1-Color
February 20, 2014 Douglas County, Colorado | Volume 27, Issue 13 A publication of
highlandsranchherald.net
Answers sought in teen suicides State’s second-leading cause of death among young people claims 4 locally in 2 weeks By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com Four Douglas County teens were lost to suicide in less than two weeks — a number equal to the total of teen suicides in the county in 2013. The deaths recorded between Jan. 31 and Feb. 11 appear unrelated and do not point to copycat syndrome. “We have not found there’s any communication, any tie between them,” Douglas County Coroner Lora Thomas said. “But
like many of the suicide cases we have sadly investigated, mental illness can play a role in suicides.” Thomas would not discuss specifics about any of the cases, including the manner of death and what led to the fatal decisions. The children range in age from 15 to 17, and include 15-year-old Mountain Vista High School sophomore Robert Klamo. He fatally shot his mother and then himself in their Highlands Ranch home Jan. 31; he reportedly was undergoing treatment for mental illness. Two of the four attended Douglas County High School. The teen deaths have prompted communitywide concern. The Douglas County School District sent
an email to parents that included suicidal behavior warning signs, resources and tips for talking to students. Two Castle Rock churches held prayer vigils. The cases haunt Thomas, who has studied suicide extensively to try to slow or prevent the incidents, and who visited this week with one of the teen’s parents. “These parents loved this kiddo desperately and they did everything they could,” she said. “It’s almost like he was this fragile little Christmas ornament. They carried him along for so long to protect him, but something happened and he slipped out of their hands. “When I look in the eyes of these parents that are devastated…” Thomas trailed off and paused before continuing. “Gosh, what
can we do to help these kids?” Thomas and others in the mental health field hope publicizing the suicides will prompt vital conversations between teens and adults. In 2002, the suicides of four Jefferson County School District teens in an 11-month-period prompted community members to form the Second Wind Fund, which provides children and teens with 12 no-cost therapy sessions. The program has served 3,500 people in Colorado, and has proven highly effective. Second Wind Fund executive director Richard Eveleigh said Douglas County parents need to talk with their teens, and Suicide continues on Page 11
Libraries get new director Robert Pasicznyuk, a familiar face in Douglas County, replacing LaRue By Virginia Grantier
vgrantier@coloradocommunitymedia. com
Kai Daggett, 2, plays on the jungle gym Feb. 14 at Civic Green Park, enjoying unseasonably warm temperatures in Highlands Ranch.
A day of
PLAY
After weeks of zigzagging temperatures, dropping below zero for four straight days during the first week of the month, Highlands Ranch families are enjoying the February sun at area parks. Last week saw temperatures climb into the 50s, with a high of 48 degrees on Valentine’s Day.
Photos by Hannah Garcia
Robert “Bob” Pasicznyuk, who had a reputation for changing the face of a library with technology tools, was hired in 2004 when Jamie LaRue, now retired, was Douglas County Libraries’ executive director. Then in 2009, Pasicznyuk — pronounced Paz-nick — left his senior technology role when Cedar Rapids, Iowa’s library system, devastated by floods, needed a leader that could bring it back. He reportedly brought it back. Now, he’s back. The Douglas County Libraries Board of Trustees has selected him to replace the recently retired LaRue as the next director of the Pasicznyuk libraries and he’ll assume his new role on May 5. “With today’s announcement, we feel we have found the right person for the job. We chose Bob because of his experience with strategic planning, his broad knowledge of information technology, and his overall business acumen,” said Bob Morris, Douglas County Libraries board president. In Iowa, Pasicznyuk was project manager for two simultaneous building projects: a $46.6 million flagship library and a $2.5 million branch library. In addition, he reversed a decade of eroding library support and steady decline, according to a news release. “Over the years, Bob has been acknowledged numerous times by both his peers and community and is recognized as a leader in libraries,” Morris said. “He impressed us as a strategist and outstanding project leader. We are excited to have him join the team at Douglas County Libraries and lead the organization.” Pasicznyuk said some people perceive libraries as being only warehouses for books. But he said LaRue helped him realize how libraries could assist in fulfilling people’s dreams… and become the heart of the community. He said in Cedar Rapids, the main library is now the community’s hub. Library continues on Page 11
Families flocked to Civic Green Park on Feb. 14 as warm temperatures managed to melt away most of the recent snowfall.
Lucy Adams, 4, plays at Civic Green Park while her brothers, Max and Ben, crush leftover ice.
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.