The Lost Creek Guide September 15, 2021

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Volume 14 • Edition 18

September 15, 2021

Delivering to over 11,500 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

Colorado Independent Redistricting Commission Releases First Congressional Staff Plan

DENVER -- The first congressional staff plan can be viewed or downloaded at https://redistricting.colorado.gov/content/staff-congressional-1 The congressional staff plan was prepared using 2020 Census Data, public comments and input from the congressional commission. The plan will be presented to the commission on Sept. 6 at 6:00 p.m. with a press conference immediately following the meeting. The congressional commission must approve the final plan by Sept. 28. The first state senate and state house plans will be posted on Sept. 13 and presented to the legislative commission on Sept. 14. As stated in the Colorado Constitution, the new congressional districts must: • Have equal population, justifying each variance, no matter how small, as required by the U.S. Constitution; • Be composed of contiguous geographic areas; • Comply with the federal “Voting Rights Act of 1965,” as amended; • Preserve whole communities of interest and whole political subdivisions, such as counties, cities, and towns; • Be as compact as is reasonably possible; and • Thereafter, maximize the number of politically competitive districts. Districts cannot be drawn for the purpose of: • Protecting incumbents or declared candidates of the U.S. House of Representatives or any political party; or • Denying or abridging the right of any citizen to vote on account of that person’s race or membership in a language minority group, including diluting the impact of that racial or language minority group’s electoral influence. The Colorado Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission will hold virtual public hearings Sept. 7-10. Individuals must sign up in advance to testify. These hearings will be the final opportunity for members of the public to speak to the redistricting commissions. Written public comments will remain open and available through the public hearing process and the consideration of final maps. After the hearings on the congressional staff maps conclude, the commission can approve a final plan and submit it to the Supreme CourtStaff at any time up until Sept. 28. Colorado Congressional Districts (First Plan) Colorado Congressional Districts (First Staff Plan) Sedgwick Jackson

Moffat

Logan

Larimer

Phillips Weld

Routt

Morgan Grand

Rio Blanco

Boulder Gilpin

Eagle

Garfield

Pitkin

Adams

3rd Congressional District Kit Carson

Elbert

Gunnison

Cheyenne

El Paso

Chaffee

Kiowa Crowley

Ouray Hinsdale

San Miguel

Custer

Saguache

Pueblo Otero

Montezuma

7th Congressional District 8th Congressional District

Fremont

Montrose

Dolores

6th Congressional District

Lincoln

Teller

Delta

4th Congressional District 5th Congressional District

Park

Mesa

1st Congressional District 2nd Congressional District

Arapahoe

Douglas Lake

Yuma

Washington

Broomfield

Denver Clear Creek Summit Jefferson

San Juan

La Plata

Mineral

Archuleta

Rio Grande

Bent

Prowers

Huerfano Alamosa

Conejos

Costilla

Las Animas

Baca

District Maps continued on page 4... Map prepared by Colorado Independent Redistricting Commissions Staff. September 3, 2021.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE:

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: On Afghanistan by Ike McCorkle Page 3: The Wall That Heals Photos Page 4–5: Redistricting Maps – First Draft Page 6–13: Southeast Weld Jr. Fair & Rodeo 2021 Results More to follow next issue

The Wall That Heals: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Replica & Mobile Education Center in Brighton, Colorado

The first week of September saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall Replica on display in Carmichael Park in Brighton Colorado. This will be the only display of the Wall replica in all of Colorado in 2021. The layout of the Wall was a tribute to the veterans that served and were lost, over 58,200. There were many visitors to the Wall during the period it was available. The CandleCourtesy of Juan Munoz light Ceremony held in the late afternoon and early evening on September 3rd had several hundred in attendance. It was a somber event, filled with people who remembered, many who served or had relatives that did. Tim Watts, a Brighton City Councilman, who spearheaded the development and execution of the event was gracious in his honoring of those who served, those who were in attendance, and praised all the folks who worked so hard to make the event happen, including the city staff and veteran groups. What was really nice was that this event was about remembering our veterans who served and how we as Americans should honor their memory and never forget their ultimate sacrifice. The timing on Afghanistan was not missed but Tim reminded everyone that our servicemen were there to serve. That was their job, and they did it. The presentation of the colors was done by the Brighton Fie Rescue District Honor Guard. The Invocation was made by Chaplain John Holland of The Veterans of Wars Post 1. His comments were moving. Following his remarks, the National Anthem was performed the Brighton Music Group. Greg Mills, Mayor of Brighton, echoed Tim Watts comments about all the hard work that went into making the event possible. He also underscored how the event would not have occurred had not Councilman Tim Watts worked so hard to develop and implement the plan to the event successfully presented. Following Mayor Mills was Adams County Commissioner Chaz Tedesco who also echoed the praise for Commissioner Watts, the Brighton City Council and staff for the tremendous effort put into making this event happen. He, and the rest of the Adams County Commissioners were proud to support this event. The presenters were all respectful to our veterans and the efforts put into the project, but the most moving Remembering those that sacrificed all tribute came from Brighton resident and Vietnam veteran George Ryan. His comments were very personal as he served in Vietnam. His theme was that we should remember the sacrifice our troops made. He recalled the issues returning veterans faced in what was our nation’s most unpopular war. He stressed that the troops did their job. It was not their role to question, yet many were blamed as being responsible by the public. He stressed that their memory should be honored. He knew some of the names on the Wall. His expression of his feelings was moving and reminded us of all that we must remember and never forget the sacrifices our soldiers made. As you looked around the gathering of folks you had to notice it was an aging group. You have to wonder who in the future will remember with the passion that George Ryan does. Our veterans were honored with a Wreath Presentation by Brighton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12174; Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1106; Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1071, and American Legion Post 2020. Taps was performed by Doug Chambliss of Bugles Across America. Followed by a wonderful rendition of military songs recognizing all branches of the military by the Brighton Music Group. The Ringing of the Honor Bell was performed by Steve Newton of the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1071. Benediction was given by Chaplain John Holland of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 1. In closing Councilman Tim Watts thanked everyone for attending and again, gave thanks to all the folks who did so much to make the event successful and reminded everyone to remember and give thanks to all the servicemen who made the ultimate sacrifice. This event was a wonderful example of what being an American is really all about. There was no politics, just a public recognition of our servicemen who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. It was clear the folks that attended were all proud to be Americans and not afraid to show it. Congratulations to Councilman Tim Watts, the Brighton City Council and all the folks that made this event successful. But most importantly remember the sacrifice our veterans made, please never forget that. More pictures of The Wall that Heals on page 3...


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