April 28, 2016
TREASURE HUNTING
VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 23 | FREE
Learn from the experts on how to set up a successful garage sale. PAGE 12
HighlandsRanchHerald.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Pesticide used near school, businesses Some concerned by lack of notification
By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com Sara Fischer was concerned when she learned a pesticide that can be harmful to people was used to exterminate prairie dogs in the undeveloped land adjacent to STEM School and
Academy, where her son is a sixth-grader. “What I’m upset about is that it happened and we didn’t know about it,” the Highlands Ranch resident said. “We have a right to be notified.” Shea Properties owns the land referred to as “Central Park,”
which will be the site of a development featuring retail, recreation, commercial buildings and single- and multi-family homes. It is located between Barrons and Lucent boulevards, across the street from several businesses, including BackCountry CrossFit and Waterworks Aquatics. Warning signs were placed in the field from March 3-7 that said
Fumitoxin, a brand of aluminum phosphide, was being used. The pesticide is typically distributed in crystal pellets that release phosphine — a colorless, toxic gas — when activated by moisture, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The gas then fumigates rodent holes and inhabitants. Shea did not respond to
repeated requests for comment about the fumigation, which apparently was done as a step toward the beginning of construction of the mixed-use development. The use of the product is prohibited within 100 feet of any building where humans reside, according to Fumitoxin’s label. It Pesticide continues on Page 7
Voucher program faces new challenge Families sue for right to use program for religious schools Staff report
A single-family home on Mountain Maple Avenue, near Wildcat Reserve Parkway, goes up in flames the afternoon of April 25. Photo courtesy of Alan Fulte
House fire causes extensive damage Littleton Fire Rescue and South Metro Fire Rescue respond to a house fire on April 25. There were no known injuries. Photo by Alex DeWind
Wind worsens blaze at home on Mountain Maple Avenue
Local families represented by the Institute for Justice, a Virginia-based nonprofit law group, have filed a legal challenge to the Douglas County School District’s voucher program. On March 15, the school board voted 4-3 to approve a revision to the Choice Scholarship Program that removes religiously affiliated schools as an option. The revision came nine months after the Voucher continues on Page 7
AIMING HIGH
By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com A large fire forced a Highlands Ranch family out of their home and destroyed most of their belongings, according to a GoFundMe page set up by the homeowner’s daughter. “The home in which my mom, her boyfriend, my sister and his two sons live caught on fire and is now gone,” says the page at www.gofundme.com/f3trb85w. “My family and his family have lost everything they owned. Including clothes, bedding, memories, and all personal belongings.” Fire continues on Page 7
Mountain Vista lacrosse team makes claim for No. 1 spot in Class 5A after an impressive win. PAGE 20
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