Plenty of items caught our attention this week at Westminster Window Reflections. Most are problems that are in need of solutions that may be out of reach. For example, the Adams 12 Five Star Schools Superintendent outlined the dire enrollment problems facing the district.

The dry, hot weather is also bringing out rattlesnakes at the city’s popular off-leash dog park. But don’t despair. The city may be close to solving a food desert dilemma in south Westminster.

🫢 One thing that surprised me while reporting this week: Congressman Gabe Evans may already be feeling the pressure of an upcoming race for his seat in the 8th Congressional District.

The Republican snapped at reporters at a news conference earlier this week that was supposed to highlight his work on behalf of Colorado farmers. Evans grew testy when asked about his decision to cut SNAP benefits for 8th Congressional District residents.

He also sharply defended his work for both urban and rural interests in the district, including Westminster and Thornton. “I work for everyone in the district,” Evans said. Meanwhile, the agriculture producers who stood behind Evans at the news conference were quickly ushered out of the room before reporters could get their take on Evans’s tenure.

The rhetoric is likely to grow as Evans fights Democrat Manny Rutinel to keep the highly coveted 8th Congressional District office this fall.

Why it matters: Adams 12 superintendent Chris Gdowski told City Councilors this week that rapidly declining enrollment has district leaders considering closing some schools in the district. Lower birth rates, less migration, an aging population and higher housing costs are to blame. The district’s utilization is as low as 60% in middle schools and 69% in elementary schools. Westminster Public Schools delivered the same message in May.

What’s happening: Gdowski told the council the district will begin evaluating which schools to close in January 2026 and present a potential list to the Adams 12 School Board in April.

Why it matters: Mayor Claire Carmelia said this week that the area along 7100 block of Federal Boulevard was in need of a grocery store that appeals to local residents.

“A food desert is an issue in that area,” Carmelia said. “We need to seek out establishments that best answer the needs of the community.”

What’s happening: Carmelia and the majority of the council voted to enter an agreement with Mi Pueblo Latin Market to put in a 45,000 square-foot grocery store in the space formerly occupied by a Walmart Neighborhood Market at 7170 Federal Boulevard.

What to know: As many as eight dogs have been bitten by rattlesnakes at the covered Westminster Hills Off-Leash Dog Park this year, according to a recent report by Channel4News.

At least three dogs were bitten in one day this month, say Westy Dog Park Guardians. Experts say the hot, dry weather is bringing more snakes out into the open.

Next step: The Guardians say it’s important to keep dogs close to their humans while on the trails. If a dog is bitten, the Standley Lake Park Rangers should be the first call - 303-425-1097.

Note: Over 80% of respondents said lack of water is turning Westminster lawns brown.

Alliance Franchise Brands, a franchisor of several leading visual communications brands, recently honored Joseph Collins, owner of Image360 Westminster, with the Systemwide Sales Growth award and the prestigious Milestone award, according to the company.

The Systemwide Sales Growth award is based on sales growth over the previous year. Collins was honored with the award for being one of the top 10 Franchise Members in the Alliance Franchise Brands network with the highest percentage growth as a Transfer Center.

The issue: Westminster Animal Management and Police Department is sponsoring a low-cost vaccination clinic at the West View Recreation Center, 10747 W. 108th Ave on Saturday.

Context: In February, 254 pets were vaccinated, outperforming last year’s total of 219.

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