The Lost Creek Sentinel PO Box 196 Hudson, CO 80642
Editor Tammy Whitaker
Publisher Ed Morales
Graphic Design
Ed Morales
Printed by Colorado Trust for Local News
Collaborators
Joshua T. O’Connor, LPC
Chelsea Brodal, Loan Officer Fairway Mortgage
Lance Fleming, Community Reporter, MM Realty
Photo Credits
Randy Whitaker
Ed Morales
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If someone had told me a year ago that I would one day buy a newspaper, I’m pretty sure I would have laughed out loud—and said “never in a million years”. But if life has taught me anything, it’s this: never say never!
So, why on earth did I buy a newspaper?
After the sudden passing of Bob Grand, it quickly became clear that the communities of southeast Weld County had lost something vital—their ability to connect. The businesses lost their voice, and the residents lost a way to share and stay informed. As the Administrator of the Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce, I’m deeply aware of the daily
Never Say Never
challenges our local businesses face. Losing their connection to the community was a challenge they shouldn’t have had to bear— especially in an already uncertain economy. So, long story short: I bought the Lost Creek Sentinel. I did it to give our businesses back their voice and to help our communities stay connected and informed—together. It’s vitally important to acknowledge my husband’s support here. This man, who’s put up with me for 34 years, cashed in his retirement fund for me to buy this newspaper! So, if you’re enjoying the paper, remember to thank him when you see him!
Now, a bit about me and why this all feels like coming home.
I was born in the Appalachian region of Kentucky and raised on a tobacco farm. Ours was a humble life: no running water, no indoor plumbing, and a wood-burning cookstove in the kitchen. My parents didn’t install a bathroom until after I had moved out. We had electricity, but water was heated outside over an open fire on laundry days and clothes were washed in a wringer washer. I vividly remember taking my father’s frozen pants from the clothesline in the winter and standing them up behind the cookstove to thaw.
My father, who was 52 years old when I
was born, worked as a camp car cook for the C&O Railroad for 42 years. He passed away when I was 18, but the lessons from those early years have stayed with me. My husband, Randy, had a similarly modest upbringing. Raised by a single mother alongside six siblings, he put himself through college working as a sheepherder. He was active in FFA in high school and studied agricultural education in college. Much of his teen years were spent working around livestock and riding bareback broncs in local rodeos. After college, life steered him toward plumbing, and today, he serves as the Master Plumber at the Denver Zoo.
Together, our roots are deep in rural, working-class America. So, it’s no surprise that investing in this newspaper—and in the stories, businesses, and people of these communities - feels like coming full circle. We may never have imagined this path, but we are grateful for it and are honored to walk this path with all of you. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement! A special thank you also to the businesses who understand that our sole source of revenue comes from advertising. The continued existence of this publication rests solely with your support and you are appreciated beyond measure!
By Tammy Whitaker, Editor Lost Creek Sentinel
From the Desk of... Champions&Changemakers
By Jeri Morgan Code Blue Computing
People buy from people. And today, I was reminded just how true that is. I was ready to buy. I wasn’t shopping around. I wasn’t looking for a deal. I had already made the decision, I just needed to talk to someone to wrap it up. But when I called, I didn’t get a person.
I got the ultimate revenue block, I got the phone tree. No clear option. No real voice. Just an endless loop that felt more like corporate hell than a customer experience.
After a few minutes of trying to navigate it, I hung up. And I decided not to buy.
It wasn’t about the price. It certainly wasn’t about the product.
It was about their sucky process.
Here’s the thing: technology should make it easier to do business, not harder. In our work at Code Blue Computing, we use automation, security tools, technology, and we answer the freaking phone.
People First. Then Technology. We can never EVER lost sight of this. Here is the truth, the best systems don’t replace people. They support them. When someone is ready to buy, don’t make them dig through menus or jump through hoops.
Because 9 times out of 10 then just won’t.
Make it easy. Make it personal. Make it feel like someone is actually there. Because at the end of the day, no matter how slick your tech is…
People still buy from people.
HUDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY - Southeast Weld County Chamber 2025 STAR SERVICE AWARD WINNER
Founded in 1951 as a tribute to a young girl, the Hudson Library had humble beginnings in a donated shed and roots tied to the memory of a 12-year-old girl who lost her life after falling from a horse.
The library moved into a new facility in 2005 and continues to evolve, offering an impressive array of free programs and services. Get creative in the CreateHQ Makerspace or connect with other community members through one of their programs. Choose from early literacy story times, cooking classes for adults and kids, game nights, exercise sessions and many more! Creative community engagement even extends to the restrooms, where their monthly activities are highlighted in the cleverly named “Stall Street Journal”, a newsletter listing monthly events, found in the restroom stalls. This approach adds a touch of fun to public communication and sure makes for more interesting reading than Facebook when you’re taking care of business! Their “Experience Pass” program provides free or discounted admission to museums, gardens, and cultural sites across the region. The library’s digital services are equally robust, offering access to encyclopedias, medical databases, business tools, and more—resources that go far beyond what’s available through a typical online search.
What sets this library apart isn’t just the building or the programs and services offered—it’s the people! Led by a Director and a dedicated Board, the library staff operates as a true team and their commitment goes far beyond their job descriptions. Every staff member is viewed as a leader, and their collaborative approach recently shaped a forward-thinking strategic plan for 2024–2026. Rather than relying solely on top-down leadership, the library invited input from staff and the community, ensuring the plan reflects shared goals and diverse perspectives.
It sometimes seems that we’re on a remote island out here in Southeast Weld County! You ask most Coloradans where Hudson, Keenesburg, and Lochbuie are located, and they’ll have to consult a map. The services provided by the library are vital to maintaining our sense of community connection, making them the perfectly logical recipient of the Star Service Award.
Check back next month as we shine a light on ANNA SMITH, owner of JACKRABBIT FLORAL AND DESIGN, winner of our 2025 NEXT GEN AWARD.
SOUTHEAST WELD COUNTY CHAMBER BUSINESS MATTERS
HUDSON PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES AN ANNIVERSARY!
The Hudson Public Library recently celebrated their 10th anniversary in their new building located at 100 Beech Street . A ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Southeast Weld County Chamber enhanced the celebration attended by community members and members of the library Board. Tami Crossen, Executive Director, was surrounded by the library’s amazing staff as she gave an emotional speech prior to cutting the ribbon. The celebration continued inside where the attendees enjoyed refreshments and the kids had an opportunity to choose from a variety of kid-loved ingredients to create their own trail mix snack bags. Cheers to the library on their 10-year anniversary
and thank you for being a cherished cornerstone of our local communities. Your service is truly appreciated!
The Chamber: it’s our business to SUPPORT your business!
Did you know that the Chamber has been advocating for the interests of the local business communities since 1963 when local business leaders came together with a mutual understanding of the power of community? Why? Because those local businesses believed in supporting each other not only as neighbors but also in business endeavors. The name changed from the Hudson Chamber of Commerce to the S E Weld County Chamber of Commerce in 2012 to reflect the various business relationships that are supported throughout the southeast Weld County region.
The Chamber recognized another milestone recently with the ratification of their new bylaws at the Chamber Networking Luncheon on May 28th. In a formal meeting called to order by President Marc Arnusch, the new bylaws (revised from 2017) were unanimously approved for adoption by the required quorum of members in attendance. Those bylaws will be available for future viewing by members only under the Board Matters section of the Chamber website. The bylaws recognized the formal name change from S E Weld County Chamber of Commerce to Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce. In addition to the ratification of the bylaws, Marc presented a State of the Chamber to the packed room of attendees. His concluding remarks indicated that the state of the Chamber is STRONG and getting STRONGER every day! This is very much evidenced by the fact that the Chamber has added 18 new members in the first five months of 2025, surpassing the 16 new members added for the whole of 2024! We’re going places and invite you to join us- together, we’ll make it!
Reach out to Tammy at twhitaker@SEWCchamber.com to learn more about the many benefits of being a Chamber member. Helping businesses succeed is her passion!
Joe Hammock, Mayor and Bryce Lange, Town Manager. Town Council meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 6:00pm at Town Hall, 50 S. Beech St.
Bandimere Speedway closed its doors in Morrison, Colorado in 2023 after 65 years and has been exploring the options for a new location ever since. The family-owned speedway, which had been preparing to move for several years, recently closed on the purchase of an 1,100-acre property near Hudson, much to the excitement of the Bandimere family, staff and local residents. Since the decision to relocate was driven by a need for more space and to accommodate the growth of the speedway and its racing community, the larger footprint of the new location
is very much welcomed as it will allow for the creation of new and exciting experiences for the racers and fans.
WIGGINS
Wiggins TPO Hosts Inaugural Car Show
Chris Franzen, Mayor and Craig Miller, Town Manager. Board of Trustees meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month and can be attended in-person or virtually at https://us06web.zoom. us/j/85304053718. Planning and Zoning Meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month when there is a scheduled item.
By Lance Fleming Wiggins Community Reporter
On May 31st, 120 cars from all around northern Colorado were rumbling down Main Street in in Wiggins, CO as the Tiger Parent Organization (TPO) hosted its Inaugural Wiggins TPO Car Show.
The fundraising event far exceeded TPO Secretary and Event Coordinator Ashley Sidell’s expectations. “We had about 50 cars signed up, through early registration, and ended up with 120 total,” Sidell said.
Vendors from Morgan, Weld, and even Kit Carson Counties were a part of the festivities, creating an environment that was enjoyed by area car enthusiasts. The vendors offered a variety of foods, crafts, face painting and an inflatable jumping area for the enjoyment of the attendees.
Raising more than $6,000 in sponsorship, show car registrations, silent auctions and raffle drawings, the TPO looks to help the school with more field trips, donating to underfunded activities, and
providing assistance to students whose families are not able to afford events and activities.
Classifications of the car show ranged from Modern Cars to Vintage Cars to Old Trucks and had Top of Show votes from the patrons and a special Student and Teacher Vote.
“I really want to thank all of the vendors, spectators and the parents and students who volunteered to help with this event,” Sidell said. “After seeing how this went, we are going to continue doing this the first weekend after Memorial Day, every year. We’re expecting that it is only going to grow even bigger.”
Wiggins will host another car show during their 4th of July festivities. The car show staging will begin at 2:00pm with the show set to begin at 4:00pm. There are sponsorships available for vendors to sign up with the Town of Wiggins. Car show contestants are able to register as they come. Fees will be $25 per entry.
(Photos by Lance Fleming)
KEENESBURG ROGGEN
Golf Tournament to Benefit the Rural Community Life Improvement Foundation
Thank you to Michelle Kipp of Roggen Telephone and Broadband for the following information about the upcoming Gunga Galunga Big Hitter Scramble Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 21st at Quail Dunes Golf Course in Fort Morgan. This is a fundraising event presented by the Rural Community Life Improvement Foundation in partnership with a myriad of sponsors and supporters. According to Michelle, “the Rural Community Life Improvement Foundation (RCLIF) is currently building a 7,500 sq. ft. facility to serve the residents of Roggen. This space will be an affordable venue for meetings, learning, and growth, supporting local 4-H, FFA, school events, church groups, agricultural extension programs, and various non-profit organizations. It’s designed to honor our rural heritage while fostering new opportunities for community connection, service, and celebrations. Importantly, the facility will also serve as a shelter or resource hub during times of crisis, representing hope, resilience, and unity for our community. To help fund the completion of this vital building, RCLIF holds annual golf and bowling tournaments, as well as a
has a grange organization, the need for a central place for local meetings and events remains crucial.” Additional information about the event can be found under the events tab on the Chamber website at www.southeastweldchamber. org/events.
KPD Honored with K9-carried Flag!
Aron Lam, Mayor and Matt Canterbury, Town Manager. Board of Trustees meetings are held on the 1st & 3rd Monday of every month at 140 South Main Street, virtually with GoToMeeting and by telephone. Call to order is 6:00 p.m. The link to join the meeting virtually is https://meet.goto. com/918453453
The Keenesburg PD website recently shared the following heartwarming news. “Late last year, we rallied our amazing community to put together a care package filled with cards, letters, and goodies for Technical Sergeant Blake Krayenhagen, brother of our very own Officer Collins, and his unit, the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, stationed in Kuwait. Blake and his team have been serving with courage in support of Operation Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel, and we wanted to send a little piece of Keenesburg to brighten their days. Well, folks, the love we sent has come back in the most incredible way! Today, we received a beautiful American flag from the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing as a thank-you for our care package. This isn’t just any flag—it was carried on a mission by Military Explosive Detection Dog Zsineg (call sign E385) and her handler on March 1, 2025, in honor of our very own Police Chief Jim Jensen. The flag comes with a certificate that reads, “This is to certify that this flag of the United States of America was secured with
Military Explosive Detection Dog Zsineg/ E385 operating in support of Operation Inherent Resolve & Freedom Sentinel and the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing. This flag was carried for Jim Jensen 01 March 2025.” It proudly bears the motto “K9 Leads the Way,” complete with Zsineg’s paw print and her handler’s signature. How cool is that?”
Stay tuned for next month’s Keenesburg news to hear more about the role of the Keenesburg PD in the recent American Spirit Award Ceremony in Estes Park.
Working Towards the Future: Wiggins and Weld Central Top Grads!
Nahia Kelley
Parents: Chris Kelley and Karine Zubialde
Plans: Attending University of Texas-Dallas to study biochemistry and pre-med and competing in track and field.
Meliah Hernandez
Parents: Sheena Padilla and Ismael Hernandez
Plans: Attending the University of Colorado Colorado Springs to major in Exercise Science and minor in Business Management to work towards a career in Physical Therapy.
Cameron Schmidt
Parents: Scott and Julie Schmidt
Plans: Attending Texas Tech University to study Physical Therapy.
Madisen Reed
Parents: Richard Reed and Alyssa Reed
Plans: Attending Portland State University to study Film Production.
Brooklyn Mese
Parents: Jennifer Mese and Ryan Mese
Plans: Attending Morgan Community College to study Radiology
Citlali Calixto
Parent: Angela Escobar
Congratulations on being Top 5 in the Class of 2025!
Maeve Macpherson
Parents: Merry Hinson and Rodger Hinson
Plans: Maeve will be attending MIT where she will study Nuclear Science and Physics
Raven Maniates
Parent: Melinda Maniates
Congratulations on being Top 5 in the Class of 2025!
Tessa Schutter
Parents: Tara Schutter and Don Schutter.
Plans: Tessa plans to attend FL Institute of Technology where she will major in Construction Management and minor in Business and Spanish
Marco Villela
Parents: Veronica Murillo
Congratulations on being Top 5 in the Class of 2025!
Unconstitutional Colorado Ag Law Repealed After Nearly Four Years
A controversial portion of Colorado’s 2021 Senate Bill 21-087 — which allowed union organizers and undefined “key service providers” to access private agricultural property without landowner permission — has officially been repealed. On Thursday, May 29th, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 25-128, which removes the trespass provision found to violate constitutional property rights.
The move aligns Colorado law with the 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Cedar Point Nursery v. Hassid, which ruled similar access rights in California were a “taking” under the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments.
Though SB 87 aimed to support farmworker rights, including unionization, its implementation led to lawsuits from Colorado farmers and ranchers, who said it infringed on property rights and posed safety risks. One of those farmers who sued was Marc Arnusch, owner of Marc Arnusch Farms LLC in the Prospect Valley region of Weld County. While only one union was formed under the law, widespread concerns remained among the farmers and ranchers.
Senator Byron Pelton (R-Sterling), joined by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led the repeal effort. The bill passed with strong bipartisan support — 53 votes in the House and 25 in the Senate.
Governor Polis said SB 128 fixes the conflict between state and federal law, protects producers’ constitutional rights, and helps avoid further costly litigation.
Additional provisions of the original 2021 law, such as overtime requirements for agricultural workers, are still under legal and legislative scrutiny.
Governor Polis visited the farm owned and operated by Marc Arnusch to sign the bill into law. Arnusch said the repeal is a big deal for agriculture, for private property rights and for rural Colorado. SB 87 was an overreach, he said, yet it still went into effect. That’s what started the litigation in which he was a part.
But SB 128 is “what good government does,” recognizing that something is wrong or something has happened that can be fixed...our government’s not as bad as we think because we got this one right.”
He applauded the sponsors, the ag organizations that worked on the bill, and the governor for agreeing to the repeal.
This “protects the farmer, it protects the landowner, but more importantly, it protects those who may want to come onto our farms...We do things to take care of our land, our water, and our property. But when those individuals choose to come on our farm unannounced, they’re at risk too.” Signing the bill in front of the massive equipment used on the farm only served to drive home the risk factor that Arnusch spoke of.
“We’re too inherently tied to [the land], and we want to protect it at all costs,” he said. The law went into effect with Polis’s signature.
(Photos by Ed Morales)
the pursuit of health
Alzheimer’s Disease or Vascular Dementia?
Adults in the Boomer generation have likely experienced moments of forgetfulness from time to time, and have wondered if it’s something to be concerned about. Or maybe their children have noticed a cognitive decline in their aging parents and are worried.
Alzheimer’s disease is the first thing that comes to mind, but there’s another recently recognized condition that could be the cause. This condition is known as vascular dementia.
What is vascular dementia?
In excerpts from an article on the AARP website, we learned the following:
There are many causes of dementia. The most well-known is Alzheimer’s disease, in which brain cells are damaged by an accumulation of certain proteins in the brain. Vascular dementia, on the other hand, refers to a decline in thinking and motor skills caused by reduced blood flow to areas of the brain. The brain cells are then damaged by having less oxygen and fewer nutrients.
Damaged, shrunken or blocked blood vessels can all contribute to vascular dementia. Strokes are often a precursor to developing symptoms. Around 18 percent of people will develop dementia within a year of having a stroke, according to an analysis of 44 studies reported in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry. High blood pressure is an important risk factor, as it can damage blood vessels in the brain. Essentially, “the things that are risk factors for heart disease and stroke are also the risk factors for vascular dementia,” says Anthony Levinson, M.D., a medical psychiatrist and researcher at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Other risk factors for vascular dementia include smoking, diabetes and high cholesterol. One of the greatest threats against any type of dementia, but especially vascular dementia, is exercise. As long as you continue to stimulate and move, you can continue to learn and to live. To help reduce your risk for vascular dementia, focus on the modifiable risk factors, like eating well, limiting alcohol, exercising regularly, not smoking and managing stress. The aim is to keep your blood pressure and cholesterol within a healthy range and avoid diabetes.
Go to https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/what-is-vasculardementia/ to learn more about vascular dementia symptoms, how the condition is diagnosed, its stages and how it’s treated.
Finding the Right Fit: How to Choose a Mental Health Provider
By Joshua T. O’Connor Licensed Professional Counselor
In recent years, therapy has undergone tremendous growth, both in how it’s delivered and how it’s perceived. But even as conversations around mental health become more common, many Coloradans—especially those in rural communities—still face the same question: How do I find the right therapist, and how will I know if it’s the right fit?
Unlike many services, mental health providers typically don’t advertise widely. Gone are the days when you could flip through the phone book to
find local help. So where do you turn?
Here are a few ways people are finding mental health providers today:
• Online searches through Google, Safari, or similar platforms
• Insurance provider websites
• Recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers
• Flyers, business cards, or local bulletin boards
• Colorado’s licensing authority: the Division of Professions and Occupations
• Psychology Today’s online therapist directory
While a quick internet search might provide several names, it can leave out important details—like what types of clients the therapist sees, whether they accept your insurance, or if they offer virtual sessions. That’s why Psychology Today (www. psychologytoday.com) is often recommended. It allows you to search by location, specialty, therapist gender, accepted insurances, and more.
Word of mouth is also powerful in small communities, though some may feel unsure about seeing the same counselor as a friend or relative. Remember: every therapeutic relationship is different, even with the same provider.
Once you find a potential therapist, what can you expect from the first session?
The initial visit is about connection. You should feel comfortable and respected—free to speak openly without fear of judgment. The therapist will typically review your intake forms, discuss your concerns, and work with you to set goals. A good session should feel like a partnership, where you’re in the driver’s seat and the therapist helps map the route.
If you walk away feeling heard and hopeful, that’s a strong sign it’s a good fit. But if it doesn’t feel quite right, that’s okay too. Finding the right counselor is a personal journey, and it’s perfectly normal to meet with more than one before finding someone who truly clicks.
Whether you’re navigating stress, grief, anxiety, or just trying to sort out life’s challenges, know that help is out there—and it can make all the difference.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR COLORADANS
the pursuit of wealth
The Wealth Building Power of Homeownership
By Chelsea Brodal Loan Officer
NMLS# 566203
Office: 303-519-2351
Cell: 303-519-2351
Owning a home isn’t just about having a place to live. It is about establishing roots, creating financing stability and building a better future for our families. Homeownership can be the catalyst for ordinary people to create extraordinary wealth. For many hardworking people, the dream of homeownership may feel out of reach, specifically when it comes to saving money for a down payment. One of the biggest hurdles of buying a home is ensuring adequate funds for down payment and for closing costs. In Colorado, we have several down payment assistance programs that can help make homeownership a real possibility. Two incredible resources available to Colorado homebuyers are the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) and Metro Down Payment Assistance (MetroDPA) programs. CHFA provides eligible
homebuyers with financial assistance to help with the down payment and closing costs.
1. The CHFA Down Payment Assistance Grant:
• No repayment required. This grant means that you do not have to pay it back.
• CHFA provides up to 3% of your first mortgage loan amount in the form of a grant.
• This grant is available to qualifying buyers using the CHFA first mortgage loan and can help reduce or eliminate the cash you need to close on your new home.
Let’s Talk “Real”
The most asked questions I heard over the last month were about prices, interest rates, a “good time” to buy or sell, and Bandimere Speedway’s affect on northeast Colorado’s housing market. Let’s jump right into the murky waters of the real estate world, feet first! With the Federal Reserve’s recent notes that they do not expect to lower the interest rates, 30-year fixed rates are ranging from 6.75% to 7.0% over the last 30 days. With interest rates holding where they are, the market has seen similar numbers across the board in the first and second quarter since 2023. Quarterly numbers are trending slightly upward, outperforming 2024 by 97 homes sold and outperforming 2023 by 282 homes sold. Prices continue to rise with this performance, with the average home selling for $10,190, more on average, than last year. Weld County is leading the charge in northeastern Colorado, with home prices climbing $20,000 or more, on average. New developments in Fort Lupton, Keenesburg, and throughout the Greeley areas are reigniting the market in the county. Fort Lupton seeing the largest jump in average
Estate
prices, increasing over $56,000 from last year. At this point, Adams and Morgan Counties saw lower prices than a year ago. But the prices are not down by much, -1.77% and -.75%, respectively. In recent history, June and July sales have been the peak of the home-selling season, giving an optimistic forecast for slow starting counties to recover any lost ground. Does this mean that it is a better time to buy in this market, or sell? Both. The average home is on the market for 40 days. Sellers are getting 99% of their original listing price. Buyers are getting $10,000+ in concessions on average, to pay down interest rates or closing costs. The inventory of homes is the highest it’s been since the pre-COVID market.
The Interstate 76 Corridor is seeing more development coming their way, with the purchase of land by Burlington Northern/ Santa Fe railroad (south of Hudson), Bandimere Speedway (west of Hudson), and Rodeo Dunes Golf Course (West of Roggen). Historically, the development of these types of projects bring commerce and residential development along for the ride.
Tips for Sellers: In a balanced market, the Dollars are in the Details. From curb appeal to paint to cleanliness. It isn’t always about all of the bells and whistles a home has. Often times, showing pride in ownership and care for the home will sell it sooner.
Tips for Buyers: Peaking over the fence IS ALLOWED. If you are not finding what you are looking for, within your budget, sometimes you can find a house that is listed a little above what you have been searching for, and it’s still there because it may be overpriced. This can open the door for negotiation to your budget. And if not… it was good practice and you learn more about what you do and don’t want, in a home.
2. CHFA Second Mortgage Loan
• Offers up to 4% of your first mortgage amount as a 0% interest second mortgage loan with a deferred payment.
• You don’t make payments on the second mortgage until you sell, refinance or pay off your mortgage.
MetroDPA is another program that helps with down payment and closing cost assistance for buyers in many Colorado communities.
• Offers up to 5% of your first mortgage amount, depending on loan type
• 0% interest second mortgage loan with a deferred payment
• You don’t make payments on the second mortgage until you sell, refinance or pay off your mortgage
While renting may fulfill your short term needs, it doesn’t accomplish the same long term benefits of homeownership. When you own your home, your mortgage payment is an investment in your future. Consider an average home price appreciation of 5% annually. A $400,000 home purchased today could be worth $20,000 more in just one year. That same home could be worth over $510,000 after five years. Imagine the compounding effect long term; the home could be worth over $651,000 after 10 years of homeownership. Waiting for interest rates to come down or waiting because you’re saving for a larger down payment is not the best strategy. There is no better time than now to start your journey toward creating generational wealth through homeownership. These programs can significantly lower the upfront cost of buying a home, which can turn your dreams into a reality.
By Lance Fleming MM Realty, 303.710.7900
FROM THE SIDELINE
State Champions! - Girls Track & Field
Can the Rockies Turn the Season Around?
The Colorado Rockies’ 2025 season has been a historic low point for the franchise, marked by unprecedented struggles both on and off the field. As of early June, the team holds a dismal 9–50 record, the worst start in Major League Baseball’s modern era .
This abysmal performance includes a record-setting 22 consecutive series losses dating back to last September, surpassing the previous MLB record of 20 set by the 2024 Chicago White Sox. Their offense is among the league’s weakest, averaging just 3.2 runs per game with a collective on-base plus slugging percentage of .638 and a wRC+ of 64, the worst since 1948 .
The pitching staff isn’t faring any better, posting a league-worst 5.55 ERA .
In response to the team’s performance, manager Bud Black was dismissed on May 11, 2025 . Despite the challenges, veteran pitcher Kyle Freeland emphasized the team’s goal of “not being the worst team,” reflecting a commitment to resilience amid adversity . With a projected 0% chance of making the postseason and a PECOTA forecast of just 55 wins, the Rockies face a long road ahead . Their performance in 2025 has not only been historically poor but also highlights deeper systemic issues within the organization.
Brooke Schmidt is the 2A State Champion in the Discus! New state record with a throw of 146-10! Terrah Fitzsimmons also gets on the podium with a 4th place finish! Congrats to the Girls Track & Field on their awesome performance!
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, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. 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 18, 2025 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
and Advertisement Info: All content and advertisement artwork is due 7 days before publication date. The publication is distributed the second Wednesday of the month.
artwork and design requests can be submitted to: Publisher@LostCreekSentinel.com Content and Articles can be submitted to: Editor@LostCreekSentinel.com
