the clear creek connection

By Megan Hiler, PIO to subscribe, email: mhiler@clearcreekcounty.us

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County Calendar: May 2023

May 2nd: BoCC Meeting

May 16th: BoCC Meeting

May 17th: Planning Commission

Meeting

May 20th: Canine on the Creek 5K

May 23rd: BoCC Special Meeting at Charlie's Place

May 23rd: Evergreen Fire/Rescue

Wildfire Mitigation Forum

May 29th: County Offices Closed for Memorial Day

Job Openings

-Mechanic

Equipment Operator (Road/Bridge)

-Deputy Sheriff (patrol)

Detentions Deputy

-Dispatcher

Capital Projects Manager -Deputy Clerk

-Paramedic

Confinement Nurse

Administrative Asst./Property

Property Transfer Tech./Mail Clerk -Chief Information Officer

BoCC Recognizes Armed Forces Day and County residents serving in the military

During May 16th's Board of County Commissioners meeting, the BoCC made a proclamation to recognize Armed Forces Day and County residents serving in the United States Military at this time. Armed Forces Day is a joint celebration that honors all people currently serving in the U.S. armed forces. This includes the men and women who are serving in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and even the newly created Space Force. Also included are the National Guard and Reserve components. One of the members of the armed forces that was honored is Staff Sergeant Walter Michener VI of Idaho Springs. Michener currently is serving in the Republic of Kosovo as a Combat Medic where he works with NATO peace-keeping forces as part of Regional Command East.

"I am in charge of evacuation for RC East, serving as medical support for various missions. We also evacuate any emergent patients from our clinic to host nation hospitals. My current tour is nine months long," he said. "I wanted to follow in my father's footsteps and serve my country. I mostly looked forward to the chances for adventure with the Army."

The last time Michener was home in Clear Creek County was summer 2019 to visit his grandmother and father in Idaho Springs. During that time he also was able to go fly-fishing on Clear Creek Michener says serving in the military is something that has benefited him.

"The military is a great opportunity to find a career field to go into or get some great experience. The travel is also great," he said.

But to the Clear Creek County native, it's also more than that.

"To serve my country is traveling to foreign countries and strengthening our relationship with our allies. It's also serving as a positive image for my country," he added.

Coming soon! Public Health to launch Sexual Health Clinics

Clear Creek County Public Health will soon begin offering sexual health and wellness care at the Health and Wellness Center in Idaho Springs.

Thanks to a Title X Grant from the state, Clear Creek County will finally be able to provide necessary services in a place where services like this aren't always accessible.

"Our goal is to improve reproductive health access and outcomes by ensuring all Coloradans have access to affordable, quality, patient-centered reproductive health services," the Colorado Department of of Health and Environment said.

Approximately 80 sites across Colorado participate in CDPHE’s Family Planning Program to offer low-cost, confidential family planning and preventive health services, including:

• Birth control information/supplies, including longacting reversible contraception (e.g., IUDs and implants).

• Pregnancy testing and counseling

• Screening for sexually transmitted infections and HIV

• Physical exams

• Cervical, breast and testicular cancer screening

• Health education and counseling, including information about abstinence

• Basic infertility services

• Referrals to other health and social services

Any individual, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, income or residency status, can access and receive family planning services. Fees are based on patient income on a sliding fee scale. Patients are never turned away due to inability to pay.

Clear Creek Fire Authority hosts Fire Academy Training

Clear Creek Fire Authority's (CCFA) 15 week training academy concluded last month. It was previously hosted and managed by West Metro Fire (WM) for 10 years and CCFA was awarded the opportunity to host and manage the program for the Spring 2023 semester as a pilot program.

The course covered all Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control requirements for state certification. The instructor cadre represented educators from metro, urban, and rural paid and volunteer fire departments, with a combined experience of over 150 years. A total of 25 students started the course and 21 completed the course. The course used a hybrid model of online and hands-on learning, allowing for a good mixture of students with a wide variety of backgrounds, including those looking for career change.

"CCFA looks forward to the ongoing partnership, hosting and managing the academy each semester for the foreseeable future," Special Operations Captain for Clear Creek Fire Authority Don Koogle said.

Evergreen Fire/Rescue hosts multiple forums for fire education

If you live on the east end of Clear Creek County, mark your calendars! Evergreen Fire/Rescue is holding multiple events for fire educaiton. First, the Community Wildfire Forum took place on Tuesday, May 23rd from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. It was free to the public and consited of local, county, state, and federal agency wildfire mitigation and preparedness experts. Residents learned how to reduce risk in their Wildland Urban Interface and how jurisdictions work with one another.

This forum was held in the Evergreen High School Theatre Auditorium (29300 Buffalo Park Road). Fire departments, law enforcement, and land managers also answered people's questions and concerns.

Evergreen Fire/Rescue is also holding a Defensible Space and Home Hardening forum on June 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Evergreen Fire/Rescue Classroom (1802 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen). Here, you will be able to learn from wildfire experts about how to "be your own hero" and prepare your home for a wildfire.

"Our goal is to help mountain communities become firefadapted with residents who are knowledgeable, engaged, and prepared for wildfire," Einar Jensen, Risk Reduction Coordinator for Evergreen Fire/Rescue said. "Remember, wildfire preparedness information also is available at www.evergreenfirerescue.com as part of its commitment to our community."

Members of Sheriff's Office take home awards at Lyle Wohlers Law Enforcement Luncheon

Multiple members of the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office took home awards at the 2022 Lyle Wohlers Law Enforcement Luncheon on May 17th. The luncheon took place at Easter Seals Rocky Mountain Village. Awards were presented to members of the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office, Idaho Springs Police Department, Empire Police Department, and the Georgetown Police Department.

Each year, officers are selected for the performance of their duties above and beyond what is required of their job, for bringing respect to themselves, honor to their departments, and for consistently promoting a positive image for law enforcement. Citizens are recognized for demonstrating a positive image, encouraging and assisting others to better themselves, and through their acts and deeds working for the common good of the the people.

Officer of the Year was awarded to Officer Ron Bailor of the Idaho Springs Police Department. The Citizen of the Year Award was given to Clear Creek County Dispatch, Finance, Civils, and Records: Paige Kincaide, Katelyn Culp, Hunter Hewitt, Liz Graber, Nichole Lentz, Diane Lee, Sgt. Dave Straley, Supervisor Tom Dale, Brianne Cameron, Kallie Cameron and Amy Koon

Former Clear Creek County Undersheriff Bruce Snelling was also honored at the event. He was nominated for Officer of the Year. His wife, Micky, was escorted to the stage by Sheriff Rick Albers as she embraced other law enforcement members and accepted the award on his behalf. A moment of silence and a slideshow was shown in the former Undersheriff's memory. Snelling passed away due to natural causes last September at the age of 60.

"I know that Bruce loved his Clear Creek family and was proud of the employees he commanded and the community he served,” Sheriff Rick Albers said.

Clear Creek County will once again be offering low-cost dental clinics! Thanks to a partnership with No Smile Left Behind, residents are able to get a wide array of dental services. The mobile clinic (pictured right) will be located in the parking lot of the Health and Wellness Center on the last Wednesday of each month, starting this month on May 31st.

The dental clinic will offer exams, fillings, dentures, x-rays, extractions, partial dentures, cleanings, emergency/infection/pain treatment, and denture relines and adjustments.

This services is no cost to those with Medicaid/Health First Colorado/CHP+. There will also be a cash discount if you are ineligible for Medicaid and financial assistance. Most private insurances are also accepted.

If you have any questions, please call Program Manager Laurealee at 720-205-4449.

Assessor informs residents of increased valuation of properties

Under Colorado law, county assessor offices throughout the state conduct a complete revaluation of all properties in their county every two years. The previous valuations were based on a June 30, 2020, level of value. These valuations used market sales data from July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2020. The new 2023 valuations are based on a June 30, 2022, level of value and were established using market sales data from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2022. These new valuations will be used for tax years 2023 and 2024 (payable in 2024 and 2025 respectively). Any sales transactions occurring after June 30, 2022, cannot be used or considered until the next reappraisal in 2025. The Colorado legislature sets the appraisal date, the market sales data collection period, and the annual calendar for the assessment process.

Property owners in most of Colorado most likely already saw valuation increases when they received their 2023 Notice of Valuation earlier this month, including in Clear Creek County. Over the past two years, a strong demand for real estate has contributed to the valuation increases. In addition to lowering assessment rates, the Colorado legislature has also provided an actual value exemption of $15,000 per residential property and $30,000 per improved commercial property for tax year 2023. These actual valuation exemptions will not be reflected in the Notices of Valuation, but will be applied prior to the 2023 tax bills being sent.

Property owners have recourse through exemptions for those who qualify, and protests. The protest deadline is June 8 this year. There are exemptions for seniors, disabled veterans and gold star spouses. Veterans and gold star spouses must apply through the Division of Veterans Affairs, while seniors may apply through the Assessor's Office. Seniors must be 65 years old as of January 1 and have owned/lived in their house as their primary residence for 10 years or more. The exemption exempts half of the first $200,000 of property's actual value from taxes.

Tax calculations also take mill levies into account. Mill levies are established by the county commissioners, school districts, and the boards of the various taxing entities such as municipalities, fire, recreation, library etc.

The Clear Creek County website has more information regarding protests and allows people to search and view details and characteristics of individual properties, as well as research comparable sales. For questions about your property value, please call (303) 679-2322, or email dgee@clearcreekcounty.us.

May is Mental Health Month: A Note From Kiara Kuenzler, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist, President and CEO of the Jefferson Center for Mental Health

Dear Community, May is Mental Health Month, a time to honor and reflect on the journeys of so many people who have struggled with their mental health, those we have lost, and those whose stories of recovery give hope and purpose to others. We celebrate the progress we have made in the field of mental health and acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. As we reflect on the evolution of mental health, it is clear that much has changed since we first celebrated this day.

Jefferson Center just celebrated our 65th birthday, and it’s remarkable to think of the transformation over those 65 years. Where we once faced significant stigma and discrimination, we now see people talking about their mental health, seeking care, and sharing their stories of recovery and hope. This shift in attitudes towards mental health has been significant. It is not and has not been easy. It takes courage to say, “I’m struggling.” It takes strength to say, “I need help.” It takes endurance to support a loved one in need. And arriving at this point in our history has taken the bravery of many voices, the determination of individuals, families and communities, and the growing awareness of the importance of truly listening and being responsive in addressing our mental wellbeing. While stigma still exists, the conversation has come out of the shadows in a transformative way. People are proudly sharing their journeys on social media, speaking to friends and family about their experiences, and helping to reduce the shame and secrecy that has surrounded mental health for far too long. We are seeing this shift reflected in our celebrities and public figures as well, who are not only sharing their struggles with mental health, but they are promoting mental health care and encouraging others to seek help when needed.

However, despite the progress we have made, mental health remains a significant concern for a growing number of individuals, including many Coloradans. According to the Colorado Health Institute, nearly 1 in 4 Coloradans will experience a mental health or substance use disorder in their lifetime, and only 1 in 3 Coloradans with a mental health condition receives treatment. Many people still struggle in silence or do not know where to turn. We still have a long way to go to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health conditions and ensure that everyone who needs mental health care can access it.

The past three years have only underscored the importance of mental health care and addressing our mental wellness. As people became more isolated and faced increased stress and uncertainty related to the pandemic, social unrest, and the complex challenges of this time, the demand for mental health services increased. We are also increasingly alerted to the disparities in mental health care. Communities of color, for example, are less likely to have access to mental health services and are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. At Jefferson Center, we are committed to working to address these disparities and ensure that all Coloradans have access to the care they need and to be a place of trust and belonging.

One step at a time, we are transforming the ways that we perceive our own and others’ mental wellbeing, evolving the ways that we deliver care and resources to ensure equitable, timely and quality services to meeting the growing needs. We are also seeing greater investment in mental health care and resources, both at the state and national level, where the importance of mental wellbeing in our overall health and the health of our communities is recognized more than ever before.

As we continue to recognize Mental Health Month, I urge you to join us in raising awareness about mental health and the importance of seeking care when needed. Talk to your friends and family about mental health, share your own experiences, listen to theirs, and support organizations like Jefferson Center and our community partners that are working to make a difference.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to continuing this important work together.

Sheriff's Office assists in rescue, offers advice on how to enjoy Clear Creek safely

From the Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office

On May 12th, 2023, at approximately 1210 hours, emergency services responded to a report of an unconscious kayaker in the water near mile marker 258, Highway 6, Clear Creek Canyon. Other rafters in the vicinity pulled the unconscious, 34-year-old man, from Lakewood, Colorado, out of Clear Creek and began performing CPR. A Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officer and Idaho Springs Police Department officers arrived minutes later and assisted in providing emergency medical care to the man. The Colorado Parks & Wildlife Officer applied an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) as CPR continued the lifesaving measures. Additional Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office Deputies, Fire Authority, EMS, Empire Police, and ISPD patrol officers arrived to assist. An ISPD patrol truck was used to transport the unconscious man and EMS/Fire personnel from the water’s edge to an awaiting ambulance. This incident resulted in the temporary closure of Highway 6 near mile marker 258. The unidentified man was transported emergent to a local hospital by Clear Creek County EMS and is recovering well.

Clear Creek County has experienced high amounts of moisture along with spring run-off. Clear Creek has risen considerably over the last week creating an understandable draw and excitement for water sports and recreation. Always use caution when rafting, kayaking, fishing, or enjoying other outdoor activities on or near Clear Creek. Be prepared, always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) or approved lifejacket, learn swiftwater swimming techniques, and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Public Health Offering Harm Reduction

Clear Creek County Public Health is now offering Opioid and Naloxone Training. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist – it binds to opioid receptors and blocks or reverses the effects of the overdose agent. It works from 30-90 minutes after administration. A full dose can be given every two-to-three minutes until the person is awake. You cannot overdose someone on Naloxone. Below are signs an symptoms of an opioid overdose:

•Blue lips or nails

•Dizziness and confusion

•Can’t be woken up

•Choking, gurgling, snoring sounds

•Slow, weak, or no breathing

•Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake

To respond to an opioid overdose, first, yell their name, give hard sternum a rub to check for responsiveness. Then, administer Naloxone into nostril – you may administer one dose every two-to-three minutes if person is unresponsive. Next, call 911 – give location, situation, and stay on the phone until help arrives. Finally, provide rescue breathing by placing the person on their back, tilt their chin, and give one breath every five seconds If you must leave, place person in the rescue position--which is on their side.

Public Health is also offering Fentanyl test strips. Fentanyl is synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), it is the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered. Synthetic opioids caused 71,000 deaths in the United States and 1,258 deaths in Colorado alone in 2021.

For more information or to pick up these resources, call 303-670-7528 and leave a message.