03212018 LCG

Happy Easter!

Volume 11 • Edition 6

March 21, 2018

Serving rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties

Colorado Court of Appeals Ruling on Martin Marrieta Appeal to Reverse Denial of USR Approved by Weld County Commissioners: “DENIED” Court of Appeals Denies Martin Marietta: The Nightmare Draws Closer to the End

Dave Kisker, President, CLR-34 Neighborhoods Assn. ; www.clr-34.org It was on January 27, 2015 that we first heard about the plans that Martin Marietta Materials (MMM) had for the 131 acre parcel on Weld CR 13, just south of US 34.

The news of an extensive aggregate transloading, processing and distribution facility had just hit our neighborhood, directly adjacent to the parcel under consideration.

For most of us, the idea that there would be an asphalt plant, a concrete plant, concrete and asphalt recycling, and, worst of all, a 1 mile long rail loop, capable of transloading 120 cars full of gravel from Wyoming was just too much to imagine, let alone believe. Yet, there it was. In several posters, MMM laid out the story that was to become our daily reality over the next 36 months.

Although there were no real details forthcoming (“oh, we don’t know that yet” was the common refrain to nearly all questions) it was clear that this was going to have an enormous, negative impact on the surrounding homes, farms and businesses, if Weld County allowed it to occur.

Over the next few months, as we waited for the MMM application for a Use by Special Review (USR) permit to be filed, we studied the criteria and the procedures for submission of a USR application. We attended Planning Commission hearings and Board of County Commissioner hearings. We also learned about asphalt and concrete production—the risks, the impacts of noise, odor, dust, traffic, etc. Some of us quite literally became experts to the point that we sometimes knew more about what to expect than the MMM staff did.

When the process finally got underway, we were optimistic that good sense would reign supreme and that Weld County would quickly reject the MMM USR application. Our confidence was buoyed when the Planning Department and then the Planning Commission recommended denial of this proposal on the grounds of incompatibility—the same arguments against it that were made by Windsor, Johnstown, Greeley and Larimer County.

So, we were understandably stunned when on August 12, 2015, the Weld County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the application and let the project go forward. This was in direct conflict with the numerous arguments that we had presented that showed the project was clearly unsuitable for this site: it was incompatible with present and future surrounding uses; it didn’t have any connection to agriculture; MMM had made no effort to preserve what had been valuable PRIME farm land. All of these criteria were requirements found in the Weld County Code, and we felt that none of them had been met.

One aspect of the incompatibility was particularly troubling—the noise that was projected to emanate from the site was going to be extreme. MMM was seeking allowance to routinely undertake 24 hour operation, 7 days a week. The mile-long trains would arrive in the middle of the night because the daytime unloading required 10 hours, and then the train would have to leave to make way for the next one. Their own noise study indicated that they would be unable to meet the residential noise limit at their property line, which, since they were surrounded by homes, seemed reasonable. In the one significant concession that the Weld BOCC allowed, they agreed and imposed this requirement on MMM as a “development standard”—a requirement for operation.

Because of the likelihood that MMM would never be able to meet this requirement as well as the clear evidence that the Weld County Code criteria for approval had not been met, our neighborhood of homeowners, farmers and businesses decided to appeal the BOCC decision, as was our right.

In Colorado, the appeal process for land use decisions starts at the District Court.

Over the next 14 months, with several sets of submitted briefs, we made our case to Judge Todd Taylor of the District Court. However, on January 27, 2017, Judge Taylor ruled against us, refusing to reverse the BOCC decision to approve the MMM permit. In the meantime, MMM had proceeded with construction of their project at their own risk, ignoring the possibility that a group of citizens might be able to prevail against a Fortune 500 company.

Despite Judge Taylor’s ruling, we felt that our case was so strong that it was worth proceeding with an appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals (COA). While we narrowed our arguments, using only the strongest ones, we didn’t compromise our principles—the process was not followed fairly and the decision should be reversed.

On November 22, 2017, a three judge COA panel unanimously agreed with us, and issued an order to the District Court to reverse the BOCC decision and deny the USR application from MMM. The decision was based on the argument that MMM would not be able to meet the noise requirement, as their own study confirmed. This ruling was temporarily delayed, pending MMM and Weld County exercising their right to petition the COA to re-hear the case, or to petition the Colorado Supreme Court to hear the case. On 12/3/17, both the County and MMM submitted a petition asking

the COA to re-hear the case.

Following some procedural requirements, the same three judge panel of the COA issued a one word order on 3/15/2018 in which they simply said “DENIED” to the petitions to re-hear the case. Thus, the citizens surrounding this project are now a major step closer to the end of the nightmare to which they have been subjected over the last 3 years. While MMM and Weld County have the right to petition the Supreme Court to consider the case, it’s unlikely that this will occur because there do not seem to be any Constitutional issues at stake. If these petitions are not filed by April 13, 2018, or if the Supreme Court denies the petitions, it will finally end. The USR permit will be invalidated and MMM will be occupying the site illegally, at which point Weld County will be obligated to force the land to be returned to the state in which it was found on August 11, 2015. Although this will be costly, MMM accepted all risk when they convinced the County to issue the permits for construction despite our appeal.

Things are changing in Weld County. It’s no longer appropriate for land use decisions to be made without full consideration of the external impacts of these types of heavy industrial operations. In addition, while the deck often seems stacked against the ordinary citizens, when sufficiently organized and committed, our experience shows it’s possible to prevail, even in the ultimate “David vs. Goliath” situation.

The Story of Easter and Easter Eggs

From Cadbury.com Easter Egg Tradition Eggs have been associated with the Christian festival of Easter, which celebrates the death and resurrection of Christ, since the early days of the church. However, Christian customs connected with Easter eggs are to some extent adaptations of ancient pagan practices related to spring rites.

The egg has long been a symbol of 'fertility', 'rebirth' and 'the beginning'. In Egyptian mythology, the phoenix burns its nest to be reborn later from the egg that is left; Hindu scriptures relate that the world developed from an egg.

With the rise of Christianity in Western Europe, the church adapted many pagan customs and the egg, as a symbol of new life, came to represent the Resurrection. Some Christians regarded the egg as a symbol for the stone being rolled from the sepulchre.

Continued on Page 2...

What’s In This Issue:

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: Wedding Announcement Page 4: Letter to the Editor Page 4: Salute our Farmers and Ranchers Page 5: Andy’s Archaeological Corner Page 7: It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done Page 8: Obituaries Page 9: United Power Will Not Mail Director Ballots Page 10: CPW Accepts Check for $29 Million

Grant from U.S. Department of Interior Page 12: Wish Judy Pastelak Happy 100th Birthday Page 13: Salmonella Outbreaks Peaks at 37 Cases Page 14: Greeley’s MSA’s Growth Ranks

Third-Fastest Nationwide

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Lost Creek Guide

Way of the World

by Bob Grand The firing of John McCabe at the FBI has generated a lot of emotional response.

All too much is of a partisan nature, on both sides. We all should be concerned if any public official, of any party affiliation, has used his or her position in a way that violates the Constitution of the United States, which they have sworn to uphold. From what we have heard so far, from the DOJ’s Inspector General’s not yet released report is that some bad things happened. Over the next few weeks we should see what that all means.

We elect government officials who in turn appoint government bureaucrats to do their jobs. Doing their job should be by the book. If they do not, they should be replaced. If you do not like the book, change it. There is a process for that, at all levels of government. I believe you have here an example of what happens when people are in office or positions too long with no neutral oversight. They really believe they know better. Arrogance, yes. Our Constitution, including the Bill of Rights is very specific about what you can and cannot do. It cannot be left up to interpretation by government bureaucrats, no matter how many degrees they have, from whatever IVY league school, or who is in political power. Many people did not believe Donald Trump could ever be elected and I believe, did some things that were thought to be never uncovered. Life is tough sometimes and what you do has consequences, some quite unintended or expected.

Why does the budgeting process at the federal level appear to be almost non existent? How do you look at a 1.2 trillion dollar omnibus bill, of over 2500 pages, in a day and expect to have any intelligent review. Maybe we should have more time debating substantive issues rathe than bipartisan haggling. In Colorado, you at least have the Joint Budget Committee that provides some order to the chaos of the legislative process. Look at our Weld County Budget process recently? Not a good example of a performance oriented, outcome based measurement systems. More to come over the next few months. Maybe we can figure out what the role is of Weld County government in providing services to the Weld County citizens, no matter where they live in the county. Building roads and prisons should not be our only priorities.

Speaking of unintended consequences, remember ballot questions 1A and 1B in Weld County. 1A was basically a call to abolish the Weld County Council by four of the five Weld County Commissioners. 1B called for all County employees to fall under the Colorado State Ethics Commission for ethics questions. Seemed innocuous enough.

Focus was on 1A, which the voters soundly defeated. But guess what, if you take the time to read Rules of Procedure, Statement of Basis, Purpose and specific Statutory Authority, Independent Ethics Commission, Rules of Procedure, effective April 14th, 2011, and read down to section 7 regarding Complaints, Section G. Paragraph 3. It states “A complaint shall be dismissed by the IEC on one or more of the following grounds: 3. “The complaint fails to allege that the conduct complained of occurred within twelve months of filing of the complaint.” In plain language it means that events that occurred 12 months prior to a complaint being filed does not come under the Ethics Commission. So, what happens when a newspaper receives a complaint, which appears to be worth reviewing. Calls to the Ethics Commission, and although on the surface is worth looking at, the Ethics Commission cannot, by statute, investigate. One has to ask, do any of our County employees and specifically our County Commissioners have anything they would like to talk about, in their past, that might have been worthy of an ethics investigation prior to the last 12 months?

Speaking of the Weld County Commissioner’s, the ruling by the Appellate Court denying the request for appeal regarding the USR with Martin Marietta asphalt plant raises questions of judgement. We talk about issues in Washington about politicians and bureaucrats being on the job too long. People who ignore the voting public, because they know better. Maybe that is a question Weld County voters should be thinking about.

As usual, your thoughts and comments are always appreciated: publisher@lostcreekguide.com

The Lost Creek Guide, Llc Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com

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March 21, 2018

The Story of Easter and Easter Eggs

Continued on Page 2...

Eggs as an Easter Gift The earliest Easter eggs were hen or duck eggs decorated at home in bright colours with vegetable dye and charcoal. Orthodox Christians and many cultures continue to dye Easter eggs, often decorating them with flowers.

The 17th and 18th centuries saw the manufacture of egg-shaped toys, which were given to children at Easter. The Victorians had cardboard, 'plush' and satin covered eggs filled with Easter gifts and chocolates. The ultimate egg-shaped Easter gifts must have been the fabulous jewelled creations of Carl Fabergé made during the 19th century for the Russian Czar and Czarina, now precious museum pieces.

Chocolate Easter eggs were first made in Europe in the early 19th century, with France and Germany taking the lead in this new artistic confectionery. Some early eggs were solid, as the technique for mass-producing moulded chocolate had not been devised. The production of the first hollow chocolate eggs must have been painstaking, as the moulds were lined with paste chocolate one at a time.

Cadbury Easter Eggs John Cadbury made his first ‘French eating Chocolate’ in 1842 but it was not until 1875 that the first Cadbury Easter Eggs were made. Progress in the chocolate Easter egg market was slow until a method was found for making the chocolate flow into the moulds.

The modern chocolate Easter egg owes its progression to the two greatest developments in the history of chocolate - the Dutch invention of a press for separating cocoa butter from the cocoa bean in 1828 and the introduction of a pure cocoa by Cadbury Brothers in 1866. The Cadbury process made large quantities of cocoa butter available and this was the secret of making moulded chocolate or indeed, any fine eating chocolate.

The earliest Cadbury chocolate eggs were made of ‘dark’ chocolate with a plain smooth surface and were filled with sugared almonds. The earliest ‘decorated eggs’ were plain shells enhanced by chocolate piping and marzipan flowers.

Decorative skill and variety bloomed and by 1893 there were 19 different lines on the Cadbury Brothers Easter list in the UK. Richard Cadbury’s artistic skill undoubtedly played an important part in the development of the Easter range. Many of his designs were based on French, Dutch and German originals adapted to Victorian tastes.

Germany came up with the ‘crocodile’ finish, which by breaking up the smooth surface, disguised minor imperfections. This was the forerunner to the many distinctive finishes now available.

The launch in 1905 of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk Chocolate made a tremendous contribution to the Easter egg market. The popularity of this new chocolate vastly increased sales of Easter eggs and establish them as seasonal best sellers. Today the Easter egg market is predominantly milk chocolate.

For more on this story, please go to Cadbury.com

‘Thank You’ to Ag Industry for $23.2 Million in Donations to Local Food Banks at Agriculture Day at the Capitol

Recognition of the Colorado agriculture industry’s $23.2 million in donations to local food banks last year will serve as one of the highlights at the upcoming Agriculture Day at the Capitol.

The organizations that made up the Colorado Ag Council hosted Agriculture Day at the Capitol on Thursday, March 22, in Denver – an event that featured the teaming up of 14 local chefs with lawmakers and ag representatives in a cook-off competition of Colorado-grown foods, as well as a big “thank you” delivered by representatives of Colorado’s Feeding America food banks.

The local agriculture industry’s product and monetary contributions to Colorado’s five Feeding America food banks totaled up to $23,218,914 during 2017.

Agriculture Day at the Capitol, which takes place at the State Capitol Building (200 E. Colfax Ave.), has become one of the most popular events under the Golden Dome – attended by about 1,000 people each year, including the governor, state legislators, farmers, ranchers and many others.

Each year, the event showcases all that Colorado’s ag industry does for our state, highlighting its efforts in feeding Colorado’s 5 million-plus people, its stewardship of our resources, and its $40 billion economic impact – a top two or three contributor to the state's economy each year.

Anyone looking for more information about Agriculture Day at the Capitol can contact event manager David Collie at david@collieconsultingllc.com

March 21, 2018

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Lost Creek Guide

A Note from Erin Marvin, Girls’ State Alumni and Samsung Scholarship Recipient

When Laurie Kuntz, President-Elect and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 1985, asked me to detail what the American Legion Auxiliary has done for me, I was honestly a bit scared.

It is difficult imaging being able to write a blurb that thoroughly and accurately conveys the difference the American Legion Auxiliary has made in my life, starting more than ten years ago when I was graduating from Weld Central High School in 2007 in Keenesburg CO. However, I strongly feel it is important other students beginning their journey into adulthood are afforded the same opportunities, so it is my honor to share my experiences.

Ever since I first started high school, it was a goal of mine to attend Girls’ State. I had family members and friends that were fortunate enough to attend, and I was enthralled by their stories of running for pretend governments, creating and debating legislation, and late-night gossip sessions with new friends from across the state. When I was a junior, I also learned of the generous scholarship that the American Legion Auxiliary offered in conjunction with the Samsung Corporation, in recognition of the sacrifices American soldiers had made during the Korean War. Coming from a long line of military serviceman, I figured I might have a chance. I feverishly dug into my family members’ background, learning more about their military service than I could have imagined. I made my mother’s father my official “sponsor”, as he was a Vietnam veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart and his service has affected him - physically, mentally, and emotionally - for life. I could not think of a better military representative than him.

Imagine my surprise when during Girls’ State I learned that I had not only won the State-level Samsun scholarship, and was thus being considered for the National level - but it was my other grandfather who had made the difference. As a Korean War veteran, his service helped fulfill the Samsung Corporation’s desire to recognize the descendants of servicemen from the Korean War. Personally, it meant the world to me it was his service that pushed me over the edge and allowed me to win this prestigious scholarship. Growing up, I was extremely close to this grandfather - he took me shooting in his pasture, drove me around and pointed out signs of wildlife, let me “help” him tinker in his shop, and taught me general life lessons as only a grandpa can. He had always assured me that my college education would be taken care of, and I had nothing to worry about. Unfortunately, his untimely death during my freshman year of high school made this impossible. I like to think this was his way of fulfilling his early promises.

However, the American Legion Auxiliary did not just stop at providing for my college - though that would have been plenty! After I also won the National Samsung scholarship of $20,000, it was ensured, by careful planning, that I would graduate with a minimum amount of student debt (I think I left with like $1,500? Whatever it was, it was far better than most of my classmates). Even more than this, I was plugged into a network of like-minded individuals who strove to be the best in their communities that they can be. Recently, I was invited to serve on the American Legion Auxiliary Samsung Scholarship Alumni Association Board of Directors. This opportunity has continually shown me that I was not the only life majorly impacted by the American Legion Auxiliary, and that its influence was far more widespread than I could have imagined. This past summer, I was invited to Washington, D.C. where I met with the most recent scholarship recipients. We completed service projects at the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH), met with United States Congressmen, and received an in-depth history of our nation’s political center. What struck me most was during our service time at the AFRH we were continually thanked for our visit and for striving to make a difference in our nation’s future - when we were trying to thank them for ensuring our future by making a difference in the past.

In short, my life would be radically different had it not been for my decision as a young high school student to attend Girls’ State in Colorado. Not only would it be tangibly different - I have no doubt I would be making student loan payments most of my life - but my viewpoint on our government and about our nation’s service men and women has been profoundly altered. One day, I hope I can return to my local and national community a tenth of the gifts the American Legion Auxiliary has given me.

Wedding Announcement Kevin and Kathy McCarthy, of Keenesburg, proudly announce the engagement of their son, John Daniel McCarthy to the beautiful Jaime Kaitlin Crawford. Both John and Jaime are residents of Keenesburg. Jamie’s mother, Gail McKenzie resides in Boynton Beach, Florida. The wedding will take place September 22nd, 2018.

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

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Lost Creek Guide

Letters to the Editor There is one person in my life and the community that means the world to me. I have known this amazing woman for a very long time and that time with her has been the greatest time of my life and I would not change a second of it. I dont give her nearly the gratitude or praise she deserves. Some of you may know this amazing young lady as she works at Farm and Home lumber in Hudson.

Her name is Caitlin Rose Rasmussen and this young lady is the salt to my pepper. She does so much for others and so little for her self. The customers that visit Farm and Home love her beautiful big smile on her face. That is the first thing to greet you as you walk into to store.

Caitlin might be known to some people as the girl that LOVES DOGS and has probably pet your dog a million times or more. She loves her job and her customers, most of which she knows by name. Caitlin loves them all and will drop everything to help out. This young woman is the strongest and bravest woman I know. She is compassionate, loving, and the smartest person I know. Unfortunately, I fail to show her nearly enough praise and attention but I love this girl to death. She is my best friend. Thank you Caitlin for being the most amazing person I know and it has been a honor to have you by my side. Hopefully this brings a smile to your face. Remember everyone, if you want to brighten up your day, stop into Farm and Home to see Caitlin and her amazing smile.

Don’t forget to bring your dogs to see her too. They will get loads of kisses and treats!

Joshua Dunn

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

March 21, 2018

Salute our Farmers and Ranchers During Ag Week

On March 20, National Ag Day, Americans recognized the people who produce our food safely and efficiently. This annual commemoration occured during National Ag Week, March 18-24. This is your opportunity to join the Greeley Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee to acknowledge farmers and ranchers for all that they do.

You shouldn’t have any trouble finding farmers and ranchers in Weld County where 2.5 million acres, or 75 percent of the land, is devoted to farming and ranching.

The county leads Colorado in producing beef and dairy cattle, grain and sugar beets.

In fact, there are more than 3,000 farms in Weld County and agriculture products produced here create nearly $1.9 billion in market value. As you can imagine, the agriculture industry pumps a lot of money into the county’s economy.

Although they generate a lot of money, farmers and ranchers only receive 15.6 cents from every dollar we spend on food. Processors, wholesalers, distributors and retailers make more than 80 cents from that dollar, according to the National Farmers Union.

That’s why our food is so affordable in the U.S., compared with some other countries. The latest figures from USDA show that U.S. consumers spend just 6.4 percent of their household income on food, compared with 8.2 percent in the UK, 9.1 percent in Canada, 9.8 percent in Australia and 56.4 percent in Nigeria.

If it weren’t for farmers and ranchers we would be forced to import food from other countries. Some of those countries do not have the same stringent safety rules and precautions that we have here in the U.S. You can rest assured that food scientists at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and many private companies are constantly coming up with new rules, regulations and technologies to improve food safety.

Food safety isn’t just a concern for farmers and ranchers, but it continues through the chain of food processors, distributors and retailers. Then, it’s up to us, the consumers, to ensure the food we purchase is properly stored and prepared until it is served.

As our farmers and ranchers produce more food to feed a growing world population, they also try to be Earth-friendly. Ag producers know that they need to take care of the land and the water so the next generation can continue to use those natural resources. Every year, the agriculture industry is transforming itself using new methods and technologies to be good stewards of the land and still remain profitable.

Today, it’s more important than ever to thank our ag producers, as more people grow up not knowing the source of their food, or the people who produce it. Our committee schedules an annual tour of ag-related locations to help the business community learn more about where our food comes from. This year’s is August 17, and will focus on water.

Many citizens traveled to Denver on March 22 to celebrate Colorado Ag Day at the Capitol with Gov. John Hickenlooper and Ag Commissioner Don Brown to thank the state’s farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses. The event showcased dishes produced with Colorado-grown food and reminded attendees that agriculture is one of the top two or three contributors to the state’s economy every year.

The Greeley Chamber of Commerce Ag Committee is comprised of local ag producers, and business men and women who value the agriculture industry and desire to promote the benefits our community receives from agriculture.

Tony Miller, First FarmBank, is the Chair of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee.

Committee Members Scot Dutcher, Western Dairy Association; Gege Ellzey, Weld Farm Bureau; Bill Erickson, Weld Farm Bureau; Arnie Fiscus, Fiscus Enterprises; Kristi Helzer, West; Greeley Conservation District; Don Hijar, Pawnee Buttes Seed; Rona Johnson, The Fence Post; Joyce Kelly, Kelly Farm; Becky Leach, EKS&H; Jenn Negley, East Colorado Small Business Development Center; Becca Peter, Pawnee Buttes Seed; Kim Reddin, Colorado Corn; Tim Rennau, Flood and Peterson; Dani Rigg, Loveland Products; Mark Sponsler, Colorado Corn; Bill Webster, Retired cattle feeder

Executive Director of High Plains Library District Appointed

(Greeley– February 2018) – The High Plains Library District Board has appointed Dr. Matthew Hortt as the new Executive Director.

“Dr. Hortt brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience. His aptitude for public libraries will strengthen the High Plains Library District and enhance service to our community,” said Ken Poncelow, Chairman of the HPLD Board.

Hortt will be leaving his position as the City Librarian for the City of Santa Clarita Public Libraries in California. He has over sixteen years of progressive experience in public libraries working at all levels in both Nevada and California. He holds a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of North Texas and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Public Affairs from The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"I am honored to have been selected as the next Executive Director of the High Plains Library District,” said Dr. Hortt. “My goal is to continue to build upon the wonderful services the District already offers and to work to ensure that everyone continues to see the HPLD as the first and best resource for learning. I am looking forward to helping make the District an even more vital community asset and leading HPLD into the future."

Hortt was selected as the Director from a pool of 27 candidates. Hortt will begin working in early April.

Weld County 4-H: Photography Workshop

There will be a Photography Workshop on Sunday, April 22nd from 1:00 - 3:00 pm in the 4-H Building, Island Grove Park, Greeley. Members will learn what the Project Requirements, Photography Tips and Tricks, Photo Critique, Drive to Eaton Grove Nursery and a Guided Photo Shoot. Transportation must be provided by the 4-Her/ family. Parents and family are welcome to bring a camera and join in!. For more information, please contact Jill Koslosky at kosloskyjill@gmail.com or 970-518-6353.

March 21, 2018

Lost Creek Guide

Commissioner to Help Address Air Quality Issues by Serving on Council

WELD COUNTY, CO — This month, the Governor’s office appointed Weld County Commissioner Julie Cozad to serve on the Regional Air Quality Council as the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) representative.

The Front Range has had representation on the council since 2007. As the council’s NFRMPO representative, Cozad will work with other council members to find solutions in reducing ozone emissions and improve air quality for all counties along the Front Range and throughout the state. Cozad sees serving on the council as important because it allows her to discuss emissions issues affecting northern Colorado, while hearing many different ideas on how air quality can be improved.

“We have a seat at the table,” she said. “Issues in northern Colorado are different than they are in other areas of the state. The Regional Air Quality Council brings a diverse group of people together that have different viewpoints. It’s important to all sides of the aisle that we have clean air in Colorado.”

According to its website, the Regional Air Quality Council (RAQC) was developed in 1989 and then expanded under Governor John Hickenlooper in 2013. Consisting of members from the private sector, government agencies, stakeholder agencies and citizens from Denver and the north Front Range, the council’s goal is to “reduce emissions from the transportation sector, mobile sources, and other sources.” To achieve that goal, the RAQC works to develop state implementation plans that protect air quality and meet the federal requirements outlined in the Clean Air Act of 1990.

Besides serving as a policy-making body, the council also creates and markets public education plans aimed at reducing air pollution. Additionally, members serve as educational resources to other elected officials about the issues of emissions and air quality. Council members also have input regarding the rulemaking process for air quality programs.

To learn more about the RAQC and its efforts to reduce air pollution, visit http:// raqc.org/.

Andy’s Archaeological Corner

As we mentioned in our last article, the first humans that have been documented on the High Plains in North America were the Clovis people, with evidence of their presence showing up around 13,200 years ago. We now have excellent stratigraphic evidence of succeeding cultures from Clovis in the Paleo period through the Early Archaic, Middle Archaic, Late Archaic, Proto-historic and Historic periods to the present. Basically, the Paleo period here on the High Plains spans from 13,200 years before present (YBP) through 9,000 YBP. The Early Archaic spans from 9,000 YBP through 5,500 YBP, the Middle Archaic from 5,500 YBP to 3,500 YBP, the Late Archaic from 3,500 YBP to 2,000 YBP, the Proto-Historic from 2,000 YBP to 500 YBP and the Historic period starting at 500 YBP when the Spaniards arrived and started a written history of our region.

The artifacts from each period are distinctively different from one another and show a basic transition from one form to the next. These have been found in context at stratigraphically pure sites (soil undisturbed from the surface through the periods down to the Paleo level) providing proof of which forms predate and transition from one to the next. Pictured are artifacts from Paleo through Early Archaic (top row), and from Middle Archaic through the Historic period (bottom row). From left to right top row is Clovis (13,200 – 12,800 YBP), Goshen complex (12,800 – 12,300 YBP), Folsom complex (12,500 – 11,800 YBP), Agate Basin complex (11,500 – 10,000 YBP), Cody complex (10,000 – 8,500 YBP) and Hawken complex (6,900 – 6,000 YBP). The bottom row is McKean complex (4,600 – 3,500 YBP), Pelican Lake complex (3,100 – 2,000 YBP), Plains Corner-Notch complex (1,800 – 650 YBP), Plains Side-Notch complex (600 – 210 YBP), Plains Tri-Notch complex (250- 100 YBP) and finally a metal trade point made by White Man and traded to the Native Americans. There are more complexes that fill in the time gaps that are not pictured and we will discuss all of them and their distinctive artifacts in future articles. All the points shown before the Plains Corner-Notch complex are dart points launched with an atlatl throwing stick. The points starting with Plains Corner-Notch and later are true arrowheads launched with a bow. Bow and arrow technology arguably arrived around 2,000 years ago.

Andy is with the Loveland Archaeological Society (LAS) that meets monthly in Loveland and sponsors the annual Stone Age Fair, the longest running Indian artifact show in the United States, (since 1934) and will have a Spring into Archaeology show featuring a large exhibit of arrowheads, dart points and tools at the Budweiser Event Center on Saturday, March 24, 2018, 9 AM to 4 PM. The event is free to the public and we would welcome anyone that wants to bring in artifacts for identification. The LAS is also always seeking new members who want to learn more about Native American cultures.

Contact Andy at arrowhead@what-wire.com or by phone at 303-286-7711.

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2018 Colorado Fishing Licenses Available Now, Valid April 1

DENVER -- Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds anglers that it's time to get ready for another season of fishing. Coloradans and non-resident visitors can purchase a 2018 annual fishing license now either online, at your local CPW office or at any of our hundreds of authorized sales agents statewide.

An annual license is valid beginning April 1 through March 31, 2019. CPW provides a range of options for anglers including both the annual fishing license and one-day fishing licenses as well as educational opportunities for those new to angling.

“Colorado provides outstanding fishing across the state with an amazing diversity of species ranging from cutthroat trout and kokanee to walleye and bluegill,” said Doug Krieger, CPW’s aquatic section manager. “Fishing is a great activity to share with family and friends, and the perfect chance to get outside and enjoy Colorado’s natural resources.”

When planning your next angling trip, be sure to download CPW Fishing, the agency’s free official mobile fishing app. Available on the AppStore or Google Play store, CPW Fishing allows anglers to fully explore the state’s waters. Whether searching for a new destination or checking weather conditions at a favorite location, the app allows discovery of over 1,300 fishing locations in Colorado.

Features on the app provide information on the type of fishing at each location, stream gauges, species availability, accessibility, family-friendliness and more. Educational features such as up-to-date fishing regulations, fish identification guides and news alerts for breaking information anglers need to be aware of on the water are also available.

CPW stocks 90 million fish annually into waters throughout Colorado in order to ensure quality angling opportunities. CPW does not receive general tax dollars and fishing license fees support all statewide hatchery and fish-stocking operations.

Up-to-date regulations and pricing for annual, daily and multi-day licenses can be found in the 2018 Colorado Fishing Brochure. For individuals ages 18 through 64, a $10 Habitat Stamp is required with the first license purchase for the year. Youth under age 16 can fish for free and CPW provides opportunities throughout the season to learn how to fish. Check the calendar on the CPW website for upcoming clinics.

To learn more about fishing in Colorado, including 37 prime angling locations within Colorado state parks, visit our website at cpw.state.co.us.

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Lost Creek Guide

Oldest Active National Guard Unit Observes 283rd Anniversary

From The American Legion Internet Observer By: Air Force Capt. Holli Nelson, West Virginia Air National Guard On Feb. 17, 1735, Morgan Morgan was commissioned as a captain and commander of a new company of riflemen formed in what is now present day Berkeley County, West Virginia, the First Virginia Regiment, better known today as the West Virginia Army Nat i o n a l Guard’s 201st Field Artillery Regiment.

T h e 201st Field Artillery Regiment is recognized as the oldest active Army National Guard unit and the longest continuous serving unit in all of the Army, underscoring that even before America was a country, the patriotic men and women from what would become the state of West Virginia have been committed to service of the state and nation from the start.

In 1775, then General George Washington issued a call for “Virginia Volunteer Riflemen” by stating, “Let me plant my banner in West Augusta [West Virginia] and I will surround it with fighting men who will drive the invaders from our land.”

Revolutionary War Washington was gathering Continental troops for the Revolutionary War, and in response to his request, multiple companies of volunteer soldiers made the 600-mile trek to Boston, better known as the “Bee Line March to Cambridge” and reported to Washington, forming the First Virginia Regiment, American Continental Troop. On June 14, 1775, the American Continental Army was formed, and from all the companies that formed, only the West Virginia Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery Regiment, remains active.

In 1889, the unit became part of the new, officially formed West Virginia National Guard’s First Infantry, which represented the whole northern part of the state.

This regiment has served in many conflicts, including the SpanishAmerican War, World Wars I and II, the Korean War and more recently, the Persian Gulf and Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

“West Virginians have a distinguished lineage of service to this nation that dates back to before we were a state,” said Army Maj. Gen. James A. Hoyer, the adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard. “General Washington sought out the brave militiamen from modern-day West Virginia to lead the Continental Army and form this great nation.”

Hoyer added, “We carry on that proud tradition of service today in the West Virginia National Guard. We must recognize the important role that brave West Virginians have played in the history of our state and nation and the impact we continue to make through the National Guard.”

PHOTO LABEL: A photo of Company B, First West Virginia Infantry, commanded

by Capt. John B. White, at the Chattahootchee River in Columbus, Ga., in 1898. The unit was training in Georgia during the SpanishAmerican War. Photo courtesy of West Virginia University’s West Virginia and Regional History Center

Mother and Daughter Killed in Interstate 76 Crash Identified

March 19, 2018 A Wiggins woman and her daughter died in a head-on crash on Interstate 76 in the early evening hours of Thursday, March 15. The crash occurred east of Roggen and west of Wiggins, near milepost 54, in unincorporated Weld County.

Jamie Lee Willert, age 31, was the driver of the SUV in which she and two children were riding. Four-year-old Emma Josephine Willert was also killed. An infant in the car and the driver of the other vehicle were hospitalized.

The final manner and cause of death for both victims awaits the completion of autopsy reports and laboratory studies. The case remains under investigation by the Colorado State Patrol.

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March 21, 2018

Community Choir at Community United Methodist Church Invites Previous Choir Members to Sing

The Easter season is upon us. The community choir at Community United Methodist Church (CUMC) is once again busy practicing another cantata for an Easter Sunday morning performance at 7 a.m. Surprisingly, this is the 50th performance of the choir since it was conceived by Don Vogel in 1968 and its first performance on Easter morning 1969.

To celebrate this milestone, the choir would like to extend an invitation to all previous choir members to join us, and if you have the desire, to sing the exit song “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” with the choir. We think this would be a fitting tribute to Don and wife, Ruby.

CUMC also celebrated their 100th anniversary this past year and the sanctuary has been renovated and an elevator has been installed. Please join us on Easter morning to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the 50th year of a community choir using their voices to tell the Christian story.

March 21, 2018

Lost Creek Guide

Page 7

It Always Seems Impossible Until It’s Done

New Alzheimer’s Association Report Reveals Sharp Increases in Alzheimer’s Prevalence, Deaths and Costs of Care 71,000 Coloradans living with Alzheimer’s

Denver [March 20, 2018] – For the second consecutive year, total payments to care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias in the United States will surpass a quarter of a trillion dollars ($277 billion), which includes an increase of nearly $20 billion from last year, according to data reported in the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report released today.

New findings from the report show the growing burden of Alzheimer’s on people living with the disease, their families and caregivers, as well as society at large. The number of older Americans is growing rapidly, so too is the number of people living with Alzheimer’s and the subsequent impact to the nation’s economy. By 2050, the total cost of care for Alzheimer’s is projected to increase to more than $1.1 trillion.

More than 5.7 million people in the United States are living with the Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, including 71,000 Coloradans. By 2025, the Colorado total is projected to top 92,000 – a nearly 30 percent increase.

The strain on caregivers Given the long duration of this disease, the strain on Alzheimer’s caregivers can last a number of years and produce serious declines in caregiver physical, emotional and financial well-being. In 2017, 16 million Americans provided an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care in the form of physical, emotional and financial support – a contribution to the nation valued at $232.1 billion. The difficulties associated with providing this level of care are estimated to have resulted in $11.4 billion in additional healthcare costs for those same Alzheimer’s caregivers in 2017.

Already the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S., the mortality from Alzheimer’s disease continues to rise. While deaths from other major causes continue to decrease, new data from the report shows that deaths from Alzheimer’s disease have more than doubled, increasing 123 percent between 2000 and 2015. For context, the number of deaths from heart disease – the number one killer in the U.S. – decreased 11 percent.

Following are other key findings outlined in the report: • Deaths from Alzheimer’s: 1,612 Coloradans died from Alzheimer’s in 2015 (the last year measured) o Overall, Alzheimer’s deaths in Colorado increased 126% since 2000 – while deaths from other major diseases declined.

• Cost of care: The total national cost of caring for people living with Alzheimer’s will surpass a quarter of a trillion dollars ($277 billion), an increase of nearly $20 billion since last year alone. o Costs in Colorado are projected at $573 million.

• Early detection cost savings: It is estimated that even without development of a treatment or cure for Alzheimer’s, early detection through annual well-care doctor visits could save up to 15% of care costs – as much as $7 trillion of the projected $47.1 trillion cost of Alzheimer’s care over the lifespan of every person alive in the U.S. in 2018.

• Burden on caregivers: An estimated 247,000 unpaid Colorado caregivers (family and loved ones) provided 282 million hours of care in 2017 – valued at more than $3.5 billion.

From The American Legion Internet Observer By: Terri Clinton, Department Commander That’s a quote from Nelson Mandela but, the more I think about it, it could be said by anyone in our American Legion Family. It all starts when somebody has an idea. You’ve been in one of those meetings. Somebody has this farfetched idea and everyone is just sitting there looking at their shoes thinking, this is the craziest thing I’ve ever heard. Right?

We’ve all been there. You don’t even want to look up, because somebody might think you’re buying into it.

But, when a person is passionate and won’t give up on an idea, you feel yourself being drawn in.

You start to help the “crazy” person conceptualize the idea. You’re listening to others. Lending ideas. And, there you have it – you caught it.

The passion spread and now you’re knee-deep in making whatever it is a success.

I was at a Homecoming planning meeting and was reminded of so many Legion events that started from somebody’s crazy idea. When nobody believed in HBOT, a tiny group of us at Post 178 believed. We believed we could make a difference. We believed that veterans suffering with PTSD/TBI deserved every treatment option available. We called it 5 Bands for 5 Bucks, and we raised over $3,000 that day.

We just recently witnessed this with the formation of or own Colorado American Legion Press Association (COALPA). That seed was planted at National Convention when a group of us attended our first National American Legion Press Association (NALPA) meeting. We had no idea what we were doing or how we were going to do it – we just knew we wanted to do it. That was in August, and COALPA was rolled out at our Mid-year Conference in January.

As a Department, we’ve experienced so many success stories this Legion year. With our Senior Vice Commander’s Membership Minute that has over 1,400 Facebook followers, to a Pony Express run that was set up with very little lead time and raised thousands of dollars for the Veterans Assistance Fund to the development of our newest Colorado American Legion College scheduled for May. All of those accomplishments started out as somebody’s crazy idea.

I remember when then District 5 Commander Dean Casey asked me to revitalize the all-female post. Is all I could think was, I have no idea what that would even take. It sounded like a lot of work. I was hesitant, because I didn’t know what I needed to do.

But, after learning there was a need, I knew I needed to find out. And, because I was passionate about it, I found others who shared my same passion. That post is almost at an all-time high with close to 60 members.

Nelson Mandela believed apartheid should end and spent 27 years of his life in prison where he faced numerous atrocities. In 1985, five years before his actual release, the South African President offered to free Mandela, but he refused until the government ended apartheid. And, three years after his release in 1990 after a series of negotiations, apartheid was ended. Oh, and did I mention that in 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first President of South Africa in their first general election?

I guess what I’m trying to say is to keep those crazy ideas coming. Be passionate about them. Share that passion with others. And, realize, that it only seems impossible until it’s done.

The ones who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do!

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Lost Creek Guide

— Obituaries —

March 21, 2018

Wilber “Bill” D. Hines

Ronal E. Sheeley

May 22, 1928 to March 10,2018 Wilber D. “Bill” Hines Aka, Grandpa Bill was born May 22, 1928 to Wilber R. Hines and Waunita D. Burd, on the Hines place East of Burlington. His parents moved to Burlington when he was about 5 years old, to work on the airport, which still has not been built. His job was to lead his father’s draft horses to their pens for the night. He remembers when they brought the Kit Carson Carousel to the park, though he did not ride it until a couple years later. When his parents divorced, he often spent time with his biological dad in Elko, Nevada where he would collect bones to sell to the railroad. While there he met a local rancher, Bing Crosby, and was in the movie Brigham Young, as a cricket beater.

As a teenager he lived on the Penny ranch where his mother and step-father, George A. Yarnell, were employed. He would ride his horse to school and on rainy days, he would put dry clothes in his saddle bags. When he wanted to play on the football team, in order to be in town for practices and games, he and a classmate rented a one room cabin. He graduated from Burlington High School in 1945 and traveled with his stock contractor uncle, Lester Hines. He would find odd jobs, in the towns they went to, for entry fees. He also was often the rodeo clown/ bullfighter for his uncle.

His parents moved to the Kiowa area and opened a saw mill. He went to a dance at Elizabeth, with a local Kiowa boy, and was introduced to his future wife, Leila Elaine Kusma. While dating he was drafted into the Army for the Korean War. When he was stationed in Frankfurt, Indiana as a tank commander, Elaine joined him and they were married August 8th, 1952.

After he was honorably discharged, he and Elaine moved back to Colorado where they settled in Denver to help raise several nieces and nephews, become a route salesman for Borden’s and a father of 3. They retired and moved to Fort Lupton area where they remained until their final days.

Bill loved sports, fishing, camping and his family. You would always see him at meets, games, rodeo’s, barrel races, cheering on the kids and where they affectionately referred to him as Grandpa Bill. He was always up for an adventure with his grandchildren. Bill was a member of the VFW, Teamsters, NRA and Rocky Mountain Pheasant Club.

On March 10th he left us to be with his wife of 66 years. He is proceeded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Beverly and brothers Dean, Mick and Lee Hines and several nieces and nephews. He leaves behind his children, Renee (Ron) Brandt, Mike (LeiLani) Hines, Pat (Marcey) Hines, grandchildren, Colter, Chancey, Lane, Julia, Evie, Jeff (Melissa) Brandt and Emme (Corey) Brandt-Lyda. His brothers, Don (Ramona) Yarnell, Larry (Ellen) Yarnell, and Dale (Glenda) Yarnell along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and very dear friends.

We will be honoring him with a Celebration of Life pot luck luncheon, 1 pm, March 31st at the Alli Event Center, 100 S. 3rd Avenue, Brighton, CO 80601. At a future date, a military service will be held at Fort Logan Cemetery.

Tabor-Rice Funeral Home in Brighton, Colorado handled the arrangements.

August 17, 1928 to March 21, 2018 Ron passed away on March 21, 2018, he was born Aug 17, 1928 in Denver, CO. He was raised in Littleton, CO where he played football and track for Littleton High School. After graduating a friend asked him to drive him to the Navy recruiting office, never meaning to join but he did. Ron served his country for four years 1948-1952. He was stationed at Whidbey Island in Washington as an aviation mechanic. It was there, where he met Margaret Wade. They were married Feb. 9, 1951 in Sedro Wooley, Washington. Ron and Margaret were married 63 years, had three daughters.

After leaving the service, they moved home to Colorado. He worked for the REA in Evergreen, placing power poles and lines. Liking the aviation field, he went to Emily Griffith to continue his schooling in aviation. Ron worked for United Airlines for 40 years as an airline mechanic.

Moving a couple of times, the family settled in Berthoud, CO. where Dad built a dairy, with a friend from high school. Milking 30 head of cows in the morning, then driving to Stapleton to work everyday for over 20 years. Dad helped his parents move a house onto 5 acres next to them in Berthoud. Where the family could be together. After 25 years Ron decided to move to Keenesburg, CO. His love for horses grew and he built a wonderful home for the family. Ron retired in 1991 from United Airlines, so he could farm and ride his horses.

His love for the family was his life and he gave them the best. He was an honest and giving man. Next time you hear the song Tim McGraw’s “Humble and Kind”, that was Dad. He is survived by his daughters Kris Sheeley - Longmont, Cindy Ramsel - Brighton, son in law Bill Ramsel - Brighton, son in law Dan Quedenfeld - Keenesburg, his grandsons Matt and Mike - Keenesburg, Lucy Sheeley - Phoenix, and Opha Wade Sedro Wooley, Washington.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, brother -Dick, wife-Margaret, daughterCandy. Ron will be buried at Green Lawn Cemetery in Berthoud, CO. Those who knew Ron he would tell you to keep your money, so please if you would like, make a donation to your favorite charity, in Ron’s behalf.

Logan and Morgan County 4-H Talent Festival Held

Logan and Morgan County 4-H members shared a variety of talents at the 2018 4-H Talent Festival held on Sunday, March 4 at the Sterling Middle School in Sterling, CO. Seven Morgan County 4-H members participated in the Talent Festival.

The junior division is for ages 8-10, and Morgan County had two youth entered in this division. Adalee Schauermann a second year 4-H member from the Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club entered in the vocal solo division, singing Count on Me. She received champion for her performance. Landon Crispin who is 8 years old and in his first year of 4-H in the Winning Edge 4-H Club, was in the piano solo division and played “Mild Mannered Clark Kent Plays Piano at the Talent Show”. He combined his piano playing with a skit, and won Champion for Morgan County as well as the Junior Overall District One Champion award.

In the intermediate division for youth ages 11 to 13 Raelynn Carlock from the Lads ‘N’ Lassies 4-H Club played “Gavotte in G Minor” and was the String Solo Intermediate Champion. In the intermediate vocal solo division, Rainah Schaurmann from the Morgan Sandbur’s 4-H Club was awarded champion with her performance of “Oceans”. Rainah and Adalee Schauermann performed “A Thousand Years” for the intermediate vocal ensemble division and were awarded champion. The champion winner in the intermediate piano solo was Sateen Keller with “Barn Dance”. Sateen is in the Weldon Valley 4-H Club, and also earned the Intermediate Overall District One Champion award.

In the senior division, ages 14 and over, Winning Edge 4-H Club member, Zoey Sneed received senior reserve champion for piano solo with her performance of “The Man from Snowy River”. Jonathan Cable, Lads ‘N’ Lassies 4-H Club member played “My Tribute” by Andraé Crouch arranged by Dino Kartsonakis, and received champion for his performance.

Morgan County champion winners can compete at the State 4-H Talent Festival held during the Colorado State Fair.

March 21, 2018

Weld County CattleWomen to Award Scholarship

Lost Creek Guide

The Weld County CattleWomen have a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a college junior, senior or a student studying for an advanced degree in the fall of 2018.

The student needs to be a Weld County, Colorado resident, be attending a college or trade school with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The student must be planning to attend a school full time for the 2018-19 school year, in a bachelors or graduate level program.

To apply the applicant must submit: 1. Two letters of reference 2. A brief biographical statement including the following: work history, community involvement, college activities, future goals, and a brief statement on “How I could positively influence the beef industry with my chosen major.”

3. Copy of college transcript.

Send completed application to Sallie Miller, 48335 CR 83, Briggsdale, CO 80611 or smiller@wigginstel.com. Applications are due by April 15, 2018. Winners will be announced by May 15th.

Drive Smart Weld County Awarded $15,000 Grant From State Farm “2018 Good Neighbor Citizenship™ Award”

Weld County-Drive Smart Weld County announced today it has received a $15,000 grant to help teach teens about safe driving.

DRIVE SMART Weld County, a program created to reduce vehicle injuries and deaths among teens, won State Farm’s 2018 Good Neighbor Citizenship Award.

Weld County has some of the highest motor injuries and deaths in Colorado. The DRIVE SMART program is trying to reduce those numbers.

Program officials visit high schools in Weld County and teach teens about the dangers of unsafe driving. First responders, law enforcement officers, semitrailer truck drivers and others present graphic traffic crash information to the high school students.

DRIVE SMART Weld County will spend the money on student-led safety programs where the students create safe driving activities and programs throughout the school year. The award also will fund Parent of Teen Drivers classes which teach parents and teens about driver’s license laws, insurance requirements and discounts.

For the past 20 years, Drive Smart Weld County has received grants from State Farm totaling over $150,000 for safe driving programs.

For more information on DRIVE SMART Weld County and its community programs visit: www.drivesmartweldcounty.org or call 970-400-2325.

Meeting Dates Set for Charter Review Committee

Page 9

WELD COUNTY, CO — Last night, the 2018 Ad Hoc Charter Review Committee confirmed both their general meeting dates and the community/public input meeting dates. While the public is invited to attend any of the meetings, the general meetings are for committee discussion and the community meetings are geared toward gathering public comments regarding possible amendments to the Weld County Home Rule Charter.

All meetings will be held on Wednesday evenings from March through May. Additional meetings may be scheduled later in the review process depending on public interest. The goal of the committee is to review the home rule charter to make sure it is up to date and meets state constitution and statutory requirements. The public’s participation in this review is highly valued as the charter serves as the foundation for Weld County government.

The committee, which consists of nine Weld County residents, was officially formed on March 5 following a public application and selection process. Committee members include Al Dominguez (Windsor), Jackie Johnson (Greeley), Dave Kisker (Johnstown), Mark Lawley (Eaton), Raymond Patch (Greeley), Justus Pettit (Pierce), Garrett Varra (Longmont), James Welch (LaSalle) and Sam Gluck (LaSalle). During their initial meeting, held March 14, the committee elected Jackie Johnson to serve as the committee chair and Al Dominguez to serve as the committee vice-chair.

Committee information, including meeting agendas and minutes, can be found at https://tinyurl.com/2018CRC. If you would like to contact the committee via email, please email 2018crc@weldgov.com (the email will be forwarded directly to all of the committee members and committee staff).

United Power will not Mail Director Ballots in 2018

Brighton, CO — For the first time since 2005, the four incumbents in United Power’s upcoming director election will run unopposed. Due to the lack of challengers, the board of directors has decided to conduct a simplified, cost-saving balloting process this year.

In previous elections, ballots were mailed to members who could then submit their votes via return mail; however, ballots this year will be cast in person at the Annual Meeting and Director Election on April 18 at the Adams County Fairgrounds in Brighton, 9755 Henderson Road.

During registration, members in attendance at the annual meeting will receive a ballot and be able to cast their votes for candidates in each of the director seats up for election. Although directors run in geographic districts in order to accurately represent United Power members, they are elected at-large, meaning members are able to cast a vote in each district.

The candidates for director are Susan Petrocco in the South District, Tim Erickson in the East District, Brian A. McCormick in the West District and Rick Newman in the Mountain District.

Members are encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting not only to cast their vote in this year’s director election, but also to engage with the cooperative’s leadership and learn about ways United Power is implementing innovative processes to provide the most reliable power across its service area.

This year’s Annual Meeting includes a free barbecue dinner, live music and a presentation from United Power’s CEO, John Parker. Following the conclusion of the meeting, members are eligible to win one of many available door prizes, including a Kitchen Aid mixer, Keurig and more.

Member registration opens at 4:30 p.m., and the official business meeting begins at approximately 6:30 p.m. Election results will be announced at the conclusion of the business meeting. For more information about this year’s meeting, including candidate profiles, dinner menu and a list of door prizes, go to www.unitedpower.com/ annualmeeting.

United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 83,000 homes and businesses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.

Weld County 4-H: Leathercraft

Interested in Leathercraft? Scott Hamilton is our key leader for leathercraft and is starting monthly Leathercraft workshops. The Leathercraft workshops will be held at 2:00 pm in the Outrider Building (the tan building at the 11th Avenue entrance close to the Grandstand Arena), Island Grove Park, Greeley. Workshop dates include: April 15th, April 22nd, May 6th and May 27th. If you are interested in attending this workshop, please contact Scott at sekrhamilton@gmail.com or 575-495-5353. Please let him know what unit you are currently in when you contact him.

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Lost Creek Guide

CPW Accepts Check for $29 Million Grant from U.S. Department of the Interior

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Bob Broscheid on Tuesday, March 20, accepted a check for $29 million from the U.S. Department of Interior, declaring the funding “critical to CPW’s efforts for wildlife conservation, research, habitat preservation” as well as for supporting hunting and fishing programs.

The check was presented by Downey Magallanes, deputy chief of staff for policy for the Interior Department.

Magallanes explained the money represents Colorado’s share of $1.1 billion in federal excise taxes collected last year on the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, guns, ammunition and archery equipment, fishing tackle, boats and related items.

“American sportsmen are great conservationists,” Magallanes said. “We are thankful to you for all you do. You are keeping hunting and fishing alive for future generations.”

Broscheid also praised the hunting, fishing and shooting sports communities, many of which had representatives at the ceremony.

“This is a monumental event for our agency,” Broscheid said. “Since these excise taxes were enacted in the 1930s and ‘50s, it’s led to the recovery of whitetail deer, turkey, Rocky Mountain elk, waterfowl populations, habitat improvements statewide and development of more recreational sport shooting opportunities.”

“We could not do all the hunter education, research, wildlife conservation and shooting sports programs we offer without this money.”

The grants flow from two revenue sources: the so-called Pittman-Robertson excise tax on guns and ammunition and archery equipment, and the so-called Dingell-Johnson tax on sport fishing equipment, tackle, boats and even gasoline used in watercraft.

Both grants are distributed to states on a yearly basis and must be used by Colorado Parks and Wildlife on designated projects. They also require a 25 percent match, which has prompted CPW to seek nominal fees on senior and youth fishing licenses to qualify for the funds.

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

March 21, 2018

I Would Like to Wish The American Legion a Happy Birthday

From the American Legion Observer Ann Ritacco, Department Auxiliary President Now that we are into March let me let you know what happened in February. In early February 5 Senior members and 8 Junior members attend Mission Training in Las Vegas. There were mixed thoughts on this location for Mission Training. Our Juniors felt that the other juniors attending were forced to attend and they did not really want to be there. Our young ladies thought that the other juniors did not know much of what the American Legion Auxiliary was about. Our young ladies were the second largest group again. For going out of our division our juniors are a strong group of ladies. As for our Senior members we learned some great ideas to work our programs. After the meeting the Juniors and Seniors meet to discuss our thoughts of the day. Next year the Juniors decided that they want to go back to Minnesota. I have enjoyed traveling with these young ladies over the past several years. Watching them grow in the Auxiliary and appreciating what we all do for our Veterans, Military and Families. I wish theme all the support from our Senior members to continue to grow in their knowledge to one day be a President of our Department or another Department depending on where their futures take them.

At Mid-Year, Deb McBride informed us of an opportunity to have our units earn $5 when we join Columbine Federal Credit Union. This Credit Union provides materials for our juniors at Midyear to make cards or whatever that they are working on. They helped offset luncheon cost at convention and support the Oratorical Contest for the American Legion in March. They offer checking, savings, loans, credit cards and junior member services too. You can find out more about this credit union at www.columbinefcu.org. Check them out. Deb- Please let the members of the Columbine Federal Credit Union, Thank you for your support of the American Legion and Auxiliary programs.

This month the committee that we are highlighting is the Centennial Committee.

In this committee, National is asking all of us to work on a plan to keep our current members, find new members and to come up with a plan for our future at the unit, district and department level. Has your unit worked on a plan? There are 5 areas to work on for this plan. They are Enhance membership strength, Create an internal culture of goodwill, Develop leadership at all levels, Strengthen departments and units and Build brand loyalty. I encourage your units to work on a plan and if you need help, please contact our Committee Chair Bettina Kossow.

Oratorical Contest will be held on March 10th at Metro State Campus. I hope you were able to support this program by making a donation or maybe you plan on helping that day.

There are 2 Female Veteran Workshops on March 24th. There is one in Greeley at Post 18. Laurie Kuntz and Tracy Trujillo will be representing the Department at this one. I will beattending the Event in Palisade with Department Commander Terri. If you know of any Women Veterans, please tell them about these events for them. You can find information on Facebook under Julie Dominguez Aysse page or the Female Veterans Action Committee or American Legion Post 206 Colorado.

The National President Diane Duscheck will be here April 5-8. Please look for emails on the lunch and dinners that the National President will be attending. I hope to see you at one of these events.

The next training that we will have will be Leadership Training in May. We will try to schedule this schedule this around the District Spring Conventions. Do you have a topic that you would like to earn more about? Please send me an email so that we consider our topic. Rhonda had sent out an email to the Districts on the Western side of the state. We were hoping to hold training out there and one along the Front Range.

If there would be enough interest on the West side of the State, please let us know so that we can bring some training to you. We need to hear from you ASAP. One of our units are trying to put a cookbook together that has recipes from the part 100 years that the Auxiliary has been around. See the article in this observer and on our website to see if you can help them out.

Keep working on our membership. Don’t hold any transmittals, our members are counting on you to process their membership. We have several units at or over 100%.

Let us count you in on that number too.

Last item I want to remind you about is your Year-End Reports are due by April 15th. This will give our committee chairs time to get their national reports done and put into the book of reports for the state convention. Remember that if you do not work a program just let the committee know that and you have given us a report.

There is the new form that we want you to use that will give us the impact numbers, narratives and pictures on one form. If you have any questions, please contact Laurie Kuntz for help with this new form.

If you have any questions for me, please email me or send to Rhonda to get to me.

Weld County 4-H: Food Workshop

There will be a foods workshop on Saturday, May 26th from 9:00 am - 6:00 pm in the 4-H Building Kitchen at Island Grove Park. There will be several demonstrations for each of the units. Units are divided up into different times which are: • Unit 101 will be from 9:00-10:00 am • Units 201 will be from 10:15-11:45 am • Units 301 will be from 12:30-2:30 pm • Units 401 will be from 2:45-4:15 pm • Food Preservation, Outdoor, Cultural and Passport Foods will be from 4:30-6:00 pm.

Please call the Extension Office to RSVP by May 18th at 970-400-2076. Times may be altered due to who has RSVP.

March 21, 2018

Lost Creek Guide

Colorado Parks and Wildlife's Colorado Archery in the School Program Wraps Up Its Most Successful Year Yet

DENVER, Colo. - Colorado Archery in the Schools, an affiliate of the National Archery in the Schools Program®, had its most successful year to date this past year, teaching Olympic-style archery to students in elementary, middle and high school all over Colorado. The program has expanded its reach to include archery programs in 295 schools, and has been able to increase grant funding, training opportunities, and participation in the annual statewide tournament as well.

“Participants in this program are getting trained on a lifelong skill while also having fun and meeting Colorado’s Physical Education Standards in a free extracurricular program,” said Statewide Education Coordinator Tabbi Kinion. “Everybody wins.

Especially the students.”

Grants Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s CAS program introduces kids to archery by offering equipment grant funds, new program grant opportunities to start new programs, as well as maintenance grants for schools currently in the program.

For the 2017-2018 school year, CPW was able to award: • $42,800 in equipment grant funds • 23 maintenance grants to keep school programs running • 17 new program grants to start archery programs in schools Training Last year, 126 teachers were trained as basic archery instructors by CPW staff.

Teachers love the program and the increased engagement they see from students.

“CASP has been a wonderful addition to my curriculum and the students love having the opportunity to shoot a real compound bow in class,” said Hector Vega, a physical education teacher at Aragon Elementary in Colorado Springs. “I select 4th and 5th graders to be on my archery team and we have intense practice sessions leading up to the annual virtual tournament.”

Word about the program has been spreading through the school systems. The number of teachers trained in Colorado had a 106 percent increase this year!

If CPW’s 295 schools are teaching about 120 kids archery each year (this average is based on reporting by teachers), then at least 35,000 kids are shooting archery in school thanks to CPW staff.

State Tournament Participants As a result of these efforts, archer participation in the annual statewide virtual tournament is growing each year. The annual Colorado NASP Virtual State Tournament gives every Colorado student who participates in the archery in the schools program a chance to compete with archers across the state right in their home gym.

The tournament started in 2015 with 6 schools and 77 archers has grown to include 17 schools and 369 archers.

The 2018 online tournament was held Jan. 16 - Feb. 9 in schools across Colorado.

Students who qualified during the Colorado state tournament are invited to participate in the NASP Western Nationals Tournament in Sandy, Utah on April 13 and 14.

First place teams in each division (elementary, middle, and high school), as well as the top 10 male and top 10 female individual archers from each division, qualify for Nationals.

Program information as well as the tournament rules and guidelines can be found on the Colorado Archery in the Schools site.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife is proud to support students learning life-long archery skills as part of physical education classes.

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Wish Judy Pastelak Happy 100th Birthday!!!

No gifts are needed! Please just come and celebrate. Open House Sunday April 8th between 1 and 3 at 28425 State Hwy 52 (Steve’s House).

March 21, 2018

Aims Marketing and Communications Team Wins Six National Awards

GREELEY, CO – March 22, 2018 – Aims Community College won six awards at the Nat i o n a l Council for Marketing and Public Relations Paragon Awards conference in Las Vegas.

The The Aims Marketing and Communications Team accept six national P a r a g o n awards at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations (NC- A w a r d s MPR) conference. L to R: Curtis Ellzey, Laura Coale, Jennifer Diaz, Emily r e c o g n i z e Tilton, Allyson Byerly and Travis Tomlin (not pictured Bethany DuBois). excellence in design and communication in two-year community and technical colleges.

The Aims marketing and communications team, led by Executive Director of Communications and Public Information, Laura Coale, won the following awards: 1. Gold for their work on the website, aims.edu 2. Gold for the Aims 50th Anniversary microsite 3. Silver with their poster, "Eclipse Viewing Party" 4. Silver for their 50th Anniversary Thank-You T-Shirt 5. Silver for their work on the Aims Community College's 50th Anniversary yearlong campaign 6. Bronze for their original photography, "Ascending Into a New Era" Contributing to the work in these categories are Aims employees: Allyson Byerly, Jenny Diaz, Bethany DuBois, Curtis Ellzey, Emily Tilton and Travis Tomlin. This team worked together during a challenging and busy year to help the community celebrate the college’s 50th anniversary and also prepare the launch of Aims’ new “Be Remarkable” campaign.

“I am extremely proud of the marketing and communications team for working so hard to creatively tell Aims' story showing the tremendous value we offer students,” said Aims CEO, Dr. Leah L. Bornstein. “I am so happy that they were able to reflect on such a successful year and be recognized in front of their peers on a national stage.”

March 21, 2018

Salmonella Outbreak Peaks at 37 Cases; Investigation Continues

WELD COUNTY, CO — The Weld County Health Department continues to investigate an outbreak of Salmonella illness at multiple locations in the county. In midFebruary, 17 people from the Greeley Aims Community College campus became sick from food catered by the Burrito Delight restaurant. An additional 20 patrons became sick after eating food directly from the restaurant. The public is not at risk and the restaurant’s locations in Fort Lupton and Dacono are closed for the duration of the investigation. Four people have been hospitalized and there are no deaths linked with this outbreak. There have been no new cases for the past five days and it appears the outbreak has peaked at 37 confirmed laboratory cases.

“Several employees from the restaurant have tested positive for Salmonella,” said Mark E. Wallace, MD, MPH, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department. “But it remains unclear if they or a food source is the illness link. It may be a challenge to find the definitive answer.” The Health Department is partnering with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in examining all possible sources of the illness. Large outbreaks are complex, and it becomes difficult to isolate the index case of exposure, said Wallace.

Salmonella is a bacterium that causes symptoms like diarrhea, upset stomach, fever, and occasionally vomiting. Symptoms typically appear 6-72 hours after eating contaminated food and usually last 4 to 7 days without treatment. In severe cases, the symptoms may last longer but most people recover on their own. Anyone who continues to suffer symptoms of Salmonella should contact their health care provider. For some people, the diarrhea may become so severe they require hospitalization.

Additional information about this investigation can be found on the Health Department website at: www.weldhealth.org see Health Hot Topics link. Information about Salmonella can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/index.html

Weld County 4-H: Model Rocketry

Interested in Model Rocketry? Phil Rouse is willing to come to your club and put on a workshop if there is an interest of 3 members or more. Phil will provide a level I model rocket workshop at the club meeting to any junior member in their 1st year of model rocketry. If you are interested please contact Kim at 970-400-2079. Model Rocketry workshops will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, April 21st, April 28th, May 12th and May 26th in the Outrider Building (the tan building at the 11th Avenue entrance close to the Grandstand Arena), Island Grove Park, Greeley. The practice launch day will be on June 2nd in the dirt parkin gsouth of Centennial Village.

Michael Bates & Associates, LLP

113 Central w PO Box 388, Wiggins, CO 80654

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Accountants & Tax Specialists Michael Bates Ryan Anderson 970-381-8707 & 970-518-7229

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Lost Creek Guide

$

Office: 970-483--6467 FAX: 970-483-6477 email: bmasterjb@aol.com

Increasing Your Organizations Visibility

From the American Legion Internet Observer By: Laurie Kuntz, National Public Relations Committee Member Every day we work to increase our exposure to the public and media. How hard are you working it to get that exposure? There are things you can do to move your mission forward. First, always lead with a positive attitude and message. You are the face of your organization. Think about being in the public eye and even when you are not. You can only project a positive image if you live a positive image.

Think about things that get you in front of the public. What about advertising to place your ad in front of hundreds if not thousand of people. In 2010 marketing professionals said the average time it took for a consumer to act was 7 impressions, in 2014 that number jumped to 20. Why? Today brand impressions and advertising are everywhere. They are in paper advertisements, social media, hats, shirts, sides of cars, busses, billboards, TV, radio, etc. I think you get the picture, literally.

How can you compete with that? You have jump in the game. It is of somewhat a game. Many organizations are competing for the same business or members or volunteers. You must stand out.

One of the main ways to do that is to get your voice out there. Maybe you write a blog and get your voice out that way, if you have an exceptional blog you can submit to EzineArticles for additional exposure. You can also: create videos, Facebook, Twitter, etc. Social Media is a very vital tool for your business or organization in today’s electronic highway.

Another key way is to leverage your relationship with local media. See what the beat reporter needs and help them. Find a way to be a credible resource. Can you write an editorial and contribute to the paper or online publication?

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

BINGO Third Saturday of the Month 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm There is also “pickle/pull tabs” available everyday!

Please come join us for some fun and socializing!

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Lost Creek Guide

March 21, 2018

Greeley MSA’s Growth Ranks Third-Fastest Nationwide

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

By Christopher Wood From BizWest The Greeley Metropolitan Statistical Area’s 3.5 percent population increase last year was the third-highest percentage growth of any MSA in the country. That’s according to July 1, 2017, population estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Growth in the Greeley MSA — which consists of all of Weld County — was topped only by the St. George, Utah, MSA, and the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach MSA in North Carolina and South Carolina, which grew by 4 percent and 3.7 percent respectively.

The Greeley MSA added 10,390 people from 2016 to 2017, with population reaching 304,633 people, up from 294,243 on July 1, 2016. Greeley’s percentage growth matched that of the prior year, when the MSA also grew by 3.5 percent, for a No. 4 ranking nationwide.

“The numbers that have come out continue to be dramatic,” said Rich Werner, CEO of Upstate Colorado Economic Development, which focuses on Weld County.

Werner said that a stabilization of energy prices “has helped create confidence in that particular industry sector. They’re continuing to hire, and we’re continuing to see (new residents) come in.”

But Werner said that if one analyzes population growth trends for a longer period, “you’ll see that growth is actually slowing.

“Things are very positive right now,” he added. “We do not expect this trend to continue in perpetuity.”

Weld County’s growth is concentrated in three areas, Werner said, including Greeley; the Tri-Towns of Dacono, Firestone and Frederick; and “a strong interest in development along the I-76 corridor.”

Much of the growth is being driven by the energy, manufacturing, food-processing and service sectors, he said.

The Fort Collins-Loveland MSA — consisting of Larimer County — grew by 1.6 percent from 2016 to 2017, with population increasing to 343,976 from 338,531, up 5,445. The MSA ranked No. 65 nationwide based on percentage growth.

The Boulder MSA — consisting of Boulder County — saw more-modest growth, with population reaching 322,514, up 0.4 percent from 321,173, ranking No. 215 nationwide based on percentage growth. The increase totaled 1,341 residents.

Broomfield is part of the Denver-Aurora-Lakewood MSA, so it is not ranked as an MSA. But Broomfield County’s population increased to 68,341, up a robust 2.7 percent from 66,509, with 1,832 new residents.

Concert and Film Offer Northern Colorado a Weekend of Fun

GREELEY, Colorado -- The Union Colony Civic Center, 701 10th Ave., presents a performance by Colorado native Danielle Anderson and “Alive and Kicking,” a swing dance documentary.

Indie-folk songwriter and ukulele player, Danielle Anderson as Danielle Ate the Sandwich, is set to play live Saturday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. Known for quirky lyrical twists, her new album journeys into more musical styles, even adding a new set of instruments, but continuing to deliver the witty and honest stage banter she is known for.

The documentary, “Alive and Kicking” gives audiences an intimate, insider’s view into the culture of the swing dance world while shedding light on issues facing modern society.

Catch the showing of “Alive and Kicking” Sunday, April 15 at 2 p.m. There will be a brief swing dance performance by Colorado Dance Collective prior to the movie.

Danielle Ate the Sandwich and “Alive and Kicking” will be held at Hensel Phelps Theatre and tickets are only $7 each.

For more information and tickets, contact the UCCC ticket office at 970-356-5000, or go online to ucstars.com.

The UCCC is proudly owned and operated by the City of Greeley. The 2017 through 2018 season media sponsor is the Greeley Tribune; the season media co-sponsor is the Reporter-Herald; the DoubleTree by Hilton Greeley at Lincoln Park provides season accommodations.

March 21, 2018

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Lost Creek Guide

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A Golden Anniversary Party Please join us in celebrating a special moment in our parents and grandparents lives, Herman and Jo Utecht’s 50th Wedding Anniversary.

When: Saturday, April 28, 2018 - 4 pm Where: Keenesburg Fairgrounds 7758 CR 59, Keenesburg, CO 80643

Services McCarthy Trucking Recycled asphalt, concrete Great for driveways & parking areas. Also sand & gravel.

Reasonable Prices Call Kevin for free quote 303-901-5034

Keenesburg Attorney: Ruth Pelton-Roby Wills $100, Divorce, DUI, business setup.

Experienced, Affordable, Local. If you cannot travel I will come to you call 720-341-8530

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Performance driven, self starter, send resume to lilyfarmfreshskincare@gmail. com or call 303-455-4194 Farm Labor live on farm in Keenesburg Long term position, free apartment with most expenses paid. plus small salary, 5-6 days a week, organic farming, janitor, maintenance, planting, irrigation drip, and more. Call 303-455-4194 for more information.

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Lost Creek Guide

Colorado Superintendents’ Proposed Formula to Modernize School Funding December 2017

Background The modernized school finance formula proposed by Colorado Superintendents aspires to provide all 178 Colorado school districts with an increased level of funding for all students, while at the same time establishing a more equitable distribution of funding for students who are underserved and/or face the greatest challenges to achieving Colorado’s Graduation Guidelines and finishing high school ready for college and career.

Since passage of the existing Public School Finance Act of 1994, expectations of Colorado’s public schools have increased substantially both in terms of expected outcomes of students and levels of public accountability for schools and school districts. During this same period, the programming and services Colorado’s schools must provide to meet the increasing needs and challenges of students have also expanded exponentially.

In response to these challenges, Colorado Superintendents began work on developing a school finance formula that supports the current needs of all of Colorado’s public schools and the students they serve.

Objectives The Colorado Superintendent’s modernized school finance formula as it exists today was developed to achieve the following objectives: 1. Ensuring that all districts receive additional funding in a more fair and equitable manner to support current academic standards and accountability systems.

March 21, 2018

2. Creating a student-centric distribution formula utilizing weights for special education, ELL, and gifted and talented students as well as those students living in poverty, ELL, and gifted and talented students.

3. Ensuring that, at a minimum, every Colorado school district receives a total program amount at or above the current year total program funding calculation excluding the budget stabilization (negative) factor.

4. Recognizing and adjusting for cost differences among districts related to size, geography, and the cost of doing business.

5. Creating a transparent model.

6. Including an increased base amount to begin moving total per student funding in Colorado closer to the national average.

Legislation Legislation supporting the Colorado Superintendent’s modernized school finance formula must contain language that will ensure that the formula will only be enacted in the event that an adequate and sustainable state-level increase in appropriation of funds for P-12 education allows the model to be fully funded. Any attempt to implement the modernized school finance formula without adequate revenue to fully fund the model must be strongly rejected.