Local News

The Jeffco library board is considering closing the system’s three smallest library branches next year, two of which serve the poorest areas of the county.
Library staff on Thursday listed closure of the Conifer, Edgewater and Wheat Ridge libraries as cost-saving options; shutting down all three could save the system up to $695,000 annually.
The closures could be necessary to meet a sharply reduced budget in 2012, library staff and board members said.

The Foothills Park & Recreation District recently placed more 30 acres of land up for sale, hoping to net $4.5 million for capital-improvement projects and other expenses.

The five South Jeffco parcels, which the district calls “surplus land,” have not been slated for park development for various reasons. Most of the parcels are near existing parks, and several sit next to busy intersections, which would make accessibility difficult if parks were to be developed, Foothills executive director Ron Hopp said.

The man suspected of brandishing a gun July 7 outside The Edge Ice Arena was charged last week with five felony counts, including a charge of first-degree kidnapping, the district attorney’s office said.

Charles Belter appeared in court July 14. He faces additional charges of stalking, felony menacing, automobile trespassing, violation of a protective order and child abuse not resulting in injury, the DA’s office said. Belter’s next court hearing is slated for July 25, when a preliminary hearing will be scheduled.

Several South Jeffco residents are teed off at the management of a local driving range that they say has failed to prevent errant golf balls from flying into yards and breaking windshields.

The Deer Creek Golf Club hasn’t maintained its massive nets along the south side of the range, and hundreds of balls land in front yards every year, residents say.

Years ago, neighbors might have complained about the nets’ visual presence — the view to the north is occluded by the weatherworn fabric and imposing, 50-foot-tall metal posts.