October 11, 2012
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 67, Issue 51
Search continues for Jessica Asay
pleads guilty
Police ask public to focus on facial features
By Ashley Reimers and Darin Moriki areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
It’s been almost a week since the disappearance of Jessica Ridgeway. The 10-year-old was last seen by her mother, Sarah Ridgeway, around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 walking down the driveway of her home on West 107th Avenue and Ridgeway Moore Street. Ridgeway normally meets friends at Chelsea Park, three blocks away from her home, but according to police, her friends said she never showed up. Jefferson County Public Schools called Ridgeway’s mother around 10:30 a.m. and left a voice message noting her daughter was absent. Trevor Materasso, Westminster Police Department spokesperson, said Sarah, who works the graveyard shift, slept through the phone message and did not receive it until about 4 or 4:30 p.m. Now more than 15 different law enforcement agencies are working to find the missing girl. Authorities continue to search areas near Jessica’s home. Dogs have been brought in to help with efforts and more than 400 homes have been searched. Police said the focus now is releasing photos and videos of Jessica so people can identify her. “We really want people to focus on Jessica’s facial features,” said Materasso. “Two things of note that you will see is that she has a gap between her two front
Former county public works chief to be sentenced in January By Darin Moriki
dmoriki@ourcoloradonews.com
Westminster Police officer T.R. Gordanier, left, helps organize volunteers onto Jefferson County School buses in search of missing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway Saturday at the West View Recreation Center in Westminster. Photo by Andy Carpenean teeth, which is a distinguishing characteristic. She’s also got a sore at the top of her nose just below where her glasses sit. That sore doesn’t heal, so it’s a good indicator if you see someone you think is Jessica those two things are good to pay particular attention to.” Materasso said residents should stop focusing on what she was wearing at the time of the disappearance, and focus on her mannerisms and demeanor seen in the videos released. At this point, Materasso said the investigation may focus more on an abduction than her being a possible runway. Authorities continue to find new items during their search, but have not said
whether they are tied to the case. Jessica’s backpack was found in a Superior neighborhood on Oct. 7 and is now being tested by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Materasso said police are being extremely diligent in their search efforts. “We don’t want to miss anything; we’re going to go back several times. We’ve going to cover our tracks. We’re going to look in the same area that we’ve already looked,” he said. You’re going to see a lot of activity in and around her home. There’s nothing specific that’s keeping us in that area other than we want to make sure there’s no stone unturned, and we’re Search continues on Page 11
Two communities host prayer vigil By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com
Tammy Perry kisses her son, Nolan, on the head as the two hold angel candles during Light Up the Night for Jessica Tuesday at Kensington Park in Westminster. Jessica Ridgeway has been missing since Friday, Oct. 5. Photo by Andy Carpenean POSTAL ADDRESS
“Amazing Grace” echoed throughout Kensington Park Tuesday night as hundreds of people gathered to pray for Jessica Ridgeway’s safe return to her Westminster home. The 10-year-old was last seen by her mother Sarah Ridgeway on Oct. 5 as she was walking to school. Ridgeway never made it to school, and has been missing ever since. As hundreds of police officers worked around the clock to find Ridgeway, two communities came together with one purpose — to pray for her return. One prayer vigil was at Kensington Park northwest of W. 100th Avenue and Wadsworth Parkway in Westminster and the other was at Community Park in Superior. People were asked to wear the color purple, Ridgeway’s favorite color, and to bring a flashlight. The Westminster vigil was lead by Scott Applegate, pastor at Novation
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
Church in Westminster. “Thank you all so much for being here. This is the power of community,” he said. “We gather here to give hope and prayer and belief that Jessica will return safely to her family.” Applegate asked the community to raise their flashlights to the sky and said, “If one flashlight is raised above, it’s a small light, but if we all hold them up together, it is one big light heading upwards.” Mike Magdaldno, owner of The Conference Experience, provided the lights and music for the vigil. His daughter is Jessica’s classmate. “I always want to give back to the community,” he said. “Nobody asked us to do this, we just did it.” As the evening continued, Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally, praised the crowd for their support of the Ridgeway family. She said was proud the number of people who volunteered their time to search for Ridgeway with less than 24 Prayer Vigil continues on Page 11
Leland “Lee” Asay, the former Adams County public works chief, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of theft stemming from the Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing scandal. The theft charge resulted from an incident on March 27, 2006, when he unlawfully used county staff and equipment for the paving company’s benefit. As a part of the plea agreement, Asay will not stand trial, and in return, pleaded guilty to a count of theft and to pay an undetermined amount of restitution for all the criminal counts against him. Krista Flannigan, Adams County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman, said Asay faced a total of 26 criminal charges prior to his plea agreement, including 20 counts of felony theft, one felony count of embezzlement of public property, three felony counts of attempting to influence a public servant, one misdemeanor count of official misconduct and one misdemeanor count of theft. In all, Judge Steven Eugene Shinn said Asay faces up to six years in prison, a $200,000 to $500,000 fine and three years of mandatory parole for theft of at least $500 but no less than $15,000. Prior to his arrest in October 2011, Asay oversaw the contracting for road paving and resurfacing, as well as the use of county trucks and equipment from 1991 until his resignation in 2008. The charges against Asay stem from criminal activity that occurred from 2005 to 2008. Five employees of the county and Quality Paving and Quality Resurfacing have already been convicted or have pleaded guilty in connection with the scandal. A Quality Paving office worker was cleared by a jury of 33 felony counts. Charges resulted from incidents in which employees of the county and Quality Paving were involved in overbilling, billing for work never done and letting a private company use county equipment. The DA’s office alleges that taxpayers were billed for $1.8 million for work that was never done. Asay is scheduled to be sentenced at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 29.
Westminster Window 11
October 11, 2012
Search: Mom says ‘we’re strong’ Search continued from Page 1
sure there’s no stone unturned, and we’re focusing because, again, that is where Jessica disappeared from.”
Response from the family
Jessica Ridgeway’s family spoke to the pubic during an interview with 9News reporter David Delozier on Oct. 9. The family chose only to speak to one reporter, in front of one camera. Jessica’s mother, her father, Jere-
miah Bryant, and other family members encouraged people to continue to look for Jessica and thanked the community for their donations of time, money, food and effort. “We’re strong and we will get stronger,” Sarah Ridgeway said during the interview. “She’s my rock, she’s all of our rock. I want her to come walking back through the door. I need her to come walking back through that door.” Sarah told Delozier she hopes no other parent has to go through what
she is going through. She said she will always love Jessica. “We are a strong family,” Sarah said. “We will get through this. We will find her and take care of her.” Materasso said the family has been cooperative through the entire investigation. Each parent was asked by police whether either of them would take Jessica and they both said no. Anyone who has information can call 303-658-4336 or e-mail pdamberalert@cityofwestminster.us.
Prayer vigil: Community shows care Prayer Vigil continued from Page 1
hours notice. “You rock. That’s all I can say,” she said. “I ask you all to remember to talk to one another and pray for Jessica’s return. The Ridgeway family is not alone.” Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk also expressed his gratitude, and said hundreds of police officers from various departments are working hard to bring Ridgeway back. “We are doing everything humanly possible to bring her home,”
he said. “We deeply care about Jessica as if it was our own child, we nothing more seriously than the safety of a child. Please continue to pray for the police departments to help us find leads that lead our investigation.” Thornton resident Shannon Dill was at the Westminster prayer vigil with her two sons, a 12-year-old and a 9-year-old. She said normally the boys walk to the bus top, but after the Jessica’s disappearance, she walks them to and from the bus stop. She said she felt some comfort
at the vigil. “It breaks my heart that anyone could ever take a child like this,” she said. “But being here and knowing we have such a great community here for Jessica.” Anyone who has information about the Ridgeway case can contact the Westminster Police Department at 303-658-4336 or e-mail pdamberalert@cityofwestminster. us. Flyers with Ridgeway’s picture can also be picked up at the Westminster Public Safety Center, 9110 Yates St.
6950 N. Broadway 303.426.5881 Family owned for over 50 years
www.mickeystopsirlion.com
$15.95 9 oz. Filet Migñon $14.95 12 oz. Ribeye $14.95 (Upon availability)
18 oz. T-Bone
All served with your choice of soup or salad, and a side. Valid 4-10 pm only. Good through 10/28/12.
Banquet room available for meetings & parties
Massage from Advanced Students
@ Living Arts Massage and Bodywork School
1/3 the price - 100% of the benefit!
We help you Relax, you help us Learn! $ Advanced student Massage – Schedule Today!
20
Community Classes available at the LAMBS facility. Visit us on Facebook for info.
Contact 303-650-0518
Parker: Press club Gridiron show starts Oct. 12 Parker continued from Page 10
Gritty and witty The annual Gridiron Show, a benefit for the Denver Press Club (the nation’s oldest press club), will feature entertainment from local politicians and media types starting at 7 p.m. Friday at the L2 Arts and Culture Center, 1477 Columbine St.Entertainers and introducers include Gov. John Hickenlooper and the Hick-Tones with Tom Clark and Neil Westergaard; Mike Landess, Cynthia Hessin, Jim Benemann and TaRhonda Thomas; House Democrats Reps. Beth McCann, Dickey Lee Hullinghorst, Dan Pabon, Su Ryden and Jonathan Singer; House Republicans Mark Waller, Cheri Gerou, Amy Stephens, Ray Scott and Libby Szabo; and Mike Littwin and yours truly reunited since leaving The Denver Post. Tickets are $20, and proceeds benefit the press club and its scholarships for journalism
students. Available at www.blacktie-colorado. com.
Wow wedding One of Denver’s most spectacular weddings took place earlier this month when Peter Marsico, of Marsico Capital Management fame, wed the lovely Mari Wieleba, a merchandising associate for eBags and a Cherry Creek High School and University of Kansas grad. According to my spies, the Marsicos wed at Cherry Hills Country Club where cocktails were served, then had shuttles take guests to Peter’s parents’ home where more appetizers were passed and cocktails were poured during dancing to a 23-piece orchestra brought in from New York City. The musicians’ playlist included songs from Led Zeppelin, The Black Eyed Peas, Usher and Cee Lo Green, but had to shut down the music at 11:30 to respect the neighbors. Epicurean
Catering served amazing food at the event with lobster medallions with greens, choice of entree cooked to order and all servers were dressed in tuxes and white gloves. The tented event featured huge cream draping everywhere with chandeliers and centerpieces with hydrangeas and roses in shades of sand, pale pink, cream and white. After the wedding reception, guests were shuttled to the JW Marriott in Cherry Creek North to wrap up the festivities. “It was the most tasteful obscene expenditure of money I’ve ever seen,” said my spy. “It was beautiful, class, class, class.” My spy added that the darling duo of guests Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld rocked it on the dance floor. The band reportedly played 14 songs in a row during the reception after toasts to the couple.
Trifecta Three Denver hotels were included in Conde
Nast Traveler Magazine’s readers poll of the 15th annual business travel awards, which presents hotels in 15 cities that had the highest-scoring business facilities. They are: The RitzCarlton Denver, The Curtis: A Doubletree Hotel by Hilton and the Oxford Hotel. Highlights from the poll include comments from readers praising hotel employees, clean rooms, excellent service, a welltrained staff and a good location. Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado. com. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc. com or at 303-619-5209.
Hand-Cut Steaks Daily Homemade Mexican Italian Cuisine
Living.Arts.MBS@gmail.com 7188 Lowell Blvd, Westminster CO 80030
www.ParadiseHealingArts.com Find us on Facebook
Got ALUMINUM, COPPER, BRASS, etc. you no longer need? Bring them in for CASH! We pay cash for: • Aluminum cans • Aluminum scrap W T P D e pay • Copper, brass, iron, lead, alloys for AO LL sc OLLAR rap m • Radiators • Stainless steel etals! • Insulated copper wire • Insulated wire • Some electronics • and more! Call for details
ADDITIONAL
ADDITIONAL
Limit one per customer. Some restrictions may apply.
Limit one per customer. Some restrictions may apply.
Valid with coupon only. MNN RECYCLING CONNECTIONS
Valid with coupon only. MNN RECYCLING CONNECTIONS
5¢ per pound on all COPPER
3¢ per pound on all ALUMINUM
Commercial Pick-Up Available. We accept all competitors’ coupons!
9985 E. 104th Ave. (Just East of Hwy 85 on 104th)
Henderson, CO
303.333.6363
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC M-F 8 am-4:30 pm Saturdays 8 am-12:30 pm
16 Westminster Window
October 18, 2012
Child safety stressed on heels of abduction, killing By Darin Moriki
dmoriki@ourcoloradonews.com Stephanie Sakal has taught her 3-year-old daughter Addison her entire name, her birthdate and where she lives. But, the 31-year-old Westminster resident said she is always concerned when her daughter wanders off and wants to explore the world on her own. “A lot of the times she feels the need to go run off and do what she wants to do, so I’ve tried to make her understand that she can’t do that,” Sakal said. “She could be taken by some random stranger and they would not ever bring her back.” Sakal said the Jessica Ridgeway’s abduction and murder last week brought the importance of safety home for her daughter, who cried after hearing about Ridgeway’s death. This weekend, Sakal was not the only concerned parent in the community still holding their children a little closer. On Saturday, she was one of many people who converged on the Pro Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram car dealership to participate in a safety event by DNA LifePrint, a child safety organization sponsored by America’s Most Wanted host John Walsh. “It’s an absolutely amazing response,” said Pro Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram general manager Jeff Schenden, who estimated the crowd at 1,000. “We’re glad that we’re able to help some. We’re kind of figuring that if we can just help one, we’re doing our job.” Throughout the day, Thornton Police Department officers provided child safety information to community members and their young children and created a disk for parents holding crucial information on their children, including fingerprints, palm prints, a journal of information of the child and a digital photograph. Schenden said the information is important for parents to have so law enforcement officers can issue an Amber Alert in seconds. “We need to protect ourselves and we need to protect our children and this is one way to make sure that if anything horrible like that ever did happen, they have the information that they need for law enforcement officials to get the message out as fast as possible,” Schenden said. By the end of the day, when the last person filed out
Megan Sebastian of the DNA LifePrint Child Safety Program takes fingerprints of Ella Weakland Saturday at Pro Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram in Thornton. Photo by Andy Carpenean of the car dealership at 7 p.m., Schenden said DNA LifePrint was able to provide information and services to 410 children in the community. Schenden said this is the second time the car dealership has hosted the event. Shortly after the first one was held this April, Schenden said he made arrangements to host the event on Saturday. Schenden said he could not have imagined how timely the event would be. “Kids are our lives and parents understand that more than anybody that the children are our future, and keeping them safe is our number one goal,” Schenden said. “I think safety is at the forefront of parents’ minds and they are more of it because of what happened, but I don’t think it is more important today than it ever has been.”
HERE ARE FIVE BASIC SAFETY TIPS PARENTS CAN DISCUSS WITH THEIR CHILDREN: • Memorize your full name (first, middle and last) and complete address, including city, state and zip code. • Memorize your phone number, including area code, and how to dial 911 for emergencies. • Do not put your child’s name or have them put their name on any clothing, jewelry, hats, caps, jackets, t-shirts, bikes, or on other items that people can see. • Do not play in isolated areas or take short cuts through dangerous or deserted areas, such as fields, ditches or vacant lots. • Always walk and play in groups, and practice the “buddy system” when walking home from school. Courtesy of the Thornton Police Department
Decorating tricks that treat your Halloween party guests While displaying ghosts and goblins is great for the kids and the standard for Halloween decor, how about getting into the spirit but with a bit more sophistication this year? If you are throwing a Halloween party
for those adults who are kids at heart, a spooky holiday theme can still be part of the festivities, but with a touch of panache. There are many directions you can go with a decoration theme. Certainly there are
the colors of black and orange that can be integrated into the decor and the use of pumpkins or candles, which still scream Halloween but can be displayed elegantly. Gary LaVasser, academic director in Set & Exhibit Design at The Art Institute of California - Hollywood, a campus of Argosy University, says that while everyone thinks of orange and black, consider the combination of dark red and black. At Halloween, any time black is used it represents scariness, and the dark red can be symbolic of blood. “For a more sophisticated look, combine dark red arrangements of roses, cover them in black hat veiling
so that you see the roses through the veil and tie them together with black satin ribbon,” he suggested. “If you want to go a little further, place the arrangement on an inexpensive black placemat and drip dark red nail polish from a few rose petals onto the placemat. It will look like the roses are bleeding.” LaVasser also has these tips for alternative but sophisticated Halloween decor: • Use vintage Halloween toys from the 1930s, 40s or 50s as part of the design. If they are worn they have more character. Combine them with garlands of silk fall leaves available at most
craft stores, tree branches or wheat and place on mantels or dining tables. • Paint objects black that normally are not this color. For example, jack-o-lanterns are orange so spray them black for a twist on a familiar item. Also consider painting real flowers black. To make objects more interesting, select different black textures such as using matte, glitter, satin, gloss or metallic paints. • The colors of fall are rich earth tones and these colors also associate with Halloween. Add a little “punch” by using a deep purple color. It can be an interesting contrast to oranges and gold tones. Also consider using
metallic gold, copper and pewter colors. You can paint leaves or pumpkins with these shades as well. LaVasser adds that one can look for inspiration among different cultures and how they celebrate certain holidays or Halloween. A Latino tradition is Day of the Dead, observed on November 1st and 2nd, which celebrates family and friends who have passed. “Day of the Dead decor includes folk art, candles, colorful flowers and bright ribbons together with skeletons,” says LaVasser. “This theme offers great options for Halloween.” Source: Brandpoint (Formerly ARA Content)
Friday, Saturday & Sunday • October 26, 27 & 28 • 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
The Sweetest Fall Festival in Town! Event Sponsor:
SCFD
Media Sponsors:
mychildsmuseum.org
303-433-7444
October 25, 2012
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 1
Murder suspect arrested Juvenile to face charges in Ridgeway case By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
The marquee for Chelsea Park in Westminster is covered and surrounded by an outpouring of items from the community as a memorial for Jessica Ridgeway Sunday.
Community remembers Jessica Faith Bible holds celebration of life By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com Jessica Ridgeway is remembered by her family as the light of the room, always smiling and bringing smiles to others. She had a love for animals, music and dancing and her silly personality always kept her friends and family on their toes. The 10-year-old girl’s life was taken too soon after she was abducted on Oct. 5 and killed. Her family, friends and hundreds of people from the community came together on Oct. 16 to celebrate her life at Faith Bible Church in Arvada before news of the arrest of Austin Reed Cigg. Stories were shared and tears were shed. “Above all, Jessica loved people and she loved animals. Her family describes her as the most joyful part of the room,” said Pastor Rick Long, from Grace Church of Arvada, who led the ceremony. “She loved Disney and cared for everyone around her. She also loved holidays and would always get excited to decorate.” Jessica was born on Jan. 23, 2002. She attended Witt Elementary School in Westminster and she lived with her
A passenger on a motorcycle gives the peace sign while riding in a memorial car and bike cruise for Jessica Ridgeway Sunday in Westminster Sunday. Photos by Andy Carpenean mom, Sarah Ridgeway. One of her favorite activities was watching her cousins play softball. Every weekend in the summer Jessica would cheer for her cousins and spend time with her friend, Beverly Sternberg. “We would sit together and watch her cousins play softball,” Sternberg said. “She was one of the happiest little girls I
POSTAL ADDRESS
have ever known. She was always doing silly things. It was easy to see how cherished and loved our little baby girl was.” As the search for a suspect continues, hundreds of law enforcement personnel are working around the clock on thousands of leads. During the ceremony, Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk gave his word that the department will not stop until justice is found for Jessica. “As I stand in front of you, I represent hundreds of officers who are working on this case,”
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
he said. “We feel like we knew Jessica, and it feels like we have lost part of our family. I want to leave you all with the assurance that we are working tirelessly and diligently and are committed until we find justice for Jessica.” The ceremony also featured a video montage of photos of Jessica as well as musical performances from loved ones. People in the audience wore her favorite color, purple, to remind the community to never forget Jessica.
A 17-year-old Westminster boy was arrested Tuesday for the murder of 10-yearold Jessica Ridgeway. Austin Sigg, an Arapahoe Community College student, will be charged with two counts of first-degree murder and a second-degree kidnapping charge, among others and was scheduled for his first court appearance today in Jefferson County. During a press conference on Wednesday, Westminster Police Chief Lee Birk said after working Sigg non-stop on the case since her disappearance on Oct. 5, he believes a significant step was made in bringing justice to Ridgeway. “I would like to thank the community for the thousands of tips they have provided us in this case,” he said. “Those tips have been instrumental in the case. And I would also like to thank the community for the tremendous public outpouring of support.” The Ridgeway family was notified of the arrest Wednesday morning. Birk said he hopes the arrest can bring some comfort to the family and the community. Investigator Trevor Materasso said Sigg will also be charged for the attempted abduction of a young woman on May 28, who was jogging around Ketner Lake in Westminster. Police confirmed a direct link between the two cases on Monday. According to the arrest report, Sigg lives at 10786 Moore St. in Westminster, about a mile-and-a half from Ridgeway’s home, near West 107th Avenue and Moore Street. Ridgeway was last seen by her mother around 8:30 a.m. on Oct. 5, walking down the driveway of her home. Her body was found days later in the Pattridge Park Open Space area in Arvada. “Police are blocking access to Sigg’s home and a search warrant has been issued,” Materasso said. Police encourage the community call the tip line with any information that could be connected to the case. Tips can be given to the Westminster Police Department tip center by calling 303-6584336 or by sending an email to PDamberalert@cityofwestminster.us.
Westminster Police chief Lee Birk addresses the news media at a press conference Wednesday after an arrest was made in the Jessica Ridgeway case. Photo by Andy Carpenean
Westminster Window 3
November 29, 2012
Sigg transferred to county jail Defendant waives right to challenge being prosecuted as an adult By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com A Jefferson County judged ruled Tuesday to transfer Austin Sigg from a juvenile facility to the Jefferson County Detentions Facility. The decision came after nearly two hours of testimony and was made effective immediately. Sigg, 17, is charged with murdering 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway of Westminster. Alicia Calderon from the Attorney General’s Office filed the petition for the transfer on behalf of the Department of Youth Corrections. She told 1st Judicial District Chief Judge Stephen Munsinger it would be more appropriate to house Sigg in the Special Housing Unit of the Jefferson County Detention Facility because of the oppor-
tunities available to him in the adult facility. Sigg was previously housed at Mount View Youth Services Center in Denver. “There are more educational and recreational opportunities for Mr. Sigg in Sigg the adult facility that will benefit him,” she said. “Plus, Mr. Sigg will be turning 18 on Jan. 17 next year, and we would be asking to transfer him then anyways.” During his time at Mount View, Sigg was held in isolation under constant supervision. Dave Maynard, facilities director for the Department of Youth Corrections, testified that Sigg was never let out in the general population of the other juveniles in the facility in order to keep both Sigg and the other juveniles safe and secure. He said the decision to keep Sigg in isolation and under observation was an internal decision, not court ordered. He said the youth facility is not set up for long-term isolation cases, with most juveniles only spending a few hours at a time in isolation as a “cooling down period.” He said Sigg did not have access to the recreation services
Gallery features art from Coloradans By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com A different kind of art show is on display at Art Gallery 3698 in Westminster, one featuring more than 100 mini paintings — mini meaning nothing larger than 5-by-7 inches. Artists from all over Colorado submitted up to three pieces for this year’s mini art show, offering the public an opportunity to view an interesting variety of paintings. “There are so many different mediums in this art show,” said Joyce Graf, one of the artists featured in the show and a member of the Paletteers Art Club. “The subject matter and the styles are so varied in this show. There has to be something for everyone.” A total of 143 paintings from 49 artists create a mural of artwork on a few walls of the gallery. Each painting is for sale at a much cheaper price than a typical painting, many under $100, Graf said. The show was also juried by nationallyknown local artist Peggy Stenmark. One best in show, five merit awards and five honorable mentions were awarded. Graf received a merit award for her
landscape painting of Rocky Mountain National Park. “I’m always pleased to win an award, it confirms that you are working on the right direction and are improving,” Graf said. “But I do know that it was quite difficult for our judge to narrow down all the entries to find the winners because there were so many great paintings.” Graf said the mini art show is becoming more popular each year. She said for many artists this is the first time their paintings have been in a show and it’s an opportunity for artists to try out a new medium. Because the painting itself is so small, Graf said it’s easier to create a variety of paintings in different mediums because it’s not as time-consuming for the artists. “With a smaller painting an artist can do multiples in a new medium and find the best one,” she said. “Artists are much more willing to use their energy for a day or two rather than three weeks on a new medium.” The mini art show at Art Gallery 3698, 3698 W. 72nd Ave. in Westminster, runs until Dec. 15. Hours for the gallery are 12-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information call 303-4871981.
Serving the Metro Area for Over 37 Years “The Respected Leader In The Industry Since 1974” Cedar Privacy Specializing
in High Quality, #1 Grade Cedar Privacy Fences
Complete or InstallationOnly Materials
Trex Seclusions
Ornamental Iron
Chain Link
DP-6760209
SOUTH
8065 Brandon Dr. Littleton, CO 80125
303-791-1997
Wholesale To The Public! www.splitrailfenceco.com
NORTH
3330 E. I-25 Frontage Rd. Denver, CO 80514
303-828-1501
on a regular basis because of his isolation and was not receiving any educational services. “Our educational services are provided by Jefferson County Public Schools, and they are not legally required to provide educational services to detained youth who have obtained their GED, which is what Mr. Sigg has done,” Maynard said. Sigg’s defense team argued that during the time that Sigg was at Mount View he was never disruptive, disrespectful or caused any problems for the staff. Melanie Lemuz, a security officer at Mount View, testified that she had developed a good rapport with Sigg, meeting with him almost every day of the week. She said during his time at Mount View, he had no behavior problems and was respectful toward the staff. Now that Sigg will be housed in the Special Housing Unit, he will have access to recreation, educational and church services. Capt. Gary Gittins with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department testified that the housing unit has an indoor and outdoor recreation yard and a library that Sigg can utilize. He said Sigg will also have access to a chaplain or can request to meet with his own personal preacher.
“Mr. Sigg will be assigned a counselor and we also have a psychologist and psychiatrist available if needed,” Gittins said. Also during the hearing, the defense team waived Sigg’s right for a reverse transfer hearing, which would have challenged the prosecution’s decision to try him as an adult rather than a juvenile. As an adult, Sigg could face life in prison with parole after 40 years. He is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two kidnapping charges, one count of sexual assault on a child and a robbery charge also connected to the Ridgeway murder. He faces one count of criminal attempt of sexual assault and one count of criminal attempt of kidnapping connected to the attempted abduction of a woman running around Ketner Lake in Westminster. Ridgeway disappeared on Oct. 5 while walking to Chelsea Park in Westminster to meet up with friends before walking to school. Her body was found days later in the Pattridge Park Open Space area in Arvada. Sigg’s mother made the call to police that led to his arrest. A status conference will be 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 12, followed by the preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Feb. 22.
inside the Window this week News: County watchdog group interests questionable. Page 5
SPORTS: Get ready for the basketball season with our boys and girls hoops previews. Page 20, 22
OPINION: Columnist Bill Christopher looks at pace of the season. Page 6
LIFE: “Miracle on 34th Street: The Musical” sounds at the Arvada Center. Page 8
December 6, 2012
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 7
Giving gifts to those less fortunate By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com In its fourth year, the annual Precious Gift Program is well under way. The program is sponsored by A Precious Child, a nonprofit organization devoted to making a positive impact in the lives of disadvantaged and displaced children and families by improving their quality of life. The program provides gifts for children who are living in shelters or foster homes in the north metro-Denver area, and those facing challenges. Last year the program provided gifts for more than 4,000 children, and this year the
program is set to provide gifts for more than 5,000 children. “Every year we rely heavily on the support from the community to provide holiday gifts for children who would otherwise have been without them,” said Courtney Rogers, director of programs for A Precious Child. “This year we have been overwhelmed with requests, and we are hoping, with the help from the community, to fulfill the holiday wishes of all of the children in need.” Community members can participate in the Precious Gift Program by organizing a toy drive; hosting a giving tree, which is hung with gift tags for a chosen number of children; or by sponsoring a child, family or
list of children. Rogers said individual sponsors are encouraged to donate $50 online at www. apreciouschild.org, which would sponsor one child’s wish list. She said for larger groups, such as businesses, the giving tree is a great option because each person or employee can sponsor a child on the giving tree. ”Our goal is to bring normalcy to these children and families during the holidays,” she said. “We want the parents to feel empowered that they are able to provide for their children, and we want the children to feel the joy of waking up on Christmas morning with a gift under the tree.” Members of A Precious Child will collect
toys until Christmas Eve at the A Precious Child giving tree in the food court at FlatIron Crossing in Broomfield. People can also choose a child to sponsor from the giving tree. For more information, go online to www. apreciouschild.org or email Rogers at courtneyrogers@apreciouschild.org. “The best part of the Precious Gift Program is how it is truly a collaborative effort. We partner with over 30 different social service agencies to collect the gift wishes of the children who are most in need,” Rogers said. “We then partner with the community in order to fulfill these children’s wishes. With everyone’s help, we are all able to make a difference in a child’s life.”
Lights illuminate City Hall By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
The marquee for Chelsea Park in Westminster is covered and surrounded Oct. 21 by items left by community members in memory of Jessica Ridgeway, who was abducted while walking to the park and then murdered. The park is being renamed Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park. Photo by Andy Carpenean
Park renamed in memory of Jessica Ridgeway By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com During a time of sorrow and tragedy, Chelsea Park in Westminster was a place for comfort and peace, and now it will bear the name of the girl who was headed there before she was abducted and murdered. It was at the park, where 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway was to meet friends before school on the morning of Oct. 7, that community members gathered for prayer vigils and paid their respects to Jessica by bringing flowers and gifts to memorial sites. Now, with the approval of Westminster City Council, the park will serve as a permanent memorial through being renamed as the Jessica Ridgeway
‘I want to thank all of our community for supporting us and Jessica in the manner in which they have.’ Rebecca Ridgeway Memorial Park. The council voted unanimously to rename the park during its Nov. 26 meeting. The quest to rename the park was led by Westminster resident Linda Mitchell and members of the Noon Rotary Club. Mitchell and Jon Johnston from the Rotary Club both sent letters of support to Don Tripp, director of the Parks, Recreation and Libraries Department, expressing their desire to make the name change. The Parks, Recreation and Libraries Advisory Board
POSTAL ADDRESS
voted 6-0 in support of renaming of the park before the proposal was sent to council. The city will pay $2,500 to repaint the park signs, with the funds coming from the park’s general capital improvement fund. According to a staff report, preliminary plans to improve the park are already in place and will cost between $250,000 and $350,000, with only $85,000 currently available from past capital improvement projects. Private fundraising is needed to complete the project, and the Ridgeway family has asked that community volunteers be included in making the improvements.
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
“I just want to tell you all thank you for allowing the motion of the park to even come to this level,” Rebecca Ridgeway, a family member of Jessica’s, told the City Council. “And I want to thank all of our community for supporting us and Jessica in the manner in which they have. I know we’re all really thankful for living in Westminster, a great community.” City employees will begin painting the signs in Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park in the next week or two, and work is set to begin on the improvements of the park in 2013. During the council meeting, Mayor Nancy McNally thanked Rebecca Ridgeway for allowing City Council to get to know Jessica. “There is no way to say thank you enough,” she said. “You have been a role model to all of us in the community. Everything I have seen and watched, and going to Jessica’s memorial service really was a blessing to the rest of us. Thank you so very much.”
Led by the Standley Lake High School marching band, Santa arrived in Westminster Sunday night to crowds of children. His arrival came during the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at City Hall, where thousands of lights illuminated the sky. Along with a visit from Santa, the evening featured musical performances by Victorian carolers, students from Mesa Elementary School and students from Crown Pointe Academy. Children from the Westminster Dance Company also performed a holiday dance. “Tonight is special,” said Mayor Nancy McNally. “We have to give a huge thank you to our park elves for working tirelessly and making sure every light is perfect” Families had the opportunity to warm up by the bonfire, and enjoy hay rides and free refreshments. Westminster resident Carol Montgomery said she tries to come to the event every year because it’s a free, festive night out with her family. “Tonight is just a fun time for my entire family,” she said. “My kids get to see Santa, and we all get to enjoy the wonderful lights.” The holiday lights will be on display in the evenings at City Hall, 4800 W. 92nd Ave., throughout the month of December.
The switch is flipped to light a Christmas tree during the 25th annual city of Westminster Holiday Lighting Ceremony Sunday at City Hall. Photo by Andy Carpenean
December 13, 2012
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Group considers airport
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 8
hometown celebration
Resurrected committee addresses ongoing future development concerns By Darin Moriki
dmoriki@ourcoloradonews.com
Richard Cherrington, right, with Order of the Arrow (a branch of the Boy Scouts), grills brats and hot dogs during the Westminster Historical Society Hometown Christmas Dec. 6. Photo by Andy Carpenean
‘A beacon of light’ Menorah lighting ceremony dedicated to Jessica Ridgeway By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com At this year’s annual menorah lighting ceremony in Westminster, the tradition of lighting the lights for Chanukah, had more meaning than year’s past. The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Jessica Ridgeway, the 10-year-old girl who was abducted and later killed in early October in Westminster. Sara Ridgeway, Jessica’s mother was in attendance and lit the center candle. “We don’t stamp out darkness with a broom but rather by lighting a candle,” said Rabbi Benjy Brackman with the Chabad of NW Metro Denver, who also organized the event. “And therefore the message of the menorah is for each of to remember Jessica by becoming a beacon of light to those around you and to society at
large.” Brackman said by dedicating the ceremony in Jessica’s memory, those feeling hurt and sadness because of her death will have the opportunity to remember beautiful memories of the little girl and feel strength during difficult times ahead. He said he hopes those who attended the ceremony will also do good deeds in her memory. “The soul lives on after a person has been deceased,” he said. “The way we nourish the soul is through good deeds.” Mayor Nancy McNally was in attendance and thanked the Ridgeway family for their ongoing strength during a tragic time. She said the ceremony is an opportunity for the community to come together and remember Jessica in a fun and positive way. “You are a strong family, what can I say,” she told the Ridgeway family. “You have nurtured this community and kept us strong at times where we haven’t known what to do. What an appropriate time tonight to remember Jessica with
POSTAL ADDRESS
Westminster Mayor Nancy McNally, left, and Sara Ridgeway smile after embracing during a menorah lighting ceremony on Sunday at The Orchard Town Center in Westminster. The ceremony was dedicated to the memory of Jessica Ridgeway, Sara’s daughter. Photo by Ashley Reimers the lighting of the menorah.” This was the 10th year the Chabad of NW Metro Denver hosted a menorah lighting ceremony in Westminster. The event at Orchard Town Center featured music from
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
Steve Brodsky and traditional Chanukah fare of latkes and donuts was served. For more information on the Chabad of NW Metro Denver, visit www.thechabadhouse.com.
A meeting of about 30 to 35 Adams County and neighboring city officials convened last week for the first time in five years to address looming concerns about proposed development around Denver International Airport. Members of the Airport Coordinating Committee, including Westminster and Thornton officials, met in a two one-hour executive sessions to discuss future plans outlined by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock in June to build an Aerotropolis and Airport City surrounding the 34,000 acre airport. Adams County Commissioner Erik Hansen, the designated interim Airport Coordinating Committee spokesman, said these concerns stem from alleged violations of a 1988 intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Adams and Denver Counties to construct the airport city portion of the plan. That agreement spells out the creation of the Airport Coordinating Committee and restricts the development of “accessory uses,” confined to “only those land uses which are necessary for or directly related to the operation of the new airport,” such as parking structures and retail or concession space. The agreement also limits residential, commercial and industrial development to areas south of 72nd Avenue, and south and east of an open space buffer along Peña Boulevard, requiring Denver to actively limit development north and west of the buffer. Existing plans for Airport City Denver plans calls for the construction of five business clusters within a 9,000-acre area, targeting the bioscience, renewable energy, aviation and aerospace, logistics, industrial agriculture and perishable-foods industries. The proposal includes areas where the agreement restricts development. Hansen acknowledged the committee and Denver County “are united in the belief that we need to work together toward the common goal of economic development for the region,” but said more must be done. “I think the message is pretty clear,” Hansen said. “There were promises made in the 1988 IGA and we expect them to be kept, and we’re unified in making sure that economic development benefits the entire region.” The committee — consisting of Adams County, Aurora, Brighton, Commerce City, Thornton and Westminster officials — reinforced this commitment by unanimously passing a memorandum of understanding during the public portion of the meeting. The document spells out “a structure to carry out the purposes articulated in the original agreement” through collaborative discussions and open communication. “This is really very important to me that we are here all together in the best interest of Adams County,” outgoing Adams County Commissioner Alice Nichol said. “I’m really going away feeling good, because the mission was accomplished here in that we would all be united for a common cause for the citizens of Adams County.”
2 Westminster Window
December 20, 2012
What happens when we lose our innocence?
A SIGN OF HOPE
Westminster’s parks maintenance staff erected a new sign Dec. 10 designating Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park. Westminster city council voted on Nov. 26 to rename Chelsea Park, 10765 Moore St., to Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park. Citizens and the Ridgeway family expressed a desire to have Chelsea Park renamed in Jessica’s honor. Majestic Metals replaced the sign at no cost to the city. The park is in the process of being redesigned and will be rededicated in 2013. Photo by Ashley Reimers
INSIDE THE WINDOW THIS WEEK SPECIAL: Our holiday pages celebrate the joys of the season. Pages 4 OPINION: Columnist Michael Alcorn describes deep sadness following shootings. Page 6
SPORTS: Mountain Range finishes 11th at swim meet. Page 20
LIFE: A new take on Dickens’“A Christmas Carol” featured at Heritage Square. Page 8
When we think of loss, socks often come to mind. What happens to socks between the washer and the dryer … or in the dryer itself? It’s not unusual to end washdays with at least one errant sock, sometimes never to be seen again. Keys are other common items that go missing. In fact, this happens so frequently to me that I purchased one of those soundactivated key chains to help me find my keys on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the trigger sound is a whistle — something I’ve never learned to do. Now I have to locate my safety whistle before I can find my keys. Other things get lost, too. One of my treasured black pearl earrings, a gift from the South Pacific island of Moorea. My favorite book of poetry, inscribed by my Auntie Mable more than 30 years ago. And the perfect-sized, carry-on computer rolly bag. Seriously, where could that be? In the end, though, all of this is just stuff. I can replace almost anything if I want to spend the time and the money. Or I can just enjoy the memories, which are often nearly as sweet. Yet we have all experienced losses that seem too hard to bear — the loss of loved ones, the loss of our livelihoods, the loss of our dreams. And where do these losses go? Where do they reside until we are ready to face the fact that they are really gone? What about our recent collective loss, at Sandy Hook in Connecticut? What about our loss of innocence? Most of us associate innocence with children, with a lack of worldliness — a state we start to lose as soon as we begin to acquire wisdom. But I believe innocence is a gem we can carry with us throughout our lives, a way of viewing each other without prejudice, of looking for the potential for good in people and situations. A way of looking at the world without fear. Yet, what happens when this innocence
is torn from us … at any age? Where does our innocence go when families and friends are gunned down in a theater, when a young girl’s murder rips a city apart, when kindergarten teachers lose their own lives trying to shield the children who are also ultimately killed? Where is our innocence now? If we are very lucky, it’s still in us somewhere. It is inextricably linked with our ability to go on, with our willingness — however reluctant — to participate again in society, with our desire to reconnect with the fabrics of our lives. If we are very, very lucky, we find enough left of our own innocence to help others regain theirs, especially our children. And although our innocence — like our socks and our pearl earrings and our books of poetry — may be replaced, it is not without great expense. But we must keep looking. We must find, again, a way of living in the world that allows us some hope, some joy, some peace. Just as we try to remember to put our earrings in a box and our books on the shelf, we must remember to take care of our innocence, so that we may find it when we need it most. Where does our innocence go? It is still within us. “Our hearts are broken. Our spirits are strong.” Andrea Doray is a writer who believes that peace — in the world and in the heart — requires both wisdom and innocence. Contact her at a.doray@andreadoray.com.
WESTMINSTER NEWS IN A HURRY City holiday schedule In observance of Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the following schedule will be in place for city facilities:
Monday, Dec. 24:
City libraries and the Sports Center will be closed. City Park recreation and fitness centers will close at 3 p.m. The MAC, Swim and Fitness Center and the West View Recreation Center will close at noon.
Tuesday, Dec. 25:
All city facilities will be closed.
Monday, Dec. 31:
The libraries and the Sports Center will be closed. The MAC and the Swim and Fitness Center will close at noon. West View Recreation Center and City Park recreation and fitness centers will close at 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 1:
All city facilities will be closed
W 148th Ave
Orchard Pkwy
2013-14 budget now online
Delaware Street
Huron Street
W 148th Ave
W 144th
400 West 144th Avenue Westminster
E 144th
Westminster City Council, on Oct. 22, adopted the city’s 2013-2014 budget, and the document is now available online at www. ci.westminster.co.us. Print copies of the budget will be available starting Jan. 1, in the city clerk’s office
at City Hall, the Irving Street Library and the College Hill Library. Included in the adopted budget are rate increases associated with the utility system to support system maintenance, repair and reinvestment: a 4 percent water and wastewater rate increase for 2013 and 2014, and an increase to the stormwater drainage utility fee from the current rate of $3 per month to $4 per month in 2014, $5 per month in 2015 and $6 per month in 2016. The budget document includes information about programs and services that will be continued into 2013 and 2014. Questions about the city budget should be directed to the city manager’s office at 303-658-2009.
City purchases 29 acres for open space On Dec. 12, the city purchased 29 acres of land for open space south of 108th Avenue between Wadsworth Parkway and Wadsworth Boulevard. The property was purchased from Bonnie Stewart for $836,000 using city of Westminster open-space funds and a grant of $200,000 from the Jefferson County Open Space program. This parcel is undeveloped except for two small homes along 108th Avenue, which will eventually be demolished. Most of the land is native grass land with large cottonwood trees located along 108th Avenue. In the future, a trail will be constructed across this property to connect the Green Knolls subdivision to the future trail planned along Walnut Creek to the south.
HAVE A STORY IDEA? Email your ideas to Westminster Community Editor Ashley Reimers at areimers@ourcoloradonews.com or call her at 303-566-4131.
Westminster Window 5
December 20, 2012
Sigg charged with two new counts Teen faces additional charges, preliminary hearing set for Feb. 22 By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Austin Sigg, the 17-year-old charged with the murder of 10-year-old Jessica
Military Notes Priscilla D. Gomez Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Priscilla D. Gomez, daughter of Martha Ruiz, of Westminster, received a Certificate of Commendation recently while serving with Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 362, Marine Corps Base, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. Gomez participated in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, and Exercise Enhanced Mojave Vipir. She oversaw 724 individual material readiness list assets with a value of $2. 4 million and was essential to the Metrology and Calibration Program by maintaining the 220 calibrated assets and maintained 95 percent readiness. Additionally, Gomez transferred and processed for disposition to the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office more than 800 individual material readiness list assets in supports of the final phase of the CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopter. Gomez is a 2009 graduate of Richmond High School, of Richmond, Calif., and joined the Marine Corps in January 2010.
Ridgeway, faces two additional charges. During a court appearance Dec. 12, the court added a charge of sexual assault/sexual penetration and a charge of crime of violence, bringing Sigg’s number of charges to 19. Sigg Sigg was previously charged with 17 counts, including four counts of first-degree murder for the death of Ridgeway, two kidnapping charges, one count of sexual assault on a child and a rob-
bery charge also connected to the Ridgeway murder. He faces one count of criminal attempt of sexual assault and one count of criminal attempt of kidnapping in connection with the attempted abduction of a woman who was running at Ketner Lake in Westminster May 28. Ridgeway disappeared Oct. 5 while walking to Chelsea Park in Westminster to meet friends before walking to school. Her body was found days later in the Pattridge Park open space area in Arvada. Police received a call from Sigg’s mother that resulted in his arrest. He is being tried as
an adult, and if convicted, could face life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years. Sigg’s next status hearing is 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, followed by a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22. First Judicial District Chief Judge Stephen Munsinger ruled that the public, including the media, will not be allowed inside the courtroom during Sigg’s preliminary hearing. This hearing will determine whether there is sufficient evidence against Sigg to charge him with Ridgeway’s murder.
Missing man’s body found in pond By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com The Westminster Dive Team has recovered the body of a missing man last seen at a Christmas party on Dec. 9 at the Westin Westminster hotel. John Edwards’ body was found around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 in a pond directly in front of the hotel. Initially, only sonar was used to check certain areas of the pond after Edwards, 36 from Arvada, went missing more than a week ago. But due to the family’s level of concern and
improved weather and pond conditions, the Westminster Dive Team re-entered the pond to do a more thorough search, said Westminster Police Investigator Cheri Spottke. At this time police do not suspect foul play, but the cause of death will not be determined until further lab results are received, she added. After Edwards was reported missing, police were concerned that he was intoxicated and may have wandered away from the hotel before drowning in the pond. He was last seen by friends and co-workers around 3 a.m. on Dec. 9 before he was reported missing the next day.
Murder-suicide attempt in Westminster By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Westminster Police are investigating a murder/ suicide attempt that happened Friday night. At about 7 p.m. police received a report of shots fired the Savannah Suites Hotel, 120th Avenue and Mariposa Street in Westminster. Upon arrival, police found two people suffering from gunshot wounds. Antida Archuleta, 20, a clerk
at the hotel, was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect, Seth Wilkinson, 21, was transported to a local hospital. Investigator Cheri Spottke said Wilkinson did survive his injuries, but his condition is unknown. “The victim and the suspect knew each other and had a prior relationship,” Spottke said. “They are both from Brighton.” Detectives are still working on the case, and families of the victim and the suspect do not want to speak to media at this time.
Want more news? For breaking stories, more photos and other coverage of the community, visit our website at www.OurWestminsternews.com the online home of the Westminster Window.
WESTMINSTER WINDOW
(iSSn 1072-1576) (USPS 455-250) Office: 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030 PhOne: 303-279-5541 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Adams County, Colorado, the Westminster Window is published weekly on Thursday by MetroNorth Newspapers, 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WESTMINSTER, COLORADO. POSTMASTeR: Send address change to: P.O. Box 350070, Westminster, CO 80035-0070. DeADLineS: Display advertising: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal advertising: Fri. 11 a.m. classified advertising: Tues. 12 p.m.
February 7, 2013
Pinnacle powered by solar energy
Construction begins on solar project at charter school By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com By April, Pinnacle Charter School in Federal Heights will be equipped with more than 2,000 solar modules, taking the school’s energy savings to the next level. Construction began on the project last week, which is being financed by Distributed Sun, a commercial solar developer and platform service provider out of Washington, D.C. But the idea of solar panel began almost two years ago from science program coordinator Michele King. “This project is part of the school’s Green Initiative program and our STEM curriculum,” she said. “Once that program was started, I decided that the school could also do solar panels.” In order to make the idea a reality, King needed to find a corporate sponsor to fund the project. Distributed Sun stepped up to the challenge. “We are excited to share the news of our partnership with The Pinnacle, and applaud their commitment to sustainable energy at bottom-line savings,” said Jeff Weiss, co-chairman of Distributed Sun. “We are very proud to be a part of the project not only because of the energy savings, but also because of what the project can teach the students. King said the 2,244 solar modules will provide an estimated $14,000 in savings the first year and potentially as much as $1.6 million in lifetime savings. She said the system will serve almost 65 percent of the school’s electricity needs.
Westminster Window 3
‘It’s been a long time coming and I would hope other schools consider going green.’ William Wiener, executive director But what she’s most excited about is the educational aspect of the project. Students at all grade levels will have the opportunity learn about real-time energy savings through monitoring equipment. “Once the panels are up, we can actually pipeline the data into monitors that we will have in our science lab,” she said. “The kids will be able to use the data and see how this is actually working. Plus we will have a kiosk in the school and in the event center with real-time data showing how the solar panels are affecting our electric costs.” William Wiener, Pinnacle Executive Director, said the school’s board was behind the project from the beginning, and considers this venture “one of the landmarks” of his career. “Through our partnership with Distributed Sun and Bella Energy, we’re demonstrating our commitment to alternative energy sources and the need for reducing our carbon-footprint,” he said. “It’s been a longtime coming and I would hope other schools consider going green.” Denver-based Bella Energy is the construction firm taking on the task, building the 662 kilowatt solar electric generation system for the charter school. Completion is anticipated by the end of April.
Len Clement and Mark Ruocco of Bella attach straps to a crane hook to hoist a box of solar panels onto the rooftop at Pinnacle Charter School Thursday, Jan. 31, in Federal Heights. Photo by Andy Carpenean
High court to consider access in Sigg case
Media challenges closed hearing Staff report The Colorado Supreme Court will consider arguments in a request for ac- Sigg cess to the preliminary hearing in the case of Austin Sigg, the teenager accused of killing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway of Westminster. Judge Stephen Munsinger closed the hearing in order to ensure a fair trial and protect the privacy of the victims and their families. But prosecutors and media organizations including the Associated Press, the Colorado Press Association, the Colorado
Broadcasters Association and several other media outlets argue that Munsinger issued his ruling without hearing evidence or considering alternatives to preventing the public from attending a court hearing. Munsinger will have until Feb. 11 to explain to the Colorado Supreme Court why he closed the hearing to the public. Prosecutors and the media organizations will then have until Feb. 19 to reply. Sigg’s preliminary hearing is currently scheduled for Feb. 22. Sigg is facing 19 charges including firstdegree murder, kidnapping and sexual assault on a child in the case of Ridgeway, who was last seen walking to school in Oct. 5, 2012. He is also accused of attacking a woman who was jogging last May in Ridgeway’s neighborhood.
MORE WESTMINSTER NEWS IN A HURRY News continued from Page 2
Westminster hiring for seasonal positions
W 148th Ave
Orchard Pkwy
Delaware Street
HAVE A STORY IDEA?
W 148th Ave
Huron Street
The city of Westminster has a number of job openings for seasonal workers in the areas of parks, golf and recreation. For a complete listing of jobs, deadlines and information on how to apply visit www.ci.westminster.co.us. Seasonal openings include positions for laborers, specialists, park rangers, gate
attendants, retail shop clerks, assistant golf professionals, outdoor pool personnel and summer camp positions. Salaries range from $7.64 to $14 per hour. The minimum age for most jobs is 18, but there are openings for teens as young as 16. Positions are not benefited and vary between part time and full time. Interviews for some positions will begin in February. Most positions begin in April or later.
W 144th
Email your ideas to Westminster Community Editor Ashley Reimers at areimers@ourcoloradonews.com or call her at 303-566-4131.
Check out our website for Great Offers FREE Estimages & Inspections
400 West 144th Avenue Westminster
E 144th
March 14, 2013
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 21
Sigg hearing ongoing By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
Westminster High School students rehearse a song for their musical, “In the Heights.” The show runs March 14-16 at Westminster High School. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Students take a step into NYC By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
F
or the first time, the Broadway musical “In the Heights” will debut on a high school stage. And luckily for the Westminster community, it’s happening in their backyard. The Westminster High School CenterStage Theatre Company is presenting the production of “In the Heights” March 1416. “In the Heights” takes place over the course of three days in the New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights. It focuses on a community of people struggling to live the American Dream, while dealing with the heat of New York City, debt, gentrification, poverty and loss that threatens their dreams. But amidst these struggles, the characters survive the tough times with the help of family, music, home, dreams and dancing.
Theater director Andre Rodriguez is new to Westminster High School this year. He said he chose the musical because it’s the only musical that he knows of that represents the Latino culture in a positive light, with Latino people doing positive things. He said he’s never seen more energy and excitement from a cast in his career. “This is the best cast I have ever worked with in my life,” Rodriguez said. “Not only are the students talented, they are really kind and hardworking and just genuinely hungry to be good.” Erin Ramsey is the set director for “In the Heights.” She said it was a struggle at first to design the set because she had seen the musical a few times. She focused on creating a design that would display what the Washington Heights neighborhood truly looks like. “The design was mine, but the students have built and painted most everything themselves, with some assistance,” she said. “We try to do, keep it as educational
theater. They learn a lot about how hard it is to put up something that looks simple.” Sophomore Faith Angel is playing the role of Nina Rosario. When talking about the musical, her face lights up with excitement. She said this is the best production she’s been a part of, especially because playing Nina Rosario is her dream role. She said hopes people come out to experience the positive journey the characters take in “In the Heights.” “It a huge honor to follow up with a performance of Nina Rosario, because she is one of my highest inspirations, “Angel said. “This is a feel-good musical. At the beginning everyone is struggling to find their home and by the end, everyone feel is very much at home.” “In the Heights” is running March 14-16 at Westminster High School, 6933 Raleigh St. The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $8 for general admission and $10 for reserved seats. To order tickets, call 720542-5415.
Austin Sigg, the teen accused of killing Jessica Ridgeway of Westminster, did not enter a plea during his arraignment hearing on Tuesday, March 12. Instead, Judge Stephen Munsinger continued the hearing for 30 days, allowing Sigg’s defense team more time to investigate possible defenses. Originally, the defense team asked for an addi- Sigg tional two months due to the massive amount of information in discovery. One defense attorney told the judge more time was needed because the team hasn’t thoroughly gone through every piece of discovery, which includes 50,000 pages of information, 2,500 photos and 1,800 pieces of physical evidence. Sigg is now expected to enter a plea April 12. “You have three choices, guilty, not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity,” Munsinger told the defense team. “I will allow you to amend the plea down the road if needed.” Sigg is facing 18 charges, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child. During the preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, Westminster investigator Louis Lopez testified that Sigg confessed to the murder of Ridgeway during a 911 call. Sigg told the dispatcher “I murdered Jessica Ridgeway, I have proof.” He said the remains were in the crawl space at his home, and he was giving himself up completely. Police investigated Sigg’s home in Westminster and found the remains. Lopez testified that Ridgeway’s death was asphyxiation, according to the coroner. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Ridgeway in early October 2012. He is also accused of attempting to abduct a woman jogging around Ketner Lake in May 2012.
Public input sought on changes for Adams County fair Organizers say new demographics spurring adjustments to event By Darin Moriki
dmoriki@ourcoloradonews.com Adams County officials say next year’s county fair could be facing some of its first changes in nearly a decade to ensure the longtime tradition remains viable and successful among residents, vendors and 4-H participants.
Adams County Co-Fair Manager Melanie Snodell said the proposed changes, which would rearrange and consolidate some of the 4-H fair exhibits at the Adams County Regional Park grounds, stems from fairgoers’ comments over the past few years that say there is a lack of animals at the annual fair. “A lot of why that may be is because we are under utilizing some of our spaces but also overusing them as well in some areas,” Snodell said. At issue, Snodell said, is a shift in the types of animals exhibited at the fair — a factor that has also led to a shift in at-
POSTAL ADDRESS
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
tendance numbers to some animal programs. The fair’s large animal program, which includes horses, cattle and pigs, went through several years of declining attendance, while attendance increased at small animal shows. Snodell said the attendance numbers for the fair’s large animal program have leveled off and rebounded over the last two years but has not returned to levels seen about a decade ago. “It takes a lot of room to raise a large animal, so at the end of the day, becomes a very expensive task,” Snodell said. “We’re seeing this growth in our small animal program and that has led to some serious space issues where we house those animals.” To address these issues, Snodell said fair organizers are hosting a series of five public meetings to consider a total of five proposed changes. One of the most significant changes would be reconfiguring one of the barns used during the fair by taking out the horse stalls and installing pipe stalls to move one of the animal shows from the
indoor arena into the barn. The remaining four operational changes includes moving the small animals once housed in the Al Lesser building into the indoor arena; moving the 4-H exhibits from the exhibit hall to the Al Lesser Building; and moving some of the animal shows and sales into the indoor arena from the livestock tent. As a part of these changes, Snodell said the horse shows that are typically held on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday during the fair would be scaled back to two days on Sunday and Monday. No money has been allocated to fund the proposed changes, but Snodell said any approved changes would be subject to a budget approval process. She said the implementation of these changes would also dovetail the fair’s 110th anniversary in 2014. The remaining public meetings to discuss these changes will be held at 6 p.m. April 3, May 1, Oct. 2 and Nov. 6 at the Adams County Regional Park Complex Administrative Offices, 9755 Henderson Road in Brighton.
Westminster Window 5
April 18, 2013
Sigg pleads not guilty to murder of Jessica Ridgeway By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Austin Sigg, the teen accused of murdering 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway, pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder and kidnapping, during his arraignment on Friday. A trial is set to begin on Sept. 20 with jury selection. Sigg is facing 18 charges, including firstdegree murder, kidnapping, sexual assault and sexual exploitation of a child. During the preliminary hearing on Feb. 22, Westminster investigator Louis Lopez testified that Sigg confessed to the murder of Ridgeway during a 911 call. According to a tape played at the preliminary hearing, Sigg told the dispatcher “I murdered Jessica Ridgeway, I have proof.” He said the remains were in the crawl space at his home, and he was giving himself up completely. Police investigated Sigg’s home in Westminster and found the remains. Lopez testified that Ridgeway’s death was asphyxiation, according to the coroner. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Ridgeway in early October 2012 while she was walking to school. He is also accused of attempting to abduct a woman jogging
Home
Continued from Page 4
offer to a home. Moser suggests buyers speak with a lender before even beginning the process of buying a home. Both Aisha and Jelliffe agree. “My biggest tip is to secure the financing before you even start, and once you do, start looking right away,” Aisha said. “The market is in such a place where one day a house was there and literally by that evening it wasn’t.” Darlene Franklin is a licensed mortgage loan originator for America’s Mortgage out of Broomfield. When working with potential home buyers, Franklin said she looks at three mains parts for pre-approval: credit, income debt or income ratio and assets or a down payment amount. “We are looking at pay statements, where a person has worked, their income amount and, of course, their credit score,” she said. “All three parts have to be in line before we can give a loan to a person.” Franklin said in the past, the lending industry was not as strict when it came to documentation. But now every document is verified and everyone is treated equally, even if that person has a credit score of
around Ketner Lake in May 2012. Detective Michael Lynch also testified during the preliminary hearing about an interview he had with Mindy Sigg, Austin’s mother. According to Lynch, Sigg told his mother that he did not rape Jessica. Lynch testified that Sigg told his mother that he grabbed Jessica as she walked by his car, put her in his back seat. Sigg told his mother he Sigg was a monster and that he was also responsible for the attempted abduction of the jogger as well, according to Lynch. Friday’s hearing was a continuation of a March arraignment, which at that time Sigg’s defense team asked for additional time to investigate possible defenses. Defense attorney Katherine Spengler told the judge the team needed the extra time to thoroughly go through every piece of discovery, which included 50,000 pages of information, 2,500 photos and 1,800 pieces of physical evidence. Originally, the defense team asked for an additional two months due to the massive amount of information in discovery, but Judge Stephen Munsinger offered only a 30day extension.
HOME BUYING Median Home Price Increases by percentage in Adams and Jefferson Counties, according to METROLIST®
ADAMS COUNTY 2008- January Negative 8 percent JULY- Negative 15 percent 2009: January- Negative 16 percent JULY- Negative 2 percent
2013: January- 15 percent JEFFERSON COUNTY 2008: January- Negative 3 percent JULY: Negative 5 percent 2009: January- Negative 8 percent JULY- Negative 4 percent 2010: January- 2 percent JULY- 5 percent
2010: Januarys- 12 percent
2011: January- 3 percent
JULY- 10 percent
JULY- Negative 5 percent
2011: January- 0 percent
2012: January- Negative 1 percent
JULY- Negative 4 percent
JULY- 7 percent
2012: January- 0 percent
2013: January- 8 percent
JULY- 14 percent 640, she added. “People say it’s hard to qualify, but I don’t think that way,” she said. “The guidelines have always been there, but now the guidelines are actually being followed instead of steps being skipped.” Franklin said even though lenders are taking a closer look in terms of prequalification, she encourages people who may think they won’t qualify to take a chance. Many times people don’t think they have good enough credit, or don’t make enough money to buy a home but are wrong, she added. “I love helping people achieve their dream of buy-
ing a home and for a lot of people they think it’s not possible, when it is,” she said. “People are surprised all the time when they find out they do qualify. And when a person doesn’t qualify, I can help them with what they need to work on to get themselves there.” Moser also loves helping her clients find that perfect home. She’s been in the real estate business for 10 years, and day after day, she says finds her job rewarding. “I love it because I get to help people find the house with the perfect price that is good for the buyer and good for the seller,” she said. “It’s the greatest job when everybody is happy and everybody got what they are looking for.”
WESTMINSTER WINDOW
(iSSn 1072-1576) (USPS 455-250) Office: 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030 PhOne: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Adams County, Colorado, the Westminster Window is published weekly on Thursday by MetroNorth Newspapers, 7380 Lowell Blvd., Westminster, CO 80030. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WESTMINSTER, COLORADO. POSTMASTeR: Send address change to: P.O. Box 350070, Westminster, CO 80035-0070. DeADLineS: Display advertising: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal advertising: Fri. 11 a.m. classified advertising: Tues. 12 p.m.
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, P.C.
Presents a free educational seminar
Understanding Your Shoulder Pain Given by William
Ciccone II, MD
Fellowship Trained Sports Medicine Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Saturday April 20th, 2013 | 9 -11 am Westminster Recreation Center | Classroom 2 10455 Sheridan Boulevard, Westminster, CO 80020
If you are experiencing shoulder pain or discomfort please join us to learn more about your symptoms and the best course of treatment. Dr. William Ciccone II, MD will be available to answer any specific questions.
Colorado for 25 Years of Support!
Westminster Newsland Closing Sale! New & Old Books
Magazines
2013 Calendars
50% OFF Marked Price 25% OFF Cover Price 50% OFF Marked Price Maps
40% OFF Marked Price
PLUS discounted Adult Products,
Old Magainzes and National Geographic
MAKE AN OFFER ON: Chairs, clocks, racks, carpet runners, plants, signs, fax, etc. Newspapers, Candy & Soda - No Discount
EVER Y M THIN BEF UST GO G ORE E APR ND OF IL!
Great Selection Thru Saturday, April 27 We will not be open after April 30
9295 Federal Blvd. 303.427.8620 ur: se & To u o H n Ope ay 1, M nd 5pm 9am a
An Individualized Education
Class Sizes Too Big? Not Here!
Helping Children to be Exceptional, Accelerated and Creative • Ages 2 ½–14 • Small Class Sizes • Sibling Discounts • Full-day Accredited Kindergarten
• Academic Preschool–Middle School • Individualized Student Learning Plans • Half or full-day Jr. Kindergarten • Swimming, Dance, Spanish & Chinese
7203 W. 120th Ave. Broomfield (303) 469-6449 www.broomfieldacademy.com
Westminster Window 23
May 16, 2013
DNA questions arise in case
By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
Questions concerning DNA contamination were raised during Friday’s motions hearing in the Austin Sigg homicide case. Sigg is accused of murdering 10-yearold Jessica Ridgeway in October in Westminster. Last month he entered a not guilty plea, despite an alleged confession and the discovery of her remains in his home. He faces life in prison with parole after 40 years. According to the prosecution, a con-
tamination memo does not mean contamination did in fact occur, it just means contamination was possible. The 18-year-old’s defense team asked for documents from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation concerning DNA samples taken by bureau in the case. According to the defense team, three contamination memos were produced Oct. 23-26, regarding DNA samples in two cases. Two memos were connected to the DNA in the Jessica Ridgeway case, who was abducted and murdered last October, and one memo was connected to the Kentner Lake jogger case, in which Sigg is accused
of attempting to kidnap a woman over Memorial Day weekend last year. Sigg’s defense team filed a motion for validation of the DNA samples and a review of the machines used to test the samples. The machines haven’t been reviewed since 2010, when CBI began using the machines, but regular maintenance is done and protocols of the machines are met daily. CBI lab director Kathleen Fetherston testified during the hearing describing how the machines work and how DNA contamination is possible. A second motions hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. on June 21.
RECURRING EVENTS Continued from Page 21
RECURRING/THROUGH MAY 26 SPRING EXHIBIT Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art presents its spring exhibit “The Museum of Broken Relationships,” through May 26. Visit bmoca.org, email brokenships@bmoca.org or call 303-443-2122 for information. Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art is at 1750 13th St., Boulder. RECURRING/THROUGH MAY 31 ART EXHIBIT Colorado Visions, a juried
exhibit of works by Colorado artists, is from Monday, April 15, to Friday, May 31, at Westminster City Hall, 4800 W. 92nd Ave. The exhibit is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The show was juried by Colorado artist Cheryl St. John. Meet the artists, enjoy refreshments and listen to live music by the Meadowlarks. Sponsored by the North Metro Arts Alliance and the SCFD. Visit www.nmarts.net.
RECURRING/THROUGH MAY
Bcc
Continued from Page 1
District 3 Commissioner Don Rosier asked the DA if the types of murder cases in Jefferson County were presenting particular challenges.
Chamber Continued from Page 1
parts of this year’s session was getting people to agree on the facts. He noted gun safety as the most decisive issue, one that he dedicated a lot of time working on. The governor quoted some 2012 statistics regarding universal backgrounds checks. He said a total of 2,500 violent people were stopped from
FAMILY CONCERTS The Music Train and
Sheridan. For fees, required materials and other information, contact instructor Paola Whitcomb, 303-463-6021 or whitwords@ comcast.net.
Swallow Hill Music presents the family concert series, at 4 p.m. the second Sunday of each month through May at Swallow Hill Music Association, 71 E. Yale Ave., Denver; and at 4 p.m. the third Saturday of each month through May at the D-Note, 7519 Grandview Ave., Arvada. For information and tickets, visit http://ridethemusictrain.com.
LOOKING AHEAD/JUNE 1
ITALIAN CLASSES Beginning and/or rusty Italian? Classes are offered from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays from May 14 to July 23 at Westminster City Park Rec Center, 10455
THE MOUSETRAP The Player’s Guild at the Festival Playhouse presents “The Mousetrap,” by Agatha Christie, playing May 31 through June 9 at 5665 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada. Call 303-422-4090 or visit www. festivalplayhouse.com. Appropriate for all ages.
Weir said he was not asking for additional staff funding for the Sigg case at this time, but that he may have to in the future. For comparison Weir referenced the Brunco Eastwood case that created $90,000 in court costs to prosecute. Eastwood, who opened fire on stu-
dents at Deer Creek Middle School in 2010, plead not guilty by reason of insanity, which required the DA’s office provide psychological experts to counter that claim. Weir said an insanity defense was a possibility in the Sigg case as well. The state had offered some
financial help — up to $75,000 allocated for expert and special witness expenses. Weir, who took over the DA’s office in January, said highprofile cases, complex mental health prosecutions, and heavy caseloads all make it more important for him to retain experienced and skilled staff.
buying guns including: • 133 people accused or convicted of homicide; • 133 people accused or convicted of sexual assault; • 640 people accused or convicted of burglary; • 420 people who had a judicial restraining order against them. “I have put a lot of time and effort into universal background checks and yet could not get that into a by-partisan bill no matter how hard I worked,” he said.
Hickenlooper also touched on the future of Colorado in terms of business opportunities. He said Colorado is the most collaborative community in the country and one way to help the state continue to grow is by making Colorado “a beacon for young entrepreneurs.” He said the state needs to focus on partnering with entrepreneurs and be the best partner businesses can have. “If we do a good enough job
at supporting everybody, businesses will tell their friends and they will bring more to Colorado,” he said. “We want to make sure these companies become the most successful business in their industry.” Before closing his remarks, the governor also touched on education and the oil industry in Colorado. He asked the audience for their support going forward and thanked the chamber for hosting the Politics and Pints event.
LOOKING AHEAD/MAY 30-31, JUNE 7-8 THEATER SHOW Colorado ACTS presents a community musical production of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” at 7 p.m. May 30-31 and June 7-8 at Colorado ACTS Theater, 9460 W. 58th Ave., Arvada. Call 303-456-6772 or visit www. coloradoacts.org.
RECURRING/THROUGH JULY 20 PAINTED CATS Cat Care Society will raise money with its “Tails of the Painted Cats” tour, which ends Saturday, July 20, at a gala dinner and auction at Pinehurst Country Club. Visit the online gallery at http://www. catcaresociety.org/paintedcatsgallery.html. Visit http://www.catcaresociety.org.
LOOKING AHEAD/MAY 31 TO JUNE 9
RECURRING/THROUGH JULY 23
WANTED: 5 HOMES
TO APPLY MT. STATES COMPOSITE SIDING Be a part of our 2013 Show Homes Campaign and Save! 5 homeowners in this general area will be given the opportunity to have
TANNER GUN SHOW.com 00
$1 FF O
Colorado’s Largest! 500 Tables
MT. STATES COMPOSITE SIDING
Loveland “The Ranch”
Applied to their home with decorative trim at a very low cost. This amazing new product has captured the interest of homeowners throughout the United States who are fed up with constant painting and maintenance costs. Backed with face and lifetime material warranty, and providing full insulation, summer and winter, this product can be installed on every type of home. It comes in a choice of colors and is now being offered to the local market. Your home can be a showplace in your vicinity. We will make it worth your while if we can use your home.
Financing Available WAC “Off er Limited-CALL NOW!”
INSULATED WINDOWS ALSO AVAILABLE For an appointment, please call toll free:
1-888-540-0334 Nationwide Builders
3 Generations of Experience - www.nbcindustries.com
Exit 259 off I-25 • Loveland, CO
May 25 & 26
Saturday 9AM-5PM • Sunday 9AM-4PM
Onsite Concealed Carry Courses Provided by TAC*ONE Consulting.com at every Tanner Gun Show!
TAC*ONE can also provide on site CCW, Tactical Pistol/Rifle training. This is your opportunity to learn from SWAT personnel and provide your friends and family with an experience they will never forget! 720-432-3229 NE
9th Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony set The North Metro Fire Rescue District, the city and county of Broomfield and the Broomfield Veterans Memorial Museum will host the 9th Annual Flag Retirement Ceremony at 5 p.m. June 14 at the Broomfield Amphitheater in Broomfield Community Park, 2nd Avenue and Main Street. NMFR will accept retired flag donations from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until June 13 at its headquarters, located at 101 Lamar St. in Broomfield; and Station 62, 10550 Huron St. in Northglenn, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Commissioner attends meeting in Washington, D.C.
TRAILS DAY Celebrate Arvada’s annual Trails Day by getting outdoors, moving your feet, pedaling your bike or just celebrating being outside from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 1. Learn about Arvada’s bike friendly streets and 125-mile trail system at this free family event, hosted by Majestic View Nature Center and Two Ponds Wildlife Refuge. Free ice cream is provided by Scrumptious and hot dogs will be grilled by the Arvada Fire Protection District. The event is organized by the Arvada Festivals Commission, Majestic View Nature Center, Two Ponds National Wildlife Refuge and the Arvada Parks Advisory Committee. A free shuttle service between Majestic View and Two Ponds is offered, and parking is available at Majestic View Nature Center and at the Medical Center lot on the southeast corner of 80th and Kipling. For information and/or to volunteer, call 720-898-7400 or visit www. arvadafestivals.com.
LOOKING AHEAD
ADAMS COUNTY NEWS IN A HURRY
Adams County Commissioner Charles “Chaz” Tedesco is seeking opportunities to create new jobs in Adams County by attending the Accelerate Colorado’s eighth annual business mission in Washington, D.C., this week Joining Tedesco will be Barry Gore, CEO/President of Adams County Economic Development, and ACED Board Chair Mike McGinnis. Accelerate Colorado is a partnership between business and local governments in Colorado that works with the U.S. Congress and key federal leadership on issues critical to the state’s economic development. The organization’s annual business mission to Washington enables participants to meet one-on-one with key decision makers in an attempt to gain federal support for initiatives that benefit Colorado’s economy. The business mission has experienced success in recent years, including receipt of a $200,000 FAA planning grant for Adams County’s Front Range Airport, which is now in the process of applying for a spaceport designation. Accelerate Colorado was also successful in helping to secure a new satellite office for the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which is estimated to bring as many as 400 jobs and as much as $440 million in economic impact to the greater Denver metropolitan area over five years. This year, the business mission will focus on: • Strengthening Colorado’s aerospace and defense industries, which contribute tens of thousands of jobs to the state’s economy; • Securing funding for research and technology at the Anschutz Medical Campus; • Attracting green energy businesses (i.e. solar technologies) to Colorado to capitalize on our state’s 300 days of sunshine; • Expanding and improving transportation infrastructure (i.e. highway interchanges and light rail service); • Developing water solutions specific to the state’s climate. For more information on the 2013 business mission, visit www.acceleratecolorado.com.
FEMALE LIPITOR PATIENTS There is evidence that women are much more likely to develop diabetes after taking Lipitor for any period of time. This evidence also suggests that once you have diabetes caused by Lipitor, it is permanent. If you or a female loved one has developed diabetes after taking Lipitor, please call us today for a free consultation. We would like to evaluate your claim. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. That is why I would like you to call me. ATTORNEY ROLF EDWARD SHASTEEN SHASTEEN & MORRIS, P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW www.shasteenandmorris.com 840 North 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504 1-800-665-0064 (toll free)
Westminster Window 3
June 27, 2013
Defense raises issues Sigg lawyers question contact with police By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Lawyers for Austin Sigg questioned if police officers legally explained Sigg’s rights when they arrested him at his home last October. Sigg is accused of murdering Jessica Ridgeway of Westminster. Police received a call from Sigg, who they say confessed to the murder. Sigg’s lawyers are hoping to have the judge suppress statements Sigg, 18, made at this time of his arrest when he did not have legal representation. During the Friday June 21 motions hearing, the defense team questioned Westminster police officer Albert Stutson, who was one of the first officers to arrive at Sigg’s home. Stutson, a member of the department’s special enforcement team, testified that he did inform Sigg of his rights soon after he arrived at Sigg’s home. Stutson said after learning Sigg — who was 17 at that time
— informed him of his rights once more in front of Sigg’s mother. Stutson did not testify about any statements Sigg made while Stutson was with him at the home, or during the drive to the police department and while at the police department. The hearing ended without any rulings made by Judge Stephen Munsinger on 26 pending motions, including the defense team’s request to have the trial Sigg moved from Jefferson County and a motion to close future court proceeding to the public. According to court documents, a change of venue is being requested due to “massive and pervasive” media coverage effecting Sigg’s right to a fair trial. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Ridgeway in early October 2012. He is also accused of attempting to abduct a woman jogging around Ketner Lake in May 2012. If convicted, Sigg faces life in prison with a possibility of parole after 40 years. He faces 17 charges, including murder and sexual assault.
INSIDE THE WINDOW THIS WEEK
e -
Community: Campers help those in need. Page 9
e
o
e -
Sports: Legacy High School golfer takes third place in competition. Page 27
Life: Summer at the Center features entertainment at the Arvada Center. Page 25
PERMEX DRIVING SCHOOL NOW OPEN! Classroom and Behind-the-Wheel Training for Teens and Adults We offer classes and driving lessons 6 days a week • Online scheduling • One-on-One driving instruction with highly trained professionals • We offer bilingual instruction (English and Spanish)
COMPETITIVE PRICING AND AN UNMATCHED VALUE PROPOSITION
*
Summer Classes start in June | Please call 303.657.9330 to register
Accredited and Approved by the State of Colorado Department of Revenue
3090 W. 72nd Ave. • Westminster, CO 80030
9:00 am - 8:00 pm M-F • 10:00 am - 3:30 pm Saturday • Closed Sunday
www.pdsdrivertraining.com |
PERMEX Driving School
Westminster Window 7
July 11, 2013
Pursuing happiness, out my back door During last week’s festivities to celebrate our nation’s independence, I spent some time reflecting on our unalienable rights — granted by our Constitution — to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Life and liberty were pretty easy to define. But what about happiness? Is it found through family, career, service, travel, lifelong learning? Is my concept of happiness different than yours? How, and where, do I pursue my happiness? So I decided to look for what makes me happy. In the process, I discovered that my own pursuit of happiness starts right here, right outside my back door, actually. Here are few of may favorites: 1) Visiting Clear Creek where it crosses Kipling Street. In addition to the happy mallards usually cooling off in the little pond on the east side of Kipling, I recently saw a heron standing stately and elegant in the reeds, a glimpse of the magical in an
ordinary setting. 2) Riding the Ralston Creek Trail. On my bike, I glide from shaded stream banks and wooden bridges to residential neighborhoods along West Woods Golf Club to stretches of wildlife habitat out to the reservoir. (Up at the top, I also enjoy the sun with the occasional snake or lizard.) From where I live, I can ride a 16-mile picturesque round trip up and over the reservoir. 3) Enjoying any patio, anywhere. A view of the mountains, a view of the city, a view of my neighbor’s cookout … I can pursue
happiness on a patio and simply bask in the sun, the shade, the sheer delight of something cool to drink and someplace cool to hang out. 4) Taking in Red Rocks, again. Just named the best outdoor music venue in the U.S. by Rolling Stone magazine, Red Rocks is more than an unbeatable place to attend a concert. On my recent visit to the amphitheater — in addition to the familiar-but-always-breathtaking scenic beauty — the sight of dozens (maybe hundreds) of early-morning zealots running the stairs, doing push-ups down the seats, or jumping squats up the seats was as dizzying to me as the view. 5) Looking out from Lookout Mountain. Or looking down from Lookout Mountain. It’s always exhilarating, especially if I’ve just slogged my way up through Chimney Gulch. (I think I’ll hitch a ride with my bike to the top next time and just enjoy the mountain biking downhill.) My most recent car trip up Lookout
Mountain was with a young friend from the Czech Republic who had never been there. It was exceptionally fun to see her surprise and wonder as we wound around to the top. We stopped a couple of times for photos of the city to the east and the mountains to the west. On our way down, as we slowed for a turn, we saw the doe. And she saw us. A road cyclist and another car stopped. In this quiet stretch of time, even in this urban-accessible place, there was a subtle communion. Our Constitution guarantees our right to pursue that which makes us happy, and this particular moment will always remain a piece of my own personal pursuit of happiness. Andrea Doray is a writer who loves Colorado, and likes to share it. She sends her thoughts and wishes to those affected by the wildfires in our state, and elsewhere. Contact her at a.doray@andreadoray.com.
Cousins offer joys in family relationships
When I was growing up we had some “town” cousins who spent lots of time on the farm with us. Noreen and Bob would stay overnight a lot and we had so much fun together. Although we’re now old we still try to get together. Sadly, it’s mostly at funerals that now compel us to renew our cousin relationships.
Come See Us
A few months ago the phone rang and it was a cousin “once removed” whom we hadn’t connected with for several years. Katie from Santa Barbara said she’s on her way to New York but could she stop over in Colorado for two days? Of course we were thrilled, and we made plans for a big barbecue on the Fourth of July with all the families who could come. Katie was pleased that so many could make it.
First Met
We met Katie when she came to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado.
Because she was about the same age as our five children, she spent a lot of free time with us. But eventually she left to go back home. We missed her but as often happens we went on with our lives and the communication lessened. Years went by, except for a few Christmas cards.
Lots to Talk About
We had a lot of catching up to do but it seemed like only yesterday that we were together. She wanted to know more about her grandfather’s side of the family. Her grand-
Judge allows defensive adolescent brain expert
By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
The judge in the Austin Sigg case granted a motion to allow an expert in childhood brain development to testify in court, during Wednesday’s motions hearing Sigg is the teenager accused of murdering 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway of Westminster. The motion was filed by the defense team and will only allow an expert to discuss information relating to adolescent brain development during the trial, with no discussion related to Sigg’s personal brain de-
velopment as a child. During the hearing, Jefferson County District Court Judge Stephen Munsinger told the defense team although he has granted the motion, the report made by the expert on Sigg childhood brain development must relate to the case. “The expert may only give his or her opinion and is there to educate the jury about brain development,” Munsinger said. “The report needs to relate to some piece of evidence and it must relate to the case.”
SEND US YOUR NEWS Colorado Community Media welcomes event listings and other submissions. Please note our new submissions emails. Deadline is noon Fridays. Events and club listings calendar@ourcoloradonews.com School notes schoolnotes@ourcoloradonews. com Military briefs militarynotes@ourcoloradonews.com
Munsinger told the defense team they must disclose the name of the expert by July 17 and the expert’s report by Aug. 5. Leading up to the trial, which is set for early September, there will be many other motions hearings with the next two scheduled for July 18 and 19. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Ridgeway in early October 2012. He is also accused of attempting to abduct a woman jogging around Ketner Lake in May 2012. If convicted, Sigg faces life in prison with a possibility of parole after 40 years. He faces 17 charges, including murder and sexual assault.
General press releases Submit through our website Obituaries obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com Letters to the editor editor@ourcoloradonews.com News tips newstips@ourcoloradonews.com Fax information to 303-426-4209 Mail to 8703 Yates Drive Suite 210, Westminster, CO 80031
father was my “Uncle Brose”. I showed her the autobiography my dad had written and she gleaned a ton of information from it. She had some information already passed down – some was correct, some wasn’t. Yes, our great grandparents came from Detroit to Minnesota. No, the last baby did not weigh 18 pounds Uncle Brose, the last of 18 children born of the union, did weight 14 pounds at birth and Grandmother Beste died at age 43 after birthing all those children. Katie spent a lot of time reading about this large Beste clan and wanting to know more.
Too Fast
Of course the couple of days we spent together went by too fast and through tears
we said goodbye and she vowed to bring her mother next time. Her mother, Mary, is my first cousin, daughter of Uncle Brose and Auntie Celeste. It was just amazing to learn how alike our families are and how precious cousins are. We will never let so many years slip away between visits again. We’ll keep the cousins in our thoughts prayers and actions as we live out the rest of our days. Stay well, stay involved and stay tuned. Vi June is past Democratic state representative for House District 35. She is a former mayor of Westminster and a former newspaper publisher. A Westminster resident for more than four decades, she and her husband, Bob, have five grown children and eight grandchildren.
OBITUARIES BARR
Michael P. Barr
January 15, 1959 - June 27, 2013
Michael P. Barr, 54,a retired Westminster Police Officer, passed away on June 27, 2013. Services at St. Dominic Catholic Church at 29th and Federal on July 15, 2013 at 10:00 AM. Internment at Ft. Logan Full details at storkfamilymortuary.com
Private Party
Funeral Homes
Visit: www.memoriams.com Contact: Viola Ortega 303-566-4089 obituaries@ourcoloradonews.com
Did you know... Colorado Community Media was created to connect you to 23 community papers with boundless opportunity and rewards. We now publish: Adams County Sentinel, Arvada
Press, Castle Rock News-Press, Centennial Citizen, Douglas County News-Press, Elbert County News, Englewood Herald, Foothills Transcript, Golden Transcript, Highlands Ranch Herald, Lakewood Sentinel, Littleton Independent, Lone Tree Voice, North JeffCo Westsider, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Parker Chronicle, Pikes Peak Courier View, South Platte Independent, Teller County Extra, Tri-Lakes Tribune and Tribune Extra, Westminster Window and Wheat Ridge Transcript
Local Focus. More News.
19 newspapers. 21 websites. Connecting YOU to your LOCAL community. OurColoradoNews.com 303-566-4100
July 25, 2013
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 40
Judge rules to separate Sigg cases Individual trials for Ridgeway murder and Ketner Lake kidnap attempt By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com Austin Sigg, the 18-year-old accused of murdering Jessica Ridgeway, appeared in court last week for two days of motions hearings. The hearings on July 18-19 covered a variety of issues, one resulting in the severance of charges involving the murder of Jessica Ridgeway from an attempted kidnapping charge involving a woman jogger in May 2012, whom Sigg allegedly attacked.
Originally the judge ruled to try all charges in one case, but after lengthy testimony from the defense on July 19, District Court Chief Judge Stephen Munsinger ruled to have separate trials, one for the charges involving Ridgeway including the murder charge and sexual exploitation charge, and one for the Ketner Lake jogger charges. The judge did not rule on which trial would happen first, or set a specific date on the attempted kidnapping Ketner Lake trial. Sigg The trial concerning the murder of Ridgeway was set for Sept. 20. The criminal counts for the Ridgeway case will not be allowed to be used during the Ketner Lake trial to allow Sigg to have a fair trial. But the prosecution in the Ridge-
way case may use the Ketner Lake accusations in their case. The judge also ruled that the prosecution can use introduce evidence that Sigg was using a computer to search and view child pornography as well as searching for other graphic information and images for over a year before Ridgeway’s murder. The prosecution told the judge they had found search terms on the computer such as child rape, torture, murder and dismemberment. Although the defense argued this evidence was irrelevant to the trial and was inflammatory, the judge ruled in favor of the prosecution. “The evidence is relevant and relates to the case,” Munsinger said. Earlier during the July 19 hearing, the judge denied a defensive motion that would have withheld the jogger’s identification of Sigg for the trial.
The jogger in the attempted kidnapping case, who was only referred to by her initials, V.N., testified that she had in fact picked Sigg’s photo out of a six-photo array. She said she wasn’t 100 percent the person in the photo was her attacked but she knew the photo had very similar characteristics to her attacker. The defense argued that the Sigg’s photo in the lineup was suggestive because there was a different background light used in photo, he was the only person wearing stripes and he was only one out of two people not wearing black. Munsinger disagreed and allowed the photo identification to be used in the trial.
July 18 hearing
For the first time, Sigg’s mother Mindy Sigg took the stand during the July 18 Sigg continues on Page 21
Whipping it up
Cycla employee Chris Suppes using a compacting machine to bale clothing in the Cycla warehouse. Cycla, a professional recycling company in Federal Heights, was recently named a Colorado Company to Watch. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Cycla one to watch Federal Heights recycling company named a Colorado Company to Watch By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com For 40 years Patricia McCully worked in the thrift store business. It was her time and experience in that field that led to her next business venture in 2007 when she opened Cycla LLC in Federal Heights: An environmentally conscious recycling management company that connects buyers and sellers throughout the world to help them dispose of recyclable material. McCully’s business focuses on servicing thrift stores all over the world with their exA new art piece called Wild Ice has been installed at the Ice Centre at the Promenade in Westminster. The cess inventory. She also provides services bronze sculpture was done by Gregg Todd of Greeley and displays life-size children playing crack the whip to industries with post-consumer materion the ice. Another piece of art recently installed is called You Are Here, and is an abstract sculpture at the als and textile recycling needs, nonprofit Trimble Navigation building in the Westmoor Technology Park. That piece was done by artist Kathleen Caricof textile collection programs and commercial of Loveland, and features three folded, triangular metal pieces of different sizes that rise up from the ground laundries in hotels and correctional facilito form a circle. Photo by Ashley Reimers ties needing to retire linens and uniforms. She works closely with Recycle That LLC, a nonprofit organization that provides donation boxes throughout the community for POSTAL ADDRESS easy recycling of clothing, shoes, fashion accessories, books, CDs and DVDs. “I opened Cycla because I already knew what needed to happen with textile recyPrinted on recycled newsprint. Please cling on the back end because I had been recycle this copy. working for years on solutions for clients and their recycling needs,” she said. “Recycling is big for thrift stores because they don’t sell everything. They sell their unsold items to us and we then sell the items to the secondary market.”
McCully’s unique business in recycling caught the eye of Colorado Companies to Watch program director Sam Baily, who announced last month that Cycla was chosen as a Colorado Company to Watch. “Colorado Companies to Watch is pleased to recognize Cycla as a 2013 Winner. Cycla has redefined recycling and identified new opportunities within the thrift store market,” Bailey said. “In addition, they have made investments in nonprofit organizations through their work with Recycle That. Cycla’s growth and commitment to the community make it an outstanding company in Colorado.” McCully admits she was quite surprised with the honor, but very excited to be recognized. She said she’s thrilled to be put in a category of companies identified for leadership, innovation and impact. McCully said Cycla couldn’t have made it this far without the commitment and dedication of her business partners and employees. To McCully, recycling is a no-brainer, a passion she’s had her entire life. With Cycla she is hoping to pass along some of her recycling efforts to the community. “Right now nationwide, 85 percent of everything in a household that is recyclable, as far as textiles, is going into a landfill,” McCully said. “So there is huge potential for home owners to recycle more, they just have to have the ability and know where to go, and that can be through thrift store or donations boxes. Just don’t throw it away because anything is recyclable if it’s a textile.” For more information on Cycla, or ways to recycle textile materials, visit www.cyclallc.com.
Westminster Window 21
July 25, 2013
Let the games begin
Lifeguards show their spirit during the spirit competition during the annual Lifeguard Games on July 14 at Water World in Federal Heights. Hundreds of lifeguards came out to the games to also compete in the medley relay, multi-victim rescue relay, rescue tube relay with waves, inner tube relay, obstructed airway scenario and fastest lifeguard contest. The team winners overall were: the Ken Caryl team in first place, the Lafayette team in second place, the Golden team in third place and the Water World team in fourth place. Courtesy photo
YOUR WEEK & MORE THURSDAY/JULY 25
FRIDAY/JULY 26
WINE TASTING The annual Indulge wine tasting event for CASA of Adams and Broomfield Counties is Thursday, July 25, and will include plenty of wine tasting, food, music, silent auction, chocolate desserts, live auction and more. Tickets are now available. Contact bcjayhawk68@gmail.com.
GOLF TOURNAMENT The fifth annual St. Joan of Arc Golf 4 Life tournament is Friday, July 26, at Hyland Hills Golf Course, 9650 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster. Call 303-279-3003. The event includes the tournament, lunch and an auction. Proceeds benefit pro-life programs in Arvada and Denver, and St. Joan of Arc capital projects.
THURSDAY/JULY 25 CONCERT SERIES Bring the whole family to McIlvoy Park,
5750 Upham St. in Olde Town Arvada, for concerts and performances that are part of the Apex Summer Concert Series. Enjoy rhythm, blues and funk by Mojomama at 7 p.m., Thursday July 25. Call 303-425-9583.
FRIDAY/JULY 26, Aug. 2 FRIDAY FUN Youth entering fifth through ninth grades this fall can go on a trip from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday all summer as part of Friday Fun Days. On July 26, spend the morning at the Big Time Trampoline Fun Center before swimming at the Northglenn Recreation Center in the afternoon. Bring a sack lunch, swimsuit and water, and make sure to wear athletic clothing. Register by July 24. On Aug. 2, take a trip to Family Sports Center to ice skate, play laser tag, scale the climbing wall and more. Pack a sack lunch and wear athletic clothing. Register by July 31. Meet at the Northglenn Recreation Center, 11801 Community Center Drive. Call 303-450-8800 or go to www.northglenn.org/recxpress.
Sigg Continued from Page 1
motions hearing. She was questioned by both the prosecution and the defense and spoke about the day her son Sigg confessed to killing Ridgeway. She said her son wanted to surrender to police and “be punished for what he had done.” Mindy Sigg also testified that she called police “to let someone know what my son had done” the evening of Oct. 23. Defense attorneys are arguing that Sigg and his mother were not properly advised of his rights and are pushing to exclude statements from trial that Sigg made to detectives and officers immediately after his arrest. Mindy testified that she told dispatch her son was only 17-years-old, but upon ar-
FRIDAY TO Sunday/July 26-28 CAMP COMFORT Mt. Evans Home Health & Hospice’s 2013 Camp Comfort is July 26-28. This award-winning bereavement camp, located in the Rocky Mountains just west of Denver, is a way for children ages 6-12 to explore their feelings of grief and share memories of their loved ones. The cost to attend Camp Comfort, including all workshops, recreation, meals, snacks, and overnight accommodations, is $150. Scholarships are available based on financial need. For more information, or to receive a brochure, visit www.CampComfort.org or call Mt. Evans at 303-674-6400. SATURDAY/JULY 27 5K WALK Arvada Walks for Kids presented by Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis is Saturday, July 27. The 5K Family Walk starts at 9 a.m. at the Lake Arbor Park/Lake, 6400 Pomona Drive. Register by July 15 to be guaranteed a T-shirt. Refreshments provided. Activities at the event include a fire department display, Jungle Mobile for kids, and community booths. Visit www.ajkiwanis. com.
rival offices didn’t realize he was under age and had to tell Sigg his rights a second time after gaining permission from his mother. After the arrest, Sigg and Mindy were transported to the Westminster Police Department separately. Mindy testified that she gave permission to detectives that they could interview Sigg alone, as long as he was okay with it, which he was. After being transported to police headquarters, Mindy testified that she did not see her son for the rest of the evening. During the hearing Munsinger did not rule on the motions to exclude the statements. Sigg is accused of kidnapping and killing Ridgeway in early October. He is also accused of attempting to abduct a woman jogging around Ketner Lake in May 2012. If convicted, Sigg faces life in prison with a possibility of parole after 40 years. He faces 17 charges, including murder and sexual assault. Sigg’s next motions hearing is set for Aug. 7.
23 Community papers & websites. 400,000 readers.
ON THE HORIZON
B OYS GO LF AUG 15
X C O U NT RY AU G 15
S O FT B A L L AU G 15
B OYS TE N N I S AUG 2 2
PR E VI E W T HE FALL S P OR T S SEASON W I TH 3 W E E KS OF P R EP C OV ERAGE BEG I N N I NG AUGUST 15
B OYS S O C C E R AUG 2 2
VO L L E YB A L L AU G 2 2
GYMN A S TICS AU G 2 2
F OO TB A L L AU G 2 9
FALLSPORTS 2013 PREVIEW
August 15, 2013
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 43
Medical experts to testify in Sigg case Next court date set for Aug. 29 By Ashley Reimers areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
A Faire to remember
The Home Depot workshop tent was a popular place for the little ones during the Westminster Faire on Saturday at City Park. Children also enjoyed carnival games and bouncing houses during the faire. Photo by Ashley Reimers
STEM school prepares for opening day By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews. com This was not the typical summer for Anthony Matthews, principal of Colorado STEM Academy in Westminster. The former Flynn Elementary principal has been very busy the past few months working to prepare the new STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) school in Adams County School District 50. With the first day of school just around the corner — classes start on Aug. 19 — Matthews is excited to finally open the doors of the Colorado STEM Academy to 200 students in grades three through six for the first year. After the initial year, the school will increase in size to 250 students, followed by a build-out of 300 students by the 2015-16 school year with students in grades three through eight. For months, renovations have been made to the old Crown Pointe Academy building at 72nd Avenue and Irving
Street in Westminster, getting the building ready for its new focus. Matthews said the majority of the renovations have taken place in the west wing, and include the design and construction of larger classrooms, and science and engineering labs. “We have two big labs, a design lab and a build lab that will be utilized by all of the students,” he said. “The design lab includes a 3D printer and scanner, and a laser engraver. Our build lab has a variety of tools for the students to use to build items for projects and assignments.” Every classroom will have 15 iPads and 15 Chromebooks, and will be equipped with SMART Boards and a SMART sound system. Matthews said classrooms will also have some desktop computers, and the furniture will allow for a more collaborative approach to learning. “We purposely bought desks that could be maneuvered into different-sized groups so that the teachers have the freedom to set up their classroom the way they want to allow for their
Colorado STEM Academy, the first STEM school in Adams County School District 50, is opening on Aug. 19 and will feature a build lab equipped with power tools and other tools for student-use. Photo by Ashley Reimers students to be able to work collaboratively together,” he said. Edgar Lista, the technol-
POSTAL ADDRESS
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
ogy education and engineering teacher at Colorado STEM Academy, said he is excited about collaborative teaching. Lista, who is new to the district and comes from the Douglas County School District, jumped at the opportunity to work in a smaller school where he could continually work with the same students from third grade to eighth grade. He said it’s exciting to work STEM continues on Page 16
Two expert witnesses were approved by District Court Chief Judge Stephen Munsinger during the Aug. 7 Austin Sigg motions hearing. Sigg, 18, is accused of kidnapping and killing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway, of Westminster, in October. He is also accused of attempting to abduct a woman jogging around Ketner Lake in May 2012. The judge ruled that Dr. Tracey Corey, a forensic pathologist, and Dr. Kathryn Wells, a pediatrician who specializes in child abuse, would have the opportunity to testify in court on the prosecution’s behalf. Both women testi- Sigg fied during the Aug. 7 hearing in Jefferson County court, describing their qualifications and involvement in the Ridgeway case. Corey, who testified via Skype, is the chief medical examiner for the state of Kentucky. She also works with the FBI and was called in to assist in the Ridgeway case. She was a consultant in the case with the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Wells, who testified in person, works for Denver Health and is the medical director at the Denver Family Crisis Center. She was asked by the prosecution to review case evidence regarding possible sexual assault. Jessica’s mother, Sarah Ridgeway, stepped out of the courtroom while the women described Jessica’s injuries. “I was asked to render an opinion of the forensic findings in the case,” Corey said. “My opinion was that there was evidence of blunt traumatic injury consistent with sexual assault.” Corey also testified that, based on her observations, Jessica’s body was dismembered after her death. The judge also ruled that statements made by Sigg and his mother over the phone when the mother called police will be admissible during the trial. Jury summonses were sent out the week of the hearing, and jury questionnaires will begin Sept. 20. Opening statements in the trial are scheduled to begin Oct. 3. The trial date for the Ketner Lake case was also set during the hearing and is scheduled for Jan. 13. Sigg’s next court appearance is Aug. 29. If convicted, he faces life in prison with a possibility of parole after 40 years. He faces 17 charges, including murder and sexual assault.
August 22, 2013
50 cents
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourwestminsternews.com
Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 44
Cabela’s opens Store is part of larger retail development in north Thornton By Tammy Kranz
tkranz@ourcoloradonews.com
About 140 volunteers came together to install mulch at the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park on Saturday during a volunteer day with the city of Westminster. Photos by Ashley Reimers
Ridgeway park close to completion Community banding together for new playground By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
As the one-year anniversary of Jessica Ridgeway’s death draws near, the residents of Westminster continue to band together to support one another in the community’s loss. The most recent effort was a volunteer day at Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park, where 140 volunteers worked to complete some finishing touches. For months work has been done on the park, which was formerly known as Chelsea Park, at 10765 Moore St., and soon it will be complete and open to the public. On Aug. 17, volunteers worked in two-hour shifts, spreading safety-surface mulch throughout the park. Patti Wright, volunteer coordinator for the city of Westminster, said the project was not an easy one; volunteers put down 560 cubic yards, laying it 12 inches deep. “It was a lot of work, but I know with the volunteers we had that it would be done,” she said. “I also wasn’t a bit surprised to have so many people volunteer their time because the city volunteers always do such great work.” During the previous weekend, Wright said, all of the new playground equipment was installed by 40 volunteers and city staff. The old equipment was donated to Kids Around the World, an organization that refurbishes playgrounds to be used in countries overseas. “People have really come together to make this happen, and it feels good to see everything come together like it has,” Wright said. Ridgeway continues on Page 20
The international outdoor outfitter and retailer Cabela’s opened the doors of its Thornton store on Aug. 15. “We’re very excited in Thornton to get Cabela’s open for the public,” said Thornton Mayor Heidi Williams. “We know Cabela’s is a great anchor store for The Grove, and we anticipate it being a draw for customers from throughout the Front Range and even from neighboring states.” The store serves as an anchor at the 63-acre retail development called The Grove, at the southeast corner of 144th Avenue and I-25. The Grove is projected to have 290,000 square feet of hospitality and retail space in addition to Cabela’s 90,000-square-foot store. The development is being led by St. Louis-based real estate developer THF Realty. “This will really change Thornton and this whole region,” said THF Realty cofounder Michael Staenberg in Cabela’s continues on Page 20
Some finishing touches were made at the Jessica Ridgeway Memorial Park on Saturday in Westminster as 140 people came together to install thousands of pounds of mulch during a volunteer day with the city of Westminster.
Cabela’s new retail store in Thornton is part of a larger retail development called The Grove. Photo by Tammy Kranz
D50 board places mill-levy override question on ballot
Duffy: No guarantee finance reform efforts will be successful
By Ashley Reimers
areimers@ourcoloradonews.com
Voters in the Adams County School District 50 will have a decision on their hands come this November: whether or not to approve a mill-levy override. On Aug. 13, the school board unanimously approved a resolution placing a POSTAL ADDRESS
$5.25 million mill-levy override question on the Nov. 5 ballot. The increase of 10 mills would cost taxpayers $7.96 per month on a home valued at $100,000, for a total of less than $96 per year. In July the board signaled to voters its intent to move forward with the override. “While Colorado is strategically moving ahead in finance reform, there is no guarantee that those efforts will be successful,” said District Administrator James Duffy. “If our current school-finance situation remains unchanged, the district will have to continue to have to
pay back any short fallings from the state by using operating expenses or reserves, which are one-time funds and once spent are depleted.” Steve Saunders, communications director for the district, said this is the first mill-levy override put before the voters since 2002, and if approved, will make up for a dramatic reduction in state funding. The district currently receives about $6,900 from the state per student, which dropped from $7,500 four years ago, he said. “To make up the difference and maintain educational programming over the past several years, the Board of Education dipped into its fund balance,” Saunders said. Discussions about a mill-levy override Printed on recycled newsprint. Please began last year during a study session in recycle this copy. December when the Adams County School District 50 fiscal oversight committee suggested the school board consider an override question for next November’s election. At that time, committee member Bill Christopher said after the board had to reach into the reserve fund and pull out $4.4
million to balance the 2012-13 budget, the mill-levy-override option is something the board needed to consider. “We have done bond refinancing, which helps, but we have to think about the future,” Christopher said at the time “The mill-levy increase is an important step that needs to be done in the next couple of years. And it’s something the school board has to decide whether they want to embrace it.” The ballot language focuses on four key objectives: providing students with instruction and basic skills for success in college and the work place, keeping highly qualified teachers and staff in the classroom, providing each child access to comprehensive education, and providing funds to implement necessary improvements that are conducive to the health and well-being of students. District 50 voters will already be headed to the polls in November when two seats on the board open up — those of board president Marilyn Flachman, who is term limited, and Sharon Whitehair, who is not running for re-election.
20 Westminster Window
Ridgeway Continued from Page 1
Vanessa DeMott and her daughter, Layla Iverson, were just two of the many volunteers working in the heat Saturday. Iverson was a classmate of Jessica’s since the third grade. She had a role in the design of the park, and her suggestion to include a chrysalis piece in the park’s final design was accepted. “Before Oct. 5., Jessica was going to do a report on dragonflies, and she was fascinated with butterflies,” Iverson said. “So I had the idea to have a chrysalis in the park. And here it is.”
Parker Continued from Page 20
8725 or hkleeman@gvrgolf.com for more details or visit www.gvrgolf.com. Each membership paid in full within three months of sign-up will receive a 5 percent discount.
Yes they can Can it be done? Boulder’s Redstone Meadery certainly “can can.” That why Redstone is canning three flavors of its carbonated “Nectar” in 500-milliliter (16.9-ounce) cans. Redstone began shipping to national distributors earlier this month. Redstone Meadery started making mead 12 years ago and is the nation’s second-highest total producer on a volume basis, Redstone makes 16 flavors of mead and was the first to create a line of draft mead in kegs. “We have seen the acceptance that craft beers in cans has received, and we wanted people to be able to take mead on camping trips, into venues and to other places that prohibit glass
August 22, 2013 When the opportunity to volunteer for the park popped up, DeMott said, she knew instantly that she wanted to be involved and bring along her daughter and her husband. She said she appreciated the fact that the city is allowing the community to be part of the park process because in a way “everyone is able to grieve the loss together.” “Jessica was a part of this community and a part of our life, and it means so much to be able to do this,” she said. Not only have people in the community donated time, but also thousands of dollars to pay for the new park. One major donation to the $450,000 park was a $50,000 grant from Colorado Garden Show Inc.
Many other agencies and individuals, including Jefferson County, have made donations for the park that will be an enduring memorial to a girl whose joyful spirit touched so many. A formal park dedication ceremony will be announced by the city when a date is established. Jessica was last seen by her mother on Oct. 5 as she was walking to school. She was on her way to the park to meet a friend before heading to school when she was abducted by Austin Sigg and later killed. Sigg has admitted to the abduction and the murder, but has pleaded not guilty. Opening statements in Sigg’s trial are scheduled for Oct. 3, just two days before the oneyear anniversary of Jessica’s disappearance.
bottles,” said David Myers, owner and founder of Redstone Meadery. Three flavors — black raspberry Nectar, the apricot-flavored Sunshine Nectar, and Nectar of the Hops — will be available nationally in 500ml cans. For more information, visit www. redstonemeadery.com or call 720-4061215.
Morrison. “1964: The Tribute” comes to Red Rocks at 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets are $30 and available at www.ticketmaster. com, all Ticketmaster centers or call 800-745-3000. Tickets also are available at www.cpt12.org, or by calling 303-296-1212. The concert benefits Colorado Public Television 12.
Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival is back
One of Mr. On The Town’s favorite events, the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival, is back, 1-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24. VIP ticket holders can enter the event at noon. The cigar fest is being held in the outdoor plaza behind the Millennium Harvest House at 1345 28th St. in Boulder. For just $110 a ticket, cigar lovers will receive 30 cigars, eight taster drinks, a souvenir glass and bag, cutter, lighter and a free meal. For more information about the festival, visit www.rmcigarfestival. com.
`Beatles’ are back … sort of
The Beatles’ lone concert appearance in Colorado came in August 1964 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in
Overheard Eavesdropping on a driver in Aurora passing a run-down car with sun-beaten paint and tape covering holes in the convertible top: “I would say that car has seen better days, but it’s a Chrysler. I don’t know of any Chrysler that’s seen better days.” Penny Parker’s “Mile High Life” column gives insights into the best events, restaurants, businesses, parties and people throughout the metro area. Parker also writes for Blacktie-Colorado.com. You can subscribe and read her columns (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) at www.pennyparker.blacktiecolorado.com. She can be reached at penny@blacktie-llc.com or at 303619-5209.
Cabela’s held its grand opening Aug. 15 at its new retail store at The Grove, 144th avenue and Interstate 25, in Thornton. Thousands of people flocked to the store over the weekend, and hundreds showed up the evening before as this photo shows. Photo by Tammy Kranz
Cabela’s Continued from Page 1
October when the store broke ground. “Cabela’s will draw people from 50 to 100 miles away and bring people who haven’t come to Thornton.” Cabela’s also held the grand opening last week for its Lone Tree location. The store already has a site in Grand Junction. In addition to thousands of outdoor products, Cabela’s features a gabled entry façade, fireplace, Gun Library, Bargain Cave, Fudge Shop, and a mountain replica with North American game animals re-created in their natural habitat.
GET SOCIAL WITH US The Westminster Window wants to share the news. Check out and like our page on facebook. Search for Westminster Window. While you are there search for Colorado Community Media's page too.
Exempla Wellmore Family Practice welcomes
Dr. Erika Burke & Dr. Maria Straub Erika Burke, MD, received a medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed her residency at Exempla Saint Joseph Family Medicine. Dr. Burke’s areas of clinical interest include women’s health, preventative medicine, pediatrics and sports medicine. She is a member of the American Medical Association and American Academy of Family Physicians, and enjoys SCUBA diving, snowboarding, reading, travel, cooking and photography. “As a family doctor you get to take care of patients throughout their lifetime. I think one of the most rewarding aspects is getting to establish a great relationship with your patients. The system can often be overwhelming, and I want to be an advocate for my patients, someone they can trust to help them improve their health.”
www.exempladoctors.org Most insurances accepted
Maria Straub, MD, is board certified in family medicine. She received a medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and completed her family practice residency at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Straub enjoys the entire spectrum of providing medical care. She is married with two greyhounds and one cat, and enjoys spending time gardening, cooking and being with her family. “Getting to know my patients very well over the long term is one of the best things about being a family practice doctor. I listen to my patients and that is where the partnership of the doctor-patient relationship begins and how it continues. It is indeed a privilege for me to be a part of my patients’ lives.”
7777 West 38th Ave., Ste. A-118 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 P. 303-403-7381 F. 303-403-7392
Erika Burke, MD Jennifer Kubista, MD Maria Straub, MD Julie Shaw, NP
Hours Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Dr. Burke and Dr. Straub are accepting new patients.