March 26, 2015 VOLU M E 70 | I S S UE 20 | 5 0 ¢
WestminsterWindow.com
A D A M S C O U N T Y A N D J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O A publication of
Bridge replacement project begins Deficient structure in Westminster crosses over railroad tracks By Ashley Reimers
areimers@colorado communitymedia.com Construction is underway to replace a structurally deficient bridge along Federal Boulevard in Westminster. Sponsored by the Bridge Enterprise Program, the Colorado Department of Transportation, CDOT, is reconstructing a half-mile portion Federal Boulevard from 67th Avenue to 70th Avenue. The project includes the replacement of the bridge at 69th Avenue that runs over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. “The bridge is functionally obsolete at this time,” said Thomas Magenis, CDOT project engineer. “So with the construction of the new bridge, many improvements will be made, which will also accommodate the future commuter rail line.” The $12 million project is set for completion by late 2016. During construction, the bridge will be widened to meet phasing requirements for maintaining two lanes in each direction and will also allow additional future lanes. There will also be extensive earthwork and new retaining walls at the bridge approaches. Jenna Kusmierek with Hamon Contractors, the company awarded the project, said improved traffic flow will be a result of the project by providing an auxiliary lane in
Construction is underway in Westminster along Federal Boulevard from 70th Avenue to 67th Avenue to reconstruct the road and replace a structurally deficient bridge. Drivers can expect slower speeds and lanes will be reduced to two, with one open in each direction. Photo by Ashley Reimers each direction for access to and from the business and retail parking lots. “There will also be aesthetic enhancements, including a raised median with planters, wider sidewalks on each side of Federal Boulevard and added lighting under the new bridge for the Little Dry Creek Trail,” she said. “There will also be a new signal at 69th Avenue. Overall, it’s going to
be a nicer, better intersection.” From now until about mid-2015, all four lanes of traffic will be shifted to the east side of the bridge as construction takes place on the western portion. The speed limit will be reduced from 40 to 35 miles per hour. Business access will remain open, as will the sidewalk on Federal Boulevard.
Westminster residents Ron and Stella Barney are pleased the bridge is being replaced. The couple drives the road frequently. “This needs to be done,” Ron said. “I’m trying to learn all I can about the project so I can tell the other seniors who live in the area about it. We like to know what’s going on.”
POSTAL ADDRESS
Adams County Employee of All Seasons chosen Adams County’s Board of Commissioners chooses the employ of the year By Lou Ellen Bromley
bromleyclan@hotmail.com
WESTMINSTER WINDOW
(ISSN 1072-1576) (USPS 455-250) OFFICE: 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210 Westminster, CO 80031 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Adams County, Colorado, the Westminster Window is published weekly on Thursday by MetroNorth Newspapers, 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210, Westminster, CO 80031. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WESTMINSTER, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210 Westminster, CO 80031 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. GE T SO CI AL WITH US
P LE AS E R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Thornton Elementary School fifth-graders sing Happy Birthday to Ethel Abeyta, who turned 100 years old on March 19. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Students help woman celebrate 100th birthday
Longtime resident of Thornton reaches century mark By Ashley Reimers
areimers@coloradocommunitymedia.com Eight Thornton Elementary fifth-graders walked down Ogden Street, their hands brimming with cards, gifts and cupcakes. They were about to celebrate a very special birthday. “My grandma has a friend named Ethel who is turning 100 years old, so we decided to go see her and sing her ‘Happy birthday,’” Raquel Yates said. “It’s important to do these things because she is part of our community. She’s been there for a long time.” The students surprised Ethel Abeyta as she sat in a family member’s car just blocks from the school, showering her with cards made by kindergartners and second-graders. Abeyta, who’d just had her nails and hair done, was headed to her March 19 party at Holy Cross Catholic Church. She couldn’t stop smiling.
WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN 1915? BABE RUTH hits his first home run. ROCKY MOUNTAIN National Park is established. THE FIRST stop sign appears in Detroit. THE BOSTON Red Sox win the World Series. THE AVERAGE price of a gallon of milk is 36 cents. “Thank you, thank you so much,” said Abeyta, a soft-spoken women with shoulderlength white hair, glasses and pink fingernails. The longtime Thornton resident grew up in Lafayette, and graduated from Lafayette High School before getting a job with the government. She worked in Chicago and Wisconsin during World War II. After the war, at 29, Abeyta married her husband. They eventually had four children. 100th continues on Page 12
The Adams County Board of Commissioners is proud to announce their choice for “Employee of All Seasons” otherwise know as the Employee of the Year. Nancy Tracy was named Adams County’s Employee of All Seasons at this year’s Employee Recognition Luncheon. Adams County employs approximately 1,800 people, and the Employee for All Seasons must be nominated by a combination of votes from their co-workers, the Employee of the Season committee and Adams County residents, to receive this honor. Tracy has worked for Adams County for 15 years, starting her career in 2000 as a PBX Technician, in addition to her remarkable professional contributions to the county; Tracy is considered a leader in volunteering to help during the holiday season to decorate the building for the enjoyment of both fellow employees and the public. Tracey is considered the driving force behind the decorations placed in the Government Center during the holiday season. Among the effort she makes to brighten up the Government Center building is all the decorations placed along the hallways and the numerous festively decorated Christmas trees. With the help of her family and friends Tracy built an old-fashion bicycle and wooden geese, found great deals on stuffed teddy bears and personally donated supplies or paid for herself the cost of the trees, wreaths, crafting supplies, and other decorations. Tracy volunteered countless hours on this project that she considers a
Adams continues on Page 12