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one ruled by impulses, When Laws Are Respected, than feelings, and power.

In honoring the law, we Democracy Thrives honor each other and keep Democracy is not held together by buildings, ballots, or speeches. It is held together by something quieter and far more fragile: a shared respect for the rule of law.

Laws are often inconvenient. They ask us to slow down when we are in a hurry, to pay what we owe, and restrain our impulses when cutting corners feels easier. Yet those small acts of obedience are not about submission; they are about stewardship. They are the daily choices that say, “I believe this society and country are worth preserving, even when it costs me something.”

The law is the great equalizer in a democratic system. It is the promise that no one is above it and no one is beneath it. Without that promise, democracy quickly decays into favoritism, fear, and force.

When laws are ignored or selectively followed, power shifts away from the people and toward the loudest voice, the strongest fist, or the deepest pocket. History shows us that when respect for law increases, liberty follows.

Respecting law and order does not mean believing every law is perfect. Democracies are living systems, shaped and reshaped over time. Laws have been challenged, amended, and improved precisely because people respected the process even as they questioned the outcome. The civil rights movement did not reject the rule of law; it sought to change it, insisting that the nation live up to its own principles. True reform grows from engagement, not disregard.

Law and order create the conditions where trust can exist. Trust that contracts will be honored. Trust that disputes can be resolved without violence. Trust that tomorrow will not be governed by chaos. Parents trust that their children can walk to school safely. Business owners trust that effort will be rewarded, not stolen. Communities trust that wrongdoing will be addressed, not ignored. That trust is the invisible infrastructure of democracy.

When the law is respected, order is not oppressive; it is liberating. It allows creativity, innovation, and dissent to flourish because people know the boundaries that protect them. Freedom without law is not freedom at all; it is uncertainty, a constant fear that rules will change based on who holds power in the moment.

Following the law is an act of humility. It is an acknowledgment that no single

individual’s desires outweigh the collective good. It is a recognition that democracy depends not just on rights, but on responsibilities.

Every time we obey a law we dislike, report wrongdoing we could ignore, or resolve conflict through lawful means, we are casting a quiet vote for stability and justice.

Democracy does not collapse all at once. It frays slowly when laws are mocked, ignored, and disrespected, enforcement is dismissed, and order is treated as optional. Respect for law and order is not blind loyalty to authority; it is loyalty to the idea that a society governed by agreed-upon rules is better

democracy alive. In this country, if you do not like the law or feel it is unjust, you need to get involved, reach out to your elected leaders, and seek to change it. One needs to make their voices heard through peaceful protests, petitioning leaders, creating coalitions, offering better ideas, and doing the research necessary to make a compelling argument for change. And… the best way to change what you disagree with is to vote!

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, independence, and the establishment of the best democratic process on the planet, it was only possible because individuals have had the courage to engage and make our democracy work. joneen@narme.org

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C NVERSATIONS ARAPAHOE COUNTY All County offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Cottage Food Safety Learn food safety guidelines and specifics of operating a cottage food business from a home kitchen.

The next online class will be held Jan. 23, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Register now at https://bit.ly/CSUCottageFoods Sign up now!

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Visit arapahoegov.com/osmasterplan to read the DIVE summary report.

WEEK OF JAN 12

Opinion

PAGE 4 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

The Villager

Office: 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016 • (303) 773-8313 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Arapahoe County, Colorado. (USPS 431-010) Published weekly by The Villager Publishing Co., Inc. 22095 E. Chestnut Place, Aurora 80016. Available for home or office delivery by

Old Fashioned Advice

Controversy reigns everywhere, take your pick of TV channels, you will find a wide range of news and opinions on many issues. We live in a nation that believes in freedom of speech and the press. The major point that many people don’t understand is that you can say, or write, whatever you wish, but you are responsible for your statements, written or vocal.

The internet has created a plethora of opinions and inaccurate information. Many of us in the communication business have to stand behind what we write or say. There is some credibility left in local news, especially weekly newspapers in local communities. The nations population is badly divided over some major issues. There doesn’t seem to be much compromise among folks with strong opinions. As we enter a midterm election year with many state and federal contests, fasten your seat belts. Make your vote count! *** While there are many controversial news items this week, I found MAHA, standing for “Make America Healthy Again” new agenda announced by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins very inter-

esting. They have issued a helping move the digestive new 2025-30 U.S. Dietary process to a happy concluGuide. Kennedy has been sion. When I told this to my quoted by the Associated sister-in-law, she explained, Press stating, “My message is “That’s exactly what my docclear, eat real food.” He has tor told me.” been stressing for months to The new food chain is clean up our food chain with simple; the new document is removing sugars, only 10 pages, reduced dyes, and preservafrom a 164-page docutives from a long list ment issued in 2020. It of highly processed appears to push whole foods that Americans grains, fruits, vegetalove to eat. He is bles, meat and stays a big advocate for away from highly proexercise and making BY BOB SWEENEY cessed foods. In recent Americans healthy by PUBLISHER years I have paid more more physical activiattention to food labels ties. I applaud his efforts and printed in small type someI think that improving the where on the product. If you food pyramid is essential to read these labels, take a look better health. I’ve heard for at what you’re eating; corn years the advice… “You are syrup along with high sodium what you eat.” I love those content. cokes, french fries, and poI can relate two stories tato chips, along with a fresh impacting my interest in donut, so do many Amerioats. During my youthful cans. ranch days, we would ride The new program takes our horses hard during the a new stand against “highmonth of June, moving cattle ly processed” foods and to summer pastures. My wise refined carbohydrates. The cowboy father had us feed a new guidelines back away panful of oats to our horses from revoking long standing every day and the energy in advice to limit saturated fats the oats was simply amazing. and eat moderate animal With the younger horses, the fats. My view, and I tell this oats would make them frisky to my family members, “If and almost buck. The oats, God didn’t want us to eat fat, rattled in the pan would bring he wouldn’t have put into the horses running from the meat.” Another view that I’ve pasture to get this delicacy. supported is that a certain The other story is taken amount of fat will grease from “Naked and Afraid,” your lengthy intestinal track, a TV program where naked

people are put in wild environments with no food or water for at least 21 days or longer. After just a few days of eating berries, and greenery, they all crave protein badly. That experience impresses upon me that we need to keep a strong diet of high protein foods in our meals.

Meat is expensive these days, but beans are cheap.

I grew up eating hot lunch in Craig schools and we had a steady diet of carbohydrates, day old sweet rolls, and lots of Spanish rice. Over 30 million kids eat hot lunch in schools today and hopefully their meals will feature some of the new guidelines.

However, in most school lunch programs, depending upon management, they serve wholesome, balanced meals; of course limited by what foods are available from the Secretary of Agriculture and food banks. Food banks are also essential, and they should have more economical sources of protein for food bank patrons when available.

Americans need to eat smarter, feel better, exercise more, and be healthier so we can all argue and stay alive to support our beliefs.

Yes, I’ll still drink a coke and have a few chips, but not many.

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Reverend Martin Niemoller “In Germany, the Nazis first came for the communists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist. Then they came for the Jews and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Jew. Then they came for the trade unionists and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a trade unionist. Then they came for the Catholics and I didn’t speak up because I was a Protestant. Then they came for me and by that time there was no one left to speak for me!”

2025 Member

QUOTE of the WEEK QUOTE of thesong WEEK The same

on a different day was a different song.

– Bob Weir

January 15, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5

VALENTINE’S DAY

COOKING AT HOME

Skip the crowds and celebrate Valentine’s with a delicious, home-cooked meal! Monica of Kadillak Kitchens will present simple dinner ideas to make your evening special.

Wednesday, February 11, 6:30 pm

For adults. To reserve your spot, visit arapahoelibraries.org/events.

PAGE 6 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

From left to right: City Council Member Richard Holt, Interim Mayor Pro Tem Amy Tharp, City Council Member Cindy Sandhu, Mayor Christine Sweetland, City Council Members Ashish Vaidya (back), Ryan Dwiggins, Durrell Middleton, and Don Sheehan

Mayor and Four Council Members Sworn into Office

O

n January 5, 2026, during a special meeting, a newly elected Mayor and four City Council Members were sworn into office.

Centennial Municipal Judge Kevin Ellman administered the oath of office to Mayor Christine Sweetland and Council Members Cindy Sandhu (District 1), Ashish Vaidya (District 2), Ryan Dwiggins (District 3), and Durrell Middleton (District 4), each of whom will serve a fouryear term.

The City also expressed its sincere gratitude to Mayor Stephanie Piko, who concluded her eight-year term, as well as outgoing Council Members Robyn Carnes (District 1), Tammy Maurer (District 2), Mike Sutherland (District 3), and Marlo Alston (District 4), for their dedicated service to the community.

Ashish Vaidya earned his undergraduate degree cum laude from Villanova University and holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Temple University.

For the last 15 years, he has taught social sciences at both the high school and college levels.

Vaidya has traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland to help build houses for people who had lost their homes during the Troubles. He and his wife, Heather, have lived in Centennial since 2015.

Mayor Christine Sweetland, Centennial Municipal Judge Kevin Ellman

Council of Governments, and the High Line Canal Mayor, At Large — Collaborative, among Christine Sweetland others.

Christine Sweetland A Centennial resident has served as the District since 2001, Sweetland 2 Council Member since vacated her District 2 2020. She is a Certified seat on January 5, 2026, Residential Appraiser when she was sworn in and CEO of 5280 Appraisal, LLC. During her as Mayor. City Council will discuss options to fill time on Council, Sweetland has served as liaison the vacant District 2 seat, to several community or- either through a special ganizations, including the election or by appointing a resident from District Arapahoe County Open 2.

Space Trails Advisory Board, the South Suburban Parks and Recreation District 1 — Cindy Sandhu District Working Group Born and raised in for Parks, Trails, Open Centennial, Cindy SandSpace and Recreation, hu has deep ties to the the Denver Regional

community and its neighborhoods. She has more than 30 years of experience volunteering and serving the community. A graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, Sandhu served two and a half years in the Peace Corps as an environmental volunteer in the Dominican Republic. She and her husband are raising their three children in Centennial, continuing the sense of community and quality of life that shaped her own childhood.

District 2 — Ashish Vaidya

The City also expressed its sincere gratitude to Mayor Stephanie Piko, who concluded her eight-year term, as well as outgoing Council Members Robyn Carnes District 3 — Ryan (District 1), Dwiggins Tammy Maurer Ryan Dwiggins holds a BBA in Management (District 2), Mike from Texas A&M UniSutherland versity and an MBA from Baylor University. He has (District 3), and served on the Centennial Marlo Alston Planning & Zoning Commission since April 2021 (District 4), for and is currently Director their dedicated of Economic Development for JLL (Jones Lang service to the LaSalle). He manages community. transportation real estate projects across Colorado.

Dwiggins is active in the Economic Development Council of Colorado and the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation’s Front Range Economic Collaborative and is a licensed Colorado associate broker.

He lives in Centennial with his wife and son and enjoys spending time with his family, attending Rockies games in the summer and DU hockey games in the winter.

District 4 — Durrell Middleton Durrell Middleton holds a Bachelor of Sci-

ence degree from the University of Illinois. He has founded three businesses spanning information technology, property management, and sports entertainment with the Colorado Kings. His community involvement includes volunteering with the Boys and Girls Club, leading anti-bullying programs, mentoring at detention centers, and serving on several community boards. Middleton has lived in Centennial with his wife and children since 1999.

January 15, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 7

fo l l ow F R E DA

I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college.

I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.

Centennial City Council is accepting applications for District Two vacancy; attempt to appoint Penaloza ahead of application process fails At its regular meeting on January 6 at 7:00 p.m., six out of eight voting members of the Centennial City Council said no to an unexpected motion to appoint Carrie Penaloza to a vacant seat on the council representing Centennial District Two. Penaloza ran for that seat unsuccessfully two months earlier.

In Centennial, there are two city council seats for each of the city’s four districts. Terms are four years and they are staggered, so one of the two seats in each district is up for election every two years.

In November 2024, the position representing Centennial District Two that was on the ballot was an open seat because its former occupant, Tammy Maurer, was term limited. Ashish Vaidya and Carrie Penaloza ran for the seat. Vaidya won and was sworn in on January 5.

Also sworn in on January 5 was new Centennial Mayor Christine Sweetland. When she was elected on November 4, she was halfway through her second term as the other city council representative for District Two. Her ascension to mayor left her District Two seat on the city council vacant with two years left on the term to which she

was elected in 2023.

At a study session held just before the regular council meeting on January 6, Centennial City Attorney Chris Price told the eight voting members of the council (In Centennial, unlike some cities, the mayor is a regular voting member of the Council) that the City Charter, which is the governing law, allows the vacancy to be filled via a special election or an appointment by the City Council. He explained that decision factors in choosing which option to use include comparative cost, length of time to fill the seat, time left in the term, and availability of candidates. After a number of questions were asked by council members, it was clear that a special election would take more time and resources than the appointment process.

At the regular meeting, Mayor Sweetland announced that a decision was reached by the council at the study session to fill the vacancy by appointment and that applications would begin to be accepted in the next few days.

The application process will remain open until 5:00 p.m. on January 30, with interviews of qualified applicants taking place in the week of February 9. She

also shared that the council expected to interview approximately five qualified finalists.

Next, Council Member Don Sheehan nominated District One Representative Amy Tharp for the position of Interim Mayor Pro Tem and she was elected in a unanimous vote.

Sheehan followed that with a statement that he planned to offer a motion to appoint Carrie Penaloza to the District Two city council vacancy.

Sheehan explained, “Carrie ran for District Two in this last election. She ran a strong campaign and lost in a close election. She served on city council from 2016 to 2020. She knows the processes, she knows the policies, she knows the responsibilities, and for all the training for any candidate that we bring on, she won’t have to go through any of that because she already knows what we’re doing. Any candidate that we bring on in a month or two is going to miss any onboarding processes. Even though we’ve had two trainings already, she’s already equipped to hit the ground running, if we were to vote her in. This would provide a lot of continuity during a fairly large transition we’ve had on city council. We

currently have four brand new people. With all due respect, you’re all very intelligent…but you haven’t had the ability to be on city council for awhile. To add a fifth person would give us a majority who don’t have that kind of training. I believe bringing somebody in with that type of experience already baked in would be very important. Another aspect of all of this is her relationship with our city staff. She knows our city staff. Our city staff knows her. That will help, I think, grease the skids, making things smoother for the transition that we are going through right now.”

He continued, “Important, in my mind, is enhancing the balance and the nonpartisan focus that we have on city council. If we’re truly nonpartisan, party affiliation should make no difference. She would bring perspective that adds good balance to what we’re talking about without compromising or committing our need to put the City of Centennial first. It would support stability and public confidence by filling the seat quickly and efficiently with somebody with the knowledge, experience, and background to do the job today...Carrie Penaloza would be

ready on day one…She’s done the job already for four years and has the desire to do it for two remaining years (of Mayor Sweetland’s unexpired term). It would also be cost effective and responsible governance…”

He then moved to fill the District Two vacancy by appointing Penaloza. Council Member Holt seconded the motion, noting his agreement with Sheehan’s reasons for doing so.

Mayor Sweetland followed with a request for discussion on the motion by the council, noting that protocol typically dictates that any motions raised during the “other business” portion of the meeting are brought to the mayor in advance, so she is aware. Apparently, that did not occur in this instance. The mayor also noted that Ms. Penaloza could apply for the appointment through the regular process that council had outlined, should she wish to do so.

No council member offered any discussion on the motion.

The vote was then taken and the result was 6-2 against, with Mayor Sweetland and Council Members Tharp, Vaidya, Sandhu, Middleton, and Dwiggins voting no. Sheehan and Holt supplied the yes votes.

Gena Ozols hopes to represent Cherry Hills Village, Englewood, and Sheridan at the state capitol On November 3, 2026, Gena Ozols hopes to win the state House District 3 seat in the general assembly currently occupied

by Rep. Meg Froelich, who has held it since January 14, 2019.

Froelich is term-limited and cannot run again.

Rep. Froelich and State Senator Jeff Bridges, whose district includes part of HD3, have endorsed Ozols. Also having endorsed her are State Reps.

Shannon Bird, Chad Clifford, Gretchen Rydin, Eliza Hamrick, and State House Majority Leader Monica Duran, along with 12 others from that body. They are joined by state Senate President James Coleman, Senate President Pro Tem Dafna Michaelson Jenet, and eight other state sena-

tors, along with a host of current and former elected officials and community leaders.

We talked to Ozols at a campaign kickoff event held on January 10 at Western Sky Bar & Taproom in Englewood.

HD3 candidate Gena Ozols University of Colorado Regent Ilana Spiegel She told us, Photo by Freda Miklin and State Board of Education Director Lisa “I am a small Ozols explained,A. Escárcega, Ph.D. were there to support business owner. I do long-term Photo by Freda Miklin “I always said the candidate. strategic planning, fundraising and power-building for 501(c)(3) that if I was the and the deep connections I have right person at the right time, I and (c)4 organizations and local within this community… I genuwould consider it…I realized candidates.” that, with my level of experience inely believe that it is my responAsked why she was running,

Arapahoe County Commissioner Jessica Campbell, State Sen. Jeff Bridges, and Gena Ozols Photo courtesy of ozolsforhd3.com

RTD Director Chris Nicholson is a longtime friend and supporter.

Photo by Freda Miklin

sibility to utilize the experience and knowledge I have for the betterment of my community.”

She noted that the list of people who have endorsed her for HD3 includes not only Froelich, the current holder of the seat, but the last three people who held it before her, as well---Jeff Bridges, Daniel Kagan, and Ann McGihon.

Ozols told The Villager she has worked in Englewood and the surrounding area since 2012, with a strong focus on women’s health care issues and Supporters seen with Ozols include State Sen. Jeff Bridges, State Rep. Meg Froelich, and Arapahoe County District Attorney Amy Padden.

Photo courtesy of ozolsforhd3.com labor unions.

PAGE 8 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 9

fo l l ow F R E DA

I am passionate about government and giving our readers straightforward information that will help them make informed choices when they vote. I am also a licensed C.P.A. and former Greenwood Village City Council member. Dr. Jerry Miklin and I are the parents of five young adults, including two sets of twins, all of whom graduated from Cherry Creek High School and college. I am a 9-time Colo. Press Assn. award winner. If you have any questions about local or state politics or government, or something you want to share, email me at fmiklin.villager@gmail.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Colorado legislators aren’t sure where to find revenue to cover a $750-850 million shortfall

From left to right, panel discussion moderator Mike Sutherland; From the general assembly, Rep. Bob Marshall (D-43), Rep. Chad Clifford (D-37), Rep. Anthony Hartsook (R-44), Sen. Lisa Frizell (R-02), Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer (R-44), Rep. Eliza Hamrick (D-61), Sen. John Carson (R-30), and Sen. Mark Baisley (R-04); South Metro Denver Chamber president and CEO Jeff Keener Photos by Freda Miklin

T

he Lone Tree Arts Center was the site of the January 8 South Metro Denver Chamber 2026 Legislative Kickoff Breakfast, featuring eight distinguished members of the Colorado General Assembly, representing both sides of the aisle.

The 2026 Colorado legislative session begins January 14.

Chamber President and CEO Jeff Keener welcomed the 150 local leaders from government, education, business, and the community who came to hear the state legislators.

Chamber Public Policy and Legislative Action Chair Mike Sutherland served as moderator for the panel discussion.

The question on everyone’s mind was how to deal with the looming budget shortfall created by the passage of the federal Big Beautiful Bill that automatically lowered expected Colorado revenues by $750-$850 million, due to state policy conforming Colorado’s

income tax system to the federal tax system.

Sutherland put the issue to the panel, asking, “We understand that revenues have either flattened or dropped...Do you have any ideas for where we are going to get more revenue, in order to balance that budget, which must be done every year, (under the requirements of) the TABOR amendment?”

Rep. Hartsook responded, “Cut spending…The budgeting has expanded more than 50% the past seven years.” He conceded he could not address “the mechanics of how we go about doing that” and did not name any area of the budget he would cut, only reiterated, “Government spending is out of control.”

Sen. Frizell said, “We have a crisis of priorities in the State of Colorado…Maybe we improve the business climate in Colorado so we can incentivize businesses to come here.” She did not say how that might be accomplished.

Sen. Kirkmeyer explained, “Our revenues did drop some but, when revenues drop at the state, that means taxpayers are probably getting a break. That’s what happened with the Big Beautiful Bill. The federal government gave us all a tax break, which resulted in a tax break for the people who live in Colorado, and that did decrease our revenues some, but the reality is that we have been in a structural deficit since March 2021.

The Joint Budget Committee (JBC), the legislature, and the governor all knew in March 2021 that we were headed into a structural deficit, and, instead of cutting spending, they increased spending. So, when our revenues, adjusted for inflation, increased by 13.4% over the past seven years, (while) we have spending that’s up 39% in some departments, 84% in the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, and 207% in the Department of Health, that’s the problem. We are definitely overspending.”

From left to right, Centennial City Council Members Ashish Vaidya and Cindy Sandhu, Arapahoe County District Attorney Amy Padden, Arapahoe County Deputy District Attorney Mike Mauro, Arapahoe County Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley, and Centennial City Council Member Amy Tharp.

She continued, “We got in a lot of federal funds. That’s why our budget grew by so much,” adding that new programs funded by COVID-related federal dollars were kept in place after the federal funding dried up “and that’s what’s caused our problem. We are not in a recession. It is a crisis of priorities. In fact, four of the five other members of the Joint Budget Committee (on which Kirkmeyer sits) are having a really difficult time because they don’t know what their priorities are. But we’re going to have to get it straightened out this year because we’re going into another budget cycle where we’re going to be at least $1 billion in the red…We are going to have to cut across the board…

TABOR is not the issue. TABOR is simply an accounting measure, and it’s been around for three decades.”

Rep. Hamrick’s answer to the revenue question was, “I want to make government more streamlined, better in-

formed, and really respect the local voice.” She expressed specific concerns about “partially funded mandates put on cities and counties.”

Rep. Marshall said, “I’m going to push back on this overspending. We have TABOR and we have a balanced budget amendment. We left session last May with a balanced budget and a 15% recession reserve. Historically, we kept a 5% recession reserve…We cannot borrow money because of the balanced budget amendment. We cannot raise revenue and tax because of TABOR, so we cannot overspend.”

He went on, “The issue right now is, Colorado is one of four states that has rolling conformity in our tax code. That means our tax code is tied to the federal tax code. So, when July 1 came along and the feds changed the entire tax code, all those cuts immediately flowed into our budget, slashing revenue, without a choice. And every party (Democrats and Republicans), for 30 years, has spent up to the TABOR cap, but the revenue collapsed because of the tax cuts at the federal level, which the state did not agree to…but we have automatic confor-

mity. So, we’ve been trying to close that gap…It is going to be very painful. There’s about $850 million in cuts. But the one big structural issue people need to keep in mind is, TABOR is based on a formula of inflation and population growth. So, revenue for the state grows by that formula.

Unfortunately, there’s a big component of the budget that has grown astronomically faster than inflation and population growth. The three biggest parts of the budget are public safety-basically, the Department of Corrections, K-12 education, and Medicaid. As everyone knows, medical expenses have been skyrocketing, so that has been growing far, far faster than whatever the TABOR cap gives us in spending… Unless we address the Medicaid issue, it’s going to be very difficult.

As you’ve probably heard, the governor is going after Medicaid, because that’s where you have to find money. The problem is, we just had that ballot measure where the voters told us we have to spend $350 million more on public safety, so we can’t really go there.” He pointed out that K-12 education is one of the only other places that spending savings can be found, because it’s such a large portion of the state budget.

Rep. Clifford explained that, just as everyday expenses for individuals have been going up steadily, so, too, have expenses paid by the government. For example, he pointed out, “Asphalt costs more.

Gasoline we use in hundreds of state vehicles every day costs the same as it does for individuals. When you look at the 3.4% inflationary cap for TABOR that’s been going

since the 1990s--just because we made a bad budget in the 1990s doesn’t mean that we can’t readjust something.

When we spend $500 million on wildfires in this state, that’s not outside of TABOR. We then have to figure out how we’re going to come back and cut that from schools.

These are choices that we don’t get to make.”

Rep. Clifford added, “I get along with all of my colleagues, including the ones that are up here, on 98% of the issues, and we are all pretty firebrand when you ask us a budget question, but the reality is that when you start

talking about things like the judiciary, the courts don’t get a choice about what comes before them. That also happens in the police departments at the criminal level. The courts are dealt a hand they have to play. When we start talking about making major cuts in the judiciary, we are right back in the prioritization conversation.

Are we going to slow civil suits down or the prosecution of criminal cases? We are in a prioritization conversation and it is important that we talk about it, but we’re never going to get out of structural deficits until we deal with some part of revenue. I don’t have the fix for that and I’m glad we have people like Sen. Kirkmeyer on JBC.” He shared that he is receiving increasing numbers of calls from constituents whose main concern is the cost of living, something the state is also experiencing.

Sen. Carson said, “There aren’t going to be additional

revenues of any significance…

We’ll probably eliminate some tax deductions and tax benefits, largely for business, which I do not support. I think most of those benefits are in there for a reason.”

Sen. Baisley pointed out that the call for the Special Session held in August 2025 (to address the loss of revenue to the state as a result of the Big Beautiful Bill) only allowed proposals for increased revenue, not cutting costs. He recommended, “Let’s make this government smaller and leaner and what government ought to be in the first place,” but did not say where he would recommend cuts.

Two of the panelists at the legislative kickoff event are declared candidates for higher office in November.

Although Sen. Kirkmeyer is one of 20 contenders for the Republican nomination for Colorado governor in November, she is considered by many

to be at or near the top of that list. Of the other 19, two, like Kirkmeyer, are sitting elected officials. They are state Rep. Scott Bottoms and Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell.

The remaining candidates include four military veterans, a fire chief, a data technology executive, a minister, and a person currently serving a 48-year sentence for seconddegree murder.

Sen. Baisley, who was a candidate for governor, withdrew from that race a few weeks ago and declared his candidacy for the GOP nomination to challenge U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper in November. Baisley joins former State Rep. Janak Joshi, retired Marine Col. George Market, and Montrose County Commissioner Sean Pond, who have also declared for the GOP nomination to challenge Hickenlooper.

Lone Tree City Council Members Alecia Brown (left) and Mike Carpenter (right) are bookends to Greenwood Village City Council Members Donna Johnston and Katrin Mezger.

PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

December 18, 2025 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 10

INTERESTINGPLACES INTERESTING PLACES Why I Went to Ukraine During a War Everyone told me I was crazy to visit Ukraine. It’s a country at war, they said. But I’ve heard that before about many of my overseas adventures, and some journeys aren’t about comfort or safety. They’re about connection.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began in earnest in 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and escalated dramatically nearly four years ago with Russia’s full-scale invasion. That reality framed our trip, but it wasn’t the whole story.

For me, this journey was deeply personal. My mother was born in Ukraine, in a small town called Delatyn, three hours south of Lviv. I traveled with my daughter, Stephanie, and during our short visit, we were guided by my third cousin who still lives there. It was a chance to walk the same streets my mother once knew and to see firsthand how a country continues to endure amid war.

Since there are no commercial flights into or out of Ukraine, we traveled by train.

Our journey started in Kraków, Poland - one of Europe’s most beautiful and overlooked cities.

Kraków is a masterpiece of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture, all centered around what is arguably Europe’s best-preserved medieval town square.

We savored Polish comfort food at its finest: pierogi filled with almost anything you can imagine, sour rye soup called żurek, hearty beet dishes, and sophisticated pavlovas for dessert. Traveling, even in difficult times, still brings the joys of the table.

While in Krakow, we made a side trip to Auschwitz and Birkenau. Walking these grounds is a sobering reminder of how quickly civilization can collapse and how easily human life can be discarded. The visit added historical weight to what we were about to see next - a modern European war unfold-

Steph and I with my cousin and his wife

ing in real time.

From Kraków, we took a train to the Ukrainian border, then transferred to another train heading for Lviv. Tickets were easily bought online beforehand, and the process was simple.

Lviv was beautiful and lively. Sidewalk cafés were crowded, churches rang their bells, and the city felt vibrant. It was hard to believe that intense fighting was happening just a few hundred miles east. Lviv is surprisingly well-known for its barbecue ribs, which we enjoyed at a restaurant called Ribernia.

Another memorable stop was Kryivka, a restaurant modeled on a World War II Ukrainian resistance bunker.

The waitstaff stay in character, occasionally mimicking air raids during dinner. It was theatrical but also served as a reminder that Ukraine’s history has long been shaped by invasion and resistance.

The war’s toll, however, was impossible to overlook. We passed several open military cemeteries, with fresh coffins covered in Ukrainian flags.

Each represented a husband, father, son, or brother whose life ended far too soon. The contrast between lively city streets and these quiet rows of graves was

With Adenike, Chris and Steph in Gdansk

stark and deeply unsettling.

In Delatyn, my cousin introduced us to other relatives and showed us the modest house where my mother and her brother grew up. The town sits amid rolling hills, farmland, and rivers - quiet and pastoral, reminiscent of New England.

Standing there, it was easy to imagine my mother’s childhood and hard to reconcile that peaceful setting with the turmoil gripping the country today.

We left Ukraine the same way we entered - by train.

However, leaving involved much tighter security. Men of military age were prevented from crossing the border. Even though I had a U.S. passport and was past Ukraine’s conscription age, my documents were checked multiple times.

In a strange way, it was almost flattering - like being asked for ID when buying a bottle of wine at King Soopers.

Back in Poland, we flew north to Gdansk, where we met my son Chris and his wife, Adenike. Gdansk might be one of Europe’s most underrated cities. Located on Poland’s Baltic coast, it combines medieval charm with canal-lined streets that evoke Amsterdam.

The city was clean and lively, with sidewalk cafés bustling late into the night. We enjoyed dumplings, pierogi, and potato pancakes that tasted just like my grandmother’s.

Poland today feels confident and stable, and traveling across the country was smooth and straightforward.

Our trip home - Gdansk to Frankfurt, then Denver - was smooth.

For Stephanie and me, this trip was more than just traveling. It was an opportunity to connect with our family’s history, meet distant relatives, and experience a beautiful part of Europe enduring extraordinary circumstances. Ukraine is at war, but it remains very much alive - and worth knowing beyond the headlines.

The infamous entrance gate of Auchwitz

My mother’s home town

The train into Ukraine

IN THE EYES OF BRIAN Bio Retinal specialist, writer, Greenwood Village resident email: joonbug@mac.com

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • January 8, 2026

January 15, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 11

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Seniors Propose Ballot Measure Guaranteeing College Admission OLIVER SCALA AND KEAGAN HONG

Seniors Kiran Herz and Jaiden Hwang wrote state legislation that would allow top students from districts around Colorado to be guaranteed admission to state universities.

The bill, known as Initiative 81, aims to make the college application process a bit easier for those applying.

“We’re trying to edit Colorado Revised Statutes to essentially make college applications a little less stressful for state schools, at least,” Hwang said.

“The top 10% of each high school student body by GPA would get automatic admission to in-state higher education institutions.”

These structures, installed in the legislation, allow the breadth of Initiative 81 to vary depending on the school as well as other factors, such as funding and teacher quality.

“The bar for Eaglecrest is going to be a little bit different for Smoky Hill than for Denver East than for Cherry Creek High School,” Herz said. “It also accounts for differences in ethnic groups, differences in qualities of teachers and different class types. All schools have different systems for weighing GPAs.” The catalyst for Herz and Hwang’s work on Initiative 81 came through viewing firsthand the hectic atmosphere brought on

by Creek’s upperclassmen as they applied for higher education.

“For all my years of high school, I’ve seen seniors incredibly stressed about the college admissions process, and it [reflected] a high level of uncertainty,” Herz said. “It caused people to withdraw into themselves on a futile quest to get the perfect college essay, the perfect extracurriculars and everything necessary to get into college.”

While Initiative 81 was designed specifically for Colorado, other jurisdictions have implemented similar policies.

“We’re not the first state to try and implement this.

There’s something similar in several other states,” Hwang said.

“The primary one was from California, and we modeled ours after the [legislation] in Texas.”

The concept of automatic admission also isn’t new in Colorado. IndiSeniors Kiran Herz (left) and Jaiden Hwang pose for a picture, legislation in hand. vidual school Photo by Oliver Scala districts have initiative’s accession into the create a scramble to finish in implemented similar policies state House or Senate. the top 10% of your class,” directed at local universities.

“We are in contact with state social studies teacher Fletcher Jefferson County public legislators, and we’re trying to Woolsey said.

“This could lead schools guarantees admission get a volunteer base to pass it to all manner of different ways to the School of Mines for through the initiative pathway,” that people might try to game or students who maintain an unHerz said. “If that doesn’t work cheat that system.” weighted 3.8 cumulative gpa out, we need to fall back on the Woolsey still sees the benefits of such a mea- citizen-led pathway.”

The citizen-led pathway sure. entails a fallback on grassroots “It is very adorganizing on behalf of the legmirable that they islation, rather than a legislative want their state’s public universities route to ensure the initiative’s success. to admit the best “Ideally we would be able to students from that get back in from someone, eistate,” Woolsey ther from the Colorado house or said. “We’d have Colorado Senate, but that hasn’t to be cautious as happened yet,” Hwang said. to what kind of For now, Initiative 81 is very ripple effect is goreliant on volunteers in order to ing to be. Maybe spread awareness of its cause. most kids are just “If you are a teen and want going to go about to volunteer, please let us their daily life the same, but it through the Nov 1 priority know,” Herz said. “We have a could also have some unintenddeadline and have all the other website, [initiative81.org] we ed side effects.” admission requirements. have a volunteer form set up for Initiative 81 has been on the If passed, Herz and Hwang you, and we have the resources radar of state officials, however hope that Initiative 81 might ready.” that still doesn’t guarantee the serve as a greater motivation

We’re trying to edit Colorado Revised Statutes to essentially make college applications a little less stressful for state schools, at least,” Hwang said. “The top 10% of each high school student body by GPA would get automatic admission to in-state higher education institutions.

for improved academics.

“It can be viewed as an academic incentive,” Hwang said.

“It can say ‘this is where I need to be if I want to go to Boulder or Mines.’”

While the benefits of Initiative 81’s implementation are heartfelt in its advocates, some identify a few potential unintended consequences of the bill.

“If a law like this is passed, you potentially are going to

above.

PAGE 12 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

or “I don’t feel Resolutions I Should Have Made IDFLDTN like doing this now” method, I have just one bad habit. Besides lying, I mean.

In my defense, I didn’t realize it was bad until recently. At my last appointment my dental hygienist asked me if I’m one of those people who walks around the house while they brush their teeth. Doesn’t everybody?

I told her, “Occasionally.”

Like I said, my other bad habit is lying. I actually do it all the time. Walk around the house while I brush my teeth that is. Not lie.

The hygienist told me that people who do other things while they brush risk doing a poor job of brushing. I happen to know they also risk having to change their shirt sooner than they intended.

I not only stroll, I pet the cat, sort the laundry and do other one-handed tasks while I brush. My electric toothbrush alerts me after two minutes and I can get a lot done in two minutes, though none of it well.

So there in the dentist’s chair, I made my New Year’s resolution: Beginning January 1, 2026, I would stand still while I brushed my teeth. It’s not a lofty goal but given my past success with resolutions, it seemed like one I could manage.

But then I forgot all about it and I didn’t think of it again until today when I noticed toothpaste spots on the sliding glass door to my deck.

It’s too late to start working

Dear Readers, Who can legally transport or inherit firearms of a deceased person?

Under the law, certain prohibited persons cannot legally possess firearms. Even though you or another family member is nominated in a Will or other estate planning documents to handle the deceased’s final affairs, including firearms, it may be illegal for you to take possession of those firearms, even to transport them to someone with a Federal Firearms License for safekeeping and proper transfer.

Federal law restricts certain persons from possessing a firearm in any situation, even if that person is acting as a fiduciary of an estate or trust that own firearms. Under federal law, prohibited persons include anyone who:  has been convicted by any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year;  is a fugitive from justice;  is an unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled

substance (including marijuana, even if it is legal in your state, such as Colorado);  has been adjudicated as being mentally incompetent or committed to any mental institution;  is an illegal alien;  has been dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces;  has renounced US citizenship;  is subject to a court order restraining the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or a child of an intimate partner; or  has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence.

on a New Year’s resolution now. This is, after all, the time of year set aside for breaking them. Instead I’ll make a note of it for next year. And while I’m at it, I’ll come up with a few more resolutions for 2027. It’s a good time for it because I still have that glorious feeling of ambition you get when whatever you’ve decided to do doesn’t have to be done for a very long time.

So here are two more resolutions for next year that I should have made this year.

Turns out I have more bad habits than I thought.

One resolution has been summed up by time management experts with the acronym OHIO, “only handle it once.” In other words, deal with paperwork the minute you get it by tackling it, tossing it or filing it, and not just in Ohio.

I currently practice the

which isn’t as efficient. Consequently there are stacks on my desk, filing cabinet and kitchen counter and some of the paperwork in them may no longer even be relevant.

Businesses have shuttered.

Accounts have closed. People who sent me birthday party invitations have grown old and gone on to their great reward.

I do deal with the stacks occasionally—for two minutes while I’m brushing my teeth. But it’s OHIO for me in 2027. By then I’ll have some really big piles to practice on.

Starting in 2027, I’ll also stop wandering around the internet. It won’t be easy.

Writing an insightful column takes research. At least I think it does. I know for sure writing my column takes research.

In fact I just did a search on the question of whether other people walk around while they brush their teeth. I came

up with 12,000,000 results, so clearly I’m not alone.

That was as important for this column as it was reassuring to me. And it would have been fine if I’d stopped there. But for the next hour I followed links to articles about various toothpastes and toothbrushes as well as a fascinating one about why some brushing techniques make you more likely to spray toothpaste. I was interested given the issue with my sliding glass door.

Still I wasted time I could have used going through stacks of paperwork, writing a better column or cleaning my glass door. There’s always next year.

Dorothy Rosby is the author of ’Tis the Season to Feel Inadequate; Holidays, Special Occasions and Other Times Our Celebrations Get Out of Hand and other books. Contact her at www.dorothyrosby. com/contact.

Thus, if a deceased person named someone to be in charge of the firearms, or to ultimately inherit them, the named person must be able to qualify to possess a firearm under both federal and state laws.

If a Personal Representative or Trustee takes possession of or transfers firearms to someone who is not legally permitted to possess them, stiff penalties may apply, including up to ten years in prison. It is best to consult with an attorney who is knowledgeable in both federal and state laws regarding possession and transfer of firearms.

your overall estate planning goals, the following documents create an effective medical/estate plan package: 1. Healthcare Power of Attorney; 2. General Financial Power of Attorney; 3. Advanced Directive for Medical/Surgical Treatment (“Living Will”); and 4. Will (or a Will with a Trust).

Careful medical/estate planning should include preparation and signing of

these documents, to accomplish your goals and protect you, both during your lifetime, and at the time of passing. The Power of Attorney documents allow you to designate those agents whom you authorize to help you on your behalf during your lifetime, and the Will/ Trust documents allow you to nominate others to help with your estate after your passing, as well as to identify the beneficiaries and the distributions to them, to accomplish your estate planning goals.

What are the four key medical/estate plan documents you need now?

Many of my clients have asked what are the critical documents to have? Simply being married does not give you the legal right to gain access to your spouse’s medical records or make medical decisions on your spouse’s behalf, even in an emergency. To avoid this problem and to help others care for you and to achieve

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January 15, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 13

Who would you choose, Bo Nix or Josh Allen?

Which quarterback would you rather have under center for the Broncos when they meet the Buffalo Bills in the Division Round of the National Football League playoffs this weekend?

Bo Nix? Or Josh Allen?

It could have been either one.

Bo was an 18-year-old senior at Pinson Valley High in Pinson, Alabama when Josh was about to be drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

A native Californian from the San Joaquin Valley around Fresno—an agricultural area known for its tomatoes, garlic and almonds, Allen had begun his college career at Reedley Junior College close to home.

Those Tigers averaged 452.2 yards total offense per game with him at quarterback, yet the University of Wyoming was the only major college to offer him a scholarship. He played three seasons for the Cowboys, leading them to an 8-3 record in 2018.

Denver had the fifth pick that year and still needed a successor to Peyton Manning, who had retired after leading the Broncos to victory in Super Bowl L on February 7, 2016.

Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold were expected to be chosen 1-2, but it was a deep QB class that year—a total of five would be taken in the first round. One of them, a raw, 6-foot-5 talent from the University of Wyoming named Josh Allen, intrigued Denver’s John Elway.

“I loved him,” Elway has said. “He was my type.”

Elway wanted to take him with the fifth pick, but his coaching staff didn’t share his enthusiasm. Pointing to a lackluster completion percentage of 56% his senior season, some considered him erratic.

And Elway’s previous gamble on Paxton Lynch from Memphis had bombed.

The Denver coaches, including current defensive guru Vance Joseph, favored defensive lineman Bradley Chubb from North Carolina State. Buffalo traded up to No. 7 to snatch Allen.

“That was probably the biggest mistake of my General Manager days, not taking Josh” Elway told Barstool Sports in 2024.

“I didn’t override everybody and say, ‘I’m taking

him and now it’s up to you to make him good.’”

Could-a, should-a, would-a, as the Rockies’ Clint Hurdle likes to say. Allen has become one of the NFL’s biggest stars—voted league most valuable player in 2024.

Coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton faced a somewhat similar decision on April 25, 2024.

As it turned out, six quarterbacks were first-round picks, tying the record set in 1983—the year John Elway was No. 1 and forced his trade from Baltimore to Denver.

When the Broncos’ turn came at No. 12, the other five had all been taken. Did Payton and Paton want the last of them—Oregon’s Bo Nix— highly regarded Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, or someone else?

Sean Payton didn’t hesitate.

The son and grandson of coaches, Nix had been the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year at Auburn in 2019 and the Pac 12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after setting the NCAA record for completion percentage (77.45%) and leading all of the NCAA in touchdown passes (45).

In addition, Nix was awarded the William V. Campbell Trophy—known as the “Academic Heisman”—by the National Football Foundation, recognizing him as the college football player who

best combines academics, leadership and on-field performance.

So far, Payton has been proven right.

In his rookie season, Nix led the Broncos to their first postseason playoff berth since Manning’s victory a decade earlier. And this year, they’re the American Conference’s top seed.

Of course, in the next five years, Allen has led the Bills to five division titles.

In Allen’s first two seasons, Buffalo won 15 and lost 12.

He completed 440 of 781 pass attempts (56.3%) for 5,163 yards, and he ran 198 times for 1,141 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Through the end of this regular season, Nix went 2410 with 764 completions in 1,179 attempts (64.8%) and 54 TDs and carried 175 times for 786 and nine TDs. In his first 34 NFL games, Nix has led eight fourth-quarter comebacks, which leads the league in that time.

So, back to the beginning.

Which quarterback would you rather have under center for the Broncos when they meet the Buffalo Bills in the Division Round of the NFL playoffs this weekend?

As you ponder your answer, keep this in mind: Neither has yet played in a Super Bowl, much less won one. ________________ Denny Dressman writes a weekly sports column for The Villager. You can write to Denny at dennydress man@comcast.net.

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LEGALS

PAGE 14 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

COURTS DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner, IN THE INTEREST OF: SAPPHIRA DAGMAR DOHERTY-CEDENO, ADDISON ROSE SILLIMAN-DOHERTY, AND HARLIEGH RAYN DOHERTY, Children, and concerning, STEPHANNYS DAGMAR DOHERTY-CEDENO, CARLOS CASTRO, ROBERT KYLE SILLIMAN, JONATHAN MCCOIN, EMILIA DOHERTY, AND CHARLES DOHERTY, Respondents.

Winner in Best Public Notice Section Colorado Press Association Better Newspaper Contest

2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024

Linda Arnold, Reg. No. 16764 Office of the Arapahoe County Attorney Attorney for the People Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive

Aurora, CO 80012 Tel: 303-636-1882 Fax: 303-636-1889 Case No: 25JV30189 Division: 23 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENTS CARLOS CASTRO PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT CARLOS CASTRO, is set on January 23, 2026, at 10:20 a.m. (MST) in Division 23 at the Arapahoe County District Court.

The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco Webex Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div23 •Enter your name and email address (so we know who you

are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.

•If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664 and enter access code 2598 320 5548 (followed by #, #).

If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse half an hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Respectfully submitted on January 11, 2026.

Respectfully submitted: Linda Arnold, Reg. No. 16764 Senior Assistant County Attorney Published in The Villager Published: January 15, 2026 Legal # 31207 ________________________ DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ARAPAHOE, STATE OF COLORADO 7325 S. Potomac Street Centennial, Colorado 80112 PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, Petitioner,

SPECIAL DISTRICTS

IN THE INTEREST OF: NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT Notice is hereby given that at 12:00 p.m., on or after January 12, 2026, CHERRY CREEK VALLEY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT will make final settlement with T. LOWELL CONSTRUCTION, INC., located at 3212 Dawson Trails Blvd, Castle Rock, CO 80109, in connection with payment for all services rendered, materials furnished, and for all labor performed in and for construction of the S. SYRACUSE WAY AND S. VALENTIA ST. METER VAULT REHABILITATION PROJECT. 1.

Any person, co-partnership, association, or corporations who has unpaid claim against the said project or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claims.

2.

All such claims shall be filed with the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, 2325 S. Wabash Street, Denver, CO 80231, on or before the above-mentioned time and date of final settlement.

3.

Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District from any and all liability for such claim.

Published in The Villager First Publication: January 8, 2025 Last Publication: January 15, 2026 Legal # 31123 ________________________ FINAL SETTLEMENT Project Title: 2025 Sanitary Sewer CIPP Rehabilitation Project Project Owners: Castlewood Water and Sanitation District Project Location: City of Greenwood Village, Arapahoe County The Castlewood Water and Sanitation District (District) plans to accept the above titled project as substantially complete and for Final Settlement by Insituform Technologies, LLC dba C&L Water Solutions, Inc. after February 12, 2026. In accordance with the Contract Documents, the District may withhold a portion of the remaining payment to be made to Insituform Technologies, LLC dba C&L Water Solutions, Inc. as necessary, to protect the District from loss on account

of claims filed and failure of Insituform Technologies, LLC dba C&L Water Solutions, Inc. to make payments properly to subcontractors or suppliers. Project suppliers and subcontractors of Insituform Technologies, LLC dba C&L Water Solutions, Inc. are hereby notified that unresolved outstanding claims must be certified and forwarded to: Contact Person: Address:

Wade Wheatlake, P.E. 8051 E Maplewood Lane Suite 300 Greenwood Village, CO 80111

as soon as possible, but no later than February 5, 2026.

Published in The Villager First Publication: January 8, 2026 Last Publication: January 22, 2026 Legal # 31201 ________________________ NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT Notice is hereby given that at or after 12:00 p.m., January 26, 2026, CHERRY CREEK VALLEY WATER AND SANITATION DISTRICT will make final settlement with MID-CITY CORPORATION, located at 6863 East 48th Avenue, Denver CO 80216, in connection with payment for all services rendered, materials furnished, and for all labor performed in and for construction of the EVANS COURT WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT CAPITAL PROJECT. Any person, co-partnership, association, or corporations who has unpaid claim against the said project or on account of the furnishing of labor, materials, team hire, sustenance, provision, provender, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or any of his subcontractors in or about the performance of said work, may at any time up to and including said time of such final settlement file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claims.

All such claims shall be filed with the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District, 2325 S. Wabash Street, Denver, CO 80231, on or before the above-mentioned time and date of final settlement.

Failure on the part of a creditor to file such statement prior to such final settlement will relieve the Cherry Creek Valley Water and Sanitation District from any and all liability for such claim.

Published in The Villager First Publication: January 15, 2026 Last Publication: January 22, 2026 Legal # 31209 ________________________

ASHTON PARQUET AND AMAREE MORROW Children, and concerning, ASHLEI MORROW, JOHN DOE I, JOHN DOE II, JACOBY PARQUET, AND CHENNARDOUS ROBINSON, Respondents.

Linda Arnold, Reg. No. 16764 Office of the Arapahoe County Attorney Attorney for the People Arapahoe County Department of Human Services 14980 East Alameda Drive Aurora, CO 80012

NAME CHANGE PUBLIC NOTICE OF NAME CHANGE Arapahoe County Court State of Colorado.

The court address is: 7325 S Potomac St. Centennial, CO 80112 Case number: 25 CV 462 Public Notice is given that Rodrick James Tufono has filed a Petition for Change of Name.

The Petitioner requests that the Court enter an order changing their name from: Rodrick James Tufono to: Rodrick James Wolff Any person objecting to the Petition for Change of Name may file an objection with the Court at the address listed above.

Published in The Villager First Publication: January 8, 2026 Last Publication: January 22, 2026 Legal #31202 ____________

Tel: 303-636-1882 Fax: 303-636-1889 NOTICE OF ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENTS JOHN DOE II AND CHENNARDOUS ROBINSON Case No: 24JV157 Division: 22 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that an ADJUDICATORY COURT TRIAL AND DEFAULT JUDGMENT REGARDING RESPONDENT JOHN DOE II AND CHENNARDOUS ROBINSON, is set on February 9, 2026, at 11:45 a.m. (MST) in Division 22 at the Arapahoe County District Court. The Arapahoe County District Court is holding hearings via Cisco Webex Meetings to allow for audiovisual and/or audio participation. Participants may use any computer, tablet or smart phone equipped with a camera and microphone for audiovisual participation. Parties should use the following link: •https://judicial.webex.com/meet/ D18-ARAP-Div22 •Enter your name and email address (so we know who you are). You will then be in the virtual courtroom.

•Select your audio setting. If the audio on your computer or tablet does not work, please use the alternate audio option of calling in to the number below.

•If you do not have a device that will support a video connection, you may still participate by audio only by calling 720-650-7664 and enter access code 2594 887 9073 (followed by #, #).

If you elect to appear in person, you must be at the Courthouse half an hour before the hearing is scheduled to begin.

Respectfully submitted on January 11, 2026.

Respectfully submitted: Linda Arnold, Reg. No. 16764 Senior Assistant County Attorney Published in The Villager Published: January 15, 2026 Legal # 31208 ________________________

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Estate of Christopher Hockley. Deceased. Case Number: 2025PR31185. All persons having claims against the abovementioned estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado, on or before May 13, 2026, or the claims may be forever barred. Rabea Taylor, Attorney for Personal Representative, 24 South Weber Street, Suite 205, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Published in The Villager First Publication: January 15, 2026 Last Publication: January 29, 2026 Legal # 5005_NTC_Hockley ________________________

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January 15, 2026 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 15

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JASON CROW 2026 JOB FAIR FRIDAY, JAN. 16, 2026 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Arapahoe Community College Summit Room, 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton. RSVP crow.house.gov/ events SOUTH METRO DENVER CHAMBER ECONOMIC FORECAST BREAKFAST FRI., JAN. 30, 7:30-10:15 a.m. at DCSD Legacy Campus.

Keynote speaker: Rob Cohen, Chairman & CEO of the IMA Financial Group, Inc. and National Women’s Soccer League Controlling Owner. Keystone Speaker: Henry Sobanet, Chief Financial Officer/Senior Vice Chancellor for Administration & Government Relations, Colo. State University. Info@ bestchamber.com APPPLY TO SERVE ON A CENTENNIAL BOARD, COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE Applictions due at 5 p.m. on Mon., FEB. 2, 2026.

Visit Centennial.gov/ boardsandcommissions. Must be a resident of Centennial.

CENTENNIAL INSTITUTE EVENT FEB. 24 will host Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who was highlighted in the “Truth Rising” documentary.

Ayaan is a Somali-born classical liberal, a free speech advocate and an activist for the rights of women and girls. Ayaan will share her story of growing up as a devout Muslim before fleeing to the Netherlands as an atheist and her ultimate conversion to Christianity. Followed by a moderated conversation. RSVP: 303-963-3157. Event at 877 W. Alameda Ave., Lakewood.

2026 DENVER REPUBLICAN CAUCUS TUE., MARCH 3, 7:00 p.m. (check in 6:30 p.m.) Watch for details on location. Elect precinct leaders, choose delegates, etc.

CENTRAL CITY OPERA’S 13TH ANNUAL THEATRE OF DREAMS GALA APRIL 10/ 5:30 p.m. at the Lanny & Sharon Martin Bldg. at the Denver Art Museum - 100 W. 14th Ave. Pkwy., Denver. Celebrating

Colorado’s 150th Anniversary, Central City’s 94th Summer Festival and “The Ballad of Baby Doe.” Early bird pricing thru Jan. 15. Attire: Black Tie- Dress in your finest gold & silver as a tribute to the precious metals that defined Colorado’s Gilded age. RSVP. CLUB NEWS OPTIMIST CLUB OF MONACO SOUTH FRIDAYS from 7-8 a.m. for the pasts 49 years. American Legion Hall, Yale & I-25. Call Frank 303759-9232 for a free breakfast.

Have fun meeting new friends and an opportunity to give back to the community.

DENVER LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at 12 noon at the American Legion Hall, I-25 & Yale. Interested in joining? Call Bob, 720-3139741.

ENGLEWOOD LIONS CLUB MEETINGS Meets 1st & 3rd Thursdays at 7:00 a.m. At Mango Tree Coffee, 3498 S. Broadway,Englewood.

Info: Gail 720-377-7682.

WHAT’S NEW? VALENTINE’S DAY COOKING AT HOME WED., FEB. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., Centennial. Monica of Kadillak Kitchens will present simple dinner ideas tomato your evening special. RSVP: arapahoelibraries.org/events BECOME A CONTESTANT IN THE 2026 MS. COLORADO SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT If you are 60 or older - you qualify as a contestant for the pageant in April 25, 2026. This is not a beauty contest; contestants will compete in a private interview, evening gown, philosophy of life, and talent. The winner will appear at community events, parades and represent Colorado at the national pageant in Atlantic City. Every contestant becomes part of the Colorado Cameo Club, joining an incredible sisterhood that performs throughout the community. Contact Pageant Administrator Rene’ Green at 720384-6249 or renemcsap@gmail. com www.coloscramerica.com Beginning Tue., JAN. 6, at 4

a.m. County Line Road will fully close for approximately 100 days between Clarkson & the U-Haul business access. They are moving large quantities of dirt to Lee Gulch. Detours and access will be set up.

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Optional: 11 a.m. networking.

At the Denver art Museum/ 100 W. 14th Ave. Parkway.

Lunch event. Featured speakers: David Coors - Molson Coors; George Sparks - Den. Museum of Nature & Science; Erin Waggoner-Verizon; Debbie Brown - Colorado.

Business Roundtable. RSVP: $125. www.COBRT.com COLORADO BUSINESS HALL OF FAME THURS., FEB. 5 “Igniting the Future.” Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center. 2026 Laureates: The Appel family, Buz Koelbel, Chuck Morris, Blair Richardson,George Solich, Tweet Kimball. RSVP. Coloradobusinesshalloffame. org SOUTH METRO CHAMBER BUSINESS IN FULL BLOOM ANNUAL BUSINESS AWARDS SHOW APRIL 24, 6-10 p.m.

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PAGE 16 | THE VILLAGER • January 15, 2026

money sense

The not-so-empty nest: How to help adult kids achieve financial liftoff When your children turn to you for financial support — and a roof over their heads — these tips from Merrill can help you give them the tools they need to move forward on their own.

Most parents have mixed feelings about achieving empty-nest status.

They miss their kids but take great pride in knowing they have set them on the path to financial independence. So when a report comes out documenting an increase in “boomerang kids” — young adults coming home to live with their parents — there is cause for concern.

According to a 2024 Pew Research report, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” 57% of young adults aged 18–24 live with their parents — up from 53% 30 years ago. Among 25- to 29-year-olds, 21% live with a parent, up from 16%. If they are not living with their parents, many get help with rent or mortgage payments: According to a Better Money Habits Bank of America survey, “2024: The State of Gen Z’s Financial Health,” 54% of adult members of Generation Z (18–27 at the time) do not pay for their own housing.

Clearly, for many parents, the empty nest is not so empty. Plus, according to the Pew report, 44% of young adults say they received some sort of financial assistance from their parents during the past year.1 Young adults face many financial pressures: inflation, student debt and high mortgage rates, among them. Fortunately, for many parents, helping the kids is not a burden. In the Pew study, only 36% of parents said doing so had adversely impacted their financial situation somewhat in the last year.1 These not-so-emptynesters are more likely to be focused on finding ways to help their kids stand on their own financially.

“Of course, you want to be there for your children when they need financial help,” says Bank of America’s financial gerontologist, Cynthia Hutchins. “But the most important thing you may be able to give them

is a refresher course in the financial basics.” Consider these ways to help your adult children establish better money habits.

Lend an ear — and some budgeting advice If your adult children are asking for help paying their bills, first ask them what financial pressures they are facing. “It can help to share the financial missteps you may have made when you were younger, as well as the financial lessons you wish you had known,” says Hutchins.

Let your kids see that mistakes can be overcome if they stick to a wellthought-out plan.

Encourage them to create a budget that prioritizes expenses, designating some things as “needs” and others as “wants.” Are your kids overspending?

Suggest that before making any major purchases they ask themselves whether they have met their savings target for the month — say, 20% of their paycheck.

Tell them about the trade-offs you made when you were starting out.

Next, schedule time for them to talk with your financial advisor, who can offer perspective on the value of having a financial plan and ideas on how to pursue their financial goals, like saving for a down payment or going back to school.

Help out — but attach strings To encourage accountability, think about structuring your financial assistance in the form of a loan, Hutchins suggests. Put it in writing and agree on a repayment schedule. While the IRS requires you to charge interest on loans to family members, the minimum required rate is usually well below what traditional lenders charge.2 If your financial support comes in the form of a large gift (a down payment, for instance, or help paying off a student loan), consider positioning

the gift as an early inheritance and adjusting your estate plan to avoid any potential sibling resentment.

Set limits — on yourself and your kids Before you commit to providing financial support, sit down with your advisor to assess your current income and expenses and discuss how you might lend a hand without losing momentum on progress toward your own goals.

When talking with your children, be candid about how much support you can offer and how long it can last. Consider limiting your financial contributions to help with essential expenses (car loan, yes; streaming services, maybe not so much) and only after they have personally covered as much as they can. You may want to give your adult child a deadline for moving out and explain that your life plans (retiring, relocating, etc.) cannot be put on hold indefinitely.

Above all, emphasizes Hutchins, “Never dip into money earmarked for your retirement, or you may end up being the one needing financial support.” Remind the kids they have 40 to 50 years of earning power ahead of them — you do not. They will understand.

For more information, contact Merrill Financial Advisor Andrew Neal in the Greenwood Village, CO, office at 303.689.8043 or andrew.neal@ml.com.

1

Pew Research, “Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood,” January 2024.

2

IRS.gov, May 2024.

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Investment products offered through MLPF&S, and insurance and annuity products offered through MLLA.:

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