Staff Writer

Recently, a comprehensive report including information from the Denver Police Department (DPD), Denver Public Schools (DPS), and Stapleton United Neighbors (SUN) confirmed the rules and the signs posted at the Stapleton schools should be followed by everyone. Based on behavioral patterns at drop off and pick up, it originally appeared that the set of rules at each particular school were only supposed to be followed by some and not by others. “I thought maybe some people were exempt from following the posted signs and the rules set forward by the schools,” said Westerly Creek parent Blake Greenwaldt. “I wonder if the dozens of people I see not conforming to the rules know that or if they maybe thought they were exempt.” For their part, DPS has issued a statement saying all drivers must obey the rules posted by the city and posted for each particular school. “DPS has never issued any ‘passes’ of sorts which would allow parents or drivers to disregard rules and signage,” said DPS spokesperson Kerry Walker. “All drivers are held accountable to the standards set forth by the respective schools.” Swigert Parent Christine Winga is hopeful this ‘new’ information goes viral.

[Read more…] about Special Report: Stapleton School Drop Off Rules and Signs Meant for Everyone

Local Stapleton couple Bobby and Jodi Purdy announced they were divorcing, and while they found some family members and friends concerned about their emotional state and how their kids would fare, a good number of friends and acquaintances weren’t exactly distraught about the news. “When I found out Jodi was divorcing Bobby, I was psyched. I’ve been waiting to hit on her for a while now, but you know, the guy code and stuff. She’s definitely a MILF” said Steve Gerbracht, 38, and a friend of Jodi and Bobby. Interviews with local residents did reveal that many were more interested in Jodi and Bobby’s apparent hotness than the emotional trauma that such a dramatic change would have on their lives. One of the couple’s friends, Becca Wiley had the same sentiment.

[Read more…] about Couple’s Pending Divorce Stirs Excitement in Community

A recent article in the Front Porch discussed the proposal of a ‘noise wall’ along MLK turning into Moline from Ironton curving around almost to 27th St. One study found that “subject properties would suffer a substantial increase in noise impacts due to the roadway project.” The intent of the wall is strictly to reduce noise for affected residents, but there are downsides. The main drawback is that the wall will block the open space view of residents. “Of all the times the city is proposing a wall,” questioned Brad Mayo. “Their timing couldn’t be worse. Do they really think people are going to vote ‘yes’ on a wall right now. Besides, explaining to Stapleton residents how bad something could be doesn’t work. All they are going to understand is how bad it is going to be now. And for now, it would be blocking their view, as well as additional construction almost right in their backyards.”

[Read more…] about Residents Say Proposal for “Noise Wall" Mostly a “Blocking My View Wall”

As progress continues to be made on the 26th Ave. Park, developers have added benches for riders and walkers to take a load off. The benches are strategically placed along the walkway through what will be the park, and the company didn’t spare any detail in their placement. The benches all face due east, to maximize the viewing pleasure of those stopping for a quick rest. “We originally thought about having the benches face west so people could stare at the lovely mountains,” said Chris Klages, lead developer on the project. “But, then we thought people are probably sick of staring at those. The real marvel is seeing how our team moves earth and makes this into the great park it was meant to be a decade ago.”

[Read more…] about East Facing Benches Give Park Goers Beautiful Construction View

With the Stanley Marketplace open and in full swing, residents from all over Stapleton are heading out to check out Stapleton’s new shopping options, including great places like Steele Angel, Velvet Wolf, Trunk Nouveau, Sterre, Goose & the Goat, and Poppy & Pine. Residents also look forward to the opening of True and Zero Market Zero Market which happen this week. The unique stores are of course a great addition to the community, but residents have been coming over in droves for the food and drink. Annette has opened with great reviews and the Denver Biscuit Company’s opening has been a big success. The Stanley Beer Hall and Comida continue to draw large crowds as well. Residents who enjoy craft beer are often ordering food from Yellowbelly Chicken and bringing it over to Cheluna to enjoy some beverages with their meals. After dinner, people often head over to Sweet Cow for some ice cream or to Miette et Chocolat for some decadent desserts. Overall, residents feel Stanley is living up to its hype. “We have gone almost every weekend,” says resident John Lighthall. “It’s just a relaxing, enjoyable experience. You almost feel like you are on vacation, but without the drive and crappy hotels.” Molly Strassburg agrees. “I love seeing all the boutique shops in there. Lots of great things. And we are never disappointed with our meals.”

[Read more…] about Eastbridge Residents Gaining “The Stanley Seven”

The Stapleton schools have a special provision beginning in the 2017-18 school year where they will be adding a new subject matter to the curriculum. The area schools have decided to begin teaching a Sales/Fundraising course to help continue the local schools mission of raising as much money as possible to support the schools’ other core classes. “As of now, we will just be implementing it in the elementary schools,” said Denver Superintendent Tom Boasberg. “The parents in the community and the schools have been asking for this for a few years now, and we decided to give this a shot.” The focus of the class will be to help kids understand basic sales and presentation skills, which will help them with existing fundraisers such as Jump Rope for Heart and Girl Scout cookie sales, but the kids will now branch out into direct fundraising efforts for their particular schools. “The kids seem to have better success asking for money from adults than adults do,” admitted Swigert PTA leader Sylvia Baird. “So, why not put them out there to raise the funds we need to make sure we are doing the best we can to teach them the core subjects.” School leaders are behind the idea. “This just seems like the logical next step,” said Westerly Creek parent Mark Wilson.

[Read more…] about Stapleton Schools to Add Sales/Fundraising Class for 2017-18 School Year

Stapleton 16 year old Connor Miller is a sophomore at East High School who plays sports and has an active social life. Friends often come to his house to hang out and play video games or run around in the town center or the local Stapleton parks. “My friends that don’t live in Stapleton like hanging out here, and have always loved coming to my house,” said Connor. “People at school are always asking me if they can come to my house. My mom likes having me around, so she doesn’t mind at all.” Connor’s mom Linsey always has lots of snacks around the house to keep the kids happy. “I’d rather have them around here than out causing trouble somewhere,” said Linsey. “Plus, it’s nice to have Connor around as much as possible and his friends are always so respectful.” Connor has become popular fairly quickly at East High, which he attributes to his sense of humor and easy-going personality. “I don’t talk behind people’s backs or say rude things about them on social media,” says Connor. Recently, however, Connor found out there may be another reason he has so many friends wanting to hang out at his house. “Some friends and I were hanging out and wanted to come to my place. One of the guys said the word MILF. That’s when I realized some of my guy friends think my mom is hot.” The revelation creeped Connor out. “It’s pretty disturbing. I mean, my mom is 43 years old. Can people still be hot at 43? I had a talk with the guys and said to keep the mom talk to a minimum, which was stupid, because now they bring it up all the time. The whole thing makes me a little awkward and uncomfortable.” Connor says the new information hasn’t hurt his friendships. “Hey, people hang out with people in high school for stupider reasons than this. As long as we’re all still getting along, we can still be friends.”

Havana St. will be under construction again after city officials and the Stapleton Principal HOA have decided the bike lanes are not getting the amount of usage they had hoped. “We’re not sure what the issue is,” said HOA President Paul Harris. “But, the lane is not getting near the usage we had hoped. I mean, we thought there was plenty of space for bikers with the parking areas on both sides, plus the bike lane, plus that extra lane we have there for no apparent reason. But, apparently, it’s just not attractive enough for bikers to come use the lane. We want to see what we can do to change that.” [Read more…] about Havana Bike Lane to Expand to Four Lanes in Effort to Increase Usage