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April 3, 2014Elbert County, Colorado | Volume 119, Issue 9

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O� ces shu� ed by county manager Handful of key personnel moving By George Lurie [email protected]

Elbert County Manager Ed Ehmann is wasting no time putting his personal stamp on the way the county operates.

During the last two weeks of March, Ehmann has been moving key personnel

from various county departments into newly confi gured offi ce space in the court-house in Kiowa.

Ehmann, who was appointed county manager by the county commissioners in February, said the changes are part of a “reorganization that will move some staff around to better serve the public.”

Ehmann, who is still operating as direc-tor of the county road and bridge depart-ment, has also recently moved into a sec-ond-fl oor offi ce in the courthouse building that was formerly occupied by the county’s

fi nance director, who was fi red by the commissioners in 2013 and has yet to be replaced.

Ehmann’s new offi ce is adjacent to the three com-missioners’ offi ces and the still sparse offi ce of new County Attorney Wade Gateley.

“At one time, we thought about moving the three commissioners’ offi ces to the Jus-tice Center” in order to make more room

for other county workers in the courthouse building, Ehmann said.

Board of County Commissioners Chair Kurt Schlegel said he supported the plan. “As long as I have my phone and iPad, I can work anywhere,” said Schlegel, adding, “it would take me about an hour to move out of my (courthouse) offi ce.”

But Ehmann said that “at least for the time being,” the three commissioners’ of-fi ces will remain where they are.

Ehmann

Personnel continues on Page 4

County tightens records policy ‘Deluge’ of requests requires staff time By George Lurie [email protected]

At the March 26 Board of County Com-missioners meeting, Chairman Kurt Schle-gel announced that Elbert County is modi-fying the way it responds to public records requests.

“Over the last two years, we’ve been get-ting deluged with a plethora of requests,” Schlegel said. “It’s really become a signifi -cant drain on the county’s resources and staff.”

Schlegel said that county staff “is cur-rently in the process of uploading records onto the county website” in the hope that “it will help decrease” the number of open record requests.

“Up to now, we’ve been very lenient in charging people for staff time (related to responding to open record requests). That

policy is going to change,” Schlegel added.The county currently charges 25 cents

per page — and $20 an hour for staff time involved in responding to open record re-quests.

“We had typically been giving them the fi rst hour (of staff time) for free,” Schlegel said.

“It’s no secret that in Elbert County (where currently every elected offi cial is a Republican) that partisanship plays a role in just about everything,” including in the number of public records requests fi led, said Commissioner Robert Rowland.

“I guess the Democrats feel like bom-barding our staff with (open record) re-quests is one way they can be a burr under our saddle,” Rowland added.

Nearly all open records requests “re-quire getting the county attorney involved,” Schlegel said. “This costs us, the taxpayers, quite a bit of money and takes up valuable time for staff. And most of these (open re-cord) requests have been asked before and are being asked repeatedly.”

Under the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), the county

can charge up to $1.25 for a photocopy re-lated to an open records request fi led by a citizen.

At the March 26 BOCC meeting, Schle-gel provided an updated copy of the coun-ty’s “Open Records Request Procedure and Policy” statement, which reads, in part: “Elbert County seeks to meet public in-formation requests in the most economi-cal fashion possible. When applicable, an estimated cost of the requested informa-tion may be provided when requesting a substantial number of copies or research by the Custodian (of Records) is required. In the event research or compilation of records is required, the fee for compiling request information is $20 per hour for employee time utilized. The requestor may be required to pay all or a portion of the estimated cost before compilation of the information is performed.”

The policy also states that “the County may refuse any request requiring data ma-nipulation on the basis that CORA does not require manipulation.”

County Manager Ed Ehmann confi rmed that the “vast majority” of recent open record requests have come from “just a handful of individuals.”

“We just don’t have the staff to handle this,” Ehmann said.

Before he resigned last month, former County Attorney Alex Beltz said dealing with open record requests took up “a huge amount of my time, many, many hours al-most every week.”

Schlegel said, “You have no idea how frustrating this has been for county staff to deal with.”

At the March 26 BOCC meeting, Chairman Kurt Schlegel, center, listens to a comment from District 3 Commissioner Larry Ross, right. Schlegel announced that the county would be adhering more strictly to its open records requests policy. Photo by George Lurie

Election bill gains Senate approval Republicans say recall measure tramples state constitution By Vic Vela [email protected]

A Democrat-sponsored bill that would re-shape how Colorado voters cast ballots in recall elections passed the state Senate on March 28, as Re-publicans cried foul.

The bill would allow people more time to vote and would provide more options for casting their ballots in recall elections — something that wasn’t possible during last fall’s histor-ic legislative recalls, which resulted in the ousting of two Democratic Senate members.

But Republicans blasted the effort as an end-run around the state consti-tution that is clearly aimed at driving higher Democratic turnout in recall elections.

“Just because the constitution is an inconvenient truth, it’s still the truth,” said Senate Minority Leader Bill Cad-man, R-Colorado Springs, in a Senate debate that preceded the vote.

Democrats say the idea behind Sen-ate Bill 158 is to sync modern election code with outdated election language in the state constitution — which was written more than a century prior to last year’s recalls.

The Colorado Constitution states that a candidate has up to 15 days prior to Election Day to submit enough sig-natures to appear on a recall ballot.

The Democrat-sponsored bill would require candidates to submit signatures 15 days prior to when bal-lots are made available to voters, which occurs long before the actual day of the election.

The changes would give county clerks more time to process mail bal-lots, something that didn’t happen dur-ing last year’s recalls — where Demo-cratic Sens. John Morse of Colorado Springs and Angela Giron of Pueblo lost their seats in elections that were spurred by their votes on gun-control legislation.

The elections were preceded by court battles that culminated with a Denver District Court judge ruling that the mailing of ballots could not be pos-sible in those recalls.

Sen. Matt Jones, D-Louisville, a bill sponsor, said that resulted in “terrible”

Recall continues on Page 4

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Education-funding e� orts advance One bill would boost per-pupil money By Vic Vela [email protected]

Colorado’s long-underfunded public school system would receive an additional $300 million in funding and increased per-pupil dollars, under a pair of school fi nance bills that cleared a House committee on March 19.

However, the battle over how those dol-lars are to be managed — and whether the funding will be enough to appease vocal su-perintendents — is just getting started, as the education budget process began to play out at the Capitol last week.

This year’s K-12 school funding efforts seek to provide a badly needed infusion of resources to school districts across the state, through a bipartisan education funding bill and the annual School Finance Act.

“This is our very best attempt at making sure we start making progress from some very diffi cult fi nancial years,” Rep. John Buckner, D-Aurora, told the House Educa-tion committee.

The School Finance Act would increase per-pupil funding by 2.8 percent, which would allow that funding to keep up with in-fl ation. The bill also provides $17 million for preschool and full-day kindergarten.

Immediately before the bill received com-

mittee approval, the same commit-tee gave the go-ahead for a sepa-rate, bipartisan school funding measure.

The Student Success Act would provide millions of dollars for school pro-grams and would replace some of the education funding that had been a casualty o f budget cuts in re-cent years.

The bill — which received House sponsorship from Reps. Mil-lie Hamner, D - D i l l o n , and Carole Murray, R-Castle Rock — would give schools $200 million in additional funding. That sum includes $20 million for reading programs and about $30 million for programs designed for Eng-lish language learners.

“They are some of our most vulnerable

and neediest populations of students,” Hamner said.

The money would also buy down the so-called education funding “neg-ative factor” —recession era edu-

cation funding cuts that total about $1 billion. The bill would provide $100 million for the purpose of backfi lling some of those cuts.

The bills are a way for the

Legislature to pro-vide more money for schools on the heels of last year’s failed school fi nance tax m e a s u r e , which voters soundly re-jected in No-

vember.An increase in

education funding is a top priority for lawmak-

ers and Gov. John Hicken-looper, given the state’s upbeat

economic forecast, which was recently pre-

sented to the Joint Budget Committee.But this year’s K-12 funding efforts are not

going to please everyone.School superintendents and other educa-

tion advocates are asking for more money for the negative factor buydown than what the Legislature expects to provide.

School district leaders have also voiced displeasure over an area in the Student Suc-cess Act that seeks to change how pupils are counted for the purposes of a school’s offi cial enrollment — something that districts say is a waste of time and money.

And there have been arguments over school districts’ lack of autonomy over how the money will be spent. The funding will have stings attached, which doesn’t please opponents who say that the Legislature shouldn’t dictate how districts use that mon-ey.

“I’d like to restore the negative factor to the best of our ability with no strings at-tached,” said Rep. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, the only member of the House Education Committee to vote against the Student Suc-cess Act. “I think that has been a clear mes-sage from our school districts.”

Hamner acknowledged those concerns, but said that it’s important to realize that the state can’t get in over its head.

“We just have to balance all these needs with what the state budget can really commit to over a period of years,” she said.

The bills now head to the House Appro-priations Committee, prior to receiving full votes in the House.

NEWS IN A HURRY

Alcohol sales at events OK’dThe Elbert County commissioners gave

permission at their March 26 meeting for the Elbert County Extension Offi ce to serve alcohol during the 4-H Gala, to be held at the Fairgrounds on April 26. At the same meeting, the commissioners also approved alcohol sales by Cowboy Up at the Kiowa Rodeo. The event is slated for

the Fairgrounds on June 27-28.

Tech students compete at stateThe Technology Student Association

(TSA) is the only student organization devoted exclusively to students engaged in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Earlier this month, the Elizabeth High

School TSA chapter competed in the state conference. Brittany McCague placed third in the Project Showcase, and the EHS Video Game Design team took home the blue ribbon for the second year in a row. The Video Game Design two-time champion team members were Ryan Fleury, Kyle Birks, Logan Blakeslee, Pierce Hopkins, Aiden Martinez and Andrew

Smith.

Health Fair slated for EMS in AprilThe 9Health Fair will be held April 19

from 7 a.m. to noon at Elizabeth Middle School. The event offers free and low-cost health screenings and a variety of health education booths. Health care profession-als will also be available.

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Elbert County News 3 April 3, 2014

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A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices.

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For the past 29 years, the South Metro Denver Chamber has recognized small businesses for their outstanding entrepreneurial achievements. The emphasis of the recognition is on leadership consistent with our core values of collaboration, empowerment, transformation and celebration.

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29th Annual South Metro Denver Small Business Leadership Award

Finalists Announced

So far, about a half-dozen key county employees from the Fairgrounds and Road and Bridge departments have been relo-cated to offices in the courthouse.

“There will be some additional moves over the next several weeks,” Schlegel said at the BOCC’s March 26 meeting. “The changes are all for the better and designed to improve the county’s business opera-tions.”

“The plan is to streamline administra-tive operations in multiple departments,” said Ehmann.

The county is made up of 14 different departments, Ehmann said, some “more critical than others in the day-to-day op-eration of the county.”

“We plan to cross-train employees be-tween departments so that things don’t come to a standstill when somebody goes out on vacation,” Ehmann said.

“It’s bad management to have only one person (in a department) who knows how to do something,” said Sheriff Shane Heap, adding that he’s already seen increased ef-ficiencies within county operations with Ehmann’s first wave of reorganizations and consolidation.

“The Sheriff’s Office and Road and Bridge Department already work closely together and are doing a lot of this that are saving the county money,” Heap said.

Ehmann has ordered “modular desks” that should arrive any day and will be set up in the budget office, located on the sec-ond floor of the courthouse. The new office equipment will allow for additional county employees to work on the same floor as the county manager, county commissioners and county attorney.

“It makes it challenging when you are working in such an old building,” Ehmann said of the century-old courthouse, which lacks central air conditioning and many other modern amenities.

“We’re trying hard to create a team at-mosphere where we’re all working togeth-er,” said Ehmann.

Continued from Page 1

Personnelvoter turnout last year. Jones said that about 36 percent of eligible voters showed up to vote in Giron’s recall elec-tion, while only 21 percent of voters cast ballots in the Morse contest. Jones said the lack of a mail ballot option particu-larly harmed military voters, the elderly and persons with disabilities, because they had a more difficult time getting to the polls on a single Election Day.

“Nobody benefits from chaos, espe-cially the voters,” Jones said. “This aligns the constitution in such a way so that people who want to vote can vote.”

Jones also cited bill support from the nonpartisan County Clerk’s Association.

Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver, also a bill sponsor, said the bill “modern-izes” recall elections in a way that Colo-rado voters have become accustomed to, through the current general election process.

“This is just taking the experience from last year and making our laws more understandable for everyone involved,” Steadman said.

But Republicans blasted the bill for “running roughshod over the constitu-tion.” They argued that the language in the constitution clearly defines that Election Day means just that — and not the weeks-long early voting process that Democrats say it is.

“We’re redefining Election Day here and I don’t think that is something we can do,” said Sen. Scott Renfroe, R-Gree-ley. “That is unconstitutional.”

The bill now heads to the House after it passed the Senate following an 18-17 party-line vote.

The result did not sit well with Re-publican Sen. Ted Harvey of Highlands Ranch.

“The Democrats lost multiple court battles to stop the recalls, they then lost two Senators to recall elections, so today they are attempting to amend the consti-tution without a vote of the people,” Har-vey said. “Their disrespect of the voters of Colorado knows no bounds.”


Recall

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Bill would alter educator evaluations for one year Opponents say change should be permanent By Vic Vela [email protected]

School districts would have greater fl exibility in deciding how much weight student academic performance would have in evaluating teachers under a bill that passed a Senate committee on March 26.

But Republicans who voted against the bill would rather let districts make that de-cision permanently, rather than the one-year freedom that the bill allows.

School boards now are required to es-tablish a principal- and teacher-evalua-tion process that bases at least 50 percent of an educator’s annual evaluation on the academic growth of students’ standard-ized testing scores.

The weight of poor student perfor-mance can adversely impact educators facing evaluation. Critics of the current law say it is unfair, because districts may not have the resources to follow through with the requirements.

The current requirement is mandated through 2010’s Senate Bill 191, which set a standard for educator performance evalu-ations.

Senate Bill 165 would allow school districts to decide how much — if any — student test data would factor into an educator’s performance evaluation for the 2014-15 school year.

“This is a good compromise between moving forward (with the desire for sound academic requirements) and also being fair to students and education profession-als across the state,” Sen. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood, a bill sponsor, told the Senate Education Committee.

Supporters of the legislation say that districts are already having a diffi cult time

shifting their focus toward new testing this year, without having to keep up with existing mandates. Schools are moving from Transitional Colorado Assessment Program (TCAP) testing to a new system that will incorporate tests from a multi-state consortium.

The bill gives districts time to ana-lyze the new student assessments before they’re used to evaluate teachers and principals.

The 50 percent student test data threshold would still be used for the cur-rent school year, but in a “hold harmless” manner, meaning educators could not be adversely affected at evaluation time.

The bill received supportive commit-tee testimony from key education groups. Jane Urschel, of the Colorado Association of School Boards, said the bill “provides considerable relief for teachers and ad-ministrators.” And Kerrie Dallman of the Colorado Education Association said the bill gives districts “more time and train-

ing before high-stakes decisions are made about teachers.”

The bill has Republican sponsorship in the House from Rep. Carole Murray, of Castle Rock. But the vote in the majority-Democrat Senate Education Committee fell on party lines, with all Democrats in support and all Republicans in opposi-tion.

Sen. Vicky Marble, R-Fort Collins, of-fered an unsuccessful amendment to the bill that would have allowed districts to decide the weight of student test data in educator evaluations on a permanent ba-sis.

Marble said educators are buried in testing and evaluation mandates and that it’s unfair to ask districts to shoulder any more burdens.

“I cannot support this bill for a year, but I can support this bill in perpetuity,” she said.

The bill now heads for a vote in the full Senate.


6-Opinion-Color

opinions / yours and ours

What could $10 million do for Elizabeth students?Much of what each of us has achieved in

life is rooted in the education we received in our youth. Just as the generations before us met their responsibility to educate us, we too have a responsibility to ensure a quality public education is available to all.

Public education is the great equal-izer that ensures the opportunities for all that our founders envisioned. In times of economic strife, we must not forget that each child has only one opportunity to re-ceive his or her initial education. Many in our state government have forgotten this simple fact. This forgetfulness has cost our district over $10 million and is negatively impacting thousands of our children.

In Colorado, the School Finance Act of 1994 sets school funding levels. This law provides a formula for funding of K-12 ed-ucation that divides the burden for fund-ing schools between revenue collected by the state and local property taxes. The current split is approximately 65 percent state and 35 percent local. The formula sets base funding and then adjusts with various factors accounting for local cost of living, percentage of at-risk children, per-centage of English language learners, etc.

The formula is meant to provide for basic education requirements and does

not fund such enhancements as full-day kindergarten, bus transportation between home and school, or extracurricular sports and arts programs. There are additional federal and state funding streams that support only a fraction of the costs of oth-er mandated services such as Special Edu-cation requirements.

The voters in many districts have cho-sen to support a Mill Levy Override (ad-ditional property taxes in excess of the amount required by the state formula) to pay for the enhancements listed above. We have not.

The Elizabeth School district has, throughout the years, provided both the basic educational requirements and the enhancements that produce a well-round-ed student and prepared citizen within the

amounts dictated by the formula. We have done so by getting the most from every penny received and prioritizing funding to the classroom over all else when shortfalls occur.

As the recent recession deepened, the state legislature added a negative factor to the funding formula that, to date has re-duced state funding (or return of our own tax dollars) by a cumulative amount in ex-cess of $10 million. The negative factor for our schools was $3.1 million just this year. As our total budget is on the order of $20 million this has had a great impact.

We are operating at pre-2008 revenue levels.

Our district has made hard choices. We have reduced funding to areas out-side the classroom dramatically. Facility maintenance has been deferred, life-cycle replacement of technology and busses has not occurred, our teachers and support-ing staff have not seen pay increases that match increasing costs of living.

We have also delayed needed invest-ments, cut some services, and spent down our small reserve in order to protect qual-ity of education and retain some of the en-hancements that our community values.

Obviously, we cannot rely on our dwin-

dling reserves for the long term. We con-tinuously examine our operations to find areas to reduce costs, but the return on these efforts is becoming limited. At our current levels of expenses and revenues, our district will run out of cash in the mid-dle of the 2016-17 school year.

Obviously, change is needed. Our board and superintendent have been extremely active in demanding the state legislature reduce the negative factor. Absent a return of these funds, or increased local contri-butions, we will have to eliminate non-essential programs that are highly valued. Not a pleasant prospect.

Currently, our schools produce highly-qualified graduates who have been suc-cessful at some of the most competitive universities in our nation. Our community values — echoed and reinforced in our schools — are the key to developing solid citizens that are ready and able to partici-pate in society. Their future and the future of our community, state, and nation are in our hands and we take that responsibility seriously.

Christopher A. Richardson represents District C1 on the Elizabeth School Dis-trict board of education.

9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 Phone: 303-566-4100 | Fax: 303-566-4098 On the Web: elbertcountynews.net

ELBERT COUNTY NEWS A publication of

gerard healey President and Publisher Chris rotar Editor ryaN Boldrey Assistant Editor george lurie Community Editor ViC Vela Legislative Reporter eriN addeNBrooKe Advertising Director roN MitChell Sales Executive audrey BrooKs Business Manager sCott aNdrews Production Manager saNdra arellaNo Circulation Director

We welcome event listings and other submissions.

News and Business Press releases Please visit elbertcountynews.net, click on the Submit Your News tab and choose a category from the drop down menu.

Calendar [email protected]

Military Notes [email protected]

school accomplishments, honor roll and dean’s list [email protected]

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obituaries [email protected]

to subscribe call 303-566-4100

Columnists and guest commentariesThe Elbert County News features a limited

number of regular columnists, found on these pages and elsewhere in the paper, depending on the typical subject the columnist covers. Their opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News.

Want your own chance to bring an issue to our readers’ attention, to highlight something great in our community, or just to make people laugh? Why not write a letter of 300 words or fewer. Include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

email letters to [email protected]

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it’s news to us. Please share by contacting us [email protected],

and we will take it from there.

After all, the News is your paper.

we’re in this together

“It wasn’t me!”“It’s not my fault!”“I can’t believe they did that!”To me, personal accountability is right

up there with character, integrity, and hon-esty on the value scale. When we make mis-takes, and we will, it is our responsibility to own them, fix the issue if possible, move on and learn from each one. As for me, I am doing a lot of learning these days … if you know what I mean.

What we have to avoid is the “Blame Game” when it comes to blaming ourselves or others. Whether we try and hide from our errors out of shame, or we have developed a coping mechanism over time that allows us to point the finger of blame at others, it’s time to step up and take ownership of everything we do. And by the way, some of you may have heard or seen this before, but when we point the finger of blame at some-one else, there are still three fingers point-ing back in our direction.

Do others need to be held accountable? Absolutely. We all make mistakes and err from time to time. And in each case the lev-el of conversation or appropriateness of a discussion around the event will be driven or dictated by the depth of the relationship between the people involved. When we have the strength and confidence to hold ourselves accountable for our own actions, it becomes so much easier to talk with oth-

ers about their accountability and respon-sibility. It’s when we act one way and think that it would be OK to absolve ourselves from being held accountable, yet we feel like we can point out the erroneous ways of others, is where we get ourselves in trouble.

Accountability sometimes carries a negative connotation, but it doesn’t always have to. People just don’t like being held ac-countable; it is a strong word for sure and does carry a heavy weight or even burden for some people. Accountability should be a positive word and used to motivate, in-spire, and encourage ourselves and others. When used negatively, accountability can become a weapon. When it is used posi-tively it can serve as a tool and launching pad for greatness.

The next time you consider pointing your finger somewhere, point it in the

Blaming is obstacle on road to accountability

You build them up, they let you down

Who and what can you count on? Who and what can you rely upon, each and every day? (Let’s leave God out of this.)

It’s a good question. Even the best of friends flake out now and then. The best appliances go on the blink. Technology is always vulnerable.

Your car can’t be trusted 100 percent of the time. Your cookies are broken. There are bones in your burrito.

Meteorologists? They’re good, but they’re not perfect. I have never com-plained. Most of the time they are right on it. I always keep in mind that they are not predicting the weather on my street.

I can’t count on my favorite actor to always, always be brilliant. The same goes for my favorite musicians. When I was a teenager, if a group had two hits, they would record an album. There would be a hit on each side, and the rest of the songs would be fillers. Most of the time the fillers were duds.

Sometimes my favorite group — like Peter, Paul, and Mary — would record a song from the drecky settlings of a song-writer who missed the boat, missed the bus, missed the velocipede.

Please don’t make me listen to “I Dig Rock and Roll Music.” My theory is that they thought their day had come and gone, that folk music’s day had come and gone, and that they wanted to look like they were still valid. Instead of singing a rock and roll song, they elected to be rock and roll sycophants.

That’s unforgivable. On top of that, they sing the word “dig.”

The song came out in 1968. “Dig” had come and gone years before. It made me sad. Unfortunately the damn thing was a hit. I freeze when I hear it, and leap to change it.

One time I changed the station, and the second worse song ever was on.

Jefferson Airplane may have taken its name from a slang term for “a paper match splint that holds a marijuana joint that has been smoked too short to hold without burning the fingers.” One disc jockey said they were named after an airplane that was displayed in front of Jefferson High School.

Either way, it was a good name. Was. Then someone decided to befriend “Star Wars” and renamed the group “Star-ship.” That still irritates me.

Their first single was awful. Unfor-tunately it was a hit too. Elton John’s pal Bernie Taupin was involved. Please.

Norton continues on Page 7

Smith continues on Page 7


7-Color

OBITUARIES

Robert Carl Barber, 39, of Elizabeth, CO. Born January 21, 1975 in Rochester, MN passed away March 2, 2014.

Survived by wife Jennifer, children Rose and Michael.

Memorial service 10:00 AM Saturday March 29 at Grant-Humphreys Mansion, 770 Pennsylvania, Denver 80203.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Barber Family Dona-tion Fund at Wells Fargo or Barber Family Fund on Facebook.

BarBer

Robert Carl BarberJan. 21, 1975 – Mar. 2, 2014

To place an Obituary for Your Loved One…

Private303-566-4100

[email protected]

Funeral HomesVisit: www.memoriams.com

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was created to connect you to 21 community papers

with boundless opportunity and rewards.

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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, Northglenn-Thornton Sentinel, Parker Chronicle, Pikes Peak Courier View, South Platte Independent,

Teller County Extra, Tribune Extra, Tri-Lakes Tribune, Westminster Window, and Wheat

Ridge Transcript.

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We are a single mom ministry. Our program goal is to educate, empower individuals so they can become employable and attain self-sufficiency.

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direction of where you want to go instead of pointing it at where you have been or at someone else. Now when you do this, point your fi nger towards your destination, you will still have three fi ngers pointing back at yourself.

This will remind you that you are the one responsible and accountable for reaching

and exceeding your goals.So are you playing the “Blame Game”

or are you using accountability as a tool to help drive you toward the achievement of your goals and dreams? I would love to hear all about it at [email protected]. And when we leverage accountability as a tool and not a weapon, it really will be a better than good week.

Michael Norton is a resident of Highlands Ranch, the former president of the Zig Ziglar Corporation and the CEO/founder of www.candogo.com.

Please do not play “We Built This City (on Rock and Roll”). It was all wrong, arrogant, a presumption, badly timed, a once great band’s resignation to the slide back down the hill.

It reminded of Academy Award-win-ning actor Ray Milland appearing in “The Man With Two Heads.” If it had been at the start of his career, OK. It wasn’t. The other head belonged to black football star Roos-evelt Grier.

What was it like on the set? Was it non-stop laughing?

I’ll tell you what I can count on every day. Any day of the week, any time of day. Two things, actually, that have never failed

me.Each is profoundly simple, and capable

of profound things.One is a No. 2 pencil. A yellow No. 2 pen-

cil, with a pink eraser at the end. You have a complete unit of production that includes its own little editor. It’s perfect. What if you don’t have a sharpener? Sharpen it on a sidewalk. I have.

When I open a package of paper, a package of white, copy and print paper, it’s always the same. Perfect. Gleaming and ready. Each sheet is ready for something right away. A copy of a copy, notes for one of my columns, a sketch of a dachshund or a shopping list: “Pick up asparagus sand-wiches, bird seed, plenty of No. 2 pencils.”

Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at [email protected].


Smith


Norton

Baby delivered on side of highway Dad delivers Karaline Annabelle while sisters look on By Chris Michlewicz [email protected]

Stefanie and Nathan Simpson learned an important lesson on a roadside in the middle of no-where: “Baby comes when baby comes.”

After relatively routine births with their fi rst three daughters, the couple was not expecting a nontraditional labor with their fourth. After the two spent Sun-day afternoon, the baby’s due date, at Parker Adventist Hospi-tal, waiting on what turned out to be a false alarm, they learned the baby would be arriving on her own time.

Two days later, the family, including girls ages 21 months through 5 years, were piling into their car in the early morning light. The contractions were com-ing closer together, but “I thought I had time to get to the hospital,” Stefanie said.

The couple had moved one week earlier from Aurora to Fal-con, a town east of Colorado Springs. Stefanie’s obstetrician is based at Parker Adventist, and she was willing to make the com-mute. It turned out that Karaline Annabelle was not.

Nathan called 9-1-1 and was told to pull over on Highway 83, just north of County Line Road in southeastern Douglas County. Paramedics from two depart-ments — the Franktown Fire Protection District and Tri-Lakes Monument Fire Protection Dis-trict — were en route. Nathan

could hear sirens in the distance as the baby crowned.

Karaline didn’t scream. She came out wide-eyed and alert, taking in the “whirlwind” scene around her, probably wondering all the while what the commotion was about. Her sisters — Kirina, Kaelynn and Kenna — watched in amazement.

Karaline was halfway out when emergency personnel fi rst

reached the vehicle. With the temperature hover-

ing around 15 degrees, the new-born was wrapped in aluminum blankets.

Nathan, seated on the side of a hospital bed alongside his beam-ing wife, calmly recounted the story with Karaline in his arms. He admitted that he was not so composed during the birth.

“I have three other daughters

so I know what’s going on and knew what to do, but the fact that I actually needed to (deliver) was a little bit different,” he said.

“I was pretty sure you were freaking out,” Stefanie interject-ed.

“I was freaking out a little bit,” he admitted. “And then after the adrenaline rush and the ambu-lance left, I kind of had shock take over.”

The fi rst to arrive on scene — a volunteer fi refi ghter who later said he had never before delivered a baby — drove the frayed father and his girls to the hospital. The ambulance took mom and baby separately, much to the surprise of the couple’s 21-month-old.

In spite of the fact that “Kara-line was a little impatient,” Na-than says, she entered the world quickest.

Stefanie endured extended pe-riods of labor when having their fi rst three children. Karaline took 45 minutes to deliver, and arrived at 7 pounds, 1 ounce, and 20 inch-es long.

The ordeal hasn’t steered the couple away from plans to have “at least one more” child, said Nathan, who has three younger sisters of his own. He is happily resigned to being completely out-numbered by females for the rest of his life.

The couple welcomed the media attention, saying that the story will be told at birthdays and, one day, at Karaline’s wedding, where she will presumably arrive on schedule.

Stefanie and Nathan Simpson, of Falcon, smile at Karaline, who was born in a car March 25. Nathan had to perform the � rst half of the delivery before paramedics arrived. Photos by Chris Michlewicz

Karaline Annabelle Simpson rests after being born hours earlier on the side of Highway 83.


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Grant gives pilot

funds for � ying tion endeavors. The fund

of baking? No way,’” Wirth-Kleinbub

said.But baking is just what these two

sisters, who now live in Arvada with

their families, plan to do for the next

After about a year of planning and

18. The sisters have created more than

50 different types of cupcakes, from

traditional fl avors to ones customers

can’t fi nd anywhere else, as well as

chocolate whoopie pies with marsh-


mallow fi lling.

While the bakery offers dozens of

different fl avors, the fl avors are rotated

introduced “Tipsy Cupcakes,” with

fl avors akin to Captain Morgan and

Coca-Cola, Jagermeister and Red Bull,

a White Russian and a Bloody Mary.

Two other specialty cupcakes do

more than just satisfy a customer’s

sweet tooth.

Ten percent of proceeds from the

“Pink Elephant,” a strawberry and


cherry fl avored cupcake with a straw-

berry jam fi lling, and “Hey Jude,” an

Earl Grey lemon and lavender cup-

cake, are donated to charity.


The “Pink Elephant” supports the


Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald,


classroom as a benefi t when it c

omes

to running a business too.

“You learn to keep order,” Wirth-


Kleinbub, a former art teacher for the


elementary school. “I had over 300


kids so I learned to keep things going

And fun is just what the shop tries

to bring with its bright pink walls, car-

toon cupcake characters on the wall

and coloring books on the table for to

entertain children when they visit.

Once Upon a Cupcake even hosts

events such as birthday parties or

showers for up to 15 guests. Once

Upon a Cupcake, 5680 W. 88th Ave.,

Westminster, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday and from

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Satur-

days. The shop is closed Sundays.

Sisters Jessica Forster, left, and Candice Wirth-Kleinbub opened their family-operated business Once Upon

a Cupcake at 5680 W. 88th Ave. in Westminster.

WHERE: 5680

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through

Fridays and Saturdays and








Forster and Wirth-Kleinbub have

found their years of experience in the

classroom as a benefi t when it c

omes

to running a business too.





HOURS: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and

closed SundaysFridays and Saturdays and



ThursdayColorado Community Media was created to connect you to 22 community papers with

boundless opportunity and rewards.

Colorado Community Media was created to connect you to 22 community papers with

boundless opportunity and rewards. Grant gives pilot

funds for � ying tion endeavors. The fund

was established by Alison

Botsford for her father Hal

said.But baking is just what these two



20 years.


hard work, Forster and Wirth-Klein-

bub opened the fi rst cupcake shop in

the area, Once Upon a Cupcake, 5680

W. 88th Ave. in Westminster, on Dec.





introduced “Tipsy Cupcakes,” with




Tipsy cupcakes are available Fridays

and Saturdays.



sweet tooth.




a Cupcake at 5680 W. 88th Ave. in Westminster.






But baking is just what these two



20 years.


Grant gives pilot

funds for � ying

funds for � ying Coca-Cola, Jagermeister and Red Bull,





















18. The sisters have created more than hard work, Forster and Wirth-Klein-






the area, Once Upon a Cupcake, 5680 their families, plan to do for the next



bub opened the fi rst cupcake shop in fl avors akin to Captain Morgan and






20 years.







Did you know...

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While the bakery offers dozens of “Pink Elephant,” a strawberry and


different fl avors, the fl avors are rotated “Pink Elephant,” a strawberry and





While the bakery offers dozens of “Pink Elephant,” a strawberry and


different fl avors, the fl avors are rotated HigHlands RancH 1.10.13

HeraldHighlands

Ranch ourhighlandsranchnews.com

January 10, 2013

A Colorado Community Media Publication

Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 26, Issue 8

Printed on recycled

newsprint. Please

recycle this copy.

C-470 talks in final stretchCoalition expects

to make expansion

decision soonBy Ryan Boldrey

[email protected]

After months of public outreach, town

halls and community surveys, the C-470

Corridor Coalition expects to decide by

March or April how to pursue expanding

the busy freeway corridor from Interstate

25 to Kipling Street.

“I think overall people are saying there

is something that needs to be fixed when

it comes to the congestion,” said Jack Hil-

bert, a Douglas County commissioner who

serves as chair of the coalition’s policy com-

mittee.According to the coalition, eastbound

travelers from Kipling to I-25 face delays of

more than 11 minutes during the morning

rush hour, and westbound travelers are de-

layed as much as 18 minutes in the evening.

Growth along the corridor is expected to

increase by more than 30 percent over the

next 20 years.

Beginning with a series of telephone

town halls in July, the coalition has been

busy presenting three options to citizens

and area business leaders: tolling any addi-

tional lanes and keeping the existing lanes

free; tolling all the lanes, old and new; and

raising property or sales taxes to pay for ad-

ditional new lanes.

“The one thing that has come across

clear,” Hilbert said, “is that there is just no

way in the world you could go back and toll

existing roadways. No matter what is decid-

ed, existing (lanes) will remain free.”

Hilbert said the coalition is leaning to-

ward a decision to toll any new or addi-

tional lanes to pay for construction and

maintenance. He said this will be discussed

heavily at the coalition’s January and Feb-

ruary meetings, when they go over results

from a recent telephone survey conducted

by Hill Research Consultants.

“If we go that route, construction could

start in early 2014, if not sooner,” he said.

“If we pick a financing option that requires

a vote (raising taxes), that obviously pushes

it out further. But I don’t think those two

options are what I am hearing citizens say.

I’m hearing citizens say `yeah, fix it, but we

want someone else to pay the taxes.’”

Raising taxes was a popular option in the

early town hall surveys, but according to

Hill’s survey only 9 percent of people were

in favor of increased property tax and 42

percent favored increasing sales taxes. De-

spite the higher numbers, 42-41, in favor of

sales taxes over tolling one new lane, the re-

port suggested that there was not sufficient

support to secure passage in an election as

required by TABOR.

Possibility of four lanes now

Hilbert said there is a possibility that

C-470 could expand sooner rather than lat-

Stay aware, legislators tell businesses

GOP lawmakers

speak to local alliance

By Jane Reuter

[email protected]

State leaders urged Douglas County

business owners to stay aware and get in-

volved in issues that could impact them as

lawmakers take their seats at the state Capi-

tol for the new legislative session.

Democrats have regained control of the

Colorado House, and maintain their ma-

jority in the state Senate, and Republican

members of the Douglas County legislative

delegation said that could impact business

owners. Four of them were on hand for a

Douglas County Business Alliance-spon-

sored legislative kickoff session held Jan. 3

at Lone Tree’s Sky Ridge Medical Center.

“The bills you need to be cautious about

aren’t going to be the ones grabbing the

headlines, so it means you really do have

to pay attention,” outgoing House Speaker

Frank McNulty said. “They’re the ones that

are going to have the highest impact on the

economy.”

McNulty urged business owners to

“show up at the state Capitol,” testify and

bring supporters when issues of concern

are on the table.

From left, state Rep. Chris Holbert, state Rep.-elect Polly Lawrence and outgoing state House Speaker Frank McNulty address the Douglas County Business Alliance on Jan. 3 during

a legislative kickoff session. Photo by Jane Reuter

Coffman to focus on veteran assistance

Congressman sees

difference between

self, fellow Republicans

By Ryan Boldrey

[email protected]

A 20-year veteran of the U.S. armed

forces, Congressman Mike

Coffman (R-Aurora) plans

to focus much of his efforts

in the new congressional

session on veteran affairs.

The recently re-elected

representative for Colo-

rado’s 6th District said that

he intends to focus on is-

sues ranging from transi-

tion into the citizen work-

force to how the country

can better take care of vet-

erans suffering from post-traumatic stress

disorder.

“I think the real concern is in looking at

the unemployment rates for veterans, par-

ticularly those coming out of Iraq and Af-

ghanistan, and how it is significantly higher

than the general population,” Coffman

said.One way Coffman hopes to defeat this

is by working from the inside out. Near the

close of the last session he introduced a bill

that would force the Department of Veter-

ans Affairs to hire qualified veterans before

hiring from the outside.

“Only about a third of the people that

work (in the VA) have actually served in the

military,” Coffman said, “and I just think

that there’s a culture there that’s not re-

sponsive to the veterans. … In my experi-

ence, people who have served in uniform

are much more likely to understand the

challenges of those who are in the military

and are getting out of the military.”

It’s Coffman’s military background that

also has him in the midst of a movement to

restructure some recent cuts to the Depart-

ment of Defense.

“I think we need to go forward with these

cuts,” he said, “but I think they could be

done in a way that doesn’t compromise our

national security. There was no attention to

detail paid to these cuts. I think that they

thought it would never happen, so the no-

tion was `let’s just do an across-the-board

cut to the Department of Defense.’

“It just isn’t rational. We’re cutting pro-

grams that are essential and giving the

same weight to programs that are essential

to our national security to programs that

probably should have gone by the wayside

a long time ago or have little value.”

Coffman said he fancies himself differ-

ent from many members in his own party

in that a lot of Republicans don’t support

any cuts to defense spending. Some of the

things on the table in Coffman’s eyes in-

clude: troop levels in Europe; whether U.S.

allies should be more involved in cost-shar-

ing; whether we should retain some of our

permanent overseas bases; are there func-

tions being handled by active-duty military

that could be handled by the reserve at a

cheaper cost; and are there weapons sys-

tems that are being developed that aren’t

critical.“I’m looking at being very specific in

coming up with cuts that I think will realize

the same dollar amount but will not com-

promise our security,” he said.

Coffman

mike Coffman’s views

On fiscal resolution: “I like the tax piece, the fact that

most of the Bush tax cuts remain permanent for the vast

majority of American people I thought was a win. On the

negative side, it wasn’t at all balanced with cuts, and we

are, in fact, going to spend even more money now. We’ve

got to be serious about the deficit and the debt and this bill

certainly wasn’t serious about it at all.”

On proposed high-capacity magazine ban: “Person-

ally, I feel that there ought to be a limit. I think this notion

that there shouldn’t be any regulations at all is wrong. That

said, the question about high-capacity magazines should

be decided by state legislatures, because there will inher-

ently be varying standards for different parts of the coun-

try. I feel that 100 rounds is too much but that is an issue

that must be debated and decided by the Colorado General

Assembly and not in Washington, D.C.”

Legislators continues on Page 19

C-470 continues on Page 19



Botsford who was an avid

aviator. The organization

gives $1,000 or more grants








mallow fi lling.





Botsford who was an avid bub opened the fi rst cupcake shop in




tion endeavors. The fund







aviator. The organization

gives $1,000 or more grants 50 different types of cupcakes, from




mallow fi lling.

While the bakery offers dozens of was established by Alison



Botsford who was an avid ArvAdA 1.17.12

ourarvadanews.com

January 17, 2013


Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 8, Issue 34

Candelas construction under way with housing options

Dozens of homes being built in

new sustainable development

By Sara van [email protected]

New homes — and much more in the

coming years — are starting to pop up in

west Arvada.The homes are part of the Candelas resi-

dential and commercial development.

Candelas is at Indiana Street and Can-

delas Parkway, just north of Coal Creek

Canyon Road. The proposed Jefferson Park-

way would run generally southeast of the

residential area. The residential portion of

Candelas is being developed by Terra Causa

Capital and GF Properties Group.

The neighborhood offers something for

everyone, said Creig Veldhuizen, a manag-

ing director with Terra Causa Capital.

“All of our builders so far, we have five of

them all in the same community, are offer-

ing different products and at different price

points,” Veldhuizen said. “They all have

different features and architectural flairs.

There’s a product for everyone.”

Builders include Century Communi-

ties, which offers homes starting in the

$300,000 range, and Richmond American,

which offers homes starting in the $500,000

range and higher. The other two confirmed

builders are Standard Pacific, with homes

starting in the low $300,000s and Ryland

Homes, starting in the low $300,000s. Both

made solar panels standard on the roofs of

their houses. The fifth builder has not been

confirmed. While the homes are all differ-

ent, the entire neighborhood is committed

to being sustainable and using renewable

energy, Veldhuizen said.

“When we went through the zoning pro-

cess, Arvada had some very high hopes for

the property in terms of making it a sustain-

able community,” Veldhuizen said. “They

held us to those standards and we shared

that vision.”Sustainability can be seen throughout

the community, Veldhuizen said, from so-

lar-powered street lights and tiles to solar

panels on the roofs of homes. The biggest

sustainability feature of the community,

though, is its recreation center.

“The recreation center is a $3 million fa-

cility,” Veldhuizen said. “It’s that expensive

because we’re committed to sustainability.

It’s going to be LEED silver certified, and it

may reach LEED gold.”

LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Envi-

ronmental Design, certification means the

building meets green standards set by the

U.S. Green Building Council.

The recreation center will be heated and

cooled by a geothermal heat pump system

and will feature 15 kilowatt solar panels on

the rooftop to offset most of the electricity

used, as well as many other sustainable fea-

tures, Veldhuizen said.

The most significant sustainability fea-

ture Candelas has though is its sustainabil-

ity trust, he said.“It’s the first of its kind in the state of

Colorado,” he said.Each builder who buys lots in Candelas

pays a fee of $3,000 per lot into the trust be-

fore building. If they build the homes with

qualified renewable energy systems, such

as solar panels, geothermal heat pumps

and other technology, they get a rebate of

the majority of the fee.

If the builder chooses not to build the

homes with sustainable qualities, the fee

sits in the trust and is available to the home-

owner to use to retrofit their home with sus-

tainable improvements, Veldhuizen said.

More than just sustainable living is

drawing residents out to Candelas though.

“One thing is the natural beauty of the

sites and the view,” he said. “Residents have

a 360-degree view from any home site. They

can see Standley Lake, the Flat Irons, down-

town Denver and Pikes Peak on the Front

Range. The natural beauty of the site is one

of the most defining characteristics of it.”

The coming development over the next

few years is another draw, Veldhuizen said.

Candelas, including residential, com-

mercial and open space will include 1,500

acres.The development, once completed,

will feature 1,500 single family, detached

homes, 1,000 or more higher-density units

and several million square feet of retail and

commercial space.“It’s kind of a city within a city of Ar-

vada,” Veldhuizen said. “They’ll integrate

and complement each other. There’s a tre-

mendous amount of open space in the

plan. Between parks, open space and trails

systems, we’ll have nearly 200 acres of open

space. There’s a significant commitment to

open space and building area where resi-

dents can enjoy the views and outdoor rec-

reational aspect of the community.”

Its proximity to Boulder, Golden, the

mountains and other locations where peo-

ple “work, dine and play” is another selling

point, Veldhuizen said.

So far, about 30 homes are under con-

struction and nine homes are already built

and occupied.Charlie McKay with Church Ranch Com-

panies, the commercial developer, said de-

velopment hasn’t started yet for the com-

mercial part of the community, but there

has been interest from convenience stores

and grocery stores to build there, as well as

some other potential clients.

“We’ve been at it for many years and

we’ll continue to work on it for many years,”

McKay said.For more information about Candelas,

visit www.liveforward.com.

The new Candelas neighborhood is taking shape with houses in the low $300,000s off Highway 72 and Candelas

Parkway in west Arvada. Photo by Andy Carpenean

Governor outlines challenges

State of State covers gun

control, civil unions, marijuana, economy

By vic [email protected]. John Hickenlooper acknowledged

that “there are no easy solutions” to issues

involving guns, but said a debate on how

best to deal with firearm-related violence is

something “our democracy demands.”

The Democratic governor, addressing

the General Assembly during his annual

State of the State speech Jan. 10, also prof-

fered his opinion on one area of gun con-

trol that is certain to be one of the most

passionately debated topics lawmakers will

take up this legislative session.

“Let me prime the pump,” Hickenlooper

said. “Why not have universal background

checks for all gun sales?”

That suggestion certainly caught the at-

tention of lawmakers on both sides of the

aisle.“It is just completely unenforceable,”

House Minority Leader Mark Waller, R-

Colorado Springs, said of Hickenlooper’s

call for all sales of guns — including those

involving person-to-person transactions —

be contingent on background checks.

But Democrats applauded the gover-

nor’s stance.“He made some risky points,” said Rep.

Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada. “He wasn’t

afraid to jump into that.”

Gun control, one of many issues that

legislators are expected to take up over the

next five months of the session, was just

one area that Hickenlooper addressed. Eco-

nomic matters, civil unions and, of course,

regulating the marijuana industry were also

touched on during his 40-minute remarks.

Common ground soughtTaking on the issue of gun violence is a

top agenda item for this Democratic-con-

trolled General Assembly, especially on the

heels of last year’s Aurora theater killings

and the December massacre at Sandy Hook

Elementary School in Connecticut. But just

talking about guns has always been a dicey

political issue, as the governor acknowl-

edged.“Some point to guns, others to a violent

Sen. Evie Hudak, right, hugs Sen. Linda Newell Jan. 9 in the Senate chambers on the opening day of the legislative session. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle

this copy.

State continues on Page 18 Stay aware, legislators tell businesses

GOP lawmakers


By Jane Reuter

[email protected]

State leaders urged Douglas County

business owners to stay aware and get in


lawmakers take their seats at the state Capi


a legislative kickoff session. Photo by Jane Reuter


Congressman sees

difference between


By Ryan Boldrey

[email protected]

A 20-year veteran of the U.S. armed






The recently re-elected


on a daily basis, with about eight to 10

available each day. Classic cupcakes

offered include ones such as “Birthday

Bash,” double chocolate, peanut but-

ter cup and “Red Queen,” a red velvet

cake cupcake.

“The cupcakes are really delicious

and really creative,” said Linda Le, an

employee at Once Upon a Cupcake.

“They always try to create new ones,

which I think will h

elp them with fu-

ture success.”

The shop’s custom cupcakes set it







cake cupcake.






elp them with fu-

ture success.”


apart from other shops with fl avors






cake cupcake.






elp them with fu-

ture success.”


apart from other shops with fl avors

Stay aware, legislators tell businesses

GOP lawmakers


By Jane Reuter

[email protected]

business owners to stay aware and get in


lawmakers take their seats at the state Capi


a legislative kickoff session.


Congressman sees

difference between


By Ryan Boldrey

[email protected]






“When I found out I h

ad

won the grant, I was elated,”

Persons said. “I have two

jobs and a family and I don’t

have the time or the mon-

ey to go to the bank to get

loans. So this is a big deal

for me because it allows me

to complete my ratings ear-

lier and achieve my goal of








cake cupcake.





Candelas construction under way with housing optionsThe coming development over the next

few years is another draw, Veldhuizen said.

Candelas, including residential, com


The development, once completed,




commercial space.“It’s kind of a city within a city of Ar

vada,” Veldhuizen said. “They’ll integrate

and complement each other. There’s a tre




space. There’s a significant commitment to

open space and building area where resi

dents can enjoy the views and outdoor rec

reational aspect of the community.”

Its proximity to Boulder, Golden, the

mountains and other locations where peo


So far, about 30 homes are under con


Charlie McKay with Church Ranch Com

panies, the commercial developer, said de

velopment hasn’t started yet for the com



and grocery stores to build there, as well as



political issue, as the governor acknowl

edged.“Some point to guns, others to a violent

Sen. Evie Hudak, right, hugs Sen. Linda Newell Jan. 9 in the Senate chambers on the opening day of the legislative session. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

State continues on Page 18

“When I found out I h

ad

won the grant, I was elated,”

Persons said. “I have two

jobs and a family and I don’t

have the time or the mon-

ey to go to the bank to get

loans. So this is a big deal

for me because it allows me




The coming development over the next

-


The development, once completed,




-

vada,” Veldhuizen said. “They’ll integrate -




space. There’s a significant commitment to -

-

Its proximity to Boulder, Golden, the -


-


--

-





political issue, as the governor acknowl-

“Some point to guns, others to a violent

State continues on Page 18

Westminster 1.10.13-20

ourwestminsternews.com

January 10, 2013 50 centsA Colorado Community Media Publication

Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 68, Issue 12

POSTAL ADDRESS

Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.

RTD chief looks aheadGeneral manager Phil Washington outlines projectsBy Darin [email protected]

Regional Transportation District General Manager Phil Washington declared high ex-pectations as RTD continues several trans-portation projects targeted toward the Den-ver metro’s northern region.

Washington highlighted several projects during a Jan. 4 legislative breakfast hosted by Louisville-based nonprofit 36 Commuting Solutions at the Omni Interlocken Resort.

“The Denver-metro region will be the greatest city in the West,” Washington said. “I really believe that, and I believe that it can be done through the transportation investments that we’re making in this region.”

However, he said RTD’s journey to accom-plish these projects has not been an easy one.

In May 2012, the 15-member RTD board decided against placing a 0.4 percent sales tax increase on the general election ballot to fund FasTracks. This means if current finan-cial projections remain as they are, the North Metro and Northwest lines will not be com-pleted until 2042.

But Washington said he is convinced these two projects will be done way before the pro-jected completion dates and noted the trans-portation district has made significant strides in the past two years. In that time, Washing-ton said RTD has either begun construction or contracted work out for 77 percent of its planned FasTrack network projects, includ-ing the Gold, West Rail, U.S. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), East Rail and Interstate 225 Rail Lines.

“Of course we’ve had our challenges, but I always like to say that it’s not all about the knock down — the knock down being the challenges — but the get up,” Washington said. “We’ve had these challenges, but we’re getting up off the canvas, and we’re getting them done pretty quickly.”

Washington also said work on the nearly 6.5-mile segment of the Northwest Rail Line to the future Westminster station is about 33 percent complete. This rail segment, which is being funded through RTD’s federally-funded $1.03 billion Eagle P3 Project, is also part of the planned Gold Line through Arvada and Wheat Ridge that is expected to be opened by 2016, according to current RTD projections.

Washington said he has high hopes for the 18-mile Colorado Department of Transporta-tion-led U.S. 36 BRT (bus rapid transit) proj-ect between downtown Denver and Boulder.

“We want bus rapid transit on U.S. 36 to be one of the best BRT systems in the country, so we are committed to that,” Washington said.

To achieve this goal, Washington said RTD is striving to offer BRT riders new ser-vices, such as free WiFi service and a cashless-fare collection option through its recently-launched Smart Card system.

Washington said the BRT project, which is dovetailed with the 17-mile U.S. 36 Express Lanes Project between Federal Boulevard in Westminster and Table Mesa Drive in Boul-der, is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2015.

“That is the opening day for bus rapid transit on U.S. 36, and if you know me, you know I do not miss deadlines,” Washington said. “We will meet that schedule.”

As a part of the U.S. 36 Express Lanes proj-ect, a new managed lane in each direction of the highway will be added to accommodate buses and high occupancy vehicles.

In all, Washington said RTD has pledged about $135 million to the completion of its BRT system and the U.S. 36 Express Lanes Project. Lori Frasier, a 36 Commuting So-lutions board chairwoman, said she was pleased with Washington’s positive message on the U.S. 36 BRT Project and said the pros-pects of a mixed bus and rail line will bring significant benefits for the region.

“We’re really excited about that,” Frasier said. “It kind of brings the best of buses and the best of rail together, so it will be a whole new experience for us.”

All work and all playHyland Hills chief retires after decades of expanding Water World

By Ashley [email protected]

It all started at a Laundro-mat in 1969. Greg Mastriona had graduated college and was looking for a recreation job, when his wife Pam happened to run into the wife of the execu-tive director of the Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District.

“She told my wife that she was sure her husband would give me an interview,” Mastrio-na said. “I was very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. That’s where is all started.”

Mastriona started his 43-year Hyland Hills career as a golf course assistant superin-tendent, before becoming the executive director in 1972.

Over the years he had an in-tegral part in growing the dis-trict, as well as becoming the visionary behind Water World.

But as of Jan. 1, he no longer leads the district; he’s enjoying the slower-paced life of retire-ment.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work for a great organization, board and staff,” he said. “We had a lot of teamwork, and I’m very proud of the staff, and I have so many good memories and experiences.”

Mastriona plans on taking in some golf and fishing during his retirement.

He said he doesn’t have any major plans, but looks forward

to traveling with Pam, who re-tired eight years ago.

The break is well-deserved after years of dedication to not only the Hyland Hills District, but the community.

His leadership and vision have resulted in many facili-ties including Adventure Golf & Raceway, the Greg Mastriona Golf Courses at Hyland Hills, the Ice Centre at the Prome-nade — a collaboration with the city of Westminster, the MAC (Mature Adult Center) and of course, Water World.

He said he’s also extremely proud of the many programs the district sponsors for chil-dren in the district.

“The best part of the job is seeing the smiles of the kids,” he said. “Knowing that the pro-grams and the facilities are be-ing used and enjoyed by the kids, that’s pretty neat. You can’t beat that.”

But before many of these fa-cilities and programs could be-come a reality, something had to be done about the lack reve-nue in the district when Mastri-ona became executive director in 1972. At that time, the district was burdened with debt.

That’s when Mastriona came up with the idea to build a wa-ter park. He says many people thought it was crazy to build a water park in Denver, but the idea soon proved to be a popu-lar one.

Mastriona went to the voters in 1979, and by a ratio of 14 to

1, a $2.7 million general obliga-tion bond issue passed to build the park.

The park began with just two water slides, but grew the fol-lowing year with the addition of the wave pool and four slides. Next came Surfer’s Cove and Thunder Bay in 1984, followed by River Country in 1986.

“River Country really put Wa-ter World on the map because it had tube rides and at that time all the slides were body slides,” he said. “We then built the first family ride, Raging Colorado, which allowed for people to interact on the ride. That was pretty cool.”

Since then, the park has grown to 48 attractions built over 67 acres, featuring rides like Voyage to the Center of the Earth, Mastriona’s favorite, and the most recent addition, the Mile High Flyer.

“Voyage was built in 1994, and we still have hour-long waits,” Mastriona said. “It’s a five-minute ride, that’s fast and features robotics. It’s still right on top, even though it is getting a little competition from the Mile High Flyer.”

Mastriona’s work in the field has made an impact in the community in more ways than one, but it’s also the work with his former employees that has made a great effect on those around him.

Joann Cortez, communica-tions director for the district, has worked for Mastriona for 15 years. She said as a boss, he never once raised his voice and always treated her with respect.

“If I had to go in a different way, Greg was direct about it and did in a kind, respectful way,” she said. “I think the aver-age tenure for the management staff is way over 20 years, and that is a testament to our leader. He’s just been great.”

It’s clear Mastriona will be

missed by the Hyland Hills family. Board president Don Ciancio said he has the high-est regard for his overall perfor-mance and commitment to the district. He said Mastriona did a superior job for the district and will remain a pillar for the Hy-land community and a valued resource for the district.

Going forward, Mastriona said he will take with him the many memories and experi-ences he’s made over the years, and will remember the great or-ganization, staff and board he worked with. But for those who need a little reminder of the for-mer director, just take a look in the top of his old desk.

“I always had a candy drawer that anyone could grab from, and I made sure and left it full,” he said.

Greg Mastriona, former executive director of Hyland Hills Parks and Recreation, stands next to a gondola at Water World. Mastriona has retired after 43 years. Photo by Andy Carpenean

In the Know

DiD you know?

Hyland Hills Park and Recreation District was established in 1955, and was the first park and recreation district in Colo-rado. The district serves nearly 110,000 residents in a 24-square mile area located in southwest Adams County and including areas of Westminster and Arvada located in Adams County, parts of Northglenn, Thornton and, Federal Heights. For more information on the district, visit www.hylandhills.org.

AwARDs eARneD by GReG MAsTRionA

Colorado Special District Association Outstanding District Manager of the Year

Colorado Park and Recreation Associa-tion Manager of the Year and Fellow Awards

University of Northern Colorado Outstanding Alumni Award

Inductee to the World Waterpark As-sociation Hall of Fame



but still kind of fun.”
















but still kind of fun.”














Lone Tree 1/17/13

VoiceLone Tree

ourlonetreenews.com

January 17, 2013 A Colorado Community Media Publication

Douglas County, Colorado • Volume 12, Issue 1

Printed on recycled newsprint. Pleaserecycle this copy.

School board member resignsGerken’s seat will be filled within 60 daysBy Jane [email protected]

Douglas County School Board Vice Pres-ident Dan Gerken resigned the week of Jan. 7, and already has stepped down from his seat. He cited growing family and work ob-ligations.

Board President John Carson said the group will begin the process of finding his replacement during the Jan. 15 board meeting.

Gerken was elected to the board in 2009, and his term was set to expire in November. He did not re-turn calls for comment, but Carson said there is no mystery surrounding his resignation from the education reform-fo-cused board.

“We depend on people being willing to take a lot of time out of their lives and work and families to do this,” he said, noting board members invest at least 20 hours a month to the unpaid post. “Dan has served selflessly in that capacity for over three years now. I greatly appreciate what he’s done for our school district.”

Carson said Gerken first approached him about resigning shortly after the new year.

“I tried to talk him out of (resigning), but he made his decision,” he said.

Though the board has often been criti-cized for its fast-paced reform efforts, Car-son said he doesn’t believe that was a factor in Gerken’s resignation.

“If you run for office, you have to be pre-pared for that,” he said. “Speaking for my-self, the reason I got involved in public edu-cation was to make some changes in public education that I think have been needed for a long time. I know Dan felt that way as well.”

In seven years on the board, Carson said this is the fourth vacancy filled by appoint-ment.

“It’s not an infrequent occurrence,” he said.

The board has 60 days to fill the empty seat. Any candidate must live in Gerken’s district — District D — which extends from Castle Pines to the southeast corner of the county.

Potential school board candidates must be at least 18 years of age, a 12-month resi-dent and registered voter of the district, and have no direct or indirect interest in district contracts. All current school board mem-bers are registered Republicans, but the of-fice is officially nonpartisan.

“We’re just looking for people that are interested in improving public education, continuing to make our school district the best, and keep making it stronger,” Carson said.

Gerken, a father of two, lives in Castle Pines with his wife, Gina. He is chairman and co-founder of Gerken Taxman Inter-ests, a commercial real estate investment and development company.

Gerken Gov. John Hickenlooper gives his State of the State address to a joint session of the Colorado General Assembly on Jan. 10 at the state Capitol. Guns, marijuana, civil unions and the economy were among topics of Hickenlooper’s speech. More coverage, Pages 10-11. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

An opening stAtement

Procedure attacks cancer point-blankMan could get more time with familyBy Jane [email protected]

Father of three Timothy Forehand wants more time with his young daughters. A new procedure for patients with his form of liver cancer may give him several more months.

That’s a precious gift to a man who a year ago was told he likely wouldn’t survive for one more month.

Forehand underwent surgery to install the device that’s expected to extend his life Jan. 8 at Sky Ridge Medical Center. He among the first patients in the United States to undergo the process, and Sky Ridge is the first of a handful of centers permitted to perform it pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

The Dallas man was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in January 2012. The fast-growing eye cancer already had spread to his liver, where tumors typically are lethal.

“It’s a devastating diagnosis,” said Dr. Charles Nutting, who performed the pro-cedure. “Survival is only a couple months.”

The procedure performed last week concentrates chemotherapy treatment to Forehand’s liver, instead of his entire body, so high doses of cancer-fighting chemicals can saturate the organ. The idea, Nutting said, is to “try and really beat up the tumors as much as you can.”

The drug-infused blood is then collect-ed as it leaves the liver, filtered to remove as much of the chemicals as possible, and returned to the body. The method not only targets and intensifies the treatment, but minimizes side effects.

“Normally, in chemotherapy, you have to give so much poison the patient can’t handle it,” said Dr. Krishna Kandarpa, chief medical officer with the company that cre-ated the filtration device, Delcath Systems. “Now, you can isolate it to the liver instead of the whole body.”

The procedure is minimally invasive, requiring three small incisions into which catheters are inserted.

It is not a cure. Rather, it slows the tu-mors’ progress, typically prolonging the

lives of ocular melanoma patients by about six months. Some have lived an additional three to five years.

Even six months, Kandarpa said, is re-markable. “In the oncology world, people get excited if you get 15 days, a month (of life extension),” he said.

Forehand, speaking from his Dallas home three days post-surgery, said he was exhausted but looking forward to recov-ery and a return to his normal pattern. That means hanging out with 5-, 10- and 11-year-old daughters and his wife.

“We spend as much time as we can to-gether, and that’s a lot,” he said. “I don’t really worry about prognosis anymore be-

cause it’s all irrelevant. I don’t think one day at a time. I live my life the way anybody would. I do my best to enjoy my life with my family.”

Kandarpa sees its treatment in ocular melanoma as “a platform” from which re-searchers can work toward treating other tumors.

A significant delay in a tumor’s progress, Nutting said, is a step toward the cure he believes someday will come.

“What we’re trying to do is help mini-mize the impact of the disease, trying to make them feel better for a longer period of time until we can find that next magic bul-let,” he said.

Doctors and nurses prepare Timothy Forehand for surgery Jan. 8 at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree. The Dallas man was diagnosed a year ago with cancer that has since spread to his liver. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

‘What we’re trying to do is help minimize the impact of the disease, trying to make them feel better for a longer

period of time until we find that next magic bullet.’Dr. Charles Nutting

Gov. John Hickenlooper gives his State of the State address to a joint session of the Colorado General Assembly on Jan. 10 at the state Capitol. Guns, marijuana, civil unions and the economy were among topics of Hickenlooper’s speech. More coverage, Pages 10-11. Photo by Courtney Kuhlen

An opening stAtementAtementA


Father of three Timothy Forehand wants more time with his young daughters. A new procedure for patients with his form of liver cancer may give him several more months.

That’s a precious gift to a man who a year ago was told he likely wouldn’t survive for one more month.

Forehand underwent surgery to install the device that’s expected to extend his life Jan. 8 at Sky Ridge Medical Center. He among the first patients in the United States to undergo the process, and Sky Ridge is the first of a handful of centers permitted to perform it pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

The Dallas man was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in January 2012. The fast-growing eye cancer already had spread to his liver, where tumors typically are lethal.

“It’s a devastating diagnosis,” said Dr. Charles Nutting, who performed the pro-cedure. “Survival is only a couple months.”

The procedure performed last week concentrates chemotherapy treatment to Forehand’s liver, instead of his entire body, so high doses of cancer-fighting chemicals can saturate the organ. The idea, Nutting said, is to “try and really beat up the tumors as much as you can.”

The drug-infused blood is then collect-ed as it leaves the liver, filtered to remove

Doctors and nurses prepare Timothy Forehand for surgery Jan. 8 at Sky Ridge Medical Center in Lone Tree. The Dallas man was diagnosed a year ago with cancer that has since spread to his liver.

‘What we’re trying to do is help minimize the impact of the disease, trying to make them feel better for a longer

period of time until we find that next magic bullet.’



Tenn., while the “Hey Jude” supports

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

“We want to give back, so we’re

supporting animals, because we love

animals, and humans,” Wirth-Klein-

bub said.

Cupcakes not sold by the end of

the day are also donated to local food

banks. While the shop is new and has

been a learning experience, the sisters

are not new to the baking business.

Before opening the shop, they owned

their own cupcake catering business

while they were teachers at Parr El-










bub said.








C-470 talks in final stretchCoalition expects

to make expansion

decision soonBy Ryan Boldrey

[email protected]






25 to Kipling Street.



it comes to the congestion,” said Jack Hil


serves as chair of the coalition’s policy com

mittee.According to the coalition, eastbound



rush hour, and westbound travelers are de




next 20 years.




and area business leaders: tolling any addi



raising property or sales taxes to pay for ad

ditional new lanes.




existing roadways. No matter what is decid


Hilbert said the coalition is leaning to

ward a decision to toll any new or addi



heavily at the coalition’s January and Feb



by Hill Research Consultants.













percent favored increasing sales taxes. De


sales taxes over tolling one new lane, the re



required by TABOR.

Stay aware, legislators tell businessesaren’t going to be the ones grabbing the

headlines, so it means you really do have

to pay attention,” outgoing House Speaker

Frank McNulty said. “They’re the ones that

are going to have the highest impact on the

McNulty urged business owners to

“show up at the state Capitol,” testify and

bring supporters when issues of concern

are on the table.


Coffman to focus on veteran assistancerestructure some recent cuts to the Depart-

ment of Defense.

“I think we need to go forward with these

cuts,” he said, “but I think they could be

done in a way that doesn’t compromise our

national security. There was no attention to

detail paid to these cuts. I think that they

thought it would never happen, so the no-

tion was `let’s just do an across-the-board

cut to the Department of Defense.’

“It just isn’t rational. We’re cutting pro-

grams that are essential and giving the

same weight to programs that are essential

to our national security to programs that

probably should have gone by the wayside

a long time ago or have little value.”

Coffman said he fancies himself differ-

ent from many members in his own party

in that a lot of Republicans don’t support

any cuts to defense spending. Some of the

things on the table in Coffman’s eyes in-

Legislators continues on Page 19










bub said.



in final stretchCoalition expects

to make expansion








it comes to the congestion,” said Jack Hil


serves as chair of the coalition’s policy com

According to the coalition, eastbound



rush hour, and westbound travelers are de







and area business leaders: tolling any addi



raising property or sales taxes to pay for ad




existing roadways. No matter what is decid


Hilbert said the coalition is leaning to

ward a decision to toll any new or addi



heavily at the coalition’s January and Feb















percent favored increasing sales taxes. De


sales taxes over tolling one new lane, the re
















while they were teachers at Parr El-


more time with his young daughters. A new procedure for patients with his form of liver cancer may give him several more months.

ago was told he likely wouldn’t survive for one more month.

the device that’s expected to extend his life Jan. 8 at Sky Ridge Medical Center. He among the first patients in the United States to undergo the process, and Sky Ridge is the first of a handful of centers permitted to perform it pending approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

ocular melanoma in January 2012. The fast-growing eye cancer already had spread to his liver, where tumors typically are lethal.

Charles Nutting, who performed the procedure. “Survival is only a couple months.”

concentrates chemotherapy treatment to Forehand’s liver, instead of his entire body, so high doses of cancer-fighting chemicals can saturate the organ. The idea, Nutting said, is to “try and really beat up the tumors as much as you can.”

ed as it leaves the liver, filtered to remove

Westsider 1.3.13WestsiderNorth Jeffco

ourwestminsternews.com

January 4, 2013


North Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 11, Issue 52

Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.

New restaurant takes stir-fry to the next level

By Ashley [email protected] dining at HuHot Mongolian Grill

in Westminster, it’s more than just a meal,

it’s an experience.The new restaurant opened on Dec. 23

in the Orchard Town Center and is offering

a spin on Asian stir-fry.“HuHot allows people to create their own

meal just the way they like it,” said HuHot

Top Tier Colorado president Jay Warwick.

“People can make it as healthy as possible

if they want, and they can eat as much as

they want.”To start off the HuHot experience, guests

create their own custom stir-fry meal

with as many vegetables, noodles, meats

and sauces as desired. Once the creation

is complete, the bowl is handed off to a

grill chef who stir-fries the meal right in

front of them.As an all-you-can-eat restaurant,

guests can create as many stir-fry bowls as

they want.“The key words for us are fun, healthy,

different and unique. It’s an experience and

a conversation piece,” Warwick said. “It’s a

fun place to eat because not only do you get

to create your own meal just the way you

like it, hot, sweet or salty, you get to watch

people cook it and engage with the chefs.”

Manager Greg Thomas has been work-

ing in HuHot restaurants for 10 years. He

said the simplicity of the HuHot mod-

el and the atmosphere is what sets the

restaurant apart.“It’s very simple and there is so much

movement and so much going on to ob-

serve. It’s great for kids and families and

even for first dates,” Thomas said. “People

can actually care their food and see exactly

what goes into the food. It’s very simple and

if you like vegetables, this is the place.”HuHot Mongolian Grill also partners

with Home Front Cares, a nonprofit orga-

nization that provides responsive emer-

gency financial aid and other support to

Colorado service members, veterans and

military families.Warwick said every Monday a portion

of the sales are donated to Home Front

Cares and once a year a full day’s sales

are donated.“The average grant is about $1,000,” he

said. “The money helps out with every-

thing from rent to grocery money to car

payments. It’s such a good cause and it

fun to have the opportunity to be involved

with that.”HuHot also offers appetizers, desserts,

beer and wine. It is open from 11 a.m. to 4

p.m. for lunch and 4 p.m. to close for din-

ner every day and in the Orchard Town Cen-

ter, 14697 Delaware St. in Westminster. For

more information, visit www.huhot.com.

Criss Seal, national training chef for HuHot Mongolian Grill, left, gets flames going on a Mongolian grill as other chefs prepare dishes for customers at the new restaurant in the Orchard Town Center in Westminster, Thursday, Dec. 27. Photo by

Andy Carpenean

‘The key words for us are fun, healthy, different and

unique. It’s an experience and a conversation piece.’HuHot President Jay Warwick

Lawmakers gear up for session

By Ashley [email protected]

The election is over and now the real work begins for Colorado’s legislators. Some are veterans in their position, and some are rep-resenting their constituents for the first time.House District 35 Rep. Chery-

lin Peniston is beginning her last two-year term this year. She’s been representing the

Westminster area for the last six years, so she knows her way around the state Capitol. For this upcoming legislative

session, she is focusing on early childhood education, tanning limits for minors and expansion of

the Family and Medical Leave Act. She said she plans to bring up

the legislation on the Early Child-hood Readiness Commission, which was established through House Bill 09-1343.“The Early Childhood Readi-

ness Commission is a legislative body that is involved with what is happening in the state in early childhood education and health care,” she said. “I was carrying out that bill to continue it on and it got lost in the political cross fire. So I am working with Sen. Evie Hudak to get that put in place.”Last session Peniston’s tanning

bill, HB 1170, was postponed in-definitely. Peniston is bringing it back again for the upcoming ses-sion.

The bill notifies parents of their child’s use of commercial artifi-cial tanning devices by requiring parents to sign a permission form listing the potential risks and to stay on-site with a minor less than 14 years old.The last bill Peniston is work-

ing on is the expansion of the defi-nition of who can use the Family and Medical Leave Act. She said the bill would allow

for more people to be considered in using FMLA, like domestic part-ners, grandchildren and grand-parents.

“This will go along with the civil union bill that will definitely be passed this session,” she said. “This bill would take care of those other important family members.”

Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, who rep-resents District 21, is new to the legislative floor, but is ready to bring the wants and needs of his constituents in Westminster to the state level.

He said the legislation he is sponsoring this year reflects the concerns he heard from the com-munity members on their porches and in front of their homes during his campaign trail. He is focusing on stewardship

of taxpayer resources, financial security and community trust with law enforcement.He said he is working on a bill

to save Colorado millions of dol-lars be determining a better way to pay for the required hospital-ization and inpatient treatment

for the inmate population.“Other states, including Ala-bama, Washington and Louisiana, have adopted similar policies and have witnessed tens of millions of dollars in savings for their taxpay-ers,” he said.This year Ulibarri will be work-

ing with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade to encourage the growth of the advanced manufacturing in-dustry in Colorado. He said jobs are needed in Colorado that sup-port working families and the lo-cal economy.“I’ll be sponsoring legislation

that ensures individuals that have faced financial adversity during Lawmakers continues on Page 7

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Meetings address powerline concerns Pawnee-Daniels Park line cuts through Parker By Chris Michlewicz [email protected]

More than 200 people attend-ed open house meetings aimed at answering questions about a high-voltage transmission line planned for construction in 2017.

The proposed Pawnee-Daniels Park transmission line — a project that spans 125 miles from Brush, Colo., to Douglas County — has raised concerns from those living near the corridor. While there is an existing 230-kilovolt line, resi-dents are worried about the pos-sibility of obstructed views and increased buzzing.

The new 345-kilovolt trans-mission line would carry electric-ity generated by wind farms and gas plants on the Eastern Plains. At a cost of $178 million, the line is necessary to keep up with past and future population growth in the southeastern corridor of the metro area. The existing line has “reached maximum capacity,” said Mark Stutz, senior media representative for the Public Ser-

vice Company of Colorado, a divi-sion of Xcel Energy.

“The benefi ts are reliability,” he said. “We live in a society that wants its power 24/7. This is a component of ensuring we get them the power they need.”

The energy provider looked at alternatives, including options of a less-disruptive southern route and the possibility of burying the line, but the costs were astro-nomical. Installing the line un-derground would cost up to $40 million per mile, Stutz said.

He said transmission lines are like roads, and when they get bogged down with traffi c, there is a need to expand capacity. Public Service Company purchased ex-tra space for utility right-of-way in 1968 with a long-range plan of adding another line down the road. Unfortunately, some home-owners living along the corridor weren’t aware of the plans for an additional line.

Tony Lehtola, who lives in the Neutowne subdivision in Parker, attended the last of four open house meetings March 20 with general concerns about lifestyle impacts. Boards displayed aerial images of the corridor and Xcel employees were on hand to ad-

dress outstanding issues. Lehtola said the line might have been in Xcel’s plans for decades, but it was not offi cially proposed to the state Legislature until 2007, one year after he moved in.

Approximately 65 people, in-cluding homeowners in Rowley Downs, Willow Park and the Vil-lages of Parker, attended a meet-ing March 17 at the Parker Arts, Culture and Events Center. Stutz said there is greater public inter-est on the southern end of the line because it runs through a more densely populated area.

“Having these types of meet-ings is absolutely necessary,” he said.” You have certain advantag-es of being in an existing corridor that is planned to get a second line anyway, but there are still things you fi nd out at these meet-ings that address a lot of the is-sues we need to look at, whether there’s environmental concerns, noise concerns from the line.”

If approved, construction on the Pawnee-Daniels Park trans-mission line would begin in 2017, with completion in 2019. It fol-lows a path that cuts between Liv-engood Hills and Rockinghorse in unincorporated northeastern Douglas County, and along the

eastern edge of Ponderosa Hills. It runs along the west side of Bell Cross Ranch, the south and east edges of the Villages of Parker, through Rowley Downs and Wil-low Park, and later between the Newlin Meadows and Regency

neighborhoods. It will end at the Daniels Park substation.

The transmission line is meant to address population growth, but there is a strong possibility that it will be extended further to provide power to future homes.

An employee of Public Service Company of Colorado, a division of Xcel, talks about the proposed Pawnee-Daniels Park transmission project, which will run through northeastern Douglas County, Parker and Surrey Ridge, during an open house March 20. Photo by Chris Michlewicz

9-Life

South MetroLIFE Shop o� ers fresh cup of student art

Artwork by Englewood High School stu-dents will be exhibited at Nixon’s Coffee House, 871 Englewood Parkway, near the Englewood Civic Center, during April. An artists’ reception is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. April 22. Art teacher Emily Winthrop is a 2006 EHS graduate and is in her fi rst year of teaching. Photography students, taught by Kelly Aragon, will also exhibit art. (Aragon teaches half time at EHS and the half time at Englewood’s Charles Hay World School.) Winthrop says the art varies in style from ceramics, graffi ti and tattoo art to portraits and cartoons, executed in a variety of media. The coffee shop is open long hours: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays to Fridays: 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. 303-504-5224.

Photographer gets wildMaster naturalist and award-winning na-

ture photographer Dawn Wilson will speak at the April 8 meeting of the Englewood Camera Club, held at 7 p.m. at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 6400 S. University Blvd., Centennial. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) Wilson specializes in traveling to high eleva-tions and latitudes and photographing ani-mals there. Her recent year included 100,000 miles by car and plane, with more than 100,000 photos taken — including Grand Canyon birds and Arctic National Wildlife Refuge inhabitants.

Talk about dialogue“Learn to Write Great Dialogue” will be

Terry Odell’s topic when she speaks to the Parker Writers Group from 2-4 p.m. April 6 at the Parker Library, 10851 Crossroads Drive, Parker. Admission is free and no reservation is required.

The � nal frontierThe Colorado Wind Ensemble’s April 6

concert will be titled: “Space Music: An Ex-tra-Celestial Experience.” It will be at 3 p.m. at Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Guest composer Steven Bry-ant’s new work, commissioned by the CWE, “all stars are love,” will be featured and Bry-ant will perform with the ensemble in his “Ecstatic Waters.” Also on the program: Gus-tav Holst’s “The Planets” and “Symphony No. 2” by Ticheli. Guest student musicians from Mountain Vista and Littleton high schools will join the ensemble. Tickets: $20/$17/$10, at the door, 720-509-1000, coloradowinden-semble.org.

Art at ACCThe annual Fine Art Student Juried Ex-

hibition at Arapahoe Community College’s Colorado Gallery of the Arts will run through April 16, with an opening from 5 to 7 p.m. April 4. Painter Lee Wasilik of the Heritage Fine Arts Guild is juror, and the guild, which held its annual “This is Colorado” show re-cently at CGA, is sponsor for the exhibit. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fri-days, open until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. The gal-lery is in the Annex building at the college, located at 5900 S. Santa Fe Drive in Littleton.

Claude Sim performs“The Incredible Story of Hary Janos” by

Zoltan Kodaly will be narrated by Steven Taylor when the Littleton Symphony per-forms it — during the next in its Great Stories series — at 7:30 p.m. April 4. (Hary Janos is a legendary Paul Bunyan type in Hungary.) Conducted by Jurgen de Lemos, the LSO will also feature violinist Claude Sim, assistant concertmaster of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, performing Astor Piazolla’s “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.” Tickets: $15, $12/free under 22, littletonsymphony.org; Gorsett Violin Shop, 8100 S. Quebec St., Suite B206, Centennial; or at the door.

Denver visitors can peruse art at center By Sonya Ellingboe [email protected]

Denver’s iconic 40-foot-tall Blue Bear, titled “I See What You Mean,” now has more to look at as he peers into the Den-ver Convention Center.

Eight new works of art were recently placed in the center to enhance the ex-perience of the many visitors who trek through its exhibit spaces and halls.

The artworks were paid for through a public-private partnership between the City and County of Denver and the con-vention center’s management company, SMG, which commissioned the project. Total cost was $235,000.

The pieces mark the introduction of Denver’s newly announced cultural plan, “IMAGINE 2020,” and were selected through NINEdotARTS, a local cultural consultant, with representatives from

Denver Arts and Venues, Visit Denver, SMG and members of the Denver arts community.

The focus was on Denver artists and galleries. Half of the artists are younger than 35, although Denver veterans Roland Bernier and Phil Bender are also included. For Bernier, it’s the largest installation in his 60-year career of creating art from words (“Wall of Words”). Choices range from traditional landscape through Ber-nier’s words and Bender’s license plates to Mindy Bray’s huge mural and Ian Fisher’s images of clouds and sky. (Museum of Outdoor Arts in Englewood recently ex-hibited his work.)

On the wall by the two-story escalator that carries one up to the exhibition halls is a 95-by-95-foot site-specifi c mural by Mindy Bray, titled “The Heavy is the Root of the Light.” It is based on photographs of the Platte River nearby at Confl uence Park and speaks of the fl ow of pedestrians as well as that of the river. The title is a line from the Tao Te Ching.

Bray is a painter and installation artist based in Denver, who received her MFA from the University of Iowa in 2005. She has taught at the University of Denver and

Metropolitan State University and exhib-ited nationally.

Her artist statement reads: “All visual experience is fi ltered, as the brain catego-rizes and creates patterns in order to at-tempt an understanding of what is being experienced …. My works on paper and on the wall describe an intersection of the natural world and built environments ….”

Other new public art at the convention center:

• “I Know You Know That I Know” by Sandra Fettingis.

• “Untitled (Ocular Series) by Mike McClung.

• “Wall of Words” by Roland Bernier.• “Boulder Creek-Autumn 08 #1” by

James Cook.• “Atmosphere No. 27, 37 and 44” by

Ian Fisher.• “Untitled 88” by Derrick Velasquez.• “License Plates” by Phil Bender.These new works would meet the pri-

ority listed in “IMAGINE 2020” that states: “Increase visibility of local artistic and creative talent.” The document, as well as a summary of it, can be found online. We hope the metropolitan area arts commu-nity is aware of its aspirations.

“The Heavy is the Root of the Light,” a 95-by-95-foot painting by Mindy Bray, is on the wall behind the esca-

lator at the Denver Convention Center. Courtesy p hoto

galleries. Half of the artists are younger

Metropolitan State University and exhib-

Her artist statement reads: “All visual experience is fi ltered, as the brain catego-rizes and creates patterns in order to at-

Denver visitors can peruse art at center

Denver visitors can peruse art at center

Denver Arts and Venues, Visit Denver, SMG and members of the Denver arts community.

The focus was on Denver artists and galleries. Half of the artists are younger

Metropolitan State University and exhib-ited nationally.

Her artist statement reads: “All visual experience is fi ltered, as the brain catego-rizes and creates patterns in order to at-

Sights to see

Words, music, dance get westward slant Wonderbound troupe o� ers new creation at PACE Center By Sonya Ellingboe [email protected]

Wonderbound is a dance company un-der the direction of Garrett Ammon and Dawn Fay — 11 dancers who are known for unusual movement and collaboration with other artists in the community, as

new works are cre-ated.

The most recent creation is “Gone West,” with 11 new poems by Michael J. Henry, director of the Lighthouse Writers Workshop, and 10 new songs written by Den-ver musician Ian Cooke, a cellist with a popular band, which will accom-pany the dancers.

Ammon writes of the “collection of beautifully fl awed humans” brought to life in Henry’s poetry, while Cooke said, “My inspira-

tion for `Gone West’ comes from the re-lationships humans have with each other and the earth. I think periodic exposure to raw unfi ltered nature gives us clarity and helps us sort out our issues … Nature can be harsh, but even when it causes trau-matic events, it helps us evolve … telling this story together through dance, poetry and music is one of the best, most human

ways to do so.”The performance is described as a

Western journey that is a cross between Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and a KOA Campground. Contemporary ballet draws on many sources, both new and tradition-al, to offer yet another way of telling sto-ries to an audience. These are exceptional dancers.

A new production by Wonderbound, “Gone West,” will take place at PACE Center on April 12, 13. Courtesy photo

IF YOU GO“Gone West” will be

performed April 4-6 at the Performing Arts Complex at Pinnacle Charter School, 1001 W. 84th Ave., Federal Heights. Performances: 7:30 p.m. April 4, 5; 2 p.m. April 6. Tickets: 303-292-4700. On April 12 at 7:30 p.m. and April 13 at 2 p.m., “Gone West” will be presented at the PACE Center, 20000 Pikes Peak Ave., Parker. Tick-ets: $22-$47, 303-805-6800, wonderbound.com.

Elbert County News 9April 3, 2013


10

OF GAMESGALLERYc r o s s w o r d • s u d o k u

& w e e k l y h o r o s c o p e

GALLERY OF GAMESc r o s s w o r d • s u d o k u & w e e k l y h o r o s c o p e

SALOME’S STARSFOR THE WEEK OF MaR 31, 2014

ARIES (Mar 21 to apr 19) Putting yourself in some-one else’s shoes isn’t easy for you. But if you do it, you’ll gain a better perspective of what you need to do to achieve your goals. Be open to new ideas.

TAURUS (apr 20 to May 20) There are still some problems you might have to deal with before moving on to your next project. It’s a good idea to accept help from those who share your objectives.

GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) It’s time to recognize the difference between those who are truly concerned for you and those who simply plan to use your good nature to their advantage. New ideas become increas-ingly attractive.

CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) Depending on a promise made becoming a promise kept could be more than a mite unwise at this time. It’s best to proceed on your own rather than wait for aid that might never arrive.

LEO (Jul 23 to aug 22) a recently revitalized relation-ship might not be quite what the Big Cat expected. But give yourself more time to deal with the changes. a little flexibility can go a long way. Good luck.

VIRGO (aug 23 to Sept 22) a major change could prompt more adjustments. Some of them might be difficult to deal with at first. But hang in there, and be-fore you know it, you’ll be coasting to your next goal.

LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) Your sense of justice prompts you to speak out against an unfair situation, even if you seem to be the only one who feels that way. But you soon learn that many others agree with you.

SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) Creating a fuss is not usually your style. But that doesn’t mean you should tolerate an ill-mannered attitude. Speak up for yourself, and you’ll earn the respect of others.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) You might have a few loose ends to tie up before you can stamp your project as complete. But once that’s done, you might want to celebrate with someone special in your life.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) Disappointment darkens the Goat’s mood. But close friends rally to pull you through with words of encouragement. Use their confidence in you to rebuild your own self-esteem.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) an upcoming deci-sion might be more difficult with inaccurate informa-tion. Best to recheck the data you have at hand right now to be sure it won’t mislead you later.

PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) an offer you previously turned down might no longer be available. But if you do some checking around, you could find something else that would suit you just fine.

BORN THIS WEEK: You believe in helping those who cannot help themselves. although it embarrasses you, the fact is, people like you and tell you so.

© 2014 King Features Synd., Inc.

The South Metro Denver Small Business Development Center is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of any of the co-sponsors' or participants' opinions products or

services. The Colorado SBDC is a partnership between the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Colorado's institutions of higher education, and local development organizations.

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Elizabeth bats get hot in desertCardinals take 3 of 4 against Arizona schools over breakBy Scott StockerSpecial to Colorado Community Media

Last week’s spring break trip to Phoenix was a pleasant one for Doug Severinson’s Elizabeth Cardi-nal baseball team as his squad came away with three victories in four games in Arizona.

The Cardinals dropped their first game to Shadow Ridge (Surprise, Ariz.) on March 24, by a score of 12-2, before following up with wins over Goldwater (Phoenix), Coconino and Scottsdale Christian Academy to im-prove to 5-1 on the season.

Tyler Erzen and Brian Severinsen each came through with two hits against Shadow Ridge, while Sev-

erinsen and Chase Nicholas each batted one run in. David Wahlstrom shouldered the loss from the mound giving up five hits, striking out five and walking five batters.

The situation was certainly bet-ter in the second game on the trip as Elizabeth bounced back to defeat Goldwater, 15-6. Sean Herr and Jer-emy Weymota led the way this time for the Cardinals.

Herr took the win on the hill, giv-ing up nine hits, striking out seven batters, and only walking one. And, he certainly helped his own cause at the plate for the Cardinals, belt-ing three hits in his five at-bats and scoring two runs. Weymota collected two hits on five at-bats, scoring three times and also driving in a run for the winners.

Elizabeth picked up its second victory on the trip beating Coconino, 3-2. Severinsen was again on top of his game as he had a pair of hits that included a two-run home run.

Zack Pedrick gained the win on the mound for the Cardinals, pitching a fine, three-hitter, striking out four and walking two. Coconino fell to 9-4 on the season.

Elizabeth then closed out its trip on a high note as the Cardinals de-feated Scottsdale Christian Acad-emy, 6-3, March 27.

The Cardinals were never behind in the game, gaining a 4-1 lead after three innings of play. Wahlstrom was the winning pitcher, allowing five hits, striking out five and only walk-ing two batters. He also went 4-for-4 at the plate, with three RBI and a run.

Chase Nicholas scored a pair of runs for Elizabeth, as did Severinsen. Stuart Eurich tallied the final run for the Cardinals against Scottsdale, which dropped to 6-6 on the season with the loss.

Elizabeth will not be back in ac-tion until April 9, when they will host Skyview. They will also play at Sky-view, April 11.

things to doEditor’s notE: Calendar submissions must be received by noon Wednesday for publication the following week. send listings to [email protected]. no attach-ments, please. Listings are free and run on a space-available basis.

ApriL 3

FrEE prEsEntAtion rob reiman with Edward Jones investments will host a free educational presentation from 6-7:30 p.m. April 3 at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly st., across the street from Big r. refreshments will be served. reiman will discuss the slow pace of economic recovery; anxieties about deficits and debts; the economic outlook; strategies to address the impact of inflation and interest rates; and

domestic and international opportunities and hazards. rsVp to sandy phelps at 303-646-8871 by April 2.

ApriL 5

MystEry Author the Mystery Book Club in simla will visit with Beth Groundwater, a Colo-rado author, via a video call on skype and the library’s digital equipment, at 9:30 a.m. April 5 at the simla Library. Groundwater was a soft-ware engineer and software project manager until she retired in 1999. since then she has turned to writing full time. she has two series with a total of six books. there are three in the Clair hanover gift basket series and three in the rocky Mountain outdoor Adventures series. her latest book is A Basket of trouble published in

november 2013. the simla Mystery Book Club meets from 9:30-10:30 a.m. the first saturday of every month. the group selects a topic to read each month and share out the books each member chooses to read. new members are welcome any time. Contact the simla Library at 719-541-2573 or go to www.elbertcountyli-brary.org.

ApriL 8

LEGAL CLiniC A free legal clinic for parties who have no attorney will be offered from 6-9 p.m. April 8 at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly st. the clinic is presented the second tuesday of each month. Volunteer attorneys will answer

Calendar continues on Page 11


11-Color

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Pay is on a per-assignment basis, but we are looking for someone who can become a regular contributor to the Elbert County News.

If interested, contact editor Chris Rotar at [email protected].

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NoticesNoticesNoticesNoticesNoticesTo advertise your public notices call 303-566-4100

NoticesNoticesNoticesNoticesNoticesNoticesNoticesName Changes

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice of Petitionfor Change of Name

Public notice is given on November 6,2013 that a Petition for a Change of Nameof an adult has been filed with the ElbertCounty Combined Court.

The Petition requests that the name ofBryon Daniel Baros be changed toBryon Daniel Bills.Case No.: 2013 C 50

Cheryl A. Layne, Clerk of CourtBy: Jafeen Jenkins, Deputy ClerkRedated: March 14, 2014

Legal Notice No: 927925First Publication: March 27, 2014Last Publication: April 10, 2014Publisher: Elbert County News

Misc. Private Legals Public Notice

This is to serve as notice that AT&T Mobil-ity, LLC is in the process of fulfillingcompliance requirements for a pro-posed 90-foot monopole telecommu-nications tower located at 5357 StateHighway 86, Kiowa, CO. Comments aresought on the effect of the proposed toweron historic properties within the viewshedof the proposed tower per the NationwideProgrammatic Agreement of March 7,2005 under the National Historic Preser-vation Act of 1966. For comments, pleasewrite to: Terracon – Telecom Group,10625 W. I-70 Frontage Rd. North, Suite3, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Legal Notice No.: 927931First Publication: April 3, 2014Last Publication: April 3, 2014Publisher: Elbert County News

Government Legals Public Notice

NOTICE OF CANCELLATIONOF ELECTION BY THE DESIGNATED

ELECTION OFFICIALRITORO METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to§ 1-13.5-513(6), C.R.S., that at the closeof business on March 3, 2014, there werenot more candidates for director than of-fices to be filled, including candidates fil-ing affidavits of intent to be write-in can-didates; therefore, the election to beheld on May 6, 2014, is hereby can-celled.

There were no candidates for the officesto be filled and, as a result, no candidatesdeclared elected./s/ Brent E. ButzinDesignated Election Official

Contact Person for District:Jennifer Gruber Tanaka, Esq.White, Bear & Ankele, P.C.2154 E. Commons Ave., Suite 2000Centennial, CO 80122(303) 858-1800

Legal Notice No.: 927930First Publication: April 3, 2014Last Publication: April 3, 2014Publisher: The Elbert County News

“Trust Us!”

Noticesaremeant tobenoticed.Readyourpublicnoticesandget involved!

Without public notices,the government wouldn’thave to say anything else.Public notices are a community’s windowinto the government. From zoningregulations to local budgets, governmentshave used local newspapers to informcitizens of its actions as an essential partof your right to know.You knowwhere tolook, when to look and what to look for tobe involved as a citizen. Local newspapersprovide you with the information youneed to get involved.

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questions, help � ll out forms, and explain the process and procedure for the areas of family law, civil litigation, criminal defense, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, and civil protection orders. Walk-ins are welcome, and everyone will be helped on a � rst-come, � rst-served basis. Future dates are May 13, June 10, July 8, Aug. 12, Sept. 9, Oct. 14, Nov. 11, Dec. 9.

THROUGH APRIL 11

SURVEY THE Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce, in support of The Elbert County Business Alliance, is requesting your input on a survey. We are asking area businesses about training needs required to help businesses succeed. Complete the survey https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1d3t1-4lvidxVjSRbTKq0rLqAS79XfOz5oFPpfVM4ZYI/viewform. It should take about 5 minutes. Also, feel free to share this link with your fellow business owners. Entries are being taken through April 11.

APRIL 12

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING The Elbert County Libraries Foundation will host an electronics waste collection event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 at the Elizabeth Library, 651 W. Beverly St. Computer equipment, audio/video components, household appliances and televisions may be recycled. Proceeds from recycling fees and cash donations will support the programs and services of the Elbert County Library District. All items collected will be recycles by Blue Star Recyclers. Go to www.bluestar-recyclers.com.

APRIL 14-18

LIBRARY WEEK The Elbert County Library District celebrates National Library Week from April 14-18. Any time you use your card during this week, you can have a chance to spin for a prize. For information about any of the programs or services listed, call 303-646-3416.

APRIL 19

9HEALTH FAIR The Elizabeth Lions Club is coordinating the Elizabeth 9Health Fair, from 7 a.m. to noon April 19 at Elizabeth Middle School. Participants can register online at www.9healthfair.org/register. If you register online, bring your 2-page computer printout with you to the fair. Visit www.9healthfair.org, contact Terry Clayton at 303-646-3772, or e-mail at [email protected]. You can also visit www.Elizabeth-LionsClub.org to see the most detailed and up-to-date information on the Elizabeth 9Health Fair.

THINGS TO DO


ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL

BaseballElizabeth 6, Scottsdale Christian Acad-

emy 3Senior David Wahlstrom scored one run

on four hits and had three RBI in Eliza-beth’s 6-3 win over Scottsdale Christian Academy on March 27. Wahlstrom also pitched 7 innings, giving up 5 hits and striking out 5.

Elizabeth 3, Coconino 2Junior Zach Pedrick pitched seven in-

nings and gave up three hits in Elizabeth’s 2-1 win over Coconino on March 26. Senior Brandon Severinsen hit a home run, while seniors Chase Nicholas and Brandon Mills each scored a run.

Elizabeth 15, Goldwater 6Seniors David Wahlstrom and Jeremy

Weymouth scored three runs apiece, while senior Tyler Erzen, junior Weston Haber and junior Sean Herr scored two runs in Elizabeth’s 15-6 win over Goldwater on

March 25. Junior Sean Herr earned with win after pitching 7 innings and giving up 9 hits.

Shadow Ridge 12, Elizabeth 2Senior Chase Nicholas and junior

Weston Haber each scored runs March 24 in Elizabeth’s 12-2 loss to Shadow Ridge. Pitchers Bill Kinsey and David Wahlstrom, both seniors, gave up 12 runs and struck out 5 batters in the game.

Boys track and � eldElizabeth places 11th

The Elizabeth High School boys track team fi nished in 11th place in the Elbert Invitational on March 29. Lj Robinson fi n-ished in third in the 100 Meter, fi fth in the 200 Meter and sixth in the 400 Meter; and Jacob Morse placed third in the 110 Meter Hurdles.

Girls track and � eldElizabeth does not placeThe Elizabeth High School girls track

team did not place in the Elbert Invita-tional on March 29. Brianna Miller led the Cardinals with a 16th place fi nish in the 100 Meter Hurdles and a ninth-place fi nish in the 300 Meter Hurdles.

KIOWA HIGH SCHOOL

BaseballKiowa 14, Pueblo County 7Seniors Steven Mizak and Caleb Smith

scored three runs apiece in Kiowa’s 14-7 win March 28 over Pueblo County. Pitchers were junior Mitchell Bates and sophomore Dante Braun.

Sand Creek 11, Kiowa 0No stats available.

Boys track and � eldKiowa boys place 7th

The Kiowa boys track team placed seventh overall at the Elbert Invitational on March 29. Leading the team were the Kiowa 4x200 Meter Relay team, which fi nished

second; the 4x100 Meter Relay team, which placed third; Marcus Anthony, who fi nished third in the 300 Meter Hurdles; and Bobby Handley, who fi nished fourth in the Shot Put and fi fth in the Discus; and James Neighbors, who placed 10th in the 800 Meter. In the 110 Meter Hurdles, Marcus Anthony placed sixth, Connor Wills placed seventh, and Ryan Wills placed eighth.

Girls track and � eldKiowa girls place 7th

The Kiowa girls track team placed seventh overall at the Elbert Invitational on March 29. The Kiowa 4x400 Meter Relay team and the 800 Sprint Medley Relay Team both fi nished fi rst at the meet. Beth Campbell fi nished third in the 400 Meter event; Julie Smith placed fourth in the 100 Meter Hurdles; Tabitha Miner fi nished fourth in the 300 Meter Hurdles; Madi Ze-linski placed fi fth in the Long Jump; Tabitha Miner placed sixth in the Triple Jump; and Jessi Dodge placed eighth in the Discus.

Prep sports ScoreboardPrep sports ScoreboardPrep sports Scoreboard


12-Color

Best of the Best is a promotional contest voted on by the readers of Colorado Community Media publications. No purchase is required to vote or receive votes in this contest. All nominated businesses have an equal opportunity of winning. Contest Rules: Votes may be cast only one time per day, per person, via official paper ballot or on-line voting found at www.ColoradoCommunityMedia.com. Official voting begins at 12:01 a.m. April 1, 2014 and ends at midnight on April 30, 2014. Employees of Colorado Community Media are not eligible to participate. Votes will be calculated by Colorado Community Media via Second Street, an on-line ballot sorting 3rd party.Any business receiving the most votes in their category at the end of the voting period will be declared the winner in that category and receive “Best of the Best” designation from Colorado Community Media. Winners will be notified by Colorado Community Media via phone or e-mail no later than 30 days after the contest ends.

To provide the most accurate results by geographical area, Colorado Community Media does not require, but does encourages, readers to vote for businesses in their immediate local community.

All ballots here or online must be received by 11:59pm Wednesday, April 30th, 2014

Submitter’s Name Submitter’s Phone number

Submitter’s Email

Your contact information will only be used for clari�cation purposes only.

Mail attn: BEST OF THE BEST or drop them at one of our of�ces:9137 Ridgline Blvd., Ste. 210, HIghlands, CO 80129

110 N. Rubey Dr., Ste. 150, Golden, CO 80403

8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210, Westminister, CO 80031

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ENTERTAINMENT/LIFESTYLEBowling Alley ______________________Art Gallery ________________________Family Entertainment Center__________________________________Golf Course _______________________Local Theater/Playhouse ____________Best Place to Meet New People__________________________________Singles Spot _______________________Local Morning Radio Show__________________________________Local Morning TV Show _____________

Live Music Venue ___________________

MEDICALAudiologist/Hearing Aids__________________________________Chiropractor _______________________Cosmetic Dentist ___________________Cosmetic Surgery __________________Dentist ___________________________Eye Care Provider __________________Hospital __________________________Urgent Care _______________________Orthodontist ______________________Pediatrician _______________________Physical Therapist __________________Women’s Healthcare ________________Wholistic/Naturopathic__________________________________Acupuncture ______________________

Home Care Assistance _______________

RETAILBook Store ________________________Bike Shop _________________________Clothing Store/Boutique__________________________________Consignment Thrift Store__________________________________Dry Cleaner _______________________Florist ____________________________Gift Shop _________________________Sporting Goods Store _______________Western Store _____________________Jewelry Store ______________________Kids Store/Toy Store ________________Liquor Store _______________________Music Store _______________________Antique Store ______________________Alterations ________________________Shoe Repair _______________________

HOUSE & HOMEElectrician _____________________Garden Landscape Center______________________________Hardware Store ________________Heating & A/C Company______________________________Home Repair/Remodeling______________________________Hot Tub/Spa Retailer______________________________Roofer/Roofing Company______________________________Windows ______________________Maid/Cleaning Services______________________________Plumber ______________________Garage Door Service______________________________Kitchen/Bath Contractor______________________________Trash Service __________________

AUTOMOTIVEAutobody _____________________

Auto Repair/Service ____________

Carwash/Detailing _____________

Towing _______________________

Auto Dealer ___________________

Tire Dealer ____________________

PETS & ANIMALSVeterinarian ______________________Groomer _________________________Boarder __________________________Pet Supply Store __________________

Dog Park _________________________

REAL ESTATEAgent/Realtor ____________________Real Estate Company ______________

RETIREMENTRetirement Community ____________

TRAVELTravel Agency ____________________

PROFESSIONALAttorney _________________________Catering Service __________________Computer Store/Repair _____________Dance Studio/Company ____________Funeral Home ____________________Gymnastics _______________________Bed & Breakfast ___________________Nursery/Day Care Facility_________________________________Photographer ____________________Best Boss (name company)_________________________________

Hotel ____________________________

COMMUNITYDog Park _________________________Hiking/Biking Trail _________________Public Art Display _________________Swimming Pool/Waterpark_________________________________Teacher/School ___________________Local Non-Profit ___________________

Park _____________________________

EVENTSAnnual Event _____________________

FINANCEAccountant _______________________Bank/Credit Union _________________Financial Planner __________________Mortgage Company _______________Mortgage Agent/Consultant_________________________________

FOOD/BEVERAGEPizzeria _________________________BBQ Restaurant __________________Asian Restaurant _________________Greek/Middle Eastern________________________________Green Chili ______________________Seafood ________________________Breakfast Spot ___________________Hot Wings _______________________Sushi ___________________________Café ____________________________Steakhouse _____________________Deli/Sandwich Shop________________________________Dessert _________________________French Fries _____________________Hamburger Joint _________________Dessert _________________________Italian Restaurant ________________Burrito _________________________Family Restaurant ________________Happy Hour _____________________Margarita _______________________Sports Bar _______________________Wine Bar ________________________Ice Cream _______________________Mexican Restaurant________________________________Bakery _________________________Brew Pub _______________________Butcher _________________________Coffee Shop _____________________Best Produce ____________________Indian __________________________New Restaurant __________________

BEAUTY/WELLNESSDay Spa _________________________Acupuncture ____________________Haircut/Salon ____________________Weight Loss Center _______________Workout/Fitness Center ___________Martial Arts _____________________Massage Therapist________________Nail Salon _______________________Aestetician ______________________Waxing Services __________________Massage Company _______________

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