Littleton Independent May 15, 2025

VOLUME 136 | ISSUE 41 WEEK OF MAY 15, 2025 $2

An artist’s exploration of a Congo seaport

‘Port De Banana’ exhibit opens at Littleton Museum May 30

BY CHANCY J. GATLIN SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Prior to the 15th century, the Congo River Basin in Central Africa was inhabited almost exclusively by the Bantu people, an expansive sociolinguistic group of nearly 400 culturally-similar tribes.

rough the Congo River Basin runs the Congo River, the second largest river in Africa and the ninth longest river in the world. is river runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the border of Zambia. e historic Bantu people relied on the river for their livelihood, depending on the owing giant for water and food, and as a means of transportation throughout the region.

e Congo River Basin saw Portuguese explorers enter the region in the latter half of the 15th century, followed by an in ux of traders and settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. ese settlers revolutionized the area, creating a bustling inter-African and cross-sea trading industry. As commerce in the Congo Basin thrived, so did the devastating slave trade.

Port De Banana was at the mouth of the Congo River, the last spot slaves stopped before being transported to the Americas along the Atlantic Middle Passage. Congolese-Belgian artist, Lio-Bravo Bumbakini, tells the story of Port De Banana in his upcoming exhibition at the Littleton Museum.

“I mix vibrant colors, symbols, archetypes and mythologies with traditionalist African motifs and contemporary Western ideas,” said Bumbakini. “My ‘Port De Banana’ exhibit explores the narratives of life before and after the ‘discovery’ of the Congo from an anthropological and folkloric perspective.”

Born in Brussels, Bumbakini immigrated to the United States at 8 years old and currently splits his time between

Development dries up park pond

Residential community diverts water that fed Littleton wetland

BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG

A wetland pond in South Platte Park in Littleton is dry now because a new home development cut o its water source. e water source that fed the Dad Clark wetland area in South Platte Park was moved due to the development of a new gated community in Littleton, ParkVue on the Platte. It was developed by luxury home builder Toll Brothers in 2024.

e homes sit on the west side of Santa Fe Drive, south of Mineral Avenue, near Littleton Equine Medical Center.

“ e developer had a safety requirement to build a channel to allow the McLellan (Reservoir) spillway to ow to the river without houses being at risk,” Deputy Littleton City Manager Mike Gent said. “(Toll Brothers) proposed a new channel design … that ran north instead of west to keep their neighborhood from being split in half by this channel, and we — South Suburban Parks and Recreation, the City of Littleton and the State of Colorado — agreed to it.” is change redirected the native stream, causing the Dad Clark wetland pond to dry up because its sandy soil couldn’t retain water without the stream.

“Rather than use intensive methods like constantly running pumps to maintain this small, quarter-acre pond, it is more sustainable to convert this pond into an intermittent stream channel, rather than try to maintain a fully submerged marsh habitat,” Gent said.

Volunteers salvaged several native plant species from the pond that aren’t regionally rare, but don’t grow in other areas of the park. ey transplanted them to other ponds that are used for educational purposes, said Gent.

Artist Lio-Bravo Bumbakini in front of his painting entitled “Le Zaire.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Federal order is threat to in-state tuition

Executive order aimed at ‘sanctuary city’ policies

BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT

Undocumented students in Colorado have gone on to be teachers, nurses and business owners thanks to a program that allows them to pay in-state tuition at public universities.

Now the future of that program and ones like it in 23 other states are in doubt after President Donald Trump signed an executive order that seeks to punish states and cities with so-called sanctuary policies.

e order, signed April 28, also specically calls out programs that provide instate tuition for undocumented students who graduated from high school in that state or who meet other residency requirements.

Allowing in-state students who are not citizens to pay less tuition than out-ofstate students who are citizens represents discrimination, according to the order, which says that the attorney general, in cooperation with the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, “shall identify and take appropriate action to stop the enforcement of state and local laws, regulations, policies, and practices favoring aliens over any groups of American citizens that are unlawful.”

Advocates for immigrant students say that without in-state tuition, many undocumented students will struggle to afford college. ey don’t qualify for any federal nancial aid and face other barriers to college.

“ is is absolutely essential for immigrant students,” said Raquel Lane-Arellano, communications manager for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, which fought to pass Colorado’s in-state tuition law in 2013. “It’s not these students’ fault that our immigration system is so broken. ey deserve the opportunity, just like all of their peers, to access higher levels of education.”

So far, Colorado universities are not making any immediate changes to their policies.

“ e executive order does not provide enough details to truly know what federal actions will be taken,” said Colorado Department of Higher Education spokesperson Megan McDermott.

e Trump order sets up a possible legal showdown over the state-supported tuition programs that immigrant rights and higher education-advising groups have called essential to help undocumented students access higher education and educate them to ll in-demand jobs.

Twenty-four states, including Colorado, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey, along with Washington, D.C. have programs that allow undocumented students to pay in-state tuition. While the programs have received bipartisan support, Republicans in several states have recently led bills to consider rolling back in-state tuition for undocumented students. Last week, Florida lawmakers ended the state’s decadeold program.

e order adds to an already uncertain environment for immigrant students, who worry about the risks of lling out nancial aid paperwork while grappling with deportation fears. Denver Scholarship Foundation’s Natasha Gar eld said the college-advising nonpro t will continue to provide students information about their options and allow them to decide

“It’s not these students’ fault that our immigration system is so broken. They deserve the opportunity, just like all of their peers, to access higher levels of education.”

Raquel Lane-Arellano, communications manager for the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

whether college is right for them during a time when Trump’s immigration stance has brought incredible uncertainty.

“ ere are some who are very, very concerned about the state of things, and I don’t think there’s anything that DSF or anyone else could say to reassure them,” said Gar eld, the scholarship organization’s director of scholarships and nancial aid. “I think that’s completely understandable given some of the actions that we’ve seen coming from ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement] and the federal government.”

e order is part of Trump’s larger push to crack down on people in the United States without legal authorization. His directive to punish states with these programs also included several other enforcement actions such as punishing so-called sanctuary cities and states. e administration led suit Friday against Colorado and Denver for its policies.

e administration argues in the order that some state and local o cials use their “authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of federal immigration laws. is is a lawless insurrection against the supremacy of Federal law.”

States have a long history of o ering in-state tuition at public universities to youth who were brought as children and without legal status. Texas and California

passed the rst laws in 2001, and other states followed with similar laws. Each varies in how they approach granting instate tuition.

About 408,000 undocumented students enroll in higher education each year, although not all bene t from these state programs, according to the Higher Ed Immigration Portal. However, even in states without these laws, some private schools in Tennessee and elsewhere may o er in-state tuition for all students regardless of their residency or legal status. And in Pennsylvania, at least one public institution provides in-state tuition to undocumented students.

Colorado’s Advising Students for a Stronger Tomorrow law, or ASSET, updated in 2019, says students must have attended a Colorado high school for at least one year before graduation or been physically present in Colorado for at least one year to qualify for in-state tuition.

New York’s law says students must have attended at least two years of high school in New York and graduate or receive a general education diploma. Students must also apply to a college or university within ve years and show proof of residency. ey must also sign an a davit saying they will le for legal status.

Illinois’ law has similar requirements, while New Jersey requires three years of

residency.

National student immigrant advocacy organizations FWD.us, eDream.US, and the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration all criticized the order. Collectively, they said states, colleges, and universities shouldn’t overreact and that the order hurts states that need quali ed workers.

“Blocking states from o ering in-state tuition to undocumented students who have lived in these states for most of their lives would purposefully lock countless individuals out of the higher education system, waste years of educational investment, hurt local economies, and rob all Americans of future leaders,” said Todd Schulte, FWD.us president.

State leaders are still working to understand the impact of the order, and a spokesperson for Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement the administration is looking into the impacts of this order. e state remains committed to ensuring the state remains a destination for all learners, the statement says.

e state has not led any legal action against the order, but leaders have been willing to push back on Trump administration orders.

Colorado’s largest university system also doesn’t plan changes at this time. University of Colorado System spokesperson Michele Ames said its schools are committed to following applicable laws and will not make any changes at this time. Other universities, such as the University of Northern Colorado, are monitoring the actions.

Schools across the state have also said that they won’t release individual student information, such as information about undocumented students who attend schools through the ASSET program, to the federal government without a court order or warrant, per federal student privacy laws.

Reprinted with permission from Chalkbeat, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters.

Higher education institutions in Colorado, such as the University of Northern Colorado, are monitoring the impacts of a recent order by the Trump administration that would punish states for programs o ering in-state tuition to undocumented students.

PHOTO BY ELI IMADALI FOR CHALKBEAT

Miller moths are coming, and experts say: relax

The moths are a critical part of our ecosystem

their survival rate? How is climate change impacting their migration patterns? We don’t know.

Currently, there’s not enough information out there to predict how large a migration will occur in any given year, though weather patterns likely in uence it, said

Don’t

Wait to

Francisco Garcia, the Butter y Pavilion’s director of science and conservation.

Invertebrates represent 97 percent of all the species on the planet, he said. And

they are often misunderstood — even feared.  ere are many challenges in studying them.

ADVERTISEMENT

“ ey have very short life cycles,” Garcia said. “ ey’re very small. And they also y all over the place.”

Another obstacle: e Trump administration is slashing federal funding for the sciences, which Garcia worries will slow down moth research critical to understanding climate change and ecosys-

Moths, unlike butter ies, are often underappreciated — in part, because nighttime is stigmatized and they’re far less

People think miller moths will bite, eat their clothes, and attack pets and chil-

“ ey are completely harmless,” Garcia said. “ ey are just passing through for a

He likens Denver to an Airbnb for miller moths. ey settle here for a few days

“ e best we can do is not harming them, turning o our lights during the night and then allowing these migrations to go through and nish,” Garcia said. “We need these pollinators. We need them pollinating all these di erent plants in the ecosystem and also feeding reptiles, birds and all these di erent ani-

Miller moths also fuel the agricultural economy by pollinating crops worth millions of dollars. And ultimately, they help propagate the wild owers and other native plants of the Rockies.  ey may be small, but their role in the ecosystem is huge.

Garcia describes them as “tiny, little giants … our heroes.”

Save for A Downpayment — Here’s How You Can Start Building Equity Now

For many would-be homebuyers in Colorado, the biggest obstacle isn’t affording monthly payments — it’s saving up for a down payment. But there’s a lesser-known solution: a unique down payment assistance program connected to FHA that offers generous terms with fewer limitations than many alternatives.

I learned about this program from Jaxzann Riggs, owner of The Mortgage Network, who explained how this option helps buyers get into homes sooner - with little or no money out of pocket.

“Some buyers have strong income and credit, but they just haven’t been able to save enough for a down payment,” she told me. “This program bridges that gap - without the typical income or location restrictions.”

HOAP, and MetroDPA, these programs often have income caps and/or location limits.

But as stated before, the national FHAbacked option offers broader eligibility, no income or area restrictions, and more flexible terms, making it a strong option for buyers who are ready now.

rising-rate environment.

Additionally, this program allows for higher debt-to-income (DTI) ratios, a hallmark of FHA financing. That means borrowers with student loans or other debt may still qualify.

Why This Matters Now

A Powerful Alternative to Traditional Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

This FHA-approved assistance is more flexible than many state or local programs. It comes in the form of a second mortgage behind an FHA loan, but here’s the twist: there are no income limits, no geographic restrictions, and more flexibility within FHA guidelines, compared to a conventional loan.

Buyers can use this program whether or not they’re a first-time homebuyer. It’s designed for those who are financially ready to buy but need help covering the minimum 3.5% down payment or closing costs.

While Colorado offers down payment help through programs like CHFA, CHAC,

With rents and home prices both climbing, waiting to save for a traditional down payment could cost more in the long run. Getting into a home today versus two or three years from now allows you to start building equity instead of continuing to pay rent.

“Every month you rent is a month you’re not gaining ownership,” Jaxzann says. “This program gives you a way to step into the market faster and start growing wealth.”

Keep in Mind: Not All FHA Loans Are Eligible It’s important to note that this assistance applies only to new FHA purchases. If you already have an FHA loan, you won’t qualify for this specific program — but there’s still a silver lining. FHA loans are assumable, meaning a future buyer could take over your low-interest mortgage without a rate hike, an incredibly valuable feature in a

“You can’t beat the ability to transfer a loan with no escalation in rate,” Jaxzann points out. “That’s something worth knowing if you already have an FHA loan.” Homeowners with existing low-rate FHA mortgages are sitting on a very valuable asset. When it is time to sell, they should consider allowing the new prospective purchaser to “assume” their existing loan.

This is done by having the prospective purchaser apply for a “qualifying assumption” with the lender that is currently servicing the loan. Because the prospective owner is qualifying to assume the existing loan, the original borrower is released from all future liability for the loan while allowing the new purchaser/owner to keep the original mortgage interest rate. The difference between the current loan balance and the purchase price of the home is paid to the seller in cash.

Weighing the Trade-Offs

As with most zero-down options, there are considerations:

 Interest rates will be higher than traditional FHA loans with full down payments. On a $500,000 home, that might mean around $550 more per month.

 You will have to pay off any remaining balance on the second mortgage when you refinance or sell.

 All FHA loans require mortgage insurance on the loan. This insurance protects the lender in the event of foreclosure.

Unlike mortgage insurance on conventional mortgages, 30 year fixed rate FHA loans require that the mortgage insurance remain in place for the life of the loan.

 You must intend to live in the home as your primary residence at the time of purchase.

Still, for many buyers, the ability to get into a home now outweighs the costs.

“This program can open doors much sooner than people think,” Jaxzann told me.

“This is ideal for households with two incomes and/or those that might have been denied down payment assistance in the past because they exceed income limitations for other programs. If you’re ready to buy but short on upfront funds, it’s absolutely worth exploring.”

To learn more and find out if you qualify, contact Jaxzann Riggs at The Mortgage Network at (303) 990-2992.

NOTE: My “Real Estate Today” column that normally appears on this page is now published bi-weekly. Look for it here next week and every other week thereafter.

On those alternate weeks, look for a half-page ad like this on a related topic.

A dead miller moth is found in a Denver home in 2020.

PHOTO BY KEVIN J. BEATY / DENVERITE

MEDICAID

e debate over health funding cuts has also created fault lines among Republicans in Washington.

Colorado U.S. Rep. Je Hurd, a Republican who represents western and southern Colorado signed onto a letter urging House leadership to preserve Medicaid. Nearly one-third of people in Hurd’s district are covered by Medicaid, the highest percentage of any Colorado representative.

Meanwhile, Colorado U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans, a Republican who represents a swing district predominantly in Adams and Weld counties, told Colorado Public Radio that cuts to Medicaid would be made only to eliminate misuse of funds

and to make the program work better.

“We’re going back to cutting out the fraud, waste and abuse that actually preserves the program by making sure that we can get more resources to the people who are actually lawful bene ciaries of it,” Evans said.

If the cuts do happen, Ferrandino said state o cials do not yet have a plan for what they would slash — in part because it remains uncertain exactly which areas of Medicaid the GOP may target.

“I don’t know what we will do,” he said. “I don’t know what the legislature will do. I know we’ll be in a special session, so we’ll see all of you in July or September or August to deal with it.”

is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

PARKER’S FAVORITE WEEKEND!

Shopping H FOOD H EXHIBITS H MUSIC H RIDES H FAMILY FUN

THURSDAY, JUNE 12 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Only FRIDAY, JUNE 13 Fri 1 pm – 10:30 pm: Carnival Fri 4 pm – 10:30 pm: Festival

SATURDAY, JUNE 14 Sat 10 am – 10:30 pm

SUNDAY, JUNE 15 Sun 10 am – 8:30 pm

MAIN STAGE – Music All Day — Highlights

Friday, June 13 presented by 6:30 pm: TEN YEARS GONE • 8:30 pm: PATRICK & THE LVB

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Friday, June 13 presented by 6:00 pm: Blinker Fluid Band • 8:15 pm: Hillbilly Demons

Saturday, June 14 presented by 5:30 pm: Chris Daniels & The Kings 8:15 pm: The Walker Williams Band

Sunday, June 15 presented by 3:30 pm: The Threadbarons • 6:00 pm: Jewel & The Rough

Saturday, June 14 presented by 6:00 pm: GLITTER IN THE AIR • 8:30 pm: LAST MEN ON EARTH

Sunday, June 15 presented by 4:00 pm: DUEY & UNBROKEN • 6:30 pm: THOSE CRAZY NIGHTS

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS:

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PURCHASE DURING THE FESTIVAL

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TICKETS FOR INDIVIDUAL RIDES

Food, Beverage & Ride Tickets may be purchased at Festival Ticket Booths.

Porter Hospital Mental Health Fair will honor veterans

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and in honor of veterans during Memorial Day weekend, AdventHealth Porter Hospital, bordering Englewood in Denver, is hosting a Mental Health Fair on May 23.

e event is aimed at promoting mental wellness and suicide prevention. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 23 at AdventHealth Porter, located at 2525 S. Downing St.

“One of the four focus areas of Advent Health Porter Hospital is the awareness of and treatment for behavioral health concerns,” said Heidi Bode, behavioral health manager. “Understanding that mental wellness is as important as physical wellness helps us to achieve our goal of whole person care. e team who works with the Zero Suicide initiative wanted to give to our team members and the community the permission to talk about mental wellness.”

Additionally, Bode said there will be brief demonstrations of tools to help with mindfulness and other tools to keep people grounded and connected.

“We do a lot of work with the VA and their partners around veteran mental wellness and safely mitigating the risk of suicide,”

Bode said. “In that spirit, we will be giving away free gun safes to veterans who may be at risk of suicide at this event.”

“ is community-focused event is in support of Mental Health Awareness Month coupled with honoring our veteran population during the Memorial Day weekend,” said a representative from AdventHealth Porter.

e gathering is designed not only to raise awareness about mental health, but also to support those who have served in the armed forces, acknowledging the unique challenges many veterans face.

Bode said the goal of the event is simple yet powerful.

“We hope to open the conversation about mental wellness and help people know it is OK to talk about it, seek help and take the time to help yourself be mentally well,” Bode said.

Attendees will have opportunities to meet the care team, enjoy opening ceremonies, access wellness resources, attend mini seminars and participate in lighthearted activities like “minute-towin-it” games, and a photo booth.

For Bode, the most exciting aspect is the opportunity to foster connection.

“Bringing people together to connect and learn valuable skills in a friendly and approachable setting is so exciting,” Bode said.

Bode believes strongly in the value this event brings to the community.

“No one is immune from struggles with anxiety, depression, loneliness and maybe even thoughts of suicide,” Bode

said. “Learning tools to help in those moments can be so bene cial. Learning about the neighborhood resources and ways to get help in real time can literally be lifesaving or changing.”

Two Memorial Day ceremonies set for Littleton

World War II Memorial, cemetery host May 26 events

BY ISABEL GUZMAN

ISABEL@COTLN.ORG

is Memorial Day, the Pat Hannon VFW Post 4666 and e American Legion George C. Evans Post 103 will host two ceremonies on May 26. One will take place at the Littleton Cemetery and the other at the Littleton World War II Memorial in Ketring Park. e service at Littleton Cemetery will begin at 8 a.m. at Veterans Circle. e

ceremony at the World War II Memorial will take place at 10 a.m. Both events are free and open to the public.

Highlights include a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the El Jebel Shrine Pipe Band, a 21-gun salute by the All Veterans Honor Guard, and bugler Jack Grandman performing “Taps.”

For over two decades, both posts have led the Memorial Day commemorations to honor veterans. At the ceremonies,

“My Plea,” a poem written by LCpl Patrick Joseph Hannon — the 4666 post’s namesake and the rst Littleton resident to die in the Vietnam War — will be recited.

In the days leading up to Memorial

Day, the Pat Hannon Post distributes red poppies at local grocery stores as a symbol of remembrance.

e Littleton WWII Memorial traces its origins to a 1995 community barbecue commemorating the 50th anniversary of World War II’s end, according to the Littleton Museum. is event inspired the formation of a Coordinating Committee, o cially recognized by the City of Littleton in 1996, to create a lasting tribute to WWII veterans.

Over ve years, the committee selected a site, commissioned architect Robert Root, of Root-Rosenman in Denver, to design the memorial, and partnered with the South Suburban Parks and Rec-

reation District for maintenance. Fundraising e orts included grant writing, selling memorial bricks and engaging local businesses and organizations. e design aimed to honor all WWII veterans, educate future generations and capture the global impact of the war. Local high school and college history departments contributed to the educational texts displayed on the memorial’s theater monoliths.

According to Pat Hannon Post Adjutant Jim Bunch, a plaque honoring veterans who have served since World War II was designed and dedicated by the City of Littleton, Post 4666 and American Legion Post 103 on Veterans Day 2023.

VINTAGE

SATURDAY, MAY 24TH

Take

10:00AM - 2:00PM

Members of AdventHealth Porter Hospital team at a past Mental Health Fair. This year’s event will be held on May 23 at 10 a.m.

PARK POND

e former pond was used as a training site for native planting but was not a protected wetland. It likely formed after the historic South Platte River ood of 1965 changed the river’s course. e park’s ecology has been altered over time by urban development, ood control and

recreational use.

“ is outcome is part of a long planning review process which involved multiple agencies who reviewed and investigated alternatives, and identi ed this as the most appropriate and viable solution,” Gent said.

e Littleton Independent did not receive a response to its request for comment from South Suburban Parks and Recreation District nor from Toll Brothers by press time.

ARAPAHOE COUNTY

All County facilities will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

Property valuations appeal window open through June 9

Arapahoe County property owners recently received their Notification of Valuation statements. If you feel the valuation doesn’t accurately reflect the value of your property, you can submit an appeal through the County Assessor’s O ce.

Visit arapahoeco.gov/assessor to learn how.

Works & Development

Join us for Arapahoe County Public Works and Development’s Play Date June 6, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at Dove Valley Regional Park, 7900 S. Potomac St., Centennial.

Learn more at arapahoeco.gov/publicworks

Sign up now!

Get the latest news on County services, programs, people, and events by signing up for The County Line newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Sign up at arapahoeco.gov/newsletter or scan the QR on your smartphone.

A placid view of Littleton’s South Platte Park in 2018.

COURTESY OF SOUTH PLATTE PARK

Economic Factors, Policy Landscape Lead to Budget Shortfall

Fire and medical emergency response services are at

risk

The Challenge

There’s been a 20% increase in calls for service since 2019.

This includes structure, vehicle, and wildland fires; explosions and hazmat incidents; water rescues; vehicle crashes; public or police assistance; and medical emergencies.

Emergency medical calls now account for 65% of all response – this is expected to increase with an aging population.

Costs have increased dramatically in six years; for example:

The cost for a fire engine has gone from $725,000 to $1.3 million (79% increase).

The cost for protective bunker gear has gone from $4,321 to $6,047 (40% increase).

To continue providing quality fire and emergency response, South Metro needs an additional $34 million annually.

State legislation that passed during a special session in 2024 reduces property tax revenue South Metro collects by $16 million in 2026 and $270 million over 10 years.

South Metro Fire Rescue is facing an immediate budget shortfall due to years of rising costs, consistent increases in demand, and new state legislation. Without new revenue, the organization will not be able to maintain the high level of service for fire and emergency response that residents and businesses deserve, and have come to expect.

Did You Know?

South Metro is a full-service department Here are a few key facts:

stations across 30 square miles 287

personnel across 800 divisions 8

residents, which will serving 571,500 in grow to 595,0004 years municipalities and 12 counties 3

Including:

Centennial Airport, Lockheed Martin, Highlands Ranch, 4 Square Mile, and The Pinery

The Bottom Line

With $34 million needed to address increased demand for services and rising costs, plus the $16 million shortfall, South Metro needs to identify how it will generate $50 million in additional funding annually.

ARTIST

Boulder and Brooklyn. Even before his move to the United States, Bumbakini spent countless hours as a child in museum archives, collectors’ basements, gallery showrooms and places his mother frequented in her work as an African art historian and anthropologist. With babysitters scarce and childcare costly, Bumbakini would pass the time sketching the masks and statues in his vicinity or imagining vibrant worlds of his own. He discovered worlds far more colorful than the muted grays of Brussels that he was used to.  Bumbakini’s ‘Port De Banana’ exhibit will run at the Littleton Museum from May 30 to Aug. 10. e opening celebration event will take place at 5:30 p.m. on May 29. Bumbakini will provide an introduction to the exhibit followed by a spoken word recital by award-winning scholar and poet, Toluwanimi Obiwole. e event will conclude with a live set by Congolese musical trio, Manasse Kaoma and Friends. Bumbakini will also host an Artist Talk event at the Littleton Museum on June 5.

“I believe art provides a window into the ethereal — the space between the societal, the physical and the immaterial,” Bumbakini said. “It is the door to both past human experiences and its future manifestation. Art honors and acknowledges the past and inspires the future.” is coverage comes courtesy of a grant from the Littleton Arts and Culture Program. As a matter of policy, funders exercise no control over editorial decisions.

IF YOU GO

“Port de Banana,” an exhibition of work by Lio-Bravo Bumbakini, runs from May 30 to Aug. 10 at the Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St. To learn more, visit www.museum.littletonco.gov.

to the Ben Franklin Academy Class of 2025!

A very special group of students are graduating from BFA this year! We’re very proud of this imaginative, supportive and enthusiastic group of students. We’re going to miss their caring nature, their spunkiness and the way they’ve contributed their many talents to enriching the BFA community. During their time at BFA, they explored new interests, began life-long friendships, and grew into responsible, independent and intelligent young adults.

Graduates - We know your positivity and determination will inspire others and help you excel as you transition into high school. We wish you the very best!

Introducing our exceptional eighth grade graduates:

Wyatt Ackerman

Morgan Adrian

Jiya Agrawal

Diksha Arunprakash

Anna Babbel

Ethan Bahl

Londyn Bender

Jack Besch

Cadence Beshany

Soren Borstad

Jacob Bradley

Liam Brown

Camden Brzezicki

Natalie Bullock

Kyle Castor

Aislynn Chatterton

Grace Chavez

Walker Corson

Kayla Cottrell

Olivia Crowe

Alivia Michal Davila Ramirez

Delaney Deidel

Emma Dennis

Rowan Eframo

Stephen Elsmore

Allie Erickson

Driyana Fernando Leyton Frank

Courtney Funderburg

William Grade

Rylea Graves

Hannah Hackerott

Samantha Hawkins

Levi Hayes

Tanner Henbest

Ada Ho

Jacob Holder

Connor Johnson

Madison Kane

Andrew Keillor

Obadiah Kim

Eli King

Nicolas Kolody

Rishikesh Lakkireddy

Braden Leverson

Elias Lidstone

Norelle Lucero

Tanner Majors

Grace Marino

Ava Mills

Olivia Moore

Chinmay Nair

Bryce Neal

Gabriel Ortiz

Abby Pettersen

Lauren Poore

Hudson Preeo

Madeline Pyne

Ema Quirindongo

Mary Raddatz

Teo Remillard

Jane Riches

Caroline Riffle

Brayden Ritchie

Matthew Rodriguez

Logan Ryan

Francesca Sabia

Parth Saha

Andrew Sarver

Easton Schroeder

Teo Shoemaker

Grayson Slaughter

Kellen Smythe

Talulla Snyder

Brayden Street

Paisley Todd

Dylan Toney

Reese Turner

Jayden Vega

Addison Vogt

Maya Weaver

Annika West

Colin Whiteman

Hunter Williams

Gianna Yerxa

Zee Ziegler

Port De Banana at the Littleton Museum.

Painting entitled, “Kiss The Moon, Dance Under The Stars” by Lio-Bravo Bumbakini. COURTESY PHOTO

BY DEREK DRAPLIN THE CENTER SQUARE

Coloradans lose big money to scammers

Coloradans led almost 45,000 fraud reports last year with the Federal Trade Commission, re ecting an estimated loss of $210.7 million.

at’s up from 41,500 reports and $170 million lost in 2023, according to FTC data.

Nationally, consumers lost $12.5 billion to fraud last year, with 38% of people ling fraud reports saying they lost money.

FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection Director Christopher Mufarrige said last month that “scammers’ tactics are constantly evolving.”

“ e FTC is monitoring those trends closely and working hard to protect the American people from fraud,” he added.

Colorado had over 73,200 total

consumer reports, which includes other FTC consumer complaints in addition to fraud, and amounts to 1,260 reports per 100,000 people. at ranks as the 18th highest rate in the nation, according to FTC data.

Most of the state’s fraud reports involved imposter scams (15,028), followed by online shopping/negative reviews (6,535), internet services (2,492), health care (2,332) and privacy/data security/cyber threat (2,322).

e FTC recommends reporting fraud cases at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

“People who report to ReportFraud. ftc.gov about losing money to a scam receive next steps information on how to try to recover their money,” the commission said. “ ese reports are a vital part of the agency’s law enforcement mission and also help the FTC to warn consumers about fraud

trends in the data.”

Coloradans can also report fraud to StopFraudColorado.gov, which is run by the state attorney general’s o ce. e attorney general’s o ce said in March there were 1,205 reported imposter scams out of 24,473 total consumer complaints led in 2024.

“In many cases, these scams relate directly to fraudulent telephone calls, emails, or text messages from scammers posing as a government o cial or employees from a reputable company, often seeking monetary payments through gift cards, wire transfers, and other money transfer services,” the attorney general’s o ce said.

Republished from e Center Square, a national news service that is the project of the nonpro t Franklin News Foundation, headquartered in Chicago.

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An uncertain idea of America

I’ve begun reading Peggy Noonan’s latest book. It’ll take me a while to complete. e reason isn’t because it’s extraordinarily long or complex or that it’s one of several I’m immersed in. It’s because it’s an exceptionally thoughtful and calming read.

Peggy was a speechwriter for Ronald Reagan and is currently a Wall Street Journal columnist. As such, friends and longtime readers might be surprised that I’m winding my way through her work, but they ought not to be. My reading on social-political and religious-spiritual topics ranges wide, from philosophically liberal to conservative. e salient requirement for me to read such a work is that the author present their thoughts in a coherent, intelligent, deliberative manner. Peggy does that. Given that, “A Certain Idea of America” deserves, even requires, a leisurely pace.

I must confess, though, her book wouldn’t have pinged my radar screen if it weren’t for New York Times columnist Bret Stephens referencing it. I was immediately struck not only by the literary allusion but also of the notion itself: a certain idea of America. It’s a vague concept and not easily pinpointed. If we surveyed the American populace for their ideas, we

MJERRY FABYANIC

would have a vast array of interpretations since we’re a multi-racial, multi-religious, multicultural nation.

In the Foreword, Peggy states she drew the idea for the title from the World War II general and later president of France, Charles de Gaulle, who began his memoir by stating that throughout his life he had “a certain idea of France.” What could it have been? Not being French, I have no right to speculate, but being an American, I can about our country.

A ood of ideas bursts forth. First and foremost, liberty and freedom of expression and action. en there’s love of country. Allegiance to the Constitution. Rule of law. Equal justice under the law. Cultural, racial, ethnic, religious and spiritual pluralism and tolerance. Economic opportunity. Due process. And more.

But how to bundle those in a compact, easily understood statement or document? Even a professional writer like Peggy would likely nd it a daunting task.

Like her, I frequently write pieces that

re ect and express the values I hold. Of course, I’m only one of three hundred million plus people. As you are. And my opinions and yours are as valid as all others. I suspect, though. that your take—your listing—would considerably overlap with mine.

However, I’m neither delusional nor pollyannaish about the total makeup of the American citizenry. ere are those who not only don’t share my values but are also willing to go to great lengths to ensure they’re mitigated and even erased from the national conscience. Nevertheless, like it is with me embracing the whole of American history, from the heroic and triumphant to the gut-wrenching, I embrace them as fellow Americans. And being a civil libertarian, I defend their right to express their opinions, even those that I nd contemptible. With all that in mind then, there’s no doubt that it’d be a mess if we tried to synthesize the range of beliefs and values Americans today hold into a certain idea of America.

Fortunately, a bunch of guys did that for us 249 years ago. ey wrote the Declaration of Independence, which begins with, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are equal … ”

About a decade later, a related group

Can you solve Thomas Riha’s disappearance?

any people think of museums as places that have all the answers, but that’s not always the case. And sometimes that makes for a more intriguing story.

Such is the case for the latest exhibition at the History Colorado Center, e Disappearance of omas Riha, which takes a local mystery and investigates the many remaining unanswered questions.

“ is is a true crime cold case that’s never been told publicly in a museum setting,” said Katherine Mercier, exhibition developer and historian at History Colorado. “We felt we nally had the space to experiment with the kind of exhibit we’ve never done before.” e Disappearance of omas Riha will be on display at the Center, 1200 Broadway, Denver in Denver, through March 15.

produced our Constitution that lays out the framework of our government. ey even took time to explain their action by crafting and adding the Preamble: “We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

We’re coursing through what I consider to be a turbulent and perilous period. But we’ve survived lethal challenges before. Each time our ancestors rose to the occasion and saved the republic. We can point to the speci c acts they took, but it’s essential to keep in mind they held true to that certain idea of America our Founders eloquently expressed in those documents.

So there’s no need for us to ponder as much as to re ect upon the most serious question before us: Will we pass those Blessings of Liberty—that certain idea of America our Founders bequeathed to us—on to our posterity?

Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for ought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

How was the City Ditch dug?

According to the provided information, the exhibit tells the story of University of Colorado Boulder Russian history professor omas Riha, who vanished on March 15, 1969, right in the middle of the Cold War. e exhibition features never-before-displayed declassi ed documents from the Central Intelligence Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is deepened by History Colorado’s archives. Museum researchers had a wide range of materials to use, including the journals of a woman who may or may not have played a role in Riha’s disappearance.

While the mystery is the main draw of the exhibit, Mercier said she also hopes visitors get a glimpse of Colorado’s role as a hotbed of activity during the Cold War. With sites like Rocky Flats and the Air Force Academy, the state saw plenty of intrigue.

“People may not understand how big the Cold War was and how it integrated itself into everybody’s life,” she said. “I hope people think about what it would’ve felt like to be living at the time and how they would cope.”

Riha’s disappearance received a great deal of press coverage at the time, but eventually faded away, leaving everyone without answers. So, this exhibit was carefully designed to also include the stories of the people who were a ected.

“ e exhibit focuses on the people and lives that were wrapped up in the events,” Mercier said.

“ omas had a family that never got answers about what happened to him. is is ultimately a story about humanity.”

For more information, visit www. historycolorado.org/exhibit/disappearance-thomas-riha.

Je erson Symphony plays Star Wars

May 4 may have been more than a week ago, but the Je erson Symphony will be celebrating the immortal John Williams Star Wars score with two performances at 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 18 at the Mines Green Center, 924 16th St. in Golden.

In addition to the timeless music, Conductor Arturo J. Gonzales will be holding a pre-concert talk at 12:15 and 3:15 p.m. on the day of the concert in Metals Hall. According to the provided information, he will discuss the history and composition of the Star Wars Soundtrack, what to listen for, and how to break down John Williams’ brilliant compositions.

Costumes are encouraged and those who wear costumes will get a discount on tickets. Information and tickets are available at https://www.je symphony. org/.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Toro y Moi and Panda Bear at the Fillmore Auditorium ere is some music that’s made to get lost in. It’s less about the lyrics and more about the mood, a sonic energy that can transport you if you allow it. In their own ways, both Toro y Moi and Panda Bear, a member of indie rock legends Animal Collective, have been building these musical worlds for years. eir music is very di erent, but the vibes are strong with both. Information and tickets are available at www.axs. com.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@ hotmail.com.

Your reporter Isabel Guzman did a very good job of describing the issues surrounding the City of Englewood’s project for piping the historic City Ditch through Littleton, and o ering to deed the then-surplus ume at Slaughterhouse Gulch to the City of Littleton for future preservation or demolition. Although perhaps not of any signi cance to the current discussion, I want to correct one error in Ms. Guzman’s otherwise excellent story and ask your readers for help in getting to the bottom of a really big issue ... “How was the ditch, 4 feet deep, 6 feet wide and 26 miles long, actually dug between December 1864 and May 1867?”

e oft-repeated quote in the story is that “the City Ditch was dug by hand.” e error was not in the reporting but the research by the original historian. A more diligent scholar would have found the following clipping from the Rocky Mountain News of Dec. 7, 1864:

“Something New — A mammoth four wheel out t, partaking partly of the appearance of a re engine, an artillery wagon, a mowing machine and a colossal steam plow came into town last evening. We found out its appropriate use, to wit, a machine to dig the Capitol Hydraulic Ditch, that is to be. is said machine has two mammoth hind wheels and two miniature front ones, with a lot of frame and iron mechanism between ...

“Su ce it to say that it is J.W. Smith’s great Rotary Canal Builder, (or as they call it elsewhere, a Railroad Excavator,) with which the Capitol Ditch is soon to be made. It cost at the manufactory, in Quincy, Illinois, $1,200* and the freight on it here cost another $1,300* more. When worked by eight or ten yoke of cattle, it will do the work of a hundred men per day. Another of these machines will shortly be received here by Mr. Smith, who has the contract for building that ditch aforesaid.” *( at is equivalent to $24,400 and $26,400 in today’s dollars. Emphasis added. ed.)

at is pretty good contemporary evidence that the ditch was dug with mammoth machines. All that is lacking is a photograph of a machine actually in action to prove it. Photography was a lively art form in 1864, witness Matthew Brady’s recording of the Civil War. But search as I might, I can nd no such historic photograph. at, dear reader, is where you come in. Perhaps you remember seeing a Facebook photo or have a cousin in Quincy, Ill., who might know someone. Please help nd the missing photograph which will prove that it was a “state of the art machine” which dug a large ditch 26 miles long in only two and a half years, at the time the Civil War.

Larry Borger, Littleton e writer is a Littleton amateur historian whose essay “ e Historic City Ditch” can be found on the internet by searching for Denver Public Library, City Ditch.

Communicating through the storm

We are living in a time of incredible pressure, and tragically, it’s our children who are carrying the heaviest burden. Anxiety and depression among children and teens have skyrocketed, with every credible study pointing to culprits like social media, internet access, and mounting academic, athletic, and social expectations. It’s overwhelming — and that’s putting it lightly.

It’s easy to point ngers at TikTok, Instagram, and the endless pursuit of “perfection.” And sure, those factors are real. But if we’re serious about loving and leading our families, we must ask the harder question: Are we doing enough at home to ease their worries, doubts, and fears?

WINNING

For most of us, the honest answer is not yet.

e Critical Role of Communication. Communication isn’t a “nice-to-have” in this battle for our children’s hearts and minds, it’s everything. And not just when problems show up. Proactive, frequent communication. Maybe even, dare I say it, over-communication.

Our kids navigate a digital battle eld every day. e loudest voices tell them they aren’t good enough. If we don’t ll their emotional tanks with hope, encouragement, love, and acceptance, someone else will, and it will be with poison, not life-giving truth.

I’ll never forget an incredible moment I witnessed with Zig Ziglar, one of the greatest motivational speakers ever. At a packed seminar, a man stepped to the mic, thanking Zig for shaping his own life but sharing that his son was struggling. Zig’s response was pure wisdom: He told the man to sit on his son’s bed, look him in the eyes, and say: “Son, I am so glad God entrusted me with your life. You are a blessing to me. I am proud of you. And I love you.” Zig encouraged him to say it every morning and night, not once, not when convenient, but every day.

As cameras panned the audience, thousands wiped away tears. Sitting beside me was Zig’s son, Tom Ziglar, a grown man and CEO, with tears streaming down his

face. When I asked if Zig had done that for him, Tom smiled through the tears and said, “Yes. And he still does, even now.” ink about that: A father who never stopped telling his grown son how proud he was. Every sin-

Fighting for eir

If we want to lead and love our children in today’s chaotic world, we must show up with our words, not just advice or correction, but daily, intentional a rmation.

ey need to hear it when they get straight A’s.

ey need to hear it when they fail a test.

ey need to hear it when they make us proud, and especially when they break our hearts.

Because mistakes don’t de ne them, grace does. Growth does. And our unwavering love does.

Our communication must be a ood of love, encouragement, and constant reminders that they are more than enough that no failure can separate them from our love, and no outside voice can ever be louder than the voice of their family. e pressures and dangers are real. But so is our power to counteract them. If we don’t communicate, the world will. If we communicate relentlessly, intentionally, and lovingly, we can raise a generation that walks through the storm without losing their way.

Let’s speak up, every day, every chance we get. eir future depends on it. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@ gmail.com. And when we intentionally communicate through the storm, it really will be a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Find the shine amid the struggle

The return of warmer weather to the Front Range adds a bit of dread to my mind. You see, it reminds me that one of the most frustrating parts of multiple sclerosis comes when it is super-hot.

Heat wears me out incredibly quickly, making me feel like I am trying to walk through knee-deep quicksand to do anything. It is a feeling that is all-encompassing for my body. You might think the answer is to stay inside as much as possible. e problem is, cold air tightens my muscles and makes it di cult to bend and move around. So, a week of extreme temperatures leaves me deciding between navigating energy-sapping heat or muscle-tightening cold. We all face di erent struggles; mine are very present in weather extremes.

Last summer, we experienced a week of 100-degree days. For much of the week, I trudged, doing what we all do when we have struggles: I put one foot in front of the other, moved forward as best I could, and stayed positive while being exhausted by the e ort.

DEL DUCA

OBITUARIES

Andrea Kay Del Duca

September 1, 1951 - April 23, 2025

Andrea Kay Del Duca, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2025, at the age of 73. Born on September 1, 1951, Andrea grew up in Commerce City, Colorado, and in 1980 made her home in Littleton, where she raised her family and built a life rooted in love, strength, and compassion.

Andrea was the daughter of Dorothy (Postma) of South Dakota and Fred Brandle of Wyoming. She was a woman of remarkable character—genuine, hardworking, deeply caring, and ercely loyal to those she loved. Her strength, warmth, and authenticity were unmatched, and she will forever be remembered as the heart and soul of her family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Darrel Del Duca of Florence, Colorado; her daughter, Shannon Cox, her husband, Alan and their children, Caitlyn and Tyler. Andrea is also survived by her sons, Dominic Del Duca and his

ANDERSON

wife Kelley, and their children Grayson and Skylar; and Derek Del Duca and his wife Jewely, and their children Diego and Mateo. Her sister, Teresa Brandle, also survives her.

Andrea was the best mom and grandmother anyone could ask for—nurturing, wise, and always present. She gave sel essly, loved ercely, and made every moment special. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she poured her heart into every part of their lives.

Her legacy is one of love, strength, and sincerity. Andrea touched countless lives through her generosity, kindness, and unwavering presence. She was the rock of her family and a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Andrea Kay Del Duca leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in every person who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Elizabeth (Betty) Anderson July 16, 1948 - March 23, 2025

Betty Anderson passed away March 23, 2025 at 76 years. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Littleton May 23rd at 1 pm, with Reverend Blakely Winslow and Reverend Jonathan Murray

co-o ciating. Interment at the church columbarium following the reception. Betty lived at Alyson Court, as well as Penny Lane Assisted Living and Orchard Park Center.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Jim Roome

It was in my week of trudging that I had two appointments where I was asked questions that made me think about things in a di erent fashion.

I was with my chiropractor, Dr. Danielle Wesley, and she simply asked the question, “Are you keeping a journal of your victories so that you have something to look at when you feel like you are not making progress?” I had to answer “No,” but the brilliance in what she was asking me was clear because as soon as she nished the question, I could name ve or six things that had gone well in what I perceived as my week of trudging. en Bear, my service dog in training, and I had a session with our coach Ana and she asked the question, “What do you and Bear do for fun?” I could name

Englewood museum heads for new chapter

Cinderella City exhibit to close in July, with school history next

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

After more than a year on display, Historic Englewood’s popular exhibit, the History of Cinderella City, is set to close on July 26.

e exhibit, which opened in May 2024, takes a look at the iconic Englewood shopping mall, which was in its prime in the 1970s and ’80s.

“ e response was incredible,” said Matt Crabtree, a museum employee. “Visitors shared personal stories, brought in memorabilia and re ected fondly on the unique role Cinderella City played in their lives. It resonated deeply with the community.”

e decision to close the exhibit comes as part of the museum’s commitment to keeping its o erings dynamic.

“While the exhibit has been a community favorite, rotating our displays helps keep the museum experience interesting and engaging,” Crabtree said. “By introducing di erent exhibits, we can continue sharing new chapters of Englewood’s unique and diverse history.”

Up next for the museum is a new exhibit that will focus on the 132-year history of Englewood Public Schools. It is set to open in September 2025. e upcoming display will trace the journey of the school district from its earliest days to

the present.

“From humble beginnings in a frontier cabin to a proud, independent district, Englewood Schools have remained deeply rooted in the community for over 130 years, even before Englewood was o cially a city,” Crabtree said. “For more than a century, the city has maintained a close-knit, local identity, and Englewood Schools have played a vital role in shaping and sustaining that spirit.”

e museum also has big plans for the future. With the addition of a new annex space as part of the City Spark project, visitors can expect more frequent, smaller rotating exhibits alongside main displays.

“Our goal is to make Englewood’s history accessible and engaging for all visitors,” Crabtree said.

Looking ahead, Crabtree said the museum is focused on building a lasting legacy.

“We look forward to making the museum a lasting gathering place where the Englewood community can come together to connect, learn, re ect and keep the spirit of our shared history alive,” Crabtree said.

As the Cinderella City exhibit nears its closing date, the museum encourages anyone who hasn’t visited yet to stop by while they still can.

“We sincerely thank everyone who visited and supported e History of Cinderella City exhibit and if you have not seen it yet, there is still time,” Crabtree said. “Your stories and enthusiasm brought this exhibit to life. We’re excited for what’s ahead and invite everyone to

join us as we explore the next chapter of Englewood’s story.”

Historic Englewood is currently seeking community members interested in contributing to the new school-focused exhibit.

“If you have historic artifacts or memorabilia related to Englewood Public Schools that you’d be willing to loan to

Historic Englewood, or stories you’d like to share, we would love to hear from you,” Crabtree said.  e museum is also in need of volunteers and supporters to help bring the exhibit to life.

For more information on the museum, call 303-242-3257 or email contact@ historicenglewood.org.

Englewood aids businesses hurt by utility work

Old Hampden work underway

BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Englewood is o ering nancial relief to businesses a ected by ongoing utility construction along Hampden Avenue.  e Hampden Avenue Construction Impact Grant is available to businesses within the construction zone along Old Hampden Avenue to mitigate nancial impacts associated with less customer tra c or visitation due to the utility construction within the corridor “It is available to businesses that can demonstrate a decline of at least 20% of revenue since construction started earlier this year,” Brad Power, community development director, said. “ e grant amount is $3,000 for businesses with

under $100,000 in annual revenue and $5,000 for businesses with over $100,000 in annual revenue.”

e grant is available to businesses operating within the de ned construction impact zone. e eligible area stretches east to west from Sherman Street to Lafayette Street, and north to south from Girard Avenue to U.S. 285. Applicants are encouraged to consult the o cial boundary map to con rm eligibility.

“ e total initial funding amount is $50,000 with $25,000 from the grant program portion of the economic development segment of the 2025 Community Development Department budget, and $25,000 from the 2025 Public Improvement Fund road reconstruction budget from the Public Works Department,” Power said.

Images from the long-gone Cinderella City mall are displayed at the Historic Englewood Museum in the Englewood Civic Center, which is in the sole structure remaining from the once-sprawling mall.

PHOTO BY SCOTT GILBERT

The boundary map of businesses qualified for Englewood’s Hampden Avenue Construction Impact Grant. COURTESY OF CITY OF ENGLEWOOD

Downtown Littleton farmers market returns

Event’s second year will include hydroponic greens, EBT acceptance

BY ISABEL GUZMAN ISABEL@COTLN.ORG

is May, downtown Littleton’s farmers market is back and better than ever, bringing the vibrant spirit of local summer shopping to the heart of the city every Sunday.

Hosted by LittletonQ+ — a nonprofit dedicated to embracing inclusivity through events like the Littleton Pride festival, queer speed dating and Earth Day celebrations — the market promises a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Keely Quinn, founder of LittletonQ+, shared insights into the market’s evolution.

“Last year, we wanted to start out slow because it was the rst year,” Quinn said.  e 2024 market operated on the rst and third Sundays, but due to rising popularity and the organization’s desire to build steady momentum, this year, the market will expand to a weekly event.

“I think that what we learned is that we need to make it easy for people to come and shop,” Quinn said.

From May 25 through Sept. 28, the market will light up the intersection of Main Street and Nevada Street every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some of the most popular vendors from the previous farmers market will be returning this year, such as Fox Fungi,

BUSINESS

Eligible businesses include storefront retail, restaurants and food services, personal care providers, art galleries and performance venues, childcare providers and other healthcare and social assistance services, and auto repair and maintenance shops.

Additionally, qualifying businesses must operate legally under Colorado state law, prove 2024 annual gross revenue under $5 million, demonstrate a 20% or greater revenue decline over a consecutive 90-day period — comparing October 2024 through December 2024 to January 2025 through March 2025 — and be in good standing with all city departments.

Nonpro ts, mobile businesses and

Rigo’s Eggs and Littleton Meats.

New selections to this year’s market include hydroponic lettuce, microgreens and gluten-free bakery items.

“Last time, we didn’t have anything for animals,” Quinn said.

So, this year, she brought on Pet Popcorn, a company that makes freeze-dried meat treats for cats and dogs.

Ensuring the market contains mostly food items to prevent competition with the local destination shops in the area is

home-based businesses do not qualify for this grant.

“Grant applications will be accepted on a rst-come, rst-served basis until funding is expended,” Power said. “ ere is no application deadline.”

Applicants must provide 2024 IRS tax documentation, Schedule C or Form 1120, pro t/loss or income statements for the timeframes mentioned above, a current City of Englewood sales and use tax license and a valid certi cate from the Colorado Secretary of State.

“ e city has a track record of supporting local businesses during times of disruption to sales or patronage, which was especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the city implemented many business support grant programs,” Power said.

For more information or to access the application and boundary map visit bit. ly/EnglewoodHampdenGrant.

Quinn’s priority.

“Our goal is always more food products than anything else,” she said. “I have set a cap for each Sunday of no more than 30% non-food items.”

Quinn said ceramists and artisans will be selling pottery pieces at the market, but those vendors are being “sprinkled in.”

In addition to the new vendors, Quinn said she is focused on adding more fun to this year’s market.

“We’re working on solutions to have some sort of music, whether live or just on a speaker, just to help bring a little bit of life to the street,” she said.

Quinn also said EBT cards are accepted, re ecting LittletonQ+’s commitment to inclusivity and making fresh, local food available to everyone.

“ at was one of our goals. Last year … we really wanted to be inclusive and accessible for everybody in our community. We just weren’t prepared — we just didn’t have enough runway last year to gure the details out,” Quinn said. “ is year, we’re o cially part of the Colorado Farmers Market Association, so we’re able to accept SNAP payments.”

One of Quinn’s favorite memories from the rst market was seeing the seasonal produce changes.

“It was always fun to come and see what was in season and see the seasons progress,” she said. “At the beginning of the season, we didn’t have Colorado peaches, we had California peaches. And then you get excited when the Colorado ones come through. en later in the season, plums, apricots and cherries arrive.”

Seeing the Littleton community come together for local shopping is another favorite moment Quinn had, and is looking forward to seeing again this year.

“It was really cool to see a whole bunch of Littleton locals come by and often run into their neighbors and hang out in the streets. It was fun to see the kids who were running around the closed-o street because it was safe for them to do so, and it was just really exciting to see the community building that was happening,” she said.

Sales of fresh and organic fruits and vegetables at the green market or farmers market.

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Ski legend joins women’s soccer ownership

BY LINCOLN ROCH THE COLORADO SUN

e greatest alpine skier of all time is stepping onto the soccer eld, as an owner. Colorado’s own Mikaela Shiffrin is joining the ownership group of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Denver expansion team, the team announced May 6.

With 101 World Cup victories, two Olympic gold medals and eight world championship titles, Shi rin is widely considered the most decorated alpine skier in history. Born and raised in Vail, she started competing on the World Cup circuit at age 16.

Shi rin is the only athlete to win all six of the World Cup disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, super-G, downhill, combination and parallel combination. In 2023, she won the annual ESPN award as the best athlete in women’s sports and was one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Inuential People.

e skier joins an ownership group led by Rob Cohen, CEO of Denver’s IMA Financial Group, and Ariel Investments Co-CEO Melody Hobson through Project Level — Ariel’s fund dedicated to investment in women’s sports. e Colorado Sun asked NWSL Denver what percentage of the team Shi rin would own. ey declined to provide the information.

today,” Shi rin said in a statement. “To be part of it, and to help bring professional women’s soccer to Colorado, is not only an incredible investment opportunity — but it is both an honor and a joy.”

chief operating o cer of Bay FC and previously worked for the Golden State Warriors, StubHub and Pandora.

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Littleton Independent (ISSN 1058-7837)(USPS 315-780)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Littleton, Colorado, the Littleton Independent is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

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POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Littleton Independent, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

“ e sport culture in Colorado is rich and deep, and — most notably — the growth of women’s sports is one of the most exciting movements in our culture

Denver was announced as the 16th NWSL team in January. eir $110 million expansion fee is the most expensive in U.S. women’s sports history. Since then, the team has been rapidly preparing for its 2026 season debut. In April, the team announced Jen Millet as its rst president. Millet has served as

In April, the team surpassed 10,000 season ticket deposits. ey are partnering with the Cherry Creek School District to build a temporary venue in Centennial for their rst two seasons.

A 20,000-square-foot, purposebuilt training facility will also be located on the same property. e ownership group and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston are asking the City Council to approve $70 million in public

funding to help build a stadium at Interstate 25 and Broadway at the Sante Fe Yards. e total cost would range from $150 million-$200 million and be built by the team. at request passed its rst hurdle late last month, but has not yet reached the full council. If the money is not approved, Cohen has hinted that the team might leave Denver. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalistowned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

Anxiety steers economic indicators, report says

BY SARAH MULHOLLAND CPR NEWS

Colorado economic signals are mixed as businesses try to make sense of President Donald Trump’s ip- ops on tari s. e number of people ling to start a business was up in the rst quarter compared to the end of last year, according to a joint report from the University of Colorado’s Leeds School of Business and the Secretary of State’s O ce.

At the same time, the state’s executives are feeling deeply anxious about how the new administration’s trade policies are going to impact their bottom lines, the report found.

0.1 percent. at compares to the U.S. rate of 1.2 percent.

Colorado now ranks 44th for job growth among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.

“We were hard-charging for a long time. Now, some of the other states are catching up and are continuing to have that growth that we had,” said Richard Wobbekind, senior economist and faculty director at CU’s Leeds School of Business.

e state’s per capita personal income and labor force participation still rank high, he said.

“We are a prosperous state, and we are growing, we’re just growing at a slower rate,” Wobbekind said.

CORRECTIONS

Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.

Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.

“ e indicators in this report do not show any immediate or signi cant economic disruption to Colorado … but it does show business leaders in Colorado are nervous about these disruptions,” Secretary of State Jena Griswold said during a webinar about the report.

Colorado’s economy started slowing before Trump was sworn in for his second term. As of April, the state added 2,300 jobs during the prior 12 months, which equates to a growth rate of

Colorado’s professional business services, which includes the tech sector, took a big hit in the past year. at sector has 8,400 fewer jobs than a year ago.

“ at had been a disappointment in terms of job performance in 2024. And so far it’s continuing into 2025,” Wobbekind said.

is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr. org.

With 101 World Cup victories, two Olympic gold medals and eight world championship titles, Mikaela Shi rin is widely considered the most decorated alpine skier in history. SHUTTERSTOCK

BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

With the weather getting warmer and summer just around the corner, it’s time to hit the road — and the stacks.

While Denver Public Library’s Central Branch is a Colorado landmark, it’s not the only library worth the trip. Scattered throughout Denver metro are unique libraries, lled to the brim with books and other resources waiting to be discovered.

Coloradans are lucky enough to be able to get library cards in nearly every library district, regardless of whether they live in the district or not. Patrons just need to bring in a Colorado State ID or other proof of address, and they’ll be able to register for a library card.

Summer reading programs are also just around the corner, and they’re not just for kids. Many libraries will o er special programming to inspire a love for reading in kids, teens and adults alike. To get ready for a literary adventure- lled summer, hop in the car, stock up on library cards and discover what each library has to o er.

Columbine Library, Je erson County Public Library

7706 W. Bowles Ave., Littleton, CO 80123

Seated within Robert F. Clement Park, Columbine Library has books — and views — to share. e library’s west side features oor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of Johnson Reservoir with the mountains behind it. Around the window, tables and chairs abound, giving visitors a cozy spot to study, read or just hang out.

“We are very lucky to have — in our biased opinions — one of the best locations in Je co Public Library,” said Columbine Public Services Manager Julianna Sipeki. “Nestled against the foothills, we are located in the beautiful Clement Park, where we host some of our outdoor programs, like birdwatching.”

However, great views aren’t all that Columbine Library has to o er. In addition to over 100,000 physical books and other materials, the library has Culture Passes for local museums, Chrome-

books and Wi-Fi hotspots that patrons can take home, access to apps for streaming music and movies and access to 133 di erent research databases.

“We wish everyone knew that you can use all of our library services at no cost,” said Sipeki. “It costs nothing to get a library card, we don’t charge to book meeting or study rooms, there’s no charge to attend any program and we don’t charge late fees. You don’t even need a library card to come in and attend programs or use a computer.”

With dedicated sections for children and teens, study rooms and local businesses nearby, the library o ers a spot for anyone to hang out.

“We want people to know libraries are so much more than just a place to check out a book,” said Sipeki. “We are a place to meet your neighbors and make new friends; a place to learn and expand your worldview; a place to practice a skill or start a new hobby; or simply, just a place to spend an hour of your day.”

BELOW: The Columbine Library is part of the Je erson County Library system.

ROAD TRIP

Bemis Public Library

6014 S. Datura St., Littleton, CO 80120

Nestled in a sleepy grove across from the Littleton Historical Museum, Bemis Public Library is one of the few independent libraries in the metro area, meaning it is not part of any library system.

Instead, the library was built by the City of LIttleton in 1965 and is the namesake for former Littleton Independent Publisher Edwin A. Bemis.

Now, the library — which is walking distance from Downtown Littleton — sports a large kid’s section that sometimes hosts storytimes, as well as a teen area that is separated from the rest of the library.

Bemis Public LIbrary is also home to resources for

groups the library welcomes through its doors. e library also eliminated overdue fees in 2023 as an e ort to become more equitable to patrons.

Koelbel Library, Arapahoe Libraries

5955 S. Holly St., Centennial, CO 80121

Arapahoe Libraries comprises eight community libraries, a jail library and a bookmobile, all of which provide valuable resources to their patrons.

Oliver Sanidas, the executive director of Arapahoe Libraries, said that Koelbel Library in particular offers unique programming thanks to its cafe, meeting spaces, 39-seat theater, outdoor space and public art installations.

“We want to provide a place and services that help meet not only the information needs of our patrons, but also the social needs,” Sanidas said. “ e library provides a place for people to connect with others who

share their interests and passions. We do this through events and programs, and by providing spaces for patrons to meet, work and enjoy fun activities.”

Sanidas said that meetings rooms are used for birthday parties, business owners use the library’s cafe to meet with clients, tutors can meet with students and adults participate in book clubs and open mic nights at the library’s facilities.

“We want our library to be a community hub,” Sanie library’s cafe serves bites and sips from local vendors, and o ers a rotating series of drink speciale. e Koelbel Library Cafe is currently featuring a Purple Rain Latte, a Crimson and Clover Latte and a Strawberry Fields Lemonade.

Anythink Wright Farms, Anythink Libraries

5877 E. 120th Ave., ornton, CO 80602

Anythink Libraries branches o er all of the usual trappings of a library with a fun added twist: TryIts, a program wherein a patron can check out a kite, tarot deck, toy, musical instrument, games and more. e program is o ered throughout the Anythink system.

e library system’s agship branch, located at Wright Farms, features a digital lab featuring video, audio and design software that allows teens to work on their digital editing skills and push their creativity. e agship branch also contains a one-acre park adjacent to the li-

Castle Rock Public Library, Douglas County Libraries

100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock, CO 80104

e new Phillip and Jerry Miller Library in Castle Rock was built in 2023 and was constructed with an emphasis on creating space for working adults, families and Douglas County history.

“ e Castle Rock location features two outdoor Aloha Plazas East and West, an interactive children’s play space called e Ranch, sponsored by Castle Rock Rotary Club, and DCL’s Archives & Local History, its collections and the Sjostrom History Lounge reading room,” said Melissa Anciaux, the sta writer for Douglas County Libraries.

e branch replaced the old Phillip S. Miller Library that stood at the same location.

Douglas County Libraries also partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which o ers books to children up to 5 years old that the youngsters are able to keep.

RIGHT : The Koelbel Library in Arapahoe County.

LEFT: The Castle Rock Library in Douglas County was built in 2023.

COURTESY PHOTOS

BY ARIANA FIGUEROA COLORADO NEWSLINE

DHS o ers $1,000 to immigrants who self-deport

WASHINGTON — e U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced May 5 that the agency will provide $1,000 in what it called “travel assistance” to people in the United States without permanent legal status if they self deport. It’s the latest attempt by DHS to try to meet the Trump administration’s goal of removing 1 million migrants without permanent legal status from the country. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem touted the option as cost-e ective.

“If you are here illegally, self-deportation is the best, safest and most cost-effective way to leave the United States to

ROOME

several things that we do, each example I shared made me smile as I thought about his antics and the games we play. e next day I was again trudging, doing some watering when Bear, as if right on cue, climbed a tree, looked at me, jumped down and climbed it again. It was as if he was reminding me about having fun and marking my victories. It was a simple moment of fun, it elicited a quick smile and a little laugh, and it made me appreciate the victory present in the fact that I could do the watering. e origins of our struggles are different, but there are moments in every struggle that make us feel like any action is di cult. When you hit your trudge

avoid arrest,” Noem said in a statement. “ is is the safest option for our law enforcement, aliens and is a 70% savings for US taxpayers.”

It’s unclear from which part of the DHS budget the funding for the travel assistance is coming, as it would roughly cost $1 billion to reimburse up to $1,000 to meet the goal of removing 1 million people.

DHS did not respond to States Newsroom’s request for comment.

President Donald Trump gave his support for the move Monday afternoon, according to White House pool reports.

“We’re going to get them a beautiful ight back to where they came from,” the president said.

spot and it feels like everything is a battle, I hope you will both take a moment to look at a list of your accomplishments and that you will nd a way to have some fun.

Moving through a struggle is easier when you can re ect on the progress you have made and nd a moment to smile.

I am not saying it is easy, but you have got this.

Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the one two punch of being diagnosed with MS shortly before his best friend was diagnosed with terminal cancer led him into a new pursuit as a freelance writer and speaker. He uses his life experiences and love of stories to inspire, educate and encourage local, national and international audiences. Contact him at jim.roome@gmail.com.

Self-deportation would be facilitated by the CBP Home app, which was used by the Biden administration to allow asylum seekers to make appointments with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. e payment would apparently not be made in advance. DHS said that once those who use the app to self deport arrive in their home country, they will receive a travel stipend of $1,000.

According to DHS, the Trump administration has deported 152,000 people since taking o ce in January. e Biden administration last year deported 195,000 people from February to April, according to DHS data.

DHS said already one migrant has used the program to book a ight from Chica-

ABOUT LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

go to Honduras.

“Additional tickets have already been booked for this week and the following week,” the agency said in a statement. e Trump administration has rolled out several programs to facilitate mass self-deportations, such as a registry to require immigrants in the country without legal authorization to register with the federal government.

Immigrants who don’t register with the federal government could face steep nes and a potential prison sentence. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.

Colorado Community Media welcomes letters to the editor. Please note 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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Thu 5/22

church �re

@ 6pm

Creepatorium, 1974 S Acoma St, Denver

Shift w/ Joy Orbison

@ 7:30pm

Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, Denver

Fri 5/23

Volunteer with Justice Necessary –Help Pack 1,000,000 Period Products for Colorado Students!

@ 8am

May 23rd - May 24th

7007 S Clinton St, 7007 South Clinton Street, Greenwood Village. period palooza@justicenecessary.org, 720344-6489

The Delores Project 25 Years of Building Belonging

@ 5pm / $125

Castle Rock Band Free Memorial Weekend Concert May 24

@ 1pm

Festival Park, 300 2nd Street, Castle Rock. ericastull@gmail.com, 303-8092959

CHITO RANA$ - EL CACHO @ 7pm

The Roxy Theater, 2549 Welton St, Denver

Rick Lewis Project Featuring Vince Converse - Gaylord Street Fair 2025 @ 7pm

Reivers Bar & Grill, 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver

Sun 5/25

Jeffrey Dallet

@ 2pm

Balfour at Littleton, 8160 W Coal Mine Ave, Littleton

Sparkle

@ 6pm

Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Kaya

@ 6pm

Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

The Bouncing Souls @ 6pm Ogden Theatre, 935 East Colfax, Den‐ver

Tue 5/27

Tony Medina Music: The Open Mic Hosted by Tony Medina @ 5:30pm The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton

Michael Sanzone @ 6pm

Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St,, Denver

The Black Keys: No Rain, No Flowers @ 7pm Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison

Mile High Station, 2027 West Colfax Avenue, Denver. lucas@thedelorespro ject.org, 303-534-5411

King Rat

@ 6:30pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Red Stinger

@ 6:30pm

Marquis Theater, 2009 Larimer St, Denver

Ninety Percent 90s

@ 8pm

Scruffy Murphy's, 2030 Larimer St, Denver

DeadPhish Orchestra

@ 8pm

Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Den‐

ver

Sat 5/24

Lies or Lullabies (featuring the music of Bryan Adams and John Mellencamp): The Tailgate Tavern

@ 5:15am Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker

Brad Paisley - Autographed Acoustic

Guitar Upgrade

@ 6:30pm

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison

Eric Golden @ 11am

Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centennial

Vince Converse and Big BrotherGaylord Street Fair 2025 @ 1pm

Mini bear @ 6pm

Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver

Bobcat, White Rose Motor Oil @ Your Mom's House, Denver CO @ 7pm

Your Mom's House, 608 E 13th Ave., Denver

Mon 5/26

Wed 5/28

Keith Hicks @ 3:30pm

Sonesta Denver Downtown, 1450 Glenarm Pl, Denver

Thu 5/29

GRIZZLY GOPHER AT TAKODA TAVERN/PARKER

@ 11am

Reiver's Bar and Grill, 1085 S Gaylord St, Denver

Neil Z @ Carillon at Belleview Station @ 3pm Carillon at Belleview Station, 4855 Niagara St, Denver

Takoda Tavern, 12311 Pine Bluffs Way # A, Parker

Mishka: Guest with Leftover Salmon / Kitchen Dwellers @ 3:30pm

Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison

ODD MOB @ 5pm 16th & Welton, 601-649 16th Street Mall, Denver

H2O @ 6pm Ogden Theatre, 935 E Colfax Ave, Denver

Tony Medina Music: The Blues Jam at The Alley hosted by Tony Medina @ 5pm

The Alley, 2420 W Main St, Littleton Eric Golden @ 6pm

Toley’s on the Creek, 16728 E Smoky Hill Rd Suite 11C, Centennial

1. MOVIES: What is the name of Han Solo’s ship in the “Star Wars” series?

2. TELEVISION: What is Ray Barone’s job on the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond”?

3. U.S. STATES: e Baltimore Ravens’ name is a nod to which past famous resident?

4. PSYCHOLOGY: What fear is represented in the condition called “alliumphobia”?

5. LITERATURE: Who created the ctional detective Lord Peter Wimsey?

6. GAMES: Which chess piece can’t move in a straight line?

7. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a baby mouse called?

8. SCIENCE: What does the acronym RNA stand for?

9. U.S. PRESIDENTS: Which president was the rst to wear contact lenses?

TrIVIa

10. ASTRONOMY: Which constellation contains Polaris, the North Star?

Answers

1. Millennium Falcon.

2. Sportswriter.

3. Edgar Allen Poe, who wrote the poem “ e Raven.”

4. Fear of garlic.

5. Dorothy L. Sayers.

6. Knight.

7. A pinky or pup.

8. Ribonucleic Acid.

9. Lyndon Johnson.

10. Ursa Minor ( e Little Dipper). (c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.

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Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

2 Day per week Early Childhood Special Education Teacher and Child Find Coordinator, for East Central BOCES for the 2025-2026 school year

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• Salary Range BA-$18,428-$20,948, dependent on experience

• Mileage reimbursement

• Flexible scheduling with the opportunity to complete some work at home.

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• Financial support may be available through grants if required to enroll in a Master’s degree program

• Questions contact Tracy (719) 775-2342 ext. 101.

To apply for this position, please visit our website ecboces.org and click on the “Jobs” page, click on the job you are interested in & then click on the grey button “Apply Online”, located at the bottom of the job listing. EOE

Part-Time Seasonal Public Works Crew Member

The Town of Kiowa is accepting applications for a part-time Seasonal Public Works Crew Member. Duties include maintaining parks, sidewalks, Town properties, and general Town beautification. This position will be required to assist with town events such as setting up/breaking down tents and trash removal. The applicant must be 18 years of age or older, have a High School Diploma or GED, and have a Valid Driver's License. Please see the attached supporting documents for the full job description and application. Applications are available online at the Town’s website at https://townofkiowa.colorado.gov/e mployment-volunteer or in person at Town Hall, located at 404 Comanche Street, Kiowa. Please submit an application by mail to Kim Boyd, Town Administrator, Town of Kiowa, PO Box 237, Kiowa, CO 80117; by email to kboyd@townofkiowa.com. open until filled.

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Garage and Estate Sales

Garage Sales

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Community Garage Sale! Hidden River II off Hilltop South of Tallman in Parker May 16th and 17th Oepns at 8:30am. Household items, clothes, vintage tools, large rug, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and so much more! Bargains Galore!

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PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE

Plaintiff: TOPAZ AT THE MALL II CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation v. Defendant: KEN WYBLE, an individual; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., a Virginia corporation; WELLS FARGO BANK, NA; and MICHAEL R. WESTERBERG in his capacity as the Arapahoe County Public Trustee.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:

Please take notice:

qualified for participation in the National Flood

Program. For more information on the proposed flood hazard determinations and information on the statutory 90-day period provided for appeals, please visit FEMA’s website at https://www.floodmaps.fema.gov/fhm/ BFE_Status/bfe_main.asp , or call the FEMA Mapping and Insurance eXchange (FMIX) toll free at 1-877-FEMA MAP (1-877-336-2627).

Legal Notice No. Arap 2507

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

District Court, Arapahoe County, State of Colorado 7325 S. Potomac St. Centennial, CO 80112

named estate are required to present them to

the Personal Representative, or to the Arapahoe County Justice Center of the County of Arapahoe, Colorado on or before September 15, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Personal Representative: Kurt H. Kindt

c/o Christopher M. Haws Taft Stettinius & Hollister L.L.P. 675 Fifteenth Street, Ste. 2300 Denver, Colorado 80202

Legal Notice No. Arap 2523

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

If any citizen believes they have property in the possession of the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office that can be identified, and for which they can show proof of ownership associated with a written report that has been filed with the Sheriff’s Office prior to this announcement, can contact the evidence section of the Sheriff’s Office. Joan Lopez, Clerk to the Board

This is to advise you that a Sheriff sale proceeding has been commenced through the office of the undersigned Sheriff pursuant to an ORDER FOR ENTRY OF DEFAULT JUDGMENT AND DECREE OF FORECLOSURE dated July 28, 2024 and C.R.S. § 38-38-101, et seq., by Topaz at the Mall II Condominium Association, Inc., a Colorado Nonprofit Corporation, the current holder and owner of a statutory lien, evidence of which was recorded April 6, 2023 at Reception No. E3022653 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder in the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado. The foreclosure was initiated due to Defendant Ken Wyble’s default under the covenants contained in the Condominium Declaration for Topaz at the Mall II Condominiums recorded June 30, 1983 at Reception No. 2295020, in Book 3901 at Page 196, in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Arapahoe, State of Colorado, as amended and supplemented, (the “Declaration”) and other governing documents, including failure to pay common expense assessments and fines. The outstanding principal balance of the secured indebtedness as of the date of this Combined Notice is $16,925.38. The Declaration establishes a lien for the benefit of Topaz at the Mall II Condominium Association, Inc. on all of the subject property and improvements legally described as follows:

CONDOMINIUM UNIT 16, BUILDING T, TOPAZ AT THE MALL II CONDOMINIUMS, ACCORDING TO THE CONDOMINIUM PLAT THEREOF RECORDED OCTOBER 28, 1983 UNDER RECEPTION NO. 2340612. ND ACCORDING TO AND SUBJECT TO THE CONDOMINIUM DECLARATION THEREFORE RECORDED ON JUNE 30, 1983 IN BOOK 3901 AT PAGE 196, AND SUPPLEMENT THERETO RECORDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1983 IN BOOK 3959 AT PAGE 127, COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO. Also known by street and number as 185 South Sable Blvd. – T16, Aurora, CO 80012. THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN.

Notice is hereby given that the following public hearing will be held by the City of Littleton at the Littleton Center, 2255 West Berry Avenue, Littleton, Colorado:

To consider an application for a Conceptual Master Development Plan for property at approximately S. Platte River Pkwy. and W. Phillips Ave. (Case No. MDP23-0006).

All those wishing to be heard should be present at the time and place stated.

COMMISSION

Hearing at 6:30 p.m. on May 29, 2025

For more information, call the Littleton Planning Division at 303-795-3748 or contact city staff: Zareen Tasneem, ztasneem@littletonco. gov. Further information regarding the project may be found on the city’s Development Activity List on http:// www.littletonco.gov/dal.

The Sheriff’s sale has been scheduled to occur at 10:00 a.m. on June 26, 2025, at 13101 East Broncos Parkway, Centennial, Colorado 80112. At the sale, the Sheriff will sell the real property described above, and the improvements thereon, to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale.

**BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE MINIMUM BID AT TIME OF SALE.

**

All telephone inquiries for information should be directed to the office of the undersigned Sheriff at (720) 874-3845. The name, address and telephone number of the attorney representing the legal owner of the above-described lien is:

Alan D. Sweetbaum, Esq. Sweetbaum Miller PC 1200 17th Street, Suite 1250 Denver, CO 80202 (720) 874-3600

Dated: March 25, 2025

Tyler S. Brown, Sheriff Arapahoe County, Colorado

By: Sgt. Trent Steffa, Deputy Sheriff

Legal Notice No. Arap

Areas of Arapahoe County, Colorado, and Case No. 24-08-0576P. The Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) solicits technical information or comments on proposed flood hazard determinations for the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), and where applicable, the Flood Insurance Study (FIS) report for your community. These flood hazard determinations may include the addition or modification of Base Flood Elevations, base flood depths, Special Flood Hazard Area boundaries or zone designations, or the regulatory floodway. The FIRM and,

In re: the Allocation of Parental Responsibilities

Petitioner: Dani Rayne Cooper

Respondent: Hayden Thomas Carter and John Doe

Counsel for Petitioner: ROBINSON & HENRY, P.C. Kevin J. Farrell | #27091

Robert Pomper | #41887

7555 E. Hampden Avenue, Suite 600 Denver, Colorado 80231 (303) 688-0944

Kevin.Farrell@robinsonandhenry.com

Robert.Pomper@robinsonandhenry.com

Case No: 24DR31834 Div.: 35

SUMMONS FOR PETITION FOR ALLOCATION OF PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES TO RESPONDENT JOHN DOE

To the Respondent, John Doe, named above this Summons serves as a notice to appear in this case.

If you were served in the State of Colorado, you must file your Response with the clerk of this Court within 21 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.

If you were served outside of the State of Colorado or you were served by publication, you must file your Response with the clerk of this Court within 35 days after this Summons is served on you to participate in this action.

You may be required to pay a filing fee with your Response. The Response form (JDF 1420) can be found at www.courts.state.co.us by clicking on the “Self Help/Forms” tab.

The Petition requests that the Court enter a Order addressing issues involving the children such as, child support, allocation of parental responsibilities, (decision-making and parenting time), attorney fees, and costs to the extent the Court has jurisdiction.

Notice: Colorado Revised Statutes §14-10123, provides that upon the filing of a Petition for Allocation of Parental Responsibilities by the Petitioner and Co-Petitioner, or upon personal service of the Petition and Summons on the Respondent, or upon waiver and acceptance of service by the Respondent, an automatic temporary injunction shall be in effect against both parties until the Final Order is entered, or the Petition is dismissed, or until further Order of the Court. Either party may apply to the Court for further temporary orders, an expanded automatic temporary injunction, or modification or revocation under §14-10-125, C.R.S.

A request for genetic tests shall not prejudice the requesting party in matters concerning allocation of parental responsibilities pursuant to §14-10-124(1.5), C.R.S. If genetic tests are not obtained prior to a legal establishment of paternity and submitted into evidence prior to the entry of the final order, the genetic tests may not be allowed into evidence at a later date.

Automatic Temporary Injunction – By Order of Colorado law, you and the other parties:

1. Are enjoined from molesting or disturbing the peace of the other party; and

2. Are restrained from removing the minor child(ren) from the state without the consent of all parties or an Order of the Court modifying the injunction; and

3. Are restrained, without at least 14 days advance notification and the written consent of all other parties or an Order of the Court, from cancelling, modifying, terminating, or allowing to lapse for nonpayment of premiums, any policy of health insurance or life insurance that provides coverage to the minor child(ren) as a beneficiary of a policy.

If you fail to file a Response in this case, any or all of the matters above, or any related matters which come before this Court, may be decided without further notice to you.

Respectfully submitted April 7, 2025.

ROBINSON & HENRY, P.C. /s/ Kevin J. Farrell

Kevin J. Farrell | # 27091

Legal Notice No. Arap 2482

First Publication: April 24, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

Estate of Roderick James McDonald III, a/k/a Roderick J. McDonald, a/k/a Roderick McDonald, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30415

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 8, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Rob McDonald, Personal Representative C/O Brandon D. Rains, Esq. 4600 South Syracuse Street, 9th Floor Denver, Colorado 80246

Legal Notice No. Arap 2508

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Marilyn Bernice Hoffman, AKA Marilyn B Hoffman, AKA Marilyn Hoffman, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30439

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 15, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Kimberly Raemdonck, Attorney for Personal Representative, Marietta K. Klodt 2485 W Main Street, Suite 200 Littleton, CO 80120

Legal Notice No. Arap 2521

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of JONATHAN ANDREW SIGLER, aka JONATHAN A. SIGLER, aka JONATHAN SIGLER, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR030372

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 15, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Julius A. Sigler, Jr., Personal Representative c/o Nicole Andrzejewski 5347 S. Valentia Way, Ste. 335 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. Arap 2520

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of JENNIFER LEE ROBERTSON, a/k/a JENNNIFER L. ROBERTSON, a/k/a JENNIFER ROBERTSON, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30447

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 15, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Jeanne Robertson Personal Representative 7575 South Telluride Court Centennial, Colorado 80016

Legal Notice No. Arap 2517

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Mark Christopher Valentine, aka Mark C. Valentine, aka Mark Valentine, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30379

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before 09/08/2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

James McQuade Attorney to the Personal Representative 12737 E. Euclid Drive Centennial, CO 80111

Legal Notice No. Arap 2503 First Publication: May 8, 2025 Last Publication: May 22, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Carl W. Lane, aka Carl Wayne Lane, aka Carl Lane, aka Wayne Lane, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR30435

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 15, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Pamela Annette Hawkins and Gaelen Wayne Lane, Co-Personal Representatives c/o Seth M. Katz, Esq., Reg. No. 34888 KATZ, LOOK & ONORATO, P.C. 1120 Lincoln Street, Suite 1100 Denver, Colorado 80203

Legal Notice No. Arap 2518

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Englewood Herald

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of John Robert (Bob) Hamner, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR159

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 1, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Naomi Rubin, Personal Representative 6495 S. Clarkson Street Centennial. CO 80121

Legal Notice No. Arap 2472

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Anthony Cannon, Deceased Case No.: N/A

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative on or before September 8, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Ingrid Cannon, Personal Representative 3013 S. Jericho Ct. Aurora, Colorado 80013

Legal Notice No. Arap 2504 First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Englewood Herald

Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Steven Wayne Hibbert, aka Steven W. Hibbert, aka Steve W. Hibbert, aka Steve Hibbert, Deceased. Case Number: 2025PR30373.

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court, Arapahoe County, Colorado or on or before September 2, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

/s/ NADYA VECCHIET-LAMBERT, ESQ. Attorney for Sean Hibbert, Personal Representative 6855 South Havana Street Suite 370 Centennial, CO 80112

Legal Notice No. Arap 2477

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Randall Strong Stites, a/k/a Randall S. Stites, a/k/a Randall Stites, a/k/a Randy Stites, Deceased Case Number: 2025PR030371

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before 09/08/2025 or the claims may be forever barred.

Leslie A. Frost Attorney to the Personal Representative 6898 S. University Blvd. Ste. 110 Centennial, CO 80122

Legal Notice No.

All persons having claims against the above-

PUBLIC NOTICES

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Publication: May 15, 2025 Publisher: Littleton Independent

NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on May 1, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Nancy Lynn Schlie be changed to Nancy Lynn Christensen Case No.: 25C100350

By: Sarah Ingemansen Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2541

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 21, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Angelo Enrique Rios be changed to Adam Luxson Lenaya Case No.: 25C100349

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2527

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 17, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Skyler Mia Elena Avila be changed to Skyler Mia Elena Guerrero Case No.: 2025C100320

By: Ivan Marchena

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2500

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 11, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Elmer Asbury Smith III be changed to Tre Smith Case No.: 2025C100298

By: Sarah Ingemansen

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2475

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2471

Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 14, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Kristofer R Kogan be changed to Kristofer R Torosyan Case No.: 25C100315

By: Kim Boswell

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2505

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

Public Notice

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 10, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Mark Alton Reed be changed to Elliot Mark Reed Case No.: 25C100307

By: Kim Boswell

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2479

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 17, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of a minor child has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Sumaya Arab Mohumed be changed to Sumaya Hajir Dahir

Case No.: 25 C 100337

By: Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap1234

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on May 2, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Ashley Marie Stock be changed to Ashley M. Hardman Trujillo CASE NUMBER: 2025C38375

By: Kim Boswell

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2538

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent

Public Notice

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 14, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has

been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Xiomara Jeamileth Jimenez be changed to Xiomara Jeamileth Pritchett

Case No.: 25C100313

By: Kim Boswell

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2478

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE OF PETITION FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Public Notice is given on 5/6/2025 that a Petition for a Change of Name of an Adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County District Court.

The Petition requests that the name of KIERSTEN ELYSE MINER be changed to KIERSTEN ELYSE LIZARDO

Case Number: 25CV30989

By:

Clerk of Court/Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2529

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 7, 2025, that a

Petition for a Change of Name has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Debra Ann Thoelke be changed to Debbie Ann Thoelke Case No.: 25C100284

By: Lily F.

Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2468

First Publication: May 1, 2025

Last Publication: May 15, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petition for Change of Name

Public notice is given on April 14, 2025, that a Petition for a Change of Name of an adult has been filed with the Arapahoe County Court.

The petition requests that the name of Vincent Alan McDonough be changed to Vincent Alan Maes Case No.: 2025C100319

By: Clerk of Court / Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. Arap 2515

First Publication: May 15, 2025

Last Publication: May 29, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Children Services

Arapahoe County, Colorado 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112

In the Interests of: Manuel Raul Vargas

Party: Ines Xilotencatl-Lima

Phone Number: 720620-2906

E-mail: sheccidmexico@yahoo.com

Case Number: 24PR575 Division: 12

NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION

PURSUANT TO § 15-10-401, C.R.S.

To: Raul Manuel Vargas and Elizabeth Summer

Last Known Address, if any: Unknown A hearing on 06/17/2025 for Appointment of a Guardian - Minor Manuel Raul Vargas

will be held at the following time and location or at a later date to which the hearing may be continued:

Date: June 17, 2025 Time: 3 p.m.

Division: 12

Arapahoe County, Colorado 7325 South Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112

The hearing will take approximately 45 minutes.

Legal Notice No. Arap 2502

First Publication: May 8, 2025

Last Publication: May 22, 2025

Publisher: Littleton Independent Public Notice

Colorado Christian Services 3959 E Arapahoe Rd #200 Centennial, CO 8012 (303) 761-7236

Kathryn A. Stafford Attorneys for Colorado Christian Services Grob & Eirich, LLC 12596 W Bayaud Ave., Suite 390 Lakewood, CO 80228 (303) 679-8266

NOTICE OF ANTICIPATED EXPEDITED RELINQUISHMENT OF THE PARENT- CHILD LEGAL RELATIONSHIP

TO: Any and All Unknown Birth Fathers, Respondents YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED, PURSUANT TO C.R.S. § 19-5-103.7, AS FOLLOWS:

1. You have been identified by Aria Leona Peters as the possible birth father of her child, Tessa Lanai Vaughn, who was born on June 5, 2024 in Colorado.

2. Ms. Peters plans to relinquish her parental rights to the child on an expedited basis in the Arapahoe County District Court, State of Colorado, where the adoption agency has an office, pursuant to C.R.S. § 19-5-103.5 in order to make the child available for adoption.

Placing a child for adoption requires termination of the birth mother and alleged birth father(s) parent-child legal relationships. Termination of parental rights means that pursuant to a court order, all rights powers, privileges, immunities, duties and obligations existing between a parent and a child are permanently severed, except for inheritance rights, which will be severed at the time of the final decree of adoption. Upon termination of parental rights, a parent shall: (a) no longer have the right to custody of, or parenting time with the child; (b) no longer have the right to any information concerning the whereabouts,

3. A