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September 17, 2014 VOLU M E 53 | I S S UE 37 | 7 5 ¢
PikesPeakCourier.net T E L L E R C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
A publication of
Commissioners say no to ‘68’ By Pat Hill
phill@coloradocommunitymedia.com With only a few weeks away from the November election, Teller County commissioners are sounding off on Amendment 68. “This would have a devastating effect on the two existing gaming communities, Teller and Gilpin counties, if this measure passed,” said Marc Dettenrieder at the commissioners’ meeting Sept. 11. If approved by voters, the amendment would allow horse-racing tracks in Arapahoe, Pueblo and Mesa counties. In addition to betting on the races, gamblers could play casino-style games. “They could add
slot machines, craps, the full gamut. So we have a keen eye on that right now,” Dettenrieder said. Action 22, a lobbying group of 22 southern Colorado counties, including Teller, passed a resolution recently opposing the amendment. “We’re pleased with that outcome; it’s very important,” Dettenrieder said. As well, the Colorado Municipal League has formally opposed the ballot measure. “We’re pleased to see that,” he said. Supporters of the measure have said that 34 percent of the adjusted gross proceeds would support K-12 schools in Colorado.
Teller County Undersheriff Stan Bishop, left, offers congratulations for 10 years with the county to Cpl. Frank Scofield, whose beat is the jail. At right, is Commissioner Dave Paul. Photo by Pat Hill
The Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus typically draws a 4,000-6,000 people for two days of family-friendly fun. It’s a German tradition with a mountain twist Sept. 20-21 in Woodland Park. Courtesy photos
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17th Oktoberfest this weekend in WP PIKES PEAK COURIER (USPS 654-460)
OFFICE: 1200 E. Highway 24 Woodland Park, CO 80863 PHONE: 719-687-3006 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Teller County, Colorado, the Pikes Peak Courier is published weekly on Wednesday by Colorado Community Media, 1200 E. Highway 24, Woodland Park, CO 80863. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WOODLAND PARK, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210 Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 DEADLINES: Display: Thurs. 11 a.m. Legal: Thurs. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 10 a.m. G ET SOCIAL WITH US
P L EA SE R ECYC L E T H I S C OPY
Traditional Oktoberfest with a Rocky Mountain twist By Norma Engelberg Contributing writer
T
he Greater Woodland Park Chamber of Commerce once again presents its Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 20-21 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center and the Midland Pavilion on The Green. This is the chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year. It starts with the National Anthem at 11 on Saturday. Two minutes later the ceremonial keg will be tapped by Woodland Park Mayor Neil Levy and Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Co.’s community affairs director Jane Mannon and then two-days of fun begins. A combination of traditional Oktoberfest music and food and local alternatives, the Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus offers a good time for the entire family. There are childrens’ activities in-
cluding a climbing wall, bounce house, face painting and a toddler zone for the youngest participants. For grownups, there’s traditional German music and a dance floor inside the cultural center and jazz, rock and country on the Pavilion stage. “I love to watch the people,” said chamber president Debbie Miller. “Some of them come in costume. They bring their kids inside to dance and make memories.” Food and drink are always a big part of Oktoberfest. This year’s traditional menu includes German wine and beer, brats and sauerkraut, pork schnitzel and German potato salad. America alternatives include BBQ beef brisket, Dino legs, funnel cakes, curly fries, kettle corn, cotton candy and root beer and other soft drinks. The festivities also include at least 29 vendors offering merchandise and information. Woodland Park has a special connection to the military and the soldiers stationed at Fort Carson. “Every year we go out the fort to promote Oktoberfest,” Miller said. “They tell us they’ve
After the ceremonial tapping of the keg, the beer keeps flowing at the Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus Sept. 20-21 in Woodland Park. been to the one in Munich and we warn them that we’re not Germany. We also tell them about our ‘Beer for Boots’ program. Come in uniform and get a free beer or a brat.” The Rocky Mountain Oktoberfest Plus typically draws between
4,000 to 6,000 visitors. Admission is free for young people age 20 and younger, $6 for adults age 21-61 and $5 for seniors and active military. There is also a printable $1 off coupon available on the chamber website, woodlandparkchamber.com.