First, Lutheran Hospital moved to a new location. Now, an agreement has been reached that could put the hospital’s day-to-day operations under new management. Intermountain became Lutheran’s parent system through its 2022 merger with SCL Health, which had operated Lutheran for decades. The new campus at Clear Creek Crossing at 12911 W. 40th Ave. is
Construction and demolition materials are a significant source of waste in the United States. When buildings are torn down, the process typically generates about 90% of the overall generation of waste in the construction cycle, meaning that old buildings usually end up in the landfill. Some Wheat Ridge residents may have noticed that there is
September is here, and one thing is sure: dog days of summer are finally waning. For folks at the Historical Society, it actually means two things. First, we are greatly relieved major heat waves in our un-air conditioned buildings are subsiding, and second, we note the passing of the September Second Saturday event “Dog Days”,
Do you enjoy telling your neighbors about the great businesses and people that make Wheat Ridge special? Localworks may have just the volunteer opportunity for you. Localworks is looking for a Ridge at 38 Volunteer Storyteller — a community member who can spend a few hours each week helping us share the stories of the
Name: Tom Gray Explain your job: I have worked in many different positions in the city: surveyor, designer, voluntary laborer at Public Works, and currently as an Engineering Tech. How long have you worked for the city? Retiring in November after 25 years with Public Works Favorite sandwich: One that drips down the chin after
One of the things I love most about Wheat Ridge is that we don’t have to choose between small-town charm and big-city amenities. We have tree-lined neighborhoods, longtime local businesses, parks where neighbors know each other and community traditions that have been around for generations. And as a third-generation Wheat Ridge resident, I would know.
Long before Wheat Ridge was known for its parks and neighborhoods, it was known for something else, celery. In the 1930s, celery farming was a way of life for many Wheat Ridge families. It was hard work that required long days, strong backs, and a little luck with the weather. If a family was fortunate,
Over the last few months, the most visible changes at the former Lutheran Hospital campus have revolved around clearing old buildings to make way for new construction. Now, the roughly 100-acre redevelopment is beginning to reveal what is coming next. Demolition at the Lutheran Legacy Campus remains on schedule and is expected to wrap up
The City of Wheat Ridge will begin work on 38th Avenue sometime in 2027. The Kipling to Youngfield project is part of the $76 million project approved by voters 2 years ago. The project will include safe routes to schools for kids on bikes as well as 3 roundabouts (see plan drawings). City council is now
The 38th Avenue corridor is the heart and main street of Wheat Ridge and as the community prioritizes safety, engagement, placemaking and identity, the challenge becomes balancing these long term goals with the everyday needs of the current businesses and their customers. At the city council meeting on June 15th, a refresh of 38th Avenue
Finding blind spots, changing procedures and raising awareness of potential bias or discrimination in Wheat Ridge’s internal policies are parts of an upcoming equity audit. The city council, by a 5-3 vote on July 13, approved spending up to $96,000 in reserve money for the audit. Council members Mike Okada, Rachel Hultin, Jenny Snell, Kathleen
For 57 years, the Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival has celebrated more than the city’s rich agricultural heritage—it has celebrated the people who have helped shape our community. One of the Festival’s longest-standing traditions is recognizing individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and commitment have made a lasting impact on Wheat Ridge. Each year, community members nominate outstanding
Now in his sixth year as chief of the Wheat Ridge Police Department, Chief Christopher Murtha reflects on changing crime trends from the height of the pandemic to today. With the help of new technologies and the largest graduating class of police officers in the department’s history, the police force can focus more on proactive
The name “5 Fridges Farm,” although nicely alliterative, seems a mighty unusual name for a farm. On the other hand, when one stops to consider all that goes on at a working farm, it starts to make sense. A farm that regularly produces lots of eggs and milk certainly needs a reliable method of refrigeration,
Summer is still in full swing, and we’re celebrating with an evening of family fun, sweet treats, and community at El Arka Plaza (located at 6875 W. 38th Ave)! Join Localworks on Thursday, August 13, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. for a fun-filled Live Local at one of Wheat Ridge’s newest community gathering places. El
The City of Wheat Ridge has been awarded a $2.64 million grant through the Colorado Energy Office’s Local Implementation, Mitigation, and Policy Action (Local IMPACT) Accelerator program, bringing significant state investment to the community without increasing costs for local taxpayers. The grant funding will help reduce costs, improve public facilities, and support a more sustainable
The City of Wheat Ridge’s Homeless Navigation Program has reached over 200 housing placements since its inception in December of 2020. The City of Wheat Ridge Homeless Navigation Program follows the county-wide navigator model that was developed in 2020. Wheat Ridge has a Homeless Navigator and a Housing Navigator full-time on staff who help people
Name: Jill Mendoza Explain your job: As Economic Development Manager and Executive Director of Renewal Wheat Ridge, I lead efforts to implement the City’s Prosperity Plan and advance initiatives that strengthen our local economy. I work alongside businesses, developers, property owners, community leaders, and residents to support investment, revitalization, and opportunities that enhance quality of
One of the things I appreciate most about Wheat Ridge is that we’re a community that values connection. Whether it’s chatting with a neighbor while walking the trail, supporting a local business, volunteering for a cause, or meeting someone new at a community event, those everyday interactions are what make this city feel like home.
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
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
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
