HAVE A BLAST
August 4, 2016 VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 29
Western Welcome Week returns to Littleton with plenty of activities for all ages. Check out the special pullout section on pages 15, 16, 17 and 18.
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Living with marijuana next door A new ordinance aims to reduce number of plants allowed for home growth
By Shanna Fortier sfortier@coloradocommunitymedia.com The home in the orderly Kentley Hills subdivision of Highlands Ranch — where the average sales price is $587,000 — looks like many others on the street, except for a few details: There are rarely cars in the driveway.
On garbage day, no trashcans are set out. The grass in the front yard is browning. Trucks visit in the middle of the night. And a smell of marijuana seeps from the house on Bentwood Circle into the neighborhood. “It’s unbearable,” said James, a neighbor who asked that his last name not be used because he said he fears for his family’s safety. “For my kids, it’s uncomfortable to play outside.” The home — about a half mile
from Heritage Elementary School — was reported to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office in April because of the continuous odor and traffic in and out of the house. It is one of 20 homes in Douglas County reported to the sheriff’s office during the first five months of 2016 for complaints related to marijuana cultivation. “We have this going on in all parts of Douglas County — they aren’t confined to one area,” said Chief Deputy Steve Johnson of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. Marijuana continues on Page 20
DOUGLAS COUNTY MARIJUANA CULTIVATION COMPLAINTS 50 45
40 30 20
21
24
20
10 2013
2014
2015
Source: Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
AS OF MAY 2016
DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
Medical pot policy approved for students Highlands Ranch mother led fight for son with epilepsy to use medical cannabis By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Christopher Shefte, 7, of Littleton, cools off at the TRYathlon at Cook Creek Pool on July 30. Photo by Rick Gustafson
Giving it the old try South Suburban event offered a chance to swim, bike and run By Rick Gustafson Special to Colorado Community Media When the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District holds its annual Youth and Adult TRYathlons each year, it places the emphasis on completion rather than competition.
This year’s event at the Cook Creek Pool in Lone Tree on July 30 drew more than 150 participants and featured five age categories, allowing athletes of all levels to test their abilities in the three-event race. Sarah Nielson, athletic coordinator for South Suburban, said there are so many competitive triathlons that the district has been offering the recreational TRYathlons to get people excited about trying one. “The TRYathlons are for people
who want to try it for the first time and who might be intimidated by the open-water swim.” Nielson said. The event had plenty of lifeguards on hand and was open to competitors ranging from as young as 5 to adult. Each age group had its own distances and the only entry requirement, other than a $20 fee, was the participants’ ability to swim unaided in deep water.
After being seizure-free for several years, 14-year old Benjamin Wann began suffering again last Thanksgiving Day. He subsequently had four more seizures in 14 days. Doctors, his mother said, wanted to put him back on powerful pharmaceutical drugs to treat his epilepsy. With her son soon to begin high school, Amber Wann hesitated to put Benjamin on drugs that included dangerous side effects like depression and suicidal tendencies. Instead, she turned to medical cannabis— specifically the non-psychoactive hemp oil extract called Charlotte’s Web. Students continues on Page 5
TRYathlon continues on Page 11
TO YOUR HEALTH Water infused with fruits and vegetables is a nutritious drink choice. PAGE 12
Lunch and Learn: Cellfina: A permanent solution to cellulite
August 17th at 12:15 pm
303-945-2080 David Verebelyi, MD
See page 5 for more information on Cellfina®.