Community Spotlight: Stephen LeFavier on Childcare Center Vote and Michael Estes on Blackhawk Pizza

From a Letter to the Editor by Stephen LeFavier,
"Dear Nederland Residents,

As you may know, TEENS, Inc. is proposing to build an early childhood education/care center (ECE) in Nederland on town-owned property (750 W. 5th St.). This vacant lot, located in the Dyer’s neighborhood 150 feet from the fire station, is known as the Old Town Shop Site because up until the mid-2000’s it served as the shop for the public works department. This site is build-ready and offers the most affordable and efficient way to complete this project and enable TEENS, Inc. to offer subsidized care and competitive wages for staff.

On February 20, the Nederland Board of Trustees will be voting on whether or not to approve the special review use application from TEENS, Inc. If approved, TEENS, Inc. and the town will work to solidify a lease for 99 years at a $1 / year allowing TEENS, Inc. to build a facility that will triple the amount of year-round care for children under the age of 5 in our community. Today, year-round care options are limited to 20 slots for children 2.5 to 5 years old, with no licensed infant care. While childcare is a pressing issue for families with children, this is not a parent problem. Lack of childcare affects the workforce, k-12 school enrollment, the demographic makeup of the community, and the local economy more broadly. This is a big decision for our elected officials to make and I hope that you will lend your voice to help inform their decisions by submitting letters expressing your opinion to the Board of Trustees."

Located just outside the city limits of Black Hawk, at 5320 Highway 119, Blackhawk Pizza is making a name for itself as a delightful dining destination. Next to the Coyote Motel West, in a small plaza that also houses a dispensary and a liquor store, this new pizzeria is already generating buzz among locals and tourists alike.

Recently verified on Google and boasting a new, permanent sign, Blackhawk Pizza hopes to attract more tourist traffic. The business has so far thrived on local interest and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Samantha Waite, the granddaughter of owner Mike Estes, and her partner, Tyler Smith, run the establishment, creating a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

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