WEEK OF NOVEMBER 7, 2024
VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 36
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Harmon talks construction, regional park plans Mayor addresses concerns with Park Meadows, High Note developments BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
A man plays bagpipes at the Highlands Ranch Veterans Monument at Civic Green Park during a Memorial Day service.
PHOTO BY HALEY LENA
Seeking next generation to help veterans American Legion post in Highlands Ranch calls for younger vets BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNTIYMEDIA.COM
Highlands Ranch American Legion Post members are seen at many events, proudly carrying the American flag. But according to the commander of the post, the group is so much more than that. “We’re veterans helping veterans,” said Joe Langran, post commander. And this is especially true for recent veteran Michael Matthie. Earlier this summer, Matthie retired from the Army and moved to Highlands Ranch from Germany with his wife and daughter. He first joined the
Army at 18, and served for 20 years during which he completed four Middle East rotations. Matthie was on assignment in Germany when the Russian-Ukrainian conflict emerged. “Next thing you know, I’m on a D17 (aircraft) heading out to southeast Poland for an indeterminate amount of time,” Matthie said. But once he qualified for retirement, he did so to be able to be with his family. Seeking out the local legion was a matter of trying to find a place of camaraderie and people who have had similar experiences, said Matthie. The American Legion was founded in 1919 and was part of establishing the agency that has become the Federal Department of Veteran Affairs. Today, there are thousands of posts across the country. The Highlands Ranch American Legion Post 1260, recently renamed the
VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19 | SPORTS: 20
Christopher M. Falkel American Legion post 1260 of Colorado, has been active for nearly 20 years. Matthie initially thought the legion consisted of a group of older men who served in the Vietnam and Korean wars. But when the Highlands Ranch legion met him with open arms in late August, he knew he belonged. “They are the same type of breed that I am,” said Matthie. After only a few months of being retired from the Army, Matthie said having the members of the Highlands Ranch legion to go to has been impactful. He added that they have provided him a sense of grounding as he continues to transition back into civilian life and look for employment. “What they’re doing for the community, as well as veterans in the community, is pretty significant,”
At Melissa Harmon’s first town hall as Lone Tree mayor on Oct. 29, she addressed some of the public’s concerns about upcoming projects and current construction at Park Meadows Mall. The construction in front of the dining hall will become a lit parking structure that will include green and red lights to identify parking availability. “Don’t fret,” said Harmon. “If you are thinking about your holiday shopping and how this parking could impact you, they do have a moratorium.” Construction will pause in November and resume in mid-January, Harmon said. There will be another moratorium around the holidays for the construction that’s taking place adjacent to Nordstrom in which a C-470 connector trail will be added. In addition to the play structure opening outside of Eddie Bauer and a new Chick-Fil-A location, Harmon spoke on some of the other prospects that will be filling some of the vacant buildings near the mall, such as the former Red Robin and in the entertainment district. “Let me share with you a little bit about why we don’t want to share names (of businesses) too early,” said Harmon. “We want the business to be able to share the news.” The city will also see some capital projects. According to Justin Schimtz, Lone Tree’s director of public works and mobility, the city has been working with CDOT to fund a new traffic signal at County Line Road and Acres Green Drive. The project is expected to wrap up at the end of this year, and in 2025, CDOT plans to construct a new Lone Tree Mobility Hub. As the city continues to work on pedestrian safety, new flashing beacon lights were recently installed outside of the civic center, and more will be installed on Parkway Drive and Lone Tree Parkway. SEE TOWN HALL, P14
FIND ELECTION RESULTS ONLINE Results from Tuesday’s elections occurred after our press deadline. To find results, analysis and more election news, scan the code at right or go to colorado communitymedia.com/ elections-2024
SEE VETERANS, P10
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