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FORT LUPTON PRESS S E RV I N G T H E C O M M U N I T Y S I N C E 19 0 6

VOLUME 32

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

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ISSUE 51

WEDNESDAY , N children 25 , 2020 The community of Angels help with Christmas wishes

VOLUME 117

ISSUE 48

OVEMBER

THE SEASON FOR SHARING

From left, Steve Moore, Karynn Moore, Sue Moore, Dennis Gesterling and Mary Gesterling are at Butler Elementary organizing the toys for distribution. COURTESY OF OPTIMIST CLUB

but even more so this year because For over twenty years, the Optimist Club has worked on this project of the success during “ Covid times,” said Moore. to provide children and families in The community and several local need with Christmas gifts. businesses contributed. Books were Moore said the history of the projdonated to put in the bags from the ect started in the early eighties as a Daughters of the American Revolucommunity project, then the Optition. Summit Body Works donated mist club took over with the Angel toys. Bank of Colorado and Ace Tree project. Hardware gave monetary contribuThe children and families are tions. The Fort Lupton Recreation selected by the school district. The Center, Pack and Ship, and Dale’s Angel tree is decorated with wishes Pharmacy placed the Angel trees from the children and families. The The Angel Tree decorated with wishes from the children and families. This tree was in their businesses. Also, Butler Eltrees are set up in a couple of locaplaced at Dale’s Pharmacy. PHOTO BY BELEN WARD ementary staff allowed the Optimist tions around Fort Lupton. A tag is Club to use the school’s facility to pulled off the tree with a Christmas One hundred in fifty children and organize and wrap the gifts. wish, then the gift is purchased and sixty-two families were helped with ‘It makes you feel humble and placed in a designated box for pick Christmas gifts by the Fort Lupton blessed with our personal situaup. The Optimist Club volunteers Optimist club, and the community. tions. It shows how the Fort Lupton Mary Gesterling, Sue, and Karynn Every year before Thanksgiving, First United Methodist Church in Forttoys, Lupton Moore and thecollect Fort Lupton Food and Clothingcommunity Bank provide community comes together, no the gifts, wrapped “Each child received clothes, the situation to help those in them,Joe andHubert, distributed them to the and matter gloves, and as part ofyear. Above, members with food boxes. This will be books, the program’s 10thhats consecutive left China Garcia Sue Hubert with Change 4 Change, need. We live in a very good place,” families. their “bag.” This year despite Covid BY BELEN WARD another organization that helps with the food drive. See more on Page 2. BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM said Moore. “I think as a group we always feel it was a successful project,” Steve good when we complete this project Moore Fort Lupton Optimist Club.

In the event of COVID Angel Tree project a success

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2 Fort Lupton Press

December 16, 2020

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OBITUARIES MARTIN

James Ira Martin

James Ira Martin, son of Arthur Oral and Argie Eunice Luttrell Martin, was born May 15, 1929, in the family home in Fort Lupton, Colorado. He departed this life Thursday, December 10, 2020, in his home, near Eldridge, Missouri, at the age of ninety-one years, six months, and twenty-six days. He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Harvey, and to this union one daughter and three sons were born. Mary passed away several years ago. On May 1, 1994, he married Shirley Holcomb-Blandford, and they shared the last twenty-six years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary; a son, Larry Martin; three brothers, John Martin, Mervin Martin, and Leonard Martin; and four sisters, Joyce Cook, Eulene Shea, Fern Martin, and an infant twin sister. James is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, of the home; a daughter, Myra Yost, and her husband, Steve, of West Plains, Missouri; two sons, Alan Martin, of Eldridge, Missouri, and Brent Martin, and his wife, Stacy, of Fort Lupton, Colorado; a stepdaughter, Lora Rumpf, and her husband, Gus, of the State of Texas; a step-son, Jeff Blandford, of the State of Colorado; nine grandchildren, Megan, Becky, Jamie, Michael, and his wife, Jess, Cody, Justin, Hannah, Amber and Mason; a greatgrandson, James Ira Yost; five step-grandchildren, Jenny, Susan, Amanda, Lynn, and Marley; seven step-great-grandchildren, Dani, Denise, Dominic, Andrea, Cole, Alex, and Houston; a half-brother, Roy Gene Martin, and his wife, Hazel, of Columbia,

In Loving Memory

Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in Fort Lupton, Colorado and received his education there. Throughout the years, he worked as a farmer and a dairy farmer. He also worked at Gates Rubber Company. In addition, he was an auto and diesel mechanic, a school bus owner and driver, a bee keeper, he did excavation and construction work, was a developer, and owned and operated a trucking business. The family lived in Fort Lupton for many years, and once he and Mary retired, they moved to the Lebanon, Missouri area and purchased a farm near Eldridge. James made his profession of faith early in his life and was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Lupton, Colorado. After moving to Lebanon, he became a member of First Baptist Church of Lebanon. He was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge in Fort Lupton and Lebanon. He was a very friendly and outgoing man who never met a stranger. He was very knowledgeable and could figure anything out. His family was very dear to him and he especially enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and was a caring friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered as a loving family man, a dedicated worker, a man of faith, and a good friend to many. A funeral service will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2020 at the Crossroads Church in Ft. Lupton, Colorado. A Masonic service will follow. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Ft. Lupton.

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RE-8 food handouts to continue through winter break BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Chartwells Food Service, the food provider for the Weld Re-8 School District, announced it would continue its food distribution plans through winter break, There will be two locations, one at the Serafin Bachicha Recreation Center, across the street from Fort Lupton High School on Reynolds Street, and one at Twombly Elementary School. The food distribution plan that was in place during the early stages of the pandemic served 88 meals and provided bused food service to areas within the district. That was part of a presentation by the foodservice outfit to the board during a virtual workshop session on Dec. 10. Meals vary according to

grade level. But company officials said available foodstuffs would include more whole grains and more fruits and vegetables. There’s also a focus on fat-free and low-fat milk and baked food rather than fried. Traci Berg, the district manager for Chartwells, outlined some of the firm’s ideas to make food fun for students. “We want to try to introduce new food options that they may not have tried,” she said. “We’ve done ‘Doughnuts with Dad’ and ‘Muffins with mom’ as a way to get parents back into the school.” There wasn’t as much discussion about what’s available for breakfast. Betsy Myers, the regional dietician for Chartwells, said it would put more attention to breakfast choices. “We haven’t focused on breakfast

because of the feedback from our principals’ survey,” she told the board. “Breakfast is served to all kids up to age 18 because we are doing a community feed at this point.” In other business, Fort Lupton Public & School Library Director Sara Frank outlined her board’s desire to relocate to a plot of land in Vincent Village, near state Highway 52 and Rollie Avenue. The cost is $738,000 for 1.69 acres of land. “It’s the smallest piece, but it’s in the middle of the price range,” she told the board. “It accommodates our design plans. There is less outdoor space, but there is parking.” The city owns the property. Frank said the library cannot own property “right now.” At one point, there was a discus-

sion about moving the library across Denver Avenue from its present location. But Frank told the board the developer of the land in Vincent Village also wanted to build apartments across from the present library location. Board member Cody LeBlanc didn’t see a need to relocate the library. “It’s not a fiscally responsible decision,” he said. “I want to make sure we make the right directive for the district. I wouldn’t like to see a contract come before us until we get more information.” Frank said other libraries in the High Plains district spent their proceeds from a 1999 mill levy election. “We’ve been sitting on our money until the right time,” Frank said.

Re-8 budget process may get easier BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

From the sounds of things during a Dec. 10 Weld Re-8 workshop session, the district’s director of business services, Jessica Holbrook, is awash in Excel spreadsheets.

“Three years ago, when I started, it was all Excel spreadsheets,” she told the school board. “Over the last three years, we haven’t had a lot of bandwidth to update the budget. There are more than 7,000 account numbers. Our revenues are about $26 million. One spreadsheet has 20

tabs. If one of the formulas break, it can be a nightmare.” Enter Ryan Wilson, an account executive with ClearGov, a business geared toward making financial life easier for smaller government entities, such as the Re-8 district. After a one-time installation of budget data

-- past and present, the online business takes care of the rest. “Instead of 20 tabs for one section, everything is in our spreadsheet,” Wilson told the school board. “If she (Holbrook) wanted to make changes SEE BUDGET, P5

Fort Lupton Press 3

December 16, 2020

Winter fun at Winterfest BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The city of Fort Lupton celebrated its 2020 Winterfest Saturday, Dec. 5 with a 5-K race, free family Christmas portraits and a chili dinner to go.

Norma, Victor, Kennedy, Xavier and Joaqim Wheeler taking a family Christmas portrait with Samatha Markey Photography at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center. PHOTO BY BELEN WARD The Fort Lupton 4-H Tail twisters club preparing a chili pie kit with a choice meat or vegetarian, to go for the drive-though pickup. PHOTO BY CHRISTY ROMANO

In-person learning to continue in Re-8 district BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Weld Re-8 School District board of education voted unanimously to continue remote learning in the district until at least Monday, Jan. 11. The vote came at the end of a marathon school board workshop/ business meeting that finished at 12:40 a.m. Dec. 11. Starting Jan. 11, the district hopes pre-kindergarteners through fifthgraders will be doing in-person learning, while sixth- through 12th-graders will be doing hybrid learning. The decision also brings teachers back to work Monday, Jan. 4, to prepare for the learning models that begin the following week.

There was no discussion following the executive session. Remote work paid

The school board also approved a one-time, $500 payment to district employees as reimbursement for costs while they’ve been working remotely. The vote was 4-1. Board member Cody LeBlanc dissented. There was no board discussion on this issue either. The money comes from the district’s Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. RE-8 Superintendent Alan Kaylor said the $500 was for reimbursement of costs “incurred while working remotely.”

Shooting suspect arrested BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Fort Lupton and Greeley police officers arrested one of two suspects wanted in connection with a Dec. 5 shooting at a Fort Lupton motel. Officers took 21-year-old Preston Cordova into custody over the weekend. There was no immediate word on how that happened. Police also located 26-year-old Sierra Maez, according to a press statement. The Weld County coroner identified the victim as 36-year-old Joshua

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Brea and Brennli Wilkins on their second lap in the Winterfest 5-K race. PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

4 Fort Lupton Press

December 16, 2020

Another round of grant money for small businesses $2 million will be distributed in a third round BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Weld County Board of Commissioners has approved $2 million to help businesses that have had to cut down staff and services or close since November 1 as a result of state COVID-19 restrictions, according to Weld County press release on December 8th.

“There is no question the pandemic has impacted everyone in various ways,” said Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman, “but our small, public-facing businesses have taken the brunt of negative impacts due to state policy changes, and it is the desire of this board to provide relief to those businesses which serve as the core of our communities.” The grant money will be distributed by the Weld County Economic Development Fund. It was a fund that was developed over 10-years ago using unclaimed property tax

credits. “This fund is used to support local businesses through programs such as the county’s Small Business Incentive Program, the Colorado Enterprise Fund Loan Program, the Small Business Development Center, Upstate Colorado and more. It’s a natural fit to now use some of the money from this fund to help those businesses hurting most by the pandemic restrictions,” said Director of Finance Don Warden. Weld County’s “Upstate Colorado” will oversee the grant program as

it did for the “Cares” fund grant. Two rounds of grant money were distributed earlier this fall to help impacted businesses. This third round of grants would help businesses such as restaurants, bars, live events, theaters gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, arcades and recreation centers. Small businesses located in Weld County that are interested in learning opportunities, please visit https://weldrecovery.com.

Weld Food Bank provides seniors with healthy meals Nutritional food given out in Fort Lupton BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The Weld Food Bank provides a new commodity supplemental program that is tailored for seniors over age 60. Seniors can pick up a monthly nutritional box of food every Tuesday in Fort Lupton from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. “Many of our seniors in the community are on fixed incomes, have large medical bills or even prescription costs, and may not be in a position in life to work for extra income. The Weld Food Bank helps provide our seniors healthy produce, meat, and dairy to ensure they are eating the nutrition they need,” said

Winter solstice

St. Brigit Episcopal Church in Frederick will celebrate the winter solstice at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, on its Facebook page (www.facebook. com/StBrigit). The event is part of the church’s Áit Caol (Gaelic for “A Thin Place”) series inspired by The Wilderness

Mikaela Sandridge, Weld Food Bank Senior Community Engagement Manager. According to Weld Food Bank officials, eating healthy foods and beverages as you age increases energy levels, improves the digestive system, and helps prevention of chronic diseases. Not only helps seniors financially, but nutritional food provides a healthy diet. Robert Ledoux has been an employee for the Weld County Food Bank for over 5 years. He helps to hand out the food boxes to the clients. “I like helping people and I like to work. I’m retired from IBM, so it just gives me something to do during the week,” said Ledoux. The boxes contain canned fruits and vegetables that are unsweetened to lightly sweetened. The can vegetables are low in sodium or no salt added. Low-fat cheese and milk and also eggs are provided. Whole

Robert Ledoux is placing a nutritional food box in a clients car at the Weld Food Bank. PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

grains such as oat, noodles, and cereals. Also a variety of proteins,

W ( i lean meats, dry beans, poultry, fish, c W and peanut butter. w t

Briefs service at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Denver. A press statement said Áit Caol services mark the winter and summer solstices as well as the spring and autumnal equinoxes. Visit www.stbrigit.org or www.facebook.com/StBrigit for more information.

Winter wonders holiday trail

Join the staff at the Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly road, for a short hike to celebrate the wonders of winter on our lighted bridge and Niedrach Trail. Time slots are 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20, Dec. 21, and Dec. 22. Call 303-659-6005.

p f

b “ t Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Road, is offering free basic a archery instruction Sunday, Dec. 27. Three, one-hour classes begin at 10 o t a.m. It’’s limited to eight students who are at least 6 years of age. Loaner equipment is available. Call 303-659-6005. Archery class

Fort Lupton Press 5

December 16, 2020

Errant golf balls worry neighbors Coyote Creek’s sixth hole frustrating for residents BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Golfing isn’t the problem for some residents of the Coyote Creek subdivision. It’s what happens during play on the Coyote Creek golf course’s sixth hole that is a source of concern. Two residents spoke to Fort Lupton City Council during a virtual town hall, or study session, Dec. 8. “I’ve experienced a barrage of balls coming off the tee box,” said Darla Cucoing. “I’ve lost about 30 windows. My slatted fence has holes in it.” “It isn’t just one ball a week. It’s several a day,” added resident Cindy Hottel. “They are a danger to people in their yards.” One suggestion from city attorney Andy Ausmus was for the city to install “no-trespassing” signs. “A sign doesn’t keep the balls going in the right direction,” Cucoing said. Another was for homeowners

BUDGET FROM PAGE 2

everything is in our spreadsheet,” Wilson told the school board. “If she (Holbrook) wanted to make changes it’s easy. It’s a matter of typing a percentage chance or a dollar amount. We can build a budget book where we use all the data. We can automate the budget or the budget book.” If the district opts to buy the new program, it will not replace its need for an auditor. “It allows us a way to improve our budgeting process,” Holbrook said. “We provided the budget to the auditor. In no way would this replace the auditor.” One thing the Re-8 district -- and others -- doesn’t have is a forecasting tool.

around the course to install netting. Ausmus said city staff had no objections. Cucoing did, though. She said the cost would be close to $60,000. “That’s not something I’m going to be able to do,” she told the council. “The tee box was not properly designed. Given the trajectory of the balls, it should have been about 45 degrees to the north. If it were, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” “Carts come along the fence line stating to keep the carts on the paths,” Hotell said. “They just run through these areas. It’s bothersome Ausmus told councilors he and staff were aware of the issues. He also told council it shouldn’t engage in a debate. “The attorney forwarded us every little bit of detail on this issue,” Mayor Zo Stieber said. “It’s not as if we are operating in a vacuum.” “We understand errant balls happen,” Cucoing said. “But the position of the hole lets the number of golf balls exceed normal expectations.” “We talked about increasing the number of marshals,” Ausmus said. “The problem is COVID hit the city and staffing needs quite a bit.”

The price is $11,500 for the budget piece, $7,000 for the budget books or $15,700 for the bundle. “We don’t need something like a Cadillac,” said board President Susan K. Browne. “You’ll be the first district to do this,” Wilson said. “We can do an add-on. But my job is to listen to your needs and see what’s pertinent.” Board member Kehle Griego said the cloud makes her nervous. “More and more governments are moving to the cloud,” Wilson said. “We use the same servers as the FBI.” Council did not make a decision since the discussion occurred in a workshop session and not a regular meeting. The soonest the board could make a decision is Jan. 28.

M erry Christmas

The public is invited to view the City of Brighton’s community art show ARTfest at the Armory Performing Arts Center via video.

View works of art from more than two dozen artists at 2020 Brighton Art in the Park: Virtual Edition. The virtual gallery features more than 100 pieces of artwork.

The City of Brighton Eye for Art program is excited to introduce the new 2020 Eye 4 Art Through It All electronic flip book that showcases the wonderful art and wonde jewelry on display at Brighton City Hall.

Find these all from our website today to complete your holiday shopping list!

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6 Fort Lupton Press

December 16, 2020

Mental health experts urge vigilance during holidays Pandemic collides with season to create ‘stressor on top of a stressor’ BY JESSICA GIBBS JGIBBS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The holidays are usually a time filled with large celebrations, being near loved ones and focusing on what there is to be thankful for. This year, mental health experts are urging the community to be extra vigilant in keeping up their mental health as the holiday season collides with the COVID-19 pandemic and creates a “stressor on top of a stressor.” Di Thompson, the medical director for physician wellness at Centura Health, said 2020 holidays will be difficult for some community members as they steer far from tradition. “Perhaps one of the ways that we can better cope with that is to acknowledge that,” she said. “This is not going to be the Hallmark Christmas that we plan for.” Altering expectations can help, she said. Most important is finding connection “while we can’t physically always be with people.” Zoom, call, text and stay in touch with loved ones however possible. She also suggests people stick

to healthy coping strategies — exercise, listening to music — and check in with themselves each day to gauge how they are doing. Never be afraid to seek additional support like counseling or therapy, she said. Glenn Most is executive director of West Pines Behavioral Health and spokesman for the Let’s Talk Colorado campaign, which encourages people to start conversations about mental health. A year fraught with a public health crisis, a tense political environment, and locally a devastating wildfire season is testing the community’s ability to adapt, Most said. “In my memory, I’ve never experienced a year like the year we’ve been having,” he said. “It’s something that none of us, most of us, have never experienced.” Those working in the field are seeing increased rates of depression and anxiety, Thompson and Most said. Most attributed much of that to the “deep, deep isolation” created by the pandemic. “I think people saw the holiday season as a relief, as a break from what they were seeing as really marking the end of 2020,” Most said. “And what it has turned into is not necessarily the relief that people were expecting.” During the holidays, Most suggested strategies like planning early and clearly communicating holiday plans to family. He also stressed

avoiding blaming holiday plans or their disruption on family. Making choices about how to spend the holidays can be difficult, and there has been “increased judgment” toward one another during the pandemic, Most said. “This isn’t the time to try to convince people about certain practices that they might be doing, that are right or wrong,” he said. “This is not the time to argue about COVID.” He and his family chose not to gather with relatives outside their immediate family for Thanksgiving. Instead they opted for Zoom calls, and will likely do the same for Christmas, when they typically travel to California. Just like he’s advised others to do, Most said, his family made a plan for Christmas early and communicated that to their loved ones. Amber Berenz is program manager for Colorado Spirit Program — AllHealth Network’s initiative to provide free psychological support to people of all ages during the pandemic. The program is grant funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and under the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s oversight. The grant is often used following natural disasters and has been deployed in Colorado after wildfires, Berenz said. This time it’s in use to address a

public health disaster, which calls for many of the same response strategies, she said. Usually the grant would enable crisis response teams to go door-to-door to connect people with resources. During the pandemic, the program is doing that virtually, Berenz said. The holidays are typically a happy time for many, Berenz said, but they can also inflame trauma from loss or feelings of grief. For some community members, “the holidays are a difficult time any time of year.” “For a lot of us, helping other people, supporting other people is a way we can manager our own stress,” she said. In addition to strategies to help yourself cope — meditation, exercise, eating well, getting sleep — people can also care for the ones around them by checking in on them and asking how they are doing. Thompson said starting those conversations can be uncomfortable but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to let someone know they are supported. Most urged people to keep their guard up as they weather COVID fatigue amid promising news of vaccines becoming available. The community must continue working together “to get through this.” “I’m very optimistic that this time next year,” he said, “we will be celebrating the holidays together.”

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Plus, Tri-County Health extends Adams County curfew mandate BY LIAM ADAMS LADAMS@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Hospitals in the wider Adams County region are running out of space, with officials expecting a post-Thanksgiving surge. About 80 percent of the county’s ICU capacity is full, according to most recent Tri-County Health Department data. The increased concerns about hospitalizations led Tri-County Health to extend Adams County’s curfew mandate until Jan. 7. The mandate prohibits county residents from being in public spaces between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. “With what are still the highest case rates in the Metro area, the threat of further hospitalizations and deaths is very real in Adams County,” said

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Suburban and St. Anthony’s North t at a Dec. 8 planning session. As of w Dec. 8, 11 of North Suburban’s 28 a ICU beds were available and four i of St. Anthony North’s 26 ICU beds b were available, reported Ryan Doyle,u s Thornton’s emergency manager. Officials at both meetings were fearful about a pending surge in hos-p pitalizations due to people gatherings for Thanksgiving. The state is pre- d pared to activate a surge plan that h T would allow hospitals to transfer f patients to overflow facilities. The city of Westminster launched e a rapid testing site for public safety f w and critical utility staff. The goal is to detect more cases among city staff before those individuals would infect other staff or residents. The city started the program under emergency powers, but council will ratify the decision at a Dec. 21 meeting. Similarly, the city of Brighton extended its rapid testing site for people who live and/or work in the city through Dec. 19.

St. Vrain State Parks opens trail connection to Colorado Front Range Trail SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

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Dr. John Douglas, Tri-County’s executive director, in a press release. Gov. Jared Polis said at a city of Westminster town hall Dec. 3 that one in 39 Adams County residents have COVID-19, a higher rate than when Tri-County first issued the curfew. Westminster and Thornton city officials painted a discouraging picture of hospitalizations in the area at recent city council study sessions. At a Dec. 7 study session, Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison updated his colleagues on the four hospitals surrounding the city,. They are Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, North Suburban Medical Centerin Thornton and St. Anthony’s North in Westminster. As of Thursday, Dec. 3, hospital staff were monitoring the ICU every hour to determine if there was space for new patients. “It’s doing what we feared might happen. We are filling up,” Atchison said. Thornton City Council received more up-to-date figures about North

FIRESTONE -- St. Vrain State Park opened its trail connection going underneath I-25 and linking up with its Pelican Trail, which will eventually tie the park into the local communities and the Colorado Front Range Trail. A press statement said t\he vision of the Colorado Front Range Trail is

to create a multipurpose trail from Wyoming to New Mexico along the Front Range. St. Vrain State Park, between Denver and Fort Collins, is tying into that and its surrounding communities with the connection on the northeast side of the park along I-25. “It’s been a project we have been working on for about five years now and today is kind of an exciting day,” Park Manager Ben Pedrett said

Dec. 9 when the pathway under the interstate opened. “The big picture is the Colorado Front Range Trail, which will connect the Firestone trail system to the St. Vrain greenway system that is in Longmont.” Funding for the connection work came from the Colorado State Trails Program. This first phase will also run along to the west, using the Pelican Trail and other existing trails in the park.

Fort Lupton Press 7

OPINION

December 16, 2020

Music won’t stay silent, for better or worse What’s science got to do with it? What’s science but a secondhand emotion? Music, eventually, finds its way into almost everything, including a pandemic. The same is true for all of the arts. Visual artists, filmmakers, writers, and others have been reacting to COVID-19 ever since it began to hit America and, in many ways, limit Americans. Musicians have responded to dire conditions, authority, wars, prejudice, and innumerable hardships forever. Some of us may have been initiated by Woody Guthrie’s politically charged anthems. He also wrote “This Land is Your Land.” The decade of the 1960s was a ripe period for musicians, many of whom were tagged as “protest singers,” especially Bob Dylan, but also Peter, Paul, and Mary, Phil Ochs, Richie Havens, Joan Baez, Nina Simone, even Marvin Gaye. A British band at the time, Them, was uninvolved, and recorded hits such as “Gloria,” “Baby, Please Don’t Go,” and “Here Comes the

Night.” The lead singer, who was born in 1945, went solo and still performs. I was half-surprised to read about a song he’s written and recorded titled “No More Lockdown,” and antilockdown tune. Craig Marshall “No more celebrities / No more Smith celebrities telling us / Telling us what we’re supposed to feel / No more lockdown.” He takes a bigger swing at “experts.” “No more Imperial College Scientists making up crooked facts.” It’s not smooth and pretty, is it? Neither was Dylan’s “Masters of War,” a song I have outgrown; not one I’m likely to listen to on a Sunday in 2020. As an artist, I have always avoided current events, choosing instead to find solace in painting and drawing rather than a forum. The news right now is a bombard-

QUIET DESPERATION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Give enough that it hurts a little

It’s been a painful year. It’s going to be a painful year to come. How will we be able to give to the poor and homeless in this season of giving at a time when the depth and breadth of our personal pains find us limited and suffering loss ourselves? The answer is we will have to give painfully, with a more committed sort of compassion than we usually do. We’re used to compassion in our hearts. It’s innate for many of us. This year, we’ll need more than that feeling. We’ll need sympathy and empathy and compassion that is a fact, and acts. That’s harder. How do we do it? Sympathy is easy. It sees the

ment. Listening to music is one of the ways I (try to) overcome the frustrations and anxieties. I don’t invite “protest” music into that as I did during, for example, the Vietnam War. Music and movies are my antidote. After a day saturated with “Breaking News” I want comedy, romantic comedy, drama, but I don’t want violence, revenge, meanness or cruelty. There’s plenty of that in the paper. After he left Them, Van Morrison recorded “Brown Eyed Girl,” which you can hear at least once a week on the radio. “Skipping and a jumping / In the misty morning fog with you” is a long old way away from “No more celebrities.” Often it’s the other way around. Artists protest when we’re young, then soften (or resign) as we get older. Of course, many go down fighting whatever it is. Pete Seeger was still being Pete Seeger until the day he died (2014 at the age of 94).

I probably won’t add “No More Lockdown” to my playlists. However, I understand Morrison’s desire to produce such a song. I’ll let you in on a secret: These columns give me an opportunity to achieve the very same thing, albeit without the edge or the angle. Morrison is adhering to the unwritten “Artist’s Responsibility.” Choosing to will cost him some of his audience. A best friend and I have been exchanging daily messages, each swathed in humor, wordplay, and nonsense. Another friend and I dwell on the pandemic and politicians. Which do you think I look forward to the most? One day, Mark and I exchanged, explained, and debated our favorite humorists. It was hotly contested, meaningless, without importance or merit. And wonderful. Craig Marshall Smith is an artist, educator and Highlands Ranch resident. He can be reached at craigmarshallsmith@comcast.net.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR struggle. Empathy takes another step and says, “I’m not just listening and seeing your struggle, I’ve felt it. ” Empathy is when compassion says, “I want to help.” That’s always good, and usually enough to motivate us. This year, this season, it might take more than empathy. It might take compassion as a fact. It’s the step beyond empathy. Compassion as a Fact says, “I will help.” Compassion as a fact says, “There needs always to be a place where, when anyone has to go there, no one will be turned away.” It is a hard time. Give to the poor and homeless anyway. How much? Enough that it hurts a little. Wayne Sheldrake, South Fork

We will remember who supported Fulton Ranch

Kudos to the four (4) City Council members that voted against the Sun Communities Inc. Fulton Ranch subdivision (mobile home park). Residents of Fort Lupton are looking for responsible, sustainable long

term growth, so remember when you go to the ballot box in 2021 who voted in favor of this subdivision. These are some of the same Council members that were in favor of the Haliburton helipad in 2018. Vaunold and Susan Denny, Fort Lupton

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Thanks for a memorable football season

I can’t thank everyone enough – from the administration to the citizens of the town; This season will be remembered by everyone who had the opportunity to participate in one form or another. We had so many people step up from our team moms to the volunteers assisting on game nights. I can’t express enough how good this

season was for these kids in a year like this. I have the best staff any head coach could ask for and a group of men that helped young men grow. I can’t say enough about the job they all did. This was a special season and, as one the coaches, and I will remember for a very long time. Dustin Duff, Fort Lupton

8 Fort Lupton Press

December 16, 2020

SPORTS

Delay of games: CHSAA pushes winter sports back Peaking COVID-19 leads state, sports association to deny variances BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

The start of winter sports programs in Colorado won’t be until Feb. 1 at the earliest. The Colorado High School Activities Association made that announcement Dec. 7. CHSAA was in consultation with the Colorado Department of Public Health and environment until late Dec. 6. A statement from CHSAA assistant Commissioner Bert Borgmann said the delay to winter sports will affect the proposed spring sports calendar. In a letter, the state health department told CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green that the winter sports season would not start on time, nor would there be any variances to state-sponsored sports. “The COVID-19 pandemic has reached an all-time high in terms of disease transmission both in Colorado and around the nation,” said the letter from Jill Hunsaker Rye, executive director of the CDPHE. “The Colorado School of Public Health estimates that one in 40 Coloradans are currently infectious. Hospital admissions are steadily increasing, and the past six weeks have produced a significant increase in the number of deaths statewide. With the Thanksgiving holiday just behind us and the impending December holiday festivities, we are very concerned that the rate of transmission will continue to increase.” The state health department isn’t sure what test rates and virus spread will look like after the Christmas holidays. The health department’s letter said high-school sports activities are dependent on local restrictions. In some cases, no indoor group sports can take place. “In addition, our top goal for the new year is to support a return to in-person learning,” said Rye’s letter to CHSAA. “Season B sports are

Eagle Ridge’s Colton Onken (10) and Riverdale’s Jathan Alston battle for a rebound during a February regular-season game. FILE PHOTO BY KATHY SCHNEIDER

Frederick’s Alex Carrillo puts the squeeze on Erie’s Peter Young during a 120-pound match at the Frederick Invitational wrestling tournament in January. FILE PHOTO BY CHRIS TONE/ TONEIMAGES

FOOTBALL, GOLF, TENNIS

CHSAA’S SPRING COLLECTION

Football: 9 Weeks (same as Season A Football) o Practice: March 4 o Competition: March 15-May 15

Here’s CHSAA’s proposed calendar for the balance of the high-school sports season.

Girls Golf: 10 Weeks (same as boys golf) o Practice: April 19 o Competition: April 19-June 22

Season B · Seven weeks · Practice: Jan.25 · Competition: Feb. 1-March 20 Sports: · Boys and girls basketball · Boys and girls wrestling · Girls swim and dive

Girls Tennis: 7 weeks (same as Season D sports and Boys Tennis) o Practice: April 26 o Competition: April 26-June 12 conducted mainly indoors during the colder months, which reduces the ability to assure social distancing. This, in turn, may further promote disease transmission at a time when we need to ensure that students and teachers are protected and that in-person learning is the highest priority.” CHSAA is proposing a Feb. 1 start date for Season B sports. Borgmann’s press release said CHSAA,

Season C · Seven weeks · Practice: March 15 · Competition: March 22-May 8 Sports: · Boys Soccer the health department and the state’s COVID response team are planning to meet in mid-January to talk about variances and reassess coronavirus data at that time. Specifics for each sport will be

· Girls Volleyball · Unified Bowling · Football * Season D: · Seven weeks · Practice: May 3 · Competition: May 10-June 26 Sports: · Baseball · Boys and girls lacrosse · Boys and girls track and field · Boys swim and dive · Boys Volleyball · Girls Soccer · Girls Golf * · Girls Tennis * * These sports have a special schedule

communicated upon variance approval from the CDPHE. County health departments and school districts will determine open gym policies, per state guidance.

Delayed winter sports season draws mixed reactions BY STEVE SMITH SSMITH@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Reaction to last week’s news of a delayed winter prep sports season fell along the expected lines. In consultation with the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, CHSAA delayed the start of the so-called “Season B” to Feb. 1 at the earliest. Practices are due to begin Jan. 25. In some circles, online parents demanded accountability from the Colorado High School Activities Association and warned of an increase in interest in club sports, while

coaches were disappointed. “People are allowed to pack planes, box stores and grocery stores, but healthy young people can’t play sports,” said Lucas Dunker of Frederick. “Makes no sense at all. Kids aren’t dying from Covid. They’re dying of isolation.” Eagle Ridge Academy girls basketball coach Keith Casey got straight to the point. “I can put it like this. I want this year done,” he said. “We went from being able to do open gyms to nothing. Now our season is rescheduled again. I truly understand. COVID-19 is no joke. But as a competitor, it

hits you a different way.” Casey, as do other coaches, has seniors on his team aiming for scholarships. Others enter a delayed season knowing this is their last chance to play competitive basketball. “It hurts. Probably the biggest part that is hard to understand is the unknown, not being able to explain to your players what we should look for next,” Casey said. “That’s the hardest part about all of this. I have young players really really excited about playing Lady Warriors ball. But the obvious question I’m going to get is, ‘Coach, are we coming back?’

“But I don’t have an answer.” Fort Lupton boys basketball coach Jim Roedel was disappointed at the delay but happy there wasn’t an outright cancellation. “I am still happy that we are working to find a way to have a season,” he said. “I do think that no matter when we start back, we are going to be dealing with COVID cases and guidelines and. So I would rather get things going sooner than later, even if without fans because our kids are suffering from the loss of all the activities and outlets that sports and SEE REACTION, P9

Fort Lupton Press 9

December 16, 2020

FROM PAGE 7

school provide.” Roedel said club ball continued through last month. “And you could see the difference it was making in our kids’ well-being,” he said. “They genuinely were excited to be in the gym and working out. It provided them with a renewed appreciation for the game, and they cherished and seemed to be working harder than ever.” Riverdale Ridge boys basketball coach Byron Gray wasn’t surprised. “The delay also gives us a little more time to properly prepare without jumping straight into games,” he said. “Our hope is that the state levels will go down allowing for more time in January to actually prepare on the court. In the meantime, we will continue to take advantage of this opportunity for our student-athletes to study the game further and enhance their mental game.” Fort Lupton wrestling coach Tom Galicia was disappointed. “The kids were looking forward to having the season start up,” he said. “Coaches are hoping for the next best thing and glad that it was not canceled, just postponed. ” Adams City girls basketball coach James Rogers realized it was for the safety of the student-athletes. “My concern is are we going to be able to keep the kids engaged and keep the kids around if we keep pushing the season back. Are they going to want to play?” he asked. “They let the fall season go and finish out, so hopefully for these kids’ sake, they let these winter sports at least get a chance. The delay really doesn’t bother me. I just hope that it gets to happen.” Brighton High School boys basketball coach Rolando Davila said it’s a challenging situation for everyone. “I’m grateful we received some information and, as of now, have a full week of practices before we can play the first game instead of just a few days,” he said. “And hopefully, by Jan. 25, all students will be able to be in schools again, if they and their parents choose. Because to me, getting all kids safely back in the buildings is the most important thing.”

BHS girls basketball coach Jim French said this was not an easy situation for anyone. “However, we also know that the entire season could easily be cancelled altogether,” he said “We want to do whatever we can to be prepared. “But without contact, it is unknown if our student-athletes will be physically ready to compete. This increases my concern for health, safety and potential injuries. I will remain engaged with the players abiding by all restrictions to be a positive influence mentally and emotionally. “One moment, one day at a time,” he added. “Control the controllables.” Eagle Ridge Academy’s girls basketball coach, Jay Powell, said the delay could give everyone a better chance to have a basketball season. “Being that all of the gyms are currently closed nobody is able to practice. I’m hopeful that this gives us and other schools a chance to get some quality practice in before the season starts,” he said. “I personally choose to acknowledge that while still appreciating the fact that everyone involved is doing the best they can at what they have control over,” Davila said. Frederick High School boys basketball coach Enoch Miller was disappointed but understood that “CHSAA’s hands are tied.” “They must have a variance approved before beginning indoor sports or our respective seasons could be shut down at any moment,” Miller said. “ I expect that this is not a ‘no’ but a, wait; therefore, we must be patient and stay positive.” Prairie View boys basketball coach Damien Romero said players need something normal in their lives. “Competing on the court would give them that,” he said. “I understand the health concerns, having had COVID. I wouldn’t want any player catching it or spreading it to their household. It was awful. But there has to be some way or variance that other states are using to allow it back in the gym.” “It’s unfortunate we are in this situation after almost a year,” Romero said. “Hopefully, we can get a better handle on the virus and start getting back to normal.”

C R O S SWO R D P U Z Z L E

Answers

REACTION

THANKS for

PLAYING!

10 Fort Lupton Press

December 16, 2020

Some skiers plan season away from resorts Colorado survey finds fear of COVID, more inclination to use backcountry BY JASON BLEVINS THE COLORADO SUN

Since 2006, Magellan Strategies has polled voters, helping to measure Colorado’s political winds. Last month they turned their analysis to skiers, asking a mountain of questions about the pandemic-muddled season. The political strategy firm’s survey of 788 Colorado skiers — about 480 of them living near ski areas and the rest hailing from the Front Range — showed a surprisingly large number pondering a season on the sidelines. About 31% of the respondents said they were not planning to ski this season because of the pandemic. And 39% said they had not purchased a pass this season, which means they likely will not be riding chairlifts since most resorts are using day-ticket supplies to control crowds. The poll, conducted between Nov. 10 and Nov. 16, had a margin of er-

ror of 3.5 percentage points. The skiers who said they were ready to sit out the season cited fears that others might not follow safety guidelines outlined by resorts — like social distancing and mandatory masks — as well as a frustration over reservation systems and concerns over costs. A very large number of skiers thought that skiing would be shut down due to the pandemic at some point this season, with 36% of respondents giving a shutdown a 5050 chance; 29% guessing there was a 75% chance resorts would close; and 18% saying resorts would most certainly close. “That really does show you there are not a lot of optimistic people out there, with a majority of the community looking ready or assuming it will be shut down at some point,” said David Flaherty, the co-founder and chief executive of Magellan Strategies. Trust

But a majority of respondents — particularly skiers under 25 — expressed trust that resorts would provide quality turns even with new rules to limit the spread of

COVID-19. And 69% said they were confident the rules installed to limit COVID-19 would protect visitors and employees. When asked what kind of rules would help them feel most protected from COVID-19, most skiers suggested protocols that resorts already have planned for the season: limiting capacities, requiring masks, distancing skiers in lines, cleaning and restricting indoor activities and access. Magellan’s study — which included questions suggested by The Colorado Sun — detailed hundreds of verbatim responses that explored beyond statistics. Those comments about why skiers might avoid riding lifts this season are telling, with both ski-town locals and Front Rangers worrying about a flood of travelers from afar and the spread of the virus in resort shuttles, restaurants and lodges. “I can go a year without skiing downhill,” said a Park County woman who is “strongly” considering not skiing this season. “Because travel now is stupid and frivolous,” said a Pitkin County man. “I will ski no matter what, but it

may just be alpine touring in the backcountry,” said a Routt County woman. Flaherty’s survey also explored if and how skiers planned to explore the snowy backcountry. About 62% said they had skied in the backcountry before. And 81% of the roughly 300 skiers who said they had never ventured into ski terrain beyond a resort boundary said they did plan to do it this season. That mirrors a growing recognition that backcountry use will spike this season as resorts work to control crowds and access during the pandemic. When skiers who intended to explore the backcountry were asked about their plans, 42% said they intended to buy avalanche safety equipment and take an avalanche awareness course. About 26% said they planned to take a course, where, by the way, the need for safety equipment like a beacon, shovel and probe pole will be emphasized loudly and frequently. Of the nearly 500 skiers who had experience in the backcountry, 37% had both safety gear and education; 20% had equipment but no formal avalanche education; and 29% said they had neither gear nor education.

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Public Notices call Bobi 303.659.2522 ing. The project is NOT tax exempt. Legals City and County NOTICE OF BUDGET NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Fort Lupton Urban Renewal Authority for the ensuing year of 2021, a copy of such proposed budget has been filed at the City of Fort Lupton City Hall, 130 S. McKinley Ave., where the same is open for public inspection; such proposed budget will be considered at a regular meeting of the Fort Lupton Urban Renewal Authority to be held at City Hall, 130 S. McKinley Ave., on December 17, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. Any interested elector of the City of Fort Lupton may inspect the proposed budget and file or register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget. Published in the Fort Lupton Press December 9, 2020 & December 16, 2020. Metropolitan Districts INVITATION TO BID CDG Morgan Hill, Inc. is requesting sealed bids for the furnishing of all labor, material, and equipment necessary for the completion of all “Lot” improvements associated with the Morgan Hill Filing 2 Construction Plans. Bids to include grading, fine grading, subgrade preparation including excavation, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, concrete (curb, gutter, sidewalks, trails-as noted), asphalt paving, and signing improvements. Bidders can choose to bid portions of the entire project or can bid the entire project as acting General Contractor. (Note: Subcontractors should be identified and named in the Bid Form documents if bidding as a General Contractor.) The Owner will provide geotechnical engineer-

Construction bid documents and forms can be obtained electronically from CDG Morgan Hill, Inc. starting on Wednesday December 9th 2020. Request plans via e-mail at info@cdgcolorado.com. Questions are due in writing by Wednesday January 13th 2021 at 5:00 PM to info@ cdgcolorado.com. Bids are due at 12:00 NOON on Friday January 22nd, 2021 at CDG Morgan Hill, Inc. c/o Community Development Group, 2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 220, Boulder, CO 80302 or via e-mail at info@cdgcolorado.com. Payment and performance bonds and certificates of insurance may be required by the successful Bidder and should be included as alternates in bid form. The Owner has sole discretion in selection of the bid and may reject any bid and waive any informalities in the Bid. Bids will not be read aloud. Published in all Metrowest Newspaper publications December 9 & 16, 2020 INVITATION TO BID Morgan Hill Metropolitan District No. 3 is requesting sealed bids for the furnishing of all labor, material, and equipment necessary for the completion of all “District” identified improvements associated with the Morgan Hill County Road 3 Construction Plans. Bids to include grading/excavation, storm sewer and box culvert installations, concrete (trails), asphalt (new and mill/overlay)/ signage/striping, etc. Bidders can choose to bid portions of the project or can bid the entire project as acting General Contractor. (Note: Subcontractors should be identified and named in the Bid Form documents if bidding as a General Contractor.) The District is also soliciting surveying bids to support the work contained within this project. The District will provide geotechnical engineering. The project is tax exempt.

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Construction bid documents and forms can be obtained electronically from Morgan Hill Metropolitan District No. 3 starting Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. Request plans via e-mail at info@cdgcolorado.com. Questions are due in writing by Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 at 5:00 PM to info@cdgcolorado.com. Bids are due at 12:00 NOON on Friday, January 22nd, 2021 at Morgan Hill Metropolitan District No. 3, c/o Community Development Group, 2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 220, Boulder, CO 80302 or via e-mail at info@cdgcolorado.com. Payment and performance bonds and certificates of insurance may be required and should be provided as an alternate in the bid form by all Bidders. The District has sole discretion in selection of the bid and may reject any bid and waive any informalities in the Bid. Bids will not be read aloud. Published in all Metrowest Publications December 9 & 16, 2020 INVITATION TO BID Morgan Hill Metropolitan District No. 3 is requesting sealed bids for the furnishing of all labor, material, and equipment necessary for the completion of all “District” identified improvements associated with the Morgan Hill Filing 2 Construction Plans. Bids to include reuse water irrigation mainline installation, and concrete (trails, trickle pans, etc.) including necessary subgrade preparation and excavation. The District is also soliciting surveying bids to support the work contained within this project. The District will provide geotechnical engineering. The project is tax exempt. Construction bid documents and forms can be obtained electronically from Morgan Hill Metropolitan District No. 3 starting Wednesday, December 9th, 2020. Request plans via e-mail at info@cdgcolorado.com. Questions are due in writing by Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 at 5:00 PM to

info@cdgcolorado.com. Bids are due at 12:00 NOON on Friday, January 22nd, 2021 at Morgan Hill Metropolitan District No. 3, c/o Community Development Group, 2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 220, Boulder, CO 80302 or via e-mail at info@cdgcolorado.com. Payment and performance bonds and certificates of insurance may be required and should be provided as an alternate in the bid form by all Bidders. The District has sole discretion in selection of the bid and may reject any bid and waive any informalities in the Bid. Bids will not be read aloud. Published in all Metrowest Newspaper publications December 9 & 16, 2020

Notice to Creditors NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of CHRISTOPHER R. SWINHART, also known as CHRISTOPHER ROY SWINAHRT, and as CHRISTOPHER SWINHART, Deceased Case No. 2020PR30622 All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Weld County, Colorado on or before April 16, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred. Garrett R. Swinhart 1760 W. 79th Way Denver, CO 80221 Published in the Fort Lupton Press December 9, 16 and 23, 2020 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Gerald Alan Bell aka Gerald A. Bell aka Gerald Bell, Deceased Case Number 2020PR30591

All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to present them to the personal representative or to District Court of Weld, County, Colorado on or before March 31, 2020 or the claims may be forever barred.

Laura L. Mahler, Personal Representative Paul R. Danborn (24528) Frie, Arndt, Danborn & Thiessen P.C. 7400 Wadsworth Blvd., #201 Arvada, Colorado 80003 303/420-1234 Attorney for Personal Representative Published in the Fort Lupton Press December 2, 9 and 16, 2020 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Paul S. Egger, Deceased Case No. 2020PR30611

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Weld County, Colorado on or before April 9, 2021, or the claims may be forever barred.

Darelynn J. Egger Personal Representative 523 S 36 Ct Omaha, NE 68105 C/O Quick Law, LLC, Attorney for Personal Representative, Mailing address: 2254 Bison Drive, Security, CO 80911. Published in the Fort Lupton Press December 9, 1 6and 23, 2020

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