January 2026

Marketplace

Why Insurance Rates Are So High—and When Relief Might Come

The causes of rising insurance rates vary by type of coverage, whether auto, home, or health insurance. Auto Insurance Auto insurance rates in Colorado have increased substantially over the past decade for several reasons. The cost to repair vehicles has risen significantly, driveBy more expensive parts and labor. Colorado is also considered a favorable state

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Community

When Does Local Support Local?

Supporting local businesses, schools, families, and neighborhoods should come naturally. It’s what we do when a new shop opens on the corner, when we enroll our kids in the school down the block, or when a business owner becomes more than a name on a storefront—they become a neighbor. We celebrate their wins, and when

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Health

Local Researchers Work to Predict COPD Before Symptoms Appear

What if doctors could tell you decades in advance whether you’re likely to develop lung disease? Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus are working to make that idea a reality. Dr. William Vandivier, a professor in the pulmonary division at CU and director of UCHealth’s Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) program, is

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Health

Staying Alert and Positive During the Winter Months

The winter months consist of colder temperatures, varying weather conditions, and the potential for ice. Winter conditions, changing schedules, and holidays can impact the ability for socialization and leaving the home, leading to a potential for isolation. Social isolation and loneliness have the potential to lead to negative health impacts, such as anxiety, depression, and

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Health

Intermountain Health’s Support Helps Lower Youth Suicide Rates in Jefferson County Schools

Recently, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Office of Suicide Prevention announced that the suicide rate for youth ages 10-18 has fallen to its lowest level since 2007. In Jefferson County, Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital is supporting suicide prevention and mental health work through the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. In 2025, Intermountain

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Health

Direct Your Momentum

I’m not an expert in numerology or astrology, and I definitely don’t dictate my life choices in response to my horoscope, but 2026 is an interesting year in these two fields of study. In numerology we just exited a nine year and entered into a one year, the beginning of a new cycle. The energy

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Health

Meet Dr. Kevin: A Different Kind of Dentist

When most people think of the dentist, they imagine bright lights, uncomfortable procedures, and the faint hum of a handpiece. But for Dr. Kevin Schwandt of Reclaim Integrative Dentistry & Implant Center, dentistry is about something much more—it’s about helping people understand and support the connection between their oral health and systemic health. Dr. Kevin

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Marketplace

Building and Maintaining the Right Team

Building the right team is one of the most important factors in any organization’s long-term success. At the core of this idea is a principle highlighted by Jim Collins in his classic book Good to Great: it’s not just about having people on the bus—it’s about making sure you have the right people on the

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Wheat Ridge

Aging Buildings, Outdated Systems, Oh My!

When I bought my house in 2011, the home inspector noted that the hot water heater was 15 years old and operational but at the end of its “functional lifespan.” He encouraged me to budget $1500 for replacement including additional expenses to bring my basement up to code. With a lengthy list of projects to

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Community

Wheat Ridge Drivers Navigate New Continuous Flow Intersections on Wadsworth

After nearly four years of construction, two new continuous flow intersections (CFIs) opened on Wadsworth Boulevard in December, marking a major step in one of the largest infrastructure projects in Wheat Ridge history. The CFI at Wadsworth and 38th Avenue opened on December 9, followed by the second intersection at 44th Avenue on December 16.

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Community

Make Every Day an Adventure in Style

As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect time to refresh not just our wardrobes, but our entire attitude towards fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned style connoisseur or just starting to explore your personal aesthetic, remember this: You are the occasion. Picture this—you’re heading out for a quick errand, maybe to the grocery

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Mountain View

Mountain View Updates

Mountain View Community Forums Coming in 2026 In 2026, the Town of Mountain View will continue offering Community Forums designed to create additional opportunities for connection, conversation, and community input outside of regular Council meetings and workshops. They will generally be held on the third Saturday of most months. Mayor and Council Community Forums provide

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Mountain View

A Mayor’s Vision for Mountain View – 2026

Over the past four years, I have spent a great deal of time reflecting on what makes a small town function well—not just operationally, but humanly. Again and again, I return to the same conclusion: kindness matters. And not just kindness between neighbors, but kindness within governance itself. For me, the truest expression of kindness

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Community

Bar Stool Bingo a Huge Success for Localworks

Thank you, Wheat Ridge, for another incredible Colorado Gives Day! Thanks to your generosity, we raised a total of $10,311. Every penny is going back into your community and directly to the Clear Creek Makerspace. Our hearts are full of gratitude. It means so much to see the community rally around the Makerspace. Having a

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Community

Join Localworks at SPENGA for an Athletic Clothing Swap

This January, start your New Year’s health goals off with a new-to-you workout wardrobe at Localworks’ first Live Local event of the year. Localworks and SPENGA Wheat Ridge are teaming up to bring you another exciting Live Local clothing swap! Join us on Tuesday, January 20 from 4:00–7:00 PM at SPENGA’s beautiful studio located at

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Community

New Year Brings New Ideas For Those Who Love History – Be Resolute!

New Years always brings resolutions. You know, when you resolve to do something differently, generally better. ChatGPT tells me that in the U.S. the top four categories most people vow to make change include health/fitness, financial well-being, personal growth/happiness and mental health/stress management. Recent surveys taken in 2025, however, show some changes in the ratings race.

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Community

City Of Wheat Ridge Announces Substantial Completion of Wadsworth Improvement Project

After years of anticipation, planning, and construction, the City of Wheat Ridge is proud to announce the substantial completion of the Wadsworth Improvement Project, the largest infrastructure project the city has ever undertaken. Wadsworth Boulevard is now fully open, featuring safer, smoother, and more efficient travel for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders alike. While

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Opinion

Letters to the Editor

Hi all, Thank you Guy for your tenacity as a smiling warrior seeking to keep the community informed about good, bad or ugly items of business or governance. I also love the mix of human interest stories that involves our neighbors as well. This is such a nice paper to receive each month. Your publication

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Wheat Ridge

City of Wheat Ridge Appoints Susan Wood to Fill District III Council Vacancy

The Wheat Ridge City Council has appointed Susan A. Wood, to represent District III, filling a vacancy that opened earlier this fall. Wood was choseBy a majority vote following a public application and interview process held during the council’s December 8 meeting. Wood has lived in Wheat Ridge for 32 years and served on both

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Publisher's Corner

Substitute Motion

There was a time when you could attend a city council meeting and witness transparency in action. Actual debates on issues that affected this town and every resident. Emotions ran high, logical explanations were offered, and options were weighed by councilors and city staff. You heard your district representative express opinions and voice concerns. Financial

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Community

Wheat Ridge Police Department To Grow Speed Cam Program In 2026

Following the successful rollout of the Wheat Ridge Police Department’s automated speed camera program, the department expects to add additional cameras throughout the community in January of 2026. So far, speed cameras outside of Wheat Ridge High School and Anderson Park have acted as a successful deterrent, showing fewer people are excessively speeding in these

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