WEEK OF APRIL 17, 2025
VOLUME 130 | ISSUE 7
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Introducing Classics on Stage: New theater group to perform at Douglas County Libraries Front Range Theater Company provides an acting opportunity for adults around area BY HALEY LENA HLENA@COLORADOCOMMUNITY
Ever since Barb Dignan moved to Highlands Ranch in 1989, she has seen numerous opportunities for youth to express themselves through the performing arts. But she wondered where those opportunities were for adults in the community. “It’s a great community we live in,” said Dignan. “We have lots for little children at the rec centers and such, but we don’t really have much for the students who graduate and tend to stay around this area.” Dignan wanted adults of all ages to have the opportunity to continue to be involved in theater. After several years of discussions and planning, Dignan and the Front Range Theater Company will be bringing their alladult performance group, Classics on Stage, to Douglas County. ‘It was part of me’
Acting and theater has always been a passion for Dignan — one that runs deep in her blood. Her mother, Elizabth Gertrude Neubusch, was born in the 1920s and lived in Bavaria, a state in southwest Germany, as a young woman. “Everyone knew who she was, even as a SEE THEATER, P10
The cast of the Classics On Stage production of “Of Mice and Men.” They will be performing the classic book at the Douglas County Libraries COURTESY OF JENNIE JOHNSON Castle Pines location April 25-27.
Roof issues complicate usage of Frontier Center Charter school is now making arrangements to find another facility BY NICKY QUINBY SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Elizabeth School District’s Frontier Center, formerly Frontier High School, experienced a recent setback when an inspection revealed serious roof issues. The building at 589 S. Banner St. in Elizabeth has been dealing with age-related concerns such as leaks, asbestos and aging
infrastructure for years. Because of those concerns, the school district attempted to sell the property but has since decided to repurpose the building and, hopefully, to revitalize it. Homeschooling groups, the nonprofit Baby Bear Hugs and local sports teams have all been using the building. ESD Superintendent Dan Snowberger said leaks in the back of the building were discovered by a vendor this March. “As he investigated,” Snowberger said, “it appeared there was some roof degradation that had occurred. At the spots where the roof was leaking, there appeared to be the start of some possible mold growth. Out of an abundance of caution, we im-
EASTER WORSHIP: 11 | VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 16 | CALENDAR: 19 | PUZZLES: 22
mediately ceased use of the lower portion of the building ... We had a roofer come out to inspect. The roofer does believe the roof may need to be completely replaced.” “In conjunction with the fire department, it was determined that we should not use the gym either until those test results come back due to the environmental connection with that lower portion of the building. Once we have those results back, we will be able to determine a plan for next steps,” Snowberger shared. The school district is working closely with the fire marshal and the state building department to determine next steps. The district also conducted mold tests, which came back negative. Snowberger
said they have tested the building for mold in the past but felt the latest leak justified an updated test. “The building has been regularly inspected,” Snowberger explained, “including twice this summer for new insurance and recently by the state building department for consideration of placement of the new charter school. The roof has had repairs as recently as last summer by licensed roofers.” “The recent leaks have started with the series of winter weather storms and snow accumulation we have had over the last few months. As soon as we have a final disSEE FRONTIER CENTER, P14
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