Highlands Ranch Herald 0114

January 14, 2021

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DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO

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HighlandsRanchHerald.net

INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 10 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 9 | SPORTS: PAGE 17

VOLUME 34 | ISSUE 8

Substitute teachers’ ranks grow in district Hiring push during pandemic does not eliminate need, will continue, officials say

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Amanda Thompson, chief human resources officer for the Douglas County School District, estimated the district’s substitute teacher pool sat around 600, maybe 700 people in recent years.

Going into the second semester of the 2020-21 school year, that number has reached roughly 900. About 150 of those people became substitutes since the fall.

The district launched a hiring push as an existing substitute teacher shortage clashed with the COVID-19 pandemic while schools conducted hybrid learning during the first semester.

State quarantine protocols took exposed educators out of the classroom for days. Numerous schools were forced to take on full remote learning temporarily when they could not supply enough substitutes for the classrooms of sick or exposed teachers.

Thompson said the district is grateful community members answered the call.

SEE TEACHERS, P8

County Commissioner Roger Partridge, who is term-limited and will soon be leaving his position, brushes his horse Frisco.

PHOTO BY ELLIOTT WENZLER

Partridge plans to keep on working Term-limited commissioner discusses the highs and lows of his eight-year tenure

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Commissioner Roger Partridge poses for a portrait at his ranch in Sedalia. The ranch has both cattle and horses.

‘PREPARED TO FIGHT’

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow recounts harrowing siege at Capitol P5

Roger Partridge is not retiring.

While his eight years as a Douglas County commissioner may be ending, the 63-year-old is anything but finished working.

Soon, he will begin his new position with a startup consultancy firm, he will assume seats on two community advisory boards and — to top it all off — he has a ranch to maintain.

The 35-acre property, Peartree Ranch, where he and his wife Nadine have lived for the past 25 years, is just west of Sedalia and is home to several horses, cattle and a variety of wildlife that roam the area.

“That’s what keeps me out of getting into mischievousness,” he said. “Having to take care of the animals and keep the ranch up. I enjoy that, I enjoy working outside and keeping things up.”

Speaking from his home in a video chat interview with Colorado Community Media, Partridge, who is term-limited, reflected on his time as a commissioner. From helping the county complete several major projects to a personal battle with a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, SEE PARTRIDGE, P8

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2 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

‘We wanted to meet the little guy’ Emmitt Metskas weighed about 8 pounds at birth on afternoon of New Year’s Day

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Vanessa and Alex Metskas welcomed their first child and the first baby of the year born at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital at 4:46 p.m. Jan. 1.

Emmitt Metskas, who weighed about 8 pounds and measured nearly 20 inches at birth, was originally due to be born on Dec. 28. A few days after he was due, Vanessa and Alex, Lakewood residents, decided to induce labor and eventually their son was delivered via a cesarean section.

“We didn’t want to prolong the process any more,” Vanessa said.

“We wanted to meet the little guy.”

The procedure was extremely quick, with the couple’s physician suggesting a c-section at 4:30 p.m. and about 15 minutes later, Emmitt was born, Alex said.

“We rang in the new year in the hospital,” he said. “It’s a fun (birth) date, 1/1/2021. He gets to skip 2020.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic caused havoc for many last year, Vanessa, 32, and Alex, 31, see it as a year that had many gifts for them, such as preparing for the birth of their first child.

“I see this as a strong finish to the

Alex and Vanessa Metskas are parents to Emmitt, the first baby born at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital in 2021.

COURTESY OF UCHEALTH HIGHLANDS RANCH

year,” Alex said. “Now we have him and we’re going on a whole new adventure.”

After Emmitt was born, the hospital provided the family with a special first-baby gift basket including knitted hats, a baby blanket and supplies such as diapers, the couple said.

“We got a little care package,” Alex said.

In 2021, the family hopes to continue having health and safety while spending lots of time together.

“We hope to really be able to enjoy watching him grow and bonding and just being together,” Vanessa said.

They also are feeling hopeful about the news around vaccines and improving data regarding COVID-19 cases.

“We’re looking forward to introducing him to uncles and aunts and grandma and grandpa,” Alex said.

“And not having to worry about health in that process.”

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Highlands Ranch Herald 3

1January 14, 2021

Confusion defines process as seniors wait for vaccines Metro residents 70-plus will have more access in coming weeks; teachers must wait

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

As Colorado continued the early stages of its COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Gov. Jared Polis announced that people 70 and older would soon be eligible for vaccination in certain areas.

The No. 1 question during a TriCounty Health Department town hall roughly a week later: How will those 70-plus-year-olds actually get it?

“We understand that it’s frustrating that ‘eligible’ has not yet equaled ‘access,’” Kaitlin Wolff, Tri-County Health’s COVID-19 vaccine coordinator, told callers during an online and telephone town hall event Jan. 7, where local officials took questions from callers.

As of that night, it appeared that residents age 70 and older in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties — and possibly nearby areas — didn’t all have an immediate avenue to vaccination as shipments of COVID-19 vaccines from the federal government remained small, Wolff said.

“Our clinics are unable to provide vaccines to community members who are 70 or older right now,” said the website for Tri-County Health, which covers Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas.

The governor announced that, starting Dec. 30, people 70 and older are eligible for the vaccine. But whether they can access it depends on vaccine availability. Some hospitals and other health care providers in the Tri-County jurisdiction have begun “phase 1B vaccinations” — a stage that includes people 70 and older but also some health care workers, first responders and “essential” workers — but not every provider has moved into that phase, according to Tri-County’s website.

“Since limited amounts of the vaccine come in weekly, and even smaller amounts are distributed throughout the state, not every provider has all the vaccine needed to vaccinate everyone 70 and older,” the website said as of Jan. 7.

The earlier phase 1A started in mid-December and includes the highest-risk health care workers, and staff and residents at longterm care facilities — places such as nursing homes and other care locations.

Once areas have taken care of those with higher priority, they can move on to Coloradans 70 and older.

Those people should expect that “more and more places will start offering” the vaccine, Wolff said. Hospitals and federally qualified health centers are among the places where those Coloradans could receive the vaccine, she added.

“We expect all our hospital partners in our three counties and

FOR HELP WITH FINDING VACCINE ACCESS

The state’s COVID-19 website lists information to help Coloradans 70 and older access the coronavirus vaccine through different health care providers.

It includes the UCHealth, Denver Health, Centura Health, Banner Health, Kaiser Permanente, HealthONE and SCL Health systems, among others.

For more information, see the website at covid19.colorado.gov/for-coloradans/ vaccine/vaccine-for-coloradans.

Local updates on vaccine availability in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties are also available at Tri-County Health Department’s website at tchd.org/866/ COVID-19-Vaccines.

By phone, for more information on the vaccine, Coloradans can contact the Colorado Health Emergency Line for the Public, or “COHELP,” at 303-389-1687 or 877-462-2911. Hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Answers are available in multiple languages.

the metro area — or most of them — should be opening clinics for 70plus” residents, Wolff said, adding that scheduling will likely look different in different places. “But the role of state health department and Tri-County will be to (show) that information.”

That information was to appear on both the state and Tri-County’s websites, and staff were pulling that information together “right now,” Wolff continued.

A caller who identified herself as a 91-year-old mother asked if the public needs to register online, noting that she and other seniors may have trouble signing up on the internet.

Many health care systems, such as Centura Health and UCHealth, have information displayed on the state’s COVID-19 website, noted John Douglas, head of Tri-County.

Scheduling appointments may require computer access, he noted.

“For our seniors who aren’t so computer (savvy), we’re working with the state health department on how we reach out to those people,” Douglas said. He added: “We want to make sure they don’t get left out.”

Who’s up next?

In early December, the state listed that the highest-risk health care workers and individuals, and then moderate-risk health care workers and first responders — phases 1A and 1B — were to have access to the vaccine this winter, according to Colorado’s COVID-19 website.

Up next in phase 2 were other high-risk individuals and essential workers in spring, and then would come the general public — anyone age 18-64 without high-risk health conditions — in the summer. That’s phase 3.

Colorado’s recent update to the timeline expanded the list of those eligible in phase 1B, adding people 70 and older and certain frontline SEE VACCINES, P7

COVID safety measures help businesses stay open. Thank you for your continued support. Learn more at douglas.co.us/douglascovid19/keep-it-up-douglas-county

Are you a Douglas County property owner?

Look for your property tax notification in your mailbox the week of Jan. 18. Visit douglascotax.com to view parcel details, prior year payment history, pay taxes and more.

Still have questions visit douglas.co.us/treasurer

Looking for employment or career change?

Whether you’re a young person looking for career guidance, have recently been separated from a job or are considering a new career path, Arapahoe/Douglas Works! provides a variety of no-cost employment assistance services. For more information and to get started visit adworks.org

Volunteer to preserve our local history Do you have a a background in history or archeology and want to serve your community? If so, apply for an immediate opening on the Historic Preservation Board.

For more information and to complete an application visit douglas.co.us and search for Historic Preservation Board. Applications are due by Jan. 31, 2021.

Call for Entries Are you a sculptor? Have you considered submitting your artwork to the Douglas County Art Encounters public art program? Submit your entry at douglascountyartencounters2021-2022.artcall.org Entries will be received through Feb. 19. Selected work will be on display from May 2021 - May 2022. Visit artencounters.douglas.co.us for more information.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day office closure Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.

Many services are available 24/7 at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Visit douglas.co.us

4 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

School district eyes return to hybrid learning this month

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Douglas County School District is still aiming to return its middle and high school students to hybrid learning in January.

The tentative plan outlined during a Jan. 5 school board meeting would mean directors make a final decision during their Jan. 19 board meeting, possibly launching hybrid learning for secondary students by Jan. 25.

Middle and high schools started the second semester with remote learning while elementary students returned to full in-person learning.

Interim Superintendent Corey Wise said recent changes may help the district’s odds of continuing to bring back and sustaining in-person learning.

A recent change to quarantine protocols now means people exposed to the virus will need to quarantine for 10 days, instead of 14 as was previously required by the state, Wise said. The district is also working to allow exposed students to return to class after one week if they test negative.

The district learned earlier on Jan. 5 that Gov. Jared Polis would

be providing area districts with a month’s supply of at-home tests, another tool to help the district gather better COVID-19 data, Wise said.

Wise said the district’s ability to keep up with pressures on the system, like substitute teacher shortages and quarantine protocols, will continue being key factors in when the district can bring back in-person learning.

So will COVID-19 data points, like the two-week cumulative incidence rate per 100,000 people, which he prefers to be at or below 650 to launch hybrid learning. The rate sat at 384 and was trending downward as of Jan. 5, Wise said.

School board Director Kevin Leung asked the board to consider returning secondary students to in-person learning, five days a week, after Presidents Day, Feb. 15. He agreed to wait and take up the conversation on Jan. 19 when board President David Ray suggested revisiting the idea then.

Board directors stressed during the meeting that the district is required to follow guidance put out by the state and local health departments. For weeks through Jan. 5, public comment was filled with parents urging a return to in-person learning.

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Some DCSD staff receive COVID vaccines Vaccinating employees will be months-long process

BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Douglas County School District staff began receiving COVID-19 vaccines the week of Jan. 4, according to a news release from the district. Approximately 45 school nurse consultants received vaccinations at Sky Ridge Medical Center on Jan. 6.

Centura Health is allowing other staff to schedule vaccine appointments as well.

Interim DCSD Superintendent Corey Wise said during a Jan. 5 school board meeting that the district expected to begin vaccinations that week and hopes to have staff vaccinated by spring break.

The exact timeline will depend on a number of factors, according to the Jan. 8 release. Those include vaccine supply, how many people in a higher priority of the state’s distribution plan sign up for vac-

cinations and state guidance.

Although vaccinations began the week of Jan. 4, there will be a delay before more take place.

State officials on Jan. 5 told public health agencies not to vaccinate teachers and school staff until after first responders and people 70 and older are vaccinated, Chalkbeat Colorado reported.

The district will first vaccinate staff 70 and older, staff providing health-related services and those who work closely with specialneeds students. That is slated to take through the end of February.

Beginning in March, the district will ask teachers, school-based staff and other employees who come into contact with students daily to vaccinate.

The vaccination is not mandatory for staff and they will not be disciplined if they decide against vaccinating, according to the district.

Wise has been vocal in urging early access to vaccines for school district staff, saying that’s one more piece to the puzzle in returning students to in-person learning amid the pandemic.

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Highlands Ranch Herald 5

1January 14, 2021

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‘This was a domestic terrorist threat’ Insurrection at Capitol was not a political movement, U.S. Rep. Crow says

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Jason Crow’s concern grew into shock as he realized there was no way out.

The U.S. representative for parts of the south, east and north Denver metro area was holed up in the House chamber along with two dozen other House members as a mob railing against the November presidential election results surrounded the room lawmakers were hiding in at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

“I made a decision to call my wife and tell her I loved her,” said Crow, a Democrat from Aurora, who at that moment was “prepared to fight.”

Crow, a former Army Ranger who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, helped check the locks in the room as authorities barricaded doors with furniture.

The situation was direr than it may have seemed even from his vantage point: Long guns, Molotov cocktails, explosive devices and zip ties were recovered amid the chaotic

scene, “which suggests a greater disaster was narrowly averted,” according to a summary of a conversation between Crow and Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy released

by Crow’s office Jan. 10.

After about a half hour of being trapped amid the chaos, a SWAT team arrived to clear the area, and Crow was able to exit the chamber around 2:15 p.m., he said.

At least 25 domestic terrorism cases had been opened as a result of the attack on the Capitol, according to the Army secretary’s conversation with Crow.

The crowds “broke windows and doors, ransacked offices, threatened the safety of (Congress) members and staff, and ultimately gained unfettered control of the Senate floor,” said a letter Crow and more than 100 other Congressmembers sent to the U.S. Government Accountability Office. “After seizing control of the Capitol, the terrorists were able to maintain control for hours before exiting at their own accord.”

The chaos at the Capitol broke out during the debate in Congress over whether to certify the Electoral College results that showed Joe Biden won the presidency. Crow had come to observe the debate and hoped to speak later in the day.

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U.S. Rep. Jason Crow posted this image of himself on his Twitter account, three days before protesters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol. “Our nation is deeply divided, our politics polarized, the economy is reeling, and thousands of our fellow Americans have died in the pandemic,” he wrote in the Twitter post Jan. 3.

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U.S. senators, representatives tell of ‘anarchy,’ ‘attempted coup’ STAFF REPORT

Members of the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate took to social media to share their experiences from the Capitol in Washington, D.C., amid protests and violence on Jan. 6.

U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, D-Denver, via Twitter

• “President Trump instigated a violent attack on our Capitol.

He is a danger to our country. He should be impeached and DeGette removed from office immediately.”

• “We have been evacuated from the House chamber and moved to a safe location. This isn’t a protest.

This is an attempted coup. I never

CROW FROM PAGE 5

President Donald Trump encouraged his Twitter and Facebook followers to attend a Jan. 6 rally — minutes before crowds stormed the Capitol, Trump continued to argue for overturning the election in front of the crowd in a speech laced with conspiracy theories, the Associated Press reported.

Following the president’s remarks, the mob outside of the White House

thought we’d see such anarchy spurred by our own president.”

U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Aurora, via Twitter

• “We have stopped the coup attempt and will be returning to the Capitol today to finish the business of the people. We will never back down, we will return.”

• “I was trapped in the House Chamber with a few members for a little while as protestors tried to ram down the doors. We didn’t know how we were gonna get out, but Capitol Police were able to clear a route and get us out. We’re all now being protected in a secure location.”

U.S. Rep. Ken Buck, R-Windsor, via Twitter

• “My staff and I are safe, please continue to pray for our nation. The

moved to the Capitol Complex and joined with protesters outside of the Capitol, and shortly after, the mob moved on the Capitol building and congressional office buildings, the letter to the Government Accountability Office said.

The president and allies had filed 62 lawsuits in state and federal courts seeking to overturn election results in states the president lost, USA Today reported as of Jan. 6.

Out of those, 61 had failed, according to Marc Elias, a Democratic election lawyer who is tracking the outcomes, USA Today cited.

events unfolding at the Capitol are outrageous. We will not tolerate anarchy in this country.”

• “This is not a protest, this is anarchy. This needs to stop, it’s unAmerican.”

are in a safe location. Thank you to all of our brave law enforcement officials for working so hard to protect the Capitol complex. Keep the faith.”

U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Arvada, via Twitter

“I am safe and my staff is safe. We are currently in a secure lockdown.

Today’s attack on the Capitol and our democracy is dangerous and unacceptable.”

“I’m safe, but I’m filled w/sadness & anger as we witness these protests. It’s the result of a fever that has been building for weeks, months & years, and which has only been further incited by President Trump.

Today is a point of inflection & reflection, & we need to say enough.”

U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Denver, via Twitter

U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper, D-Denver, via Twitter

“My staff and I are safe — we were evacuated from the House floor, and

“My staff and I are safe and in a secure lockdown. Grateful to Capitol Police for their work to protect us.

It’s a sad day for our country, but our democracy is stronger than the dangerous attack on the Capitol today.”

Then-Attorney General William Barr declared that the U.S. Justice Department had uncovered no evidence of widespread voter fraud that could change the outcome of the election, the AP reported Dec. 1.

Crow expressed concern about the beliefs that whipped up crowds that attacked the Capitol, nodding to the fracturing of common acceptance of information across political lines.

“I think we’re not dealing with a political movement — this was a domestic terrorist threat,” Crow said, adding that he believes the threat will continue. “Many of these people have become radicalized.

They exist in an (alternate) factual universe.

“We have a very difficult challenge” ahead as the Biden administration unfolds, Crow said.

Crow on Jan. 11 voiced support for removing Trump from office, either by impeachment or by another constitutional method of halting Trump’s term.

“The president is a dangerous person — extremely unstable — and so long as he’s in the White House the next 10 days, he’s a danger to the American people and our national security,” Crow said. “My hope would be that the vice president and

the Cabinet would invoke the 25th amendment to remove him from office, although I’m not holding my breath.”

The Cabinet includes the heads of major federal agencies, such as the Department of Justice and Department of Defense.

The 25th Amendment allows for the vice president and a majority of the president’s Cabinet to declare a president unfit for office. The vice president then becomes acting president. In that case, the issue could ultimately be decided by Congress.

Separate from that process, U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette, a Democrat of Denver, and others introduced legislation on Jan. 11 to impeach the president for a second time, accusing him of “inciting an insurrection” at the Capitol, according to a news release.

“I think we need to move forward with impeachment,” Crow said, while noting that he doesn’t believe the Senate would be able to move forward with an impeachment trial in such a short time.

Colorado’s 6th Congressional District, which Crow represents, includes Aurora, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Brighton, part of Thornton and nearby areas.

U.S. Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Lafayette, via Twitter

Martial arts instructor suspected of sexual assault on child

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office has arrested a Centennial man on suspicion of two counts of sexual assault on a child with a pattern of abuse, according to a news release from the sheriff ’s office.

Charles Niemi, 65, was the child’s martial arts instructor at Spirit Warrior Martial Arts, 4151 E. County Line Road, Centennial, at the time of the alleged assault, according to the release. The suspected crime took place away from the martial arts studio, at a location in Douglas County, according to a

sheriff ’s office spokeswoman.

Niemi was arrested Dec. 31 and was later released after posting bond, set at $20,000, on Jan. 4.

“It is believed that Niemi Niemi... may have additional victims,” according to the release.

The sheriff ’s office is asking anyone with information regarding the case or who may know a potential victim to contact Detective Ducat at 303-814-7179.

Niemi’s next court hearing is Feb. 5.

Highlands Ranch Herald 7

1January 14, 2021

When can certified businesses open under level yellow?

Confusion is rampant after recent changes in protocol

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Recent changes to Douglas County’s COVID-19 dial level have left many confused about how the new COVID Best Practices Business Certification Program — commonly known as the county’s 5-Star program — will continue to roll out.

VACCINES FROM PAGE 3

“essential” workers. Those now include health care workers with less direct contact with COVID-19 patients, first responders and correctional employees along with workers in education, food and agriculture, manufacturing, public transit, grocery stores, direct care providers for Coloradans experiencing homelessness and other professions.

“We utilized our first doses at the end of December for our highestrisk health care workers,” Wolff said. She added: “We are finishing up that group of people and moving on to other health care workers who are less high-risk and other

The program, which was approved by the state Dec. 23, was originally outlined by the state to allow businesses that go above and beyond in COVID-19 prevention practices to have looser restrictions than other businesses.

For instance, when the county was in the state’s level red and restaurants were not allowed to have indoor dining, certified restaurants under this program were permitted to operate at level orange on the dial, which grants limited, indoor dining.

The original framework stated

that as the county as a whole moved into less severe levels on the state’s dial, the certified businesses would continue to have loosened restrictions compared to those that were not certified.

However, when Gov. Jared Polis announced via Twitter Dec. 30 that he would be moving all red counties into level orange, certified businesses were not permitted to enter level yellow restrictions, as was designated on the original plan, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Instead, those counties, including Douglas, are now required to reach the appropriate case data to be in level orange for at least seven days in order for businesses to be allowed to move into yellow restrictions.

The appropriate case data means an average of 350 or fewer cases per 100,000 people in the county for seven days, according to an emailed statement from CDPHE. As of Jan. 11, this figure, known as incidence rate, was beginning to slowly rise again after a steady decline in late December. There were 464 cases per 100,000 people.

first responders.”

Amid calls from school district leaders to prioritize school staff for vaccinations, the state’s move of teachers and others who work in education to phase 1B came as welcome news in that industry. But several weeks may still pass before the vaccine generally reaches school staff.

Taken together, all the timeline changes may place education workers in line for late winter or spring — a spot that likely comes too late to affect in-person learning for the spring semester.

“I’m hearing we’re not going to have our vaccine until after everyone 70-plus, so that’s looking like March,” a teacher said during the telephone town hall.

Wolff said she thinks March is a good estimate for when teachers

will have access. In an interview by phone Jan. 8, she emphasized that that is subject to change, though.

“It’s hard for everyone to feel like they’re not first, but that’s the order Colorado has established for the moment,” Wolff said during the town hall, noting that the order is based on “a lot of ethical and medical considerations.”

For such medical providers who have not been connected to a source for vaccination, Tri-County Health is “actively taking requests,” Wolff said.

She advised such medical workers to determine a contact at their companies who can call Tri-County and provide information on which employees should get vaccinated.

Tri-County is working to match medical providers to people who will administer the vaccine for their workers, Wolff said. The department plans to follow up within weeks, she added.

She and Douglas emphasized the haphazard nature of rolling out a vaccine quickly amid a pandemic.

“The analogy of the year, as Dr. Douglas says, is we are constantly building an airplane as we’re flying it,” Wolff said.

Lower-risk health care workers

A group that does have a clear path to the vaccine currently is health care workers who have less direct risk of contracting COVID-19.

Questions from a caller who owns a clinic for chiropractic care and massage therapy, and from a caller who works at a dental office, sought to determine how employees in those kinds of settings could access the vaccine.

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8 Highlands Ranch Herald

PARTRIDGE FROM PAGE 1

there have been many highs and lows throughout his near-decade as a county leader.

Partridge, who before being elected in 2012 was a physical therapist with his own practice in Castle Rock, focused primarily during his two terms on transportation solutions, open space projects, wildfire prevention and water conservation.

In road projects, he helped oversee the completion of E-470; the expansion of the I-25 and Lincoln Avenue corridor; the added capacity and safety improvements on an 18-mile stretch of I-25 south, known as the gap; and the continued expansion and improvements of Highway 85, among other projects.

In 2017, Partridge, along with Commissioner Lora Thomas and then-commissioner Dave Weaver, acquired Sandstone Ranch, the 2,038-acre property that was once destined for development but now will remain as a protected natural area and trail system in perpetuity.

Other open space projects during his term include the acquisitions of several properties, including Ditmars Ranch and the Martinez Property, and improvements to Prairie Canyon Ranch and Columbine Open Space.

In 2016, Partridge also aided in the creation of the Northwest Douglas County Water Project, a regional partnership that resulted in renewable water for exist-

January 14, 2021J ing homes and businesses in rural, northwest Douglas County.

During his tenure, the county contracted several helicopters and planes to respond to wildfires in the community. He also coined the slogan “hard, heavy, fast” as a response to wildfires.

“In the future if you see a fire … and you see it go out pretty quickly and it’s in Douglas County, you can say that was (Roger),” said County Manager Doug DeBord during a farewell tribute to Partridge on Jan. 7.

Following one of the county’s darkest-ever days, when a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch left one student dead and eight others injured in May 2019, Partridge and his fellow commissioners allocated $10 million to school safety.

“That character in dark times has been significant,” Commissioner Abe Laydon said about Partridge. “I never got the sense he was there to build his political credentials. It was to serve the public.”

Pandemic became crucial issue

During this past year, Partridge and his fellow commissioners have turned their attention to responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, doling out aid to local businesses and advocating for them to be able to reopen as soon as possible. Partridge and the other commissioners found themselves at the center of a controversy over the summer after they unanimously voted to end their contract with Tri-County Health

TEACHERS FROM PAGE 1

“I can tell you this is probably the healthiest our sub pool has been in quite some time,” she said.

Still, it does not eliminate the shortage or need for more, she said.

“There is not any time I would say we have enough subs,” Thompson said.

New substitutes came from a

replace Partridge on the board and was scheduled to be sworn in Jan. 12.

Going forward

Commissioner Roger Partridge stands with his and his wife’s cattle at PHOTO BY ELLIOTT WENZLER Peartree Ranch on Jan. 7.

Department in the next year following a mask mandate by the department.

“The counties are mandated to provide public health.

We certainly did not take that lightly,” he said. “That’s one thing we have never forgone is to keep public health as a high priority.”

Commissioners ultimately decided to remain with the agency after renegotiating the agency’s policies to allow more control by elected leaders.

Partridge says it feels strange to leave his post when the county is still in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, but he’s glad that the pandemic appears to be wrapping up.

“It’s still bizarre to see how much your attention has to go to this pandemic versus the typical things that you’ve had to deal with in government,” he said.

Partridge dealt with his own personal health crisis as well during his term when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2018.

range of sources, she said. Teachers coming out of retirement. Parents who had teaching licenses. Student teachers from nearby universities and colleges.

Classified staff — such as educational assistants or office employees — have also stepped in to help substitute and taken on more responsibility, Thompson said.

The district and the state education department list substitute teacher qualifications online and she hopes people keep applying.

During the county’s farewell tribute to Partridge, the commissioner’s battle with cancer was a major topic, as many friends and coworkers spoke about how he inspired them during that time.

“Your courage through your struggles with cancer were so admirable,” state Sen. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, said. “I’m sure there were times of pain and struggle that you didn’t allow us to see but your smile, your confidence, your grace during that time was such an example for me, my family and I think all the people of Douglas County.”

Partridge says the support he got during that time period was a big part of what kept him fighting to regain his health.

“It was so important to continue work because it gave you a purpose and a need,” he said.

Last summer, Partridge’s cancer went into remission.

George Teal, who has served as a Castle Rock Town Council member, will

The district will also participate in the Colorado Department of Education’s One-Year Substitute Teacher Authorization program. People who want a one-year term compared to longer can apply through the state for the program and then apply to substitute teach in the district, she said.

Looking ahead, interim Superintendent Corey Wise said the district’s ability to hire substitutes shows how involved its community is, and he suspects the new group

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Partridge will not pursue higher office as a part of his next career moves, he said.

Instead, he will be the head of operations at Gx Consulting, founded by Norm Steen, a former commissioner from Teller County. The company plans to connect business and government leaders with former local and state elected officials and government executives, according to a company press release.

He will also serve on boards of two community foundations, the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation and the E-470 Foundation.

“I’m not ready to retire,” he said.

As colleagues and mentors spoke directly to Partridge during his farewell event, the longtime commissioner blotted his eyes with a tissue, smiled and nodded as kind words were spoken.

“It’s so clear your heart’s love is in this county and wanting to make it a great place,” Sheriff Tony Spurlock said during the event, which was primarily virtual. “We will miss you.”

Partridge spoke to the crowd of participants at the end of the event, thanking his family, the county staff and other elected officials around the county and state for their support during these years.

“We’re all in this together,” he said. “Thank you for the opportunity for eight years and God bless you all.”

will stay on as substitutes beyond the COVID crisis.

In the shorter term, Wise said the district is making plans to bring middle and high school students back to hybrid or in-person learning this semester.

The bolstered substitute teacher program might increase the odds that happens, although it’s one of many variables, he said.

“All of these things are helping, but this is an ever-changing environment and quickly changing,” he said.

Highlands Ranch Herald 9

1January 14, 2021

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10 Highlands Ranch Herald

H

LOCAL

January 14, 2021J

VOICES

Apparently this road was paved with good intentions

arry and I went for a Sunday drive.

Only I made a big mistake.

I forgot to put the “Sunday Drive” sign in the window that lets everyone know we’re on the road QUIET for leisure, not for DESPERATION the rat race.

I apologized to the dog and told him to fasten his seat belt.

Sure enough, before I could get to the corner we were followed too closely by someone who Craig Marshall was in a hurry.

Smith Undoubtedly in a hurry to get somewhere and start tweeting and texting.

The Bangles and I used to look forward to Sundays.

The Bangles, an all-woman group, considered Sunday their “fun day.” (“Manic Monday” was written

by Prince. Prince had a crush on

Bangles lead singer Susanna Hoffs.

Who didn’t? However, the song was originally intended for another group. For some reason, “Manic Monday” was credited to Prince’s pseudonym: “Christopher.”)

Sundays will never be the same.

Not the way they were. At least not here in the city.

Maybe on the eastern plains, Sundays are slower than the rest of the week.

Not around here.

I drive the limit, maybe five over.

It’s not enough. I’m holding everyone up.

“Get out of the way, you plodder, you slowcoach, you malingerer.

Your mother was a hamster.”

Maybe I don’t have the right kind of vehicle. All I have now is this station wagon. No one respects station wagons.

Station wagons plod because they’re family cars and dad doesn’t want to endanger his wife and kids.

Except I don’t have a wife and kids; I have large paintings that need to be moved from place to

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Capitol riot was un-American

As a Littleton councilmember I swore to follow the Constitution and the law. At council meetings I pledge allegiance to our Republic. I take these commitments absolutely seriously, and I believe that means condemning as reprehensible the raid on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6. Like so many people in our city, our nation, and all around the world, I watched it all unfold on live TV. I was stunned. I still can’t express how furious and sad I feel.

Some rioters carried “We the People” SEE LETTERS, P11

A publication of

Call first: 9233 Park Meadows Dr., Lone Tree, CO 80124 Mailing Address: 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225 Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: 303-566-4100 Web: HighlandsRanchHerald.net To subscribe call 303-566-4100

but (spoiler alert) manages to outsmart the trucker.

The beautifully choreographed final scene, when the truck in flames goes off a cliff, features the exasperated groans not of the truck driver but of the truck.

I’m not an advocate of road rage.

It’s tempting, but you never know who is in the car behind you.

It might be Satan and Satan might be having a particularly bad day.

As cars pass us, the drivers usually look at me with disdain and generally with sneers.

When I was a kid, the Smiths often went for a Sunday afternoon drive. We were a one-car family and it — most often a Ford — was used primarily for commuting and errands, but not for leisure.

Perhaps the answer is to take an afternoon drive in the middle of the night.

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

Let the story, our story, unfold

Merlin Klotz needs to resign

Merlin Klotz, Douglas County clerk and recorder, needs to resign — now!

Never mind that Mr. Klotz thinks Vice President Mike Pence has “plenary” or absolute powers to overturn an election, the fact that Mr. Klotz is responsible for guaranteeing the integrity of our Douglas County elections and wants to overturn the elections of seven states is disgusting. Now we know that the clerk and recorder is not impartial, and that thousands of Douglas County residents do not have confidence in the integrity of our elections.

I also suggest that Mr. Klotz read up on the real powers invested in the vice president of the United States so that he will understand the true and factual powers of that office.

Resign now, Mr. Klotz.

Robert Clarke Highlands Ranch

place.

But the perception is the same: You can and should tailgate a station wagon.

What I’d like to have is an AstonMartin DB5 that spews oil and carpet tacks.

Harry and I were tailgated five times between home and Elizabeth where I thought we’d be rid of the problem.

Surely in Elizabeth on a Sunday the roads are benign. I was wrong.

A red pickup honked at us.

“Move it on over, you bootless fustilarian.”

Steven Spielberg’s first film was a dandy titled “Duel.” It starred Dennis Weaver as a businessman who is driving his Plymouth Valiant in Southern California on the way to see a client.

Weaver’s antagonist is the unseen driver of an old Peterbilt 281 that chases him up and down the remote highway.

There’s very little dialogue and none between Weaver and his adversary.

Weaver looks like he’s done for

D

o you remember that old saying, “Never judge a book by its cover?” Well, if you are like me, and if you don’t mind admitting just how many times that you made the WINNING big mistake WORDS of rushing to judgment too soon, we can probably agree that we may have made some poor decisions along the way because we Michael Norton judged someone or something prematurely.

We form opinions based on the way someone looks, the car they drive, the career they have chosen, the house of worship they attend, the friends they keep, and the posts they place on social media. We judge others who drive too fast or too slowly, use their blinker to make a turn that is so far away, or

they don’t use a blinker at all. Seems like lately, and all too often, we have become the judge and the jury.

My Uncle Harry used to say something to me each time we talked. He would say, “Now Michael, just remember that there is never anything so good that it can’t get better.

And there isn’t anything so bad that it can’t get worse.” I must have been a little hard of hearing because as an eternal optimist I only paid attention to the first sentence, “There is never anything so good that it can’t get better.”

And I have found that to be one of the character traits of many successful people who have endured hardships, survived bad economies, and found opportunity in the middle of crises.

“Did you ever notice that some people go around looking for the bad like there is some kind of reward for it?”

- Zig Ziglar If we look for the bad, we will find it for sure. If we look for the good, we will find

that as well. And as Andrew Carnegie said, “Sometimes you have to move a ton of dirt to find an ounce of gold.”

You see, we are only two weeks into the new year, and many of us have already judged or decided what the book on 2021 will be about. If we are determined that it will be good or better than good, that is awesome. If some of us have already given up and can’t see anything but trouble ahead, my encouragement would be not to rush to judgment so quickly.

What if we look at the upcoming year as a 365-page book with a prologue, 12 chapters, and an epilogue. The prologue might be the year that we just left behind, but it could also be the fantastic years that preceded 2020. And if we jumped ahead and were able to read what happens next in 2022, we might be able to feel like we are on solid footing or at least see the light at the end of the tunnel.

JERRY HEALEY President

ERIN ADDENBROOKE Marketing Consultant

jhealey@coloradocommunitymedia.com

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com

CHRIS ROTAR Interim Editor

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager

crotar@coloradocommunitymedia.com

abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Herald. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

ELLIOTT WENZLER Community Editor

ERIN FRANKS Production Manager

Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com

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Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

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Columnists & Guest Commentaries

To opt in or out of delivery please email us at circulation@ coloradocommunitymedia.com

SEE NORTON, P11

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Highlands Ranch Herald 11

1January 14, 2021

LETTERS FROM PAGE 10

flags. Ironically, they disregarded that one of the fundamental purposes written into the Constitution is to “insure domestic Tranquility.” Five people are dead, including Capitol Policeman Brian Sicknick, tragically killed, his department said, after “physically engaging” the mob. My sincere sympathies go out to his loved ones.

Rioters also violently halted public congressional debate, again throwing aside the Constitution and bedrock democratic procedure. Article I gives legislative authority to the Senate and House, and very obviously not to mobs. The First Amendment, likewise, protects peaceful assembly, not

chaos. The Constitution makes mayhem deeply unAmerican.

The Capitol raid tried to harm our shared Republic and undermine the rule of law. That is beyond unacceptable, and there should be no partisanship in totally denouncing it in the strongest possible terms. I hope we can take our shared anguish and in time channel it into something positive through a renewed insistence that we are American, and that America is a nation of laws. The mob is antiAmerican.

Scott Melin Littleton Consider joining movement

The Democratic and Republican parties are incapable of building a future that meets the needs of Coloradans.

This fact has been made evident by the bipartisan

failure of the White House and Congress to ensure a smooth transition of executive power, provide relief to working Americans who face desperation due to the COVID pandemic, and protect our institutions from violent extremists bent on thwarting our democratic processes. These failures are unprecedented, and dangerously unacceptable to those working Americans facing eviction, massive unemployment, and injustice. We deserve leaders that will represent and fight for the people of this country, not career politicians who continue to demonstrate an unwavering allegiance to corporate and special interest donors.

Forty percent of the active voters in Douglas County are unaffiliated, hardly a number that demonstrates confidence in either of the two viable

major political parties.

Sixty percent of Americans believe a third party is needed in order to have an effective political system; this grows to 70% when focused solely on unaffiliated voters.

The People’s Party (peoplesparty.org), a growing national movement providing a progressive alternative for working families across this nation, is the voice we desperately need.

As a party free from the influence of corporate donors, the People’s Party stands for the people it serves, not special interests and big business. All are encouraged to join our movement in building a better future for all Coloradans.

Curtis Helsley Castle Rock Question on enrollment issue

A recent issue contained an article, “Enrollment

decline may devastate schools.” Declining enrollment in the state is real.

My question to the many school districts is, “How are you proactively responding to the declined enrollment?”

Private industry, during the COVID pandemic, has been hit hard in many areas, with restaurants being a prime example.

People have been laid off, had hours reduced, and had wages cut.

Government, on the other hand, seems to proceed on a pace of “business as usual.” Will schools make corresponding payroll reductions commensurate with the enrollment decline, or will we the taxpayers be forced to support a payroll rich environment? The answer to that question remains to be seen.

Allan Sharka Parker

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep in mind the following rules: • Email your letter to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com. Do not send via postal mail. Put the words “letter to the editor” in the email subject line.

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NORTON FROM PAGE 10

As much as the prologue or fortward of a book sets the stage and the epilogue lets us know what happens afterward, it’s really the story that compels us to want to read and keep reading. Perhaps we received books as a gift this season, maybe we already had a stack of books waiting to be read.

And I’ll bet that we just can’t wait to get into the stories, characters, adventures, romances, dramas, or comedies of each one.

So, let’s not rush to judgment about what may or may not happen this year. Let’s not judge this book by its cover just yet, instead maybe we can get into the story,

• Keep it polite: No name calling or “mudslinging.”

• Include a source — and a link to that source — for any information that is not common knowledge. We will not publish information, including quotes, that cannot easily be verified.

• Letters advocating for a political candidate should focus on that candidate’s qualifications for office. We cannot publish letters that contain unverified negative information about a candidate’s opponent.

• Letters advocating for or against a political candidate will not be published within 30 days of an election.

• Only submit ideas and opinions that are your own — and in your own words. We will not publish any letter that appears to be part of a letter-writing campaign or that copies text from an outside source, such as a website.

• Letters will not be published from the same writer on consecutive weeks.

• Generally we will not publish multiple letters that make the same point in a given week.

• Letters should be exclusively submitted to Colorado Community Media and not submitted to other outlets or previously posted on social media.

get into our story, because as it turns out, we will be the main character.

How about you? Have you read the inside flap and back cover and determined that you already know how the story will unfold?

Or are you willing to be an active participant, determined to enjoy each page and chapter as we go through these next 12 months?

I really would love to hear your story at mnorton@tramazing. com, and when we settle in with our book and our own story of life, it really will be a better than good year.

Michael Norton is the grateful CEO of Tramazing.com, a personal and professional coach, and a consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator to businesses of all sizes.

In Loving Memory Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

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14 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

LOCAL

LIFE

‘Viewing the world in a different lens’

Some people like to use trekking poles when they go snowshoeing.

SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE

Snowshoeing is inexpensive option for socially distanced outdoor activity

BY ELLIOTT WENZLER EWENZLER@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

W

ith health officials continuing to encourage outdoor activities amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there’s one affordable winter activity that’s getting folks outside, active and socially distanced: snowshoeing.

The sport, essentially the winter version of hiking, is a great way to enjoy being outside in the winter without having to empty one’s pockets to buy ski or snowboard gear and pricey lift tickets, said Frank Bulkley, owner of Eskimo Ski Shop in Centennial.

“If you want to get outside and get some fresh air, it’s a great way to do it. It doesn’t have to be a 10-mile hike either,” he said. “It’s a simple way to get out there and do something different in the snow.”

The only things needed to start snowshoeing are waterproof boots, waterproof layers like a jacket and pants and of course, the snowshoes, which can be rented for under $20 per day.

While hiking boots and shoe spikes can perform well when a trail is packed down with snow or a bit icy, snowshoes really thrive in snow about a foot or more deep, Bulkley said.

Jake Thomas, manager at Mountainside Gear Rental in Golden, says the best way for beginners to try out snowshoeing is to head to familiar territory. “(Go) somewhere you’ve already been, somewhere you’re comfortable with going that’s not super remote,” he said. “Maybe somewhere you hike in the summer.”

It’s also best to go with a buddy and remain within cell service, he said.

A pair of snowshoers trek on Mount Sniktau near Loveland Pass.

“Any precautions you would take while hiking, you should take while on snowshoes,” Bulkley said.

That includes carrying a headlight, being ready for weather changes, bringing plenty of water and snacks and knowing how to react if confronted by wildlife. Those snowshoeing off trails or in the backcountry also need to be aware of avalanche precautions.

Many hiking websites, such as AllTrails.com, will have comments from recent hikers on snow conditions for specific areas or trails.

Thomas likes to recommend Golden Gate State Park, St. Mary’s Glacier

COURTESY OF SYDNEY SWEITZER

and trails around Nederland to those interested in snowshoeing.

How they work

Snowshoeing is largely intuitive.

The shoes snap on and off easily and are lightweight enough to carry in a backpack until needed.

“They’ve come a long way from the big clunky ones that looked like tennis rackets on your feet,” Thomas said.

Snowshoes vary in size based on a person’s weight and the snow conditions. They work by distributing the wearer’s weight across the surface of the snow, preventing the person

from sinking more than a couple inches.

“As long as you’re fit and able to push yourself a little and try something new, it’s really for everyone,” Thomas said. “It is a little more physically demanding than hiking.”

Thomas likes to bring trekking poles when he goes out. They aren’t essential, but they can help with balance, he said.

“In the wintertime, when everything is covered in snow, things are much more serene and quiet. You get to be more in touch with what’s going on around you,” he said. “It’s viewing the world in a different lens. Looking around and seeing untouched snow all around you is a really cool thing.”

Crescent Moon Snowshoes, based in Englewood, also makes foam snowshoes, which are perfect for beginners, said Tanner Dunn, vice president of the company.

The shoes strap on and connect to the heel of the wearer’s shoes, unlike other snowshoes, Dunn said.

“You can give them to anyone, they’re so intuitive and easy to walk in,” he said.

Normally, the company offers direct sales and rentals of these shoes, but this year, their inventory has been depleted as a surge of buyers have appeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dunn said.

“It’s one of the few winter activities besides skiing,” Dunn said.

“Snowshoeing is easier to go and grab real quick.”

For Dunn, one major benefit of snowshoeing is how easy it is to feel like you’re the only person on a trail.

“It’s so quiet. I love hiking, too, but it’s really hard to find a trail that’s not packed — whereas snowshoeing, it’s just dead quiet. It really is different,” he said. “So many people hike but not that many snowshoe.”

Highlands Ranch Herald 15

1January 14, 2021

K-12 student art exhibit will go online this year

L

ittleton Public Schools 2021 Virtual District Art Show will be shown virtually Jan. 19 to May 31. Students continue to create both inside SONYA’S and outside the classroom, acSAMPLER cording to teacher Anna Spillen, who organizes these exhibits each year, usually in the Colorado Gallery for the Arts at Arapahoe Community College. When the show is active, see Sonya Ellingboe https://littletonpublicschools.net/ district/nr/lps-virtual-art-show.

Highlands Ranch celebrates 40 years

“Highlands Ranch History: Then and Now” will begin a celebration of the 40th year of this community on Zoom from 7-8 p.m. Jan. 18. Highlands Ranch Historical Society’s Nancy Liesenbigler will start what will be a series of programs: “Dino-

American collections in the new galleries designed for these works on the second level of the Hamilton Building beginning Feb. 7. About 85 works, including paintings and sculptures will include those by Monet, van Gogh, Degas, Morisot, Renoir and more ...

Libraries tout activities

Douglas County Libraries promote Spring Break Camps and more ...

Check online at dcl.org or see your nearby library for details.

This ceramic artwork by Arapahoe High School senior Ona Melvin will be displayed in the Littleton Public Schools 2021 Virtual District Art Show. COURTESY PHOTO

saurs and Mammoths,” “European Influences and Early-settlement Influences,” “Prominent Early Residents” and more. Meeting ID is 832 4170 4124 (passcode 957432).

MCA Denver

Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, 1485 Delgany St., is open every day except Monday. Tuesdays through Thursdays, noon to 7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance: mcadenver.org, 303-298-7554. Public parking garage nearby.

Wonderbound

Wonderbound Dance Company will present “Winterbound: A Discotheque Cabaret” at its new studios,

New galleries at DAM

Denver Art Museum will showcase its 19th-century European and

3824 Dahlia St., Denver, starting Jan. 21. See wonderbound.org or call for information: 303-292-4700. COVID safety guidelines observed. (Access to entrance and parking from Eudora Way.) Hudson Gardens

“Start Your Garden From Scratch” will be presented online by Hudson Gardens. See hudsongardens.org for information about this and other classes offered. In the meantime, enter free to stroll at 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. Bulbs should begin pushing through in February.

Evergreens planted by King Hudson shelter walkers year-round. Birds hang out in those trees as well ...

‘Y/OUR Denver’

The Denver Architecture Foundation and the Colorado Photographic Arts Center usually offer a collaborative exhibit early in the year.

In 2021, you will want to find this always interesting collection of architectural photos online at denverarchitecture.org or cpacphoto.org.

Photographer takes wing with new focus Birds are subject of exhibit that will run through March

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLIONGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Photographer Carl Paulson is a Littleton Fine Arts Guild member who recently become a birder, which has led to new subjects for his camera, starting in his back yard and other nearby locations ...

He sent us “Whatcha Got There?”

— a photo of two young screech owls making noise about something — as an announcement of a Zoom program he was to present on Jan. 5 at Vita Littleton, my home — and I was hooked!

I’ve been interested for years, but had forgotten what a wide variety of birds inhabit nearby trees, fields and parks.

Colorado has about 400 different kinds of birds through the year, he said, including permanent and mi-

gratory (part-time) residents. (He’s shot images of about 110 so far.)

A collection of some of those images filled Paulson’s Zoom program and some are exhibited in the Creative Lounge and Lobby at Vita through March. The public is invited to walk through this exhibit between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Tuesday to Thursday. Ring at the front door.

Owls similar to the pictured screech owls have a nest nearby and residents hear them calling. Apartments in the building’s floor plan have bird names, which brought Paulson’s presentation even closer to home.

Near to his own home, he watched a woodpecker hollowing out the rotting stump of a newly felled tree, making more space for her brood, and he managed to identify a hummingbird flower favorite. He began to recognize bird calls, starting with “chicka-dee-dee-dee” and put his camera to work.

A handsome, though raucous,

IF YOU GO Vita is located at 2100 W. Littleton Blvd. Visitors to the bird photography exhibit are invited between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. starling, pictured at Barr Lake (a favorite Denver-area birding location), was followed by an early image of a tiny wren.

“As a new photographer, you don’t how special it is at first look,” he commented about this charming wee creature’s portrait.

“Oscar the Grouch” was the name for a noisy magpie, but Paulson also noted the iridescent glow in the bird’s wings.

At Reynold’s Landing, he recorded a great blue heron which had just speared a rainbow trout for lunch ...

And handsome Steller’s jays visited his back yard. “They aren’t supposed to be here.” (We have heard other accounts of migrants who were a bit off-course of late. Probably a common thing, but it seems

the world is off-course ...)

A bald eagle was pictured “enjoying the thermals”; a red-tailed hawk carried a rabbit home for offspring, and a red-naped sapsucker at Staunton State Park was enlarging a cavity for its babies.

Two black and white downy woodpeckers were “just outside my window,” Paulson said, and a stunning shot shows a golden eagle coming right at the camera, with a crawdad in its beak.

Cedar waxwings are a favorite subject, Paulson commented. “I have one snatching a mosquito right out of the air!”

A petite white-breasted nuthatch walked down a tree trunk upside down, as is its custom ...

And then there was a shot of a beaver swimming along happily, followed by a stunning image of a western tanager ... and a chipping sparrow with fledgling.

Seemed like “All’s right with the world” for a too-quickly-passed hour!

To advertise your place of worship in this section, Serving the southeast Denver area

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16 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

Littleton Museum looks to future Despite layoffs and closures, one of city’s cultural gems works to keep shining

BY DAVID GILBERT DGILBERT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Littleton Museum’s farms are fairly quiet these days.

On the 39-acre living history farms portraying life in pioneer-era Littleton, the blacksmith’s hammer seldom rings against an anvil.

Rarely does kindling crackle in the Bemis House’s iron stove. There’s no clopping of Clydesdales’ hooves on festival day hayrides.

Hit hard by COVID-era restrictions and budget cuts, the museum — one of the crown jewels of Littleton’s cultural offerings — begins 2021 denuded, but led by a determined, innovative staff dedicated to carrying on the mission of connecting people with the past — and building back stronger for the future.

When COVID struck last March, shuttering the museum to the public for four months, staff quickly turned their attention to online offerings.

“It’s amazing how quick you move when you have to,” said Tim Nimz, the museum’s director. “We had an art exhibit scheduled to open the week after we closed down. Two days after it was supposed to open, we had our first-ever virtual tour up online. We suddenly realized we may not know exactly what we’re doing, but it’s an opportunity to stretch our muscles.”

In the months that followed, several staff were furloughed as plunging local sales tax revenue hit city government.

Still, the museum produced a variety of online content, including how-to lessons from historical interpreters, virtual tours of art exhibits, and a popular video series called “Ask Farmer Steve.”

Clobbered by cuts

Despite the innovation, the ripple effects of COVID clobbered the museum.

By the end of the year, the museum was down seven employees. One historical interpreter was laid off, and another took early retirement, accounting for half of the paid interpretation staff. The curator of interpretation resigned. Layoffs and early retirement also took three front desk staff and a custodian.

From a height of 21 full-timeequivalent positions before the pandemic, the museum was left with 15 employees — too few to keep the farm buildings open to the public.

Hours of operation were cut from 47 a week to just 30 — so few that the museum’s accreditation through the American Alliance of Museums would have been threatened had the agency not adjusted their criteria for pandemic-battered institutions.

Visitation, which had climbed as high as 160,000 in recent years, plunged to around 25,000 in 2020 — and donations plunged with it.

Kelli Narde, left, and Tim Nimz stand outside the Littleton Museum’s Bemis House, which portrays life in 1890s Littleton. Narde, who heads the department that oversees the museum, and Nimz, the museum’s director, said while the museum has taken some PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT hard hits from the pandemic, they have high hopes for its future.

As of early January the sprawling main museum building — home to exhibits on Littleton history, two temporary exhibit galleries, a theater and multipurpose rooms — remains closed to the public.

Though the museum grounds remain open by appointment, the farm buildings are still locked.

The 2021 events season, including summer camps and concerts, is still yet to be determined.

There are bright spots: a donor who wished to remain anonymous gave more than $60,000 to the museum, and Nimz said the plan is to film a new introductory movie for visitors and overhaul the theater to be more accessible to people with disabilities Nimz is keeping his chin up.

“Yes, our ability to deliver service has been reduced, but that doesn’t reduce the quality of the service we provide,” he said. “We’re still an important place to help families rebalance their lives. There’s a hunger for places to go, for educational content, and we’re still providing that.”

Reshuffling the deck

Meanwhile, the museum’s place in the City of Littleton’s organizational structure has seen a reshuffling.

As layoffs and early retirements rippled through city government, leaving several departments without heads, City Manager Mark Relph reorganized the city’s organizational chart in late 2020.

Nimz, who for the past eight years had been the director of both the museum and Bemis Library, was reassigned to strictly oversee the museum — the job for which he was originally hired in 2002. Deputy library director Nancy Trimm was appointed to head the library.

Both the library and museum were placed under the purview of Kelli Narde, the city’s longtime communications director, whose title is now Director of Cultural and Media Services.

In its first 2021 meeting, city

council unanimously ratified a pair of resolutions reshuffling several boards overseen by the library and museum. The resolutions eliminated the library and museum boards, folding their duties into the Littleton Arts and Cultural Commission, which was expanded from nine members to 11.

Overall, Narde called the reshuffling a positive evolution.

“Communications, the library and museum are the most public-facing departments in the city,” she said.

“It just makes sense. We can coordinate and share resources on exhibits, events, marketing, video and all this digital programming we’re doing now.”

Narde said city leadership hopes and plans to rebuild the museum to full strength, but it will take time.

“With this level of staffing, the museum just can’t be open at the levels it was before, even once we get COVID under better control,” she said. “That said, the city didn’t finish 2020 in as bad of shape as we thought we might. It could’ve been worse.”

Build back better

Narde is working with Nimz and other officials to brainstorm new revenue streams to better support the museum.

One idea: an admission fee for non-residents.

“This is one of the only museums in our entire region that doesn’t charge for entry,” she said. “Residents should still get in free. The taxpayers of Littleton have paid for this facility and should get to use the heck out of it, but I think out-of-town visitors would tolerate a nominal fee. Frankly, I think a lot of people are surprised there’s no admission fee as-is.”

Another idea: more events.

“I don’t want to let the cat out of the bag yet,” she said, “but we’re talking about things more like art receptions.”

Though the idea has been floated

in years past, Narde said she did not foresee pushing for the museum grounds to be used as a large-scale wedding or event venue.

Supporting the museum has a larger purpose too, she said: it’s a linchpin of longer-term efforts to market Littleton as a regional tourist destination.

Although Visit Littleton, a pilot project to boost local tourism, is largely dormant in the COVID era, Narde said the museum could be a big draw.

“If you have to come to the Denver metro area, why not stay in Littleton? While you’re here, why not eat in our restaurants? Why not take your kids to our museum?”

Relph, the city manager, said Littleton is somewhat unique in still operating a city-run museum and a library that hasn’t been absorbed by a regional district.

“There’s a financial commitment there that’s pretty deep, but I don’t see us pursuing a separation from the city any time in the foreseeable future,” Relph said. “The connection to the community is just too close and too deep.”

Relph said he has been impressed by the new digital offerings from the library and museum.

“I couldn’t be more proud of how they have stepped up,” he said.

Will the city be able to bring the museum back to full strength?

“The short answer is yes,” Relph said. “The service might change in the long view. We’re trying to react to what the community wants and needs going forward. It may not look like it did a year ago. What can we do better? But that said, we definitely want that museum back at what we consider full service.”

Narde said she understands that the museum is an easy target for cuts in tough times.

“This isn’t law enforcement,” she said. “It’s not snow plowing. It’s not maintaining the sewers. But it’s at the heart of quality of life in Littleton. It will adapt. It will thrive.”

Highlands Ranch Herald 17

LOCAL

1January 14, 2021

SPORTS

Ponderosa seen as dominant as wrestling nears

BY JIM BENTON JBENTON@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Ponderosa has been a dominant wrestling team in the south metro area and it seems like nothing will change this season.

The Mustangs have won 24 of the past 26 Continental League dual meet titles and have captured 10 Colorado state wrestling championships, with the last one coming in 2010.

Ponderosa gets the nod from most coaches as the best team in the southern section of the metro area for the seven-week boys season, which starts with practices on Jan. 18. Competition, under the new COVID-19 variances, can begin Jan. 25.

The Colorado High School Activities Association staff held a series of webinars on Jan. 3-5 for school administrators and coaches to provide specifics on Season B sports, which include boys and girls wrestling. All Season B sports will have informational sessions for athletic directors and coaches.

However, there will be no wrestling for Boulder County teams this season. On Jan. 6, Boulder County Heath announced that it will not allow wrestlers to compete in the St. Vrain Valley and Boulder Valley school districts.

If other school districts choose to follow the Boulder option, there is the possibility that wrestling could be moved to Season C or D later in the year.

The CHSAA on Jan. 7 released wrestling modifications after the webinars.

There will be a maximum of 20 dual meets during the season. There can be a maximum of eight teams at regular season tournaments. In the regional tournaments, a two-day, 16-wrestler

bracket will be employed. The first seven weight classes will compete on the first day and the next seven weight classes will wrestle on the second day. First and second place finishers will qualify for the state tournament.

At the state tournament, an eight-wrestler bracket will be used with full consolation in a one-day format. Team scores at both the regionals and state will score places 1-4.

All wrestlers must wear masks up until they put on ankle bands before a match. Referees can not touch wrestlers this season. Referees will raise their hand separately with the winner.

A total of 25 wrestlers per gym at one time, will be allowed. That will probably force boys wrestling, with 14 weight classes, to control the entry of wrestlers to keep numbers at proper levels.

Girls wrestling has just 10 weight classes, so full teams can be present.

If Season B does begin as planned, Pomona and Ponderosa will stand out.

Pomona, which has won four of the past five Class 5A state championships, is the team to beat once the state tournament rolls around. The Panthers return all but one wrestler off last season’s title team, but Ponderosa has enough talent in its ranks to contend at the state tournament, which is now scheduled for March 12-13.

“Ponderosa is stacked,” said Chaparral coach Andy Sistek.

The Mustangs have nine wrestlers scheduled to return who were state qualifiers last year. And transfers Randy Meyers and Jett Strickenberger, who were both Colorado state qualifiers in 2019 plus freshman Jacob Meyers, Randy’s younger brother, add strength to the Ponderosa team.

Tim Yount, one of the state’s top high school wrestling prognosticators and publisher of Colo-

rado’s On The Mat rankings, agrees that Pomona and Ponderosa appear to be the favorite teams.

Other south metro teams to watch include Douglas County with five returning state qualifiers back from the 2020 season plus Cherry Creek and ThunderRidge with three each.

Here are returning boys wrestlers who qualified for the 2020 state wrestling tournament.

Derek Glenn (Cherokee Trail), Nick Vicic (ThunderRidge), Chandler Roberts (Ponderosa), Kyler Pilgrim (ThunderRidge), Jacob Bostelman (Ponderosa), Justin Kelchen (Douglas County), Murphy Menke (Ponderosa), Carsen Trujillo (Arapahoe), Max Black (Douglas County), Sean Arnett (Grandview), Jaron Mahler (Ponderosa), Victor Madrid (Douglas County), Presley Pilgrim (ThunderRidge), Aidan Lenz (Ponderosa), Ivan Morris (Douglas County), Austin Luhring (Cherry Creek), Eli Hamilton (Valor Christian), Traevin Osborn, (Ponderosa), Sonny Quintana (Grandview), Karter Johnson (Ponderosa), Ian Sepan (Castle View), Hunter Gray-White (Cherry Creek), Matthew Soderborg (Cherry Creek), TJ LaFrancis (Arapahoe), Corbin Zimmer (Castle View), Blaine Kubasta (Ponderosa), Geoffrey Freeman (Chaparral), Kyle Hanson (Highlands Ranch), Levi Smith (Legend), Kaiden Parrish (Valor Christian), Luke Sandy (Legend), Kyle Maccagnan (Eaglecrest), Antonio Segura (Regis Jesuit), Tyler Doyle (ThunderRidge), Ryan Aguiar (Douglas County) , Jonah Robadue (Chaparral) and Sam Hart (Cherokee Trail).

This will be the first season for a sanctioned girls state wrestling tournament.

USA Wrestling has a list of the top girl wrestlers for the 2021 season and there are 11 Colorado girls ranked. One of those ranked girls is Emma Burk of Douglas County.

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18 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

MY NAME IS Alex Gonzalez said his face tattoos push some people away — but also attract people who will understand and accept him.

PHOTO BY DAVID GILBERT

ALEX GONZALEZ

Young artist turns mental turmoil into peace through drawing Coping through art

I do a lot of abstract art. It’s what comes out of my head. I have schizoaffective disorder — I was diagnosed in 2018, and art became a therapeutic way to deal with it. It helped me grow as a person.

I’ve been in therapy for three years. Art helps me deal with the breaks from reality I experience.

My therapy has taught me a lot of coping mechanisms and grounding skills and how to structure my life better.

My breaks in reality can be so unorganized and messy. To get past it, I have to dissect it. Drawing it out on paper allows me to give my thoughts meaning, put them aside, and move on.

Breaking taboos

My face tattoos came from a belief I had that if I changed how I physically looked, I could reflect that change inside. It sounds weird. Face tattoos are a taboo thing in much of the Western world.

They either intimidate people, or make me more approachable. The second one is interesting — I’ll be at the park, and random people will approach me and talk to me. I like that.

My tattoos attract the right people and repel the people who won’t understand me.

They do make employment

harder. When I first got a job cleaning offices, I was afraid that people wouldn’t like me or find me threatening. I look out of place in an office setting, but I’ve gotten to know a lot of tenants. My initial assumption about what people would think of me was wrong. People don’t see me as a bad person because I decided to do this. They see the good in me, that I’m just another human being trying to make it, pay my bills, and live my life.

Finding peace

I want to be content. We treat happiness as an unachievable destination, but if you’re content and at peace, that’s more empowering. I want to be more at peace with myself.

I want to make something out of my art. I hope to start a clothing brand — I make patches for jackets out of canvas and fabric markers and sew them on. I’m also experimenting with custom finishes like leopard print collars. They look pretty cool.

I had a bit of an epiphany: Every time I make a men’s jacket, I get too attached and I want to keep it. Today I bought a couple women’s jackets to work on, and that way they’re easier to sell when I’m done.

Learn to have compassion for one another. In the tech age, it’s easier than ever to believe stereotypes before you know who someone is.

Not everyone is out to get you. Put yourself in others’ shoes.

If you have suggestions for My Name Is, please contact David Gilbert at dgilbert@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Answers

THANKS for

PLAYING!

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Highlands Ranch Herald 19

1January 14, 2021

www.ColoradoCommunityCareers.com

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20 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

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Highlands Ranch Herald 21

1January 14, 2021

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22 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021J

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Highlands Ranch Herald 23

1January 14, 2021

Seniors, care workers receive vaccine Centennial facilities are among locations where shots are underway

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Residents and staff members lined up to receive their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at three metro Denver senior-living facilities operated by Christian Living Communities, including two in Centennial, in early January.

Chris Miller, executive director at Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial, was confident that nursing home types of settings would be among the first in line for the vaccine in Colorado, but he wasn’t so sure that other kinds of senior facilities, such as assisted living, would also be included.

“So we’re thrilled,” said Miller, whose location offers a range of living arrangements for seniors.

The great majority of Holly Creek residents are excited about the vaccine’s arrival, and those who are hesitant seem to come around with more education, said Miller, who along with his staff “tries to dispel myths.”

To those who are uncertain about getting the vaccine, Miller suggests they “learn more about what went into the process of producing the vaccine.”

He also recalls “vaccines we got since we were kids — we didn’t think a second thought about them,” Miller said.

Miller emphasized that residents aren’t just sitting in their rooms despite the pandemic dragging on.

A woman at Holly Creek holds up a sign that says she’s getting the vaccine for “all God’s people — everyone on earth!”

The culture at Holly Creek is still vibrant — the in-house, resident-run radio station, Holly Creek Radio, is still going strong, Miller said.

Events and dining still liven up the scene when it’s allowed and safe.

“We still have a lot of life happening here,” Miller said.

Christian Living Communities is a Colorado-founded, not-for-profit senior living company that oversees 22 communities in six states, according to a news release. The three Denver metro-area locations of Clermont Park (in Denver), Someren Glen and Holly Creek (both in Centennial) offer services that include independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing-home care.

Those three locations saw clinics to administer the vaccine to residents and staff members in early January.

A worker helps a man during an event to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to staff and COURTESY PHOTO residents on Jan. 6 at Holly Creek Senior Retirement Community.

A woman receives the COVID-19 vaccine Jan. 6 at Holly Creek Senior Retirement Community, where staff and residents got their first shots in the effort to combat the coronavirus.

www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com/Notices

PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals Misc. Private Legals Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to: CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC AKA CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - VANTHAN EK WESTON - ADAM J SAMHOURI - LUXIPILLIALLA LAND COMPANY LLC - OCCUPANT - DYER-STROH LLC C/O CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY C/O DANIEL E ROHNER AKA DANIEL E ROHNER ESQ RESERVATION HOLDER SANDER SCHEID INGEBRETSEN MILLER & PARISH PC - NORM DYER AKA NORMAN EARL DYER REGISTERED AGENT MANAGER C/O CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY -

CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY C/O NORM DYER AKA NORMAN EARL DYER - ASCENTPOINTE DEVELOPMENT LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AKA STROH RANCH DEVELOPMENT LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - ASCENTPOINTE DEVELOPMENT LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AKA STROH RANCH DEVELOPMENT LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ROBERT SHAIMAN REGISTERED AGENT - GARY L HUNTER MANAGER OF ASCENTPOINTE DEVELOPMENT LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AKA STROH RANCH DEVELOPMENT LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - DYER-STROH LLC C/O SANDER SCHEID INGEBRETSEN MILLER & PARISH PC You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 15th day of November 2007 the then County Treasurer of the County of Douglas, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to VANTHAN EK WESTON the following described real estate situate in the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, to wit: TRACT C STROH RANCH, FLG 17A, 1ST AMD 0.085 AM/L and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to VANTHAN EK WESTON. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent* taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2006. That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC for said year 2006

legals@coloradocommunitymedia.com

That said VANTHAN EK WESTON on the 26th day of August 2020 the present holder of said certificate, has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate; That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said at 1:00 o’clock P.M., on the 22nd day of April 2021 unless the same has been redeemed.

Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my hand this 1st day of January 2021 /s/ David Gill County Treasurer of Douglas County Legal Notice No. 938554 First Publication: January 7, 2021 Last Publication: January 21, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press Public Notice NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REAL ESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OF TREASURER’S DEED To Every Person in Actual Possession or Occupancy of the hereinafter Described Land, Lot or Premises, and to the Person in Whose Name the Same was Taxed or Specially Assessed, and to all Persons having an Interest or Title of Record in or to the said Premises and To Whom It May Concern, and more especially to: CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC AKA CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - VANTHAN EK WESTON

- ADAM J SAMHOURI - GEORGE J LARSEN - OCCUPANT - DYER-STROH LLC C/O CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY C/O DANIEL E ROHNER AKA DANIEL E ROHNER ESQ RESERVATION HOLDER SANDER SCHEID INGEBRETSEN MILLER & PARISH PC - NORM DYER AKA NORMAN EARL DYER REGISTERED AGENT MANAGER C/O CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY C/O NORM DYER AKA NORMAN EARL DYER - ASCENTPOINTE DEVELOPMENT LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AKA STROH RANCH DEVELOPMENT LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - ASCENTPOINTE DEVELOPMENT LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AKA STROH RANCH DEVELOPMENT LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY ROBERT SHAIMAN REGISTERED AGENT - GARY L HUNTER MANAGER OF ASCENTPOINTE DEVELOPMENT LLC A COLORADO LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AKA STROH RANCH DEVELOPMENT LLC A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY - DYER-STROH LLC C/O SANDER SCHEID INGEBRETSEN MILLER & PARISH PC You and each of you are hereby notified that on the 15th day of November 2007 the then County Treasurer of the County of Douglas, in the State of Colorado, sold at public tax lien sale to VANTHAN EK WESTON the following described real estate situate in the County of Douglas, State of Colorado, to wit:

TRACT A STROH RANCH, FLG 17A, 1ST AMD 0.204 AM/L

and said County Treasurer issued a certificate of purchase therefore to VANTHAN EK WESTON. That said tax lien sale was made to satisfy the delinquent* taxes assessed against said real estate for the year 2006. That said real estate was taxed or specially assessed in the name(s) of CC CRAFTSMAN HOMES LLC for said year 2006

That said VANTHAN EK WESTON on the 26th day of August 2020 the present holder of said certificate, has made request upon the Treasurer of said County for a deed to said real estate; That a Treasurer’s Deed will be issued for said real estate to the said at 1:00 o’clock P.M., on the 22nd day of April 2021 unless the same has been redeemed.

Said property may be redeemed from said sale at any time prior to the actual execution of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness my hand this 1st day of January 2021 /s/ David Gill County Treasurer of Douglas County Legal Notice No. 938553 First Publication: January 7, 2021 Last Publication: January 21, 2021 Publisher: Douglas County News-Press

###

Highland Ranch Legals 1.14.21 * 1

24 Highlands Ranch Herald

January 14, 2021

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