Students use nature to address icy roads
STEM students show how biological adaptations can inspire functional designs
BY HALEY LENA
Taking inspiration from items such as mint leaves and cicadas, two students at STEM School Highlands Ranch are introducing a nature-based approach to address an ongoing nationwide problem: icy roads.
Today’s solutions to improve icy roads include antiicing solutions such as salt or sand. But seventh graders
Aarna Varre and Anirudh Rao argue those solutions are ineffective, expensive and harm the environment.
Over the course of a year, Varre and Rao studied biological surfaces that have natural hydrophobic and ice-resistant properties. With these, they invented concepts for improving roadways to help prevent crashes during rain and snowstorms.
“In Colorado, we’re sur-
rounded by mountains, rivers and lakes, and we wanted to show the world how amazing Mother Nature is and how it has its own solution to problems that humans are still working out,” Varre said. Varre and Rao are one of eight student teams who traveled to Washington, D.C. in early June to receive an award for their project in one of the world’s largest K-12 science competitions — the 33rd annual ExploraVision Competition.
Ranging from healthcare to transportation, students had to produce a system or a technology with the potential to solve a challenge in the world today and in the future. eir innovations were judged by a panel of scientists across various sectors of the government, such as NASA, the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health.
Celebrations of Fourth set across Douglas County Fireworks, food, family fun will be
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
When it comes to Fourth of July celebrations, there’s a cathartic feeling one gets when they take part in local barbecue, games and activities. However, others may want to explore what other towns or cities have to o er.
To help plan out an exciting and memorable day, there are numerous ways for families, teens and adults to celebrate Independence Day all day long across Douglas County.
Castle Rock
One of Castle Rock’s most exciting free summer events, First Fridays, just so happens to fall on the Fourth of July this year.
Starting at 3 p.m. at Festival Park, there will be a 5K for the entire family.
Once the workout is complete, reward yourself with some tasty food and beverages from various food trucks, then have some fun exploring activities and games.
And if you’re a fan of old-school country and rock n’ roll, then stick around, because at 6 p.m., Ryan Chrys & the Rough Cuts will be taking the stage.
“You can just have an idea, and that’s good enough for the future,” said Rao. “You can improve on it.”
Pure curiosity It wasn’t a homework assignment or a class project that inspired Varre and Rao to look into the issue of solving dangerous icy roads. It was pure curiosity.
“We’re always driving and noticing how dangerous icy roads can be,” said Varre. “One day, we just thought maybe there could be a type of way to x the solution.”
Rao added that instead of waiting for the opportunity to come to them, they would start making it happen.
Fireworks are set to start when night falls, between 9-9:30 p.m. Starting with a three-shot salute, the 15-minute show will shoot o from the former Acme Brick facility on Prairie Hawk Drive.
Other viewing areas include Metzler Ranch Community Park, Miller Activity Complex, areas of the Red Hawk neighborhood and Rock Park.
For weather updates, check facebook. com/crgov.
Highlands Ranch
One of the earliest celebrations in the county kicks o at 7:30 a.m. in Highlands Ranch with the annual Independence Day 5K.
It doesn’t matter if you are an elite runner or just like to take a casual jog, the 5K is for everyone — including children and furry friends.
Starting on Dorchester Street, the course takes participants north to Plaza Drive and back to Town Center South via Broadway and Highlands Ranch Parkway before coming back to Dorchester Street.
Along the way, if you spot a hidden red, white and blue kettlebell and bring it to the nish line, you are eligible to win $100. e lucky kettlebell locator won’t be the only winner — medals will be awarded for the top three partici-
Anirudh Rao, left, and Aarna Varre present their Biometric Surfaces project in Washington, D.C. in early June.
COURTESY OF ROXIE BUSTAMANTE
Examples of the patterns embedded in asphalt that help increase friction and reduce ice adhesion. PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Open-meetings plainti s lose another round
Colorado Court of Appeals denies bid to stay order
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
e three Douglas County residents suing the Douglas County commissioners over alleged violations of open meetings law have lost their third round in court, this time at the Colorado Court of Appeals.
In late April, Rep. Bob Marshall, DHighlands Ranch, former Douglas County Commissioner Lora omas and Lone Tree resident Julie Gooden led a lawsuit in Douglas County District Court, accusing the commissioners of violating open meetings law and requesting to have the home rule resolution passed on March 25 to be null and voided.
In May, the district court found there was no violation of open meetings law, and on June 8, it refused to issue an injunction against the county commissioners pending appeal. en on June 17, the Court of Appeals denied a motion to stay the district court’s order.
New law allows donation of unused prescriptions
Medications would go to uninsured patients under new Colorado legislation
BY SARA WILSON NEWSLINE
A new Colorado law will let people donate their unused and unopened prescription drugs so that other patients can access them for free or a minimal cost.
Gov. Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25289 into law, which establishes the state’s drug donation program.
“Every year, the United States spends billions to dispose of unused prescription medicines from nursing homes, assisted living residences, hospices, and jails,” bill sponsor Sen. Lisa Cutter, a Jefferson County Democrat, said in a statement. “Additionally, many left-over prescriptions are ushed down the toilet or thrown into the trash, which causes immeasurable harm to our environment and water supply. With this new law, we are creating a program to reduce waste, protect the environment, and help Coloradans access the medication they need.”
e bill was also sponsored by Rep. Kyle Brown, a Louisville Democrat, and Rep. Emily Sirota, a Denver Democrat. It passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
e program relies on the work from a task force on the issue created in 2022. Colorado technically already allows for
BY DELILAH BRUMER NEWSLINE
Just 21% of Colorado voters want Congress to decrease Medicaid spending, according to a recently-released poll.
Concerns about gutted health care access come as U.S. Senate Republican leaders work to push through a tax and spending bill that would cut Medicaid by an estimated $625 billion over the next decade.
e poll zeroed in on the 8th Congressional District, which includes the northern Denver metro area and parts of Weld County. In the district, where 1 in 4 residents receive Medicaid bene ts, 63% of voters said they would be less likely to vote for a candidate who voted to cut Medicaid.
e 8th District is represented by Republican Gabe Evans, who voted in favor of the plan that would reduce federal Medicaid spending when it was brought to the U.S. House of Representatives in May.
re-dispensing of medication under limited circumstances, but there isn’t an easy mechanism for patients to access those drugs. ere is one program in the state, at a clinic in Colorado Springs, that accepts donated medications from nursing homes.
Under the new law, individuals and institutions such as long-term care facilities, nursing homes and prisons will be able to more easily donate medicine to hospitals, clinics and pharmacies. at medicine would then be used to ll prescriptions for low-income and uninsured patients.
In 2021, about 10% of Coloradans did not ll a prescription because of cost, according to a report from the Colorado Health Institute.
e program won’t allow for the donation of opioids, scheduled medications
A Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment medication collection box. A new law allows residents to donate unused medication rather than having to dispose of them. FILE PHOTO
and medicines that require special storage conditions unless the recipient can ensure correct storage. e recipient of the donated drugs will be required to keep records of donations, keep the donated drugs separate from regular stock and have a licensed pharmacist inspect the donation.
Forty- ve states have drug repository programs in place, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, though the program scopes vary. Georgia’s program, for example, has lled over 981,000 prescriptions worth more than $78 million over eight years. Wyoming’s program has existed since 2007 and has helped about 29,000 patients. is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
Support for Medicaid cuts is low in Colorado
A spokesperson for Evans defended the vote, saying a proposed provision to institute part-time work requirements for some people to retain Medicaid eligibility would make “the program more e cient by cutting out fraud, waste, and abuse.”
“Congressman Gabe Evans has been steadfast in his support of protecting Medicaid for the vulnerable populations it was created to serve — pregnant women, kids, and disabled people,” said spokesperson Delanie Bomar in a statement. Evans, who was elected to the House last year, represents one of the country’s few congressional swing districts. According to the poll, 42% of voters in the district want to see increased federal Medicaid spending, 20% want it to stay about the
same and 28% want it to decrease.
Medicaid, the state-federal health care program for lower-income people and some with disabilities, serves more than 70 million U.S. residents.
e poll of 675 registered Colorado voters was conducted by Broom eld-based
rm Magellan Strategies on behalf of the nonpro t Healthier Colorado. It has a margin of error of 3.7%.
“Politicians are saying that they want to cut Medicaid to make it better, but the poll shows clearly that voters aren’t buying what they’re selling,” said Jake Williams, CEO of Healthier Colorado. “It shows that there’s real political peril for any candidate who votes to cut Medicaid.”
Bomar pointed to the poll’s ndings that many respondents, especially those who are Republicans or una liated, said Medicaid “should only be for U.S. citizens or legal residents, with some calling for stricter eligibility enforcement.”
Immigrants who are in the U.S. unlawfully are not eligible for federal Medicaid bene ts, but Colorado and 13 other states provide some state-funded coverage to immigrants lacking permanent legal status. Under the proposed federal cuts, an estimated 7.8 million people, most of them citizens or lawful residents, would lose access to Medicaid, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Of-
Some of the main reasons cited in the poll by respondents who said they have favorable opinions of Medicaid are the bene ts it provides to low-income Coloradans, seniors, children, people with disabilities and single parents.
“ e poll shows that Medicaid cuts would have devastating e ects for both our health and economy here in Colorado,” Williams said. “I also think it shows that Colorado voters aren’t dummies.” is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
More Buyers Are Choosing ARMs — Here’s Why It Might Be a Smart Strategy
Adjustable Rate Mortgages (or ARMs) were commonly used by purchasers from 2004 to 2006. Roughly 35% of mortgages originated during those years were “adjustable.” After the 2008 housing/ fiscal crisis, caused in part by risky mortgage loan products including ARMs, the number of ARM transactions made in the U.S. plummeted. But now we are seeing a resurgence of them.
As in the past, Jaxzann Riggs, owner of The Mortgage Network, helped me with the current situation so I could share it with you.
What Exactly Is an ARM?
Until recently there was not much incentive for borrowers to consider an ARM because (unlike the ARMs offered 2004-2008) there was virtually no disparity between rates offered on ARMs, and those offered on a 30-year fixed rate loan. In the past 30 days that has changed. As of June 15th, Mortgage Daily News reported an average rate of 6.88% and 6.90% for a 30-year fixed rate loan versus 6.625% and 6.45% being offered on a 5-year Adjustable Rate Mortgage.
An ideal ARM borrower often:
Plans to live in the home for fewer than 5, 7 or 10 years;
Ultimately, the risks of an ARM are manageable, providing you understand and plan for them.
An ARM is a home loan with an interest rate that adjusts over time. Historically, you start with a lower, fixed interest rate for a set period — typically 5, 7, or 10 years — and then the rate adjusts at regular intervals based on market conditions.
For example, a 7/1 ARM locks in your rate for seven years, then adjusts annually. A 10/6 ARM is at a fixed rate for 10 years, then adjusts every six months. These loans are structured with caps to limit how much your rate (and payment) can increase at each adjustment or over the life of the loan.
Why More Buyers Are Taking a Second Look at ARMs
Many purchasers anticipate rate cuts ahead. By using an ARM now, they will enjoy a slightly lower rate during the initial fixed period. Some have the hope that, instead of increasing on the adjustment date, the rate will remain the same or possibly come down. Experts say that the current flatter yield curve supports that theory.
While ARMs aren’t one-size-fits-all, they make a lot of sense for certain buyers, especially those with short- to mid-term homeownership plans or who are financially stable enough to absorb a future rate increase if needed.
Has a stable income and good credit or anticipates increases in income that would allow them to keep up with increases, in case their bet on the direction of rates turns out to be wrong;
Has a financial safety net in case payments rise; and
Understands how interest rate adjustments work.
This isn’t about gambling on the market, it’s about strategic planning. That’s where an experienced mortgage loan officer becomes invaluable. They can help you compare options, understand caps and margins, and decide whether an ARM aligns with your financial goals.
ARMs today are far more borrowerfriendly than they were in decades past. Most no longer carry prepayment penalties, and most feature rate caps that protect against sharp increases. And if rates go down, you may even benefit from lower payments and, of course, borrowers always have the option to refinance at a fixed rate when the time is right.
The Bottom Line
In a high-cost housing market like Denver’s, flexibility matters. An adjustable-rate mortgage could be a smart, strategic choice; especially when guided by the right mortgage professional. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, or simply exploring ways to maximize your budget, it’s worth having a conversation with a trusted loan officer.
Jaxzann Riggs and her team at The Mortgage Network have helped thousands of Colorado homebuyers find the right loan for their life plans—whether that’s an ARM or something else entirely. To explore your options and see if an ARM could work for you, call Jaxzann on her cell, (303) 990-2992 or visit www.TheMortgageNetworkOnline.com
With Temperatures Rising, Homeowners Without Air Conditioning Are Asking What’s the Best Way to Add It
I have a listing coming up later this summer in the Beverly Heights section of Golden. It has hot water baseboard heating, which is wonderful, but that means there are no ducts to distribute air from an A/C compressor.
Homes with forced air heating systems have it easy. A “chiller” connected to an outdoor A/C compressor can be mounted above the firebox for a few thousand dollars. It uses the same ducts as the furnace, and the forced air unit becomes an “air handler” for delivering the cooled air.
I have previously promoted the idea of using a heat pump to drive that “chiller” unit. Not only does it provide needed cooling, but the heat pump can also provide efficient heating in the winter, leaving the gas furnace idle or used only when it’s colder than the heat pump can handle (below 0º F with today’s cold climate heat pumps).
But what if there are no ducts, as in my listing in Beverly Heights?
The answer depends partly on the style of the house. Is it one-story, two-story, or splitlevel? The one-story home is easiest to accommodate with a ductless solution. An A/C compressor can be mounted on the roof, with an air handler in the attic below it. From there, flexible round ducts (not rectangular metal ducts) can direct that air to ceiling vents in the living area and the separate bedrooms, with a return air vent somewhere in between, such as in the ceiling of a hallway.
Alternatively (my preference), a groundmounted heat pump compressor can be positioned on an unobtrusive side of the house, with two hoses going to each of the wallmounted “mini splits” in those same rooms. The hoses are hidden in square conduits, usually white, measuring 3 or 4 inches square, running around the house at ground level and
then up the exterior walls to where the inside mini-split units are located.
I was fortunate to have a flat roof on my former office building, and I was able to put the compressor on the roof and run the two homes to three different mini-splits entirely on the roof, eliminating those visible conduits.
The conduits don’t have to be run outside, and the mini-splits don’t have to be on an exterior wall. If you visit the Golden Diner at 11th & Jackson in downtown Golden, notice the mini-split on the wall between the kitchen and the serving area.
In a two-story or split-level home, a roofmount compressor with an air handler in the attic becomes less optimal. However, it can still work. Cold air pumped into the top level can settle downward, cooling lower levels. An evaporative cooler (aka “swam cooler”) can work even better, because you can control where the cold air goes by which windows
New Energy Colorado Honors Former Gov. Bill Ritter
At its annual Summer Solstice Party at the Retreat at Solterra, New Energy Colorado presented former Governor Bill Ritter with a “Lifetime Achievement Award,” citing him for “Leading Colorado Towards a Clean Energy Economy.” Left to right, NEC board member Nancy Kellogg and VP Rebecca Cantwell are shown making the presentation. Ritter gave a keynote speech thanking NEC for its advocacy over the years and emphasized the importance of groups like NEC remaining vocal, “especially in these times.”
As governor, he embraced and presided over the evolution toward green energy, and he has advocated for it ever since leaving office in 2011.
The event, held annually on the longest day of the year, is NEC’s primary fundraiser, supporting its Metro Denver and Arkansas Valley Green Homes Tours. The Denver tour is held on the first Saturday in October.
you open. That’s because there is no “return air” with a swamp cooler. It pumps outside air into the house, and you have to provide ways for that air to escape after doing its job of cooling the interior.
If you’re new to Colorado and came here from a locale with high summer humidity (Brooklyn, in my case), you may not be familiar with evaporative cooling. It works in the same way that a rain shower works. As the rain falls, it evaporates, thereby cooling the outside air. In a swamp cooler, a pump circulates a reservoir of water through membranes on the sides of the unit. A squirrel fan draws outside air through those water-soaked membranes, cooling the air by 10 or more degrees and pumps that cooled air into the home. The lower the outdoor humidity and the faster the fan, the more cooling you get.
But that air has to escape and it will travel through your home based on where there’s an open window. Four inches is the prescribed size of windows openings, and you can secure your window so an intruder cannot open it further and perhaps install an alarm.
The downside of the swamp cooler is that it requires occasional service, and if the unit is on the roof, that can be difficult or dangerous. The water in the reservoir, which is replenished constantly by a 1/4-inch supply pipe from inside your home, becomes dirty over time because of the soot that is being removed from the outside air by the water-
soaked membranes through which the air is being pumped. At the end of each cooling season and a couple times during the season, that water needs to be drained, and the membranes rinsed clean or replaced and the reservoir cleaned. At the end of the season, the reservoir and the supply pipe need to be drained to avoid freezing.
A heat-pump system with up to five minsplit wall units can work fine on a 2-story or split-level home. The conduits from the compressor to the wall units just have to run further up the outside of the house. At left is a picture of such a compressor with four wall units, each with its own thermostat. That’s the best thing about such a system. You could have the mini-split in your bedroom set at 70 degrees overnight and the other wall units off or set higher. This is far more efficient than cooling your entire house when you go to bed, whatever system you are using.
Trump Can Replace Fed Chair Next Year — What That Could Mean for Real Estate On my blog, I have a link to an interesting article from Brad at “Briefcase: Real Estate News” about Trump’s pressure on Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell to drastically reduce interest rates or resign. Powell says he won’t resign, but his term is up in 2026, and Trump is sure to replace him with someone like Treasury Secretary Bessent who would do his bidding. See http://RealEstateToday.substack.com
A 5-BR Golden Home With a True Chef’s Kitchen
$1,495,000
Homes in this late ’90s subdivision backing to the foothills come on the market rarely and sell quickly. This one at 165 Washington Street is especially sweet, with the most awesome chef’s kitchen you’ve likely ever seen. Beautiful maple hardwood floors grace the main level, with newer carpeting upstairs and in the walk-out basement. The Table Mountain views from every level, but especially from the primary suite, will take your breath away. If you’re a soccer fan, the posters and awards in the main-floor study will leave you wishing for autographs! A narrated video walk-through with drone footage can be viewed online at www.GRElistings.com. Or call your agent or Jim Smith at 303-525-1851 to schedule a private showing.
A single heat pump can drive up to 5 mini-splits, each with its own wireless thermostat.
Minnesota shootings rattle Colorado lawmakers
O cials ask for information to be removed from state’s campaign finance website
BY DELILAH BRUMER COLORADO NEWSLINE
More than 40 Colorado elected o cials have requested the redaction of their addresses and other personal information from the state’s online campaign nance database. e Colorado secretary of state suspended the website on June 14, due to safety concerns in the aftermath of shootings targeting two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers earlier that day.
Melissa Hortman, the Minnesota House Democratic leader, and her husband Mark Hortman were shot and killed by a man who came to their home posing as a police o cer, federal o cials said. Vance Boelter, 57, faces charges for the murders, as well as for the shootings of Minnesota Sen. John Ho man and his wife Yvette Ho man, who are expected to recover.
Colorado lawmakers have condemned the shootings, and many are taking additional safety precautions. Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Democrat from Dillon, said in a statement that “what happened in Minnesota has shaken us to our very core.”
“Our democracy is based on the idea that we resolve our di erences through peaceful debate and in courts, elected bodies, state legislatures and the halls of Congress, not political violence,” she said.
Colorado Senate President James Cole-
man, a Denver Democrat, said he has “been in close and ongoing communication” with the Colorado State Patrol, and he has adjusted his driving patterns when going to work, for safety reasons.
“ is assassination and targeted attack in Minnesota was a tragedy and a disturbing escalation of political violence in our country,” Coleman said. “It’s understandable that legislators are concerned for their safety and the safety of their fami-
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Colorado political candidates submit their campaign nance information, which is posted in the online database, known as TRACER, to comply with state election transparency laws. e website includes their home addresses, phone numbers and other personal information. e secretary of state is allowing lawmakers to redact personal information online that is not required to be public
based on a campaign nance rule that protects “any person who believes their safety or the safety of an immediate family member may be in jeopardy.”
A spokesperson for the Colorado secretary of state’s o ce said there is not a speci c time anticipated for when TRACER will be online again, but it will be “back up soon.”
Colorado House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, a Colorado Springs Republican, said in a statement about the Minnesota shootings that “violence has no place in our politics. Not now. Not ever.”
“ is is an unconscionable act of violence,” Pugliese said. “ ere is absolutely no justi cation for targeted attacks on elected o cials — or anyone — based on their political beliefs. Our nation was built on civil discourse and the peaceful exchange of ideas, not horri c acts of violence. We are keeping the families of Rep. Hortman and Senator Ho man in our prayers.”
Coleman called for respect and less negativity in political interactions nationwide. He emphasized that he serves both Democrats and Republicans, and said the safety of all state lawmakers, as well as Coloradans as a whole, is a top priority.
“I keep my head on a swivel,” Coleman said. “We always need to be aware of our surroundings and not get caught o guard, but we can’t live in fear. We focus on what we can control.”
is story is from Colorado Newsline. Used by permission. For more, and to support the news organization, visit coloradonewsline.com.
The Colorado state Capitol, pictured in 2023.
PHOTO BY ELLIS ARNOLD
Hyundai, Kia one out of every five stolen cars in state
Colorado State Patrol shares tips for drivers
BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
All vehicle owners can bene t by being protective of their cars and trucks, but Hyundai and Kia models are especially vulnerable to theft in Colorado.
e Colorado State Patrol says that Hyundai and Kia represent nearly one out of every ve stolen cars in Colorado. Also, vehicles using a physical key for operation continue to be largely targeted by car thieves across the Denver Metro area, the CSP states in a news release.
e theft of Hyundais and Kias is also linked to organized crime in Colorado and is the focus of the Colorado Auto eft Prevention Authority — Metropolitan Auto eft Taskforce, the news release states.
“ ese stolen cars are then used to commit other crimes across the Front Range,” the news release states. “From dangerous driving to business burglaries and beyond, preventing auto theft saves more than just a car: it makes our entire state safer.”
e CSP lists several precautions owners can take to keep their vehicles safe and o Colorado’s “Top Ten Most Stolen Cars” list.
ose include locking your car and taking your keys with you. Never leave a running car unattended. ey also suggest parking in a garage or a secure parking lot when possible, or in an area under constant supervision.
Another tip is to keep your car clean. ieves hate clean cars and especially clean interiors. Anything left unsecured in a vehicle incentivizes a thief to target your car instead of a clean one.
Owners of a Hyundai or Kia should check with their local manufacturer service center to determine if their vehicle quali es for a security software update.
e State Patrol also suggests drivers of those cars or of any car on the top list should use a steering wheel lock, which is available from many local Police Departments. Drivers should also use technology like a GPS tag or enroll in programs like Denver Track or Metro Track.
Use physical vehicle theft prevention devices, such as parking boots, gear shift/ pedal locks, and others, to stop thieves and alarms and immobilizing devices from a trusted installer.
Peter McNeilly is chosen as U.S. attorney
Appointee for Colorado has fought cartels, focused on fentanyl prosecutions
BY DYLAN LOTTS
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Peter McNeilly to serve as the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado.
McNeilly was sworn in by United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico on June 16.
Before his appointment, McNeilly
served as an assistant United States attorney in Colorado since 2014. As a federal prosecutor, McNeilly focused on pursuing members of Mexican drug cartels, reducing violent crime and combating the increase in fentanylrelated deaths, which has made him one of the leading fentanyl prosecutors in the state. As a supervisor within the U.S. Attorney’s O ce, McNeilly oversaw the creation of federal task forces focused on transnational organized and violent
crime.
In addition to his previous roles, McNeilly served as deputy United States attorney, chief of the Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section, the District of Colorado’s opioid coordinator, and the lead strike force attorney for the Denver Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Strike Force.
McNeilly is also a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s O ce, he was a Marine judge advocate. While he was on active duty, he prosecuted cases throughout the Marine Corps’ western region, which included sexual assaults, child exploitation, nancial crimes and
crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the reserves, he serves as a prosecutor, legal advisor on the sta for a three-star commanding general and is currently in his second tour as a military judge.
In his new role, McNeilly will oversee all federal criminal prosecutions, as well as all civil litigation on behalf of the United States government in Colorado. He will lead a team of more than 160 attorneys, sta and government contractors.
McNeilly’s senior leadership team consists of J. Bishop Grewell, who is the rst assistant United States attorney and chief of the appellate division, and Marcy Cook, the deputy United States attorney.
Stolen cars, especially Hyundais and Kias, are often used to commit later crimes, according to the Colorado State Patrol. FILE PHOTO
Cyclist cruises by on coast-to-coast journey
Teddy Bloom rides for free speech, rights
BY ALEX K.W. SCHULTZ SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
In a time when the country is so divided and many feel the democratic way of life is being threatened in one way or another, 37-year-old Teddy Bloom is going for a bike ride.
But not just any bike ride. He’s dubbed it the Ride4Rights, a California-toWashington, D.C., expedition to raise awareness of and support for four issues he says are vital to the American way of life: freedom of speech, justice, education and unity.
e Santa Fe, New Mexico, native started at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco on April 20 and arrived in Denver on June 7. He plans to reach his nal destination, the Washington Monument, on Aug. 14.
He will have covered roughly 3,000 miles on his Kona Libre gravel bike and made 100 or so stops by the time it’s all said and done.
is isn’t a left or right issue, the New Mexico Department of Transportation employee said. It’s simply for “people who like living in America and being in a democracy.”
“I do have more left supporters because they’re more against what the current administration is doing, but I do have a fair number of conservative supporters who like the conservative ideas of small government and states’ rights and whatnot,” Bloom said.
On freedom of speech and justice, Bloom said, “You need free speech to really be able to assess the needs of the people in the country, to know the problems around the country, or what people need for their jobs and work. at’s how lawmakers can make good decisions. Justice, everybody should have due process. at way it’s as fair as possible.”
Bloom said he picked education as one of his riding themes because he believes it’s important for people to understand why certain federal agencies exist and what exactly those workers do.
Lastly, speaking about unity, he said, “It’s the idea that you shouldn’t be doing something just to screw over other people. When you’re trying to make a law or implement a process or something, it should be either because it’s to your bene t or the bene t of other people. In looking at the internet at least, people seem to have lost some interest in that.”
To amplify his work, Bloom created a website, posts regularly on several social media platforms and shares a daily vlog on YouTube.
When he enters a city or town, he also encourages others to ride along with him, if only for a few miles.
And while he’s run into some obstacles along the way — a tweaked hamstring early on, sloppy dirt roads, a hailstorm in Limon — he doesn’t plan on stopping until he reaches the marble obelisk in the nation’s capital.
“I wanted to do something a lot of people could get behind,” Bloom said. “ ese are very basic things for a democracy to function.”
Follow Bloom’s journey at ride4rights. com.
Santa Fe cyclist Teddy Bloom poses for a photo with his bicycle. Bloom is biking across America to raise awareness of and support for four issues he says are vital to the American way of life: freedom of speech, justice, education and unity. COURTESY PHOTO
FIREWORKS
pants in various age categories.
For those returning to the race or giving it a try for the first time, register at runsignup. com/Race/CO/Littleton/HRCAIndependenceDay5KCO.
Also happening in Town Center is the annual Fourth of July Parade along Highlands Ranch Parkway. Take your place between Hepburn Street and Ridgeline Boulevard early because starting at 8:45 a.m., the parade will begin with a pet and bike precession before the official parade begins.
Throughout the day, all four recreation facilities will remain open until 5 p.m. be-
Various Fourth of July festivities in parks are taking place across Douglas County this year.
FIREWORKS
cause starting at 6 p.m., Highland Heritage Park becomes a celebration hub.
Parking is limited, therefore, the Highlands Ranch Community Association and Metro District recommend people walk, bike or carpool to the park. Carpool lots will be located at Eastridge and Southridge recreation centers.
In addition to music, games and activities across the fields, residents can pack a picnic or purchase a dinner from a selection of food trucks. Grills and on-site cooking are not allowed in the park.
The fireworks show begins at 9 p.m.
Due to the firework production, visitors will not be allowed in the park from 9 p.m. July 3 until 8 a.m. July 4. Visitors will also not be allowed in the park on July 5.
Stay updated on the events at facebook. com/HighlandsRanchCommunityAssociation.
Lone Tree’s Family Fun Ride & Stroll. Families are invited to bring their bikes, scooters, wagons, strollers and even unicycles to Lone Tree Elementary at 9 a.m. to decorate their rides before taking a one-mile trek along Willow Creek Trail to Prairie Sky Park. Families can decorate beforehand but decorating kits will be available. The city also asks that families with children under the age of 6 have an adult accompanying them.
From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Prairie Sky Park will be closed for the Fun in the Park event.
But, get your blankets, camping chairs, coolers and outdoor games ready because the park will be back open to the public at 6 p.m. for the Party in the Park event, which will include a variety of live music and games.
From Kona Ice and Polar Bros Nitro Ice Cream to Billy’s Gourmet Hot Dogs and Philly on the Go, there will also be a wide range of food trucks available.
A Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Gypsy Dreams, will perform at 8 p.m., before the firework show begins at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Other firework viewing areas include Lone Tree Elementary, Lone Tree Arts Cen -
Worrying about your uneven or cracked concrete can make owning a home very stressful. By investing in concrete repair, you can fix your driveway, walkways, patio, and more in one easy lift.
Cannot be combined with any other offer, must be presented at time of appointment. Limited time offer.
ter, Promenade Park, Belvedere Park and Lincoln Commons Open Space.
Shuttle services will be provided by the Lone Tree Link from 6-10:30 p.m. Pick up locations will be at The Hub and the Lone Tree Arts Center.
During this time, those using Link on Demand will not need to use the app as the shuttle will run continuously.
Stay up to date on weather cancellations at facebook.com/CityofLoneTreeCO.
Parker
The 18-minute fireworks show in Parker will launch at 9:30 p.m. north of Salisbury Park.
Limited parking is available at Salisbury Park. The larger grass lots, which have been used for parking in previous years, will not be available this year for parking. Additionally, parking will not be allowed along the side of major roadways such as Hess Road, Mainstreet or Parker Road.
Other viewing sites around Parker include Bar CCC Park, McCabe Meadows, Stroh Soccer Field, Tallman Meadow Park and the Cherry Creek Trail
Stay up to date about the show at facebook.com/TownofParkerCO.
CELEBRATE SAFELY
In Douglas County, any firework that leaves the ground or explodes is illegal. Permitted fireworks are fountains, sparklers and ground spinners.
“A good rule of thumb is if they sell them at a legal firework stand in Colorado, then they are typically authorized to use,” a spokesperson with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office told the Douglas County News-Press.
However, if the county is under a fire restriction, then all fireworks are considered illegal and not authorized for use. To check fire restrictions, visit dcsheriff.net or check its social media channels.
The sheriff’s office will have a hotline set up for residents to report the use of illegal fireworks at 303-8147118.
Lone Tree Star in your own Fourth of July Parade in
Exercise has value, even when mobility is limited
Exercise and stretching are crucial for women of all ages, especially as we age. roughout menopause, women naturally lose muscle mass along with a drop in estrogen levels. As we age, we can also lose some of our mobility, making traditional exercises a challenge. ere are a few di erent ways women can exercise, even if limited, to gain strength and better health. With even 30 minutes a week, there can be bene cial results.
Strength Training. roughout menopause, women naturally lose muscle mass along with a drop in estrogen levels. Strength training slows the process of muscle loss during this phase of life. Lifting weights helps build the lost muscle, increase strength and improve balance and mobility. If you are new to strength training, consider going to a class to learn the proper techniques that will help you safely work out. Many of these exercises
WOMEN’S WELLNESS
can be done in a sitting position.
you to move your legs without putting the impact on your joints or risking a fall.
We live in a world where “ask and ye shall receive” has been co-opted by Amazon, Uber Eats, and same-day shipping. e ancient call to persistence has been replaced with a prompt: “Buy now.” We can have food, clothing, furniture, and entertainment delivered faster than we used to be able to get a pizza. But in a world where instant grati cation rules the day, are we quietly losing the hunger and thirst that used to drive us?
ink about it: for most of us, if we want something, within reason, we can get it within a few hours. Groceries? Same-day. A new book? On your Kindle in seconds. Need a workout plan? ousands of in uencers will stream one into your living room before your co ee brews. And yet, when everything is easy, urgency tends to fade. Convenience creeps into our ambition. Where we once hungered for excellence, sweated, strained, and hustled, many now watch reels about working out more than they actually work out. We’ve replaced action with consumption, thirst with scrolling. e quieting of the hunter. At one time, most of us were hunters. We pursued dreams, chased goals, and took on challenges with the intensity of someone who knew there was no shortcut, no easy button. Today? We often settle for “good enough” because it’s more comfortable. We binge the podcast on success instead of mapping out a plan to pursue it ourselves. is ease has dulled the edge that once drove us. It’s not that we don’t want more; we just don’t need to ght for it anymore. And when the struggle disappears, so often does the spark. ere is an urgency that fuels passion. ere’s a dangerous kind of complacency that hides behind comfort. It’s the kind that confuses manufactured urgency (“I need my package today”) with the deeper urgency that fuels our purpose and passion, the kind that gets us out of bed early and keeps us up late, chasing the best ver-
Dr. Terry Dunn
Water Workouts. Swimming, water aerobics and water walking are very bene cial for women who have mobility issues. While you are in the water, your body weight is absorbed, meaning you can walk without the impact and pain on your joints. e added bonus is you get to enjoy the water and reap the bene ts of hydrating your skin.
Recumbent Bikes. Recumbent machines allow women to exercise from a relaxed position compared to other machines. is makes it easier to get on and o the equipment. It is an excellent way to incorporate aerobic activity, which is important for heart health. is allows
Pilates and Yoga. Pilates and yoga help strengthen di erent muscles while also improving balance. e various movements help to improve your range of motion. Often women do not move their joints as much as they should, which makes this an easier way to get moving. Chair yoga is another option for women with limited mobility because it focuses on slow and controlled movements with an emphasis on relaxation. Yet, the benets can be amazing because the stronger you get through these exercises, the less you can feel the need to use the chair.
Stretching. Stretching is one of the best practices for women that is often overlooked. When incorporated into a daily routine, it can help improve exibility, reduce pain and improve sleep. e best thing about stretching is it can be done anywhere at any time of the day.
Stay hungry, stay thirsty
WINNING WORDS
sion of ourselves. When we are truly hungry or thirsty, almost nothing can stand in our way. Real hunger doesn’t wait for conditions to be perfect. It pushes through excuses. Real thirst doesn’t stay on the couch; it gets up and moves toward something greater. is isn’t just about business or tness. It shows up in our relationships, too. Remember when you went the extra mile for someone you were falling in love with? When’s the last time you did that? Has it become easier to skip the date night, to say “we’re good” instead of doing the little things that used to light up your relationship?
Maybe there’s someone in your life who’s thirsty for your attention, your spouse, your child, your team at work, and you’ve stopped noticing. It’s not that you don’t care. It’s just that it’s easier not to act. And easier is the enemy of excellence.
When I coach sales leaders and teams, I often ask what separates the top 1% from the rest. e words that come up again and again are “hungry and thirsty.” Not the most experienced, not the best educated. Hungry, irsty, Driven. at kind of drive creates a comfortable lead between the top performer and their nearest competitor, and keeps it. ere is a deeper hunger still. And for many of us, there’s another hunger, the spiritual kind. A thirst that isn’t quenched by comfort, success, or material gain. “As the deer pants for the water, so my soul pants for You, my God.” at hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with God is not about going through the motions; it’s about pursuit, passion, and presence. Stay hungry. Stay thirsty. Not for the quick win or the same-day delivery. But for the things that truly matter, the goals that stretch you, the relation-
ships that nourish you, and the faith that anchors you. In a world of ease, choose the pursuit. Choose the climb. Choose the passion that only hunger and thirst can bring.
SEE NORTON, P11
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Try a few stretches in your bed as you wake up or in the evening to wind down your day. Stretching can also be a perfect work break. It will loosen up your body and refresh your focus.
All of these exercises are good for physical health and mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which improves your mood, memory and self-esteem while also reducing the feeling of anxiety and depression. Carving out time in your daily routine to do these exercises can improve your quality of life as well. So don’t let limited mobility be an obstacle, there are lots of ways to gain strength, exibility and better health with a few minutes of exercise each week.
is guest column was written by Dr. Terry Dunn, the owner of Foothills Urogynecology, a Denver-based practice specializing in women’s health. To learn more, visit www.urogyns.com.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Say no to authoritarianism
My father and grandfather are spinning in their graves. My father was wounded in the South Paci c in 1944, my grandfather was gassed in the trenches in 1917. Both fought for my right to stand on a street corner in Parker today, June 14, to rally Americans against the latest form of authoritarianism.
During the Great Wars, too many Americans supported the fascists. Today, I saw many millions willing to stand in the hot sun to call out the clear and present dangers lurking in the dark folds of our lives.
Authoritarianism has no place in America. Divisiveness has no place in our elected o cials. Hate should have no place, period.
Each of us should be willing to “Just Say No ... to Authoritarianism, to Divisiveness, to Hate.”
If you aren’t willing to Say No, what will it take for you to see the light?
Lloyd Guthrie, Roxborough Park
Let’s move past slogans
I recently listened to a U.S. representative from Washington State deliver a lengthy speech under the banner of the “No Kings” movement — a slogan apparently aimed at resisting what some see as authoritarian tendencies in President Donald Trump. e message was lled with themes of resistance, solidarity, and love for democracy, but ultimately it lacked focus and clarity.
I understand and respect the concern. In a time of deep political division, it’s healthy to question the motivations and actions of anyone in power. But branding the movement “No Kings” misunderstands both our government and our history. America has never had kings, and our Constitution — with its deliberate checks and balances — was designed precisely to prevent such a concentration of power. Presidents don’t get to rule by decree. e judiciary has already shown its ability to rein in executive overreach, regardless of who occupies the Oval O ce.
Rather than rallying around vague slogans that stir emotion but o er little direction, those truly interested in preserving democratic norms would do better to focus on real civic engagement: voting, legislative reform, and upholding institutional independence. We don’t need new labels. We need better leadership, clearer arguments, and a renewed respect for the system that has endured for nearly 250 years — not because of slogans, but because of structure. Let’s focus less on dramatic titles and more on practical action.
Curt Smothers, Highlands
Ranch
Lessons to remember in times of struggle
Irst met Wendy when I was 14 years old, entering Holy Family High School as a ninth grader. Wendy’s outgoing personality, seemingly endless ability to nd joy in every situation, and her “but we won’t know for sure if we don’t try it” attitude made her very popular in our small class of 90-plus students. roughout our high school years, Wendy demonstrated her compassion for others in many ways. She was always there to help when someone needed it. For me and my family, when my father was laid up following surgery to remove an eye that was lled with cancer, Wendy stepped in and helped me deliver the Rocky Mountain Newspapers that Dad and I would deliver each morning. at help would be amazing in itself; however, Wendy helped in the aftermath of a blizzard. We would get up at 4:30 a.m., go to the drop-o spot for the papers, fold them, and then try to navigate down the side streets in North Denver that were covered with 20 inches of snow. After completing the task, we would get ready for school, go to school all day, and prepare to do it again. For three days, this sel ess teenager helped my family as we navigated an incredibly di cult time.
After graduation, we went our separate ways. I headed to Colorado College; Wendy went to Creighton University in Nebraska. We saw each other on rare occasions. I saw her just a few days after the birth of her rst child, and we would catch up at reunions. However, aside from brief visits, we spoke to each other very little.
Each time I saw her, our conversation reinforced the idea that Wendy was still the person I knew in high school: energetic, enthusiastic, and caring. She became a triathlete, a teacher, and a mother to a gaggle of children. About thirteen years ago, she was running home after a workout, and her body failed her. She simply could not make it up the hill to her house. A few days later, on Halloween night, Wendy was sitting in a chair and fell out of it for no apparent reason.
e next day at the doctor’s o ce, the reason became very apparent. She had brain cancer and was given two weeks to two months to live. A short time ago, a group of us from the Holy Family Class of 1984 gathered with Wendy at a restaurant in North Denver.
Con ned to a wheelchair, limited in her motion, and knowing that travelling from Omaha to Denver is becoming more challenging for her, we were all excited together and talk with this miracle.
As the nine of us reminisced, laughing and talking about our experiences in school and sharing about our lives since that time, I was utterly struck by the profound lessons I learned from this dear friend of 45 years in a short four-hour conversation.
e lessons learned that evening are great for all of us to consider, especially during times of struggle, and include:
WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Are you still hungry and thirsty, or has complacency and convenience overtaken your desires, goals, and dreams? I would love to hear your story at goto-
• Just because someone has said it does not mean that it needs to be true.
— It is very clear that Wendy takes great pride in proving the experts wrong. 13 years is a lot longer than two months.
• We must not underestimate the incredible in uence that we have on other people.
— Wendy came back to Denver for the wedding of one of her nieces. Wendy is known in the family as the “favorite aunt,” not as the “aunt in the wheelchair” or the “aunt with brain cancer.” Wendy is the favorite because she is absolutely present in the moment, excited about life, and dedicated to the idea of making a di erence whenever she can.
• We have this moment, this opportunity, this chance to make a di erence. It is our responsibility to understand that and take advantage of it.
— Wendy has done that for 13 years. Our lives will be better if we live by that rule for even 13 minutes.
• Wisdom comes in increments. Wendy mentioned to us her seven Fs for surviving 13 years with brain cancer. ese seven things are pieces of wisdom she has gained as she has navigated her struggles. ey are hers to share, but it is my sincere hope that she will begin to write about those insights, allowing others to learn from her experience.
I will never forget this simple and wonderful evening. It was inspiring for all of us who could be there. e crazy part of the night lay in the fact that the insights were simply the product of a willingness to share and a determination to listen.
It is my sincere hope that as you navigate your struggle, you will seek both the opportunity to share insights and the chance to learn from others.
When you do those two simple things, the results will be transformative.
I hope my words encourage you and that you will share them with those who need support. ank you to everyone who has shared their stories with me so far; I truly appreciate hearing about the valuable ideas you nd in these columns and how you use them to uplift those around you. You can reach me at jim. roome@gmail.com.
Jim Roome lives in Arvada with his wife, Beth. He spent 34 years in public education. Lessons learned from the onetwo 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.
norton@gmail.com, and when we can choose commitment over convenience, 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.
Jim Roome
of
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Flash of lightning tests mountain rescue crews
Record-setting helicopter rescue saves two from top of Torreys Peak
BY CHRIS KOEBERL CHRIS@COTLN.ORG
Extreme weather conditions at 14,000 feet put experienced highaltitude rescue teams to the test with one of the highest helicopter hoist rescues in Colorado history, taking two men from the top of Torreys Peak.
It was just before 5 p.m. June 12 when two hikers on Kelso Ridge, heading toward the summit of Torreys Peak in Clear Creek County, contacted the Alpine Rescue Team in Evergreen with concerns over the nal push to the top as serious weather moved in.
“ e call we initially got was for a party of two who were climbing Kelso Ridge. … ey called saying they were pretty close to the summit, they were at a place we refer to as the ‘White Rock.’ It’s kinda the last challenge before you get to the summit (Torrey’s)... part of it Involves going out on a pretty exposed knife edge,” Alpine Rescue Public Information O cer Jake Smith said.
Mission leaders familiar with the trail guided the pair up the mountain.
“ ey felt like they were ocourse and asked if they should try and descend, Smith said.
“ e safest option for those guys was to continue to climb and take the ‘Summer’ trail down rather than going down the way they came up,” Smith said.
After about an hour, the two hikers reported they had made it to the summit and were ready to descend.
During the ongoing conversation with the hikers, a small team of Alpine Rescue volunteers had assembled at “ e Shack,” Alpine Rescue headquarters in Evergreen, just in case.
“We got word the two had made it to the summit, so we can all stand down and go back to our regular lives,” Smith said.
Lightning Strikes: In a heartbeat, it’s critical
While on the phone with an Alpine Rescue mission leader, an audible strike of lightning hits near the hikers.
e next response was: “We’ve been hit by lightning; my partner is unresponsive.”
“ at was an unexpected twist to the call, and it quickly became one of the most signi cant calls I’ve had in my career,” Smith said.
ose few words instantly set in motion an incredibly complex orchestra of local, state and federal rst responders and mountain rescue crews who have, for years, trained together for a mission-critical response scenario. is time it was real.
“Myself, and I think everybody else, our bodies just start dumping adrenaline,” Smith said. “We’re immediately thinking, ‘OK, what do we need to grab and more importantly, what are we going to do to get up there because we know they were on the summit when this happened… so we’ve got a huge operation ahead of us.’”
Within an hour, ve ground teams made up of at least 30 Alpine Rescue volunteers were organized and sent into the eld to perform an evacuation from the summit, while simultaneously a rescue helicopter and hoist were being sought.
Two Flight for Life helicopters in the Denver area were both
One step closer to a solution
Varre and Rao found a unique way to increase friction on the road through a centuries-old practice called biomimicry.
e students spoke with the state and the U.S. Department of Transportation to learn about the di erent types of road materials, and the severe impacts icy roads can have.
CORRECTIONS
The story “A look at candidates for home rule panel” that ran in June 19 editions incorrectly described the background of candidate Bart Dorscheid. He is a former investigator for the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s O ce.
According to the USDOT Federal Highway Administration, about 70% of the country’s roads are located in snowy regions, and nearly 1,840 deaths and 136,310 injuries occur each year as a result of snowy and icy roads. rough their research, Varre and Rao learned that snow and ice reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability, thus causing increased crash risk. ey also learned that the deicing solutions used today pose a high risk to wildlife.
“Road salts have environmental e ects as the chemicals and microplastics in the runo can contaminate drinking water, kill or endanger wildlife, increase soil erosion and damage private and public property,” Varre said.
Biomimicry is the practice of taking inspiration from nature to develop innovative solutions. One of the earliest mentions of the practice dates back to Leonardo da Vinci’s study of birds to design ying machines.
e students conducted a study of biological surfaces by looking at various ora and fauna species that have evolved over millions of years to have hydrophobic and ice-resistant surfaces.
Patterns from sources such as mint leaves, cicada wings, lotus leaves and Namib desert beetles were examined to determine the structures that were most e ective at reducing ice adhesion and accelerating melting.
Varre and Rao then 3D printed these patterns to test the e ectiveness of the patterns under controlled conditions like temperature and humidity levels.
“We found that a combination of the mint leaf pattern at a 150-degree angle was perfect
grounded due to the severe storms at the time.
Fire Authority provided a tracked Utility Task Vehicle to take rescuers and equipment as close as it could to Torreys Peak. Two Alpine Rescue members and one Clear Creek EMS member were the rst to head up the mountain.
“We are constantly trying to look at how the situation is unfolding and thinking two to three steps ahead,” Smith said.
During the initial staging, a rescue-capable Blackhawk helicopter was identi ed at the High Altitude Army National Guard Aviation HATTSTraining Site in Eagle County Airport near Vail.
e Guard accepted the mission and quickly gathered crew members and equipment for the rescue.
Two Rescue Techs from Vail Mountain Rescue Group were inserted on the summit around 11 p.m. and were able to hoist the critical patient, according to Alpine reports.
A small Alpine team continued to the summit to assist with the second patient. e second patient, along with a Rescue Tech and the Alpine members, were airlifted from the summit at midnight.
June 12.
According to Alpine Rescue, the initial, unresponsive patient was own to a waiting Clear Creek County EMS ambulance and transported to a Denver-area hospital for critical care.
As of June 18, he was continuing to receive treatment for severe burns, according to Alpine. e second hiker, who sustained minor injuries, was evacuated via a second helicopter ight after a two-wheel landing on the summit. He was transported to a local emergency department and released.
Agencies responding to the high-altitude rescue included the Alpine Rescue Team, Clear Creek County Sheri ’s O ce, Clear Creek EMS, Clear Creek Fire Authority, Colorado Army National Guard (High Altitude Aviation Training Site), Vail Mountain Rescue Group (Rescue Technicians), Flight For Life Colorado, Colorado SAR Association and the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center.
“ is was a massive team effort, and we’re incredibly grateful for the assistance from all,” Smith said.
e Alpine Rescue Team never charges for rescues but does rely on local donations to the all-volunteer organization.
because barely any ice formed,” Varre said.
ey re-created the most effective patterns on a sample set of asphalt and put it through a freeze-thaw test to validate the anti- and de-icing properties before 3D printing a road surface embedded with the biometric pattern.
Using their parents’ vehicles, the sample pieces of road underwent testing to evaluate the skid resistance and moisture susceptibility — tests that are conducted by CDOT.
Rao said that with the continuing evolution of 3D printing and nano-manufacturing, their in-
winners of the 33rd ExploraVision Competition.
novation could be possible. He is in the process of working with the City of Lone Tree and CDOT to conduct a real-world test of their patterns.
Varre and Rao’s coach and teacher, Sheetal Rajput, was not only impressed by their curiosity, but loved seeing her students think beyond themselves.
“It is a great example of how we can take this and connect it to di erent levels — not just science, but engineering, transportation, nanotechnology — and together, we can de nitely see something like this, using it to make things better and safer for everyone,” Rajput said.
Anirudh Rao and Aarna Varre, seventh graders at STEM School Highlands Ranch, are national
Blackhawk rescue helicopter circles Torrey’s Mountain peak in search of two injured hikers
KICK UP SOME DIRT AT THE COUNTY FAIRS AND RODEOS
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Since their beginning, county fairs and rodeos have served as a place for members of the community to showcase their projects — animals, crafts, homegoods and culinary skills — celebrating agricultural and Western heritage. ey have included an element of fun, and today’s fairs and rodeos have evolved into a vibrant summertime event with live entertainment, music, carnival games and rides. And something they all have in common: mutton bustin’ and 4-H showcases.
Mutton bustin’ is a popular rodeo event in which children, typically between the ages of 4 and 7, ride sheep. e goal is to hold on as long as possible.
4-H stands for head, heart, hands and health. It is a national youth development program for children 5 through 18. Whether it’s agriculture, science, civic engagement or health, the program provides real-life experiences.
Arapahoe County
Date: July 24 to July 27
Location: Arapahoe County Fairgrounds at 25690 E. Quincy Ave. Aurora
Website: arapahoecountyfair.com
First held in 1906, the Arapahoe County fair is one of the county’s longest-standing community traditions. ere’s plenty to explore with the mix of classic rodeo-style events and more modern activities, like silent discos and trampoline shows.
In addition to some new carnival rides, there will be a handful of shows and attractions available each day of the fair. ese include axe throwing, Canine Stars Stunt Dogs and the Perfection on Wheels BMX show. e Raptor Event Avian Show and Yucca Braiding take place July 25-27.
If some of the carnival rides are too intense for the younger children, the Kid’s Corral and Petting Farm will be open everyday as well.
Other performances include martial arts, a foot archery performer, Polynesian re dancers, e XO Dance Band,
hobby horse races, tractor pulls, the CPRA Rodeo and reworks. ere will also be a variety of contests, such as the livestock costume contest, knitting and crochet contests, jigsaw puzzle contests and the longest potato peel contests.
An admission ticket includes unlimited carnival rides, free parking, reworks, stage entertainment and access to all the shows and attractions. However, some attractions — such as Midway Arcade Games, the Pours on the Plains event and Boots Not Suits Fair Kick-O Dinner — require separate tickets.
Also, the tickets are only valid for one day. People will have to purchase a separate ticket if wanting to attend additional days.
Adams County
Date: July 30 to Aug. 3
Location: Riverdale Regional Park at 9755 Henderson Rd, Brighton Website: adamscountyfair.com e rst fair in Adams County was held in 1904, but it wasn’t called the Adams County Fair. e opening day was actually known as Tomato Day because two teams representing Democratic and Republican opponents faced one another and on command, threw tomatoes at the opposing team.
But, according to the county, the fair dates back even further: 1888. Back then, monthly market days featured horse-and-plow races, as well as cattle being auctioned o .
Today, much of that can still be experienced — minus the tomato throwing. is year’s fair will o er various 4-H livestock shows that include poultry, swine, sheep, rabbits, goats and other large animals. ere will also be racing pigs and amazing dog acts.
Friends and families will also have the chance to meet Paz the Sports Guy, sit down for a caricature, watch demolition derbies, play games and ride carnival rides.
As for music, the county has some big names coming to town. ey include Tyler Braden, Bayker Blankenship, Adrien Nunez and e Band Perry.
en, on Aug. 3, Adams County is bringing back Dia de la Familia to celebrate community and culture, with performances by La Kumbre con K, Banda Arkangel, Charreada and more.
Admission to the fair is free. However, carnival wristbands range from $25 to $35 throughout the week.
Guests will also need a parking pass, which is $20. ose who pre-pay get $5
with a frisbee during a dog show at a previous year’s Arapahoe County Fair.
o . Get the pass at tinyurl.com/adamscounty-fair-parking.
ere will be a free shuttle to take guests from local schools to the fair.
Douglas County
Date: July 25 to Aug. 3
Location: Douglas County Fairgrounds at 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Castle Rock Website: douglascountyfairandrodeo. com
According to the Douglas County Library Archives, the county held a parade back in the 1950s as a way to promote the fair and encourage the community’s participation. It’s safe to say that plan worked — Douglas County now boasts a fair that is a 10-day event.
e carnival, fair, marketplace, kid’s corral, Discovery Ranch and the Kodiak Ranch petting zoo will be open everyday except for July 28-29. e times for these attractions vary by day.
Filled with homemade quilts, jams, jewelry, paintings and more, the marketplace — located inside the James R. Sullivan Events Center — is home to the creative arts, agriculture and oriculture exhibits, and the 4-H projects.
If you are interested in seeing animals, there will be some free animal shows including the Junior Division Dog Show, Farm Bureau Goat Roping, the Miniature Equine Show and swine and rabbit shows.
Other free events throughout the week include a parade on July 26 in downtown Castle Rock, a vintage car show, bake sale, fashion show, Captain Tall Tale and a pie eating contest.
A variety of free concerts will feature Jared Rogerson and the Rodeo Wreck, Kenya Reese, Ryan Chrys and the Rough Cuts, Wirewood Station, Je rey Alan Band and more.
And, to ensure accessibility to all, the fairgrounds has partnered with Developmental Pathways to host an accessible rodeo and fair experience called Unbridled Rodeo. e event, which will include roping, barrel racing and a mechanical bull, is designed for individuals with disabilities, lower mobility and/or with sensory sensitivity.
A child holds onto a sheep during the mutton bustin’ event at a previous year’s Arapahoe County Fair.
COUNTY FAIRS
Some events that require additional tickets are: Dustin Lynch concert; FarmTo-Table Brunch; ProRodeo Bares, Broncos & Bulls Roughstock at the Rock Rodeo; mutton bustin’; ProRodeo Patriot Night; ProRodeo Sponsoship Appreciation Night; and ProRodeo Cowboys for Cops.
All rodeo ticket purchases include grounds admission. Grounds admission provides access to the marketplace, kid’s corral, food vendors, Midway stage entertainment, Hometown Rodeo and more special events.
Je erson County
Date: July 26 to Aug. 3
Location: 15200 W. 6th Ave., in Golden
Website: tinyurl.com/je erson-county4-H-fair.
Je erson County will be hosting a 4-H fair featuring some of the youths’ best work and projects.
e fair is free and open to the public and will take place in Exhibit Halls 1-3, the event center, silver spur arena, rodeo arena and horse stalls.
e Westernaires, a mounted precision drill organization, will also be performing from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. on July 23 at the Je erson County Fairgrounds. Some of the Westernaires Red and White division horseback drill teams will bring an exciting and interactive performance. ere will also be activities for all ages, including a petting zoo, face painting and interactive learning opportunities.
While the performance is free to attend, it is encouraged to RSVP, which
can be found at westernaires.org/events.
Elbert County
Date: July 26 to Aug. 3
Location: 95 Ute Ave., Kiowa
Website: elbertcountyfair.com
While the Elbert County fair doesn’t feature a traditional carnival, in the sense of large and exciting rides, there is still much to enjoy for families and people of all ages.
e fair has a free Kiddie Corral area that includes small rides, bouncy houses and face painting. Additionally, the rst day will include a dog show, cattle show and end the night with reworks. is year’s fair will also begin with a performance by e Walker Williams Band. Other music performances throughout the week will include High Plains Fiddle Fest, WMW Band and BlackHawk.
Although the fair became an o cial annual event in 1904, it was in 1934 that the fair moved to Kiowa and became recognized to focus on 4-H events, which continues to be a main focus. roughout the week, the youngest generation of animal enthusiasts will be showcasing their livestock, featuring dogs, hogs, horses, goats, rabbits, lambs, poultry, beef and dairy animals.
In addition to the team roping events and parade, one of the most exciting events will be the Young Gun Rodeo on July 26. is involves mini bronc, mini bulls, youth barrel racing and mutton busting.
While parking and admission to the fair is free, there are a few events that require the purchase of a ticket. ese include the 4-H Fashion Revue Showcase, mutton bustin’ and the BlackHawk concert.
FROM PAGE 14
The Douglas County Fair and Rodeo includes opportunities to view the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association in action. COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
Families can play a variety of carnival games at the Douglas County Fairgrounds and win small prizes.
COURTESY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
A young girl stands with a horse at a previous year’s Elbert County Fair. COURTESY OF ELBERT COUNTY
The Elbert County Fair marketplace includes a selection of homemade goods. COURTESY OF ELBERT COUNTY
Wings Over The Rockies exhibit explores math
2theXtreme o ers
interactive learning experience for kids
BY MICHAEL GILES
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum launched its brand-new 2theXtreme exhibit on June 1, o ering an exciting new learning experience for kids and families seeking fun and educational activities this summer. is innovative exhibit, developed by Evergreen Exhibits, highlights the vital role math plays in our everyday lives, providing an interactive experience where children can discover just how much math shapes the world around them.
“ e whole idea is to show how math is a part of your life,” said Stewart Bailey, the exhibit’s curator. “ e exhibit uses all sorts of fun, interactive activities to get this across. ere are di erent themed areas, including sports, robotics, the environment, computer-related games, music, fashion and architecture.”
Children can expect to learn tons of exciting information, like how to make skateboards or snowboards perform faster using math, the mathematics behind Mars Rovers, and even the math behind predicting weather
patterns to create their own reports.
Bailey also mentioned that there is a part of the exhibit called Style Revolution, which takes a 360-degree photo of you, which you can email to yourself as a free souvenir. According to the Sloan Museum in Flint, Michigan, where this exhibit was last seen, the 360-degree photo was a big hit for their visitors. ere’s another area called Pedaling to the Peak that is all about bicycling, showing you a graph of your performance.
However, if sports or things that have to do with the outdoors aren’t within your interest, rest assured, as this exhibit also highlights how math is involved with the arts. Bailey mentioned that visitors can expect to see a gigantic interactive musical instrument structure that demonstrates how math interacts with music.
With such a wide variety of themes, every child will have an opportunity to see how math inuences the things they already love. e exhibit features over 40 interactive, real-world math elements to explore, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of their interest in math, will nd something to spark their curiosity. e 2theXtreme exhibit is included with general admission to the museum and will be open until Sept. 7. Buy tickets online at www.wingsmuseum.org.
The newest exhibit at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum allows youth to discover how math shapes the world around them.
Thu 7/03
90's Trivia Night @ 6pm / $7
Denver Comedy Lounge and Colorado Sake Co, 3559 Larimer Street, Colorado Sake Co, Denver
Rob Schneider LIVE
@ 6:30pm Comedy Works South, 5345 Landmark Pl, Greenwood Village
Foggy Memory Boys Live @ the Velvet Banjo - Phish After Party @ 9pm Velvet Banjo, 741 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Fri 7/04
The Punk Rock BBQ w/Clover's Curfew & more at EAST FAX TAP!!!
@ 2pm East Fax Tap, 8001 E Colfax Ave, Denver
SKELLYTN @ 2pm Civic Center Park, Broadway and Colfax Ave., Denver
PhearNone: Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber @ 6pm
1300 Savvo: Young Beast Tour @ 8:30pm At your moms house, 608 E 13th Ave, Denver
Sat 7/05
SALSA & BACHATA SUNDAYS @ 6pm La Rumba, Denver
Mon 7/07
9th Grade Seminar - July Morning @ 9am / $695
Jul 7th - Jul 24th
Valor Christian High School - Academic Build‐ing, 3775 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch. 303471-3000
Rising 9th Grade - English Jumpstart (July)
@ 9am / $425 Jul 7th - Jul 24th
Valor Christian High School - Academic Build‐ing, 3775 Grace Blvd., Highlands Ranch. 303471-3000
Morgan Starner - Live Music at Southwest Plaza Farmers Market @ 8am Southwest Plaza, 8501 W Bowles Ave, Littleton
Phat Daddy @ 7:30pm Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Mainstreet, Parker
Sun 7/06
Sean Rodriguez: Worship @ 8am Praise Center Church, 3105 W Florida Ave, Den‐ver
Blank Slate @ 7pm
Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Greenwood Village
Neon the Bishop: 4th of July Party @ 6pm Wild Goose Saloon, Parker Redeye
@ 8pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Koe Wetzel: 98.5 KYGO Birthday Bash @ 3pm Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre, 6350 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood Village
Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration @ 6pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Tue 7/08
Soundularity: Restorative Sound Activation at the Castle @ 5:30pm
Cherokee Ranch & Castle, 6113 N Daniels Park Rd, Sedalia Fruition and Tophouse @ 5:30pm
UMB Bank Amphitheater at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1007 York Street, Denver
Wed 7/09
Machete Mouth @ 6pm Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Buckstein: The Streets at SouthGlenn @ 5:30pm The Streets at SouthGlenn, 6991 S Vine St, Centennial
PRIMUS - Onward & Upward Summer Tour 2025 @ 7pm
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 18300 West Alameda Parkway, Morrison
DJ Rockstar Aaron @ 7pm Bout Time Pub & Grub, 3580 S Platte River Dr A, Sheridan
Grif�n William Sherry @ 7pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
The SoapGirls @ 7pm Skylark Lounge, 140 S Broadway, Denver
Kelsey Waldon w/ Mariel Buckley @ 7pm Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Thu 7/10
Brittany Bridgewater: Roxy On Broadway @ 6pm Roxy on Broadway, 554 S Broadway, Denver
Sarah Adams: Roxy on Broadway | full band @ 6pm Roxy on Broadway, 554 S Broadway, Denver
88.5 KGNU Presents: The Meditations @ 8pm Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, Denver
Castle Rock toy store just got bigger
Castle Toys’ new location o ers space to unplug, rediscover ‘power of play’
BY JULIA KING
SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Sometimes, all a kid needs is a simple toy. And getting to walk into a store full of them — rather than clicking through an online catalog — is a timeless kind of magic.
At Castle Toys in downtown Castle Rock, music plays and stomp rockets y. Children and adults alike are encouraged to play, explore and rediscover the “power of play.” at’s exactly what owner Cindy Mendus set out to create.
“Kids can learn so many life skills through play,” Mendus said.
ose include critical thinking, creativity, resourcefulness, how to socialize, entertain themselves without electronic devices, take turns, and win and lose graciously.
ese are all core life skills that can “get lost” in the contemporary world, Mendus added, which tends to teach children to place value on outcomes like test scores.
Castle Toys rst opened during the COVID-19 pandemic, but as the customer base grew, so did Mendus’ dream. She wanted to o er more toys, more variety — and that meant needing a bigger space. Now located on Fifth Street, the store is settling into its new home.
“It’s been a ton of work,” Mendus said, “but it’s truly a labor of love, and all the customer support just reinforces that we made the right move.”
She said the Castle Rock community has rallied behind the shop with appreciation for having a local toy store in town.
“ ey’ve told me they’re tired of bigbox stores and online shopping,” Mendus said. “ ey’re so happy to have a place to bring their kids for a little treat. Many take advantage of our free gift wrap, and my favorite thing — getting to help them shop.”
Among her favorite toys is the AirToobz by Fat Brain — a no-frills toy that uses a fan to shoot foam balls through modular tubes. e store’s display sees a lot of action, Mendus said.
Another simple, yet beloved item? A $2 air yer.
“I love the simple engineering of it,” Mendus said. “ ere’s something about ying that really captivates kids. Even the
teenagers and adults like it.”
Behind the scenes, Castle Toys is working hard to navigate broader challenges in the industry. Mendus said recent tari s on imported toys have driven up costs on products, and shipping and packaging — especially for small businesses.
To the extent it could, Castle Toys made orders before tari s went into e ect, but many of its favorite brands manufacture overseas, and those costs will soon start to be felt.
“We will continue to source toys with the lowest possible tari fees and while we’re doing our best to absorb what we can, some of those increases will start to show up at check out,” Mendus said. “We’re doing everything we can behind the scenes — working smarter, stretching
farther — to keep bringing ‘the happy’ to our customer.”
Mendus said some customers have compared the shop to that in “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium,” a whimsical fantasy lm about a magical toy store — a comparison she considers the highest of compliments.
“Mission accomplished,” she said. “Our goal is for everyone — kids and adults alike — to come into the shop and walk out saying, ‘that was fun.’”
With summer in full swing, downtown Castle Rock has many events lined up –from free concerts on First Fridays and every Wednesday in Festival Park to car shows, and the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo in July.
With Castle Toys’ new location, Mendus is excited to be a part of it all, with plans to bring events to the store and other venues in town.
“We’re still getting into the rhythm of Castle Rock, but we have lots of plans,” she said.
Castle Toys is settling into its new and bigger location on Fifth Street in Castle Rock.
Visitors to Castle Rock’s Castle Toys are encouraged to play, explore and rediscover the power of play. PHOTOS BY JULIA KING
1. TELEVISION: “ e Simpsons” rst appeared as a short on which TV show?
2. GEOGRAPHY: What is the distance between mainland Russia (Siberia) and mainland United States (Alaska)?
3. GAMES: What is the highest score you can achieve in one frame of bowling?
4. MYTHOLOGY: What is the Roman god of the sea called?
5. SCIENCE: What are the only letters that don’t currently appear in the Periodic Table?
6. MOVIES: Which animated movie’s tagline is “Escape or die frying”?
7. LITERATURE: e Republic of Gilead appears in which 1980s novel?
8. FOOD & DRINK: Which spice is often praised for its anti-in ammatory properties?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: In which country did Cirque du Soleil originate?
TrIVIa
10. LANGUAGE: What is glossolalia?
Answers
1. “ e Tracey Ullman Show.”
2. About 55 miles.
3. 30.
4. Neptune.
5. J and Q.
6. “Chicken Run.”
7. “ e Handmaid’s Tale.”
8. Turmeric.
9. Canada.
10. e ability to speak in a previously unknown language, also known as speaking in tongues.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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