In this special newsletter you’ll find messages from the Mayor and/or Town Council, learn about upcoming Town events and news, and updates from businesses and groups in the community. Be in the know on happenings in our Town!! ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED AND MORE
E X T R A ! E X T R A ! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
The most consistent question I receive regularly, from residents: When is Severance getting a grocery store? My common answer: As soon as you open one!
There are currently NO “government” obstacles, that I am aware of, that would get in the way of anyone opening a grocery store in Severance (or any other business for that matter). Perhaps it is an entrepreneur or investor's lack of desire and or motivation. Financial considerations are always an obstacle, but the town government has little to do with that. Currently, no existing building would most likely fit many businesses; therefore, new construction would be required.
The town government does have the ability to ease fees and other costs associated with new construction; however, even with some help in these areas, it is still a substantial investment, and that, I believe, has been the most significant deterrent from seeing new business being built and existing businesses expanding. Currently, the higher interest rates do not help either. Then, why do we see so much building in surrounding communities? There may be higher building fees, and the same higher interest rates in these communities. How can they do it? My answer is that they have a proven market to support the businesses. Even though we are 125 years old, Severance is still very new to this conversation.
Your town council and staff have worked on this “conversation” for many months, since I was first elected in 2021. The town has approved new developments great for commercial use, such as Franklin’s Place, located on the north side of Tailholt, along Harmony Road/CR 74. But you may have noticed that it has sat undeveloped for a couple of years.
I know that most council members and town staff are very interested in motivating businesses to open in Severance. We are working on incentive plans and economic development policies that will make it as easy and affordable as possible to attract new businesses and services to our town and help current business owners expand their businesses if they choose to.
The plan is to develop and implement these new policies by the end of this year. In the meantime, if you have an idea for a new business or want to expand your existing business, please let me, any council member, or our town management know. We can start the conversation now. Much more good news to come soon!
In the meantime, here's a quick reminder: Buying online with delivery to your home (when it makes sense for you) keeps the sales tax dollars at home. Everybody in Severance benefits from the sales tax that we keep in Severance.
Social media is a powerful tool; it can build up a community or tear it down. Let's choose to lift each other up When we post with kindness, support, and good intentions, we help create a space where neighbors feel connected and ideas can thrive. Negativity only breeds more negativity, but positivity is just as contagious, not only on social media but in our lives as well.
Before posting, consider this: Asking a thoughtful question often gets better results than making a harsh statement. If you're unsure about the facts, take a moment to pause and reach out to the town or council for information. Spreading misinformation, even unintentionally, can cause real harm. Let's set the tone for a stronger, more united town, one respectful post at a time
Mayor
Matthew Fries
Mayor Pro-Tem
Brittany
Vandermark
Council Member
Stephen Gagliardi
Council Member
Craig Joseph
Council Member
Tad Borrett
Council Member
Dave Bruen
Council Member
Karen Hessler
At the council meeting on July 8th, something quietly remarkable happened. There were actually some folks in attendance and they weren’t there due to a controversy or some heated debate. Instead, there was a handful there just to observe and engage with the workings of our community and our local government – others were there in hopes of being appointed to a Town committee that had a couple of openings.
I’m writing this to let each of them know that their presence did not go unnoticed. As soon as the meeting concluded, several of us stepped out from behind the dais to personally greet them and thank them for showing up and taking an active interest in our growing municipality. It was a simple interaction, but an awesome one!
Local government functions best when its community is engaged—not just when tensions rise, but in everyday decisions that shape our future We understand that attending council meetings isn't always easy or convenient. I get it . . . they can be well, just plain boring (lol) . . . BUT, personally, I believe when residents take the time to connect, in person or online, it can help strengthen the way our representative government works.
Since I’ve been a part of this council, I’ve seen a deep commitment to transparency, accountability, and accessibility Each of us is very interested in having conversations with our fellow residents about what’s important to them. Moments like these—when neighbors come to observe and engage remind us why we do what we do. They bring our work into clearer focus and reaffirm the importance of community voices, even those that choose simply to listen.
To those who attended, thank you. Your presence made a difference. The conversations I had with each of you after reminded me of the importance of inclusive dialogue in local decision-making. I hope you found it to be worthwhile and that you continue to stay informed, ask questions, and—as we talked about encourage others to get involved.
Whether by attending meetings (in person or online), emailing a councilperson or joining a committee, your participation helps shape the character and direction of our town. By being present and sharing ideas, I believe we can build a more connected and proactive community—one meeting at a time.
Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener (for food)
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
Soap, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
Save a stamp and save your time; now you can pay your bills online! Once you sign up for your account, you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it! When you’re ready to pay your bill, select a payment type. You can pay with credit card or debit card with NO additional fees! To pay your bill online go to townofseverance.org and click “Online Bill Payments” and you're good to go.
Mosquito trapping and surveillance are now in full swing in Severance! Monitoring and treatment efforts will continue through the end of the season in August. Severance's Mosquito Management Program, in collaboration with Vector Disease Control International (VDCI), utilizes surveillance-based strategies to track mosquito populations and help prevent the spread of West Nile Virus.
The town has six monitoring traps placed in various locations, which are checked weekly to assess mosquito activity. Treatment decisions are based on collected data to ensure effective control.
For details on spray application areas and scheduled treatments, visit vdci.net/colorado and check the "Adult Mosquito Trap Data" section. Schedules are updated weekly by VDCI. Spray Notification and Shut-Off Requests can also be found on the site.
Ivan the Bookman Kirov
Liftwerx Concrete Lifting Services
Xfinity
All approved Solicitors will have a copy of the Solicitors' permit and the 'no contact' list Citizens may ask to see the Permit as proof of being able to solicit in the Town of Severance. If someone who is not approved comes to your house, please call the Severance Police Dept at 970-350-9600 (non-emergency dispatch).
The Town of Severance Regular Election Day is on November 4, 2025. Please contact the Town Clerk at Town Hall, email Clerk@townofseverance.org, or call 970-686-1218 if you have questions. Or visit the Town's Website on Elections at townofseverance.org
Registering to vote or updating your voter information is done with the Colorado Secretary of State coloradosos.gov/voter
There are 12 goose icons (as seen above) hidden throughout this newsletter. Identify them all and turn in your newsletter at Town Hall! All entries will be entered into a giveaway of a prize worth up to $500. The winner will be recognized in the next quarterly newsletter. Only one entry per household. Please have entries submitted by the end of August.
Grasses and weeds must be kept at a height of 8' or less in yards and alleys and 9' or less in fields and undeveloped lots in Town of Severance
Properties must be maintained in a neat, tidy and methodical manner The accumulation of rubbish is not permitted Rubbish includes but is not limited to items discarded or unusable or susceptible to weather as well as branches, yard waste, tires and appliances Outdoor storage includes items not normally stored outdoors in a residential area
Any owner taking the animal upon any public way or other public property in the town shall immediately remove or cause to be removed, and lawfully dispose of all fecal matter left on such property by the animal All animals shall be kept under control No person who has assumed responsibility for an animal shall allow such animal to run at large within the town
It is unlawful for a person to build, maintain, attend or use an open fire, a portable outdoor fireplace, or recreational fire, or to conduct open burning, in the Town, including public and private lands, for purposes of removing and disposing of trash, junk, rubbish, litter, or yard waste.
It shall be unlawful for a person to place any graffiti upon any public or private property
It is unlawful for a person to make, cause to be made, or to permit any unreasonable noise upon any premises or within any vehicle owned, possessed or operated by such person
Outdoor construction activities are allowed during the following time periods:
On weekdays, between 7:00am and 7:00pm or dusk
On Saturday and Sunday, between 9:00am and 5:00pm
It is unlawful for any person to throw or deposit or cause or permit to be thrown or deposited upon any street, alley, sidewalk, or public property or place in the Town, any garbage, trash, litter or junk, or hazardous material, or other offensive matter
No commercial vehicle or commercial trailer, motor vehicle exceeding 25’, combination of trailer or travel trailer exceeding 25’, or any detached trailer or travel trailer shall be parked on the street unless the vehicle is being used to render services If so, the time cannot exceed 48 hours
Any recreational vehicle (motor home), travel trailer, trailer, or truck weighing in excess of 20,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW) shall be parked on the street except for a period of not more than 48 hours when loading and unloading, and not more than ten 48-hour periods in any calendar year
It is unlawful and shall constitute a nuisance for the operator of a motor vehicle equipped with an engine compression brake device to use such device while operating the vehicle within the Town limits. Call NonEmergency Dispatch at 970-350-9600
All vehicles must be parked parallel to the curb with the passenger side to the curb not more than 12” from the curb
An inoperable motor vehicle is any vehicle not displaying a current license plate and validation sticker, or is not operational due to flat tires, missing parts or damage Inoperable vehicles may be stores on your property as long as they are screened from view Car covers are not sufficient for screening day
If you must leave your vehicle unattended on any roadway, leave a note of your intentions with a phone number in the windshield, or contact the Severance Police Department and advise them of your intentions.
FRIDAY KNIGHT LIGHTS
Friday, August 22 @ 4:30 PM
Severance High School
SEVERANCE DAYS PARADE
Saturday, August 23 @ 10 AM
Ponderosa & Ptarmigan
SEVERANCE CAR SHOW
Saturday, August 23 @ 11 AM
Vecinos Parking Lot
CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT
Saturday, August 23 @ 12 PM
Community Park
BRUCE’S ROCKY MOUNTAIN OYSTER EATING CONTEST
Saturday, August 23 @ 4:30 PM
Community Park
*
Friday, August 22
4:30 pm: Friday Knight Lights | Severance High School
Saturday, August 23
10:00 am: Severance Days Parade | Ponderosa & Ptarmigan
11:00 am: Car Show | Vecinos Parking Lot
11:00 am - 6:00 pm: Vendor Booths
12:00 pm: Cornhole Tournament Begins
12:30 pm: Severance Calvary Kids Games
4:30 pm: Rocky Mountain Oyster Eating Contest
5:00 pm: Music by Static Swam
7:00 pm: Music by Country Music Artist Hayden Coffman
8:30 pm (Approx): Firework Show
9:00 pm: End of Event
Sunday, August 24
9:00 am: Praise at the Park by Severance Calvary
SEVERANCEDAYSPARADEKEY
ROAD/INTERSECTIONCLOSURE
RANGEVIEWELEMENTARY
STAGINGAREA PONDEROSADRIVE PONDEROSADRIVE
TIMBERRIDGEPARKWAY TIMBERRIDGEPARKWAY
I am proud to announce that the Severance Police Department is fully staffed. Since I arrived in October 2024, we have hired 11 sworn police officers. The Severance Police Department is one of the few in the State of Colorado to be fully staffed. Many departments are struggling to recruit new officers. All of our officers come to us with experience from other departments which is a great benefit to our department and town. When you see our officers patrolling the town, please wave to them.
There has been some confusion regarding how to contact us since we opened up our new police station in December 2024. You can reach us at 970 6859708. We have administrative staff who will answer the phone, Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm (from Noon to 1pm, they are at lunch). The Admin Office is closed for Holidays. We are unable to have a person in the station 24/7 to answer the phone. If it is after hours, you can always leave a message, and we will call you back on the next weekday.
This number is for information such as how to get a copy of a report or records or trying to leave a message for a particular officer. If you want to have an officer respond to a non-emergency call for service, please call the Weld County Dispatch Center at 970 350-9600 and advise the call taker of your need and location. An officer will be dispatched to handle this call. If it is a true emergency, please call 911 and give your location and the nature of the emergency.
Sincerely,
Chief Ken Chavez
Severance Police Department
our residents. Beyond our school visits, we continue to strengthen our connection with residents through our monthly "Coffee with the Chief" events, which we promote on our social media channels. These casual gatherings provide an opportunity for community members to ask questions, share concerns, and get to know your fire department on a personal level. Being part of the Severance community is truly an honor, and we remain committed to not only protecting and serving our neighbors but also fostering the relationships that make our town such a special place to call home.
Chief Chris Angermuller
Call Town Hall at 970-686-1218
Non-emergency Dispatch 970-350-9600
VIA EMAIL
Email: info@townofseverance.org
www.townofseverance.org
FOLLOW US on social media!
@TownOfSeverance / @SeverancePD
@TownOfSeverance
@SeverancePD
Town of Severance
Town of Severance
