After a nationwide search for qualified candidates, the Wheat Ridge Police Department has found a proven leader that will not just fit into the department’s culture but add to it. Division Chief Shawn Wray started with the Wheat Ridge Police Department on January 20. He brings decades of law enforcement experience and will lead the
More than a dozen projects are on Wheat Ridge Public Works Director Maria D’Andrea’s to-do list this year, including the seemingly never-ending Wadsworth Boulevard improvement and expansion project. The list also includes potential roundabouts, a bus terminal and a 10- to 20-foot-tall city welcome sign. Here is most of D’Andrea’s list, edited for clarity and
When Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff started in politics he pictured a fast-paced career in D.C. or holding a Senate seat. He didn’t think he’d be bragging about his city’s plowed streets or making a community development a reality after 20 years of planning. Although his long career in local politics wasn’t what he
The penning of poetic Valentines has been documented since the 15th century, and it rose to immense and lasting prominence during the Victorian period of the late 1800s. Consider the following four-line plea: Thou say my heart, my too fond heart / is cold, my dear, to you. / Ah! Canst thou such a thought
On January 13, 2025, the Wheat Ridge City Council took a significant step forward by adopting the new Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan, a comprehensive economic development strategy designed to guide the city toward long-term economic vitality. Developed in partnership with Progressive Urban Management Associates (P.U.M.A.), the Prosperity Plan outlines a clear vision with short, medium,
I’ve spent my entire life involved in Wheat Ridge, and this remarkable city never ceases to amaze me in the best possible ways. As a child, I cherished the moments I got to attend city functions and events with my grandfather, (former Mayor, Hank Stites) where I learned about the rich traditions and wonderful people
During the core pandemic years of 2020 and 2021, Wheat Ridge experienced a surge in crime, similar to other Colorado communities and cities across the country. Thanks to persistent police work, we can now say crime levels have dropped in 2024, for the third consecutive year. The Wheat Ridge Police Department is now seeing Calls
Wheat Ridge, you’ve outdone yourselves. Thanks to your remarkable generosity, this year’s Colorado Gives Day campaign not only met but far surpassed our $10,000 goal, raising an incredible $13,939. This marks the most successful campaign in Localworks’ history—and it’s all thanks to you. As Localworks Executive Director Paige shared, “Three years ago, we had this
January at the Historical Society welcomes the new year with a favorite Second Saturday Social at the Baugh House from 10:00-2:00. It’s Tea Party time, based on the British long-observed tradition of High Tea. WRHS board member Bonnie Botham loves hosting this special day and promises several kinds of tea and a plethora of culinary
As we welcome 2025, I want to share my excitement for the year ahead and highlight the projects and initiatives that will shape our community in meaningful ways. Our vision for Wheat Ridge is one of prosperity, connection, and sustainability, and this year promises to be pivotal in realizing that vision. This year the city
While grabbing coffee at Stylus and Crate recently, a woman flagged me over to her table. She introduced herself, sharing that she recognized me from watching Wheat Ridge City Council Meetings and that she is really impressed with how much the city has accomplished. And she doesn’t even live in Wheat Ridge! This exchange got
Closing a public school starts what is usually a lengthy process to determine how those buildings and sites are put to other uses. For example, Kullerstrand, New Classical Academy at Vivian and Wilmore Davis served Wheat Ridge families and were among 16 Jefferson County School District elementaries closed by the school board at the end
The Wheat Ridge City Council announced the adoption of the City of Wheat Ridge’s 2025 budget with a unanimous 8-0 vote during their meeting on November 25, 2024. The approved budget outlines a strategic vision for delivering essential services while advancing key community priorities and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The $95.6 million budget reflects the city
Dust off your “ugly” sweaters and brush up on your trivia knowledge to get ready for a cheer-filled holiday celebration with a healthy dose of friendly competition. Join Localworks and Clear Creek Makerspace for a festive trivia night on Tuesday, Dec. 17, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. As the holiday season approaches, gather your friends
Having grown up in Wheat Ridge in the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, I have many wonderful memories embedded in my heart. If I could go back and do it again, I would. We were right in the middle of the baby boom generation, post WWII and the Korean War. There was a serious increase in
Our city is embarking on an exciting next chapter, guided by thoughtful planning efforts to ensure a sustainable, prosperous, and vibrant future. I’m thrilled to share updates on two key initiatives— the 2024 Sustainability Action Plan Update and the Wheat Ridge Prosperity Plan, compliments to our ongoing City Plan process. Together, these efforts reflect our
From outdoor classes and graduation to concerts and festivals to a place to gather, a new Wheat Ridge park promises many fun times. Once completed next summer, the nearly two-acre Green at 38th Park will include a stage/outdoor classroom, civic greenspace, festival promenade for vendors, playground, two fire pits, a game grove, seating areas, significantly
After two and a half years of waiting, a Wheat Ridge police officer finally received the closure he deserves. On October 10, a judge sentenced Andre Jones, the man convicted of the attempted murder of Wheat Ridge Police Officer Allan Fischer, to the maximum sentence of 32 years in prison. Jones will serve three additional
Just like finding a specific grave on the-180 acre campus of Olinger Crown Hill Cemetery, trying to pinpoint focus for a column on Crown Hill is a challenge! The oldest graves lie in the northeast area, close to Wadsworth and 32nd Ave. Look quick to the south while heading east on 32nd toward Wadsworth, and
The City of Wheat Ridge’s Planning Division is moving forward with a proposal to create a unique zoning district for the Lutheran Legacy Campus, located at the former Lutheran Medical Center site. This custom zoning framework, named the “Mixed Use – Lutheran Legacy Campus (MU-LLC),” will align with the recommendations outlined in the Lutheran Legacy
The end may be approaching for Wheat Ridge motorists who have had to slowly navigate through seemingly never-ending lane closures and slowdowns on Wadsworth Boulevard for the last three years. The city recently announced the multi-year improvement project had reached 75% completion in terms of money paid: $40.5 million of the $55.265 million contract. Barring
Wheat Ridge is working on a City Plan, and we want to hear from you. The City Plan, which is often called a comprehensive plan, will articulate our community’s vision for the next 20 years, establish shared values, and identify priorities for the future. It also provides direction on issues such as what land uses
The Historical Society’s Cider Day Festival celebrating “all things apple” is approaching. I meant to discuss (and will, later) the wonderful offerings planned at the Historical Park for Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10:00 to 2:00, but that discussion was derailed by a last-minute visit to the Old Post Office where I found workers busily sifting
Localworks is thrilled to continue the excitement surrounding the launch of Explore44, the new corridor identity for 44th Avenue. To celebrate and engage Wheat Ridge residents and visitors, Localworks is launching the first-ever Explore44 fun run and block party. The “Rad Retro Run: Journey Back to the 80s” will take place at 9:00 a.m. on
