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February 21, 2014 Douglas County, Colorado | Volume 12, Issue 17 A publication of
parkerchronicle.net
Answers sought in teen suicides State’s second-leading cause of death among young people claims 4 locally in 2 weeks By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Four Douglas County teens were lost to suicide in less than two weeks — a number equal to the total of teen suicides in the county in 2013. The deaths recorded between Jan. 31 and Feb. 11 appear unrelated and do not point to copycat syndrome. “We have not found there’s any communication, any tie between them,” Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas said. “But
like many of the suicide cases we have sadly investigated, mental illness can play a role in suicides.” Thomas would not discuss specifics about any of the cases, including the manner of death and what led to the fatal decisions. The children range in age from 15 to 17, and include 15-year-old Mountain Vista High School sophomore Robert Klamo. He fatally shot his mother and then himself in their Highlands Ranch home Jan. 31; he reportedly was undergoing treatment for mental illness. Two of the four attended Douglas County High School. The teen deaths have prompted communitywide concern.
The Douglas County School District sent an email to parents that included suicidal behavior warning signs, resources and tips for talking to students. Two Castle Rock churches held prayer vigils. The cases haunt Thomas, who has studied suicide extensively to try to slow or prevent the incidents, and who visited this week with one of the teen’s parents. “These parents loved this kiddo desperately and they did everything they could,” she said. “It’s almost like he was this fragile little Christmas ornament. They carried him along for so long to protect him, but something happened and he slipped out of their hands. “When I look in the eyes of these par-
Defense with discipline
ents that are devastated…” Thomas trailed off and paused before continuing. “Gosh, what can we do to help these kids?” Thomas and others in the mental health field hope publicizing the suicides will prompt vital conversations between teens and adults. In 2002, the suicides of four Jefferson County School District teens in an 11-month-period prompted community members to form the Second Wind Fund, which provides children and teens with 12 no-cost therapy sessions. The program has served 3,500 people in Colorado, and has proven highly effective. Suicides continues on Page 9
Council OKs $22M for projects Parker rec center to be expanded, renovated By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@ coloradocommunitymedia.com
Master Chris Turnquist teaches Ellie Winninger, center, how to defend against Fallan Rogers during a class Feb. 17 at the Parker Academy of Martial Arts. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
Martial arts studios teach anti-bullying techniques to kids By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz@coloradocommunitymedia.com The escalation of school violence has parents and their kids seeking the most effective ways to avoid becoming a victim. The sometimes-tragic consequences of bullying have made national headlines in recent years, highlighting the need for proper defense training from kindergarten on. Martial arts — among the most popular outlets — utilizes verbal methods first to defuse potentially dangerous situations. Trent Quinn, chief instructor at Tiger Rock Martial Arts near Mainstreet and Dransfeldt Road, says bullying prevention is “something that’s on the forefront of everybody’s mind.” Quinn and his team of instructors have visited several elementary schools in Parker, spending a few days teaching bully defense techniques during gym class. Lessons include the use of “verbal weapons” and assertive body posture to deter bullies. “They won’t go after someone who is Bully continues on Page 9
Parker Town Council unanimously approved a lease-purchase agreement that paves the way for millions of dollars worth of construction over the next two years. Councilmembers voted 6-0 to issue $21.9 million in certificates of participation to fund the expansion and renovation of the Parker Recreation Center and a second public works facility, the latter of which is needed due to growth in that department. There was no public comment during the Feb. 18 meeting during which the agreement was approved on final reading. The Town of Parker will take on annual debt payments of more than $1.6 million; incremental decreases will occur over the 20-year term. Approximately $7 million of the COPs, as they are commonly known, will be used for the overhaul of the Parker Recreation Center, a facility built in 1993. Recreation director Jim Cleveland estimated that the project will take 12-14 months. Mayor Mike Waid has pointed to continued public interest in recreation amenities as a reason to further invest in infrastructure. The town will use $13.5 million for a new public works building on Hess Road, just west of Motsenbocker Road, to house the streets, traffic and stormwater departments. Parker’s facility maintenance staff will remain at the public works headquarters on Motsenbocker Road. That facility, on the western end of Salisbury Park, is a refurbished horse barn that has become cramped as the department has grown. The aggregate principal amount of the base rentals payable by the town, pursuant to the lease, cannot exceed $21.9 million. According to the agreement, the maximum repayment amount by the town, including principal and interest, “shall not exceed $37 million” over the 21-year term of the lease. Annual payments will not go
Council continues on Page 9
Master Chris Turnquist instructs a class at the Parker Academy of Martial Arts Feb. 17. The studio teaches verbal and physical defenses against bullying. Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.