by Mark Smiley | May 16, 2025 | Editorials
by Mark Smiley
USA: Yoder Smokers are made in Kansas and built with high-quality materials.
Solid Pellet Grill: The Yoder 640s has 1,070 square inches of cook space, combined with nearly 12 inches of headroom which means there is plenty of room for anything from briskets and pork butts to beer can chickens and turkeys.
BBQ season unofficially kicked off on Memorial Day weekend and Cherry Creek valley residents are already grilling tasty items on their respective grills and smokers. If you are in the market for a pellet grill and have considered spending a little more money to have something that is built to last, we invite you to explore the Yoder YS640s. This article is the first of a three-part series that will explore the features of this smoker.
The Yoder YS640s is widely regarded as one of the highest-quality pellet grills on the market, particularly for serious backyard pitmasters and even some commercial applications. The 335-pound grill is made of heavy-duty steel and also built in the United States. They are built in Kansas, which allows for better quality control compared to many imported competitors.
The Yoder YS640s pellet grill does not come fully assembled. Upon delivery, it arrives boxed and requires assembly by the user. For instance, if you purchase the competition cart version, it will arrive on a pallet, wrapped and secured with bands. You’ll need to cut the bands, remove the packaging, and assemble the grill following the provided instructions.
Given the grill’s substantial weight it’s recommended to have at least two people handle the unpacking and assembly process. The YS640s is built with 10-gauge steel for the cooking chamber and 14-gauge steel for the hopper, which is significantly thicker than most pellet grills. This smoker also has welded seams and powder coating contributing to excellent durability and weather resistance.
The Yoder 640s features high-temp powder coating that resists flaking and corrosion, even under high heat and exposure to the elements. It has a stainless-steel front shelf that easily pops into place that is solid and useful for prep work.
The grill is heavy but also includes large, rugged wheels that make moving it relatively easy for such a heavy grill. Although heavy, once in place, the Yoder 640s is a fine addition to any outdoor kitchen or backyard. It comes complete with an Adaptive Control System (ACS) with Wi-Fi connectivity which allows precise control and monitoring via the FireBoard app.
The FireBoard app is a powerful companion for the dual thermometers that come with the Yoder 640s. The app is designed to enhance your grilling and smoking experience with real-time monitoring, control, and analysis. You can monitor live temperature readings from all connected probes and easily switch between chart and detail views, add notes or photos, and share sessions via a link.
The entire smoker is built with high quality materials and anyone who has used an imported smoker, will notice the difference. For instance, the tight tolerances on the lid and doors prevent heat and smoke loss and it features high-quality welds and consistent finishes throughout. There is little to no rattling or loose parts, even after extensive use.
The Yoder YS640s is often considered a tank of a smoker — built for longevity, performance, and consistent results. This smoker is ideal for serious BBQ enthusiasts who want pro-level equipment that lasts decades with proper care. Next month, we will cover more of the cooks and how other wood pellets perform in the Yoder 640s. Also, we will examine the additional wood fired oven attachment which retails for $489. The Yoder 640s are sold for $2,699. More information can be found at www.yodersmokers.com.
Jealous Devil’s Jax Legendary Blend BBQ Pellets are a premium choice for grill enthusiasts seeking exceptional flavor and performance. Crafted in the USA from 100% natural, virgin, bark-free hardwoods — specifically cherry, maple, and hickory — these pellets are designed to deliver a clean burn with minimal ash, ensuring a consistent grilling experience. Notably, they contain no fillers, binders, or additives, preserving the authentic wood flavor in your food.
The Yoder YS640S is designed to work with a variety of hardwood pellets, and Jealous Devil pellets are no exception. These pellets are known for their high-quality hardwood composition, producing a clean burn with minimal ash. We found that Jealous Devil pellets burn slightly faster than some other brands, but they also produced more smoke and a richer flavor profile.
Jealous Devil wood pellets are a suitable and effective fuel choice for the Yoder YS640s pellet grill. Their high-quality composition complements the grill’s advanced features, providing consistent heat and flavorful smoke for your cooking endeavors. As with any pellet choice, it’s a good idea to try a few different brands to see which flavor profiles you prefer for various meats and recipes.
The legendary blend is made up of cherry, maple, and hickory hardwoods. One distinct feature is that is comes in a box with a pour spout making it easy to pour right into the Yoder 640s pellet hopper. The Yoder can support over 20 pounds of pellets so the 20 pound Jealous Devil box is a perfect addition. The box is weather-resistant and also features a carry handle.
These pellets are available at various retailers, including Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart, Buc-ees, and the Jealous Devil Shop. Visit www.jealousdevil.com for more information.
by Ashe in America | May 16, 2025 | Feature Story Bottom Left
ASHE IN AMERICA — OPINION
In Colorado, our launch of the golden age feels different than the stories we’re told about the rest of the country. While friends in Florida and Idaho, Virginia and North Dakota, are celebrating deregulation and a return to normalcy, here in the Centennial state, the battle for basic liberty rages on.
The first session of the 75th Colorado General Assembly was the most radical in recent memory — and that’s saying something. Priorities of the Democrat majority included disarming law abiding residents, ending the bill of rights for taxpayers, and protecting the degeneracy of minor attracted persons by destroying parental rights.
They moved the needle on all these priorities and, in the process, woke up sleeping gun owners, taxpayers, and parents in the process. Lawsuits are underway on all fronts. I anticipate an even more contentious second session, but I welcome the break until January.
You can never fully exhale while they’re gaveled in.
Over in the Executive Branch, former Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Perry Beall resigned from the Department of State, telling clerks after the fact that he was “going back to being a lawyer.”
Beall has made no announcement yet as to where he’s going, and it’s rumored he may return to the Attorney General’s office. State leadership is preparing for a multi-front war with the federal government, and Beall was outside counsel for CDoS as part of the AG’s office before becoming Deputy Secretary of State in 2021.
The record of roles, responsibilities, and actions in CDoS imply that the department is actually run by the Deputy — for example, Jena Griswold can’t answer basic questions about election systems and voter roll maintenance without talking points and a friendly interviewer — so, who is running CDoS now?
Former Perkins Coie attorney Andrew Kline was named to replace Beall, and he started immediately. According to elections officials familiar with the transition, his first order of business was to build relationships with county clerks and establish a cadence for communication. (Talking points inbound.)
This is the backdrop inside Colorado as the Trump Department of Justice goes on offense.
Recently sworn in DOJ Civil Rights AAG Harmeet Dhillon hinted at federal action against HB25-1312, the bill to remove children from non-mutilitating parents, in a post on X:
“…see a long line of SCOTUS precedent holding that parents, not the state, control the upbringing of children. Don’t get too attached to your child mutilation project. It won’t stand.”
As I write this, the bill awaits the governor’s signature.
The DOJ also continues their investigation into the weaponization of government against Tina Peters in Colorado — an investigation that, if done properly, will lead back to August 2021 and indictments on high crimes and misdemeanors for, at minimum, abuse of power.
Earlier this month, President Trump posted on Truth Social to Free Tina Peters, in a post criticizing the (undeniable) abuses of power under Attorney General Phil Weiser, who is running for Governor.
The President’s post renewed calls from Colorado and national grassroots activists for Governor Jared Polis to pardon Peters or commute her sentence, but it also added new voices to the campaign to free Tina Peters.
Representative Lauren Boebert (CO-04) sent a strongly worded letter to FBI Director Kash Patel to investigate violations of Peters’ civil rights in March, and announced it on X on May 6, 2025, after the President’s Truth Social post. This was a surprising development.
On July 12, 2022, an embattled Tina Peters spoke to a national sheriffs association meeting in Nevada, during which she announced that Representative Boebert was present at a dinner meeting with Peters and her alleged coconspirators the same day the images were taken.
If true, then Boebert was a material witness to the facts of the alleged conspiracy and potentially in a position to dispute the assertions of the state and federal prosecutors. Boebert was not mentioned or present at Peters’ trial.
At a minimum, Boebert could have supported Tina publicly, in the press and on the hill. But Boebert was silent.
The CD4 representative has two official X accounts, and searching both of them shows that Lauren Boebert’s first mention of Tina Peters, in the digital public square, was May 6, 2025.
Reminder that, in 2021-22 when Peters story took place, Lauren Boebert represented CD3 and was Peters’ congresswoman.
I wonder how Tina Peters feels about her level of representation. I bet she thinks about it from inside her cell where she is doing nine years following a show trial. If only there had been more witnesses to support the factual arguments at trial.
Boebert’s newfound interest in Peters’ crucible is also a signal of change. I hope Director Patel takes Boebert up on the investigatory angle she proposed.
It’s a new world at the precipice of a golden age. But, here in Colorado, those in power are fighting hard to preserve their power and status quo incentives.
They’re fighting against change. Regardless of party, they’re fighting against change.
Imagine what’s possible. Now realize what stands in our way. The only way out is through.
Ashe in America is a writer and activist. Find all her work at linktree.com/asheinamerica.
by Charles Bonniwell | May 16, 2025 | Main Articles
by Charles C. Bonniwell
Classic Development: The Belcaro Shopping Center was built in 1960 and considered a real asset to the adjoining Belcaro Park neighborhood. The Kentro Group’s proposed 12- to16-story low income apartments are considered by residents as little more than an eyesore that will acerbate traffic jams in the area.
Brave New Future: A once campus-like setting of the Colorado Department of Transportation facility is being replaced by the Kentro Group’s massive 103,000 square foot King Soopers and low income housing. The expected completion is Spring 2026.
High Density Development Coming Soon: Belcaro is an affluent neighborhood in Denver known for its large ranch-style homes and tree-lined streets. It is located between Cherry Creek and Washington Park, featuring the historic Phipps Mansion and a high average household income. It sits West of the proposed redevelopment on South Colorado Blvd.
The City and County of Denver is known for its extraordinary neighborhoods. Those neighborhoods are represented not only by city councilmembers, but also formal neighborhood associations (HOAs) formally recognized in the city statutes. Many of these neighborhoods are tree-lined sanctuaries that almost resemble suburban enclaves.
The neighborhoods, especially the ones dominated by single family homes, are dimly viewed by the progressive Denver city planners at the Denver Community Planning and Development Department. They are seen as being anachronistic and an impediment to the type of very high density needed for a “sustainable” future for Denver.
Developers, in turn, realize that a key to profitability for them is turning low density areas in Denver into high density ones which could result in greater possibilities for “affordable housing” in the city.
More 24-hour Traffic Coming Soon: Virginia Village is a neighborhood in Denver with a population of 16,326. Virginia Village offers a balanced lifestyle with ample green spaces and recreational facilities. Parks like Garland Park and Ash Grove Park provide residents with opportunities for outdoor activities. Now, it is coming under threat with a new 103,000 square foot King Soopers coming to town.
The battles between developers aligned with Denver city planners on one side and neighborhood residents on the other are breaking out throughout the city. At one time, neighborhood HOAs in Denver were politically powerful, but no longer. Occasionally, the residents win one of those battles (February edition of the Chronicle — “Park Hill Golf Course Miracle”). But those victories are few and far between.
One of those battles is going on along Colorado Blvd. Kentro Group, a Denver real estate developer, is engaging in two such developments that have outraged the Belcaro Park and Virgina Village neighborhoods. The development scheme involves reversing what the Denver city planners view as obsolete thinking of having commercial businesses and residential areas physically separated.
As they view it why not put residences in the form of affordable apartments on busy streets like Colorado Boulevard while moving high volume retail into or next to single family home areas?
King Soopers, a division of Cincinnati based Kroger Company, had operated a grocery store at a 7-acre site, 825 South Colorado Blvd., for over 65 years. It elected to close the store, sell the property to the Kentro Group, and build a new 113,000 square foot facility a mile south in the Virgina Village neighborhood. The 13.5-acre site on
The Campus: The old CDOT headquarters off Colorado Blvd. on Arkansas Avenue had a campus like aspect to it with no traffic after 5:30 p.m. or on weekends and fit in well within the Virginia Village neighborhood.
ce housed the CDOT campus headquarters between Arkansas and Louisiana Avenues and was purchased by the Kentro Group in 2018 for $19.3 million.
The site was zoned CMP-E12 or campus, educational/institutional site. It is limited to a maximum of 75 feet within 175 feet of protected areas, i.e. single-family homes. The idea that single family homes are to be protected is no longer a concept recognized by the Denver Planning Department. The entire property was quickly rezoned for high density apartments and commercial uses.
Kentro Group, with the blessing and encouragement of the Planning Department, built a four-story 151-unit low-income apartment complex called Krisana Apartments abutting the single-family homes. Next to it will be a 113,000 square foot new King Soopers that will generate high traffic and will stay open into the night to the detriment of the Virginia Village neighborhood.
Next up for Kentro Group and the progressive city planners was the redevelopment of the 7-acre Belcaro Shopping Center. Facing off against them were residents of the low-density, single-family neighborhood to the west of the old grocery store and an active Belcaro Park HOA.
At the preliminary development review meeting over a year ago the residents told Kentro Group and the city planners w
New Neighbor: Krisana is a 151-unit, 4-story apartment community located at Arkansas Avenue and Birch Street just east of Colorado Blvd. Krisana is now imposed on the Virginia Village neighborhood.
hat they thought of the 12- to 16-story low-income housing apartment building with first floor retail use.
The residents pleaded for a maximum of three stories redevelopment which appeared to fall on deaf ears. Kentro principal Chris Viscardi told the hostile crowd that “I think there’s an opportunity here.” Some agreed that there was an opportunity, but it was for the Kentro Group to help destroy a neighborhood for its own gain.
When later asked by a reporter for the Denver Gazette whether the city was the one pushing for a higher, denser project than what was originally envisioned, the Kentro Group conceded the same.
Sue Clinton, a Belcaro resident, stated at the meeting that: “The city is driving this change and not really listening to the neighborhood.” She noted that in her mind the neighborhood conveyed a suburban, rather than an urban feel, which the city planners wanted to alter.
Others noted that at one time city planners were the advocates for the residents of the city rather than its enemies seeking to destroy a way of life many have cherished for years.
With the Denver housing market already beginning to suffer and Downtown Denver badly struggling, some residents are beginning to wonder with developers like Kentro Group and city planners like those Denver Planning Department whether housing affordability will someday be the least of the city’s concerns such has occurred in cities back East.
by Peter Boyles | May 16, 2025 | Blasting with Boyles
Blasting With Boyles
OPINION
I always call myself an amateur historian, somewhat of a traveler, a reader of this part of the world, and a listener to people from the Middle East.
The conflict between the Israelis and Palestinians — how many people in this country really truly know the history of the conflict.
Historically the British take control over the part of the world known as Palestine after World War One. The Arabs help defeat the Ottoman Empire which ruled Palestine and the British and the French then cut their throats. The tension between Arab and Jewish populations deepened when the UK agreed on the principles of a national home in Palestine in the Balfour Declaration.
Jews, Zionists I should say, had historical links to the land, but Palestinian Arabs also had claims dating back centuries and were very much opposed to the move. The British said the rights of Palestinian Arabs would always be protected.
Between the 1920s and the 1940s European Jews arrived and then the knowledge of over six million Jews murdered in the holocaust increased urgency to demands for a safe haven. In 1947 there was growing violence between Jews and Arabs and against British rule. The UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states. Jerusalem would be an international city. No Arab nation supported it and the British abstained and then in typical British colonial fashion handed the whole problem over to the UN on May 14, 1948.
Jewish leaders in Palestine declared an independent state known as Israel. Then Israel was recognized by the UN the following year. The day after Israel declared independence it was attacked by the armies of five Arab nations.
By the time the fighting ended in an armistice in 1949, Israel controlled most of the territory.
The agreements left Egypt occupying Gaza Strip. Jordan occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem, and Israel occupied West Jerusalem.
Over 750,000 Palestinians fled or were forced from their homes on land that becomes Israel, and they end up as refugees. That event in Arabic is called Nakba. It means catastrophe. In the years that followed hundreds of thousands of Jews left or were expelled from Muslim countries. Many go to Israel and then what is known as the 6 Day War in 1967 changes everything again. The war saw Israel fight Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. The Israelis launched first strike on the Egyptian air force. By the time the fighting ended the Israelis had Sinai and Gaza from Egypt, Golan Heights from Syria, and East Jerusalem and the West bank from Jordan. A million Palestinians came under Israeli control.
Israel, in a peace treaty with Egypt in 1979 returns the Sinai and exits East Jerusalem and Golan Heights. Along with Gaza it is now known as the occupied Israeli territories.
Israel has overall control of the West Bank but since the 1990s the Palestinian government has run the towns and the cities.
There are 150 Israeli settlements and housing in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Palestinians want all Israeli settlements to be removed, and Israel does not recognize the right of Palestinians to have their own state and argue the West Bank is part of the Israeli homeland.
In July 2024 the top court for the UN, the International Court of Justice, said Israel’s continued presence in occupied Palestinian territories is illegal.
Israelis and Palestinians both claim Jerusalem as their capitol. Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capitol of a future Palestinian state. Most of the population is Palestinian and only a very small percentage of them have chosen to become Israeli citizens. The UN and most international opinions consider East Jerusalem to be Palestinian.
Gaza is 25 miles long and about 10 miles wide. It’s home to 2.3 million people and even before the latest war between Israel and Hamas, Gaza had one of highest unemployment rates in the world, people living below the poverty line, and depending on food aid to survive.
Egypt was driven out of Gaza in 1967 and the strip was occupied by Israel.
The UN still regards Gaza as Israeli occupied territory and in the years that follow, Hamas and Israel fought in several conflicts, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021. In every round of fighting people were killed on both sides but the vast majority of them have been Palestinians in Gaza.
Then October 7, 2023, Hamas launches the assault from Gaza. Kills around 1,200 people in Israel and takes more than 250 hostages, a major military offensive in Gaza. It’s believed that more than 46,700 people have been killed, a majority of them women and children.
In January 2025, after 15 months of war, begins the slow agreement to halt the war and release Israeli hostage and Palestinian prisoners.
The war spreads into Lebanon, the West Bank.
143 out of 193 members of the UN vote in favor of a Palestinian bid for full UN membership. Some European countries, along with our country, do not recognize a Palestinian state, and say they will only do so as part of a political solution to the conflict.
There are about 5.9 million Palestinian refugees. They are descendants of the Palestinians who fled, that were forced from their homes. Most live in Jordan, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Syria, and Lebanon.
The two-state solution to all of this seems highly improbable. Israel rejects it. Early efforts to settle the conflict led to a deal called the Oslo Peace Accords. Those talks collapsed.
We sit where we sit today.
I don’t have an answer and seemingly no one does. The Israelis now have four stated goals. Destroy Hamas, free the hostages, ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel, and return displaced residents of northern Israel.
The Palestinians seek to establish their own independent state in at least one part of what was historic Palestine. Israeli defense controls West Bank. The Egyptian blockade of Gaza and the terribleness of Palestinian internal politics place their goals totally out of reach.
What I tried to say here is a line I’ve used too many times. There are parts of the world where there is no tomorrow, there is simply yesterday repeating itself.
Thanks for reading this, it was difficult to write.
— Peter Boyles
