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January 2, 2014

50 cents Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado | Volume 69, Issue 9 A publication of

westminsterwindow.com

Adams 12 Five Star School teacher and employees stand and applause for superintendent Chris Gdowksi during the Feb. 6, 2013 board meeting. The group was there in support of Gdowksi after the district was accused of improper budget practices in a report done by FOX31 Denver. Photo by Ashley Reimers

Hudak resigns, Sigg sentenced The Top 10 sTories of The year

By Ashley Reimers

areimers@ourcoloradonews.com From justice served in the case of a murdered little girl, to the recall of a state senator, 2013 brought a variety of news to the community of Westminster. Below is a list of the top ten stories of 2013 in no particular order.

Sigg sentencing Last year it was the murder of a 10-yearold girl that shocked the north metro area, and this year it was the conviction of Austin Sigg to life in prison that brought needed justice to not only the community of Westminster, but to the entire state of Colorado. On Nov. 19, Jefferson County District Court Chief Judge Stephen Munsinger sentenced 18-year-old Sigg to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 40 years, plus an additional 86 years for the kidnapping and murder of Jessica Ridgeway. Although Sigg is eligible for parole, due to the sentencing of the 14 other counts, he will live the rest of his life behind bars. The sentencing came after one and half days of testimony and comments from Jessica Ridgeway’s family. After the conclusion, District Attorney Pete Weir said he was pleased with the outcome and thought the judge’s sentence was thoughtful and appropriate. Just days before trial was set to begin, Sigg had a change of heart and changed his initial “not guilty” plea, to guilty on all counts relieving both the Ridgeway and Sigg families the heartache of reliving the day Sigg kidnapped and murdered Jessica Ridgeway.

Austin Sigg, 18, is handcuffed and taken back to prison after being sentenced to life in prison, with the ability of parole after 40 years, plus an additional 86 years for the murder and kidnapping of Jessica Ridgeway. Photo courtesy of The Denver Post During the sentencing hearing, Sarah Ridgeway, Jessica’s mother, chose not to address the case or the crime. She simply said, “I am not saying anything because the defendant doesn’t deserve to hear how this has affected me emotionally. I will not remember him after I walk out these doors, I’ll only remember Jessica and her legacy.” Sigg chose not to make a statement to the judge before or after his sentencing, and his family members present also did not approach the judge Jessica disappeared on Oct. 5, 2012 on

Jessica Ridgeway’s aunt Rebecca Ridgeway, her mother Sarah Ridgeway, her grandmother Christine Ridgeway, Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally and Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk, left to right, cut the ribbon during the dedication ceremony of the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 5, in Westminster. Photo by Ashley Reimers her way to school in Westminster. Her disappearance marked a massive search effort involving law enforcement agencies and volunteers. Parts of her body were found in Arvada and later in Sigg’s home. Sigg admitted to kidnapping and murdering Jessica to his mother before law enforcement was called. He was arrested on Oct. 23, 2012.

POSTAL ADDRESS

Hudak recall and election Sen. Evie Hudak, who resigned Nov. 27 in the midst of a potential recall, became Printed on recycled newsprint. the third democratic legislator to lose Please recycle this copy. their office following their support of new gun control legislation. Following a meeting in Westminster, the appointment committee selected Arvada councilwoman Rachel Zenzinger to take Hudak’s place. Zenginger was sworn

in Dec. 13, though she will face a new election in 2014 if she wants to hold on to the seat.

Jail cap The Adams County sheriff and police chiefs are at an impasse regarding the amount of municipal inmates that should be housed at the county jail. Thornton, Westminster, Aurora, Commerce City and Brighton police chiefs aired public safety concerns related to inmates being turned away from the Adams County jail during a press conference May 28 at the Thornton Police Department. Sheriff Doug Darr responded with his own press conference May 29. Darr said that budget cuts and hiring Justice continues on Page 2


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