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A ordable housing initiative could face rocky future

Proposition 123 was approved by Colorado voters

BY ELLIS ARNOLD EARNOLD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Few issues affect Coloradans as much as rising housing prices. The state will take a step toward addressing the problem — to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars per year — as officials implement Proposition 123 approved by voters in November.

In just 12 years, the median cost of a single-family home in the Denver area jumped from about $200,000 to three times that amount, according to the latest report by the Colorado Association of Realtors. The trend was similar statewide.

Under Proposition 123, state officials are required to set money aside for more affordable housing and programs to help Coloradans acquire homes and stay housed. Though the measure didn’t raise tax rates to fund those programs, it will, eventually, reduce the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR, refunds that Coloradans receive — by $86 per taxpayer for 2024, for example.

Yet voters in November also sought to reduce their taxes and, taken together, the changes could lead to difficult decisions down the road, said Scott Wasserman, who leads the nonprofit Bell Policy Center, which advocates for economic mobility for Coloradans. He called the passage of the measure “bittersweet.”

“I think what makes it bitter is that it passed in conjunction with Proposition 121,” a measure voters approved to lower the state income tax rate, Wasserman said.

Proposition 121 is expected to take a roughly $400-million bite out of the state budget next year while Proposition 123 will eventually increase spending about $290 million yearly.

State Rep. Rod Bockenfeld, a Republican who represents rural areas east of Denver, including parts of Adams, Arapahoe and Elbert counties, did

not share Wasserman’s concern that the new measures could be problematic for state spending. However, Bockenfeld, who serves on the state legislature’s Joint Budget Committee, acknowledged the picture could change when the state faces strong economic headwinds.

“There’s a certain point where if we hit a severe downturn and we go into a deep recession, then a reduced tax rate will reduce state revenues,” Bockenfeld said.

Though the state struggles like the rest of the country with high inflation, the situation hasn’t been characterized as a recession or severe, though concerns that could happen linger.

How 123 works

Proposition 123 defines affordable housing based on two factors: household income and housing costs, according to the state’s “blue book” voter guide.

Under the proposal, affordable housing means housing for renters making up to 60% of the area median income or homeowners making up to 100% of the area median income. For context, in the metro area, the me-

dian income is $117,800, and 60% of median income is $70,700.

Under Proposition 123, local communities have flexibility to respond to housing needs.

The money could go toward grants and loans to local governments and nonprofits to acquire land for affordable housing developments; assistance to develop multifamily rentals, including apartments; programs that help first-time homebuyers; preventing homelessness through rental assistance and eviction defense; and grants to raise capacity at local government land-use departments.

The measure also could support “equity” sharing with tenants in housing projects. Equity is important because it allows people to gain financially from the rising value of their property and do things such as borrow money based on it.

“We know that home equity is a part of how you build intergenerational wealth,” said Wasserman.

He noted that people who are renting don’t have that opportunity to build equity.

Overall, the measure could help

Brighton veteran takes honor flight Trip brings back

memories of service

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

An October trip with Rocky Mountain Honor Flight brought up a lot of memories for Vietnam veteran Steve Newton, of Brighton.

“When I saw the Gold Star panel of the casualties of World War II, I cried, deeply appreciative. Did not know any of those young kids, it bothers me about my situation and it gives you some survival guilt,” said Newton.

Now 75 years old, the Brighton veteran flew to Washington, D.C. in October to visit all the veteran memorials. It brought him back, he said, to the war itself and the time before.

It was his junior year of high school in Iowa and Newton said he kept informed on what was happening in North Vietnam.

“The North Vietnam warships attack the United States warship U.S.S. Turner and U.S.S. Maddox off the coast of North Vietnam in the Gulf of Tonkin, it got my attention and raised the amber flag,” Newton said.

In Newton’s senior year, news stories about the seventh cavalry’s fight campaigns in Drang Valley really stood out. That’s what cemented his motivation to go into the service.

“I didn’t have any money or academics, I knew I was going

A trio of hot air balloons lift o over the burgeoning neighborhoods in northern Westminster and Thornton and into the October sky.

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Polis salutes Fort Lupton for student achievement

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fort Lupton High School was among 21 high schools in the state to receive the state’s Bright Spot award from Gov. Polis.

The schools demonstrated strong growth in student achievement and “the ability to advance learning through challenging times” since 2019, according to a press statement.

The framework lists six phases or bands, ranging from insufficient data, the lowest band, to the top-tier Distinction Plan. To qualify, schools must have advanced more than two bands on their performance framework since 2019. Fort Lupton, for example, advanced from the Turnaround Plan band – the second lowest rating band – to the Improve ment Plan band, which is the third highest rated band.

The use of funds will be deter mined by each school. Examples of eligible uses of funds include increased mental and behavioral health or tutoring services, prepara tion and prevention strategies for future health emergencies, faculty development opportunities or school improvements.

“We are honored to receive this award from Gov.Polis,” said Re-8 Superintendent Alan Kaylor. “Our community has demonstrated

perseverance throughout the pan demic, and those lessons learned will continue to serve us well. I am proud of the staff at the high school as well as the entire district over the past three years in delivering highquality education and learning for each student.”

The schools also receive $50,000 of the governor’s emergency relief fund for investments in such things as expanding student resources, faculty development, preparing and preventing health emergencies and other opportunities to benefit students’ learning experiences, the statement read.

“Congratulations to these schools that have shown strong improve ments in results despite the pan demic and to all those that worked to advance students’ learning over the last three years,” the governor said in the statement. “The unprec edented challenges schools faced through the pandemic were difficult to navigate. But, your schools, teach ers and communities showed incred ible resilience, and I am honored to highlight you all.

“I look forward to seeing how you utilize the funding to keep uplifting your students and advance learn ing,” Polis said. “Investing in educa tion ensures Colorado youth are able to thrive and access the highquality education they deserve.”

Thornton closes on $33 million oil and gas deal

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Thornton will receive more than $33 million after selling mineral rights from 4,000 royalty acres to Phoenix Capital Group.

According to a news release from Phoenix Capital Group, the acres spread across 15 tracts of land in Adams and Weld counties. This was the biggest deal in the history of Phoenix Capital Group, the city an nounced Nov. 4.

Councilors debated the decision to lease or sell the minerals during a City Council update session back in May. Prior to the sale, the city leased a portion of 8,000 acres of mineral rights, receiving royalties from the leases.

According to the meeting’s agen da, mineral rights were originally acquired as part of the Thornton Water Project Farm acquisitions. That land isn’t required to complete the project. The city owns approxi mately 19,000 acres of farmland in both Weld and Larimer counties.

Scott Twombly, real estate proper ty manager for the city, said in May that it originally made sense to lease the minerals rather than sell them. Now, it makes more sense to sell since the regulatory environment discourages oil development, he said. It is difficult to receive financ ing for drilling, the supply chain constraints delayed drilling, drillers are drilling more out of fewer wells

–reducing royalties – and oil prices are significantly higher, he said.

The city has earned $60 million from its oil and gas minerals since it started the leasing program in 2011 until May 2022. Twombly said the city estimated profits of about $14 million from selling the minerals, which is why they recommended beginning the search for buyers.

Mayor Jan Kulmann suggested staff could get more than $14 mil lion, and she was right: Phoenix Capital Group more than doubled that.

“This is not a recommendation you would have heard several years ago,” Twombly said.

City Councilor Julia Marvin asked if the city sells the minerals, wheth er councilors or staff will have a say in what the operation looks like.

Twombly and Kulmann, who is also an oil and gas engineer, said the amount of oversight the city will have is about the same since it is on Thornton land.

Marvin asked if they sold the min erals where the money would go, and Twombly said it would be more than likely to go to the water fund.

City Spokesperson Todd Barnes said the vast majority would go into the water fund and a small amount into the general fund since the water utility owns the properties where the oil rights are located.

Marvin said she would be in sup port of the money going towards water sustainability efforts.

Adams Co. meal fixings giveway continues

Adams County’s annual Operation Freebird filled the parking lot outside of the Mountain States Toyota with tents and good cheer while giving Thanksgiving meals to 2,500.

This was the first year that the event, operated and managed by the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, gave out gift certificates for free Butterball turkeys rather than frozen turkeys but that didn’t slow the crowd.

County and local aid agencies were also on hand to offer COVID-19 rapid tests, advice and links to other programs.

Mountain States Toyota puppet/mascot Tacoma interviews Food Bank of the Rockies President Erin Pulling – with the help of handler Jared Wigand – Nov. 19 at Adams County Sheri s Department Operation Freebird. PHOTOS BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Crowds filter in to the Adams County Sheri ’s Operation Freebird Thanksgiving meal distribution Nov. 19 at Mountains State’s Toyota in Denver. The Sheri ’s department and Food Bank of the Rockies were prepared to distribute 2,500 meals at the event.

Tacoma the mascot puppet for Mountain States Toyota mugs with Adams County Sheri Deputy Sg, Manuel Carrillo, a member of the county’s bomb squad, during the department’s annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway Operation Freebird Nov. 19 at Mountain States Toyota’s location at 201 W. 70th Ave.

Food Bank of the Rockies volunteer Imani Mafe hands out boxes of food Nov. 19 at Adams County Sheri ’s Operation Freebird.

The Adams County Sheri ’s Department said they were prepared to give away enough food for 2,500 family Thanksgiving meals at the annual Operation Freebird Nov. 19.

Teachers protest order to reorganize Adams 14 district

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The next installment of the dispute between the Adams 14 School District and the Colorado board of education was in the form of a Nov. 19 rally outside Adams City High School.

About 30 teachers and some state legislators gathered to pro test the board’s decision to reor ganize the district after years of

low test scores. They waved signs and cheered as passing motorists honked their horns in protest.

The teachers union and To gether Colorado, a multi-faith community organization, com bined to put on the rally. A press statement called Arms Around Adams 14 “a new community campaign to stop the reorganiza tion of Adams 14 and shift the narratives around the district.”

Earlier attempts to bring the

district’s test scores up to speed either didn’t work or were cut off early, including a contract with an outside management firm earlier this year.

In March, the district recom mended closing Adams City High School and reorganizing the district. The school closure isn’t on the table any longer, but reorganization is.

The state board sent the of ficial reorganization notice to

the district in October Adams 14, Mapleton Public Schools, Adams 12 Five Star Schools and 27J Schools will be part of the process. All told the state board reorganizing “will fail.”

In an October statement, the district said the notice has no impact on jobs or staff mem bers, nor does it change “Adams 14’s commitment to providing a stable and secure learning envi ronment for all of our students.”

Antisemitic letter found in various Thornton mailboxes

Election Day, Nov. 8, with no en velope or postage. His neighbors did as well.

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Thornton residents in the Hunters Glenn neighborhood received white supremacist, antisemitic, anti-immigrant and homophobic flyers in their mail boxes the night of Nov. 8.

“I don’t want this in my neigh borhood,” said Jeffrey Perkins.

Perkins said he found the letter in his mailbox on the morning of

Perkins, who identifies as white and has a Latino family, said he thought it was a targeted attack. Now, after confirmation from his neighbors receiving the letter, he doesn’t think it was targeted at his family.

The City of Thornton as well as city council have condemned the letter and do not wish to share it to prevent the spread of its message.

“It saddens me that someone thinks it’s okay to place some thing this hateful in mailboxes. Since that action is a federal offense, Thornton PD is work

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VOA Lunch

A hot, nutritious lunch is provided by Volunteers of America, Mondays and ursdays at 11:30 a.m. Please reserve your VOA meal in advance: For Mondays reserve the ursday before, for ursdays reserve the Monday before.! Call Eleanor at 303-655-2271 between 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Mon. & urs. Daily meal donations are appreciated. $2.50 Donation per meal if age 60+. $8.50 Mandatory charge if under 60

Readers eatre Performance

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Spellbinders Storytelling

Stories help us make sense of our world, impart a lesson, pass down history, and more. ey can teach us how to love, forgive and strive to be better. Free, but please register. 1:15 p.m. urs. Dec 1. Deadline: Tues. Nov 29

Fourth Quarter of Life Goal Setting

Learn the di erences between traditional goal setting and goal setting for people 50+. Also covered are common issues and concerns you may encounter as you age. Concluding with a review of some common end of life challenges. Presenter: Dr. Matt Motchkavitz. 1:30 p.m. Mon. Dec 5. Free. Deadline: Fri. Dec 2 How to Keep the Inheritance from Hurting Your Children

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Caricature Drawing

Learn to see the way a caricature artist sees and capture the likeness and personalities of a person or a pet in a unique way! Materials needed: 9” x 12” drawing pad, pencils, erasers, and small markers. Instructor: Frank Pryor. 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Mondays. Dec 5 - 19. $75 (3 wks) Deadline: urs. Dec 1

ing with the postal service,” said Mayor Jan Kulmann in a state ment.

According to Community Rela tions Officer Joseph Walker, the incident report was entered on Nov. 10. He said the department is unsure of how many letters were put in mailboxes, but said residents should report them.

“I denounce all hate and the City of Thornton will not toler ate this behavior. The police chief has been notified and so has the Anti-Defamation League,” City Councilor Karen Bigelow said in a statement.

Perkins said he is mainly hor rified and said most people in his community reject that rhetoric

COLA is sweet for Social Security recipients

If you receive Social Security, you’ve probably already heard that your checks in 2023 will be considerably bigger. In fact, there’s an 8.7% cost of living increase, known as COLA. How should you use this extra money?

Of course, the sizable COLA is due to the high inflation of 2022, so you might need the larger checks to help pay for the increased cost of goods and services. But if your cash flow is already relatively strong, you may want to consider a few different moves.

First, the extra money may enable you to withdraw less from your investment portfolio, possibly helping it to last longer throughout your retirement.

Also, you could use some of the bigger checks to build your cash reserves, both in your portfolio and as part of an emergency fund.

You might also want to put some of the extra money into a tax-advantaged 529 education savings plan for a grandchild or another family member. Or, you could boost your contributions to charitable groups.

Future COLA increases likely won’t be as large as the one for 2023 – so try to take full advantage of it while it’s here.

but said he thinks that angry minority is growing.

In light of the Colorado Springs mass shooting at Club Q, he thinks communities and the country are becoming less and less safe.

“We all are becoming a little less safe with each act of vio lence across the country,” he said.

Thornton released a statement on Facebook Nov. 17.

“This kind of hate speech goes against a core value of respect and inclusivity in Thornton. As this kind of hate speech is sometimes a precursor to violent behavior, we ask the commu nity to be vigilant in reporting instances of hate speech to the Thornton PD by calling 720-9775150 or 9-1-1 in an emergency,” the statement reads.

The letter, entitled “ ‘White’ Su premacy is Jewish Supremacy,” offers a so-called list of “Jews in High Positions of Power in America,” including Jeffery Ep stein and the children of former President Donald Trump, former Secretary of State Hillary Clin ton and President Joe Biden.

It also contains homophobic statements.

TURN TO THE COLORADO SUN FOR NEWS ACROSS THE STATE

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Thornton Police don’t know how many homes have been a ected

to wear some kind of uniform at some point,” he said.

Born on the Fourth of July

When Newton turned 18 on July 4, 1965, he didn’t wait for his draft orders.

“I decided I might as well get it over with and join,” Newton said. “I wasn’t smart enough to be in the Air Force and wasn’t tough enough to be a Jar Head (a common nickname for the Marines),” Newton said.

He went to the draft board and asked the lady how many were ahead of him. About 50 were. Newton was wearing his bellbottom trousers, the kind associated with long hair, hippies and dope smokers. That wasn’t him, he said.

“I ended up in the Army taking a battery of tests and tested out to be trained in one the military occupational status (MOS), so I chose refrigeration air conditioning,” he said.

He went into the Engineer Corps, and when Newton told people that’s what he’d be doing, they laughed at him.

“They looked at me and said ‘Those recruiters lied to you, you are not going to get that, they’re looking for combat arms infantry, armory and artillery,’ “ Newton said.

Newton left for basic training at

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in December 1965.

After base training in January 1966, they sent Newton to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, an engineering school.

Newton said he and 15 other soldiers went through 11 weeks of essential refrigeration, air conditioning, soldering and electrical work.

“Around Memorial Day 1966 I got my orders: Have a nice trip to the tropical breezes and enjoy your on-the-job training in a hostile environment,” said Newton.

Newton trained for combat, but his assignment was to construct a cold storage complex “inside the wire” at Camp Radcliff, not too far from the Drang Valley that he’d read about in high school.

“I did have some survivor guilt because I was inside the wire,” he said. “We went outside the wire twice the whole year I was there. When we did go into the village, we were told that anyone wearing black pajamas was a Viet Cong. There were lots of black pajamas. It scared us.”

Newton said they would only leave the base to re-qualify their weapons and to shoot down range. But they felt like pop-up targets for the enemy when they did.

In June 1967, Newton asked his lieutenant if he should extend his Vietnam rotation to six months to help finish work on the complex.

“He cocked his head and looked at me; ‘What’s wrong with you, kid? I think you should get your

anatomy...’ he called it something else ‘... and get on that airplane. Get out of here,’” Newton said.

Leaving Vietnam

Newton left for the states in June 1967, arriving at Fort Hood, Texas where he served until February 1968. After Fort Hood, Newton was sent to the Autobahn in Germany and spent his last six months in the service at Darmstadt.

Real-world events back in the U.S. kept him on his toes there, he said. Most daunting was the 1968 assassination of Martin Luther King

“The racial situation got really bad when Martin Luth King was assassinated. All the guys went down to the guest house, a tavern, to get drunk on the German beer, which was a lot stouter, and get into fights. I felt safer in Vietnam,” Newton said.

As Newton’s time in Germany wound down, they asked him to re-enlist.

“I looked at him and said the contract ink wouldn’t be dry and you are reaching in your back pocket telling me I should have another nice ride to the tropical breezes, “ Newton said. “I said no and I want to go home.”

He got out in November 1968 and returned home to find his high school sweetheart still waiting for him.

“She waited around, as opposed to sending me a dear John letter hoping I’d have a nice life,” he said.

Newton and his wife have been married for 54 years and moved to Brighton in 1984. They have a daughter, 53, and a son, 50, who shares his July 4 birthday.

Rocky Mountain Honor Flight

The Rocky Mountain Honor Flight is a non-profit organization founded in 2007 that flies veterans to Washington, D.C. to honor their dedication and service. The honored veterans get to visit monuments and memorials. Each trip takes about 30 veterans, and they usually offer four trips a year.

“When I started in 2018, we had all the World War II & Korean veterans and our first Vietnam veteran and took them in September of 2019,” said Keith Monte, Board of Directors Rocky Mountain Honor Flight.

Monte said there were no trips in 2020 or 2021 due to COVID.

They accept applications for honor flights from all veterans and veterans with disabilities.

Newton said he applied for a Rocky Mountain Honor flight five years ago, before the COVID delays in 2020. He submitted a new application with a friend this year when the American Legion restarted the program. His friend went this spring, and Newton went in October.

He made sure to stop at the memorials for World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Lincoln Memorial and the Marine Corps and the Air Force memorials.

“It was a good trip,” he said.

A Christmas Carol

By Charles Dickens

Adapted by Richard Hellesen

Music by David de Berry

Directed by Anthony Powell

Dec. 1

Fort Lupton Holiday lighting contest: City residents and those who live within five miles of the Fort Lupton City limits can register with the Chamber of Commerce to have their home holiday displays re viewed and judged. Winners in sev eral categories will be announced at 3 p.m. Dec. 19. Contact Allison Johnson at executivedirector@ fortluptonchamber.org for more information or register at shorturl. at/fijwF.

HOUSING

FROM PAGE 1

create more higher-density, environ mentally sustainable homes, accord ing to the voter guide.

Some in the housing industry say they can’t make a profit building “the kind of housing we need,” Wasser man said.

The measure, he added, tells hous ing developers, “‘We’re here to help you make it.’”

TABOR makes for di cult math

But the math isn’t easy. Part of what makes the equation difficult is TABOR, the state constitutional amendment that limits government spending. Under TABOR, revenue above the limit — sometimes called a

Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Starting the Season

Dec. 2

Thornton Santa Calling: The registration deadline for Thornton’s annual check-in from Santa is Dec. 2. Santa will call between 6 and 8 p.m. Dec. 13 through 15.

Adults can register interested kids, specifying a date and rough time for the call and providing some information about their child — name, age, address, brothers and sisters, favorite things, the names of their pets, what they want for Christmas and how they’ve been behaving.

One of Thornton’s volunteer elves

“TABOR surplus” — gets refunded to taxpayers. The $750 rebate check that Coloradans received this year were a result of TABOR.

Colorado is seeing “very large TA BOR surpluses,” in the ballpark of $3 billion this year and next year, Was serman said. Although that sounds like a lot of money, it goes quick.

For example, money from the state’s “general fund” — which sup ports basic services, like K-12 educa tion and public assistance — recently totaled $12.5 billion.

In years when state revenue comes in over the TABOR limit, Proposi tion 123 is estimated to decrease the amount returned by $43 per taxpayer in tax year 2023 and $86 per taxpayer in tax year 2024, according to the voter guide.

Meanwhile, Proposition 121, the measure to lower Colorado’s income

will call, putting Santa — or one of his helpers — on the line when they’re ready. Visit https://www. thorntonco.gov/festivals-events/ Documents/santas-calling-form.pdf for the registration form. Call 720-977-5916 if you have ques tions or need more information.

Noel Northglenn: The City of Northglenn kicks off the holiday celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Parsons entrance of the Northglenn Recreation Center at 1 E. Memorial Parkway. Many of the most popular events from past festivals will be back!

tax, will also decrease refunds to tax payers in years when state revenue exceeds TABOR’s limits. In those years, taxpayers generally may end up keeping money that would have been refunded anyway, Bockenfeld said.

“It leaves the money in the pocket of citizens rather than giving it to the government and the government giving it back,” Bockenfeld said.

Education often a target for cuts

Colorado’s new normal under Propositions 123 and 121 may not present hard choices when the economy is strong and the state takes in large sums of tax revenue. But during an economic downturn, Colo rado may not see a so-called TABOR surplus of revenue.

That’s when priorities may end up on the cutting block, according to Wasserman.

Proposition 123 allows the state legislature to reduce part of the new housing funding to balance the state budget, according to the state’s voter guide. Essentially, if lawmakers find themselves in enough of a pinch, they can “turn off” parts of the mea sure, Wasserman said.

The alternative is typically cuts to education, especially higher educa tion, meaning housing and education could be competing not to be cut.

In such a situation, “you’re not able to increase education funding based on growth or needs of schools,” Was serman said.

In a tight spot, it’s possible state

Santa will be on hand and ready to take pictures with the families –whether they are free (taken with your own phone) or $5 per photo with a professional photographer. Mrs. Claus will be there too, sharing her favorite holiday songs. There will be free crafts for the kids, car riage rides and free children’s books while supplies last. There will also be new opportunities to learn about winter holidays in other cultures. A pizza dinner can be purchased, with proceeds going to benefit the

lawmakers could turn off the flow of funding to Proposition 123, accord ing to Legislative Council Staff, the nonpartisan research arm at the state Capitol. The measure explicitly contemplates the fact that lawmakers might want to reduce the spending for budget balancing, so it says they are allowed to cut about half. But in practice, lawmakers could cut the spending entirely, according to staff.

Yet whether lawmakers would ac tually choose to override the will of the voters remains to be seen.

Another complication: When there is enough money, Colorado lawmak ers can dip into the TABOR surplus for another purpose. The state allows a property tax exemption for qualify ing senior citizens and disabled vet erans, referred to as the homestead exemption. The senior homestead exemption can be paid for by the TABOR surplus, Wasserman said, potentially cutting into the available funds for affordable housing.

“That pool of money which is com ing from our existing tax rates — it’s a life raft, and it’s like we’re shrink ing the size of the life raft,” Wasser man said.

He also looks at Proposition 121 in anticipating future budget problems.

“If the state ends up as a result of this election cutting things, it’s not going to be because of 123 — it’s go ing to be because of 121,” he claimed. “I can’t be emphatic enough about that. We can shut off parts of 123 … we can never, ever, ever get the money back from 121.”

Take a break from the hustle and bustle and join us for our 4th Annual

Milk and C kies with Santa

Take a break from the hustle and bustle and join us for our 5th Annual Saturday, December 10th

HOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WOULD QUALIFY FOR NEW FUNDING

guide says.

Milk and C kies with Santa

Saturday, December 11th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

For projects to qualify for funding from Proposition 123, the local governments where the projects are located must commit to increasing a ordable housing by 3% each year and create a fast-track approval process for a ordable housing projects, the state’s “blue book” voter

“If a local government chooses not to meet these requirements, or if it fails to achieve its a ordable housing goals, projects in that municipality or county will be temporarily ineligible for funding from these programs,” the guide says.

WHAT COLORADO CURRENTLY DOES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Saturday, December 11th 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. cameraBringyourtotake apicturewith and

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Live music by the "Bootleggers"

Live music by the "Bootleggers"

Take a break from the hustle and bustle and join us for our 4th Annual 100 S. 3rd Avenue Brighton, CO 80601 303.659.7775 www.allieventcenter.com

The state partners with local communities to increase and preserve Colorado’s a ordable housing stock, manage rentalassistance vouchers, and address homelessness, says the state’s “blue book” voter guide, noting the state Department of Local A airs is involved.

The current budget for the department’s a ordable housing initiatives is about $200 million, about half of which is from state sources, with the rest coming from federal sources.

Since 2021, the state has allocated more than $1.2 billion from the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 for

a ordable housing and services that address housing insecurity, lack of a ordable and workforce housing, or homelessness. (The Urban Land Institute defines “workforce” households as those earning between 60% and 120% of the area median income.)

These are one-time funds that will be spent over the next several years on:

• Emergency rental assistance;

• Homeowner mortgage assistance;

• Tax credits for developers;

• Housing and infrastructure;

• And other housing solutions, such as manufactured homes.

Northglenn Community Foundation. And returning this year, the gym will be reserved for fun and chaotic indoor snowball fights.

Historic Westminster Home Town Christmas: The Westminster Historical Society hosts this annual event featuring carolers, roasted chestnuts and visits with Santa from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Fireman’s Park, 7290 Bradburn Blvd. Stick around for the lighting of the park’s Christmas tree, reportedly the tallest living Christmas tree in the state.

Thornton Christmas Memories Concert: Thornton’s Community Chorus will offer two performances of their annual holiday concert “Christmas Memories”, featuring all varieties of holiday music, at 4 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the McAllister Park Building, 750 W. 96th Ave., Thornton. Email thorntonchorus@gmail.com for more information.

Dec. 3

Adams County Holiday Bazaar: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the at Riverdale Regional Park and Fairgrounds, 9755 Henderson Rd., Brighton.

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Cookies and cocoa with Santa: Come visit with Santa, enjoy some cookies, play some games and have a professional photograph taken from 10 a.m. to noon at the Fort Lupton Public Library, 425 S. Denver Ave., Fort Lupton.

Olde Fashioned Christmas: Northglenn’s Stonehocker Farmhouse, 10950 Fox Run Parkway, will host the annual celebration from

from local performers including the Northland Chorale. You can browse affordable baked goods, gifts and stocking stuffers in the kitchen. Santa awaits upstairs to take photos with the kids. Afterward, they can pick out a free book to bring home, thanks to Northglenn Build A Generation.

Brighton Tree Lighting CerThe city’s annual holiday

The day kicks off as Santa comes to town at 2 p.m. with free face painting and the Teddy Bear & Friends Tree. New this year is a Winter Market on South Main St. (near the plaza) from 2-7 p.m. The market will feature unique artists, crafters and artisan food vendors.

The tree lighting is scheduled for 5 p.m., followed by a concert performance by Boulder’s Face Vocal Band. Contact Amy Porter at 303655-2126 for more information.

Westminster Holiday Lights: The city of Westminster kicks off the countdown to Christmas at 5:30 p.m. with the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony at City Hall, 4800 W. 92nd Ave. in Westminster.

Come see the magical wonderland of lights, complete with holiday music, hot chocolate, cookies and a visit from Santa Claus. There will be a full-sized sleigh and miniature train for photos, and carnival games. Free of charge, sponsored by SCL Health and O’Toole’s Garden Center.

Dec. 9

Fort Lupton Parade of Lights: The city hosts its holiday parade of bright lights and cheer beginning at 6 p.m. at 605 4th St. – the Bank of Colorado Operations Center. A tree lighting ceremony is set for 6:45 p.m. Santa sticks around for photos from 7-8 p.m.

Thornton Winterfest: celebrate the season with the city’s

SEASON,

Helping Your Obituaries, Arrangements and Resources Online at

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will be making appearances at festivals and tree lighting ceremonies around the area leading up to Christmas. FILE PHOTO

A di erent game, a di erent level of interest

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

On the Eastern Plains, football is a special breed of cat.

Or eagle, as the case may be.

Tucked away north of Interstate 70, an hour or so east of Limon and two or so stops away from the Kansas state line sits the town of Stratton. It occupies half a square mile of land and is home to 658 people and 175 businesses.

More than 450 people work in town. Some of the larger industries in town? Pumpkin patches, professional services and crop preparation services. There are Realtors and dentists, a post office, a bank and a hotel. There’s an auto parts store, three restaurants and a combo inn and winery. An RV park occupies space on a county road.

One-tenth of 1 percent of the town’s population plays at any one time on the high-school football team, one that residents, parents and alumni have rallied around for years.

“The whole town comes to watch them,” said head football coach and Stratton alum Jesse McConnell. “They see them at the gas station. They’re always asking the kids how the season is going. They are really invested in Stratton football, and that’s great to see.”

Pre-pregame

Before you ever arrive in town, one thing you notice is the high school’s mascot.

An eagle.

He (or she) is all over the town’s business pages – automotive businesses, health care, and restaurants. The names, addresses, phone numbers, they’re all there.

So is the eagle.

There are well-wishes from the city on a billboard just south of downtown. At the corner of Interstate 70 and state U.S. Highway 24 sits an open field. During postseason play, you’ll find decals, wishing the involved team well in its upcoming game.

“They hang green-and-white flags up and down Main Street,” said former Stratton football coach Dave Gottmann. “The parents cook breakfast for the kids four hours before the game. That’s carried on for years. A group of parents used to have Thursday night dinners before the games. These are traditions that have been carried on for 20 or 30 years. Depending on who’s driving the driving, an ambulance will sound the siren when Stratton scores a touchdown.”

“We have had much success on the gridiron practically the entire time I’ve lived here,” said Rod Thompson, who graduated from Stratton High School in 1983. “Of course, there were a few down years, but we always seemed to field a pretty solid team. I still have high-school classmates and teammates that follow the current team. They constantly ask if we will win state this year, or how we played the previous week and how our upcoming opponent is. So yes, even after they leave school and settle in larger metropolitan areas or even move out of state, many alumni still follow the team on a consistent basis.”

“Stratton football has always been like this,” McConnell said. “It’s great

Hometown sta s Thompson, the team’s statistician (his wife is the team photographer), played 11-man football in his day. The year after he graduated, the Eagles played eight-man ball. Six-man football started in 2012.

Thompson’s children are married and have started their own families. One of his sons, Trey, is an assistant football coach. Three of the football coaches are SHS alums, including McDonnell. He and Thompson, the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, were in the same high-school graduating class in 2011. Coach Chris Hornung graduated from Stratton two years before that. One of the assistant coaches at Otis High School, the Eagles’ opponent in the semifinal round, is a graduate of Stratton High School.

Trey Thompson and his wife also coach the high-school and middleschool girls’ basketball teams. Rod Thompson’s other son lives in Cheyenne. His daughter is attending medical school in Kansas City “but they will usually watch the games on the NFHS (National Federation of High Schools) network.”

“My wife and I also have an exchange student from Madrid, Spain, that is playing on this year’s team, and his family will also watch every game via NFHS,” Rod Thompson said. “The family from Spain say that the experience their son has here is second to none. They all feel he is so lucky to have gotten to be involved with such a supportive community.”

Corey Wedel has some history at Stratton, too. He is a former coach and defensive coordinator for 10 years, during which the Eagles won a state title and finished second. He’s also the school’s agriculture education teacher, the school’s Future Farmers of America Advisor (24 years running) and the team’s publicaddress announcer.

Wedel graduated from Burlington High School in 1993. His son, Braden, was the Eagles’ place-kicker from 2019 to 2021.

“The four guys who run the chains (the chain gang) for the games are all former SHS football players,” he said. “The community of Stratton has quite a few alumni living in the area. They have kids in school.”

“I think everyone that lives in Stratton currently or has lived here

in the past has so much pride in the town.,” Rod Thompson said. “I have had many people that I went to high school with, or had graduated before or after me from Stratton that moved away, but would come back for homecoming say that they wish their kids had the same opportunities that these kids still living here have.”

“Like all places, graduates leave and find careers in other cities and states,” Wedel added. “But they still come back to Stratton for things like homecoming, significant sports games, holidays, visits to family, etc. Because Stratton is a farming community, there are always family members who return to the farmand-ranch operation.”

Gottmann grew up in Littleton and went to Heritage High School.

“I never understood homecoming,” he said. “In a small town, a thousand people will show up for a free barbecue. At homecoming, the 10-year classes? Every single graduate will come back. At 20, it’s about 80 percent.”

Wedel offered one more note.

“The current math teacher and high-school head track coach were high-school sweethearts in the late 1990s,” he said. “Now, they have three kids – one each in high school, middle school and elementary school. Stratton’s community even has graduates from nearby rivals Flagler, Hi-Plains and Burlington schools in our community. And now, they proudly wear the Eagle green and white.

“Including me.”

The school and sports Stratton, with an enrollment of fewer than 50 students, is home to a consistently good football team. Gottmann thought five Eagles’ teams did not qualify for postseason football in the last 40 years.

The rallying point this year is the Eagles’ trek through the six-man football playoffs. Stratton was the top seed.

When the game starts, some people sit in the stands; a good many don’t and sit on the field. Still more park their cars behind a fence on the north side of the field – locals said the cars started showing up two or three days before the Nov. 19 semifinal game -- where, minus the chain-link nature of the fence, the view is pretty good.

“It’s a social event,” Gottmann said. He is the timekeeper for nearby Bethune High School, about 10 miles east of town. “Everyone is fired up. People are roaming the sidelines. In a small town, you are on the sideline. You aren’t more than 10 feet from the game.”

“Stratton parents, grandparents, fans, friends, family and teachers travel to road games very consistently, even if it means driving three or more hours,” said Wedel, who is an agriculture teacher at SHS, the school’s Future Farmers of America advisor (24 years running) and the football team’s public address announcer.

The fan support is consistent, even in lean years.

“One of the best seasons I coached, we went 3-5 and didn’t make the playoffs,” Gottmann said. “The kids were great, they did everything. And we

Even though it looks like Stratton’s tight end Brody Webb is in the end zone first, it’s actually Alex Cruz (23) who carried the ball in for a first-quarter touchdown against Otis Nov. 19 in Stratton. The Eagles beat Otis 46-13 in the semifinals of the state six-man football playo s and will play next week for a state title in Pueblo.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Otis’ Jack Willeke snares this long pass against the defense of Stratton’s Avery Archuleta in the second half of the teams’ semifinal game in the six-man playo s Nov. 19 in Stratton.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

had the fan support. When they get to the playoffs, you see all the people show up, and you haven’t seen them for years.”

Wedel said the support has been strong since the late 1980s or early 1990s. The Eagles’ first state title was in 1992 “and a few of the players are still in the community with kids of their own.” Stratton won four state titles in eight-man football from 1992 to 1995. The Eagles also won 48 straight games. Gottmann was one of the team’s assistant coaches in 1992.

“Stratton is definitely a football town, and many of our high-school players have dreamed about playing for the Eagles and winning a state championship since they were in elementary school,” Wedel said. “Our community loves supporting football, but they support all the other sports, too.

“Volleyball has been really good recently with three consecutive trips to the state tournament. Baseball had a great stretch back in 2010-2012, winning three straight championships,” he added. “Girls and boys both have golf teams now.” He is the boys’ coach.

Go time

The rules for six-man football are a little different. The field is smaller – 80 yards wide and 40 yards long.

Teams have to gain 15 yards for a first down, not 10. There are no “direct” runs. The quarterback can rush if

SEASON

annual holiday celebration through Dec. 11 at the Carpenter Park Fields, 108th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The festival opens at 6:30 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday and runs until 9 p.m. nightly.

The festival features Santa’s Village, with ice skating, ice carving, food vendors, a tree decorating contest, a beer garden and visits from Santa Claus himself. The city will also present a holiday movie Friday night and another on Sunday night.

Saturday events include a breakfast with Santa at 7:30 a.m., a 10 a.m. Winterfest Fun Run 5k, a holiday marketplace and an 8:30 p.m. fireworks display.

Dec. 10

Santa on the Plaza: Bring a camera or smartphone to snap photographs of Santa on the plaza at Westminster City Hall, 4800 W. 92nd Ave. in Westminster. While you are there, enjoy the magical wonderland of lights, the full-sized sleigh and the miniature train – all of them suitable for holiday photos! The event is being hosted by the Westminster 7:10 Rotary Club.

Build a Bird Wreath: Create beautiful works of art for birds and humans alike to enjoy during the holiday season, while learning more about the birds that call Standley Lake home. Meets at 10 a.m. the Standley Lake Regional Park, 11610 W 100th Ave, West-

there is a “clean exchange” from another player.

Everyone on the offense can catch a forward pass – yes, even those on the offensive line. Field goals are worth four points instead of three. A kicked point-after touchdown is worth two points; a successful run or pass play on a PAT is worth one point.

Stratton averaged almost 58 points a game through the first 12 on the schedule. The Eagles’ opponent in the semifinals, Otis High School, is no stranger. The two teams played earlier in the season, and Stratton won by more than 40 points.

Rushing the ball is key. In those first 12 games, the Eagles averaged 11.5 yards per carry and scored 73 touchdowns. Alex Cruz, he of 1,514 rushing yards this season, averages almost 15 yards per carry.

He’s also scored 41 touchdowns, including four in a lopsided, 46-13 semifinal round win over Otis High School on Nov. 19.

“The boys have been here quite a bit. They didn’t overlook anybody and were ready to play,” coach Jesse McConnell said. “That was good. We have a good pass rush. Still, they want to run the ball, too, so we were ready for that.”

In conclusion

The win pushed the Eagles into the state six-man finals.

“These boys set out on a mission,” McConnell said. “They have had this championship on their minds from almost exactly a year ago. They are free-playing, that’s for sure.”

“I kept thinking, ‘These are the

minster. The cost is $5 per person. Limited to 20 participants, register online at shorturl.at/bhop2.

Brighton Parade of Lights: More than 60 colorful and creatively decorated floats will be featured in the city’s 27th annual holiday parade. The parade steps off at 5 p.m. heading south on North Main St., turns east onto Bridge St. to 10th Ave. and then to Southern Ave. before turning east to return to City Hall. Contact Amy Porter at 303-655-2126 for more information.

Dec. 11

Advent Radio Players: Once again, the Advent Lutheran Church in Westminster will present two “Old Time Radio” Christmas comedies performed live at 1 p.m, in the church, at 7979 Meade St.

This year, they’ll be presenting a recreation of an episode of “The Life of Riley” called “No Christmas Bonus,” originally starring William Bendix. That will be followed by a Christmas episode of “My Favorite Husband” called “George’s Christmas Present.” That radio program, which aired from 1948 to 1951, originally starred Lucille Ball and was the forerunner of “I Love Lucy” on television.

These plays will be performed using the scripts and sounds from the original plays as they were broadcast on the air in 1948 and 1949 using several microphones and lighted applause and “on the air” signs. Donations are appreciated.

The plays will also be livestreamed on Facebook at https:// www.facebook.com/adventwestminsterco

good old days,” Gottmann said of his time as Eagles’ head football coach. “I was blessed with good kids. A lot of people complained about our sports programs. But I think it’s harder academically at Stratton. A teacher who transferred to Stratton told me he couldn’t believe how competitive the kids were in class.”

Three alums on the coaching staff – all within two years of each other – are special to McConnell.

“When we wore the green and white and played on this very field, to come back and be able to coach for this town and for these kids means a lot,” McConnell said. “This is my seventh year overall and my second as the head coach. I went to Western State (in Gunnison) and played football for five years. I didn’t want to grad school, so I came back, and got a good job.”

“Even when our teams, whether it be football, basketball, baseball, whatever sport it may be aren’t contending for a state title, the fans and community still show up for the games and are there to support the kids. Our entire community takes pride in our school and its sports teams, FFA program, and all other extracurricular activities we offer,” Rod Thompson said. “While the kids are in school -- and especially once they graduate -- they all want our town and the school to be known as the best small school in the state.”

“In a small town, it’s a social gathering,” Gottman said. “Everyone in the town is involved, whether they are involved with the school or not. They have something in common.

“Miracles” A Kantorei Choral Celebration: Northglenn Arts hosts this celebration of the season with Denver’s premier choral ensemble Kantorei and special guests performing a multicultural collage of seasonal music at 2 p.m. at Northglenn’s Parsons Theater, 1 East Memorial Parkway. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 with a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 18 at Parsons Theater.

The show includes performances of Ed Henderson’s “Milagros de Navidad” for guitar, marimba and percussion; carols by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo and a musical celebration of Hannukah with arrangements by composer Joshua Jacobson. Tickets range from $18 to $25 with discounts for seniors and the military. Visit https://northglennarts.org/ for more information or to purchase tickets.

Dec. 16:

Holiday Hi-Fi: Motones & Jerseys: Holiday Hi-Fi returns to Northglenn featuring nine singers backed by an incredible band performing holiday classic favorites alongside some of the greatest songs of the 20th century. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 with a 2 p.m. matinee Dec. 18 at Northglenn’s Parsons Theater, 1 East Memorial Parkway. Tickets range from $18 to $25 with discounts for seniors and the military. Visit https://northglennarts.org/ for more information or to purchase tickets.

Dec. 17

Santa on the Plaza: Bring a camera or smartphone to snap pho-

A lot of them went to school there. So at the game, they are talking on the sidelines. They are talking in the stands.

“It’s something for people to feel good.”

“It is just different because kids can do every sport basically or be part of any activity they choose.” Rod Thompson added. “I feel very fortunate that I gave my kids the chance to grow up here, and I hope the tradition continues.”

“I wasn’t ready to give up football yet,” McConnell said. “I got into it. Now, I’m stuck, I guess. I’m really enjoying it. I enjoy being around the kids. I love it.”

tographs of Santa on the plaza at Westminster City Hall, 4800 W. 92nd Ave. in Westminster. While you are there, enjoy the magical wonderland of lights, the full-sized sleigh and the miniature train – all of them suitable for holiday photos! The event is being hosted by the Westminster 7:10 Rotary Club.

Dec. 20

Hanukka at Orchard Mall: Families can come and celebrate Chanukah with The Orchard’s Grand Menorah Lighting Celebration with live music, latkes, donuts, hot beverages and a variety of performances between 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Orchard Town Center Square, 14697 Delaware St. Westminster -- next to the Rock Bottom Restaurant and the AMC Theaters. Hosted by The Chabad of NW Metro Denver in loving memory of Jessica Ridgeway on The Orchard’s entertainment stage.

A reminder of Stratton’s athletic success in full view of motorists as they enter the town.

PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Holiday-themed face painting is popular at several community holiday festival in the area. FILE PHOTO

Winter market needs artists, crafters

The city of Brighton is seeking unique artists, crafters, and artisan food vendors to participate in a winter market during the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony.

The arts and crafts “Winter Market” will be from 2 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, on South Main Street near the city’s Founders Plaza.

No resale, wholesale or direct sales are allowed. Seasonal arts and crafts are preferred. Vendor applications will be accepted until Nov. 25. The fee for a vendor space is $25. Registration will be accepted on a firstcome, first-served basis as space is limited. Vendors must provide their own tent as well as tables and chairs if needed.

To learn more and to apply, visit www.brightonco.gov/459/ Tree-Lighting-Winter-Market. For more information, contact Susie O’Connor at soconnor@brightonco. gov.

Holiday season begins Dec. 3

The holiday season begins in earnest in downtown Brighton Saturday, Dec. 3, and Saturday, Dec. 10.

The annual tree-lighting ceremony is from 2 to 7 p.m. Dec. 3 at Founders Plaza, 5 S. Main St.

New to the event is a winter market on South Main Street, near the plaza, that will feature artists, crafters and artisan food vendors. Vendor applications will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 25. Visit https:// www.brightonco.gov/FormCenter/ Public-Information-22/Winter-Market-Vendor-Application-134.

Santa will be on hand. There will

be face painting and the Teddy Bear & Friends Tree (from 2 to 4:30 p.m.)

Face Vocal Band. an all-vocal rock band, will perform on the FNBO stage from 5 to 7 p.m. The tree lighting is set for 5 p.m.

The 27th annual Festival of Lights parade starts at 5 p.m. Dec. 10. The theme is “A Hometown Holiday Tradition,” featuring almost 65 entries. Those who would like to enter, visit https://www.brightonco.gov/470/ Festival-of-Lights-Parade. The deadline is Nov. 25.

Call Amy Porter at 303-655-2126.

Colorado Gives Day

The Adams and Broomfield counties’ chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates is observing Colorado Gives Day Tuesday, Dec. 6.

A press statement said donations to CASA help provide volunteers to children and youth in the child welfare system. Donations will be doubled by matching funds up to $100,000, thanks to support from the Lembke Family. Donations ar tax-deductible and qulaify for the Colorado child Care Contribution Tax Credit.

Visit https://www.coloradogives. org/organization/Casaa-B?blm_ aid=18554916.

Tip A Cop

Brighotn police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office are teaming up to participate in this year’s Tip-A-Cop fundraiser from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at the Texas Roadhouse, 3738 Eagle Blvd., Brighton.

Proceeds benefit Special Olympics. Call 720-623-4221.

DA Academy

The 17th Juidicial District Attorney’s Office is offering a free, eightweek program to explain the workings of the office and the criminal justice system.

It starts at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at the DA’s office, 1000 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton. The registration deadline is Friday, Dec. 1. Info? Email chopper@da17.state.co.us.

‘Holiday Splendor’

The city of Brighton’s community art show ARTfest will be presenting the “Holiday Splendor” exhibit through Jan. 18 at The Armory Performing Arts Center, 300 Strong St. Show sponsors include the Brighton Cultural Arts Commission and The Armory Performing Arts Center. Partial funding is provided by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District.

Contact Sandie Mackenzie at 303659-5400 or David Gallegos at 303-6552176. To confirm viewing hours at The Armory, call 303-655-2026.

ONGOING

Brighton adds new ChargePoint stations

The city of Brighton announced it was opening three new charging stations for electric vehicles.

The stations are at the Brighton Recreation Center at 555 N. 11th Ave. Eagle View Adult Center at 1150 Prairie Center Parkway. and Platte Valley Medical Center at 1610 Prairie Center Parkway.

The first hour of charging is free at each location. The locations have two stalls and two charging stations each that operate much like a parking

meter, with a $2-per-hour charging rate after the first hour.

For other ChargePoint station locations, visit https://uk.chargepoint. com/charge_point. For more information, please contact Assistant Director of Public Works Chris Montoya at cmontoya@brightonco.gov.

Museum volunteers

The Brighton City Museum needs volunteers to help with visitors, research and collection project-based duties.

Call Bill Armstrong, museum specialist, at 303-655-2288.

Water audit program

The city of Brighton and Resource Central teamed up to provide a free water audit for businesses and homeowner associations. The program aims to help residents and cities increase water use efficiencies and reach conservation goals.

Call 303-999-3824 or visit https:// www.brightonco.gov/589/WaterAudit-Program

Legal self-help clinic

The Access to Justice Committee hosts a free, legal self-help clinic from 2 to 3:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month. The program is for customers who don’t have legal representation and need help navigating through legal issues.

Volunteer attorneys are available to discuss such topics as family law, civil litigation, property and probate law.

Call 303-405-3298 and ask for Legal Self-Help Clinic at least 24 hours in advance.

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Colorado’s soil moisture is better

BY CHRIS OUTCALT THE COLORADO SUN

Fall soil conditions across the Upper Colorado River Basin are not as dry as in the past few years, but the amount of moisture packed into the dirt heading into winter is still below long-term averages, according to new modeling from the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center.

“Across many of the major contributing areas, the higher elevation areas that generate the most runoff, our model soil moisture conditions are near to below normal,” said Cody Moser, a senior hydrologist at the forecast center.

Soil moisture this time of year is an important factor for water managers who study weather conditions for a sense of how much runoff to expect in the spring. After a particularly wet 2019, the past two years have been hotter and drier across the West; those conditions dried out the soil, which then sucked up valuable snow melt before it ever made its way into a river or stream.

“The past couple seasons have seen some pretty significant impacts from soil moisture conditions leading into the runoff efficiency that you can see for the following season,” Moser said.

This year’s fall soil moisture map published by the forecast center shows an improvement in soil conditions in southwest Colorado, which is still dry but generally better overall when compared to last year. Those gains are owed in part to a steady pattern of monsoonal rains this summer.

Large parts of the Western Slope around Grand Junction and Gunnison and near the headwaters of the Colorado River have between 70% and 100% of the moisture packed into the soil when compared to an average from 1981 to 2010, according to the forecast center. Parts of southwestern Wyoming and around the Green River in Utah are not as well off, according to the models, registering between 30% and 70% of the average moisture in the soil.

For every 1% change in average soil conditions, the

forecast center estimates a 0.5% change in runoff. A forecast center analysis explained it this way: “For a watershed that produces approximately a million acre-feet of water under completely average conditions, soil moisture conditions that are 1% wetter than average could yield an additional 5,000 acre-feet of water.” (An acre-foot is about 325,000 gallons or enough to supply two or three households annually.)

The Colorado Basin River Forecast Center fall 2022 Upper Basin soil moisture conditions map. The forecast center models soil moisture conditions across the Colorado River Basin in mid-November each year.

Dave Kanzer, director of science and interstate matters at the Colorado River District, said the current soil conditions are not quite as good as some were hoping for given the fairly consistent rain around the Western Slope this summer.

“It’s a little bit of an eye-opener,” Kanzer said.

Rain in July and August helped soak western Colorado soils, Kanzer said, but that progress stalled during a drier September and October.

“Because of those two drier months, some of those gains — they weren’t erased but they weren’t magnified either,” Kanzer said. “Things are maybe better than they have been in a few years, but not stellar except in a few isolated spots.”

There are other factors, too, that impact spring runoff. A dry, windy spring with low relative humidity can sponge off valuable moisture that was locked into the ground in the fall, Kanzer said.

“It’s a diverse, complex situation,” he said.

Still, the impact of soil moisture on runoff is significant — so much so that the river district recently emphasized the need to better understand dry soil conditions, Kanzer said.

In October, the district approved a $60,000 grant for the nonprofit Aspen Global Change Institute to help fund continued monitoring of soil conditions at 10 AGCI stations throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. The district helps pay for various local and regional water projects through its Community Funding

Partnership, a program Western Colorado voters approved via a mill levy increase in 2020. The partnership so far has distributed more than $5.5 million to more than 60 projects.

The additional focus on soil moisture in recent years is expected, said John Tracy, director of the Colorado Water Center at Colorado State University. He said other western watersheds have been dealing with this challenge for decades, but that the impacts are more noticeable in difficult drought years.

“What I think has happened is that this has been going on and it’s just that all of a sudden we’re really seeing the impacts and that’s why it’s getting so much more attention right now,” Tracy said.

It could still take multiple years to erase the soil moisture deficits that have built up across the Colorado River Basin, Tracy said.

“We need well above average snowfall to hit that average streamflow going into the future,” he said.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalistowned news outlet based in Denver and covering the state. For more, and to support The Colorado Sun, visit coloradosun.com. The Colorado Sun is a partner in the Colorado News Conservancy, owner of Colorado Community Media.

Roads in Clear Creek can become hazardous when snow flies.

FILE PHOTO BY OLIVIA JEWELL LOVE

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creative, learning environment staffed with talented people who want to grow and utilize the newest and best tools will result in a dynamic and successful culture that has a positive impact on our clients business and our community. Our brand is one of the most trusted in our community. We’ve built this reputation by providing award-winning news coverage and by being engaged in our community at all levels. As a true marketer, we want you to bring your experience and expertise to develop the best advertising and audience programs for local advertisers needing to engage with the community to grow their business. We value teamwork. We embrace opinions, perspectives, cultures and backgrounds that energizes the company and fuels our passion to do what’s right for our readers, our advertisers and our employees.

If you’ve got the drive and the passion, together we can take your career farther than you’ve ever imagined. We are building a sales team that will be the face of the changing media landscape. We are looking for people who are excited to represent our emerging brands and our trusted, traditional ones too. Join our team, working a mix in our Englewood, Evergreen or Brighton offices and remote. If you’re as passionate as we are about our mission to grow and engage our community, please apply. CCM offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision and paid holiday, vacation, sick and personal time. As an added bonus, you’ll office less than 90 minutes from the best Colorado has to offer in outdoor recreation.

Please apply by sending your letter of interest and resume to Erin Addenbrooke

eaddenbrooke@coloradocommunitymedia.com