Parker Chronicle 0408

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April 8, 2016 VO LUM E 1 4 | IS S U E 23 | FREE

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Police recover more than 40 stolen guns Arrest leads to discovery of more than $20,000 worth of property Staff report The Parker Police Department has arrested two suspects in connection with the theft of more than 40 guns from a Parker residence. Casey Allen Riedel, 20, and Jacob Lee Whitlock, 18, both of Elizabeth, are facing charges that include second-degree bur-

glary, possession of a firearm by a previous offender, criminal mischief and conspiracy to commit theft. The district attorney may add more charges, according to a news release by the Parker Police Department. The investigation is ongoing. Both suspects were booked into the Douglas Whitlock County Jail. Riedel is free after posting a $50,000 personal recognizance bond while Whitlock

remains in custody on a $15,000 bond. A witness called police at 7:34 p.m. April 2 to report the suspects exiting the home, the news release stated. Police tracked the suspects’ car based on a description provided by the witness. While searching the suspects’ car, officers found more than 40 guns, Riedel as well as alcohol, jewelry, coins and other property. The value of the items was estimated to be

in excess of $20,000. The Parker Police department credits the witness’ help, the quick work of officers on duty and efficient detective work for the capture of the suspects and the recovery of all of the stolen items. “This case highlights the incredible partnership between the Parker community and its police department,” said Parker Police Chief David King. “Without this strong partnership, community vigilance and the trust the community has in reporting suspicious activity, this case would not have been resolved so rapidly.”

Teacher turnover shows rise for ’15-16 New data from the Colorado Department of Education shows the turnover rate for 2015-16 is 19.7 percent By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Edith Tonnessen celebrates her 102nd birthday at the Parker Senior Center on April 1. Tonnessen attends the center every Friday for lunch and crocheting. Photos by Tom Skelley.

Striding past a century Parker woman going strong at age 102 By Tom Skelley tskelley@coloradocommunitymedia.com Edith Tonnessen grew up in a time before cars and airplanes reached her hometown in Norway. For much of her life she had to walk almost everywhere she went. She may have been onto something. On April 2, Tonnessen turned 102, and she didn’t show any signs of slowing down. Her clear, sky blue eyes scanned the room sharply and her voice never wavered as she talked with family and friends. When someone announced lunch was ready, she walked gracefully to the buffet table, passing other diners who had a head start. “She’s still kicking butt and taking names,” said Tom Lane, a driver at the

Parker Senior Center who transports Tonnessen to and from the center every Friday. “I usually try to get out and help people to their door, but I get out and she’s already gone.” The staff and her friends at the center threw a party for Tonnessen on April 1. Four generations of her family were represented, as her daughter and son-inlaw, granddaughter, and great-grandson all came for the party. Born in Norway in 1914, Tonnessen came to the United States after her two sisters. She took a boat and landed in Brooklyn, New York, in 1940, and lived there with her sister. “Where I was, there was no work there, so we had to get out,” she said. In New York she got trained as a masseuse, a job she remembers fondly. She lived in Connecticut and Florida before moving to Colorado in 2010. She Birthday continues on Page 5

Teacher turnover in the Douglas County School District has risen above the state average, according to newly released data by the Colorado Department of Education. For the 2015-16 school year, the teacher turnover rate in the school district was 19.7 percent – it was 16.7 percent the previous year and 11.6 percent five years ago — figures released April 1 show. The state average is 17 percent. “We must do what is right by our staff and we must be honest with ourselves,” Board of Education President Meghann CDE continues on Page 5

MEET THE ALL-STARS

Ingrid Brown, left, talks with her mother, Edith Tonnessen, at the Parker Senior Center on April 1.

Find out who made the All-South Metro girls and boys teams. PAGE 18

Grand Opening Party ColoradoSkinAndVein.com See page 5 for an invitation to our grand opening celebration

303-945-2080 Offices of Dr.Verebelyi and Dr. Neyman


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