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October 8, 2015 VOLUME 149 | ISSUE 44 | 50¢
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GoldenTranscript.net J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
WEST METRO CHAMBER ADDS TO HALL OF FAME
SCHOOL BOARD
Elections force imminent change in Jeffco All five seats up for grabs in pivotal election season By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
The West Chamber honored five outstanding citizens in its second Hall of Fame luncheon on Sept. 29. To read about this year’s inductees turn to page 12. Photo by Clarke Reader
Two years of controversy come to a reckoning this November: as the Jefferson County School Board election could see anywhere from two to all five of the board seats change hands. The election, normally slated for only two of the seats — in which incumbents chose According to Ballotpenot to dia, while a recall of a run again Jeffco board member — has may be new, recall elecbecome all tions of school board the more members are not new pivotal to Colorado. Earlier this thanks to year residents in Center a recall Consolidated School targeting District in the San Luis the curValley sought to recall rent board four school board memmajority, bers. Two were successthree conful, one failed and one servatives did not make the ballot. elected in 2013. Over the past five years, Ken 16 recall efforts occured Witt, Julie in Colorado, with only Williams five making the ballot in and John that time. Newkirk Source: http://ballotpehave dia.org/School_board_ champirecalls#tab=2015* oned charter school programs and tying teacher pay to performance. They have also gained attention and criticism for an alleged lack of transparency, the controversial hiring of Superintendent Dan McMinimee and board attorney Brad Miller, review of the district’s Advanced Placement U.S. History curriculum, increased teacher turnover, an unusually-short 10-month teacher contract and the alleged bullying of anyone opposing their agenda — including students, community members and fellow board members. Although a majority of voters elected the board incumbents just two years ago, the recall campaign gathered more than twice the number of signatures necessary to reach the ballot box, making this November’s outcome difficult to predict. “Regardless of the makeup of the board,” Newkirk said, “what I’d hope to see is that they put the best interest of the kids at heart.” The election reflects a national trend of political polarization that is evident from Congress all the way down to local levels such as county commissions and school boards, said Robert Preuhs, associate professor of political science at Metropolitan State University of
RECALL HISTORY
POSTAL ADDRESS
Some of the Colorado Youth Pipe Band’s drummers warm-up at the Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival, which took place Sept. 10-13 in Estes Park. At the festival, the drum core took first place in one of the festival’s competitions, and won the drum salute contest. The pipe band, the only one in Colorado specifically for youth, has about 40 members—instrumentalists and dancers— from all over the Denver-metro area who compete and perform. Courtesy photo
GOLDEN TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 0746-6382)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Golden Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 722 Washington Ave., Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legals: Fri. 11 a.m. Classifieds: Mon. 5 p.m.
PL E ASE RECYCLE
Local youths keep Scottish culture alive
Pipe band, dancers to have fundraising ‘ceilidh’
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com
I
n Scotland’s history, children often learned either traditional dance or how to play the bagpipes or drums. Although not all of them are of Scottish descent, some Denver-area youths are providing an opportunity for people to soak up some Scottish culture. The Colorado Youth Pipe Band will entertain folks with an annual fundraising “ceilidh” in Golden on Oct. 17. A ceilidh — pronounced KAY-lee — is a Scottish party that involves music and dance, explained Jacob Shelton, 15, a bagpiper from Golden. “This is the one time of the year that we get to learn non-competitive tunes,” said Meredith Wirth, 16, a bagpiper who lives in Wheat Ridge. Scottish continues on Page 14
JOIN THE CEILIDH! WHAT: Colorado Youth Pipe Band’s fundraising ceilidh WHEN: 6-10 p.m. Oct. 17 WHERE: Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W. 32nd Ave. in Golden COST: Adults $15, kids 5-12 $5, kids 4 and under free DETAILS: A ceilidh, pronounced KAY-lee, is a Scottish party involving music and dancing. The Colorado Youth Pipe Band’s fundraising ceilidh will feature live performances by the Colorado Youth Pipe Band and Highland Dancers; Skean Dubh, a Celtic/acoustic band; Queen City, Colorado’s premier pipe band; the Scottish Fiddlers; and more. Portions of the proceeds from food and beer sales from The Pasty Republic and Boulder Beer at the ceilidh will benefit the Colorado Youth Pipe Band. INFO: www.cypb.net for tickets.
Elections continues on Page 12