Business

Raw chicken stored next to avocados and hand sinks used for dumping mop water and food preparation contributed to an average of about 3.6 critical violations found at local restaurants in the past year, instances that can contribute to food-borne illness.

The local health-department average represents a slight increase over the same period last year, which through a prior Columbine Courier analysis found less than 3.5 critical violations per restaurant in South Jeffco.

A little boutique at Wadsworth and Chatfield has a big commitment to the community — and its owners hope that translates into a loyal customer base.
Trendz Boutique, a small clothing store originally based in a basement, has moved into a retail storefront but still offers its unique line of women’s clothing and accessories. And it still emphasizes a philosophy of giving back to the local community.
The boutique was the brainchild of Nancy Marquez and Jennifer Tiell, two Shaffer Elementary moms who met one year during the school’s talent show.

By Emile Hallez

Staff Writer

A Walmart grocery store is scheduled to open next fall at the former SmartCo Foods location at 3615 W. Bowles Ave.

Walmart, which purchased the 43,700-square-foot building for $2.9 million in May, plans to hire 95 workers for the “neighborhood market” store, a new format being introduced in Colorado.

By Chelsy Woods Klein

For the Courier

Pete Van Gulick is a big hit with his daughters — because he has given them a year-round training facility to practice their hitting.

Van Gulick realized that his daughters’ passion for softball was being hindered by two things — they couldn’t practice year-round, and typical batting cages did not provide a realistic hitting experience. His solution was to insert a new option into the lineup: RALI Fastpitch at South Kipling and West Bowles.