Volume 11 • Edition 8
April 18, 2018
Serving rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties
Opinion: Honor Flight's Stan Cass, Who Died Last Week, Was Dedicated to Veterans
Kevin Duggan from Coloradoan Stan Cass had a small stature, a quiet voice, a quick smile and a commanding presence. Cass, a retired U.S. Army colonel, died Saturday after a brief illness. He was 84 years old. He was the founder, president and driving force behind the all-volunteer Honor Flight Northern Colorado, which since 2008 has taken military veterans on free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials tied to their service, including World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The whirlwind trips fly in May and September. Every time, the veterans are celebrated every step of the way. Honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice was a passion for Cass, said longtime friend Lee Seward, vice president of Honor Flight Northern Colorado. He got things done, and he got them done on time. “He was a motivator,” Seward said. “He was a hard man to say no to.” I know that to be true. I met Cass about 10 years ago when he pitched me on doing a story about the organization’s first flight. He was hoping to raise donations from the community to support the project. That was the first of many conversations I had with Cass. And just about every time he asked me to do something, my response was along the lines of, “Yes, sir, I can do that.” In 2015, I had the privilege of traveling with him on an Honor Flight along with 123 veterans and 62 guardians — volunteers who take care of the veterans as if they were family. I traveled as a guardian and was responsible for two men. The Coloradoan donated $900 to the program to cover my expenses. It was a remarkable trip on many levels. It was executed with military precision, from the send-off at Island Grove Events Center to the chartered flights in and out of Denver International Airport to repeatedly marshaling veterans and guardians on and off buses. The trip was an emotional, physically tiring experience for veterans and guardians alike. But I’m sure none of us regretted it. I’ll always remember the hushed, respectful quiet of the veterans, some with tears in their eyes, as they toured memorials amid the midday clamor of Washington, D.C. Clearly, some were remembering their experiences — and in some cases friends lost — in places such as Normandy, Iwo Jima, Inchon and Khe Sanh. Cass grew up in Briggsdale, where he worked on the family farm. After graduating from high school, he did two years of coursework at Colorado A&M, now Colorado State University, and was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1957. He served nearly 30 years with the Army, including tours of duty in Vietnam, commanding a helicopter unit. He retired to Weld County and the family farm in 1986 and was an active community member. He was instrumental in establishing the Weld County Veterans Memorial near Bittersweet Park in Greeley. He once told me his interest in Honor Flight stemmed from the realization that veterans of World War II, the Greatest Generation, were quickly dying off. He wanted to be sure as many as possible saw the national World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004, before their time ran out. “We need to take care of them while we can,” he said. The next Honor Flight scheduled to leave May 6 is fully booked. It will be the organization’s 20th trip. Seward said organizers are scrambling to make sure it and the September trip come off successfully. Cass personally took care of many trip details, Seward said. His longtime friends and associates want to cover every base. And they want to make sure the legacy of Colonel Cass lives on. Kevin Duggan is a Coloradoan columnist. Follow him on Twitter, @coloradoan_ dugg, and on Facebook at Coloradoan Kevin Duggan.
Celebrating Judy Pastelak’s 100th Birthday
What’s In This Issue:
Page 2: Way of the World Page 2: National Day of Prayer Invitation Page 3: CO Livestock Association’s 2018 Legislator of the Year Page 4-7: Re-3J Newsletter Page 8: Weld County Job Fair Page 9: Fred Estrian Takes New Role to Promote Pedestrian Safety Page 10: Safe Farm Award Winners Page 10: Andy’s Archaelogical Corner Page 11: Container Gardening Basics Page 12: Obituaries Page 13: United Power Kids Demonstrate Safety Around Electricity
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Way of the World
Lost Creek Guide
by Bob Grand I watched “High Noon” this past weekend. Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly were as great as I remembered. For those who have not seen, or forgotten, the story is about a town sheriff who has to defend the town from a released prison inmate and his three compatriots who want revenge. The towns people are scared and do not offer to help the sheriff, although he asks and asks. Long and the short, the good guy prevails, with the help of his wife, and kills all four bad guys and then climbs into the buck board and leaves town with his wife. Reminds me a lot of our voters. Like the towns people in High Noon, good people, but scared to get involved. Problem is we do not have Gary Cooper to save the day. Our government is managed by people who are selected by a small percentage of the population. Their loyalty is to those that get them nominated and elected not the majority of the citizens. We wonder why things do not get accomplished. Our Weld County Commissioners are a good example of this. As the light begins to shiner brighter on what they do or don’t do maybe, just maybe, there may be a change coming. Washington continues to march down the road. It is fair to say the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have taken a black eye on the way they have been handling the ongoing investigations. The root cause of the issue is that no one believed that Donald Trump would be elected and, therefore their actions would never be discovered. Now that the reality is here they are trying to cover their activities. They should admit what was done and let us move on. The dragging out of the process just continues to erode public confidence in both organizations. Have full disclosure and let the chips fall where they may. Actions have consequences, and in this case highly unanticipated. Let us get it cleaned up and put the DOJ and FBI back on the road to regaining the high level of respect the organizations should have as our top law enforcement agencies. The Martin Marietta Materials case, on the surface should be over, but why is there this uncomfortable feeling that may not be true. It was noted that at the Republican Weld County Caucus Weld County Commissioner Steve Moreno had the Martin Marietta Materials representative, Sean Walsh, handing out material and circulating on the Assembly floor. Is there something we all should be aware of? Moreno’s challenger, Sandi Eller is campaigning on transparency, honesty and integrity. Just maybe she has a point!
The Lost Creek Guide, Llc Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com
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April 18, 2018
Neuropathy & Foot Care for Diabetes
A webinar featuring Dr. Thomas Hecker, O.D., of Hecker Sports and Regenerative Medicine in Fort Collins, will share how to identify skin conditions and deformities that can cause risk of diabetes and advice on foot wear and socks to reduce diabetic complications. In addition, he will address the painful and troublesome condition of neuropathy often associated with diabetes. This webinar will be broadcast in Fort Morgan at the Morgan County CSU Extension Office Meeting Room from Noon – 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 26. There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested by calling 542-3540 so adequate seating and handouts can be coordinated. Hecker has been associated with the Orthopedic and Spine Center of the Rockies as well as in private practice for 6 years in Scottsbluff, NE. Hecker provides foot and ankle podiatry care for people of all ages with various injuries and conditions, including diabetes and its complications for foot and ankle health. He holds board certification through the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. The one-hour webinar presentations will also be broadcast in Kit Carson, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld, and Yuma counties. Additional sites, dates and times for the webinars will be as follows: April 23: Noon – 1:00 pm –Wray Community District Hospital, South Education Room, 1017 West 7th Street, Wray / 970-332-2352 April 24: 10:00 – 11:00 am - Yuma District Hospital, Pearse Board Room, 1000 West 8th Avenue, Yuma / 970-848-5405 and Noon – 1:00 pm –Logan County CSU Extension, 508 S. 10th Ave., Suite 1, Sterling and Sedgwick County CSU Extension, 315 Cedar Street, Julesburg / 970-474-3479 April 25: 9:00 – 10:00 am - Washington County CSU Extension Office, Meeting Room, 181 Birch Avenue, Akron / 970-345-2287, Noon – 1:00 pm – Phillips County Event Center, Ortner Room, 22505 US Hwy 385, Holyoke / 970-854-3616 and 2:00 – 3:00 pm – Kit Carson County Health & Human Services, 252 S. 14th Street, Burlington / 719-346-7158 April 26: 2:00 – 3:00 pm – Centennial Area Health Education Center, 4650 W. 20th Street, Greeley / 970-330-3608 and The Bridge, 4750 25th Street, Greeley / 970-339-0022.
Buffalo Grass Lawns
From Plant Talk Colorado A buffalo grass lawn can be planted from seed or as a sod. Seed can be purchased from local grass seed companies and the larger garden centers and nurseries. Use about three pounds of seed for every one thousand square feet of lawn. Varieties currently on the market include Sharp’s Improved, Sharp’s Improved II and Cody. Buffalo grass seed should be planted between April and June. Buffalo grass lawnAn easier way to establish a buffalo grass lawn is to plant it from sod. Buffalo grass sod can be planted from late-May through late-August. Buffalo grass will grow best at elevations lower than about 6,500 feet and in very sunny areas. It is advisable to look at an established buffalo grass lawn before you decide to plant your own. Compared with Kentucky bluegrass, buffalo grass lawns need less water, fertilizer and mowing. However, buffalo grass lawns tend to go dormant and turn brown earlier in the fall and become green later in the spring than Kentucky bluegrass.
April 18, 2018
Lost Creek Guide
Colorado Livestock Association’s 2018 Legislator of the Year
Colorado State Representative Jeni Arndt recognized for her commitment to livestock producers in Colorado Greeley, CO - The Colorado Livestock Association named State Representative Jeni Arndt as its "Legislator of the Year" its recent Annual Meeting for her leadership and commitment to Colorado's agriculture and livestock industry. “Jeni believes that good politics and good legislation begins with good communication, early and often, and to reach out and engage those on both sides of any issue,” stated Bill Hammerich, CEO of From Left: Bill Hammerich, CLA Chief Executive Officer, Colorado State Representative Jeni Arndt, Nolan Stone, CLA Colorado Livestock Association. “She is a colImmediate Past President, Steve Holdren, CLA Lobbyist laborator and she keeps her focus on the issue at hand and is not distracted by politics. CLA is honored to recognize her for her leadership and commitment to serve our state.” Representative Jeni Arndt serves as the Chair of the Colorado House of Representative's Agriculture Livestock and Natural Resources Committee, is a member of the Business Affairs and Labor Committee, House Select Committee on Climate Responsibility and the Statutory Revision Committee. Jeni Arndt graduated from Poudre High School in Fort Collins, CO. She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Colorado College, her M.A. in geography from the University of Colorado, her M.A. in special education from Purdue University and her PhD. in literacy from Purdue. She has completed M.B.A. coursework at Colorado State University. Her professional experience includes working as an ESL teacher, serving in the Peace Corps, teaching special education, serving as a middle school principal, and servings as a university faculty member. Colorado Livestock Association members and staff strive to represent the voice of Colorado’s livestock producers at the state legislature. During the summer months CLA members host farm tours for legislators to give them an indepth look at cattle and hog production and feeding, dairy farming, and cattle ranching. Following the beginning of the Legislative Session CLA hosts an annual Legislative Breakfast where legislators and CLA members have the opportunity to discuss current legislation and issues of importance to rural Colorado.
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Impact of Watering Lawns and Gardens with Chlorinated Water
From Plant Talk Colorado Many water providers add chlorine to drinking water to keep it clean for human consumption. Chlorine prevents bacterial growth in water distribution systems. Many residents use chlorinated water to irrigate their lawn and garden. If chlorine is added to drinking water to kill bacteria, what impact does it have on beneficial soil microorganisms? Does it kill beneficial organisms in compost piles, too? Researchers have found that chlorinated drinking water may kill a number of microorganisms in soil or a compost pile. However, their reproduction rate is so rapid that populations rebound in a short time. Under normal conditions, chlorinated water will not threaten microorganism populations. Microorganisms reproduce rapidly. In one study, researchers continuously applied highly chlorinated water to soil for 126 days. Two days after they stopped, the soil microorganism populations reached pre-treatment levels at all depths of soil. One reason chlorinate water has little impact is that chlorine binds to soil particle surfaces. This immobilizes chlorine and reduces its ability to kill microorganisms. The organisms in the topmost surface of soil or a compost pile may be affected after irrigation but as the water moves downward little chlorine remains. In one study, researchers found that water chlorinated at 5 parts per million killed organisms only in the top half inch of soil. Organisms deeper than one half inch were thriving. The amount of chlorine in drinking water is quite low. In order to kill soil microorganisms to 6 inch soil depth, water containing 65 parts per million of chlorine was required in one study. Drinking water usually contains much lower chlorine levels. For example, Colorado Springs Utilities water contains between 0.05 to 0.90 parts per million of chlorine, 70 times below the threshold level.
Support Your Local Small Businesses!
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Lost Creek Guide
April 18, 2018
Newsletter District Bond Program Enters Final Phases By Greg Rabenhorst, Ed. D.
In 2016, the Re-3J voters approved the $61 million bond program which includes renovations at EVERY school in our communities as well as the building of an additional elementary school in Lochbuie. The current total budget for bond projects is nearly $66 million which includes grants received by the district to be utilized on capital construction projects. Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies: The district is excited to welcome community members to upcoming ribbon cuttings and open houses showcasing major projects. The opening of Meadow Ridge Elementary will be celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 9 at 5:00 p.m. The major renovation of Hudson Elementary will be celebrated on August 14 at 4:30 p.m. Weld Central Middle School will host an open house to the public in conjunction with back-to-school night on August 20. Event details will be publicized by each school to these dates. Summer Challenges: Summer projects across the district are numerous. There will be a great deal of activity immediately after students are released on May 23. While the district prides itself on a welcoming environment, visiting the schools during the summer will be problematic as many offices will be closed or temporarily relocated. Families wanting to stop by for registration purposes or other reasons should contact the school office or the district office by phone. The summer lunch program will not take place this year, and any summer programs will run out of the high school. Capital Construction Newsletters: The district has been routinely communicating updates about construction projects through our Capital Construction Update newsletter. The most recent version as well as archived versions of the newsletter can be found on the district’s website. The District Accountability Committee and Board of Education have regularly reviewed project updates and the bond program budget. The Board of Education has also held several public capital construction updates adjacent to their meetings.
District Accountability Committee Seeks Members for 2018-2019
The District is seeking new members to serve on the District Accountability Committee (DAC) for the 2018-2019 school year. Parents and community members are eligible candidates for the committee. A number of statutory responsibilities exist for this committee, and the group also provides oversight on the 2016 Bond Project Budget. The group meets several times during the school year on Thursday evenings. If you are interested in being a member of this group, please email feedback@re3j.com or submit a message on Let’s Talk! located on the district website.
Bond Program Transparency & Oversight
Capital Construction Projects were set by the Board of Education, and budgets are monitored closely by administration, the Board, and Owner’s Representatives. Over 50% of bond funds have been expended as of March 2018.
Time to Register Returning Students
All parents received a letter from school principals regarding the registration process for the 2018-2019 school year. The process this year for returning students is completely electronic! All parents are asked to complete the online registration process, even if their students will not be returning next year. Once again this year, there will be no general curriculum and materials fees associated with the general registration process thanks to the voter approved Mill Levy Override passed in 2016. MLO funds are used to support updating district curriculum. Specific course fees at certain grade levels will still apply. Early registration allows for better planning and a smoother start to the school year for students and staff. Registration should be completed ASAP. Parents should contact their child’s school office if they did not receive the letter regarding registration or with questions.
School Calendar Set; School Start/End Times Changing
The calendar for 2018-2019 was approved by the Board of Education and is available on the district website. There are no major changes to the format of the calendar. The first day of school for students in grades 1-12 will be August 15, and students in preschool and kindergarten will begin August 16. A printed copy can be requested from any school office. With the addition of a fourth elementary school, transportation services are impacted slightly. In order to accommodate the changes to elementary attendance boundaries and provide flexibility for families, school start and end times will be adjusted for the 2018-2019 school year. Even with the start time changes, transportation pick-up times for middle and high school students will not change. As typical, Transportation will communicate regarding all route pick-up and drop-off times and locations in early August prior to the start of school. The table below indicates start and end times for Tuesday - Friday school days. Monday times will be adjusted accordingly for Early Release.
Your MLO Dollars at Work
One of the goals of the Mill Levy Override (MLO) was to “replace outdated textbooks and materials.” That goal is nearly accomplished. As of April 25, 2018 the Weld Re-3J School Board will vote to approve the purchase of a new Middle School English Language Arts program. This purchase will bring the Instructional Materials Adoption Cycle one step closer to a current state. Since the MLO was passed in November of 2016, Weld Re-3J has purchased new curriculum for the following: Middle School and High School science, Middle School and High School English Language Arts, High School business, High School agriculture, Middle School music, High School Spanish, K-12 PE and Health, K-12 Intervention. In 2018-2019, the elementary teachers and administrators will begin the process of adopting a new science program. Ideally, curricular materials are replaced every 5-7 years, so the MLO funds will continue to be used to ensure students are using current standards-based materials throughout their education. Thank you for supporting our students in their learning and preparation for college and career.
Preschool and Kindergarten Enrollment Happening Now!
Enrollment for Preschool, Kindergarten, and all other grades for the 2018-2019 school year is taking place NOW! We offer preschool programs for students who are four years old (on or before September 15th) at all three elementary locations. We also offer two day/ week programs for children who are three years old (on or before September 15th) at Hudson Elementary and Meadow Ridge PK-2. Preschool registration packets can be found at: re3j.com--departments--preschool--general info/links Packets can also be picked up at any of our elementary school locations or by contacting Jenny Wakeman at (303) 536-2002 or jennywakeman@re3j.com Currently, 208 preschool slots are available districtwide. Of those, 83 are available to children who qualify through the Colorado Preschool Program (CPP) which provides preschool services free of charge. For those students who do not qualify through CPP, tuition spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis for $150 per month for our four-year-old program and $75 a month for our three-year-old program.
Preschool and Kindergarten Enrollment!
April 18, 2018
Lost Creek Guide
Lochbuie Elementary Students Leading the Way by Jennifer Forbes, Principal
Lochbuie Elementary School Becomes a Lighthouse School!
In November 2017, Lochbuie Elementary School received Lighthouse Status through the Leader in Me Organization. Lighthouse status is given to Leader in Me Schools that can prove that they are fully implementing the Leader in Me culture. Currently, there are 323 Lighthouse Schools in the United States and seven Lighthouse Schools in Colorado (including Lochbuie Elementary School). Being a Lighthouse School means that our school serves as a beacon of information and light to other Leader in Me Schools! Our journey to be a Lighthouse School began in the fall of 2016. Our first step was to complete an electronic portfolio that showcased our staff, students and parents using the 7 Habits. This portfolio was worked on for about six months and every single staff member contributed to the task. The portfolio consists of about 135 artifacts. Each artifact symbolized a part of our Leader in Me Journey. Once the portfolio was completed, we applied for a review. On the day of the review, we had two reviewers from the Leader in Me organization spend the day at Lochbuie. The reviewers interviewed students, parents, and staff and administration members. They observed classrooms and took a student-led tour of our school. At the end of the day, the reviewers gave us two things they liked about our school and two questions about our school. Then, they left us wondering! About two weeks after the review day, our Leader in Me coach called us to share the news that our school was now a LIGHTHOUSE SCHOOL!!!! On December 21, our school came together to celebrate our success. The celebration included student speeches, Ms. Forbes and Mr. Palmer presenting the school with the Lighthouse Banner, a reveal of a mural that was painted by Ms. Candelaresi and fingerprinted by each student, and a video of our journey! We were excited to welcome several special guests including past Lochbuie staff, district office staff, Leader in Me personnel, and the Brighton Blaze! The day was filled with celebration, pride, and happiness as we continue our journey as a Lighthouse School!
Meadow Ridge Elementary In the fall, Meadow Ridge Elementary School will open its doors and welcome Preschool, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders! The future staff at Meadow Ridge is working hard to prepare for an amazing 2018-2019 school year. Choosing a mascot was one of the first major decisions for the school. A mascot represents the school, the students, and the vision for the school. The mascot selection process included asking students, staff, and the Design Advisory Committee (DAC) who worked countless hours to help design the school. All Lochbuie Elementary School students were asked to give ideas for the mascot. Around fifty ideas were collected from the students. Staff and administration narrowed the list to five. These five were then shared with the staff, the DAC, and a focus group of students. After a lot of thoughtful consideration, it is with excitement that we introduce the Meadow Ridge Explorers! The Explorer fits with the theme of allowing our youngest learners to explore the world around them. It allows the staff and students to connect with the DAC’s nature vision for the school. The Explorer also complements a compass that will be created with rock and greens in one of the two outdoor learning areas! Go Explorers!
Hudson Academy of Arts & Sciences By Greg Dent, Principal
Hudson Students and Town Marshals
On March 7, Hudson students were shocked when Hudson Town M a r shals greeted t h e m after they left for lunch to head out to recess. Luckily for the students, the Marshals brought plenty of icecream treats to share. There was a lot of laughter and questions as the children had the opportunity to meet the people tasked with their daily safety. It’s hard to say who enjoyed the afternoon more—the students or the officers!
Page 5 3rd Quarter Pride Assembly and Awards
During the 3rd Quarter Assembly on March 15, , teachers recognized their students that went above and beyond showing their Husky pride. Every quarter, classroom teachers are tasked with the difficult choice to recognize just two students that exemplify the tenants of Husky Pride, which are: P- Positive Attitude, R-Respect, I-Integrity, D-Do Your Best, E-Everybody Belongs. In addition, each grade level awards the TOP DOG Award to one student. Teachers look for students that demonstrate qualities of the Husky. The Husky is known for its intelligence, loyalty, courage, work ethic, teamwork, and fierce competitiveness, and represents qualities essential to to our school and its leaders. Students that receive the TOP DOG Award receive a t-shirt so their classmates can recognize the Hudson Top Dogs!
Hudson’s 1st Annual Fuel Up To Play 60 Free Throw Competition
On March 21, Hudson Elementary held its first free-throw competition sponsored by Hudson Fuel Up to Play 60. This unique program is designed to encourage staff and students to stay active. Five staff members competed against five Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Ambassadors. They each shot ten free throws with the crown awarded to the highest number of baskets. The ambassadors wiped out the staff by winning four of the five competitions. Ms. Butler was the only staff member who won and was the overall winner by making six out of ten free throws. From left to right, the staff pictured are: Ms. Esposito, Mr. Nelms, Ms. Butler, Ms. Olivas, Ms. Henry. From left to right, the students pictured are: Toby Blake, Aidan McGarvey, Erick Mota, Marcello Rodriguez, Tessa Hebert.
Hoff Elementary a Community School by Ronda Soliz, Principal
Hoff Highlights Enrichment
By Ronda Soliz, Principal This year, Hoff has had the unique opportunity to provide our students with enrichment activities around the areas of math, reading, and science. Our intervention teacher, Mrs. Bridget Johnson, has been working with selected groups of students and providing them with rigorous hands-on, STEM-based projects as a way to enhance and develop their creative thinking. Students have done everything from Google Classroom projects to building levers and pulley systems to solar machines with moving mechanical parts. All of these design challenge projects have included students working in collaborative teams and developing their social and peer relationships. We are hoping that the summer 2nd grade students build card towers and explore the construction of our new shapes that will make their structure strong and still SMARTLab will provide remain standing. even more students with enrichment opportunities. It has been a wonderful experience for our students and a great way to increase student-centered learning. They were challenged with being leaders, problem solvers, architects as well as project designers and engineers. They had to set SMART goals, think critically, plan and work together to accomplish objectives and tasks in order to meet their goals. They worked hard and loved it!
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Lost Creek Guide
April 18, 2018
STEM & Digital Media - Eric Jefcoat
Students in third grade 5th grade students worked together to build a worked on a higher level informative book about Nikola wheel pulley system as a team. They experimented Tesla and learned about who with various weights and made calculations based upon the various weights their pulley system could he was and the inventions handle. that we enjoy today.
Weld Central Middle School by Jamie Jeffery, Principal
Hello Weld Central community! We are very excited about the construction updates at WCMS this year and can’t wait to get our students and staff using these new and updated classrooms. Thanks again to everyone for supporting our school and students through the construction process. We are also excited about a few initiatives the middle school has begun this year in order to improve achievement. One of these initiatives is ZAP or “zeros aren’t permitted”. The goal of ZAP is to increase completion of projects, essays, and assessments by holding students accountable for turning in assignments. Not only does ZAP hold students accountable for turning in their work, but also helps students improve character education by learning new ways to stay organized and be responsible for their learning. This leads to increased student accountability to support the goal of increasing the graduation rate in Re3J. Below is first semester data showing the number of students decreasing in failing grades from the 16-17 to 17-18 school year.
Very soon, Digital Media students at Weld Central Middle School will find themselves learning in our new SmartLab. The SmartLab is a state-of-the-art classroom referred to as a Digital Media hub and STEM center (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). In this SmartLab, students learn to apply technology while they develop critical skills such as problem solving, collaboration, project management, and communications. The SmartLab was installed thanks to the bond issue passed by taxpayers in November of 2016. It was time to update the middle school to ensure that our students continue to benefit from the most current technology and curriculum available, and our community answered the bell on this issue because this lab will allow students to explore diverse learning objectives in a very active environment. SmartLab students work in teams to develop projects in the areas of scientific data and analysis, circuitry, computer graphics, digital communications, mechanics and structures, alternative and renewable energy, software engineering, and robotics and control technology. In the SmartLab, students have the opportunity to explore their own project ideas under the supervision of a special kind of teacher called a “Facilitator”. Instead of taking exams, students create ePortfolios to document their learning. The SmartLab at Weld Central Middle School was designed and installed by Creative Learning Systems, which has been developing technology-based classrooms since 1987.
Student Council - Corissa Cieloha & Ashley Ross
Weld Central Middle School Student Council just wrapped up the Spring Spirit Week and Dance before Spring Break. Dances provide fundraising for the individual classes which assist in paying for class activities such as field trips, end-of-year activities and Continuation for 8th grade. This year was a Hawaiian theme. Students enjoyed dressing up in their favorite Hawaiian outfits. Student Council also added a section for students to play yard games if they needed a rest from the dance.
Social Studies Department Living History Museum
The 7th Grade at Weld Central Middle School has spent the past two weeks wrapping up their Rome and Greece unit by creating a Living History Museum. 7th Grade students selected an influential person from ancient Rome or Greece to research. Following their research, they wrote a two minute monologue in the voice of their character and recited it for for the class. Students were given the opportunity to be creative and made their own costumes for the presentation. Parents were invited and several came to support their students and view the Living History Museum.
7th Grade Field Trip to Denver Museum of Nature and Science
WCMS believes experiential learning can be powerful in education. Seventh grade teachers took our students to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for a field trip that combines science and social studies standards into one trip. Students work closely with museum staff to learn about organs and dissect hearts.
Play 60
Way to Go Rebels!
Fuel Up to Play 60 is a school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League. The Western Dairy Association and the Denver Broncos provide the program to us locally. Through the program, student leaders and the student body are encouraged to consume nutrient-rich foods, achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, and participate in a series of Fuel Up to Play 60 challenges that motivate them to take action of their own health and provide an opportunity to implement longterm positive changes for themselves and their schools. Implementing healthy eating and physical activity initiatives have already started to spark a positive change in the school environment. Fuel Up to Play 60 is a fun program that makes school a healthier place. This year, students were invited to the Broncos stadium to present essays and have a day of fun in Denver. Congratulations!
April 18, 2018
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Lost Creek Guide
The girls soccer team was at a 3-2 record entering spring break. They will also look to enter league play upon returning from the break.
Weld Central High School By Dan Kennedy, Principal
Weld Central Students “Walk Up”
On Wednesday, March 14, one month after the horrific school shooting in Parkland, Florida, students at Weld Central came together for a moment of silence to remember the fourteen students and three teachers who were lost on that day. Instead of participating in a ‘walk out’ on that day as students in many other schools were, our students chose to ‘walk up’ instead. They choose to walk up to seventeen students who they had never met before and meet them, or walk up to someone who seemed like they could use a friend and make them feel included and welcome. During the moment of remembrance, a number of WCHS students read the names of those lost. It was a moving time where our students all stood quietly in reflection and then were inspired to take their feelings and turn them into motivation for improving the culture at our own school. Students gathered after school that day to create positive messages on sticky notes that then were placed all over the school. Sticky notes in the hundreds were written and over a week later many are still on the walls of the school to encourage our students. Another step students have taken in response is to sign up to be greeters at the three main doors of the school every morning as students arrive at school. Groups from sports teams to every club in the school have signed up to participate and the goal is to have someone geet students at each door through the end of the school year. Weld Central students have shown maturity and compassion for their fellow students since this gathering, There are many ways students could have responded to this situation and our students took a step to help our school and we are proud! On March 16, the WCHS Athletics/Activities department hosted their 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off Fundraiser. The event was bigger and better than ever. Teams and clubs came together to raise money for their respective organizations and have a fun community event in the process. Combined, the teams raised an amazing $28,500. Thank you so much to all those that sponsored the event, helped cook chili, or attended. We have a great and supportive community without which, we would not be able to get all the things our kids need in order to be successful on and off the field!
Weld Central Students Athletics and Activites
Our spring sports are off to a great start as well. Baseball is off to a 6-2 start and participated in the La Junta Tournament over spring break. Upon returning from the break, the team will enter league play and has a strong chance to be in the mix for the championship.
The track team has been in full swing as well, seeing success both at the team level and the individual level.
Not to be outdone, the WCHS Activities department has a ton of events going on as we return from Spring break including: FFA Annual Blood Drive as well as their Flower Sales; FCCLA State Convention; FBLA State Leadership Conference; Knowledge Bowl is headed to the National Competition; Band and Choir will compete at the CHSAA Large Group Festivals; Jazz Band will compete at the UNC Jazz Festival Great things are happening in Rebel Country. For the latest and greatest information, check out website at: www.weldcentralrebels.com or like our Rebel Maniacs Facebook page!
Cardinal Community Academy By April Dowdy, Director
New Space Includes STEM Lab at CCA
The 2017-2018 school year is nearing the end, and the year has been marked with many exciting changes. Thanks to our great community, we were able to move into an additional 5,000 square feet of space in January. Just a few months later, it’s hard to remember what life was like without the space. The library is being used all day long, and the STEM class in the new lab has quickly become one of the favorite classes for the students. Not only are we thankful to our community, but our PTO was a wonderful support as we worked to make our new building welcoming and beautiful. The PTO purchased furniture for the new outdoor classroom, library, and STEM lab. This is in addition to providing teachers with needed items for classrooms and money for field trips. Although STEM has been a class that every student has had all year, since the lab opened in January, the possibilities have become endless. Students have explored coding through problem-solving with Ozobots and computer coding with a program called Scratch. The students also enjoy using Zometools and K’Nex to build 3-D shapes, and the online creations through a program called Tinkercad are impressive. During each class, students are presented with a challenge or problem to solve while learning important content in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Students are expected to work collaboratively and capture their learning through an ePortfolio. Thankfully, it has been possible to create a schedule that allows every student, kindergarten through 8th grade to participate in STEM learning, and we look forward to continue learning about the resources in the lab in the upcoming year.
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April 18, 2018
In the Colorado Governor’s Race, Republican Cynthia Coffman Collapses. Walker Stapleton and Greg Lopez Make the Ballot.
Corey Hutchins from Colorado Independent BOULDER — The rough-and-tumble Republican primary for governor narrowed down considerably in Colorado on Saturday with a tag team of stunners. Greg Lopez, the former Mayor of Parker who was running an underfunded underdog bid, joined front-runner and state Treasurer Walker Stapleton to push five other candidates off the ballot, while the campaign of Attorney General Cynthia Coffman burned to the ground in spectacular fashion. Coffman, the sitting statewide public official whose mixed-message campaign had tried to thread a needle of appealing to unaffiliated voters and to the conservative activist base smoldered on Saturday when the party’s delegates gave her only 6 percent of support. Instead, the roughly 3,000 party activists who filled an auditorium at the University of Colorado in Boulder— many of whom said they showed up undecided in the governor’s race— rallied around Stapleton, giving him top-line status on the June primary ballot with 43 percent of support. That might have been expected. Stapleton has beaucoup establishment backing and a hefty campaign war chest, despite a stunning turn of events that forced him through today’s assembly when he hadn’t planned on it. Only four days ago, the Bush-family relative with a background in banking and real estate had petitioned directly onto the ballot, but his campaign and the firm he hired to gather signatures was engulfed in a fraud scandal prompting Stapleton to ask the Secretary of State to ditch his petitions altogether. In Colorado, candidates can make a primary ballot for governor by gathering those signatures or going through the state assembly where they need 30 percent of the vote to stay alive. With seven candidates running through the assembly, only three could have emerged in the most balanced but also most unlikely scenario. Trying to navigate today’s grassroots gauntlet were also former Trump campaign official Steve Barlock, businessman Barry Farah, Larimer County Commissioner Lew Gaiter and Westcliff resident Teri Kear. As the campaigns made the case to delegates on the floor they battled anonymous flyers that fluttered around the convention hall attacking them. In one flyer, Coffman was called “delusional.” Another directed delegates to a website that acts as a clearinghouse for negative stories about Stapleton. During a critical point for candidates at the assembly, each gave a 10-minute speech where they put it all on the line. In interviews with roughly 30 delegates, a majority said they came to the convention undecided. Many said their vote would come down to who gave the best barnburner. Delegates voted on individual hand-held digital clickers after the last speech. In the end, the vote count is as pictured as above (some percentages are about a point off): When the vote tally went up on a big screen in the assembly hall, Lopez was bumrushed by supporters as he tried to walk down the convention staircase toward the stage. During his speech, it was clear he was connecting better than those before or after him. “Like President Trump, I support legal immigration, not illegal immigration,” the son of migrant field workers said. Lopez said he would work with the president on ending so-called sanctuary cities. He pitched himself as a “different” Republican candidate in a state that has only elected one Republican governor in the past 43 years. “Are we going to stand and let our great state become the ugly twin sister of California?” he bellowed. “Noooo!” He said he was pro-life and pro-Second Amendment, and would “die on the sword” to protect the state’s Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. He spoke of his humble beginnings, which he said would appeal to unaffiliated voters. “The values of the Hispanic community are conservative. I know how to communicate, engage with, and win the Hispanic vote. I am one of them. Unaffiliated voters, they want a strong leader.” He got the crowd to shout with him “United we win, divided we lose,” twice. As Lopez made his way through the crowd following the vote, a woman came up to him with a flyer in her hand, something that was circulating through the crowd of delegates.
April 18, 2018
Lost Creek Guide
Fred Estrian Takes on New Role to Promote Pedestrian Safety
As temps rise, CDOT’s Crosswalk Champion Protects Colorado Road Users
STATEWIDE — In 2017, pedestrian fatalities in Colorado reached an all-time high. Ninety-three lives were lost last year, up 11 percent from the 84 pedestrian fatalities in 2016 and up 45 percent from 2015 when 64 pedestrians died. To shed light on the importance of pedestrian safety, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is once again enlisting the assistance of veteran crosswalk champion, Fred Estrian, in its pedestrian safety campaign. First introduced in 2016, Fred Estrian, a play on the word “pedestrian,” is the lifesize walk signal man with a passion for protecting Colorado road users. This year, he has transformed into “Captain Fred Estrian,” a spoof on an airline captain, who
shares guidelines and safety tips that resonate with pedestrians and drivers alike. CDOT’s pedestrian safety campaign launches just in time for spring weather, as warmer temperatures tend to increase foot traffic on Colorado roadways. Beginning today through early May, Fred’s safety guidelines will run in the form of radio PSAs, social media advertisements, billboards and sidewalk chalk art. Radio spots imitate pre-flight safety demonstrations, while print and social media ads aim to emulate airplane safety manuals. The goal? To engage with pedestrians and drivers where they spend most of their time – online, outside and in their cars.
“Over the past two years, Fred Estrian’s light-hearted and paternal demeanor has grown to become the face of our pedestrian safety efforts and allows us to engage with road users in a direct, informative and entertaining way,” said Sam Cole, safety communications manager at CDOT. “We hope this year’s campaign will drive home the point that crosswalks play a critical role in preventing pedestrian fatalities.” As part of this year’s campaign, CDOT also installed sidewalk chalk art promoting pedestrian safety throughout the state. The chalk art, which reads “Stow your phone before crossing,” is displayed in 100 high-foot traffic areas across Colorado for a month to create impact among pedestrians in a non-traditional way. Pedestrian fatalities are an increasing problem in Colorado, most often occurring at non-intersections. In 2017, pedestrians represented 14.4 percent of all traffic fatalities statewide. CDOT’s pedestrian safety campaign aims to promote the importance of using crosswalks and encourage drivers to always yield to pedestrians. For more information about Colorado’s pedestrian laws and to view campaign materials, visit the CDOT website., visit the CDOT website.
Wiggins All School Reunion June 24
What? Wiggins All School Reunion Why? It’s the School District’s 135th birthday and the Town’s 130th When? Sunday, June 24, 2018 (opens 10:30; program 12:00; lunch 12:30) Where? The “old” gym, Main Street, Wiggins Who? Graduates, classmates, employees, families Cost? $15 adults, $10 age 12 and under covers catered lunch & other expenses To help us plan, please send your reservation/ check by May 31 to: Wiggins All School Reunion, 5299 Road L, Wiggins, CO 80654 Questions: Janet Roberts (970) 483-7309; Pat/Jack Frihauf (970) 483-6602; Joyce Tackabury (970) 483-6169 The Wiggins All School Reunion Committee also awards scholarships. Donations are greatly appreciated! Make checks to “Wiggins All School Reunion.”
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Lost Creek Guide
Hoyt Home Circle Update
On Wednesday April 11,2018 the Hoyt Home Circle met at the Hoyt Community Center for a meeting hosted by the 2018 officers. The meeting was called to order by President Marilyn Musgrave who welcomed everyone, thanked the hostesses, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Rosie Hirchert led in the club creed. Marilyn read from the Catholic Quotes Booklet. Members and honorary members Carol Becker and Norma Lingo answered the roll call of their maiden names and their mothers’ maiden names. The program was a silent auction. The May luncheon scheduled for May 9tth was discussed. The menu was decided with the main course confirmed and members assigned to bring either salads or desserts. Carol will get flowers which will be the center pieces as well as the door prizes. The entertainment was chosen. The 50/50 drawing and hostess gift were both won by Stacey Allen. The next meeting is scheduled for April 25th at 1:00 at the Hoyt Community Center and will be hosted by Martha Allen. The roll call will be donations for the Ft. Morgan Humane Society.
Support Your Local Small Businesses!
April 18, 2018
Safe Farm Award Winners
Greeley, CO - The Colorado Livestock Association would like to recognize those members and safety group participants, who have an outstanding safety record, with Colorado Livestock Association’s Safe Farm Award. Safe Farm Award Recipients Christensen Bros. Inc. – Weldona, CO Dvorak Feeders – Burlington, CO McClary Farms – Sedgwick, CO Shea Feedlot – Delta, CO The Safe Farm Award recipients were chosen based on several factors. The criteria includes: member of the CLA safety group for at least two years, an active cost containment certification, two years of a loss ratio less than 25%, average 2 days or less to report claims, meets their designated medical provider requirements. Since 2001, the Colorado Livestock Association’s Safety Group Program has paid out over $1.6 million in Safety Group Dividends to its policyholders. The CLA Safety Group Program has been in place since 2001 and benefits its members by: • Reducing Worker’s Compensation Premiums by promoting Safety and Claims Management in the Workplace • Providing an upfront 4% discount on your Worker’s Compensation Premium • Offering CLA Safety Group Policyholders the eligibility for a Safety Group Dividend, which is evaluated based on the overall performance of the CLA Safety Group and individual policyholders • Improving Risk Management and Loss Control • Aligning Industry Specific Safety Trainings and Materials • Providing Individualized Service from the CLA Safety Group Pinnacol Service Team Please call the CLA office at 970-378-0500, if you are interested in joining the CLA Safety group, or if you have questions about your safety program.
Andy’s Archaeological Corner
Perhaps the most common misconception regarding arrowheads found here in the Colorado High Plains is the fact that most of them are not arrowheads at all. As we mentioned in previous articles, Native Americans have been here for at least 13,000 years and it is believed that true arrowheads have only been in use for the last 1,800 years. Prior to that the projectile points are considered dart points which were launched using an atlatl which is basically a throwing stick. The dart points while shaped similarly to true arrowheads were usually much larger. Sometime around 1,800 years ago bow and arrows made their way into the High Plains, probably from either east of the Mississippi River or the desert southwest which had the technology earlier. By 1,500 years ago nearly everyone on the Plains, friends and enemies alike, was using very similar arrow point forms with slight tribal variations. The earliest recognized true arrowhead was made by the Avonlea Complex and was side- notched (lower left corner of photograph). Plains Corner-Notched Complex points developed next and were shaped very similarly to earlier corner-notched dart points but much smaller. The large Pelican Lake dart point in the center of the photograph is approximately 2,500 years old. The smaller corner-notched arrowheads which are shaped basically the same were used from 1,800 to 600 years ago. The Plains and Prairie SideNotched Complex points developed around 1,300 years before present and were used until about 200 years ago. The Plains Tri-Notched Complex points (three points at bottom right in photograph) were the last true stone arrowheads in use from 250 to 100 years ago. The triangular points (bottom center) are probably arrow point preforms and are commonly called Cottonwood Triangles. Although the preforms were sometimes used as is, most were corner-notched or side-notched as finished points. 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). The LAS is also always seeking new members who want to learn more about Native American cultures. Andy also offers artifact identification at no charge to anyone who has some points and would like to know what they are. Contact Andy at arrowhead@whatwire.com or by phone at 303-286-7711.
April 18, 2018
Help Keep Young Wildlife Wild This Spring in Colorado
Travis Duncan; CPW Statewide DENVER, Colo. - With spring appearing in every corner of Colorado, residents and visitors will soon see an abundance of new life, including young wildlife. Many birds and mammals give birth this time of year, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises that if you see young wildlife to leave them alone. Now through June, newborn wildlife may be found in backyards, along trails, open spaces or in some rare instances in parking lots. Colorado Parks and Wildlife receives numerous calls each year regarding young wildlife that has been "abandoned" by adult animals. And in pet-friendly Colorado, many humans are tempted to "help" a young animal by picking it up or trying to feed it. Well-meaning people sometimes bring baby wildlife to rehabilitation facilities or to CPW offices, but that's the wrong thing to do. There is simply no substitute for their natural parents. Wildlife experts want people to know that it is quite normal for adult animals to leave their young alone in a safe place while they go search for food. And in the case of baby birds, people are quick to deem them abandoned, though in most cases, they are just learning to fly and are likely very near their nests. "Baby mammals are scentless in order to prevent predators from finding them," said Janet George, senior terrestrial biologist for CPW. "When humans touch these animals, they leave behind a scent their adults will not recognize or may even fear. This can result in true abandonment of healthy offspring.It is best for people to leave them alone." Because birds do not have a highly developed sense of smell, baby songbirds can be picked up and moved out of harm's way or placed back in their nests if absolutely necessary. Raptors, however, are a different story; Great-horned owls and other raptors are territorial and have been known to fly directly at humans seen as a threat to their young. Deer fawns found in backyards are frequently brought to wildlife offices. They have not been abandoned so don't touch them. If you do encounter young wildlife on the trail or in your yard, leave the animal where it is, and be careful to keep pets out of the area. Use binoculars to quietly view the animal from a distance. It’s important not to get too close to the animals, nor linger near them, as human proximity and time spent in the area may make the wild parents afraid to return. If 24 hours pass and the parent does not return, or a young animal appears sick and weak, it is possible the newborn was abandoned or the parent may be unable to return due to sickness or death. In this instance, concerned citizens should call the nearest CPW office. The agency has teams available to determine if an animal truly needs aid and the ability to safely transport it to a certified wildlife rehabilitation center if necessary. Never move an animal yourself. In addition to potential harm to the animal, there is a potential for harm to humans. Handling wildlife poses risks, including disease transmission of rabies, distemper or other illnesses. Wildlife can also carry fleas that might subsequently spread disease to humans or pets. Finally, it is imperative for Coloradans to understand that there is a vast difference between wildlife and domesticated animals. It is illegal to feed or own most wildlife in Colorado, so despite best intentions, “adopting” a wild animal rarely leads to good outcomes. Hand-fed animals with no fear of humans are rarely returned to the wild due to their lack of survival skills. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to use methods that will give a wild animal the best chance of surviving upon release. CPW asks people to call the agency or these rehabilitators to ensure the best outcome for animals. For more information on living with wildlife, visit http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/ Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx
Container Gardening: Basics
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From Plant Talk Colorado Successful container gardening is based on choosing the right container, using soil that will drain properly while holding the moisture to prevent the plant from drying out, sufficient watering and fertilization, and providing the correct amount of light based on the plant’s needs. In selecting a container, proper drainage is the most important consideration, and watering needs will be based partly on whether the container is porous, as in a Container with salmon flowered Callibrachoa surrounded by other choice annualsterracotta pot, or the pot is glazed, allowing less water evaporation through the container itself. Potting soil should be porous, include organic material for moisture absorptionas well as free of weed seeds. Vermiculite, perlite, or water-holding polymers may be mixed in prior to planting to extend the time between waterings. It is important to group plants with similar moisture needs in one container, and check the soil daily, watering as needed. Controlled-release fertilizer can be added at the time of planting, with water-soluble fertilizer used to supplement or replace time-release products as needed throughout the growing season. When selecting plants and container locations, choose plant with similar needs, and make sure that the container will receive the required amount of sun exposure to assure success.
Main Street Insurance
Janet Huck Agent/Owner 20 Years Experience Local Agent • Personal Service
of Keenesburg
Auto - Home - Commercial - Farm 100 South Main Street • Keenesburg
303-732-4608
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Lost Creek Guide
Colorado Dahlia Society Hosting Two Flower Shows This Season
The Colorado Dahlia Society is hosting two flower shows this season. We invite you to come and enjoy our many varieties and sizes on display. Our first show is in Longmont at the Flower Bin Garden Center, 1805 Nelson Road on August 25 -26. The second show is at Paulino Gardens, 6300 North Broadway, in Denver, on September 8-9. Both are free for public viewing. The Denver show includes a photo contest. Pictures must be 8x10 size with white matting. Both shows include an arrangement category, one that compliments our theme of LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES! There is an Open Class as well as an Amateur Section at both shows. An education board is on display, and members are available to answer any questions. Visitors can sign up for information about our spring tuber sale. Judging starts at 10:00 each Saturday, and concludes about noon. Then all entries are open for public viewing and picture taking until Sunday at 4:00. Membership is not required to enter blooms. Entries are accepted from 7:00-10:00 each Saturday morning. Vases will be available in limited supply; blooms need to have at least two leaves. For further information and a picture gallery, visit our website, coloradodahlias.net, or call George at 303-232-8539 or Janet at 303-502-4295. COME VIEW SOME BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS!
April 18, 2018
— Obituaries — James Robert Vodicka February 3, 1939 - April 3, 2018 James Robert Vodicka, 79, Of Keenesburg, Colorado, passed away on April 3rd, 2018. James was born February 3, 1939, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin to James and Mary Vodicka. He spent his youth on a farm and graduated from Black River Falls High School in 1957. He joined the Air Force in 1962. Jim was always very appreciative of the skills he learned while serving his country and used them throughout the rest of his career. In 1967, when he was stationed in Great Falls, Montana, he met his wife Mary Jane Beer and they were married August 8, 1964. Jim was also stationed in Alaska and Washington and he attended college in Seattle, Washington. 1967 he joined United Airlines and worked at O’Hare International Airport until 1981. His next career step was with The United States Air Force as an Aviation Supervisor. 1984 found the Vodicka family leaving Illinois and moving to Denver Colorado where he was employed by the Federal Aviation Administration as an Aviation Safety Inspector until his retirement in 2001. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Jane, three children; Jennifer Bailey, Robert Vodicka and Deanna Maupin, 10 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ann, a nephew and numerous family members of his wife’s family. Services will be Monday, April 9, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roggin, Colorado. Viewing will be between the hours of 9:30 and 10:30, with the Rosary beginning at 10:30. Mass of Christian Burial will follow the rosary with Graveside Service immediately following the mass at Heart of the Plains Cemetery. A reception will be held in Jim’s honor at the Holy Family Parish Hall in Keenesburg, following the graveside service. Condolences may be sent to Mary Vodicka at P.O. Box 443, Keenesberg, CO 80643.
Support Your Local Small Businesses!
April 18, 2018
Lost Creek Guide
United Power Kids Demonstrate Safety Around Electricity
Announcing the Winners of the 2018 Electrical Safety Poster Contest Brighton, Colo. — United Power recently asked elementary students in its service territory to help demonstrate electrical safety in its annual Electrical Safety Poster Contest. Kids in grades kindergarten through fifth submitted creative and educational posters designed to teach family and friends how to stay safe around electricity. United Power will place winning poster designs on bus benches during the month of May, which is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month. Employees at the member-owned cooperative voted to select the following winners from each grade for the 2018 Electrical Safety Poster Contest: Zariah McPherson from Reunion Elementary, Joey Seymour from Platteville Elementary, Maddilyn Griffis from Bromley East Charter School, Sofie Archer from Landmark Academy, Troy Wymer from Hoff Elementary, and Kaydence States from Bromley East Charter School. Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all the students who entered their creative safety messages. Look for winning safety posters to appear through the cooperative service territory for the month of May. To review winning posters, go to: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Do5N7Xd5WdZKxrFn1 United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 83,000 homes and busineses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.
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1279 Rural Drivers Cited for Seat Belt Violations During Click it or Ticket Includes 62 Tickets for Unbuckled Children
STATEWIDE — Data shows that 16 percent of Coloradans do not wear seat belts. To encourage seat belt use in rural counties — which historically have low seat belt use rates — the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies recently conducted a Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement in rural counties. Law enforcement agencies cited 1279 drivers between March 26 and April 1, a slight decrease from the 1,341 citations issued during last year’s spring rural enforcement period. Of the citations issued, 62 were for improperly restrained children. “Seat belt use is the law in Colorado - and for a very good reason since it can save your life,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Buckling your seat belt is quick and easy. CDOT hopes that those who were cited remember to buckle up every time they enter a vehicle. You never know when you’ll be involved in a crash.” Forty seven agencies participated in the heightened enforcement, with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (82 citations), the Rifle Police Department (73 citations) and the Ft Lupton Police Department (61 citations) recording the highest number of tickets. CSP cited 680 drivers of the 1279 total citations. A full list of the citations issued is available at SeatBeltsColorado.com. Fines for not buckling up start at $65, and parents or caregivers caught with an improperly restrained child can receive a minimum fine of $82. “Cars have evolved in countless ways over the past 50 years, but the one feature that hasn’t changed much is seat belts. There is a reason for that,” said Col. Matthew Packard, Chief of the CSP. “Seat belts save lives. Remember to buckle up every trip regardless of the distance or speed you are traveling.” The Click It or Ticket campaign will return for the May Mobilization enforcement beginning May 21 to June 3. Last year, nearly 6,000 unrestrained drivers were cited during the May Mobilization enforcement. Colorado’s Seat Belt Laws • Adults — Colorado has a secondary enforcement law for adult drivers and frontseat passengers. Drivers can be ticketed for violating the seat belt law if they are stopped for another traffic violation. • Teens — Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law requires all drivers under 18 and their passengers, no matter what their age, to wear seat belts. This is a primary enforcement, meaning teens can be pulled over simply for not wearing a seat belt or having passengers without seat belts. • Children — Colorado's Child Passenger Safety law is a primary enforcement, meaning the driver can be stopped and ticketed if an officer sees an unrestrained or improperly restrained child under age 16 in the vehicle. In 2016, 182 people who weren't buckled up lost their lives in traffic crashes on Colorado roadways. If everyone had buckled up, nearly half of the victims would have lived. Last year, 211 unbuckled drivers and passengers were killed in Colorado, accounting for nearly half of the 399 passenger vehicle traffic crashes.
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Lost Creek Guide
Weldon Valley News
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April 18, 2018
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By G.L.A.D. Club The snow did come, but it passed over us. On to the east it piled up. Maybe we get those April showers soon. Smile a little: Young Woman-“The seven ages of a woman are 1-baby, 2- child, 3girl, 4- young woman, 5-young woman, 6-young woman, and 7- posied social leader.” Community News: It was spring luncheon for members of the Goodrich, Learn and Do Club in Wiggins at the Out West senior Center. Florence Barnett and Opal Cooper were hostesses. Sixteen members a delicious salad luncheon as everyone share a favor treat. President Antoinette Pacheco opened the meeting leading the pledge to the Flag. Members recalled family in the military. Roll call was answered with members recalling their favorite color and flower. Many colors were remembered but the rose was the most popular. Correspondence was received and several cards of encouragement were to sent to both members and community members. The sale at the PTO Craft was a successful event. Many noodle and angel food cake were sold. President Pacheco led a discussion on six steps for parliamentary procedure. It was very informative to the membership. A committee was formed to update the address directories on roads, Y.5, 5, and 6. The project will be completed during the summer. Alison Snider of the Morgan County Department of human Services was the guest speaker. As manager of the department she was able to present information on Medicare and Medicaid requirements. Many question were answered. Those present were: Merri Armentrout, Carol Baber, Florence Barnett, Gertie Chapin, Gerri Cooper, Opal Cooper, Carol Covelli, Sammie Covelli, Mary Ellen Higgins, Joan Lambert, Dorothy Osborn, Antoinette Pachecom Vicki Peska, Lori Pogue, Judy Shaver, Joy Wilson. Church chat: The St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church will celebrate mass at 5:00 p.m. on each Saturday with Father Francisco J. Garcia. Confession will be celebrated before mass. There will no Sunday Mass. Weldon valley Presbyterian Church in Goodrich has Christian education and worship at 10 a.m. each Sunday. Pastor Sue can be reach at 970-518-8989 The congregation continues to donate food to Rising Up for the Food Bank. In light of recent attacks on churches and school the community is invited to attend an evening concerning Church Safety led by Rev. Joseph Moore on Tuesday, April 17, from 6- 8 p.m. at the church Goodrich. School scoop: Moms and Sons danced the night away at the first annual Prom. It was a full house with sons of all ages spinning around with their dates. It was a great evening. It’s spring time and that means preschool and kindergarten registration and child fin screenings. This special day is April 20. Contact Shan for, 970-645-09808 for details. 4-H News: The Weldon Valley 4-H Club met on Sunday with President hope Baessler calling the meeting to order. Aurora Ellingen led the Pledge of Allegiance and Jasmyn Thompson led the 4- h Pledge. The members answered roll call with their favorite season – spring, summer, fall or winter. Minutes were read by secretary, Kandice Knapp. Members celebrating April birthdays were: Britney Filter, Kimber Heid, Axel Lorenzini and Skylar Scott. The Clover Bud activity was Pipe Cleaner Art. The Murdoch’s Barbeque fundraiser is April 21. The Club will have an opportunity to plant flowers a Valley View Villa in May. Plans were made for the Club Tour a date to be made at the next meeting. Demonstrations were presented by Hope Baessler on “canning” and Chloie Cuckow and Dan Johnston on “Global Citizenship”. The next meeting is May 6th, at 6:00 p.m. For information club activities contact leader Kathy Wood at 970-768-3661. What’s cookin’: Rules of Chocolate-1.Chocolate covered raisins, cherries, orange slices and strawberries all count as fruit, so eat as many as you want. 2-If calories are an issue, store your chocolate on the top of the fridge. Calories are afraid of heights, and they will jump out of chocolate to protect themselves. 3-Money talks. Chocloate sings. 4-Put “Eat Chocolate” at the top of your to-do list today. That way, at least you’ll get one thing down. 5-Diet tip: Eat a chocolate bar before each meal. It’ll take the edge off your appetite and you’ll eat less. First facts: 1931- On March 3, “The Star –Spangled Banner” became the national anthem of the United States. Weldon Valley History: Fort Morgan Times, “Looking Back”, 40 years-Members of the Oddfellows Lodge at Orchard assisted my members of the Weldona Farmers Union, deposited $353.60 to the credit of Infantile Paralysis fund. The money was amount netted by the lodge in its annual March of Dimes held at Orchard last week. The benefit dance of the march of Dimes has been held regularly by the organization as it contribution toward fighting paralysis.” Calendar: Tuesday, April 17, 6 p.m. Board of Education; senior high baseball at home with Prairie. Wednesday, April 18, FBLA State Conference in Vail. Thursday, April 19, 7 p.m., Kindergarten Musical. Friday, April 20, junior high track; preschool and kindergarten pre registration. Saturday, April 21, senior high track. Thought for the day: “If spring came once a century instead of once a year, what wonder and expectation there would be in all hearts to behold the miraculous change!” Longfellow
April 18, 2018
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Lost Creek Guide
Service Directory Computer Support Repair, Service & Sales
Open Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm Family Medical Care for All Ages
Reliable, Local, Professional
Roggen Telephone Company
303-849-5260
Jim & Bonnies
190 So. Main St. Keenesburg
303-732-4268 Stagecoach Meat Co., LLC Custom Meat Processing, Retail Smoked Meats, Steaks, Sausages, Jerky & Pies The VonLoh Family 600 W. 3rd Ave., Wiggins, CO 80654
SIGNS
Badges - Engraving - Hand Lettering P.O. Box 488 Keenesburg, CO 80643
303-732-4771 Jim Bahr 303-905-0491
970-483-7280
Announcement 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
Dependable Plumbing L.L.C. Your Satisfaction is Our Reputation
Services
213 Dickson • Wiggins, CO 80654
970-483-7733
Repair • New Construction • Septic Systems • RO Systems Water Conditioning Units • Hot Water Heat
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Assistance for Roggen, Keenesburg, Prospect Valley, & Hudson Call to Request Assistance
Call Mon. - Thurs. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
303-732-4319
Classifieds Work Contact us at Editor@lostcreekguide.com
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
Dave Haney- Painting Interior/exterior house, barn, and outbuilding drywall patching located in platteville 720-217-2089 davehaney1958@gmail.com Gordon Johnson- Handyman 303-908-6763 Locks, doors, windows, cabinets, carpentry, drywall repair, painting, small concrete jobs I treat every client as if they were my only client.
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Lost Creek Guide
Battle in Broomfield: Delegates Casting Ballots for Dem Hopefuls with Talk of a “Blue Wave”
John Herrick from Colorado Independent BROOMFIELD —More than 3,000 Democratic delegates packed the 1st Bank Center on Saturday, fanning themselves with campaign posters and showing their support for Democratic candidates seeking to get on the June 26 primary ballot through the party assembly process. Cheers went up for Senator Bernie Sanders, who won big in the 2016 Democratic caucus when running as a candidate for U.S. president. Several Democratic party diehards attending the event wore Bernie 2016 pins. “I’m a progressive, I’m h a p p y when I hear progressive values being recognized. You know, ‘union’ isn’t a bad word,” said Paul Pearson, chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen CO State Legislative Board from Centennial. Delegates sounded optimistic, speaking of blue wave that led to surprise Democratic victories in Congressional special elections across the country last year. Colorado is a swing state and pivotal ground for both parties. During the opening speeches, students drew strong applause when talking about school safety — a national conversation that has gained salience in the wake of the deadly school shooting in Parkland, Florida. “Guns cannot drive out guns,” said Tay Anderson, president of Never Again Colorado, a group students seeking to end gun violence, said of proposed laws to arm teachers. “Only mental health counselors can do that.” Monty Sooter, of Boulder, said something needs to change on Colorado’s gun laws. “I like to give the example (that) it takes years of education for someone to cut my hair, but we don’t have anything like that to own a weapon,” said Sooter, an officer in the Navy and a hunter, who called for universal background checks. At the top of the ticket is the Democratic race for governor. Former state treasurer Cary Kennedy, who won big in her Denver precinct assembly, is expected to easily clear the 30 percent threshold of delegate votes needed to make the primary ballot. So, too, is Congressman Jared Polis, who has less to lose. Polis also has petitioned onto the b a l l o t , spreading his risk. Erik Underwood, a former Republican, is also going through the assembly. The winners will face off against state Sen. Mike Johnston and Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne,, both of whom petitioned on to the ballot. The most closely watched down-ticket race is for the Democratic nomination for the Attorney General’s Office. Joe Salazar, a Democratic representative from Thornton who is a member of the progressive Doghouse Dems, will face off with Amy Padden, a Denver prosecutor who served as executive assistant U.S. Attorney under Loretta Lynch, and Phil Weiser, a former Obama administration official and served as dean of the University of Colorado Law School from 2011 to 2016. The Secretary of State’s race will be between Jena Griswold, a business owner and lawyer, who worked on President Barack Obama’s campaign as a voter protection attorney in 2012. She will be running against Phillip Villard. Gov. John Hickenlooper opened the assembly by bashing President Donald Trump’s attacks on national security and the media. He said that he is finishing his second term and preparing to leave office, his job is to make sure Democratic voters know how important this election is. “We are the party that speaks to people from all walks of life. We have integrity, we tell the truth. We believe in facts,” Hickenlooper said. “And we are going to be on the right side of history.” Photos by John Herrick. The 2018 Democratic Party Assembly in Broomfield, Colorado on April 14, 2018
Update
As expected, Cary Kennedy and Jared Polis make the Democratic primary ballot, with Kennedy winning about 62 percent of the delegate vote, twice as much as she needed to clear the threshold for the primary.
April 18, 2018
CDOT Survey Reveals New Insight on Marijuana and Driving Nearly 70 Percent of Cannabis Consumers Said They’ve Driven High in the Past Year
STATEWIDE — Preliminary data from CDOT’s Cannabis Conversation shows that 69 percent of cannabis consumers have driven under the influence of marijuana at least once in the past year — with 27 percent admitting they drive high almost daily. Forty percent of recreational users and 34 percent of medical users said they don’t think being under the influence of marijuana affects their ability to drive safely. About 10 percent of all users think it makes them a better driver. As part of a statewide initiative to gather feedback about marijuana-impaired driving, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) collected survey responses from more than 11,000 anonymous marijuana users and nonusers who shared their opinions, habits and behaviors on the topic. “What this information tells us is that Colorado still has a lot of work to do in order to change behavior,” said Sam Cole, CDOT Communications Manager. “CDOT has been successful in raising awareness about the laws and consequences of driving high, but now our big focus is on how we can turn that awareness into action and increase safety on our roadways.” Colorado continues to see marijuana-involved traffic crashes that result in serious consequences. In 2016, there were 51 fatalities that involved a driver with active THC in their blood above 5 nanograms, the legal limit. In February, CDOT, together with partners across the state representing the marijuana industry, community nonprofits, universities, law enforcement and others, launched The Cannabis Conversation to gain a better understanding of public perceptions, social norms and behavior patterns surrounding marijuana use and driving. CDOT opened an online survey as part of this research, as well as conducted a series of public meetings, events and interviews to talk directly with people in the community. “This is a complex issue, evidenced in the fact that we’re seeing quite a few mixed messages from our outreach,” said Cole. “While forty percent of recreational users said they don’t think being under the influence of marijuana affects their ability to drive safely, almost half of all survey participants said driving under the influence of marijuana puts people in danger.” Other key findings from the survey include: • More than two-thirds (69 percent) of all respondents know that if you drive high, you can get a DUI. • Half of all cannabis users surveyed say they consume less cannabis when they know they will need to drive. • Of people who have consumed marijuana within the last year, 56 percent say they drive themselves to get around when they’re under the influence of marijuana. Walking, getting a ride from someone sober and using Uber or Lyft were the next most common ways people get around when high. • Among non-users, 35 percent say they have been a passenger with a driver who is under the influence of marijuana. All of the survey results are available to view online at ColoradoCannabisConvo. com. Prevalent issues that rose to the top during CDOT’s public meetings and in-person interviews include the need for better research and testing for measuring marijuana impairment. Participants also agreed that dispensaries are a trusted source of information and should play a key role in educating marijuana consumers about the laws and dangers of driving high. “This isn’t something that law enforcement can solve, or something CDOT can solve, or something the marijuana industry can solve. We have to work together and be honest with each other about the challenges,” said Todd Mitchem, managing partner of Dacorum Strategies, a Denver-based government affairs and community outreach firm for the cannabis industry that has partnered with CDOT on this campaign. “It’s important to figure this out together and I think we’re on the right path by doing things like this that keep an open dialogue among the public, the industry and government. We must commit as a culture to working together and holding each other accountable regarding impaired driving,” added Mitchem. CDOT plans to use what it learns in The Cannabis Conversation to develop more effective education and awareness campaigns in the future that will help curb marijuana-impaired driving and improve safety on Colorado’s roads. The survey will remain open through early summer, so the public still has time to voice their opinion by visiting ColoradoCannabisConvo.com. These are preliminary results, and a comprehensive report will be available in summer 2018. CDOT will also be continuing The Cannabis Conversation at the Mile High 420 Festival at Civic Center Park on Friday, April 20, where it will be sharing preliminary research findings and seeking additional feedback from festival-goers. CDOT also wants to remind everyone to travel safe on 4/20 and plan for a sober ride if they choose to consume. For the second year in a row, CDOT is working alongside Lyft to offer discounted Lyft rides on 4/20 — 20 percent off a ride in Denver (up to $4.20) with the code 420DEN. To learn more about The Cannabis Conversation and Colorado’s drugged driving laws, and to view preliminary survey results, visit ColoradoCannabisConvo.com.