In response to Colorado House Bill 25-1135, Jeffco Public Schools has developed a districtwide policy on student use of personal technology devices (e.g. cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds) during the school day. On June 11, 2026, the Jeffco Board of Education voted to approve the Student Use of Personal Technology Devices Policy (JSA) and its
Colorado summers are made for hiking, park days, patio outings, and outdoor adventures with our pets. But Denver’s combination of high temperatures, intense sunshine, and higher elevation can create unique risks for dogs and cats. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that heat-related illnesses can develop quickly—even when temperatures don’t seem extreme. Here are
Happy July, my nature-loving friends. Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut, here. Halfway through 2026. Where the heck did May and June disappear to? An amazing spring if you are a nature lover such as I. Badly needed rain in May has turned a sepia-toned world into a sea of green and shut down the gloom-and-doom
In 2014, I ran for the Colorado House after spending 2013 helping design and pass the Colorado Voter Access & Modernization Act as state director for America Votes. I hoped HD-24 voters would want a public policy expert willing to fight for a progressive agenda to increase reproductive freedom, protect our environment and stand up
Colorado’s employment law landscape is constantly evolving. It is critical – but not always easy – for employers to remain up to date and compliant with these new requirements. We’ve compiled a quick and high-level review of the changes that have arrived in 2026 in Colorado. Wage and Hour updates House Bill 25-1001 amended Colorado’s
This time of year always brings a wave of nostalgia for me. Every 4th of July we’d gather up our things, load the car, and head on the road for 6 hours from my childhood home in northern Illinois to my dad’s best friend’s house in Traverse City, Michigan. He lived right on the bay
For patients experiencing homelessness, leaving the hospital can be one of the most vulnerable moments in the healing journey. A safe bed, a clean place to rest, and support with medications or follow-up care can make the difference between recovery and a return to the emergency room. Through its partnership with RecoveryWorks, Intermountain Health Lutheran
Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital now offers a new treatment for patients with an enlarged prostate, a common condition that impacts millions of men in the U.S. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a prostate that has grown to be larger than normal. BPH is not prostate cancer. As the prostate grows, it may constrict the urethra, making it difficult to
Most people associate tooth infections with severe pain—but the truth is, dental infections can present in many different ways. In some cases, symptoms may seem minor or unrelated, causing people to delay treatment until the infection becomes more serious. A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, occurs when bacteria enter the inner portion
The question I’ve heard more than any other over the past few months has been, “Is Rolling Smoke BBQ open?” The second most common comment? “The food is amazing.” It was time to find out for myself. Located at 7100 W. 38th Ave., in the heart of Wheat Ridge, Rolling Smoke BBQ occupies the former
This July, communities across the country are beginning to mark America’s 250th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in 2026. It is a natural moment to look back at where we’ve come from and to look ahead at what kind of community we want to be in the next generation. For our twelveblock Town of
Edgewater is facing increasing pressure to maintain and improve its public infrastructure, and the Right-of-Way Improvements initiative reflects a broader effort to address those needs in a thoughtful and forward-looking way. At its core, the project recognizes that right-of-way areas, such as sidewalks, curb ramps and bike facilities, are some of the most visible and
During its June 1 study session, Wheat Ridge City Council reviewed two code enforcement issues with public safety implications: recreational vehicle (RV) parking in parks and updates to the city’s massage business licensing rules. The first discussion focused on proposed amendments to the Wheat Ridge Code of Laws that would regulate RV parking in city
The people who serve Wheat Ridge and the department’s culture have turned it into a destination for young people pursuing a career in law enforcement. On Friday, June 5, eight people graduated the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Lakewood Combined Regional Law Enforcement Academy to join the ranks at the Wheat Ridge Police Department. The
Each year, the Neighborhood Gazette proudly awards the Lou Olivera Citizenship Scholarship, honoring the life and legacy of Louis ‘Lou’ Olivera -U.S. Army Ranger, devoted community member, and proud American. Lou believed that citizenship is not just a status, but a responsibility- lived through service, integrity, and compassion. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a
Walk into Little Brazil and one thing immediately stands out: optimism. Located at 7333 W. 38th Ave., owner Kellen Marques greets guests with the same enthusiasm she had on opening day. The difference today is experience. After navigating the challenges of restaurant ownership, she’s emerged wiser, more confident, and determined to trust her instincts. Kellen
Wheat Ridge is home to 2,533 businesses in roughly nine square miles, which provides immense opportunity for businesses to network, support each other and promote the city’s local economy. Businesses in Wheat Ridge are surrounded by chambers, associations, economic development organizations, referral groups, corridor identities, grant programs and civic clubs. Each serves a purpose in
Written for, and with, everyone who called Dominick Breton a friend On the morning of June 18, 2026, the news moved through Wheat Ridge faster than Clear Creek in a spring melt. Dominick Breton was gone — after a short illness, before the Carnation Festival, before his time. How do you fit a man like
Panorama Park holds a special place in Wheat Ridge history as the oldest park in the City’s Parks and Recreation system. Originally constructed in the early 1950s, the approximately 9.3-acre park has served as a community gathering place for generations. Located along 35th Avenue between Fenton Street and Depew Street, Panorama Park sits on land
The mouth-watering scent of burgers and hot dogs on the grill will waft through the Historical Park on Saturday, July 11 when the Historical Society holds a Community Potluck Picnic from 10:00–2:00 as a way to thank residents for their support. Special this year is the celebration of the Sesquisemiquincentennial (250/150) Celebration, the theme for
Early bird registration is now open for Localworks’ fourth annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, scheduled for Sept. 17 at Applewood Golf Course in Golden. You can purchase your tickets online at wearelocalworks.org/golf. Golfers who register by July 31 will receive discounted rates of $100 for an individual player or $350 for a foursome. Beginning Aug. 1, registration increases
Wheat Ridge residents now have a new way to experience the Wheat Ridge Greenbelt, one of the city’s most beloved areas. The City of Wheat Ridge celebrated the completion of the Tabor Lake Trail on June 4, marking the opening of a new accessible trail that allows visitors to safely walk, exercise, and enjoy the
Name: Andy Pocernich Explain your job: As a lifeguard, I spend the majority of my time scanning the water for people in distress and when needed aiding those people. I do this to ensure that all of our patrons can have a safe, fun time at the pool. Additional parts of my job include slide
One of the things I love most about Wheat Ridge is that people here care. They care about their neighborhoods. They care about local businesses. They care about parks, trails, public safety and the future of our community. Most importantly, they care enough to show up, ask questions and share ideas. That spirit of involvement
