Painting goodness and light in the Parker community
More than 150 people joined in painting a 225-foot long mural
BY HALEY LENA
Like random paint droplets thrown onto a canvas, the art that’s scattered throughout the Town of Parker is part of what attracted Michael Montoya and his wife to the community.
“I’ve always been interested in
art and when I came to Parker two years ago, I noticed right away the town’s commitment to art,” Montoya said.
From electrical boxes painted with colorful scenery to sculptures big and small, the Town of Parker is no stranger to public art.
Montoya is a member of the
town’s Public Arts Commission, which was formed last year and recently oversaw the town’s latest work of art. Just west of Parker Road, along the Lemon Gulch Trail near the Stroh Ranch soccer elds, is a 225-foot long mural.
Bright blues and yellows mixed with splashes of orange and purple now cover what was once a grey concrete wall.
“ is is such a large space and it takes a large commitment,” Montoya said.
It was a challenge Parker’s Ja-
Stroh Road set to be widened to two lanes in
both directions
nae Coy was ready to take on.
With a college degree in art, Coy ran a mural painting business where she painted in homes and o ces for 20 years.
“I retired about six years ago, and now I just do fun stu for service,” Coy said.
Coy is part of a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints women’s group dedicated to doing service projects throughout the community. Last year, the group painted a mural on the tunnel of
Another road widening project will be underway this spring — this time, in the southern part of Parker along Stroh Road. Stroh Road between J Morgan Boulevard and Motsenbocker Road/Crowfoot Valley will be widened to two lanes in both eastbound and westbound di-
“ is stretch of road is well beyond its design life,” said Nathan Klass of Parker’s engineering and public works department. e widening will include an extra through-lane on the west side of Crowfoot Valley and Mostenbocker Road, and a bridge over Cherry Creek between Crowfoot Valley/ Motsenbocker Road and J Morgan Boulevard. e project also includes a short extension of J Morgan Boulevard south to connect to the existing South Metro Fire Station, a signalized intersection at J Morgan Boulevard and Stroh Road, and the addition of bike lanes, sidewalks and new connections to the Cherry Creek Trail and Lemon Gulch Trail. is project is anticipated to start before the end of April and be complete by next spring. Additionally, to help increase tra c ow on Stroh Road, there is a planned connection to the Chamber Road extension, south of Hess Road, which is currently under construction.
“It’s great to see yet another mark of improvement for infrastructure in Parker,” said Councilmember Todd Hendreks. e Stroh Road Widening project, which included plans for a future bridge, has been in the
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Nearly 80 young women participated in painting the mural along Lemon Gulch Trail in Parker by painting certain colors in numbered shapes. COURTESY OF MICHAEL MONTOYA
MURAL, P14
DRCOG gives updates to Dougco on plan for regional transportation
First update since 2021 is underway
BY FRANK DEANGELI SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Douglas County Transportation Steering Committee on April 2 heard an update from the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) on its 2050 Regional Transportation Plan.
is year marks the plan’s rst update since its adoption in 2021.
e plan was established as the region’s long-term vision to “improve mobility for users of its multimodal transportation system.”
e plan “identi es speci c project and program investments meant to address the region’s transportation planning priorities.”
e April 2 update primarily involved revisions to the Regional Roadway System, the network of roads to which DRCOG’s plan will apply. Several stretches of freeways, tollways, major regional arterials and principal arterials across the Denver metropolitan area have been proposed as additions to the network.
DRCOG’s hope is that a comprehensive regional roadway system will allow the council to best allocate limited funds to its “most heavily traveled and important connecting roadways.”
DRCOG’s update comes amidst Douglas County’s planning process for a 2050 Transportation Plan of its own. In March, the county held four public meetings to gather input on residents’ transportation needs.
An online public survey was available on the county’s website through March 31. e end of its public comment period signals the beginning of the county’s evaluation phase, during which potential transportation actions and alternatives will be reviewed and considered.
Spokespeople for DRCOG assured the Douglas County Transportation Steering Committee that even if the two entities’ transportation plans are not perfectly synchronized at present, changes to the Regional Roadway System and the 2050 Regional Transportation Plan can still be made every four years based on feedback from DRCOG’s member governments.
Colorado GOP chooses Horn to hold post as party chair
Former Routt County treasurer vows to unite party and boost fundraising
BY JESSE PAUL THE COLORADO SUN
Brita Horn, a former Routt County treasurer, was elected March 29 to serve as the next chair of the Colorado GOP, vowing to unite the highly fractured party, boost fundraising and show up for candidates as Republicans look to right their wayward ship in 2026.
“We have so much division, we have so much distraction,” she told members of the Colorado GOP’s central committee. “Guess what the Democrats are doing right now? ey’re winning elections.”
Horn, who ran unsuccessfully in 2018 for state treasurer, won 53% of the party chair vote in the second round of voting over former Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine. ere were about 440 members of the Colorado GOP casting ballots at the party’s reorganization meeting in Colorado Springs.
Horn beat out six other candidates for the job, including Saine, former state Rep. Richard Holtorf, and Darcy Schoening, the state party’s director of special initiatives.
Horn lives near Steamboat Springs and is the chief of the Rock Creek Volunteer Fire Department. She’s long been active in Republican politics in Colorado.
Targeting statewide elections
Next year will be a big one for Colorado Republicans. e statewide o ces of gov-
Former Routt County Treasurer Brita Horn will serve as the next chair of the Colorado GOP, vowing to unify the party and improve fundraising and candidate support.
ernor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and a U.S. Senate seat will be up for grabs. e last time a Republican won a statewide election in Colorado was 2016.
Republicans also will be defending U.S. House seats in the 8th and 3rd districts and seeking to ip more state legislative seats.
Horn replaces Chairman Dave Williams, whose two-year term leading Republicans in Colorado was marked by controversy after contreversy.
Williams decided not to seek reelection. During his tenure as chairman, Williams upset Republicans by taking sides in GOP primaries, albeit unsuccessfully; running for Congress and using party funds to boost his campaign; sending out an email that was o ensive to LGBTQ people; and trying to change the party’s bylaws to further his agenda. He also had a Colorado Sun reporter removed from a party gathering last year, stoking a national controversy.
Reporters weren’t allowed at the party’s reorganizational meeting March 29. In-
stead, they were forced to watch the event on a livestream.
Wins despite state party
Republicans ipped three state House and a U.S. House seat while Williams was in charge. But those victories happened mostly in spite ofthe state party, not because of it.
In the 8th Congressional District, where Republican Gabe Evans won, the Colorado GOP endorsed his primary opponent, Janak Joshi. e party didn’t report any direct spending to help Evans beat incumbent Democrat Yadira Caraveo in the general election.
Evans was so fed up with party leadership that he actually called on Williams to resign in July as part of a push to remove the organization’s entire leadership slate.
As for the three state House seats Republicans ipped last year, the party didn’t report spending any money on those races either. It was the state House Republican caucus campaign arm and independent expenditure committees that were responsible for the bulk of the activity in those contests. Williams’ detractors, including Horn,sought to remove him as chairman in the leadup to the 2024 election, but their e ortfell short after a court battle. Williams sued Horn and the others.
e Colorado GOP central committee on Saturday also elected Las Animas County GOP Chairman Lee Phelan Sr. as vice chair, denying current Vice Chair Scheppelman a second term, and former congressional candidate Russ Andrews as secretary. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.
Case of measles reported in Colorado
Pueblo adult who traveled internationally has disease
BY JOHN DALEY CPR NEWS
Health o cials con rmed a case of measles March 31 in a Colorado resident from Pueblo who had recently traveled to an area of Mexico where there’s an ongoing measles outbreak.
e case was in an unvaccinated adult, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment said in a joint press release. ey urged Coloradans to check their vaccination status, monitor for symptoms, and be aware if they were at a pair of possible exposure locations, both in Pueblo, starting March 17.
“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know, but it is also highly preventable,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, deputy chief medical o cer and state epidemiologist. “ e MMR vaccine provides excellent protection and helps prevent outbreaks like the one we are seeing globally. We urge Coloradans to review their vaccination status and take steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”
Outbreaks have been popping up around the country, including in Texas and New Mexico, with cases for 2025 already at higher levels than all of last year.
As of March 27, a total of 483 con rmed measles cases were reported in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s been recorded in 19 states: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia,
Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont and Washington.
Colorado is the 20th state with a recent measles case.
Health o cials, in their release, posted locations where people could have been exposed to measles ey include a deli and cafe, Southwest Deli and Cafe in Pueblo, and a clinic, Southern Colorado Clinic Pueblo West, where people could have been exposed to it. ey said those who were there recently should “monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings.”
Monitoring for symptoms is key for people who are not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. ey said they would update the locations, as needed.
People who were at the deli between March 17 and March 21 and the clinic on March 22, should monitor for symptoms and consider avoiding public gatherings and high-risk settings, public o cials said.
If you think you’ve been exposed and how to protect yourself
Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure. ey include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and what measles is best known for, a rash. It usually starts on the face several days after exposure and spreads.
Health o cials urge people who were in one of the locations during the exposure period and developed symptoms to immediately contact their health care provider by phone.
If you don’t have a provider, they said to call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles.
Calling ahead is a safety precaution that can prevent additional exposures to other people, according to the release. ose who have received the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957 are generally considered immune, according to the release. Health o cials recommended all Coloradans make sure they and their children are up to date on MMR vaccinations. e MMR vaccine has been available for decades.
Some adults, not just kids, may need to get an MMR vaccine as well, according to infectious disease experts.
People who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated should closely monitor for symptoms during the 21 days after a possible exposure. If you’re exposed to the virus, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours after exposure can prevent infection.
Unvaccinated individuals, or those who aren’t sure of their immunity should talk to their health care provider about receiving the MMR vaccine. More information on vaccination and exposure to the virus is available from the CDC.
A child’s immunization records can be checked through the Colorado Immunization Information System (CIIS) Public Portal, though records may be incomplete if all vaccines have not been reported by providers.
is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.
COURTESY PHOTO
Questions emerge over advocacy group’s access to Douglas County classrooms
A visit by Grandparents 4 Kids to read book by Trump associate prompts scrutiny of school district’s policies regarding visitors
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SGLASSMAN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A recent classroom visit by members of the conservative group Grandparents 4 Kids, which advocates for parental rights and traditional values in schools, to Prairie Crossing Elementary in Parker prompted questions on social media about how Douglas County schools vet outside groups that interact with students. Members of the group brought co ee and donuts for teachers and read “Why America Matters,” a book by former Trump economic adviser Dr. Ben Carson.
e illustrated children’s book introduces civics concepts like freedom, equality and the role of government through patriotic storytelling and emphasizes “the importance of faith, liberty, community and life” as key American values.
e school’s principal later shared the visit on social media in a post that included a photo of school board director Becky Myers posing with the group. e post has since been removed.
While the event itself was friendly and non-disruptive, the group’s ideological a liations have drawn scrutiny. Grandparents 4 Kids has previously spoken at board meetings in support of parental rights, a term often used by conservative groups to oppose curriculum related to race, gender identity and LGBTQ-inclusive policies, and has expressed opposition to such content in local schools.
e visit also sparked debate about
whether the district applies its visitor and volunteer policies fairly, and whether community members should be noti ed when outside groups enter classrooms.
District’s description conflicts with public details
District spokesperson Paula Hans said a grandparent of a current student requested the April 2 visit. According to Hans, the individual described the group as grandparents who read to children without mentioning a speci c organization.
“We welcome the opportunity for senior citizens, especially grandparents, to engage with our kids,” Hans said. “ e older generation has so much to o er!”
However, the school’s now-deleted Facebook post tells a di erent story.
e post publicly thanked Grandparents 4 Kids by name, included photos of multiple individuals reading in classrooms and posing with sta , and tagged the group’s o cial social media account.
Printed materials promoting Grandparents 4 Kids were also placed on a table alongside donuts o ered to teachers and remained visible and accessible during the visit.
Because the post made the morning’s readings appear like a coordinated visit by a known advocacy organization, many community members questioned whether the district applies its visitor and volunteer policies evenly and whether advocacy groups of all perspectives would receive the same level of access.
“Were parents at PCE noti ed about this visit in advance?,” one parent asked. “Were these grandparents properly background checked? Were they searched for weapons? Was this book reviewed by sta beforehand?”
Others questioned whether groups, particularly those supporting LGBTQ+ students or promoting inclusive curricula, would be granted the same access.
“If a school were to invite a family member who is a drag queen, for example, these same activists would certainly raise a public outcry,” a parent said.
Questions about policy and access remain Hans declined to answer broader policy questions, including whether the district distinguishes between individual volunteers and groups with political or advocacy a liations, whether materials like those distributed by Grandparents 4 Kids are subject to review or approval and whether groups such as Douglas County Pride would be permitted to engage students and sta in similar ways.
Also, Myers’ presence in the photo posted by the school’s principal raised further concerns about whether district leaders are adhering to established policies regarding outside group involvement.
Apology issued, but community concerns persist
“School board director Becky Myers, who campaigned on the promise of keeping politics out of the classroom, is now directly parading her political agenda into elementary schools. is behavior is unacceptable from an elected representative of our district,” one comment said.
Following the visit, Prairie Crossing Elementary principal Carrie Rotherham apologized to at least one parent who raised concerns. In the message, Rotherham acknowledged she didn’t realize the grandparents who had requested to read in classrooms were a liated with a larger group.
Board policy GP 1.8 prohibits individual board members from unilaterally directing school sta or inserting outside groups into schools without approval. It also requires board members to avoid favoritism and maintain loyalty to the broader community, not speci c advocacy groups.
Yet, Myers denied having any involvement in arranging the visit and implied her presence at the school at the same time as Grandparents 4 Kids was a coincidence.
“I was not involved in setting up, arranging or scheduling this visit,” Myers said. “I was at the school to meet with a teacher who wished to interview me for a post graduate class assignment she is working on as she pursues a master’s degree.”
Other policies require the district to provide ideologically neutral learning environments, ensure transparency with families and protect sta from perceived pressure or surprise involvement with politically aligned visitors.
“I did not even think I had to vet a few grandparents, which is how this was presented to me, that wanted to volunteer and read to the kids and bring a treat to the sta ,” Rotherham said. “But I have learned I cannot just look at things on the surface level … I will let you know this will not happen again.”
Rotherham said in her response that she never intended to make anyone feel uncomfortable or unwelcome and expressed that the situation has a ected her personally and professionally.
Despite the apology, concerns from community members continued to surface online.
“If you have kids currently in elementary school, you might want to email the principals to make sure the tour stops here,” a parent said on Facebook.
Another referred to the group’s history of public comment at board meetings, including support for book bans and opposition to AP African American Studies and LGBTQ-inclusive policies.
Prairie Crossing Elementary School in Parker, Colorado PHOTO BY SUZIE GLASSMAN
A since-deleted Facebook post from Prairie Crossing Elementary shows members of Grandparents 4 Kids reading to students and posing with sta , including school board director Becky Myers, uring an April visit.
PHOTO COURTESY PRAIRIE CROSSING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Douglas County commissioners meet with group out of public eye to discuss home rule
Despite transparency law, all three elected o cials took part in setting where general public, news media were excluded
BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITY
All three Douglas County commissioners attended a private Parker Conservatives gathering at Deep Space in downtown Parker on April 2 to talk about their home-rule proposal. In a meeting that state law indicates should have been open to the public, the county spokesperson says there was no intention to hide anything at an event that explicitly advertised the fact that the general public and press were excluded from attending.
“I can say for certain there was no intention to deceive or meet in private,” said Caroline Frizell, spokesperson for Douglas County. “ is was just another opportunity for them to talk about something that is important to them.”
Frizell said the Board of County Commissioners members are invited to places all the time, sometimes as a group and sometimes individually.
“When they’re invited as a board and when the invite comes through county o ces, we can manage that and we post it,” said Frizell. “When they’re invited individually, they don’t always coordinate with sta or we aren’t always, I should say, in the loop. And so that’s what happened here.”
All three county commissioners were invited to speak at the recent Parker Conservatives meeting. e Parker Conservatives is a private group for residents in Douglas and Elbert counties, according to
their private Facebook page.
In an invitation, which was provided to the Douglas County News-Press by a recipient, the group conducted a private meeting that was “exclusively reserved for members, a liates and guests of the conservative community,” and that “media representatives are expressly not invited to these gatherings.”
e invitation was live at tinyurl.com/ pc-invite as of press time.
Concerning the Open Meetings Law, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs states that all meetings of a quorum or three or more members of a body in which any public business is discussed must be open to the public. is does not apply if there is an executive session being held or if it is a chance meeting or social gathering “at which discussion of public business is not the central purpose.”
e invitation said that the evening would involve hearing from the commissioners on the state of the county and would include a “robust” Q&A forum.
Following the commissioners’ recent approval of a resolution to pursue a home rule charter for the county, the topic of home rule was also intended to be discussed. e invitation stated: “What is home rule? Come and hear directly from our Douglas County Commissioners on how this will a ect Dougco and you.”
Additionally, the Open Meetings Law de nes a meeting as “any kind of gathering, convinced to discuss public business,
in person, by telephone, electronically or by other means of communication.”
e Colorado Supreme Court ruled in the Board of County Commissioners of Costilla County, Colorado vs. Costilla County Conservancy District and McGowan in 2004 that a meeting is part of the policy-making process when it is held to purposefully discuss a rule, regulation, ordinance or formal action.
e ruling further states: “If the record supports the conclusion that the meeting is rationally connected to the policy-making responsibilities of the public body by holding or attending the meeting, then the meeting is subject to OML (Open Meeting Law), and the public body holding or attending the meeting must provide notice.”
When asked if the commissioners knew they all would be going to the closed-door event, Frizell said that she doesn’t believe they knew.
“I certainly didn’t know that they were all going,” Frizell said.
e Department of Local A airs also states public notice is required for meetings that will involve a majority or quorum of the body in attendance at least 24 hours prior. e Parker Conservatives meeting was not posted to the county website until a few hours before the meeting.
“As soon as we found out all three of them were going to be in the same place at the same time, we posted it immediately, which I believe was after the 24 hours,” Frizell said.
Frizell said that she has not heard from the commissioners about whether they believe there should be a change to the
SEE COMMISSIONERS, P15
Vote
A screenshot shows part of the invitation to the April 2 Parker Conservatives gathering where the Douglas County Commissioners met to talk about public business behind closed doors. SCREENSHOT OF PARKER CONSERVATIVES POST
State school meals program could be cut back
Lawmakers’ proposed solution hinges on voter support
BY JASON GONZALES CHALKBEAT
Colorado’s popular universal free school meals program could face substantial cuts next year if voters don’t approve a measure for additional funding.
e state is facing challenges on two fronts with the Healthy School Meals for All program: less overall revenue for the program than it costs to run and a $1.2 billion budget shortfall that requires cuts to state programs and won’t provide enough money to cover the program’s operations.
Joint Budget Committee lawmakers released a $43.9 billion budget proposal that includes accompanying legislation to address the program’s funding.
In the best case scenario, voters approve more revenue for the program and the state avoids cuts. In the worst case, state cutbacks would mean only some schools would be eligible to get money for free lunches.
In 2022, Colorado voters allowed the state to raise revenue to make breakfast and lunch free for all students regardless of family income by lowering a tax credit for taxpayers making more than $300,000 a year.
In the rst year, funding fell short by $56 million. Lawmakers covered the gap and have continued to do so as the demand for meals soared. Next year, lawmakers will no longer be able to cover costs through the state’s education savings.
e state budget estimates the program will need $151 million next year, but the
state will only collect $108.8 million.
e bill would reduce additional state funding to $8 million, enough money to maintain the program through December.
en the bill spells out two scenarios.
In the rst, lawmakers pass House Bill 1274, which is already under consideration and sends two referendums before voters in November to raise more money for the program.
e rst referendum would ask voters to approve allowing the state to retain money for the program that typically must be refunded to taxpayers due to the state’s cap on spending.
e second referendum would ask voters to expand the program by increasing taxable income on those who earn over $300,000 a year. A nancial analysis of the bill estimates that referendum would generate more than $95 million each year for the school meals program.
e state would collect enough money for the program to maintain services statewide, according to budget projections.
In the second scenario, if the referendum doesn’t pass, only schools that currently participate in the federal Community Eligibility Provision program would qualify for meals free of charge.
Schools where at least 25% of the population quali es for the federal free or reduced lunch pricing threshold would also receive funding.
Students at other schools would have to ll out a federal form to receive free or reduced meals.
is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with Chalkbeat Colorado, a nonpro t news site covering educational change in public schools.
We partner with some of the best enrichment providers in Colorado to put together a variety of camps in theater, art, science, and more to give kids unique opportunities to explore the world of culture through creativity! Half-day and full-day options are available.
Colorado’s Healthy School Meals for All program would face cuts if voters don’t approve proposed referendums expected to be on November’s ballot.
SHUTTERSTOCK IMAGE
Englewood police recover stolen painting
George Washington portrait had vanished from storage in 2024
BY ELISABETH SLAY ESLAY@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
After searching for more than a year, the Englewood Police Department has recovered a stolen historic painting of President George Washington. e lead investigator in the case, Det. Christian Contos, said the painting had been stolen in January 2024 from Extra Space Storage in the 3300 block of South Santa Fe Drive. Englewood police and the FBI Denver Field O ce worked together to recover the painting.
Last month, a Crime Stoppers tip provided a crucial lead, suggesting multiple individuals may have been involved in the theft. Contos identi ed someone he thought was in possession of the painting.
“I decided that publicizing this as much as possible might get someone’s attention, and even though it took over a year, someone was paying attention and contacted us with information,” Contos said. “ at information was further investigated, which led me to a person of interest. I was able to contact that person through his acquaintances, and he con rmed he had the painting, but he said he did not steal the painting and was understandably scared to come forward.”
A news release from the police department added more detail about the man who had the stolen painting. “He explained that while staying at a Denver hotel in 2024, a hotel clerk had given him
the painting after nding it abandoned in a vacated room,” the release said. “Due to the widespread publicity surrounding the theft, he hesitated to come forward at the time.”
e painting was voluntarily surrendered to police on March 28 after two weeks of negotiations between Contos and a representative of the man who possessed the painting.
“When I nally saw the painting in person, it was a huge relief,” Contos said. “I was nervous, but cautiously optimistic that the negotiations would work out and the painting would be turned over to me — but I was not going to be satis ed until that actually happened. I got the painting in hand on Friday night (March 28), and was excited the entire weekend.”
e painting is a copy of an original. It is a reverse oil on glass. It dates from 1805 to 1818 and is one of only six or seven copies in existence. Four of the copies are in museums.
Contos said he noti ed the original owner of the painting that it had been located and received.
“We worked hard in the beginning to solve the case and we were unable to nd the painting early on, and he understood and appreciated all of our e orts then,” Contos said. “When I told him I had the painting back, he was incredibly appreciative that we never gave up. It’s always a good feeling when we can pass on good news to a crime victim.”
e painting was insured and will be turned over to the insurance company.
“When an item is stolen, damaged, destroyed, and if it is insured, the owner can le an insurance claim,” Contos said. “If a claim is made by the owner, the insur-
insured the painting, and the insurance company paid the claim to the owner, so the insurance company is now the legal
Contos said if the owner of the painting wants to retrieve the painting, then it’s a civil matter between him and the insur-
“ e police will not become involved in how the owner and insurance company decide to settle their case,” Contos said. “Because the insurance company now owns this painting, the police are required to turn over the painting to the insurance company, unless the insurance company directs us to give the painting to
Additionally, Contos said that if he is able to identify the person or people who stole the painting from the storage locker, then they could be charged with burglary
“As law enforcement, we wish we are able to solve every single crime that is reported, but that is just not a reasonable expectation,” Contos said. “I know that we need the assistance of the public to help solve crimes and recover stolen property, like this painting, and I am grateful and humbled when citizens speak up and help when they can as well. I am just excited that we were able to safely recover this incredibly important piece of American history.”
e painting appears to be largely undamaged, besides some minor cosmetic damage to the frame.
ance company would pay the owner for the value of the item. Once an insurance company pays out on a claim, the insurance company becomes the legal owner of the object. In this case, the owner had
Stacy Durbin, community relations manager for Englewood police, said there have been 13 calls for service for theft or burglary at the Extra Space Storage between Jan. 22, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
A painting of George Washington dating to the early 19th century is propped on chairs at the Englewood police station after the department recovered it. The artwork was stolen early last year from Extra Space Storage on Santa Fe Drive in Englewood. PHOTO BY SCOTT GILBERT
Psychedelic mushroom experiment has arrived
State regulators are issuing licenses and plans are in place for ‘healing centers’
BY KATE RUDER KFF HEALTH NEWS
Colorado regulators are issuing licenses for providing psychedelic mushrooms and are planning to authorize the state’s rst “healing centers,” where the mushrooms can be ingested under supervision, in late spring or early summer.
e dawn of state-regulated psychedelic mushrooms has arrived in Colorado, nearly two years since Oregon began o ering them. e mushrooms are a Schedule I drug and illegal under federal law except for clinical research. But more than a dozen cities nationwide have deprioritized or decriminalized them in the past ve years, and many eyes are turned toward Oregon’s and Colorado’s stateregulated programs.
“In Oregon and Colorado, we’re going to learn a lot about administration of psychedelics outside of clinical, religious, and underground settings because they’re the rst to try this in the U.S.,” said William R. Smith, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
Psychedelic mushrooms and their psychoactive compound psilocybin have the
potential to treat people with depression and anxiety, including those unresponsive to other medications or therapy. e National Institute on Drug Abuse, part of the National Institutes of Health, says the risk of mental health problems caused by ingesting mushrooms in a supervised clinical setting is low, but may be higher outside of a clinical setting. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a social media post last year, before his nomination as U.S. health secretary, that his “mind is open to the idea of psychedelics for treatment.”
Medical experts say more research is needed, particularly in people with a diagnosis or family history of psychotic or bipolar disorder. Adverse e ects of psilocybin, including headache and nausea, typically resolve within one to two days. However, extended di culties from using psychedelics can last weeks, months, or years; anxiety and fear, existential struggle, social disconnection, and feeling detached from oneself and one’s surroundings are most common. After the decriminalization and legalization in Oregon and Colorado, psychedelic mushroom exposures reported to poison control centers ticked up in these states and nationally.
In February, about 40 people organized by the psychedelic advocacy group the Nowak Society gathered in Boulder to talk about the coming changes in Colorado. ey included Mandy Grace, who received her state license to administer psychedelic mushrooms, and Amanda Clark,
APR 27
2:00 PM • PACE CENTER
Stage favorites…there are so many of them and everyone has one! Join Parker Chorale and journey through some of the all-time favorite songs of the stage with everything from current Broadway hits to songs you maybe didn’t even know were Opera.
MAY 16
Composed while at the National Conservatory of Music of America, the Parker Symphony Orchestra will play one of the most famous and recognizable symphonies, Symphony No. 9, better known as the New World Symphony.
Psychedelic mushrooms after freeze-drying at the lab at Activated Brands in Arvada, Colorado.
PHOTO BY KATE RUDER FOR KFF HEALTH NEWS
It’s the end of March, and for many individuals and businesses, the rst quarter didn’t quite go as planned. Goals were set with optimism and purpose back in January: tness, revenue, personal growth, new skills and better habits. Yet here we are, three months in, and some of those goals are already collecting dust.
It happens. A slower start than expected can feel like a weight we now have to carry and catch up on. And that’s where the real danger begins, awed thinking. Instead of redistributing the shortfall across the remaining months, many of us go into panic mode and try to cram all the unmet goals into the next few weeks. It’s a trap.
Let’s take a tness example. Suppose someone sets out to lose 30 pounds this year. By the end of March, they’ve lost three. at’s a tenth of the way there; not exactly o to the races. e common response? “I have to lose the next 27 pounds as fast as possible.” ey triple their workouts, restrict their food to extremes, and set unrealistic goals, like losing 10 pounds in a month. And what hap-
RVOICES
With nine months to go, let’s go
pens? ey burn out. ey get discouraged. And often, they quit. “Maybe next year,” they say. e same pattern shows up in business. A salesperson misses their Q1 quota. Leadership starts sounding the alarm. Panic meetings. Pressure builds. And the rep starts believing they must land one massive deal or have a record-breaking month just to get back on track. e pressure becomes paralyzing, and instead of fueling better performance, it leads to desperate decision-making or, worse, disengagement.
Here’s a healthier mindset: redistribute, don’t double down. Spread the shortfall out. Do the math. Missing a goal in Q1 isn’t a death sentence, it just means adjusting the plan for Q2, Q3, and Q4. And if you lead a team, communicate that. Normalize the adjustment. Make resilience a core part of your culture. ink of it this way: if a ight from New
Plan for needs and wants during this uncertain time
ecent events may make you feel the future is very uncertain. Technically, of course, all futures are uncertain. You can look at history or make assumptions about tari s, layo s, budget cuts and taxes, but that still won’t give you a clear path. It’s time to look at what you do and don’t have control over and build on your needs and wants.
I always start with the inevitable and create my plan around the worstcase scenario. is considers aging, elder care, even death. It includes longevity, market volatility and in ation. Stack as many potential factors into your plan and see if it still holds up. Add rising taxes, a low-growth economy and uctuating interest rates. Now review what you need to live on and what you would like to see for your career, family and legacy. Yes, proper planning can be very involved, but this is the best way to protect yourself.
All these items need to be considered before you ever start to design a portfolio. Mapping out these situations and marking what is a necessity and what you can control are key to getting it right. is is quite di erent than looking to the government or the markets to x all your problems. Searching for the best performer and building your investments around it won’t deliver lasting results either.
Once you have identi ed as many roadblocks as you can, drill down to a relatively simple subject such as retiree income. Identify your resources, such as Social Security, pension and investments. Determine your income needs for necessities such as housing, medical, food and insurance. Does your xed income cover your xed expenses? If so, then your
York to LA gets slightly o course, the pilot doesn’t try to bank hard and get back on track in the next 60 seconds. at’d be reckless. Instead, they make small adjustments over time to arrive safely. You can too.
Of course, there are moments when we catch a great wave. Momentum is strong. Deals are closing. Progress is visible. ose are great moments, but they’re not the only ones that de ne our journey. Sometimes, we miss the wave. We fall behind. at doesn’t mean the ride is over. e truth is, we’re all navigating a lot right now. Global events, economic uncertainty, shifting buyer behaviors, and new technologies are changing how we think, live, and work. ese aren’t excuses. ey’re realities. And they reinforce the need to lead ourselves and our teams with both urgency and grace.
So what’s the next move? Take inventory. Recalibrate. Adjust your forecast, your habits, and your daily disciplines. Stop trying to make up for three months in three days. at’s not heroic, it’s selfsabotage. What is heroic is choosing to stay in the game. Choosing to keep mov-
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ing, lead, sell, and grow, even if progress looks a little slower than you wanted. Success isn’t linear. It rarely shows up on schedule. But it always favors those who stay in pursuit.
So whether you’re leading a company, a sales team, or just trying to be a better version of yourself, redistribute your energy, stay focused on the long game, and don’t let a slow start steal a strong nish.
Let’s go!
How about you? Are you one of those who are on track and staying the course? Have you drifted slightly o course and just need a little redirection? Or is it time to reevaluate and redistribute the shortfall on your goals? As always I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail. com, and when we can be resilient, never giving up on our biggest goals and dreams, it really will be a better-thangood life.
Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.
investments could be geared towards some of your goals and wishes. Now add in your lifestyle with discretionary items such as travel, entertainment and home improvements. Next, layer your legacy wishes for what you would like to pass on to your heirs and the message you want to send.
Now you know what portion of your investments need to be designated for income or growth, and you can start to see what assets should be dedicated to which decade and how to plan for in ation. You can determine when you may need more income if you strip out any cost-ofliving increases from Social Security or a pension, since you don’t ultimately have control over those. en your timeline will clearly indicate how your needs will be taken care of and how much will be available for your desires and for future generations. Now market volatility only a ects you in the near term on an investment you may not need for a decade. You know where your income and in ation hedges will come from, and you can sleep peacefully.
You will have much less stress if you work on your own plan — not the president’s, not the Federal Reserve’s, not the stock market’s. Use your plan as a guide in both good times and bad to help you focus on what matters most to you.
Patricia Kummer is managing director for Mariner, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser.
Look at Trump-Musk damage I agree with the authors of the letters “Trump is a disaster,” “Remember Enola Gay,” “Library board disappointment” and “Disappointed by Van Winkle,” and I would like to address the people who voted for Trump and Musk (unknowingly):
Now that your candidate won the election, will you be willing to examine and research the e ects this government is having on our citizens and our country?
According to established and respected economists, tari s will increase the prices Americans will pay for many products, including cars; and contribute to a possible recession. By placing tari s on countries who have been our staunch allies, their trust and support of the US will be greatly diminished.
Now that the “mass deportation” is underway, ICE is obliged to meet quotas that Trump has established.
Violent criminals have been removed (good thing), but many hard-working, reliable employees without criminal records are being deported. ese workers have been paying into Social Security with little chance of ever collecting it. What do you think this loss of workers, especially on our farms, will have on our economy, which is already su ering?
Do you really approve of the way DOGE is ring essential workers in the National Forests, FBI, CIA, DOJ, CDC, NOAA who have had extensive training to do their jobs? What are the repercussions of those losses? I agree that there probably is some fraud and waste, but a wise person would investigate to nd the source of the problems and proceed from there.
e ocean levels are rising, as well as the temperatures on our planet. ose are undeniable facts. And Trump is shutting down the programs that are trying to combat climate change.
When you can no longer have access to clinical trials to try new methods and medicines to save your life, it is because this government has stopped funds to medical research.
I have more examples of dangerous situations, but, quite frankly, I’m tired. People, do your research and help save this country by voting them out in the next elections.
ank you for reading and thinking.
Mary Bleecker
Highlands Ranch
The DOGE assault continues
President Zelenskyy has continuously expressed his appreciation for the help the US has given him. Look up his speeches to the Congress and UN. To say otherwise is a lie. Putin invaded his country and has not stopped attacking innocent citizens in their homes, schools, hospitals, o ces, etc. Not supporting Ukraine will result in Putin continuing to attack Russia’s neighbors and our allies. Allies that no longer trust the US because of Trump.
As the DOGE-in icted chaos continues to dominate activities in Washington, none is more egregious than the one on Social Security; not surprising, since Elon Musk called SSA a Ponzi scheme. After promising not to touch it, the Trump administration has found a way. As a retired software developer who has managed teams that have had to revamp systems from antiquated to more modern, e cient software architectures, I have some sympathy for the young Turks who looked at the millions of lines of COBOL, gasped, and concluded they could do much better. ( ey are going to rewrite the entire system in six months; good luck.). But it is the way they responded to that horror that is deplorable. e rst thing they did was to allege massive fraud. en Donald Trump reiterated this claim and focused on it for almost 10 minutes of his address to the joint session of Congress. is has been proven patently false. Fraudulent claims represent less than 0.05% of the annual SSA disbursement. en they focused on e ciency. So far, they have identi ed $800 million in savings for scal 2025, the majority of which came from a hiring freeze and “drastically” cutting back on overtime, saving about
Patricia Kummer
LETTERS
$550 million. ( is represents only 2.8% of the operating budget of the SSA); not enough, so then came the proposed cuts of 7,000 employees.
So, what does that mean? When there is already long call wait times and long lines at service centers, it means cuts to the services that many seniors rely on, especially those that are not tech savvy, at the administration does not care about these seniors was further evidenced the comments by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick regarding his mother-in-law missing a Social Security check.
While everyone acknowledges that SSA funding reform is a necessity and there have been serious proposals put forth, Congress has refused to act and the current administration’s focus on fraud and waste is a distraction from what is really required for a long-term x. But it is not really just a distraction, as their e orts are having serious e ects on real people today.
Ernst Popke Highlands Ranch
Boebert’s imaginary bogeymen Congresswoman Boebert seems to have an obsession with bogeymen. First it was responsible gun control laws (no one was ever coming for your guns, but those laws were designed to protect citizens, prioritizing children). en it was “woke-ness,” whatever that is — I’ve still not heard anyone ably de ne the word in the context in which it’s being commonly used, but some people have misappropriated it from its original meaning, and repeat it fearfully and frequently. If it means educated, evolved, attentive, aware and/or enlightened — scary stu . Now, per her publicly funded website, she’s saving us all from the gray wolf, of which there are none in the 4th District. Does the congresswoman actually do anything for the 4th District, other than spend our tax dollars, berate those with whom she has an opposing view, and attempt to convince us all she’s protecting us from imaginary monsters? Wanna talk about wasteful bureaucracy?
Paul White Highlands Ranch
What are commissioners hiding?
Recently, I became aware of a private meeting by the Parker Conservatives where the topic of the Home Rule proposal was being discussed. ALL THREE Douglas County commissioners were invited to speak. Not 1, not 2, but all 3 commissioners. is meeting is a “private event exclusively reserved for members, a liates and guests of the conservative community. We maintain a closed-door policy to ensure a focused and condential environment for our discussions. Media representatives are expressly not invited ...”
And these meetings take place in a private venue.
I don’t begrudge a private meeting by any group. at is their prerogative. But when ALL THREE commissioners are attending a private event, it sure tells me that what they are telling a group about the Home Rule proposal is not good for
the county. And what about Open Meeting laws? is is a clear violation of that. “Section 24-6-402(2)(b). e Open Meetings Law de nes a “meeting” as “any kind of gathering, convened to discuss public business, in person, by telephone, electronically, or by other means of communication.” Section 24-6-402(1)(b).”
I just have to wonder what the commissioners are hiding when they hold private meetings to discuss a proposal with a signi cant impact and expense to those of us who live here?
Be available to all constituents through public meetings, and be accountable for what you want to do.
Carol Sorensen Lone Tree
Commissioners lack transparency
I am writing concerning the home rule vote that the board of county commissioners has scheduled for June 24, 2025 and the 21 home rule committee members that have been released to oversee the home rule charter. My overall concern is the speed and lack of transparency that Commissioners Teal, Laydon and Van Winkle have used in deciding to hold a special election and form this committee comprised of all very right wing GOP members. In a county where the majority of the voters are una liated and some are Democrats, I believe a more equitable way to form the committee would have the membership be proportional to the percentage of each party’s registered members. As to the timing, I do not understand why this is being rushed through without at least one meeting in each district to let us know this is being considered and then have a question and answer period. In addition, this rushed vote will cost the taxpayers $500,000 because it is a special election.
I am also of the mind that home rule in this instance is being sought for reasons that are not to help Douglas County or the citizens, but rather to try to circumvent various state laws. As Mr. Teal said in a text message that has been posted on various platforms, he does not believe Dougco would have to follow any of the laws passed by the Colorado state legislature last term. I don’t believe he is correct. As recently as last month Weld County lost a home rule court case and had to follow state redistricting laws. All court cases come at a cost to taxpayers.
My nal concern is that several of the people on the 21-member committee have state, county and local level jobs where they have sworn to uphold all laws. I am particularly concerned about Rep Max Brooks, DA George Brauchler, Sheri Weekly and Parker Town Council member Laura Hefta. ese people have all taken oaths to uphold the law and are now on a committee being formed to ultimately opt out of state laws. I see this as a con ict of interest for all involved. If the commissioners are truly working in our best interest, they would slow this process down and get the proper amount of public input, form a balanced committee, save taxpayer money and hold election on an already scheduled election date and not tell constituents that they can opt out of all state laws. I believe a no vote on home rule on June 24, 2025 is in the interest of Dougco.
Kim Carroll Parker
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the East-West Trail and were excited when they were asked to do another mural this year.
e Parker Arts Commission wanted the theme of the mural to be centered around Colorado wildlife.
For nearly 40 hours, Coy sketched over and over again what was going to be included in the mural and lay it out in a way that volunteers could easily work on it.
In late March, she spent eight hours working along the wall, drawing out all the di erent animals, owers, trees and shapes, then numbering all the spaces. In the following days, around 80 girls, ages 11 to 18, came to paint certain colors in the corresponding shapes.
“We wanted a feeling of light and goodness that would uplift those who saw it,” said Coy. “So I made it into a stained glass type theme where it’s like the light is shining through.”
As more than 150 people worked on the project for nearly 20 hours, Coy said it was a true community e ort. People who were walking along the trail painted a few shapes and elementary students and their parents added colorful handprints to the sides of the mural.
“Hopefully you are really cheerful when you see it,” Coy said.
STROH ROAD
support the tra c that it’s carrying.”
is is estimated to be about $450,000, said Klass.
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Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.
works since 1987, according to Chris Hudson, deputy director of engineering. He added that when the town was initially incorporated in 1981, the town wasn’t this far south yet, but when it did extend in the late 1980s, the town improved to what is seen today.
As that portion of the town has developed and grown, Parker’s public works department has been monitoring the tra c increases. “ e road now is exceeding 12,000 cars a day,” said Hudson. “A two-lane road cannot
While the town approved a contract that was lower than the engineering estimate, it was pointed out by Councilmember John Diak and town sta that the Stroh Road Widening project does not have as much cost savings as other widening projects, like the Lincoln Widening project.
e town approved a $17,797,112 contract with FNF Construction Inc. and a majority of the funding will be paid through Parker’s Highway and Streets Capital Projects Fund.
A portion of the total construction cost will be paid for by the Parker Water and Sanitation District as reimbursement for the installation of a new e uent water line across Stroh Road.
Developers adjacent to the project will also pay for a portion of the construction costs, but that amount is not set at this time.
e town determined in 2021 that the best use of town funds was to combine the construction of the extension of J Morgan Boulevard with the widening of Stroh Road.
Diak added that partnering with Douglas County and CDOT on other projects has allowed the town to “spread our money around” and use Parker’s dollars for other projects.
“As we get closer and closer to full buildout, we will not have projects that we need to do this with,” Diak said.
Vicinity map of the Stroh wIdening project.
COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PARKER
Bright colors were used to paint the mural in the hopes that it would bring a feeling of light and goodness to those who pass it.
PHOTOS BY HALEY LENA
Janae Coy designed the 225-foot mural along Lemon Gulch Trail in Parker near the Stroh Ranch soccer fields and added an extra animal where she felt the mural felt bare.
COMMISSIONERS
Open Meetings Law to allow the exclusion of the public and press from meetings. She also said she does not know of other closed-door invitations that are currently active.
When asked why the commissioners decided to go to this meeting, Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle said that he and the other commissioners are dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement with the community and are frequently asked to speak at diverse events and gatherings in the county.
“On this occasion, the Parker Conservatives graciously invited us to join their
MUSHROOMS
a licensed mental health counselor from Denver, who both praised the therapeutic power of mushrooms.
“You get discouraged in your practice because the current therapies are not enough for people,” Clark said.
Colorado voters approved Proposition 122 in 2022 to legalize natural psychedelics, after Oregon voters in 2020 approved legalizing psilocybin for therapeutic use. Colorado’s program is modeled after, but not the same as, Oregon’s, under which 21,246 psilocybin products have been sold as of March, a total that could include secondary doses, according to the Oregon Health Authority.
As of mid-March, Colorado has received applications for at least 15 healing center licenses, nine cultivation licenses, four
meeting,” said Van Winkle. “We value every chance to address groups of all sizes, listen to our constituents’ perspectives and encourage residents to connect with us — whether through such invitations or at one of our upcoming town halls.”
County Commissioner Chair Abe Laydon and Commissioner George Teal did not respond to requests for comment.
Frizell added that the commissioners would be happy to talk about home rule with anyone throughout the county. If voters approve a charter commission in the June 24 special election, the county plans to have three public meetings to discuss the charter. Residents will then vote on the charter in the November election.
“Voters will really get to decide,” said Frizell.
manufacturer licenses, and one testing facility license for growing and preparing the mushrooms, under rules developed over two years by the governor-appointed Natural Medicine Advisory Board.
Psychedelic treatments in Oregon are expensive, and are likely to be so in Colorado, too, said Tasia Poinsatte, Colorado director of the nonpro t Healing Advocacy Fund, which supports state-regulated programs for psychedelic therapy. In Oregon, psychedelic mushroom sessions are typically $1,000 to $3,000, are not covered by insurance, and must be paid for up front.
e mushrooms themselves are not expensive, Poinsatte said, but a facilitator’s time and support services are costly, and there are state fees. In Colorado, for doses over 2 milligrams, facilitators will screen participants at least 24 hours in advance, then supervise the session in which the
SEE MUSHROOMS, P18
SEE YOURSELF ON STAGE
Photo by McLeod9
CHURCHES
Parishioners in the pews
In general, the number of Coloradans identifying as Christian has declined, mirroring a national trend, according to Colorado Public Radio; and the Associated Press has reported how Protestant denominations’ national membership has been declining for years.
Regarding their own ocks, leaders from the six churches had mixed experiences.
Otey and Lawson said their congregations in Golden and Denver, respectively, have actually grown over the last ve years, especially if one includes online attendance. eir biggest demographic changes have been with young families and young adults, respectively.
Otey believed it was because people are seeking out a community that shares their values and beliefs, with the idea of raising their children in it, too. She summarized those parents’ experiences as: “I want to teach my kids about loving and serving our neighbors.”
Meanwhile, Forbes said the Arvada Stake’s overall membership hasn’t changed signi cantly, but there have been a few demographic shifts over the last ve years.
As western Arvada has grown, so has church membership in that area. Members from western Arvada tend to be young families, while eastern Arvada is more older people who’ve lived in the area for decades, Forbes described.
Additionally, he said the Arvada Stake has seen signi cant growth among its Spanish-speaking population.
Contrastingly, membership at the United Church of Idaho Springs and the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton have declined slightly.
Vivian Simpson, chair of the church council, said the United Church of Idaho Springs was averaging about 30 people at Sunday services before the pandemic. Now, it’s about 20 people in-person with another ve online.
Fort Lupton church leaders said their congregation averaged 80 to 100 people on Sundays before the pandemic. Now, it’s down to about 60 in the pews, with some joining online.
For the First Baptist Church of Denver, while its attendance and overall membership haven’t changed much, its space utilization has.
Kurt Kaufman, a member of the pastoral team, said the church used to have a high demand for facility rentals and parking-space leases before the pandemic. Now, demand for both has gone down signi cantly, impacting the church’s budget.
“We haven’t had a parking waitlist since 2019,” Kaufman said. “We’ve had to rethink what we do to make money and how to survive as a congregation.”
Pastors in the pulpit
Both the First Baptist Church of Denver and the United Church of Idaho Springs said their previous pastors left within the last ve years, and they’ve struggled to nd replacements.
Kaufman said he and fellow members of the First Baptist Church’s pastoral team are rotating responsibilities, including preaching on Sundays.
Similarly, Simpson said the Idaho Springs church has been looking for a part-time pastor since its former pastor retired in 2021.
Because it’s a combined Methodist and Presbyterian congregation, Simpson said the church has looked through Methodist, Presbyterian and unafliated channels. It’s had some interest, but nothing that worked out long-term, she described.
“Nationwide, there’s a shortage of ordained ministers for Methodist and Presbyterian (churches),” she said.
Simpson added that the Idaho Springs church can only a ord a part-time pastor, which makes the search more di cult.
In a similar vein, the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton has had a dedicated pastor in the Rev. Anna Viehland since 2022, but she splits her time between Fort Lupton and another Methodist church in Erie.
On March 29, St. John’s Cathedral ordained four
people as deacons. ey’re now scheduled to be ordained as priests in October.
Lawson said four ordained ministers in a year is about average for the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Colorado.
However, with the in ux of young adults at the cathedral, Lawson said he’s seen increasing interest in ordination among his congregation. In 2025, St. John’s Cathedral will have ve members attend seminary, including one of the newly ordained, he said.
Charity in the community
In terms of ministry — both for their members and for the wider community — there were some common threads among the six churches.
Along with a greater push for online or hybrid events, church leaders said they’ve seen more demand for small-group events, such as Bible studies, parent groups and in-home ministering.
On top of their continued interfaith partnerships, the two Denver churches said they’ve seen more demand for social justice-focused events and groups.
In addition to its Faith in Action ministry, Lawson said St. John’s Cathedral now has the Re-Imagining Justice group that focuses on racial healing, and the Migrant Interest Group that does pro-immigration work.
Kaufman said the First Baptist Church is now “more attuned to hunger and social justice issues around our community” than it was pre-pandemic.
Part of that is because of its new outdoor community fridge, which has already distributed about 30,000 pounds of food since February 2023.
Additionally, because its parking lot isn’t as full as it once was, Kaufman said the church has been able to host a shower trailer and a safe parking program.
e other four churches said they’ve likewise seen increased demand among their safe parking programs, free weekly meals and similar ministries; and they’ve worked to meet that demand alongside other churches and nonpro ts.
“Some things that started during COVID really de ned who we are as a church,” Otey said. “We increased our services tremendously.”
During the COVID-19 shutdowns, Otey described how her church worked with the larger Golden community to distribute free food to the homebound and unsheltered — even distributing food outside when indoor gatherings were restricted.
And that work has continued to the present day, she said, as the church has expanded from free meals once a week to three times a week.
Forbes encouraged people to visit justserve.org to nd service opportunities near them. ese events are open to anyone, not just Christians, he emphasized, saying it could be anything from painting a
house to working at a local food bank.
“It’s become even more apparent how important those service opportunities are because of COVID and what we’re experiencing in society,” Forbes said. “We have more in common with our neighbors than we think … (and) when we have an opportunity to serve one another, those di erences dissipate.”
‘Best of all, God is with us’
Another common thread among the six churches was how di cult the last ve years have been, in one form or another.
Church leaders discussed loneliness among their members, concern about the declining number of Christians locally and nationally, and burnout among their volunteers and ordained ministers.
Viehland, Fort Lupton’s pastor, described how she’s seen not only laypeople but also clergy struggle with the pandemic’s immediate and long-term fallout.
She believed some clergy members — not necessarily local ones — were already burnt-out, and the pandemic was a deciding factor in them leaving ordained ministry. And Viehland said she didn’t blame them.
“Five years out, we’re just starting to reckon with the spiritual and emotional trauma that came from (the pandemic),” Viehland said.
Kaufman said the First Baptist Church was full of hope and joy when he joined in 2019. Now, he said it’s been “a struggle to nd joy with anything” and that the congregation has shifted to one that’s “less hopeful and more fearful.”
Still, leaders from all six churches o ered messages of hope and faith, especially with Easter approaching.
“It’s been very challenging to nd hope in earthly, worldly things,” Kaufman said. “‘Where is it that I nd hope?’ e only place is in my faith.”
Similarly, Fort Lupton church leaders summarized the experience of faith by quoting Methodist Church founder John Wesley: “Best of all, God is with us.”
Kaufman, Forbes and Simpson invited fellow Christians to celebrate Easter by deepening their relationships with God and with one another.
ey also encouraged those “who are searching for something” to visit a local church and ground themselves in a loving God and a welcoming community.
Otey also emphasized how God’s love is unconditional and how the Holy Spirit is at work in everyone’s lives, community and shared world, even if they don’t know it.
Re ecting on the changes of the last ve years, and all the changes that are to come, Lawson said: “God is as real as God has ever been.”
Morning light shines through a stained-glass window of a cross and crown March 25 at the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton. Church leaders and others across the Denver area said their churches have changed permanently since March 2020, particularly with regard to technology.
PHOTO BY CORINNE WESTEMAN
Thu 4/17
Saxsquatch w/ T BISCUIT at Cervantes - Denver, CO @ 6pm
Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom & Other Side, 2637 Welton St, Denver
Bearhat @ 7pm
Oskar Blues Grill & Brew, 1624 Market St, Den‐
ver
Jakobs Castle @ 8pm
Ophelia's Electric Soapbox, 1215 20th St, Den‐ver
Fri 4/18
Mina Reya at Zymos Brewing @ 5pm
Dexter and The Moonrocks @ 7pm Gothic Theatre, 3263 S Broadway, En‐glewood
Rex the Dog @ 9pm The Basement at Club Vinyl, Denver
Red Rock Vixens @ Tailgate Tavern @ 4pm
margø @ 6pm HQ, 60 S Broadway, Denver
Hope Tala w/ KAIRO @ 7pm
Bluebird Theatre, Denver
Sat 4/19
Matt Hynes @ 10am The Hampton Social - Denver, 2501 16th St, Denver
Ky-Mani Marley @ 5pm
Tetra Private lounge and garden, 3039 Walnut St, Denver
Zymos Brewing, 5180 S Lowell Blvd, Littleton
Ellie D & Soul Mix back at South Suburban Grille! @ 5pm
South Suburban Golf Course, 7900 S Colorado Blvd, Centennial
Devin the Dude @ 5pm
Tetra Private lounge and garden, 3039 Walnut St, Denver
AJ Finney Fan Page: The Knotty Show @ 6:30pm Studio Friction, 740 Lipan St, Denver
Crawdad Sniper: Denver, CO @ 7pm Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St,, Denver
Golden Shoals: House Concert @ 6pm Five String Barn Concerts, Castle Rock
Lady Apple Tree @ 7pm Lost Lake Lounge, 3602 E Colfax Ave, Denver
Jimi Jules @ 9pm Club Vinyl, Denver
Sun 4/20
WORRY @ 3pm
Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
Polysanto @ 4pm
Larimer Lounge, 2721 Larimer St, Denver
Na-Kel Smith: Mile High 420 Festival 2025 @ 6pm Civic Center Park/Capitol City Park, 101 14th Ave, Denver
Finesse2tymes
@ 6pm
The Roxy Theater, 2549 Welton St, Denver
Tailgate Tavern & Grill, 19552 Main‐street, Parker
Mon 4/21
Beyond Laser Light Experience @ 11am
Denver
8TURN @ 5pm
Summit Music Hall, 1902 Blake St, Denver
DJ Rockstar Aaron @ 6pm
The Angry Clover, 15350 E Smoky Hill Rd, Au‐rora Knolls
Sturniolo Triplets @ 7:30pm
Paramount Theatre Denver, 1621 Glenarm, Den‐ver
Tue 4/22
Dave Devine Quartet Playing Music Off of "Hive Mind" featuring Shane Endsley, Greg Garrison & Scott Amendola @ Dazzle! 7pm Show! @ 6pm
Dazzle Denver, 1080 14th Street, Denver
Dylanovus @ 6pm
Roxy on Broadway, 554 S Broadway, Denver
Niis (16+ Event) @ 7pm
Moe's Original BBQ, 3295 S Broadway, Englewood
Alessia Cara @ 7pm
Paramount Theatre Denver, 1621 Glenarm, Den‐ver
Wed 4/23
Spirit Mother @ 6pm Hi-Dive, 7 S Broadway, Denver
The Bloody Beetroots - 20th Anniversary Tour @ 8pm Meow Wolf Denver, Denver
Thu 4/24
KB ANGEL: Make - a - Wish Wiskey , Wine & Wishes @ 4pm
Mission Ballroom, 4242 Wynkoop St,, Denver
Ike Reilly @ 6pm
Bluebird Theater, 3317 E Colfax Av, Denver
Young Jesus @ 6pm
Fillmore Auditorium, 1510 Clarkson St, Denver
Tonewood @ 7pm
Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
Jubilingo at Appaloosa Grill @ 7pm
Appaloosa Grill, 535 16th St, Denver
North Fork Crossing @ 7pm
Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver
Duncan Coker: Lions Lair with All Through the Night @ 8pm Lions' Lair, 3200 E 23rd Ave, Denver
Elizabeth Stampede is flurry of activity
Rodeo association upgrades arena, works on literacy and makes plans for June event
BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
e Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Association has been hard at work in anticipation of its signature rodeo coming up this June. e association is updating a section of its arena stands, kicking o the Stampede to Read Program and nding ways to make lines shorter this summer.
On Saturday, March 22, members of the Elizabeth Stampede Board and a hardworking group of about 30 volunteers tore out a section of stands at Casey Jones Park to pave the way for installation of new bleachers, which will be purpose-built to meet ADA guidelines. e goal is to improve and replace all the seating over time.
Elizabeth Stampede Facilities Committee Chair Gabriel Watton said “Our incredible volunteers handled 100% of the demolition, supported by longtime com-
munity sponsors and local businesses. A Better Hauling provided waste removal and recycling services. Ridgeline Construction and Sun Valley Contractors provided equipment.”
Watton said the new bleachers are an investment in the Stampede’s future and will be easier to maintain, seat more fans and be more accessible.
“... the existing bleachers have required growing amounts of maintenance each year,” he explained. “When they were new, a steel frame with wood seats and treads was standard. However, in Colorado’s harsh climate, we’ve been replacing 5-10% of the wood and painting 50% or more annually … at’s a signi cant burden both nancially and on our dedicated volunteers. Just last year, we used over 20 gallons of paint in an e ort to preserve the wood as much as possible. e new bleachers are primarily aluminum, making them far more durable and nearly maintenance-free.”
e new bleachers will be installed this May, just in time for the 2025 Elizabeth Stampede. Seating capacity will increase in the south stands by nearly 300 seats and, after all the seating sections are replaced, the Stampede anticipates “a total
increase of 1,000 or more additional seats across all phases.”
Watton shared that Elizabeth Park & Recreation’s Master Plan includes a full arena and bleacher replacement as part of a larger facilities improvement plan for Casey Jones Park. “ is speci c bleacher project is being funded directly by the Elizabeth Stampede, with generous support from our sponsors and donors,” he explained.
e Stampede is hoping to begin the next replacement phase before the 2026 Stampede, with a focus on some or all of the east section. “Several factors in uence the phasing, including the current condition of each section, surrounding infrastructure, and the potential for capacity growth in each area,” Watton said.
Elizabeth Stampede Royalty, Stampede committee members and rodeo clown JW Winklepleck also visited local schools to kick o Stampede to Read on March 28. To encourage reading, kids who successfully read a certain amount of books within a four-week time period will earn a voucher to an afternoon performance at the Elizabeth Stampede. Elizabeth Stampede Vice President Lea Anne Russell said ve schools and a local homeschool-
ing group are participating in the program this year. More than 400 vouchers are given out each year.
Kallie Russell, the 2025 Elizabeth Stampede rodeo queen, participated in the program as an elementary school student. “I learned to love reading with this program and I enjoyed exploring the many possibilities that opening a book brings. It led me to college and determined my major, and I enjoy it as much now as I did then. It was amazing to see how many kids have participated in the program previously.” e Rodeo Association works in conjunction with the Elizabeth Stampede Foundation to support the program.
e Stampede is also making changes to help shorten Stampede lines this summer.
“Based on feedback from concert-goers, we are revamping our concert drink line process to include streamlining the purchase and increasing the number of bartending lines. We expect a more e cient experience that we hope our guests enjoy,” said Lea Anne. To avoid tra c from the thousands of attendees, the Stampede encourages people to arrive early.
For more information about the Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Association, visit elizabethstampede.com.
The south stands are one of the smaller sections of bleachers at the Elizabeth Stampede arena. After new bleachers are installed, seating in that section will increase by nearly 300. PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
Dismantling of the Elizabeth Stampede’s south stands began at 9 a.m. on March 22. A dedicated group of about 30 volunteers carefully took apart the stands piece by piece. PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
The spring weather cooperated with Elizabeth Stampede volunteers on March 22 as they tore out the south stands. The space is now cleared and ready for installation of new, handicapped accessible bleachers. COURTESY OF LEANNE RUSSELL
Representatives from the Elizabeth Stampede, including Queen Kallie Russell and Attendant Georgia Swanson, visited area schools to help kick o the annual Stampede to Read Program. COURTESY OF ELIZABETH STAMPEDE
Elizabeth Stampede Rodeo Queen Kallie Russell poses with a Running Creek Elementary Student at the Stampede to Read Kicko . COURTESY OF ELIZABETH STAMPEDE
Some pieces of the old bleachers were saved for a potential future Stampede sign. Volunteers carry o a piece of lumber with the seat numbers still visible.
PHOTO BY NICKY QUINBY
EASTER Worship
Tenebrae (Good
April 13: Palm Sunday at 9:30am
April 17: Maundy Thursday 6:00pm
April 18: Good Friday Stations of the Cross at 12:00pm Tenebrae at 6:00pm
April 19: Easter Vigil at 8:00pm
April 20: Easter Sunday 8:00am and 10:30am (with an egg hunt following the 10:30am service)
CROWSSUPDRO
1. TELEVISION: Who had a 1980s workout video series called “Sweatin’ to the Oldies”?
1. ANATOMY: What is heterochromia?
3. GEOGRAPHY: What is a chain of islands called?
4. FOOD & DRINK: What is Canada’s national dish?
5. HISTORY: When was Facebook launched?
6. MEASUREMENTS: What is the shortest wavelength in the visible light spectrum?
7. U.S. STATES: Which state has the most miles of interstate highway?
8. MOVIES: What type of sh is Nemo in the animated lm “Finding Nemo”?
9. GENERAL KNOWLEDGE: Which month is designated as National Ice Cream Month in the United States?
TrIVIa
10. SCIENCE: How long does it take for the International Space Station to orbit the Earth?
Answers
1. Richard Simmons.
2. When the colored part of the eyes (irises) are two di erent colors.
3. Archipelago.
4. Poutine (French fries, cheese curds and gravy).
5. 2004.
6. Violet.
7. Texas.
8. Clown sh. 9. July.
10. 90 minutes.
(c) 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
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OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104(1), 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 1, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
Name Term
Shelley Marshall: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Holly D. Robinson: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Leigh Lutz: Next Regular Election,
May 2027
Vacant: Next Regular Election, May 2027
DATED this 4th day of March, 2025.
/s/ AJ Beckman
(Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: AJ Beckman 720-213-6621
405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228
aj@publicalliancellc.com
Legal Notice No. ECN 1656
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104(1), 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 3, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
Name Term
Shelley Marshall: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Holly D. Robinson: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Leigh Lutz: Next Regular Election, May 2027
Vacant: Next Regular Election, May 2027
DATED this 4th day of March, 2025.
/s/ AJ Beckman
(Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: AJ Beckman 720-213-6621
405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228
aj@publicalliancellc.com
Legal Notice No. ECN 1657
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104(1), 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 6, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
Elbert Legals
NameTerm Shelley Marshall: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Holly D. Robinson: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Leigh Lutz: Next Regular Election, May 2027
Vacant: Next Regular Election, May 2027
DATED this 4th day of March, 2025.
/s/ AJ Beckman
(Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: AJ Beckman 720-213-6621
405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228
aj@publicalliancellc.com
Legal Notice No. ECN 1659
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF MAIL BALLOT ELECTION FOR ELIZABETH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN and particularly to the electors of the Elizabeth Fire Protection District, Elbert County, Colorado.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a regular election of the District shall be held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. The election is being conducted as a mail ballot election. The ballots will be mailed to the eligible electors of the District no earlier than 22 days prior to the election (April 14, 2025) and no later than 15 days prior to the election (April 21, 2025). The drop off location for the delivery of mail ballots and receipt of replacement ballots shall be located at Community Resource Services of Colorado, LLC, 7995 E. Prentice Avenue, Greenwood Village, Colorado, and shall be open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning at least 22 days prior to the election day and from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on election day. An additional dropbox location is located at: Elizabeth Fire Protection District, 146 N. Elbert Street, Elizabeth, Colorado, Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm and on Election Day from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
At such election, the electors of the District shall vote for two Directors to serve a fouryear term on the Board of Directors of the District. The names of persons nominated are as follows:
Stacey D. Collis Rick L. Young
In addition, at such election, the electors of the District shall vote on the following ballot issue: BALLOT ISSUE A SHALL THE ELIZABETH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT’S TAXES BE INCREASED BY $1,255,000 THE FIRST FULL FISCAL YEAR 2026, AND BY WHATEVER AMOUNTS ARE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER, FROM A 0.5 PERCENT SALES TAX COMMENCING ON JULY 1, 2025, FOR THE PURPOSE OF REDUCING THE FINANCIAL IMPACTS ON EXISTING PROPERTY OWNERS BY SHARING THE COST OF EMERGENCY SERVICES WITH BUSINESS PATRONS WHO RESIDE OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND OFFSETTING LOST REVENUE DUE TO THE LIMIT ON PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATES, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE EMERGENCY RESPONDER STAFF-
ING FOR THE DISTRICT’S FIRE STATIONS, REPLACING AND UPDATING AGING APPARATUS AND FACILITIES, AND OTHERWISE MAINTAINING EMERGENCY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS, SUCH SALES TAX TO BE IN ADDITION TO ALL OTHER TAXES LEVIED BY THE DISTRICT, AND SHALL THE DISTRICT BE AUTHORIZED TO COLLECT, RETAIN, AND SPEND ALL REVENUE GENERATED BY SUCH TAX IN EXCESS OF THE LIMITATION PROVIDED IN SECTION 20 OF ARTICLE X OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION AS A VOTER-APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND AN EXCEPTION TO THE LIMITATIONS SET FORTH IN SECTION 29-1-301 OF THE COLORADO REVISED STATUTES, AND ANY OTHER LAW?
ELIZABETH FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
By: /s/ Taylor Clark, Designated Election Official
Legal Notice No. ECN 1652
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104(1), 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 2, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office:
Name Term Travis Cox: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Amie Drucker: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Leigh Lutz: Next Regular Election, May 2027
Josh Rigsbee: Next Regular Election, May 2027
DATED this 7th day of March, 2025.
/s/ AJ Beckman (Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: AJ Beckman 720-213-6621
405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228
aj@publicalliancellc.com
Legal Notice No. ECN 1660
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025
Publisher: Elbert County News
Public Notice
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION and CERTIFIED STATEMENT OF RESULTS
§1-13.5-513(6), 32-1-104(1), 1-11-103(3) C.R.S.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Spring Valley Metropolitan District No. 4, Elbert County, Colorado, that at the close of business
on the sixty-third day before the election, there were not more candidates for director than offices to be filled, including candidates filing affidavits of intent to be write-in candidates; therefore, the election to be held on May 6, 2025 is hereby canceled pursuant to section 1-13.5-513, C.R.S.
The following candidates are declared elected for the following terms of office: Name Term
Shelley Marshall: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Holly D. Robinson: Second Regular Election, May 2029
Leigh LutzNext Regular Election, May 2027
Vacant: Next Regular Election, May 2027
DATED this 4th day of March, 2025.
/s/ AJ Beckman (Designated Election Official)
Contact Person for the District: AJ Beckman 720-213-6621
405 Urban Street, Suite 310, Lakewood, CO 80228 aj@publicalliancellc.com
Legal Notice No. ECN 1658
First Publication: April 10, 2025
Last Publication: April 10, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News
Notice to Creditors
Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Estate of JEFFREY EARL WILKINSON, a/k/a JEFFREY E. WILKINSON, a/k/a JEFFREY WILKINSON, a/k/a JEFF EARL WILKINSON, a/k/a JEFF E. WILKINSON, a/k/a JEFF WILKINSON, Deceased Case Number: 25 PR 30015
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 August 10, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
Rebecca A. Pescador Attorney for Personal Representative Whole Family Legal, LLC 1499 W. 120th Ave, #110 Westminster, CO 80234
Legal Notice No. ECN 1654
First Publication: April 10, 2025 Last Publication: April 24, 2025 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice
NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of FRANKLIN CURTIS LLOYD, a.k.a. FRANKLIN C. LLOYD, a.k.a. FRANKLIN LLOYD, a.k.a. CURTIS LLOYD, Deceased Case Number 2025 PR 30026, Division 1, Courtroom 1
having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the Elbert County District Court, Kiowa, Colorado, on or before July 16, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.
TERRA LYN LLOYD
