October 15, 2020
FREE
DOUGLAS COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
LoneTreeVoice.net
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | SPORTS: PAGE 19
VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 36
In-person learning remains on track Elementary class sizes would return to near normal, staffers say BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Brothers Bradley and Luke Rahliec haul their prized pumpkins around the Lone Tree pumpkin patch Oct. 11. The event, normally held at Schweiger Ranch, was moved to the Lone Tree Arts Center. The city hosted its Oktoberfest Oct. 10 at the arts center as well. PHOTOS BY NICK PUCKETT
Oktoberfest lives on in Lone Tree Annual event moved to arts center Oct. 10-11 BY NICK PUCKETT NPUCKETT@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Averrie Flood arrived at the Lone Tree Arts Center pumpkin patch Oct. 11 knowing exactly what he wanted. It did not take long for the 7-yearold to spot the biggest, orange-iest gourd in the patch. With the help of his mother, Flood collected three pumpkins for his family — the biggest one reserved for him. “I want to make a big face,” Flood said. The young pumpkin artist specified he wanted to carve a “scary” jack-o-lantern face but depart from the typical, pointed-teeth look. Overall, Flood classified the day as “good.”
Dozens of families visited the makeshift pumpkin patch at the Lone Tree Arts Center Terrace Oct. 10 and 11. Traditionally held at Schweiger Ranch, the Austrian-themed ranch east of I-25, the pumpkin patch moved to the arts center to comply with social distancing guidelines. The city’s annual Oktoberfest took place at the Lone Tree Arts Center as well. Adults clinked German beers while kids played games and ate schnitzel, all while enjoying live music from oompah bands. The next morning, kids scoured the pumpkin patch at the arts center terrace. For $20, patrons picked up to three pumpkins from the multileveled, grass amphitheater. Parents enjoyed free coffee and kids guzzled hot chocolate in 30-minute sessions. Event organizers limited capacity and required face coverings at
VOTER SECURITY Bipartisan trust in local election integrity P4
Benh Diep inspects the pumpkin selected by his son, Erik, including its distinctive “spooky” looking stem at the Lone Tree Arts Center pumpkin patch Oct. 11. both events, in accordance with the Douglas County variance on social gatherings.
The Douglas County School District is continuing preparations to send elementary school students back to full in-person learning this month after the school board received an update from district staff on the progress of plans. The school board held a study session on the matter — discussions in which no formal action is required — during its Oct. 6 board meeting. Staff provided a look at how a student’s day might differ once back to 100% in-person learning, staffing needs and where the community’s COVID-19 data currently sit. The district has a goal of returning elementary students to in-person learning by Oct. 19. As predicted, worsening COVID-19 statistics followed the Labor Day holiday, staff said, something numerous parents expressed concern about during public comment. Some parents worried about health concerns, while others felt children would be confused and further disrupted if the district has to reverse course and switch back to a hybrid or online learning model. Parents pointed to the district dashboard, which scores the district’s SEE LEARNING, P13
IN THE GAME Esports continues to grow as a competitive outlet for area teens
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