Fort Lupton Press 030223

FORT LUPTON

STATE PLAYOFF COVERAGE

Fort Lupton council spends, and spends and spends

Golf carts, software among items on city’s shopping list

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fort Lupton City Council agreed to spend $1.25 million.

In one night.

“A million and a quarter isn’t that much for two months,” said Councilman Carlos Barron before the voting began during the council’s Feb. 21 meeting.

e outlays were part of both the consent agenda (items the city considers “routine”) and on the “action agenda,” which is a formal approval and discussion of matters brought up during a previous week’s study session.

Among the expenses:

A $9,000 commitment with Neogov for new onboarding software that is part of the 2023 city budget;

A $278,000 payment to the Northern Colorado Water Conservation District for a carriage assessment on the Windy Gap project. It’s in Grand County and includes a diversion dam on the Colorado River, a 445-acre-foot reservoir and a pump plant. Six cities formed the Northern Water Municipal Subdistrict 50 years ago to nance and build the plant. Fort Lupton is one of the participating municipalities; Two Coyote Creek Golf Course requests (one for a tractor, one for a utility cart) totaling $63,000. Course Manager Tyler Tarpley said the tractor “was small and fairly old.”

“We don’t have enough carts,” he told the council. “We need more carts to drive people around.”

e winning bid was $600 higher than the next-highest bid. But Tarpley said Masek, which secured the

SEE COUNCIL, P2

Every year before Thanksgiving, First United Methodist Church in Fort Lupton and the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank provide community members with food boxes. This will be the program’s 10th consecutive year. Above, Joe Hubert, left China Garcia and Sue Hubert with Change 4 Change,

Jesus Vasquez (13) goes up for a tough layup against Elijah Eschmeyer (0) of Peak to Peak The Pumas defeated Fort Lupton 61-52 in the first round of the 4A state playo s Feb. 22 in Fort Lupton. More coverage on page 10.

PHOTO BY JUAN ARELLANO

LENT BEGINS WITH ASHES

COUNCIL

deal, sells Yamaha golf carts, which match the rest of the course’s golf carts, utility carts, beverage carts and range carts.

“It enables us to have the same parts for the other carts,” Tarpley said.

Other items include:

A $223,000 proposal from Gerardo Concrete for the construction of two new trails around Community Center Park, across the street from the recreation center. Manager Doug Cook said work on the north trail starts rst, followed by the southern trail, to allow

the upcoming youth soccer season to nish; A $671,000 proposal from Adolfson and Peterson Construction so it can serve as general manager/general contractor for the rec center expansion project. It’s conditional on the approval of a construction agreement; and A three-year, $244.85 per month contract with Comcast for internet service to the satellite o ces at 1200 Dexter St. All of the votes were unanimous, and no one from the public o ered comments.

In other business Council also approved an ordinance to set new victim compensation

SEE COUNCIL, P3

FROM PAGE 1

Isaiah Alarcon, 8, has ashes placed on his forehead by Jose Martinez Feb. 22 at Brighton’s St. Augustine Church, marking the beginning of Lent. His brother Jayden, 5, waits for his turn. The lenten season ends April 6.

PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Rabid Skunks found in Weld County

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Two Skunks have tested positive for rabies on February 3 and February 5 on a residential property in southern Weld County.

“Skunks are not necessarily nocturnal and you may see them during the day but if it exhibits aggressive behavior or loss of motor skills it may be sick. Spring time they are more active” said Kristeen Bevel, Weld County Environmental Health Specialist.

e property owner was concerned about the behavior of the skunks in close contact with pets and livestock, so the skunks were captured and turned over to animal control and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment.

e health department tested the skunk and received positive results for rabies on February 6 and February 7.

According to health o cials, rabies is fatal if left untreated. Bats and skunks are the two main carriers for rabies in Colorado, so when they come into contact with other wild animals — foxes, skunks, raccoons, coyotes and bats — these animals could become infected. Not all skunks carry rabies but if a

COUNCIL

FROM PAGE 2

guidelines. Funding comes from cityissued citations. e fund helps with economic losses for victims, applicants

skunk is seen during daylight hours acting strangely or aggressively or lying on the ground experiencing loss of motor skills it could be sick.

Health o cials urge that domestic animals, such as cats, dogs, horses and livestock should be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Several dozen Weld County residents over the past several years had animal-tohuman contact infections that required rabies immune globulin and vaccine treatments.

According to o cials, people should not feed, touch or handle wild animals and dogs, cats horses and livestock should be vaccinated regularly by a licensed veterinarian. New puppies and kittens that live outdoors should be monitored closely until receiving the rabies vaccine and for 28 days after. e rabies virus a ects the nervous systems causing brain and spinal cord in ammation that is fatal. It’s transmitted by an infected animal through a bite or contact with an open wound, or scratch. If exposed to rabies, contact a medical provider immediately to start treatment before symptoms appear. According to health o cials, there have not been any reported human rabies deaths in Weld County.

or guardians and can cover property damage. Total monetary damages can’t exceed $2,000.

ere wasn’t a speci c dollar amount in the revised ordinance; rather, it said the guidelines “may be amended from time to time by approval of the City Council.”

Talking ‘Twin Victories’, new generation speaks

Story of Tuskegee Airmen recounted at Commerce City event

BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

For now, Gabrielle Martin, speaks for her father as well as herself.

“Here we are in 2023, and we are still talking about getting recognition for the Tuskegee Airmen,” Martin said. “You talk about ghting the war. ey had to ght just for the right to be there.”

Martin is the daughter of Capt. Robert Martin, retired, one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, a group of 932 ghter and bomber pilots and their support crews who trained at Tuskegee Army Air eld in Alabama during World War II, breaking records, making history and creating a legacy. Her father died in 2019.

Speaking to a small group Feb. 23 at the Commerce City Civic Center for the city’s Black History Month commemoration, Martin talked about growing up as the daughter of a Tuskegee Airman.

“ ey fought to serve their country and when they came home, they came home to a life of service,” Martin said. “ ey were teachers, instructors. Many stayed in the military to earn higher ranks so they could teach others. Many made a military career, something they could be proud of.”

She was joined by Daphne Rice-Allen, daughter of Price D. Rice, another member of the Tuskegee Airmen, and by John omas of Longmont, a re-enactor for the Denver-based Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. While omas spoke of their experiences in a deeply segregated U.S. during World War II, based on interviews and conversations with original members, the daughters gave more personal accounts of growing up; learning about their fathers’ sacri ces, what it all meant and how it a ected them.

e group was invited to speak by the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclu-

sion group. Mayor Pro-Tem Jennifer Allen- omas, a member of Commerce City’s DEI group, brought her father, a former City Councilor — who represented the same seat his daughter now holds — and a retired member of the U.S. Air Force himself.

Twin Victories

ey all spoke of twin battles the soldiers needed to ght, against an enemy in war but also against bias and discrimination at home.

Formed near the start of World War II, the Tuskegee Airmen’s rst class of 13 cadets began service in July 1941 in deeply segregated Alabama. ey grew to include nearly 1,000 person-

nel — the group includes pilots but also ground crew and support sta — and served with distinction. Of that group, 355 ew some 1,500 missions in Europe between 1942 and 1946.

e pilots were mostly African American and were the rst aviation unit of their kind during a time when the U.S. military was still racially segregated and many U.S. states still had Jim Crow laws on their books.

e unit had an excellent combat rating, was highly praised by military commanders and earned six Distinguished Unit Citations while its members earned 96 Distinguished

City Councilor Jennifer Allen-Thomas reviews some information about the Tuskegee Airmen with her father, former City Councilor James Allen Feb. 23 at Commerce City Civic Center. Allen is an Air Force veteran himself. PHOTOS BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Re-enactor John Thomas of Longmont tries to give the audience at Commerce City’s Black History Month event a sense of what life and military service was like for the Tuskegee Airmen, the first African-American aviation wing formed during World War II.

SEE AIRMEN, P5

Flying Crosses.

But members got the sense that they were never meant to succeed. Re-enactor omas explained how the 332 Air Group had trained on used and outdated equipment and monitored closely, with any infraction grounds for washing out of the program. ey could not practically leave the base, since it was located in the heart of Jim Crowe south.

When they nally were deployed, they were given unnecessary missions at rst. ey’d come up to their objective — a bridge to be blown up or a beach to patrolled — to nd that other pilots, their white counterparts, had already completed the mission.

“We said give us something to do, something we can be proud of,” omas said.

But they found their role, protecting the vulnerable, slow-moving bombers, omas said. e Germans had learned that American pilots, seeking to improve their kill ratios, would leave the bombers vulnerable to engage the enemy ghters. en a second wave of German ghters would take out the bomber, he said.

e Army began sending ghters from the Tuskegee Airmen’s 332 Air Group, in their distinctive ghters

Our Family Helping Your Family

Born the youngest of six children to Juan and Louisa Vigil. Jane is survived by her brothers, Henry and Albert Vigil. She is also survived by nieces and nephews; David, Myra, and Lori and Families; Johnny and Tobin and their families; Diana, Rick and Anita and their families; Daniel, Genevieve, Sophia and

with red-painted back ends, along.

“Pretty soon, the bombers’ squadron leaders didn’t know we were black,” he said. “ ey just said ‘We Want the Red Tails.’”

e unit gained a reputation as “Red-Tailed Angels.”

Despite their successes, the Army was still segregated and members of the Air Group were not allowed to celebrate with their white peers in the o cers’ clubs.

at was brought home as they disembarked from their ship at the

war’s end.

“ e worst thing was coming back on the troop ship after the war and walking down the gangplank I see two signs,” omas said. “One goes this way, the other turns o , says ‘Colored.’ I put my life on the line every day, just like everyone else.”

Top Secret to Top Gun

In fact, their service was not acknowledged until 60 years later. Much of it was labeled “classi ed” meaning that the servicemen themselves were not allowed to speak of it.

at had not changed four years later in 1949 when the Air Force decided to host a competition for its best pilots. Called Top Gun, the namesake for the Tom Cruise movies, the contest pitted teams of pilots in six skills over the Nevada salt ats that would become Nellis Air Force base.

e teams competed in aerial gunnery — plane-to-plane shooting — at 12,000 and 20,000 feet, dive bombing, skip bombing, stra ng runs and ring rockets.

Four pilots from the 332 Air Wing competed — Capt. Alva Temple and 1st Lts. James Harvey, Harry Stewart and Halbert Alexander. ey not only fared well, they won the team competition.

eir win, like their service, was declared a classi ed secret and the trophy was boxed up, labeled “Do Not Open” and hidden in a closet. It was

discovered in 2004 by a journalist. It, and a plaque commemorating the win, are on display in a trophy case at the Nellis base.

“Of course, it’s in a building that has no direct public access,” Martin said. “You know that sometimes if you call ahead and make arrangements, you can come see it.”

Rice-Allen and Martin said they didn’t know much of their fathers’ service growing up. Rice-Allen said she was in third grade when her father built storage cubbies in the house for the family to store there favorite things — ve cubbies in all, one for her, her brother and her sister and both parents. e children asked their father what he had to put in his cubby.”

“My mother was nudging him, saying ‘You need to tell them. If you don’t I will,’ Rice-Allen said.

He eventually showed them a map he had detailing a bombing mission he’d own to Berlin.

“He was somewhat reluctant,” she said.

Both agreed their fathers pushed them and their siblings to succeed and be the best they could be.

“ e family motto was, you are getting an education so failure is not an option,” Rice -Allen said. “If it doesn’t work the rst time, gure it out and make it happen. And I think that lesson has served me well: Never quit. Figure it out and make it happen.”

their families. Jane is also survived by an extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, who she loved and helped unconditionally.

We trust our beloved Jane into the presence of our heavenly father, may he keep her and grant her peace.

Gabrielle Martin of Denver talks about growing up as the daughter of a Tuskegee Airmen at the Commerce City Black History Month event Feb. 234 at Commerce City Civic Center. Her father Robert served as member of the 332 Air Group during World War II.

PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR

VIGIL

Mary Jane Vigil March 7, 1953 - February 13, 2023

On Feb. 22, as calls came into local police departments that our schools were under attack, one thing became apparent – We are very traumatized in society.

Thankfully, the reports to 911 that active shooters were inside schools across Colorado were untrue and proved to be false as officers stormed the buildings. However, the trauma that goes with these calls was very apparent.

For me, as a mother and journalist, I immediately stressed out. I watched other journalists on Twitter make comments putting into words just how I was feeling. Many said as soon as the calls come in, we start worrying about what could be happening in our communities.

As more than a dozen schools were impacted throughout the day, Littleton made the list. It was later in the day and police headed into Littleton Public Schools, locking students inside, leaving parents

We are traumatized.

FROM THE EDITOR

wondering if they were indeed OK.

inside.

Tweet after tweet, parents said they heard from their child but still had no clear answers of what was happening.

ing outside of our schools, public arenas ands elsewhere.

As the minutes continued, the Littleton Police Department would tweet that “still no injuries” had been found. While good news, it was still stressful because it wasn’t the “all clear” tweet parents and students were waiting for.

A threat or call about a shooting is never discounted anymore. All calls, all threats are treated as if they are real.

For those responsible, there is no excuse for the level of cruelty you imposed on teachers, students, parents, law enforcement and your communities.

Th e circular bar was busy but not too busy. There were two bartenders working the bar. Our view was of the beautiful snow-covered mountains as the restaurant was at the top of a ski resort. As the bartenders chatted us all up, we all took in the amazing view of the slopes, the mountain range backdrop and a gorgeous blue-sky day.

No rush, service was casual without being too slow. As we enjoyed our break we noticed a man had walked in and stood at the bar looking for a beverage himself. His accent gave him away as being from New York and his body language betrayed his not so good mood. As the bartender approached the man and asked what he would like to drink, the man blurted out, “Two bloody Marys.”

As the bartender started making the drinks, the man started assertively tapping his credit card on the counter, shaking his head and clearly losing his patience as the bartender worked on his drinks. I would have to say, the bartender makes an awesome bloody Mary, and he takes the time to make sure

The thing is, while other schools were cleared and quickly, Littleton felt like it took forever. This is not judgement to Littleton schools or police, it just felt like forever for myself and a reporter waiting for word.

I started scanning Twitter where the trauma we are experiencing as a society became very apparent. From students tweeting that they were still inside a classroom hunkered down without any knowledge of what is happening on the outside.

From parents saying they have elementary school children without a cell phone, and they were worried because they had no way of knowing what was happening

For students, this wasn’t just a drill to go through what to do if this actually happened. While found to be a hoax, for our communities, this was essentially the real thing until police ruled it wasn’t.

Earlier in the week, my own children went through a lockdown drill with their school. Afterwards, my 6-year-old asked some pointed questions on why they did it. I was honest with him. In reality, we just do not live in a world right now where we can lie to our children about the evil that can be linger-

While thankfully, no one was hurt, in the end, this day shows us that something has to be done to get the increasing numbers of mass shootings under control. We are past the time of bickering about which political party is right and which is wrong.

We are a traumatized society that deserves debate, compromise and true action that leads to healing and safety.

Thelma Grimes is the south metro editor for Colorado Community Media.

The gift of island time and mountain time

Thelma Grimes WINNING

it’s perfect. As the man’s impatience grew, the bartender picked up on the vibe, and without speeding up, he quickly and brilliantly defused the situation, asking the man one question, “I’ll bet it’s nice for you to be on vacation, away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and to be up here taking in the snow, the sun and this incredible view.”

The man’s demeanor immediately changed. He knew what the bartender had just done, and smiling he said, “Thank you for that, and it’s wonderful to be up here and on mountain time.” I watched as the man took the two drinks back to his table and wife, and as he sat down, taking in a deep breath and gazing out at the magnificence and majesty of his surroundings.

If you have ever spent any time in the islands or in the mountains, you can immediately connect with

LINDA SHAPLEY Publisher lshapley@coloradocommunitymedia.com

MICHAEL DE YOANNA Editor-in-Chief michael@coloradocommunitymedia.com

SCOTT TAYLOR Metro North Editor staylor@coloradocommunitymedia.com

BELEN WARD Community Editor bward@coloradocommunitymedia.com

the headline and message of this column. When we can spend time on a beautiful tropical island or in the majesty of the mountains, sometimes things just move a little slower. And that’s a good thing.

It amazes me that some people miss the opportunity to slow down, to ease the pace of the race when they are on vacation. We work so hard to save our money so that we can take a break, get away from the rush and crush of life, and bring ourselves and our family to a tropical paradise or winter wonderland, only to lose our patience, getting upset because the shuttle was five minutes behind, or the line at the coffee shop wasn’t moving as quickly as we would like. And instead of letting go of the stress we left behind, we bring it with us and get worked up over the silliest and slightest delays.

This is not about making the excuse for poor or extremely slow service, as that is never acceptable. This is just a gentle nudge and reminder to stop and see the mountains or the vastness of a blue ocean. Not just look at them,

STEVE SMITH Sports Editor ssmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com

LINDSAY NICOLETTI Operations/ Circulation Manager lnicoletti@coloradocommunitymedia.com

TERESA ALEXIS Marketing Consultant Classified Sales talexis@coloradocommunitymedia.com

AUDREY BROOKS Business Manager abrooks@coloradocommunitymedia.com

but really see them. And maybe as we stop long enough we might just realize that we are actually seeing them for the very first time.

Getting on island time or mountain time, or wherever else we go to relax and take a break, helps us to unwind and let the stressors of life go. If we are lucky enough to live in such an area full time, we understand what island time and mountain time means, and recognize it’s one of the reasons we chose to live there.

Is it time to leave the anxiety, stress, and impatience behind? Can we get ourselves comfortable with a slightly slower pace? I would love to hear your story at gotonorton@gmail.com, and when we can embrace island time and mountain time for the gift that they truly are, 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.

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.

Thu 3/02

Family Makerspace

@ 1am Mar 2nd - Mar 1st

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

Parent/Tot - Bugs, Bugs, Bugs (Bilingual) @ 4pm

Mar 2nd - Mar 23rd

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

Denver Nuggets vs. Memphis Grizzlies @ 8pm / $69-$5040

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Sat 3/04

Adventure Tower & Ninja Warrior

@ 3:30pm

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

Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle

Kraken

@ 7pm / $62-$999

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Mon 3/06

Early Morning Boot Camp

@ 12:15pm

Mar 6th - Mar 30th

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

Water Boot Camp

@ 5:15pm

Mar 6th - Mar 29th

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

Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto

Raptors

@ 7pm / $18-$3970

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Let's Get Springin' @ 8pm

Mar 6th - Mar 20th

Bruce Springsteen

@ 7:30pm

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Cir, Den‐ver

TEDx Cherry Creek Youth @ 1pm 300 Strong St, Brighton, CO 80601, USA, Brighton

Wed 3/08

Anavrin's Day: AD @ Hoffbrau on Thursday! @ 9pm Hoffbrau, 9110 Wadsworth Pkwy, Westminster

Fri 3/03

All About Me (Bilingual)

@ 4pm

Mar 3rd - Mar 24th

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

Man VS Food (3/3) @ 5:30pm

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

Dirty Side Down Band: Dirty Side Down @ Odde's Music Grill @ 8pm

Odde's Music Grill, 9975 Wadsworth Pkwy N2, Westminster

Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City @ 7:30pm / $18-$999

DICK'S Sporting Goods Park, 6000 Victory Way, Commerce City

Sun 3/05

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

Archery @ 11:30pm

Mar 6th - Mar 8th

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 East Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Tue 3/07

Birding for All - March

@ 10am / Free

Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learn‐ing Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-659-4348 ext. 53

DJ school with DJ Spexx @ 3:45pm

Anythink York Street, 8990 York Street, Thornton. jseelig@anythin klibraries.org, 303-405-3234

Denver Nuggets vs. Chicago Bulls @ 7pm / $20-$5040

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Thu 3/09

Wonderful Waterfowl @ 9am / Free Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-6594348 ext. 53

Colorado Avalanche vs. Los Angeles Kings @ 7pm / $45-$999

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Denver - Disney Animation: Immersive Experience @ 11:30am

Lighthouse Denver, 3900 Elati Street, Denver

Colorado Avalanche vs. San Jose Sharks @ 7pm / $45-$999

Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Square Dance March @ 8:30pm

Mar 7th - Mar 28th

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 East Parkway Dr., Commerce City. 303-2893760

Sports Conditioning March @ 10:30pm

Mar 7th - Mar 30th

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

Flex @ 8pm

Mariscos El Berrinche's Mexican Restaurant, 7850 Sheridan Boule‐vard, Westminster

SOAR Social @ 11:30pm

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

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Scientists are studying the health of the South Platte’s aquatic life

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

There might be plenty of sh in the sea, but in the section of the South Platte River from the Denver Metro Water facility down to Fort Lupton, they’ve all but disappeared.

rough testing, Metro Water Recovery scientists discovered that aquatic life was not present in this part of the South Platte River due to low dissolved oxygen levels.

Metro Water Recovery, in an agreement with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Colorado Health Department will address the issue.

Dissolved oxygen levels mean the river is too low for aquatic life. When they did the study, the scientists found that the South Platte River from the Denver Metro Water facility down to Fort Lupton had no sh habitat.

ey started a six-phase project on the South Platte River from 88th & Colorado Boulevard to Fort Lupton in 2018 to improve aquatic life that was disappearing from low dissolved oxygen.

“Many factors cause dissolved oxygen in a river, such as runo , nutrients and how highly managed the river is and owing slowly in some locations. In addition, algae grow when the river slows down and eats up oxygen at night,” said Senior Quality Manager for Metro Water Jim Dorsch.

“A number of factors were involved and since Metro Water created the river, it made sense for us to take the lead on trying to correct it,” Dorsch said.

Scientists are working daily on the South

Platte River collecting aquatic macroinvertebrates, which are bugs. Many of these types of organisms and microhabitats live in the river, under rocks or in woody debris in the river, Dorsch said, adding that they can also live inside rocks or live in boulders.

“ e objective is to sample the macroinvertebrate that lives at the bottom of the river to assess the invertebrate which is species without a backbone to test their diversity and abundance within the river channel and determine overall aquatic life health,” said Jordan Harman, a senior water quality scientist with Metro Water.

Harman said the macroinvertebrate data is used in Colorado as the primary indicator of aquatic life health in streams and rivers. ey collect samples in the fall, and the macroinvertebrates are picked out with tweezers and placed into collection jars lled with isopro-

pyl

alcohol for preservation.

“We then send these preserved specimen samples to a taxonomic expert and they identify and count the macroinvertebrates and send the identi cation enumeration data back to us. is is simply identi cation of preserved specimens, they are not looking at live specimens,” Harman said.

e scientists could get a general sense of overall water quality based on the type of invertebrates. Certain macroinvertebrates are sensitive to pollution, such as may ies, caddis ies and more. Bugs that are relatively tolerant of pollution include aquatic worms, midge larvae and more, according to Harman and Dorsch.

“When we observe a diverse group of macroinvertebrates, including sensitive species,

These are the macroinvertebrates, the tiniest species that tell scientists about the water quality and how many are present in the river. PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

The damselfly Jordan Harman captured to be seen under the microscope. PHOTO BY METRO WATER RECOVERY

Jordan Harman gathers the macroinvertebrates from the South Platte River for testing the water quality PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival celebrates AAPI stories

Proving the power of storytelling has been part of the Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival since its inception and this year it is taking the time to celebrate all the voices that share their stories.

“Our theme this year is ‘Celebrating Our Stories,’ which follows last year’s theme of `Celebrating Resilience,’” explained Sara Moore, Colorado Dragon Boat executive director. “ e stories we’re sharing may not usually be heard or seen, which means projecting them on the big screen provides awesome potential for connection.”

e 8th annual Colorado Dragon Boat Film Festival, hosted by Colorado Dragon Boat and Denver Film, opens ursday, March 9 and runs through Sunday, the 12th at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave., and the Freyer - Newman Center at Denver Botanic Gardens, 1085 York St. in Denver.

e festival includes 11 lms, all of which honor the experiences of Asian Americans and Paci c Islanders (AAPI) communities. Highlights include the opening night lm, “Arnold is a Model Student,” which is described in provided information as “a satirical coming-of-age story examining contemporary ai culture through the lens of the country’s

RIVER

this indicates good water quality. Dissolved oxygen is just one important aspect of overall water quality,” Harman said.

Harman said these macroinvertebrates tell them what they do and a lot about water quality. If certain kinds of bugs are present, the water quality can sustain these macroinvertebrates, and they’re also an essential part of the food chain for the sh that consume these bugs.

“We amended that agreement and since then we built four di erent drop structure locations along the river to improve habitat and will select a fth spot to construct by fall. en when complete, we will go into phase six and continue ongoing monitoring of aquatic life forever at all these locations,” Dorsch said.

Dorsch said to improve the water quality, stirring it and building miniature waterfalls to put the oxygen back in the river over time, so it starts to get better. In addition, they will place large rocks that will provide protective cover for sh, create pools close to the bank of the fast-moving water—trees will be plants and shrubs for aquatic shade and creates a riparian zone, which is a vegetation area between land and river.

e Metro Water Recovery scientists will stock the river with Colorado native species, primarily minnows, they said.

youth.”

Another important lm screening is “Reclaiming Denver’s Chinatown,” a documentary about the racism Chinese residents faced in the Mile High City. And, for the rst time, the festival will wrap up at the Denver Botanic Gardens, with a screening of “I Am What I Am,” an animated lm about a teenage boy who wants to learn the art of traditional Chinese lion dancing.

As is so often the case with lm festivals, some of the most exciting events are the extracurricular activities that enhance the movies.

Of note are two community conversations the festival is hosting: at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, “Celebrating the Stories of Our LGBTQ+ Asian American Paci c Islander Community,” will be held and at 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 12, audiences can participate in “Celebrating the Stories of our Multiracial AAPI Community.”

“ ese topics come from listening to the community, which provides us with so many options,” Moore said. “Over the last three years we’ve seen huge increases in hate, racism and intolerance and we’re trying to ght this in many ways. Community conversations are great ways to help, because they give people the opportunity to hear stories and make these issues less unknown.”

In addition to live Q&As with lmmakers following some screenings, there will also be an Asian marketplace and culinary experience available to those who attend with an appetite. No matter how

audiences want to engage with the festival, Moore hopes they’ll come with questions and a willingness to learn.

“ e beauty of the event is bringing people together every year to show that the stories we all share have so many similarities,” she said. “People can come together and feel a real sense of warmth and acceptance, and that’s really my goal for the festival.”

For information, individual tickets and passes, visit www.cd lm.org.

Find space for Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson at the Paramount

Even those who don’t really nd space all that interesting (I’m told that’s a thing) can nd something fascinating about exploration of the unknown when Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks about it.

Tyson will be stopping by the Paramount eatre, 1621 Glenarm Place in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8. e topic for the evening’s discussion will be Cosmic Collisions, which has all kinds of potential to be properly mind blowing.

Purchase tickets at www.ticketmaster.com.

Watch the Oscars with fellow film lovers at Sie FilmCenter

e Oscars are back to honor some of the year’s best lms (though I am personally outraged that “Babylon” didn’t receive a best picture nomination). As has become tradition, Denver Film is celebrating the year in movies with a big party (just like

the one in “Babylon”).

e Brightest Night in Hollywood begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 12 at the Sie FilmCenter, 2510 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver. Attendees are encouraged to either get fully decked out or come in their com est pajamas and enjoy a live screening on all three of the center’s screens, with drink specials at the bar and food specials also available. e event is free, so visit https:// denver lm.eventive.org/ lms to RSVP for a spot.

Clarke’s Concert of the Week — Nathaniel Rateli plays Nilsson with the Colorado Symphony at Boettcher Concert Hall

Singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson is one of those musicians who doesn’t receive the recognition they so rightly deserve. His music has been the inspiration for so many legendary artists, including Denver’s Nathaniel Rateli . To mark the 50th anniversary of “A Little Touch of Schmilsson,” Nilsson’s tribute to the Great American Songbook, Rateli is teaming up with the Colorado Symphony to tackle the seminal album.

Nathaniel Rateli plays Nilsson with the Colorado Symphony will be held at the Boettcher Concert Hall, 1000 14th St., No. 15, in Denver, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3 and Saturday, March 4. Visit https:// coloradosymphony.org/ for tickets and information.

Clarke Reader’s column on culture appears on a weekly basis. He can be reached at Clarke.Reader@hotmail.com.

love our native species and want to protect them every chance we can,”

Dorsch said. “We also target Johnny Darters and Iowa Darter which are the most sensitive species of minnows in the South Platte River.”

While Metro is working on the Platte River project, Dorsch said shing will still be allowed even when constructing ri es which are fast-moving sections of stream and other habitat improvements farther down the river. e scientist will continue to monitor the water qual-

going on and what’s gone wrong. If there are problems, we will correct it,” Dorsch.

e Metro Water Recovery scientists’ work didn’t go unnoticed in saving the aquatic life on the river — they received the National Environmental Achievement Award from the National Associations of

Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for Habitat Improvements Projects, ac-

conference in Sonoma, CA.

“We love getting awards, (but) like most biologists — we come in do our job,” Dorsch said.

“It’s nice to get the award,” Harman added. “People aren’t aware of the work we do, so it’s kind of nice to get some recognition and people realize we’re out here in the river.”

Jordan Harman is measuring the white sucker fish.

PHOTO BY METRO WATER RECOVERY

Clarke Reader

SPORTS

Fort Lupton falls to Peak to Peak in the first round of state playo s

BY JUAN ARELLANO SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

Despite the frigid temperatures in late February, Fort Lupton and Peak to Peak fans showed up at Fort Lupton High School to support their teams in the rst round of the 4A state boys basketball tournament.

e 14th-seeded Bluedevils wanted to continue their amazing season, but in their way stood the 19th-seeded Peak to Peak Pumas.

“We were playing catch-up from the very beginning, and we haven’t had to do that all year,” said Fort Lupton Head Coach Jim Roedel.

Peak to Peak opened up the scoring with a threepointer from junior Grant Boonstra, but senior Jesus Vasquez responded with his own from beyond the arc to tie it up. Early threepoint shooting helped set the tempo of the game for the visiting Pumas, who led most of the game.

e only occasion that the Bluedevils were ahead in the game came in the second quarter. FLHS went up 1817 with 4:10 to go before the break, but Peak to Peak quickly caught up and never looked back.

“We struggled in the rst half, couldn’t really nd our rhythm. We got taken out of our transition game too early. It put added pressure on open shots that we would normally have made, and that added pressure from

of the game kind of wore on us,” Roedel said.

e Bluedevils battled until the end but it was not enough as they lost 61-52. Two seniors who were the base of the teams, Jesus Vasquez and Joey Gallegos, saw their last minutes wearing the white and blue in their home court.

“ ey’re the foundational rocks that have been with me for four years. ink about it. ese kids have experienced COVID, they’ve experienced di erent things in their lives that they won’t experience ever again. ey will never experience a basketball team that has 20 wins. We had a core group of those two seniors with Jesus and Joey really stepped up

young kids,” Roedel said.

Finishing the season at 20-4, winning league in an undefeated fashion and hosting a first-round playoff game in many years are accomplishments that Roedel and his team are proud of.

“Pretty much that’s what I told the boys, ‘be proud of the accomplishments you had. It’s not how you want to end. But honestly, 31 teams are going to feel the same way we did tonight. ere’s only one champion.’ Did we expect to go on the rst round? No. But it’s a learning lesson for the younger guys to get better and know what it takes to get over the rst hump,” Roedel said.

Frederick’s strong second half douses Harrison

BY JONATHAN MANESS SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA

BRIGHTON – e No.

4-seeded Eagle Ridge Academy Warriors held o a feisty Riverdale Ridge squad Feb. 25 to advance to the Great Eight of the Class 4A state basketball tournament.

In front of a standingroom only crowd, the Warriors used their length and athleticism to roll to a 66-51 victory over the 13th-seeded Ravens.

“(Riverdale) is a very scrappy team,” Eagle Ridge Academy’s coach, Jay Powell, said. “We had to cut out their o ensive rebounds, and our boys dug deep and played hard to get the win.

I’m proud of them.”

e Warriors will face the winner of No. 5 Pagosa Springs and No. 12 Pueblo County at the Denver Coliseum at 8:30 p.m. Friday,

March 3.

ERA (20-5 overall) led from the opening tip, but it wasn’t easy as the crosstown rivals battled until the nal whistle.

“We know each other well,” Eagle Ridge’s captain Hunter Hill said. “It’s a huge win for us. ey played hard, but we wanted it more.”

e Warriors’ length gave Riverdale issues, especially with Christian Seifert (6foot-8), Cameron (CJ) Seifert (6 -6) and James ‘Kyen’ Allen (6-7) patrolling in the paint.

“Length is a big strength for us,” Powell said. “it’s hard to get a shot o when they are ying at you.”

Christian Seifert made his presence known early in the game. He started the game with three points the old-fashioned way and had back-to-back blocks that led to a pair of baskets by

Hill to give ERA an early 9-3 advantage.

Ryan Leopold helped Riverdale rally back. e senior hit a trey and scored on a fast-break basket to tie the game at 14. e Warriors ended the quarter on a seven-point run as Hill closed the quarter with a pair of baskets to give ERA a 21-14 advantage.

e Warriors kept the momentum in the second quarter as Christian Seifert pushed the lead to 13 with a pair of 3-pointers.

Riverdale (17-8) remained scoreless in the second until Marcus Hinh scored ve consecutive points to cut into the de cit for the Ravens. Baskets by Allen and Peyton Torres pushed the lead to 40-29 at the half.   Riverdale made defensive adjustments at the half and used a pressure defense to

Eagle Ridge’s James Allen passes the ball out of the paint during the first half of the Feb. 25 second-round matchup against Riverdale Ridge in the class 4A state basketball tournament. ERA won 66-51.

Fort Lupton’s Jesus Vasquez (13) and Peak to Peak’s Elijah Eschmeyer (0) go up for the ball during the opening tip-o of the game. Peak to Peak defeated Fort Lupton 61-52 in the first round of the 4A state playo s Feb. 22 in Fort Lupton.

PHOTOS BY JUAN ARELLANO

Fort Lupton’s William Sibanda (25) applies high pressure as Peak to Peak’s Kolby Branscum (12) receives an inbounded ball. Peak to Peak defeated Fort Lupton 61-52 Feb. 22 in the first round of the 4A state playo s.

It’s always been more than wins and losses

With two weeks to go, a sportswriter looks back

BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

In most professional circles, it’s appropriate to give two weeks’ notice before departing.

So, here goes. is ride of almost 35 years of covering prep sports, the chance to see other areas of the state — all while chronicling sports adventures of young athletes - sadly has to come to an end.

Come March 16, it’ll be time to follow Snagglepuss’ lead and exit stage left.

ere are so many things to remember — not necessarily game scores.

e 200-point Golden High School basketball game in which dad bested his son.

en-Fort Lupton High School freshman Saul Guerrero. He was scared to death. He smiled as broadly as his 14-year-old face would allow the next night when he won third place at the state wrestling tournament. e next year, he asked his coach if it was OK to talk.

e third year, he was all ears -and more smiles -- and needed no introduction or permissions. Guerrero also won three straight state titles; his son was on the Fort Lupton football team this past fall. (Someone in this paragraph is clearly old).

Mikhail Sands, born without use of one hand, yet still wrestled, played football, rugby, was a state decathlon champ and ran track at Prairie View High School.

Anyone who signed a college letter of intent to continue their athletic endeavors somewhere.

e kids who tried new sports, new ventures in their post-school lives. To watch them grow as young men and women, to see them gain con dence they didn’t know they had and become contributing members of society leads to a lot of smiles.

e same applies to former co-workers, friends who passed through life for a short amount of time, yet stay in touch and are doing good things in their chosen professions.

e athletes who called me “Mr. Smith,” even though the real Mr. Smith (my father) died in 2013. Attempts to take on the name “Old Steve” didn’t work too often. And that’s OK; it’s a sign of respect, something that says those kids’ parents did a real good job raising them.

e smiles on the faces of kids/ coaches/parents who were so genuinely appreciative of the e orts of the local paper to come and watch. e players who’d walk halfway across the eld, climb out of the stands or stroll across a basketball court to strike up

a conversation with someone they saw just at games and events. ey acted as though we’d been classmates for years.

Another memory? e Frederick High School basketball team that walked over to press row in appreciation of the interest in the then-Warriors as they advanced to the nal four in 2022 .. a rst for the program since 1956.

One of Golden High School’s senior classes took some of their extra money and bought a coaches’ jacket, complete with school colors and some dude’s name on the right breast pocket. at was 28 years ago, and the coat still ts.

Bradley Weinmaster of Riverdale Ridge High School, who wasn’t expecting to be in a playo for a golf championship, then learned he was in, then won the state title on the rst playo hole, then broke down in joy as he recounted his e orts. e pleasure of meeting so many people who did and are doing something on behalf of young men and women.

All shared a little part of their lives, an enriching part of this career. All are friends, including other reporters. (If you think people in the press don’t get to know one another, think again). eir collective knowledge was something they were only too happy to pass along to an old-timer. e numbers and names are too many and too frequent to name and recall. But thank you for your kindness and for sharing your knowledge and experiences.

ose are some of the things

e Ravens opened the half on a nine-point run with Leopold leading the way. e senior hit a trey and then made a pair of free throws to cut the lead to 40-38 with four minutes left in the quarter.

that come o the desk, out of the wadded-up lunch wrappers and stained co ee cups and into whatever the new chapter brings.

And you know what? It’s OK to say goodbye.

Really.

My older brother and I reached a point where it’s time to clean out our family home. It’s a process involving a lot of stu - 66 years’ worth, plus things that belonged to our late younger brother — and a lot of time. Mom’s knitting machines (she had three), Dad’s handwritten tax forms and professional magazines (pictures of the tax forms!) and silverware and emergency evacuation packs that belonged to my late younger brother, Brian, need new homes. (His Wile E. Coyote co ee cup made the trip back to Denver after the holidays.)

As a rule, a nal house cleaning and a Zoom call aren’t compatible. It requires hands-on attention.

Nothing finer e job for 35 years has been to chronicle events. e kids did the work - they competed, sank the baskets, scored the touchdowns, made the saves, ran circles around their opponents on the track, pinned their wrestling opponents. Credit to all their coaches, friends and families, too, for their collective encouragement. e “job” (it really wasn’t one .. honest) was to watch and tell you what they did, how well they did and what they learned about their sport and themselves. For an ardent sports dude, there has been nothing ner.

CJ Seifert ended the drought with a basket, and Hill scored three baskets in a row to push the lead to 48-40 going into the fourth.

Torres hit a dagger late in the fourth to push the lead to double

ere was so much to see in the nastiest of weather, the warmest of weather, the smelliest of air masses and in the nastiest of public health crises through live streaming. Nothing need be changed. It was a grand and glorious ride through two areas of Denver that were as di erent as left and right.

Fort Lupton’s Scotty Sanders, a former wrestler and football player with eyes on major-league baseball, said how sorry he was that the end of the professional line was near for someone who really enjoyed what he was doing. What came to mind was a thought from the late Vin Scully upon his retirement as the announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was a paraphrase at the time, but the quote reads, “Don’t be sad that it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

at concept is worth a lot of repeats these days and in the future — even with what a 64-year-old, soon-to-be-saggier and wrinklier face will allow — because it happened.

Mom and Dad always said to nd that perfect job so you never think you work a day in your life. And you know what? ey were right. As usual. ese last 30-some years have been pretty close to perfect. We had a lot of fun together for a long time and became friends along the way. For that - and so many other memories and kindnesses -- thank you deeply from the bottom of my heart. It’s been a joy to participate in and learn something from a profession I truly love.

And that’s -30-.

digits and seal the victory.

“We have a great senior class,” Powell said. “From our point guard to our bigs, they play hard and play well together. ey are starting to play to their strength.”

After close to 34 years on the paper—as well as the court, the field and the stands—our own Mr. Sportsland, Steve Smith, will retire. While he insists “it’s more about the kids” than it is the game, Smith and his love of prep sports have left an indelible mark on athletic programs across the Denver Metro area, like Prairie View High School where he often spent time chatting with coaches and kids in the gymnasium.

PHOTO BY DEBORAH GRIGSBY

force early turnovers by the Warriors and cut into ERA’s lead.

CROWSSUPDRO ELZZ

©

TRIVIA

2. SCIENCE: At what temperature are Fahrenheit and Celsius equal?

3. TELEVISION: e comedy series “Frasier” is a spino of which sitcom?

4. LITERATURE: Which novel features a character named Katniss Everdeen?

5. FOOD & DRINK: What kind of beans are used in falafel?

6. ANIMAL KINGDOM: What is a beaver’s home called?

7. THEATER: Which musical features a character named Tracy Turnblad?

8. MOVIES: Which actress plays the young Wendy Darling in the movie “Hook”?

9. HISTORY: Who invented the game of lacrosse?

Solution

10. SCIENCE: What percentage of the world’s population has brown eyes?

Answers

1. e Danube River.

2. -40.

3. “Cheers.”

4. “ e Hunger Games.”

5. Chickpeas or fava beans.

6. A lodge, or a den.

7. “Hairspray.”

8. Gwyneth Paltrow.

9. Iroquois tribes in the eastern United States and Canada.

10. 70%-80%.

(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Public Notices call

Legals

City of Ft. Lupton

Public Notice

ORDINANCE NO. 2023-1153

INTRODUCED BY: CARLOS BARRON

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FORT LUPTON, COLORADO, AMENDING CHAPTER 2, ARTICLE VII, SECTION 2-155: SENTENCING; STAYS OF EXECUTION, PERTAINING TO VICTIM COMPENSATION FUND, AND SETTING THE GUIDELINES BY RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the City of Fort Lupton operates a program to compensate victims of crime which occur in the city; and

WHEREAS, the program is funded by a surcharge levied in traffic infractions or Municipal Court cases in which the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty or nolo contendere; and

WHEREAS, monies collected by means of the surcharge are disbursed according to the guidelines specified in the Resolution; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT LUPTON, COLORADO, AS FOLLOWS:

Section1. Chapter 2, Section 2-155 (e) (2) of the Fort Lupton Code is revised to read as follows:

(2) The VCF guidelines are approved and set by City Council by Resolution and may be amended from time to time by approval of the City Council.

INTRODUCED, READ, AND PASSED ON FIRST READING, AND ORDERED PUBLISHED this 21st day of February 2023.

PUBLISHED in the Fort Lupton Press the 2nd day of March 2023.

FINALLY READ BY TITLE ONLY, PASSED AND ORDERED FINALLY PUBLISHED by title only this ____ day of ____ 2023.

PUBLISHED BY TITLE ONLY the ____ day of ____ 2023.

EFFECTIVE (after publication) the ____ day of ____ 2023.

CITY OF FORT LUPTON, COLORADO Zo Hubbard, Mayor

ATTEST: Maricela Peña, City Clerk

Approved as to form: Andy Ausmus, City Attorney

Legal Notice No. FLP807

First Publication: March 2, 2023

Last Publication: March 2, 2023

Publisher: Fort Lupton Press

Metropolitan Districts

Public Notice

Notice of Public Hearing on Petition for Inclusion

Of Real Property into Recreation District

303-566-4123

Frederick, Colorado - PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at 6:30 PM on March 15, 2023 the Board of Directors of the CARBON VALLEY PARKS AND RECREATION DISTRICT will hold a public hearing to consider a Petition of Inclusion by COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION to be included into the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District’s boundaries with the following legal description of real property:

LEGAL DESCRIPTION – PARCEL DESCRIP-

TION (AREA A) 1. THENCE ALONG SAID ANNEXATION AND THE COWBOY CORRAL ANNEXATION, AS DESCRIBED IN THE COUNTY OF WELD AT REC NO 3461534, DATED 3/13/07,S00°09’17”E. A DISTANCE OF 78.31 FEET TO A POINT ON THE LAMBERSTON ANNEXATION, AS DESCRIBED IN THE COUNTY OF WELD AT REC NO 3502678, DATED 09/07/07; 2. THENCE AROUND SAID LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, S02° 27’44”E, A DISTANCE OF 372.10 FEET; 3. THENCE S89° 29’00”W, A DISTANCE OF 487.21 FEET TO POINT A; 4. THENCE N17° 58’40”E, A DISTANCE OF 85.75 FEET; 5. THENCE LEAVING SAID LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, N12° 04’45”E, A DISTANCE OF 322.34 FEET; 6. THENCE N43° 52’35”E, A DISTANCE OF 78.82 FEET; 7. THENCE N89° 50’41”E, A DISTANCE OF 322.44 TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING A; THE ABOVE DESCRIBED AREAL CONTAINS 188,897 SQ. FT. (4.336 ACRES), MORE OR LESS.

AND BEGINNING AT POINT OF BEGINNING A;

THENCE S00° 09’17”E, A DISTANCE OF 78.31

FEET; THENCE S02° 27’44”E, A DISTANCE OF 372.10 FEET; THENCE S89° 29’00”W, A DISTANCE OF 487.21 FEET; THENCE S19°

27’41”W, A DISTANCE OF 80.87 FEET TO POINT OF BEGINNING B;

(AREA B) 1. THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, S19°

27’41”W, A DISTANCE OF 270.00 FEET;

2.

THENCE S11° 13’03”W, A DISTANCE OF 343.47

FEET; 3. THENCE S72° 44’43”E, A DISTANCE OF 144.50 FEET TO A POINT ON SAID COWBOY CORRAL ANNEXATION; 4. THENCE S39° 28’31”W, A DISTANCE OF 311.91 FEET;

5. THENCE S05° 22’12”W, A DISTANCE OF 294.59 FEET;

6. THENCE LEAVING SAID COW-

BOY CORRAL ANNEXATION, N83° 38’05”W, A DISTANCE OF 29.19 FEET; 7. THENCE NO7° 18’39”W, A DISTANCE OF 286.35 FEET; 8. THENCE N11° 03’13”E, A DISTANCE OF 528.81 FEET; 9. THENCE N11° 44’51”E, A DISTANCE OF 172.42 FEET; 10. THENCE N27° 31’09”E, A DISTANCE OF 217.99 FEET TO POINT OF BEGINNING B

THE ABOVE DESCRIBED AREA CONTAINS 47,019 SQ. FT. (1.078 ACRES), MORE OR LESS.

THE TOTAL ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCELS COMBINED CONTAINS 235,915 SQ. FT. (5.416 ACRES), MORE OR LESS.

HAVE CAUSE THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCELS OF LAND TO BE ANNEXED UNDER THE NAME OF “FIRESTONE LONGMONT MOBILITY HUB ANNEXATION TO THE TOWN OF FIRESTONE.”

TWO AREAS OF LAND IN THE NORTHWEST

¼ OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 2 N, RANGE 68 W, OF THE 6THE PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN WELD COUNTY, COLORADO, SAID TRACT OR PARCEL BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

COMMENCING AT THE WEST SIXTEENTH CCORNER OF SAID SECTION 11, AS MONUMENTED BY A 2” ALUMINUM CAP STAMPED “PLS 29430” THENCE S65° 12’37”W, A DISTANCE OF 275.89 TO A POINT ON THE

RAM LAND ANNEXATION, AS DESCRIBED IN THE COUNTY OF WELD AT REC NO 2720551, DATED 09/15/99, SAID POINT BEING THE POINT OF BEGINNING A; AREA A – RC – REGIONAL COMMERCIAL

1. THENCE ALONG SAID ANNEXATION AND THE COWBOY CORRAL ANNEXATION, AS DESCRIED IN THE COUNTY OF WELD AT REC NO 3461534, DATED 3/13/07,S00° 09’17”E, A DISTANCE OF 78.31 FEET TO A POINT ON THE LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, AS DESCRIBED IN THE COUNTY OF WELD AT REC NO 3502678, DATED 09/07/07; 2. THENCE AROUND SAID LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, S02° 27’44”E, A DISTANCE OF 372.10 FEET; 3. THENCE S89° 29’00”W, A DISTANCE OF 487.21 FEET TO POINT A; 4. THENCE N17° 58’40”E, A DISTANCE OF 85.75 FEET; 5. THENCE LEAVING SAID LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, N12° 04’45”E, A DISTANCE OF 322.34 FEET; 6. THENCE N43° 52’35”E, A DISTANCE OF 78.82 FEET; 7. THENCE N89° 50’41”E, A DISTANCE OF 322.44 TO POINT OF BEGINNING A; THE ABOVE DESCRIBED AREAL CONTAINS 188.897 SQ. FT. (4.336 ACRES), MORE OR LESS. AND BEGINNING AT POINT OF BEGINNING A; THENCE S00° 09’17”E, A DISTANCE OF 78.31

FEET; THENCE S02° 27’44”E, A DISTANCE OF 372.10 FEET; THENCE S89° 29’00”W, A DISTANCE OF 487.21 FEET; THENCE S19°

27’41”W, A DISTANCE OF 80.87 FEET TO POINT OF BEGINNING B; AREA B – RC – REGIONAL COMMERCIAL 1. THENCE CONTINUING ALONG SAID LAMBERTSON ANNEXATION, S19° 27’41”W, A DISTANCE OF 270.00 FEEET; 2. THENCE S11°

13’03”W, A DISTANCE OF 343.47 FEET; 3. THENCE S72° 44’43”e, A DISTANCE OF 144.50 FEET TO POINT ON SAID COWBOY CORRAL ANNEXATION; 4. THENCE S39° 28’31”W, A DISTANCE OF 311.91 FEET; 5. THENCE S05°

22’12”W, A DISTANCE OF 294.59 FEET; 6.

THENCE LEAVING SAID COWBOY CORRAL ANNEXATION, N83° 38’05”W, A DISTANCE OF 29.19 FEET; 7. THENCE N07° 18’39”E, A DISTANCE OF 286.35 FEET, 8. THENCE N11° 03’13”E, A DISTANCE OF 528.81 FEET; 9. THENCE N11° 44’51”E, A DISTANCE OF 172.42 FEET; 10. THENCE N27° 31’09”E, A DISTANCE OF 217.99 FEET TO POINT OF BEGINNING B

THE ABOVE DESCRIBED AREA CONTAINS 47,019 SQ. FT. (1.079 ACRES), MORE OR LESS.

THE TOTAL ABOVE DESCRIBED PARCELS COMBINED CONTAINS 235,915 SQ. FT. (5.416 ACRES), MORE OR LESS.

Copies of the Petition and the legal description of the property is subject to the above-mentioned inclusion may be obtained from Bryan Hostetler, 8350 County Rd. 13, Suite 180, Firestone, Colorado.

The public hearing will be held at the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District Active Adult Center located at 6615 Frederick Way, Frederick, Colorado, March 15, 2023 at 6:30 PM. Questions prior to the public meeting should be directed to Bryan Hostetler, Business and Finance Director, (303) 833-3660 Ext. 104.

All interested persons, municipalities or counties that may be able to provide service to the real property, shall appear at the public hearing and show cause, in writing, why the Board of Directors of the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District should/should not adopt a final resolution and order approving the inclusion of the aboveidentified real property. The Board of Directors may continue the public hearing to a subsequent meeting. The failure of any person within the Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District to

file a written objection shall be taken as an assent on his or her part to the inclusion of the property.

Dean Rummel, Executive Director Carbon Valley Parks and Recreation District

For more information or to view Petitions for Inclusion, please contact Bryan Hostetler at bhostetler@cvprd.com.

Legal Notice No. FLP804

First Publication: March 2, 2023

Last Publication: March 2, 2023

Publisher: Fort Lupton Press

Misc. Private Legals

PUBLIC NOTICE

Asphalt Specialties Co., Inc. whose address and phone number is 10100 Dallas Street, Henderson, Colorado 80640 / (303) 289-8555 has filed an amendment application to the existing Regular (112) Construction Materials Operation Reclamation Permit from the Colorado Mined Land Reclamation Board under provisions of the Colorado Land Reclamation Act for the Extraction of Construction Materials. The mine is known as the Chavers Mining Resource and is located at or near Section 18, Township 1 North, Range 66 West, 6th

Prime Meridian in Weld County, Colorado.

The mine commenced operation in July 2016, and the proposed date of completion is November 2040. The proposed future use of the land is rangeland. Additional information and tentative decision date may be obtained from the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, 1313 Sherman Street, Room 215, Denver, Colorado 80203, (303) 866-3567, or at the Weld County Clerk and Recorder’s office at 1250 H Street, Greeley, Colorado 80631, or the above-named applicant.

Comments must be in writing and must be received by the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety by 4:00 p.m. on March 29, 2023.

Please note that under the provisions of C.R.S. 34-32.5-101 et seq. Comments related to noise, truck traffic, hours of operation, visual impacts, effects on property values and other social or economic concerns are issues not subject to this Office’s jurisdiction. These subjects, and similar ones, are typically addressed by your local governments, rather than the Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety or the Mined Land Reclamation Board.

Notice to Creditors

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Weld County, Colorado on or before July 3, 2023, or the claims may be forever barred. Brady, McFarland,

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the

or to the