WEEK OF JUNE 12, 2025
VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 50
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Man convicted of rockthrowing murder sentenced to life without parole
MUSIC LEGEND TO HOST BIRTHDAY BASH AT ELKS LODGE P2
SCHOOLS CONSIDER FINANCIAL LITERACY CURRICULUM
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
munity through inclusive programming, community education and the hosting of joyful, affirming pride events in Arvada, and whereas the city of Arvada applauds and honors organizations like Apex Park and Recreation District who foster a sense of belonging and visibility for LGBTQ plus residents and help create a stronger, more unified community now, therefore be it proclaimed that the mayor and the Arvada City Council hereby designate June 2025 as Pride Month in the city of Arvada,” the proclamation reads. Vee Duran, Apex’s recreation coordinator, said that since the first Pride Night in 2019, Apex has been working on providing safe spaces for young people. “Our mission is to create spaces that are not only fun and active but are also inclusive and affirming for everyone, improving the lives of our residents, physically, emotionally and socially,” Duran said. “Since (2019), Pride Nights have grown into one of our most beloved monthly traditions, featuring music, games, resources, a little karaoke and a sense of community for teens in attendance and all identities.
Joseph Koenig, who, in April, was found guilty of murdering 20-yearold Alexa Bartell, was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole plus 60 years by First Judicial District Court Judge Christopher Zenisek on June 3. Koenig’s conviction on a first-degree murder charge carried an automatic life sentence without possibility for parole. Koenig was sentenced to 60 additional years for felonies related to the events of the evening of April 19, 2023, which included the murder of Bartell and the throwing of rocks at other cars, which caused injuries and property damages. Koenig spoke to the courtroom, which included members of Bartell’s family, for the first time during the sentencing hearing Tuesday, expressing remorse for his actions. Koenig was advised by his lawyer, Martin Stuart, not to testify during the trial. “To the family and friends of Alexa Bartell, I’m so, so sorry,” Koenig said. “I know that nothing I say can bring Alexa back; nothing I say can give you one more minute with her. And I know that it is my fault that she is gone. Every day since she died, it is the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing that I think of when I go to sleep. “I never knew Alexa, and I didn’t get the chance to even meet her, but from what I have learned about her, she must have been a very special person, and I know that the world is a worse place without her in it,” Koenig continued. Zenisek said that while Koenig’s age was considered during the sentencing process, the impact of his actions could not be ignored regardless of the circumstances. “It is true that there are mitigating factors present before the court,” Zenisek said. “Mr. Koenig was 18 years old at the time and had a lack of any significant criminal history or any adult history. He (was) a high school senior at the time of these events and had lived at home with his parents, and the court must give him credit for this.
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SEE LIFE IN PRISON, P14
P6 Members of the Apex Park and Recreation District are presented with a Pride Month proclamation from Arvada City Council. COURTESY CITY OF ARVADA
Arvada City Council recognizes June as Pride Month DENVER METRO TAROT READERS BRING THE CARDS P10 TO LIFE
DOCUMENTARY DETAILS DENVER ‘70S BAND P12 SUGARLOAF
Rate increase of 3.5% proposed for this month; ‘opt-out fee’ to remain the same BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
For the fourth time in its history, Arvada has recognized June as Pride Month, as the city council presented a proclamation to members of the Apex Park and Recreation District to mark the occasion. Councilmember Brad Rupert read the proclamation, which recognized Apex’s role in fostering community for LGBT+ residents of Arvada — including its monthly Pride Night events for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies. Arvada first recognized June as Pride Month in 2021 and continued to do so in 2023 and 2024, according to the city’s Director of Communications Rachael Kuroiwa. “Whereas the Apex Park and Recreation District has demonstrated leadership and commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ com-
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