Volume 14 • Edition 6
March 17, 2021
Delivering 9,800 copies to rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson
Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Membership Meeting Bank of Colorado and Ernie Marquez Recognized
submitted by Sandi Schneider-Engle Bank of Colorado and resident Ernie Marquez were recently recognized at the Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce’s (FMACC) annual meeting as Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year respectively. Bank of Colorado was noted as a strong community supporter of the Fort Morgan community for more than 25 years. The local bank provides area residents access to mortgages, ag, and commercial loans; savings and checking accounts; and related personal and business banking services. In fact, the Fort Morgan bank president, Cameron Armagost, adds that the financial institution played a key role this past year with issuing PPP loans to area businesses. Approximately 200 of these COVID relief loans were processed by the bank this past year. Bank of Colorado received accolades for their service and supFollowing the virtual annual meeting of the Fort Morgan Area port of various nonprofit Chamber of Commerce (FMACC), FMACC Board Directors Josh organizations including Gibbs and Andrew Stieb, along with FMACC Executive Director Sandy Schneider-Engle (on photo right), presented Cameron FMACC and the Fort Armagost, Branch President, and Darrick Ohr, Loan Officer, from Morgan Lions Club inBank of Colorado (on photo left) a plaque noting their recent selec- volvement and donation as this year’s Business of the Year. tions made to Morgan Community College for a new ag innovation building and the Morgan County Golden Stars humanitarian program. One of the oldest banks in Colorado, the bank became a part of a larger family of local banks started by the Dinsdale family during the Great Depression. Today, Bank of Colorado serves 44 Colorado communities throughout the Eastern Plains, the Front Range, the Western Slope, and the Four Corners Region. It recently expanded and opened its new location on the corner of Platte Ave. and Main Street in Fort Morgan in November of 2019. Criteria for the annual business award included: Chamber membership, outstanding company performance, growth of operations, community involvement/contributions, exceptional customer service, and displays of cooperation/collaboration. Ernie Marquez was selected as this year’s Citizen of the Year. Marquez is the founder and President of the Fort Morgan Gladiator Boxing club, a non-profit corporation that operates a boxing fitness gym at 835 E. Platte Ave. in the city. The gym offers a variety of competitive and non-competitive fitness boxing classes focusing on self-discipline, self-worth, and confidence in children and adults. In his nomination of Marquez, local resident Kelly Ewing noted, “Ernie Marquez works hard each day to improve the lives of many . . . He keeps in touch with people who work with troubled youth and adults and offers them a safe place to work out their problems. He provides a place for support groups to talk and uplift each other. He works in the community to help put together and deliver food packages to those in need. During the past year he has stepped up to help anyone who was struggling with being short on anything due to COVID-19 . . . He is also a man that helps to support and promote all other local or small businesses.” Upon accepting the award at the Chamber’s virtual meeting, Marquez noted how honored he was to be able to positively contribute to the well-being of others, and in some cases, turn their lives around. The 39-year-old continues to compete competitively as well as share his passion for the sport of boxing through actively coaching at the gym. The FMACC recognizes individuals for this honor based on community service, resources, and/or time given for the betterment of the Fort Morgan area. The recipient needs to be a resident of Morgan County. “Our businesses and citizens are the backbone of our community. The Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be able to recognize these special organizations and individuals who have contributed to our success,” remarks Sandy Schneider-Engle, Executive Director of the FMACC. In addition to announcing the award winners, an update on key milestones and chamber accomplishments were shared. A few of them included: Increased visibility and communication with members through social media platforms and with traditional print and radio platforms, chamber ambassador visits, and weekly
newsletter correspondence Developed policies and assisted exporters with Certificates of Origin (more than 2400 certificates were issued in 2020) Collaborated with the City of Fort Morgan, Small Business Development Center, and Morgan Community College Foundation on business education opportunities and continued to serve as a resource offering free monthly workshops on various business-related subjects. Hosted and partnered on successful community events such as the new Teachers Breakfast, holiday art show and train decorating contest, and downtown Third Thursday Art Walks Responded to more than 472 phone calls or walk-in visitors requesting information Schneider-Engle recognized and thanked the Morgan County Commissioners and Energize Colorado for operational grant funds received last year allowing the Chamber to continue its operations. Morgan Community College and O’Neal Appraisal Company were also praised for their contributions of logistic and staffing assistance as well as computer equipment and software. The FMACC ended the year 2020 with a positive financial balance and a membership roster of 63 current paid members including one Rainbow Bridge sponsor, four Big Band sponsors, and 11 Friends level sponsors. Schneider-Engle also elaborated on upcoming chamber priorities, which include determining where the Chamber can add the most value to its membership and modify existing programs or adding new opportunities where appropriate; working with media partners to launch a campaign focused on buying and supporting local; proactively helping Chamber members with referrals, marketing support, and educational opportunities; and positioning the Chamber to remain financially viable so it can represent businesses in the years ahead. The Chamber Annual Meeting sponsors included: Wolf Waste Removal, Cargill Meat Solutions, City of Fort Morgan, Evans Early Childhood Center, Zazzy’s Café, the MAV Restaurant, Comfort Inn, Country Road Vines and Wines, Golden Belt Bank, B106 radio, FMS Bank, Allo Communications, Media Logic Radio, Morgan Community College, FM Furniture Mart, New Method Cleaners, Bank of Colorado, and Cover 4 Theatre.
Governor Polis Provides Update on Colorado’s COVID-19 Response
DENVER- Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the State’s efforts to vaccinate Coloradans. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, CDPHE. Colorado continues making great strides in vaccinating more Coloradans every day. The state has vaccinated 74% of Coloradans ages 70 and older, which is essential for preventing loss of life as this group represents 78% of COVID deaths in Colorado. The state has also vaccinated 59% of all Coloradans aged 65 to 69, and 90% of Colorado’s PreK-12th grade educators and licensed child care workers, which surpasses the goal of vaccinating 75% of educators and child care workers by early March. “I am proud of Colorado’s efforts to get shots into arms as quickly as possible. With every vaccine, more Coloradans become protected and we get closer to the end of this crisis,” said Governor Polis. “We’ve made tremendous progress, Colorado, but until everyone who wants the vaccine can get it, we must all continue to protect ourselves and others from this virus. Mask wearing and social distancing are still critical.” Cont. on Page 2, See COVID-19 Update
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE:
Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated Page 4: Baseline Page 5: School Safety Patrol Celebrates 100th Anniversary Page 7: Colorado’s MeatOut Day Promotes Big LIe Page 8-10: 13 Charts Show How Colorado has Fared During Coronavirus Page 12: Jon Caldera Letter on Animal Rights Page 14: All Americans Need to Fight Cancel Culture