June 2, 2016 VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 20
CHURCH CHUCKLES Congregation uses comedy to raise money for pair of causes on PAGE 12.
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Focus turns to Fagen’s legacy, successor Community members speak out as controversial superintendent prepares to leave for Texas post By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com Douglas County School District Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen’s decision to leave Colorado to take the same position in Humble, Texas, a district of 39,000 students outside Houston, has sparked com-
munitywide discussion about her legacy and who will replace her. Fagen, hired by the Douglas County school board in 2010, said in a May 24 email to district staff that she expects to leave by mid-July. There has been a mixed reaction to her Fagen appointment in Humble. A change.org petition protesting her hiring received 2,000 sig-
natures online as of May 26. Meanwhile, parents and community members in Douglas County posted dozens of antiFagen comments on the Humble school district’s Facebook page. On May 25, the Humble district put out a letter defending the hire. “Our School Board was well informed on all aspects related to Dr. Fagen’s candidacy,” the letter from Robert Sitton, Humble school board president, reads. “We are aware of the posts from Colorado on our district’s social media page last
night and today. We have reviewed the posts, and we want you to know that none of the comments posted were a surprise to us, as we have done extensive research on all seven of our superintendent candidates, including Dr. Liz Fagen.” Fagen’s legacy In Douglas County, parents and educators are reflecting on the impact of Fagen’s six years at the helm of the district, which Fagen continues on Page 5
Group sues over C-470 expansion Area residents file federal lawsuit against CDOT, alleging that noise data is flawed By Kyle Harding kharding@coloradocommunitymedia.com A group of Highlands Ranch residents has filed a lawsuit to stop the planned expansion of C-470 between I-25 and Kipling Avenue, claiming the Federal Highway Administration and the Colorado Department of Transportation used flawed traffic noise data in the approval process. Highlands Ranch Neighborhood Coalition filed the suit in federal court against CDOT on May 12, also naming CDOT Executive Director Shailen Bhat and FHWA Colorado Division Administrator Joh Cater. Coalition president Carter Sales said CDOT did not do long-term noise sampling to validate its computer noise models during the public comment period last year, only conducting short-term sampling instead. C-470 continues on Page 11
FIRST FOR VALOR
Valor Christian wins the first baseball championship in its history. Page 20
Piper Mike West warms up ahead of group practice. West has been playing the bagpipes for six years and still considers himself an amateur. Photos by Rick Gustafson
Summoned by the call of the pipes Lone Tree firefighters’ bagpipe band plays to honor service By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media Mike West has been playing the bagpipes for more than six years, but still considers himself an amateur. “As fire department bagpipers go, I’m OK,” West said. “As bagpipers go, I’m definitely a novice.” West seasons the reed in his mouth one last time before twisting the chanter into the chanter stock, securing it to the black leather bag. He slips the instrument’s loose configuration over his shoulder and tucks the bag under his left arm. Following a few puffs on the mouthpiece, he strikes the bag with his free hand. The truck bay of South Metro Fire Station 34 in Lone Tree fills with the steady notes of three drones followed by a higher-pitched melody as West fingers the chanter. West is a charter member of the South Metro Fire Pipes and Drums, which provides pipes and drums for departmental functions. Most noted for its service to fallen first responders, the band also plays at retirements, awards ceremonies and firehouse dedications.
Drummers Niamh Kennedy, tenor drum, and Brian Page, bass drum, join with pipers at their weekly practice. Though not a firefighter, Kennedy is welcomed to play and perform with the band. “A lot of times the bagpipers will get called to just help out at a funeral, play either at the church or at the gravesite,” firefighter-paramedic Eric Hendee said. “When we do a funeral for somebody, just that part of it can really add to the
event.” Hendee said that it’s not about the piper being in the spotlight but enhancing the service in honor of the family members. Pipes continues on Page 6