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Elbert Co 11-14-2-13
NewsElbert County
ourelbertcountynews.com
November 14, 2013 75 centsA Colorado Community Media Publication
Elbert County, Colorado • Volume 118, Issue 42
Printed on recycled newsprint. Please recycle this copy.
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51st state initiative rejected by votersFunding measures for Elizabeth schools, county all go nowhereBy George [email protected]
By a surprisingly wide margin, Elbert County voters gave the thumbs-down to Ballot Question 1A, the so-called 51st state initiative.
The ballot question’s defeat was a clear signal from voters to county com-missioners to end the secession discus-sion.
In five of the 11 counties where the secession question appeared on the ballot, the measure passed. But Elbert County voters weren’t so keen on exiting Colorado. Only 42 percent — or 3,810 voters — voted yes, while 57 percent — 5,137 voters — rejected the idea of try-ing to form a 51st state.
Before election results were an-nounced, Board of County Commis-sioners Chairman Robert Rowland said he had received more e-mails and calls on the 51st state proposal than any oth-er issue since taking office.
But going forward, Rowland said that he and the other two commissioners won’t spend any more of the county’s time — or money — pursuing the idea.
Voters this year were clearly in a pen-ny-pinching mood, rejecting a handful of measures that would have boosted funding to both county government and local schools.
Two ballot issues — a proposed mill levy increase to help shore up the coun-ty’s finances and a repeal of the tool tax exemption — also were defeated by large margins.
Ballot Issue 1B — repeal of the tool tax exemption — failed by a nearly 3-1 ratio, with 73 percent of voters voting no.
Ballot Issue 1C — a plan to increase the mill levy on property taxes — also failed by a wide margin, with nearly 85 percent of county voters voting no.
The rejection of the proposed tax in-crease puts even more pressure on the county to fund ongoing operations and repair or replace outdated and decaying equipment and infrastructure.
“The bottom line is that it will push us to be as efficient as we possibly can be,” Rowland said about the election result. “We are going to turn over every rock we can to find places to save mon-ey and get creative with finding efficien-cies.”
Countywide, voter turnout in the vote-by-mail election eclipsed 50 per-cent, “which is even higher than we were expecting,” said county elections manager Sherry McNeil.
“All in all, I’d say this year’s election went pretty smoothly,” added McNeil, who was hired by the county just three months before this year’s election.
Interviewed in his office two days after Election Day, Rowland was going through the county’s budget, line by line, looking for ways to cuts expenses and increase revenues.
The commissioner was critical of
Feeding prisoners for $4.50 a daySheriff ’s staff cuts costs at no-frills county jailBy George [email protected]
Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap is garnering praise for the way his depart-ment has managed to cut meal costs at the county jail.
“We’ve got it down to about $1.50 a meal,” said Sheriff Heap, whose staff served about 50,000 meals in 2012.
“The hard thing about meals is you can’t cut it to just bread and water,” said the sheriff. “There are rules.”
The jail has the capacity to hold about 45 inmates — “55 if we pull out some cots,” said Heap.
The department’s deputies are on track to make 16,000 service calls this year, Heap said, adding that 60 percent of arrests made are of people who do not live in Elbert County.
In 2013, the jail’s daily inmate popula-tion is averaging between 35 and 37 prison-ers. And like all department heads around the cash-strapped county, Heap said he is constantly being asked to cut expenses.
But the sheriff’s kitchen staff “has to meet certain nutritional and caloric stan-dards” while serving three meals a day, he said.
“One lawsuit claiming we’re not feeding these folks appropriately would be a big problem for a county in our financial situa-tion,” Heap added.
So while jail food meets certain basic minimum standards, the sheriff and his staff have become very creative with the fa-cility’s food budget — and menu.
Frozen hamburger patties are purchased by the dozens of cartons — and at a deep
discount. “Last summer we had a lot of zuc-chini so we made a lot of zucchini bread,” said Heap. “The inmates liked that.”
The jail’s kitchen is equipped with gov-ernment-surplus refrigerators and freezers, acquired at little or no cost to the county, and Heap’s staff makes good use of “day-old” bread donated to the jail on a regular basis by Safeway.
The kitchen is partially staffed by pris-oners, and inmates grow their own vegeta-bles in a garden behind the jail.
“Getting assigned to the garden is a perk,” said Sheriff Heap. “We don’t pay them a nickel.”
In fact, the sheriff said that sometime later this year, he plans to go before a judge and argue that inmates at the Elbert Coun-ty jail should “pay for their cost of care.”
“Places like Summit County and Gar-field County already charge inmates,” he said. “I think we should be able to do it here too.”
According to the sheriff, the average to-tal cost of housing an inmate is $79 a day.
“For those who can afford it, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to charge them at least $25 or $30 a day while they’re staying with us,” he said.
Board of County Commissioners Chair-man Robert Rowland is a big fan of the sheriff and praised Heap and his staff for their resourcefulness.
“I think the sheriff and his department do a magnificent job with the resources they’ve got to work with,” said Rowland, who called Heap “one of the superstars of Elbert County.”
“Shayne’s very smart and has a great business mind,” Rowland said. “And he is thoroughly dedicated to this county.”
Heap, 42, was hired by the Elbert Coun-ty Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in 2002. He rose quickly through the ranks and was appointed undersheriff in 2007 and then elected sheriff in November 2010.
His annual salary is $66,600.Wearing a buzz cut, combat boots and
Elbert County Sheriff Shayne Heap shows off a section of the jail’s garden, which is cultivated using free inmate labor.
Lunch is prepared Nov. 7 in the kitchen of the Elbert County jail. Photos by George Lurie
Jail continues on Page 7 Vote continues on Page 7
2 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
2-Color
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Survey shows disparities in medical care by raceBlack Coloradans report more health difficultiesBy Kristin JonesI-News at Rocky Mountain PBS
Black Coloradans see the doc-tor less frequently, get less pre-ventive care and report being in worse health than other residents of the state, according to a recent health survey.
The biennial Colorado Health Access Survey, which polled 10,224 households between April 15 and July 27, provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of how Colorado residents experi-ence the health-care system.
The latest survey, released Nov. 5, gives an important look at the current status of health care in the state ahead of a broad set of changes promised by the Afford-able Care Act and the expansion of Medicaid.
Around 14 percent of the Colo-radans surveyed said they were uninsured, down from around 16 percent in 2011.
But these numbers — and nearly all the information collect-ed in the phone survey — varied widely across regions, income lev-els, age groups and ethnic groups, highlighting disparities in the way Coloradans receive medical care.
Only 5.3 percent of the people living in Douglas County didn’t have any insurance, for example, while in northwest Colorado, a re-gion that includes Routt, Moffat, Rio Blanco and Jackson counties, around 25 percent were unin-sured.
Hispanics were the most likely to be uninsured. Around 22 per-cent of Latinos polled in the latest survey said they didn’t have any insurance. Still, more Hispanics had insurance than just two years ago, when 26 percent said they were uninsured.
Roughly 12 percent of non-Hispanic whites were uninsured, down from 13 percent in 2011.
By contrast, a growing number of African-Americans reported being uninsured than in the past. Roughly 20 percent of those sur-veyed said they were uninsured, up sharply from 14 percent in 2011. The trend marked contin-ued erosion in the ranks of the in-sured in Colorado’s small African-American community. In 2009, only 12 percent of African-Amer-icans surveyed said they didn’t have insurance.
At the same time, black Colo-radans were increasingly less likely to report having seen a gen-eral doctor in the previous year or to have received preventive care. And around 19 percent of African-Americans in the state said they used the emergency room as their primary source of care, compared with 5.7 percent of the population as a whole.
Grant Jones, executive director of the Denver-based Center for African American Health, said the information was surprising.
“At a time when we’re moving toward greater access and cover-age and quality of care,” Jones said, “it’s alarming to see fewer people accessing care and seeing a doctor on a regular basis in the African-American community.”
But African-Americans weren’t
skipping the doctor because they were healthier, the findings sug-gests. Instead, fewer black people in Colorado reported being in ex-cellent health than other commu-nities, while more reported being in poor health.
Black Coloradans were more likely than others to cite cost as a barrier to care, or to say they didn’t seek an appointment be-cause they were uninsured, ac-cording to the Colorado Health Institute’s analysis of the survey. They were also more likely to say that they couldn’t get a doctor’s appointment in time, had trouble getting transportation or couldn’t get time off work.
“There’s lots of good research that points to the benefits of hav-ing primary and preventive care,” said Jeff Bontrager, director of re-search on coverage and access for Colorado Health Institute.
More doctor visits means more immunization for kids, early screening for cancer, mammo-grams and the chance to develop a relationship with a doctor, Bon-trager notes. That’s the kind of health care that not only treats ill-ness but stops it from developing in the first place.
The wide health discrepancies across the state provide an invita-tion to dig deeper into the causes and consequences, says Gretchen Hammer, executive director of the Colorado Coalition for the Medi-cally Underserved.
“I don’t think this gives us the answer of why,” says Hammer. “It directs us to engage in these com-munities and see what they’re ex-periencing.”
Jones believes that the Afford-
able Care Act should help im-prove access to care among Afri-can-Americans. But he says more should be done to focus on the communities that aren’t receiving adequate care.
“If we could make a dent in improving outcomes for African-Americans and Latinos,” said
Jones, “it would lift the status of our state in a dramatic way.”
I-News is the public service journalism arm of Rocky Moun-tain PBS and works collabora-tively with news media across Colorado. To read more go to in-ewsnetwork.org. Contact Kristin Jones at [email protected].
Elbert County News 3 November 14, 2013
3
Office: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129PhOne: 303-566-4100A legal newspaper of general circulation in Elizabeth, Colorado, the Elbert County News is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media. PERI-ODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT ELIZABETH, COLORADO and additional mailing offices.POSTMASTeR: Send address change to: 9137 S. Ridgeline Blvd., Suite 210, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129DeADLineS: Display advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m.Legal advertising: Thurs. 11 a.m.classified advertising: Mon. 12 p.m.
elbert county news(USPS 171-100)
Sunday Worship8:00 & 10:45 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran School & ELC(Ages 3-5, Grades K-8)
303-841-4660www.tlcas.org
Trinity Lutheran Church
& School
Abiding Word Lutheran Church
8391 S. Burnley Ct., Highlands Ranch
(Next to RTD lot @470 & University)
Worship ServicesSundays at 9:00am
303-791-3315 [email protected]
www.awlc.org
Sunday Worship8:00 am Chapel Service
9:00 & 10:30 am Sunday School 9:00 & 10:30 am
Open hearts. Open minds. Open doors.
www.st-andrew-umc.com303-794-2683
Preschool: 303-794-05109203 S. University Blvd.
Highlands Ranch, 80126
Open and WelcomingSunday 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church of Littleton
1609 W. Littleton Blvd.(303) 798-1389 • www.fpcl.org
P.O. Box 2945—Parker CO 80134-2945www.ParkerCCRS.org
303.805.9890
ParkerCommunity Churchof Religious Science
Sunday services held in thehistoric Ruth Memorial Chapel
at the Parker Mainstreet Center...19650 E. Mainstreet, Parker 80138
New Thought...Ancient Wisdom
Visit our website fordetails of classes &
upcoming events.Sunday Service& Children’s Church10:00 a.m.
www.SpiritofHopeLCMC.org
5755 Valley Hi DriveParker, CO303-941-0668
Pastor David FisherFellowship & Worship: 9:00 amSunday School: 10:45 am
Castle Rock Highlands Ranch Highlands Ranch Littleton
Littleton
ParkerParker
Parker
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Franktown
Hilltop United Church Of Christ
10926 E. Democrat Rd. Parker, CO
10am Worship Service www.hilltopucc.org
303-841-2808
Little Blessings Day Carewww.littleblessingspdo.com
First UnitedMethodist Church
1200 South StreetCastle Rock, CO 80104
303.688.3047www.fumccr.org
Services:Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8am, 9:30am, 11amSunday School 9:15am
Sunday Worship 10:304825 North Crowfoot Valley Rd.Castle Rock • canyonscc.org
303-663-5751
An EvangelicalPresbyterian Church
“Loving God - Making A Difference”A place for you
worship Time
Welcome Home!Weaving Truth
and Relevance into Relationships and Life
9:00am Spiritual Formation Classes for all Ages
90 east orchard roadlittleton, co
303 798 6387www.gracepointcc.us
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www.gracecolorado.comAlongside One Another On Life’s Journey
Sundays at10:00 am
Grace is on the NE Corner of SantaFe Dr. & Highlands Ranch Pkwy.
(Across from Murdochs)
You are invitedto worship with us:
Saturday 5:30pm
Sunday 8:00 & 10:30am
Joyful Mission Preschool 303-841-37707051 East Parker Hills Ct. • Parker, CO
303-841-3739www.joylutheran-parker.org
JoyLUTHERAN CHURCH, ELCA
Education Hour: Sunday 9:15am
S E r v i C E S :Parker evangelical
Presbyterian churchConnect – Grow – Serve
Sunday Worship8:45 am & 10:30 am
9030 Miller roadParker, Co 80138
303-841-2125www.pepc.org
Sunday Worship: 10:45AM & 6PMBible Study: 9:30AM
Children, Young People & Adults
www.parkerbiblechurch.org
4391 E Mainstreet, Parker, Colorado 80134
Church Office – (303) 841-3836
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Sunday Worship - 10:00amBible Study immediately followingWednesday Bible Study - 7:30pm
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Voters reward pragmatic, limited government Coloradans among those seeking middle ground Associated Press
From the libertarian West to the conservative South to the lib-eral Northeast, Americans struck a moderate chord in a smattering of elections last week by signaling a willingness to accept government playing a role in their lives, provid-ed it’s not too dominant.
While there were too few races to suggest a national trend, the results do indicate that at least pockets of voters are seeking middle ground and rejecting two extremes: conser-vatives’ staunch anti-government pitch and liberals’ view that govern-ment is the best problem-solver.
That could be instructive for lawmakers as a dysfunctional and divided Washington wrestles with philosophical questions about the federal budget and President Barack Obama’s health care law heading into the 2014 midterm election year.
In New Jersey, Republican Gov. Chris Christie won as a Republi-can in a strong Democratic state by pitching himself as a practical con-servative. He used his — and the federal government’s — response to Hurricane Sandy to his benefi t. Christie called his re-election a boon for voters “who didn’t believe that government could work for them anymore.”
His easy victory came just weeks after New Jersey voters elected Democrat Cory Booker, the New-
ark mayor who pitched himself as a non-ideological problem-solver, to the U.S. Senate.
Virginians awarded their gover-nor’s job to Democrat Terry McAu-liffe over Republican Ken Cuccinel-li, a tea party favorite. McAuliffe is a longtime partisan power broker, but he emphasized government’s role in helping create jobs to boost the economy, while hammering Cuccinelli’s hardline conservatism on abortion, same-sex marriage and the recent government shut-down driven partly by GOP opposi-tion to the health care overhaul.
In a south Alabama congressio-nal district, Republicans voting in a special primary runoff rejected Dean Young, a combative tea party conservative, in favor of Bradley Byrne, a buttoned-down, long-time politician endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many local civic leaders. Almost defensively, Byrne called himself a “true conservative,” but he talked about the need for a congressman to make government work and help with the district’s economic devel-opment.
Colorado is exampleThe middling trend carried over
to ballot initiatives.By a 2-to-1 ratio, Colorado vot-
ers rejected a billion-dollar-a-year income tax hike in exchange for dramatic education changes that had U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan calling the state a national role model. But by the same ratio, Colorado approved a 25 percent tax as part of regulating newly legal
marijuana sales. And several local tax measures passed, with the no-table exception of a proposed levy on sugary drinks.
Meanwhile, several Colorado counties rejected a referendum on seceding from the state because of dissatisfaction with policies from its more liberal, urban power cen-ters.
Colorado political analysts said voters showed they share a national preference for pragmatic govern-ment action but are hesitant about the biggest, ideologically driven ideas with uncertain consequences.
Elsewhere, voters in Portland, Maine, and three Michigan cities adopted new legal protections for recreational amounts of marijuana. One of the last dry cities in Mor-mon-dominated Utah opted to al-low beer sales, though they capped the alcohol content at 3.2 percent. Again, the results were moderation: Voters want freedom, but still give room for some regulation.
And several communities in Ohio and Colorado voted to sus-pend fracking, a burgeoning oil pro-duction technique, in their towns until lingering safety questions are answered, bucking arguments for free enterprise and development in an expensive ad campaign from the oil and gas industry. They essen-tially endorsed government being a check on the private sector.
Texas voters, meanwhile, voted to put a check on government by letting the private sector advance convention business in Houston and rejecting a bond sale that would have refurbished the Houston As-
trodome into exhibition space.
Balance is valuedOn the philosophical question
of whether the government is do-ing too much or taking about the right amount of action to solve problems, a slim majority of voters in Virginia and New Jersey exit polls said “too much,” as they opted for candidates who tried to convince voters they are striking the right balance.
Those results mirror the 2012 presidential exit polls, when “too much” was the winner, even as Obama, the namesake of the sweeping health care law, won a second term.
The question is just what politi-cians do for voters with those seem-ingly contradictory preferences.
Purely for electoral purposes, Christie and McAuliffe clearly navi-gated the landscape, so well in Christie’s case that some Republi-cans, like Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, praised him as a 2016 White House contender who can overcome the GOP’s struggles with women and non-white voters.
And many Democrats running in Republican-leaning states next year — Georgia governor candidate Jason Carter, Jimmy Carter’s grand-son; Kentucky Senate candidate Alison Lundergran Grimes; South Carolina governor candidate Vin-cent Sheheen — have embraced the “problem-solver” label, saying that, of course, government plays a strong role in American life and the economy, particularly through schools and infrastructure.
4 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
4-Opinion
opinions / yours and ours
Take precautions this holiday seasonThe holiday season is a beautiful time of
year that can bring people together. But it can also be a time fraught with hazards.
That’s something that can easily be overlooked amid the shopping, cooking, partying and keeping warm by the fire. But we encourage you to consider some of the following tips to make the closing weeks of 2013 memorable for the right reasons.
Snuff out fire dangerWinter residential fires — which peak
in December and January — result in 945 deaths and cause nearly $2 billion in prop-erty damage nationally in a typical year, ac-cording to the U.S. Fire Administration, an entity of the Federal Emergency Manage-ment Agency. It’s not quite winter yet, but recent cold snaps remind us that it’s on the way.
The administration has some advice to keep fire threats at bay, which we share be-low. A more detailed list of things you can do can be found at www.usfa.fema.gov/citi-zens/home_fire_prev/holiday-seasonal/
winter.shtm• Cooking is the leading cause of these
types of fires. Unattended cooking is the No. 1 culprit, so stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling. Wear short, close-fitting clothing, for obvious reasons. Maybe most important, stay alert at all times.
• Heating sources — including furnaces, fireplaces and space heaters — are another major cause of fires in the home. It is impor-tant to keep flammable materials at a safe distance, generally considered to be 3 feet or more, from a heating source. If you’re us-ing a space heater, it is highly recommend-ed that you plug it directly into the outlet and not use an extension cord. Also, make sure your home has a working smoke alarm and that you have an escape plan for your-
self and your family, should a fire occur.• An estimated 240 house fires involving
Christmas trees and another 150 involving holiday lights and other decorations occur in a typical year in the United States. So, among other things, keep your tree watered and do not overload electrical outlets with lights.
Protect your identityFor many, shopping is a holiday hob-
by, one that carries a risk of identity theft, whether online or at the mall.
The Federal Trade Commission has some advice to help keep important, pri-vate information secure. More information can be found at www.consumer.ftc.gov/fea-tures/feature-0014-identity-theft
• Travel light. Do not carry around more credit, debit or identification cards than you really need.
• Shred receipts once you no longer need them. When at the store or mall, you might want to keep those receipts in your pocket instead of in the bag, which can be lost or
stolen.• The online realm has its own set of
dangers. Be very cautious of whom you give your personal information. Getting a new computer or phone? Wipe out all of your private information before discarding the old one. And, of course, keep your pass-words private.
Drinking? Don’t driveHoliday parties often involve alcohol.
Some people drink too much, then decide to drive, and the results can be horrific. In fact, Mothers Against Drunk Driving re-ports that 43 percent of driving fatalities on Christmas Day are alcohol-related.
DUI enforcement generally goes up this time of year as well, so there’s an increased risk to drunken drivers’ wallets, as a convic-tion can be costly, both in court fees and higher insurance costs.
If you’re going to drink, taking a cab or using a sober designated driver are com-mon-sense solutions to avoid hurting your-self and others.
our view
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Columnists and guest commentariesThe Elbert County News features a limited number
of regular columnists, found on these pages and else-where in the paper, depending on the typical subject the columnist covers. Their opinions are not necessar-ily those of the Elbert County News.
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Finding balance in social mediaSo I had an interesting experience this
past week regarding the use my Facebook account, or maybe I should say misuse of my account.
What I had done was accept friend re-quests or connect with people that I work with on a professional level. I had connect-ed with all of my family members, friends, co-workers, business associates, and cus-tomers and really thought it was a great way to stay in touch, keep up with their activities and interests and allow them to keep up with what I was doing.
The problem was that I had some new things happening in my life, good and ex-citing things I was sharing via Facebook. As much as I was excited about the cool things going on, apparently there were one or two co-workers who I was connected with on Facebook who felt compelled to stalk my activities and adventures as I posted them on Facebook and further decided to share them with others in the company.
Now there was nothing weird or un-natural about my Facebook posts, these folks just thought that they should share my life’s journey with everyone else at the office. This actually caused a little drama and unfortunately resulted in the need for me to “unfriend” all of the people I work with. And at first I was a little disappointed, hurt, and angry. But then as I thought more about it, perhaps Facebook is a much bet-ter application to be used with family and friends and connect or interact with my business associates and co-workers in a different way. I already do that via Linke-dIn, and since I only use LinkedIn for busi-ness reasons, it made so much more sense.
The past week has been a test for me, I do miss keeping up with some of my co-workers through Facebook, but I think my anger, hurt, and disappointment have been replaced by a true sense of balance. Face-book for friends and family members and LinkedIn for co-workers and business asso-ciates. So far it is working beautifully.
Now I understand that many people use Facebook to connect with everyone in one location and they never have issues like I experienced. And I know many people that network and get referrals through Face-book and use it as a professional selling or marketing tool. And for those of you who have found success in using Facebook for business or professional reasons and have not had to deal with drama, I applaud you.
I would love to hear all about your ex-periences using Facebook or LinkedIn at [email protected]. And when we find the right balance in all areas of life, includ-ing social media, it really will be a better than good week.
Michael Norton, a resident of Highlands Ranch, is the former president of the Zig Zi-glar organization and CEO and founder of www.candogo.com
Are you a Miley fan?With the announcement that Miley Cyrus will make a stop at Denver’s Pepsi Center
on March 4 during her upcoming tour, Colorado Community Media went to the Streets at SouthGlenn to ask: Are you a fan of the entertainer famous for Hannah Montana and, more recently, twerking?
“It’s not my type of music. Really, I’d rather she didn’t come to Denver.” — Mike Hecker, Centennial
“Miley Cyrus is OK but I wouldn’t pay to see her. She’s a little too over the top for me.” — Kate Graham, Englewood
“My kids like her songs but I’m not a fan. I guess I just don’t get her.” — Jose Pinedo, Littleton
“She’s become very trashy. My daughter used to watch Hannah Montana. But since she left Disney, she’s gone downhill fast.” — Suzanne Kisner, Centennial
question of the week
Actually, it’s not time for a changeApparently we were supposed to
change our clocks sometime in Novem-ber. Is that correct?
Well, I haven’t changed any of mine, and I don’t plan to. Five of them changed all by themselves: the one on my televi-sion, the one on my computer, the ones on both telephones, and the one on the thermostat. That’s enough for me.
It’s a pain in the neck, and everything in the house came with a clock. Think about it: the coffeemaker, oven, micro-wave, two clock radios, two wall clocks, the stereo, the DVD player, and Smitty’s dog dish. The car has one too.
I have turned off some of them so I don’t have to see my life passing away on every appliance I own.
I think Fall Back and Spring Forward is a dumb concept that has no real benefit. Try to guess who and why daylight-saving time was first proposed. Here’s a multi-ple-choice quiz. Take your time:
1. It was first proposed by a group of Missouri farmers, who wanted an extra hour of daylight to manage their crops.
2. It was first proposed by Benjamin Franklin, who also proposed the United States adopt the turkey as the national bird.
3. It was first proposed by a New Zea-land entomologist whose shift-work job gave him after-hours time to collect in-sects in daylight.
4. It was first proposed by former Cin-cinnati Reds manager Sparky Anderson, because he despised day-night double-headers.
You can give the credit or the blame to George Vernon Hudson. He wanted to have an extra hour of daylight to collect insects. I have often wondered why he
didn’t just leave things alone, and collect fireflies after work.
At some point — in the third grade? — I think we all realize that a day isn’t perfect-ly symmetrical all year long. There’s more daylight in the summer than there is in the winter. Sooner or later we hear about something called a leap year (or a bissex-tile year) when an extra day is added to February.
I have a friend who was born on a Feb. 29, and when she turned 64, she claimed she was only 16, because she had only had four true birthdays.
It’s fine with me if February gets an extra day every fourth year, but I am good with not being expected to squirrel around with clocks otherwise. The good thing is that it’s not criminal if you don’t.
On Sunday, March 9, 2014, all of the clocks in my house will agree. That’s when the rest of you will have to change your clocks all over again. Up on stools and lad-ders. Or maybe you have high-tech clocks that will change automatically. But if that malodorous bug-eater had just kept quiet we all could have saved a lot of time.
Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, edu-cator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at [email protected]
Elbert County News 5 November 14, 2013
5
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State votes down Amendment 66
By Vic Vela [email protected]
A ballot measure that sought to overhaul the way Colorado schools are funded suffered a sound defeat on Nov. 5.
Voters by a resounding margin rejected Amendment 66, a mea-sure that would have created at least $950 million in new taxes annually to fund major school re-forms across the state.
It was never close. After early returns showed the measure to be doomed, the only matters in question were how wide of a mar-gin the ballot measure would fail by, and at what time would sup-porters publicly admit defeat — which occurred about an hour after 7 p.m. poll closings.
As of the early morning of Nov. 6, Amendment 66 had been re-jected by about 66 percent of vot-ers, with 91 percent of precincts reporting.
“Perhaps this wasn’t the right transaction,” Gov. John Hicken-looper acknowledged to a room of muted and disappointed sup-porters from inside downtown Denver’s Marriot Denver City Center.
Trying to remain positive, the governor also said that “no one fought against” the measure’s vi-sion of making funding for Colo-rado schools a model for the rest of the nation.
Hickenlooper said he will con-tinue to strive toward achieving that goal.
“Every great social victory in the history of this country was based on a number of failures,” Hickenlooper said.
Meanwhile, Amendment 66
opponents crowed.“Colorado families spoke loud
and clear,” said Kelly Maher, ex-ecutive director of Compass Col-orado, a group that worked to op-pose Amendment 66. “We need substantive outcome-driven re-forms to the educational system before we ask families and small businesses to foot a major tax bill.”
The measure sought to fund full-day kindergarten, preschool for at-risk youth, and would have provided more resources for Eng-lish language learners, special education students and children who are in gifted and talented programs.
Also, the measure aimed to reduce class sizes and would have reformed per-pupil fund-ing statewide in a more equitable fashion, proponents argued.
While the reforms may have sounded good to many people, even the governor acknowledged that the hefty price tag associated with overhauling the new funding system was responsible for turn-ing off many voters.
The measure would have raised taxes on all Colorado tax-payers. The two-tiered proposal would have raised income taxes to 5 percent on everyone earning $75,000 or less. Those who earn over that amount would have paid 5 percent on the fi rst $75,000 in taxable income and 5.9 percent on taxable income above $75,000.
Colorado’s current income tax rate is a fl at 4.63 percent.
, regardless of income level.The measure sought to put
in place legislation that was en-acted through Senate Bill 213. The Democrat-sponsored bill — which was signed by Hicken-
looper in June — did not receive a single vote from Republican law-makers.
Republicans and other critics blasted the school funding over-haul as a “billion-dollar tax hike” that comes at a time when Colo-radans are barely coming out of a recession.
They also argued that Senate Bill 213 did not put in place the kind of reforms to warrant that kind of a tax increase.
Opponents also argued that much of the revenue that would
have been raised through Amend-ment 66 would have ended up go-ing to school districts other than the ones where taxpayers’ chil-dren attend.
The measure was rejected in just about every area of the state. For example, late returns showed the measure was failing badly in Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas, El Paso and Jefferson counties. The only large counties that could end up seeing majority support when the votes are offi cially tallied are Denver and Boulder.
The campaign that drove Amendment 66, Colorado Com-mits to Kids, had a huge fundrais-ing advantage over its opposition, having collected more than $9 million for the measure’s messag-ing efforts.
“Honestly, you could have had the best messaging in the world, I just think that people felt it was too expensive,” Hickenlooper told reporters after his remarks.
Maher said afterward, “Never has so much been spent by so few to accomplish so little.”
Gov. John Hicklenlooper addresses Amendment 66 supporters in Denver on Nov. 5. The measure, which would have created at least $950 mil-lion in new taxes annually to fund an overhaul of Colorado schools, was � atly rejected by voters that evening. Photo by Vic Vela
Pot tax sails through statewide Overwhelming support goes to Prop AA By Vic Vela [email protected]
A year after Colorado voters made re-tail marijuana sales legal, voters on Nov. 5 cleared the way for pot smokers to fund the regulations that will be tied to the newly created industry.
Voters overwhelmingly supported Proposition AA, a measure that will slap a 25 percent tax on retail pot sales that were made legal across the state as a result of last year’s passage of Amendment 64.
The measure was receiving about 65 percent support, with 91 percent of pre-cincts reporting by the early morning of Nov. 6.
Most of the money that will be collected through marijuana sales taxes will go to-ward regulating pot shops that will operate across the state, beginning on Jan. 1.
“This was about fulfi lling the promise of Amendment 64, saying that we’re going to regulate this industry, but we’re also go-ing to tax in a way that lets marijuana pay its own way,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont, a sponsor of House Bill 1318, which put in place the marijuana tax sys-tem.
Singer’s bill, which was signed into law by Gov. John Hickenlooper earlier this year, creates a tax structure that will impose a 15 percent excise tax and an initial 10 percent retail tax on each marijuana sales transac-tion.
The fi rst $40 million collected through the Proposition AA excise tax each year will go toward public school construction, with the rest being used to fund marijuana regu-lation.
Marijuana businesses must abide by strict rules when selling the drug, such as making sure that buyers are at least 21 years of age and limiting the amount that
can purchased in a single transaction. The regulations are also aimed at preventing minors from having access to pot.
The Legislature also put in place a driving-stoned standard, which is aimed at curtailing efforts by motorists to get be-hind the wheel after smoking pot.
“We wanted to make sure that we had the right resources to make sure that kids don’t get access to pot and that people aren’t driving high,” Hickenlooper said af-ter the measure passed. “And that’s what this initiative did. (It creates) a regulatory environment and an enforcement system that holds people accountable.”
Opponents of Proposition AA argued that the taxes would be too high and that they would only encourage people to buy the drug through the black market.
But voters across the state didn’t buy the argument, and their support crossed typical partisan voting lines. Preliminary returns showed that Democratic counties like Denver and Boulder were seeing simi-lar margins in support of Proposition AA as were seen in conservative strongholds, such as El Paso and Douglas counties.
Individual counties and municipali-ties can determine whether they will allow pot stores to operate in their jurisdictions. So far, cities such as Denver, Boulder and Wheat Ridge have given the green light to allow those businesses to operate. How-ever, other cities, such as Colorado Springs, Thornton and Westminster have banned pot shops.
Fifteen percent of the retail pot taxes that are collected by the state will be fun-neled to local governments where pot sales are allowed. The revenue will be based on each city’s percentage of pot sales.
“I think that once other communities see that the communities that allow this in their borders are raising revenues to help with their city coffers, I think that you’ll see other cities come on board and say, `We want to be responsible with this and make sure that it stays out of the black market,’” Singer said.
6 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
6
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Parker man carries Olympic torchVisa employee wins company lotteryBy Chris [email protected]
Few people get the chance to participate in an enduring custom that symbolizes the cooperative international spirit of the Olympic Games.
Parker resident Mark Hall considers himself incredibly lucky to be randomly selected to take part in the Olympic torch relay. Hall and his wife, Denise, traveled to Russia last month as the flame made its way through western portions of the coun-try. For a few fleeting moments, he was the center of attention, jogging along a historic street in St. Petersburg with flashbulbs erupting, people cheering and escorts al-ternately shouting instructions to either slow down or speed up.
Despite running for only 200 yards, Hall said he was able to take it in and remember every step.
“When I got to the middle of the road with (runner No.) 142 approaching, I knew that in a few seconds, I would be the only person on the face of the Earth holding the Olympic flame that was lit,” he said. “To me, that was an awesome moment.”
Every photo of Hall running shows him grinning from ear to ear. The locals in St. Petersburg clamored to get a photo with him, and the 50-year-old says he felt like a celebrity. He described the entire, all-expenses-paid trip as the “experience of a lifetime.”
Hall works for Visa, a major sponsor of the Olympics, and put his name into a company lottery. Each Olympic Games, three employees are randomly picked to join the torch relay. Hall, who grew up in the Littleton area and moved to Parker in 1996, was the only American in the bunch.
There is more to being a torchbearer than might appear to the eye. Every runner must attend an orientation that addresses the proper ways to receive, handle and pass
off the torch. With the help of hired inter-preters, organizers also “tell you how to stand, how to look — there’s a lot of logis-tics,” he said.
Hall remembers clearly the first Olympic
Games to which he devoted his attention. It was 1976 and he was 13 years old. Hall was spending the summer at his grandparents’ house in New Mexico and they watched ev-ery night of the Olympics, starting with the
relay.“I remember them running into the
stadium with it, and I thought, `Boy, that would be fun to do,’ but I never really thought I would have the chance,” he said.
Parker resident Mark Hall waves to spectators before running in the Olympic torch relay in St. Petersburg, Russia, last month. Photo courtesy of Denise Hall
Elbert County News 7 November 14, 2013
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what he called “unfunded state mandates,” which he said continue to rise and will add hundreds of thou-sands of dollars to county expenditures in 2014 while the county’s anticipated revenues next year are ex-pected to remain steady at approximately $7.5 million.
“Just mailing out ballots to every registered voter in the county — dead or alive — costs us $97,000 each election,” Rowland said.
Elizabeth voters also failed to pass Ballot Issue 3B, a proposed $3.8 million bond that would have al-lowed the school district to acquire needed equipment and repair school facilities.
More than 60 percent voted no on that initiative.
And in a hotly contested Elizabeth School Board race, members Carol Hinds and Deb Spenceley were re-elected while Christopher Richardson gained a seat on the fi ve-member board.
According to the unof-fi cial results, Spenceley edged out fourth-place fi n-isher Amilda Heckman by just 15 votes.
Continued from Page 1
Vote
a big gun on his hip with a silver star on the grip, Heap clearly relishes his role as the county’s top lawman.
And he says he has no problem running a no-frills jail.
To prove his point, after being elected, the sheriff removed weight-lifting equipment that had been used by inmates at the facility.
“It’s not my job to give them a place to lift weights,” he said. “My deputies don’t have weights here to work out with, so why should the
prisoners?”The jail does have a bare-bones
exercise room and inmates are al-lowed to watch television and buy candy bars and other snacks from the jail commissary, the proceeds from which the sheriff uses to pay for the toiletries and other basics in-mates are issued when they arrive at the jail.
Maximum-security inmates get their meals through a slot in their cell door. The jail’s other prisoners eat communally.
Heap said he models the jail’s weekly menu on a similar one used by the Colorado Department of Cor-rections.
“This is a county jail, the fi rst stop
on the way to prison for some,” said Heap.
“Inmates who qualify for worker status are required to perform manu-al labor,” Heap said, jobs that include picking up trash on county roads and landscaping and snow removal at the justice facility.
“Cost for care and labor require-ments are a necessity,” the sheriff added. “No free room and board here.”
And as far as future menu offer-ings at Elbert County’s jail, the sheriff vows to continue to fi nd ways to “do more with less. We get a few com-plaints about the food,” he admits. “But some of these guys will com-plain about anything.”
Continued from Page 1
Jail
Plea reached in baby’s death Elbert County man facing 10 to 32 years in prison By George Lurie [email protected]
An Elbert County man reached a plea agreement on Nov. 6 with the district attorney’s offi ce in a case involving the death of his 4-month-old daughter, who died from trau-matic brain injuries while in his care.
According to Lisa Pinto, spokes-person for District Attorney George Brauchler, Richard “Ricky” Dolin, 27, pleaded guilty to felony charges of “knowing or reckless child abuse
resulting in death.”Dolin is scheduled to be sen-
tenced Jan. 14 in Kiowa. He faces a term of between 10
and 32 years in the Colorado De-partment of Corrections.
Dolin had been taking care of the baby and his 3-year-old son while his wife Jaime went to college one night a week.
On March 14, 2012, Elbert Coun-ty sheriff’s deputies responded to a call for medical help involving an infant having seizures.
The baby, Marlayna Reise Dolin, was transported to Children’s Hos-pital in Parker and subsequently placed in a medically induced coma while being treated for cranial
bleeding and broken ribs.She died from her injuries on
April 1, 2012.Richard Dolin was arrested on
March 16, 2012, and has been held in the Elbert County jail on $100,000 bond.
In a heavily redacted, partial af-fi davit released by the district attor-ney’s offi ce after the plea deal was reached, an investigator reported Dolin initially claimed the child had been hit in the face with a Spi-derman toy, but later said the baby might have fallen off a couch onto a cement fl oor while he was out of the room folding laundry.
Dolin remains in the Elbert County jail awaiting sentencing.
8 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
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TOY BOXTOY BOX NOV. 14
BUSINESS NETWORKING. The Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce presents business after hours from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Through Your Eyes Photography, 276 E. Kiowa Ave. in Eliza-beth. Meet Kimberly and see what wonderful memories she can create for you. Also hosted by 2 Chics and a Kitchen. Other hosts include Donya Lewis of Mary Kay Cosmetics and Peggy Roos of Geiger Inc. Refreshments will be served. Network with other local business people. Everyone is welcome. Call the Elizabeth Area Chamber of Commerce at 303-646-4287 or [email protected].
NOV. 15
COMMUNITY NIGHT. The Elizabeth Education Foundation presents its � rst community night at tdhe Denver Nuggets versus Minnesota Timberwolves game at 6 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Pepsi Center. Tickets are $21, with no extra service fees. Order tickets by Nov. 6 at http://www.ksegroups.com/landing.aspx?lpid=QTp1UN%20Ytlk=&lpo. A portion of every ticket purchased will bene� t the Elizabeth Education Foundation and Elizabeth Schools.
NOV. 20
BLOOD DRIVE. Walmart community blood drive is from 2-6 p.m. Nov. 20 inside Bon� ls’ mobile bus at 2100 Legacy Circle, Elizabeth. For information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Bon� ls’ Appointment Center at 303-363-2300 or visit www.bon� ls.org.
NOV. 24
WOMEN’S BREAKFAST. The Elbert Woman’s Club will have its monthly breakfast from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, and Sunday, Nov. 24, at the Russell Gates Mercantile Commu-nity Hall. Biscuits, gravy, sausage, ham, scrambled eggs, co� ee/tea and juice are served for $6/adults and $3/children under 12. The hall is located in Elbert on Elbert Road between Highways 86 and 24, 11 miles south of Kiowa. Proceeds support the maintenance and renovation of the hall, built in 1906.
DEC. 6
SILENT AUCTION The Kiowa Friends of the Library plans its silent auction. Bidding opens Nov. 15 and continues through 2 p.m. Dec. 6. Stop by the library to bid; library hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Friday. Contact the Kiowa Library for information, 303-621-2111.
DEC. 12
VOLUNTEER ROUND-UP. The National Western Stock Show and Rodeo needs 150-200 volunteers in guest relations, children’s programs, horse and livestock shows, and the trade show. The 108th stock show is Jan. 11-26. To learn more about the volunteer opportunities and to set up an interview for a volunteer spot, attend the National Western volunteer round-up from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at the National Western Complex, 4655 Humboldt St., Denver. For information and to � ll out a volunteer application, go to http://www.nationalwest-ern.com/volunteer/ or contact Kellie at 303-299-5562.
THE OUTBACK Express is a public transit service provided through the East Central Council of Local Governments is open and available to all residents of Cheyenne, Elbert, Kit Carson and Lincoln counties and provides an economical and e� cient means of travel for the four-county region. Call Kay Campbell, Kiowa, at 719- 541-4275. You may also call the ECCOG o� ce at 1-800-825-0208 to make reservations for any of the trips. You may also visit http://outbackexpress.tripod.com.
DIVORCE AND Post-Decree Clinic. Elbert and Lincoln County Pro Se Divorce Clinic is o� ered from 9 a.m. to noon the third Friday of each month at the Elbert County Justice Center, 751 Ute St., in Kiowa. For information, call 303-520-6088 or email [email protected]. The clinic is free for parties who have no attorney and who are going through dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or post-decree cases. All walk-ins are wel-come, and will be assisted on a � rst-come, � rst-served basis.
DOUGLAS-ELBERT COUNTY Music Teachers’ Association meets at 9 a.m. every � rst Thursday at Parker Bible Church, between Jordan and Chambers on Main Street. All area music teachers are welcome. Call Lucie Washburn, 303-814-3479.
THE ELBERT County Sheri� s Posse is a nonpro� t volunteer organization that is part of the Elbert County Sheri� s O� ce. As volunteers we support the Elbert County Sheri� s O� ce, all law enforcement in our county, and the community at large. Membership is open to anyone without a criminal record. It meets the last Monday of the month at the Elbert County Sheri� s O� ce at 7 p.m. For more information or a membership application, go to http://www.elbertcountysheri� .com/posse.html, or contact Dave Peontek at 303-646-5456.
‘Snow Falling on Cedars’Kevin McKeon’s adaptation of the
award-winning novel “Snow Falling on Ce-dars” by David Guterson will be produced at Vintage Theatre Nov. 22 through Dec. 15 at 1468 Dayton St., Aurora. Sam Wood is director.
Performances: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Tickets cost $25/$20 advance, vintagetheatre.com; 303-856-7830.
Little red-haired girl is back“Annie,” with book by Thomas Meehan,
music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charmin will play Nov. 15 to Dec. 29 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main Street in downtown Littleton. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays and some Saturdays in Decem-ber; 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15. Tickets: $25-$39, 303-794-2787, ext 5; townhal-lartscenter.com. Reservations are recom-mended — some performances are fi lling fast.
New play by Dietz“Rancho Mirage” by Steven Dietz plays
through Dec. 7 at Curious Theatre, 1080 Acoma St., Denver. Christopher Leo is director of this tale about six friends at a fi nal dinner party. Performances: 8 p.m.
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: $18-$44, 303-623-0524, curioustheatre.org.
Sophocles a la Buntport“Electra Onion Eater” is a 21st-century
adaptation of Sophocles’ classic Greek tragedy, as seen through the lens of the inventive Buntport Theater Company. It plays at 717 Lipan St., Denver, through Nov. 23. Performances: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets: [email protected].
Holy Grail soughtMonty Python’s “Spamalot” fi nds its
way onto the Boulder’s Dinner Theatre stage Nov. 16 as King Arthur and his some-what inept knights search for the Holy Grail. Performances: Wednesdays through Sundays at 5501 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. 303-449-6000.
Holiday favorite“It’s a Wonderful Life! The Radio Play”
by Joe Landry plays through Dec. 22 at Miners Alley Playhouse, 1224 Washing-ton, Golden. Performances: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Thursdays in December; 2 p.m. Sundays (note change here). Tickets: $12 to $23, 303-935-3044, [email protected]
THINGS TO DO
CURTAIN TIME
Elbert County News 9 November 14, 2013
9-Color
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10 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
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Parker Chamber names new president O� cial has led similar group in Norfolk, Neb. By Chris Michlewicz [email protected]
After a three-month search, the Parker Chamber of Commerce has named its new president.
The 742-member organization an-nounced the hiring of Dennis Houston, who will leave his position as president of the Norfolk (Neb.) Area Chamber of Com-merce at the end of the month. He will take over as the Parker chamber president and chief executive offi cer Dec. 1.
Houston (pronounced How-ston) was among 48 applicants for the position, which was vacated at the end of July when
Dan Rodriguez submitted a letter of resig-nation.
Interim president Jo Ann Frost, who will resume her duties as the chairwoman of the chamber board of directors, said the or-ganization is looking forward to refocusing on programming and membership growth and retention with a new leader in place.
“It’s been challenging with the transi-tion and putting things on hold until we got someone in place,” she said. “Our priority has been getting a president/CEO. It’s nice to be in this position now instead of feeling like we’re catching up all the time.”
The top selection from a narrowed-down fi eld of three candidates, Houston demonstrated the experience, dynamic personality and professionalism the cham-ber was seeking, Frost said. The board has a list of goals and will get Houston’s feedback
and input once he is settled.“We’re anxious to see where he can take
our chamber, as going into 2014 we have lots of exciting things going on,” she said. “We want to expand on programs that are just now taking shape.”
On a professional level, Houston says he is looking forward to learning about the challenges and opportunities in the busi-ness community. He is also eager to engage in strategic planning with Town of Parker offi cials, the school district and Douglas County.
“I’m looking forward to that collabora-tion so we can all make sure Parker grows in a positive way that we’re all proud of,” Houston said.
The Norfolk, Neb., area shares simi-larities with Parker because it’s a grow-ing community in a semi-rural area. The
town of Norfolk has a population of about 25,000, but the service area contains about 125,000 people, Houston said. His experi-ence in working with different sectors — from home-based businesses to small re-tail shops to industrial companies —was a quality the search committee took notice of, Frost said.
After a weeks-long “listening tour” to learn the lay of the land, Houston wants to discuss with the board the chamber’s role in helping Parker achieve its goals.
On a personal level, the move to Colora-do has been a long time coming. Houston visits Colorado about twice annually with his wife and two boys, and a permanent move has been one of the family’s objec-tives.
“The lifestyle is a big part of it for us,” Houston said.
The bald and the beautiful Rocky Vista shows support for student battling cancer By Chris Michlewicz [email protected]
There were so many bald heads under Rocky Vista University’s roof, one could have easily mistaken it as a convention for the follically challenged.
Instead, it was a head-shaving event in support of Michelle Valentine, a student at the college of osteopathic medicine on Chambers Road north of E-470. Thou-sands of dollars were raised for the Susan G. Komen foundation, and the camaraderie among the students was further solidifi ed Nov. 1.
Valentine, 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer in June. Her chemotherapy treat-ments have left her completely bald, but she rocks the look with confi dence. When the school wanted to organize a fundrais-ing event, the head-shaving event was a natural choice. Valentine elected to have the money go specifi cally toward research aimed at helping breast cancer patients under 40, a population she says is under-represented.
The second fl oor of the university, packed with supporters, buzzed with ex-citement, nervousness and the sound of
clippers run by a handful of stylists from Floyd’s 99 Barbershop. Women lined up to get thin pink extensions in their hair and dozens of men waited to their locks chopped. Some know Valentine, and some don’t.
Christopher Gilsdorf, a second-year Rocky Vista student from Fort Collins, had his hair cut by Nester Bustos, a Floyd’s 99 stylist who participates in at least one com-munity charity event per year. Gilsdorf, who says he knows Valentine “a little,” raised $50 for the cause.
Aside from Valentine, the star of the head-shaving event was Dr. Rebecca Bowden, a Rocky Vista professor who raised more than $7,500 and faced the clippers. It was her fi rst time going bald and she admit-ted to the crowd on hand that it “felt good.”
Bowden, who has had Valentine in some of her classes, succinctly summed up her line of thinking about donating time, mon-ey and hair on behalf of Valentine.
“We’re family,” Bowden said of the small, tight-knit school that opened in 2008.
Valentine must undergo radiation treat-ment and surgery, but her spirits are bright. She was uplifted by the number of people who got involved in the head-shaving event and described it as “one of the cool-est things of my life.” She said it speaks to the character of medical students and their willingness to step up for others in need.
Rocky Vista University professor Rebecca Bowden gets her head shaved by Barb Dooley, a stage-4 cancer survivor and stylist for Floyd’s 99 Barbershop, during a fundraising event for breast cancer research Nov. 1. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
11-LIFE
South Metrolife
Comic goes solo in Su Teatro play
San Antonio comedian Ruby Nelda Per-ez brings her one-woman play, “Dona Rosi-ta’s Jalapeno Kitchen,” to Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center, 721 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, Nov. 14-17. Written by Ro-drigo Duarte Clark of El Teatro de Esper-anza (the second oldest Chicano theater in the country), it combines funny lines with a story about development threatening the barrio where Dona Rosita’s restaurant is located. Performances: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14, 15, 16; 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets: $20/$17, suteatro.org, 303-296-0219.
Own an OriginalLittleton’s annual “Own an Original” ex-
hibit opens Nov. 22, presented by the Lit-tleton Fine Arts Board at the Littleton Mu-seum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton. Two and three dimensional art will be included and for sale. Admission is free. Museum hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 5 p.m. Sun-days. 303-795-3950.
Arts in Lone TreeThe annual Lone Tree Art Exhibition
and Sale opens with a reception and an-nouncement of awards from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 16 at the Lone Tree Arts Center, 10075 Commons St., Lone Tree. Katherine Smith Warren was juror for the exhibit and select-ed 100 pieces by 68 artists. Gallery hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and before performances, through Jan. 5. 720-509-1077.
On huffing and puffing …The Littleton Symphony will present a
free children’s concert, “The Three Little Pigs,” at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at Littleton Unit-ed Methodist Church, 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton. Two interpretations of the story are promised, including a more sympathet-ic look at the Big Bad Wolf. A few lucky kids may get to help Maestro Jurgen de Lemos conduct the orchestra. Littletonsymphony.org, 303-933-6824.
Ivy Street EnsembleEnglewood Arts is hosting the Ivy Street
Ensemble: Colorado Symphony musi-cians Cathy Peterson (flute), Erik Peter-son (violin) and Philip Stevens (viola) in a program of chamber music spanning from the Baroque Era to the 21st century. They regularly perform for children in the metro area. The program will include works by Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and Bunch. Tick-ets: $15/$12/free under 18. englewoodarts.org or at the door, one half hour before the concert.
Pottery saleMembers of South Suburban’s Pottery
Guild will host their annual sale from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 18-20 at Goodson Rec-reation Center, 6315 S. University Blvd., Centennial.
Writers’ conference“Write Around the Rock,” the annual
Castle Rock Writers Conference, opens Nov. 22 at the Philip S. Miller Library in Castle Rock, with a talk by New York agent Katherine Sands, followed by events from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at the Doug-las County Fairgrounds Events Center. Workshops, agent and publisher pitches, continental breakfast, lunch, conference bookstore. Reservations $75 until Nov. 15, $40 military, $30 students. castlerockwrit-ers.com, 303-521-8615.
Four artists show workExhibit title borrows from stage musical ‘Annie’By Sonya [email protected]
Four experienced artists who have ex-hibited together, with larger groups, will show their paintings at Town Hall Arts Center’s Stanton Gallery through Jan. 8.
They are Valli Thayer McDougal, Pat Mudge, Janice Hanson and Jan Archuleta. Their choice of which works to exhibit is influenced to an extent by what’s play-ing at Town Hall: the musical “Annie,” about the spunky little red-haired girl who graced the comics for many years. Their show title is also a song in the show: “I Think I’m Going to Like it Here.”
Two of them: Valli Thayer McDougal and Pat Mudge actually met in a water-color class in La Jolla, Calif., in 2000 and have remained friends and painting com-panions since they both moved to Denver in 2007 and 2008.
They soon formed a critique group with Susan Schmitt, meeting monthly.
Jan Archuleta and Janice Hanson be-came their friends via membership in the Colorado Watercolor Society and joined the critique group. “We have become very good friends and colleagues, supporting each other in our artistic journeys,” Mc-Dougal wrote.
She said she “discovered a passion for painting rather late in life, however `younger than Grandma Moses.’” Her contemporary acrylic painting series: “Windows on the World,” focuses on large shapes, warm colors and sometimes, “Pas-tiche,” small layered collages and “Opus,” watercolor and mixed media. She is an
award-winning painter who belongs to the National Watercolor Society, Colorado Watercolor Society and International Soci-ety of Acrylic Painters.
Patricia Mudge worked in water media for many years, but has switched to oil paints. She has studied at the University of San Diego, San Diego Watercolor Society, La Jolla Institute of Art and Art Students League of Denver. She lived in Great Brit-ain and has traveled widely for 40 years, learning from fine artists as she traveled.
Janice Hanson is a former photogra-pher, who turned to watercolor “to en-hance the images she saw by emphasiz-
ing shapes and patterns. She uses paint to stain these shapes with color.” She is a Sig-nature member of the National Watercolor Society and the Rocky Mountain National Watermedia Society.
Watercolorist Jan Archuleta, a Colorado native, paints from photos taken in Colo-rado, New Mexico and other travel loca-tions, including Spain, Italy and China. She is a past president of the Arvada Fine Arts Guild, a Colorado Watercolor Society member, as well as Western Federation of Watercolor Societies, Foothills Art Center, National Watercolor Society and North Metro Arts Alliance.
“The Conversation,” mixed media by Valli Thayer McDougal, is in the exhibit, “I Think I’m Going to Like it Here” in the Stanton Gallery at Town Hall Arts Center through Jan. 8. Courtesy photo
“Three Little Girls,” watercolor by Jan Archuleta, is in the exhibit “I Think I’m Going to Like it Here” in Stanton Gallery at Town Hall Arts Center until Jan. 8. Courtesy photo
Elbert County News 11November 14, 2013
12 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
12
OF GAMESGALLERYc r o s s w o r d • s u d o k u
& w e e k l y h o r o s c o p e
GALLERY OF GAMESc r o s s w o r d • s u d o k u & w e e k l y h o r o s c o p e
SALOME’S STARSFOR THE WEEK OF NOV 11, 2013
ARIES (Mar 21 to Apr 19) Keep your feelings to yourself as you work through an awkward circum-stance. Complaining is useless, and also unwise since your words could come back to haunt you.
TAURUS (Apr 20 to May 20) A sudden flash of Bo-vine practicality shows you how you might be able to turn your artistic pursuits into a profitable venture. A spouse or partner offers some sage advice.
GEMINI (May 21 to Jun 20) Be prepared with sev-eral “Plan Bs” that you might have to use as backups just in case you encounter some troublesome com-plications with your carefully constructed schedule.
CANCER (Jun 21 to Jul 22) You might think you’ll never have a free moment again with the demands of the workplace piling on. Cheer up. The pressure eases as holiday time nears. An old friend brings good news.
LEO (Jul 23 to Aug 22) Your Leonine pride might make it difficult to offer an apology to a co-worker you unintentionally offended. But a quick and sincere “I’m sorry” could prevent problems down the line.
VIRGO (Aug 23 to Sept 22) This is a good time to tackle those backed-up chores that have kept you from moving into other and potentially more worth-while projects. A personal matter needs your attention.
LIBRA (Sept 23 to Oct 22) You usually have no problem rushing to the defense of someone you perceive as being treated unjustly. But perceptions could be deceiving this week. Check the facts before you act.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 to Nov 21) Before you point fin-gers at who might be to blame for the unexpected change in your plans, take a few moments to reflect on how this turn of events might be a blessing in disguise.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 to Dec 21) You seek out advice in the first part of the week. But be careful not to let counsel from others overshadow your own sense of perception. Things become clearer by the week’s end.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 to Jan 19) The trusted col-leagues you relied on earlier continue to offer support with your project. But you take more control, and by the week’s end, you should be in full command.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 to Feb 18) Rely on your prac-tical side while exploring investment possibilities. Caution is still your watchword in these matters. Your social life takes a gratifying turn by the week’s end.
PISCES (Feb 19 to Mar 20) An already confusing situation appears to grow murkier during the first part of the week. But it all starts to clear by the week’s end. Plan to spend the weekend with someone special.
BORN THIS WEEK: You have a passion for life that inspires others to follow your example. You could be a motivational speaker.
© 2013 King Features Synd., Inc.
Fire program includes those with special needsProgram could include paid positions in the futureBy Chris [email protected]
Sometimes all it takes is giving a person the chance to prove what they can do.
At least, that’s what Doug Bloomquist figures. As operations executive officer for the South Metro Fire Rescue Authority, Bloomquist makes sure the workforce is functioning efficiently and effectively. He also has the opportunity to introduce new programs that not only help the fire ser-vice, but incorporate the community.
Enter Marty Williams, a 20-year-old de-velopmentally disabled man from Parker who got in trouble for pulling a fire alarm at his apartment complex last year. Wil-liams learned a lesson from the firefighters at South Metro’s station 41, near Mainstreet and Pine Drive, who took him under their wing. Bloomquist took notice when he started seeing Williams hanging out at the station and helping with the cleaning du-ties.
The department’s fleet manager sug-gested finding Williams a role in the supply warehouse, and Bloomquist got a positive reaction from quartermaster Matt Whip-ple, who is in charge of filling supply orders for all of the firehouses.
Williams has since become fully in-volved as a weekly volunteer, gathering necessities like coffee, cleaning supplies, batteries and window washer fluid for the fire trucks to send to the appropriate sta-tion. He also helps fill orders and deliver uniforms and gear.
“The nice thing about doing this for Marty is that he gets to see what else is out there,” Whipple says. “Instead of just South
Metro Fire being station 41, he gets to see what goes into it from this side or over at the admin building.”
Williams is in the Bridge Program, a transition program that enables devel-opmentally disabled adults to gain job skills they can use in the workforce. Now Bloomquist, as part of a research project for senior fire officials, is developing a pi-lot program, of which Williams is the first participant. The research will determine whether developmentally disabled adults should become employed at South Metro and what roles they might fill.
“It’s a group that’s really kind of discrim-inated against and there are a lot of pos-sibilities out there for them,” Bloomquist said. “I think that’s part of our community responsibility to look at those.”
Bloomquist recently finished a needs analysis by sending out a questionnaire to every staffer in the department to “give me an idea of where we could possibly carve out jobs,” including administrative posi-tions.
Whipple has adapted the job to help Williams perform better. As of one month ago, the supply orders come with pictures
of the requested items.“It helps him identify how to fill the
order. It didn’t take a whole lot, it was in-expensive, and it makes a world of differ-ence,” Bloomquist said.
Little notes like that will likely be includ-ed in a presentation he makes to the South Metro Fire Rescue board of directors, the body that makes decisions on budget allo-cations for new positions.
The pilot program has given Williams the job skills and confidence that will come in handy in a permanent role at the fire department or in another professional set-ting.
He also works at Dollar Tree in Parker, and when he’s not volunteering, working or attending school, Williams is in a predict-able place.
“Hang out with (Station) 41,” he said. “Stay out of trouble.”
Chris Fairbanks, his aunt and guardian, says the crews serve as mentors and make Williams do his homework. He comes along on some emergency calls, helps the firefighters clean the firehouse and works out with them. He is made to feel like one of the guys, and Williams shows his grati-tude with his work ethic.
“He tries to help anybody that needs help,” Fairbanks said.
Since the program is in its infancy, ap-plications for new volunteers are not being accepted. Easter Seals and Goodwill will analyze the results of Bloomquist’s pro-gram and help define the positions, and the fire district will work with the Bridge Program and Developmental Pathways to bring in new recruits. No other department has created such a program, Bloomquist said, and if funding is approved, his plan is to roll it out next year. The pilot program could become a model for other depart-ments.
Marty Williams, 20, left, goes over the needs list with South Metro Fire Rescue Authority supply manager Matt Whipple Nov. 1. Photo by Chris Michlewicz
Elbert County News 13 November 14, 2013
13
Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petitionfor Change of Name
Public notice is given on October 8, 2013that a Petition for a Change of Name of anadult has been filed with the Elbert CountyCourt.
The Petition requests that the name ofChristopher Joseph Trimmerbe changed toChristopher Joseph Trimmer Sawyer.Case No.: 2013 C 0043
Cheryl A. LayneClerk of CourtBy: Jafeen Jenkins, Deputy Clerk
Legal Notice No: 927804First Publication: October 31, 2013Last Publication: November 14, 2013Publisher: Elbert County News
Name Changes PUBLIC NOTICE
Public Notice of Petitionfor Change of Name
Public notice is given on October 11, 2013that a Petition for a Change of Name of anadult has been filed with the Elbert CountyCourt.
The Petition requests that the name ofAmy Louise Minarik be changed toAmy Louise Fox.Case No.: 2013 C 44
Cheryl A. LayneClerk of CourtBy: Jafeen JenkinsDeputy Clerk
Legal Notice No: 927818First Publication: October 31, 2013Last Publication: November 14, 2013Publisher: Elbert County News
Notice To Creditors PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORSEstate of Warren Arthur Bostrom,
DeceasedCase Number: 2013 PR 30018
All persons having claims against theabove-named estate are required topresent them to the Personal Represent-ative or to the District Court of ElbertCounty, Colorado on or before March 14,2014 or the claims may be forever barred.
Lynn M. Vanatta-PerryAttorney at Law315 East San MiguelColorado Springs, Colorado 80903
Legal Notice No: 927829First Publication: November 14, 2013Last Publication: November 28, 2013Publisher: Elbert County News
Government Legals Public Notice
NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REALESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF
APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OFTREASURER’S DEED
TSC# 2010-01168
To Every Person in Actual Possession orOccupancy of the hereinafter DescribedLand, Lot or Premises, and to the Personin Whose Name the Same was Taxed orSpecially Assessed, and to all Personshaving an Interest or Title of Record in orto the said Premises and To Whom It mayConcern, and more especially to:
Dean M West: You and each of you arehereby notified that on the 9th day ofNovember A.D.2010the then County Treasurer of the Countyof Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold atpublic tax lien sale to James Work the fol-lowing described real estate situate in theCounty of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit:
Section: 2 Township: 7 Range: 62Sub-division: CHAPARRAL VALLEY UNIT 2Lot: 0069 42156 WAY OF GENTLENESS
and said County Treasurer issued a certi-ficate of purchase therefore to JamesWork. That said tax lien sale was made tosatisfy the delinquent taxes assessedagainst said real estate for the year 2009;
That said real estate was taxed or spe-cially assessed in the name(s) of Dean MWest for said year 2009.
That a treasurer’s Deed will be issued forsaid real estate to the said James Work at3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 11th day ofFebruary, A.D.2014, unless the same hasbeen redeemed.
Said property may be redeemed from saidsale at any time prior to the actual execu-tion of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness myhand this 21th day of October, 2013 A. D..
Richard PettittCounty Treasurer of Elbert County
Legal Notice No.: 927817First publication: October 31, 2013Last publication: November 14, 2013Publisher: The Elbert County News
Government Legals
Public Notice
NOTICE OF PURCHASE OF REALESTATE AT TAX LIEN SALE AND OF
APPLICATION FOR ISSUANCE OFTREASURER’S DEED
TSC# 2010-01168
To Every Person in Actual Possession orOccupancy of the hereinafter DescribedLand, Lot or Premises, and to the Personin Whose Name the Same was Taxed orSpecially Assessed, and to all Personshaving an Interest or Title of Record in orto the said Premises and To Whom It mayConcern, and more especially to:
Dean M West: You and each of you arehereby notified that on the 9th day ofNovember A.D.2010the then County Treasurer of the Countyof Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold atpublic tax lien sale to James Work the fol-lowing described real estate situate in theCounty of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit:
Section: 2 Township: 7 Range: 62Sub-division: CHAPARRAL VALLEY UNIT 2Lot: 0069 42156 WAY OF GENTLENESS
and said County Treasurer issued a certi-ficate of purchase therefore to JamesWork. That said tax lien sale was made tosatisfy the delinquent taxes assessedagainst said real estate for the year 2009;
That said real estate was taxed or spe-cially assessed in the name(s) of Dean MWest for said year 2009.
That a treasurer’s Deed will be issued forsaid real estate to the said James Work at3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 11th day ofFebruary, A.D.2014, unless the same hasbeen redeemed.
Said property may be redeemed from saidsale at any time prior to the actual execu-tion of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness myhand this 21th day of October, 2013 A. D..
Richard PettittCounty Treasurer of Elbert County
Legal Notice No.: 927817First publication: October 31, 2013Last publication: November 14, 2013Publisher: The Elbert County News
Government Legals
You and each of you arehereby notified that on the 9th day ofNovember A.D.2010the then County Treasurer of the Countyof Elbert, in the State of Colorado, sold atpublic tax lien sale to James Work the fol-lowing described real estate situate in theCounty of Elbert, State of Colorado, to wit:
Section: 2 Township: 7 Range: 62Sub-division: CHAPARRAL VALLEY UNIT 2Lot: 0069 42156 WAY OF GENTLENESS
and said County Treasurer issued a certi-ficate of purchase therefore to JamesWork. That said tax lien sale was made tosatisfy the delinquent taxes assessedagainst said real estate for the year 2009;
That said real estate was taxed or spe-cially assessed in the name(s) of Dean MWest for said year 2009.
That a treasurer’s Deed will be issued forsaid real estate to the said James Work at3:00 o’clock P.M., on the 11th day ofFebruary, A.D.2014, unless the same hasbeen redeemed.
Said property may be redeemed from saidsale at any time prior to the actual execu-tion of said Treasurer’s Deed. Witness myhand this 21th day of October, 2013 A. D..
Richard PettittCounty Treasurer of Elbert County
Legal Notice No.: 927817First publication: October 31, 2013Last publication: November 14, 2013Publisher: The Elbert County News
When government takes action, it uses local newspapers to notifyyou. Reading your public notices is the best way to find out what ishappening in your community and how it affects you. If you don’tread public notices, you never know what you might miss.
Notices aremeant to be noticed.Read your public notices and get involved!
Alternative gift market spreads cheer globallyEvent at churches helps artisans around worldBy Sonya [email protected]
World Gift Markets have grown, according to committee member Shelly DeChantal, a metro-area fiber artist who has re-cently moved to Littleton. Fair Trade, handmade gifts from artisans living around the world — in Laos, Africa, Bolivia and more will be available, as well as items crafted at local nonprofit workshops, such as A Little Something, the Gathering Place and Earthlinks. More than 40 nonprofit and Fair Trade groups will partici-pate.
First Universalist Church (northeast corner) and First Plymouth Congregational Church (southwest corner), both at the in-tersection of East Hampden Avenue and South Colorado Boulevard, have joined together this year to host the World Gift Markets on Nov. 23 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and Nov. 24 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), with an opening reception at First Universalist only from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22.
The market encourages purposeful giv-
ing by supporting artisans in developing countries through Fair Trade businesses such as Silks of Laos, Team Africa and Fair Trade Republica, which bring traditional crafts to the markets.
Working with indigenous craftspeople in areas of extreme poverty, they help preserve
traditions and provide fair wages and a healthy workplace. All products are made by individual artisans working in small groups or cooperatives.
Shoppers can find hand-woven silk scarves from Laos, recycled Sari table runners and pillows, handmade paper journals from India, hand-knitted alpaca hats and gloves from Bolivia, Ugandan coffee and local honey from Earthlinks’ Peace Garden, for example.
Earthlinks, a Denver nonprofit started 16 years
ago, has grown from a day shelter to a full-fledged craft enterprise that offers produc-tive work to homeless people. It teaches job skills and garden work, which allows for connection with the earth, DeChan-tal writes. In addition to honey, the Peace Garden’s bees produce beeswax for Natural Spa products. And bees pollinate flowers, gourds and herbs, which result in greeting cards, vases, candles, birdhouses, jewelry, lotions and catnip toys for Fluffy.
At A Little Something in Denver, refugee women make jewelry, learning new skills and earning “a little something.” Their work will be for sale at the World Gift Markets. Courtesy photo
if you goWorld Gift Markets will be held
Nov. 22, 23 and 24 at First Univer-salist Church, northeast corner of East Hampden Avenue and South Colorado Boulevard, and First Plymouth Congregational Church, southwest corner. Hours: 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22, First Universalist only; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 23 (both) and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 24 (both). Ad-mission is free. firstuniversalist.org, firstplymouthchurch.org.
‘Cross Currents’ comes to Denver art galleryShow of native work gets underway Nov. 22By Sonya [email protected]
“The wide range of expression and me-dia found in the exhibition demonstrates the futility of attempting to confine art-ists of native descent to one category,” said Cecily Cullen, creative director for the Center for Visual Art. “The artists of `Cross Currents’ represent the spirit of innovation by blending elements found in traditional Native American art with meaning and strategies born of 21st-
century art mak-ing, adding unique voices to the visual language of today.”
CVA, Metro-politan State Uni-versity’s very in-teresting, easily accessed gallery at 965 Santa Fe Drive in Denver’s Arts District, offers free admission and a series of engaging exhibits.
“Cross Cur-rents: Native American Forces in Contemporary Art” runs Nov. 22 through Feb. 8, featuring art by Cannupahanska, Nicholas Galanin,
Frank Buffalo Hyde, Merritt Johnson, Sar-ah Ortegon, Wendy Red Star, Sarah Sense, Marie Watt and Will Wilson.
Some of the artists will be present for an opening reception and artist’s panel on Nov. 22 from 6 to 8 p.m.
These artists from across the nation have different indigenous backgrounds and do not adhere to traditional stereo-types. What they do have in common is an exploration of identity as they move between worlds, rejecting mass media’s appropriation of traditional symbols.
Our illustration, “Emergency Mantle for Diplomatic Security,” is a mixed me-dia work by Merritt Johnson, who is based in East Harlem, NY. She is “of mixed Mo-
hawk, Blackfoot and non-indigenous de-scent, with a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and an MFA from Massachu-setts College of Art.”
A multidisciplinary artist working in painting, sculpture and performance, she said “through my work, I explore the con-nections and oppositions between (and within) bodies and place.
“My work with figures treats opulent interiors and identifiable patterns, as the material for camouflaging bodies; point-ing to protection, aggression and the dif-ficulty of cross cultural disguise ….”
She will be at the CVA on Nov. 22 for the opening reception and artists’ panel, as will Cannupahanska, Buffalo Hyde, Galanin and Sense.
“Emergency Mantle for Diplomatic Security,” mixed media by Merritt Johnson, 2013, is included in the “Cross Currents” exhibit at Metropolitan State University’s Center for Visual Art. The show addresses complexities of cultural identity. Courtesy photo
if you go
“Cross Currents: Native American Forces in Contem-porary Art” will be exhibited Nov. 22 to Feb. 8 at the Center for Visual Art, 965 Santa Fe Drive, in Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District. Hours: noon to 5 p.m. Tues-days through Satur-days. Admission is free. For information on related programs, see MetroStateCVA.org, 303-294-5207.
What's happening near you? Want to know what news is happening in your area and the areas around you? Visit our website at www.ourcoloradonews.com.
14-Sports
14 Elbert County NewsNovember 14, 2013
ElbertSportS
Glenwood upsets Cardinals in football playoffsElizabeth season ends with 8-3 recordBy Scott StockerSpecial to Colorado Community Media
It was a short visit to the Class 3A state football playoffs for Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, coached by Chris Cline, took the number five seed into the competition. However, the home standing Cardinals were upset by visiting Glenwood Springs, 14-13, on Nov. 9. As a result, they finished the sea-son with an 8-3 record while Glenwood, seeded number 12, advanced with an 8-3 record.
Glenwood Springs will now play Delta in a Western Slope encounter in this week’s quarterfinals. Delta advanced by stunning fourth-seeded Holy Family in a super close game, 42-41.
The game was tied, 7-7 at the half and Elizabeth was able to up the count to 13-7 in the third quarter. However, the missed extra point proved to be the eventual downfall. Glenwood Springs would score with 2:20 re-maining in the game then hold off the Car-dinals down the stretch.
“Their defense was good and we just had too many mistakes to overcome,” Cline said. “Penalties certainly hurt us. But give Glen-wood credit. It was a hard-fought game. We had a couple of opportunities that we just couldn’t take advantage of.
“It was a good year overall,” Cline said. “It was just a tough ending for the boys and, as the saying goes, it was just one of those games. Chase Nicholas caught a 65-yard pass from Brody Oliver for our first touch-down in the first quarter and Jordan Buck-nam scored on a 1-yard run for the second touchdown in the third. Missing the extra point proved to be the downfall. Overall, their pass rush also hurt us.”
It also was not the best of weekends for the classification’s top seed, Discovery Canyon, either. The Thunder was ousted by 16th seeded Pueblo East, 47-13. Pueblo East moves on the play ninth-seeded and defending state champion Silver Creek, a 47-14 victor over Evergreen.
Sophomore quarterback Danny Martin was a standout for Pueblo East, which im-proved to 7-4 with the victory while Discov-ery Canyon ended the year 9-2. He ran for 151 yards and scored three touchdowns in a win inspired by the Eagles loss, 49-28, to the Thunder in the second game of the season.
Simla Simla, coached by Shane Zimmerman,
saw its season come to an unhappy ending as well, as the Cubs were beaten by Caliche, 46-28. With the loss, the Cubs finished the year with a 9-1 record.
“This game was certainly a lot closer than the score would indicate,” Zimmerman said. “You like to win, but that’s not how it worked out this week. Caliche is a fine foot-ball team and we certainly didn’t underes-timate them at all. We also had to deal with injuries and in situations like state, that’s certainly a drawback.”
Quarterback Cody Norris was on target with his passing game. He completed 15-of-25 passes for 193 yards and four touch-downs.
He also rushed for142 yards on 23 carries and came through with 11 tackles on de-fense. Overall, he helped the Cubs account for 467 yards total offense.
“They were just better than we were in the end,” Zimmerman said. “We wish we could have gone further, but, unfortunately for us, that’s the way it goes. It was a fine season and I thank the kids for all the fine efforts that they put out.”
Damian Bell added to the rushing count with 95 yards. Kyler Hammacher caught six
passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Jason George and Aaron Thieman caught the other two touchdown throws from Bell.
Kiowa Norwood pulled off a 12-6 victory over
Kiowa in last Saturday’s 8-Man quarterfinal action. It was not entirely unexpected as the Mavericks improved to 10-1 while Kiowa fell to 8-3. The Mavericks will play Caliche, 10-1, in this week’s semifinal action.
It was a tough outing for Kiowa, under coach Mark Clemmons. And, it certainly was a game that was in reach at the end. With 1:20 left in the game, the Indians had driven to the Norwood 1-yard line. Howev-er, the couldn’t convert.
“Norwood was a very physical team and bigger than us,” Clemmons said. “Jack Thomas scored our touchdown in the first quarter, and we certainly came close at the end. It just didn’t turn out in our favor.”
Thomas rushed for 150 yards in the game and Lonny Trehal added 130 more on the ground.
“We had over 320 yards on the ground,” Clemmons said. “We could move the ball, but had trouble converting in situations when we needed to. We had the speed, they had the size and that, too, was a difference.”
Elizabeth comes close in volleyballCardinals reach semis, fall to Lewis-PalmerBy Scott StockerSpecial to Colorado Community Media
It was a finish to the 2013 volleyball sea-son that the Elizabeth players and their coach had envisioned from the beginning. They just wish it could have been just a bit better.
Elizabeth, coached by Russ Haman, surprised the Class 4A field by reaching the state semifinals held Nov. 8 at the Denver Coliseum. But the Cardinals were unable to surprise number one ranked Lewis-Palmer as they lost to the Rangers, 3-0 (25-14, 25-9, 25-16) to bring their season to an end.
It was also a tough ending for Pon-derosa, competing in the same class. The Mustangs also were beaten in the semifi-nals by Air Academy, 3-0 (26-24, 25-20, 25-15). Lewis-Palmer went on to win the title defeating their Colorado Springs cross-town rival, Air Academy, 3-0 (25-11, 25-18, 25-10).
It didn’t take Lewis-Palmer long to put the matches in perspective as the Rang-ers jumped out to a 10-2 lead with junior Alexa Smith causing all sorts of trouble. And it didn’t take long for the Rangers to establish themselves in the second game as they went out to a 19-5 lead. The Cardi-nals played much better in the third game, but they still could not overcome the on-slaught.
Yet, despite the struggles in the semifi-nals, a position which few expected them to attain in the first place, there are cer-tainly no hard feelings about their compe-tition.
“Yes, we lost,” said senior Sabra Ross. “But I’m really proud of the way we played this weekend. It’s been a very good and enjoyable season with all the girls and our coaches. We came a lot further than many had thought.”
And, it was an outcome over the sea-son that will go into the Elizabeth history books. It was the first time that the Cardi-nals had reached the state tournament in volleyball.
“I’m very pleased with the outcome and the girls in this historical moment for our school,” Haman said. “I’m proud of the way we played, despite the loss today, and so are they.”
Only three seniors, Ross, Emily McChesney and Shawnee Montoya, will depart from the Elizabeth roster for next season.
It’s never a good thing to underestimate any team when it comes to any tourna-ment playoffs. But that certainly could have been the case for Elizabeth foes Montrose and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson came in as the No. 4 seed in the tourney, Montrose No. 5. Elizabeth was seeded ninth.
Elizabeth opened up its portion of the tournament coming through with a 3-1 (25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 25-10) victory over Montrose. The Cardinals followed a couple of hours later with their win over Thomas Jefferson. In this case, they defeated the Spartans 3-1 (25-22, 19-25, 25-23, 25-21).
“It’s just amazing,” said Montoya after the win over TJ. “We’ve worked hard as a team and we didn’t quit. We just gave it our all and we learned from it. The key was has just been our teamwork and growing as a family. They were good, especially their No. 11 (Celeste James). The win was a great op-portunity to move on.”
Ross was confident Elizabeth could come through with the solid effort in the early going.
“I think we just gave everything and left it out on the court,” Ross said. “We just did what we needed to do, just stay focused and not worry about making many errors. Our advantage was being close. We came in the lower seed with nothing to lose. We just gave it our all.”
Haman couldn’t have been more
pleased with the early outcome for his Car-dinals.
“It’s been a great year and we’ve been focused,” Haman said. “But it’s been that way all year. We had some tough oppo-nents, such as Cherry Creek. It’s been a learning year and to play that caliber of competition has just helped us do better. The girls learned to play with pressure and not let themselves down.
“It was just fine defense and teamwork and we had a good attack,” Haman said. “It’s been a great year and we’ve been very focused, but it been that way all year.”
Lewis-Palmer had earned its way into the semfinals with a pair of victories over crosstown rival, Coronado, 3-0 (25-8, 25-23, 25-19) and Roosevelt, 3-0 (25-8, 25-23, 25-19). Through it all, Smith was super hard to stop.
“We worked so hard this was actually a drain emotionally,” said Smith, who has had a wealth of competition on the US Ju-nior team. “I love playing with these girls and they are all like family. This was such a good win since we had lost in the champi-onship last season.”
Lewis-Palmer coach Susan Odenbaugh was also more than pleased with the out-come.
“The girls just played so well,” Oden-baugh said. “I think we only had two hit-ting errors in the championship tonight. We’ve played Air Academy four times and they play the best defense against us. I’m so proud after what happened last year. This is just a great group of kids. But, also, let it be known that the overall competition here at state was just great.”
Elizabeth’s Chloe Peterson (1) sets the ball for Sabra Ross (11) in the Cardinals’ match against Montrose at the Nov. 8 Class 4A state volleyball tournament. The spike scored a point for Elizabeth as they won the match and continued tournament play. Photo by Tom Munds
tournament results class 4a
Nov. 8 — Roosevelt def. Coronado, 3-0; Elizabeth def. Montrose 3-1; Lewis-Palmer def. Coronado, 3-1; Elizabeth def. Thomas Jefferson, 3-1; Longmont def. Pueblo West, 3-0; Cheyenne Mountain def. Valor Christian, 3-1; Ponder-osa def. Pueblo West, 3-0; Air Academy vs. Valor Christian, 3-0; Ponderosa def. Longmont, 3-1.
Nov. 9 — Thomas Jefferson def. Montrose, 3-1; Lewis-Palmer def. Roosevelt, 3-0; Air Academy def. Pondersoa, 3-0.
SEMIFINALS — Lewis-Palmer def. Elizabeth, 3-0; Air Academy def. Ponderosa, 3-0.
CHAMPIONSHIP — Lewis-Palmer def. Air Academy, 3-0.
Elbert County News 15 November 14, 2013
15-Color
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Awareness key to concussion preventionSteps taken to reduce risk to high school athletesBy Nick Puckettnpuckett@ourcolorado news.com
Throughout the past decade, “concussion” has become an increasingly dreaded word in the world of sports. With the growing awareness of the conse-quences of untreated con-cussions, being diagnosed with one or more can cause a week on the side-lines, the end of a season or, in some cases, a career.
A concussion — which the University of Rochester Medical Center describes as “a trauma-induced al-teration in mental status” — is caused by forceful im-pact to the brain, such as a blow to the head or any other injury that shakes
the brain inside the skull. According to mayoclinic.com, suffering multiple concussions or a very seri-ous concussion can result in long-term problems with speaking, motor skills or learning.
In high school sports, concussions are most com-monly diagnosed among football players, with that sport being responsible for 53.1 percent of the concus-sions recorded in a report by the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Boys lacrosse and girls soccer follow, taking blame for 9.2 percent and 7.4 percent of concussions, respectively. The same study also found a 15.5 percent increase in concussions reported among student-athletes every year during the time span, 1997-2008. The study looked at more than 10 mil-lion athletes.
In all, experts agree that the best way to quickly di-agnose and catch concus-sions is “being aware,” ac-cording to Valor Christian High School athletic trainer Allen Schroeder.
Valor Christian’s football team, which is seeking its fifth straight state champi-onship, is among the doz-ens of squads in Colorado that will take the field this week in the postseason with the threat of concus-sion ever present.
In recent years, steps have been taken to stem the threat.
In March 2011, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law an act com-monly referred to as the Jake Snakenberg Youth Concussion Act. The law is named after Jake Snaken-berg, a freshman football player at Aurora’s Grand-view High School who died in 2004 after suffering an apparent concussion and then continuing to play football the following week.
The guidelines include the requirement to com-plete an annual concus-sion recognition education course; the removal of an athlete suspected of a con-cussion from a game, com-petition or practice; and medical clearance from a health-care professional prior to returning to play in a game, competition or practice.
But is a law enough? What about the equip-ment?
Putting a cap on itAt least one piece of
football equipment that some believe shows prom-ise in concussion preven-tion has been outlawed by the Colorado High School Activities Association. The Guardian Cap, a stretch-able, soft-shell helmet cov-er that fits over the helmet, can prevent “the sub-con-cussive hits,” or “long-term, small increment injuries,” according to Justin Gree-ley, instrumentation engi-neer for the Oregon Ballis-tics Laboratories in Salem, Ore. Greeley spearheaded the experiment to test the change in amount of im-pact of a helmet-to-helmet collision with and without the Guardian Cap.
“We’re not here to de-termine if (the Guardian Caps) are safe or not,” said CHSAA assistant commis-sioner Harry Waterman, “We rely on the bodies that do the research.”
CHSAA adopts rules on equipment standards based on research from the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment in Overland Park, Kan.
Athletic equipment must pass a standard test known as the NOCSAE standard in order to be le-galized for game play. The Guardian Cap failed to pass the NOCSAE Standard for Add-On Helmet Products certification
Columbine High School once used Guardian Caps for practice exclusively, but stopped using them due to “liability issues through our district,” said Colum-bine football coach Andrew Lowry.
“I sure wish we could (use them) because I truly believe in them,” he said.
The NOCSAE Standard for Add-On Helmet Prod-ucts states that no add-on helmet products are permitted for game use without clearance for ev-ery single helmet make, model and size. According to the standard, “it is the maker of the product that declares that the product when modified by any-one be declared no longer certified,” said NOCSAE Technical Director David Halstead. “The reason is, it suddenly becomes unclear if the product, as modified, works as intended. It is un-clear who stands behind it, both for product warranty, and in the event of injury litigation.”
Within the report by the Oregon Ballistics Labora-tories and another report on a similar experiment by Wayne State University in Detroit, it was concluded, in all, that the Guardian Cap reduces the amount of impact from a head-on col-lision with a regular helmet without any accessories by 33 percent.
However, the NOCSAE standard still does not clear the Guardian Cap.
“They can’t test (the Guardian Cap) with every helmet without certain fi-nancial issues,” said Gree-ley. “None of the (helmet companies) want to take on
the liability.”Other similar accesso-
ries throughout different sports, however, are al-lowed and used in games.
Headguards have been introduced to soccer re-cently because of the rising number of concussions in the sport, especially from girls soccer.
The Full90 Premier pro-tective headgear is one headguard used through-out both boys and girls soccer, but predominantly in the girls sport. The head-gear is a padded piece of equipment that covers the forehead and temple areas of the head, locations re-sponsible for the most con-cussions in soccer.
Headguards have similar problems with the Guard-ian Cap. There may never be any hard evidence that these padded headbands will prevent concussions. The big difference is that soccer headguards are ap-proved for game use by the NOCSAE standard and by the National Federation of State High School Associa-tions. The main reason for the headguards’ clearance is that there is no article of equipment that is being tampered with or added to.
The common theme throughout both of these pieces of equipment, though, is that there is no guarantee of preventing a concussion. Precautionary measures must still be tak-en to detect and diagnose concussions.
“Most concussion pre-vention comes in the form of rule changes within each sport,” said Bre Perdue, head athletic trainer for the boys division for Regis Jesuit High School in Au-rora. “For instance, in foot-ball there is now a penalty for helmet-to-helmet hits. Players are also required to come out of the game for a down if their helmet comes off, and in lacrosse, the penalty was doubled for a check to the head.”
Preventing a second onePerhaps the most daunt-
ing part of a concussion is the possibility of second impact syndrome, which is believed to be behind Snakenberg’s death. Sec-ond impact syndrome, or SIS, occurs when a person with a concussion is force-fully struck on the head, causing severe swelling in the brain that can result in paralysis or even death.
The recent laws put into place mainly aid in the prevention of SIS. To help diagnose concussions to prevent SIS, various forms of technology are being in-troduced to athletes on and off the field.
Different forms of tech-nology are being used for athletes in high school sports. Before every season, some schools require each athlete in each sport to take something called an im-pact test, a test that records a baseline of an athlete’s brain’s performance. If sus-pected of a concussion, the athlete retakes the same test to compare to their baseline. A certain score would translate to evidence of the brain not working properly, possibly due to a concussion. Nearly every school in Colorado uses this procedure, or a test similar to it, because of the concussion education laws.
Immediate tests such as the Stat-2 test, a series of questions testing the short-term memory of the patient, are used on-site at the competition or practice to quickly see if a player has a concussion. Medical clearance is required for an athlete to return to action.
Athletes diagnosed with a concussion are recom-mended to complete a “graduated return to play,” according to Perdue.
“Most graduated return to plays follow the Zurich Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport,” said Perdue.
The Zurich Consensus
Statement on Concussion in Sport is an annual state-ment on certain medical issues from Zurich, Swit-zerland. The specified statement recommends the athlete to be symptom-free before returning and then going through a series of steps upon return.
As Valor Christian’s Schroeder said, awareness is crucial.
Diagnosing concus-sions, he said, is about “just making sure the coach or the parent has the training to (know when) to remove an athlete … it comes down to recognition.”
16 Elbert County News November 14, 2013
16-Color
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