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BUSINESS
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CoBank breaks ground on new international banking center
A farewell to John Brackney Members of the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce bid a very fond farewell to former President and CEO John Brackney on April 14.
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The groundbreaking for the international headquarters of CoBank was a who’s who of economic, civic and corporate leadership.
Volume 32 • Number 21 • April 17, 2014
www.villagerpublishing.com
FLEURISH
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Former Bronco Zane Beadles takes home mirror ball trophy
The Colorado Ballet Auxiliary put its heart and ‘sole’ into the latest Dancing With Our Stars, pitting reporters and former heart throb Denver Broncos against each other.
303-773-8313 • Published every Thursday
Index
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‘Crimes of opportunity’ in Greenwood Village Five homes hit in daylight and early evening
By Tom Barry The tranquil residential neighborhoods of Greenwood Village have been the target of five burglaries during an eight-day period starting on March 31. The thieves’ loot has included electronics, jewelry, household items and a large television. “The burglaries occurred during the day and early evening hours,” city spokeswoman Crystal Dean said. “The suspects enter homes by breaking in to both front and back locked doors.” The burglaries are likely linked, Chief John Jackson told reporters last week. “The department is working with crime analysts from surrounding communities to review all the data and available information and evidence,” he said. “… We think they are connected by a group of people. We’ve actually interrupted one of the situations where we were able to get into a vehicular chase with the suspects.” That car chase began around 2:45 p.m. on March 31 near a home in the 9000 block of East Tuffs Circle and ended at Yosemite Street at the entrance to I-225 as the stolen red Lexus SUV sped away. See story on page 6
Greenwood Village Police Chief John Jackson discusses recent residential break-ins with reporters.
Photo by Tom Barry
Eight candidates running for SSPR board Nonpartisan election next month at 5 polling places
By Peter Jones Running the largest recreation district in the south metro area is no walk in the park. Eight candidates have filed for next month’s election, each seeking one of three available seats on the South Suburban Parks and Recreation Board of Directors. In addition to incumbents John Ostermiller, Pam Eller and Mike Anderson, five newcomers – Stan Szabelak, Sally Daigle, John Watson, Travis Nicks and Tom Wood – are taking their first runs for the four-year at-large terms. Board members Sue Rosser and Scott LaBrash will continue their terms until May 2016. The five members of the nonpartisan board earn a stipend of about $1,600 a year.
South Suburban owns and maintains a large system of parks, open space, golf courses and recreation centers in Littleton, Centennial, Lone Tree, Sheridan and surrounding areas. Ostermiller, a former Littleton mayor, has a long history in local government, having spent 20 years on the Littleton Planning Commission before serving on City Council for nearly a decade. He has been on the SSPR board since 2009, when he was appointed to fill an open position. “My years of experience in business and government have
been of great value to the district in dealing with the issues that come before the board,” Ostermiller said. “Foremost of these issues is keeping the district financially strong to ensure that funds are available to maintain our many facilities, parks, trails and open spaces and to fund our capital projects.” E l l e r, a Columbine Va l l e y resident who is running for a second term, has represented SSPR on the Sheridan CANDO Committee and the High Line Canal Working Group. “Working with the counties and municipalities, we have im-
proved facilities, created trails which allow users to link up across the district, updated many of our parks and developed programs targeting the wellness of our constituents,” she said. Anderson, who is also seeking a second term, had previously served as a citizen volunteer on the SSPR Gold Medal 2020 Plan that solicited public opinion on district facilities and services. “I believe in the personal and community benefits of promoting recreational activity,” the Lone Tree resident said. “I think it is important to maintain the high quality of existing facilities and programs, and to seek opportunities to expand recreational options in partnership with the community.” Watson, who ran unsuccessfully for Littleton City Council last year, is a nonpracticing attorney who leads a property-manSee story on page 6