Ken Johnstone was the former Community Development Director at City of Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Ken cared deeply about this city—so much so that it drove him crazy when someone bad-mouthed it. If a contractor or resident got tangled in the bureaucratic mess, Ken was the first to step in and help. And if the city
The food scene in Wheat Ridge continues to evolve, bringing both challenges and triumphs to our beloved local establishments. One thing is certain: there is no shortage of passion, dedication, and flavor in this community. As we navigate the highs and lows of the restaurant industry, we want to take a moment to highlight some
We are surrounded by passionate people that will persuade and try to convince you that today sucks and that tomorrow will be worse. Throughout history, and various forms of governments, people have tried to convince one another that their way was the right way. That it was the only way. What you said and how
You can just imagine how shocked I was after seeing my favorite restaurant in the news, announcing their closure. Benzina at 4839 E Colfax Avenue in Park Hill, is in fact, shutting down. We had just highlighted them in last month’s issue. After 4 years of producing amazing meals and providing top notch service, they
As parents, we try to sugarcoat the bad news to our children. Not wanting to hurt their feelings. In the work place we find ways to prove, justify and cajole the facts and numbers to show our accomplishments. Our schools have been lowering the bar to make parents feel good about their kids and avoid
It’s been great to see local restaurants finally adjust their hours to take advantage of the many consumers out there looking for meal or a beverage. Little Brazil on 7333 W38TH Ave is now open every day except for Monday. Great cocktails, delicious menu and live music. Also great to see Colorado Plus Brewery now
Each month, Andrea Burch, President of Intermountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare. Is Lutheran pursuing Level 1 trauma status, and what’s
Colorado’s struggle with suicide has been a persistent issue, with the state experiencing a 30.2% increase in suicide rates over the past 20 years[1]. While Colorado has made significant progress in addressing youth suicide, moving from the top 3 to 15th in rankings, the overall situation remains concerning. In 2022, Colorado reported 1,293 deaths by
With so much being argued over and debated in our community, I thought I’d share with you an update on a different kind of squabbling. When we brought BE, our hen, home along with her nine feathered sisters, it was obvious that she was not in her “good place”. Chest thumping, hanging out on her
The restaurant scene in Wheat Ridge is a dynamic and vital part of the city’s identity, but it’s not without its challenges. As costs of food and labor continue to rise, many local establishments find themselves grappling with the need to balance quality and affordability. While some restaurants enjoy strong community support, higher prices and
Each month, Andrea Birch, President of Intermountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare. After successfully prepping and relocating an entire hospital, 5
I’ve often reflected on how hard it was to move to and become a citizen of the United States. The paperwork, the attorneys, the testing, and, of course, the waiting—it was an arduous journey. It was never about a specific state or city; for me, it was about the idea of the country itself. Recently,
Each month, Andrea Burch, President of Intermountain Lutheran Hospital, shares insights on healthcare innovation, community wellness initiatives, and behind-the-scenes updates on how the new hospital is taking shape. From medical breakthroughs to heartfelt patient stories, this interview connects our readers with the pulse of local healthcare. I met President Burch at a local coffee shop.
The food scene is once again heating up in the neighborhood. Super excited that Colorado Plus has reopened after their extensive remodeling project. Love going back to the original menu with the amazing burger. I’m still iffy about the full and no service but I’ll take it. I sit at the bar anyhow. I do
For whatever reason , I was expecting so much more from 24, but I am grateful for every year and what it brings. New businesses to our town, new families moving in on our streets. No doubt that this year’s elections was a relief to some, a gut punch to others and the rest just
With the constant stream of proposals and regulations up for debate in this election season, it can be challenging to keep track of what’s actually on the ballot—let alone decipher all the opinion pieces circulating online and at community meetings. Each side accuses the other of spreading misinformation, lying, or concealing key facts. This piece,
It was just past the Syracuse, New York exit on I-90 when Bruce made a terrible vibrating sound. I quickly pulled over the side of the highway. It was Saturday and so most places I called were closed. But I did google VW-EuroVan near Syracuse and got on the Eurovan FB to ask for help.
In December of 2021 the Jeffco School Board voted to partner up with the City of Arvada and APEX Recreation (funded 50% by property taxes) and build a 35 million dollar swimming facility for the residents of Arvada. This was to replace the aging Meyers Pool. Much was written about the issue. Who was footing
It’s been a year since the world witnessed the barbaric acts of the Hamas terrorists upon a music festival and families in a small town in Israel. Thousands murdered, raped and kidnapped and still more than 100 hostages kept and tortured in those tunnels. It was the largest number of jewish people killed in one
Wait what? You can just imagine my reaction when the Wheat Ridge Theatre company asked me to run an ad for their next play titled “Bad Jews”. I mean our city is already home to one of the largest Nazi music distributors in the country, and I’m thinking “now what???” Turns out it’s an award-winning
Last year Jefferson Board of Education voted to shut down 16 elementary schools. This was a way to save 12 million dollars. Among them, Kullwerstrand and Wilmore Davis in Wheat Ridge, Vivian (also known as Classic Academy) in Lakewood, were ones that Wheat Ridge families had attended. The plan was to consider 2 buildings every
I am a self-confessed Olympics junkie. Having attended 2 Olympics in person, I follow them every 2 years and still not sure whether I prefer the summer or winter versions. This year’s Summer Olympics in France produced more world records and social media footage than ever. Yes, it’s easy to harp on the complaints of
So much has happened in the last few weeks in the local food scene. New places have popped up and a few have sadly closed down. Wolf and Wildflower wine bar (7190 W. 38th Ave.) has new owners but have kept the same name and delicious wines flowing and they have now added coffee in
Losing friends or making friends based on their political beliefs is unfortunately quite common these days. In fact disagreeing with someone will almost certainly sever that relationship and have you labeled as a “negative” person. This was by far the most talked about topic at our Gazette booth at RidgeFest and The Edgewater Music Festival.
