July 21, 2016
BLOCK IS HOT
VOLU ME 71 | ISSU E 37 | 50 ¢
Neighborhood parties can be a good way to bring people together. PAGE 12 A DA M S C OU N T Y & J EF F ER S ON C OU N T Y, C OLOR A DO
A publication of
WestminsterWindow.com
GETTING TO KNOW A PRO
Questions get answered on new B Line By Jeremy Johnson jjohnson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
After much planning and a yearslong wait, a new commuter rail station is opening in Westminster. The Regional Transportation District’s B Line is the first of its kind to serve the north suburbs and the northwest corridor on the way to Boulder and Longmont, providing a short ride to Denver’s Union Station. Here are a few questions and answers to help ensure everybody enjoys a smooth first ride when the station opens July 25.
Where is the rail station located? The Westminster Station is near 69th Avenue (future Westminster Station Drive) and Grove Street. What type of rail vehicle will be used on this line? The B Line will be an electric, heavy rail vehicle with a passenger capacity of 170. Trains are expected to comprise two cars, although additional capacity could
Darius Holland, former University of Colorado at Boulder and Denver Broncos defensive tackle, left, welcomes camper Tristen Dunn of Aurora to a Speed and Agility Sports Camp July 16 at the Thornton Community Center Park. Sponsored by True Life Church, the camp instructed youth participants on the latest techniques in physical training, mental preparation and spiritual growth. For more, see PAGE 31. Photo by Stefan Brodsky
Job fair plugs in would-be electricians Gathering at Northghlenn vocational school aims to extend apprenticeships for in-demand profession
Line continues on Page 5
112th Avenue Station plans move forward Station project solidifies mid-county as new RTD stop sets to open on the west side
By Jeremy Johnson jjohnson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
By Jeremy Johnson jjohnson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Richard is a little sheepish. He doesn’t want to give his last name because he’s already got a job, but said he came to the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain’s job fair to “feel things out.” “I’m just looking for more opportunity, networking, connections — more information on the best way to progress in the field,” Richard said. “There’s a lot of work to be had.” That’s the general consensus, too, from employers, 18 of whom were on hand at the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain’s (IECRM) new Pearl Street campus July 14 in Northglenn, to try to help early-career electricians make the “six-figure” jump, while acutely focusing on recruiting a new generation of apprentices to fill the oncoming “Baby Boomer” gap. “There’s a whole bunch of things that point to (a shortage of skilled laborers), and there’s a lot of reasons why the
seeing the retirement of certain generations — Baby Boomers — and the loss of that licensure.”
Seeking community investment in a future stop for the Regional Transportation District’s North Metro Line, the cities of Northglenn and Thornton had what officials called a successful session with residents to discuss the latest developments and progress at the 112th Avenue Station. The neighboring cities, seeking public input and feedback on the latest concept and plans for the new station, met jointly last month in Northglenn for some public input and feedback on the latest concept and plans for the new station. The Northglenn and Thornton Project Team said they gained valuable input from the public last fall and want to continue engaging the community in the planning process. Because the station will serve residents from both communities, the two cities are working together to
Job fair continues on Page 6
Station continues on Page 5
Lindsey Cox, vice president of human resources and finance for 1st Electric Contractors of Lakewood, speaks to a would-be candidate July 13 at the Independent Electrical Contractors Rocky Mountain’s job fair. Cox said there’s a high demand for skilled workers, particularly with the boom in building in the Denver metro region. She said the struggle is convincing potential recruits that there are other ways to make a good living than by getting a four-year degree from a college or university. Photo by Jeremy Johnson industry is what it is, where it is, right now,” said Paul Lingo, training director at IECRM, which serves as a trade school and association supporting independent electrical contractors. “For one, we’re
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