$2.00
Week of March 16, 2023
ARAPAHOE COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
EnglewoodHerald.net
VOLUME 103 | ISSUE 5
Check out
SUMMER CAMP LISTINGS In this week’s paper!
Where to find food assistance programs in Denver metro area More in need after SNAP benefits decrease BY ELLLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Shirley Bennett hugs one of the Arapahoe County deputies who helped save her life when she went into cardiac arrest on Feb. 13. PHOTOS BY NINA JOSS
A ‘thank you’ from the heart Woman offers gratitude to those who saved her life at courthouse BY NINA JOSS NJOSS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Shirley Bennett was going through the jury duty selection process at the Arapahoe County Courthouse when officials called a recess. She and other potential jurors walked into the hallway. “I remember walking outside (of the courtroom) and sitting on a bench,” Bennett said. “And I re-
member waking up four days later.” Between the moments she remembers, Bennett, who is 69, went into cardiac arrest. Thanks to the rapid response of dozens of court deputies and other bystanders on scene that day, she is alive to tell the story. On March 9, Bennett returned to the courthouse to express her gratitude to the first responders who saved her life in February by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. “I don’t know you all one by one or name by name, but I love you and appreciate you,” she said. “You’re in my prayers and you’re in my thoughts. I know we hear
the prayers and thoughts thing so much with all the tragedy and things that happen. But I mean that from my heart — no pun intended — that I love you, I appreciate you.” First responders
At the event, South Metro Fire Rescue recognized 19 Arapahoe County law enforcement officers for their efforts in helping save Bennett’s life. Sgt. Robert Chase, one of the first people to arrive on the scene of the emergency, was among those recognized. “It was clear that Shirley was SEE THANK YOU, P12
Low-income households face a tighter budget this month as the program that helps families in Colorado buy food saw its pandemic-era funding boost come to an end. Coloradans who receive benefits from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, had received an extra amount of benefits every month since March 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The extra amount, or “emergency allotments,” were authorized by Congress, but they ended due to recent congressional action. A final emergency allotment was issued in February, according to the Colorado Department of Human Services. If you’re struggling with the drop in benefits, it may help to turn to local programs and organizations. Here’s a look at the local government departments or food pantries in your area and how to contact them. Make sure to ask, or check their websites, for any requirements. Adams County
The Adams County Food Bank sits at 7111 E. 56th Ave. in Commerce City, just west of Quebec Street and a bit north of Interstate 270. It’s open 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday through FriSEE FOOD, P2
INSIDE: VOICES: PAGE 14 | LIFE: PAGE 16 | CALENDAR: PAGE 19 | SPORTS: PAGE 24
T S E B F THE O T S E B
2023
VOTE NOW through APRIL 15th EnglewoodHerald.net