Serving Lakewood, Wheat Ridge and beyond
WEEK OF JUNE 19, 2025
VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 46
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First-ever Arvada Powwow draws thousands of attendees Celebration of indigenous culture features music, dancing and food
ARVADA CARJACKING WITH CHILD ABOARD FOILED P2
BY RYLEE DUNN RDUNN@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
SIX ATHLETES NAMED TO HALL P6 OF FAME CLASS OF 2025
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Dive Rescue International trainees practice contact rescues June 4, 2024 in Clear Creek near Golden City Hall. FILE PHOTO The creek is closed to tubing and swimming now.
WESTMINSTER Clear Creek closed to swimming, tubing amid rising water levels Restrictions go into effect June 9 in Golden, unincorporated Jeffco NEW IMAGE BREWING MOVING TO NEW SPACE IN OLDE TOWN P7
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BY CORRINE WESTEMAN CORRINE@COTLN.ORG
Rising river levels promoted the Jefferson County Sheriff ’s Office and the Golden Police Department to implement red flag restrictions as of noon June 9, closing Clear Creek to swimming and tubing. These restrictions extend from Jeffco’s western edge through Golden city limits, including Vanover Park, according to a June 9 Sheriff ’s Office press release. Under red flag restrictions, only kayaks, whitewater canoes, multi-chambered professionally guided raft and riverboards may operate in the creek. These users should wear life jackets and helmets at all times, and proceed with extreme caution as water levels grow higher and faster in the coming days. The restrictions will be strictly enforced to minimize the risk to those using the creek, the Sheriff ’s Office said. Violators may be issued a
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HOW TO (FINALLY) LEARN TO PLAY GUITAR THIS SUMMER P12
Arvada’s first-ever Powwow was such a success that the Arvada Center is already looking to make the celebration of Indigenous culture an annual fixture. Thousands of people flocked to the Arvada Center Sculpture Garden on June 7 for the free event, which was hosted in partnership with the Rocky Mountain Indian Chamber of Commerce. The event was highlighted by the Grand Entry, which saw dancers from all of the nations present enter the arena in procession, accompanied by sponsors and other esteemed guests, including Arvada Mayor Lauren Simpson. “The Grand Entry dancers were accompanied by all nine drums present, meaning drum circles, including the drummers and singers,” Arvada Center Communications and Public Relations Specialist Leslie Simon said. “Another highlight was the traditional Gourd Dance, and the honoring of the Head Gourd Dancer, who in turn honored others with gifts of blankets and other traditional items.” “I was truly honored to be part of Arvada’s very first Powwow,” Simpson said. “The energy, turnout, and sense of community were incredible. It was a beautiful celebration of Native American culture and tradition — and a meaningful reminder of how much we grow and learn when we come together, embrace one another, and make space for everyone’s story.” Simon added that thanks to the support the event garnered in its inaugural year, the Arvada Powwow will continue on an annual basis. Simon said she looks forward to seeing the event grow in the coming years as it becomes more established.
VOICES: 10 | LIFE: 12 | PUZZLE: 14
petty-offense summons, punishable by a $100 fine. As local rescuers have previously explained, water in Clear Creek can reach about 15 mph at peak flows. While that doesn’t seem fast compared to a car, rescuers have stressed that it’s much faster than people can swim. Plus, water temperatures are so low, people without proper gear can become hypothermic very quickly. “The river is powerful,” Lt. Joe Bechina of the Golden Fire Department said last June. “It’ll win every time.” Authorities will lift restrictions when water levels and speeds decrease. Based on recent years’ run-off trends, that may be in late June or early July. In the interim, Clear Creek visitors may see firefighters and other rescuers conducting swiftwater training along the creek this month. It remains a popular training spot for rescuers from all over the country, including several local agencies. Before recreating at the creek, visitors should check the flag warning status either online at VisitGolden.com or via the physical flags posted on the bridges over Clear Creek.
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