The Lost Creek Guide November 17, 2021

Volume 14 • Edition 21

November 17, 2021

Delivering to over 17,000 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

Why is COVID so Bad Right Now in Colorado?

There are Plenty of Guesses.

By John Daley

Wiggins Tiger’s Girls Varsity Volleyball Team Makes the Final Four

The Wiggins Tiger Volleyball team ended their 2021 season in the final four at the State Volleyball Tournament! The team beat Ignacio 3-0, then went on to beat Fowler, the number three seed 3-1 in the opening rounds. They beat the number two seed Meeker 3-2 to move into the semi-finals, but were unable to get past Holyoke to move into the finals. They lost to Holyoke 3-0. Congratulations to the Wiggins Tigers for an awesome season!

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News, Brynn McFerrin, 5, gets her first COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday, November 9, 2021, at National Jewish Hospital in Denver. May 6, 2021, turned out to be a fateful day for Colorado.

On that date, a coronavirus variant first identified in India was discovered in Colorado for the first time. Five cases of the B1617.2 strain were identified in Mesa County. None of those people had a recent travel history.

It was the delta variant.

SPONSOR MESSAGE Now it makes up 100 percent of all COVID-19 cases in Colorado as the pandemic rages on, with transmission, cases, hospitalizations and deaths steadily marching upward.

The latest projections show Colorado’s situation has grown so dire, hospital capacity could be breached in the coming weeks.

Why now? What’s driving it?

The short answer is that no one knows. But there are a lot of guesses.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE Hart Van Denburg/CPR News, Syringes filled with children’s doses of COVID-19 vaccine at El Paso County Public Health’s Southeast Women, Children and Infants office on Saturday, November 6, 2021.

Colorado has shown that high vaccination rates alone are not enough.

Lots of states have vaccination rates lower than Colorado, and for now, at least, seem to have transmission under better control.

Lots of states have populations who are even less likely to wear masks or practice social distancing than Coloradans, yet they also currently have lower case rates than the Centennial state.

But Colorado, along with several other states in the Rocky Mountain West enduring outbreaks, has both, experts note. Though Gov. Jared Polis and state public health officials have touted Colorado’s vaccination rate (in the top 20 among states, according to the New York Times tracker), with 62 percent of residents 12 and older fully immunized, it’s still just not enough.

Why is COVID so Bad Right Now in Colorado? There are Plenty of Guesses.

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Page 2: Way of the World Page 2: Weld Central FFA at National Convention Page 3: Morgan County Unofficial Election Results Page 7: “The War Machine” Honors Veterans Page 9: Christmas in Keenesburg Page 11: High Plains Bank Breaks Ground in Wiggins Page 16: American Legion Halloween Chile Cook Off Results

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Way of the World

by Bob Grand I got my first vaccine, got the second, got the booster as well as a flu shot and then got sick! Recognizing there are no guarantees, but also recognize the results show people who get vaccinated have lesser impacts. I wonder about that because if what I got was lesser, I understand why people die from this. I understand and respect personal choice on whether or not to get the vaccine. There is no guarantee you will not catch it if vaccinated, but statistics show you have a lesser impact. Ireland which has one of the highest vaccination levels for a country in the world is also still struggling with COVID. Singapore is trying a novel approach to incentivize people to get vaccinated. If you are not vaccinated and get sick the government will not pay for your care, if you do. I believe that our governments, federal and state, over reacted last year by enforcing the almost total shut down of our economy. The “cure” was as bad as the disease. Now we have a resurgence of COVID 19, and the opposite is in effect. Our federal and state governments seem reluctant to do anything that smacks of a curtailment of business. I do not believe that can continue with the increases in cases the state is experiencing. The facts show that 85% of the new COVID 19 ICU hospital stays in Colorado are patients that are not vaccinated. I understand people being leery, but you have to weigh in your mind the pros and cons. It still should be your choice. We are becoming a nation that is governed by people who believe just print more money, raises taxes, or watch inflation eat at our lives with no end in sight, will solve all our problems. Surprise, most Americans do not believe that.

This week the federal government announced it had sent out over 78,000 notices to undocumented immigrants to report for court dates. No offense but how many of those folks you think are going to show up? The bureaucrats can say, hey we are doing our job, it is not our job to see if they show up. This is an ongoing issue that occurred in both Republican as well as Democratic presidencies. The problem today is we have made little effort to defend our borders which is a clear violation of one the specific responsibilities for the federal government in the United States Constitution.

We have a shortage of common sense in our federal, state and some county governments. We are overwhelmed with experts in so many particular fields that we have a tough time electing people who know how to manage the complexities of total responsibilities. Being a parent, you have that responsibility raising your children, how you well you manage that will be measured on how well your children turn out. In government we have allowed to be created a very well compensated bureaucracy that has little accountability to the people we elect to manage them.

The people we elect also seem to have extraordinarily little accountability to us, the voters. Whose fault is it? Theirs partially, but ours primarily because we do not hold them accountable. In Weld County this past election only about 31% of the eligible voters cast their ballot, while on a state basis it was a little over 40%. It will be interesting to watch this next year. As we suffer this next year at the gas pump, at the food store and just about everywhere else. Americans are waking up to the fact that what the federal government is doing is not helping us, the American people. Make no mistake, the American people are unhappy. I believe in a two-party system, for checks and balances, we as a people need to have that to maintain our democracy.

The far left in the Democratic party has attempted to hijack our country’s identity.

They have woefully underestimated what the American people will do to reward their brazen attempt to alter what America has stood for.

Have a healthy, safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

As always, your comments and thoughts are always appreciated. Publisher@ lostcreekguide.com

November 17, 2021

National FFA Convention

Weld Central FFA members attended the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, IN from October 27-31, 2021. Before attending the convention, the 10 members and 2 advisors traveled to Louisville, KY to see and experience Churchill Downs, the Louisville Slugger Factory, Keeneland Racetrack, University of Kentucky, Claiborne Farms, Boone Creek Creamery, and the Kentucky state capitol building.

While in Indianapolis, students went to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the National FFA Center. At the convention, Brian Kanmore competed in the Job Interview Contest and received Bronze. Austin McCray received his American FFA Degree, the highest degree you can receive in FFA. Weld Central was given a 3 Star ranking in the National Chapter Award Contest. Members attended the expo hall, sessions, and awards banquets while connecting with other FFA members from across the country. Students that attended were Austin McCray, Brian Kanmore, Jacey Lambert, Kashley Hayden, Eric Forbes, Addison Forbes, Tanner Rupple, Sydney Vaughn, Tessa Schutter, and Averie Park and the advisors that attended were Sarah Madsen and Emma Curtis.

Weld Central FFA would like to thank Bob Grand and the Lost Creek Guide for sponsoring our dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Downtown Louisville. We appreciate the support!

Morgan County REA Announces Reduced Rates Charged for Electric Service

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

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As the majority of living expenses continues to climb, very rarely do individuals see their utility bills decrease. However, that is exactly what Morgan County REA members can expect to see on their electric bills next year. Talk about something to be thankful for!

The Morgan County REA Board of Directors is proud to announce reduced rates charged for electric service, set to take effect January 1, 2022. This rate change stems not only from decisions made at the local cooperative level, but also from efforts made by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, MCREA’s wholesale power provider.

In line with its Responsible Energy Plan (REP) that was announced in January 2020, Tri-State G&T was able to reduce rates charged for wholesale power to its members by 2% in March 2021. As a Tri-State member, MCREA benefits from the wholesale power rate reduction.

After Tri-State rolled out its rate reduction, MCREA had an independent cost-of-service study conducted. The results of the study recommended a 1.79% decrease in the cost of purchased power charged to MCREA consumer-members.

In light of this information, the MCREA Board of Directors has proposed an average cost of power decrease of 1.79% for the 2022 electric service rate classes.

This rate change is a testament to the objective of MCREA: to make electric energy available to the members of the cooperative at the lowest possible cost, consistent with sound economic and business practices. It is due to efforts made by all of MCREA—its board, staff, office employees, warehouse personnel and outside crews—that this decrease in rates is possible. Everyone within the organization strives to ensure the electric co-op operates as efficiently as possible to best serve its members.

MCREA members are encouraged to view the rates notice that was mailed out mid-November, as it lists the specific rates that will be charged for each class at the beginning of the year. Notice of proposed rate changes can also be found on MCREA’s website at mcrea.org/rate-information. Any members wanting to discuss or ask questions about the rate reduction are welcome to visit the MCREA office in Fort Morgan or call MCREA at (970) 867-5688.

November 17, 2021

Morgan County Election November 2021

City of Brush Mayor Dana Sherman 896 Krystal Gabel 181 City of Brush Councilor - Ward 1 Alison Gorrell 285 City of Brush Councilor - Ward 2 Kevin Strauch 301 Scott Klinkhammer 67 City of Brush Councilor - Ward 3 Lawrence Lundstrom 197 City of Fort Morgan Mayor Kevin “ Doc” Lindell 795 Christine Castoe 357 Lyn Deal 1,029 City of Fort Morgan Councilmember - Ward 1 Douglas Schossow 556 City of Fort Morgan Councilmember - Ward 2 Wiliam (Bill) Garcia 225 R. Jon Kaper 239 Tabitha Fainter 49 City of Fort Morgan Councilmember - Ward 3 James Parks 374 Jim Avery 187 Andrew J. Stieb 181 Huefa Diane Akpamoli 132 Brush RE2-J School Director Bryson Miller 1,262 Bradley Mortensen 1,386 Derek Windswheimeer 1,171 Brandy Hansen 1,228 Margaret “ Meg” Pfau

802 Morgan RE-3 School Director Kati Jess 2,064 Amber Canfield 1,461 Chris Everett Brown 1,459 Cody M. Millar 1,397 Aline Hansen-Guzman 1,152 Amy Grantham 1,485 Wiggins RE-50J School Director Derek Pope 680 Val Loose 407 Mike Miller 611 Amendment 78 Yes/For 3,444 No/Against 3,539 Proposition 119 Yes/For 3,109 No/Against 3,903 Proposition 120 Yes/For 3,419 No/Against 3,597 Town of Wiggins Ballot Question 2D Yes/For 143 No/Against 293 Town of Log Lane Village Ballot Question 2F Yes/For 41 No/Against 66 City of Fort Morgan Ballot Question 2G Yes/For 1,339 No/Against 780 Morgan RE-3 Ballot Issue 4A Yes/For 1,921 No/Against 1,822 Wiggins RE50J Debt be increased for improvements Yes/For 576 No/Against 542 Overall Voter Turnout: 41.60% Amendment 78 Yes/For 643,208 No/Against 852,010 Proposition 119 Yes/For 697,442 No/Against 827,034 Proposition 120 Yes/For 648,483 No/Against 861,531

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- Obituary William (Bill) Lawrence Westhoff William (Bill) Lawrence Westhoff, 72, formerly of Wiggins, Colorado, and of Lakewood, Colorado, died Sunday, October 31, 2021 at Columbine Commons Health and Rehab in Windsor, Colorado.

He was born December 11, 1948 in Brush, Colorado to Thomas “Louis” Aloysius and Lida Bertha (Brandt) Westhoff. He was off to a rough start when he developed pneumonia at the age of two weeks during a blizzard, and was escorted from his home in Hoyt to the Brush Hospital by a rural road grader.

He attended school in Wiggins, where he excelled in basketball on the team that won the state championship in 1965 and 1966. He graduated in 1966, and attended college at Colorado State University, graduating with a bachelor of science degree in engineering on August 21, 1970.

He was drafted into the army soon after his graduation and served his country for the next two years in the Vietnam War. After his discharge, he made his home in Lakewood, Colorado. He was employed by Gates Rubber Company as an engineer, and retired as Chief Engineer. During his career, William acquired six patents and was acknowledged for numerous non-patented inventions.

Bill loved his family, his cat, Tony, and the family cabin at Grand Lake, where he made several improvements including a gazebo and a new outhouse. He enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting, playing golf, and making furniture and gifts considered treasures for all his family. He liked to spend his weekends working on cars and machinery on the farm he bought in partnership with his brother, Jim, and his brother-in-law, Jack. He was a well-known fixture at the Hoyt Beet Dump where he hauled beets and made a lot of lasting friendships. Bill built a go kart for his nieces and nephews and himself to enjoy. He also enjoyed working on and restoring a few antique and classic automobiles.

Every Christmas, he made a special treat of his popcorn balls and crab dip. He loved Disney World and Goofy, and made several trips with his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, James (Jim) Westhoff, nephew, William Richards, and niece, Rebecca Berta.

Survivors include his sisters, JoAnne Rohn-Cook and Patricia (Jack) Frihauf of Wiggins, Colorado, Bertie (Eugene) Loose of Marana, Arizona, and Mary (Ron) Graves of Greeley, Colorado, nieces and nephews, Teresa Rohn, Tammy (Andy) Mills, Kevin (Janet) Rohn, Diane (Steve) Comer, Kris Rohn, Judy Cummings, Karen (Wes) Keller, Daniel (Shelley) Frihauf, Brenda Anderson, Tim (Karin) Loose, Robert (Jennifer) Richards, and Angela (Adam) Peter, and many grand-nieces and nephews.

A family graveside service will be held at a later date at the Hoyt Cemetery.

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Why is COVID so Bad Right Now in Colorado? There are Plenty of Guesses.

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Millions are not immunized, either through choice or ineligibility. And there are enough pockets of extreme indifference to COVID-19 to create a lethal stew that experts theorize has allowed the virus to spread and persist when it was forced to, at least for now, retreat in some other places.

“To me, all of this points towards the sort of tragic collapse of the non-pharmaceutical interventions that we know work to control (the coronavirus),” said Samuel Scarpino, a complex systems scientist and the Managing Director of Pathogen Surveillance at The Rockefeller Foundation.

That coincided, “with the return of cooler weather, which makes ventilation harder.”

Some other states have colder weather, and it’s been a mild fall in Colorado.

Whatever the reason, the state’s situation is perilous, with “a rising number of cases before the holidays,” said Dr. John Swartzberg, a clinical professor emeritus and expert in infectious diseases at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health. “Because the holidays aren’t going to make it better.”

David Zalubowski/APColorado Gov. Jared Polis during a news conference Thursday, July 9, 2020, in Denver.

Polis ended many emergency health orders this summer. Months later, the situation is dire.

Another date stands out in Colorado’s pandemic story this year: July 8. That’s when Gov. Jared Polis ended the remaining health emergency executive orders that guided the state since the early days of the pandemic.

The state had reached 70 percent of the eligible population vaccinated with at least one dose when Polis rescinded all remaining executive orders related to COVID-19.

He signed a new “Recovery Executive Order” focused on returning the state to normal.

Though he retained some authority through executive actions, it was a signal the state was ready to move on from COVID-19.

It was a gamble.

At the time, the pandemic seemed manageable, but the virus was not gone. Colorado had 284 patients hospitalized with confirmed cases, a rate of positive tests below three percent and a case rate of about eight per 100,000 people.

Now it has five times as many hospitalized COVID-19 patients, the positivity rate has more than tripled, and the case rate is seven times greater.

As the pandemic has exploded among the unvaccinated in Colorado, the governor and top leaders have consistently pushed residents to get vaccinated, most recently for the 5-11 age group.

Children are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID Vaccine. Here’s what you need to know On Thursday, the governor signed an executive order opening up booster shots for anyone older than 18, beyond what federal agencies have authorized so far.

Though 62 percent of Coloradans are fully vaccinated, and another 637,000 now have gotten a third dose, that still leaves some two million unvaccinated. They make up 80 percent of those hospitalized and account for far more deaths than vaccinated Coloradans.

And what Polis and his team have resisted are many of the non-vaccine measures seen earlier in the pandemic. There’s been no return to statewide measures Colorado adopted earlier in the crisis, like a mask mandate or restrictions on indoor gatherings.

Many local public health leaders have followed that lead.

“You can just draw a straight line in Colorado in terms of the slope has been going up pretty consistently since July,” said Swartzberg.

David Zalubowski/AP Photo, Fans walk through the team logo illuminating the floor of Ball Arena, Sunday, June 13, 2021, in Denver

Nuggets and Avs games: A case study in crowds at Ball Arena A look at how big crowds have been handled is instructive.

Fans returned to Ball Arena, home to the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche last month, at full capacity of more than 18,000. At first, proof of vaccination or a negative test was not required. Masks were strongly encouraged, but few were seen in the crowd.

In the winter and spring, the teams played before reduced capacity crowds of fewer than 5,000, while the state health department worked to limit spread as vaccines were being given to a growing share of the population. Mask requirements were enforced, with Ball Arena ushers serving as mask proctors to be sure exceptions for eating and drinking were the only ones made.

In May, capacity was expanded to 7,750, a cautious move to gradually let more people cheer through the playoffs while still enforcing masks and social distancing. At the time, the state was recording about 5,437 COVID-19 cases a week.

In mid-October, as fans streamed into the arena with no capacity restrictions, the state recorded 13,714 cases.

With no statewide rule in effect, the city left it up to the individual businesses.

Nuggets and Avs fans pack Ball Arena, with few masks in sight — even though they’re required By the end of last month, with Colorado’s coronavirus curve still shooting upwards, Ball Arena reversed course, after consulting with local, state and federal authorities.

Its owner announced those attending games at the venue (or concerts at either that facility or Denver’s Paramount Theatre) would need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or of a negative test taken within three days of their event. That rule went into effect Wednesday.

But, for now, there’s no capacity limit.

On Wednesday, Polis told his advisors on the state’s emergency epidemic response committee he was looking to private venues and local communities to tighten restrictions on indoor gatherings. “We need to make indoor events safer. We can’t afford super spreader events,” Polis told the group, though he did not call for statewide measures.

For months, Polis has talked about hospital capacity steering his decision-making.

The governor was asked by reporters in August if a statewide mask mandate was in the cards, with the return to school happening.

“We are not at capacity,” he said “We don’t wait till we’re overwhelming our hospitals. We watch the trend and we act before we overwhelm our hospitals.”

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News, Zachary Smart, 11, of Denver, gets his first COVID-19 vaccination Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at National Jewish Hospital in Denver.

Young people make up the majority of COVID cases, but older Coloradans are more likely to be hospitalized and to die.

The fuel for the fire is still coming in large part from younger Coloradans. The bulk of the cases throughout the pandemic have been in those under 40, while the worst impacts of the virus, in hospitalizations and deaths, have been in older Coloradans.

“The Delta strain spreads through children, through schools and into families. And we are seeing that. Families are being affected now from children bringing it home,” said Dr. Eric Simoes, an infectious disease expert at Children’s Hospital Colorado, at a press conference this week.

That’s one reason why the state is pushing so hard to vaccinate kids. While younger people make up the majority of cases, most hospitalized COVID-19 patients are over 60.

CDPHE

Why is COVID so Bad Right Now in Colorado? There are Plenty of Guesses.

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Why is COVID so Bad Right Now in Colorado? There are Plenty of Guesses.

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State epidemiologist Dr. Rachel Herlihy said that’s in part because of signs the original vaccines are wearing off, especially in older adults. And she said that highlights the value of boosters in “really bringing those immunity levels back up and protecting our most vulnerable individuals.”

Still, despite the state aiming to get more vaccination, and now booster shots in arms, the numbers of unvaccinated are still too high to bring Colorado’s pandemic curve under control.

“It’s gotta be these pockets of unvaccinated individuals interacting and allowing the virus to still spread. That would be my best guess,” said Jude Bayham, an assistant professor at Colorado State University with the state’s COVID-19 modeling team.

His work spotlights that people are socializing more. It’s showing up in the data.

“Since about early September, we’ve essentially been back to pre-pandemic levels of mobility,” he said.

In Colorado, vaccinated people are 8.9 times less likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19 than those who are unvaccinated, according to the health department.

In Pueblo County, one of Colorado’s most purple counties, hospitals are jammed with COVID-19 patients. About two-thirds of the county’s eligible population has been vaccinated with one dose. And public health officials say residents have eased up on other measures.

“We as a community, became a little lax in terms of our physical distancing, maybe our hand-washing and respiratory etiquette, as well as wearing masks,” said Dr. Chris Urbina, medical director for Pueblo’s health department.

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News, A room in the COVID-19 intensive care unit at Rose Medical Center is ready for another patient, Denver, Nov. 13, 2020.

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News, Mesa County Public Health recently debuted this mobile vaccination site in a former police SWAT van fitted out as a clinic. Photographed August 26, 2021 during Grand Junction’s weekly downtown farmer’s market.

The vaccination rate is different county-to-county.

The surge has hit counties with lower vaccination rates hard, causing more hospitalizations per capita than those with higher rates.

Polis said counties, like Eagle, Boulder and Broomfield, with vaccination rates into 80 percent and above, are faring better.

“You get around 80, it really shows there’s an inception point. When you get to about 80 percent per protected, there is a significant herd immunity impact, and your hospitalizations go down several times,” he said.

But those on the other end of a chart the governor and health officials often share are counties like Weld, El Paso, and Mesa. There, relatively low vaccination is powering high levels of coronavirus hospitalizations.

How can Colorado improve its COVID situation?

So how does Colorado change course — and start to bring the spread of the virus back down?

The Rockefeller Foundation’s Samuel Scarpino said to rein in the current ominous spike it will take vaccines, yes, but also a return to the COVID containment playbook.

“We know how to control (the virus). It’s masking, testing, and then case investigation, tracing, isolation, quarantine. Now we have vaccines,” he said.

But he says it’s important to alert the public that things are now bad. And it’s a hard thing to do when mixing in crowded indoor places is fully permitted as if the pandemic hadn’t happened and isn’t still here.

“The ‘sending the signal to the public’ thing is really important,” he said.

That’s why he applauds vaccine requirement measures like Ball Arena is now requiring. It helps in “really communicating to the public that things are risky,” and vaccination is a way to protect yourself.

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

Commit to Quit Smoking on November 18, the Great American Smokeout

CDPHE

For months, health research groups like KKF have noted a sharp and growing red-blue divide in vaccination rates. Counties that voted for Trump in the 2020 Presidential election are less vaccinated compared to those that voted for Biden.

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!

Weld County — The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) would like to recognize The Great American Smokeout on November 18 as an opportunity to take an important first step to living healthier, nicotine-free lives.

The Great American Smokeout is sponsored by the American Cancer Society and is held every third Thursday of November. This day can look like many things for many people. For some, it is marked in calendars as the day they will officially decide to quit smoking or vaping. For others, it is a day to reflect and think about quitting. It can even be a day for those who don’t use nicotine products to encourage loved ones to consider quitting or to connect people interested in quitting to quit services.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 34.1 million Americans currently smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the single greatest preventable cause of death and illness. Another 10.9 million adults and 1 in 5 youth use vaping products in the United States. While smoking in Weld County has decreased approximately 10% since 2007, nearly 1 in 7 residents still use tobacco products, according to 2019 Community Health Assessment (CHA) data. The CHA also reveals 17.2% of adults and 26.4% of youth in Weld County use vaping products regularly. This is not to rule out smokeless tobacco, too, which is more common in rural communities like Weld County. No matter the product, smoking, vaping, and chewing all negatively affect your health, wallet, and the environment.

Nicotine is one of the strongest addictive chemicals, making vaping, smoking, or smokeless tobacco very hard to stop; it requires commitment, a plan, and support.

Research shows people who use 2 or more of the following strategies are more successful in their quit attempt: • Telephone quit lines • Nicotine Anonymous meetings • Smoking counselors or coaches • Self-help books and materials • Encouragement and support from friends and family members No matter how long or how much you have smoked, vaped, or chewed, it is never too late to quit. A nicotine addiction can’t be kicked in one day, but it starts with one day. Make that day November 18, 2021, and commit to quit for a full 24 hours.

For more information and resources to help you quit, go to www.COQuitLine or weldhealth.org or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

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Auto, Home, Farm & Commercial

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

November 17, 2021

November 17, 2021

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BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2022 OF THE WIGGINS RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT (Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S.) NOTICE is hereby given that a proposed budget for the year 2022 has been submitted to the Board of Directors of the Wiggins Rural Fire Protection District.

That a copy of such proposed budget has been posted at the office of the District, where the same is open for public inspection. That such proposed budget will be considered at a meeting of the Board of Directors to be held at 701 Central Avenue, Wiggins, Colorado, at the hour of 7:00 p.m. on the 9th day of December, A.D. 2021. Any taxpayer within the District may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, file or register their objections thereto. /S/ Sam Belmont, Treasurer Published: Lost Creek Guide

Introducing :The War Machine” at American Legion Post 180 Keenesburg, Colorado on Veterans Day 2021

Richie Russell is the builder of War Machine. Freedom is not free, and we built the War Machine to honor our veterans. We support the Wounded Warriors Project because of what they do to help our injured heroes and their families to live a better life while healing from their wounds. WWP takes care of their families from medical needs to mental health and physical rehabilitation to even getting ready for the workforce. We believe strongly in the WWP and hope you will support them. We wanted to say thank you to all our veterans, so we did it the only way we know and that is build a military themed custom chopper as a tribute to all of our soldiers. We will be touring all over Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska at various car and bike shows to continue to support the WWP. If you have any events, you will want the War Machine to attend, we will gladly bring it to you at no cost, just allow us to continue with our WWP fundraising efforts.

Richie wanted to thank lots of folks. Especially his wife, Donna, letting him follow through with this. His two sons and daughter, Ricky, Mike, and Jessica, for their efforts. To Metal Supply & Machine of Delray Beach Florida for their amazing machine work on the War Machine. To Isaac Izzy Reyes for his extraordinary talent to turn my thoughts into reality with his air brush genius.

Thank you to the American Legion, here in Keenesburg, for allowing us to unveil the War Machine here on Veterans Day. To American Legion Commander Tyler Abbott and Finance Officer Kevin McCarthy, and his wife Kathy for their help to make this possible. But most of all I want to thank all our Veterans for whose service allowed us to be free. Let us never forget freedom is never free, and many have paid the ultimate price, in many ways.

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CITY SOFTENS IMPACT OF RAPIDLY RISING NATURAL GAS PRICES

Homeowners can also lower heating bills by winterizing As colder temperatures arrive, natural gas market prices have been rising and are projected to continue to climb into winter. The City of Fort Morgan wants customers to be aware of the potential impact for higher natural gas bills this winter and remind customers to be as efficient as possible to lower monthly heating costs.

Several factors are contributing to the rise in natural gas market prices, including rising domestic demand and increased foreign exports while natural gas production is relatively flat and gas storage inventories are below the five-year average. The wholesale cost of natural gas for the winter period (Nov. 2021-March 2022) may double from the same period a year ago based on New York Mercantile Exchange futures from Oct. 27. Weather plays a key role as colder temperatures result in more natural gas demand, impacting heating bills.

The City of Fort Morgan is a member of the National Public Gas Agency (NPGA), a wholesale natural gas supplier to municipalities that own their own natural gas systems. Through NPGA, the City of Fort Morgan has significantly lessened some of the impacts from the rising market by using a variety of purchasing strategies for roughly half of gas volumes projected this winter, shielding customers from the full impact of the market. The City of Fort Morgan also has the ability to withdraw a significant portion of winter usage from storage with gas purchased during the summer months at lower rates.

Residents can lower their heating bills by lowering their natural gas usage as much as possible. The best way to accomplish this is to winterize your home. This includes: • Checking your home for adequate insulation and repair any holes in your roof • Repairing cracks in walls and around doors and windows that allow heated air to escape • Sealing leaks in furnace air ducts • Changing or cleaning air filters monthly during the heating season • Getting a heating system tune-up • Setting thermostats between 65-70 degrees • Placing plastic sheeting over windows to prevent drafts • Insulating water heaters with an insulation blanket For more information on ways to cut heating costs, contact the City of Fort Morgan Gas Department at (970) 542-3910 or go to the Department of Energy’s website at www.energy.gov.

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Maxmize Your Charitable Giving The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday, when people are encouraged to donate to charitable organizations. If you’d like to take part in this special day, you’ll want to maximize the effectiveness and benefits of your charitable gifts.

So, consider these questions: • Is the charity reputable? Does it use its resources wisely? Most charitable organizations are honest and dedicated to helping their specific causes. But sometimes there are a few “bad apples” in the bunch. These groups aren’t necessarily fraudulent (though some are), but they may spend an inordinate amount of their donations on administrative expenses, rather than directing this money to where it’s most needed. Fortunately, you don’t have to guess about the trustworthiness or the efficiency of a particular group, because you can check on it.

Kyle S. Bernhardt

Financial Advisor 606 Grant St. Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 970-542-6401

To make sure that a charity is an actual charity – one that is tax-exempt and listed as a 501(c)(3) organization – you can go to www.irs.gov, the website of the Internal Revenue Service, and hit the “Charities & Nonprofits” link. An organization called Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator. org) tracks charitable groups’ financial health and accountability, including how much is spent on administrative and fundraising costs. Generally speaking, a charitable group that dedicates more than about 30% to 35% of its total costs to administration and fundraising expenses might be considered somewhat inefficient, though you’d want to evaluate each charity individually, since extenuating circumstances can occur. Keep in mind, though, that smaller charities may not have the same resources as a national organization to provide the reporting necessary for Charity Navigator • Will my employer match my

Timothy R. Guggenmos Financial Advisor 228 Main St. Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 970-867-2441

Mark A. Hough

Financial Advisor 513 Main St. Ste A Fort Morgan, CO 80701 970-542-3048

contribution? You can make your charitable gift go a lot further if your employer matches it. Typically, companies match donations at a 1:1 ratio, but some will match at 2:1 or even higher. Check with your human resources department about your company’s policy on charitable matches • Are my charitable gifts tax deductible?

A few years ago, Congress significantly raised the standard deduction,which, for the 2021 tax year, is now $12,550 for single taxpayers, $25,100 for joint filers and $18,800 for heads of household. As a result of this increase, many people no longer itemize and thus have less financial incentive to make charitable contributions.

If you still do itemize and you’re thinking of making charitable gifts, you generally have a choice between giving cash and another asset such as stocks.

Each type of gift could earn you a tax deduction, but a gift of appreciated stocks

Wes Cable

Financial Advisor 611 Edison St Brush, CO 80723 970-842-2252

could be more beneficial because you may also be avoiding the capital gains tax you might incur if you eventually sold the stocks. You should consult with your tax advisor and the charity (not all accept investments) before making the cashversus-stock decision.

Even if you don’t itemize, you could still get a tax benefit from making a charitable contribution. That’s because Congress has extended part of the COVID-19- related legislation that allows taxpayers to claim charitable deductions of $300 (for single filers) or $600 (for married couples) if they claim the standard deduction. The charitable donations must be made in cash, not stocks.

Giving Tuesday comes just once a year, but your gifts can have lasting benefits.

So, be as generous as you can afford – and enjoy the good feelings that follow.

- Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Forrest Hough

Financial Advisor 129 S. 4th Ave Brighton, CO 80601 303-659-2301

November 17, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

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YEAR’S END TO BRING OPENINGS ON CITY ADVISORY BOARDS

Opportunity for residents to volunteer, learn, get involved in Fort Morgan Several vacancies will occur on Fort Morgan city advisory boards and commissions as the terms of current members expire at the end of 2021.

This annual turnover presents an opportunity for residents to get involved in issues and areas of interest to them and play a role in how the city deals with these issues in coming years.

Two positions are expected to be available on the Airport Advisory Board due to expiring terms. The Library Advisory Board has two current vacancies and will also have two other expiring terms at year’s end.

Other openings occasionally occur during the year and the city always welcomes applications.

Many community events, programs, activities, services and projects in Fort Morgan might never happen without the volunteers who serve on these important committees.

Vacancies are common and often hard to fill, and this becomes especially true at the end of each calendar year, as some of the staggered terms on these boards reach their conclusion.

The rewards of working with fellow Fort Morgan residents for the betterment of the city and its services can be great. Some of the positions have city residency as a requirement but some are open to county residents outside the city limits.

While it varies depending on the specific advisory board, most require a time commitment of just a few hours a month. In return, those who volunteer for positions on these boards get to meet new people with common interests, learn about issues facing the city and the efforts being made to face these challenges, and derive the satisfaction of knowing they have played a part in making the community a better place to live, work and play.

Most city boards or commissions have a member of the Fort Morgan City Council as a liaison. New applicants for the boards are reviewed by this council liaison and the current members of the board, and recommended for approval by the city council.

For more information and an application, visit the city’s website at www. cityoffortmorgan.com – hover over “Government” on the blue bar across the top of the home page, then click on “City Boards & Commissions” – or call Deputy City Clerk Jill Westhoff-Curtis at 542-3962.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT

(970) 483-7343 GetBlueLightning.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

November 17, 2021

United Power Debuts Hybrid Bucket Truck

Brighton, CO - United Power debuted the cooperative’s first hybrid bucket truck at the 2021 Utility Expo in September in Louisville, Kentucky. The new truck is United Power’s first hybrid model bucket and uses battery power to raise and lower the bucket. The truck is also the first model nationwide to use battery power for both the bucket and the bucket jib – a small crane attached to the bucket that allows line crews to lift heavy materials to the height of the bucket.

The Dodge Ram 5500 is equipped with an ETI (A Palfinger Company) utility aerial lift system with a Volta Power Systems electric bucket and jib. Operating an electric boom and jib rather than the traditional diesel boom provides a cleaner, quieter idle time for crews, improves safety conditions, reduces idle time on the truck engine and will save diesel fuel.

“Using this new electric technology means the truck will idle cleaner and offers a savings on diesel fuel for us, but a major safety benefit of an electric bucket is quieter truck operation while crews are working,” said United Power Fleet Manager Bill Hottell. “The crews in the bucket should have a much easier time communicating with crews on the ground, and our mechanics and lineworkers are excited to be among the first in the country to give this new technology a true test in the field.”

With new equipment comes new opportunities for United Power line crews and mechanics to learn more about the different maintenance requirements of a hybrid model and to test any limitations due to weather conditions or normal wear and tear in utility response situations. The first-of-its-kind bucket truck will be assigned to our Carbon Valley Service Center, providing service and responding to outages to members in the west side of the service territory. It was branded with green lightning so you can tell the difference from our traditional bucket trucks. Watch for it in your community.

Honor Due

Veterans Day, Thursday, 11 November 2021

by Pastor Perry Bell

Romans 13:7 7 Pay to each one what is due to each: taxes to the one to whom tax is due, tolls to the one to whom tolls are due, respect to the one to whom respect is due, honor to the one to whom honor is due.

I am a veteran. Today, I honor all those who served, both male and female, either in-country or in a combat zone, and to those who are still serving, standing on that wall. It is good and right to do so, as every freedom you have in this great nation is due to them. My father, my brother, and all three of my sons, along with me, put on the uniform and swore to “uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States, against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same.”

Now, I don’t want to be political, but that oath has never been rescinded, and veterans everywhere maintain the same.

Today, we find ourselves in a nation divided. We have been there before. Issues like race, religion, the demise of family values, the promotion of self… are not new issues. Nation upon nation has experienced that, and it is the Veteran who stands in the way of it becoming so overt that it would pull down the complete notion of freedom.

Freedom. I hold to the Declaration of Independence as a notion of American freedom. “We hold these truths to be self-evident. That all men (and women) are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights. And among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

And who gave us that freedom? Well, first of all, our One True God, who created everything that there is, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God who sent His Son, Jesus, to save the world. He, first and foremost, gave us the freedoms that we enjoy. And secondly, it is the Veteran who allows you the freedom to defend, to aim high, to be always faithful, always ready, and undetermined. Those four freedoms are the mottos of each branch of the service.

So today, when you can’t go to the bank or the library, don’t get upset. Instead, take a moment to remember that you have the free ability to go to a bank or a library because the Veteran gave you that right.

Thank God for our Veterans. Thank America for having a day to remember those who served and are serving. Thank the One Who Gave Us All, your Heavenly Father.

Give honor to whom it is due.

Be Well, Do Good Work, and …

Be Blessed Like Crazy!

Pastor Perry Destination Ministries

November 17, 2021

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High Plains Bank Breaks Ground for New Building in Wiggins New Location Built by Brush-based Buildings

By Design with Deep Roots in Wiggins

Preventive care is a key factor in maintaining your overall health. Now is the time of year to schedule an annual check-up, mammogram, colonoscopy or immunizations to maintain good health.

November 3, 2021 (Wiggins, Colorado) - High Plains Bank, an employee owned and community driven bank, will be breaking ground on a new full service location in Wiggins, Colorado on Monday, November 8, 2021 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. (MST). The current Wiggins branch has been a part of the High Plains Bank family since 2001 with a dedicated team of local Wiggins residents who have worked together serving the Wiggins community for decades.

“We have had the good fortune to be part of the Wiggins community for 20 years now - our team has been operating the bank for much longer,” says John Creighton, High Plains Bank CEO. “We are very excited to break ground on our new Wiggins building for the cominggenerations. We anticipate that Wiggins will be a hub for the long-term growth of the organization and to serve the surrounding communities. None of this would be possible without the support of the community and the long-time and emerging leaders of our Wiggins team – Gail, Esther, Janet, Tammy, Debbie, Linda, Diana, Ximena, Brooke, Caleb, Krystal, Kara and Jackie.”

The new building will be designed and constructed by Buildings By Design, a full-range general contracting firm located in Brush, Colorado with deep ties to the Wiggins community.

“We are so excited for the City of Wiggins and High Plains Bank, and we’re honored to partner with both,” says Travis Lefever, Business Development for Buildings By Design (BBD). “With BBD being located in Morgan County, we love the opportunity to do projects within our community; however, this project holds a special place in our hearts. I grew up in Wiggins and our company and the employees have been longtime customers of High Plains Bank. It’s a great experience to see the growth and vision of this branch come to life!”

The new building will feature approximately 4500 square feet with considerations to both the internal and external aesthetics. “The new Wiggins building will feature a spacious lobby, state of the art teller lines, new drive through lanes and canopy, as well as very accommodating parking,” Lefever shares. “The entire High Plains Bank team have really set the bar high in terms of new facilities that will be built in Wiggins. All of us at BBD offer our congratulations to High Plains Bank for making their dream a reality!!

“High Plains Bank has been actively supportive of the growth and improvements in our community,” shares Gail Stencel, Wiggins Location President. Stencel, a Wiggins native, has been part of the bank since 1973, continuing when High Plains Bank took ownership in 2001.

“I’m privileged to work with one of the most amazing organizations in banking and we’re extremely excited to partner with Buildings By Design. Our goal is to serve and be a part of the thriving community of Wiggins, for generations to come.

The new Wiggins building will be located across the street from the current location and is anticipated to be completed and open for business sometime in late 2022.

About High Plains Bank High Plains Bank’s commitment to support the vitality of our communities began more than one hundred years ago. The bank is explicit that its first goal is to make a lasting impact in our communities while empowering people to manage their financial moments of need and life events. As a family and employee-owned community bank, High Plains Bank places the highest value on relationships with our customers and our employees. High Plains Bank was founded in 1908 in Flagler, Colorado with physical branches in Bennett, Flagler, Keenesburg, Downtown and Northwest Longmont, Wiggins, as well as digital banking services through HPBGO.com.

Make your health a priority before the year ends.

Call 970.867.3391 or visit our “Find a Doctor” tab at ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com to make an appointment.

1000 Lincoln Street - Fort Morgan, CO - 80701 970.867.3391 ColoradoPlainsMedicalCenter.com

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zimmatic.com © 2021 Lindsay Corporation. All rights reserved. Zimmatic, FieldNET, FieldNET Pivot Watch, WaterTrend and FieldNET Advisor are registered trademarks of Lindsay Corporation.

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November 17, 2021

November 17, 2021

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2021 Leaf Pickup Program

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

20#, 30#, 40#,100# Bottle Refills

$1.69 per gallon will call or route

$3,950.00 $2,950.00

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November 17, 2021

LIBRARY KICKS OFF HOLIDAY READING CHALLENGE

Contest for adults offers chance to win $50 gift card We know the holidays are a busy time for everyone, but why not try to earn some extra gifts for yourself or for your loved ones?

This holiday season, the Fort Morgan Library and Museum has created its own Holiday Reading Challenge. Log your reading on our special reading logs for the chance to win a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card.

Each log represents 250 pages, and the challenge runs from Nov. 1 through Dec. 17. The more you read the more chances to win! Use your prize as a gift or treat yourself!

This challenge is for adults only, must be 18 or older to participate.

Reading logs are available at the library circulation desk or via email by request. For more information, contact Kathleen Byrne at (970) 542-4014 or kathleen.byrne@cityoffortmorgan. com.

313 Main St. Ft. Morgan CO

Buy One, Get one 70% Off Sale Women's Clothing and Accessories.

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black friday See store for details, some exclusions may apply

From All of Us At

November 17, 2021

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Lost Creek Guide

SERVICE DIRECTORY Computer Support Repair, Service & Sales

Reliable, Local, Professional Roggen Telephone Company

303-849-5260

Thomas J Croghan DDS Family Dental Practice

Appointments: 303-377-8662 Appointments Available in Keenesburg and Denver

New Patients Welcome

DOHERTY’S PLUMBING AND DRAIN Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Water Heater Replacement Video sewer inspection Sewer & drain locating

Open Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm Family Medical are for All Ages

Keene Clinic

190 So. Main St., Keenesburg

303-732-4268

Loya’s Cleaning LLC Maria Loya

COMPLETE HVAC SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE

303-859-9126

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Assistance for Roggen, Keenesburg, Prospect Valley, & Hudson Call to Request Assistance

303-732-4319

HELP WANTED

SERVICES

First Baptist Church, Keenesburg, Food Pantry

TRUCK DRIVER-PART-TIME Dairy Farm, located in eastern Colorado, needs a dependable & hardworking driver & willing to jump in where needed. Duties will consist of hauling commodities to the facility, hauling manure to fields, harvest driving, & anything that may need hauling. It will be local driving and home every night.

Pay will be determined by experience, & retired drivers welcome to apply.

- Solid experience preferred - Need to be self-motivated, good communication skills with staff & ownership - Must have CDL Class A with a clean driving record - Able to pass a drug & alcohol screening - Most trucking is within a 200-mile radius, home at night.

35895 CR 18 Roggen, CO 80652 l 303-849-6222

Dave Haney Painting & Dry Wall Interior - Exterior Cabinets, Fence Staining Located in Platteville 720-217-2089

Open every third Saturday 9 am to 12 pm 100 North Market Street, Keenesburg

PROPANE SERVICE TECHNICIAN/DRIVER We are seeking a qualified, self-motivated, career oriented person with a strong work ethic to help us provide exceptional propane service.

Join our team and receive competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications and Requirements: - High School Diploma or equivalent - Class A CDL license with air brake, hazmat, and tanker endorsements - Must possess a clean driving record - Must pass a background check and drug screen - Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and work in all weather conditions - Meet all DOT requirements Principle Responsibilities Include: - Provide exceptional service and support during customer interactions - Provide on-site installation of propane tanks and related equipment - Perform leak tests for customer safety - Provide maintenance on equipment and propane lines - Operate all equipment in a safe and competent manner - Requires on call rotation for after hours and weekend emergency deliveries or service calls - Loads, secures, transports, delivers, and unloads propane to and from specified destinations - Inspect and document for any/all maintenance issues - Assist with other job duties as assigned Please contact Steve Steinkamp at ssteinkamp@roggenfarmerselev.com or 970-217-5321.

McCarthy Trucking

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

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

For emergency needs, please contact 720-480-6428 or email us at: http:// www.fbca.church

Donations are welcome to help us defeat hunger in our community

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November 17, 2021

American Legion Post 180 Auxiliary, Keenesburg, CO Halloween Chili Cook Off & Costume Contest Results

Official Judging Results: Best Decorated Table: Lucinda Zwygardt Best Red Chili: Aaron Lam Best Green Chili: Lucinda Zwygardt People’s Choice: Best Decorated Table: Debby Lewton & Tammy Brnak Best Red Chili: Heidi Robertson Best Green Chili: Lucinda Zwygardt Costume Contest: Best Female: Natalie Schlidt (Bad Sandy from Grease) Best Male: Seam McCarthy ( Let’s Go Brandon) Best group/Couple: Wayne & Debby Newton & Joe & Tammy Brnak (Scooby – Do)

The Witches from retirement: Amy Mutchie, Krista Pierce, Kristie Grabian and Micki Moser

Sean McCarthy, Let’s Go Brandon

SUPPORT OUR VETERANS

Natalie Schlidt: “ Bad Sandy”

LIBRARY PROGRAM TO SPREAD CARE THROUGHOUT COMMUNITY

Donations of cards sought to provide note of joy to those who need it The Fort Morgan Public Library is calling on community members of all ages to join in spreading care and joy throughout the community.

The library’s new Share to Care program asks patrons to make cards or bring in generic or blank greeting cards for donation. Children’s Librarian LynnDee Koehler will then distribute the cards around the community for people that could use some note of joy or care throughout the holiday months and beyond.

Recipients may include nursing homes, the SHARE house, Family Center, Veteran Resource Group, or anywhere or anyone in need of some cheer.

The Share to Care program will run from now through Feb. 18, 2022.

Patrons can utilize Makerspace time to make cards, or if they need supplies the library has construction paper and other items they can utilize any time to craft cards. The cards can have messages in them or be blank.

Donations of cards can be placed in a clear tub located in the main library upstairs. If a patron asks for a card that they can send to or share with someone they care about that needs a “pick me up,” that is okay, too! The cards are for anyone in need!

If you have any questions please contact LynnDee Koehler at 970-542-4014

Ron & Lucinda Zwygardt

Joe & Amy Brnak, Wayne & Debbie Lewton

Aaron & Colleen Lam

Heidi & Rick Robertson

Being photographer is a tough and lonely job but somebody has to do it

WHEN YOU’RE READY, WE ARE TOO.

APPLY TODAY! LEARN MORE AT

aims.edu

FO RT LUPTO N CA MP US | 260 CO L LEGE AVE.

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