Elbert County News 0312

March 12, 2015 VOLU M E 1 2 0 | I S S UE 6 | 7 5 ¢

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BOCC, planners pursuing harmony The two boards take steps to end recent communication problems

By Rick Gustafson

Special to Colorado Community Media

Lucas Vicari studies geography on an iPad before a lecture in Matt Parish’s social studies class at Legacy Academy. Photos by Rick Gustafson

Character counts in charter school Students, teams earn points as part of education program

By Rick Gustafson

Special to Colorado Community Media

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ELBERT COUNTY NEWS (USPS 171-100)

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P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY

Social studies teacher Matt Parish stands in front of a whiteboard with the outline of Russia projected on his face. He points to the bootshaped county on a multicolored map of Europe identical to the one the students had just finished studying on their iPads. Hands shoot into the air.

“Aww, that’s an easy one,” one of his sixthgraders says as Parish writes “Italy” through the top of the boot with a dry erase marker before moving on to the funny-shaped country squeezed between France and Germany.

“Belgium,” says one of the girls from a middle row, following a brief hesitation from the class.

What looks like an ordinary lesson in geography is also part of a program launched this year at Legacy Academy Charter School in Elizabeth, designed to encourage and develop students’ character.

In the schoolwide program, students receive grades just like other schools — but in addition to their letter grades, students at Legacy are also rewarded for their initiative as well as for demonstrating the values learned in the school’s Character Education program.

“Last year the board had expressed an interest in having some character education for the kids here at Legacy, so we put a team together to make that happen.” Parish explains. “The goal is to promote positive behavior and to recognize when students are doing a really good job.”

In addition to their regular schoolwork, the students at the school in Elizabeth have studied values such as courage, honesty, respect, responsibility and humility.

“We have a different value every month,” Parish said. “March is perseverance. If an elementary teacher sees one of their students demonstrating a good example of perseverance, they reward the student with a green ticket, and they can earn all sorts of prizes for demonstrating that behavior.”

Each green ticket is worth one point and is earned by exhibiting the values in personal behavior or demonstrating excellence in schoolwork. On any given day, a teacher might award anywhere between one to five tickets per class period.

Legacy has adopted two variations of the program, one for students in grade school (K-5), the other tailored for the middle school (grades 6-8).

At the beginning of the year, the middle school students were assigned to teams, and an individual’s accomplishment earns points for his

Legacy Academy social studies teacher Matt Parish prepares to hand out a green ticket. or her team. Parish likens the teams to the houses at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter books, but instead of names such as Gryffindor or Slytherin, Legacy’s teams are named for universities.

“Each teacher has a team of about 10 kids consisting of sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders.

When the students in middle school earn a ticket, they get a point for their team. We also have team contests throughout the year.”

In addition to green tickets, middle-school students can also receive red tickets or penalty tickets, which hurt their teams by deducting points from teams’ totals.

“So if a student is not showing perseverance or not showing respect, he can get a penalty ticket that goes against the team,” Parish said. “We are starting to see the middle schoolers show more positive behavior because they are not worried about letting themselves down, they’re not worried about letting their parents down, they’re not worried about letting their teachers down, they’re worried about letting their team down.”

The introduction of the red ticket is designed to expose and prepare students for what they will encounter in a work environment, where they will likely interact with a co-worker who may not be performing well.

“You don’t necessarily want to call them out, throw them under the bus,” Parish said. “You want to try to help them. You want to try to interact with them positively so they improve.”

Charter continues on Page 7

For years, it has been an unwritten rule in Elbert County that members of the Board of County Commissioners not attend Elbert County Planning Commission meetings, and for years, members of the BOCC have stayed away. Recently a series of miscommunications, fueled by rumors and innuendo, has created tension between the two bodies.

In an effort to foster a better relationship, the BOCC and the planning commission held a joint meeting at the County Administration Building on March 4. Facilitated by Ed Ehmann, county manager, discussions centered on enhancing communication and improving the relationship.

“My suggestion is that we have a member of the BOCC come to a planning commission meeting and just watch what happens, so they can be familiar with how we do business,” said Bob Ware, planning commission member.

Wade Gateley, county attorney, has been reviewing the issue. He said it would be fine for commissioners to attend the meetings under certain conditions.

“A commissioner would not be precluded from coming to a (planning commission) meeting,” Gateley said. “A commissioner would be precluded from asking any questions or asserting any positions, but other than that, I think it is part of the process. I don’t see that it would be improper in any way.”

Gateley also cautioned that it might be wise for only one commissioner to attend at a time. If two attended, it might be construed as a quorum under the Colorado Sunshine Laws. In addition, if anyone were to assert a conflict of interest and a commissioner were forced to recuse him or herself, two commissioners would still be eligible to decide the matter.

Kyle Fenner, Elbert County’s community and development director, saw the development as a step in the right direction.

“The fact that one commissioner would BOCC continues on Page 7

Planning commission member Bob Ware, shown at the March 4 joint meeting with the board of county commissioners, wants a county commissioner to attend planning meetings “so they can be familiar with how we do business.” Photo by Rick Gustafson

2

2 Elbert County News

March 12, 2015

Sheriffs sue state over marijuana Officials say Colorado can’t OK violation of federal law

By Kristen Wyatt Associated Press Ten sheriffs from three different states sued Colorado on March 5 for decriminalizing marijuana — joining a handful of recent legal challenges urging courts to strike down the state’s legalization of recreational pot.

The sheriffs from Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska say that Colorado’s 2012 marijuana legalization vote violates federal law.

Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap is among the Colorado contingent.

“A state may not establish its own policy that is directly counter to federal policy against trafficking in controlled substance,”

the sheriffs argue in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Denver.

The lawsuit is the latest legal challenge to legal weed. Nebraska and Oklahoma have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down marijuana legalization in Colorado. The Supreme Court hasn’t said yet whether it will hear that Heap case.

A group of Colorado residents have filed their own federal challenge, saying marijuana reduces property values.

The sheriffs note that more than half of Colorado’s recreational pot sales last year were sold to out-of-state visitors, according to data from Colorado’s marijuana regulators. The sheriffs say the weed is spilling across state lines. Even in Colorado, the

sheriffs say, legal weed forces police officers to violate federal drug law.

“The scheme enacted by Colorado for retail marijuana is contrary and obstructive” to federal drug laws, the sheriffs argue.

Marijuana legalization opponents joined a news conference in Washington, D.C., on March 5 and praised the legal challenges.

“Although states should be able to determine appropriate penalties, we need uniform federal drug laws regarding legalization,” Kevin Sabet, head of the group Smart Approaches to Marijuana, said in a statement.

But the lawsuit was brushed off by others, including U.S. Rep. Jared Polis, a Colorado Democrat who supports legal marijuana.

“This lawsuit is a silly attempt to circumvent the will of Colorado voters and is a waste of time,” Polis said in a statement.

The Colorado plaintiffs are Heap, Larimer

County Sheriff Justin Smith, Yuma County Sheriff Chad Day, Hinsdale County Sheriff Ronald Bruce, Kiowa County Sheriff Casey Sheridan and Delta County Sheriff Frederick McKee. The Nebraska plaintiffs are Deuel County Sheriff Adam Hayward, Deuel County Attorney Paul Shaub, Cheyenne County Sheriff John Jenson and Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman.

The Kansas plaintiffs are Sherman County Sheriff Burton Pianalto and Charles Moser, attorney for Sherman, Wallace and Greeley counties.

Colorado’s attorney general’s office, which will defend the state pot law in all three lawsuits, did not immediately respond to the sheriffs’ filing on March 5.

Colorado has until March 27 to respond to the lawsuit from Nebraska and Oklahoma.

Legislators eye more oversight for police Law enforcement balks at bill for data collection

By Ivan Moreno Associated Press

Democrats are spearheading a package of legislation aimed at expanding oversight of Colorado law enforcement and placing limits on their power, a response to allegations of excessive force both in the state and nationally.

The proposals include collecting demographic data on arrests, banning the use of chokeholds, increasing the use of body cameras, and appointing a special prosecutor to review decisions not to charge an officer when deadly force is used or excessive force is alleged. In all, Democrats are considering at least seven proposals, most of which are expected to be introduced this month.

Law enforcement groups have expressed opposition to the data-collection bill, which is the only one that’s been filed, calling it an unfunded mandate. In a letter to lawmakers, the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police said

they “recognize that recent events throughout the country make it more important than ever to continue to find ways to build trust with our citizens.” The group added, however, that it “will not support legislation that is punitive, ill considered, or which negatively impacts the safety or due process of our citizens or officers.”

Colorado is the latest state to join the debate about what restrictions, if any, are needed in the aftermath of the death of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old who was killed during a confrontation with a white officer in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson.

The death of Eric Garner after he was placed in a chokehold by a New York police officer added tension to an already heated debate.

At least a dozen states have proposed legislation this year that mandate or expand the use of body cameras. Lawmakers in other states have also considered the use of special prosecutors in deadly-force cases.

In Colorado, there’s been public unrest over the fatal police shooting in January of 17-year-old Jessica Hernandez. Authorities say Hernandez was in a stolen car that she drove toward an officer trying to talk to her.

Two officers fired at Hernandez, and the case is under investigation.

Before that, there was community outcry over the 2010 death of Marvin Booker, a black homeless street preacher in custody at Denver’s county jail. Deputies shocked him with a stun gun while he was handcuffed and put him in a sleeper hold to try to control him.

His family said Booker, 56, was frail and had a heart condition.

Democrats pushing the bills in Colorado control only one of the two statehouse chambers, the House, so the chances of their proposals advancing are unclear.

Collecting data on arrests and the disposition of cases, Democrats say, will help determine whether minority groups are disproportionately targeted by police and the judicial system. But it’s unknown how the proposal will be funded.

State Rep. Daniel Kagan, D-Cherry Hills Village, is sponsoring the bill on special prosecutors and expanding the use of body cameras. He said he’s not implying there are problems with charging decisions now.

“But there is potential for mistrust when the police are the objects of investigation by

the district attorney who works so closely with the police,” he said.

Other bills include: • Eliminating a five-year sentencing minimum for second-degree assault on law enforcement officers. Judges would still have the discretion to sentence someone to five years, said Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora. But he’s concerned that currently people feel pressured to plead guilty to a lower charge, even when they believe they’re innocent, to avoid a five-year sentence.

• Forbidding law enforcement from confiscating recording devices during police-citizen confrontations unless there’s a warrant or permission from the owner of the recording.

Some Republicans wonder whether lawenforcement reform is something that should be addressed in Colorado now.

“I’m a little concerned that we’re taking aDee broad brush to situations that may only applyafte to one or two bad apples in the department across the state,” said Rep. Polly Lawrence, RBy C Roxborough. “And I’m concerned that we’re taking really extreme situations that hap-cmic pened outside of Colorado and applying them@col to law enforcement agencies in our state.”

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Elbert County News 3

March 12, 2015

The impact of Praying Hands Ranch

unty heriffFounders of equine Casey ericktherapy center honored

by Parker Rotary

unty Attor-By Chris Michlewicz heriffcmichlewicz heriff@coloradocommunitymedia.com

oun- The founders of Praying Hands Ranch have spent three Mos-decades providing a spiritual lift with a lot of love and a Gree-little bit of horse power.

The Parker Rotary Club celebrated the tireless contributions Carl and Shirley Hanson have made to the comffice, munity by giving them its annual Impact Award, an honor n all that goes to those who exemplify Rotary’s motto of “Service pond Above Self.”

The Hansons accepted the award to a standing ovation pondat the State of the Town luncheon Feb. 24. oma. Every year, dozens of children and adults with varying mental and physical disabilities visit the sprawling Praying Hands Ranch and get to ride a horse. For many, it’s their first time, and the experience is liberating and, in some cases, life-changing.

“We’ve seen miracles,” said Shirley Hanson, who founded the nonprofit center with her husband 29 years ago. with“Kids who didn’t talk suddenly talk.”

Praying Hands Ranch, near the Douglas-Elbert county line, uses an equine-assisted practice known as Hippomini-therapy. The treatment uses horse movements and social w en-interaction that result in physical, occupational and speech haveand language benefits, and the Hansons believe it is their o fivecalling to bring the riding experience to people who might . Butotherwise never have the chance. pres- “With children and adults, we’re seeing wonderful things evenhappen out there with our therapists,” said Shirley Hanson, oid a84. “It’s a marvelous therapy. It makes the little ones feel big

e

Michele Duncan, president-elect of Parker Rotary, right, lists the reasons why Praying Hands Ranch founders Shirley and Carl Hanson were named the winners of the 2015 Impact Award. Photo by Chris Michlewicz and important and the older ones, it gives them more joy.”

Jo Stone, an attorney in Parker who has known the Hansons for 14 years, describes them as “extraordinary people” with an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. Stone says the Hansons are optimistic, caring and constantly driven by their faith. They not only impact people with disabilities and their families with the therapy, they opened their home and adopted a man with special needs who helps do chores around the ranch and is part of

the 11-member family.

It is an example of the Hansons’ selflessness, Stone says.

“The reason why they’re so effective is because they are humble, they are genuine and they are two of the few people I’ve known in my life who are capable of unconditional love,” she said.

Because they are so busy, Shirley Hanson said she and Carl, 85, don’t have time to think about being recognized for their work, but were “very pleased” to hear they were nominated. The thanks she receives comes in the form of smiles and laughter from the budding riders, a sight that “makes you laugh and smile yourself,” she says.

Simply put, the reason the Hansons have invested their time, money, effort and hearts for so long is because “the Lord asked,” Shirley Hanson said. If the name of the ranch didn’t give it away, the equine therapy center is rooted in interdenominational faith and is assisted by a steady stream of volunteers from local churches.

“We really have a faith that God is with us and has led us into this and has helped us and blessed the children,” Shirley Hanson said. “Some have been actually healed physically.”

The Hansons practice what they preach, put in the work needed to succeed and conduct themselves with a grace and humility throughout.

“They dream of how things could be and should be and they set about making that happen through their own sacrifice,” Stone said. “They’re not easily discouraged.”

With a second Praying Hands Ranch location on the southern end of Douglas County gaining a foothold, the Hansons’ reach is growing. That center is using Hippotherapy to assist, among others, veterans in their recovery from the mental and physical effects of their deployments.

Luckily for everyone who has the pleasure of knowing them, the Hansons have no intention of slowing down.

“We have no plans to not do it,” Shirley Hanson said. “It keeps you young and it keeps you going.”

Injured deer euthanized in Parker

onfistizen r per-

lawhould

ing aDeer had badly broken leg applyafter being struck by car ment ce, RBy Chris Michlewicz we’re hap-cmichlewicz them@coloradocommunitymedia.com ” A deer seriously injured after being struck by a car was euthanized by a Colorado Parks and Wildlife officer.

Concerned residents in Rowley Downs called the wildlife division after the deer, which had a broken leg, lay in the same spot near Mainstreet and Stonehenge Way for two days.

An officer responded March 2 and determined that the deer lacked mobility and was in poor shape. CPW spokeswoman Jennifer Churchill said she was unsure how the deer was euthanized, but said it’s “generally with a sidearm,” referring to the officers’ service weapons.

A homeowner who kept an eye on the deer in a greenbelt said three police cars and an animal control vehicle were observing the deer on the morning of Feb. 28.

Colorado Parks & Wildlife prefers to “let Mother Nature take her course” with hopes that the animal will heal on its own, Churchill said.

“We have lots of deer out there that have three legs. They’re pretty hearty,” she said.

“We don’t like to put our hands on them unless it’s a fatal injury that’s going to prolong

their suffering.”

Injured animals are assessed based on their ability to move, see and eat. The officer who put down the deer in Rowley Downs believes the deer was hit by a vehicle.

Churchill said she encourages motorists to slow down “for their safety and the safety of the animals in their neighborhood.”

The nearby homeowner said kids attending Pioneer Elementary School have been seen in recent weeks holding up signs that say “slow down” and “save our deer.”

4

4 Elbert County News

March 12, 2015

No business like snow business Snow teams keep runways clear, even when skies aren’t

Special to Colorado Community Media To someone who’s never seen nighttime snow removal on Centennial Airport’s runway, it’s more like a well-choreographed ice dance than just some inclement weather operation.

Snow blowers and plows, with twinkling lights, move gracefully along the airport’s 10,000-foot main runway, 35R, all under the watchful eye of the Snow Boss, a designation given to the operations specialist who coordinates and directs snow-removal crews and activities.

“We normally like to work around air traffic rather than closing the runway completely,” explains Lorie Hinton, assistant airport director. “With the help of the control tower, we plow inbetween arriving and departing aircraft, and that keeps airport operations moving smoothly.”

Driving heavy equipment that can chew up several feet of snow and toss it hundreds of feet in the air, snow removal crewmembers await clearance from the Snow Boss before entering a runway or controlled area.

Communication among everyone involved is critical.

Safety is always a priority.

With precision movement, vehicles move up and down the runway, creating a floating cloud of snow.

Once vehicles have cleared the runway, a runway inspection is required.

During the inspection, the Snow Boss drives the entire length of the runway in a lighted vehicle, measures the depth of any remaining snow, checks vehicle braking action, and looks for large chunks of ice that might have dropped from a plow blade.

The information is then condensed into a brief report, called a Notice to Airmen, or NOTAM for short, and then issued via a special Federal Aviation Administration website.

According to Hinton, snow removal is a combination of both science and art. While meteorology and physics play a major role, she said there’s still the art of knowing where to put the snow to keep ground traffic moving.

After major snowstorms, piles of excess

During a big storm, everyone has to measure up, including the weather. Here Centennial Airport intern Derald Shaw measures snow depth on the airport’s longest runway, 35R, using a simple ruler. Information about runway conditions are gathered in a multitude of ways and then assimilated into reports for pilots and other airport users. Photos by Deborah Grigsby Smith/Centennial Airport snow in non-critical areas of the airport often look like mini-mountain ranges.

During inclimate weather, aircraft traffic lessens, but critical operations, such as law enforcement and medical evacuation flights, do not, added Hinton.

Centennial Airport is home to several air ambulance operators, like Flight for Life, that rely on the airport’s round-the-clock vigilance to help save lives.

Centennial Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in North America, seeing more than 800 take-offs and landings each day, serving a diverse client base, including cargo, corporate charter, recreational, medical evacuation, law enforcement, military and flight training.

Centennial Airport is an 11-time winner of the Balchen/Post Award, a national recognition honoring excellence in airport snow and ice removal.

— Deborah Grigsby Smith, Centennial Airport

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March 12, 2015

Elbert County News 5

THINGS TO DO

EDITOR’S NOTE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. Send listings to calendar@coloradocommunitymedia.com. No attachments, please. Listings are free and run on a spaceavailable basis.

Events

Lenten Fish Fry The Knights of Columbus will have a fish fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Friday in Lent in Brownstein Hall at Ave Maria Catholic Church in Parker. Fried fish, baked fish, nuggets, cole slaw, fried or baked potato, mac and chees, and dinner rolls are available. Iced tea, lemonade and coffee are free. Cost is $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. A family rate of $29 is offered. Homemade desserts are available. Take out and drive through are also available by calling 303-522-5602.

just north of Cottonwood. Tour is free. Call Arapahoe County Open Spaces at 720-874-6540 for information.

Respecting Reptiles Spring and warm weather will wake up our cold blooded friends at Castlewood Canyon. Reptiles are some of these visitors. Sometimes we are concerned about the reptiles’ return because we do not know and understand their importance to our Colorado ecosystem. Join volunteer naturalist Dot Anderson to learn more about the importance of reptiles and learn to recognize the difference between venomous snakes and constrictors. This family program is from 10-11 a.m.

Saturday, March 14; meet at the visitor center.

Black Bears Join us for a program about black bears and their interactions with the public. This program will be presented by zoology students from Rock Canyon High School. These students have been working on solutions to minimize encounters and to involve the community. Program is at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 15; meet at the visitor center at Castlewood Canyon State Park.

Cliff Spratt, Alan Hinsman to Perform

‘High School Musical Jr.’ Elizabeth Middle School’s Cardinal Players presents “High School Musical Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12, to Saturday, March 14 at the middle school. Tickets cost $6.

Deep Space Comedy Deep Space Theatre presents Comedy Night shows that feature improve, stand-up comedians, videos and more. The shows run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, March 13; Friday, April 10; and Friday, May 1, at 11020 S. Pikes Peak Drive, Parker. For these shows, reserve a table for your party, and then you bring your own dinner (or order from a local restaurant). Water and soda will be available for purchase. Call 720-675-7932.

Historic 17 Mile Farm Open House Take a tour of the house and big red barn at the historic 1860s 17 Mile House Farm Park at an open house from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 14. The park is at 8181 S. Parker Road,

Castle Country Assisted Living will welcome musicians Cliff Spratt and Alan Hinsman for a performance at each of its three houses Monday, March 16. In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, Spratt and Hinsman will perform Irish songs and dances.

They’ll entertain at 11 a.m. at Cantril House, 221 Cantril St., Castle Rock; at 1 p.m. at Valley House, 255 S. Valley Drive, Castle Rock; and at 3 p.m. at Victorian House, 19600 Victorian Drive, Parker. This event is free and open to the public but space is limited. For information or to RSVP, call 303-482-5552.

and green beer. Cost of admission is $5. This event is open to the public but space is limited. For information or to RSVP, call 303-482-5552. Cantril House is at 221 Cantril St., Castle Rock; Valley House is at 255 S. Valley Drive, Castle Rock; and Victorian House is at 19600 Victorian Drive, Parker.

Estate Planning Law Changes A free public workshop to discuss changes to estate planning laws in 2015, including changes to VA qualification for pension, loss of protection on inherited IRAs, changes in estate, gift and generation-skipping tax changes, new laws affecting same-sex marriages and more, is from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, at the Philip S. Miller Library, 100 S. Wilcox St., Castle Rock. Space is limited.

Woman’s Club Breakfast The Elbert Woman’s Club plans its monthly breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, March 22, at the Russell Gates Mercantile Community Hall. Biscuits, gravy, sausage, ham, scrambled eggs, coffee/tea and juice are served for $7/ adults and $3/children under 12. The hall is in Elbert on Elbert Road between Highways 86 and 24, 11 miles south of Kiowa.

Proceeds support the maintenance and renovation of the Hall, built in 1906.

calling 303-805-6800 or at the PACE Center box office.

Putting Down Roots Learn the basics for planting and care of a tree chosen for Elbert County microclimates and take it home to plant. The “Putting Down Roots” seminar, hosted

by Elbert County Master Gardeners, is from 7-9 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8, at Frontier High School, 589 S. Banner St., Elizabeth. RSVP at 303-621-3162. Cost is $10.

Free Legal Clinic A free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney is open from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St., Elizabeth. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain processes and procedures for all areas of civil litigation, including family law, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, small claims, veterans issues and civil protection orders. Walkins are welcome. Help offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinics are offered the second Tuesday of each month; future clinics are offered May 12, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept.

8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Dec. 8.

Children’s ‘Coppelia,’ Toymaker’s Tea Party Ballet Ariel presents a children’s version of “Coppelia” at 7 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker, with 35 students from the Colorado School of Dance dancing in the children’s roles. “Coppelia” is the story of eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppelius and his doll Coppelia. Tickets are available at http://pacecenteronline.ticketforce.com, by

HAVE AN EVENT? To submit a calendar listing, send information to calendar @coloradocommunitymedia.com.

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St. Patrick’s Day Party Castle Country Assisted Living will host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at each of its three houses at noon Tuesday, March 17. Guests can enjoy traditional Irish food, music

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6-Opinion

6 Elbert County News

Y O U R S

OPINION

March 12, 2015

&

O U R S

Being go-to person offers big benefits You know that moment where we need help with a situation or project and someone around us says, “Don’t worry, I’ve got a guy?”

Sometimes they don’t just say it, they whisper it like it’s a best-kept secret or like it’s the kind of situation or project that calls for the kind of guy that shows up in the shadows, comes from the underworld, and has a crooked smile where the short end of a cigar dangles from the corner of his lips.

You know the feeling right, that, “I’ve got a guy from Detroit,” or `I’ve got a guy from New York,” who can really help you with anything — that kind of feeling.

Since I am originally from New Jersey, I joke around a lot with my friends about this subject. Anytime that they bring up a situation or express a need, I say, “Don’t worry, I’ve got a guy.”

Now the truth is that in most situations I do have a guy, or a gal, or a company who can help them out. You see, I have developed a fairly robust network of friends, colleagues, contractors, customers and associates who are always willing to help out if and when I need them. And one of my favorite things to do is to help connect the dots where I can so that I can help as many people as possible whenever I can.

Some people call it networking and that is fine, because I guess that is what it really is at the end of the day. I prefer to feel like I am building solid win-win relationships with people who also understand that they can contact me at any time as well should

my skills, resources or services be of value to them in their time of need.

Now the network of friends, people and companies I have developed and nurtured to become what they are did not happen overnight. This has been a lifetime of giving back to them, demonstrating my love and loyalty and willingness to help.

Being available to talk or act as needed. As a matter of fact, throughout my career I have made it a point to continually reach out and stay in touch with as many people as possible. A very proactive approach to staying connected.

Some of you may say, well that’s just not my thing, or that is not important to me.

And that’s OK, I just wanted to give you some of the benefits I see when it comes to having a guy or gal or someone you can go to in time of need. Or better yet, the benefit of being that guy or gal when someone calls you in their time of need.

Recently I have helped connect the dots for people looking for work. I get resumes all the time and I always promise to keep

my eyes and ears open for opportunities to share those resumes. And recently that has worked out well for a few of my connections. When a friend of mine from New Jersey had a son visiting Colorado and needed assistance with some short-term housing, I was able to help. And when I was traveling and away from my home when a blizzard hit, I had a guy I called who handled all of the snow removal at my home so I didn’t return in the middle of the night to a driveway full of snow. (Thank you, Tim.) You see, having a “go-to” person or being that “go-to” person really does have its benefits. And when we take the time to build those relationships over the course of a lifetime, we will have such a vast network of people who are always willing to help us and we will have such a sense of accomplishment as we are able to look back on each time or event where we were placed in a position to help others as well.

Are you that “I’ve got a guy” or “I’ve got a gal” kind of person? Can your skills, resources, or services be of benefit to someone else today? I would love to hear all about it at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we become part of someone else’s network while building a network of our own, it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Castle Rock, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation, a strategic consultant and a business and personal coach.

When it comes to list, ice cream topping it I have a question. Name one thing that is loved, treasured and appreciated all over the world.

Family, friends, sex, God and soup might be too easy.

Jennifer and I came up with fruits and vegetables, and dogs and cats.

She said chocolate.

I said music, but that seems too inclusive. Opera and hip-hop are not loved all over the world. Or even downstairs.

Art? But that’s a very big umbrella too.

Shoes? Sure. And that’s all the way from Imelda Marcos, who owned over a thousand pairs of shoes, to Charlie Chaplin’s tramp, who owned only one pair — but they made him famous.

Of course, going without shoes is common too. I grew up in a home where shoes were removed as soon as you walked in. Or else.

Guests could leave theirs on.

I think the Internet and personal computers would make the Top Ten. Maybe the Internet and personal computers would make the Top Five. I can live without my computer. For a couple of hours.

Books? They would be in my Top Ten. Cell phones? Probably. Unfortunately.

Not me.

Live performances? I think so.

My pen pal Anne Akiko Meyers plays her violin all over the planet.

There are many other kinds of live performances. Cirque du Soleil goes absolutely everywhere, and everyone goes home happy.

Who doesn’t like pencils?

Coffee, soft drinks and hamburgers have huge admiring audiences. Is there anything more ubiquitous than Coca-Cola?

I don’t think so.

I came up with the best answer. Invite one man, one woman and one child from every country in the world and sit them down in a stadium and hand them a bowl and a spoon.

And two scoops of ice cream.

There you are: It’s ice cream. We all love it.

I know. I know. Some of us are lactoseintolerant.

Maybe my answer isn’t the best, because approximately 65 percent of adults have a reduced ability to digest lactose

after infancy.

And it’s 90 percent in people of East Asian descent.

Okay. Let’s forget about ice cream. But it would be in my Top Ten. And I can be more specific. Ben & Jerry’s Vanilla Caramel Fudge.

The balancing act of those three components is sublime. There is nothing else like it.

I can do just fine with vanilla, all by itself. Vanilla has become a derogatory adjective, but not with me.

And then there is Vanilla Ice, which isn’t a frozen dessert at all. The former rapper was arrested in February on charges of burglary and grand theft.

The caramel aligns neatly with the vanilla, and along comes fudge to make everything perfection.

It’s not a freak like some of their other flavors. In fact, you could make it yourself.

But I wouldn’t get the percentages just right, and they do.

Dogs — not cats — would be in my Top Ten. Maybe I should have just said “pets,” because many of us have birds and fish and ferrets and hamsters, although I don’t know why, when you can own a dachshund.

A beagle named Miss P won the top prize at this year’s Westminster Kennel Smith continues on Page 7

Feds need to help counties in West For decades, communities across Colorado and the West have engaged in a contract with the federal government.

This is because many counties have large swaths of federal land within their borders in the form of BLM land, national forests, and national parks and monuments.

These lands aren’t taxable, and local communities often cover the expenses of maintaining access to these lands and providing safety and other first-responder services. To help offset those losses, the federal government has reimbursed states and counties through a program called Payment in Lieu of Taxes. It’s often referred to as PILT. Colorado is 36 percent federal land, and some counties in the state contain more than 90 percent federal land, making PILT critical to their budgets and planning.

Twelve counties depend on more than $1 million a year in PILT funding, and Garfield

and Mesa counties rely on more than $3 million in funding. In 2014, Colorado counties were owed $34.5 million in total.

Communities use this money to fund critical services, such as law enforcement, fire protection, emergency response programs, road and bridge maintenance, and search and rescue operations.

In recent years, ensuring the federal government lives up to its end of the bargain has been difficult. With the end of

mandatory funding due to congressional inaction, funding now has to be reauthorized every year. With all of the dysfunction in Washington, we’ve had some close calls.

Many times counties have been forced to wait until deep into the fiscal year. Two years ago, we were able to secure a oneyear PILT extension in the 2014 Farm Bill after it was omitted from a government funding bill. For 2015, we funded it by cobbling together resources from two different bills. But there is no guarantee for 2016.

We’ve seen similar problems with a program called Secure Rural Schools, which has a similar purpose and has actually expired completely. Counties rely on the that program to provide critical services like maintenance projects and forest restoration, and it’s an important resource for rural schools. In 2014, Colorado’s rural Bennett continues on Page 7

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7

Elbert County News 7

March 12, 2015

British officials visit Legend High School Parade leaders invite marching band to London

By Jane Reuter

jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Legend High School welcomed distinguished guests from across the pond with music and gifts Feb. 27. The former lord mayor of Westminster, England — attired in a red, fur-accented robe and white gloves — and two parade officials visited the school in Parker to formally invite the marching band to participate in the 2016 London New Year’s Day Parade.

Music students greeted them with cheers, jazz music and a thunderous percussion piece.

The British officials are visiting several schools in the United States to extend the formal invitation.

“Our event is the greatest event in the greatest city in the world,” said Bob Bone, the parade’s executive director.

While the three-hour Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City draws about 4,500 performers, London’s 3.5-hour event includes about 8,500 from 20 different countries, he said.

“In every poll we’ve done with the crowd, the favorite

Charter Continued from Page 1

On the last Friday of each month, the middle school holds an assembly to recognize the month’s winners and introduce

the next Character Ed value for the following month. Assemblies may also include team challenges such as knowledge bowls, where the students have to work together to answer questions.

The team earning the most points at the end of each month is rewarded with something along the lines of a pizza or ice cream party, and at the end of the school

BOCC Continued from Page 1

attend a meeting has literally filled a void,” Fenner said.

“I think you will be amazed at what that little thing will change.”

The community and development office will also

Smith Continued from Page 6

Club Dog Show, and her victory brought smiles to the faces of everyone who owns a beagle.

Snoopy is a beagle, but he doesn’t look very much like one. And Charlie Brown,

Bennett Continued from Page 6

communities received more than $10 million in SRS money. With its expiration, many rural school districts are facing tremendous budget shortfalls that will impair their ability to educate our students.

With these programs in jeopardy, we joined forces with Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon and Republican Sen. Mike Crapo of Idaho to introduce a bill to restore mandatory funding for the PILT program and extend the SRS program for three years. It will provide roughly $360 million annually for more than 700 counties across the nation. These resources are an essential lifeline for communities facing continuously shrinking budgets, and it is funding the federal government owes to them.

We have worked with Colorado counties for years on these issues and have heard from county commissioners and school

thing is the North American high school and university marching bands,” Bone said, “except for the young male population that seems to revel in the 1,200 or so cheerleaders.”

About 300 million people watched the London parade on television in 2015.

“Which means those of you who come to perform will be a TV star for a very short period of time, possibly a nanosecond,” Bone said.

The former lord mayor, Duncan Sandys, stood to invite the band to perform in the 30th annual event. Sandys, 35, is the great-grandson of Winston Churchill.

Students, who have already begun to raise money for the trip, said the visit heightened their anticipation about going to London.

“It was really nice to see how excited they were to have us come there,” said junior Jill Wetzel, who plays the tuba.

“They were very welcoming. And funny.”

Legend Band Booster president Lynelle Duncan has three children in the band, all of whom hope to march in London.

“Not every high school is able to have a marching band program,” she said. “This is only the sixth year for the program; it really is an exciting opportunity. I believe we are the only group representing the state of Colorado in the 2016 (London) parade.”

year, the team with the most points will earn a field trip to an amusement park or game center such as Elitch Gardens or Boondocks.

So far, the response to the program has been positive from both the school board and parents, prompting Legacy to continue the program for at least another year.

Back in his social studies class, Parish

begin providing an application tracking sheet that the groups believe will improve communication without creating a conflict of interest.

District I Commissioner Robert Rowland sees the interaction in two parts. In the past months, the BOCC has asked the planning commission to provide recommendations for amendments to the county’s zoning laws, and since the BOCC is ultimately responsible for approval of new laws and regulations, Rowland felt that communica-

with a globe for a head, doesn’t look very much like a little boy.

Here’s my Top Ten. It might change tomorrow. In no particular order: Music, pictorial art, non-fiction and fiction, dachshunds, pencils, ice cream, the Internet and my iMac, coffee, Q-tips and, certainly, potatoes.

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

districts across the state about their significance. The counties encompassing the San Juan Mountains rely on PILT funding to plow the region’s scenic mountain passes and roads, like Yankee Boy Basin Road in Ouray County, that attract thousands of visitors annually. In Gunnison County, the funding is crucial for conducting search and rescue operations in the national forests, as well as for maintaining road access to the forests. In Silverton, SRS funding makes up a significant portion of the school budget. If Chaffee County lost PILT funding, commissioners would be forced to make devastating cuts that could result in a loss of emergency medical services.

The federal government has made a promise to these rural communities. There is no reason for Congress to leave them in limbo year after year. Our bill ensures that local governments have the certainty they need to plan and budget so they can provide these crucial services. It’s time for the federal government to honor its contract with Colorado counties.

Democrat Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU If you would like to share your opinion, visit our website at www.coloradocommunitymedia.com or write a letter to the editor.

Include your name, full address and the best telephone number to contact you. Send letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com.

Legend High School ninth-grade triplets from left Madelein, Chloe and Isabelle Garnard take a selfie with Duncan Sandys, former lord mayor of Westminster, England. Photo by Jane Reuter

observes his group of around 25 sixthgraders closely as they tap out in-class assignments on their iPads or write them out with pencil and paper. In his hands, he holds the six green tickets he has promised to the row working the hardest. At the end of the lesson, Parish will have a difficult decision to make.

tion should flow more freely regarding their creation or modification.

When it came to the application of the zoning laws, such as land use, Rowland felt it would be better if the BOCC were more reticent.

Finally, the BOCC and the planning commission will hold quarterly meetings to resolve issues that might arise. The meetings are not expected to include details regarding specific applications.

OBITUARIES ELSNER

In Loving Memory

Adene D. Elsner

Nov. 17, 1945 – Feb. 23, 2015

Adene’s biggest passions were her family and gardening. She loved being barefoot with dirt under her nails. She is survived by daughter Terri and granddaughters Shyan, Autumn and Ireland, along with her mother Nellie, sister Sheryl (Charles), nieces and nephews.

Place an Obituary for Your Loved One. Private 303-566-4100 • Obituaries@ColoradoCommunityMedia.com

Funeral Homes Visit: www.memoriams.com

ANDERSON

William (Bill) Keith Anderson

William (Bill) Keith Anderson, was born on March 15, 1948 to Forrest and Viola Anderson in Bliss, New York.

He went to join his family in heaven on March 7, 2015 from his home in Mineral Wells, Texas. We can only hope that our journey here on earth will touch as many people as Bill did. He never said unkind words, he always showed love to his family and friends. Whether he was playing with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren or cherishing time with his wife, he always had those loving eyes and a calmness about him. He was strong when he needed to be and was never afraid to show his love.

Born and raised in Western New York, he married his high school sweetheart, Suzanne, on February 25, 1967 and they began their family.

He loved snowmobiling and other outdoor activities.

He could fix anything. In

Mar. 15, 1948 – Mar. 7, 2015

1983, Bill and his family began an adventure that led them to Colorado and eventually to Texas. He retired in 2010 from United Airlines after 42 years of loyal service.

He enjoyed life and spending time with his wonderful family. He left a legacy of love.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Suzanne. His brothers and sisters: Richard and Kathy Anderson, Tody Anderson, Karen Anderson, Ronald and Kay Anderson and Ron and Janet Smith of Pike, New York; and Janice Anderson of Mount Morris, New York. Children: Brian and Lottie Anderson of Bennett, Colorado; Ron and Jennifer O’Dell of Azle, Texas

and Devin and Michelle Gulliford of Mineral Wells, Texas.

Grandchildren: Garrett and Alicia Martin, Megan Gulliford, Garrrett and Morgan Gulliford, Jessica O’Dell, Katelyn O’Dell, Jacob O’Dell and Liam Anderson. GreatGrandchildren: Zoey Martin, Levi Johnson, Carson Gulliford, Finnley Martin, Noah Martin, and Keith Gulliford , as well as his extended family, friends and church family at The Cowboy Church of Mineral Wells.

Funeral Services will be held at the GalbreaithPickard Funeral Chapel, 913 N. Elm Street, Weatherford, Texas on Wednesday, March 11th at 11:30am. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Weatherford, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Letchworth State Park, 1 Letchwork State Park, Castile, New York 14427 - a beautiful place full of wonderful, family memories.

8

8 Elbert County News

March 12, 2015

Police defend cash seizure Parker PD captain says different stories, ‘drug nexus’ resulted in seizure

By Chris Michlewicz

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cmichlewicz@coloradocommunitymedia.com A Parker Police captain says the department was following procedure when it called in federal agents to seize more than $25,000 in cash from a South Dakota couple without filing charges.

The Dec. 2 incident made recent headlines when the couple, Dion “Tony” Anderson and Margaret McKinney, announced they had hired an attorney to fight the seizure of the cash. They said the money was from a court settlement.

It was Capt. Jim Tsurapas and Parker Police Chief David King who made the initial traffic stop near Mainstreet and Newlin Gulch Boulevard before calling for two Parker police officers who work for a Drug Enforcement Administration task force.

In an interview with the Parker Chronicle, Tsurapas said the agents were justified in confiscating the $25,009 because of the “totality of circumstances.”

McKinney, 33, was driving when the vehicle was stopped at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 2 for not having a license plate. Tsurapas noted in a police report that he did not see a temporary permit in the front window when he was passing the oncoming vehicle, but that he “observed the passenger making furtive movements and observed (him) extending (his) body forward as to be placing something” in the corner of the windshield while Tsurapas was initiating the stop.

Tsurapas said he smelled marijuana that had not been burned and asked the couple about it. McKinney then admitted to smoking marijuana three hours prior to driving and was asked to take a roadside sobriety test, which she passed. When she was outside of the vehicle performing the maneuvers, officers asked for permission to search the vehicle and McKinney consented. As part of the search, they removed Anderson from the vehicle and “patted him down for officer safety,” the police captain said.

In conducting the pat-down, Tsurapas saw loose currency through an unzipped right coat pocket and noticed a bulge in the zipped left pocket. Three bundles of cash — mostly $100 bills — were found in separate socks. The Parker police also found a small amount of marijuana and a pipe, but did not confiscate them because it was a legal amount under Colorado law, Tsurapas said.

Officers try to take a “common-sense” point of view when there is a large sum of cash with a “drug nexus” found during a search, Tsurapas said.

“It’s not typical for someone to be traveling with large

sums of cash while on vacation,” he said. “I view that as being suspicious.”

Andrew Damgaard, the South Dakota attorney representing Anderson and McKinney, did not return multiple voicemail messages seeking comment.

McKinney and Anderson’s stories did not match when they were questioned separately on what they were doing and where they were going. Anderson said they were on vacation and he believed they were in Thornton.

“I asked where they were trying to go and (McKinney) responded that they were just ‘chilling,’ driving around and are lost,” Tsurapas said in the report.

The command staff members asked for consent to search the vehicle due to the “strong odor of marijuana,” Tsurapas said.

“Even though it’s legal, when you have that kind of potent odor of marijuana, you can’t transport large amounts of marijuana,” he said. “We have an obligation to make sure laws aren’t being broken.”

After finding the money, Tsurapas and King called for Parker police officers who work full-time for a DEA task force. The task force officers — or TFOs — are based out of the Denver DEA’s field office and follow federal procedures, a distinction Tsurapas says is important.

“I want to make sure it’s clear that the Parker Police Department did not seize the money,” Tsurapas said. “It was the DEA working under federal guidelines.”

Mark Silverstein, legal director for the ACLU office in Denver, said there was no proof that the money was obtained illegally and, therefore, was unlawfully seized.

“It’s questionable for the Parker police to evade the protections of Colorado law by channeling this forfeiture through the federal authorities, who are not bound

by Colorado law,” Silverstein said.

According to an official notice posted Feb. 2 on www. forfeiture.gov, a website run by the U.S. Department of Justice, Anderson’s money was confiscated “because the property was used or acquired as a result of a violation of the Controlled Substances Act.” However, three months after the stop, the couple has not been charged with any crime.

“They took his money away and they want him to prove he has it legitimately,” Silverstein said. “That’s backwards.”

It was the DEA agents who work for the Parker police who made the determination to seize the cash, Tsurapas said, adding that if the money was from a court settlement, there is a process for the couple to prove it.

Jim Gothe, DEA group supervisor in Denver, said a notice was sent to the couple on Jan. 14 and Anderson signed for a registered mail delivery Jan. 26.

“He has until March 25 to make a claim for the cash and that’s basically where we’re at right now,” Gothe said.

Money that is proven to be tied to illegal activity is eventually split between the agencies that made the bust. Tsurapas denied public accusations that police take advantage of laws to fill their own coffers.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced in January that the Department of Justice would place greater restrictions on illegal seizures of cash by law enforcement agencies. It is unclear whether Anderson and McKinney’s case would be subject to the rule change.

House OKs ban on gay-conversion therapy for minors Associated Press Colorado mental health professionals would be barred from practicing gay conversation therapy with minors under a bill given initial approval last week by the state House.

The sponsor of the bill, Democratic Rep. Paul Rosenthal, a gay lawmaker from Denver, said the goal is for therapists to help youths pursue acceptance and support for who they are.

“Helping the youth explore their identity, who they are, not who the therapist thinks they are or who the therapist thinks they should be,’’ he said.

The House advanced the bill on an unrecorded voice vote. A final vote soon could send the proposal to the more conservative Senate, where its chances were less clear.

The measure would forbid therapists from trying to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person under 18. Therapists who do not follow the rule would face disciplinary action from their licensing board.

Republicans worry that therapists could be punished for merely being perceived as trying to change someone’s sexual orientation.

Rep. Brian DelGrosso, the Republican House leader, said he’s concerned about unintended consequences.

He asked what would happen in situations when a youth is confused about sexual orientation.

“What I’m worried about is if that line is kind of blurred, that me as the counselor, I would be scared to ever go down that road and have that conversation,” DelGrosso said.

Rosenthal said he’s simply trying to align state licensing standards to medical standards that have long dispelled homosexuality as being a mental illness.

New Jersey and California have passed legislation banning gay conversation therapy, Rosenthal said.

9

Elbert County News 9

March 12, 2015

e At midpoint, lawmakers have plenty pending

at as

Weighty topics will likely rep-be tackled by divided mulLegislature in second half

when e do-By Ivan Moreno and Kristen Wyatt wereAssociated Press

ney) What’s been a sleepy legislative session oundis about to ramp up as Colorado lawmakers head into the final two months with signifint tocant debates pending, including the annual ana,”budget, increasing oversight on police, and whether to pass new fracking regulations. nd of At the halfway point of the session, few argeproposals have passed, and the ones that ationhave succeeded have been minor or technical. d for Call it a consequence of the division of taskpowers at the statehouse, with Democrats d outcontrolling the House and Republicans the oce-Senate.

As Democratic House Speaker Dickey oliceLee Hullinghorst bluntly put it: “We are d. “Itkilling a few of the ideological bills coming from the Senate. There are a few of ours that fficemay get the same treatment.” was Whatever victories each party has zed. achieved have been largely symbolic.

Senate Republicans are advancing a repeal of a 15-round ammunition magazine limit, and an expansion of background checks for private and online sales. Both laws were adopted by Democrats in 2013 when they controlled both chambers.

While those repeal bills are expected to pass the Senate, they’re doomed in the House. Some have already been rejected.

“We’re not going backwards,” Hullinghorst said.

House Democrats, meanwhile, are advancing a bill to keep a commission that studies pay disparities affecting women and minorities.

Senate Republicans have voted to disband the commission that’s due to expire in July, and they’ll likely stop Democrat efforts to continue it.

Still pending for the second half of the session:

The state budget

Aptly named the Long Bill, it details Colorado’s spending for the next year. With divided chambers, negotiations between the two parties are likely to be more intense than in prior years when Democrats held complete control.

Student testing

A series of bills are still awaiting debate. Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern that Colorado students spend too much time taking standardized tests. Lawmakers will consider bills to limit testing to federal minimums and to eliminate some tests for the latest grades in high school.

Police oversight

House Democrats are proposing several bills placing limits on law enforcement and oversight on department practices. Measures include banning chokeholds, having a special prosecutor review decisions in cases of excessive or deadly force, and increasing the use of body cameras.

Marijuana

Both parties want to see a measure asking voters to approve pot taxes a third time, a maneuver to overcome a quirk in Colorado tax law that could require the state to refund more than $44 million in new recreational pot taxes. Lawmakers say they’re holding off until a final update on the size of the pot taxes, which is expected later this month.

Fracking Democrats have been advocating for more local government control over hydraulic fracturing, but it’s unknown how big of a push they’ll make on the matter. A task force appointed by Democratic Gov. John Hickenlooper disappointed some in his party who wanted more guidance on what local governments can do to regulate drilling in residential areas.

Lawmakers are also weighing whether to ban the use of speeding and red-light cameras, increasing penalties for repeat DUI offenders, and punishments for bullying on social media.

For now, Republican House Leader Brian DelGrosso said neither party can claim an advantage.

“Neither side can really right now I think spike the football and say, ‘My gosh, we really got the upper hand of this going on,’ ” he said.

“I think right now the people of Colorado, as of right now, are the winners,” he said.

“There really hasn’t been anything that’s come out there that’s been contentious that can be considered harmful to folks.”

e the rfeiound

Theater shooting trial could begin sooner than expected

www. nt of ause iola-Associated Press hree rged With jury selection moving faster than expected, a judge last week set two possible dates in April for opening statem toments in the Aurora theater shooting case. hat’s The trial had been expected to open in May or early June, but Judge Carlos A. Samour Jr. tentatively scheduled olicethe start of the death penalty case for April 21 or April 27. apas Jury selection began Jan. 20 and attorneys have been ettle-questioning prospective jurors about their views on capital punishment, mental illness and other issues. aid a Defendant James Holmes has pleaded not guilty by rearsonson of insanity to charges of killing 12 people and injuring

cash othe

70 in the July 20, 2012, shooting. If jurors decide he was sane during the attack, they would then determine punishment.

Jury selection has been a testament to the logistical hurdles of trying a case of a mass shooter who survives his attack.

About 9,000 prospective jurors were summoned in what experts called the biggest jury pool in U.S. history. The figure was nearly nine times the number summoned in the Boston marathon bombing trial.

During the first phase, thousands of people filled out lengthy questionnaires and Samour dismissed more than 1,000 who brought doctors’ notes, weren’t U.S. citizens, had family problems or weren’t Arapahoe County residents.

Hundreds were asked to return for individual questioning that began Feb. 11.

Thus far, Samour has asked more than 50 prospective jurors to return for the next round of screening in which he hopes to find a pool of 120 people to winnow to 12 jurors and 12 alternates.

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10-Life

10 Elbert County News

S O U T H

LIFE

March 12, 2015

M E T R O

Don’t myth chance for magic creatures Dragons, unicorns, mermaids among legends at museum

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com Just in time for spring break comes an exhibit about wondrous creatures of the imagination — from many cultures around the world, from land, sea and sky ….

“Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns, Mermaids,” which originated at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, will be at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science from March 20 to Sept. 7.

Legends date back thousands of years.

In East Asia, dragons have sweeping powers, including breathing clouds, moving the seasons and controlling the waters of rivers, lakes and seas. European legends of dragons show them as powerful, wicked, dangerous ….

The exhibit has a 17-foot-long model of a dragon, with wingspan of 20 feet, as well as a statue of St. George, the Christian Crusader who slew a dragon, according to storytellers. A visitor will also find toys, shadow puppets, pictures and an activity to create your own digital dragon.

And one sees fossils and pictures of actual creatures that might have inspired the ancient imagination. The exhibit addresses how science has evolved.

Guests will also see a 10-foot tall Kraken, a huge sea creature described in Scandinavian tales, with multiple tentacles that could attack a ship — perhaps inspired by the giant squid.

Closer to home, one will see a Colorado jackalope, a Colorado howler and a fur-bearing trout.

Young visitors will find many things they can touch and a green screen where one can take a picture of oneself with a dragon or unicorn, and there’s an opportunity to make one’s own mythic creature.

“Mythic Creatures” was organized in collaboration with the Field Museum, Chicago; Canadian Museum of Civilization, Gatineau-Ottawa; Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney; and Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta.

This exhibit also includes a very rare egg from the Aepyornis, an extinct “elephant bird” from Madagascar that laid the largest eggs in the world. It is part of the DMNS collection.

A huge dragon figure greets visitors to the “Mythic Creatures” exhibit at Denver Museum of Natural History. Courtesy photos

If you go “Mythic Creatures” will be in the Phipps Gallery on the third floor of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, located at Montview Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver (2001 Colorado Blvd.). It is open every day. dmns.org, 303-370-6000.

A festive Asian dragon swirls through the “Mythic Creatures” exhibit at Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

A griffin swoops down on visitors to the “Mythic Creatures” exhibit at Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

Tentacles and head of a Sea monster, a Kraken, in Mythic Creatures” at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.

11

Elbert County News 11

March 12, 2015

‘The Bookseller’ is impressive first novel Denver author brings world of 1960s to life

By Sonya Ellingboe

sellingboe @coloradocommunitymedia.com Writer Cynthia Swanson has juggled several worlds during the seven years when she was completing her first novel, “The Bookseller,” which was published March 3. The Denver author has written and published short stories, married and become mother to three children, and worked as a designer in the mid-century modern style.

All the pieces fit into the atmosphere she creates as she draws a reader into a complex tale of one woman — Kitty/Katharyn — living two lives in 1960s Denver.

Kitty is a single late-30s bookseller in a store called Sisters, which she owns with her longtime friend Frieda. She can pretty much do as she pleases — go out after work, read all night, only being sure her cat Aslan (named after the lion in “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe”) had his food and occasional dish of milk. She lives in a Denver duplex near the store and walks or bikes everywhere, enjoying an urban lifestyle.

But when she goes to sleep, sometimes

she becomes Katharyn (her given name) and lives in very nice mid-century modern suburban home in south Denver, with an adoring husband Lars, an architect and blond triplets — one of whom is autistic.

Swanson spent many hours at Denver Public Library reading and researching details of daily life in 1960s Denver. Colors and furniture in the suburban home are on target, as are details of lifestyle, foods, cosmetics, clothing and accessories.

When she’s in bookstore mode, the day’s best-sellers are on the shelf, and recommended to customers — in adult and children’s titles. (“Ship of Fools” by Katherine Anne Porter, “The King’s Persons” by local author Joanne Greenberg, “Fail-Safe” by Burdick and Wheeler, “One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish” by the beloved Dr. Seuss.) As Denver’s streetcar lines are dismantled, book customers turned to suburban shopping center stores and Sisters languishes.

The pair considers moving to new, shiny University Hills — which has since gone through another phase, as tastes changed again.

Swanson says she writes every day and has another book underway, a darker story set in the northern New York town where she grew up. When her children,

now school-aged 10-year-old twins and a 7-year-old daughter, were younger, she would go to Stella’s Coffee House from 6 to 8 a.m. to work while her very supportive husband took care of the little people before he went to work.

Swanson said she had a cousin who was co-owner of a small bookstore in Wisconsin that gave her a start on a story idea. (She consulted with Joyce Meskis of Tattered Cover, where she appeared on March 3, and with this reporter, a former bookseller, for ideas on how earlier small stores were operated.)

She had a relative who had autistic traits, so she was somewhat familiar with the subject, then did research on it. Sadly, a 1960s psychology self-help book advised that autism was caused by poor mothering, which led to feelings of guilt for Katharyn as she tried to care for Michael, while the other two — a boy and a girl — thrived.

“The Bookseller” keeps a reader engaged until the final chapter, wondering if there will be any sort of resolution for our heroine. History lovers will enjoy this newly published novelist’s skillful attention to detail.

Meet Cynthia Swanson at 7 p.m. March 20 at The Book Bar, 4280 Tennyson St., Denver; 6 p.m. April 9 at the Bookworm in the

Denver author Cynthia Swanson has just published her first novel, “The Bookseller.”

Courtesy photo

Eagle County town of Edwards; and 6 p.m. May 9 at Lighthouse Writers Workshop, 1515 Race St., Denver.

She will travel to several other stores in the U.S. in the course of spring and summer family travel. (As a first-time author, her publisher, Harper, doesn’t invest in the coast-to-coast tours they give for established best-selling authors, although they help with publicity. But scoring a top publisher for a first book is a major accomplishment. We congratulate her and will watch for that next title.)

Jazz orchestra joins forces with singer Donate your instrument

Arranger, ensemble singer, solo vocalist, teacher and lyricist Kim Nazarian is a founder of the New York Voices, which won two Grammys. She will appear with the Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Tickets: $23/$28/$33, 720-509-1000, lonetreeartscenter.org.

Historical presentation

“Superstars in Colorado History” is the title of Ed Weising’s presentation for the Highlands Ranch Historical Society at 7 p.m. on March 16 at Southridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Road, Highlands Ranch. He will talk about movie stars, including Hattie McDaniel of “Gone With the Wind.” Weising is a historian and tour guide in Colorado. Free for members, $2 donation suggested for non-members.

Please register for seats: highlandsranchhistoricalsociety.org. (The society has openings for board members — see website.)

Concert set for church

The Highlands Ranch Concert Band will present a free concert, “Rags to Riches” at 2 p.m. March 22 at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church, 9203 S. University Blvd., Highlands Ranch. The program takes listeners on a journey from dance-hall ragtime (“Black and White Rag”) to the presentation of Russian nobles in RimskyKorsakov’s “Procession of the Nobles,” plus wind music from around the globe. For information on joining this community band, see hrconcertband.org or call band president Kelley Messall, 303-683-4102.

MOA program for students

The Museum Outdoor Arts in Englewood is taking applications for its Design and Build Summer Art Internships. College undergraduates and senior level high

school students are eligible for this summer-long program, where they will work in a professional studio environment with artist-in-residence Cory Gilstrap. Participants are paid a $1,500 stipend and exhibit work at the end of the period. To apply, see moaonline.org/design-and-build.

The organization Bringing Music to Life is partnering with Colorado Public Radio beginning March 16 to collect donated instruments to be repaired and distributed to young students who want to learn to play one. In the south area, they may be dropped off at My Music Skool, 6955 S. York St. in the Streets at Southglenn, and Colorado Institute of Musical Instrument Technology (CIOMIT), 651 Topeka Way, Castle Rock. For a complete list, see bringingmusictolife.org/donation-locations.

Theatre of Dreams Las Vegas star Ariann Black, female mu-

sician of the year, will perform at 7:30 p.m.

March 20, 21 at Theatre of Dreams, 735 Park Ave., Castle Rock. Tickets: $22.50-$25, 303-660-6799, AmazingShows.com.

Classes and more The Denver Academy of Dramatic Arts at Vision Box Studio presents “Mourning Becomes Electra,” Act 1, at Skylight Studio, 910 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, at 6:30 p.m.

March 15. Doors open at 6 — food and drink available. The academy also announces upcoming classes and encourages young thespians to attend — for details, go to visionbox.org.

Mosaics on display The Colorado Mosaic Artists present an exhibit of artwork by members, “Bits and Pieces,” through April 9 at the Westminster City Hall Main Lobby, 4800 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster. Open Mondays through Thursdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The organization has members throughout the metro area, including Marlea Taylor of Englewood, and is dedicated to the promotion of mosaic as fine art and education of members and the public. New members welcome. See: coloradomosaics.org.

Library trustee sought The Arapahoe Library District Board of Trustees, which is appointed by the Arapahoe County commissioners and the Deer Trail School Board, is accepting applications for two trustee positions. The district serves all of Arapahoe County except the cities of Littleton, Englewood and Aurora and meets through the year at various locations among its eight facilities, managing a $23 million budget. Application deadline is 4 p.m. March 27: arapahoelibraries.org/ board-vacancy.

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12

12 Elbert County News

March 12, 2015

13

Elbert County News 13

March 12, 2015

Review: Jumbled machinery of ‘Chappie’ never clicks

By Jake Coyle

Associated Press Neill Blomkamp’s “Chappie” is a curious Frankenstein.

It’s set in a near-future Johannesburg policed by robots, but it’s not about law enforcement or social order.

It focuses on the first creation of a sentient artificial intelligence, yet it’s not about the consequences of this radical invention or the nature of consciousness.

Instead, though “Chappie” bears all the hallmarks of a “RoboCop” retread or a grungier “A.I.” (or heaven help us, “Transcendence”), it’s actually more like a warped, sci-fi version of “The Jungle Book” in which a child robot must survive the urban wilds of a gang-ridden Johannesburg.

If it sounds like “Chappie” has some peculiar, crisscrossed circuitry, it most certainly does. The movie’s mismatched parts — which includes possibly the most unlikely co-starring combo of all time: the South African rap duo Die Antwoord and Hugh Jackman — fit together about as well as Johnnie Five, the “Short Circuit” bot, and a blender.

“Chappie” is the third feature from Blomkamp, who broke through with the alien refugee thriller “District 9” and followed that up with “Elysium,” a big-budget allegory in which the 1 percent live on an orbiting space station.

His dystopias aren’t so unfamiliar.

They marry great technological evolution with stunted social progress, organically placing sci-fi elements amid

recognizable bureaucracies and urban decay.

Blomkamp likes to invert tropes.

Aliens come not to invade but as desperate immigrants. Robots evolve not to annihilate but to love. Both need our help. In short, Blomkamp makes action-heavy sci-fi that’s animated by political ideas and frustrated urgency more than most Hollywood science fiction combined. It’s deservedly won him a following, as well as the helm to the next “Alien” film.

“Chappie,” too, is more spirited, more bizarrely composed than most, but its oddly jumbled machinery never clicks. The logic of the movie gradually disintegrates, becoming increasingly farcical. Eventually, characters are speaking lines as finely scripted as: “I have authorized the launch of the Moose.”

Dev Patel (“Slumdog Millionaire”) plays a wide-eyed, ambitious engineer named Deon whose droids have already become the front lines of Johannesburg’s police force. But he dreams of making a fully human robot, even though his boss, the CEO of a weapons company (Sigourney Weaver) shrugs that there’s no money in it. A few cubicles down from him sits a rival engineer (Jackman), whose gargantuan, heavy artillery “Moose” machine has been outshined by Deon’s more nimble, human-like “Scouts.”

Slavishly tinkering at his home, Deon’s A.I. software finally succeeds, and he sneaks out a damaged droid to use as its body. His discovery, though, comes at a bad time. A trio of gang-

sters kidnaps him in an attempt to take out the police robots. They’re led

by Ninja and Yolandi of Die Antwoord, the wild, manic hip-hop act who essentially play themselves (or rather, their extreme stage personas).

They make Deon build his robot.

With a few keystrokes, he uploads consciousness and suddenly the bucket of bolts is cowering like a frightened fawn. To the disappointment of the gang but the glee of Deon, Chappie (whom Yolandi names) comes out not a menacing enforcer but an innocent toddler in titanium. They collectively raise him, teaching him with children’s books, paints and guns. He coos “Mommy” to Yolandi and “Daddy” to Ninja.

The education of Chappie, born into gangsters, pulls in two directions: the caring tenderness of Yolandi and the tough love of Ninja, who wants him to help in a heist. Yolandi gives him a doll, while Ninja drops Chappie next to a gang, leaving him to fend for himself. Another lesson on the dog-eat-dog world is told literally with dogs.

And so “Chappie,” against all odds, is a parable of parenting about the raising of a metal child by a pair of wacked-out faux-gangsters in a tough universe. It feels it could, at any time, turn into a comedy or an outlandish music video, and maybe it should have.

“Chappie,” a Sony Pictures release, is rated R for “violence, language and brief nudity.” Running time: 112 minutes. Two stars out of four.

CURTAIN TIME Blessing at Bakery

Not a simpler time

eatre.org.

“Two Rooms” by Lee Blessing will play March 13 to April 11 at the Bakery, 2132 Market St., Denver. (Use Market Street entrance.) It will be presented by Ripple Effect Theatre Company, with Brandon Palmer directing.

Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 6 p.m. Sundays March 15, 22, 29; and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday March 31. (No performance on Easter, April 5.) Tickets: $20, 720-441-2933, rippleeffecttheatre.com.

Waller winner “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a revue based on Fats Waller’s performances that plays through April 26 at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St., Aurora.

Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and Tuesday, March 31; 2:30 p.m. Sundays and Saturday, April 25. Tickets: 303-856-7830, vintageth-

Dinner-theater doo-wop “Forever Plaid” plays through May 10 at BDT Stage, 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. Performances: Wednesdays through Sundays. See bouldersdinnertheatre.com for times and ticket prices or call 303-449-6000.

Up in Evergreen “Reality Check” offers four different takes on our wonderfully warped world, including one by Colorado playwright Scott Gibson, at Center Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Talk-backs with Gibson are scheduled on March 22 and 29.

Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays. (No shows on Easter weekend April 3-5.) Tickets: $20/$16, evergreenplayers.org.

“The Archbishop’s Ceiling” by Arthur Miller looks at Cold War politics of the 1970s — and espionage. Bret Aune is director. It will play March 24 to April 19 at the Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 1 p.m. Wednesdays; 2 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets: 720898-7200, arvadacenter.org.

Athena Project winner “Harm’s Way” by Marilyn Kriegel was the winner in Athena Project’s third new play competition for woman playwrights. It will be presented March 20 through April 5 at the Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave., Aurora. Performances: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets: aurorafoxartscenter.org.

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14-Sports

SPORTS

14 Elbert County News

BULLS BRING THRILLS, SPILLS

March 12, 2015

Cardinals never hit stride in playoff loss Elizabeth boys fall short in game against Holy Family

By Scott Stocker

Special to Colorado Community Media

A bull bucks as two bull fighters try to wrangle it during the Castle Rock Bulls event Feb. 28.

Cowboys risked life and limb Feb. 28 at the third annual Castle Rock Bulls event at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. Bulls from around the country were brought in for the event that saw both children and adults compete. Seventy-five riders competed for the bull-riding title and championship buckles. The event, which was not an official PBR competition, was put on

by Ty and Nancy Rinaldo of Larkspur. The event included cowboy hats and boots for sale, the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo Court and a petting zoo for kids. Former and active military members were also honored.

Find more photos at castlerocknewspress.net

PHOTOS BY MIKE DIFERDINANDO

A rodeo clown entertains between rides.

Children ride miniature donkeys during intermission of the Castle Rock Bulls event Feb.28 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Slow and cold. Those could be couple of words to describe the final game of the season for the Elizabeth boys basketball team that came about in the first round of the Class 4A state tournament.

Elizabeth was beaten Feb. 27 by Holy Family as the Cardinals were unable to warm up, falling 77-58. As a result, they finished the season 14-10, while Holy Family moved into the next round with a 20-4 record.

Holy Family, coached by Pete Villecco, jumped out to a 1910 first-quarter lead, then stretched the margin to 45-22 at the half. It just never seemed to get any better as Elizabeth, coached by Mike Boss, fell behind 66-40 heading into the fourth quarter.

Elizabeth’s Jake Gavitt, Aaron Stone and Stuart Eurich capped their high school senior seasons on a high note — pointwise, that is. Gavitt, 6-4, scored a game-high 24 points while Stone, 6-5, added 19.

Unfortunately, the rest of the squad could only account for 15 points, from only three other teammates. And eight of those came from Eurich.

“They were tough and just a much better team than we are,” Gavitt said. “They came out and hit their shots and it was tough to stay with them. It has been a fine year for us, and I do think that Holy Family is the best team that we’ve played against this season.

“We just wanted to come out aggressive against them, but they had the aggression,” said Gavitt, who scored the final two points of his career with 25 seconds left in the game. “It’s been a fun year and I wish the guys a lot of luck in the future.

I just wish that we could have pulled it off tonight.”

Stone was pleased with his points production, but certainly not the outcome of his final high school game.

“Overall, we’ve had a good season and I’m proud of the way we have played,” Stone said. “We fought to the end. Tonight, we just needed to work hard inside, but they took the game here away from us. We didn’t want to give them the threes, but they got them. They just went out and got the best of us.”

Eurich felt the slow start certainly hindered Elizabeth’s effort.

“We came out slow and didn’t seem to play hard in the beginning,” said Eurich, who stands in at 5-9. “Holy Family was solid and their shots fell and it was hard to key up on their best players. We just wanted to keep it going early, but we just couldn’t seem to do it. It has been a good season, but this, of course, is a tough loss. It’s been a lot of fun playing this year.”

Those, too, were similar thoughts for Elizabeth’s coach.

“Holy Family came out on fire,” Boss said. “Our shots were off, but I think we played pretty hard. We got some good looks, we just couldn’t convert. They were able to take us out of our full court press defensively. Just credit Holy Family for a fine defensive effort against us. They just played very well.

“Now, the best to our seniors as they move on,” Boss said.

“All the boys have worked hard. We just wish we could have had a better outcome tonight.”

SPORTS ROUNDUP Girls Basketball

Elbert 37, Stratton/Liberty 30 The Bulldogs saved their best offensive performance for when it was needed outscoring the Knighted Eagles 16-9 in the fourth quarter of the 1A District 7 third-place game on March 2. The Bulldogs shared the wealth on the night recording 14 assists on their 15 made field goals. Kylee Harris scored 10 points to lead the offense and Emily Pranger recorded nine points and three assists. The win moves the Bulldogs into Region 2 Bracket 3 for a rematch with Flagler.

Flagler 79, Elbert 29 - Chelsea Pearson scored 14 points and pulled down six rebounds for the Bulldogs, but a solid defensive effort from the Panthers was too much in the semifinals of the 1A District 7 Tournament on March 1. The Bulldogs were held to 21 percent (11 of 52) shooting in the contest. Reilly Franek and Mercedez Sells each grabbed 11 rebounds in the loss.

Elbert 57, Miami-Yoder 21 - The Bulldogs held the Buffaloes to four first-half points as they cruised to a win in their 1A District 7 Tournament contest on Feb. 28. Lauren Pearson and Emily Pranger each scored 12 points in the win. The Bulldogs finished with 55 team

rebounds in the contest, including 20 off the offensive glass.

Sand Creek 76, Elizabeth 38 Being outscored 28-10 in the third quarter erased any chance for a comeback as the Cardinals fell to Scorpions in first round action of the 4A State Tournament on Feb. 27. The Cardinals season came to a close with a record of 14-10.

Calhan 54, Kiowa 42 - A secondhalf rally by the Bulldogs ended the Indians season in the first round of the 2A District 8 Tournament on Feb. 25. The two teams split their regular season matchups, each winning on their home court, and this neutral site matchup was just as competitive as those two contests. The Indians led 20-19 at the halftime break but three secondhalf 3-pointers from the Bulldogs’ Brittany Fuchs sparked their offense to the win. Kiowa finishes their season at 9-11.

Simla 51, Calhan 48 - The Cubs rebounded from a loss in the semifinals of the 2A District 8 Tournament by winning the third-place game on Feb. 28. A big third quarter, where the Cubs outscored 17-8, proved to be enough as they locked down the come-from-behind win and advanced to the 2A Region 4 Tournament.

Ellicott 47, Simla 37 - The Thunderhawks 21-13 halftime

lead proved to be enough as the knocked off the Cubs in the 2A District 8 Semifinals on Feb. 27. Dakota Dornback recorded a team-high 16 points, eight rebounds, and six blocks to lead Ellicott to the finals.

Simla 41, Evangelical Christian 27 - The Cubs jumped out to a 25-17 halftime lead and cruised to a win in the opening round of the 2A District 8 Tournament on Feb. 25. In a superb defensive effort, the Cubs held the Eagles to nine points or fewer in each quarter.

Boys Basketball

Holy Family 77, Elizabeth 58 The Tigers jumped out to a 45-22 halftime lead over the Cardinals and held on to pick up a win in the first round of the 4A State Tournament of Feb. 27. The Tigers saw 9 of their 16 3-point attempts fall en route to victory behind Chris Helbig and Luke Golter scoring 23 points each. The Cardinals’ Jake Gavitt scored a game-high 24 points and Aaron Stone added 19 as their season came to a close with a record of 14-10.

Simla 75, Ellicott 67 - The Cubs brought home the 2A District 8 Tournament title with a win over the Thunderhawks on Feb. 28.

Jason George led five Cubs in double-figures with 18 points. Kyle

Hamacher scored 16, Noah Scott 14, Matt Thieman 12, and Cody Norris added 10. The Cubs march into the 2A Region 4 Tournament having won 10 of their last 11 games.

Simla 62, Peyton 46 - Cody Norris scored a game-high 18 points to lead his Cubs over the Panthers in 2A District 8 Semifinals on Feb. 27. Jason George added 10 points and nine rebounds and Matt Thieman recorded 10 points and eight rebounds in the win.

Simla 64, Colorado Springs School 14 - The Cubs march to a second-straight Great 8 appearance got off to a good start with a thumping of the Kodiaks in the first round of the 2A District 8 tournament on Feb. 24. The Cubs led 35-4 at halftime and held the Kodiaks to a total of four made field goals on the night.

Peyton 74, Kiowa 41 - The sixthseeded Indians fell to three-seed Peyton in the first round of the 2A District 8 tournament on Feb. 24.

The Indians offense sputtered in the first half only scoring 15 points as the Panthers jumped out to a 39-15 halftime lead. The Panthers pulled down 17 offensive rebounds led Bricin Ford who had a gamehigh 11 rebounds, seven on the offensive glass, to go with his gamehigh 23 points.

Edison 38, Elbert 36 (3OT) - A loss in triple overtime of the 1A District 7 third-place game on March 2 keeps the Bulldogs from advancing to Regional play and ends their campaign with a 12-9 record. The Bulldogs rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to force overtime putting together a 12-6 third quarter and a 9-5 fourth quarter.

The teams each scored two points in the first overtime to force the second overtime where both teams held each other scoreless before Edison won in the third overtime.

Eric Frank recorded 13 points, six rebounds, five assists, and five steals for the Eagles.

Flagler 56, Elbert 53 - The Bulldogs came up just short off advancing to the 1A District 7 title game with a hard-fought loss to the Panthers on March 1. The Bulldogs fell to the Panthers for the second time this season, losing by a final of 69-55 at home on Jan. 25.

Elbert 38, Pikes Peak Christian 34 - The Bulldogs advance to the semifinals of the 1A District 7 Tournament with a win over the Eagles on Feb. 24. Jacob Miller led the Bulldogs with 15 points and nine rebounds. Jacob Miller scored 15 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the win.

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15

Elbert County News 15

March 12, 2015

AREA CLUBS ONGOING Douglas-Elbert County Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every first Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.

The Elbert County Sheriff’s Posse is a nonprofit volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheriff’s Office, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www. elbertcountysheriff.com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.

The Elizabeth Food Bank, 381 S. Banner in Elizabeth (next door to Elizabeth Presbyterian Church) needs to let the public know that we are available to help anyone who needs food.

The hours are Friday 12:30-3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-11:30 a.m.

Other times by appointment.

Lawyers at the Library, a free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney, will be offered from 6-9 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome. Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mystery Book Club meets at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the Simla Public Library. The group enjoys talking about a variety of mystery authors and titles. We also periodically host a Colorado author during our meetings. Everyone may join us, and registration is not required. Visit the Simla Branch of the Elbert County Library District at 504 Washington Avenue, call 719-5412573, or email farabe@elbertcountylibrary.org.

The Outback Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and efficient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG office at 1-800-8250208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com. To ensure that a seat is available, 24-hour advance reservations are appreciated.

Overeaters Anonymous meets from 10-11 a.m. and from 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays in the Sedalia Room at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 2100 Meadows Parkway, Castle Rock.

Seniors meet in Elizabeth every Monday at 11 a.m. for food, fun and fellowship at Elizabeth Senior Center, 823 S. Banner St. Bring a dish for potluck on the first Monday of each month. Other Mondays, bring a sack lunch. Bingo, games and socializing. New leadership. Call Agnes at 303-883-7881 or Carol at 303-646-3425 for information.

VFW Post 10649 meets monthly at 8:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month at 24325 Main St., Elbert. Go to http:// www.vfwpost10649.org. Contact Alan Beebe at 303-435-2560 for questions.

Build Business Today, a business networking group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. every first and third Thursday at Johnny Carino’s in Parker. Visit www.buildbusinesstoday.com or call 720840-5526.

CERTUS Professional Network meets for its Parker networking event from 9:30-11 a.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Panera Bread, 11290 Twenty Mile Road, Parker. Build your network, grow your business, network less. Our events are structured to connect professionals with the resources, power partners and leaders to expand their business and the business of others. Open to all industries, includes 30 minutes of open networking and organized introductions to the group. Cost: $12 non-CERTUS members at the door. First participants pay half price.

RSVP not required. More info about CERTUS™ Professional Network at http://www.CertusNetwork.com.

Leads Club Southeast Superstars meets at 7:30 a.m.

Wednesdays at LePeep at Parker and Orchard roads. Call Linda Jones at 720-641-0056.

Cycle Club meets at 9 a.m. Saturdays in the parking lot of Southeast Christian Church. Tour the streets of Parker, Elizabeth and Castle Rock. Call John at 720-842-5520.

Parker Artists Guild presents free art classes for kids and teen on the second Saturday of each month at Hobby Lobby at Parker Road and Mainstreet. Lessons and Lemonade classes for ages 10-12 are at 9:30 or 11 a.m., and the Teen Art Studio for grades 7-9 are at 1 or 3 p.m. Reservations required by the Wednesday before class. Go to www.parkerartistsguild.com and click on Youth Programs. 20 students maximum.

Therapeutic riding. Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding in Parker offers free therapeutic riding for developmentally disabled adults and children. Scholarship money is available for Douglas County residents to provide 10 therapeutic riding lessons. Call 303841-5007 or visit www.promiseranchtherapeuticriding.com.

Parker Arts Council has youth open mic/karaoke nights on the first Thursday of each month. The event is open to all ages.

Kids 12 and under eat free. Takes place at Clavin’s Bar and Grill, 17904 Cottonwood Drive, Parker.

Notices

“Trust Us!”

To advertise your public no

Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Lawrence Burnett Bean, Deceased Case Number: 14PR14 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before July 13, 2015 or the claims may be forever barred.

GET SOCIAL WITH US Colorado Community Media wants to share the news. Check us out on these social media websites: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Linkedin. Search for Colorado Community Media.

L. Kelly Kaiser Personal Representative 4183 Morning Star Court Elizabeth, Colorado 80107 Legal Notice No: 23153 First Publication: March 12, 2015 Last Publication: March 26, 2015 Publisher: Elbert County News

crossword • sudoku

GALLERY OF GAMES & weekly horoscope

Without public notices, the government wouldn’t have to say anything else.

Public notices are a community’s window into the government. From zoning regulations to local budgets, governments have used local newspapers to inform citizens of its actions as an essential part of your right to know. You know where to look, when to look and what to look for to be involved as a citizen. Local newspapers provide you with the information you need to get involved.

Notices are meant to be noticed.

Read your public notices and get involved!

SALOME’S STARS FOR THE WEEK OF FEB. 23, 2015

ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 19) Change is still dominant for Rams and Ewes, both in the workplace and their private lives. This is also a good time to look at a possible relocation if that has been one of your goals.

TAURUS (Apr 20 to May 20) Doing things for others is what you do well. But don’t forget that Bovines thrive on the arts, so make some time for yourself to indulge your passion for music and artistic expressions.

GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) While the Romantic Twin considers where to go for his or her upcoming vacation, the Practical Twin will start making travel plans now to take advantage of some great bargains.

crossword • sudoku & weekly horoscope

GALLERY OF GAMES

CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) Your sensitive nature helps you deal with a difficult emotional situation. Be patient and continue to show your sincere support wherever (and for whomever) it is needed.

LEO (Jul 23 to Aug 22) You’re making progress as you move through some unfamiliar territory. And while there might be a misstep or two along the way, overall you’re heading in the right direction. Good luck.

VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22) Some good news arrives -- and just in time to remind you that you’re making progress. Perhaps things aren’t moving as quickly as you’d prefer, but they’re moving nevertheless.

LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) This is a good week to step back and assess the facts that have recently emerged to see where they can be used to your advantage. Also, don’t hesitate to make changes where necessary.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) You should begin to experience some support from those who now agree with your point of view. This should help counter the remaining objections from die-hard skeptics.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) Don’t let your aim be deflected by trivial matters as you try to resolve a confusing situation. Take time to find and thoroughly assess the facts before making any decision.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) The possibility of moving to another location has come up. But before you dismiss it as unworkable, it’s worth checking out just in case it does have some merit after all.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) New relationships -personal or work-related -- show mixed signals. Best to assume nothing. Let things play themselves out until you have something substantive to work with.

PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) Your ability to make needed changes without causing too much, if any, negative ripple effect comes in handy when dealing with a sensitive matter either on the job or in the family.

BORN THIS WEEK: Although you like things to go smoothly, you’re not shy about making waves when you believe the situation calls for it. © 2015 King Features Synd., Inc.

16

16 Elbert County News

March 12, 2015

HERES THE OFFICIAL 2015 BALLOT OR VOTE ONLINE AT

ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.net/bob Ballots must be received by 11:59pm on March 31th or April 12th for online ballots Submitter’s Name

Submitter’s Phone Number

Submitter’s Email

Join our Mailing List

Your contact information will only be used for clarification purposes only.

Mail attn: BEST OF THE BEST or drop them at one of our offices: 9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 210, HIghlands Ranch, CO 80129 722 Washington Ave., Unit 210, Golden, CO 80403 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210,Westminster, CO 80031

RETIREMENT MEDICAL

Vote For Your Favorite of Elbert County!

HOUSE & HOME Electrician_______________________ Garage Door Service ________________________________ Garden Landscape Center ________________________________ Hardware Store __________________ Heating & A/C Company ________________________________ Home Repair/Remodeling ________________________________ Hot Tub/Spa Retailer ________________________________ Kitchen/Bath Contractor ________________________________ Maid/Cleaning Services ________________________________ Plumber ________________________ Roofer/Roofing Company ________________________________ Trash Service ____________________ Windows ________________________

AUTOMOTIVE Autobody _______________________ Auto Dealer _____________________ Auto Repair/Service ______________ Carwash/Detailing _______________ Tire Dealer ______________________ Towing _________________________

ENTERTAINMENT/ LIFESTYLE Art Gallery ______________________ Best Place to Meet New People ________________________________ Bowling Alley ____________________ Family Entertainment Center ________________________________ Golf Course _____________________ Live Music Venue _________________ Local Morning Radio Show ________________________________ Local Morning TV Show ___________ Local Theater/Playhouse __________ Singles Spot _____________________

Acupuncture ____________________ Audiologist/Hearing Aids ________________________________ Chiropractor_____________________ Cosmetic Dentist _________________ Cosmetic Surgery ________________ Dentist _________________________ Eye Care Provider ________________ Home Care Assistance_____________ Hospital ________________________ Orthodontist ____________________ Pediatrician _____________________ Physical Therapist ________________ Urgent Care _____________________ Wholistic/Naturopathic ________________________________ Women’s Healthcare ______________

RETAIL Alterations ______________________ Antique Store ____________________ Bike Shop _______________________ Book Store ______________________ Clothing Store/Boutique ________________________________ Consignment Thrift Store ________________________________ Dry Cleaner _____________________ Florist __________________________ Gift Shop _______________________ Jewelry Store ____________________ Kids Store/Toy Store ______________ Liquor Store _____________________ Music Store _____________________ Shoe Repair _____________________ Sporting Goods Store _____________ Western Store ___________________

PETS & ANIMALS

Retirement Community ________________________________

TRAVEL Travel Agency ___________________ Butcher _________________________ Café ____________________________ Coffee Shop _____________________ PROFESSIONAL Attorney ________________________ Deli/Sandwich Shop Bed & Breakfast __________________ ________________________________ Dessert _________________________ Best Boss (name company) ________________________________ Family Restaurant ________________ Catering Service _________________ French Fries _____________________ Computer Store/Repair____________ Green Chili ______________________ Dance Studio/Company ___________ Greek/Middle Eastern Funeral Home ___________________ ________________________________ Gymnastics______________________ Hamburger Joint _________________ Hotel ___________________________ Happy Hour _____________________ Hot Wings _______________________ Nursery/Day Care Facility ________________________________ Ice Cream _______________________ Photographer ___________________ Indian __________________________ Italian Restaurant ________________ Margarita _______________________ COMMUNITY Dog Park ________________________ Mexican Restaurant Hiking/Biking Trail ________________ ________________________________ Local Non-Profit __________________ New Restaurant __________________ Park ____________________________ Pizzeria _________________________ Public Art Display ________________ Seafood ________________________ Sports Bar _______________________ Swimming Pool/Waterpark ________________________________ Steakhouse _____________________ Teacher/School __________________ Sushi ___________________________ Wine Bar ________________________

EVENTS

Annual Event ____________________

FINANCE Accountant______________________ Bank/Credit Union________________ Financial Planner _________________ Mortgage Agent/Consultant ________________________________ Mortgage Company ______________

Boarder _________________________ Dog Park ________________________ FOOD/BEVERAGE Groomer ________________________ Asian Restaurant _________________ Pet Supply Store _________________ Bakery _________________________ Veterinarian _____________________ BBQ Restaurant __________________ Best Produce ____________________ REAL ESTATE Breakfast Spot ___________________ Agent/Realtor ___________________ Brew Pub _______________________ Real Estate Company _____________ Burrito _________________________

BEAUTY/WELLNESS Acupuncture ____________________ Aestetician ______________________ Day Spa_________________________ Haircut/Salon ____________________ Martial Arts _____________________ Massage Company _______________ Massage Therapist________________ Nail Salon _______________________ Waxing Services__________________ Weight Loss Center _______________ Workout/Fitness Center ________________________________

Best of the Best is a promotional contest voted on by the readers of Colorado Community Media publications. No purchase is required to vote or receive votes in this contest. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning. Contest Rules: Votes may be cast only one time per day, per person, via official paper ballot or on-line voting found at www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com.

Official voting begins at 12:01 a.m. March 1, 2015 and ends at midnight on April 12, 2015. Employees of Colorado Community Media are not eligible to participate. Votes will be calculated by Colorado Community Media via Second Street, an on-line ballot sorting 3rd party. Any business receiving the most votes in their category at the end of the voting period will be declared the winner in that category and receive “Best of the Best” designation from Colorado Community Media. Winners will be notified by Colorado Community Media via phone or e-mail no later than 30 days after the contest ends. To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourages, readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community.

All votes must be cast on an original copy of the newspaper. No photocopies will be accepted.