BATTERIES

e rst phase of the expansion is expected to create 332 net new jobs in Brighton with an average annual wage of $68,516.

Amprius plans to invest $190 million, including a $50 million cost-sharing grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s O ce of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, to provide a potential of the registration paperwork was gone from the vehicle. I realized the keys to my truck that is parked at our ranch and garage openers were stolen. It was not good they had our address,” Ellerman said. ey called the police there and led a report on the spot, giving the police the description of the suspicious car that sped o .

It wasn’t until they got home after ling the report that they discovered that the thieves had gone straight to their ranch and had stolen his other truck, a white 2022 Dodge F-350 and their bright orange Sunshine Classic two-horse Bloomer trailer. – In all, a loss of $200,000, he estimates.

Ellerman said his family has been in the community for over 40 years and bought and sold real estate in Fort Lupton. He grew up in Fort Lupton, went to school here, went to college in Wyoming and lived in Texas for a little while. But Fort Lupton has been his primary residence. He also helped coach basketball and does business in Fort Lupton.

He’s seen it change but said his area is mostly rural and feels safe.

“A lot of us have cameras, so you can see when the vehicle and trailer leaves,” Ellerman said. “My area was very rural and now it has grown we are very protected,” Ellerman said.

His friends and a neighbor were outside riding horses during the theft. His other neighbor was about 100 yards from his barn, grilling on their porch. Ellerman said he has a huge dog that wasn’t out then. e thieves seemed to know just how to get through the gate, where to go, and how to get out.

“It was premeditated or calculated. We constantly have neighbors coming over, we have events, people come and work for me that are in capacity of up to 5 gigawatt hours . at’s part of a cost-sharing demonstration grant from Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support domestic battery production.

Brighton also stepped up to lure the company in, o ering a ve-year rebate of all property taxes the city would collect — about $85,000 per year. e city also agreed to rebate half of the use tax that would be paid on construction materials for the site’s renovation.

In all, Brighton Communications and out of here as well as my family and friends,” Ellerman said.

Even the tracking devices didn’t help. Ellerman said the thieves drove about a mile from his house and parked behind an oil well pad site along a dead end. ere, they removed the tracking devices and moved on. A camera at the oil well site, caught them doing that, he said.

“ is tells me it’s not their rst time – it’s a calculated type of ring or criminal organization, “ he said.

He notes that not normally a crime-friendly neighborhood. e thieves were taking chances, he said.

“Everyone in the neighborhood is armed, permitted, and licensed,” he said. “So, it was brazen.”

Still, he gures the rewards outweigh the risk. ey were that they’re willing to steal $200,000 worth of vehicles and items in the middle of the day on a Sunday with neighbors outsides and cameras.

“When there is that type of crime that goes on, and nothing is done about it, because there are no consequences, it hurts businesses, lowers the values of properties, people’s sense of safety, and hurts the whole community,” Ellerman said. “ is something that needs to be taken seriously, and something has to be done.”

Trucks popular targets e Weld County Sheri ’s o ce said they are investigating Ellerman’s case but have no updates. Sheri Steve Reams said it’s a prime example of how emboldened criminals have become.

“We hope the public can assist in this case, and please don’t be afraid to report suspicious behaviors,” Reams said.

According to Weld County Sheri ’s data, some 2,282 vehicles were

Director Kristen Chernosky said the city’s incentives add up to about $929,050.

“Brighton City Council and the City of Brighton leadership team are excited to welcome Amprius Technologies Inc. to our community,” said Robin Martinez, president and CEO of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation. “We have a highly-skilled workforce and a collaborative regional approach to attracting and supporting new and existing companies in Brighton.” e Adams County Board of stolen in Weld County between Jan. 2022 and March 2023. e department does have an 82% recovery rate. e garage should be securely locked with bright, motion-activated lights outside. He also recommended not leaving nancial information, checkbooks, receipts, or other personal information from your car. Drivers should check their car’s registration receipt and only keep the portion that does not list their home address in the vehicle.

Trucks like Ellerman’s are top targets for thieves. Pick-up trucks of various makes and models make up the top ve kinds of vehicles stolen in Weld County, accounting for almost 300 of the vehicles reported stolen.

It’s increasing a problem all over the county. Fort Lupton reported 110 vehicle thefts., according to Weld County data.

Reams suggests drivers follow the prevention tips from the Colorado Auto eft Prevention Authority to combat auto theft. He recommends they be sure to lock their doors, roll up windows and take their keys with them. Never leave them on your dashboard, seat, or center console.

Drivers should put their keys in a pocket or purse when exiting the vehicle and they should designate a place inside the home to keep their keys, such as in the kitchen or a mud room. Never leave keys in a vehicle, even in a locked garage, and make sure to turn o the engine when not in your car.

Ellerman asks if you see the stolen truck and trailer, call the Weld County Sheri ’s o ce at 970-356-4015 or Ellerman at 303-717-2836.

Weld County Sheri ’s email to report tips: crimetips@co.weld.co.us.

County Commissioners is also scheduled to consider an economic development incentive agreement at a March 14 public meeting.

“We are happy to welcome Amprius to Adams County and look forward to a continued partnership as they grow and develop their innovative battery technology right here in Brighton,” Board Chair Steve O’Dorisio said. “ e jobs they create will not only bene t our current local residents but also help to expand future career paths in the renewable energy sector.”

Briefs

First United Methodist Church Spring Brunch

April 1, 2023

10 am

Enjoy a morning with fellowship, good food, and great entertainment with Susie Knight providing a broadway review in the fireside room. The event is free, but donations are welcome that go toward the Hope at Miracle House.

For more information contact Sharon Kay at 303-907-9592. 306 Park Avenue, Fort Lupton.

Fort Lupton Fire Department salutes Re-8 superintendent

The Fort Lupton Fire Department chose Weld Re-8 Superintendent Alan Kaylor to receive the department’s Community Partnership Award.

A statement on Facebook said “Kaylor work’s tirelessly for the community and the kids that attend school in Fort Lupton. His efforts and passion for his job truly defines his community partnership.”

CADA honors Browne

The Colorado Athletic Directors Association named Weld Re-8 board of education President Susan Browne as its school board member of the year.