The Lost Creek Guide July 07, 2021

Volume 14 • Edition 13

July 7, 2021

Delivering to over 11,600 homes & businesses in rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties

“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson

Anna & Louie Chioda Retirement Gathering at The South East Weld Fair Grounds

Friend and family gathered to wish Anna & Louie Chioda a fond farewell as they retired from the Keene Market after forty years. Turn out was a good and many fond memories were exchanged. Many giving thanks to Anna & Louie for all they had done to support the community. Kevin McCarthy of the Keenesburg American Legion Post 180, accompanied by members Rod Cole and Steve Arnold, presented Anna & Louie a certificate of recognition for all that they done to support the community and the American Legion over the years. Thank you to all the people who contributed time and effort to make this event a memorable one for Anna & Louie. We all wish them our best as they begin a new chapter in their life.

See More Pictures on Page 5

Phyllis B. Forsha Memorial Levee Trail Dedicated as Part of Wiggins July 4 Celebration

As a part of the Fourth of July celebrations, on Sunday, July 4, the town dedicated the Phyllis B. Forsha Memorial Levee Trail with a plaque. Forsha served as mayor of Wiggins for 14 years and was instrumental in the construction of the levee which was designed to protect the citizens of Wiggins from floods.

The dedication took place at County Road P and Main Street. The location of the dedication was important because it looks out over the levee and water shed.

Forsha always had a forward vision and cared very deeply for this town, said Mayor Pro-Tem David Herbtstman. She was the mayor from 1976 to 1990 and in that time she really set a pathway for Wiggins, Herbtsman added.

The children of former mayor Phyllis Forsha were on hand for the dedication of the Phyllis B. Forsha Memorial Levee Trail, along with members of their respective families. Pictured are Robert Forsha, Virginia Olson, Sharon Palmer, and Patricia Crites.

Wiggins Ag Teacher Wins Award at Annual Ag Teachers’ Conference Rockie Ernst is awarded the Outstanding Service Citation Award

Sterling, June 17, 2021. Colorado Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (CVATA), the professional organization of Colorado agriculture education teachers, announced today that Rockie Ernst, Wiggins High School Agriculture Education teacher and FFA Advisor, was named the winner of the Outstanding Service Citation Award for Colorado at their annual summer conference banquet. This award recognizes current and retired CVATA members who have made significant contributions to agricultural education at the state, regional, and national levels with the Outstanding Service Citation. ““Mr. Ernst sets the example for all educators. Even after his years of experience, he is always giving back to the organization and continues to participate in professional development.

I appreciate Mr. Ernst’s service to our organization, FFA, and agriculture,” said Danica Farnik, Fort Morgan High School agriculture educator.

Mr. Ernst has earned this award by always being involved in his local community, assisting other State & District Ag Teachers, and providing assistance to other organizations that support Ag Education.

Congratulations Rockie Ernst for receiving the Outstanding Service Citation award!

Rockie also completed his three Rockie Ernst, Wiggins Ag Instructor, awarded Outstanding Service Citation Award at the Annual year term as a CVATA Officer. He CVATA Banquet. He was also recognized as a 35- served as Secretary, President-Elect year member in CVATA. and served this past year as President.

Mr. Ernst also served as a CVATA Officer in 2001-2004. He was the second Ag Instructor in Colorado that has served two different terms.

Rockie was also awarded a certificate, pin and a cash award for having been a CVATA member for 35 years. He earned this recognition last year, but because of Covid, CVATA did not have a Face to Face Banquet. Mr. Ernst is currently beginning his 37th year as an Ag Instructor. He has been at Wiggins High School his entire career.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE:

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: Remembering Ronald Dean Ceretto Page 3: Community UMC Thanks Marcie Weeks Page 8: Town of Wiggins 4th of July Parade Page 9: Barr Lake Receives No Trace Left Behind Designation Page 10: Ag Coalition Applauds Initiative 16 Ruling Page 11: Colorado Sees Unemployment Claims Jump Page 12: Wiggins Fire Department Annual Breakfast Page 13: Brighton to Feature Wall That Heals Page 14: This is How Many People Work for the Government Page 16: Thornton Reverses Weld County Denial of Pipeline

Page 2

– Way of the World –

Lost Creek Guide

by Bob Grand The 4th of July is a day to celebrate America. Today there are some in our country who believe we should not celebrate but apologize for what America is. I do not believe that. I am proud to be an American. I am proud of what it represents. Has our country been perfect, no, but it is a whole lot better than what most of the world offers its citizens. The fact that people have the right to have and express these views is a statement about what America is. It is unfortunate that we have people, supported by politicians, media, and organizations that feed on hate and divisiveness, rather than focus on working together to develop solutions to problems, they incite and benefit from discord. Over one million and a half men and women have made the ultimate sacrifice, since our founding, to protect the rights of individuals to live in a free society. That is what America is about. We should expose the charlatans who preach hate and profit by it.

I had the chance to attend the Firestone and Wiggins Annual 4th of July parades this year.

They were a site to behold. People honoring our country and displaying the American flag.

Many people around the world do not understand the meaning that the American flag has for Americans. It is a relationship that is very American, and quite frankly, incredibly unique in the world. Lots of folks participated in the parade with the accompanying floats but far more lined the parade routes. Families, individuals, old people, young people, families, and friends celebrating what America is, a glorious land of opportunity. It was fascinating to see how many families with lots of young people of all ages that participated. Listening to the media and the discontents you would think that America is a failed place. In Firestone and Wiggins, the message was clear. God Bless America, the American people, and our country. I suspect that was true in many places across America on July 4th. The majority of American people are not ashamed of America. They are proud of it. Many people are beginning to realize what and who these proponents of hate and discord are. We will see how that translates in upcoming elections where the American electorate will let politicians know how they feel about politicians who do not stand up and defend the American values that represent the best of what America is.

Meanwhile on the other side of the world is China. We have a system that allows the expression of differences of opinion, the mainland Chinese do not. China is continuing to be a worrisome place. Their development plans are not tracking what they would have liked. Their economy is not doing well on a variety of fronts. Their President’s desire to punish Australia by not buying their coal has badly backfired and cause serve electrical shortages. Their handling of COVID 19 has not gone well. Their policy of total denial and no transparency has not told a good tale. At the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese Communist Party, July 1st, 1921. President Xi Jimping made some strong statements, stating that China will not accept “ sanctimonious preaching from those who feel they have a right to lecture us.”. He reiterated that China wants to work towards the peaceful reunification with Taiwan. China today is in land disputes with almost every country that borders the country. The issues continue to leak out: organ harvesting, the Hong Kong issue, the Uyghur’s repression is just some of the issues that China is trying to deal with. Within the country, easier, because the media is controlled. Not so easy out in the rest of the world. The reality is that China’s population is seriously aging and how do you handle that in a society that once cared for its older citizens within the family, a process that has seriously eroded. There are many in our country, in many areas of business, who view 1.4 billion people as a market opportunity that should not be offended. The Chinese have always viewed themselves as masters of the long game. Are we comfortable that our government is prepared to face the Chinese issue with the resolve required or will its cave, as the English Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain did with his policy of placating the Nazi’s, assuming if you give them a little they will be satisfied? We all know what that got us…World War Two. I think our metal will be tested sooner than later. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue it is a national issue. I just wonder how good are all the PhD advisors that academia provides who have no real common sense. I just hope our leaders we have the moral strength to do the right thing.

It is difficult for us, in each of our own small part of the world, to comprehend what this is all about and how it works. We have to have faith and belief that our leaders do the right thing. I am afraid that our elected leaders at the national, state, county and even local levels are getting further away from contact with the people who elected them. Recognize it is whole lot easier for a politician to ignore their constituents. They do not have to answer those pesky questions about what they are really doing, and perhaps, more importantly, what they are not doing. We are increasingly being governed by bureaucrats and their support staffs in an increasingly technical bureaucracy where you are not encouraged to participate for fear of exposing your ignorance. COVID 19 was an easy excuse for this. Staff, at all levels, gets comfortable by not having the public exercise its right to participate. It is easier. The answer should not be what is easier.

The answer is to strive to get better participation, encourage dialogue, after which, conceivably, better decisions are made. We, as citizens, need to make sure we participate to a level we are comfortable with. That, in some cases , may make our elected officials uncomfortable. Too bad.

You are supposed to work for the people, all the people.

Your comments and thoughts are always appreciated: publisher@lostcreekguide.com

The Lost Creek Guide, Llc Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com Our deadline is 7 working days before publication

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July 7, 2021

A Message from the Colorado Republican Party

Dear Colorado Republicans, Let’s start with some great news! This week, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that the “PAUSE Act” could not collect signatures in our state. This proposed ballot initiative would have devastated our farmers and ranchers and made it impossible for them to operate in Colorado. The Supreme Court was correct, and you can read my statement on their decision here. As Republicans, we must -- and we will -- repair the rural/urban divide that Democrat control has created.

This week, Secretary of State Jena Griswold issued emergency rules that left many questioning whether she believes in the transparency of elections. (The obvious answer is no, she does not.) I called out Jena for being a partisan hack and pursuing her own personal gain instead of the rights of all Colorado citizens.

Elections are an important topic of conversation because all free nations must keep the people’s faith in the transparency and integrity of their election system.

Citizens of all political parties should be able to trust in a reliable system where every valid vote is counted accurately.

Elections belong to the citizens, not to a partisan individual like Jena Griswold.

This is why I hope that, if you care about election integrity, you will join us in campaigning for a Republican to replace Jena. Our party will choose a candidate who believes in bipartisan citizen involvement, not the rule of overstepping, career politicians like Jena. We believe that elections should not take place behind closed doors, and that we must restore the transparency that builds confidence and enthusiasm in voting.

I know that many of our Republican Clerk and Recorders are going above and beyond in theircounties, providing an extra level of transparency in elections for the citizens they serve. Chuck Broerman, El Paso County Clerk, recently conducted an independent audit, showing that the local voting systems in El Paso County work.

Dallas Schroeder, Elbert County Clerk, used a bi-partisan team of four seasoned election judges to conduct a hand re-count of the presidential election, also confirming that the local voting systems in Elbert County work. I’m honored to have people like Chuck and Dallas representing Republicans, because they build back confidence in voting for all citizens.

The only sure way to lose an election is not to vote at all. This is one of the reasons that we are running the first Election Integrity Operations Committee at the State Party. Boulder County’s Emily Brake is leading the charge to ensure that voters who care about transparent, secure elections can be part of the citizen team holding government accountable. If you want to be trained early as a poll watcher or an election judge, email electionintegrityco@gmail.com or sign up here. With the proper training, citizens can have their own eyes in the room at Voting Centers during elections.

Thank you for your dedication to ensuring that America remains a nation of fair and secure voting where the voice of every citizen can be accurately heard. Please join our elections team and be ready to work hard to replace Jena Griswold in 2022. The road to transparent, reliable elections starts with removing Jena from office -- and that’s something we can all agree on!

Kristi Burton Brown Chairwoman | Colorado GOP

Women’s Fund of Weld County Opens 2021 Grant Cycle

Greeley, Colo., June 27, 2021—The Women’s Fund of Weld County today announced the opening of the 2021 Grant Cycle. Grant applications are now being accepted for nonprofit organizations that address unmet needs of women and girls in Weld County.

“In 2020, the Women’s Fund awarded over $33,000 in grants to local non-profits with programs that support our mission,” said Carrie Walker, President of the Women’s Fund of Weld County. “We are honored to have the opportunity to help improve the lives of women and girls in Weld County. And, in 2021, we are pleased to announce the additional option of offering grants to qualifying non-profits to cover operating expenses for the 2021 grant cycle.”

Non-profit organizations (501(c)(3)), or groups within these organizations are encouraged to apply. The submission deadline is August 31, 2021.

Please visit our website at www.weldwomensfund.org to learn more about the criteria, application requirements and to apply. Grants for this cycle will be from $500 to $5,000 and applicants will be notified by October 1, 2021, if they have been approved.

About The Women’s Fund The Women’s Fund of Weld County, Inc. was founded in 1999 by women from the community dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls. The Women’s Fund, a charitable fund of the Weld Community Foundation, was established with the purpose of creating a permanent fund to find, fund and nurture programs that address unmet needs of women and girls in Weld County to enable them to become self-confident, independent, contributing members of the community. Over the life of the fund, more than $377,000 has been awarded from The Women’s Fund to Weld County organizations.

July 7, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

Community UMC Thanks Marcie Weeks

On Saturday, June 12, 2021, Community United Methodist Church held a Thank You party for Marcie Weeks. Marcie will soon be moving out-of-state, and we wanted to thank Marcie for her dedication and hard work for the Church and for the Keenesburg community. Musical entertainment was provided by Rick and Mickie Hass. Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this a special day for Marcie.

Marcie brings joy to everyone she meets, and we will miss her very much. Happy Trails, Marcie!

USDA Invests $185 Million to Improve Rural Community Facilities and Essential Services in 32 States Funding will Help Provide Rural Health Care, Emergency Response Services and Long-Term Disaster Recovery

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is investing $185 million to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas of 32 states (PDF, 404 KB). The investments will benefit 3 million rural residents.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in infrastructure improvements a priority,” Maxson said. “These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities, such as schools, libraries, hospitals and health clinics. They also will help rural communities continue to beat the COVID-19 pandemic as America builds back better and stronger.”

Background: USDA is investing in 233 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Of these, 74 awards, totaling $4 million, will help communities with their long-term recovery efforts following natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.

The Department is making investments in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Below are examples of today’s investments: • In California, the El Dorado County Community Health Center is receiving an $18.5 million loan to build a medical facility for residents and workers in and around Placerville. The center is a key player in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in El Dorado County. It also provides medical, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy and substance misuse treatment services.

• In West Virginia, the Boys and Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle is receiving an $800,000 loan to purchase a facility to house the club’s child care services. Its child care program is open to all children who live in Morgan County. The club will rent a portion of the facility to a non-profit health care provider.

• In North Carolina, the Potters Hill Volunteer Fire Department is receiving a $375,000 disaster grant and a $795,000 direct loan to replace three, high-mileage, unreliable fire trucks. The new trucks will provide essential fire protection and emergency services primarily for rural residents and businesses in Duplin County in eastern North Carolina. Many parts of the area suffered considerable damage from Hurricane Matthew in 2016 and Hurricane Florence in 2018.

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.

To learn more about Community Facilities Program funding opportunities, contact a USDA Rural Development state office. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the BidenHarris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www. usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

- Obituary

Page 3

RONALD DEAN CERETTO Ron Ceretto, of Fort Lupton, CO, departed this earth to be with the Lord on May 27, 2021. He was 82 years old.

He was born on 2nd street in Fort Lupton, CO on October 22, 1938, to Robert & Muriel (Hannaman) Ceretto. He graduated from Fort Lupton High School in 1956, where he achieved a four bar/four-star letter in sports. After high school Ron received a sports scholarship to attend Colorado State College of Education, now known as University of Northern Colorado.

He married the love of his life, Judy Royal, on September 1, 1957, and was blessed with 63 wonderful years of marriage. Together they had two children: son, Mike and daughter, Dawn. They were the light of his life. Ron loved his family. He was very active in all aspects of their lives. Family gatherings, fishing, vacations, hot air balloons and attending sports events were a huge part of his life.

An important and major part of Ron’s life was the Fort Lupton Volunteer Fire Department. He joined the department in 1958.

Ron served as a volunteer firefighter for 27 years and of those 23 years he held the office of Chief. He was instrumental in the development of Fire Station #1. In 2004, he was honored with his name placed on Fire Station #2, along with Don McPherson. While serving on the fire department he also was a member of the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District board, Northern Colorado Fire Fighters Association, and International Fire Chief’s Association.

Ron’s career occupation was in a family business. He worked with his father, Bob, at Bob’s Super Service. In 1976, he and his wife Judy purchased the family business naming R & M Services. The name it still holds today. They also operated school buses for the Weld County RE 8 School District. Ron and Judy retired in 2004 in hopes of traveling.

Ron had numerous awards and achievements throughout his lifetime: Colorado’s Jaycee Member Award, Everett Hogelin Memorial Award, Outstanding Business Award, and Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Fort Lupton.

Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Fort Lupton where he served on numerous committees. He also was on various boards and community committees: Field of Honor, South Platte Historical Society, Jaycee’s, Rotary, City of Fort Lupton’s Planning Committee, Lupton Lodge #119, A.F.& A. M., A&A Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, and Order of Eastern Star.

Ron is survived by his wife, Judy; son, Mike (Gwen) Ceretto; daughter, Dawn Ceretto; grandchildren, Corey Ceretto, Chris Ceretto, Bobbi Jo Rhoades, Robyn (Gary) Stover; great grandchildren, Aydin Nunez, Serenity Rhoades, Krista & Clayton Stover. He is also survived by siblings: Marlene Stieber, Sue (Joe) Hubert and Raymond (Nina) Davis; brother and sisters-in-law, Phil and Joan Gabel and Vicki Ceretto; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert S. and Muriel Ceretto; stepmother, Phyllis Ceretto; brothers, Robert and Jesse Ceretto; and sister, Shirley Olin.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, June 26, 2021, at McPherson/Ceretto Fire Station #2 (2999 9th Street in Fort Lupton) at 10:00 am. We kindly ask that you stay home if you are feeling ill and that you wear a mask if you have not been vaccinated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s name to the Fort Lupton United Methodist Church, 306 Park Ave., Fort Lupton, Colorado 80621. Donations will go to the STAINED-GLASS WINDOW FUND & HOPE AT MIRACLE HOUSE. Ron’s life story and your condolence can be shared at https://www.facebook.com/rmservices or www.taborfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Tabor Funeral Home of Brighton, CO.

The End of an Era

Country Do it Best Hardware Thanks Customers for Their 40 Years of Support

Dear valued customers, Our journey began in 1981 when our mother, Phyllis, purchased the hardware retail business from her siblings. For the next 40 years, we worked to grow and nurture this small hardware store into the successful business it is today. We have been blessed and rewarded in many ways and have enjoyed the challenges that come with owning a business. The community has generously supported us and we couldn’t have asked for a better community to represent.

The Country Hardware has been our heart and soul, but it is time to pursue other interests and take time for ourselves and families. So, it is bittersweet to announce the sale of our business. This decision was not taken lightly, but we are confident we found a family that will continue our legacy.

We welcome Matt and Carolyn OPatik as new owners of Country Hardware. They will do their absolute best to meet your needs and keep Country Hardware a successful business in the Wiggins community. We ask that you support and bless them as you have our family.

We, Robert and Trish, will be part of this transition for several months.

We are here to answer question, address concerns, or just spend a few minutes visiting.

We cannot thank you enough for the support you have given us the past 40 years.

Robert and Trish

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Lost Creek Guide

July 7, 2021

USDA, FCC, and NTIA Announce Interagency Agreement to Coordinate Broadband Funding Deployment

Broadband Integrity Coordination Act Prompted Agency Leaders to Improve Information Sharing to Best Deploy Federal Broadband Funds

WASHINGTON, June 25, 2021 — Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced an interagency agreement (PDF, 274 KB) to share information about and coordinate the distribution of broadband deployment federal funds. In accordance with the Broadband Interagency Coordination Act, the respective Cabinet and agency leaders announced that their agencies will consult with one another and share information about the distribution of new funds from the FCC’s high-cost programs that support broadband buildout in rural areas, the USDA’s Rural Utilities Services grant and loan programs, and programs administered or coordinated by NTIA. “Generations ago, the federal government recognized that without affordable access to electricity, Americans couldn’t fully participate in modern society and the modern economy. Broadband internet is the new electricity.

It is necessary for Americans to do their jobs, to participate equally in school learning, health care, and to stay connected,” Agriculture Secretary Vilsack said. “This is why, under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA remains committed to being a strong partner with rural communities and our state, Tribal, and federal partners in building ‘future proof’ broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas so that we finally reach 100 percent high-speed broadband coverage across the country.”

“The last fifteen months demonstrated like never before that broadband is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

Congress rightfully funded broadband deployment at levels we’ve seldom seen in recent years in response to the pandemic,” said FCC Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “In order to be good stewards of funds supporting these projects, I’m proud to announce with my colleagues that the FCC, NTIA, and USDA will strengthen our coordination to ensure that we make the most effective use of these new funds. I thank Secretary Vilsack and Acting Assistant Secretary Remaley for their leadership and partnership. Working together, we’ll be better able to meet our shared goal of getting 100 percent of Americans connected to the high-speed internet access they need to thrive.”

“Access to reliable, affordable high-speed broadband is critical to the economic well-being of communities and small businesses across America. Today’s announcement lays important groundwork for collaboration between agencies to ensure the federal government’s efforts to expand broadband access are as effective and efficient as possible, reaching every corner of the country,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.

“President Biden has made it clear that bringing affordable, reliable, high-speed broadband to every American is a priority, and we can make it a reality through the historic investments in the American Jobs Plan. I want to thank Acting Chairwoman Rosenworcel and Secretary Vilsack for their continued leadership on our shared goal of connecting every American and look forward to continuing to work alongside them on this issue.”

As part of the signed Agreement, each federal agency partner will share information about existing or planned projects that receive funding from the previously mentioned federal funding sources. Each partner will also, upon request, identify entities providing broadband service in a specified geographic area; the levels of broadband service in that area, including broadband speeds and technologies deployed; the geographic scope of broadband service in that area, each entity in that area that has or will receive funds from these programs.

The agreement also requires the federal agency partners to consider basing the distribution of funds from the programs on standardized broadband coverage data. The agreement (PDF, 274 KB) is effective at the date of its signing, June 24.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate, smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. #USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Park Hill Dental 100 S. Main Keenesburg www.ParkHillDental.com

Take ACTION For Your Tooth and Gum Health.

Dr. Thomas Croghan has been serving Southeast Weld county with pride since 2005. We are a full-service general dental office where your dental needs are addressed in a welcoming, professional setting.

We look forward to meeting you and caring for your oral health!

July 7, 2021

Page 5

Lost Creek Guide

Anna & Louie Chioda Retirement Gathering at The South East Weld Fair Grounds

Western Gull

Western GullAnonymous Larus occidentalis

CDOT reminds motorists that The Heat Is On this summer 407 impaired drivers cited during last year’s Summer Blitz DUI enforcement period

STATEWIDE — The first official day of summer is almost here and heat is in the forecast.

Starting Friday, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies will unite for Summer Blitz DUI Enforcement with the goal of removing impaired drivers from the road. Increased law enforcement will be in effect through Monday, June 21.

Last year, 407 impaired drivers were arrested during the same enforcement period.

There were 20 impaired-driving fatalities in Colorado last June. So far this year, 69 traffic fatalities statewide have involved an impaired driver, which is 31% of all traffic deaths.

“Summer is the season for barbeques, camping, and family vacation. It’s also the time when we see a rise in impaired drivers,” said Chief Matthew C. Packard, Colorado State Patrol. “Don’t let your good time turn into dangerous, risk-taking behaviors. Make sure that you are sober, distraction-free, and buckled up every time you get behind the wheel.”

During the recent Memorial Day DUI enforcement, 209 impaired drivers were arrested. This is a decrease from last year’s 232 arrests during the same enforcement period. The Colorado Springs Police Department (24 arrests), Denver Police Department (18 arrests), and the El Paso County’s Sheriff’s Office (16 arrests) recorded the highest number of arrests during the enforcement. The Colorado State Patrol made 18 arrests.

“We want Colorado residents and visitors to travel safely and arrive at their summer destinations without incident,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “Impaired drivers pose an entirely preventable threat to our transportation system. This makes DUI enforcement and education truly critical as we aim to reduce deaths, injuries and crashes on Colorado roads.”

For yearly impaired-driving crash and fatality data in Colorado, visit https://www.codot.gov/ safety/traffic-safety/crash-data-management/fatal-crash-data. Information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org.

ABOUT THE HEAT IS ON The CDOT Highway Safety Office provides funding to Colorado law enforcement for impaired driving enforcement, education and awareness campaigns. The Heat Is On campaign runs throughout the year, with 16 specific high-visibility impaired driving enforcement periods centered on national holidays and large public events. Enforcement periods can include sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and additional law enforcement on duty dedicated to impaired driving enforcement. Find more details about the campaign, including impaired driving enforcement plans, arrest totals and safety tips at HeatIsOnColorado.com. More information about DUI laws in Colorado can be found at NoDUIColorado.org. Learn more about CDOT’s dedication to keeping Colorado roads safe, including impaired driving enforcement objectives, arrest data and safety information at codot.gov/safety.

ABOUT CDOT CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.

Conservation status

Common, and numbers apparently stable. Nesting at some colonies has been impacted in the past by effects of pesticides in the food chain.

Family

Gulls and Terns

Habitat

Coastal waters, estuaries, beaches, city waterfronts. Mostly along immediate coast, but regularly found well out at sea, especially between coast and nesting islands. Visits garbage dumps, ponds, and flat open areas (such as parking lots) within a few miles of coast, but almost never found farther inland. Nests on islands and locally on mainland cliffs.

The only gull nesting along most of the Pacific Coast from Washington to Baja, this large species is common at all seasons. An opportunist, it often nests around colonies of other seabirds, where it can steal unguarded eggs or chicks. It will also nest near colonies of California sea lions, scavenging any sea lion pups that die of natural causes. At the northern end of its range it hybridizes with Glaucous-winged Gull, and many intermediate birds are seen.

USDA Announces Efforts to Promote Transparency in Product of the USA Labeling

WASHINGTON, July 1, 2021 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement today following the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) vote to strengthen its enforcement of the Made in USA standard: “Today, the Federal Trade Commission took important steps to enhance its ability to enforce the Made in USA standard. I congratulate the FTC on strengthening this important protection for American consumers. USDA will complement the FTC’s efforts with our own initiative on labeling for products regulated by FSIS, an area of consumer labeling where USDA has a long tradition of protecting consumers from false and misleading labels.

American consumers depend upon accurate, transparent labels to obtain important information about the food they consume. American farmers and ranchers depend upon those same labels to convey information about their products that consumers value and demand. We have taken note of the many comments submitted to USDA and the FTC regarding meat labeling and understand that the current “Product of USA” label on meat products may no longer effectively serve either of those purposes, to the detriment of consumers, producers, and fair and competitive markets.

USDA announced last year our intention to conduct our own rulemaking to address the concern that the voluntary “Product of USA” label may confuse consumers about the origin of FSIS regulated products. After considering the many comments received by the FTC and USDA on this issue, we are initiating a top-to-bottom review of the “Product of USA” label that will, among other things, help us to determine what that label means to consumers. We believe this review will enable our upcoming rulemaking on the topic, announced in the Biden-Harris Administration’s Spring Regulatory Agenda, to be comprehensive, effective, and lasting.

I am committed to ensuring that the Product of USA label reflects what a plain understanding of those terms means to U.S. consumers. Throughout the rulemaking process, we will be asking questions, collecting data, and requesting comments. And we will be considering all ideas suggested by the whole range of stakeholders, including our trading partners with whom we will engage to ensure that this labeling initiative is implemented in a way that fulfills our commitment to working cooperatively with our trade partners and meeting our international trade obligations.”

Read the Federal Trade Commission’s Announcement: FTC Issues Rule to Deter Rampant Made in USA Fraud

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Report Shows Increased Need for Food Pantries, Food Banks, and Expansion of Colorado Agriculture Markets

The Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), in partnership with the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) Colorado Proud program, has released the Food Pantry Assistance Grant Program final report. This report reflects the continued need for an emergency hunger relief network, food and fund donations from the public to food pantries and food banks, and importantly, highlights the value and food system realities of locally grown and raised Colorado foods.

“We are a people-first organization,” said Ki’i Powell, director of the Office of Economic Security at CDHS. “This grant program allowed hundreds of food pantries to provide food to tens of thousands of Colorado families and individuals. We are proud of the work done, the families fed, and the opportunities it brought to support our neighbors who raise food here.”

“A vital part of our mission at the Colorado Department of Agriculture is to advance Colorado agriculture. The Food Pantry Assistance Grant Program has been another opportunity to do just that,” said Kate Greenberg, commissioner of Agriculture. “Helping our neighbors who have been financially impacted by the pandemic access quality, fresh local food produced by our state’s farmers and ranchers is a win-win, and we are proud to have been part of the program.”

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 20-1422 to assist Coloradans in need with food relief. This bill provided $600,000 for CDHS to administer grants to food banks and food pantries across the state. The need for food banks and food pantries has risen exponentially through the pandemic, with recent polls showing that food insecurity has nearly tripled in communities across the state of Colorado since the start of the pandemic.

123 pantries received grants, representing urban, rural and frontier communities across Colorado. The two primary purposes of the funding were: • To aid Colorado food pantries and food banks in the purchase of food for those in need statewide, which has expanded significantly as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

• To create new market opportunities for Colorado’s agricultural producers, in alignment with the Colorado Recovery Plan.

More than $372,000, or at least 62 percent, of dollars were spent on Colorado Proud brand, or goods that were grown, raised or produced in Colorado; most coming directly from a producer. Seventy-seven percent of pantry clients surveyed agreed that it was “Very Important” or “Somewhat Important” that the food they received was produced in Colorado. In general, more than 90 percent of Colorado consumers, if products were otherwise the same, would choose the product of Colorado origin if the product was identified as being from Colorado.

One grantee said, “We used grant funding to purchase meat from a Colorado Proud member. The meat allowed us to round-out our nutritional offerings and supplement the fresh produce, dairy, and shelf-stable foods we were already providing to families in need.”

And another talked about the sharp increase in need at food pantries in the state: “Due to the pandemic, we served over seven times more people in 2020 than we did in 2019, and this grant funding helped us to meet this increase in need. Grant dollars supported the purchase of Colorado meats for our brick-and-mortar food pantry and our new mobile food pantry that launched in response to the COVID pandemic. We served over 44,000 people and provided over 1.2 million meals in 2020.”

Find the full report and a letter from leadership on the CDHS website.

The Food Pantry Assistance Grant Program provided $600,000 for the Colorado Department of Human Services to administer grants to food banks and food pantries across the state. More information can be found at cdhs.colorado.gov/food-pantry-assistancegrant-program.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture represents one of the state’s leading industries. With more than 38,000 farms encompassing nearly 32 million acres, and providing more than 195,000 jobs, the industry contributes more than $47 billion to the state’s economy annually. Colorado ranks in the top 10 nationally for production of a variety of agricultural products.

Colorado Proud is a program of the Colorado Department of Agriculture that promotes food and agricultural products grown, raised or made in Colorado. The program’s 3,300 members include growers, processors, schools, restaurants and retailers statewide.

Auto, Home, Farm & Commercial

Agents Mark Kinnear Devon Kitchell 303-732-9700 20 S. Main Keenesburg, CO

- Obituary

July 7, 2021

MARTHA MASDEN Martha Masden, 64, of Brighton, formerly of Greeley, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

Martha Irene (Ikenouye) Masden was the fifth child born to Herb and Melba Ikenouye on August 16, 1956 in Greeley, Colorado. A farming and ranching family, Martha and her family lived in Roggen, Colorado during her childhood. She graduated from Weld Central High School in 1974. After graduating, Martha attended the Highland Hills Beauty School in Greeley, CO where she mastered the skills of hair cutting and styling. She graciously shared her talents with her extended family and friends whom received home haircuts and perms for many years. When her brothers and sisters moved to farm in eastern Colorado and western Nebraska, Martha made the four-hour from Denver many times for visits that were much anticipated by her nieces and nephews who adored her. After graduating from Highland Hill Beauty school in 1976, Martha worked at Michael of the Carlyle in Denver, CO. In 1981, she married Rob Masden but they later divorced. In 1984, they welcomed a daughter, Brittany and their son, Kyle, was welcomed into the family in 1987. Martha spent the next few years focusing her love and attention on Brittany and Kyle.

When they both graduated from high school Martha worked very hard to send her kids to college. She was extremely proud to see them both graduate from college. During the spring and summer, Martha could be found outside in the yard tending to her beautiful flower gardens. In the fall and winter, she was often baking or making a big family dinner on Sunday. Every year at Christmas she gathered her family for a baking day a tradition that we will continue in her memory.

In 2002, Martha started working at Adams County as a Senior Exemption Clerk. Here she touched and affected many lives with her innate kindness. During this time Martha also became a Grammy to her wonderful granddaughters Keira and Gracie.

When the effects of ALS made working too difficult Martha left Adams County to spend time enjoying life with her partner Nic, her children, grandchildren, family and friends.

In the last years, Martha and Nic laughed through the hard times, cherished everyday moments, and sought adventure through travels with family. In May 2019 they went on a Caribbean cruise and to Disney World with Brittany’s family. Martha was a member of the James Memorial United Methodist Church in Hudson for many years and recently a member of the Brighton United Methodist Church. Martha faced the challenges of ALS with determination as remained a support to her family and friends. In the last years, Martha met many others whose lives and loved ones have been affected by ALS. She found support, kindness, and love from people whom shared this one common indiscriminating connection.

Martha will always be in our hearts as we remember the love and joy, she shared with us. Our time together was too short, and we will never feel like it was enough. Even during the hardest times, Martha’s ever- present smile and easy laughter lifted us all. She will forever be with us.

Martha is survived by her daughter Brittany (Derek) Ewigleben, son Kyle Masden, granddaughters, Keira and Gracie Ewigleben. Her partner Nic Mailo. Her father Herb Ikenouye. Brothers Gerald (Barb) Ikenouye, Ken (Sandy) Ikenouye. Sisters Karen (Steve) Howard and Teresa (Charlie) Hall. Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She was proceeded in death by her beloved mother Melba Ikenouye.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Brighton Methodist Church, Brighton, Colorado. Please visit www.StoddardSunset.com to share your condolences and memories with her family.

Drive by Example

By Master Trooper Gary Cutler “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” is a proverb that simply means trying to do what someone else does, or think like someone else thinks is a compliment to that person.

Well, parents you should feel flattered, because your kids spend a large amount of time watching your actions and then imitating them. People often imitate or follow along with others without thinking about their actions, sometimes when doing unsafe acts.

So, when you are in your vehicle with your kids, remember that children learn by imitating what they see adults do. So why is this important to know? Because once they turn 16 and get behind the wheel of that vehicle they are going to drive like they saw their parents do when you were driving.

So here are some points to remember when you have that young audience watching your every move. First and foremost, before you leave the house put that seatbelt on. Make sure the kids are imitating you on this one.

Second, keep your temper down. Don’t let other drivers get the best of you. Keep calm and use it as a teaching lesson for your children on what they should do when they drive.

Third, use you turn signals. Let them know why you do this. If it’s ingrained at a young age it can stay with them for a lifetime.

Fourth, keep the speed at or below the speed limit. If the world is flying by too fast, how are kids supposed to see the beauty when all they can do is hang on for the ride.

After all of that, just remember to do the best for your kids when it comes to driving laws.

They’ll follow your example and hopefully it will be the right one.

One last thing. I’ve been on contacts with drivers I’ve pulled over only to have the kids tell me what their parent was doing wrong. That is a great example on how kids process what is going on in the vehicle. So, drive correctly, drive safely, and remember, when you have kids in the car, you have an audience in the car with you.

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.” -Dr. Seuss.

As always, safe travels!

July 7, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

Colorado State High School and Junior High School Rodeo National Team

Article by Madison Richmann

The Colorado State Highschool and Junior High Rodeo Association (CSHSRA/ CSJHRA) 2020-2021 season has ended. The state finals for the association took place this Memorial weekend in Craig, Colorado. When not competing and watching the rodeo action, contestants participated in other events in the Craig’s annual Grand Ole West Days such as concerts, carnivals, and shopping the vendors. The week-long event ended in congratulating the state champions, and those headed to nationals. Contestants points from their best ten rodeos in the regular season, plus three rounds and average points at state finals were calculated and the top four are to advance to nationals. State champions are those with the most points in the end, or first place. All around champions and rookie of the year awards were also given. All around winners are contestants who had the most points with all of their events added together. The rookie of the year awards are given to the sixth grader and freshman with the most all around points. Colorado is proud to announce their national team, and wish them all the best on their road to nationals.

The National Junior High Finals Rodeo will take place at the end of June in Des Moines, Iowa.

CSJHSRA event winners (Listed State Champion (1st) to 4th Bareback Steer William Ellerman - Brighton, CO Tucker Jacobson - Pagosa Springs, CO Barrel Racing Cassidy Evans - Yuma, CO Aspen Autry - Branson, CO Jolene Rhyne - Craig, CO Savanah Roberts - Colorado Springs, CO Boys Breakaway Traven Sharon - Ordway, CO Wesley Lammers - Elbert, CO Stran Lechman - Kremmling, CO Mason Neese - Keenesburg, CO Boys Goat Tying Nathan Lammers - Elbert, CO Cash Evans - Yuma, CO Traven Sharon - Ordway, CO Wesley Lammers - Elbert, CO Bull Riding Logan Durham - Hamilton, CO Benjamin Sittler - Monte Vista, CO Tucker Jacobson - Pagosa Springs, CO Mason Reine - Colorado Springs, CO Chute Dogging Nathan Lammers - Elbert, CO Cash Evans - Yuma, CO Cactus Barnes - Maybell, CO Foster Krempin - Granby, CO Girls Breakaway Cassidy Evans - Yuma, CO Roan Spencer - Hotchkiss, CO Shylene Drumm - Durango, CO Shaylee Spaid - Grand Junction, CO Girls Goat Tying Blake Coors - Loveland, CO Brylee Brehm - Whitewater, CO Shylene Drumm - Durango, CO Jolene Rhyne - Craig, CO Pole Bending Cassidy Evans - Yuma, CO Aspen Autry - Branson, CO Savannah Roberts - Colorado Springs, CO Roan Spencer - Hotchkiss, CO Ribbon Roping Nathan Lammers and Jolene Rhyne Elbert, CO and Craig, CO Cash and Cassidy Evans - Yuma, CO Blake Coors and Hogan Kelley - Loveland, CO Traven Sharon and Josey Mcclain - Ordway, CO and Kiowa, CO Rifle Shoot Jack Pankey - Montrose, CO Dalton Groom - Carbondale, CO Ryan Pankey - Montrsoe, CO Wesley Lammers - Elbert, CO Saddle Bronc Steer Cash Evans - Yuma, CO Traven Sharon - Ordway, CO Wyatt Bartel - Durango, CO Wesley Lammers - Elbert, CO Team Roping Traven Sharon and Hogan Kelley - Ordway, CO and Loveland, CO Nathan and Wesley Lammers - Elbert, CO Cash and Cassidy Evans - Yuma, Colorado Mason Neese and Rudy Mendiola Keenesburg, CO and Silverthorne, CO Tie Down Roping Cash Evans - Yuma, CO

Nathan Lammers - Elbert, CO Cactus Barnes - Maybell, CO Foster Krempin - Granby, CO All Around Girls Champion - Cassidy Evans - Yuma, CO Girls Rookie of the Year - Savanah Roberts -Colorado Springs, CO All Around Boys Champion - Cash Evans - Yuma, CO Boys Rookie of the Year- Wesley Lammers -Elbert, CO The National High School Finals Rodeo will take place at the end of July in Lincoln, Nebraska.

CSHSRA event winners Bareback Creede Guardamondo - Avondale, CO Monte Downare - Hartsel, CO Bronson Wehrli - Littleton, CO Colton Clymer - Loveland, CO Barrel Racing Loralee Ward - Fort Lupton, CO Haidyn Kracht - Parachute, CO Jessie Stillings - Cedaredge, CO Hannah Belvin - Duanango, CO Boys Cutting Jason Simmons - Parker, CO Kody Ward - Fort Lupton, CO Regan Wheatley - Calhan, CO Tate Welch - Franktown, CO Breakaway Roping Harley Baas - Hudson, CO Shyanna Reeves - Boone, CO Teryn Mcwhirter - Ignacio, CO Josey Snidow - Parachute, CO Bull Riding Cooper Mcclain - Kiowa, CO Monte Downare - Hartsel, CO Colton Clymer - Loveland, CO Girls Cutting Loralee Ward - Fort Lupton, CO Linsey Temple - Del Norte, CO Emma Magee - Byers, CO Josey Snidow - Parachute, CO Goat Tying Rhiley Morgan Montoya - Hesperus, CO Makaylee Fischer - Eagle, CO Mackenzie Dermody - Eagle, CO Katie Jo Knez - Craig, CO Pole Bending Harley Baas - Hudson, CO Maci York - Wellington, CO Paige Eaks - Pueblo West, CO Shyanna Reeves - Boone, CO Reined Cow Horse Regan Wheatley - Calhan, CO Loralee Ward - Fort Lupton, CO Lindsey Temple - Del Norte, CO Augustus Carney - Carbondale, CO Rifle Shoot Leo Veatch - Agate, CO Aubrie Brown - Gunnison, CO Kaden Cox - Craig, CO Tate Welch - Franktown, CO Saddle Bronc Mitchell Story - Aztec, NM Coleman Shallbetter - Gunnison, CO Waitley Sharon - Ordway, CO Steer Wrestling David Gallagher - Brighton, CO Sam Gallagher - Brighton, CO Colby Runner - Wellington, CO Evan Bottini - La Junta, CO Team Roping

Brayden Fillmore and Bodie Hine - Penrose, CO and Ignacio, CO Joe Autry and Colby Runner - Branson, CO and Wellington, CO Austin and Trey Huwa - Roggen, CO Roan and Rowdy Weil - Kersey, CO Tie Down Roping David Gallagher - Brighton, CO Austin Huwa - Roggen, CO Cason Kingsbury - Windsor, CO Colton Zimmerman - Wellington, CO Trap Shoot

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Kaden Cox - Craig, CO Leo Veatch - Agate, CO Wyatt Williams - Penrose, CO Caleb Gieselman - Rifle, CO All Around Girls Champion - Shyanna Reeves - Boone, CO Girls Rookie of Year - Harley Baas Hudson, CO All Round Boys Champion - David Gallagher - Brighton, CO Boys Rookie of the Year - Klayt Staudt - Nathdrop, CO

Colorado is excited to cheer on their national team this summer in Iowa and Nebraska and hoping to take home not only individual world championships for the contestants, but the state championship too. If Colorado earns the most points out of the 48 states, 4 Canadian provinces, Mexico and Australia, they will take home the state champion title.

Contestants will get the chance to meet and compete with the best youth rodeo athletes from all of the world.

Colorado is also looking forward to next year’s season which will start August 2021. The junior high association is now allowing fifth grade students to compete at the rodeos and get their chance at the highest honors and a nationals trip. For more information on the association visit www.cshsra.org.

USDA Launches Grant Program to Help Expand Regional Economies and Create High-Wage Jobs in Distressed Rural Communities

WASHINGTON, June 15, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Karama Neal today unveiled a new grant program to help rural communities create good-paying jobs and support new business opportunities in high-growth fields.

Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) is intended to help rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to networks and industry clusters within their region. The new grant encourages a regional, innovation-driven approach to economic development.

“USDA is innovating the way we do business,” Neal said. “The RISE program ensures that critical funding supports long-term and sustainable economic growth in the rural communities and regions that need it most.”

RISE provides grants of up to $2 million to consortiums of local governments, investors, industry, institutions of higher education, and other public and private entities in rural areas. The funds may be used to form job accelerator partnerships and create high-wage jobs, start or expand businesses, and support economic growth in the rural areas of their region.

Funding may also be used to establish and operate innovation centers and partnerships, such as integrating rural businesses into new supply chains, providing workforce training and identifying community assets.

To help ensure long-term and sustainable community and economic development, award recipients must support projects for at least four years.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their nearest USDA Rural Development State Office ahead of the application deadline for more information about the program or the application process.

Starting June 16, 2021, applications will be accepted electronically at Grants.gov.

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Aug. 2, 2021. Information about the application process is available in a notice in the Federal Register (PDF, 276 KB). For additional information about the program, see the final rule on page 31585 of the June 15 Federal Register (PDF, 377 KB).

USDA is hosting a webinar on Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. Eastern Time to help stakeholders and potential applicants learn more about this funding opportunity. To register, please visit: attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/9046642451030677262.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

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Lost Creek Guide

Town of Wiggins 4th of July Parade

July 7, 2021

July 7, 2021

Lost Creek Guide Field Notes of a Colorado Sportsperson

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Barr Lake State Park Becomes the Third State Park in Colorado to Receive Leave No Trace’s Gold Standard Designation

By Travis Duncan, Colorado Parks and Wildlife BRIGHTON, Colo. – The pandemic has put an extraordinary strain on Colorado’s outdoor spaces. Our state’s mountains, trails, parks and back roads were flooded with an unprecedented number of visitors last year as people sought out the healing power of nature.

Unfortunately, nature now needs to heal from the crushing crowds who damaged natural resources in a variety of ways.

Colorado’s 42 state parks certainly felt the effects of record crowds including many newcomers to the outdoors who were unfamiliar with etiquette on trails, in campgrounds and in natural areas.

Unprecedented traffic led to people parking outside of full lots and damaging green spaces. Some park guests disposed of burning coals from grills by tossing them How do you teach Leave No Trace principles? Sometimes you use in dumpsters, causa poop balloon. Barr Lake State Park borrowed the poop balloon ing fires. Large parfrom the Barr Milton Watershed Association, which partners with ties on shorelines led the park on water quality issues. Dog poop contributes to poor water quality and the balloon encourages everyone to pick up after to illegal drinking and swimming and, their dogs.

Photo courtesy of Colorado Parks and Wildlife sadly, several drownings.

In 2019, Colorado’s state parks had just over 15 million visitors. In 2020, there were more than 19 million visitors. In July alone there were more than 1 million visitors than the previous year.

Already in 2021, visitation to our state parks is trending above last year and all signs point to another busy summer.

With so much strain on our parks, state park managers amped up efforts to educate visitors on the importance of practicing “Leave No Trace” (LNT) principles to protect our natural resources for future generations.

Last year, I wrote about some of the ways state parks were coping with the issue, including volunteer trash pick-ups at Lake Pueblo State Park.

At Cheyenne Mountain State Parks, a Trail Ambassadors group was developed to reduce conflicts on the trails. And I reported on the efforts at Roxborough and Castlewood Canyon State Park to become Gold Standard designated sites by Leave No Trace.

At Barr Lake State Park northeast of Denver, Park Manager Michelle Seubert started working with her volunteers over a year ago to address some of these issues.

“With the pandemic, it really came to light why the Leave No Trace principles were so important,” she said. “We saw a huge increase in visitation, with many people not knowing how to be a good steward while outdoors. We thought it made sense to move forward and work on getting Barr Lake certified with a Gold Standard Site designation.”

Gold Standard Site designations are awarded to public recreation lands that exemplify successful Leave No Trace ethics and showcase strong organizational commitment to the promotion of outdoor skills, ethics, and stewardship in order to help preserve and protect the natural landscape for generations to come.

“Our volunteer Leave No Trace committee of four people spent over 790 hours developing and executing our LNT goals and objectives,” Seubert said. “During 2020 we met once a week for two hours coming up with our plans and ideas.”

CPW’s Roxborough and Castlewood Canyon state parks had already received Gold Standard designations with the help of their volunteers. Castlewood received its designation in 2020 after Roxborough was the first state park to receive it in 2018.

Seubert had a good model to follow in the quest to make Barr Lake the third state park in Colorado to receive the distinction.

“One of the tasks we had to tackle [to receive the Gold Standard designation] was improving our signage to really highlight the LNT principles,” Seubert said. “So we really tailored it to Barr Lake.

“All state parks have certain things in common, but each park is unique. For us, staying on the trail in the wildlife refuge is important because of our nesting raptors. That’s part of LNT’s ‘know before you go’ principle. Visitors need to know that they can’t bring their dog and go in the refuge. And you can only boat on the northern part of the lake. So it was important to tailor the LNT principles to what is happening at Barr Lake and what our current management issues are.”

Barr Lake State Park received its Gold Standard designation earlier this month. On Colorado Public Lands Day on May 15, a special ceremony was held to present a plaque to the park, followed by a fun day of volunteer projects around the park. Projects ranged from planting trees to staining boardwalks.

Castlewood Canyon, Roxborough and Barr Lake state parks acknowledge that, moving forward, the challenge will be to continue delivering the Leave No Trace message to the ever-increasing number of visitors to the parks while expanding the message to even more Colorado state parks.

Other Colorado state parks are pushing forward hoping to achieve the Gold Standard designation as well. Eleven Mile, Golden Gate Canyon and Staunton state parks are working on obtaining their designation by using special tool kits: one is a virtual kit available on the Leave No Trace website and the other is a physical tool kit containing materials, activities, equipment, documents, templates and other items to help educate the public on the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace. All of that is contained in one plastic bin that can be easily transported from place to place.

In order to be named a Gold Standard Site, the following criteria must be met: • A history of successfully implementing Leave No Trace Outdoor skills and ethics into management, programming, outreach and education efforts at the site.

• Staff formally trained in Leave No Trace.

• Leave No Trace signage throughout trailheads, visitor centers and campgrounds as well as Leave No Trace language and messaging included in pamphlets, maps and other distributed materials for visitors, • Leave No Trace interpretative programs including ranger talks, campfire events and trail outings for visitors.

For more information on Leave No Trace in Every Park initiative and the Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site program, visit www.lnt.org.

To learn more about #CareForColorado Week, visit the CPW Instagram and CPW Facebook to help share a Care for Colorado Leave No Trace principle every day throughout the week of May 17. Conservation starts small and together we can keep Colorado colorful and our landscapes clean.

Keene Craft Mercantile

A Special Place Where Talented People Bring Their Home-made Crafts to Sell We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm 65 Main Street, Keenesburg, Colorado 303-910-0640

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Lost Creek Guide

July 7, 2021

Agriculture Coalition Applauds Initiative 16 Ruling

Colorado Supreme Court Unanimously Rules The Measure Doesn’t Meet Single Subject Requirement

Notice from Wiggins Telephone Association/Blue Lightning: Mandatory 10-Digit Dialing Coming in October 2021

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has adopted 988 as a new three-digit number to be used nationwide to reach the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline, starting July 16, 2022. Customers must continue to dial 1-800-273-TALK to reach the Lifeline until July 16, 2022.

In order for 988 to work in our area code, 10-digit local dialing must first be implemented.

Who will be affected?

Anyone with a telephone number from numerous area codes (including the 970 area code) will need to make this change from 7-digit local dialing to 10-digit local dialing.

When will the change begin?

Beginning April 24, 2021, you should begin dialing 10 digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. If you forget and dial just 7 digits, your call will still be completed.

Beginning October 24, 2021, you must dial 10-digits (area code + telephone number) for all local calls. On and after this date, local calls dialed with only 7-digits may not be completed, and a recording will inform you that your call cannot be completed as dialed. You must hang up and dial again using the area code and the 7-digit number.

Beginning July 16, 2022, dialing “988” will route your call to National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

What will you need to do?

In addition to changing the way you dial local calls, all services, automatic dialing equipment, or other types of equipment that are programmed to complete calls to 7-digit local numbers will need to be reprogrammed to complete calls to 10-digit numbers. Some examples are life safety systems or medical monitoring devices, PBXs, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, fire or burglar alarm and security systems or gates, speed dialers, mobile or other wireless phone contact lists, call forwarding settings, voicemail services and other similar functions. Be sure to check your website, personal and business stationery, advertising materials, personal and business checks, contact information, your personal or pet ID tags, and other such items to ensure the area code is included.

What will remain the same?

• Your telephone number, including current area code, will not change.

• The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change due to the dialing change.

• What is a local call now will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed.

• You will continue to dial 1+ area code + telephone number for all long distance calls.

• You can still dial just three digits to reach 711 (relay services) and 911 (emergency services).

• Any 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, or 811 services available in your community can still be reached by dialing their three-digit codes.

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can still be reached by dialing 1-800-273TALK (8255).

Who may you contact with questions?

If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call Wiggins Telephone Association/Blue Lightning at (970) 483-7343 or access www.getbluelightning.com for more information. You can also visit the FCC website at https://www.fcc.gov/suicide-prevention-hotline.

Coloradans for Animal Care praised the Colorado Supreme Court for their 7-0 ruling against Initiative 16, determining it did not meet the single subject requirements for a citizen ballot initiative.

“We thank the Supreme Court for their unanimous decision. Dairy production and livestock agriculture is critical to Colorado,” says Chris Kraft, chair of the board of Colorado Dairy Farmers. “We appreciate the decision and we appreciate those citizens of Colorado who followed our coalition and stood with us in support of our dairy producers and all farmers and ranchers.”

Coloradans for Animal Care is a coalition of state agriculture leaders and their organizations have formed to oppose Initiative 16, a recently 2022 ballot initiative that would ask voters to criminalize commonly accepted veterinary and animal care practices in Colorado. It would also ban the slaughter of livestock that have not yet lived more than one-quarter of their anticipated lifetime, a standard far longer than consumer and foreign markets demand.

“The Colorado Wool Growers Association would like to thank our members and allied organizations at Coloradans for Animal Care that made this successful legal challenge possible,” said Bonnie Brown, executive director of the Colorado Woolgrowers Association.

“Colorado’s farmers and ranchers produce high-quality food and fiber, and will continue to adhere to best management practices to provide humane care for our animals.”

“Colorado Pork Producers applaud the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court to shut down the reckless Pause Act Ballot Initiative,” says Juli McCaleb, president of the Colorado Pork Producers Council. “We were confident in our challenge to this Act and applaud the diversified members of Colorado’s Agriculture industry that, everyday, work to provide the safest most abundant and ethically raised food in the world.”

The coalition challenged the Title Board’s ruling to approve the Initiative for signature collection, claiming it addressed multiple subjects and included inflammatory language.

After losing the Title Board challenge, the group appealed to the Colorado Supreme Court.

“The Colorado Cattlemen’s Association appreciates and agrees with the Supreme Court’s ruling that Initiative 16 covered multiple subjects and should not advance to the ballot,” says Janie VanWinkle, president of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. “We appreciate the coalition and statewide support in opposing this measure. It would take away consumer choice and in the process hurt our environment, economy and the very animals the proponents claimed they wanted to protect.”

“The Colorado Livestock Association is pleased with the unanimous Supreme Court decision which denies the proponents ability to move forward with Initiative 16. This is the right result for all of Colorado,” celebrated Dwain Weinrich, president of the Colorado Livestock Association.

If the proponents wish to continue pursuing the measure, they will have to rewrite and file another title with the Title Board, beginning the process again. Any signatures that were collected are now void.

“This sends a strong message to the supporters of this measure and anyone else who is interested in a responsible ballot initiative process,” said Carlyle Currier, a rancher from Molina and president of Colorado Farm Bureau. “This process has been abused for far too long, and this is yet another reminder that ambiguous language, bait-and-switch tactics, and attempts to conceal the real-world results of ballot initiatives are bad for our state and will not be allowed to stand.”

Coloradans for Animal Care was created to support any initiative that would protect safe, commonly accepted animal care practices and oppose any initiative that would lessen animal care. The coalition will continue to defend the agriculture industry from extreme measures like this one, whether it comes from these proponents or others. Support for the coalition grew throughout the challenge process and is expected to continue growing if other initiatives are filed.

For more information visit: www.ColoradansforAnimalCare.com.

Wagoneers News

Monday, June 21, 2021

Wyatt Wilcox The Wagoneers 4-H Club met on Monday, June 21, 2021.

Unfinished Business Discussed: Record Book Reviews for Livestock Projects – 4-H and FFA members with livestock projects will have to complete interviews to show at the Weld County Fair and the Southeast Weld County Fair. At the interview, members must bring their up–to–date record books about the project. Below are the dates and locations where you can complete your interviews (Note: These are subject to change): Thursday, June 24, 3 – 6 PM at the KM Cup. Tuesday, June 29, 4 – 6 PM at the Briggsdale School Ag Shop.

Wednesday, June 30, 3 - 6 PM at the Southeast Weld County Fairgrounds.

Thursday, July 1, 8 AM – 12 PM in Ault.

Tuesday, July 6, 3 – 7 PM at Island Grove Park in Greely.

New Business Discussed: Entry for Weld County Fair – You can enter into the Weld County Fair by going to the fair website at www.weldcountyfair.com. You can then click the “Entries” button, drop down to “Fair Book and Entry Forms,” and then the ShoWorks entry system for the Weld County Fair.

July 7, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

Page 11

Colorado Sees Claims for Unemployment Benefits Double in June. Officials Suspect Fraud.

State steps up review of fraud as 26 other states end some or all federal unemployment benefits early. Colorado labor officials believe the increase is from folks in those other states.

by Tamara Chuang, Colorado Sun While the number of Coloradans on continued unemployment has declined each week since late March, the number of people filing for a benefit reserved for gig workers has increased even as more people are vaccinated and return to work.

Known as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, this federal jobless benefit provides money to Colorado residents who don’t pay into the state’s unemployment insurance system. But such new claims have nearly doubled since late May — and tripled since May 1.

For the week ending June 19, there were 1,686 applicants applying for the first time in a year.

Colorado Department of Labor and Employment officials said the counts each week can vary so drastically that it’s difficult to determine a trend, but the uptick is likely linked to 26 other states ending federal benefits months before the funding runs out on Sept. 4.

“We believe that much of the increase in June claims load is a result Signs and banners advertising jobs are pictured at the entrance of increased attempts to City on a Hill Cafe & Espresso Bar in Leadville on Friday, to file fraudulent claims May 7, 2021. (Andy Colwell, Special to The Colorado Sun) as the programs end in other states,” said Phil Spesshardt, director of the Division of Unemployment Insurance.

For the week ending June 26, the number of first-time PUA claims increased 18% from the prior week for a total of 1,989. For the four weeks ending June 26, initial PUA claims doubled to 6,101 compared to about 3,034 for four weeks in May. State unemployment agencies have been fending off unemployment fraud since the pandemic began, as the promise of thousands of dollars in federal benefits in one claim proved tempting.

In June, Colorado officials estimated $22 million had been paid to fraudsters, though increased anti-fraud efforts have prevented more than $500 million in payments going out. Other states have acknowledged billions more lost to fraudsters — nearly $900 million in Texas (and $9.1 billion prevented), somewhere above $1.7 billion in Illinois and a whopping $30 billion in California.

26 states ending early With governors in 26 states opting to end most or all of their federal benefits early — 22 already have and four more will pull out by July 31 — an estimated 4.7 million unemployed workers so far have been cut off nationwide, according to a report by the National Employment Law Project, which advocates on behalf of workers.

The cutoff impacts three out of four people receiving unemployment benefits, including a disproportionate number of people of color. “While these premature, ill-advised and cruel cessations of benefits will harm all workers who need them, the brunt of the impact will be felt by Black, Latinx, Indigenous, and other people of color,” NELP’s report said.

States don’t have to pay back the federal pandemic unemployment benefits, Alexa Tapia, NELP’s unemployment insurance campaign coordinator, said. So the inconsistency nationwide may be confusing — or too tempting — to those who are now going without.

“Keeping in mind these are fully federally funded benefits, it’s just a matter of a state administering them,” Tapia said in an email. “I was contacted by a PUA claimant, a nursing mother, living in Oklahoma (prematurely cutting off benefits), who wondered if she could apply in Colorado instead, where she also resides.”

Gov. Jared Polis said he’s not ending federal unemployment benefits early. The benefits include a $300 weekly bonus, payments to PUA users and extended benefits to those who’ve exhausted state benefits. Colorado’s participation in the federal program ends on Sept. 4.

“Congress shouldn’t be paying out these benefits if they do not want states to use it. If Colorado ended these benefits prematurely, it would harm individuals, business owners and the broader economy,” Polis said in a letter to three Colorado Republicans in Congress who wanted him to end the enhanced federal benefits.

For Coloradans who moved out of the state and now find their new home state is ending benefits early, chances are slim that they’re eligible to file in Colorado. The laws don’t allow people on unemployment to have active claims in more than one state, Spesshardt said.

“Just because they used to live in Colorado, does not necessarily make them eligible to receive benefits from Colorado,” he said.

PUA users can only file a claim in the state where the work was done, he added.

Unemployment fraud triggers The Department of Labor continues to add more anti-fraud triggers and review its system for new types of fraud. The rise in false claims by entities using stolen personal data has led to the Colorado unemployment office increasing the number of anti-fraud triggers to 60, compared to about five before the pandemic began.

But efforts to combat fraud have left thousands of Coloradans stuck with their accounts on hold. One worker, Jack Elliott, said his un-

employment benefits have been on hold for 13 weeks because he cannot get his identity verified even though he’s visited the unemployment office in person. He doesn’t trust the state’s official ID verification service operated by a company called ID.me.

“The State of Colorado Unemployment agency has made a determination that ALL Unemployed people are FRAUDS and have decided that an internet company is more suitable to find out if I am a real person or not,” said Elliott in an email.

Colorado, like all states participating in federal unemployment programs, was required to add an ID verification service to battle fraud. The state chose ID.me, which already was being used by a few other states and verifies users via smartphones or laptops. Verification is based on credit reports, photo selfies and other personal documents. The service was problematic for those with no access to technology tools and it created a backlog of long waits for others trying to get through last spring. According to Department of Labor data, 1,000 to 2,000 identities are being verified each day.

Fraudsters caught Authorities say they are pursuing the thieves but could not share details because investigations are ongoing. Few cases have come to light.

Two weeks ago, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado charged Anthony Zaghab, a Denver resident, with receiving more than $40,000 in unemployment insurance benefits “on behalf of ineligible family members without their knowledge,” according to the Attorney’s Office. The agency also alleges Zaghab fraudulently applied for and received $660,000 in federal COVID-relief Paycheck Protection Program loans that were intended to help small businesses retain workers.

Other cases are popping up nationwide. Three women in southern California pleaded guilty last month for a scam that netted $1.2 million in unemployment benefits collected on behalf of prison inmates. A Michigan woman who worked for the state’s insurance agency pleaded guilty Wednesday for using her insider access to release $3.8 million in unemployment benefits during the pandemic. An Illinois woman was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for fraudulently obtaining more than $800,000 in unemployment benefits from Arizona, Ohio and Texas.

Spesshardt said that Colorado continues to review its fraud holds to stay ahead of fraudsters but also make sure Coloradans get paid. He said the department said it recently released “holds on a group that impacted a couple thousand claims.”

Overall though, the state’s unemployment numbers are improving. In May, Colorado’s unemployment rate dropped to 6.2% after spending three months at 6.4%.

Approximately 3 million Coloradans were employed in May, which was nearly back to pre-pandemic levels. And 71% of nonfarm payroll jobs lost in the spring of 2020 are back.

“My observation,” said Brian Lewandowski, an executive director at the Leeds Business Research Division at the University of Colorado, “is there is a general downward trajectory in (the) moving average of initial filings, but the difference from week to week is noisy. Colorado continues to record solid job growth and the unemployment rate decreased in May.” This story was updated on July 2 with the latest initial unemployment claims filed for the week ending June 26.

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported news organization that covers Colorado people, places and issues. To sign up for free newsletters, subscribe or learn more, visit ColoradoSun.com

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Lost Creek Guide

Wiggins Fire Department Annual Pancake Breakfast - 2021

By Val Loose The parking lot was packed and as everyone walked towards Station 1 of the Wiggins Fire Department everyone could smell the delicious aroma of pancakes and sausage. This is an annual project by the Wiggins Fire Department which has 35 active volunteer firemen within its ranks. Planning begins the middle of April for this well attended event which has gone on for at least 20 years.

Over 400 people had a delicious breakfast cooked and served by 25 firemen and their wives 4th of July morning. Some came before church and some after church, they came from Wiggins, Weldona, Orchard, Johnstown, Fort Lupton, Pueblo, Fort Morgan and Brush. Some represented other fire departments in the county and some came from other states to partake of this amazing atmosphere. Attendees from out of state were from Seattle, Washington; Duncan, Arizona and Hammond, Louisiana.

These heroes mixed up 50 pounds of pancake mix, cooked 400 sausage patties and 120 dozen eggs. WOW!!

When asked of attendees what they liked best about this event comments ranged from “I don’t have to cook breakfast today” or “I want to support the fire department, they do so many great things for the community” and “I came to see friends I haven’t seen for so long and I love visiting with them and others”.

Many, many thanks to the Wiggins Rural Fire Department for the amazing breakfast and especially for all you do for the community!

July 7, 2021 Photos by Val Loose

Pancakes are ready to be flipped.

Fireman Sam Belmonte flipping sausage patties.

Fireman Dylan Bender serving scrambled eggs.

Assistant FIre Chief John Pachek and Karine Siedelberg, wife of fireman Michael Sidedelberg, fill canisters of Water and juice for the crowd.

Fireman Jake Lira takes time out from making pancake batter to pose with his patriotic kids.

Fire Department member Jo Rogers scrambling eggs.

Valerie and Ryan Davis and their son Christen, who is ready with fork in hand to eat a few pancakes!

Wiggins firefighters Nick Randel and Sam Belmonte cooking sausage patties.

One of many families attending.

Over 400 people were served a delicious breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs and sausage at the annual Wiggins Fire Department Pancake Breakfast.

Matt M., Journeyman Lineman

www.unitedpower.com 303-637-1300

YourSource_LostCreek_4.625x6.875.indd 1

1/8/2019 9:34:18 AM

July 7, 2021

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Lost Creek Guide

City of Brighton to feature The Wall That Heals in September 2021

**UPDATE: The deadline for submissions for the “In Memory” display has been extended to July 31, 2021. For family members of Vietnam Veterans who’d like to submit an application for the ceremony in Washington D.C., the deadline is March 29, 2021.** Spreading the healing legacy and the impact of the Vietnam War, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica Wall, The Wall That Heals, and Mobile Education Center will be coming to Brighton Sept. 2 - 5, 2021. The Wall will be located at Carmichael Park, just behind City Hall (500 S. 4th Avenue), and will be open 24 hours a day and free to the public. The Wall That Heals honors the more than three million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War and bears the names of the 58,279 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

“I first learned of the program three years ago through a friend I served with at the V.A. Hospital,” Council Member Tim Watts said. “From that point, I knew I wanted Brighton to be able to see this replica of an important piece of history and sacrifice, right here in our community. I then reached out to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund while I was in Washington D.C. this past March to see how we could apply to be a part of the schedule.

I am beyond thrilled that Brighton was chosen to be one of the stops for The Wall That Heals.”

“The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is pleased to bring The Wall That Heals mobile exhibit to Brighton, Colorado to allow local veterans and their family members a chance to experience The Wall. We will work carefully with the host to provide a safe opportunity for the community to experience the healing and educational aspects of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of VVMF. “Hosting The Wall That Heals provides an opportunity to honor and remember all those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War and educate visitors on the continuing impact of the Vietnam War on America.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, volunteers will be required to wear masks. Visitors will be encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing to safeguard the staff, volunteers and other visitors.

“Nothing is more important to VVMF than the health and well-being of our Vietnam veterans and their families. We will work closely with the host to make certain that all health and safety protocols are met in order to provide the best visitor experience while keeping the safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors at top of mind,” said Knotts.

The Wall That Heals is transported from community to community in a 53-foot trailer. When parked, the trailer opens with exhibits built into its sides, allowing it to serve as a mobile Education Center telling the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the divisive era in American history.

The three-quarter scale Wall replica is 375 feet in length and stands 7.5 feet high at its tallest point. Visitors will experience The Wall rising above them as they walk towards the apex, a key feature of the design of The Wall in D.C. Visitors are able to do name rubbings of individual service member’s names on The Wall.

The mobile Education Center exhibit includes: digital photo displays of “Hometown Heroes” - service members whose names are on The Wall that list their home of record within the area of a visit; digital photo displays of Vietnam veterans from the local area honored through VVMF’s In Memory program which honors veterans who returned home from Vietnam and later died as a result of their service; video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall; educational exhibits told through items representative of those left at The Wall in D.C.; a replica of the In Memory plaque; a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War. The exhibits tell the story of the Vietnam War, The Wall and the era surrounding the conflict, and are designed to put American experiences in Vietnam in a historical and cultural context.

The 2021 national The Wall That Heals tour is generously sponsored by USAA. Through a partnership with the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the trucking industry, and Blue Beacon, the exhibit is able to travel across the country.

Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in nearly 700 U.S. communities in addition to an April 1999 tour of the Four Provinces of Ireland and a visit to Canada in 2005. The Wall That Heals is a program of VVMF, the nonprofit organization that built the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. in 1982. The Wall That Heals is the only traveling exhibit affiliated with The Wall in Washington, D.C. and includes the largest Wall replica that travels the country. Two VVMF staff members lead volunteers on site, educate visitors and students, and ensure the reflective atmosphere of The Wall. More information can be found at: www.thewallthatheals.org.

‘Be very careful’: Cardona expresses concerns about virtual learning next fall

By Kalyn Belsha, Chalkbeat As he continues his push to reopen schools, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona says he is concerned about the students who will choose to learn virtually next year — and about schools using that option for students who would benefit from more hands-on help.

“My fear is that the students that need the in-person the most would be students who would either select or take the fully remote option and not get the supports that they need,” he said during an event hosted by Chalkbeat and The Education Trust. “I would also fear systems that have students who do not fit the traditional mold of how schools are designed being pushed out.”

Cardona said he trusts local officials to make decisions for their communities, and understands that some students thrive in remote settings. But his comments underscore the tensions over who will have the option to learn fully virtually in the fall and which families are more likely to choose that kind of instruction.

While some cities and states are rolling back virtual options, many big districts have said they will continue to offer them, in part due to family demand.

National polls continue to show that Black and Latino families are the most hesitant about sending their children back for full-time in-person learning this fall, and are more likely to consider sticking with remote learning. Asian, Black, and Latino students were the most likely to be learning fully virtually as of April, even as in-person instruction became available in nearly all U.S. schools.

The reasons for that are complicated, but polls have found much of parents’ hesitancy is tied to health and safety concerns. COVID vaccines aren’t expected to be available for younger children until later this year at the earliest, and some parents may want a virtual option until then.

The toll of virtual learning has been well documented, and helps explain why officials like Cardona are worried about the continuation of remote instruction. While some students did well in the virtual setup, many students did not, especially those who had struggled before the pandemic.

Across the country, course failure rates were especially high for Black and Latino students, English learners, and students from low-income families. Students with disabilities and English learners learning fully remotely have had among the lowest school attendance rates nationally. Many students have struggled with the social isolation that can come with attending school online, while others were unable to get critical special education support while school was virtual.

In recognition of that, several school districts and states, including New York City, New Jersey, and Illinois, are planning to nix nearly all virtual options this fall in hopes of getting more students back into school buildings and boosting student engagement.

Meanwhile, others planning to offer a full-time virtual option say they’re working to improve that experience. Many will assign students dedicated virtual teachers so educators’ attention isn’t split between a classroom and a screen.

Some education groups are advocating to keep virtual options as a way to provide students with access to additional academic courses or more flexible schedules. Such innovative virtual approaches could benefit some, Cardona said, but full-time in-person learning should be the “default.”

His continued concern, he said, is that some schools might push students who have learning difficulties or emotional needs to virtual options, and that students may choose virtual options because their schools haven’t done enough to address parents’ other worries. Federal education officials have noted in recent reports that Black students historically have been suspended and expelled from school at disproportionate rates, while Asian students have faced an uptick in harassment and bullying during the pandemic.

“I think we’d have to be very careful not to create a system where some students are learning in the schoolhouse and some students that maybe didn’t find the schoolhouse a place where they felt welcome feel that they’re better off not learning in the school,” Cardona said. “That would be detrimental.”

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Lost Creek Guide

This is How Many People Work for the Government in Colorado

by Samuel Stebbins, 24/7 Wall St. via The Center Square The Biden administration has proposed a $6 trillion budget aimed at improving infrastructure, education, and health care. If passed, it would push federal spending to its highest level since World War II. It could also usher in the reversal of a long term-trend of declining government employment.

Over the last decade, the number of Americans employed by governments at the local, state, and federal levels has fallen from 22.5 million in 2010 to 21.9 million in 2020, a 2.6% drop. Nationwide, the public sector accounts for 15.4% of all employment. Government employment is not evenly distributed across the country, however. Depending on the state, the share of all jobs in the public sector ranges from less than 13% to over 25%.

In Colorado, 16.7% of the workforce are employed by the government -- either at the state, local, or federal level -- the 22nd highest share of all states. Breaking with the national trend, the number of government workers in Colorado has increased in recent years. There are currently 441,000 public sector workers in the state, up 12.1% from 2010.

States with a larger than typical share of public sector workers often have higher than average government spending on a per capita basis -- and vise-versa. Colorado is an exception, however. Per capita state and local government spending in the state totaled $9,704 in 2019, compared to the $10,131 national average.

Data on government employment and total employment are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 24/7 Wall St. calculated the share of government employment. Preliminary data on direct state and local government expenditure in 2019 came from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finances with figures was adjusted for population using data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. These are the states where the most people work for the government.

July 7, 2021

July 7, 2021

Page 15

Lost Creek Guide

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Page 16

Lost Creek Guide

Thornton Reverses Weld County Denial of Water Pipeline. Property Owners are not Happy.

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by Liam Adams, Colorado Sun This story first appeared in a Colorado Community Media newspaper. The Colorado Sun is an owner of CCM. Thornton can start building a segment of a water pipeline in Weld County, even though the Weld County Board of Commissioners told the city “no” two months ago.

Thornton City Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a resolution that overrides Weld County’s denial of a permit to build a segment of the Thornton Water Project, and authorized the start of construction.

The 74-mile Thornton Water Project will deliver water from a reservoir near Fort Collins, nearly doubling the city’s current water supply.

Twelve miles of the pipeline will run through Larimer County, 34 miles through Weld County, and 5 miles through Adams County. The rest of the pipeline will pass through towns and cities in those counties.

“Thornton has followed all the processes, regulations required in every jurisdiction that our project impacts,” The approximate route of the 74-mile Thornton Water Thornton Mayor Jan KulPipeline from north of Fort Collins to the southeast part of mann at the meeting. “But at the city. (Handout) the end of the day, we have to use every option that we can to make sure that the pipeline is constructed, and the water arrives here in Thornton.”

The council was expected to approve the measure and discussed the resolution very little before voting. But Weld County residents were at the meeting to protest.

“You are sickening, unconscionable and disgraceful people of the lowest order serving your selfish interests only and disregarding the basic tenets of humanity and fairness,” Rebecca Hicks told the council during public comments. Her daughter owns a farm just south of Johnstown where a stretch of the pipeline will be buried about 4-feet deep.

“You and your sinister minions have destroyed lives and properties in your reprehensible land grab and unconscionable use of eminent domain in your at-risk schemes and tactics,” Hicks said.

Weld County landowners, including Hicks and her daughter, have been influential opponents of Thornton as the city moved through the permit application process. In 2019, the Weld County Planning Commission recommended approval of the project, but landowner protests caused the panel to reverse its recommendation in 2020. Residents’ complaints were also cited by commissioners as a reason for denying the permit at at a hearing on May 5.

The Weld County commissioners also said in a resolution dated June 3 that the pipeline would negatively affect future growth and that it was inconsistent with a new county comprehensive plan.

Some Weld County residents want Thornton to build its pipeline in the right-of-way, or literally underneath a county road, instead of on private land next to the road.

But since the beginning of the process, Thornton has pursued the private-land option, which was supported by Weld County staff.

Building in the right-of-way requires an easement from the county, while building outside of the right-of-way requires easements from private landowners. Thornton has obtained easements from 98% of landowners. Some were obtained through eminent domain proceedings, frustrating specific landowners and further provoking their protest.

The pipeline, which runs from Terry Lake near Fort Collins to just east of Cobb Lake in Weld County and then south to the Wes Brown Water Treatment Plant in Thornton, will be buried and the city will compensate any landowners, especially farmers, whose land and crops are damaged by construction.

Weld County landowners were relieved when the commissioners denied the permit, and were beyond frustrated by the news that Thornton could simply reverse the denial.

“Never did we expect to have our land stolen by unscrupulous people who could, by statutory loopholes, destroy our rights to ownership,” Hicks said at the council meeting Tuesday.

City spokesman Todd Barnes confirmed that the city has already reached an agreement with Hicks’ family to construct part of the pipeline on their land.

Kathy Zeiler Weinmeister, who spoke during public comments on behalf of Zeiler Farms Inc. in Weld County, said Thornton “is choosing to pursue its timeline without regards to the real value of our land.”

A state statute allows Thornton to overrule Weld County’s denial because the city is financing and constructing the pipeline, not the county.

Weld County negotiated terms with Thornton after the county recognized the city was able to override the denial. The terms still require the city to apply for road construction permits in areas where the pipeline crosses streets, to regularly communicate with county staff about the progress of construction, and to be diligent about dust management.

The city hasn’t said yet when it plans to break ground.

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported news organization that covers Colorado people, places and issues. To sign up for free newsletters, subscribe or learn more, visit ColoradoSun.com