$2 Each
Since 1982
L O C A L
N E W S
M A T T E R S
Scan here read online at www.villagerpublishing.com
VOLUME 44 • NUMBER 40 • AUGUST 27, 2026
44 Years of Award-Winning Journalism
Photo by Freda Miklin
BY FREDA MIKLIN SENIOR REPORTER
A sign of the times Grace Chapel will replace Boot Barn at Orchard & I-25 but the huge Sheplers sign will stay
On August 17, when the Greenwood Village City Council took up the question of the repurposing of the Boot Barn at 8500 E. Orchard Road, alongside I-25, into a church, Grace Chapel, there was little question that the new use would be unanimously approved, as it had been on August 4 by the City’s Planning & Zoning Commission. The question on lots of people’s minds was, what was to become of the huge non-conforming Sheplers sign that was there when GV annexed the property in 1987? Although it is not permitted by the city’s sign code, since it was already in place when the property was annexed, it is considered grandfathered in, as long as it/the property is not changed. When the case was heard by the Planning & Zoning Commission, the question about the sign was passed on to the city council. During the discussion about the project, staff stated that unless the council made an affirmative decision to keep the sign in place, it would have to be removed as part of the remodeling of the building and the property. Asked his preference, Grace Chapel Pastor Josh Weidmann said they would like to keep it as it is, making only necessary repairs, but no changes to the sign or its message advertising Sheplers. GV Council Members Donna Johnston and Libby Barnacle, who represent District 3 where the property is located, were strongly in favor of retaining the sign. Johnston even said that if the church didn’t want it, she’d buy it. District 1 Council Members Paul Wiesner and Ann Nelson were against keeping the sign. Nelson said, “I’d propose a citywide auction.” Council Member Bob Doyle felt the sign no longer fit with the use of the building but the other representative Continued on page 7
Scan to Subscribe and Pay
PRINT & ONLINE SUBSCRIPTIONS/ADVERTISING 720-270-2018
WHAT’S INSIDE FOLLOW FREDA – CHV to waive municipal property taxes and more – pages 6-7 Western Conservative Summit back after 2 years pages 8-9 Denny Dressman on Sports – “Lightning and Thunder highlight Broncos’ loss – page 12