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By Kevin Flynn • March 15th, 2010

Project, estimated to last 18 months, will replace three bridges, including the Wadsworth Boulevard and S. Pierce Street spans and highway reconstruction.

Another stand of Lakewood’s majestic – but frail – cottonwoods are falling, this time along West 13th Aveunue to make way for the West Corridor light rail line.

Life behind bars awaits ex-con who assaulted a woman during the burglary of a church that had given him a helping hand several times before the crimes.

Lakewood’s dispensary regulations – in the works since late last year – include strict security measures, spacing from schools and each other, and costly fees.

City officials and Lakewood business leaders joined District Attorney Scott Storey, students and other community members in winning a reprieve for middle school.

Lakewood Police Division Chief John Camper is applying for the top police job in Grand Junction. Camper’s assignment as interim chief in the western Colorado city while on Lakewood’s payroll raised questions last summer.

From government action to citizen efforts, the past year brought change and cheer, tragedy and charity to Lakewood. Along the way came swine flu, elections, a sour economy, a mixed bag on transparency and the loss of civic leaders.

The school board will make the final decision on the closures and other changes that would affect students, parents and their communities but could save the district nearly $6 million a year.

Lakewood considers rules governing operation of pot shops after a spate of thefts and robberies raise concern for public safety. The proposed regulations would require strict security measures and limit potential dispensary locations.

After Monday’s total Sheridan closure between 10th and 14th avenues, the light rail project will cinch down that stretch to two lanes for about two years in what could be the West Corridor’s most significant traffic impact.

Current and former city officials say ex-City Councilwoman and longtime civic leader Dorothy Wisecarver had a large impact on the city and it’s residents. Wisecarver died at home Wednesday at the age of 79.

City Hall awaits cost estimates on plans to upgrade the light rail stations, with the primary focus on the major train stop at Wadsworth Boulevard and West 13th Ave.

William Chris Rodgers, 22, of Lakewood is one of four people who remain in a Boise, Idaho, hospital after the van they were in slid out of control on an icy highway in Oregon last week.

A number of changes could be brewing for some Jeffco schools and the public will have the chance to comment on the ideas presented by the district’s Facilities Use Task Force. The options will be presented in a series of community meetings in the next 10 days.

Voters also turn out two school board members and reject proposals to let a number of county officials to seek a third term in a mail-in election in which less than 30 percent of voters returned ballots.

Number of suspected Jeffco flu cases is increasing rapidly, but the overall rate of infection is low, school absentee count suggests. Health agency map of the data indicates Lakewood students are among the hardest-hit.

Prosecutors say Jeffrey Dan Van used elderly Vietnamese to bilk Colorado’s Old Age Pension program out of an estimated $1 million while drawing his own disablility benefits. Van, who pleaded guilty, pocketed most of the money in the 8-year scam.

School district employees will get at least 3 percent more this year, but at least part will be a one-time payment. The formula will be determined by the state government’s fiscal picture at year’s end.