Civic activist Ron Phelps is the likely winner in the special-election race in Centennial’s far-west District 1, though fewer than 50 votes separate the two top contenders.

Inter-Faith Community Services issued a plea for donations so the organization can prepare and distribute food boxes to make it a nicer Thanksgiving for 900 needy local families.

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada has again awarded Arapahoe County with its Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2009 budget.

Arapahoe County invites residents to attend an open house Nov. 19 from 4-8 p.m. at Byers High School in Byers to provide input on the needs for parks, trails and open space in the county.

Whether it’s the controversial public option, long-term costs to taxpayers or so-called “death panels,” health care reform has taken its place as the most divisive topic in politics.

Former state Sen. Tom Wiens, of Douglas County, has announced he is running for the U.S. Senate.

The Centennial City Council has passed the city’s $54.3 million budget for 2010 — but not without making a change that was passed despite the mixed feelings of some councilmembers.