million people.
DHS did not respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.
President Donald Trump gave his support for the move Monday afternoon, according to White House pool reports.
“We’re going to get them a beautiful ight back to where they came from,” the president said.
OBITUARIES
Yvonne (Bredehoft) Harshbarger January 1, 1936 April 26, 2025
Joyce Yvonne Harshbarger passed away on April 26th at the age of 89 at her home in Brighton. Joyce was born in Brighton, Colorado on January 1, 1936, to Melvin and Bertha Bredehoft.
Joyce attended Brighton High School and graduated in 1953. After graduating she worked at Pape Pharmacy at the soda counter where she met Ed her husband to be. She also attended Nursing school for one year.
Ed enjoyed traveling and have visited all 50 states and several foreign countries. Hunting and shing were an important and joyful part of their lives with family and friends. ey loved spending the Winter months in Arizona with friends and family.
Joyce is survived by her husband Ed, sons’ Brian (Mary), Kevin (Loretta). Two grandchildren, Austin and James and great-grandson Dean.
Self-deportation would be facilitated by the CBP Home app, which was used by the Biden administration to allow asylum seekers to make appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. e payment would apparently not be made in advance. DHS said that once those who use the app to self deport arrive in their home country, they will receive a travel stipend of $1,000.
According to DHS, the Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since taking o ce in January. e Biden administration last year deported 195,000 people from February to April, according to DHS data.
DHS said already one migrant has used the program to book a ight from Chica-
go to Honduras.
“Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week,” the agency said in a statement. e Trump administration has rolled out several programs to facilitate mass self-deportations, such as a registry to require immigrants in the country without legal authorization to register with the federal government.
Immigrants who don’t register with the federal government could face steep nes and a potential prison sentence. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
Joyce married the love of her life Ed on November 13, 1955, in Brighton, Colorado. ey were married for 69 years. Joyce was a stay-at-home mom while her two boys Brian and Kevin were growing up. She was also a teacher’s aid at South Elementary and Vikan Middle School.
Preceding Joyce in death were her parents Melvin and Bertha Bredehoft, sister Melba, and two brothers’ Bryce and Larry.
Joyce had a passion for crafting to include sewing, knitting, crocheting and needle point. Joyce and
ere will be a funeral service for Joyce on May 16th at the Tabor Funeral Home. Visitation will be at 10:30 and the service will at 11:00. ere will be a reception at the Alli Event Center located at 100 S. 3rd Avenue in Brighton, from 1:00 pm until
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A legal newspaper of general circulation in Ft. Lupton, Colorado, Fort Lupton Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton CO 80601. .
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BRIEFS
Post o ce seeks new location in Hudson
Due to space constraints, the Postal Service must relocate retail services to a yet-to-be-determined location within the zip code of 80642, which includes Hudson and the surrounding area.
e desired size of the new facility needs to be approximately 2,750 square feet with adequate parking.
e relocation project will consist of procuring a suitable substitute location, as close as reasonably possible to the existing location. Retail Services will continue at the current location until necessary preparations are completed at the new location.
Instead of a public meeting, the Postal Service is inviting residents and property owners to send comments on the proposal to “United States Postal Service, Attn: Hudson, CO MPO Relocation, PO BOX 27497, Greensboro, NC 27498-1103.”
e Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
Saturday pancakes
to replace the meter. For houses that have inaccessible meters that are inside, in a basement or a crawl space, residents should contact Public Works to schedule an appointment.
More information can be found here- https://www.fortluptonco. gov/1240/Water-Meter-Replacement-Program.
Co ee with a cop
Fort Lupton Police set aside one morning each month to share a few cups of co ee with residents.
Co ee with a Cop is a chance for police to meet with community members and discuss many topics, including parking regulations. To accommodate more people, they have changed their meeting location to the MultiPurpose Room at the Fort Lupton Rec Center!
e Fort Lupton Public Library hosts a simple pancake breakfast on the last Saturday of each month in the library’s community rooms. is month’s pancake breakfast runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m. May 31. e library is located at 370 S. Rollie Ave.
e event is combined with the library’s weekly reading program, so families can enjoy a good meal while listening to popular cult classic children’s stories that never get old. Breakfast starts at 9:30, and read-aloud starts at 10 a.m. every last Saturday of the month. All ages are welcome.
Fort Lupton replacing water meters
e City of Fort Lupton has hired Northern Colorado Contractors to replace the water meters in town.
e same time is on the rst Wednesday of each month at Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S Harrison Ave, Fort Lupton. e next scheduled event is from 8-9:30 a.m. on June 4.
Co ee with a Cop is an easy way to get to know the men and women who serve our community and tell them about the issues that matter most to you. Remember that you can always reach our police department at our non-emergency number, 720-652-4222.
Over time, meters age and require replacement to ensure accurate measurement and efciency of water use. e majority of the meters in the City are reaching their useful life prompting this program. e replacement of the meters is entirely free of charge to residents.
303-655-2146 or kchernosky@ brightonco.gov.
Blessings in a Bag Fort Lupton’s Backpack Program helps schoolchildren in need with a backpack of healthy food. It’s an all-volunteer program and needs volunteers. If interested in volunteering or donating, call 303-718-4440.
City committees need members Fort Lupton is looking for several community-minded individuals to ll openings on several boards that advise the City Council and help run city programs. e Cemetery Committee, Parks and Recreation Committee, Golf Committee, the Library Board, Public Safety Committee and the Senior Advisory Committee have openings. e openings consist of a two-year term running through the end of 2024. If you or anyone you know is interested in serving on a committee, please complete a committee application at https://www.fortluptonco.gov/966/I-Want-To-Apply-for-a-Committee on the city’s website.
Help for vets
Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneaker Yoga is available three times per week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 to 9:45 a.m. and from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave.
Free short-term radon test kits
Weld County residents can receive a free radon test kit (one per household, while supplies last). Test kits can be requested online at www.drhomeair.com/ weld, according to a statement. Call the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment at (970) 400-2226 or visit: www.weldgov.com/go/radon.
Acts of Connection seeks to lessen loneliness
Weld County and North Range Behavioral Health are working to target social isolation and build personal connections throughout the county with the Acts of Connection Initiative.
According to the group, four of ve adults younger than 24 and seniors older than 66 all reported feeling lonely at some point.
e campaign encourages everyone to nd ways to connect with others, build relationships, and promote a stronger sense of well-being and a culture of connection for all.
e group has sponsored a website at https://actsofconnectionweld.org/ to survey members of each group, o er some tips to help and take pledges to connect to the community and connect with other members of the community.
According to the city, the current meters continue to work properly, however, some meters do not transmit the data from the meter to the system. e meter must then be read manually. Accounts with meters that can’t be manually read, will be estimated. If the actual amount consumed is lower than the estimated amount previously billed, then the bill will be adjusted to re ect the higher usage. When the new meter is connected, it will re ect the correct usage moving forward.
Quali ed Listeners, a veteran and family resource hub serving northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, has several power chairs, scooters, and electric wheelchairs available.
e VA o ers urgent care services to eligible veterans at VA medical facilities or several in-network urgent care clinics that are closer to home.
To nd the closest facility to you, visit www.va.gov/ nd-locations or call 720-600-0860.
Quali ed Listeners also needs volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries, and veterans to be trained to become quali ed listeners.
Volunteers needed
Quali ed Listeners, a veteran and family resource hub serving northern Colorado and southern Wyoming, needs volunteers to drive veterans to and from appointments, run errands for veterans who cannot get out, provide handyman services, help administer veteran and family resource guide inventory in local libraries and veterans to be trained to become quali ed listeners.
Visit quali edlisteners.org/ volunteerapp and ll out the form or call 720-600-0860.
Water aerobics
Donation time
Visit the e ort’s website at https://actsofconnectionweld. org/ for more information.
Brighton Art in the Park seeks local artists
e Fort Lupton Food & Clothing Bank is asking for donations of canned fruits and nuts, varieties of dry pasta and pasta dinners, peanut butter and canned meat such as tuna (including the pouches).
e city’s water aerobics class meets from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and ursdays at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave. Call 303-857-4200.
Community Reach Center launches “warm line” Community Reach Center is o ering a warm line (303-2806602) for those who want to talk to mental-health professionals about anxiety, lack of sleep and strained relationships, among other topics. e professionals can facilitate referrals to other programs for assistance. e line is not for crisis intervention. ose feeling unsafe or suicidal should call Colorado Crisis Services (1-844-493-8255) or text 38255 or visit the Behavioral Urgent Care Center, 2551 W. 84th Ave., Westminster.
Brighton’s community intake location is at 1850 E. Egbert St., on the second oor. It’s open from 8 a.m. to noon Tuesdays.
Legal advice
Contractors will notify residents when they will replace meters in their vicinity. For houses with meters that are outside and accessible, the contractors will let residents know when they plan
e City of Brighton will host its annual Art in the Park festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Carmichael Park, 650 Southern St. ose artists interested in showcasing and selling their artwork can visit www.brightonartinthepark.com for more information and to apply. e deadline for booth applications is Aug. 15. is one-day festival brings together talented artists, live performances, interactive activities, and a vibrant artist market. For more information, contact Communications & Engagement Director Kristen Chernosky at
Other potential donations could include chicken, Vienna sausages, spam and salmon. e bank also needs personal items, such as toiletries and baby needs. Drop o donations at the food and clothing bank’s back door, 421 Denver Ave., on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Call 303-857-1096.
Free short-term radon test kits
e Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on the rst Tuesday of every month. e program is for customers without legal representation who need help navigating through legal issues.
Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss family law, civil litigation, property, and probate law. Call 303-405-3298 and ask for a Legal Self-Help Clinic at least 24 hours before.
Water aerobics
Weld County residents can receive a free radon test kit (one per household, while supplies last). Test kits can be requested online at www.drhomeair.com/weld, according to a statement. Call the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment at (970) 400-2226 or visit: www.weldgov.com/go/radon.
e city’s water aerobics class meets from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Tuesdays and ursdays at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave. Call 303-857-4200.
Showcasing the next generation of filmmakers
Aims students crossed genres in fillm showcase
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Aims Community College hosted its Film and Animation Showcase May 9 and 10 to highlight the creative talents of students in the Graphic Design & Rich Media and Communication Media departments.
“Each lm is unique, and they all resonate with me in di erent ways,” Communication Media Instructor Eric Taylor said in an April 29 news release. “It’s amazing to see what students can create when given the right tools and skills — and how they transform a project into something truly their own.”
e event showcased the work of students who completed their projects this spring and last fall. e works highlight a variety of genres, including comedy, action, animated stories and suspenseful thrillers, according to o cials.
Yalenni Sauceda is an Aims student currently studying animation and graphic design.
“I love everything that has anything to do with art — dancing, painting, drawing. It’s a part of me,” she said. “Animation is something I didn’t expect to love this much. Once I started taking classes, I realized how much I enjoy creating, especially seeing the characters come to life.”
ters move and feel real.
Yalenni said she enjoys making charac-
“You can tell much about a story just through how someone moves,” Yalenni said. “I love this little penguin in one of
my animations. I tried to make him look cute and silly, and it worked. He makes me laugh every time I see him.”
Yalenni is excited for people to see her
REVERSE MORTGAGES
work and that of her classmates.
“ is animation showcase is going to have a lot of really cool pieces. Everyone worked hard on their projects, and we’re all proud of what we’ve created,” Yalenni
Yalenni said sharing the students’ work transforms it into something more sig-
“It’s exciting to be part of something where our work gets seen. It’s not just a class assignment anymore — it’s a real event where people can experience our stories and characters,” she said.
Taylor said the showcase will feature a variety of student-produced lms and video projects that highlight a diverse range of genres. Audiences can anticipate a dynamic viewing experience reecting both creativity and technical skill, he said.
“ ese projects are a testament to the robust curriculum o ered by the Aims Communication Media department, which provides degrees and certi cates in journalism, audio production, television/video production, video editing and e ects, radio production, and media writing,” said Taylor.
“ e works featured in the showcase stem from courses such as TV production, video editing, and more. Whether you’re a fan of animation, lms, and storytelling, or want to support local student talent, this is a unique opportunity to witness how creativity comes to life at Aims.” For more information on this event and others, visit events.aims.edu.
Aims students learn the animation program Maya and other graphic arts tools in a special program. COURTESY PHOTO
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
With the weather getting warmer and summer just around the corner, it’s time to hit the road — and the stacks.
While Denver Public Library’s Central Branch is a Colorado landmark, it’s not the only library worth the trip. Scattered throughout Denver metro are unique libraries, lled to the brim with books and other resources waiting to be discovered.
Coloradans are lucky enough to be able to get library cards in nearly every library district, regardless of whether they live in the district or not. Patrons just need to bring in a Colorado State ID or other proof of address, and they’ll be able to register for a library card.
Summer reading programs are also just around the corner, and they’re not just for kids. Many libraries will o er special programming to inspire a love for reading in kids, teens and adults alike. To get ready for a literary adventure- lled summer, hop in the car, stock up on library cards and discover what each library has to o er.
Columbine Library, Je erson County Public Library
7706 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO 80123
Seated within Robert F. Clement Park, Columbine Library has books — and views — to share. e library’s west side features oor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of Johnson Reservoir with the mountains behind it. Around the window, tables and chairs abound, giving visitors a cozy spot to study, read or just hang out.
“We are very lucky to have — in our biased opinions — one of the best locations in Je co Public Library,” said Columbine Public Services Manager Julianna Sipeki. “Nestled against the foothills, we are located in the beautiful Clement Park, where we host some of our outdoor programs, like birdwatching.”
However, great views aren’t all that Columbine Library has to o er. In addition to over 100,000 physical books and other materials, the library has Culture Passes for local museums, Chrome-
books and Wi-Fi hotspots that patrons can take home, access to apps for streaming music and movies and access to 133 di erent research databases.
“We wish everyone knew that you can use all of our library services at no cost,” said Sipeki. “It costs nothing to get a library card, we don’t charge to book meeting or study rooms, there’s no charge to attend any program and we don’t charge late fees. You don’t even need a library card to come in and attend programs or use a computer.”
With dedicated sections for children and teens, study rooms and local businesses nearby, the library o ers a spot for anyone to hang out.
“We want people to know libraries are so much more than just a place to check out a book,” said Sipeki. “We are a place to meet your neighbors and make new friends; a place to learn and expand your worldview; a place to practice a skill or start a new hobby; or simply, just a place to spend an hour of your day.”
BELOW: The Columbine Library is part of the Je erson County Library system.
ROAD TRIP
Bemis Public Library
6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, CO 80120
Nestled in a sleepy grove across from the Littleton Historical Museum, Bemis Public Library is one of the few independent libraries in the metro area, meaning it is not part of any library system.
Instead, the library was built by the City of LIttleton in 1965 and is the namesake for former Littleton Independent Publisher Edwin A. Bemis.
Now, the library — which is walking distance from Downtown Littleton — sports a large kid’s section that sometimes hosts storytimes, as well as a teen area that is separated from the rest of the library.
Bemis Public LIbrary is also home to resources for
groups the library welcomes through its doors. e library also eliminated overdue fees in 2023 as an e ort to become more equitable to patrons.
Koelbel Library, Arapahoe Libraries
5955 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80121
Arapahoe Libraries comprises eight community libraries, a jail library and a bookmobile, all of which provide valuable resources to their patrons.
Oliver Sanidas, the executive director of Arapahoe Libraries, said that Koelbel Library in particular offers unique programming thanks to its cafe, meeting spaces, 39-seat theater, outdoor space and public art installations.
“We want to provide a place and services that help meet not only the information needs of our patrons, but also the social needs,” Sanidas said. “ e library provides a place for people to connect with others who
share their interests and passions. We do this through events and programs, and by providing spaces for patrons to meet, work and enjoy fun activities.”
Sanidas said that meetings rooms are used for birthday parties, business owners use the library’s cafe to meet with clients, tutors can meet with students and adults participate in book clubs and open mic nights at the library’s facilities.
“We want our library to be a community hub,” Sanie library’s cafe serves bites and sips from local vendors, and o ers a rotating series of drink speciale. e Koelbel Library Cafe is currently featuring a Purple Rain Latte, a Crimson and Clover Latte and a Strawberry Fields Lemonade.
Anythink Wright Farms, Anythink Libraries
5877 E. 120th Ave., ornton, CO 80602
Anythink Libraries branches o er all of the usual trappings of a library with a fun added twist: TryIts, a program wherein a patron can check out a kite, tarot deck, toy, musical instrument, games and more. e program is o ered throughout the Anythink system.
e library system’s agship branch, located at Wright Farms, features a digital lab featuring video, audio and design software that allows teens to work on their digital editing skills and push their creativity. e agship branch also contains a one-acre park adjacent to the li-
Castle Rock Public Library, Douglas County Libraries
100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80104
e new Phillip and Jerry Miller Library in Castle Rock was built in 2023 and was constructed with an emphasis on creating space for working adults, families and Douglas County history.
“ e Castle Rock location features two outdoor Aloha Plazas East and West, an interactive children’s play space called e Ranch, sponsored by Castle Rock Rotary Club, and DCL’s Archives & Local History, its collections and the Sjostrom History Lounge reading room,” said Melissa Anciaux, the sta writer for Douglas County Libraries.
e branch replaced the old Phillip S. Miller Library that stood at the same location.
Douglas County Libraries also partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which o ers books to children up to 5 years old that the youngsters are able to keep.
RIGHT : The Koelbel Library in Arapahoe County.
LEFT: The Castle Rock Library in Douglas County was built in 2023.
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THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, ADOPTING ARTICLE 2-33 OF THE BRIGHTON MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO THE CREATION OF A SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY BOARD
WHEREAS, the City of Brighton (the “City”) recognizes the importance of sustainability in long-term planning, policy development, and community engagement; and
WHEREAS, certain amendments to the Brighton Municipal Code are necessary to better implement science and evidence-based initiatives, programs, and policies within the City; and
WHEREAS, City Charter Section 9.1 provides, in pertinent part, that City Council may, by ordinance, establish, consolidate, or abolish any board or commission, except the Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment and Appeals; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish a Sustainability Advisory Board to provide guidance and advise the City Council and City staff on sustainability issues; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the proposed additions to the Brighton Municipal Code and has determined that it is in the best interests of the City to adopt a new article to create the Sustainability Advisory Board.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Article 2-33 is hereby adopted and titled “Sustainability Advisory Board” as follows:
Sec. 2-33-10. - Title.
There is hereby established a Sustainability Advisory Board (“Board”).
Sec. 2-33-20. - Purpose.
The Board created under this Article shall study, review, conduct research, and make recommendations to implement science and evidence-based initiatives, programs, and policies with the goal of achieving a healthy and sustainable ecosystem for all Brighton residents. The Board will work on projects included in the 2024 City of Brighton Sustainability Plan, which may be amended from time to time, and any future sustainability planning documents. These projects will be focused on community engagement, energy conservation, waste diversion, air quality, and resiliency, amongst others. The Board may provide leadership and education for sustainability initiatives, events, and programs. Additional sustainability programs and projects may be included in workplans as the needs of the community, or the sustainability staff change, and the implementation of the Sustainability Plan progresses.
Sec. 2-33-30. - Powers and duties.
The Board shall have all the powers granted herein and shall perform all duties as provided herein.
(1)The Board will advise the City Council and the Sustainability Division on programs and initiatives that advance sustainability.
(2)The Board may request specific research or invite subject-matter experts to present at Board meetings or joint meetings with the City
Council.
(3)The Board will provide feedback to staff and Council on projects included in the 2024 Sustainability Plan, amendments thereto, and any future sustainability planning documents.
(4) The Board may offer assistance with educational activities, events, and other community engagement functions.
(5) The Board may develop a position or advise the City Council on matters involving sustainability.
(6) The Board shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of meetings and for defining the duties of the Board’s members, officers, and committees.
Sec. 2-33-40. - Membership.
The Board shall be composed of seven (7) voting members, all of whom must reside in the City or have significant ties to the City, including but not limited to attending school within the City, working at a business with a physical location in the City, or other evidence of substantial and/or significant ties to the City. The members of the Board shall be appointed as follows:
(1) Five (5) at-large members appointed by the Mayor with approval of the majority of the City Council;
(2) One (1) ex officio City Council member and one alternate who shall be appointed by the Mayor;
(3)Two (2) youth members, defined as ages 15-20, shall represent the community at large and shall be appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City Council.
Sec. 2-33-50. - Terms of office.
(1) The terms of office for members of the Board shall expire on January 31 and begin on February 1. The terms of office of the Board shall be as follows: The term of office for the members appointed from City Council shall be the same as their tenure in office and subject to change by the Mayor. Subsequent to the initial appointment, the terms of office for all other members shall be three (3) years and shall serve no more than (4) four consecutive terms or until a successor has been appointed.
(2) Absences and vacancies shall be addressed in the bylaws, including removal due to absences. Any removal pursuant to the bylaws shall be reported to the City Clerk.
(3) Initial appointments shall be made as follows:
a. Three at-large members shall be appointed for a three-year initial term;
b. Two of the at-large members shall be appointed for a two-year initial term;
c.One youth member shall be appointed for a two-year initial term; and
d.One youth member shall be appointed for a three-year initial term.
Sec. 2-33-60 – Organization and rules.
At the first meeting of the year, the Board shall elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson from among its regular members, each of whose term shall be for one (1) year, with eligibility for reelection. The Board shall keep a record of its proceedings through approved minutes, which record shall be a public record. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the voting members.
Section 2. For the first applicants and appointments, City staff may conduct the interviews of candidates and make recommendations to the City Council for appointment until at least five members have been appointed. After the initial five appointments, the board shall conduct interviews of applicants and recommend appointments, unless or until City Council changes such interview procedure.
Section 3. As provided in City Charter Section 5.9(A), this Ordinance, either as presented or as amended, shall be published in full as it was adopted after the initial reading. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect five days after its final publication, as provided in City Charter Section 5.8.
INTRODUCED, PASSED ON FIRST READING AND ORDERED PUBLISHED THIS 6TH DAY OF MAY 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO
/s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
/s/ JAMES GALLAGHER, Assistant City Attorney
Legal Notice No. BSB3858
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
ORDINANCE NO. 2473
INTRODUCED BY: Padilla
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO, APPROVING THE SINGH PROPERTY ZONING MAP AMENDMENT FOR AN APPROXIMATELY 10.59 ACRE PROPERTY, GENERALLY LOCATED TO THE NORTH OF EAST 120TH AVENUE, SOUTH OF EAST 121ST PLACE, EAST OF WHEELING STREET, AND WEST OF POTOMAC STREET, MORE PARTICULARLY LOCATED IN THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SEC-
TION 36, TOWNSHIP 1 SOUTH, RANGE 67 WEST OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, CITY OF BRIGHTON, COUNTY OF ADAMS, STATE OF COLORADO
PASSED ON SECOND AND FINAL READING AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY THIS 6th DAY OF MAY 2025.
CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO
/s/ GREGORY MILLS, Mayor
ATTEST: /s/ NATALIE HOEL, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: /s/ YASMINA GIBBONS, Deputy City Attorney
A COMPLETE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AND ON THE CITY OF BRIGHTON WEBSITE.
Legal Notice No. BSB3859
First Publication: May 15, 2025 Last Publication: May 15, 2025 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
BRIGHTON HOUSING AUTHORITY
PROJECT-BASED VOUCHER
NOTICE OF WAITING LIST OPENING
The Brighton Housing Authority (BHA) will begin accepting applications for its project-based voucher (PBV) program. Specifically at Hughes Station Apartments:
· 2 Bedroom Waitlist- Hughes Station
· 3 Bedroom Waitlist- Hughes Station
Applications will open on:
Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 A.M.
Applications will be available online only at www.brightonhousingauthority.org. Applications will not be available for in-person pickup at BHA offices. Only families that qualify based on the currently published occupancy standards will be placed on these waitlists.
These applications are separate and distinct from the tenant-based voucher lottery program. Families who applied to the tenantbased lottery last year are encouraged to apply to these lists.
If you have already applied to these waiting lists, do not reapply, as duplicate applications will disqualify you.
If you are a person with disabilities and are in need of a reasonable accommodation in order to apply, please call BHA offices at 303-6552160 or contact the agency through the above listed website.
The waitlist will close without further notice once enough applications have been received.
Legal Notice No. BSB3860
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 22, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
NOTICE OF VESTED PROPERTY RIGHT CITY OF BRIGHTON MILE HIGH LOGISTICS CENTER SITE PLAN
Notice is hereby given that the City of Brighton has approved the Site Plan known as the Mile High Logistics Center, generally located to the west future S. 45th Avenue alignment, east of Lot 2 of the Kmart Distribution Center Park Subdivision, north of Bromley Lane, and south of Southern Street. The approval is for an approximately 103.32 acre property to facilitate development of the existing property, including but not limited to, update portions of the property with new parking areas, updated landscaping, and on-site amenities associated with the building. The property is located in the southwest quarter of Section 10, Township 1 South, Range 66 West, of the Sixth Principal Meridian, City of Brighton, County of Adams, State of Colorado.
The approval of this application on May 1, 2025, creates a vested property right.
Further information may be obtained from the City of Brighton Planning Division by calling (303) 655-2072.
Legal Notice No. BSB3852
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Metropolitan Districts
Notice
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, de conformidad con el § 1-13.5-513(6), CRS, que, al cierre de operaciones el 4 de marzo de 2025, no había más candidatos que cargos por cubrir, incluidos los candidatos que presentaron declaraciones juradas de intención de ser candidatos por escrito, para el Distrito Metropolitano de Todd Creek Village (el “Distrito”). Por lo tanto, se cancela la elección del Distrito del 6 de mayo de 2025.
Los siguientes candidatos se declaran electos por aclamación:
George R. Hanlon, Jr. hasta mayo de 2029
John Blackburn hasta mayo de 2027
El siguiente cargo sigue vacante: VACANTE hasta mayo de 2029
/s/ Ashley B. Frisbie
Representante electoral designada
Persona de contacto para el Distrito:
Blair M. Dickhoner, Esq.
WHITE BEAR ANKELE
TANAKA & WALDRON
Attorneys at Law
2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000
Centennial, Colorado 80122 (303) 858-1800
Legal Notice No. BSB3851
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF ELECTION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS TODD CREEK VILLAGE METROPOLITAN DISTRICT
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to § 1-13.5-513(6), C.R.S., that, at the close of business on March 4, 2025, there were not more candidates than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates, for the Todd Creek Village Metropolitan District (the “District”).
Therefore, the election for the District to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby cancelled.
The following candidates are declared elected by acclamation:
George R. Hanlon Jr.
Until May 2029
John Blackburn Until May 2027
The following office remains vacant: VACANT
Until May 2029
/s/ Ashley B. Frisbie
Designated Election Official
Contact Person for District: Blair M. Dickhoner, Esq.
WHITE BEAR ANKELE
TANAKA & WALDRON
Attorneys at Law 2154 E. Commons Avenue, Suite 2000 Centennial, Colorado 80122 (303) 858-1800
Legal Notice No. BSB3850
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Summons and Sheriff Sale
Public Notice
DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601
Plaintiff: GREENS AT BUFFALO RUN HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation
Defendants: DEBORAH A. SANDERS; U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR THE C-BASS MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-CBl; THE VILLAGES AT BUFFALO RUN PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; ALEX VILLAGRAN AS PUBLIC TRUSTEE AND TREASURER FOR ADAMS COUNTY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION
Attorneys for Plaintiff: WINZENBURG, LEFF, PURVIS & PAYNE, LLP
Wendy E. Weigler, # 28419
Address: 350 Indiana Street, Suite 450 Golden, CO 80401
Phone Number: 303-863-1870 wweigler@wlpplaw.com
Case Number: 2024CV030530
SHERIFF’S COMBINED NOTICE OF SALE AND RIGHT TO CURE AND REDEEM
Under a Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure entered on December 30, 2024, in the abovecaptioned action, I am ordered to sell certain real property as follows:
Original Lienee
Deborah A. Sanders
Original Lienor
The Greens at Buffalo Run
Homeowners Association, Inc.
Current Holder of the evidence of debt
The Greens at Buffalo Run
Homeowners Association, Inc.
Date of Lien being foreclosed
June 23, 2022
Date of Recording of Lien being foreclosed
June 23, 2022
County of Recording Adams
Recording Information
2022000055175
Original Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness
$6,097.00
Outstanding Principal Balance of the secured indebtedness as of the date hereof
$29,743.97
Amount of Judgment entered December 30, 2024
$27,466.11
Description of property to be foreclosed:
Unit E, Building 28, The Greens at Buffalo Run according to the Condominium Map recorded on June 15, 2006 at Reception No. 20060615000609950, in the records of the Office of the Clerk and Recorder of Adams County, Colorado, and as defined and described in the Amended and Restated Condominium Declaration for The Greens at Buffalo Run recorded on September 16, 2004 at Reception No. 20040916000908710 and November 23, 2004 at Reception No. 20041123001187980, and Supplement recorded June 15, 2006 at Reception No. 20060615000609960 in said records, County of Adams, State of Colorado.
Also known as: 15501 E. 112th Avenue, #28E, Commerce City, CO 80022.
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
THEREFORE, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that I will, at 9:00 o’clock A.M., on June 12, 2025, at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, located at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601, sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the said real property described above, and all interest of said Grantor and the heirs and assigns of said Grantor, for the purpose of paying the judgment amount entered herein, and will deliver to the purchaser a Certificate of Purchase, all as provided by law. Bidders are required to have cash or certified funds to cover the highest bid by noon on the day of the sale. Certified funds are payable to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
First Publication: April 17, 2025 Last Publication: May 15, 2025 Name of Publication: Brighton Standard Blade
NOTICE OF RIGHTS
YOU MAY HAVE AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY BEING FORECLOSED, OR HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS OR SUFFER CERTAIN LIABILITIES PURSUANT TO COLORADO LAW AS A RESULT OF SAID FORECLOSURE. YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO REDEEM SAID REAL PROPERTY OR YOU MAY HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE A DEFAULT UNDER THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. A COPY OF THE STATUTES WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR RIGHTS ARE ATTACHED HERETO.
A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE PURSUANT TO §38-38-104, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER AT LEAST FIFTEEN (15) CALENDAR DAYS PRIOR TO THE FIRST SCHEDULED SALE DATE OR ANY DATE TO WHICH THE SALE IS CONTINUED.
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.
A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REDEEM FILED PURSUANT TO §38-38-302, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER NO LATER THAN EIGHT (8) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE SALE, EXCEPT THAT, IF THE PERSON IS DEEMED AN ALTERNATE LIENOR PURSUANT TO §38-38-305.5, C.R.S. AND THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED IS A UNIT ASSOCIATION LIEN,
2025
DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO 1100 JUDICIAL CENTER DRIVE BRIGHTON, CO 80601 (303) 659-1161
Case Number: 2025CV30459 Div: C
Petitioner: METRO WATER RECOVERY, a Metropolitan Sewage Disposal District of the State of Colorado, v.
Respondents: ALTHEA E. STORM; ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALTHEA E. STORM; and ALEX VILLAGRAN, in his official capacity as the COUNTY TREASURER OF ADAMS COUNTY.
Attorneys for Petitioner: M. Patrick Wilson, No. 26303 Daniel P. Harvey, No. 49863 Hoffmann, Parker, Wilson & Carberry, P.C. 511 Sixteenth Street, Suite 610 Denver, CO 80202 (303) 825-6444 pwilson@hpwclaw.com dph@hpwclaw.com
NOTICE OF CONDEMNATION
ACTION TO OBTAIN FEE SIMPLE TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY
TO RESPONDENTS: ALTHEA E. STORM; ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS OF ALTHEA E. STORM
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Petition in Condemnation has been filed in this Court by the above-named Petitioner seeking fee simple title to real property pursuant to Colorado law; said property located in Adams County, Colorado in which you may have an interest being more particularly described as follows:
A PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 3,846
SQ. FT. (0.088 ACRE), MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE NORTHEAST OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 68 WEST, OF THE 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO, SAID PARCEL BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:
COMMENCING AT THE NORTHEAST COR-
NER OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 1, THENCE COINCIDENT WITH THE NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 1, S89 55’ 09”W, A DISTANCE OF 1,031.57 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING;
THENCE, S00 28 31”E, DEPARTING SAID NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION, A DISTANCE OF 200.00 FEET;
THENCE, S89 55’09”E, A DISTANCE OF 19.92 FEET;
THENCE N00 04’51”W, A DISTANCE OF 200.00 FEET TO A POINT ON SAID NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 1;
THENCE, ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, N89 55’ 09”E, A DISTANCE OF 330.00 FEET TO SAID POINT OF BEGINNING.
BASIS OF BEARINGS: BEARINGS ARE BASED ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWNSHIP 3 SOUTH, RANGE 68 WEST, 6TH PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, BETWEEN A 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 1 AND A 3-1/4” ALUMINUM CAP IN A RANGE BOX AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 1 BEING S89 55’ 09”W.
You are hereby required to file an Answer or other response in the Adams County District Court, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601, no later than June 19, 2025, to answer or otherwise respond to said Petition. If you fail to file an Answer or other response by that date, the Court will proceed to ascertain the compensation to be paid to the owners and title to the above-described property interest will be vested in Petitioner, as provided by law.
DATED this 21st day of April, 2025.
Legal Notice No. BSB3835
First Publication: May 1, 2025
Last Publication: May 22, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Notice to Creditors
Public Notice
District Court, Adams County, State of Colorado
Court Address: Adams County Courthouse 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, Colorado 80601
In the Matter of the Determination of Heirs or Devisees or Both and of Interests in Property of:
Lewellyn Orr, Deceased; Eliza Jane Orr, Deceased; [Leslie Orr McWilliams’s father and mother]
Crawford McWilliam, a/k/a Crawford McWilliam, Jr., Deceased; Maggie B. McWilliams, a/k/a Maggie B. McWilliam, a/k/a Margaret B. McWilliam, Deceased; [Record title owner]
Eliza Jane McWilliam, a/k/a Lizzie McWilliam, Deceased; Samuel McWilliam, Deceased;
William Andrew McWilliam, Deceased; Mary Jane Crawford, Deceased;
Thomas McWilliam, Deceased; John McWilliam, Deceased;
Margaret Elizabeth Drake, Deceased; [Leslie Orr McWilliam’s maternal aunts and uncles]
Foster A. Orr, Deceased; Mary Elizabeth Parker, Deceased;
Martha A. Orr, Deceased; Edwin Elsworth Orr, Deceased; [Leslie Orr McWilliam’s cousins, their spouses, and their heirs or devisees]
Jennie McWilliam, Deceased; Elizabeth Morris, Deceased; Glenn James Morris, Deceased; Hettie A. Conner, Deceased;
Clyde C. Conner, Deceased; Bertha M. Giles, Deceased; Marion Wayne Giles, Deceased; Aven Crawford McWilliam, Deceased; Learah D. McWilliam, Deceased; James Crawford McWilliam, Deceased; Chester Ray McWilliam, Deceased; Eleanor Ollie Ross, Deceased; Elmer Dewey Ross, Deceased; Robert Samuel Ross, Deceased; Bertha M. Ross, Deceased; Lois Irene Ross, Deceased; Renee Ross Vetter, Deceased; Cora Helen Bailey, Deceased; Lee H. Bailey, Deceased; William Lee Bailey, Deceased; and William Lee Bailey, Jr., Deceased
Attorney: Aaron D. Bieber – CO Bar 41983 The Law Offices of Aaron D. Bieber, PLLC Sugar Land, TX 77479 (713) 899-3893 aaron@aaronbieberlaw.com
Section 34: NW
Containing 160.00 acres, more or less
The hearing on the Petition will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:
Date: July 3, 2025
Time: 8:00 A.M.
Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, Colorado 80601
The hearing will take approximately one day.
Note:
You must answer the petition on or before the hearing date and time specified above. Within the time required for answering the petition, all objections to the petition must be in writing, filed with the court and served on the petitioner and any required filing fee must be paid.
• The hearing shall be limited to the petition, the objections timely filed and the parties answering the petition in a timely manner. If the petition is not answered and no objections are filed, the court may enter a decree without a hearing.
Date: May 5, 2025
/s/ Adam Josephson
Signature of Party Giving Notice
Adam Josephson, Land Manager Type name of Party Giving Notice
Phoenix Energy One, LLC 4643 South Ulster Street, Suite 1510 Denver, Colorado 80237
Legal Notice No. BSB3856
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 29, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Isaac Jacobson, a/k/a Isaac Jacobson Reyes, a/k/a Ike Jacobson, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30060
All persons having claims against the abovenamed Estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Denver Probate Court on or before September 1, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Dunn Fiduciary, LLC
P.O. Box 238 Littleton CO 80160
Legal Notice No. BSB 3159
First Publication: May 1, 2025
Last Publication: May 15, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of Martin Chairez, aka Martin Chairez Juarez, aka Martin C. Juarez, aka Martin Juarez, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30315
All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before September 15, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Brenda Chairez-Moreno
Personal Representative c/o Baker Law Group, PLLC 8301 E. Prentice Ave. #405 Greenwood Village, CO 80111
Legal Notice No. BSB 3160
First Publication: May 15, 2025
Last Publication: May 29, 2025
Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of DOUGLAS MICHAEL CLARK, Deceased Case Number: 2025 PR 30253
All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before September 10, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
DEBBY CLARK
Personal Representative 7982 Meade St., Apt. 2 Westminster, CO 80030
Legal Notice No. BSB3841
First Publication: May 8, 2025
Last Publication: May 22, 2025
Publisher:
NOTICE
Last
Publisher:
Case Number: 2025PR30317 Division: T1
NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO INTERESTED PERSONS AND OWNERS BY DESCENT OR SUCCESSION PURSUANT TO 15-12-1303, C.R.S. To all interested persons and owners by descent or succession:
1.Robin First 2.Donald K. Vetter
3.Michele Cervantes
A Petition has been filed alleging that the above Decedents died leaving an interest in the following property in Adams County, Colorado: Township 1 South, Range 66 West, of the 6th P.M.
All
Austin
Fort Lupton Press
Legals
2025-1187
INTRODUCED BY: VALERIE BLACKSTON
ADOPT ORDINANCE 2025-1187 INITIALLY ZONING LAND KNOWN AS THE 1.21 INITIAL ZONING, LEGALLY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A, TO THE ‘I-1’ LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONE DISTRICT.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT LUPTON, COLORADO:
WHEREAS, under the procedures detailed in Section 16-9 of the Fort Lupton Municipal Code, the Applicants, 1.21 LLC and Rancho de Los Tiempos Buenos Partnership, LLC represented by Matt Hengel with Westside Property Investment Company, Inc., submitted a request to initially zone 290.55 acres of land more particularly described in Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the zone request on April 24, 2025, and recommended approval to City Council of the initial zoning of land described in Exhibit A to the I-1’ Light Industrial Zone District, with all the uses-by-right allowed in said district; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, after public notice and hearing, and consideration of the Planning Commission recommendation, declares that the official zoning map be amended to reflect the initial zone on the property described in Exhibit A of this Ordinance to the I-1’ Light Industrial Zone District, and that the Ordinance is hereby approved.
INTRODUCED, READ, AND PASSED ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED this 6th day of May 2025.
PUBLISHED in the Fort Lupton Press the 15th day of May, 2025
FINALLY READ BY TITLE ONLY, PASSED AND ORDERED PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY this X day of MONTH 2025.
PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY the X day of MONTH 2025.
EFFECTIVE (after publication) the X day of MONTH 2025.
