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A W H O L LY O W N E D S U B S I D I A R Y O F H E A R T L A N D H E R I T A G E M E D I A
October 9th, 2026 | Edition 17
Rooted in our Communities
www.LostCreekSentinel.com
THANK YOU
Town of Keenesburg for a GREAT DAY! The SoapBox Derby may begin with plans, schedules, cars and a racecourse, but what brings it to life is something much bigger: community. Race day was filled with the kind of moments that remind us what makes Southeast Weld County such a special place. Kids came flying down the track with huge smiles, families lined the course cheering them on, volunteers jumped in wherever they were needed, and local businesses once again showed just how deeply they care about the families who call this region home. For many of our young racers, the experience started long before race day. Cars were built in garages, driveways and workshops with parents, grandparents, siblings and friends. Together, they measured, painted, adjusted, problem-solved and transformed a pile of materials into something completely their own. And then came race day! The photographs throughout these pages, beautifully captured by Iris Olivas Photography, tell the story better than words ever could. They capture the concentration at the starting line, the excitement coming down the track, the pride at the finish, and the families and neighbors cheering from the sidelines. Thank you, Iris, for preserving these moments for our community. The real success of the SoapBox Derby is not measured by who crossed the finish line first. It is found in the confidence of a child who can proudly say, “I built that.” It is found in families making memories together, neighbors encouraging one another and children experiencing the thrill of being celebrated by an entire community. None of it happens without the incredible support surrounding these young racers. Our local businesses give generously through sponsorships, donations, resources and encouragement. Volunteers take ownership of their responsibilities, solve problems on the fly and work together to keep the day moving. Families show up, cheer loudly and create the energy that makes the Derby so special. I have the privilege of helping plan the SoapBox Derby through my work with the Southeast Weld County Chamber, but by the time race day arrives, it belongs to all of us. To the Town of Keenesburg, our businesses, volunteers, families, spectators and especially our young racers — thank you for making this such a memorable day. This is what community looks like.
2026 GRAND CHAMPION Robert McKeighan, age 7 Wiggins, CO
Built with HEART. Raced with PRIDE. Made possible by COMMUNITY.
See you next year!
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Lost Creek Sentinel | Edition 17 | October 9th, 2026
EDITORIAL
Built with HEART. Raced with PRIDE.
By Tammy Whitaker, Editor Lost Creek Sentinel There are some events you plan because they’re part of the job — and then there are events that somehow work their way into your heart. The 2026 Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce SoapBox Derby was definitely the latter. After months of planning, organizing, building, measuring, coordinating and probably more than a few moments of wondering whether everything would actually come together, Saturday, September 26 arrived. And as the streets of Keenesburg began filling with racers, families, volunteers, businesses and spectators, I had one of those moments when I simply had to stop and take it all in. We did it. The excitement on the kids’ faces was
worth every bit of work that went into the day. They arrived proudly showing off cars they had built with parents, grandparents, friends and mentors — each one as unique as the young person sitting behind the wheel. Then came race time. Watching those kids head down the straw-bale-lined track was pure joy. Some were intensely focused. Some were a little nervous. Others were grinning before they ever left the starting line. But almost every trip down the hill seemed to end the same way — with a smile. And the crowd made it even better. People cheered for their own racers, of course, but they also cheered for everybody else’s. That may have been one of my favorite parts of the entire day. For a few hours, it didn’t matter whose child was in the car. We were simply a community cheering on our kids. The Derby was about much more than winning a race. It was about parents and children building something together. It was about creativity, imagination and learning that something doesn’t have to come out of a box already finished to be amazing. It was about local businesses stepping up — again and again — to support an event created for our families and our community. And it was certainly about our volunteers. I cannot say enough about the people who showed up, took responsibility for their piece of the event and made things happen. From racer check-in and track operations to vendors, judging, safety and all of those little jobs most people never see, our volunteers were incredible. Community events don’t happen because one person has an idea. They
happen because a whole lot of people decide that idea is worth supporting. The same is true of our business community. Sponsors, donors and Chamber members went above and beyond to help us create something special for these kids. Their generosity is a reminder that “supporting local” means much more than where we shop. It means investing in the experiences and memories that make a community feel like home. I am tremendously grateful to our Chamber Board of Directors for their unwavering support of me and my efforts to make the Southeast Weld County Chamber the best that it can be. I am also tremendously grateful to the Town of Keenesburg, Keenesburg Police Department and Southeast Weld Fire Protection District for their support of this event. Their partnership helped us create an event where families could come together, relax, laugh, cheer and simply enjoy being part of this community. There were trophies and medals. There were winners. There were some pretty spectacular Derby cars. And yes, there was a 2026 Grand Champion. His name is Robert McKeighan and he is from Wiggins, CO! But when I look back on the day, those aren’t the things I will remember most. I’ll remember the kids. I’ll remember the cheering. I’ll remember looking around and seeing neighbors talking with neighbors, businesses supporting families, volunteers helping one another and people genuinely enjoying being together. Those are the moments that remind me why I love doing this work. For everyone who raced, built, sponsored,
The Lost Creek Sentinel Hudson, CO 80642 Editor/Publisher Tammy Whitaker Graphic Design Corporate Imagination Printed by Colorado Trust for Local News Collaborators
Patty Sheats, VA Medical Center Diane Blocker, Diane’s Travel Ashleigh Sager, Highlands Academy Lance Fleming, Market & Main Realty Milos Kral, PreClear Cybersecurity Toby Karr, Edward Jones
We would love to hear from you! Please direct comments to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com
volunteered, sold, served, cheered, organized, donated or simply showed up — thank you. You made the 2026 SoapBox Derby something very special. The cars may have crossed the finish line, but I have a feeling the memories created that day will stick around for a very long time. Built with HEART. Raced with PRIDE. And I already can’t wait to say it again: See you next year!
SOUTHEAST WELD COUNTY CHAMBER B U S I N E S S
M A T T E R S
Welcome 2026 NEW MEMBERS World Systems Builder BBB Serving Northern CO & WY Mammoth Graphics Summit Bodyworks CR10 Bar & Grille LLC Ottos Diesel Repair Peak Real Estate 18V Management PreClear Cybersecurity, Inc. SendIt Screenworks Coyote Creek Ranch Event Center Toby Karr - Edward Jones Century Communities Wolf Waste LLC Purple Phoenix Drone Services Rodeo Dunes Iris Olivas Photography Reynolds Construction LLC Camping Ventures Bank of Colorado - Ft. Lupton Twenty Below Refrigeration LLC Comcast
DCM Construction Accurate Personnel Heartland Heritage Media Day & Company Inc. Legacy Peak Insurance Advisors Rocky Mountain Roofing and Exteriors University Auto Parts Rhino Exteriors AB Septic Kona Ice Love on the Move Pog’s Garden Trisimo Hotel Group Upstate Colorado Economic Development BCP Contractors Rhythm of the Horse Therapeutic Horsemanship Rural Community Life Improvement Foundation Linking Arms Advocate Health Advisors Little Haven Play Studio Southeast Weld Fire Protection District
Together, we’re STRONGER. Together, we’ll MAKE IT.
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SERVING THOSE WHO SERVED
Assistance with Service-Connected Secondary Conditions: Joints, Back and Nerves By Patty Sheats
A service-connected joint problem can affect more than the original injury. Limping, favoring one side or using a cane may alter a veteran’s gait and place added stress on the knees, hips and back. Common secondary conditions include hip, back or opposite-knee problems related to a service-connected injury resulting in pain, numbness or weakness caused by spinal nerve irritation. Neck conditions may also lead to arm or hand radiculopathy or headaches. Amputation can contribute to back and opposite-side joint problems. Chronic pain may also be associated with depression or sleep difficulties. Under 38 CFR § 3.310, veterans generally need medical
evidence connecting the new condition to an established service-connected disability. Helpful documentation may include gait notes in your records describing limping or assistive devices, imaging, EMG testing and a physician’s linking new joint complaint to the rated one. Here’s what to say to your primary care doctor so the VA connects it: Instead of saying, “my other knee hurts now”, say “since my service connected right knee, Ive favored the leg and now my left knee has pain, swelling, [x] number of days a week.” Radiculopathy may be evaluated separately from a spine condition, with ratings potentially assigned by nerve and by
side. Veterans should describe specific symptoms, frequency and affected sides rather than simply reporting that a limb “hurts” or “goes numb.” Source: Veterans Claims Education, “Secondary Conditions, Part 2: Joints, Back and Nerves” —https://www. veteransclaimsedu.com/. References: [38 CFR § 3.310](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-38/ section-3.310), [38 CFR § 4.71a](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/ title-38/section-4.71a), [38 CFR § 4.124a](https://www.ecfr.gov/ current/title-38/section-4.124a). Find an accredited VSO](https:// www.va.gov/get-help-from-accredited-representative/find-rep/).
LET'S TALK REAL ESTATE
FIVE WEIRD DOOR FACTS
(that homebuyers should be aware of!) By Lance Fleming
“To opening new doors!” This was a toast that I heard at a retirement party this month. There are so many sayings, toasts, literary pieces and cliches in our everyday life that involve doors. And, of course, it got me thinking about doors and real estate. Here are my Top 5 weird door facts, in the real estate world. #5. If a house has an attached garage, there is a specific code about that door. IRC Section R302.5.1 to be specific, says that the door connecting a garage to the house has to be self-closing and self-latching. More fires start in the garage than anywhere else in the home. These doors also must be solid and have a minimum of a 20-minute fire rating. #4. Overhead doors are wind rated. This was new to me, when I was talking with an architect about a barndominum that was being built in the Longmont area. Colorado mountain doors require 120 mile per hour rated garage doors. Front Range homes are required to have garage or overhead doors rated at 90 miles per hour. #3. The history nut in me loves this… in 1942, Sears stopped their production of Sears Modern Homes after 34 years of building homes all across the United States. During this time, homes were purchased directly from the catalog. Shipped to your lot. Sears Modern Homes are some of my favorite homes out there. Their front door was one of the first questions that led to the design of the total home. Centrally located: Symmetrical colonial revivals, Cape Cods, or formal foursquare. Door off-center or on the side of the home: bungalows, American Foursquare variants, or side hall homes. #2. Internationally, doors have their own meanings, purposes and designs. In Morocco, doors have a very low clearance. This requires a respectful bow by anyone entering, and also does not allow people on horseback to crash through. In some Persian and Indian homes there are two different knockers that make different sounds. These distinctions are to notify the homeowner if there is a man or a woman at the door. And my favorite, in Scotland, if you see someone has painted their front door red, this means that the homeowner has paid off their mortgage. The red door is a celebration of home ownership.
#1. When I talk with home owners that are looking to list their home, I often times bring up repainting their front door. This often times gives the home an updated look and sets it apart from the rest of the homes in the neighborhood. But the fun fact, studies say that a home with a black or charcoal front door sells for about $6,000 more than similar homes without black or charcoal doors. Dark blues are a classic sign of trust in the financial world and is a strong color for selling a home. Door colors must match or compliment the trim garage doors. On the other side of the coin, mismatched colors often sit on the market longer and sell for less. Yellow doors sell for about $3,000 than the average home. To close the door on this month’s real estate discussion, every time that a client of mine signs their closing papers, it is some sort of passing to a new door. Wether they are selling their home, closing the door on that chapter of their lives and on to the next, or if they are buying a new place to live, then as the toast said…. “To opening new door!”
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FINANCE
the pursuit of wealth FINANCIAL FOCUS® What does financial fulfillment actually feel like? By Toby Karr, AAMS® Edward Jones Financial Advisor | www.edwardjones.com/toby-karr | 720-509-0504
Feeling financially fulfilled means so much more than just the number in your bank account. It's about being able to take your family out to dinner without calculating whether you can afford it. It means sleeping soundly on a Sunday night, knowing that if the water heater gives out tomorrow, you can handle it. And it's saying yes to a vacation because you planned ahead and the money is there. In short, financial fulfillment is the feeling that your money is supporting the life you want. Yet true fulfillment is surprisingly rare. Only 16% of Americans are financially fulfilled, according to a 2026 study by Edward Jones and Gallup, “Money and Meaning: Understanding Financial Fulfillment." Those at the other end of the spectrum, the financially stressed (32%), often say that money regularly controls their daily decisions. Most Americans (51%), however, fall in the middle — the financially conflicted. They manage to get by but often carry a persistent undercurrent of worry. Notably, where you land on this spectrum has less to do with your income than you might expect. More than half of households earning $175,000 or more are still financially conflicted.
Building the foundation
So, the question becomes, "What do financially fulfilled people do differently?" Simply put, they tend to have foundational planning structures in place. Five behaviors show up consistently among the financially fulfilled, and they're simple steps you can take, too.
• Build an emergency fund (98% of fulfilled have this). Aim for saving three to six months of living expenses in a liquid, easily accessible account. When you know you can handle the unexpected, you stop bracing for it, and lower stress gives you a higher quality of life. •C reate a financial plan for retirement (91% of financially fulfilled have one). It’s hard to feel in control if you don’t know where you’re going. A retirement plan puts a real number on what you’ll need and lays out a clear path to get there, with built-in protection against life's unexpected curveballs. •S ave intentionally for major milestones (87% of financially fulfilled do). A home renovation, a new vehicle or a child’s education don't have to feel disruptive. Setting money aside deliberately for the milestones you anticipate means you can say yes without scrambling. •P ut an estate plan in place (66% of financially fulfilled have). Estate plans are not just for the wealthy. A will and basic estate plan help ensure what you’ve worked for still reflects your wishes after you’re gone. •W ork with a financial advisor (60% of financially fulfilled who sought any guidance have used an advisor in the past year). The internet is great, but real guidance comes from a credentialed person who knows you and your family and what you want your money to do for you. Knowing that your money is working toward the life you want doesn't happen by accident. Feeling financially fulfilled is worth the effort and may be more achievable than you realize. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC.Wordcount:491
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Chew Wisely: The Hidden Risks of Antlers, Bones, and Rawhides By Laura Jensen CVT, LVT, VTS (ECC)
For generations, antlers, bones, and rawhides have been popular choices for dogs who love to chew. While they may seem like harmless, natural treats, they can carry serious risks- and can quickly become a veterinary emergency.
Choking, Broken Teeth, and Contamination Risks
Choking can happen in an instant. Pieces of antler, bone, or rawhide can become lodged in the throat, while smaller fragments may enter the airway and interfere with breathing. Pressed rawhide can also become stuck across the roof of the mouth, and round bones can become lodged around the lower jaw. Dogs may panic and be unable to dislodge these items, making close supervision essential. Antlers and bones are extremely hard and can fracture teeth, particularly the back teeth used for chewing. Cooked bones are usually extremely brittle, splintering into sharp pieces that injure the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. Rawhides also carry risks related to contamination and processing. Depending on how they are manufactured, they may be contaminated with bacteria or contain residual chemicals like bleaches or glues. These chemicals may cause stomach irritation in our dogs.
Problems in the GI Tract
Antler, bone, or rawhide fragments can cause a gastrointestinal (GI) obstruction, preventing food and waste from moving normally through the digestive tract. Sharp fragments may also scrape or puncture the stomach or intestinal wall, causing a perforation. This can allow digestive contents to leak into the abdomen, leading to peritonitis—a serious and potentially life-threatening infection. Some small bones may completely dissolve in the stomach acid or pass through the digestive tract without causing harm. However, there is no reliable way to predict which bones will safely break down or pass without complications. Even if your dog has safely swallowed and passed the same type of bone before, the next time could result in a life-threatening obstruction or perforation. Avoiding all antlers, bones, and rawhides is the safest choice.
Safer Chewing Options
Dogs have an instinct to chew, but they don’t need bones or antlers to satisfy it. Choose durable, appropriately sized chew toys made from materials with some flexibility. Veterinary dentists recommend avoiding hard toys and chews that cannot be slightly indented with a fingernail, as these can damage or fracture teeth. As a personal recommendation—not a product review—I have had good experiences with the Bionic line of toys for my own large-breed dogs, who are extreme chewers. Bionic offers a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate different breeds and chewing habits. Every dog is different, so always supervise your pup and replace any toy that becomes damaged, brittle, or small enough to swallow. For edible dental chews, look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which indicates the product has met established standards for reducing plaque and tartar in dogs. Follow the manufacturer’s feeding recommendations to avoid GI upset. When to Seek Veterinary Care If your dog swallows an antler, bone, or rawhide, contact your veterinarian right away. Seek immediate care for choking, repeated gagging, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite or lethargy, which can indicate a serious GI issue. If your dog is pawing at its mouth, dropping food, bleeding from the mouth, or whining while eating, contact your veterinarian. A broken tooth or other mouth injury may require veterinary dental care, including dental X-rays and extraction of damaged teeth.
Conclusion
We used to think antlers, bones, and rawhides were ideal chew toys, but experience has taught us that the risks simply aren’t worth it. Choosing safe chew toys based on your dog’s size, chewing habits, and play style can help satisfy their natural urge to chew while giving you greater peace of mind. Disclaimer: This article was written by a Certified Veterinary Technician for general educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It may reference over-the-counter medications for informational purposes only and does not provide or recommend dosages; Always contact your veterinarian if your pet is injured or ill, and seek emergency veterinary care when needed.
PUBLIC NOTICES
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THE agri-CULTURE CLASSROOM
planting the seeds of leadership how 4-h and ffa grow more than agriculture with thanks to amy mcfarland, faculty, department chair, agricultural sciences and technology, aims community college
Teach them young. It’s a phrase we’ve all heard, but as a parent it can be intimidating. How do we raise young people who are kind, humble, motivated, and community-centered? I was fortunate to be raised in agriculture on a diversified ranch in western Nebraska. My siblings and I grew up around all types of livestock, and 4-H became a large part of our upbringing. Where I grew up, everyone knew about 4-H and FFA, though the stereotype of both being all about “corn and cattle” rang true. Still today, I find that many people assume that 4-H and FFA are only for rural kids who are interested in farming or ranching. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. FFA changed its name in 1988 (yes, nearly 40 years ago!) to The National FFA Organization rather than Future Farmers of America to help spread awareness about the fact that FFA is for everyone, not just rural kids. The same is true of 4-H. While livestock is still a large part of the 4-H program, the organization boasts more than 150 projects from youth to choose from, ranging from livestock to robotics, welding, shooting sports and even computer science. It’s far more than corn and cattle! The impact of these organizations is worth mentioning. A study from Tufts University found
that 4-H members are four times more likely to give back to their communities than their peers, two times more like to make healthier choices and two times more likely to participate in STEM activities. Similarly, a 2021 survey of 10th and 11th grade members in FFA found that 74% of those members said they volunteered in their schools and communities. Beyond community engagement, members of these organizations are developing life skills like public speaking, record keeping and teamwork, all of which are highly valued when they enter the workforce as young adults. We live in a rich agriculture community, which believes in the value of hard work and the adage to “teach them young.” Through organizations like 4-H and FFA, that task can become a bit easier as a parent. Youth can enroll in 4-H as a Cloverbud member as young as five and participate in 4-H and FFA all the way through their high school (and in some cases, college) years. Enrollment for the new 4-H year starts October 1, and I’d encourage everyone to consider these organizations as an avenue for success for young people. You can find more information through your local Extension Office or high school agriculture program. Trust me, it’s worth the investment: these youth go on to become our community and world leaders and for that, I feel a lot better about our future.
ONLINE OPTICS
The $20 Million Deepfake Seeing Is No Longer Believing By Milos Kral PreClear Cybersecurity
For most of my life, there was a fairly reliable way to settle an argument about whether something really happened. “Did you see it?” If you saw it with your own eyes, that was pretty good evidence. A photograph was even better. Video? Case closed. We even built the expression into our language: Seeing is believing. Artificial intelligence may be turning that phrase into an antique. And one finance employee learned that lesson in spectacular fashion. In early 2024, an employee working in the Hong Kong office of a multinational company received a message that appeared to come from the company’s chief financial officer in the United Kingdom. The message involved a confidential financial transaction. The employee was suspicious, which is important. This wasn’t someone mindlessly clicking everything that appeared in an inbox. The employee reportedly suspected that the original message might be a phishing attempt. That’s exactly what cybersecurity training tells us to do. Be skeptical, look for something unusual, don’t blindly trust an email. Then came the video meeting. And that’s where things became strange. The employee joined a video conference with people who appeared to be company executives and colleagues. There was the CFO, there were familiar coworkers, there were recognizable faces, there were recognizable voices. Imagine being in that position. You receive a questionable email supposedly from your boss. You’re suspicious. Then you join a video conference and there is your boss, apparently sitting right there in front of you, other colleagues are there too. At some point, most of us would probably think: Okay. Apparently, this is real. The employee did, and ultimately authorized a series of transactions totaling approximately $25 million. There was just one problem, the people in the meeting weren’t actually there, the employee was reportedly the only real participant. The executives and colleagues appearing on screen had been digitally recreated using deepfake technology. Hong Kong authorities said the criminals apparently used publicly available video and audio of the people they were impersonating to construct the deception. Think about that for a moment. The employee apparently did something we tell people to do all the time.
Don’t simply trust the email. Verify. So, the employee looked for stronger evidence, a face, a voice, a meeting, and the evidence was fake. Welcome to the next trust problem Deepfakes aren’t entirely new. We’ve seen fake celebrity videos, altered photographs and strange clips circulating online for years. Some were amusing. Some were obviously fake. Some were disturbing. But this case represents something much more consequential. Artificial intelligence isn’t merely becoming capable of creating fake content, it’s becoming capable of creating fake trust. That’s a very different problem. Consider how many things you accept as real every day because you recognize the person involved; your daughter calls, you recognize her voice. Your boss appears on a video meeting; you recognize his face. Your accountant sends an email; it sounds exactly like something she would write. A friend sends you a photograph; there she is in the picture. Historically, those have all been useful signals. Now imagine that voice can be synthesized, the face can be recreated, the writing style can be imitated, the photograph can be generated. Suddenly, the question isn’t simply whether something looks authentic. The question becomes: What actually proves that it is authentic? That’s going to take some getting used to. Your mother was right Ironically, one of the best defenses against sophisticated artificial intelligence may be something your mother taught you when you were five: just because someone says something doesn’t mean it’s true. We may simply have to expand that lesson. Just because you read it doesn’t mean it’s true, just because you hear it doesn’t mean it’s true. And increasingly: just because you see it doesn’t mean it’s true. That doesn’t mean we should become paranoid. I’m not suggesting that the next time Grandma calls, you demand a passport and two forms of identification before discussing Thanksgiving dinner. But when something unusual involves money, passwords, confidential information or access to an important account, we may need a second method of verification. If your daughter calls saying she’s in trouble and desperately needs money, hang up and call her back using the number you already have. If your bank contacts you about a problem, open the banking app yourself instead of using the link they sent. If your boss suddenly asks you to transfer a large amount of money, follow the company’s established approval process— even if you’re looking at your boss on a computer screen. In other words:
Don’t let the person asking for your trust also control the method you use to verify them. The criminals don’t need perfection There’s another important lesson buried in the $25 million story. People sometimes imagine that a deepfake has to be absolutely flawless to be dangerous. It doesn’t. Neither does a phishing email. Neither does a telephone scam. The criminal doesn’t have to create something that would survive three weeks of forensic analysis. They only need to create something convincing enough for the few minutes in which you make a decision. That’s an enormously lower bar. And AI is getting very good at clearing it. The Hong Kong case is especially revealing because authorities later said the fabricated conference appears to have been pre-recorded. There wasn’t even genuine interaction between the victim and the supposed executives. The meeting was convincing enough to establish credibility, and subsequent payment instructions continued through messaging. That’s almost more unsettling than a Hollywood-quality live deepfake. The criminals didn’t need to perfectly recreate reality; they only needed to create enough reality to be trusted. The five-second question As artificial intelligence becomes more convincing, I think we’re all going to have to develop a slightly different relationship with trust. Not distrust. Verification. When something unusual happens, particularly when money or sensitive information is involved, give yourself five seconds. Ask: Was I expecting this? Is this request normal? Is someone trying to make me act quickly? And most importantly: Can I verify this another way? Those questions won’t make deepfakes disappear. But they move the decision away from: “It looked real.” Toward: “I have a reason to know it’s real.” That’s an important distinction. Because we are entering a world our parents and grandparents never had to navigate, a photograph is no longer necessarily a photograph, a voice isn’t necessarily a person, a video meeting isn’t necessarily a meeting. And the familiar old saying may finally need an update. Seeing isn’t believing anymore. Verifying is.
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INTRODUCING MELONIE HARTFORD, creator of Joe Raccoon Cowboy!
Melonie Hartford is a Colorado native with a gift for turning everyday moments into stories worth sharing. Whether through her art, her writing, or a good conversation, Melonie has a way of painting a picture and finding the humor tucked inside life’s adventures. We’re excited to welcome Melonie as a Guest Writer for The Lost Creek Sentinel, where she’ll be introducing readers to the adventures—and undoubtedly a little mischief—of Joe Raccoon Cowboy and his colorful cast of Lost Creek friends. Through humor, heart, and plenty of relatable moments, Melonie hopes her stories will bring readers together and give everyone another reason to smile. So tip your hat and make a little room around the campfire… Welcome aboard, Melonie! We can’t wait to see where Joe Raccoon Cowboy takes us next!
PASSPORTS AND POSTCARDS
Bermuda, a Beauty From a Bygone Era Diane Blocker Diane’s Travel of Keenesburg | www.DianesTravelCo.com | 303-359-9457
Stepping off the plane or ship in Bermuda feels less like entering a modern tourist hub and more like slipping through a tear in time. Floating in the lonely reaches of the North Atlantic, this selfgoverning British Overseas Territory has spent centuries cultivating an identity that feels beautifully preserved. It is a place where oldworld decorum meets sub-tropical paradise. The most immediate testament to this bygone era is the architecture. Wandering through the historic town of St. George—a UNESCO World Heritage site—you are surrounded by 17th-century stone cottages painted in a brilliant palette of orange, yellow, and sky blue. Their stepped, whitewashed roofs are not just aesthetic; they are traditional catchments designed to harvest rainwater, a brilliant colonial engineering feat still used today. Bermuda’s adherence to tradition extends to its lifestyle. There are no rental cars here, a deliberate policy that keeps the winding, oleander-lined lanes quiet and preserves the island's slower rhythm. Visitors traverse the landscape on small 2 seat electric vehicles or motorized
scooters/ Mopeds, passing limestone walls draped in bougainvillea. Even the local attire speaks to a formal, dignified past. Here, business professionals walk the streets of the capital, Hamilton, wearing tailored Bermuda shorts, knee-high socks, and blazers—a look born from British military uniform efficiency that remains the height of local elegance. Beneath the historic veneer lies an astonishing natural landscape. The island’s famous pinksand beaches, like Horseshoe Bay and Warwick Long Bay, get their blush hue from crushed shells of microscopic organisms mixed with coral. Fringed by dramatic jagged cliffs and hidden coves, these shores feel untouched by time. Just beyond the sand lies a treacherous barrier reef system, holding the ghostlike remains of hundreds of shipwrecks dating back to the 1600s. As the sun sets over the Great Sound, the island slows to a crawl. The air fills with the rhythmic symphony of tiny whistling frogs, a sound that has echoed across these hills for generations. In Bermuda, luxury is not measured by high-rise glitz, but by the preservation of quiet dignity, pristine nature, and a pace of life that the rest of the world carelessly left behind. If you are interested in exploring Bermuda or any other destination, feel free to give me a call. I am always happy to help plan your next adventure.
SERVICE DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS
Ad artwork and design requests can be submitted to: Publisher@LostCreekSentinel.com Content and Articles can be submitted to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com Thank you for supporting our communities!
NOTICE OF BUDGET (Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS • HUDSON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT Meeting Location: 702 Cedar Street, Hudson, Colorado
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular Hudson Fire Protection District Board meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2026, is cancelled and rescheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026, at 6:00 pm at 702 Cedar Street, Hudson, Co. 80642 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a proposed General fund, Capital Project fund, and Impact Fee fund Budgets and proposed Pension fund budget has been submitted to the Hudson Fire Protection District for the ensuing year of 2027, a copy of such proposed budget has been filed in the office of Hudson Fire Protection District, where the same is open for public inspection; such proposed budgets will be considered at a Regular meeting of the Hudson Fire Protection District to be held at 702 Cedar St., Hudson, Co. on December 1, 2026 at 6 pm. Any interested elector of the Hudson Fire Protection District may inspect the proposed budget and file of register any objections thereto at any time prior to the final adoption of the budget.
SERVICE DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS
JOB BOARD
ASK FOR US AT ONE OF THESE LOCAL LOCATIONS:
HUDSON Pepper Pod Hudson Meat Locker Shell Gas Station (7th & Cedar) End of the Trail Bar (after 4pm) Studio 52 Beauty Bar Hudson Public Library Pilot Travel Center KEENESBURG The 1919 Cafe Keene Market High Plains Bank Market Street Mart TBK Bank Family Dollar Store Town of Keenesburg Pastimes Collective (open Wed-Sat) WIGGINS Mariana’s Restaurant Country Hardware High Plains Bank Stub’s Gas & Oil Stub’s Liquor (next to Stub’s Gas)
For the answer key to the Crossword visit: LostCreekSentinel.com
Wiggins Supers Or read our digital edition
JOB BOARD
online at: LostCreekSentinel.com
Ag/Animal Job Opportunity - Operator Seeking Full Time Farm/Ranch, irrigated farming, cow/calf, and small private natural beef feedlot Operator. Must be a self-starter, experience in pivot irrigation with cattle feeding & calving. Benefits, housing, and utilities available. Send Resume and references to: Rancher PO Box 247 Brighton, CO 80601 Or email to: WRancher@comcast.net