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May 27, 2021

ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO

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VOLUME 126 | ISSUE 15

Elizabeth High to welcome international students Program is seeking host families for school year starting this fall BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Homes are selling quickly at the Independence subdivision.

Road 13 will be expanded to four lanes in the future when traffic counts necessitate it. In response, one local resident exclaimed: “Don’t you even dream of coming after my land!” On the Elbert County Citizens Facebook page, other local residents share similar sentiments regarding the new development. “Developments should only be allowed to grow as fast as the overall infrastructure of the area they are in,” said Elizabeth resident Rachel Medley Oswald. “Roads, schools, and public services should be funded and fixed to match the influx of residents into these areas.” Generally, it seems that a large segment of residents have reservations about the new expansive residential developments in the area. The Elbert County manager, however, sees the developments as

Elizabeth High School is welcoming new international foreign exchange students for the 2021-2022 school year. The program is called Education First (EF) High School Exchange Year and welcomes students between the ages of 15 and 18 from 13 countries around the world who will live in the U.S. for either one semester or a full school year. The program is a nonprofit corporation designated by the U.S. Department of State to operate a J-1 (cultural and educational opportunities) student exchange program. EF brings more students to the U.S. each year than any other high school exchange program. Since 1979, the organization has connected more than 100,000 international students with caring host families across the United States. The biggest struggle for the program is finding welcoming and exciting host families for the foreign exchange students. “We have so many students. It is just a matter of getting that dream match for the host family,” said Katie Klossner, international exchange coordinator for EF. “Host families get to tell me what types of personalities, hobbies, and country preference they want in their foreign exchange student, and then I find the perfect match.”

SEE INDEPENDENCE, P5

SEE EXCHANGE, P5

PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

Independence meeting brings out questions Zoom event describes plans for infrastructure, homesites BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

The Independence residential development north of Elizabeth, originally approved in 2010, has been a point of contention for local residents, sparking heated conversation and concerns about the well-being of Elbert County. The representatives of the Independence development held a community Zoom meeting on April 29, outlining infrastructure improvements, homesites, and amenity construction. The representatives were met with a slew of questions and concerns, mostly directed toward road construction and how it will im-

pact the community and nearby landowners. According to the Independence presentation, Delbert Road is being extended as a part of the Independence neighborhood. Elbert County is requiring the expansion of Delbert Road from Hilltop Road to Singing Hills Road. Other improvements include accelerations/deceleration lanes added on Hilltop Road at the community entrance. “Our team has been coordinating transportation improvements with Elbert County staff and the county’s consulting team, KimleyHorn and Associates Inc.,” said the Independence representative. When an anonymous attendee asked about the general future of road construction around the development, the representatives said that the West Elbert County Transportation Plan indicates that Hilltop Road, Singing Hills Road, Delbert Road and County

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2 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

As counties lift restrictions, virus not done taking toll Local ‘dial’ limits fade, but hundreds more Colorado COVID deaths likely BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The era of metro Denver residents talking about “the dial” might be over for good now that several metro counties have lifted local restrictions and moved to what they call “level clear,” with statewide coronavirus data looking tentatively optimistic. “We’re actually seeing some very promising trends over the past couple weeks based on cases and hospitalizations both starting to decrease,” said Andrea Buchwald, a research associate with the Colorado School of Public Health. Colorado’s color-coded COVID-19 dial was the set of restrictions counties had to follow based on the local spread of the virus. The system affected capacity at restaurants, other businesses,

indoor and outdoor events, and other settings. Colorado originally implemented the dial last Sept. 15. Last month, when state officials stepped back and let local health agencies take the wheel on most coronavirus restrictions, health agencies in the Denver metro area extended the “dial” system locally as a rise in virus cases and the continued spread of COVID-19 variants kept health officials worried. As of May 16, several metro counties are now operating in what they call “level clear,” generally with no local restrictions — and that’s likely to continue unless things take a turn for the worse. In Adams, Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, for example, level clear will continue unless hospitalizations trigger a “snapback provision,” where restrictions would return if a county exceeds 2 hospital admissions per 100,000 residents, measured a certain way over a 14-day period. That bar is unlikely to be reached in Adams and Arapahoe

Local Focus. More News.

counties, said John Douglas, head of Tri-County Health Department. That’s the health agency for those two counties and Douglas County. Broomfield also moved to level clear May 16, and Denver said it was “planning to meet level clear standards,” according to a spokesperson. Denver’s new public health order was to take effect May 16. Boulder County was to also move to level clear on May 16. Some counties had already been living under no dial restrictions: Douglas County’s elected leaders opted out of Tri-County Health’s extension of the dial system during an April 13 meeting. Some other counties that indicated that they would not issue local orders included Elbert and Weld. And with coronavirus cases on a downward trend, metro Denver counties might not see dial restrictions again — although it depends on how the virus fares this fall. “We do expect over the summer months that the numbers will come down, and this may become more of a seasonal illness with

numbers coming back up in the fall,” said Eric France, Colorado’s chief medical officer, at a May 13 news conference. Any consideration by the state of bringing back dial restrictions “will depend on the experience of the fall” and is “too hard to predict at this point, given there are variants to consider,” France added. Although the state’s dial system expired in mid-April, not all virus restrictions are local. On the heels of the state dial ending, Colorado issued a new public health order that maintains some limits on large indoor gatherings. Colorado’s mask mandate is a separate order. Despite all the news about restrictions fading away, Colorado has likely been experiencing a higher number of active COVID-19 infections than it did during the pandemic’s first peak last spring — even when accounting for the lack of testing at that time, according to estimates by the Colorado School of Public Health SEE COVID, P3

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Elbert County News 3

May 27, 2021

COVID FROM PAGE 2

as of May 12. “If people make major behavior changes right away that lead to a large increase in contacts and transmission, we could potentially see a lot of deaths,” Buchwald said. She added: “The pandemic is not over. We still have to be vigilant.” High hospital cases, deaths loom Asked whether metro counties’ move to level clear will have a large impact on coronavirus spread, Buchwald said it’s difficult to predict. “A lot of how people behave is dependent on the messaging they get and the messaging they believe. And I think the urgency for reopening is real,” Buchwald said. But “if the message is ‘the pandemic is over,’ I think that’s a dangerous message because I think that’ll lead people to do riskier behaviors.” A big takeaway from Colorado’s data is that the number of COVID-19 cases recently is still “very high,” particularly in comparison to the lows of last summer, Buchwald said.

“The thing that people have lost sight of is: Can you believe if five years ago there was an infectious disease and there were 600 people in the state of Colorado hospitalized?” Buchwald said. “It seems unimportant because we’ve gotten so used to it, but it doesn’t change the fact that it’s a major problem.” She noted that even a person with COVID-19 who is not hospitalized may still face long-term health consequences, which some have called “long COVID,” she said. On top of that, more than 700 more deaths could occur in Colorado from early May through the end of July even with “high levels” of vaccination and the current level of social distancing and mask-wearing as of early May, both of which are likely to decline, according to Douglas, the health chief. But the choice to drop restrictions is “all about balances and tradeoffs,” Douglas said. “I think it is likely that if we went into complete lockdown like 13 months ago, we’d be experiencing fewer deaths,” Douglas said. He added: “In the extreme case, you wouldn’t shut down the whole economy to save one life. You’d hate to see that one life” lost, but

that would be a reasonable trade, Douglas argued. Figuring out what the right tradeoff is has “been absolutely agonizing,” he added. What makes the situation easier is the effectiveness of the vaccines, Douglas said. “I want to badly urge everyone who can get this to get it,” Douglas said of vaccination. About 48% of all Coloradans are estimated to be immune due to vaccination or prior infection, while 47% are estimated to have received at least one dose of a vaccine, the state public-health department said in a May 14 news release. “Herd immunity” — a term for when enough people become immune that the spread of a disease becomes unlikely — could happen when somewhere between 66.7% and 80% of people attain immunity to COVID-19, according to the Colorado School of Public Health. Dispute over pandemic During the Douglas County commissioners’ April 13 meeting, when they voted to opt out of Tri-County Health’s extension of dial restrictions, Commissioner Abe Laydon said he would like for residents to “break the delusion”

that there is a need for a continuation of public health orders. “I want … Douglas County to be the first county in the state to say ‘this pandemic is over,’” Laydon said. Laydon again said “the pandemic is over” during a May 11 meeting. Douglas, the health chief, said the comment is “completely inaccurate” from a literal standpoint. “The pandemic, meaning a global epidemic, is far from over,” Douglas said. He added: “I actually think he was being somewhat hyperbolic to say Douglas County is not going to be threatened by the pandemic, we’ve got enough vaccination … that interpretation of his remarks is probably true.” But Douglas doesn’t think the way it was said was “helpful to the larger conversation,” he continued. Buchwald, the researcher with the school of public health, said in Colorado “very clearly it’s not over,” pointing to the high number of cases. “I think it’s important to step back and realize there are 600 hospitalized in the state of Colorado alone,” Buchwald reiterated. “I wish the pandemic was over as well,” Buchwald said, “but wishful thinking is not enough.”

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4 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

Western Slope still stuck in drought Drastic cutbacks planned in planting, grazing because of low snowpack BY MICHAEL BOOTH AND ZACH BRIGHT THE COLORADO SUN

The Ute Mountain Ute Reservation sits at the lower end of a 40mile, gravity-fed canal, and waits for whatever water the towering San Juan mountains will give up for the season. By the second week of May, it was clear 2021 will be a bust. The Utes’ farm enterprise has already switched to hopes for next year and fervent wishes that the hot winds and wildfires won’t do too much damage before then. Simon Martinez oversees thousands of acres of alfalfa hay and specialty corn for the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise, 400 miles from well-watered Denver. In a normal year, 25,000 acre-feet of water come down the canal from McPhee Reservoir to irrigate Ute crops. This year, the Utes’ junior water right will get them only 2,500 acrefeet from fast-draining McPhee. Late in last summer’s drought, the Dolores River reservoir hit dead pool, meaning there wasn’t enough water to spin hydroelectric turbines and generate electricity for the Four Corners region. River outflows from the dam this sum-

mer are likely to hit record lows, and downstream fish will die. Martinez and 20 Ute employees, half the number of a normal year, will grow crops on only one-tenth their usual alfalfa and corn acreage as the devastating Western Colorado drought drags on. “So we’re feeling it this year,” Martinez said. “It’s basically been two years, and we hope for there not being a third.” Colorado’s historic tendency to move water to where people need it has numbed city dwellers to the plight of places currently not getting enough. Denver is nearing its total precipitation for all 12 months of 2020 in just the first five months of 2021, 9News meteorologist Chris Bianchi said. The South Platte River basin snowpack — snow that accumulates in the mountains that waters much of the Front Range population — sat at a sopping 114% of normal in mid-May. But snowpack meant to slake the Utes and other farmers and ranchers and towns in the Four Corners is at 36%. And it’s disappearing fast. The U.S. Drought Monitor reported that 13% of the state, mostly in the highly populated northeast, had some relief from long-term drought in the past month, just weeks after the same map showed abnormally dry or drought conditions plaguing the entire state. Officials from Denver Water said storage levels for

Jose Valdez plants watermelon seedlings May 17 on land leased by Hirakata Farms in Rocky Ford. Plastic mulch covers the plants that are irrigated with drip tape drawing PHOTO BY MARK REIS/SPECIAL TO THE COLORADO SUN on ground water when canal irrigation isn’t possible.

reservoirs fed largely by the South Platte and Fraser River basins are near normal, at 80% capacity compared to the typical 82%. However, 75% of the state remains in drought and western Colorado is experiencing the worst of it, said Becky Bolinger, assistant state climatologist at Colorado State University. The western half of the state didn’t get the snowpack it needed to in colder months, and likely won’t make up those deficits in summer monsoons. Coupled with a high melt rate over dry soils that must be hydrated before water can make its way to bodies of water, that means not enough water makes it downhill to reservoirs. “It peaked too early, it peaked too low, and nothing has been really slowing that melt rate,” Bolinger said. “So those areas are likely to completely be melted out of snowpack before early June.” “It’s going to be a rough summer, I believe, for a lot of farmers and ranchers on the West Slope.” Much of the northeastern portion of the state is greening up this spring in just the way farmers and ranchers look for.

Some of the northeast and central regions beyond Denver, where everything from sugar beets and wheat to cattle and hay fodder are raised, enjoyed the same weekly rains and September to May F snows as the Front Range. “May is largely turning out the way we would expect for northa eastern Colorado,” Bolinger said. g “That is climatologically our wet- t test month of the year.” M Bolinger said that the big pret cipitation on the Front Range is r slowly helping the region climb h out of a Front Range drought lasting since at least last summer, with “good, consistent shots of moisture in March and April and into May” that are expected to continue. “For two-thirds, three-quarters of the population of the state, what they see outside the window is promising, is good,” said Bianchi.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. Used by permission. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

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Elbert County News 5

May 27, 2021

EXCHANGE FROM PAGE 1

Elizabeth High School is ready to welcome international students. PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

INDEPENDENCE FROM PAGE 1

a natural part of the Denver area’s growth. “We are going to be a part of the growth of Colorado,” said County Manager Sam Albrecht. “I think that the price of housing across the metro region is getting really high and we’re hoping that these new developments in

Host families provide the student with room and board and are expected to treat their student as a member of a family, not as a guest. Students cover their own travel costs, health insurance, school expenses, cell phone and spending money. EF and the U.S. Department of State also designate certain requirements of all host families. For example, host parents should be at least 25 years of age or older, pass a background check, and have a stable and suitable household. Being a host family is an extraordinary and exciting opportunity and will provide the experience of a lifetime for both the family members and the foreign exchange student. In a recent letter sent to the Elizabeth High School community, Klossner shared the experience of an EF host family: “When we started this amazing adventure, we knew we would be adding a new daughter to our

family. While we were gathered at the airport waiting for our newest family member to arrive, I remember everyone being nervous and hopeful, yet so excited. From that day forward, we all learned so much from each other. It was the little everyday things that had the most impact: school, friends, family dinners, game night, making s’mores, school football games and dances, hiking at the lake, celebrating holidays with family, and daddy/daughter days. “She taught us about Norwegian culture, customs, and holidays and even tried to teach us a little Norwegian language. It was like seeing everything we take for granted each day through someone else’s eyes and seeing it again for the first time. We made so many memories that will last a lifetime and the best part is that she will always be a part of our family and our heart.” Families in Elbert County who are interested in learning more about hosting an exchange student through EF can contact Katie Klossner at 248-285-1266 or katie. klossner@efexchangeyear.org.

Elbert County will have price points that families can afford.” What local residents do agree on is the desire to see Elbert County continue to be a healthy and thriving community for generations to come. If you have any comments or questions for the representatives of the Independence community, they can be contacted at feedback@independencecommunity.com or at 720-500-HOME (4663).

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PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON

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6 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

Veterans participate in art therapy program Works by local veterans is on display at the Rhyolite Gallery in Castle Rock BY THELMA GRIMES TGRIMES@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Bill Beschman, a 20-year Marine veteran, said he learned self-expression through PHOTOS BY THELMA GRIMES painting in the art therapy program.

Art therapy is emerging as a useful tool for all ages, including local veterans who are learning a new method of communication through expressing themselves in painting. In Castle Rock, a local veteran and art gallery owner wanted to develop an art program to help veterans. Nick Lucey, owner of the Rhyolite Gallery, is the founder and president of the Castle Rock Artist Cooperative and serves as a member of the Douglas County Veterans Monument Foundation. His work with the two organizations led them to team up to develop the Veteran Art Therapy program. Lucey, a Marine Corps veteran, said he wanted to do something to combine his passion for art and passion for helping veterans. “I married these two passions and worked to create this form of art therapy,” Lucey said. “This is particularly helpful for veterans with PTSD. Art helps to take the mind off pain and gives them focus and a mission. It taps into a side of the brain they did not really use before.”

Suzi Reaves, a 23-year Navy Veteran, said taking part in the new art therapy program is healing.

Through donations and grant funding, Lucey said they hired an artist to work with the first set of veterans every Saturday for 26 weeks over six months. They had hoped to have the first class full of veterans, but COVID-19 restrictions required them to scale back, accepting four for the inaugural venture. SEE VETERANS, P7

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Elbert County News 7

May 27, 2021

VETERANS FROM PAGE 6

One of the veterans taking part in the program is Castle Rock resident Suzi Reaves. Reaves, a 23-year Navy veteran, said after serving in the military she went on to school to get a degree in fine arts. Reaves said taking part in the art therapy program was somewhat intimidating for some of the class, but all dived in with an open mind. “This was definitely a healing thing,” she said. “It gave us a sense of accomplishment. It was about doing something new and learning a new life skill that fits in with our age group.” Bill Beschman, a Castle Rock resident, said the program gave him a new, helpful hobby. “Doing this is definitely a quieter way to relieve stress,” he said. “Before, I was playing loud music in the house. You can’t get away with that late at night like you can painting.” Beschman said he was able to develop more self-expression, noting that several members of his family are artists, but he did not think he could ever learn the skill. “Painting just was not a talent I ever thought I would have,” he said. “Here, I was able to learn this art through interpreting and observing.” In the 26-week course, Beschman said the teacher, Carol Hein, wanted them to paint

A group of 16 paintings created by four local veterans will remain on display through May at the Rhyolite Gallery in Castle Rock. PHOTO BY THELMA GRIMES

life. The group of 16 paintings produced by the artists feature images from their back yards, photographs, or postcards. Beschman said Hein taught in a way that was not intimidating, but instead supportive and helpful in breaking down the steps of creating an image through oil paints. Beschman said one of his images was a bush in his background when it was alive. This year, he

said it may not make it through the winter storms, which means the painting will keep it alive. “This class was just a great idea,” Beschman said. “In the pandemic, we have had so many people, including veterans, locked away. This class can pull them out.” The paintings developed by the local veterans will remain on display throughout the rest of May. Sales from the paintings

will go toward paying the artist and purchasing supplies for the next round of art therapy for veterans. To see the work produced by the group, visit the Rhyolite Gallery at 505 2nd St. in Castle Rock. Lucey said they are looking to recruit 10 veterans for the next program, which will begin in November. For more info on the program, visit castlerockartcoop. com/veterans.

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8 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

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Polis signs $34 billion state budget into law

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Gov. Jared Polis signed Colorado’s $34.1 billion fiscal year 2021-22 budget into law on May 17, restoring cuts made as the coronavirus crisis

descended on the state last year while also saving a historic amount for future economic downturns. The Joint Budget Committee, the Legislature’s budget-writing panel, had to contend with constantly changing tax-revenue projections that were made uncertain by the pandemic. “This is the culmination of a yearlong process — and it’s always hard. But this is the hardest it’s ever been

because of the changing numbers,” Polis said just before signing Senate Bill 205 at the Capitol. The budget takes effect in July, when the next fiscal year begins. It sets aside more than $1.5 billion for Colorado’s reserve fund that can be tapped by future Legislatures. It also includes 3% raises for state employees, $480 million to reduce SEE BUDGET, P9

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Elbert County News 9

May 27, 2021

Summer concert series coming Tickets now on sale for 2021 summer rocks concert series STAFF REPORT

Celebrate the sounds of a perfect summer at the Castle Rock 2021 Summer Concert Series. Tickets are on sale now at CRgov.com/ PSMConcerts. Nestled in the setting of Philip S. Miller Park, The Amphitheater has become one of Colorado’s most sought-after live music venues. Each year, the featured acts get bigger and bigger. The series has hosted dozens of Grammy-nominated, world-famous artists and has made Castle Rock a musical hotspot. The intimate setting, family friendly environment and amazing acoustics make for a great musical experience. The 2021 concert series includes:

BUDGET FROM PAGE 8

Colorado’s annual K-12 school funding shortfall and a $20 million line item to create hundreds of new around-the-clock care slots for people with developmental disabilities. Also in the budget is $800 million for a state coronavirus stimulus package, the largest slice of which is being dedicated to infrastructure projects. Bills that are part of the package were still being debated in the Legislature. The governor called the budget “an investment in our children, an investment in our future.” State Sen. Dominick Moreno, a Commerce City Democrat who leads the Joint Budget Committee, marveled at the difference a year has made in the state’s budget situation. His panel went from having to make tearful cuts to having enough money to pay for new programs and initiatives. “There is so much good in this budget that will help Colorado recover,” Moreno said. State Rep. Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat who is vice chair of the panel, highlighted spending in the budget around wildfire preparedness and response. “We are going to make sure that we are ready for this year’s wildfire season,” she said. State lawmakers had far more money to spend next year than expected because the pandemic’s toll on Colorado’s economy wasn’t as bad as the state’s fiscal analysts feared. The budget represents $3.8 billion more in spending over the current fiscal year. Much of the windfall represents unspent tax revenue, not future revenue. As the budget was debated in the Legislature, lawmakers made a number of changes to the document

38 Special - Saturday, June 19 Parmalee - Saturday, July 10 The Beach Boys - Thursday, Aug.

Castle Rock Summer Jam - Saturday, Aug. 21 (headliner announcement coming soon) Super Diamond with The Denver Pops - Saturday, Sept. 11 These ticketed music events have become a signature part of summers in the community. Prices range depending on the artist. Or, get 20% off face value with a Season Lawn Pass. These passes are for general lawn admission to all five concerts. Check out the website for more information, including frequently asked questions. Or, find the event posts on the Town’s Facebook page (/CRgov). Want to get involved in Town events? We’re looking for sponsors. You can also join the events staff, or become a volunteer. Email specialevents@CRgov.com for more information.

first drafted by the Joint Budget Committee. The ones that made it into the final version include: • $1 million more for body camera expenses for local law enforcement agencies, bringing the total to $4 million • $1 million for the School Bullying Prevention and Education Cash Fund • $250,000 for the Suicide Prevention Program • $1.1 million in general fund dollars for reintroduction of gray wolves • $125,000 to hire a chief educational equity officer in the Colorado Department of Human Services The changes resulted in a smaller amount — 13.41% of the budget instead of 13.5% — being set aside in the reserve fund. The Joint Budget Committee initially wanted $1.75 billion to be put in the savings account, but that number was reduced to about $1.5 billion to balance out the changes requested by other lawmakers. The budget does not include $3.8 billion in federal coronavirus stimulus money heading to Colorado as part of the American Rescue Plan. That money will be distributed by the Legislature separately. Lawmakers and nonpartisan staff are still working to determine the rules around how that money can be used. Sen. Bob Rankin, one of two Republicans on the budget committee, praised Moreno for how he ran the budget process. But he noted that the panel’s work isn’t done. “The task ahead of us is almost as hard,” said Rankin, who lives in Carbondale. “We literally have $4 billion (to determine how to spend). So the work is not over.” This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. Used by permission. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com.

Memorial Day office closure Douglas County offices will be closed Monday, May 31, 2021. Many services are available at DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Help make our County Fair a success! Energetic, friendly volunteers age 16 and older are needed during the Douglas County Fair & Rodeo, July 31-Aug. 8. Serve your community, celebrate your County’s history and have fun all at the same time. Visit douglascountyfairandrodeo.com and search Volunteers to learn more and sign up.

Slash-mulch site open The County’s main slash-mulch site, at 1400 Caprice Drive in Castle Rock is open Saturdays only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 30. For more information, directions and a list of acceptable items visit douglas. co.us and search for Slash Mulch.

Skip the trip - motor vehicle services just a click away Renew your driver license or motor vehicle registration and more from the convenience of your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop. You can also renew vehicle registrations at MVExpress kiosks. Find information at DouglasDrives.com

It’s wildfire season It only takes one spark to change your life forever. Thankfully, it takes only seconds to sign up for free emergency notifications at douglas.co.us/CodeRed ensuring that you will be in the know if a wildfire is happening near you.

Master Gardener volunteers are now available Douglas County Master Gardeners provide useful information to help your gardening efforts all year long via the “Virtual Helpdesk”. Questions are answered by email 7 days a week. Email your gardening questions today to dcmgardenr@gmail.com

SCFD Free Days Want to learn more about history, spend time appreciating abstract or contemporary art or get in touch with nature? SCFD organizations have your entrance fee and cultural passions covered. For more information including specific dates and locations - visit scfd.org

Do it online, Douglas. County services are as close as your smartphone, tablet, desktop or laptop. Visit douglas.co.us or DoItOnlineDouglas.com

Visit douglas.co.us

10 Elbert County News

LOCAL

May 27, 2021

VOICES

Some words are great, and others just grate

o,” “listen,” “to be honest,” “at the end of the day,” “it is what it is,” “like,” “literally,” “right?” An April column QUIET invited readers to nominate words DESPERATION and phrases that should be banned for overuse, misuse, or uselessness. The response was far greater than I anticipated. Why we are often careless when communicating is a Craig Marshall topic for another Smith column. Someone I know says “At any rate” without knowing she’s saying it. The usual suspects - including “usual suspects” - were nominated. The one syllable word that has topped every one of these annual lists made it there again. An expletive the writer admitted is here to stay was nominated for the first time. Take a guess. Many of this year’s words were pandemic-related and should go away once the coast is clear.

“Social distancing,” “unprecedented, “new normal,” and “we’re all in this together.” “Have a nice day,” the young woman repeats with the sincerity of a torpid parrot to every customer, never once something else more interesting or thoughtful she could say. A variant, submitted by Lindi Brubaker (Highlands Ranch), is even more unwelcome. “Have a nice rest of the day.” Don’t begin a comment with “To be honest,” wrote Bob Marttila (Highlands Ranch) who added, “The person who uses `To be honest’ may not have been honest in the past and may not be in the future.” “No worries.” “No problem.” “My bad.” “This too shall pass.” “Kiddos.” “You guys.” “Dude.” “Icon” and “iconic.” “Robust.” Some readers didn’t explain themselves; others went into great detail. Mike Dabney (Highlands Ranch): “Stakeholder.” Sharene Schmalz (Cincinnati, Ohio): “Frankly.” R. Johnson (Englewood): “Arguably.” On the other hand, Tom Kocialski (Centennial) submitted a dissertation, edited here, on “systemic.” “It may be just me, but I prefer to

use the word `systemic’ in a biological sense as associated with a system within the human body, or a root system of a plant. I would prefer to use the word `systematic’ to relate to processes that are implemented by a system.” Terry Gong (Arvada): “How was your weekend?” coming from an employee who asks inappropriate personal questions. Kalvin Huck (Arvada): “Having said that” and “That being said.” The all-time loser lost again. “Like.” A Castle Rock reader who wants to remain anonymous stated, “It’s an indication that the speaker is lazy-minded and is resorting to empty equivocations. It undermines whatever they are trying to say. I stop listening.” I like it like that. Pat Olson (Centennial) wrote, “Last week I was at the dog park and listened to a lady say `like’ every 10 words.” Douglas Wolf (Wellington, Florida; yes, Florida) agrees with Olson. “Increasingly, its use has permeated the conversation of those who are old enough to know better.”

Elizabeth No Last Name (Golden) submitted, “To make a long story short,” and added, “My husband uses it many times a day. Just tell your information, please. It doesn’t make you look smarter or more knowledgeable to begin with that annoying phrase.” (Good luck at home, Elizabeth, after your husband reads this.) P. Hudson (Centennial), proposed a word I’m unable to mention, except in its sanitized form. “I think screenwriters must be paid by the ‘f-word.’ None of my friends is as profane as the characters in contemporary movies.” He added, “If Martin Scorsese remade ‘On the Waterfront’ it would burn your ears off.” (Note: it’s spoken 506 times in Scorsese’s “The Wolf of Wall Street.”) Martin Culpepper (location unknown), being impertinent, nominated “every word in your article.” “Go figure.” Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

Bigger, better, faster, higher, smarter

ociety thrives on one-upmanship. In everything we do, whether we realize it or not, we set a bar. And as we set the bar, more often than not, we try and WINNING improve upon what- WORDS ever it is we are doing. Sometimes this just happens and we become accidental goal setters. However, there are certain things and times in our life when we become intentional about Michael Norton setting the bar and even raising the bar. Whatever it is we did, we know that with some extra effort we can do it bigger, better, faster, higher, or farther. If we are a hardwired competitor, we look at what others around us are doing and immediately think the same thing, don’t we? If they can do it, then I am sure I can crush it. Does this happen because we are fascinated with winning or because we are compelled by compe-

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tition? Game on. The race is on. The heat is on. Bring it on. These are the things we say or the voice that we hear in our head when we are faced with a challenge, even if the challenge is self-imposed. Conceivably there is no competition because the other person, team, or company has no idea that we have become determined, and have set out to not only raise the bar but raise it so high that no one will ever catch us. Sometimes this is exactly what we need to break out of a slump or reignite our passion. We need something to chase. We need a goal, a quota, or a target that forces us out of our comfort zone and into our “Go Zone” so we can go bigger, better, faster, higher, farther in whatever it is we are pursuing. Then again, sometimes it’s OK to let others go ahead, and go as far and as fast as they please. Last week I was driving on the highway and staying in the flow of traffic when I looked in the rearview mirror to see another car bobbing and weaving through traffic. He flew by me

doing at least 15-20 miles per hour faster than the rest of us. However, competition does seem to get the better of us sometimes, and suddenly, a few other cars picked up the pace, trying to match the speed of the lead car. There was a time in my life where I would have felt that same pull and let my pride get the better of me. Thankfully, the wisdom of maturity has conquered my foolish pride and I sat back and let them all pass. As we rounded the next bend, there were a few state troopers waving the drivers over to the side of the road. There was no moment spent gloating over their demise as I have had my share of speeding tickets in this life. In this case it was better to let others go faster. Continuing my drive, it gave me time to reflect on the bigger, better, faster, higher, and farther concept. I thought about the many times that I had said, “I can do that better than they can. I can go bigger than that.” And once again it humbled me because over the years, I have learned that there is always some-

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one or something bigger, better, smarter, and faster than me. Rushing into competing is the equivalent of taking a “Fire, Aim, Ready” approach. On one hand it is great to be motivated to pursue a goal or target. On the other hand, sometimes prudence really is the better part of valor. Have you ever found yourself getting caught up in the moment and feeling the need to demonstrate your superiority in a situation? Conversely, have you experienced the rewards of making sure that you were in the best position possible before moving forward? As always, I would love to hear your story at mnorton@tramazing.com, and when we can choose those moments where it would serve us best n to go bigger, better, faster, higher, m and farther, it really will be a better c f than good year. t Michael Norton is the grateful CEO f of Tramazing.com, a personal and r professional coach, and a consultant, i trainer, encourager and motivator to e t businesses of all sizes. f o

Columnists & Guest Commentaries Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Elbert County News. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone. Email letters to letters@coloradocommunitymedia.com Deadline Wed. for the following week’s paper.

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Elbert County News 11

May 27, 2021

Examining the outlook for economic recovery

he United States economic outlook has “clearly brightened,” according to Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The WashFINANCIAL ington Post also STRATEGIES states that the U.S. emerges as the main engine for global economic recovery as jobs spike and stimulus cash is spent, mainly on goods imported from other countries. Patricia Kummer This should help buoy a global recovery but could also increase our trade deficit. Three rounds of stimulus checks, increased corporate earnings and a bull market well underway are fueling significant economic gains in the U.S. Unemployment is improving, gross domestic product (GDP) is escalating, and many businesses are reopening. There is no doubt some businesses and jobs are gone for good, but the ability to rebound in the midst of a pandemic is some-

thing apparently only America can do so far in 2021. China led the recovery in 2020 as the first to reopen their economy after the pandemic. The economy as a whole seems to be thriving on unprecedented stimulus, continued low interest rates and widely anticipated increase in real GDP to 6.5 percent this year.¹ Most economists warn this could lead to higher inflation as well. Investors are enjoying this earnings season, where, so far, a record 87% of S&P 500 companies have beat earnings estimates, and earnings look to be growing by more than 46 percent, according to Refinitiv. There may be a hangover of increased federal deficit, a higher trade deficit and rising costs and interest rates. But, for now, investors are cashing in on equities and pushing off inflation fears until later. Manufacturing activity, according to the Institute of Supply Management (ISM), hit its fastest pace since 1983 in March, while the U.S. service sector continued to see solid improvement in activity. The trends in new COVID-19 cases and deaths were moving in a favorable direction, though variants re-

main a potential unknown and there were renewed lockdowns in Europe and India. Nevertheless, the global economic trends provided a positive backdrop for stocks. Opposite of last year, when a few large tech names led the way, so far this year, value-oriented stocks outperformed growth stocks and small caps topped large caps. Brett Lapierre, senior investment strategist with Mariner Wealth Advisors, states that U.S. equity markets continue to operate in a favorable backdrop amid accelerating economic and earnings growth and an accommodative central bank. Equity markets can generally handle a steady and modest rise in interest rates if this happens for the right reasons such as faster economic growth. But if rates rise too quickly nervousness can appear. Inflation worries can also hurt equity prices, particularly when valuations are elevated. Jeff Krumpelman, chief investment strategist for Mariner Wealth Advisors, has pointed out that there remain few signs that markets are in bubble territory. He wouldn’t be surprised if we see a correction or

sideways market over the next few months, which could prove to be a healthy development. Looking ahead, Lapierre expects above-average economic growth and higher inflation over the next several months. He sees the acceleration in inflation as temporary, giving the Fed some wiggle room before having to lift short-term interest rates. Risks to this outlook include a period of higher inflation lasting longer, the potential for tax increases to shorten the economic rebound and the potential for COVID-19’s impact to linger. 1. The Federal Reserve Patricia Kummer has been a Certified Financial Planner professional and a fiduciary for over 35 years and is Managing Director for Mariner Wealth Advisors, an SEC Registered Investment Adviser. Please visit www.marinerwealthadvisors.com for more information or refer to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website (www.adviserinfo.sec.gov). Securities offered through MSEC, LLC, Member FINRA & SIPC, 5700 W. 112th Suite 500, Overland Park, KS 66211.

A good guide to nearby mountain adventure

here is nothing inappropriate in venturing in the outdoors on your own, after all the whole outdoors world suggest a sense of adventure and offers exploring OUTDOOR the unseen, the LIVING unknown, the new. But there is also something to be said for preparing and researching. The Georgetown, upper Gilpin County I-70 region is a growing attraction for the Ron Hellbusch knowledgeable and the adventurous newbies and inquisitive outdoorsman. This region offers an interesting combination of mountain flora and fauna. The variety of wildlife, plant, trees and historical waste mineral from the Clear Creek drainage basin’s rich silver and gold mining history, is well within reach of the outdoor explorer. However, to fully experience these assets of nature can be far more fulfilling with some local help from one who knows. This is where Georgetown’s Kimberly Knox’s local experience enters the picture. Kimberly provides a unique service of guiding individuals, families and youth groups, and sharing the offerings to Front Range outdoors visitors. With over three decades of hiking, studying, writing, photographing and recording the region’s natural outdoors, Kimberly Knox has assured visitors they can become comfortably familiar with

this region of our Front Range mountains. “I stress outdoors safety and value of good hiking equipment, as first step priorities, as we plan and prepare the hikes,” Kimberly stated. Given her broad experience in group adventure guiding, rock-climbing and mounting biking, Kimberly can offer hikes in a wide range of environments. “Clear Creek has so much to offer in steep mountain slopes with amazing vistas, to wildflower meadows with small flowing snow melt brooks with opposing vertical rock walls with raging whitewater rapids,” she advised. Kimberly customizes her clients’ experience and fitness level with options for an exciting and positive hiking experience. She can include in her planning snowshoes with poles or other unique all-weather equipment, plus a snack for the beginner, in the price of the tour. For those excited about outdoors activities, but not sure what specific activities to pursue, Kimberly offers “first time support” training and basic pursuit of many adventures to help clients chose their best match. Kimberly invites calls to further describe services Georgetown Outdoor Discovery provides at 303-900-2672 or email geogetownoutdoordiscovery. com. Colorado’s spring and early summer is prime time to enjoy the Mile High State’s extended beauty by exploring the environment of the Front Range mountain outdoors. Outdoorsman Ron Hellbusch can be reached at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net

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12 Elbert County News

LOCAL

May 27, 2021

LIFE

DJs ready to mix it up

Recent proms are just the tip of the iceberg for live entertainment companies that are wanting to increase business after a slow and difficult year of public health restrictions. Imprint Entertainment has done three proms at Denver metro high schools this spring. COURTESY OF IMPRINT ENTERTAINMENT

Prom season ushers in new year after long lull caused by pandemic BY LIAM ADAMS LADAMS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

ear that? Well, if the noise you heard any time in the past year, there’s a good

chance it wasn’t the sound of a disc jockey booth. Not surprisingly, business has been bad for DJs and live entertainment companies. COVID-19 restrictions reduced the number of gigs for Denver metro DJs to nearly zero. Many squeaked by from working virtual proms and socially distanced bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, but it’s already much better because there are now real proms and

other events as public health restrictions loosen. “I feel like we went from hibernating bears to chickens with our heads cut off,” said Rikki Mor, operations manager at Denver-based Imprint Entertainment. For most of last year, Mor said she could count the number of live events Imprint booked on two hands. Michael Crabtree, owner of Denver-based DJ Guy, said business was down

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80% to 85% from 2019 to 2020. DJ Connection, a nationwide company that has a Denver office, had 4,000 events scheduled last year, three-quarters of which were canceled, said owner Jason Bailey. Some events were entirely nonexistent during the pandemic, such as school dances and corporate events. All of the companies worked weddings and Imprint did a few bar and bat mitzvahs,

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one of which was a “carmitzvah,” Mor described. At the carmitzvah — held at Wings over the Rockies in Denver— people congregated and celebrated by setting up tables at their adequately distanced parked cars, Mor said. Another pandemic-flex event the DJs worked was the “private prom.” DJ Guy booked one with about 25 high school SEE DJ, P14

Elbert County News 13

May 27, 2021

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14 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

DJ FROM PAGE 12

students from different schools, whose parents (the parents were in a friend group) put on for their kids at a small venue. Crabtree jokingly said, “It felt a lot more like parents planning a party for themselves and the kids were invited.” The ratio of parents who took photos in the photo booth versus the students is evidence of that, he added. That said, the students seemed like they had a lot of fun because “they had been stripped of some of these fun and engaging things that have been a rite of passage in high school,” Crabtree said. Not only were the restrictions slightly looser at the private prom, but parents were more relaxed about the music. For example, at a school-sanctioned dance, Crabtree might not be allowed to play an unedited version of Cardi B’s “WAP,” but the private prom parents didn’t have a problem with it. “It’s kinda funny,” Crabtree said. Slightly similar, DJ Connection worked virtual proms, where a student and their date were at individual homes and streamed into a group Zoom. The DJ, in his own Zoom box, played the music and performed as they normally do — even pausing at points to hype up the crowd by saying, “we got some shout-outs here!” or “we’re giving out prizes!” — to make the experience feel as normal as possible, Bailey said. Virtual proms have been fun, but also, “weird because you can’t see the kids … it’s a strange experience for us because DJs feed off the crowd’s energy,” Bailey said. However, those strange events have helped the bottom line. Even then, Imprint had to lay off a few full-time employees and a few DJs departed. DJ Connection dealt with the same problem, but it didn’t end up laying off full-time employees because it’s a larger company. Still, Bailey worries if he’ll have enough DJs to work the bevy of events the company is lining up for later this year. A few DJs with DJ Guy were fur-

For many live entertainment companies, the past year has been challenging since most of the events the companies booked were canceled. However, many managed through smaller, socially distanced events. Imprint Entertainment performed at socially distanced bat mitzvahs. COURTESY OF IMPRINT ENTERTAINMENT

loughed. “I don’t personally see us recovering as an industry until at least 2022 to 2023, depending,” said Crabtree. Things are picking up, though. Imprint recently did a prom at Legacy High School, an Adams 12 Five Star Schools district school, and DJ Connection did a prom at Horizon High School in Thornton, another Adams 12 school. DJ Guy recently did a dance with Douglas County School District and is looking to book events with Jefferson County Public Schools. Imprint, DJ Connection and DJ Guy all have tons of weddings on the horizon. Many are rescheduled gigs, but

FREEDOM. TO BE YOU.

some are new events. On June 26, Bailey said DJ Connection will be at 19 events in Denver, over half of which are rescheduled events. Like other businesses, live entertainment companies are cautiously optimistic about the prospect of more, and larger, gatherings as more people are vaccinated. That’s what excites the live entertainment companies, despite the struggles they still deal with. Mor said, “It is enthralling, and it is exciting. I think people have just missed being together. I think there is a little bit of anxiety for people to go back into situations. But it’s overwhelmingly more that people are so thrilled and excited to be together; it just provides a sense of adrenaline.”

Live entertainment companies and DJs are eager to go back to normal after a year of restrictions tied to COVID-19. PHOTO BY NATE AND GRACE PHOTOGRAPHY/COURTESY OF DJ CONNECTION

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Elbert County News 15

May 27, 2021

Cast bronzes to be displayed starting July 24

ast bronze works in assorted sizes and shapes by Yoshitomo Saito will interpret views of nature at Denver Botanic Gardens SONYA’S July 24 to Nov. 28. Included: a multiSAMPLER object installation: “Millionyearsseeds (2011-2021)” that features more than 1,000 bronze castings of natural objects, including pine cones and banana peels ... The Denver-based artSonya Ellingboe ist is represented by William Havu Gallery. See botanicgardens.org. Western Welcome Week The 93rd Annual Western Welcome Week, “Together Again,” will be held Aug. 13-22, with the Craft Fair and Grand Parade scheduled on Saturday, Aug. 21. Download Craft Fair application — due by July 1. The Craft Fair is for handcraft vendors. Contact the Western Welcome Week office for commercial opportunities, booth pricing and availability. There will be a limit of 65 vendors. Deadline to apply is July 20 and there will be a waiting list. Office, 5890 S. Bemis St., Littleton, open Tuesday and Thursday 1-4 p.m. and Wednesday 10a.m. to 4 p.m. 303794-4870, westernwelcomeweek.org. SEE SAMPLER, P16

Yoshitomo Saito’s “Gateway” is among cast bronzes that will be displayed at Denver Botanic Gardens.

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16 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

C R O S S W O R D SAMPLER P U Z Z L E FROM PAGE 15

Lone Tree Arts Center Nicolle Davies is announced as the new executive director of Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St. Prior service includes direction of the Arapahoe County and Charleston, S.C. library districts, and the Highlands Ranch resident is currently assistant commissioner of the Colorado State Library. The City of Lone Tree received more than 100 applications for the position and conducted 12 initial interviews. Also, marketing director Leigh Chandler is promoted to a new position as artistic director of Lone Tree Arts Center. “Tuono,” Latin for thunderclap, is installed as part of the center’s Art on Loan program. The work is by Collin Parson and Jodie Roth Cooper and is formed from Corten Steel and mirror-polished stainless steel. Water garden plants Reminder — the Annual Colorado Water Garden Society’s Plant Sale will be on June 6 at Hudson Gardens and Event Center, 6115 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton. (Business office/residence patio.) Free admission. Sale: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Selection of tropical water plants, including water lilies, lotus, cannas, Taro, water hawthorn, papyrus and more. Knowledgeable staff will be available for advice on care and there will be photographs of plants in bloom. colowatergardensociety.org. Information: Vicki Aber, 303-423-9216. Audubon A “Garden for the Birds” tour will be held from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on June 26 at the Denver Audubon Nature Center, 9308 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Littleton. Hourlong tours of five wildscaped gardens, created with birds in mind, each with a special focus, will start every half hour. Insights on plant choices, relationship between plants and birds, and sources for obtaining native plants. Tickets: $15. 303-973-9530, denveraudubon.org. Tesoro Cultural Center Tesoro Cultural Center’s Annual Indian Market and Ceremonial

Dance returns to The Fort, 19192 Highway 8, Morrison on June 5-6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. (Just off Highway 285.) American Indian artists will sell their art; there will be drumming and dancing; and cuisine by the Fort food truck, Tatonka and Tocabe. See TesoroCulturalCenter.org or call 303-839-1671. Tickets: $10, free 12 and under. Parking free.

CherryArts The annual Cherry Creek Arts Festival, which was scheduled in early July, is postponed until Sept. 4, 5, 6. This will be the 30th annual event after postponement in 2020. It will be at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, across First Avenue, directly across from its traditional home in Cherry Creek North. cherryarts.org. Buntport Theater “Space People in Space” is a short original comedy about the people on the forefront of the colonization of Mars, created by the most clever Buntport company. It will take place in the Buntport parking lot at 717 Lipan St., Denver. Tickets are nameyour-own-price. Actors will be fully vaccinated and will do temperature checks before every performance. 720-946-1388, buntport.com. Jazz orchestra Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra will perform “Basie, Blues and More!” at 2 p.m. June 6 at Lakewood Cultural Center, 470 S. Allison Parkway, Lakewood. Count Basie’s “Blues in Hoss Flat,” Stan Kenton’s “A Little Minor Blues,” Chick Corea’s “Armando Rhumba” and more. Thirty-year-old saxophonist Drew Zaremba joined CJRO in 2020 and is musical director; lead trumpet player Andrew Fowler performs with the United States Air Force Band and each band member is a star ... see coloradojazz.org. Tickets start at $20, in-person or livestream available. Lakewood.org, 303-9877845.

Dance auditions Zikr Dance Ensemble will hold auditions from 1-3 p.m. on June 6 at Denver Ballet Theatre Academy, 8000 S. Lincoln St., Suite 8. $10 audition fee. Online audition. Send photos, CV to: davidtaylor.zikr@hotmail. com.

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Registered Occupational Therapist 4 Day/Per Week Full-Time Registered Occupational Therapist. OTR must have, or be eligible for appropriate Colorado licensure. Provide Pre-12 intervention, assessment, direct & indirect services just east of Denver on I-70, Bennett, Strasburg Byers & Kiowa areas. Support from an experienced COTA is available. Salary range for PhD: $47,000$60,300. Excellent beneﬁts. Access to company vehicle or mileage reimbursement. To apply for this position, please complete the Certiﬁed Application for Employment available on the East Central BOCES website www.ecboces.org under “Jobs” on our website ecboces.org. EOE Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101 or email tracyg@ ecboces.org

Teacher of the Visually Impaired East Central BOCES is seeking a Part-Time (3.5 days/wk) Teacher of the Visually Impaired for the 2021-22 school year. This position requires working with multiple administrative units including East Central BOCES, Ft. Morgan, Santa Fe Trails BOCES, South East BOCES , North East BOCES and Sterling. Option to work 1 day a week for East Central BOCES only if preferred. Requires Colorado Teaching License with an endorsement in Visual Impairment. Provides collaborative consultation services, including assessment direct & indirect special education services & attends IEP meetings as needed. Salary Competitive. Excellent Beneﬁts including mileage reimbursement or use of a car. To apply please complete a Certiﬁed Application, downloadable on our website at ecboces.org under “Employment Opportunities” at the bottom of the page. Questions contact Tracy at (719) 775-2342, ext. 101. Equal Opportunity Employer.

Speech Language Pathologist Full Time & Part Time Speech Language Pathologist or SLPA Positions. CCC’s preferred but open to School Internships. Able to provide supervision for CFY hours. Join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team of professionals for the 2021-22 school year. Administer assessments, provide direct, indirect & consultation services for students PreK-12th grades. Competitive salaries: SLP $42,000-$53,900 & SLPA- $33,000$44, 200, both commensurate upon experience. Excellent benefits, including full health benefits & mileage reimbursement or use of a car. Questions contact Tracy (719) 7752342, ext. 101. To apply for this position, please complete the Certified Application for Employment available on the East Central BOCES website www.ecboces.org under “Jobs”. EOE

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18 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

Mount Evans to reopen with timed-entry reservations Online system will be similar to process used for Rocky Mountain National Park

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Those wanting to visit Mount Evans this summer will need to make reservations first. The U.S. Forest Service and other stakeholders are implementing a timed-entry reservation system, similar to the one used at Rocky Mountain National Park. Visitors can buy passes online, enter during a two-hour window, and stay as long as they desire. Clear Creek District Ranger Scott Haas said the intent is threefold: protect the public and USFS personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic, improve visitor experiences, and preserve the health of the mountain’s flora and fauna. He also believes the new system will alleviate the summertime traffic jam around Echo Lake Lodge. The highway to the summit is scheduled to open for vehicle traffic June 4, depending on weather. While prices remain the same based on vehicle type, there will now be an additional $2 reservation fee. Those entering the highway on bikes and on foot do not need SEE MT. EVANS, P19

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Elbert County News 19

May 27, 2021

MT. EVANS FROM PAGE 18

reservations, USFS spokeswoman Reid Armstrong said. Once the online reservation system goes live, which was scheduled for this week, Armstrong said visitors will be able to purchase various tours based on which area or areas around Mount Evans they intend to visit. Entry before 8 a.m. and after 6:30 p.m. will remain free, however if someone is taking up a parking spot during the day, they need to have a reservation, Armstrong clarified. Likewise, if visitors only want to drive the highway without stopping,

they can get a free hang tag at the welcome station. “Our estimations are that most people are going to want to get a reservation,” Armstrong continued. Even with the reservation system, there is a possibility that trailheads will still be full for those arriving later in the day. Thus, the USFS will be monitoring and adjusting the system as needed as part of its adaptive management, Armstrong said. “We’re basing it on data we’ve collected about use patterns and available parking spots,” she said. Haas told the Clear Creek County commissioners during a May 18 meeting that there will be signs along the major thoroughfares to inform visitors of the change, and there might be some day-of passes

available at the welcome station. To make a reservation, visit recreation.gov. ‘Know before you go’ With land managers across the state anticipating incredibly high levels of use this summer, the USFS and its partners are encouraging visitors to research their recreation areas and be aware of any new rules before visiting. One major change for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests is a food storage order at all sites, which should minimize bear encounters. Haas and Armstrong said bear encounters in the ARNF numbered in the hundreds last year, and thankfully, no one was hurt. Another major change in Clear

Creek County is that Maxwell Falls near Evergreen will now serve as a day-hike area only. Camping, overnight parking and campfires are now prohibited. “For the U.S. Forest Service, it’s pretty unusual to go to only day use,” Haas said, adding that the agency has been working with residents to address various issues since 2016. As for the fire season’s outlook, Haas said the Front Range is currently expecting a normal season. While conditions can change very quickly, the forests are not nearly as dry as they were at this time last year, he said. “We’re not out of the woods,” Haas continued, “but we’re looking much better.”

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Public Notices call Sheree 303.566.4088 Legals City and County Public Notice Records Destruction: Policies and Procedures (Recommended by the Colorado Department of Education) Due to the increasing volume of special education records, school districts spend a significant amount of time and money maintaining those records. Consequently, a systematic procedure for the retention and disposition of inactive special education student records is necessary. The Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal privacy protection act that protects student education records. FERPA defines education records as all records that school or educational agencies maintain about a student. FERPA applies to public schools and state or local education agencies that receive federal education funds. It is the policy of Elizabeth School District that the contents of special education files shall be kept for a minimum of five years after all special education and related services for a student have ended. Upon exiting from special education services, the student and parent/guardian shall be informed that records will be destroyed after five consecutive years of in-active status. Prior to the destruction of in-active records, efforts to notify the parent/guardian or student 18 years old or older shall be made and through public notice in a local newspaper and on the district website. Absent a request, the records shall be destroyed in conformance with C.R.S. §24-80-101, et seq., and federal law. No record shall be destroyed as long as it pertains to any pending legal case, claim, action or audit. Legal Notice No. 24617 First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: June 3, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR LLOYD MAJOR VARIANCE (CASE NUMBER: VA-21-0033) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT PROPERTY AT 18510 COUNTY ROAD 69, CALHAN SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR A MAJOR VARIANCE. THIS VARIANCE OF 45.00 FEET TO THE SIDE SETBACK WOULD PERMIT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DWELLING UNIT THAT IS SETBACK 55.00 FEET FROM THE SIDE PROPERTY LINE INSTEAD OF THE 100’ REQUIRED SETBACK DUE TO THE HARDSHIP CREATED BY STEEP TERRAIN AND HEAVILY TREED TERRAIN. THE HEARING IS TO BE HELD BEFORE THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS ON THE 16TH DAY OF JUNE, 2021, IN THE AGRICULTURAL BUILDING AT THE ELBERT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, 95 UTE AVENUE, KIOWA, COLORADO, AT 1:00 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POS-

SIBLE. PLEASE CHECK THE COUNTY WEBSITE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO PARTICIPATE. CONTACT ELBERT COUNTY COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION: 303-621-3136. LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: A TRACT OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SOUTH ONE-HALF OF SECTION 33, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 62 WEST OF THE 6TH P.M., ELBERT COUNTY COLORADO, SAID TRACT BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 33; THENCE N90°00’00”E ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID SECTION 33 (AN ASSUMED BEARING TO WHICH ALL OTHERS HEREIN ARE RELATIVE), A DISTANCE OF 30.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF COUNTY ROAD NO. 69; THENCE N00°00’00”E ALONG SAID EASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE AND PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF SAID S1/2 OF SECTION 32, A DISTANCE OF 1760.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE TRACT HEREIN DESCRIBED; THENCE CONTINUING N00°00’00” ALONG THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE, A DISTANCE OF 880.00 FEET TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID S1/2 OF SECTION 33; THENCE N90°00’00” E ALONG SAID NORTH LINE OF THE S1/2, A DISTANCE OF 297.00 FEET; THENCE S00°00’00” W AND PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF SAID S1/2 OF SECTION 33, A DISTANCE OF 880.00 FEET TO A POINT ON A LINE THAT IS 1760 FEET NORTHERLY OF AND PARALLEL WITH THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 33; THENCE S90°00’00” W ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE, A DISTANCE OF 2970.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO. Legal Notice No. 24621 First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: May 27, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News Public Notice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANES REZONE - AND – ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION FOR A MINOR DEVELOPMENT CASE NUMBERS: RZ-19-0052 & MD-19-0053 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE 29495 COUNTY ROAD 93, RAMAH, CO, PROPERTY SHALL BE CONSIDERED FOR A REZONE AND MINOR DEVELOPMENT, PURSUANT TO ELBERT COUNTY REGULATIONS. THE HEARING IS TO BE HELD BEFORE THE PLANNING COMMISSION ON THE 15TH DAY OF JUNE 2021: • IN PERSON AT THE AGRICULTURE BUILDING AT THE ELBERT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, 95 UTE AVENUE, KIOWA, COLORADO, AT 7 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE. • ALSO AVAILABLE ON ZOOM AT 7 P.M. – MEETING ID: 927 3180 4644 PASSCODE: 123123 - AND –

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THE HEARING IS TO BE HELD BEFORE THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ON THE 14TH DAY OF JULY 2021, IN THE AGRICULTURE BUILDING AT THE ELBERT COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, 95 UTE AVENUE, KIOWA, COLORADO, AT 1 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE. AN ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION WILL BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY & DEVELOPMENT SERVICES ON THE REFERENCED MINOR SUBDIVISION ON THE 15TH DAY OF JULY 2021 BY 5 P.M.. CONTACT ELBERT COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SERVICES FOR MORE INFORMATION: 303-621-3136 LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY: LOT 1: A PARCEL OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN SECTIONS 5 AND 6, TOWNSHIP 9 SOUTH, RANGE 61 WEST OF THE 6TH P.M., ELBERT COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 5 AND CONSIDERING THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 5 TO BEAR N00°08’55”E WITH ALL BEARINGS CONTAINED HEREIN RELATIVE THERETO; THENCE N89°54’51”W ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4, A DISTANCE OF 34.18 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF COUNTY ROAD NO. 93; THENCE N00°05’55”E ALONG SAID WESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 732.74 FEET; THENCE S89°46’35”W, A DISTANCE OF 2770.40 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF A PARCEL OF PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN RECEPTION NO. 364086 IN THE RECORDS OF THE ELBERT COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S89°46’35”W, ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL, A DISTANCE OF 2762.75 FEET; THENCE S00°04’05”E ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID PARCEL, A DISTANCE OF 81.05 FEET; THENCE S73°44’46”E, A DISTANCE OF 1282.08 FEET; THENCE S87°03’48”E, A DISTANCE OF 206.98 FEET; THENCE S84°24’07”E, A DISTANCE OF 289.57 FEET; THENCE N83°55’50”E, A DISTANCE OF 820.94 FEET; THENCE S06°33’04”E, A DISTANCE OF 378.44 FEET; THENCE S63°14’48”E, A DISTANCE OF 201.02 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID PARCEL OF PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN RECEPTION NO. 364086 IN THE RECORDS OF THE ELBERT COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER; THENCE N00°04’05”W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID PARCEL, A DISTANCE OF 869.18 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID PARCEL AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING, SAID PARCEL CONTAINING 24.96 ACRES MORE OR LESS, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO. TOGETHER WITH AN INGRESS/EGRESS EASEMENT DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A PARCEL OF PROPERTY LOCATED IN SECTIONS 5 AND 6, TOWNSHIP 9 SOUTH, RANGE 61 WEST OF THE 6TH P.M., ELBERT COUNTY, STATE OF COLORADO BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 5 AND CONSIDERING THE EAST LINE OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 5 TO BEAR N00°08’55”E WITH ALL BEARINGS CONTAINED

HEREIN RELATIVE THERETO; THENCE N89°54’51”W ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4, A DISTANCE OF 34.18 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF COUNTY ROAD NO. 93; THENCE N00°05’55”E ALONG SAID WESTERLY RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE, A DISTANCE OF 732.74 FEET; THENCE S89°46’35”W, A DISTANCE OF 2770.40 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF A PARCEL OF PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN RECEPTION NO. 364086 IN THE RECORDS OF THE ELBERT COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER; THENCE S00°04’05”E ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID PARCEL, A DISTANCE OF 869.18 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE CONTINUING S00°04’05”E, ALONG SAID EAST LINE, A DISTANCE OF 74.83 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID PARCEL; THENCE S89°46’35”W, ALONG THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL, A DISTANCE OF 179.59 FEET; THENCE N00°00’00”E, A DISTANCE OF 166.02 FEET; THENCE S63°14’48”E, A DISTANCE OF 201.02 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID PARCEL OF PROPERTY AS DESCRIBED IN RECEPTION NO. 364086 IN THE RECORDS OF THE ELBERT COUNTY CLERK AND RECORDER AND THE POINT OF BEGINNING, COUNTY OF ELBERT, STATE OF COLORADO. Legal Notice No. 24619 First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: May 27, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News

the leadership role in establishing and maintaining a process in their community for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating all children, birth to 21 years, who may have a disability and may be eligible for services and supports under Part C or special education services under Part B of IDEA. Ages 0 through 5 year-old concerns should be directed to Amber Davis, Early Childhood Coordinator at 303-646-6716. All 5 through 21 year-old concerns should be directed to Tammy Krueger, Special Education Director at 303-646-1844 Services for infants and toddlers are voluntary. References: IDEA, Part C, Section 303.320-323 IDEA, Part B, Section 300.125 ECEA CCR 301-8 2220-R-4.01-4.04(4) Legal Notice No. 24618 First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: June 3, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News

Notice to Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notice NOTICE OF PROPOSED SCHOOL BUDGET Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of the Elizabeth School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and has been filed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools where it is available for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at a regular meeting of the Board of Education of the District to be held at 634 South Elbert Street, Elizabeth, Colorado on June 21, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Any person paying school taxes in said district may at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget file or register his or her objections thereto.

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Joseph F. Geisendorfer, Deceased Case Number: 2021 PR 2 All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Elbert County, Colorado on or before September 27, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred. Kurt McClain, Personal Representative 5666 S. Garland Way Littleton, Colorado 80123 Legal Notice No. 24622 First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: June 10, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE

Board of Education, Elizabeth School District

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Shirley Myrle Shelton, Deceased Case Number: 21PR176

Dated May 17, 2021 Paul Benkendorf, Secretary, Board of Education

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to District Court of Arapahoe County, Colorado on or before September 20, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Legal Notice No. 24620 First Publication: May 27, 2021 Last Publication: May 27, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News PUBLIC NOTICE

Lynda Ruggeberg, Personal Representative 5512 Harbor Town Drive Elizabeth, CO 80107

CHILD FIND Elizabeth School District would like to locate all 0 through 21 year olds, who may have a disability. The Colorado Department of Education maintains a comprehensive child identification system consistent with Part B of IDEA and ensures that each Local Education Agency (LEA), in collaboration with a variety of community resources, assumes

Legal Notice No. 24612 First publication: May 20, 2021 Last publication: June 03, 2021 Publisher: Elbert County News

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Elbert County Legals 5.27.21 * 1

20 Elbert County News

May 27, 2021

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