VOLUME 36| ISSUE 22
WEEK OF JUNE 5, 2025
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Thornton’s new police chief sworn BY MONTE WHALEY MONTE@COTLN.ORG
• Vestas to lay off 200 employees •27J Schools moves online-only Dec. 1
Carmichael Park set to be full of fun, music for Summerfest on Saturday
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BUSINESS LOCAL
The Brighton Fire Department takes some children on a train ride around Carmichael Park at Brighton Summerfest June 1. PHOTO BY BELEN WARD
STAFF REPORT
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Brighton Summerfest returns to Carmichael Park Saturday featuring food, live music and plenty activities. Summerfest, the City’s biggest community festival, runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7 at Carmichael Park, 650 E. Southern St. The festival will include activities for kids, a beer garden, food vendors, live music and more. There will also be businesses and organizations educating the public about their services. The FNBO Entertainment Stage will feature performances by the main act, The Dreamboats, a revival of 50s and 60s rock ‘n’ roll, at 3 p.m. Acts performing earlier include folkl and county with Aubrey Dale & Christine at
10 a.m. and ‘90s pop with Northwoods at 12:30 p.m. Brighton Summerfest will also host the Colorado Military History Group and its array of World War II “living museum” interactive displays. The history group’s display will feature an original collection of uniforms, weapons, models, rations, tents and vehicles as part of a living museum display commemorating the end of the war 80 years ago. The space will be shared with the National War Museum of the Rockies, which displays items at Brighton City Museum on a regular basis. Festival attendees will even have a chance to explore the orchestra at Brighton Summerfest. Inside the Orchestra, a nonprofit organization, brings music to children, cultivating music appreciation and
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enhancing their education through engaging, interactive experiences with orchestral music. Get hands-on with instruments at the “Instrument Petting Zoo,” create your own musical instrument craft, and enjoy live demos by professional orchestra musicians! All Brighton Summerfest activities and concerts are free to the public. Food will be available for purchase. Brighton Summerfest is supported by the City of Brighton, Brighton Fire Rescue District, Brighton Police Department, FNBO, ALLO Fiber, United Power and The Home Depot. For more information about Brighton Summerfest, visit brightonco.gov/brightonsummerfest or call the Special Events Office at 303 655-2218.
During his swearing in as Thornton’s new police chief Tuesday night, Jim Baird vowed to work with the city council to better understand the unique needs of each council member’s ward. “I am very grateful to being entrusted with this role,” said Baird, a 32-year law enforcement veteran. Baird was picked from 35 applicants representing talent and expertise from Colorado and across the nation, according to Thornton officials. “Thornton PD will be in strong hands with (Chief ) Baird stirring the ship,” said City of Thornton Presiding Judge Tiffany Sorice, who administered the oath to Baird. His swearing in occurred on the same day it was revealed Baird accidentally fired a new gun at his apartment on May 14. The bullet went through a kitchen cabinet inside the apartment, and nobody was injured, according to CBS News Colorado. “It’s definitely not how anyone wants to start,” Kylynn McTague, public information officer for the Thornton Police Department told CBS News Colorado. “I think it was my fault,” Baird told CBS News Colorado. He told the station that he was trying out different magazines on the new Sig Sauer 9 mm handgun when it fired. He said he was on the phone and was multitasking when the gun fired. “I should have known better,” Baird said. “It’s a mistake I’ll never make again.” The City of Thornton said in a statement that Baird immediately tried to contact residents to make sure nobody had been hit. Baird then reported the incident to the interim police chief, who came to the apartment with a sergeant from the Thornton Police Department. SEE NEW CHIEF, P4
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