The Lost Creek Guide April 5, 2023

Volume 16 • Edition 7

April 5, 2023

Delivering to over 17,000 homes & businesses including all of Fort Lupton and Lochbuie.

“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

Hudson Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Park

The annual Easter Egg Hunt was held at Memorial Park in Hudson. Free face painting was offered by Maria Chavez and many of the young people participated. The youngsters and parents waited for the go signal from Judy McGill and immediately took off egg collecting. The event lasted about 15 minutes and all the eggs were picked clean! Town Manger Bryce Lange, Mayor Joe Hommock and Hudson Library Director Tami Crossen overlooked the event as well as other town officials, all were careful not to be trampled when the go was given. Appeared that a fun time was had by all, especially the youngsters.

Hudson Annual Easter Egg Hunt photos continued on page 3...

Fort Lupton Girl Scouts Earn the Bronze

by Jessica Holbrook Junior girl scouts from Fort Lupton troop[ 70757 worked as a team to earn the prestigious Girl Scouts of USA Bronze Award. This award is the highest award a junior girl scout can achieve, it focuses on building a team, exploring the community, choosing a project, putting a plan in place, and spreading the word about their project.

The main goal is to make a positive change in the community. The Girl Scouts thought about what was passionate to them as a group, the decision was clear, to help puppies in need. Our community has several rescue operations to choose from, the one that resonated the most with girls was Lifetime Puppy Rescue in Brighton. Life Time Puppy Rescuer has rescued puppies for over 35 years from across the Rocky Mountain region, New Mexico and Kansas, with Life line Puppies help over 32,000 puppies have found forever homes. The Girl Scouts came up with a plan to build 50 foster kits as a way to make a positive change to the rescue. The kits were made up of items that the Girl Scouts handmade, including blankets, bags with holders, and 50 tarps. These foster kits are handed to volunteers that provide a warm home for puppies while they are waiting to be adopted. The girls spent the entire month of March making items and collecting donations. On March 23rd they assembled the bags and delivered them to Lifeline Puppy Recue. It was a big hit for the girls and the puppies, they all were so happy to spend time together. The Girl Scouts hope that this project will have a lasting impact on the community by inspiring people to donate to the rescue and either foster or even adopt a puppy or two!

For Lupton Girl Scout photos continued on page 13...

Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2023 Taste of Fort Lupton at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center

The Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2023 Taste of Fort Lupton.

With close to over 200 members of the public attending. Lots of food was enjoyed as it was provided by the participating restaurants. There were many door prizes awarded. Winner of the Mayor’s Choice was Ben’s Brick Oven Pizza out of Hudson and the People’s Choice winner was State Champ Grill from Fort Lupton. Listing of all the participants: Ben’s Brick Oven Pizza Bougie Boba Tea Bar Daylight Donuts of Dacono Cakiots by Emy Copper Kettle Kitchen & Catering Hometown Nutrition House of Smoke Little Caesars’s Mulberries Cake Shop State Champ Grill The KM Cup/Cinn-a-brew Wholly Stromboli Thank you to the Event sponsors: United Power, Copper Kettle Kitchen & Catering, Longview Heating & Air Conditioning and the Lost Creek Guide.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: Where Are We? By Gabe Evans Page 4: Cardinal Community Academy Spelling Bee Results Page 6: Big Balloon Build Hosted by Life Stories Page 6: Fort Lupton United Methodist Spring Brunch Page 7: Colorado Tree Coalition Art Contest Results Page 8-10: RE3J Spring Update Page 11: AIMS Events Page 12: East Colorado SBDC Success Story Page 14: South Platte Historical Society Update

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Lost Creek Guide

Way of the World

by Bob Grand We are a great country because we are a nation of law. Laws that are supposed to be applied equally and consistently. You must wonder how elected officials justify to themselves that it is fine to arbitrarily decide what laws to apply to what people. That is what dictatorships or banana republics do. It seems if you are a pro-life person, you have one set of rules applied to you and if you are a pro-choice you have quite another. If you are a criminal, an illegal immigrant, or just a plain citizen the same needs to apply. The path this inequity will lead us down will lead to the dissolvement of our country as it attacks the main base of what we stand for as a nation, equality under the law.

The indictment of Donald Trump is an example of this. The history of the Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is not one of stringent application of the law to people who do things against the law. So why the flip in Donald Trump’s case?

Simple politics. The problem is, in my opinion, is that it is going to have the reverse effect. The Democrats will be creating a martyr out of Donald Trump. There are some serious legal questions on Bragg’s case against Trump, one of which is the statute of limitations issue, the other being a federal law case being attempted in a New York State legal case. John Bolton, not a Trump supporter, states that Bragg may be doing Trump a great service as this case will further propel him into the role of victim, something the Democrats are well versed in doing, but in this case, not what they may have planned. The value of a mug shot of Trump being arraigned may turn out to be the biggest press photo supporting Trump’s campaign ever imaginable. West Virginia United States Senator Joe Manchon had a quote this past weekend: “No one’s above the law, but no one should be targeted by the law.”

Our main political parties are totally failing the American people. Rather than debate and try to achieve reasonable consensus on the issues we face as a country, it is my way or no way. We are now looking at having two very senior citizens vying for the presidency of the United States who are focused playing towards their individual bases, which in both cases are a minority of the American people. A perfect example is the new GOP State Chair, Dave Williams, who has fostered an effort to unite all Republicans. The problem is if he was successful and got everyone of those Republicans he wants to unite to vote republican, it is not enough to win a statewide race of any kind in Colorado today. Now today, in Weld County the same does not apply, but the day is coming.

We need to convince the politicians of both parties that we, the tax paying citizens, are serious about improving the quality of life for all our citizens. It is ironic that with the Denver mayoral election coming up and the startup of baseball at Coors Field there has all of sudden been a massive cleanup of homeless encampments in Denver.

Well why now? It seems that we do not really want to solve problems, we just want to create new committees and hire people who are supposed to solve problems to work on those committees. And you wonder why our taxes never seem to go down and why we never seem to solve anything?

Putin continues down his road to disaster in the Ukraine. If you follow YouTube at night there are about a dozen videos that regularly report on the Ukrainian war activity. Almost all are very pro Ukrainian. Where is coverage in the United States?

China is experiencing some dire economic conditions. Aside from their real estate collapse, the employment levels in their automobile industry and manufacturing industries are also headed in a very bad direction, approaching catastrophic levels.

It is said that this year’s college graduating class in China has only an 18% hiring rate for technical students and 10% for non-technical students. That implies an almost 85% unemployment rate after graduation. A scenario that is not sustainable. Yet another question is the reported trade surpluses by China cannot seem to be found from an accounting view. The Chinese government has for the last ten years have reported significant trade surpluses yet when trying to figure out where credited to they cannot be found. Is it a lack of reporting truth or is it theft? One has to wonder if all this has something to do with China’s effort to force the big four international, public accounting firms out of the Chinese market. It has been said it is to protect and develop the Chinese accounting industry but one has to wonder if it is not to protect the illicit reporting of Chinese government officials?

Our country has many issues to resolve but it is still a much better place than many other areas of the world. We all should be working towards improving the quality of life for all our citizens. Do we all agree on how to do that? No, but that is supposed to be what comprise is about. Why do we seem to have forgotten to teach our young people that? Maybe because too many of our educators, at too many levels, and politicians do not really understand what that means. We should help those people retire and choose and elect people who understand the true meaning of what compromise means.

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

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

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April 5, 2023

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor, I am the incumbent director and current Vice Chairman of the Board for United Power. I am standing for re-election. During my 12 Years as Director on the United Power Board, I have served as Chairman of the Board for 3 years, served as Vice Chairman for 2 years, and as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer for 1 year.

Currently I am the CEO and owner of BVB General Contractors located in Brighton, CO. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I am a proud US Army veteran of the Nebraska National Guard. For other organizations I have previously served as Board Chairman of the Brighton Economic Development Corporation for four years and also served on the Brighton Lodging Tax Advisory Committee for two years. I also support Brighton Troop # 315 of the Boy Scouts of America as a Technical Advisor for Eagle Scout projects.

The next year will be the most critical year in the 85 year history of United Power.

The Board will be making monumental decisions for the future power supply of the company that involves hundreds of millions of dollars which will reduce power costs to our members by a significant amount. The Board has been evaluating this decision for the past several years and I have a great deal of background knowledge necessary to make the upcoming final decisions.

These past twelve years have been extraordinary for United Power. We recognize the growing demand to transition to smart and responsible energy generation, deploying nearly 60 megawatts of local renewable energy generation. Our residential rooftop solar has grown to over 10,000 houses. This growth has resulted in United Power being one of the fastest growing cooperatives in the nation for residential rooftop solar installations. United Power has a “Can Do” culture in providing COST EFFECTIVE green/alternative energy for our system. This Cost Effectiveness has resulted in no Rate Increase for the past x years!

In 2022 United Power had Power Sales of approximately 315 Million Dollars, resulting in power sales growth of 125 % which has occurred since I joined the Board in 2011. We have grown to over 100,000 meters and currently are one of the largest distribution cooperatives in the nation.

Forefront in my mind is that United Power is a rapidly growing large business owned by our members. I take my Board Of Directors Duties very seriously in directing the affairs of the business and representing the interests of ALL members. I typically spend 60 hours a month on United Power Business. I devote a great deal of time and effort learning about the electrical cooperative industry and have achieved Gold level certification as a Credentialed Cooperative Director.

Thank you for the opportunity to continue serving you as your Director. Looking ahead, I respectfully ask for your vote to continue to serve you, select our power supply for the future, increase our green/alternative energy efforts, our cost effectiveness, and continued refund of Capital Credits.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at jamesvigesaa@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns that you may have.

Thank you very much.

James Vigesaa

Fort Lupton Prep Wrestler Wins Third State Championship

by Paul Dineen Fort Lupton’ Bluedevil D’mitri Garza-Alarcon joined elite company on February 18 at Ball Arena in Denver when he earned his third prep wrestling championship. He won the 3A 138 pound class title by beating Mullen freshman Isaak Chavez (37-6) in a 2-1 decision. That made junior Garza-Alarcon Fort Lupton’s seventh three-time prep wrestling champion, preceded by Vince Holton, Sonny Bachicha, Jarrod Nelson, Saul Guerrero, Dale Schull and Jody Sandoval.

Garza-Alarcon finished with a record of 42-4 and was named to the CHSAA/ MaxPreps/ColoradoPreps All-State First Team. Fort Lupton finished in sixth place as a team. Eaton was the 3A team champion (despite having no individual champions).

Last year, Garza-Alarcon was 40-3, also at 138 pounds, and Fort Lupton finished in fourteenth place in the state. In that final, he defeated Brady Hankin of Woodland Park, thus denying Hankin a fourth championship. As a freshman, he won his first state title with a record of 24-0 in the 126 pound class and Fort Lupton finished in a three-way tie for twentieth place.

All-time. Fort Lupton has won six team championships across all sports: three in team wrestling, one in baseball, one in gymnastics and one in boys basketball.

Dale O’Blia of Mullen (40-3 in the 113 pound class) also won his third title this year, the first state title winner in Mullen history. O’Blia, Garza-Alarcon and three other wrestlers will be targeting their fourth individual championship next year.

April 5, 2023

Lost Creek Guide

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Where Are We?

by Gabe Evans Crime is rising, the cost of living is skyrocketing, and oil, gas, and agriculture are under attack. Since the state legislature is about halfway through the annual 120 day session (which runs from January to May), this is a perfect time to ask, “What are your elected lawmakers doing?” Keep in mind the legislature is historically imbalanced. Democrats control 69 seats and Republicans have 31.

The ruling party is aggressively pursuing several key policy priorities. First, they are adding regulation to Colorado’s already hurting housing market. Bills like HB23-1190, HB23-1171, HB23-1192, and HB23-1115 have nice-sounding titles, but they increase the size of government, add regulation and liability to landlords, and attack contractors. This will hurt availability and ultimately drive landlords and housing units off the market.

Second is the anti-gun agenda. HB23-1230, HB23-1219, SB23-168, SB23-169, and SB23-170 add numerous restrictions to gun ownership. Included are essentially an outright ban on semi-automatic rifles and pistols, mandatory waiting periods to purchase a firearm, authorization for a mental health provider to petition for “Red Flag” firearm removal (behind a gun owner’s back), increasing the minimum age to buy a gun to 21, and attacking firearm manufacturers. In over 10 years in law enforcement, I’ve never seen criminals obey the law. These bills penalize law abiding gun owners and waste taxpayer resources attacking the 2nd Amendment, all while ignoring actual solutions to the violent crime tsunami gripping our state.

Finally, regulations across all sectors of industry and economy are increasing. Public safety, oil and gas, and agriculture are under attack. This includes bills like HB231161 (which regulates 75 household appliances and discriminates against propane and natural gas), HB23-1169 (which prevents law enforcement from making arrests for certain crimes), and SB23-038 (which negatively impacts equine ownership).

Here’s what I’m fighting for. My bills include HB23-1102, which restores funding to an existing but neglected program to conduct high visibility drunk and drugged driving enforcement. SB23-034 holds violent criminals accountable for physical attacks with weapons. HB23-1045 closes loopholes by which National Guard members can be forced to take their own personal vacation time when activated to battle wildfires, floods, riots, etc. HB23-1148 would have reduced job-killing regulations by preventing activist bureaucrat regulators from changing rules and “moving the goalposts” whenever they want. This would have helped protect our agriculture and energy producers (and other economic sectors); unfortunately, this bill was killed in committee on a party line vote.

I’ve had some success in forcing amendments on bad bills. I was able to amend HB23-1134 to remove some language vilifying oil and gas. I added two amendments to HB23-1187 which slightly improve public safety. Despite amending and battling against these bills, they were ultimately rammed through by the supermajority.

As a first term legislator, I’m reminded of an apocryphal story in which a fight broke out on the floor of the State House. The sergeant at arms ran up to the Speaker and said “Mr. Speaker, why aren’t you breaking up the fight?” The Speaker, a good conservative, replied “If they’re fighting, they aren’t voting. If they aren’t voting, nothing gets passed. And if nothing gets passed, no one really gets hurt.”

Elections have consequences. For the next two years we will unfortunately be feeling these consequences in our communities, jobs, and pocketbooks. Having sworn four oaths to uphold and defend the Constitution, three of them payable up to and including my life (US Army, CO National Guard, Arvada Police), I’ll never stop fighting for our values. Reach out and let me know your thoughts. As the State Representative for House District 48 (Brighton to Keenesburg, Kersey to La Salle), I work for you.

Gabe Evans State Representative Colorado House District 48

When American Values and Immigration Collide

by Jodi Walker What happens when hard work, determination and pursuit of the American Dream collide head on with rules? That is the story of Grand Island Nebraska in the past year; of desperate employers, desperate families and of children with few options. An immigrant family has a child who needs/wants to work, there are no options such as the local fast food joint because the child is not documented. The parents hear that there is work at the local factory, cleaning at night. They help their child get the job. The catch is, the kid is only 13 and is working alongside other minors in dangerous conditions. The contract cleaning company was illegally hiring minors to fill their workforce. They have since been fined 1.5 million dollars and are under watch.

While you and I would be appalled at our kids working nights in a factory, this isn’t always the case for immigrant parents. Even our worst work is better than several of the places our immigrant workers have arrived from. In many countries education is a luxury and kids start working at young ages. What are you supposed to do when what you know isn’t contradicted by education? What if no one has told you that in America, we don’t allow child labor? We all agree that kids need a work ethic and that jobs while they are younger help to build that. What is the answer for families when the ends don’t meet anymore and parents have nothing left to give? There are few social safety nets for our immigrant population, and many are afraid to ask for help for fear of it being used against them.

The aftermath of this story is that many people were charged, there is still an investigation and the cleaning company has been fined but not shut down. The kids are left in another bad situation with parents facing possible deportation and again the inability to get a job.

While this is an extreme case and the number of wrongs can’t be counted, it still leaves the issue of “what are undocumented kids suppose to do” unanswered. With no opportunity to apply for DACA we have 100’s of kids left with no good, legal options.

What are we going to do with these kids who are stuck in limbo, they have spent almost their entire lives in the US, gone to school, many have gotten good grades only to graduate and find that they are stuck. There is no regular job that will hire them without a social security number, you can’t get one unless you have a legal status and if you were brought here as a child, you don’t have a legal status and there is currently no pathway to get one.

DACA is currently closed and has been for a while. There is no path to citizenship, no test you can take, no forms you can apply for. Such is the life of an undocumented young adult who was too young to apply for DACA before it closed. The best you can hope for is to work in the fields or as a waitress or to clean houses. None of which pays enough to make the bills.

Letter to the Editor

Prom and After Prom Celebrations Dear: As a leader in your company/organization and in our community, you no doubt understand the need for support in our schools and with our youth. I am sending this letter to let you know of the Fort Lupton High School Booster Clubs plans to provide our students an opportunity for a safe and sober evening by hosting the annual After Prom celebration. We are coming to you to request your assistance in our efforts.

Plans are underway for an exciting evening of safe activities; however, we are in need of donations for the event. This can include monetary donations to help support the event or merchandise to be given away as prizes. Our efforts to provide this event cannot take place without the amazing support from our community.

That is where you come in!

We are writing to ask for you to donate/contribute in some way. Items such as Gift Certificates, Product Donations or Monetary Contributions are needed. By donating, you will be helping us provide this safe alternative on Prom night. We are anticipating at least 150 to 200 students to attend the evening’s festivities. We have opportunities for sponsoring in the areas of food, the casino or activities provided to the students, prizes and more.

The Prom is scheduled for April 149, 2023. If you would like to mail a contribution, please mail to the following address.

Fort Lupton Booster Club PO Box 516 Fort Lupton, CO 80621 If you would like to sit down and have a discussion about your donation, you can contact me directly at 720-313-8389 or mbetter89@gmail.com. You can also give me a call if you would like a representative from our organization to stop by your business/organization to pick up your donation. We would love to share with you what we provide for our students and what we are doing in 2023 to keep it safe for all attending and what an impact your support has.

I hope to hear from you soon and thank you in advance for your generosity. Thank you for helping us in our effort to make this a memorable After Prom and safe alternative for our students.

Sincerely, Michelle Bettger After Prom Chair Person President Fort Lupton Booster Club Home of the Bluedevils!

Hudson Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Memorial Park pictures continued from page 1

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Lost Creek Guide

Letter to the Editor

Covid’s Other Victim by Rob Rocca, Minister The last three years have been devastating to so many people with the loss of loved ones, economic changes, and altered interactions with society. People, businesses, and education have all fallen victim to Covid and the Covid effect. There is another victim. Silently in the background endeavoring to support and strengthen the very society around it providing care, prayer, resources, and more is the church, and by the church I mean the Community of Faith.

The church is so much more than a place to go for an hour to ninety minutes a few times a month, it is a vibrant gathering of people who share a common belief in a loving and saving Lord, and they endeavor to help one another and those around them. The shutdowns, fear of gathering, political divides and varying opinions on vaccines greatly impacted this community.

In some ways it revealed weaknesses, but hey, this community is made of imperfect people who are trudging through this life aspiring to draw closer to God and be better people. This community that gathers not only in chairs in auditoriums, but also in small groups and homes to pray, encourage, and love one another is grieving more than just those who have passed away, but those who have moved on. Moved on to another state, moved on to another church, moved on to forsake their faith, and moved on mentally, emotionally, and physically. They are discovering that many of their fellow community members are not returning, and their gatherings just do not feel the same. Why don’t they feel the same? They are mourning. They are grieving.

Their community is yet another victim of this horrendous season we have all just come through.

I wonder what would happen if those who have separated from their communities would return? They too will find a new environment as others have taken their place in the community, but there is always room for one more. We have a choice we can make in this situation because it is not too late for the Community of Faith to come back. As a side note, I encourage those who have remained to stay faithful, vitality is returning to this Community in a new inspiring way.

As we approach the Easter Season it is an opportunity to come back to the community of faith. They miss you! They really do! People are gathering safely and embracing life once again, and this vital component of life is reaching out to embrace those who will return. They don’t want you just for the Easter service, they want you back in the community sharing life with them again. Consider the place where you worshipped before Covid, or if you have relocated physically, go find a new community and be a part once again. You will find open arms.

(Rob Rocca is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and pastors Destiny Church in Fort Lupton, CO as well as serving as an overseer of churches in Northern Colorado. He has his Master of Theology from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, TX, and is currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program at Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO.) Destiny Church is located at 307 S Fulton Ave, Fort Lupton, CO, and is experiencing new growth and vitality after Covid. All are welcome to join the faith community there.

Letter to the Editor

My name is Robert Masden and I am asking for your support in representing the East District of the United Power Board of Directors. I have an extensive background in leadership roles and public service having served as Mayor of Hudson, Colorado for eight years, Weld County Commissioner for another eight years, and a member of the RE3-J School Board, as well as being a small business owner for over 20 years.

While Mayor, I negotiated the territorial exchange between United Power and Public Service of Colorado, making Hudson the first Municipality to approve this Franchise exchange. During my tenure, we also solved a long-term problem with water quality by bringing in high-quality Big Thompson water utilizing a multi-faceted agreement involving several municipalities and entities. We also shepherded the process of improving Hudson’s ISO fire rating resulting in both greater availability for insurance and a subsequent reduction in our commercial and residential insurance costs.

During my tenure as Weld County Commissioner, we became one of the top counties in the Nation for economic development and financial stability. We successfully assisted with accomplishing the extension and upgrade of Tri State’s system connection to United Power improving the quality of service in our area, and we approved the State of Colorado’s largest wind farm project.

My Experience/Qualifications ● Small business owner for over twenty years ● Mayor of Hudson from 1986-1994 ● Weld County Council - 1999-2000 ● RE3-J School Board of Directors -1999-2003 ● Weld County Commissioner for District 3 - Eight years ● State of Colorado Energy and Mineral Impact Committee Appointee by both Governor Owen and Ritter ● Northwest Parkway Board of Directors - Eight years ● Colorado Counties Inc.Member ● Chairman of the General Government Committee - two years ● National Association of County Officers Member ● Appointee to the Energy, Environment, and Land Use Commission ● Chairman of the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region -two years ● Appointed to Colorado State Transportation Action Committee I have served on many other committees and in other capacities and truly wish to bring that experience to the United Power Board of Directors. I will work diligently to become fully educated in Co-op matters to help continue the great service and affordability that we United Power members have enjoyed. I will work collaboratively with the Board of Directors and support the hard-working staff to ensure all the efforts to reduce the current power costs and transition to new business models and renewable energies continue.

Colorado is my lifelong home where I raised and educated my son Kyle and daughter Brittany and planted deep roots. I am committed to doing everything in my power to maintain and improve our Colorado way of life and I would truly appreciate your vote to be able to represent you on the United Power Board of Directors.

Thank you for your consideration, Rob Masden

April 5, 2023

Cardinal Community Academy Spelling Bee

I’m Brooklynn Christen, the champion of my school’s Spelling Bee. This is my story.

Cardinal Community Academy had not held a Spelling Bee for years. I was very excited when my teacher, Mrs. Cole, told us that our school librarian, Miss Sarah, was bringing it back for grades fourth through eighth.

The initial qualification was a fifteen-word written test, of which the top four in each grade would move on to the oral portion of the Spelling Bee. I was the only one in the entire school who spelled all fifteen words correctly.

My fellow classmates and contestants, Tessa, Logan, and Jaxon, who call me “The Human Dictionary,” knew I would qualify.

The contestants were given study packets and Mrs. Cole offered to have “lunch meetings” with our class contestants to study.

I highlighted the words in the packet that I wanted to practice. We practiced on the couch and my younger sister, Madelynn, “practiced” with us on a white board. The first word that I misspelled was the word “exhilaration,” instead spelling it “exhileration.”

My mom told me to spell “telenovelas,” which I had never heard before. She gave me the definition, which was “Spanish soap opera.” I said “‘tele’means TV, so this has to be on TV and “novelas” sounds like novels, which are books or stories. So this is a story on TV.” I was bewildered when my mom looked so excited after I spelled the word wrong. She said I had exemplary instincts.

I wasn’t very nervous about the Spelling Bee itself; I was intimidated to be in front of a big crowd. My mom told me to pretend that it was just her and me sitting on our couch, which helped.

Then came the Bee. We sat in chairs in the front of the gym. The rest of the school flooded in. The families of the contestants filed in behind them.

The Bee began.

The first contestant took the microphone and spelled a word. He spelled it correctly and sat down. Then came my turn. The Pronouncer said “deering”. I had him repeat it, and he repeated “deering.” “Deering” - whatever it meant - hadn’t been in the packet.

I remembered that “during” had been in my packet. I spelled that, took a deep breath, and awaited my fate. My instincts were correct.

Contestants began getting eliminated. Every time another person got up, I held my breath. I let it out if they spelled it right. If they didn’t, I felt sympathetic.

Finally, there were three of us left. We would all place in the Bee. Andrew was eliminated. He won third place.

Then there were two. Marin misspelled her word. It was all up to me now.

My word was “exhilaration.” I only ever misspelled it once.

I won.

The room erupted into excited shrieks. My parents and my grandma came and hugged me.

Back in class, the third graders opened our classroom door and called, “Congrats to all spellers! All hail Queen Brooklynn!”

April 5, 2023

5

Lost Creek Guide

Colorado is Expected to Return $2.7 Billion to Taxpayers. The Legislature Hasn’t Determined How to Refund the Money.

If the legislature doesn’t act, the TABOR surplus will be returned through checks tied to taxpayers’ income levels, with higher earners getting bigger refunds.

Democrats say that system is inequitable.

by Jesse Paul, The Colorado Sun

Polis said before the legislative session began in January that he’d like to see the surplus used to lower Colorado’s income tax rate, which is how the TABOR excess has traditionally been refunded.

State law requires lawmakers to cut the rate to 4.5% when the TABOR cap is exceeded by more than roughly $160 million. But voters in November approved Proposition 121, which permanently cut Colorado’s income tax rate to 4.4% from 4.55%, making that refund mechanism moot.

Democrats in the legislature, however, are likely to push back on an income tax cut because doing so would provide more benefit to higher earners.

The TABOR refund conversation could all be for naught if there’s a recession that significantly reduces tax collections through the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year June 30. And even if there is TABOR surplus to return to taxpayers, Coloradans may not get their refund checks until the spring of 2024.

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

Yoga Highjacked My Life in 2008

The House floor on the first day of the 2023 legislative session, Jan. 9, 2023, in the Colorado Capitol in Denver. (Hugh Carey, The Colorado Sun)

Checks in the mail? An income tax cut? Property tax relief?

State government is expected this year to collect $2.7 billion in tax revenue above Colorado’s constitutional cap on government spending, according to the Governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting, money that the Democratic majority in the legislature will have to decide how to refund.

The decision has to be made before the 2023 legislative session ends May 8, meaning lawmakers will have to act fast on the big-ticket item. The legislature didn’t learn until earlier this month, when it received its quarterly economic and tax revenue forecasts, how much money collected in the 2023-23 fiscal year, which runs through June 30, it would have to return.

The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, a 1992 constitutional amendment approved by Colorado voters, caps governmental growth each year to population increases and the rate of inflation. Any money collected over the cap has to be refunded, but the legislature has broad discretion over how the refunds are issued.

Current law requires that the state first use the TABOR surplus to reimburse local governments for any property tax exemptions claimed by local seniors and disabled veterans. Last year, that was about $161 million of the more than $3.5 billion in TABOR cap excess.

Next, the money is slated to get distributed through what’s called the six-tier sales tax refund mechanism, which ties refund amounts to each taxpayer’s income, based on six tiers. Under the system, people who make more money get bigger refund checks in the mail.

But Senate Majority Leader Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City, indicated that lawmakers will move away from the six-tier system.

“I think we’ve demonstrated that the six-tier sales tax rebate system is not equitable,” Moreno said. “I’m sure there will be conversations about how to bring equity into the TABOR refunds.”

Last year, Democrats in the legislature and Gov. Jared Polis enacted a flat-rate refund mechanism, sending checks of $750 or $1,500 to Coloradans depending on whether they are single or joint tax filers. It’s possible a similar system could be used to refund this year’s TABOR surplus, though the size of the checks likely would be smaller.

What is TABOR? The Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR, is a 1992 constitutional amendment that requires voter approval for all tax increases in Colorado. It also caps government growth and spending, mandating that tax revenue collected in excess of the cap be refunded to taxpayers. The cap is calculated using inflation and population rates.

Moreno said some of the surplus also may be used to drive down Coloradans’ property tax bills, which is what happened last year.

“We did establish a precedent of using temporary funding dollars for property tax relief. It’s possible that continues,” Moreno said.

House Speaker Julie McCluskie, a Dillon Democrat, said she hasn’t been part of TABOR refund conversations yet. “I’m happy to follow up with you when we’ve had those conversations,” she said.

By Jessica King My sister and my best friend convinced me to go. I went reluctantly, but only after I completed my “real workout!” After getting over the initial assessment that everyone in class was a complete weirdo, I proceeded to throw myself into every advanced posture that the teacher offered. I left feeling unsure of what had just happened to me!

Nevertheless, I kept going back to yoga because of some sort of high that I seemed to get after class and the fact that my “real” workout seemed easier with some added flexibility! Over the following year I began to fall in love with the poses and I found myself spending my free time learning more about the practice. At the time, I was a career server and had spent nearly 20 years waiting tables. I had done other things like taught fourth grade briefly, but always worked in restaurants to pay the bills. I started to build my work schedule around my favorite yoga classes and instructors.

Then one day I was waiting tables like I had always done and suddenly it hit me like a ton of bricks. Something had made my job easier. I didn’t seem to let my self get tied in a tizzy over rude customers, I carried the bus tubs differently, and stood up straighter. I didn’t have a chronic sciatic nerve pain that had plagued me for years.

I realized that it was yoga that had turned these things around for me! Yoga had CHANGED MY LIFE! From there I went on to get my yoga teachers certificate and dive in with two feet!

Today, it is my ultimate passion and joy to share the amazing practice of yoga with others so it can help change peoples lives for the better. I teach all ages and abilities; from children, to elderly, to people with disabilities. I currently have a program at the Hudson Library and I also do events on a regular basis at Barr Lake State Park. My classes are created to make yoga accessible to all people. I also have On Demand Videos on my website and free videos on YouTube! Check out my website jesskingyoga. com for a full list of upcoming events and my regular class schedule! I look forward to guiding you on your yoga journey! With love and light, Jess

Reliable propane delivery.

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Big Balloon Build Colorado

JULY 16-24 AIMS WELCOME CENTER BALLROOM 4901 WEST 20TH STREET, GREELEY, COLORADO

April 5, 2023

Southeast Weld Chamber of Commerce Hosts Big Balloon Build Introduction at the Monthly Lunch and Learn Meeting at Ben’s Pizzeria in Hudson

This past week at the regular monthly meeting of the Southeast Weld Chamber of Commerce at Ben’s Pizzeria in Hudson, Colorado the group hosted a presentation of the Big Balloon Build coming up in July at the AIMS Welcome Center in Greeley. The presenting group led by Sharon Eberhard, of Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy Group, last year’s winner of the Southeast Wild Chamber of Commerce non-profit of the Year recognition, was joined by Allison Dunning, of Merry Makers and Stuart Davies, with the Big Balloon Build gave an informative presentation, accompanied by a video of their last efforts up in Wisconsin. Stuart Davies, who is based in England, gave an overview of the Big Balloon Build concept and commented that Ben’s Pizza was excellent. That qualifies as international recognition!

The Big Balloon Build is a magical immersive wonderland of balloons. It will be hosted by Balloon Art by Merry Makers and proceeds from this event will benefit Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy. The event is designed by Allison Dunning with Merry Makers and Stuart Davies with the Big Balloon Build® and is created by over 65 balloon artists from around the world who form teams and volunteer their time and pay their own travel expenses. The balloons and inflation equipment are also donated by Pioneer Balloon Company, the makers of Qualatex, and Premium Balloon Accessories.

The purpose of the Big Balloon Build ® is to utilize the power of balloon décor to raise awareness and funds for a local charity, in this case Life Stories Child & Family Advocacy, which gives a voice to children who have been abused or neglected in Weld County. Allison applied for and was chosen to bring this magical opportunity to Greeley and Northern Colorado and beyond. This event will not only bring balloon artists to this community but also thousands of people who will come to experience the Big Balloon Build. Allison has chosen a space theme for this Build.

The United Methodist Women of the First United Methodist Church, in Fort Lupton, Sponsored their Yearly Spring Brunch

By Mariann Johnston, UMW President, Pictures by Kim Thomsen The United Methodist Women of the United Methodist Church in Fort Lupton, Colorado, sponsors a yearly Spring Brunch for al to enjoy.

This year we were entertained by Suzie Knight of Conifer Colorado, with her “Broadway Review”. She has been on stage since she was three years old. Raised in a show business family from Chicago, she began writing her own songs while she was in her teens. Her professional career began in 1999. She moved to Colorado in 2005 and has won numerous awards and nominations as a cowgirl poet, western singer/ song writer, and is nominee for the 2023 Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame.

This year the free will offering will go to the benefit of Hope at Miracle House.

Thank you all for supporting the effort.

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Colorado Tree Coalition Fifth Grade Poster Contest

On Behalf of the Town of Keenesburg, we would like to thank the 5th Grade classes of Cardinal Community Academy and Hoff Elementary for their participation in the Colorado Tree Coalition (CTC) Poster Contest. We also want to thank all of those who participated as judges, it was a very difficult task. Each year, the CTC takes the top winners in their local contest to compete in the statewide contest.

This is the second year of the poster contest run in conjunction with our Tree City USA Celebration. We received a total of 62 posters that were entered into the Town’s local contest. The posters were amazing, well thought out, and creative. The kids followed specific rules as set forth by the CTC contest, one being incorporating the theme of “Dream as BIG as Trees”.

Posters were displayed in the conference room at the Town Hall and numbered.

Judges had no idea who created the pieces of art.

Trees will be planted at the school of the winning poster contest winners and winning school. Posters are on display at the Town Hall and winning posters will be on displayed at the Tree City USA Community Event on May 6, 2023, at Schey Park.

School Award goes to Cardinal Community Academy.

The School award was given for overall creativity in entries.

The top winner’s poster has been delivered to the CTC Statewide contest. Please help us on congratulating the following:

The Power of Fiber is Coming to Brighton, CO

Brighton, CO (February 20, 2023) – Construction of ALLO’s 100% fiber-optic network in Brighton will begin today. After working closely with the city to complete the necessary agreements, ALLO has partnered with local contractors to build the fiber-optic network.

Teams will begin constructing ALLO’s fiber infrastructure throughout Brighton.

Residents and businesses will receive advance notice of necessary work in yards and easements through the mail. ALLO teams may also knock on doors to explain the process and answer any questions.

This fiber investment ensures that Brighton will have world-class service by providing businesses, residents, and governmental entities with exceptional internet, TV, and phone solutions over ALLO’s network.

Expected construction process: Step 1: ALLO designs the fiber-optic route to provide service to businesses, homes, and governmental entities.

Step 2: ALLO partners with contractors to install underground ductwork.

Step 3: ALLO accesses each splice vault and pedestal to splice the fiber that will connect to your business or home and then tests the connection to ensure fast, symmetrical upload and download speeds.

Step 4: When you order internet, TV, and phone service, ALLO connects the fiber from the pedestal to your home or business before your service installation.

ALLO Regional General Manager of Colorado Bob Beiersdorf expressed, “We construct networks quickly and look to minimize the disruption to the community.

We’re thankful for the city staff’s involvement in navigating inconveniences for community members and are pleased to begin our fiber network build in Brighton.

This will allow us to offer internet speeds and network reliability that only fiber can provide for the city’s high-growth future and provide all the benefits of a Gigabit Community to the City of Brighton.”

For more construction information, please visit AlloFiber.com/Brighton.

Grand Champion (Sent to CTC Competition): Melanee Martinez – Hoff Elementary – Teacher Mrs. Gerken Picture will be displayed at Botanic Gardens.

1st Place Jaxon Ishii Hoff Elementary Teacher Mrs. Hassbrock What was supposed to be a beautiful spring day had some snow, but Allo employees, Brighton Chamber members, Brighton Mayor Greg Mills and Brighton Town Manager Michael Martinez braved the day.

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

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

2nd Place Zach Ford – Hoff Elementary – Teacher Mrs. Gerken

$2.30 per gallon will call or route

1000 Gal Tank,

$5,500.00 + tax 3rd Place Sierra Noreen – Cardinal Community Academy – Mrs. Cole

500 Gal Tank,

$3,400.00 + tax

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April Events and Happenings at Aims Community College

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GREELEY, CO – March 22, 2023 – Aims Community College hosts events designed to create shared experiences and deliver first-hand exposure to programs and campuses. All are welcome to these public events on Aims Community College campuses.

Discover Aims Open House | April 1 | 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Welcome Center Ballroom | Greeley Campus Are you interested in Aims Community College and what it has to offer? Explore the resources available, attend information sessions and tour the Aims Greeley Campus. This event is open to new and prospective students, families of students, and community members. Lunch is provided. Sign up at aims.co/discoveraims.

Ethan Fisher: UNC Athlete to Prison and Back to College | April 11 | 1 2:30 p.m. | Student Commons Room 114 | Greeley Campus Mental health advocate, Ethan Fisher, draws from his life experiences to challenge, motivate and inspire his audiences. From high school star athlete to University of Northern Colorado basketball player to prison inmate to the recipient of an MBA with honors, Ethan’s life is a lesson of accountability, perseverance, and purpose. This event is in honor of National Alcohol Awareness Month.

Brittani Coury: Olympic Athlete | April 13 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Welcome Center Auditorium | Greeley Campus Aims alum, Brittani Coury, began snowboarding at the age of 13. In 2003, she was injured while snowboarding and continued to have problems with the injured ankle for years. After multiple operations, Brittani had her leg amputated below the knee in 2011. She has participated in many World Cup races, earning a Bronze medal in banked slalom and had several Silver medal finishes in snowboard cross. At the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, Brittani earned a silver medal in the Banked Slalom. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Brittani is a registered EMT and nurse supervisor and volunteered to care for patients in the COVID-19 ward of the Salt Lake City hospital, where she works in between training and competing in snowboarding. Brittani will share her story of grit in overcoming physical and mental health challenges. A livestream option is available to those who cannot attend in person.

Aims Student Art Show | April 14 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Loveland Campus Join us for the exhibit opening reception for the 2023 student art show. The exhibit will be judged for Best in Show and Honorable Mention in various genres. Students could submit the following types of 2D and 3D art, including painting, graphic art, prints and drawings, photography, objects in clay, fiber, textiles, wood, metal, plastic, and other materials, and mixed or conceptual media, including collage. The art exhibit coincides with Loveland’s Night on the Town art walk every 2nd Friday of the month.

Student artwork is open to the public and remains on display from April 14 through June 8.

Colorado Water Matters | April 21 | 9 a.m. - noon | Platte Building | Fort Lupton Campus Learn about Colorado water, water law and current issues affecting our state’s water. Aims faculty member Kirk Goble will lead this presentation. Topics covered include the water cycle and climate, water history, and more.

Aims Music Showcases and Recitals | Ed Beaty Hall Theater | Greeley Campus Join us to hear Aims students perform live music. Concerts are free and open to the public.

• Jazz Ensemble Recital | April 24 | 1 p.m.

• String, Woodwind, & Percussion Recital | April 26 | 5 p.m.

• Piano Recital | May 4 | 3 p.m.

• Voice Recital | May 8 | 4:30 p.m.

Ideological Conditioning, Shaping Public Opinion & The Holocaust: A Philosophical Perspective | April 26 | 11 a.m. - noon | Student Commons 114 | Greeley Campus Aims Professor, Daniel Alvarez, will discuss how our approval or condemnation of war, violence, and injustice is often shaped by social forces operating beyond our immediate awareness. Since ideological conditioning has been and continues to be subtle, it is vital to understand how dominant ideologies work and our moral responsibility to assess the veracity of our beliefs. This event is part of the communitywide Voices from the Holocaust Series, featuring Greeley and Weld County memorial observances. These events aim to educate community members about the Holocaust and confront racism, bigotry, hatred, and intolerance.

For more information about events at Aims Community College, visit events.aims. edu.

Aims Summer Programs

GREELEY, CO – March 21, 2023 – College for Kids (C4K) is a summer program at Aims Community College that provides a unique, educational and fun experience for students ages 9 to 15 by providing an opportunity to “go to college.”

C4K offers learning opportunities in Greeley, Fort Lupton, Windsor and Loveland.

Registration opens at 8 a.m. on March 27 at aims.co/C4K. Space is limited and the program fills up fast.

The four-day program allows students to “go to college” and is a low-cost, unique, enriching program for learners 9-15 years. Participants choose two classes to take during their College for Kids experience. In addition, C4K offers participants morning and afternoon classes, two snacks and lunch. Each Aims campus location hosts a four-day program.

• Fort Lupton: June 5 - 8 • Windsor: June 12 -15 • Loveland: June 19 - 22 • Greeley: June 26 - 29 Students participate in classes of their choice and engage in a variety of topics.

Program offerings are intended to introduce kids to possible careers and start getting them to think about what opportunities they may want to pursue in the future.

Courses also provide students a chance to explore an area of personal interest. All classes are designed to be fun, captivating and hands-on.

Youth ages 13-15 can participate in the junior leaders program, assisting instructors in the classroom while taking their own courses. Junior leaders must participate in training the Friday before their program begins.

The cost of tuition is $75 for the full four days on the Greeley, Windsor and Loveland campuses. Thanks to generous supporters, the program at Fort Lupton is subsidized and costs participants $25.

For more information, including course descriptions and to register, visit aims. co/C4K.

NE Colorado’s Annual

UNITED FOR LIFE WALK The Saturday after Easter

April 15th 1-3pm Library Park in Fort Morgan

Inclement weather location: Ft. Morgan Field House Aux. Gym

Free family event to promote life from conception to natural death!

Join together to show that every life is a gift!

Learn about important issues threatening individuals’ right to life.

Listen to

Speakers highlighting the importance of protecting life and dignity for all.

Don’t turn a blind eye -support those who are marginalizedelderly, disabled, mentally ill, terminally ill, poor, and The pre-born.

Facebook and Instagram: unitedforlifewalk

Twitter: united_walk

THANK YOU!!!

Former Speakers:

Brooke Faulkner: Students for Life Dixie Fagerlin: A Caring Pregnancy Center Kelly Paris: Break the Silence Marcie Little: Colorado for Life Paula Bragg: S.A.R.A House Rebecca Kiessiling: Save the 1 Pastor Doug Trevithick Rev. Erik Vigil Pastor Gary Meadows Pastor Jacob Hanneman

FOLLOW US FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM: UNITEDFORLIFEWALK

TWITTER: UNITED_LIFE

Fort Morgan Glenn Miller (Library Park)

2022 Gold Level Sponsors: Central Auto Parts Frenier Floor Covering Graff Turf Farms The Mission Silz Custom Harvesting El Jacal Mexican Grill San Miguel Restaurant La Michoacana Ice Cream Parlor

Every Saturday after Easter 1-3pm

CONTACT US:

Unitedforlifewalk@gmail.com

Inclement Weather: Fort Morgan Field House

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Talent and Teamwork: A Winning Combination for County Entrepreneurs

by Baker Geist and Shaley Dehner When the Weld County Board of Commissioners approved distribution of Small Business Incentive Program (SBIP) funds for the first time in 2014 to Expedition Water Solutions, it knew it had taken an important step toward creating more opportunities for small business owners in unincorporated Weld County to succeed.

To Expedition President and Founder Jim Goddard and his daughter, Jenny, the $10,928.46 received from the program was impactful. It gave their business, which was launched on Jim’s dining room table, the chance to grow more quickly by freeing up money that would’ve otherwise had to have been spent on permitting fees.

“We were very slim on employees, just getting our feet wet basically,” said Jenny, Expedition’s Office Coordinator. “The funding we received absolutely helped with permitting fees and allowed us to move forward with breaking ground on our first facility east of Briggsdale.”

As the years progressed, Expedition, which specializes in filtering, separating and storing saltwater from oil and gas, has grown into an organization with 42 employees and several facilities throughout Weld County and Wyoming.

There are certainly more success stories to tell as over the past nine years the SBIP has allocated more than $388,000 to 25 small businesses in unincorporated Weld County. However, much more integral to the program’s success has been the longstanding vision Weld County Commissioners and the Weld County Department of Planning Services have had to ease the burden on small business owners and create an environment that encourages economic growth in unincorporated Weld County. Following the commissioners’ involvement in Gov. Hickenlooper’s statewide economic strategy in 2011, discussions were held with planning services and focused on recruiting, growing and retaining business in the county. What evolved was the SBIP in 2014, a program designed to give eligible business owners funding to offset many capital costs associated with starting a business, such as land use and permitting fees.

“We knew the challenges facing small businesses in terms of startup costs,” said Weld County Planning Director Tom Parko, explaining why the program was created. “The commissioners were looking for a way to make starting a business easier and more successful, because beyond being beneficial to a business owner, a small business creates jobs and can strengthen our economy.”

The benefits Parko mentioned can only be realized if a small business not only establishes itself but also flourishes, a daunting task to even the most determined and business savvy individuals.

That’s why the commissioners and planning services reached out to the East Colorado Small Business Development Center (ECSBDC) for help implementing the SBIP, specifically making it a requirement that businesses meet with business consultants to develop business or strategic plans prior to being eligible to receive funds.

“What we know is nationwide, believe it or not, the percentage of businesses that go under in the first year is about 93%,” said Jesse Esparza, one of the Weld County Business Consultants for the ECSBDC. Esparza attributes the high number, at least in part, to not having a plan or realistic expectations to succeed long-term. “The more planning and education a business owner receives, the more likely they are to succeed.

“Businesses come in with a lot of ideas, and it’s kind of like a puzzle. I say, ‘OK, let’s take your foundation of ideas and determine how you’re going achieve them,’” he said.

“That becomes really a good plan, because (business owners) now have a step-by-step plan of how to put their business together.”

In the process of identifying goals, Esparza uses what he calls a “real-world reality” approach to determine if a goal is achievable. If it isn’t, based on demographics or demand, he can suggest smaller, more attainable goals to help a business grow while taking on less risk. And because services from the ECSBDC are provided free of charge, business owners can continually update plans and develop new strategies as their needs change, something that’s almost inevitable, particularly to businesses in unincorporated Weld County.

“Businesses in unincorporated Weld County are a little bit different,” Esparza said, explaining the challenges for businesses located outside of municipalities or retail areas. “That’s why one of the biggest things is to continually know the business and product and the market research that can indicate if a business will be successful or at least have a chance to be.”

For all the planning and money provided by the SBIP, there’s no substitute for the hard work and vision of the small business owners who’ve utilized the program.

While Expedition may have started on Jim’s dining room table, he brought with him more than 20 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. What makes the SBIP unique is it matches the drive of the individuals with continued teamwork between the board of commissioners, planning services and the ECSBDC. It’s teamwork that has helped 25 businesses over the past nine years, and the commissioners are excited to see how it can continue to turn small business dreams into reality moving forward.

“The ability for the planning director to reduce land use and permitting fees reduces the barriers to entry as well as barriers to long-term success for our Weld County business owners,” said Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine, Coordinator of the

April 5, 2023

Department of Planning Services.

“The incentive program has been a great asset to business owners in unincorporated Weld County,” said Weld County Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman, who was a commissioner when the program launched in 2014. “We’re proud of the incentive program and happy to see businesses benefiting from it.”

By Baker Geist and Shaley Dehner, Weld County Communications Specialists; Photos courtesy of Expedition Water Solutions, Weld County Planning Services and Jesse Esparza

Slouching Towards Socialism

by Bill O’Reilly Joe from Scranton recently revealed himself in Philadelphia as a Bernie Sanders acolyte. In laying out his fantastical budget, the President unmasked the socialist within. Somewhere, Mao, Fidel, Trotsky, and Stalin were celebrating, very likely in a hot place.

President Biden’s vision is free healthcare, free child care, guaranteed family leave, and subsidies for expensive medicines, among a very long list of other government perks.

If you are earning less than $50,000, the feds would then subsidize much of your life.

That’s socialism. No need to do much; the Democrats will take care of you.

Sweden operates like this, but there are just 11 million people in that frigid country - 330 million in the USA. Joe knows his budget will never pass a Republican House but so what? He continues to enlist voters who want entitlements. And there are millions of them.

Even though “free ride” Biden espouses massive giveaways, they will not happen now. However, the seeds of socialism have been sown, a baseline established.

In order to pay for all the benefits, the President would heavily tax corporations and investors, raising the capital gains rate to an absurd level. If that ever happens, robust capitalism would be badly damaged as investment and business expansion dry up.

But there’s something even worse in Biden’s playbook. He wants to tax the assets of wealthy Americans. That’s the seizure of private property - a communist tenet.

The 16th amendment gives the federal government the right to tax “income.”

Houses, unrealized stock and bond gains, and material things like art collections are not income if they are unsold.

So, this part of Joe’s economic agenda is clearly unconstitutional. Again, he does not care. Progressive policies take time to evolve into reality. Hello, gay marriage.

But back to the budget speech. As usual, Joe Biden evoked his father, a workingclass Scranton guy. Biden always does this to mask his radicalism under the cloak of a traditional upbringing.

Seems to me that the Biden family did pretty well without government handouts.

Joe’s father earned enough so his son and three siblings could enjoy prosperity. The working-class Bidens didn’t seem to need an aggressive nanny in Washington, DC. Same with my father in Levittown, New York. He worked hard, earned an honest buck, and provided enough so my sister and I had a decent shot at moving up.

My dad would have been embarrassed to take government handouts. He didn’t want free stuff believing that it promoted weakness and dependence.

I think Joe Biden’s father probably felt the same way.

But we’ll never hear that from free ride Joe.

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Girl Scout photos continued from page 1

Tailtwisters 4-H Club Rope up Fun at AIMS AG Day

by Ricky Holbrook On Tuesday March 21st, 2023, AIMS Community College in Fort Lupton hosted their annual AG Day open House. This was an interactive opportunity to learn about agriculture. The activities included a [petting zoo farm, chicks hatching, exploring AIMS agricultural program offering, meeting community partners and roping.

Tailtwisters, the Fort Lupton 4-H Club, set up a table that had projects that we had done in the past. Projects on display were rocketry, wood working, cake decorating, baking, hiking, horses, and llamas. Members of the club talked to visitors about the projects and activities that our club is involved in. We really enjoyed playing on the grass with the ropes.

The Tailtwisters 4-H club meets the 2nd Sunday of each month in Fort Lupton at 4 pm. Our club is made up of local youth ages 8 through 18, including kids under 8 in our Cloverbud program. Some of our big activities include a peanut butter drive for the Fort Lupton Food and Clothing Bank, we tie blankets for homeless children and the Weld County Fair in July. Then 4-H program has a wide variety of projects that include: hiking, shooting sports, woodworking, baking, livestock, scrapbooking, fabric arts, cooking, fishing, gardening, rockets, restoration, small engines, and photography, there is something for all interests.

Tailtwister club members with projects from left to right Isaiah Dux, Ari Rife, Jadalynn Frasier, and Zeke Rife

Tailtwisters club member all roped up, Ricky Holbrook

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Tailtwisters club members petting lamas, Lizzy Holbrook and Aylynn Jameson

United Power Connects 10,000th Rooftop Solar System

Co-op Members Double National Average in Solar Installations Brighton, CO – On Saturday, United Power recognized Cory and Jaime Wagner of Keenesburg for connecting the utility’s 10,000th rooftop solar system. Rooftop solar has quickly become a preferred solution for electric utility customers who are looking to offset their regular energy usage with more renewable options.

The growth rate for solar installations on United Power’s system has increased at a rapid pace over the last three years, placing the cooperative at the forefront in connected solar across electric utilities nationwide. United Power has added more than 1,000 rooftop solar installations in less than eight months and doubled the number connected to its system in the last three years. Nearly 11% of United Power’s residential members now generate power from solar systems at their homes, which is higher than both the state and regional solar penetration averages and more than double the national average. The combined generation potential of these systems is approximately 62 megawatts (MW), which represents a significant part of the cooperative’s 600 MW peak. “More than 5,000 residential solar systems have been connected to our grid since early 2020, demonstrating our members’ desire to make autonomous energy choices that fit their daily needs,” said Mark A. Gabriel, United Power’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “We are constantly working in our communities and behind the scenes to develop programs and processes that empower member choice as the energy landscape evolves.” United Power Board members and cooperative leadership, along with Colorado Solar and Storage Association (COSSA) President Mike Kruger, gathered Saturday to congratulate the Wagner family. United Power presented them with a prize package recognizing the achievement.

“We are really excited to be in our first home, and happy to be generating our own solar power,” said Jaime Wagner. “Being a United Power member has been great.

Once we got our system installed, United Power came right out and connected it, and we are ready to watch the panels start producing.”

United Power is proud to support a robust solar community and is committed to providing a member-friendly connection process. To ensure members like the Wagners realize the most value out of their solar systems, the cooperative offers additional resources like MyGen, an online tool where members can track their system’s production alongside energy use in their Power Portal account. For more information about going solar with United Power or to answer questions about how to size a solar system and choose a contractor, members may visit www. unitedpower.com/going-solar.

“I’m excited to be here with United Power to celebrate the cooperative’s 10,000th residential solar member,” said Kruger. “It’s phenomenal how many of its members are generating solar power from their homes. United Power is beating large investorowned utilities, municipals, and other Colorado cooperatives in interconnected solar.”

Since powering Colorado’s first community solar farm – Sol Partners – in 2009, United Power has added five utility-scale solar farms and one of the state’s largest battery storage facilities. The solar farms generate a combined 50 MW, enough to power more than 10,000 homes. United Power’s energy portfolio also includes a 3.2 MW methane-capture project at the Erie Landfill. In recognition of these efforts, the cooperative was named one of COSSA’s 2022 Solar and Storage Champions. The cooperative continues to explore renewable and innovative energy projects with the greatest member benefits, including reliability, resiliency, and affordability.

“We appreciate the vision that the United Power community has put forth for a clean future and the ability to partner with them in that,” said Kruger. “I’m happy to celebrate today, and I think it’s a bright future for us all.”

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Car Seat Technicians in Training To Keep Colorado’s Little Ones Safe

March 22, 2023 - Statewide News - Weeklong course will increase number of child passenger safety technicians and reduce the 66% of improperly installed car seats Statewide — As a mother, grandmother and former foster care parent, Beth Schlauch has installed more than a few car seats in her day. But when her youngest granddaughter was born, she was surprised at how complicated it felt to install a new, high-tech car seat for the newborn. Her mind immediately went to the foster parents she works with at Lutheran Family Services: “If I’m still having trouble installing car seats, do our foster parents know how to do this?” That is why she’s becoming a certified car seat safety technician in Colorado.

Data from 2022 showed a concerning 66% car seat misuse rate in the state — which means approximately 3,000 of Colorado’s children are left vulnerable in the event of a crash.

This week, Beth and 15 individuals — including members of law enforcement, fire and emergency response teams, and community groups, are doing their part to protect Colorado children by becoming certified car seat safety technicians.

The course is administered by Car Seats Colorado and SafeKids Worldwide. Once certified, these individuals will add to a growing list of technicians who provide free and much-needed car seat safety inspections and caregiver training statewide.

Angel Giffin, Colorado State Patrol’s Child Passenger Safety Training Coordinator, and a student from the course, stand outside a car reviewing instructions on proper car seat installation as they work on a car seat.

Car crashes are a leading cause of death among children under the age of 13. Proper use of car seats significantly reduces the risk of injury and death in the event of a crash. However, many parents and caregivers struggle with installing and using child safety seats correctly.

“Using car seats correctly — whether it’s infants in rear-facing seats or tweens using boosters — can be complicated,” said Trooper Timothy Sutherland, Colorado State Patrol. “Parents are often doing their best but sometimes need a little help and education.”

Common car seat mistakes include improperly installing the car seat, selecting a car seat that is not appropriate for the child’s height and weight, and not harnessing the child properly, said Angel Giffin, a Child Passenger Safety Technician Instructor for Car Seats Colorado.

The four-day certification course teaches students important information that all parents should ultimately know as well, including: • How to select an appropriate child car seat, booster seat or seat belt • How to properly harness the child in their car seats • How to properly install cars seats into vehicles Once trained, the technicians become part of a statewide network of approximately 100 car seat check stations. Car seat check stations are commonly located at hospitals, fire stations, police stations or community organizations like Lutheran Family Services. Click here to find a car seat check station near you.

April 5, 2023

“Our data shows that parents are having a lot of trouble installing seats correctly.

The more technicians we can have working in our communities, the more parents we can educate. This means more kids kept out of harm’s way,” said Sam Cole, CDOT Communications Manager. “We hope we can continue to get more nurses, firefighters, cops, and anyone engaged in their community to participate.”

Last year was another fatal year on Colorado roadways, with 757 lives lost. Seven of those deaths were children traveling unrestrained. Car Seats Colorado is on a mission to ensure that every child is properly restrained. All Colorado parents and caregivers are encouraged to check that their children are properly secured and to seek assistance if they have any questions or concerns about car seat safety.

“Kids are our most precious cargo,” said Beth. “Getting certified through this program will give me the confidence to educate parents and caregivers, and ultimately, protect parents and children against one of the biggest tragedies any family could face.”

Come On, Lets Go Out to the Heritage Fair, Located at the South Platte Valley Historical Park

Saturday, May 6th at 10 AM - 4 PM The South Platte Valley Historical Society will have its bases loaded with fun and waiting for all of you to come and visit. There will be the Colorado Vintage Baseball Association delivering a grand slam with their 1890’s ole timey baseball game.

No foul balls here, just a cannon being shot off. The Buffalo Soldiers will be running up Old Glory on the flagpole. The Riders and horses will be on display doing soldier drills.

Just look who has arrived. The Fjellborg Vikings, and yes, I did say Vikings; they will be camping and re-enacting their way of life in the lower level of the park. There will be the Matron Bell Morris Dancers, dancing their way into your hearts.

Well, if that is not enough reasons for you to come out, we have much, much, more; the Revolutionary Reenactors, the Colorado Historical Military Group, the 23 Regiment of Foot British Re-enactors, US Corps Topographical Engineers, Native American Dancers, American Civil War Re-enactors, and a French Voyageur Camp. Of course, you can still tour your favorites: the fort, the 1850’s Trapper cabin, The 1860’s Donelson House, the 1870’s Schoolhouse and the newly constructed old Barn. Go to our website www.spvhs.org for more information and follow us on Facebook at South Platte Valley Historical Park.

Do not strikeout and miss the day. It will be a remarkable display of living history and encampments!

Cost is $5.00 per Person, Children under twelve free. Members Free (Members, remember your membership cards).

Limited classic ballpark food will be on site.

So come on out, the park is located at 2001 Historic Park, Ft. Lupton (Highway 85 North of Ft. Lupton on 14-1/2 turn west). Hit a home run with your family and friends by bringing them out to the historical park. You and your team will have an action packed, crazy good day. See you all soon!

April 5, 2023

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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

Gently Used File Cabinets $75 2 Drawer & 4 Drawer Call 303-732-4080

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

Keene Clinic 190 So. Main St., Keenesburg

303-732-4268

McCarthy Trucking

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

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

Garage Sale

April 14th , Friday, April 15th, Saturday. April 16th, Sunday Boat, Gardening Items, Furniture, Clothing, 4 Wheelers Smoker, and lots more.

26216 County Road 18, Keenesburg 9 to 5 each day

BT Built, LLC

Weld County CattleWomen Scholarship

Your Construction Company Dream Kitchen remodels, Interior/Exterior Doors & Hardware, Bathroom remodels, Framing, Residential Concrete Fences & Gates, General Carpentry BT Built will take on your home remodel project no matter the size !

720-402-8861

The Weld County CattleWomen are offering a $1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a college junior, senior or a student studying for an advanced degree in the fall of 2023. The student needs to be a Weld County, Colorado resident, or have parents/ grandparents that are Weld County residents, and be attending college with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The student must be planning to attend a school full time for the 2023-2024 school year, in a bachelors or graduate level program.

To apply the applicant must submit: 1. Cover Sheet with name, address, and email. If address listed is not in Weld County describe how you qualify (parents address, etc) 2. A 1 page essay on “How I plan to positively influence the beef industry with my chosen major”.

3. A brief statement/resume including the following: work history, community involvement, college activities, future goals.

4. Two letters of reference 5. Copy of college transcript.

Send completed application to Sallie Miller, 48335 CR 83, Briggsdale, CO 80611 or smiller@wigginstel.com.

Applications are due by May 1, 2023.

Winners will be announced by May 15, 2023.

Auto, Home, Farm & Commercial

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

For Local Colorado Information Visit: www.ourtowncolorado.com

There is also “pickle/pull tabs” available everyday!

Please come join us for some fun and socializing!

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Lost Creek Guide

RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUMMIT

Join Us! ANNUAL MEETING

WEDNESDAY | APRIL 12, 2023

4:30 p.m. Registration, Balloting, Dinner, and Exhibit Booths 6:30 p.m. Business Meeting, Election Results, and Door Prizes Riverdale Regional Park & Fairgrounds | 9755 Henderson Road, Brighton, CO 80601 Enter at the Exhibit Hall  RSVP not required

All United Power members are invited to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting. Join us as we celebrate the 2022 accomplishments of your co-op and take a look at the bright future ahead.

$75

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

303-637-1300

Must be present to win. One door prize entry per membership. Members are automatically entered into the door prize drawing upon registration.

For complete official rules please visit www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.

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Colorado’s rural entrepreneurs are building some of the most exciting business opportunities in the state. Join small businesses from across the Eastern Plains as they come together to hone their business skills, discover new business practices, and connect with peers and topic matter experts.

Learn More at bit.ly/rural-summit

Attend for a Chance to Win!

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Apr 19 Fort Morgan, CO Apr 20 La Junta, CO 9:00-4:30 pm

Join Rural Small Businesses from across the plains as they chart their future

www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting

www.unitedpower.com

April 5, 2023

The Colorado SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration

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