May: A Month That Reminds Us Who We Are
There is something about May that feels different in small-town America.
Maybe it’s the way the days stretch a little longer, the fields begin to show promise, and the rhythm of life shifts from surviving winter to embracing possibility. But here in Southeast Weld and western Morgan County, May isn’t just a change in season—it’s a reflection of who we are, what we value, and the legacy we choose to carry forward.
This month, we celebrate our graduates. We honor our mothers.
And we remember those who gave everything so we could live freely.
Each of these moments, while distinct, is deeply connected.
To Our Graduates:
You stand at the edge of something new. Caps and gowns mark the end of one chapter, but more importantly, they signal the beginning of your next. You’ve grown up in communities where people know your name, where neighbors show up, and where hard work isn’t just expected—it’s respected.
That is your advantage.
The world you’re stepping into may be big and uncertain, but you carry something many don’t: grit, resilience, and a deep understanding of what it means to belong to something bigger than yourself. Whether you stay or go, never forget where you started. Small towns don’t hold you back—they ground you.
To Our Mothers:
May gives us a moment to pause and recognize the women who shape our lives in ways both seen and unseen. Mothers are often the quiet force behind everything that works—the steady hand, the voice of reason, the source of unconditional love.
In our communities, motherhood takes on many forms. It’s found in early mornings and late nights, in sacrifice and strength, in teaching values that no textbook ever could. It’s found in raising children who grow into the very graduates we celebrate.
Your impact is lasting. Your influence is generational. And your love is the thread that holds families—and communities—together.
And As We Approach Memorial Day:
We are reminded that freedom is not free. Across this nation, and right here in our own communities, there are families who carry the weight of loss so the rest of us can live with the privilege of choice, opportunity, and peace. Memorial Day is not just a long weekend—it is a solemn reminder of sacrifice.
It asks us to pause. To remember. To honor. Not just in words, but in how we live.
Because That’s the Connection
Graduates represent our future. Mothers represent our foundation. And those we remember on Memorial Day represent the ultimate sacrifice made to protect both.
May ties all of this together in a powerful way. It reminds us that life is not just about moving forward—it’s about honoring what made that forward movement possible.
Here in our communities, we understand that better than most. We show up for each other. We celebrate together. We remember together.
And as we move through this month, let’s carry that spirit with us—not just in May, but every day.
Because in the end, strong communities aren’t built by chance.
They’re built by people who remember where they came from, appreciate those who helped them get there, and honor those who made it all possible.
Together, we’re stronger. Together, we’ll make it.
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
Ashleigh Sager, Highlands Academy
Joanna Silosky, World Systems Builder Lance Fleming, Market & Main Realty
Photo Credits Ed Morales
We would love to hear from you! Please direct comments to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com
Off to the Races: It’s Derby Time!
Get ready for another fun-filled day of racing as one of our region’s most popular events returns!
The Southeast Weld County Chamber is bringing the Soapbox Derby back for an encore performance—this time at Schey Park in Keenesburg. Competition will be a little stiffer this year, with twice as many racers and a longer track, which means one thing: more speed!
Kids ages 5 through 15 on race day are eligible to race.
Not racing? No problem! Come enjoy food trucks, vendor booths, music, face painting, kid-friendly activities, and a special play area for non-racing kids. Valkyrie Tattoo will also be back with their always-popular temporary tattoos!
We’ll award our 6-foot Grand Champion trophy, along with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals in each age bracket. The car show returns too, with prizes for Most Creative, Most Patriotic, and new this year—People’s Choice!
Most importantly, it’s all about the kids. Seeing their excitement as they come down that ramp is something you won’t forget. Win or lose, they’re having the time of their lives—and that’s what this event is all about.
Eligible racers can scan the square QR code to register.
Still wondering what all the excitement is about? Scan the round QR code to watch the kids in action.
Whether you’re racing or cheering from the sidelines, we promise you’ll have tons of fun.
See you at the starting line!
MAY & JUNE SESSIONS
Hudson, CO – May 20th @ 9am
Best Western PLUS, 301 E Bison Hwy the Hudson Police Department will lead a discussion on Public Safety& Respecting Responsibilities
Wiggins, CO – May 20th @ 4pm
Wiggins Rural Fire Protection District, 701 Central Ave
Wiggins Fire Personnelwill examine Colorado HB24-1091regulating building materials & the Fire Department role in inspections and compliance
Keenesburg, CO – May 28th @ 9am
High Plains Bank, 370 Veteran’s Way withLinda Blackston, Town Clerk andMattie Warembourg, Planning & Zoning will answer your questions on how the Town’s administrative depts are preparing for the future growth in our region
Fort Lupton, CO – June 5the @ 9am
Platte Valley Airpark, 7507 CR 39
presented by Platte Valley Airpark personnel
Lochbuie, CO – June(Location & Date TBD) Once known, detailswill be postedonthe Chamber website at southeastweldchamber.org
Meet with Mayor to learn about the Lookout for Lochbuie
Andrea Alcala
Gabriel Balderrama
Elizabeth Blake
Aimee Brown
Issacc Casillas
Jack Cloyed
Alexis Aldaco Ramirez
Dayeli Banuelos
Justine Blasingame
Jeremiah Brown
Daniela Castillo-Hernandez
Dustie Cole
Litzyiveth Amado
Colleen Beck
Alex Bojorquez
Weston Byerly
Anahi Chavez
Kacee Copeland
Julio Arias Marcano
Daylynn Bertram
Hadley Brookout
Eduardo Casas
Melecio Chavez
Rey Corona Dominguez
Nichollas Alton
Abigail Bargas
Shilo Blocker
Courtney Bydalek
Hailey Cerda
Charles Contreras
Dale Aragon
Brooke Benefield
Yuvia Bonilla
Marisol Calderon-Vasquez
Laila Chavez Elias Cornelius
Tahlia Arke
Alonso Garcia Betancourt
Samantha Brewer
Isaias Casillas
Ivan Chavez Rodriguez
Alexander Culp
Angel Damon
Cydni Dudley
Isaac Federer
Eloy De La Fuente
Trey Echer Kiana Fernandez
Larry Diaz
Madyson Eckhardt
Travis Fowler-Hrubes
Brenda Dominguez Zapata
WJ Ellerman
Dayton Fry
Jocelyn Garcia
Wyatt Gerkin
Brandon Gomora Garduno
Samantha De La Fuente Zuniga
America Echevarria
Kali Finkenbinder
Sophia Dominguez
Miguel Elias Trinidad
Zachary Francis Gould
Valery Garay
Kaytlin Gavin
Karla Gomez
Brianna Dorado
Martin Escobedo Gomez
Gael Galindo
Jaidyn Garcia Sanchez
Noah Gibson Alexander Gonzalez
Angel Granados Corral Aiden Granier
Tatum Graves
Erica Guerrero Gabbriel Graver
Roberto Guerra Jr. Wilber Guzman Munoz
Ralph Hail Garrett Hall
Abigail Hamblin
Katelyn Heier
Wyatt Hall
Logan Hathaway-MacFarland Hailey Hermosillo
Amy Hernandez Arceo Gina Hernandez
Josue Hernandez
Alyzha Hoffman
Jose Hernandez
Emely Hernandez-Quiroz
Kate Holman
Olivia Hood Marylin Huerta Orrantia
Jade Jeffery
Alecs John
Guillermo Jaquez Ledezma
Lucas Johann Sammy Kent
Kitzman Aubree Klausner
Audrey Koehn
Ally Landers
Amy Knodle
Anthony Lamb Camerin Langley
Isabella Lara Daniel Leal Cervantes
Ivan Lopez Gasca
David Lopez Rubio Isaac Levario Orion Lopez Isaac Luna
D’Ondre Lynch Brice Marte
Nery Martinez Santillan
Sean McCormick
Nick Martinez
Josiah McCann Anthony McMahon
Ruby Melendez Lopez Enrique Mendez Carmona
Axel Mendiaz Peña Rosales Mendoza
Iden Miller
Uriel Mendez Miryam Mercado Chavez
Ashlee Moreland Brayden Moser Melanie Navarro Gutierrez
Ava Nolf
Cole Opatril
Tyler Navarro
Harley Nulsen
Aidan Oviatt Julian Padron
Janalise Parra
Daniel Prieto
Natalie Prince
Cody Powers
Jessica Prince
Justin Putnam Damian Ramirez Sanchez Yareli Ramirez
Adella Reyes Maxwell Riblett
Sydney Rendon Ernie Reyes Briceno
Abigail Richards Hayden Ridens Davaine Rodriguez
Adrian Rojo Varela
Vivian Rossi
Nicole Rodriguez
Angel Rosas Manriquez
Bella Rowley Manuel Ruiz
Cole Rushfeldt
Alison Sanchez Larios
Tayven Rupple
Fernando Saenz Sofia Sanchez
Lisa Sandoval Alan Santana
Cayden Schwab
Taylor Seely Uriah Schmidtline
Mickenzie Seele
Lucas Sena
Benjamin Sharp Kaylin Sharp
Eva Sheesley
Thomas Tegtman
Mariana Sharron
Jadeyn Sifuentes
Pierce Thoene
Trinity Todd Andres Torres
Mikaylah Trevino
Jacob Turner Eric Torres Rodriguez Briannah Trujillo
Aralyn Twedell
Lily Villares Jaymie Vonfeldt
Jordin Wallen
Gary Wells Bradley Voss
Lucas Weichel
Eric Wilson
Reilly Wood Edwin Zacarias
Genecis Acosta Jackson Adams
Lilly Avery
Charlie Anne Barett
Michael Adamson
Clayton Barch Littzy Barron Rios
Ali Beauprez McKenzie Bell
Kaden Burdette
Keira Chezik
Natalie Borrego
Aidan Burton Nikole Clement
Makena Crownover Piper Darbin
Santiago Diaz Lara
Terrah Fitzsimmons
Daniel DelaCruz- Hernandez
Jackson Epple
Mason Forsha
Macyn French Alyssa Gallegos
Kallie Green
Serenity Hawkins
Julian Gonzales
Saria Hawkins Juan Hernandez Ramirez
Tristan Magee Leonidas Mendez
Ryland Nix
Tyler Parrish-Clark
Regina Natividad Payan
Hugo Olivas Madera
Charlotte Peggram
Ricardo Ramirez-Cardona Rileigh Rasmussen
Brooke Schmidt
Laura Vallejo
Angelina Rodcay
Addyson Spradlin Mark Walker
Lexi Zimmerman
Mark Walker
Chadron State College Football
All Conference Honorable Mention
x1 All Conference ×2, 2nd Team All State, All State Honorable Mention, Mile High Preps D’Lineman of the year, 4 year Letterman, track: All Conference x2, Allstate x1 state qualifier x2, state 3rd place shot, 8th place disc
Wiggins Senior Spotlight
Grady Wilson Tarleton State University Rodeo 2024 CHSRA Champion Heeler, 2 time National High School Rodeo Qualifier, Smarty Rodeo Team Member and Trainer, WYTRC Champion Heeler, World Champion
NLBRA Heeler, 6 time CJRA Champion Team Roper, CJRA All Around and Rookie of the Year, CPRA Reserve Champion Heeler
Saria Hawkins CO Northwestern Community College Volleyball Volleyball - 4x Regional champions, 3x State Qualifier, 2025 LPAA All Conference, 2025 first-team All-State, 2025 final four, 2024 All-State second team, 2024 runners up, 2023 2A Volleyball State Champion, 2023 All-State second team. Played for X-Statics club volleyball for 5 years Track - 3x State Qualifier, 3x League Track Champions, 2025 2A State Champion, 2024 All-Conference, 2024 2A 4x200 2nd State Finisher, 2024 4x200 school record.
Serenity Hawkins
Central Christian College of Kansas
Volleyball
Volleyball- hitting and blocking career stats102 kills, 37 blocks, 72 digs, 10 assists, 35 serve receive reeceptions played in 87 sets senior year- #3 on the team, team leader in blocks, 4x reginal champs, 2x semi finalists, state champs, and state runner ups
Brooke Schmidt Abilene Christian College Track & Field Colorado 2A State Champion: Discus 2025, Shot put 2025 Colorado 2A State Meet Record Holder Discus
1st Team All-State: Discus 2025, Shot put 2025, Volleyball 2025
2nd Team AllState: Discus 2024, Volleyball 2024
2A Team State Championship: Track 2025, Volleyball 2023
Hayden Wickstrom Grady Wilson
Jace Yzaguirre
& WELLNESS
the pursuit of health Transformation: The Evolution of Human Purpose
Welcome to Keenesburg Chiropractic! Today’s discussion will describe the four stages associated with human transformation. In this lifetime, human experience has but one main objective. That is to obtain as much awareness and aliveness as possible to discover the reason that one was born. The purpose for being alive. To discover the unique and specific gifts one has been given to help others and to assist in the easing of other people’s suffering. How does one attain greater amounts of awareness and aliveness? Through a process of growth and development of the brain and nervous system. A very disciplined practice of nourishing the brain of all that is, flexing and holding that existence while becoming one with it, resulting in its manifestation.
Wake Up! If you don’t know, you don’t know. One must understand the potential and possibility of how the human and its environment are organized. One must become aware and be continually informed as to how to refine and perfect one’s life in four dimensions. Refine the mind, refine the body, refine relationships, refine one’s actions in its environment. It’s a lifelong journey of ever-increasing depth and adaptation constantly being informed in greater detail as to how one can access higher ordered thoughts and emotions, clean, heal and fortify the body, improve human
relations, and perfect every single action for the greatest possible good. One may think that they have all the time in world. You don’t!
Clean Up! What will one do with this newfound awareness and aliveness? Old patterns, defeating thoughts and emotions, bad habits, unhealthy lifestyle choices, apathy, all can stifle one’s growth and keep people stuck living out the same old lives of quiet desperation. There is a way out of the prison of suffering, sickness, and disease. But it requires dedication, commitment, and discipline. There is nothing guaranteed in this life and nothing given without engagement.
Grow Up! Once awareness and aliveness begin to take root and solidify, and the mind, body, relationship, and surroundings become cleaned up and rectified, one begins to grow into a newer, improved version of itself. A becoming something greater by offering more powerful gifts and tools to offer the world. The expansion of the mind, a more vibrant being, flourishing experiences with others, all while creating beauty wherever one goes.
Show Up! As this new becoming unfolds and growth of the mind, body, relationships, and environment are developing and arriving, one fully realizes why they wake up in the morning. A life full of passion and purpose as to the potential one can create and the amount of giving and assistance one can give to help create a better world with less suffering. It’s going to require a tribe of all of us on the same team to steer this ship in a sustainable, positive direction. The world needs YOU desperately!
If you are having difficulty with the mind or body or are curious as to what you can become in every and all potentials, Keenesburg Chiropractic is available for consultation or examination. Peace, love, and Fire.
the pursuit of wealth
Life Insurance: More Valuable Than You Might Think Real News - Land Legacies
By Joanna Silosky
What is life insurance?
Most of us think of it as security, a backstop for family finances in case the primary breadwinner dies unexpectedly. We also may think of it as fodder for soap operas. A rich man dies mysteriously, and his family collects the giant insurance policy. Was there foul play?
Most of us don’t realize life insurance can be so much more. The right life insurance policy can assist in wealth accumulation by being indexed to the stock market. This means that money put into the policy grows while the stock market is growing. However, unlike directly investing in the stock market, insurance policies provide downside protection, which means that if the stock market goes down, your invested wealth remains stable. The right policy can also provide Long Term Care benefits. This option gives elderly insured an additional source of income, if his family needs assistance with providing care.
Some policies also offer a chronic illness accelerated death benefits rider. This means that, in the event of certain qualifying chronic illnesses, the family can access a life insurance policy’s benefits before death, again to provide assistance in paying for an elderly policy owner’s needed care.
Another policy benefit may be a critical illness rider, which provides a lump sum payment to the family in the event of a diagnosis of certain qualifying illnesses, such as cancer. This is separate from health insurance and can be used to replace lost income, provide child care, or contribute whatever the family needs to focus on supporting the sick person.
It’s important to know that not every person will qualify for every life insurance policy. However, if you are committed to strengthening your family’s foundation and improving your financial future, your local financial professional can help.
Please feel free to reach out with questions! I look forward to helping you build your future.
By Lance Fleming Market & Main Realty, 303.710.7900
We are currently in the midst of the Year of the Horse. Lately, with the volume of acreage and ranching calls I’ve been receiving, that feels fitting. Growing up in Northeastern Colorado, there were always those “family names” that everyone just knew. As a kid, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of that heritage. But the longer I work in this corridor, the more I understand that a land legacy on the high plains isn’t just about ownership, it’s about stewardship.
I find myself frequently sitting at kitchen tables across Morgan and Weld counties discussing the toughest decision a family can make: whether to sell or stay. In many cases, these aren’t just property lines; they are multi-generational stories etched into the dirt. What I have observed recently is that for these legacy properties, the “right buyer” is rarely just the first one to produce a check.
In our community, sellers are often looking for something more significant than a closing price. They are looking for respect for the history of the soil and for the generations of family work required to preserve it. When I talk to owners of everything from a ten-acre hobby farm to a ranch that sprawls to the horizon, I see that same twinkle in their eye. It’s a pride born of hard work and the specific freedom that only comes from owning a piece of Northeastern Colorado.
The reality of 2026 is that this pride now comes with modern complexities. As developers expand and mineral interests shift, landowners find themselves at a crossroads. We are seeing a trend where the soul of a property is being recognized and preserved even as the landscape changes.
Look at local landmarks like the SLW Ranch, named for the Studebaker, Lambert, and Witwer families, or the upcoming Rodeo Dunes development that pays homage to the Cervi Rodeo legacy. These examples prove that the future of our communities can be built upon a foundation that honors the past rather than erasing it.
Whether a property transitions to a new family looking to raise Angus or someone bringing in horses, one element remains consistent in these high-stakes negotiations. After the numbers are debated and the contracts are reviewed, almost every seller I have worked with asks the same final, pivotal question: “What is their plan for the land?” In Northeastern Colorado, the answer to that question often carries more weight than the numbers on the contract. It serves as a reminder that in our corner of the state, we don’t just trade real estate; we transition legacies.
What Destinations Have You Been Putting Off Lately?
Traveling is one of life’s great joys, but for chronic procrastinators, the journey often begins long before the plane takes off — usually with a last-minute scramble, a frantic search for deals, and a surprising amount of adrenaline. Waiting too long to book a trip can feel like a bad habit, but it also creates a unique kind of adventure that only procrastinators truly understand. Traveling when you procrastinate is a strangely specific art form — part chaos, part adrenaline, part “I swear I’ll plan earlier next time,” even though you and I both know you won’t. But here’s the truth: last-minute travel isn’t just a personality quirk. It’s a whole experience, and sometimes, it’s a better one than the perfectly color-coded itinerary people spend months obsessing over.
At its core, procrastination travel is powered by two forces: the desire to escape and the inability to commit. You put off doing anything for weeks or months, telling yourself you’ll book “tomorrow,” until suddenly tomorrow is three days before departure and the universe forces your hand. Oddly enough, this is where the magic begins. When you finally decide to contact your travel agent, there’s no time left for overthinking. No spiraling about whether you picked the right hotel, the right neighborhood, the right season. You’re going, and that’s that.
The beauty of traveling this way is the freedom it creates. With less time to plan, you’re forced into spontaneity. You land somewhere new without a rigid schedule, which means you actually pay attention to what feels good in the moment. You wander into cafés because they smell amazing, not because they were ranked #7 on a list. You talk to locals because you need recommendations, not because you’re checking boxes. You discover places you never would’ve found if you’d spent months researching.
Of course, procrastination travel has its downsides. Prices can spike, hotels can fill up, and sometimes you end up on a 6 a.m. flight with a layover in a city you can’t pronounce. But even those mishaps become part of the story. The frantic packing at midnight, the race through the airport, the moment you finally collapse into your seat thinking, “I really did this to myself.” It’s chaotic, but it’s also exhilarating.
And let’s be honest: some people thrive on that energy. The pressure of a deadline sharpens your focus. Decisions that felt impossible a week ago become effortless when time is running out. You stop searching for the “perfect” trip and settle into the reality of the one you’re actually taking — and that shift alone can make the experience richer.
Traveling when you procrastinate isn’t about being disorganized. It’s about embracing uncertainty, trusting your travel agent and your instincts, and letting the world surprise you. The trip you didn’t plan months in advance might just become the one you remember most.
What destination have you been putting off booking lately?
Diane Blocker Diane’s Travel of Keenesburg
Summer Heat Brings Hidden Danger for Dogs and Cats
By Laura Jensen CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC)
Summer is a favorite season for many pets, who love basking and playing in the sun—but keeping them safe in the heat is essential.
To help pets stay cool, ensure they always have access to multiple bowls of fresh, cool water, along with shade, shelter, and air conditioning or fans during hot weather for proper ventilation. Never leave a pet in a parked car, because temperatures can rise rapidly and become life-threatening for them within minutes.
Avoid walks and outdoor play during the hottest part of the day. Always test pavement before walks by placing your inner forearm on it for 15 seconds— if it’s too hot for your skin, it can burn your dog’s paws.
Some pets are at higher risk for heat stroke, including older or overweight animals, thick-coated dogs, pets with breathing difficulties, and flat-faced breeds such as pugs and Persian cats.
Heat stroke can develop gradually. Even a healthy pet may become overheated, showing signs like excessive panting or drooling, and can become dehydrated despite access to shade and water. At the first signs, offer fresh water, bring your pet indoors, and allow them to rest on a cool floor in front of a fan before resuming activity.
Escalating heat stroke symptoms may include bright red gums, vomiting, or diarrhea. If a pet is vomiting or collapsed, try to position them on their belly, head slightly down so vomit drains from the mouth instead of being inhaled, which can lead to pneumonia. As heat stroke worsens, pets may become weaker, disoriented, may have seizures, or their gums may turn pale, or white. Any of these symptoms require immediate veterinary care.
While en route to a veterinarian, gentle cooling may help. Apply cool, wet towels to your pet’s body and paws, along with a fan to support heat loss. Avoid ice baths or cold-water immersion- these can worsen symptoms by constricting blood vessels and trapping more heat in the body.
With prompt veterinary treatment, many pets recover, but delays can lead to organ damage, shock, clotting issues, or death. Most cases require hospitalization with IV fluids for rehydration, and medications to help support organ function. By staying aware and acting quickly, pet owners can help ensure summer remains safe for every member of the family.
*This article was written by a certified veterinary technician and is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or initiate medical care, and does not replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed veterinarian for any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s health, including emergencies.
Serving Those Who Served: Navigating the Shift - A Three Part Series
A short series for Veterans and families navigating the transition to civilian life
Series note: I hear one answer more than any other when I ask Veterans what the hardest part of service was: coming home. This three part column series is meant to name what makes reintegration so heavy, offer practical ways to rebuild stability, and clarify when extra support can make the difference. Reintegration can be the toughest transition, and it’s common: about 60% report significant difficulty moving from military to civilian life (2021 Veterans’ Reintegration Survey).
After active duty, challenges often stem from lost connection, abrupt routine changes, and unmet medical or mental health needs. Understanding the main pressure points can help:
• Cultural adjustment: Leaving a highly structured environment for a slower civilian pace—with different norms and no built-in schedule—can feel disorienting.
• Employment issues: Navigating the job market is daunting and it can be difficult to translate military skills into civilian job qualifications which leads to higher unemployment rates among Veterans.
• Mental health concerns: Conditions like PTSD, feelings of isolation, and anxiety can have a compounding effect on this transition.
• Access to resources: Understanding and accessing VA benefits is daunting and can be difficult to understand without the proper resources, and the civilian healthcare system does not have veteran centric treatment models, which can pose other challenges.
Strategies for Success
To increase success for Veterans integrating back into civilian life; Veterans should consider a multimodal approach. Building a support network with others that are new vets and mentors through organizations like the American Legion; or through the connections already made in active duty. Community is so important in the transition.
Veterans should consider mental health programs during reintegration to help make sense of how your past will be brought into your new future. Keep a structured routine to soften the change in pace, and set small, achievable goals to create direction and momentum.
Reintegration isn’t a single moment. It’s a process of rebuilding identity, routines, and connection. When strategies are tailored to a Veteran’s needs and strengths, the transition becomes more manageable. With support, understanding, and proactive steps, Veterans can move through this life change with resilience and clarity.
The Future is Bright: Weld Central FFA at State CDE’s
Weld Central FFA took 47 members to the State FFA Career Development Events Contest at Colorado State University April 26th-28th, 2026. All members did a great job representing Weld Central and have been practicing for months leading up to this contest!
The Dairy Judging Team was the 2026 State Runner Up Team. Congratulations to Makayla Milligan, Bryen Stalcup, and Cydni Dudley. This team has qualified nationally and will represent Colorado at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY in November! Makayla was Gold and 2nd Overall, and Bryen and Cydni received Silver.
The Ag Mechanics Team (Connor Rosling, Cole Rushfeldt, Brexton Stevens, and Jacob Turner) received Gold as a team. Connor received Gold, Cole and Brexton received Silver and Jacob received Bronze. The Nursery/Landscape Team (Avery Stolz, Taden Nelson, Max Riblett and Dawson Dever) received Silver as a team. Avery received Silver, and Taden, Max and Dawson received Bronze. The Horse Judging Team (Audrey Koehn, Anastyn Perez, Carson Tranello and Lilly Reh received Silver as a team. Audrey and Anastyn received Gold and Carson received Bronze. The Ag Sales Team (Katelyn Nuanes, Alex Bolin, Aubree Klausner and Camerin Langley received Silver as a team. Katelyn received Gold and 5th Overall, Alex received Silver and Aubree received Bronze. The Floriculture team (Kali Finkenbinder, Taylor Seely, Ashley Barrows and Addi Powers) received Silver as a team. Kali and Taylor received Gold, Ashley received Silver and Addi received Bronze. The Livestock Judging Team (Ryder Halley, Garrett Hall, Taylor Frazier and Lianne Burger) received Silver as a team. Ryder and Garrett received Silver and Taylor received Bronze. The Meat Judging Team (Jesse Hoffman, Jack Cloyed, Bentley Morgan, and Hunter Olson) received Silver as a team. Jesse, Jack, and Bentley received Silver and Hunter received Bronze. The Crops Judging Team (Vivian Rossi, Riley Gibson, Dawson Rupple and Trey Neill) received Bronze as a team. Vivian Rossi received Gold. For Food Science, Ali Weber, Kylee Marchand, Avery Simpson and Tegan Huwa competed. Ali received Bronze. For Vet Science, Aimee Brown, Whitney Rushfeldt, Ember Overcash and Olivia Weichel competed. Aimee received Bronze. For Milk Judging, Ady Turner, James Klausner, Maddy Pralle and Ethan Rupple competed. Ady received Bronze. We are very proud of all these students who qualified for State and competed!
Weld Central FFA would like to thank the community members who helped coach and prepare our FFA members for our CDE contest season! Thank you to Stacie Powers, Brook Nighswonger, Amanda Elledge, Kyleigh Cardillo and to everyone else in the school and community that contributed to the members and their successes for career development events!
The Long Road Before the Short Walk Across the Stage
As we are walking into the season of graduation and celebration, it seemed like the perfect time to start talking about just how education begins. Most think that journey begins with walking into Kindergarten for the first time, and as an early childhood educator I’m here to tell you that learning and growing comes far before that.
Our brains develop the most and at the fastest rate between the ages of birth and five. Crazy, I know. The brain doubles in size within the first year of life and is about 90% of its adult size by the time a child turns five. This rapid growth is an incredibly precious and vital time in the grand scheme of development.
In that time children start speaking
their first words, go from crawling to running, start forming early opinions and preferences, and much more. So much is happening before they even step foot into the big world of Kindergarten. What you do at home matters. And if you send your child to an early education center to foster deeper social-emotional growth and develop peer relationships, that matters too. Read with your children, and when you think you’ve read enough, read some more. Explore.
Don’t be afraid of getting them, or yourself, messy. It can always be cleaned up. Ask questions, especially questions that don’t have a set answer, just to hear their thoughts. Children are way funnier and way smarter than the world gives them credit for.
This time goes fast, and before you know it, they’re graduating high school and moving up in the world. Cherish that “just one more story” request. Their growing brains will thank you one day.
To all our graduates: when you put on that cap and gown, remember that you have learned so much to this point, and you will have so much more to learn after this. While you’ve gained a lot within the
classroom, learning doesn’t only happen inside a classroom, so keep reading, keep exploring, and keep asking questions. You never know what new brain connection you’re making.
PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of Proposed School Budget
Notice is hereby given that a proposed budget has been submitted to the Board of Education of School District RE-50J, Wiggins, Colorado for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
The budget has been filed in the School Administration office, 404 Chapman Street, Wiggins, Colorado where it is available for public inspection. Such proposed budget will be considered for adoption at the regular meeting of the Board of Education to be held in the Board Room, 404 Chapman Street, Wiggins, Colorado on June 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Any person paying taxes in said district may, at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget, file or register his objection thereto.
Board of Education
Wiggins School District RE-50J
By Ashleigh Sager Highlands Academy Denver
IN MEMORIAM
Tricia Ann Baumgartner 51, of Auburn, WA., passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026 at home in Keenesburg, CO., after a courageous battle with uterine cancer.
Born on November 8, 1974 in Denver CO... Tricia was the daughter of Cindy Baumgartner of Keenesburg CO., Rod Baumgartner (Linda) of Keenesburg CO... She graduated high school from Weld Central High School 1994 in Keenesburg Co. And then went on to pursue higher education and received a BA in communications with certifications in Applied Project management and Project Management Professional (PMP).
She began her career with Jeppsen, a Boeing subsidiary then continued with Boeing, filling a 20-year career.
Tricia was a devoted mother, daughter, sister and friend. Her greatest joy came when Caleb was born July 26, 1995. He was her pride and joy, her greatest blessing. Tricia enjoyed spending time with Caleb, her dog Brody, family and friends. Tricia was a vibrant soul who lived life on her own terms. And as her coworkers said “your strength and positivity were so inspiring, your humor and laughter will be missed forever”.
She is survived by her son Caleb, (Sean), sister Tammi (Kacie)and best friend Dora and children Micaela and Marcos Garcia. Mother Cindy Baumgartner, father Rod Baumgartner (Linda) and Grandmother Darlene Baumgartner. And numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by Grandparents Joe and Gretta Christen, Grandfather Earl Baumgartner. Two uncles Bruce Bartlett and Dennis Baumgartner.
In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity.
Her celebration of life will be on May 16, 2026 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Luna Event Center in Brighton Colo. 80601. Her wish was for all to celebrate with a taco and margarita.
The Latest From Weld Central HS
FFA: Weld Central High School FFA is taking 50 students to the Colorado FFA State Career Development Events (CDEs) in Fort Collins on April 27–28, where 13 teams will compete across a range of agricultural categories, including agronomy, livestock evaluation, farm business management, and more.
Knowledge Bowl: Sixteen members of the Weld Central High School Knowledge Bowl Team are attending the National Academic Quiz Tournaments (NAQT) Small School Championship Tournament in Chicago. Garrett Hall will compete in the NAQT Individual Player Championship Tournament.
Robotics: The WCHS Robotics Team won the National Robotics League Colorado state competition and will head to the Nationals May 15-17.
Weld Central High School Graduation will be on May 17th, at the University of Northern Colorado - Bank of Colorado Arena at 10:00
JOB BOARD
Member Services Assistant Highland Cattle USA
Join our team as Member Services Assistant with a cattle breed association in Brighton, CO. Emphasis on processing memberships, handling inquiries and orders, all facets of National Show & Sale management at the NWSS, assist with annual convention duties, go-to for short term projects, etc.
Friendly environment, flexible 3 day week (approx 24 hrs/week) with one day per week remote after trial period. Dynamic, busy, small office with multi-tasking staff. Must work well with others and be a detail oriented, dependable, self-starter with a can-do attitude. Knowledge of the livestock industry and good customer service a must.
Plan to hire a long-term employee immediately with competitive salary and benefits.
Email resume with cover letter and two references (1 business & 1personal) to info@highlandcattleusa.org
Ag/Animal Job Opportunity
Seeking Full Time Farm/Ranch, irrigated farming, cow/calf, and small private natural
Designated a Centennial Farm/Ranch in 2020
Must be a self-starter, experience in pivot irrigation with cattle feeding & calving.
Benefits, housing, and utilities available.
Send Resume and references to:
Or email to: WRancher@comcast.net
