SPORTS

Lighten the load and brighten the mood

She had gone out for a run, and it wasn’t until she was more than a half mile away before she realized that she had left her phone at home. The reason she became aware of the missing phone was because she felt just a little bit lighter. The average cell phone weighs under 0.5 pounds and as she returned from her run, she thought about why she could feel such a slight difference as she ran.

As she shared her story with me, we began creating a list of possibilities for how such an insignifi cant amount of weight could have had such a noticeable impact. We tossed around ideas that had more to do with the size of the device and not the weight and how that may have prompted her to notice that her phone was missing. And then we kicked around a few silly ideas before settling on what was probably the real reason.

She started to talk about all the things she has on her phone, everything from several screens loaded with dozens of apps, several games, tens of thousands of photos, workrelated tools such as her email and calendar, and all the social media platforms. Among her apps were at least 10 news feeds which she checked regularly. We hypothesized that although none of these carry any physical weight, they certainly carry with them emotional and stressful weights that when we don’t have access to them for even the shortest amount of time, we can begin to feel a little lighter and the world seems a little brighter.

Maybe we can all relate to this a little bit when we think about all the weight that comes with our own cell phones that we carry. The need to be in the know at all times about what is happening with our family and friends. Feeling obligated to check every email or text and respond immediately. Experiencing withdrawals if we do not open our news feeds to make

sure we know what is going on in our town, state, country, and around the world. And not only making sure we check the news, but we also must WINNING WORDS check multiple sites to try and fi nd the truth as we never know who or what to believe. As we continued our conversation, going into the details of what is contained on her phone, she realized just how heavy that phone really was. And to run for a few miles without it and feel just the slightest bit lighter now made all the sense in the world. She made the commitment to herself that Michael Norton she would start to eliminate the apps, games, and tools and minimize the amount of time she stayed glued to her phone. She also planned to leave her phone at home whenever she would go for another run. Her plan was to lighten the load to brighten the mood each day. Acclaimed author and motivational speaker Krish Dhanam talks about how we can put a little more pep in each step and bounce in each ounce. And that is exactly what I recommend for all of us, to put a little more pep in each step and bounce in each ounce by determining what we allow into our lives, to become planted in our minds, and to penetrate our hearts, letting the good stuff in and keeping the bad stuff out. Identifying where all that weight that sits upon our shoulders is coming from and remove it not only from our phones but from anywhere else it has established a foothold in our life.

As we head into the holiday season, it is the perfect time of year to minimize our burdens, stressors, fears, worries and doubts, and focus on all the people and opportunities in our life that brings us peace, joy, hope, and love. I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can remember to lighten the load and brighten the mood, it really will be a better than good life. Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager, and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Can Tri-State move fast enough?

Grocery stores have been consolidating. With utilities, the opposite is happening. We’re seeing some of them start to come apart. Specifi cally in question is whether Colorado’s second-largest electrical provider, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, will survive this great pivot in how we produce and consume electricity. Xcel Energy, Colorado’s largest utility, seems secure in its business model even as the world of electricity turns upside down. It might have the last coal plant standing. Comanche 3 — sometimes called Pueblo 3 — is scheduled to retire no later than the end of 2030. But the utility has been fl eeing coal since at least 2017 when the plunging prices of wind and solar became obvious. It reliably gives shareholders returns of around 9%.

Tri-State has no private investors. It was created by electrical cooperatives in 1952 to transmit electricity. Over time it added coal plants and other generating sources to its portfolio. It delivers power to 42 electrical cooperatives in four states, including 17 in Colorado.

In 2018, Xcel delivered 52% of electricity in Colorado and Tri-State 18% followed by Colorado Springs Utilities and then other smaller utilities.

A decade ago, Tri-State was stodgy and calcifi ed. At the time, it was still going through the motions of trying to build a humongous coal plant in Kansas. Luckily for its members, TriState failed. By 2019, Tri-State had set out to embrace changes. That includes closing its last coal-fi red station in Colorado by 2030.

The changed outlook in rural Colorado served by the cooperatives was evident at the annual conference of the Colorado Rural Electric Association in late October. The very name of the conference, “innovations summit,” refl ected recognition of change.

Absent were undercurrents of just a few years ago, when panel moderators made jokes about climate change with rolls of their eyes. This year, one farmer, who said his tractor was already worth more than his house, pushed back against the idea of electrifi cation of agricultural implements. That was not the general tenor, though. Rural co-ops mostly accept that we will have to fi gure out electricity — and energy more broadly — without putting emissions into the atmosphere. They also recognize that electricity will play a broader role in transportation and buildings.

Some co-ops have been moving more briskly than others. Holy Cross Energy, the cooperative serving 50,000 members in the Vail, Aspen, and Rifl e areas, has an audacious goal of delivering 100% emission-free energy by 2030. Bryan Hannegan, the chief executive, explained his cooperative’s plans for microgrids. Holy Cross is one of fi ve cooperatives in Colorado independent of Tri-State.

As for Tri-State, 15 years ago it had a chief executive who poo-pooed the idea of climate change on national television. Now, it has a chief executive who openly discusses the way forward toward even deeper emissions cuts.

If cost-effective technology for emissions-free electricity exists for 80% to 90%, the answers about 100% goals remain unclear. Some technology or set of technologies must be scaled up to balance the intermittency of renewables. Deeper thinkers about the energy transition, including Aspen native Hal Harvey, co-author of “The Big Fix,” say nuclear may deliver the answer. It’s not cost-effective now, but at one time, neither was solar. Geothermal is another candidate. Both were agenda items at the conference.

Hydrogen was, too. Duane Highley, the chief executive of Tri-State since April 2019, said he sees hydrogen possibly being employed at Craig when the coal plants close. It could employ exist-

ing infrastructure, including transmission lines, and use many of the same skill sets as existing workers at Craig. But again, the technology isn’t quite BIG there yet. Who will Tri-State’s customers be PIVOTS a decade from now? Tri-State has lost two customers to Denver-based Guzman Energy in recent years, and neither co-op seems to be looking back. Now, two more Tri-State co-ops, La Plata Electric and San Miguel Power, both plan to get substantial amounts of electricity from new sources. Other co-ops may leave altogether. United Power, which serves outlying Allen Best areas north of Denver, represents more than 20% of Tri-State’s total demand. The co-op insists it will be gone from Tri-State by May 2024 once offi cials at a federal agency rule on how much it must pay Tri-State to leave the remaining members whole. Tri-State has enormous value in its transmission lines. Its coal plants, though, appear to represent a liability. It has about $3.26 billion in short- and long-term debt. Will Tri-State by 2030 look somewhat the same, only sleeker and even more agile? Or will it have a new business model altogether? Allen Best publishes Big Pivots, an e-journal, which is focused on the energy and water transitions in Colorado and beyond. See more at bigpivots.com.

rado’s second-largest electrical provider, Tri-State Generation and Transmission, will survive this great pivot in how we produce and consume electricity.

FORT SERVING THE LUPTON COMMUNITY SINCE 1906

75c I

PRESS

A publication of

LINDA SHAPLEY

Publisher

lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA

Editor-in-Chief

michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SCOTT TAYLOR

Metro North Editor

STEVE SMITH

Sports Editor

ssmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI

Operations/ Circulation Manager

lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TERESA ALEXIS

Marketing Consultant Classifi ed Sales

Columnists & Guest Commentaries

Columnist opinions are not necessarily those of the Press. We welcome letters to the editor. Please include your full name, address and the best number to reach you by telephone.

Email letters to

staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com

Deadline

Wed. for the following week’s paper.

Fort Lupton Press (USPS 205880)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Ft. Lupton, Colorado, Fort Lupton Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton CO 80601. . PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Ft. Lupton and additional mailing o ces. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Fort Lupton Press, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

FROM PAGE 1

Lighten the load and brighten the mood urged members to consider Proposition 125 in terms of the local impact on local liquor stores. Employees and owners are often the experts who can suggest the perfect wine for every occasion. He fears many local stores will go out of business. “In metropolitan areas, you have so many options and choices. The convenience becomes the most important thing and not thinking about a small business owner,” Llewellyn said. “Things that are decided for our state are decided because the population is in Denver.” Proposition 125 opposition felt there was still hope that it could turn around with thousands of votes remaining last week, even if not all were in metropolitan areas, said Chris Fine, executive director of the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association, which represents small liquor retailers and opposed all three alcohol measures. “We know it hasn’t been trending in our direction and obviously that’s due to metro Denver, Arapahoe and El Paso and the big counties that have been on the other side of us,” Fine said. With Proposition 125, there will still be rules for alcohol sales. Grocery stores can sell wine, but not through self-checkout. The measure also doesn’t change any other existing rules, such as the prohibition of sales between midnight and 8 a.m., and no alcohol sales to anyone under 21.

Two other alcohol-related measures failed this election. Proposition 124, which failed in all 64 counties, would have let a liquor retailer operate eight locations, up from the current three, and then allow companies to have an unlimited number operating by 2037. Colorado’s existing law still allows expansion, but much more slowly. Liquor stores can add up to four locations starting in 2027.

And the defeat of Proposition 126, which lost 48.9% to 51.1%, ended plans for alcohol delivery by third parties like DoorDash and Instacart. While advocates had hoped third parties would help small liquor stores expand into delivery if they hadn’t yet because they couldn’t spare employees, liquor stores can currently deliver alcohol under existing state statute. They just have to use their own staff and own or lease their own vehicles. The campaign to approve the measure was largely funded by DoorDash and Instacart.

“At the same time, we are disappointed that thousands of Colorado small businesses will miss out on vital economic opportunities that third-party alcohol delivery would have provided,” said Reiter, who represented the Yes on 125 and 126 campaigns.

The loss of Proposition 126 also dashed the hope of anyone hoping to keep to-go cocktails fl owing. The menu item was an allowance made in the pandemic to help restaurants recover revenues. It ends in July 2025.

“It’s widely known that restaurants have been one of the most devastated industries over the past two years and it’s disheartening to see that voters are not willing to support these businesses in serving their guests in a responsible way,” Colorado Restaurant Association President and CEO Sonia Riggs said in a statement. “Without Proposition 126, alcohol to go is set to expire in summer 2025, and that crucial revenue lifeline will be stripped from restaurants when they need it most. It will impact customer service, revenue, and the convenience that consumers have come to expect.”

Wine will soon be sold in grocery and convenient stores.

This story is from The Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned 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.

Our Family Helping Your Family

24-Hour Phone Lines 303-654-0112 • 303-857-2290

Brighton: 75 S. 13th Avenue Obituaries, Arrangements and Resources Online at taborfuneralhome.com

allieventcenter.com

LUCERO

James “Jim” Lucero

May 25, 1952 - November 17, 2022 James (Jim) Lucero was born on May 25, 1952 in Brighton, Colorado and passed suddenly on November 17, 2022 in ornton, Colorado. He was predeceased by his parents, Rafael and Tomasita Lucero of Brighton and brothers, David Lucero, Guadalupe (Lupe) Lucero, Billy Lucero and sisters, Mary Montoya, Irene Torres and Sally Garrett. He is survived by siblings, Henry Lucero, Ralph Lucero, Manuel Lucero and Senida Sena. He is also survived by a daughter, Shauna Bokn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jim grew up in Brighton and attended Brighton schools. He was well known in Brighton and the surrounding area. He played guitar and loved music. Jim loved to watch his Pittsburgh Steeleers and NASCAR. He is loved by his extended family and his friends. He will be missed by all. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Brighton Knights of Columbus Hall on December 7, 2022 at 2:00 PM

KNODEL Geraldine Marie “Gerry” (Kreitzer) Knodel

August 14, 1939 - November 12, 2022 Geraldine Marie Knodel, 83, of Brighton, CO passed away on November 12, 2022. She was born in Brighton to John and Clara Kreitzer, the youngest of 4 children. She attended schools in Brighton, and after graduating from Brighton High School in 1957 took a job as an administrative assistant in Denver, CO. She married Larry Knodel in 1960. e couple had 3 children, Nadine, Kenneth and Timothy. Geraldine was a stay at home Mom for several years. Eventually the couple divorced. She worked as a cook with her cousin eresa at a local restaurant. After the restaurant closed, she worked at a nursing facility. en she worked at an egg plant in Brighton. Lastly, she worked at Samsonite Luggage Corporation in Denver, CO where she retired after 22 years of service. She was a lifelong member of St Augustine Catholic Church. She loved her family, Christmas, polka dancing, reading, ower gardening, crossword puzzles, watching movies, cooking wonderful recipes handed down from her Mother, animals, shopping for clothes, going to mass on Sunday’s, then out to breakfast, and going for long daily walks with her constant canine companion, beloved Schnauzer, “Hannah”. Geraldine was quite ornery, yet she truly had a heart of gold. She will be sorely missed. Survivors include her children, sister Marie Scepurek, aunt Peggy Dinkel and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Preceding her in death are her parents, (infant) sister Vonita Mae Kreitzer, and brother Joseph John Kreitzer. A Celebration of Life service was held on November 29, 2022 at St Augustine Catholic Church. Interment was at Elmwood Cemetery. Tabor-Rice Funeral Home, Inc took care of the arrangements. DEVER Nadine Marie (Brown) Dever

August 18, 1935 - November 25, 2022 Nadine Marie Dever (Brown), 87, of Platteville passed away on November 25, 2022, at Avamere Nursing Home in Brighton, CO, while surrounded by family. She was born August 18, 1935, in Rural Weld County, Ft Lupton CO., to Clinton and Marie (King) Brown. She graduated from Ft. Lupton High School. Nadine married Delmer Dever in Greeley on February 19, 1954. She and Delmer lived in Platteville since 1954. Nadine was a homemaker, worked as a bookkeeper for her husband’s hay stacking business for over 30 years. She also worked at the Ft. Lupton Canning Company and as a crew leader at Kitayama Greenhouse in Brighton, CO. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the UMW. Nadine liked to crochet afghans and doilies. She enjoyed a HOT cup of co ee, HOT hashbrowns from McDonalds and Butter nger Blizzards from Dairy Queen. She would help Delmer stack hay in the summer, go camping and to farm sales. Nadine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, the holidays, and annual Dever family reunions where family could reconnect. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband Delmer of 66 years, two brothers Bill and Steve Brown and one sister Helen Nelson. ankful to have shared her life are her children: Darrel and Jill Dever of Fort Lupton, Ron and Merlynn Dever of Greeley. Five grandchildren: Darren and Lauren Dever of Keenesburg, Benjamin and Melissa Dever of Sterling, Ryan and Lori Dever of Wellington, Jennifer and John Jones of Greeley, Elizabeth and Shay Holmes of Windsor. Ten great grandchildren: Dawson, Olivia, Linley; Otis, Zoey; Ashlyn, AJ; Jordyn, Jazmyn; Zeke. Visitation will be 2:00pm – 4:00pm Monday December 5, 2022 at Adamson Life Celebration Home. Life Celebration will be 11:00 am Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at First United Methodist Church, 316 Elizabeth Ave., Platteville. Interment to follow at Mizpah Cemetery, Platteville, with a reception to follow at the Platteville Community Center, 508 Reynolds Ave. In lieu of owers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or your favorite charity in care of Adamson Life Celebration Home, 2000 47 Ave., Greeley, CO 80634.

Fort Lupton wins its invitational tournament

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fort Lupton captured fi rst place at its invitational wrestling tournament Dec. 3. FLHS’ closest competitor was Grandview High School, which fi nished 22 points behind.

Josiah Gonzales won the 132-pound championship. D’mitri Garza- Alarcon followed suit at 138 pounds.Will Alvarado wound up fi rst at 157 pounds. Alex Mata of the Bluedevils also won a tournament title. His was at 175 pounds. Kaidyn Derbigny was the champion at 215 pounds.

Uriel Leon was second at 120 pounds. Danny Rodriguez was second at 144 pounds. Royce Guerrero was third at 150 pounds. Kaiydyn Taylor of Fort Lupton, who was wrestling unattached, took third. Another FLHS wrestler, Ezekiel Ortiz, who was wrestling unattached, took third at 106 pounds.

Christopher Galicia was third at 165 pounds. Camren Galicia was third among 190-pounders, while Jovanni Carleton was fourth at 285 pounds.

Frederick High School took sixth in the tournament, 12 points behind Skyview High School.

Nikko Carrillo won the title at 113 pounds. Rico Moreno wound up third at 144 pounds. Adrian Casillas was fourth at 165 pounds. Noah Madrano took fourth at 106 pounds.

Thanks to a series of moves by Grandview’s Charlie Herting, in white, Frederick’s Adrian Casillas does a head stand to avoid a pinfall combination during a 165-pound match at the Fort Lupton Bluedevil Invitational Dec. 3. Casillas escaped this hold, but Herting wound up

winning the match in 1:42. PHOTO BY STEVE SMITH

Serenity Gallegos of the Bluedevils looks for some room to maneuver against Lincoln

High School during a non-league game Dec. 1 in Fort Lupton. PHOTOS BY JUAN ARELLANO

Fort Lupton’s Marely Gomez is in amongst the tall trees and manages to get this shot of against Essence Morris of the Lincoln Lancers during a nonleague game Dec. 1 in Fort Lupton.

Dan Lira takes over Bluedevils’ girls’ basketball program

BY JUAN ARELLANO JARELLANO@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Many years can pass without being around a sport, but the passion and love for the game seldom fades away.

Such is the case for Fort Lupton’s fi rst-year girls’ basketball head coach Dan Lira, who has coached for 20 years, 15 of them at the boys high school level. His last head coaching job was at Eagle Ridge Academy High School in Brighton, before taking two years off from the basketball courts.

SEE BASKETBALL, P9

SPORTS BRIEFS

Fort Lupton High School

Girls wrestling

GREELEY -- Fort Lupton’s Rylee Balcazar captured fi rst place among 110-pounders at the Greeley West girls tournament Dec. 2. She pinned all four of her opponents, including Larhae Whaley of Sorocco in the fi nals.

Abigail Retana took second at 115 pounds. She pinned her fi rst three opponents in about 5 1/2 minutes of mat time. Lindsey Lopez of Loveland pinned Retana in the fi nals.

Anastyn Livesay took second at 145 pounds. She needed two minutes of mat time to pin her fi rst three opponents. Poudre’s Abigail Smith earned a 7-5 decision over Livesay in the fi nals. Paige Shaffer was second at 190 pounds. She pinned her fi rst three opponents in a little less than 5 1/2 minutes of mat time. Taylor Goit of Poudre pinned Shaffer in 31 seconds of the fi nal

Genevieve Hunt took third at 125 pounds. She pinned three of her opponents and took a 9-8 decision over Reagan Perez in the consolation semifi nals. Hunt slipped past Platte Valley’s Kate Hinijosa 5-4 to take third place.

Anees Chavez was third at 140 pounds. She pinned two opponents and earned a 4-2 decision over Natalie Replogle of Eaglecrest in the third-place contest. Alexia Buschman was third at 170 pounds. After a loss in the quarterfi nals, she pinned three straight opponents to get to the consolation fi nals. There, she pinned Abby Stearns of Loveland in 2:20.

Gizell Adame was third at 235 pounds. After a fi rst-round loss, she won the consolation semifi nal match against Emma Roberts of Eaglecrest and pinned Moffat County’s Keneleigh Pubanz in 41 seconds to take third place.

Celia Llamas was fi fth in the 120-pound B division.

Boys basketball

The Academy shaded For Lupton 60-57 at a tournament in Eaton Dec. 1. Gavin Massler led the victors with 20 points. Trey Boychuk scored 15, and Ian Lamar added 10.

No stats were available for the Bluedevils.

The host Reds beat FLHS 58-50 in the tournament’s consolation round Dec. 2. Mitch Haythorn had 20 points to pace Eaton,. Zac Grable added 11. No stats were available for FLHS.

Frederick High School

Girls basketball

Mead edged Frederick 47-44 on the Mavericks’ fl oor Nov. 29. It was the fi rst game of the season for both teams. No stats were available for either team. quarter to stop Mead 76-70 on the Mavericks’ fl oor Nov. 29.

Luke Justice led the Golden Eagles with 29 points. Matias Aldana added 16. Nick Basson, Tucker Mills and Aiden Herrera scored 17 points for Mead.

Girls swimming

Frederick topped Roosevelt 9572 in the season-opener for both squads Nov. 28.

Addisyn Murray won two races for the Golden Eagles. Her time in the 500-yard freestyle was 5:53.07. Her time in the 50- freestyle was 28.42 seconds. FHS also won the 200- freestyle relay and the 200- medley relay.

College softball

Frederick’s Haley Howell announced her commitment to Hastings College in Nebraska for education and to play collegiate softball.

Soccer

Fort Lupton’s Santiago Gonzales was a fi rst-team, all-state choice in voting through CHSAANow.com, MaxPreps and ColoradoPreps.com. Teammate Caleb Adam was an honorable-mention pick.

Fort Lupton’s Serenity Gallegos heads for the basket against Lincoln High School during a non-league game Dec. 1 in Fort Lupton. PHOTO BY JUAN ARELLANO

“Once you coach and you’ve been around the program it’s in your blood. It’s hard to walk away. It’s hard to get away from a sport watching it continuously on TV and going to high-school games on my time off. And I was getting to missing it,” said Lira.

A native of the area, Lira saw that there was an opening at Fort Lupton High School, and he didn’t think too much about applying and accepting the coaching job.

“I like the adversity and diversity that comes with it. Like I said, I coached boys and now, going with the girls, it’s a big difference for me. There are times when the girls seem a little bit more committed, more willing to learn,” Lira said. “My position here in Fort Lupton is to try and bring back tradition to the school and try to bring back the commitment of the players, bring back the community and bring the community back to life, and I feel like and I can fi ll that role here.”

With most of the varsity squad being made up of upperclassmen, Lira understands that there is a transitional period with the girls under a new head coach.

“You have to get them to buy in, and you have to treat them like they’re the leaders of the team. By doing that and accomplishing that they bought in (the upperclassmen), and of course, the underclassmen are the ones that got to follow,” Lira said. “It’s great having some upperclassmen that played last year.”

In the 2021-22 season, the Bluedevils had a record of 5-14. Despite starting the season 0-2, Lira is hopeful that they can have a better season than previous years.

“Us as coaches, we all like to think about winning a state championship. All that I want to accomplish this year is just to bring back a winning season -- even a .500 season, something we haven’t done for the last 10 years, if I can remember, here in Fort Lupton,” Lira said. “We would like to get at least a .500 season going on and set our goals higher and higher every year after that.”

Lincoln High School beat Fort Lupton 28-22 in Fort Lupton Dec. 1. It was the Lancers’ season opener. FLHS slipped to 0-2.

Daniella Aviles led FLHS with 12 points. Micaela Garcia scored four. Joslyn Aroujo led the Lancers with six points. Cryah Davis added fi ve.

The Bluedevils continue play in the Santiago’s Shootout Tournament for the balance of the week. The Friday, Dec. 9, game is at Floyd Acre gym. The Saturday, Dec. 10, the game will be at Fort Lupton High School.

FRACKING

through a different route of authorization. Thornton’s Municipal Code outlines three different routes, according to Colin Wahab, acting planning manager. The Oil and Gas Permit Process requires a public hearing if the minimum requirements are satisfi ed, the Expedited Oil and Gas Permit Process says staff approves administratively if the operator meets heightened standards, and the Operator Agreement, which is approved by city council and establishes a framework for environmental, public health, safety and welfare. Civitas went through an operator agreement and staff recommended approval. According to Wahab, the negotiated terms are more protective than city and state requirements, the operator agreed to plugging and abandoning existing wells within the city, the city will receive 28.42 seconds. FHS also won the 200- fi nancial reimbursements, higher insurance and assurance requirements, there will be training and coordination with the fi re department and the operator conducted a location analysis to see where the best location would be. Some of the negotiated terms that exceed protective requirements include using electric equipment on site, Tier 4+ fracturing pumps, ongoing 24-hour computerized monitoring, response to Ozone Action Days and early implementation of Leak Detection and Repair inspections. As well, there will be a water quality testing program to anyone with an available water source within a half mile of the radius of the location and the fl uids used will be ter needs youth basketball offi cials. PFAS-free. The development is also required to keep the city informed of relevant information through notifi cation and reporting that would not otherwise be required. An annual review, evaluation, and update of the Cumulative Impacts Plan will also be provided.

Civitas will remove fi ve wells, ten tanks, fi ve gas meter stations, fi ve separators and four miles of pipeline.

For fi nancial reimbursements, $220,000 will go towards emergency equipment and training, $100,000 towards the cost of road and infrastructure impacts, and up to $175,000 to verify ongoing compliance with the heightened standards of the agreement.

Kulmann’s questions

Kulmann, who is also an oil and gas engineer, peppered the applicant with over seven questions.

She asked whether or not the wells will be fi lled if the project wasn’t approved. The operator said they wouldn’t be.

Kulmann asked for the company to post their website and phone number for concerned residents to contact them for concerns. They agreed.

She also asked if they plan to use recycled fracking water, and they said no.

At the Oct. 24 planning session, Kulmann also asked for electric fracks, and she asked for it again on Nov. 29. The operator said they are evaluating the technology.

She also asked when the operations plan to begin. Once the process is approved and goes through the application process, they expect summer of 2023 with production starting a year after, company reps said.

For ozone awareness, she asked what their plan is for nonattainment days, and the applicant said it’s a judgment call based on the day’s situation and will come down to the fi nal hour. asked if the staff had any concerns for health and safety. Wahab said city staff looks at code requirements for guidance.

“We believe this operator agreement is the best path forward,” he said.

Lisa McKenzie, associate professor at Colorado School of Public Health, said in an interview that 60 epidemiological studies around oil and gas across the United States have been consistent in showing that people living nearest to oil and gas are more likely to have children with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weights and premature births.

The studies also show that children with congenital heart defects are more likely to be living near oil and gas wells. The same goes for asthma.

Stargate Charter School sits about 1.5 miles south of the development and Little Lights Christian Early Learning Center is about .5 miles south.

Stargate Executive Director of Academics Kate Sivarajah said the school has no comment on the site. Arlene Masterson, owner of Little Lights Christian Early Learning Center, did not respond to requests for comment.

Within a half mile of the site, there are 56 parcels and of those parcels, 35 are believed to have residential uses. The rest are primarily commercial.

“We know that the total evolved organic compounds coming out (of fracking wells) together have been associated with respiratory symptoms. We also know that people living around oil and gas in other places have complained of things like upper respiratory symptoms, skin rashes, bloody noses and things like that,” she said.

In an interview, Jeffrey L. Collett, a professor at Colorado State University’s school of engineering, explained with fracking comes air pollution.

He pointed to a few of the specifi c emissions: methane, fi ne particles, nitrogen oxide, benzene and a wide range of volatile organic compounds.

Collett said those living close to the development should be most concerned with benzene.

The pollutant comes from wildfi res, fueling stations and oil and gas developments. He said it’s a carcinogen and the effects are felt from decades of exposure. Lew said the site will be active for 20-30 years.

Scientists found living, working or going to school within 2,000 feet of sites emitting benzene leads to health risks. Beyond 2,000 feet is currently under investigation by scientists.

The other chemicals emitted, like methane and nitrogen oxide, affect the broader community. He said methane contributes to global warming substantially more than carbon dioxide. Nitrogen oxide reacts in the atmosphere and leads to hazy days.

“Oil and gas developments along the Front Range can contribute to the regional ozone and fi ne particles haze episodes that we have,” he said. “Those aren’t a concern for those living next to the operation, but more for everybody living in the bigger region of 100 miles or more.”

Both City Councilors Julia Marvin and Henson both voted no on the proposal due to health concerns.

“I have a lot of concerns for the health and safety of our residents with this time of operation that’s going in,” Marvin said.

In addition to health reasons, Henson noted that with Thornton being a growing city, that space could be used for something else.

“I have grave concerns about health and safety, ramifi cations, the location, it’s in proximity to schools and businesses, housing,” Henson said.

Thu 12/08

Featured

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever @ 6pm / $10-$15 The LoCol Theatre, 800 South Hover Road, Longmont

Beauty And The Beast

@ 7:30pm Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd., Ar‐vada

Anavrin's Day at Hoffbrau

@ 9pm Hoffbrau, 9110 Wadsworth Pkwy, West‐minster

Fri 12/09

Youth Service-Learning

@ 12am Dec 9th - Dec 8th Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

National Holiday Card Day

@ 5pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

@ 6pm Mother Tucker Brewing, Thornton

Featured

Colorado Avalanche vs. New York Rangers @ 7pm / $105-$999 Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

@ 8pm The Black Buzzard, 1624 Market St, Den‐ver Featured

Winter & Wine: A Holiday Aerial Show & Wine Tasting Event @ 7:30pm / $20-$45 The Apollo Center, 2655 Industrial Lane, Broom�eld. iluminaraerial@ theapollocenter.com, 720-4798438

Sat 12/10

Tween Splash for Cash

@ 3am Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks De‐partment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-857-4200

Featured

WinterFest 5k & Fun Run @ 10am / $8-$10 3498 E 112th Ave, Carpenter Park, Denver

Cereal with Santa 9:00am

@ 4pm Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-2893760

Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz

@ 7pm / $28-$3970 Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver Featured

Yaima: Live Recording Session + Concert @ 7pm Colorado Sound Recording Ltd, 3100 W 71st Ave #5439, Westmin‐ster

Sun 12/11

Sports Jam- Denver Nuggets

@ 12:30am Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Featured

"Miracles" A Kantorei Choral Celebration from Around the World @ 2pm / $25 Parsons Theatre, 1 East Memorial Parkway South Entrance, North‐glenn. NorthglennArts@North glenn.org, 303-450-8888

Featured

Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs @ 6:20pm / $147-$496 Empower Field At Mile High, 1701 Bryant St., Denver

Mon 12/12

powered by

Featured

Magic Workshop with Mark the Magic Man @ 2pm Anythink Brighton, 327 East Bridge Street, Brighton. rbowman @anythinklibraries.org, 303-4053230

Wed 12/14

Meow Wolf Art Exhibition (12/4)

@ 5pm Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Featured

Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards @ 7pm / $12-$2540 Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Thu 12/15

Featured

Solution

© 2016 King Features Synd., Inc.

TRIVIA

1. MOVIES: What does Susan Walker want as a gift from Santa in the movie “Miracle on 34th Street”? 2. MUSIC: Which famous rock band once called itself The New Yardbirds? 3. GEOGRAPHY: Where is the Thar Desert located? 4. TELEVISION: Which TV sitcom’s theme song was “Thank You for Being a Friend”? 5. FOOD & DRINK: When was frozen food invented? 6. MOVIES: Which Disney princess is modeled after a real person? 7. ANATOMY: What is the only human organ capable of natural regeneration? 8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What are male and female swans called? 9. U.S. STATES: Which state’s motto is “Excelsior!”? 10. HISTORY: How many people signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence?

Answers

1. A house.

2. Led Zeppelin.

3. India and Pakistan.

4. “The Golden Girls.”

5. 1924. Clarence Birdseye invented the quick freezing process.

6. Pocahontas.

7. The liver.

8. Cobs and pens.

9. New York (“Ever upward!”).

10. 56.

(c) 2022 King Features Synd., Inc.