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INTRODUCING HEARTLAND HERITAGE MEDIA: A New Chapter, Rooted in Community

As we turn the page on a new year, we are also opening a new chapter in the story of your local newspaper. Beginning this month, the Lost Creek Sentinel is proud to announce that it is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Heartland Heritage Media, a newly established 509(a)(2) nonprofit organization created with one purpose at its core: to preserve, elevate, and educate through local journalism that serves the people of southeast Weld County and western Morgan County.

This change represents more than a new name at the top of the masthead. It reflects a deeper commitment to the role a community newspaper plays in civic life—informing residents, documenting local history, fostering understanding, and strengthening the connections that bind our towns and rural communities together.

Heartland Heritage Media was formed to provide a sustainable nonprofit

framework for educational publishing. As a 509(a)(2) nonprofit, the organization is supported through a combination of public contributions, sponsorships, advertising, grants, and program revenue. This designation affords us the opportunity to pursue philanthropic funding, educational partnerships, and community-based support that would not otherwise be available to a traditional for-profit publication. Most importantly, it allows us to reinvest every dollar back into the mission—supporting quality reporting, local storytelling, historical preservation, and meaningful civic engagement. What does that mean for our readers? It means continued coverage of the issues that matter most close to home. It means space for local voices, students, veterans, business owners, farmers, and civic leaders to share their perspectives. It means preserving the stories of yesterday while thoughtfully covering the challenges and opportunities of today. And it means doing so with integrity, independence, and a deep respect for the communities we serve. While the structure behind the scenes has evolved, our promise to you has not changed. The Lost Creek Sentinel remains your newspaper—locally owned, locally operated, and locally focused. Heartland Heritage Media simply provides the foundation needed to ensure that this publication remains strong, relevant, and accessible for generations to come. We are grateful for the trust you place in us, for the advertisers and sponsors who support local journalism, and for the readers who believe that small-town stories still matter. Together, we will continue telling them—one page, one voice, and one community at a time.

Here’s to a new year, a shared mission, and a future rooted ﬁrmly in the heart of where we live.

Why Heartland Heritage Media?

The Lost Creek Sentinel Hudson, CO 80642

Editor Tammy Whitaker

Publisher Ed Morales

Graphic Design

Ed Morales

Printed by Colorado Trust for Local News

Collaborators

Patty Sheats, VA Medical Center

Eric Smith, Keenesburg Chiropractic

Diane Blocker, Diane’s Travel Lance Fleming, Market & Main Realty

Photo Credits

Ed Morales

Randy Whitaker

We would love to hear from you! Please direct comments to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com

I am a strong believer in moving forward and embracing progress. Growth matters. Change matters. Innovation matters. But I also hold fast to a steadfast belief that we must always remember where we started. Our beginnings shape us. They teach us resilience, perspective, and humility. And while those beginnings are not always easy—or even pleasant—they are often the catalyst for who we become and how we learn to navigate the world around us. The name Heartland Heritage Media reflects that belief. “Heartland” speaks to the places that raised us—small towns, rural roads, hard work, and deep-rooted values. “Heritage” honors the stories, traditions, and lived experiences that are passed down, even when they arrive wrapped in challenge rather than comfort. Together, they represent a commitment to telling stories that respect both progress and the past, without choosing one at the expense of the other. Our logo carries that meaning forward visually. The columbine represents Colorado—Randy’s birthplace and the landscape that shaped his early years. The goldenrod represents Kentucky—my roots and the place where my own story began. Both are native, resilient, and enduring, much like the communities we serve. The rope is what ties it all together. It represents Connection. Partnership. Strength through Unity. And the belief that while our paths may begin in different places, it is the ties we build—to each other and to our communities—that give our stories purpose and direction. Heartland Heritage Media exists to honor where we’ve been, tell the truth about where we are, and thoughtfully document where we’re going. Because progress means little without memory—and heritage matters most when it continues to move forward.

What Is a 509(a)(2) Nonproﬁt — and Why Should It Matter to You?

A 509(a)(2) nonprofit is a type of public charity recognized by the IRS that exists to serve an educational mission while being supported by a mix of community contributions and earned revenue such as advertising and sponsorships. Why does that matter to you? Because this structure helps protect local journalism. It allows every dollar earned to be reinvested back into reporting, storytelling, historical preservation, and community education—rather than distributed as profit. It also strengthens editorial independence, reducing pressure to chase sensational headlines or outside agendas. Heartland Heritage Media does not publish political or religious opinions intended to influence others. Paid political advertising is accepted and clearly identiﬁed, ensuring transparency for readers. Most importantly, the 509(a)(2) model supports long-term sustainability, helping ensure your local newspaper remains locally focused, trusted, and accessible for generations to come.

By Tammy Whitaker, Editor Lost Creek Sentinel

PRESENTING A POWERHOUSE PANEL OF LEADERS

The OPEN DOORS Leadership Development Program, presented by the Southeast Weld County Chamber, kicks off February 6 with a dynamic panel discussion exploring the realities and challenges of leadership in both rural and urban settings.

The session will be led by Marc Arnusch, owner of Marc Arnusch Farms LLC, who will moderate a conversation with a group of regional powerhouse leaders bringing diverse perspectives from government, infrastructure, economic development, and planning.

Joining the panel are Scott James, Weld County Commissioner; Sam Taylor, Senior Program Manager with CLIMBER; Brad Wind, Manager with the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District; and Eric Sakotas, Senior Planner with Strata Design & Planning.

Together, the panel will examine how leaders navigate growth, resource constraints, collaboration, and long-term planning across different communities— setting the tone for a leadership program focused on insight, connection, and real-world impact.

Registration is now open.

Business owners, emerging leaders, and community-minded professionals are encouraged to secure their spot in the OPEN DOORS Leadership Development Program and be part of the conversations shaping the future of our region. Space is limited—register today to open doors to new perspectives, meaningful connections, and leadership growth that extends far beyond the room. You’ll find more information on pages 6 & 7 along with a QR code on page 7 that takes you directly to the registration page.

Weld County Commissioner Scott James is a fourth generation Colorado native reared in LaSalle, Colorado; a community his great grandfather and great-great grandfather helped found. Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, reside in Johnstown, Colorado, where he served for nearly 20-years as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Member of Town Council, and Mayor. Appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission in 1999 and elected to Town Council in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and as Mayor in 2016, Scott’s leadership accomplishments have made a significant impact in Johnstown and Northern Colorado James is a familiar face and voice to two generations of Coloradans. A 36-year awardwinning radio personality, Scott delights in serving his community. Through his many non-profit and philanthropic endeavors, James has helped raise over $2 million for Northern Colorado charities.

James is a graduate of Northeastern Junior College, Aims Community College, and Colorado State University.

Sam currently holds the position of Senior Program Manager of the CLIMBER Loan Program after serving as the Program Director for close to 2 years. Prior to accepting that position with the Colorado department of the Treasury, Sam led the Broomfield Chamber of Commerce as its President and CEO.

Sam is a leader at heart as is evidenced by his many years spent serving the residents of Broomfield as a City Council member for the City and County of Broomfield. He is a former business owner with a demonstrated history of working with other business owners and professionals at all levels. Sam is a strong community and social services professional who is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Budgeting, Government, Sales Management, and IT Service Management. Sam resides in Broomfield with his wife Sara and is father to Bethany and Benjamin.

Northern Colorado Water Conservancy Manager Brad Wind of Berthoud, Colorado was promoted to general manager in 2018, the sixth general manager in the history of Northern Water. He has worked at Northern Water since 1994 serving as an engineer and deputy manager of operations.

Wind has several degrees from Colorado State University - a bachelor’s in civil engineering and agricultural engineering, and a master’s in business administration. He also has a master’s degree in agricultural engineering from the University of California at Davis. Northern Water is a Conservancy District situated in northeastern Colorado that encompasses 640,000 irrigable acres and is home to nearly 980,000 Coloradans.

Eric Sakotas is a Senior Planner with over 25 years of experience in both the private and public sectors. Mr. Sakotas specializes in the design and entitlement of large-scale mixed-use and residential master-planned communities. Eric has international experience and has traveled throughout the world to design communities in China, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Guam. His international exposure allowed him to experience diverse design approaches and problem-solving techniques that he applies to all his projects today. Eric has facilitated public workshops and design charrettes to work with community members and clients to provide a vision and foundation for the communities he designs.

“Leaders become great, not because of their power, but because of their ability to empower others.” - John C. Maxwell

Scott James

Sam Taylor Brad Wind Eric Sakotas

Honoring Our Heroes: The Legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers

By Patty Sheats VA Medical Center

With the recent passing of one of the last Navajo Code Talkers John Kinsel, Sr, we’re presented with an opportunity to reflect on the legacy and impact of the legendary group of Marines that secured unbreakable code to secure communications abroad between 19421945.

These 400 indigenous men secured a place among the greats in US history. Their linguistic skills in English and Navajo were instrumental in in securing victory for the allied forces during a time when secure communication was difficult. One broken code could mean giving up the location of your men behind enemy lines.

The Birth of a Code

In 1942, the US Marine Corps sought to develop a way to communicate securely in the Pacific Theatre. The Navajo Language is rich, complex and a not known abroad. Therefore men were recruited from the Navajo Nation in Arizona, New Mexico and the 4 corners of Colorado. These brave men created a unique lexicon of words and alphabet, using code words for military objects in their language. For example, “turtle” represented a tank, “buzzard” stood for bomber and “iron fish” was code for submarine. Code talkers worked as pairs, one operating the radio and the other relaying the message in Diné

(the Navajo language), and translating to English to command.

Not only was this system of code successful and unbreakable, it was also very fast; only taking a few minutes to encode and decode; crucial for combat settings-unlike the Axis codes taking manual effort, and significant time to decode.

Impact

The ability to send quick and undecipherable messages over enemy lines meant that allied powers could get critical information about troop movement, supply needs, wounded soldiers was vital for many battles in WWII. Without the Navajo code talkers, many historians agree we would have never won at Iwo Jima. Other important battles that were won in part by these Indigenous Marines were the Battle of Guadalcanal and Utah Beach during D-Day

Legacy

Despite their impact on the war effort, their contributions were unknown and classified for decades. These brave men were told they are not allowed to discuss their communication, service to anyone. In 1968 the actions of the Navajo Code Talkers (as well as the other 14 nations of indigenous men who were code talkers) were declassified. In 2001, the Code Talkers were awarded with valor and given the Congressional Gold Medal for their bravery and dedication.

Today we remember the Code Talkers and mourn the slow marching of time that is claiming these men’s stories. Their story reminds us of the resilience of the Indigenous Nations and the collective drive to continue talking about their legacy. May John Kinsel Sr. rest in peace.

Tax Help Colorado

Aims Community College is offering free tax preparation and e-filing assistance through the Tax Help Colorado program. Anyone who made less than $70,000 annually in 2025 can visit one of our three campus locations. Receive help from IRS-certified Aims student and community volunteers. No appointment needed to prepare your tax returns—operated on a first come, first served basis.

It’s easy! Visit aims.co/tax-help for a list of required documents to bring with you.

Specific details and other banquet related information can be found in your REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION email! Everyone

Come Check Out Our Chamber - We LOVE Making New Friends!) MEET our 2026 Board of Directors

Including newly elected Directors – Chelsea Brodal of , Ronnie Kohrt of Bandimere Speedway and Greg Smith of Orr Land Company Business Excellence Awards Winners Announced

Who will take home the Torch Award, Next Gen Award & Star Service Award trophies?

Silent Auctions

Donations Being Accepted - $50 min value Live Auction

Two Fantastic Prizes Available to Win! Wine & Whiskey Pull

Donations of Wine and Whiskey Being Accepted

Bail Out for a Cause Fundraising Campaign

Nominate someone to be ‘ARRESTED’ and set their ‘BAIL’. Bail Money Raised will benefit our Local Veteran & 1st Responder Organizations Wild West Sweets Showdown

Spotlighting our Local Home Baking Talent and Cottage Industry Home-Based Businesses (ie – I’m donating a Blackberry Jam Layer Cake with Bourbon Brown Sugar Frosting baked by Batter UP Treats and featuring homemade blackberry jam made by Hippie Hunter’s Homestead)

• Catering by BLESSED BBQ

• Signature Cocktails by WOLF & HONEY COFFEE & COCKTAIL BAR

• Signature Craft Brew by SATIRE BREWING

• After-Dinner Coffee Service by ZIGGI’S COFFEE Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Heed This New Postmark Rule - It Could Affect Your Tax Return, Mail-In Ballot, and Other Time Sensitive Mailings

A new U.S. Postal Service rule on how your mail is handled could affect your mail that is dependent on time-sensitive deliveries, including your tax returns, insurance claims and ballots.

The rule, which went into effect on Christmas Eve, defines the meaning of a postmark, the date printed or stamped on most mailed items. In the past, the postmark generally indicated the date the USPS received the item. Now, it will explicitly mean the date that the USPS processes (postmark stamps) the item.

The update “does not change any existing postal operations or postmarking practices, but is instead intended

to improve public understanding of postmarks and their relationship to the date of mailing,” the new Postal Service rule reads.

While it seems like a small tweak, the rule raises major questions for legal and administrative systems that rely on postmarks to indicate when something was mailed.

One example: mail-in ballots. In Colorado, postmarks do not count with mail-in ballots. Mailed ballots must be received by the county clerk and recorder no later than 7:00 PM on Election Day. Voters are encouraged to drop off ballots at designated drop off locations, drop-

box locations, or mail their ballots in time to be received by the county clerk before the polls close. Again, postmarks do not count; ballots must be in the hands of the county clerk by 7:00 PM on Election Day in order to be counted. Drop-box locations are open and are under video surveillance 24/7. A bi-partisan team of election judges will regularly retrieve ballots from the drop-box locations to be sent to the central counting location in the county for processing.

In states such as California and Nevada however, ballots need to be postmarked by Election Day to be counted, otherwise they will be late and not included. In the past, voters could usually expect a postmark on their ballot the same day they dropped it off. But new, longer transit distances for your mail could mean more time between dropping a ballot off at the post office and receiving a postmark — and possibly the difference between your vote counting and missing the deadline.

The beleaguered postal system is undergoing a broad reorganization, including the consolidation of nearly 200 sectional facilities – where mail is typically postmarked – into 60 regional processing locations, which are likely to receive fewer truck dropoffs per day.

More than 70% of post offices will now be more than 50 miles away from a regional processing center, according to an analysis from the Brookings Institution. More than 25% of post offices will be 150 miles or more away.

For mail senders, there are ways to ensure your ballot and tax documents are in compliance with deadlines. The IRS permits private carriers like FedEx or UPS to deliver your documents.

But not all election boards make the same allowances, so be sure to check your state and local rules. The USPS recommends bringing any mail items that need a day-of postmark to a staffed retail location and asking for a free, manual postmark. Remember however, that with the cutbacks being implemented those lines are going to be looonnngggg and those workers are going to be grossly overworked.

Long story short - DON’T put that tax return or mail-in ballot in your roadside mailbox or blue street corner mailbox and be under the false impression that it will be postmark stamped that day. To make sure it isn’t late, either walk it into a post office and ask for it to be hand-stamped OR otherwise, if you do drop important documents in the mailbox, be sure to do it well before your deadline.

The Brain: What Does It Do For Our Health?

Hello, and welcome to Keenesburg Chiropractic! The first concept one must understand about the brain and the entire nervous system, is what exactly it is trying to accomplish. In general terms, the brain acts like a satellite dish trying to access and receive 3 things: more awareness for the mind, more aliveness for the body, and more peaceful calmness for its host. Where are these “things” located that the brain is trying to access? The answer is all around us. We are all living our lives already immersed and bathing in infinite amounts of input for the brain. The next concept one must understand is that human existence cannot be reduced to lower than four complete and separate

dimensions, or quadrants, of reality. The upper left quadrant consists of the mind itself. What order and depth of thoughts and emotions can one mind access? Humans can struggle and suffer greatly in the mind dimension. The upper right quadrant of reality entails the physical body, including the brain. Humans have yet to completely and consistently know how to interact and tend to the body and as a result significant suffering and illness are attained. The lower left dimension consists of relationships with others and all the people that are engaged with daily. Relationships can be a huge area of struggle for many. The lower right dimension deals with environment and

surroundings. How one navigates through life at home, at work, with money, with how one does things can be a huge area of difficulty.

Now, let’s tie it all together. The brain must first process these quadrants, that relate and influence each other in any direction, through what I will refer to as the “lower brain”. The lower brain, or brain stem region, where the upper spine meets the skull, must first make certain that the organism will be safe, and survive, from all of what the quadrants are bringing with it. Fight or flight. Like a “deer in headlights”. This constant barrage of input is where stress, anxiety, sickness, disease, and suffering come from. Completely overwhelmed and burned out. The human being then responds with a protective mechanism by crawling into a ball, the spine being pulled up to protect the brain or “scolios”, filling the joints of the spine with swelling, pressure, inflammation, shutting the body down.

There is a solution! At Keenesburg Chiropractic, the spine must be examined to determine, at the brain stem level, in which way the body is bound up,

pressurized, and protecting itself. The upper spine must be specifically adjusted and corrected to break this cycle. The nervous system must be cleansed of all swelling and inflammation using an advanced form of ARPwave electric current, and the brain must begin metabolizing from a higher center of gravity using intense breathing. All done with one purpose: to allow the human being to access as much awareness, aliveness, and peacefulness as possible. And the body returns to health while reaching more of its potential.

If you are suffering in the mind or body, or any aspect of the four quadrants of reality, you are welcome for consultation or examination at Keenesburg Chiropractic.

they manage their finances. While the economic landscape may feel uncertain, practical strategies can help individuals regain control and build financial resilience.

One of the most effective steps is creating a realistic budget. Tracking income and expenses allows people to see exactly where their money is going and identify areas to cut back. Small changes—such as cooking at home more often, canceling unused subscriptions, or shopping with a list—can add up to meaningful savings over time. Prioritizing needs over wants is especially

important when prices are unpredictable.

Building an emergency fund is another key component of saving money today. Even setting aside a small amount each month can provide a financial cushion for unexpected expenses, such as medical bills or car repairs. This reduces reliance on credit cards or loans, which often come with high interest rates that can worsen financial stress.

Additionally, being a smart consumer can make a significant difference. Comparing prices, using coupons, buying generic

brands, and taking advantage of sales can lower everyday costs. Exploring ways to reduce fixed expenses—such as refinancing debt, negotiating bills, or improving energy efficiency at home—can also free up extra cash.

Ultimately, saving money in today’s economy requires discipline, awareness, and adaptability. While external conditions may be out of one’s control, consistent habits and informed decisions can help individuals protect their finances and work toward longterm stability.

By Dr. Eric Smith, DC Keenesburg Chiropractic (303)435-4382

NEW COLORADO LAWS:

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026. Authored by Wilson Beese (9NEWS), Zvi Gutierrez, Reprint from 9NEWS Website

There are 19 newstate laws thatwent into effect in Colorado onJan. 1, 2026. Here is the list and short summary of each bill. More information can be found on the Colorado GeneralAssemblyWebsite.

• H.B. 25-1002 - Medical Necessity Determination Insurance Coverage - Requires health benefits plans to offer coverage for behavioral, mental health and substance use disorders that is no less extensive than the coverage provided for any physical illness.

• H.B. 25-1030 - Accessibility Standards in Building Codes - Requires certain building codes to have accessibility standards that are at least as stringent as international building codes.

• H.B. 25-1056 - Local Government Permitting Wireless Telecommunications Facilities - Requires that an application by a telecommunications provider for the siting and construction of a new wireless service facility for telecommunications or for the substantial change of an existing wireless service facility for telecommunications submitted to a local government is deemed approved by the local government if certain requirements are met.

• H.B. 25-1090 - Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices - Prohibits a person from offering, displaying or advertising pricing information for a good, service or property unless the person clearly and conspicuously discloses the maximum total (total price) of all amounts that a person may pay for the good, service or property, not including a government charge or shipping charge unless voluntarily included (total price disclosure requirement.)

• H.B. 25-1154 - Communication Services People with Disabilities EnterpriseCreates the communication services for people with disabilities enterprise and the division for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind (division) within the department of human services to provide services and resources. It also creates the Colorado division for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind cash fund.

• H.B. 25-1179 - Auto Insurance Coverage Child Restraint System - Requires an insurer that issues or renews an automobile insurance policy to include in the applicable coverage the replacement cost of a child restraint system that is in a motor vehicle at the time of a motor vehicle accident and to which the coverage is applicable.

• H.B. 25-1222 - Preserving Access to Rural Independent Pharmacies - Prevents a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) from prohibiting a rural independent pharmacy from using a private courier or a delivery service to deliver a prescription drug to a patient and a PBM is required to reimburse a rural independent pharmacy for a prescription drug in an amount not less than the national average drug acquisition cost for the dispensed prescription drug ingredients, plus pay a dispensing fee.

• H.B. 25-1236 - Residential Tenant Screening - Amends the definition of a “portable tenant screening report” to specify that a prospective tenant using a housing subsidy is not required to include a credit history report, a credit score, or an adverse credit event with the tenant’s screening report.

• H.B. 25-1238 - Gun Show Requirements - Requires a gun show promoter to prepare a security plan and submit the security plan to each local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction over the gun show and places certain requirements on a gun show promoter.

• H.B. 25-1285 - Veterinary Workforce Requirements - Specifies how an individual can register as a veterinary professional associate (VPA in Colorado and clarifies the circumstances under which a VPA can practice veterinary medicine.

• H.B. 25-1295 - Food Truck Operations - Establishes a definition of a “mobile food establishment” and establishes reciprocity between state-issued and Denver-issued licenses so that either are valid in both jurisdictions.

• H.B. 25-1296 - Tax Expenditure Adjustment - Adjusts several state tax expenditures.

• H.B. 25-1330 - Exempting Quantum Computing Equipment Right to Repair - Exempts devices, components or systems designed to perform or facilitate quantum information processing, as well as quantum sensing devices that exploit quantum phenomena, from the right to repair law.

• S.B. 25-004 - Regulating Child Care Center Fees - Makes application, deposit and wait list fees for child care centers, family child care homes or neighborhood youth organizations refundable if the child is not enrolled after six months.

• S.B. 25-010 - Electronic Communications in Health Care - Allows electronic communications in health care (that is related to a provision of a health insurance contract or that is to serve as evidence of health insurance coverage) to be delivered, stored and presented by electronic means if the electronic means meet the requirements of the “Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.”

• S.B. 25-053 - Protect Wild Bison - Classifies bison as big game unless the bison are livestock. Also, classifying bison as wildlife means that hunting or taking one is illegal unless authorized by rule of the parks and wildlife commission.

• S.B. 25-079 - Colorado Vending of Digital Assets Act - Enacts the “Colorado Vending of Digital Assets Act”, which requires an owner or operator of a virtual currency kiosk to provide certain disclosures, an electronic receipt and fully refund a customer’s first virtual currency transaction if the virtual currency transaction is to a virtual currency wallet or exchange located outside of the United States.

• S.B. 25-158 - State Agency Procurement & Disposal Certain Items - Creates state procurement policies for state agencies in the treatment of certain items related to weapons.

• S.B. 25-183 - Coverage for Pregnancy-Related Services - Makes conforming changes to state law relating to abortion care as a result of Amendment 79 and expands the definition of “family-planning-related services” to include abortion care.

Wave Season: The Cruise Industry’s Biggest Sale of the Year

Every year, just as the holiday decorations come down and travelers begin dreaming of their next escape, the cruise industry launches its most anticipated promotional period: Wave Season. Running roughly from January through the end of March, this three-month window has become synonymous with some of the best cruise deals of the year, drawing both seasoned cruisers and first-timers eager to secure value-packed vacations.

Wave Season gets its name from the “wave” of bookings that hits the industry after New Year’s. Cruise lines across the spectrum—ocean, river, and expedition—roll out limited-time offers designed to fill cabins for the coming year or two. These promotions often include discounted fares, free onboard credit, complimentary dining, Wi-Fi packages, pre-cruise hotel nights, and other perks that can significantly enhance the overall value of a trip.

While the exact promotions vary by cruise line, the spirit of Wave Season remains consistent: it’s a competitive, industry-wide push to entice travelers with the strongest incentives of the year. Some lines even introduce “stackable” offers, allowing guests to combine multiple perks for maximum savings. For example, Windstar Cruises recently launched what it calls its richest Wave Season offer ever, including all-inclusive upgrades and up to $1,000 in onboard credit per guest.

For travelers, Wave Season is more than just a sale—it’s a strategic opportunity. With itineraries often released well in advance, booking during this period allows guests to secure prime cabins, popular sailing dates, and bucket-list destinations before they sell out. Travel advisors also benefit, as the surge in promotions gives them powerful tools to match clients with the perfect voyage at the right price.

Whether you’re dreaming of the Caribbean, planning a European river cruise, or eyeing an expedition to Antarctica, Wave Season is the moment to make it happen. With generous incentives and broad industry participation, it remains one of the smartest times of the year to book a cruise—and to start imagining where the waves will take you next.

Call, text or email to plan your next escape today!

Diane Blocker

Diane’s Travel of Keenesburg www.DianesTravelCo.com 303-359-9457

A Huge Thank-You to the People that Make The Sentinel Possible!

I am a leisure-focused travel agent with over 20 years’ experience. I specialize in helping make your vacation planning as stress free as possible. My services include vacations, cruises, family reunions, destination weddings, tours and more! I started in the travel industry in the mid 1990’s when a friend of the family needed part-time help with her agency. I learned the computer system as I went (it was all in DOS then)

Diane Blocker Diane’s Travel of Keenesburg

and never looked back! By the end of the 1990’s my family owned a retail agency in Westminster, CO. Over the years the industry has changed significantly. Events like 9/11 and the expansion of the internet changed the way people shop and book their travel. Booking travel can be very chaotic and not every company online is legitimate. The airlines, hotels, cruise lines and car rental companies change their prices any time they want to. Finding the best rate for my clients and providing high quality customer service has always been my goal. I have always enjoyed the adventure of traveling. I enjoy being able to experience 1st hand the destinations and cruise ships so I can give a “real” accounting of my experiences to my clients. When I am not traveling, I have a small hobby farm with lots of feathered and furry animals to tend to. I also love gardening and spending time with my family. Writing articles for the Lost Creek Sentinel has given me a way to share travel tips, ideas and advice. I hope that these articles have inspired readers to want to create their own memories and adventures. If there is a topic you would like me to write about, please send it to me. Sometimes the hardest part of writing these articles is picking a topic. DianesTravelCo@gmail.com

Lance didn’t start his career in real estate. He started delivering newspapers when he was 11, and bounced through the odd jobs of youth, as a toy store associate, sandwich maker, server and bartender. He took just about any job that would teach him how people live and work. Over the years he became a photographer, news cameraman, a sports writer and eventually a real estate broker. But at every stop, the work was the same, listening to people, telling their story, and helping

them move forward.

Those years in the newsrooms and behind the camera built a foundation, learning how to notice details, how to ask better questions, and how to see what really matters to families when they’re making big decisions. When he eventually found his way into real estate, it felt less like a career change and more like a natural continuation of everything he had been doing all along.

Lance Fleming is the Broker/Owner of Market & Main Realty, a locally owned real estate company serving northeastern Colorado. Specializing in residential homes, raw land, new construction, and property management, Lance focuses on clear communication, honest guidance, and strong representation for his clients. What drew Lance to real estate was the opportunity to combine creativity and problem-solving while helping people through some of the biggest decisions of their lives. Buying or selling a home isn’t just a transaction, it’s a turning point to many, and he believes people deserve guidance that is thoughtful, transparent, and rooted in their best interest.

On a personal level, Lance is family-focused and community-driven. In 2018, he married his Weld Central High School classmate, Wendy (Boatwright) and spends a lot of his off time with her and his four children. He’s been a part of local youth sports, coached high school football and baseball, and enjoys following Colorado sports and being outdoors.

Writing for the Lost Creek Sentinel has been especially meaningful to Lance, because it allows him to connect with neighbors beyond listings and contracts. Through this opportunity, he enjoys sharing insights, answering common questions, and helping readers better understand the real estate market that shapes their lives. He’s proud to be part of a paper that brings people together and supports the small towns he calls home.

Greetings! And cheers to new beginnings and the new year! My name is Eric A. Smith DC, representing Keenesburg Chiropractic, and I am thrilled to be invited to be a guest writer for The Lost Creek Sentinel. I am new to Keenesburg after having been in downtown Denver since graduation in 2000. I did not choose Keenesburg; Keenesburg chose me! I will be using this platform, for

as long as I am welcome, to offer perspectives on health, physical and mental development, and insights into ways one can improve their well-being.

I have been practicing chiropractic for over 25 years and have been taught and trained by pillars of the healthcare community. “I am standing on the shoulders of Giants.” I will go into detail about what makes Keenesburg Chiropractic special and offer valuable information regarding lifestyle options and new perspectives from experiences learned. I am a Colorado native, and I have two wonderful adult children, two amazing grandchildren, with one on the way! I have been enjoying my time in Keenesburg thus far and the small-town vibe. I am very excited about the potential Keenesburg provides and to see what is yet to come.

Thank you for warmly welcoming me into a new environment.

Patty lives in Keenesburg. She is a local native and went to Weld Central High School. She became a nurse and is following her calling-working at the VA Hospital where she serves Veterans in emergency medicine. She writes for the Lost Creek Sentinel because she sees the lack of public education on Veteran programs that can help their daily life. She strives to write articles that bring Veterans

closer to whole health and empower the public with knowledge about the sacrifice of those who have served.

From Tammy – Patty is pretty modest and not one to toot her own horn, but I can tell you from having gotten to know her that when she says she is following her calling, she really means that. Patty has incredible passion for her work and cares so much for the veteran population.

In addition to providing care for those who have given their all for us, she’s also given me a sneak peak at some of her artwork and that’s another area where she is very modest because she is very good! As a guest writer for the Sentinel, she has also devoted her time and energy to helping the Chamber with various events, including passing out candy alongside the Soap Box Derby float during the fair parade!

Tammy was born in rural Kentucky and raised on a tobacco farm, where life was simple, demanding, and rooted in resilience. Her early years instilled grit, gratitude, and a deep respect for hard work— values that continue to shape her leadership today. At 21, she left rural Kentucky for the “big city” of Tampa, Florida, carrying with her a strong work ethic, a love for community, and the belief that where you come from shapes—

but never limits—where you can go.

Today, Tammy is a passionate community builder, storyteller, and advocate for small businesses and rural communities. Her career spans construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, adult trades education, chamber leadership, nonprofit management, and local journalism, all centered on strengthening the connections that help people and communities thrive.

At the Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce, Tammy champions collaboration, leadership development, and economic vitality across the I-76 corridor. As the owner and editor of the Lost Creek Sentinel, she believes local stories matter and that honoring the past while embracing progress builds resilient, informed communities.

Above all, Tammy believes that everyone has something to bring to the table. She believes in leading with joy, authenticity, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to community— believing that when people feel connected, everything is possible.

For close to a decade I’ve been actively involved in the professional arts as a proud Latino Business Owner specializing in Photography and graphic design. My journey began with a simple desire to document the world around me, and over the years it has evolved into a full creative career rooted in storytelling, culture, and community connection. Through photography, I’ve had the opportunity to work across

diverse artistic environments, collaborate with fellow creatives, and capture authentic moments that reflect the people, places, and experiences that inspire me. Being a business owner has also shaped my perspective, motivating me to support other artists, contribute to local creative spaces, and use my platform to represent and uplift voices within the arts.

Outside of my work, I’m passionate about the outdoors and the lifestyle that comes with it. I love spending time fishing and hunting, both for the challenge and the peaceful connection to nature. Sports have also played a meaningful role in my life— especially baseball and golf—which continue to keep me active and grounded. Whether behind a camera, running a business, or exploring the natural world, I’m driven by creativity, culture, and a genuine appreciation for the experiences that shape us.

By Dr. Eric Smith, DC Keenesburg Chiropractic

Patty Sheats VA Medical Center

Lance Fleming Market & Main Realty

Tammy Whitaker Editor, Lost Creek Sentinel

Ed Morales Publisher, Lost Creek Sentinel

A Few Words From Representative Dusty A. Johnson Thank You Rural America

Rep. Dusty A. Johnson House District 63

Rural America. Down home, salt-of-the-earth, neighbor helping neighbor. We are lucky to be a part of such a tight knit community. These communities are the ones that when the football team is in the state playoffs town shuts down and there is a convoy of cars behind the bus going to watch the big game. It’s families helping families. Neighbors looking out for neighbors. When one of our own goes down, we always stop and make sure they are taken care of.

Rural America. A week and a half ago we saw the very best that these small towns have to offer. As devastating fires (that’s right, fires as in multiple) burned in Yuma County, farmers and ranchers teamed up with fire fighters and other first responders. There was no “that’s not my land, it’s not my problem” sentiments. Instead, it was “this is our town and my neighbor’s livelihood.”

The call went out early December 17th. If you have a tractor and a disc please bring it. Nine fires threatening the agricultural landscape of Yuma County. Everyone answered the call. Farmers putting themselves and the equipment in harm’s way for no reason other than to help preserve their neighbor’s way of life. Business owners quickly coming together to donate resources (food, water bottles, etc.) for those fighting the fires for hours on end with little to no rest.

For the last week, I have tried to find the words to express my gratitude, the swelling in my chest and the joy that can be found even in horrible situations like the Yuma

County Fires. I still don’t have those words. 14,000 total acres burned in nine fires. It is unimaginable how bad it could have been if communities did not band together within a moment’s notice and without hesitation.

To the fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency management and dispatch – my sincerest thanks and appreciation. To those in Yuma County and those that came from other towns and counties, to the farmers who risked everything to protect their people, to the volunteers who helped in the evacuation centers, I wish I had more words to express my gratitude. But all I can say is from the bottom of my heart to all of you, THANK YOU.

There is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. Rural America protects and serves our own. I could not be more proud and am overwhelmed with emotion to serve these amazing communities as their State Representative.

1 Package under a Christmas tree

Old-fashioned butter maker

Branded cotton swab

Minnesota congresswoman Ilhan

In on, as a trend

Big coffee containers

1972 song by Elton John

Luxur y auto whose logo is four overlapping rings

In progress 21 :), ;), :D and others 23 Formal “you,” in Spanish

41 R&B singer whose album “SOS” spent 100+ weeks in the Billboard top 10

43 Element used in bronze

Spor ting blade

Draft pick? 48 Firstborn

1987 song by Billy Joel and Ray Charles

Apt rhyme for “shriek”

Mar tial ar ts

57 Disheveled 61 Caribbean island with a liqueur named for it

HUDSON Pepper Pod

Hudson Meat Locker

Ben’s Brick Oven Pizza Tractor Supply

Shell Gas Station (7th & Cedar)

End of the Trail Bar (after 4pm)

Comedian Wong 26 Projects, as a shadow 29 1985 song by John Cougar Mellencamp 34 Comes to light 36 X minus III, in old Rome 37 Cosmonaut Gagarin

18 Insults

Studio 52 Beauty Bar

Hudson Public Library

Pilot Travel Center

KEENESBURG

The 1919 Cafe Keene Market

The 1919 Café

38 Held the reins 39 Spot for a massage DOWN 1 Jail (space on a Monopoly board)

Bring into the mainstream

22 Spring field is its capital: Abbr 24 Org with notoriously long lines

26 Biblical spy for Moses 27 South American flatbread

42 Former vice president who won a Nobel Peace Prize

45 Test taken at the 24-Down 47 Finale

49 Wins over with charm 51 Jewel

28 Lesser-played par t of a 45

Keene Market

High Plains Bank

Market Street Mart

High Plains Bank

TBK Bank

Market Street Mart

Family Dollar Store

2 “Sign me up!” 3 Vampire’s tooth

Counterpar t of quantity

Factual

30 ChatGPT and Google Gemini, for two

52 Pete who directed “Up,” “Inside Out” and “Soul”

56 Novelist Verne

Where the N.F.L ’s Colts play, informally

TBK Bank

Town of Keenesburg

WIGGINS

Pastimes Collective (open Wed-Sat) WIGGINS

Mariana’s Mexican Country Hardware

Mariana’s Restaurant

Country Hardware

Auditions 5 “U-S -A! U-S -A! , ” e g 6 Movable joints on a door 7 code (what most product packages have)

8 Google Maps options: Abbr

Letters before omegas

31 Word before space or Mongolia

32 Spot to find a pulse

33 Final inning, typically

35 Device for star ting an engine

40 In the style of

57 The N.C.A.A ’s Bruins

58 Biblical ark builder 59 Dark leafy green

60 Fork prong 62 Chilly

63 Sur veyor’s measure

64 Gave a thumbsup

67 Airpor t screening grp

High Plains Bank

Stub’s Gas & Oil

Stub’s Liquor (next to Stub’s Gas) Wiggins Supers

Wiggins Supers

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