1-Color
March 27, 2014 Douglas County, Colorado | Volume 13, Issue 10 A publication of
lonetreevoice.net
Worker stabbed following argument Centennial man arrested in attack at Lone Tree Qdoba By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com An argument between two co-workers in the kitchen of the Lone Tree Qdoba triggered a stabbing that hospitalized one man and led to the other’s arrest. Thomas Javon Alston, 22, of Centennial, was held on charges of first-degree assault, criminal attempt and attempted seconddegree murder following the 8 p.m. March 20 incident. The latter charge stems from an officer’s belief that Alston “attempted to cause the death of” his 24-year-old co-worker, according to an arrest affidavit filed with the district attorney’s office. The co-worker, Francisco Arredondo, 24, was transported to Littleton Hospital with stab wounds Alston to his right side. His current condition is unknown. Alston bonded out of jail March 24. He had been held on $40,000 bond. The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office plans to file formal charges March 26. A manager at the store told police he heard the two men arguing in the kitchen, and that Alston was being urged to cook chicken more quickly. Arredondo went back to the line to take a food order. Both the manager and a customer ordering food said they saw Alston walk up behind Arredondo with a knife in his hand, stab him and chase Arredondo toward the Stabbed continues on Page 6
Another school shifts schedule Highlands Ranch High joins Mountain Vista in leaving block for traditional day By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Following Mountain Vista High School’s lead, Highlands Ranch High School announced it also will return to a more traditional class schedule in 2014-15. The move away from a block schedule will give students less free time and more access to teachers for one-on-one help. “Our staff approved it by 92 percent,” Principal Jerry Goings said. “It was overwhelming support.” Mountain Vista announced a similar schedule decision earlier this month. At least three other Douglas County high schools also are considering a schedule reversion. Forecasted budget increases that will enable schools to hire more teachers are prompting the conversations. Per-pupil funding has increased about $280 since the block schedule’s implementation in 2012-13. Nevertheless, Goings said, switching the schedule requires careful budgeting. Schedule continues on Page 6
Among other improvements, Centennial resident John Bauer’s dexterity improved after his surgery, enhancing his playing ability. Photo by Jane Reuter
Parkinson’s surgery changing lives Area doctor among handful performing technique By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Centennial resident John Bauer describes the surgery that eased his Parkinson’s disease symptoms as a small miracle. “I have an increase in energy and just feel overall better,” said the 66-year-old, diagnosed with the disease 10 years ago. “Now I only take one Parkinson’s medication, and that’s 50 percent of what it was. I used to take three (medications).” Bauer underwent a surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation at Littleton Adventist Hospital. Dr. David VanSickle, who also performs the procedure at Lone Tree’s Sky Ridge Medical Center, inserts electrodes into the brains of those suffering from Parkinson’s disease. The electrical
stimulation blocks abnormal nerve signals that cause many of Parkinson’s most troublesome symptoms. “If not the most, it’s one of the most effective treatments,” VanSickle said. “Quality of life will improve 25 to 30 percent.” About 60,000 people are diagnosed with the disease annually. VanSickle is among a handful of doctors nationally who perform the procedure while patients are asleep. That not only reduces patients’ stress, it cuts down on the time required for surgery and allows VanSickle greater accuracy in placing the electrodes. The surgical treatment is most effective for treating the motor symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, including tremors, rigidity and limited facial expression. That final symptom “hurts their relationships with their family members,” VanSickle said, because loved ones are unable to read facial expressions.
“People do it for the tremor,” he said. “But the number one result they like is the facial expressions. I hear people say, ‘Thank you for giving me my wife or husband back. This is the person I married.’” After years of living with the disease, Bauer’s symptoms worsened significantly in 2013, prompting him to move forward with the surgery. “The biggest thing I’ve noticed is when I’m driving,” he said. “Before, I was really afraid to drive; it was just the way my nervous system was reacting.” Bauer now drives with ease and confidence. Because he’s caring for his ailing wife, that’s vital for them both. “I trained as a neurosurgeon, but I fell in love with this patient population,” VanSickle said. “You make half as much as you would as a spine surgeon. But they are really nice people. And they get quite a bit better. I believe in it.”
Two Lone Tree employees promoted Hebert, First move up administration ladder By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com The City of Lone Tree rewarded two of its longtime employees with recent promotions. Former community development director Steve Hebert is now deputy city manager. And Kelly First, previously the city’s planning manager, now assumes Hebert’s previous title of community development director. Those changes come in First the wake of former deputy city manager Seth Hoffman’s advancement to city manager. He assumed the top spot after longtime City Manager Jack Hidahl announced his retire-
ment in late 2013. Councilmembers offered congratulations to Hebert and First during the March 18 council meeting. “Even though we did national interviews, we found people (here) that were as good — better than — the national interview circuit,” Mayor Jim Gunning said. “We couldn’t be happier.” Neither could Hebert or First. “I feel as if I have grown right along with this community over the years, and feel very fortunate to be part of a team that is accomplishing some very exciting things,” said First, who has worked with the Hebert city for 14 years. “The city leadership, staff and residents in Lone Tree are exceptional, so it’s nice to be able to continue my career path here and contribute in new ways.”
“I am honored that Seth and the city council have the confidence in me to help them get to where they want to be,” said Hebert, initially hired at Lone Tree in late 2008. “The mayor and others often talk about how much is being accomplished at the local government level. I want to continue to be a part of that and help make sure the City of Lone Tree is a good steward of the taxpayers’ money and the public’s trust.” The planning manager position First vacated won’t be immediately filled, and could remain vacant permanently, Hoffman said. “We’re evaluating where that (position) is most needed in the city,” he said.
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