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2021 – Another Adventure in Time
Lost Creek Guide
By Daryl L. Meyers Another year will soon begin; another opportunity to tell the story of the human experience on planet earth. The unknown is just ahead … a new adventure into the unexpected and unexplored. The terrain is unfamiliar and conditions could be far from ideal. To retreat to the comfortable and familiar is not an option. Movement forward is the only choice we have. As with years past, this year too is wrapped in mystery. What it will bring will largely be determined by our choices rather than some preordained or predestined outcomes. Some have suggested this might be a year of transition, of dramatic change for the human race, a time of trouble as some theologies predict. Visionaries from ancient times and indigenous peoples from traditions and cultures around the world share a similar view … warning of events just ahead that could be of a magnitude beyond our ability to anticipate much less prepare for. Regardless of what lies ahead, our world, our civilization, has definitely reached a crossroads in the way we live and relate to each another. Wonderful opportunities for us and our children are within our reach if we make the right choices, but if we continue moving in the direction we are now, life as we know it on planet earth will be unsustainable. Throughout the New Year, we are once again given the opportunity to move forward beyond the chaos and confusion around us, to push beyond the boundaries that separate us, to create a new and better world, a world of compassion and peace, a world that respects the rights of all people and gives equal opportunities to all. This is the world our children and our children’s children deserve. Are we willing to move beyond our differences providing them with a better future? The days ahead and how they unfold are unknown, but they may have more to do with us and the decisions we make than we realize. We can make a difference … if we choose to.
PUBLIC NOTICE Northern Colorado Communications, LLC Statement of Nondiscrimination In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA (not all baes apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency of USDA’s TARGET Center at 202‐720‐2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 1‐800‐877‐8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complain Form, AD‐3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 1‐866‐632‐9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA within 180 days by: 1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410; 2) Fax: 202‐690‐7442; or 3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Northern Colorado Communications, LLC LIFELINE SERVICE AND UNIVERSAL SERVICES Colorado
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lifeline Service is a federally funding program designed to make basic telephone service available at reduced rates to eligible residential customers. Customer’s eligibility to receive the discount must be renewed periodically. The program is limited to one benefit per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service. Who Qualifies? You are eligible for Lifeline Service if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or in your household resides a person who receives or has a child who receives benefits from at least one of the following programs: Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) National School Lunch Program (only applicant or customer who satisfy the income standard of the program for free meals) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Health benefits coverage under the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) An eligible customer residing in tribal lands Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard) Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Children under 17 years of age with no health insurance Other eligible programs may apply Information about customers who qualify for Lifeline Service may be shared between state agencies and Northern Colorado Communications, LLC. Lifeline customers can also subscribe to optional services at the same rate offered to other customers. What Universal Services are available to all customers? Universal services are offered to all customers of Northern Colorado Communications, LLC. Universal Services available include the following services: Voice grade access to the public switched network or its functional equivalent Minutes of use for Local service Access to emergency services to the extent the local government has implemented 911 or enhanced 911 systems Toll limitation for qualifying low-income consumers Local Calling for Residential Service is $10.55 - $16.00 and Business Service is $15.90 - $23.30 Ability to report service problems seven days a week How do Telephone Customers and Applicants for Telephone Service Apply for Lifeline Program? Applicants can come into our office and pick up a certification form or call 970-483-7300 and request that one be mailed to you.
January 6, 2021
Latest Model Indicates Infections are Decreasing
REMOTE, (Dec. 18, 2020): The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado School of Public Health released an updated statewide modeling report and updated regional models showing that public health protocols before the Thanksgiving holiday have helped to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2. Transmission control of the virus improved across the state in recent weeks; hospital demand and cases have declined, but it will be weeks before both reach lower levels. “The steady downward trend in Colorado is not what is being seen across the country. Colorado’s trend is much better than most states. Coloradans’ actions and Colorado policies made a difference and prevented a substantial Thanksgiving surge and have led to the declines we are seeing now,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE. The latest modeling provides projections based on COVID-19 hospital census data through December 14, 2020. “There are still more Coloradans in the hospital than at the April peak and contacts remain very risky,” said Jonathan Samet, MD, MS, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health. “This declining trajectory of the epidemic could be reversed by holiday lapses if Coloradans don’t remain vigilant in wearing masks, limiting contact with others outside of their households, and maintaining distance in public spaces.” The models are based on Colorado data and assumptions based on the current state of the science. “We can’t let up now. Hope is on the horizon with the vaccine. We need to make it through the holidays with the level of diligence we had over Thanksgiving. Please only celebrate inperson with the people who live with you,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “The best gift we can all receive is a healthy holiday season.” Key findings from the reports: Transmission control continues to improve and is now at 82%, but December holidays are ahead. There is no evidence of a Thanksgiving bump, up to 18 days after the holiday. The effective reproductive number is below 1, meaning that the epidemic is declining, but infection prevalence remains dangerously high. An estimated 1 in 59 Coloradans is currently infectious. Infections are decreasing or flat in most LPHA regions (Local Public Health Agencies) across the state. The estimated effective reproductive number varies from 0.6 to 1.2. Infections are spreading most rapidly in the East Central region and continue to increase in the Northwest LPHA region. Infection prevalence remains high in most regions. At the current level of transmission control, hospital demand and cases will continue to decline, but it will be weeks before hospital demand and infection prevalence reach low levels, for example as low as during the summer. This declining trajectory could be reversed by holiday lapses. Potential peaks are lower than projected previously. The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) assembled the expert group that works with the state on modeling projections. The group includes modeling scientists at the ColoradoSPH and the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, as well as experts from the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, and Colorado State University. All previous modeling reports are available on the Colorado School of Public Health’s COVID-19 website. The state will continue to review data and model findings as the pandemic continues to inform policy decisions. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.
Waterfowl Hunters Urged to be Especially Careful On, Near Water
DENVER, Colo. – With waterfowl hunting season in full swing, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging hunters to always handle guns safely and be careful in all situations. Waterfowl hunters who use watercraft must be especially careful. The tragic drowning of a young hunter in November served as an unfortunate reminder to be extra cautious on the water. Hunters using boats should always wear a personal floatation device and pay close attention to the weather. Winds in Colorado, powerful enough to capsize a boat, can come up at any time. Waterfowl hunters are always dressed for the cold; so getting knocked into the water makes swimming extremely difficult and hypothermia can set in within a few minutes. Without a PFD, getting back to shore could be impossible. “Water temperatures are very cold during waterfowl season, making cold-water immersion a serious concern,” said Travis Long, hunter education coordinator for CPW. “We strongly recommend wearing your life jacket whenever you’re on the water, especially when out on paddle craft like canoes and kayaks. Life jackets and an emergency whistle are required on every vessel.” Besides being careful in a boat, hunters must always practice basic firearm safety skills: keep the safety on and your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot; load and unload your gun well away from others; never point the muzzle of a gun in the direction of another person; be aware of the locations of your hunting partners; and always be sure of your target before pulling the trigger. “Hunters must always review and focus on firearms safety,” Long said. “Remember, one moment of carelessness with a firearm can have a lifetime of consequences.” The waterfowl seasons continue through mid-February. Waterfowl hunters are also reminded that motorized craft, including those powered by small electric motors, are not allowed on most lakes or reservoirs because Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections have ended for this year. Surprisingly, because of the sunny days, recreational paddlers are still going out on lakes and reservoirs. The cold weather and cold water present major hazards for those using any paddle-craft. Regular boaters in most locations have stopped going on the water and there are, essentially, no safety patrols occurring. Anyone who falls in the water is unlikely to be seen or rescued. All paddlers must be constantly aware of weather conditions and wearing of PFDs is mandatory. To learn about hunter education classes, firearms safety or boating safety, go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife web site at, cpw.state.co.us.
