Home Energy workshop
Xcel Energy’s home energy audit team will explain low cost energy improvements that can save household energy costs at a workshop from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14 at the Foss Building, 1224 Washington Ave. Current rebate programs and energy efficient product availability will be explained. For more information visit cityofgolden.net/energy or call Theresa Worsham 303-384-8117.
Molson Coors profits double
First quarter profits at Molson Coors Brewing Co. nearly doubled compared to the same quarter last year, despite a slowdown in British and Canadian beer sales. Molson Coors represents the brewery sales outside of the United States. Executives attributed the rise in profits to cost cutting and raising prices on their products.
Masons honor long-term members
A total of 650 years of service to Masonry by 18 of its members was celebrated by Golden City Lodge Number 1 at the Masonic Hall in Golden. Those that earned 25-year pins were Chris Artimis, Norman Condreay, Donald Kirby, Michael McGuire, Dave Morrison, Roger Phillips, Kenneth Reeves and Peter Zerdt. Those that earned 50-year pins and certificates were Harry Artemis, Robert Bammerlin, Claude Branch, Ivan Flor, Emmerson Kemp, Homer Maughan, Peter Rutledge, Wallace Techentien and Byron Walker. The honorees were presented with their awards by the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Colorado, Brian L. Cotter, two of his Grand line officers, and the Worshipful Master of Golden City Lodge Number 1, Michael Tims.
Pine Beetle found in Golden
The mountain pine beetle was identified in two lodgepole pine trees growing on a residential property in the Beverly Heights neighborhood west of Hwy. 6 at the end of April. Citizens with valuable large pines may wish to prevent infestations by applying chemical treatments. Those treatments must be applied in May or June by a professional tree care company. The ponderosa, lodgepole and scotch pine are most likely to be affected.
More information about the pine beetle and treatments are available from the Colorado State University Cooperative Extension in Golden, (www.ext.colostate.edu) and the Colorado State Forest Service, (www.csfs.colostate.edu)
Pedestrian upgrades to U.S. 6 at 19th Street begin
Naranjo Civil Constructors were scheduled to begin pedestrian safety improvements at the intersection of U.S. Highway 6 and 19th Street. The project will add sidewalks, widen existing sidewalks, create raised pedestrian islands and upgrade pedestrian walk signals. Contractors will stage the construction to minimize traffic impacts. The project is expected to last four or five weeks.
Preliminary hearing in homicide case postponed
A preliminary hearing in the homicide case against Darla Jenkins has been postponed until May 22 because the defense did not have a copy of the victim’s autopsy report and a toxicology report. Jenkins is accused of killing her husband, Jesse Jenkins, in their Golden home. The case is the first homicide in Golden since 1996. The prosecution did not object to the hearing’s continuance.
Teen pleads guilty
A 17-year-old Arvada teen accused in the skitching death of 16-year-old Ryan Bailey pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
On Feb. 25, the teen was driving a Ford Mustang with his 16-year-old friend Ryan Bailey hanging on to the side of the car, being pulled on his skateboard, according to investigators. Bailey, who was not wearing a helmet, appears to have let go or become disconnected from the side of the car and was hit by the Mustang. He later died from his injuries. Both Bailey and the teen that was driving were students at Ralston Valley High School.
Officials are communicating that skitching is a very dangerous activity. According to Arvada police this is the second death in their community in the last six months of a skateboarder being towed by a car. Sentencing has been set for June 24. The court ordered that a pre-sentence investigation report be completed.
Storey awards senior liaison
Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey awarded Arvada Police Senior Liaison Jim Becker with the District Attorney’s highest honor, the Courage Coin. The award is reserved for individuals who deserve recognition for dedication and commitment to the community.
Officer Jim Becker has been with the Arvada Police Department since 1983 and was appointed as senior liaison in May 2005. He researched safety and crime issues facing seniors and is credited with his insights into crime that victimizes seniors, such as the seniors being too embarrassed to come forward. Many programs designed to empower and assist seniors in Arvada were championed by Officer Becker, including: the File of Life program, Colorado LifeTrak, Solicitor Information cards, and Survive-2-95 (senior safe driving awareness). He also produced a monthly newsletter, “The Senior Siren,” which is distributed to senior centers and retirement communities.
Woman not guilty by reason of insanity
An Arvada woman who allegedly killed her 87-year-old mother was found not guilty by reason of insanity at a trial last week. Louise Ann Jekowski, 54, lived with her mother, Ardyce Jekowski, at 6857 Newcombe St. in Arvada. In the early morning hours of Jan. 17, 2008, Louise Jekowski strangled her mother to death and then called 911 and reported it to the police, according to investigators. Jekowski has a history of mental illness dating back to her teens. Over the years she has had numerous mental health hospitalizations. In an interview with police following her arrest Jekowski said that she had not taken her medication for over 24 hours and that she had not slept for four days. Following the trial to the court, District Judge Christopher Munch found that Jekowski met the legal standard and was so diseased or defective in mind at the time of the murder that she was incapable of distinguishing right from wrong. Judge Munch ordered her committed to the Colorado Mental Health Institute until such time as she is restored to sanity.