Issue 94

Stapleton residents have long battled the infestation of the prairie dogs, and residents have taken different sides on the most humane solution to their overpopulation. Many residents want the rodents removed at all costs, where others feel that every animal is an important part of our ecosystem, and relocating them should be the only option considered. While that battle continues, a new battle may have emerged. Geese have taken over Stapleton’s Central Park. “It’s really pretty crazy,” says resident Erin Ortner. “Sure, it’s cool, up until you want to go play at the park. Then you are just running around in goose poop for as far as you can see. It has to be a health hazard.” Amy Battenfield agrees. “They seem like fine birds,” says Battenfield. “But are we really going to put their safety and health ahead of our own and our children? We have to do something before all of Stapleton is covered in goose poop.” Many residents feel that drastic measures should be taken immediately. “I think we should begin the poisoning,” says resident Jim Gates. “No waiting, no debate, just start poisoning the hell out of them.” Joel Johnson believes that there is a more humane way to rid Stapleton of its geese problem. “Close the park for a day, and allow me and a couple friends to use them as target practice. The ones we don’t hit will head back to Canada where they belong.” Not all residents are enthusiastic about ridding Stapleton of the plentiful waterfowl. “The kids love seeing them,” says Laurianne Mason. “It seems like they are always here for a specific time, and not year round like the prairie dogs. Plus, I hate to categorize them with those disgusting prairie dogs.” Ornithologist Justin Bidler says that killing off the geese is not the right thing to do. “Geese represent no danger to people. Just let them be, and they eventually will fly away. I think it is ridiculous to even be considering doing anything. What kind of crazy, reactionary community is this?” SUN and the MCA say that community members have been in contact with them, but there have been no plans on dealing with the situation. “Right now, we are just gathering information,” says SUN President Mike Victoria. “At this point it is just a wait and see.” MCA President Liza Kampstra had a similar offering. “It’s not open season on the geese quite yet. Understand that what is good for the prairie dog isn’t always good for the gander.” ]]>

Stapleton is home to more kids’ birthday parties per capita than probably any place on the planet. On top of that, several people turned forty this year, and there are always theme parties and several direct giving parties for the schools. So, when party-throwers need to get party supplies, they want to make the trip as efficient as possible. What better place to go than a place completely stocked on things for parties? [Read more…] about Check Out at Party City Causes Customer to Not Want to Party

Earlier last week, Forrest City brightened the neighborhood with all the holiday accoutrements residents crave this time of year. Each holiday season town center visitors see their HOA money doing its festive job. But this year the bonus is, you’ll never get lost as you stumble home from any of the town center watering holes because of the Christmas tree Stapleton Stapleton Stapleton Stapleton Stapleton Stapleton garland. [Read more…] about Stapleton Garland Helps Inebriated Residents Know They're Home

The original renderings of the Northfield High School Campus have gone through some changes along the way. Many of the changes were due to very poor construction estimates, and others are due to greater needs of the school and the community. A most recent possible change is delaying the construction of a commons building. “We looked at where we are at with athletic facilities, and we are not where we need to be,” says DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg. “To be honest, we weren’t exactly sure of the purpose a commons building would serve in the first place. It just sounded fancy, and therefore, like something Stapleton residents would like.” [Read more…] about Northfield High School Update: DPS Scraps Ill-Defined Commons Area in Favor of Things Actually Needed

With school choice coming up quickly, parents are looking for information about what they need to do, and looking for answers. The December Front Porch published an article which answered some questions regarding process, but we wanted to cover some other things parents are looking to understand. DPS worked with us to answer the following questions, and we hope the answers below are helpful. [Read more…] about Stapleton School Choice: What Parents Really Want to Know

Much of Northfield is still under construction, and Forest City has made sure to post signs reminding residents where this construction is located. “We wanted to make sure that residents were aware that Northfield is still a work in progress,” said Forest City spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “Our concern was that people would come out here and just think it was some big mess. Well, that may be true, but it is under construction. What can you expect.” [Read more…] about Northfield Signage Not Helping Anyone

The 2014 Winter Welcome was fortunate to have great weather and a nice turnout. Families flocked to the town center to see the tree lighting, eat s’mores, and enjoy a beverage as they walked around to see Stapleton friends. There were also reindeer for the kids to see and free cookies if you could find the right booth. An ancillary attraction was the “dancing trees.” The trees bounced around, shaking peoples’ hands, and asking people if they were “tree huggers.” Kids seemed entertained and intrigued by the dancing trees. [Read more…] about Winter Welcome Dancing Tree Goes Up in Flames During Smoke Break