Issue 125

New MCA President: “There’s Going to be a Wall, and Aurora is Going to Pay for It”

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wallTwo weeks ago, long time MCA President Liza Kampstra stepped down amid community pressure. Kampstra was continually being accused by Stapleton residents of being “soft on Aurora,” which ultimately cost her the job. “I have dedicated over seven years to doing my best for this community,” said former President Kampstra. “It was time for a change, not just for the community, but for me.” Kampstra says she wishes nothing but the best for the Stapleton community and its new MCA President. “I have lived here for the last seven years, and I have no immediate plans for a change. So, of course, I want the community to continually grow and thrive.” The MCA announced the new MCA President as Paul Harris, who is a Stapleton resident and has worked at the MCA for the last four years. “We are very excited to announce Paul as our new President,” said MCA Spokesperson Kara Erickson. “Paul has a very strong background in community leadership and activism, and he will absolutely continue to move Stapleton in the right direction.” An unidentified source within the MCA said that Harris and Kampstra have butted heads over the last couple of years in regards to “Aurora policy.” “It was no secret in the MCA that Harris and Kampstra did not get along,” said the source. “Harris has always taken a strong anti-Aurora stance, and Kampstra simply didn’t see things the same way. Ultimately, Harris stirred up community members, and put pressure on Kampstra to get the job.” In his first public announcement as MCA President, Harris made it quite clear what his number one goal as MCA President was going to be. “Our residents are fed up,” said Harris. “We have bikes being stolen from open garages and packages being taken from porches. We have no proof that these crimes are being committed by Aurorans, but c’mon, we know it’s them. It’s time we stand up and say, ‘enough!’” Harris says his first objective as MCA President is to get the wall built that everyone wants. “We are going to build the wall,” shouted Harris. “And they (pointing to Aurora) are going to pay for it.” Harris, of course, is referring to the long needed security between Stapleton and Aurora along 26th Ave. “I think some form of security there is a great idea,” said resident Rick Pecenka. “And if we don’t have to pay for it, more for us.” Resident Jim Crawford also sees the wall as a positive. “Even if it doesn’t necessarily work, the perception is important,” said Crawford. “We need to let them know we mean business.” Harris has a long ways to go in regards to not only building a fence, but convincing the Aurora taxpayers to pay for it. “We will make this happen,” said Harris. “In fact, I will make this happen.” The Stapletonion promises wall to wall coverage of this new situation.]]>

New DPS Board Director Errantly Checked Wrong Box on Application

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new DPS board directorDenver Public Schools recently appointed a new DPS Board Director for Northeast Denver, taking the spot vacated by Landri Taylor. The transition appeared smooth until the Denver Post broke a story that shocked the Northeast Denver Community. Apparently, during the application process, the new director inadvertently checked the “no” box on the application question, “have you ever having been convicted of a felony or Class A misdemeanor.” The new director had in fact plead guilty to a Class 3 misdemeanor negligent child abuse charge with no injuries, and was sentenced to 15 days in jail and a year of supervised probation. [Read more…] about New DPS Board Director Errantly Checked Wrong Box on Application

Cycletrack Shelved; Residents Turn Attention to Elevated Glass Tunnel

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Elevated glass tunnelIt was recently reported that the Cycletrack project proposed for 26th Ave. has been shelved. Forest City passed on the project, ultimately saying, “the project would have been really cool, but seriously, not necessary.” Forest City Spokesperson Janelle Ayers went on to say that she doesn’t see the lack of a safe bike route at this point. “The traffic will continue to slow on 26th as more people are parking there and going to the park,” said Ayers. “Bikers will have plenty of room to maneuver on the street as they always have.” Many residents are agreeing with Forest City this time. “It seems like an unnecessary use of space and money,” says resident Kyle Peters. “I think sometimes bikers forget that not everyone is a biker.” Resident Jessica Walker agrees. “I can’t believe I am saying this, but I agree with Forest City on this,” said Walker. “I guess I just don’t see the hundreds of bikers having difficulty getting around. And creating more bike lanes won’t necessarily create more bikers.” [Read more…] about Cycletrack Shelved; Residents Turn Attention to Elevated Glass Tunnel

Family Moving to Different Stapleton Neighborhood to Become “Cool New Neighbors” Again

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couple moving to be popular againWhen the Walker family first moved into their home in North Central Park in Stapleton, they were excitedly greeted by their new neighbors. “Everyone was so nice to us, and excited to have us over,” said Dan Walker. “They not only made us feel at home, but they made us feel popular. We definitely felt pretty cool.” Wife Nikki agrees. “It was so fun to have that popular feeling. We would be invited to neighbors’ homes every night almost for drinks. We would drink, talk, and laugh. Dan could even tell his same old stories, and they were interested, because they hadn’t already heard them four times. It was just a lot of fun.” [Read more…] about Family Moving to Different Stapleton Neighborhood to Become “Cool New Neighbors” Again

Stapleton Couple Everyone Thought Would Get Divorced Finally Getting Divorced

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couple finally getting divorcedThe Nielsons have been married for 12 years, and living in Stapleton for nine of those years. Neither would describe the marriage as “happy.” “Almost every day since we got married has been a grind,” said husband Paul. “I am pretty sure she was nagging me on our honeymoon. Sure, we have had some good times. Or at least, I am pretty sure.” Wife Anna agrees. “Quite frankly, we should not have gotten married,” said Anna. “It was one of those things where timing played a part, and I think we both thought we were supposed to do it, but deep down knew we weren’t supposed to do it.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Couple Everyone Thought Would Get Divorced Finally Getting Divorced

“Next Door” Alert Turns Out Not to be Alert at All

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next doorThe neighborhood social media site “Next Door ” allows users in the area to provide several services, including a lost and found, recommendations, classified ads, as well as other general information. Users generate the information which can be very helpful. The site even has “alerts” if there is something urgent. These often involve missing pets or suspicious activity. Many times, these “alerts” have proven useful, reuniting people with their pets, or getting communication going regarding something that seemed unusual in the neighborhood. “Our dog had gotten out of our gate one day,” says Stapleton resident Kristi Dinnebier. “I am part of Next Door, and I received an alert about a dog without a leash that fit my dogs description. I was able to retrieve my dog without having to go to the pound.” [Read more…] about “Next Door” Alert Turns Out Not to be Alert at All

2016 Stapletonion Bracket Challenge Results! Claim Your Prize!

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2016_Final_Four_LogoMarch Madness is over. And the carnage from this year’s tournament claimed several victims, including myself. Making it through the craziness, and picking the correct champ was Sharon K! Congratulations! She will get the first choice of the wonderful prizes listed below. In fact, we have roughly 20 prizes to distribute, so if you were in the top 20, please email me (stapletonion@gmail.com) your preference of prize in order (obviously, if you are second place, your top two, third place, your top three, etc). To find out if you were in the top 20, click here, and find the standings page. Thank you so much to our wonderful sponsors! When someone picks an item, we will post the item picked and information about the sponsor. Thank you all for playing, and we look forward to another wonderful contest next year! 2016 Stapletonion Bracket Challenge Prizes

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