Tuesday, April 24, 2018

‘She gave me something to live for’

Rebekah Barstnar, 23, a heroin addict, lay on a cot in a Douglas County jail cell, vomiting repeatedly, too weak to walk to the nearby bathroom. Pain in her back deepened, her bones ached, her skin …

Former Douglas County teacher/softball coach sentenced to jail, probation

A former Douglas County High School English teacher and softball coach accepted a plea deal in a Douglas County courtroom on April 24 after being charged in June with two felonies, including sexual …

Colorado Supreme Court upholds taxes for special districts

The Colorado Supreme Court has upheld the legality of sales taxes that are collected by two special districts in metropolitan Denver. Monday's ruling came in a lawsuit filed by a taxpayer advocacy …

Health

Mammogram follow-ups can be fraught with fear

It could have been a luxury spa day. Five women sat gathered in a small waiting room, clad in purple smocks with pink trim, listening to soft music and indulging in individual-sized snacks of cookies …

State Sen. Kagan formally accused of harassment

Two Republican state senators have accused state Sen. Daniel Kagan of being inside a restroom for female legislators and staff at the state Capitol, one filing a formal sexual-harassment complaint …

Meet with us April 26

Shared Stories: Community forum on mental health and youth

Andrew Romanoff, CEO of Mental Health Colorado, and two of our local youth will share stories April 26 about mental health challenges and the importance of early intervention. The forum is from 7-9 p.m. at the Lone Tree Library in Douglas County. To sign up for this free event, go to DCL.org. Watch it live, here. More information at Douglascountynewspress.net

News

Jeffco educators join groundswell of teachers protesting for funding

Teachers from Jefferson County will join the hundreds who have already lobbied at the Colorado State Capitol this month pressuring lawmakers to address education funding and protect the Public …

Celebrating Arbor Day

What does it mean to be a Tree City USA? The Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program began in 1976. Since then, more than 3,400 communities across the U.S. have become a Tree City. In Colorado, …

Heroin Impact Project to target drug dealers

James “Sandy” Winnefeld, a retired Navy admiral, lost his son, a University of Denver student, to an overdose of fentanyl-laced heroin last September. His story gained widespread attention …

Jeffco students hold 'Vote For Our Lives' rally at Columbine

Hundreds gathered at Clement Park April 19, the evening before the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting, for the Vote for Our Lives Rally organized by Jefferson County …

Marijuana extract being eyed for U.S. medical market

A closely watched medicine made from the marijuana plant reduces seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy and warrants approval in the United States, health officials said April 17. British …

Life

Painter celebrates anniversary with reception at Parker studio

Painter Jay Moore is celebrating five years in his downtown Parker studio location with exhibition of a body of new works. Visitors are welcome to see his new paintings reflecting his love of his …

Daniels Park land donor to be remembered in ceremony

Have readers ever wondered about how the beautiful Daniels Park in Douglas County came to be? They can thank Florence Martin, who will be celebrated by members of the Sedalia Museum from 1 to 3 p.m. …

Silent films speak

The vast majority of the films that will be shown in the seventh annual Denver Silent Film Festival are 90 years old, at the youngest. But Howie Movshovitz, director of the festival, adamantly argues …

Wonderbound comes through with another offbeat creation

Wonderbound Ballet’s newest production, “Madness, Rack and Honey,” comes at an especially appropriate time: April is National Poetry Month! Inspired by poetry as well as familiar classical …

Young Artist Award goes to flutist from Golden

Flutist Megan Doyle, a senior at Golden High School, has been named the 42nd Annual recipient of the Denver Concert Band’s Young Artist Award and will perform “Concertino for Flute Op. 107” by …

Sports

Sisters a winning combination for Ponderosa

Jensen Ellis is a playmaker for the Ponderosa girls soccer team. She controls the Mustangs’ offense and her precise passes often to lead to goals. Jensen’s younger sister Jazlynn has benefited …

Signing key players among top priorities for Nuggets

Nuggets general manager Tim Connelly says contract extensions for center Nikola Jokic and guard Will Barton are among his offseason priorities and he hinted coach Michael Malone might be in line for …

As draft looms for Broncos, new quarterback's drive remains strong

Case Keenum couldn't wait to get out of Minnesota. No, he's not bitter over the Vikings' decision to move on to Kirk Cousins. And he isn't gloating over being “the man” for the first time in his …

Pole vaulting is challenging event to master

“Yes, like all sports there can be risks,” said Ellis. “The entire pole vault community works hard to make it as safe as possible for athletes. The padding has got much better and bigger. …

Hensley gives back to the community that made her

Gold-medal winning Olympic goalie Nicole Hensley had a simple piece of advice for all the young girl hockey players looking to make a name for themselves on the ice — “Don't let anyone tell you …