COLD-BLOODED COMPANIONS
September 15, 2016 VOLUME 15 | ISSUE 35
Exotic pets require unique foods, habitats. PAGE 12
LoneTreeVoice.net D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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Wounded detective ‘a fighter,’ doctor says Doctors, family give update on Dan Brite’s condition By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Dr. Michael Bertocchi, trauma surgeon at Parker Adventist Hospital, gives an update on Detective Dan Brite’s condition at a Sept. 9 news conference at the hospital. Photo by Tom Skelley
Detective Dan Brite remains in the intensive care unit at Parker Adventist Hospital in “very critical condition,” according to Dr. Michael Bertocchi, trauma surgeon who led the medical team that treated Brite after he was shot Sept. 2. During a Sept. 9 news conference at Parker Adventist, Bertocchi said Brite is responding to stimuli, though his consciousness is “blunted.” He said the brain
shuts down somewhat whenever the body is critically injured to allow other organs to heal. “He’s responding to treatments but he has to overcome the great physiological deficits that occur in a massive hemorrhage, and at this time we are dealing with those issues,” Bertocchi said. While responding to a Brite “suicidal” suspect’s home near Sierra Middle School, Brite was shot by Randall Rodick, who was killed by a police officer moments later, authorities said. Brite is a member of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Impact Unit, a special squad
that works with detectives from other local agencies, often targeting narcotics and property crimes and performing undercover operations. Before joining DCSO in 2014, he worked for the Lone Tree Police Department for nine years. A bullet entered Brite’s chest at the left side just below the pectoral muscle, Bertocchi indicated. Bertocchi said he didn’t see a ballistic vest on Brite when he arrived. Dr. Chris Winter, trauma medical director, said the medical personnel initially treating Brite numbered in the “tens” at times, and the high-quality care they provided and continue to provide is giving him his best chance for recovery. Recovery continues on Page 5
School board seat officially vacant Two days earlier, the board was deadlocked on the issue of Benevento’s resignation
By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com After a second special meeting of the Douglas County Board of Education in three days, Doug Benevento’s resignation was accepted by a 6-1 vote Sept. 8. David Ray cast the dissenting vote. At a Sept. 6 meeting on the same topic, the board did not accept his resignation following a deadlocked 3-3 vote. “I voted ‘no’ to convey the message that I am still concerned that we are condoning a political tactic that gives an unfair advantage to a future candidate,” Ray said. “Had there been Board continues on Page 6
National Geographic photographer Steve Winter will speak at Lone Tree Arts Center about his adventures with big cats and how he shot his photos, like this one, titled. “Tigress and cubs at a watering hole.”
Big cats come into focus Lone Tree Arts Center hosts award-winner Steve Winter
By Sonya Ellingboe sellingboe@coloradocommunitymedia.com
TINY HOUSE
Couple show how to live in a 210-squarefoot home. PAGE 4
Asian jungles, Himalayan mountain heights, Latin American rain forests and even metropolitan Los Angeles … Award-winning photographer Steve Winter has traveled the world in search of big cats and other wildlife. He has been attacked by rhinos in India, stalked by jaguars in Brazil, charged by an Cats continues on Page 31
National Geographic photographer/conservationist Steve Winter campaigns to save tigers and other endangered wildlife. Courtesy photo
IF YOU GO “National Geographic Live: On the Trail of Big Cats with Steve Winter” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27 and 10 a.m. Sept. 28 at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. (Note that this replaces a previously announced program by Bob Poole: “Gorongosa Reborn,” because Poole changed his schedule and will be shooting in Mozambique on Sept. 27/28.) Tickets — Sept. 27, $34-$40; Sept. 28 matinee, select seats, $18 (many are reserved for schoolchildren). 720-5091000; lonetreeartscenter.org,
Free Cocktails, Food and Swag Bag. RSVP now for September 29th. 303-945-2080 David Verebelyi, MD
See page 5 for more information