Teton Valley News · Golden, CO
The more you listen to music, the harder it can become to classify; sometimes a sound evokes more of a flavor, like Denver-based Schwarma and its signature “kebab rock.”“We get some mystery meat, throw on some mystery seasonings, throw it on the grill and just see what happens,” guitarist Jackson Kaufman said of the band’s music.To laymen, the quintet blends metal, prog rock and jazz fusion influences into a sound that is unmistakably its own.Kaufman, originally from Golden, Colorado, has played music with drummer Steve Sanchez since middle school.
Cherry Creek News · Lakewood, CO
Nearby: Lakewood, COLakewood Police Agent Nicholas Allen Graham, 33, was killed and three others wounded Thursday evening when a suspect opened fire near an RTD bus at Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard in Lakewood, Colorado. Officers responding to a suspicious person report shot and killed the suspect, who was linked to an earlier hit-and-run, according to police. LAKEWOOD — The agent killed in Thursday’s shooting was identified Friday as Nicholas Allen Graham, 33, a member of the department’s major crimes team who joined the force in January 2019, Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith said. According to 9News, Garcia had been released on parole Sept. 23 and was listed as an absconder two days later for failing to report to his parole officer. Graham served in patrol before moving to the investigations division, where he handled more than 300 cases, according to Smith.
Cherry Creek News · Lakewood, CO
Nearby: Lakewood, COFour Lakewood police agents were shot, one fatally, during a gunfight with a suspect near Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard on Thursday night. Officers responded to a report of a suspicious person at about 6:30 p.m. when the suspect attempted to board an RTD bus, according to Police PIO John Romero. The suspect was also killed, and a civilian was injured. Graham joined the department in early 2019 and served on the major crimes team, handling “some of our community’s most serious crimes, including homicide, domestic violence, and stalking,” Smith said. In 2023, Graham received the Special Investigations Unit Wingman Award for his gang intelligence work and assistance with major SWAT cases. Smith noted that Graham came from a police family, with his father recently retiring from the department and his mother working in the crime lab. The officer killed in the shooting was identified as 33-year-old Agent Nicholas Allen Graham, according to Lakewood Police Chief Philip Smith.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, CODelivery drones might soon be coming to Arvada. Stock photo The Walmart located at 9400 Ralston Road in Arvada might start using drones for small item delivery, according to a workshop conducted by Arvada City Council on Nov. 10. A conditional use permit to allow drone deliveries from the Walmart location is likely to come before council in February or March next year, a city staff member said. In addition to weighing Walmart's conditional use permit application, city staff are looking to bring forth legislation governing the use of delivery drones in Arvada in the coming months, and might work with nearby municipalities to come up with agreements on intra-city drone delivery. The Walmart application concerns two types of drones: an 11.7-pound model that can deliver 2.3-pound packages, and a 17.2-pound model that can deliver 5-pound packages.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, CODiscover Arvada aims to promote shopping locally. Courtesy photo Amid challenging times for local businesses and residents, the Arvada Resiliency Taskforce (ART) has launched Discover Arvada, a directory of local businesses that aims to promote shopping locally. Discover Arvada features business directories for four categories: food and drink, retail and shopping, health and wellness, and activities. The directory also features business spotlights and will soon include insider guides — which will highlight date night ideas, family activities, and holiday gift ideas. Samantha Geerdes, the senior vice president of business services for the Greater Arvada Chamber of Commerce, said the initiative started from a desire to encourage residents to support local businesses, no matter the occasion. “The Arvada Chamber and the Arvada Resilience Taskforce decided to launch Discover Arvada because we want our residents to find local treasures in their own backyard,” Geerdes said.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COArvada Mayor Lauren Simpson announced that she is running for a second term. Photo by Rylee Dunn Three years after her historic election as Arvada’s first voted-in female mayor, Lauren Simpson has announced her intention to run for a second term in 2027. Simpson — who served as a District 2 city councilmember from 2019 to 2023 before her first mayoral election in 2023 — touted progress on homelessness, public safety and Arvada’s roadway network as major wins of her first term. During that time, the city team has also begun long-term work on improvements to Arvada’s water infrastructure, emergency response networks and Gold Strike Park. Simpson said that she is seeking a second term because of her love for the local community and desire to oversee the culmination of long-term projects, while maintaining Arvada’s “Mayberry-ish charm.” “I'm just Lauren, and I hope people know that I'm a resident of the city too,” Simpson said.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COMonths after Silver Vines Winery announced the closure of its Arvada and Boulder tasting rooms, its owners have shared that the Olde Town staple will live on, about a mile from its former location. Kristin and Jeff Chayer, the latter of whom founded Silver Vines in 2011, said that in January 2027, the winery will open its production facility (located at 6340 W. 56th Avenue #5 in Arvada) for barrel tastings, chef-paired dinners, live music, and behind-the-scenes tours of the winemaking process. The Olde Town tasting room will close on Dec. 23. The facility on 56th Avenue has long been Silver Vines’ production facility, and the Chayers will spend the next few months transforming the space into an all-in-one winery and tasting room. Jeff said the “new chapter” will allow customers to see the entire winemaking process — and, in some cases, be a part of it. “We really want to show people how wine is made,” Jeff said.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COLisa Feret. File photo With most of the ballots counted, unofficial results show Democrat Lisa Feret with a lead over Republican Kristopher Johnson, signalling that Feret will earn a second term as the District 24 Representative in the Colorado State House. Feret, a former Arvada City Council member, was first elected in 2024. As of returns tabulated by 12:20 a.m. on Nov. 4, Feret held 25,669 votes (64%), while Johnson held 14,215 (35%). Feret said she was looking forward to serving another term in the state house. “I couldn’t be more excited to serve this community for another two years,” Feret said. “I know we will be able to create real meaningful policy with the people we elected in Colorado. Now let’s get to work!” Feret also thanked Johnson for running what she called a “clean race.” “(I’m) Especially grateful for the ability to run a clean race, focused on issues and policy,” Feret said.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COThe Arvada Fire Protection District is asking voters to decide on a 1% sales tax hike to help with its funding. Courtesy photo With most of the ballots counted, unofficial results show voters are leaning towards rejecting Ballot Question 6C, a 1% sales tax increase to fund the Arvada Fire Protection District (AFPD). As of returns tabulated by 4 p.m. on Nov. 4, the ballot question had 32,256 votes for it (49.33%) and 33,130 votes against (50.67%). The last few rounds of results have seen the ballot measure’s slim margins hold steady, with a consistent advantage of about 800 votes in the negative direction. Arvada Fire Chief Kirk Lock said it was “unlikely” that results would flip back in the district’s favor.“Although results are not yet official, Issue 6C appears unlikely to pass,” Lock said.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COHunter Bay’s storefront in Olde Town Arvada. Courtesy photo After 10 years of serving up coffee in Olde Town, Hunter Bay Coffee Roasters will close its Arvada location on Nov. 6, with the coffee shop citing rising costs, accessibility issues, and break-ins as reasons for closure. Hunter Bay will continue its wholesale operations and will “definitely be reopening another cafe” in the Denver metro area once they find a suitable space, according to owner Rob Young. Founded in 1991 in Missoula, Montana, Hunter Bay’s wholesale coffee products are stocked in national grocery chains including Costco, Natural Grocers, Sprouts, King Soopers, Safeway and more. The company moved its roasting operation out of the Olde Town location in January 2024 and relocated it to a 20,000 square-foot facility in Englewood.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COA city employee examines a homeless encampment. Courtesy photo Arvada City Council took a look at the proposed Homelessness Action Plan at a workshop on Oct. 27 and recommended that the plan — which will govern how the city responds to homelessness through 2030 — move towards adoption with one key stipulation. Arvada has experienced perhaps its most successful year to date in terms of helping folks experiencing homelessness, as the city accomplished its stated goal of moving 65 individuals into permanent housing in September. As of Oct. 27, that figure has risen to 79 individuals who have gotten into permanent housing thanks to the city’s efforts.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COLori Drienka (left) with Lisa Feret (right) at the Peace Pole in Olde Town. Courtesy photo Local business owner Lori Drienka recently installed two Peace Poles — one at her business, Eli Ashby Healing Arts/Carly’s Boutique, and another at her farmhouse nearby — which she hopes inspires “a little more kindness” in the local community. The Peace Pole movement began in Japan after World War II with the message “May peace prevail on earth.” Traditionally, Peace Poles have that message inscribed in different languages on all sides. Drienka held an unveiling ceremony for the Eli Ashby Healing Arts/Carly’s Boutique (located at 7401 Grandview Avenue) Peace Pole on Oct. 24, which featured drumming, speakers and a moment of quiet reflection. Drienka said she was inspired by a neighbor who had a Peace Pole when she was living in Coal Creek Canyon, and wanted to bring the message of unity to Arvada.
Arvada Press · Arvada, CO
Nearby: Arvada, COBusinesses across Arvada are struggling, and stakeholders within the city are getting involved to help out. Courtesy photo In the wake of recent high-profile business closures in Arvada, stakeholders within the city are ramping up efforts to support local businesses this November. The City of Arvada, Olde Town Arvada Business Improvement District (BID) and Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) are teaming up to get the word out about Small Business Saturday, set for Nov. 28, and supporting local businesses in general. AEDA Executive Director Mike Tedesco said that times are tough for local businesses, and the organization is looking for ways to give them a boost this winter. “A lot of the smaller businesses are running pretty thin, and expenses are up, which means margins are down and they're looking toward this holiday shopping season,” Tedesco said.