Year of memories in pictures
From new beginnings to final goodbyes, the people of Greeley and Weld County have undergone a year of transformation. And as each day brought new challenges, our local athletes, students, teachers, volunteers and everyone in between rose up to find opportunity
We cheered for faces we know winning state-
ON THE COVER
Morales, left, plays with her daughter Khole
wide recognition, and we celebrated hardfought victories on the field — even when the scoreboard didn’t go our way We gathered for family fun, witnessing everything from the dust and glory of the Greeley Stampede to friendly competitions and sold-out shows
New business opened their doors, and offi-
cials laid the foundations for major city projects. Through the shifting seasons and the quiet presence of our local wildlife, we navigated complex issues together. And though we may have debated the path forward, we never lost sight of the destination: a better community for everyone.
9, while inside the inflatable room at the Greeley Recreation Center on March 1. The Greeley Recreation Center celebrated 40years in business.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
ABC West Child Development Center students Major, 4, and Madalyn, 5, sit together to read at book while inside the Greeley child care center on Jan. 9
Bri
Morales,
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF
PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Northern Colorado junior Langston Reynolds flies through the air to dunk the ball while playing Idaho State at Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley on Jan. 4. The Bears won in overtime 93-92
A pair of bald eagles sit on snowy branches at the River Bluffs Open Space on Jan. 7
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A frosted tree sits among the cloudy skies north of Greeley on cold day in Weld County on Jan 4.
The band The Burroughs performs at Chipper’s Lanes in Greeley on Jan.17. The band was raising money for the Success Foundation, which benefits District 6music programs
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Members of the blues band Mojomama, lead signer Jessica Rogalski and guitarist Bob Murnahan, entertain the crowd at the Moxi Theater before the announcement of the lineup for the 2025Greeley Blues Jam on Jan. 10.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Windsor High School junior Madden Smiley reacts after scoring against Fossil Ridge in Windsor on Jan 14
Rev. Jonathan Smith’s fatherin-law sings during the funeral service at the Greeley First Assembly of God Church in Greeley on Feb. 1
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Jolyn Smith raises her arms in prayer during the funeral service for her late husband, the Rev. Jonathan Smith, at the Greeley First Assembly of God Church in Greeley on Feb. 1. More than 200people attended the service to honor Rev Smith.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Northern Colorado’s Isaiah Hawthorne, right, has his shot blocked by Montana’s Kai Johnson while playing at the Bank of Colorado Arena in Greeley on Feb. 6
As the sun begins to set, Albrie Everett clears the high jump bar while practicing at Heath Middle School in Greeley on Feb. 7. Everett went on to compete in the Adidas Track Nationals in Virginia Beach. Everett is a part of the Cutthroat Track and Field Club.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
The crescent moon sits next to a visible planet Venus, right, on Feb. 1. Februrary marks the pinnacle of the evening visibility of Venus as it stands like a sequined showgirl nearly halfway up in the western sky at sunset
Artist Trevor Rodgers from TGRwoodworks LLC works on a wood carving of a gorilla during the third annual Freezy Daze in Greeley on Feb. 8
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
People walk around the vendor booths in front of an ice sculptor during the third annual Freezy Daze in Greeley on Feb. 8
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Hadley Ault, 6, practices her dribbling during the annual UNC National Girls and Women in Sports Day on Feb. 15 in Greeley.
A total of six families received the keys to their new homes during a ceremony at the new Hope Springs subdivision in Greeley on Feb. 22. The GreeleyWeld Habitat for Humanity announced the special community event to dedicate the first six of 174families to its newest development, Hope Springs Severance High School freshman wrestler Eila Schultz shows the hands that won her state wrestling title in February at Ball Arena in Denver while inside the school’s wrestling room Feb. 25
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Northern Colorado wrestler Andrew Alirez shows love for the crowd during his last home match at the Bank of Colorado Arena on Feb. 23.
The
Keegan O’Conner, 9, hits the bag with his mom Diane O’Conner while practing in a gym in Fort Collins on March 4
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kids enjoy the climbing wall during the 40-year anniversary of the Greeley Recreation Center on March 1
recreation center welcomed guests for free activities for the celebration.
Blooming Health Farms co-founder Sean Short walks among several chickens at his farm in north Greeley on March 6. Blooming Health Farms began in April 2019as an aquaponics farm focused on bringing sustainable agriculture to the community while providing counseling and job skills training to at-risk youth
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
An American white pelican flies through the cloudy skies near the town of Windsor on March 18
A sea of people watch the “Fighting Oligarchy” rally outside the Bank of Colorado Arena on the UNC campus March 21.
Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont speaks during the “Fighting Oligarchy” rally inside the Bank of Colorado Arena on March 21
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York talks with the crowd inside the Bank of Colorado Arena on March 21in Greeley.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A border collie named Jasmine leaves the ground as she turns on the speed in the 100-yard dash during the Greeley Kennel Club’s Performance Weekend at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley on March 22.
University of Northern Colorado’s Nya Chacon prepares to bat while playing Montana at Gloria Rodriguez Field in Greeley on March 28.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Caleb Couch from the Windsor High School Unified basketball team jumps as he is introduced during the Unified Basketball City Showcase on March 20in Windsor
Trees begin to blossom during a cloudy day on the University of Northern Colorado campus in Greeley on April 1
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A farmer prepares a field for spring planting as the Rocky Mountains loom in the background, while on Weld County Road 31near the town of Ault on March 25.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Michelle Dwyer, right, shares a laugh with client Bonnie while delivering food to her on April 2in Greeley. Meals on Wheels celebrated 55years of service.
A goose shakes the water off its head while searching for food at a pond in Glenmere Park in Greeley on April 4
Storm clouds make their way over the Rocky Mountains as a set of oil wells along Colo. 392operate on April 1
Toddlers enjoy the water as they take swimming lessons at the Greeley Family FunPlex in Greeley on April 9 The Greeley Recreation Department received a $20,000grant from Phillips 66to enhance swim lessons.
People enjoy the afternoon during the Wiley Roots Brewing Company’s Adult Egg Hunt on April 19in Greeley
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Quinton Beck from Johnstown, works for a hand position while climbing at the grand opening of the Greeley Climbing Collective during a free day of climbing on April 5
Massive damage to an unoccupied warehouse in the 100 block of 9th Avenue in Greeley shows how a fire two days earlier destroyed the building on April 29.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A robin runs across a sidewalk curb on a mild spring day in Greeley on April 29.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF
University of Northern Colorado senior Jaycie Gandert snags the ball while playing against Portland State at Gloria Rodriguez Field on April 19.
Northridge sophomore Cora Santos returns a shot during practice on April 29.
Northridge sophomore Jessica Santos attacks the ball during practice on April 29.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Northern Colorado pitcher Hunter Gibson fires a pitch while playing St. Thomas at Jackson Field on May 16.
University of Northern Colorado softball player Abby Gaona puts on the brakes while leading off first base in a Big Sky Conference Tournament game against Sacramento State on May 9at Gloria Rodriguez Field in Greeley. UNC defeated the Hornets 8-5to advance. Idaho State ended UNC’s run with a 10-3win later in the day
University of Northern Colorado’s Evan Morris catches a touchdown pass over Kaleb Quammie during the Spring scrimmage game at Nottingham Field in Greeley on May 3
Hundreds of people gather at LaSalle Park during a candlelight vigil for Christine Schwarz on May 9 Schwarz, who was a teacher at North Valley Middle School, was killed in a vehicle collision on U.S. 85.
JIM RYDBOM — GREELEY TRIBUNE FILE PHOTO
A statue of an eagle sits inside the Weld County Veterans Memorial as clear and cloudy skies cover Greeley on May 15.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Aims Community College President Leah L. Bornstein, left, presents a tearful Sarah Garcia with the President’s Medallion during a commencement ceremony May 16at the Aims Welcome Center in Greeley The president’s medallion honors students for their leadership, scholarship and service while at the college
Aims Community College graduates wave to friends and family during the commencement ceremony held at the Aims Welcome Center in Greeley on May 16.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A District 6CTE student grinds metal while preparing to weld inside the CTE Center on May 13. District 6prepares students for the workforce, and the CTE Center is a huge part of that, since many who graduate from there leave with college credits and workforce certifications.
University senior Preston Natividad, left, works to get the Resurrection Christian runner out at third base while playing at Butch Butler Field in Greeley on May 23.
Northridge junior Madison Nation watches the ball while teeing off on the 11th hole during the 3A state tournament at Boomerang Links in Greeley on May 20.
Sen. John Hickenlooper listens to questions about Medicaid during a tour of the Sunrise Community Health clinic in Evans on May 28.
The University baseball team celebrates after winning the first game against Coal Ridge at Butch Butler Field in Greeley on May 31. The Bulldogs lost the second game 3-2
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
John Haefeli tips his hat to the crowd before throwing out the first pitch at the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 3A Baseball Championship on May 31at Butch Butler Field in Greeley. Haefeli died later in the day after a nearly year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 67.
About 1,000people march around Lincoln Park during the “No Kings Day” protest on June 14in Greeley. Protests were held across the state and country. “We are here fighting for our democracy. We are here fighting for other people’s rights,” said 51-year-old Deby Brandt, who attended her first protest Saturday. “I came because I am so hurt by what I see going on in our country. We should not do wrong by people who are only here trying to make a better life for their family.”
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
People are silhouetted against Sanborn Lake as they enjoy the warm weather during the city of Greeley’s annual Fishing Derby on June 7. Hundreds of people took part in a free day of fishing during the derby
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
University of Northern Colorado football player Myles McClarity, left, cheers on camp goers during the No Limits Camp at Nottingham Field in Greeley on June 19. After battling leukemia, McClarity played for the Bears this season.
Kids enjoy the water station at the No Limits Camp held at Nottingham Field in Greeley on June 19.
Kids cool down at a splash park at Island Grove Regional Park as temperatures reach close to 100degrees on June 19
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Kids show fear after being dropped by a ride at the Greeley Stampede carnival on June 27
Carnival riders are flipped upside down while enjoying the many carnival rides at the Greeley Stampede on June 27.
A dog in the Canine Stars Show leaps through the air while jumping over 25feet during the show at the Greeley Stampede on June 27.
Artist Ludacris gets the crowd pumped while playing at the Greeley Stampede Arena on June 27.
Ludacris talks to the crowd while performing at the Greeley Stampede Arena on June 27.
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Ludacris performs at the Greeley Stampede Arena on June 27
JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Bull rider Elijah Mora from Wiggins hangs on during the PRCA Rodeo at the Greeley Stampede Arena on June 28
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE BURCHETT — FOR THE TRIBUNE
Charros in traditional attire ride their horses down the parade route during the Fourth of July Parade on July 4in Greeley.
Members of the Colorado Masonic marching band clap their hands while performing along the parade route during the Fourth of July Parade on July 4in Greeley.
Yaretzi Gonzalez of Greeley performs energetic moves along the parade route during the Fourth of July Parade on July 4in Greeley
Steer wrestler Tucker Allen rips down a steer in 4.5seconds to win the event during the PRCA Rodeo finals at the Greeley Stampede Arena on July 2.
Tie-down roper Bo Pickett jumps off his horse during the finals of the PRCA Rodeo held at the Greeley Stampede Arena on July 2
STEPHANIE BURCHETT — FOR THE TRIBUNE
A young member of the Dazzling Trick Riders stands on horseback carrying the Mexican flag during a performance at the Greeley Stampede on July 5in Greeley
JIM RYDBOM—STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
JIM RYDBOM—STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE BURCHETT — FOR THE TRIBUNE
A bullfighter sits on the fence gate with a view of the Ferris wheel in the background during the bullfighting event on July 4
A young cowboy sits in the chutes during the PRCA Rodeo Finals on July 2
A close-up view of a cowboy’s boots and spurs as he waits in the chutes during the Mexican Heritage Rodeo on July 5
A German Shepard named Kelvin shows his multi-colored eyes while waiting to be shown during the Weld County Fair 4-H Dog Show at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley on July 19.
JIM RYDBOM/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A dog named Grace is scratched by Lainey Rigley during the Weld County Fair 4-H Dog Show held at Island Grove Regional Park in Greeley on July 19
Joe Lee, brother of the late Michael Lee, hits a tee shot at the new and introductory-level Mike Lee 9course at Boomerang Links Golf Course on Aug 14in Greeley. Michael Lee was a standout golfer at Greeley Central High School, then at the Colorado School of Mines and in the state-amateur ranks before his death of complications of COVID-19in Dec. 2020. Lee’s family, through the Michael Lee Foundation, and the city of Greeley backed the opening of the course in Mike Lee’s memory.
University of Northern Colorado sophomore safety Cam Chapa walks on the sideline at a Bears practice Aug. 20at UNC in Greeley
PHOTOS BY ANNE DELANEY — STAFF REPORTER
University of Northern Colorado sophomore Sunnie Yarnell smiles in the middle of a group of teammates following a Bears’ soccer practice Aug. 8at Jackson Stadium in Greeley. Yarnell is a forward from Greeley and Northridge High School. She played her freshman season with the Bears in 2024 while recovering from treatments for thyroid cancer
ZANT REYEZ — STAFF REPORTER
Tom Mothershed looks down at his painting Aug. 22at Tigges Farm in Greeley. Mothershed is an artist in the Greeley Art Association, where he serves as the vice president. Mothershed was one of six artists out at the farm for the association’s Plein Air event. The event is a monthly one that takes artists to various locations in the area where they paint outdoors
University of Northern Colorado associate professor of piano Adam Żukiewicz, left, plays music by classical composer Felix Mendelssohn on Aug. 21at the home of Howard Skinner in Greeley. Żukiewicz, a renowned international concert pianist, is the founder and artistic director of Beethoven in the Rockies Inspired by the legacy of Ludwig van Beethoven, Beethoven in the Rockies is an independent organization focused on providing access to quality performances with an educational component.
ANNE DELANEY — STAFF REPORTER
JOSEPH SYKES — FOR THE GREELEY TRIBUNE
Eaton junior Jayden Cole looks on during a football game against The Classical Academy on Aug 29 in Eaton
PHOTOS BY JOSEPH SYKES — FOR THE GREELEY TRIBUNE
Greeley West senior running back Tagen Belcher carries the ball against the Northridge Grizzlies during the Spartans’ 7-0win on Sept. 12at District 6 Stadium in Greeley.
Members of the Greeley West Spartans hold up a gold football trophy representing their rivalry with the Northridge Grizzlies following the Spartans’ 7-0win on Sept. 12at District 6Stadium in Greeley
Greeley West freshman Gunner Gerbers celebrates after the Spartans defense secured a late-game interception against the Northridge Grizzlies during the Spartans’ 7-0win on Sept. 12at District 6Stadium in Greeley.
PHOTOS BY JOSEPH SYKES — FOR THE GREELEY TRIBUNE
University of Northern Colorado football running back Mathias Price runs with the ball during a Big Sky Conference game Sept. 27against Idaho State at Nottingham Field in Greeley.
University of Northern Colorado wide receiver Carver Cheeks, left, goes against cornerback Derrick Jones during a pre-game warm up before playing Idaho State on Sept. 27at Nottingham Field in Greeley
University of Northern Colorado football player Leo Blumentritt kicks off for the Bears in a Big Sky Conference game against Idaho State on Sept. 27at Nottingham Field in Greeley.
PHOTOS BY ANNE DELANEY — STAFF REPORTER
Greeley Central High School teacher Stephen Paulson, right, and his wife, Monica Harris, a world languages teacher at Mead High School, during a surprise ceremony Oct. 2to honor Paulson as the 2026Colorado Teacher of the Year at Greeley Central.
Janet Damon, left, the 2025ColoradoTeacher of the Year, speaks during a surprise ceremony at Greeley Central High School where Stephen Paulson, right, was named the 2026winner by the Colorado Department of Education on Oct. 2
Greeley Central High School students cheer for teacher Stephen Paulson, who was named the 2026Colorado Teacher of the Year by the Colorado Department of Education, during a surprise ceremony Oct. 2at Greeley Central.
University of Northern Colorado’s GA McCarter (4) celebrates scoring a point with her team during a College Volleyball game against Idaho State at the Bank of Colorado Arena at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley on Nov. 13.
PHOTOS BY BRICE TUCKER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Northern Colorado guard Quinn Denker (35) dribbles the ball down the court against Colorado College guard TJ Satcher (3) during a college basketball game at the Bank of Colorado Arena on the campus of the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley on Nov. 3.
Greeley
Central’s Diego Guzman (10) fights back tears after his team’s defeat by Mullen High School in the 4A boys soccer state championship at Switchbacks
Weidner Field in Colorado Springs on Nov. 15.
PHOTOS BY BRICE TUCKER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Roosevelt’s Milo Pascual (8) eyes the end zone while he fights through a tackle by multiple Pueblo County players in the first round of the 3A state football playoffs at Roosevelt High School in Johnstown on Nov. 14.
Greeley Central’s Diego Guzman (10) takes a shot at the goal while being guarded by D’Evelyn’s John Famariss (9) during a high school soccer playoff game at the District 6 Soccer Stadium in Greeley on Nov. 5
BRICE TUCKER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Aurora borealis, commonly referred to as the northern lights, is pictured in Weld County after a severe geomagnetic storm, according to the Space Weather Prediction Center, on Nov. 11.
Duane Roberson, from White Dog Tree Farm, rips the burlap covering from the roots of a tree while planting a tree along 16th Street for the Greeley Forestry Department in Greeley on Nov. 7
PHOTOS BY BRICE TUCKER — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Rohanna Roma walks her dog August as the sunsets in Bittersweet Park in Greeley on Nov 5.
PHOTOS BY JIM RYDBOM — STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
A University of Northern Colorado graduate celebrates with the crowd while at the UNC Commencement ceremonies at the Bank of Colorado Arena on Dec. 14, 2024, in Greeley.
The night sky is lit up with Christmas lights at a home at 171237th Ave. in Greeley on Dec. 19, 2024.
Kids sit with Santa Claus for pictures as others pick out toys during the Friends of Faith NoCo/All Nations Church Youth Christmas party held on Dec. 21, 2024, in Greeley.
