2026
OFFICIAL TOWN OF SEVERANCE NEWSLETTER
END OF YEAR
SEVERANCE SCOOP ALL THE NEWS YOU NEED AND MORE In this 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 Town and everything in between!
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SEVERANCE TOWN COUNCIL Matt Fries Mayor
Josh Ochs Council Member
Dave Bruen Council Member
Kyle Russell Council Member
Brittany Vandermark Mayor Pro-Tem
Stephen Gagliardi Council Member Craig Joseph Council Member
town council, we are in the middle of most decisions made that affect MATT FRIES the future of our town. Some MAYOR decisions that are made, I do not agree with, as I am sure this is the Hello Severance! case with you. Hopefully, as a community, we are not judged on a Do you ever ask yourself why you single decision. There are far more live in Severance? Is it because we decisions made every day that I do are one of the safest communities agree with. It is the collective of all in the state? That would be a good decisions and the direction that reason. Is it because we have those decisions lead us toward that good schools? That’s another counts, and that direction should be good reason. Is it because we the reason that we all live here. have caring, smart, friendly residents? All of these are great Lately, I have been on a “kick” of reasons why many of us live in reminding who ever that will listen Severance. to me, that Severance is the only community in Northern Colorado Our town is not perfect. Our town that does not have a railroad or government is not perfect. Our major highway running through our residents are not perfect. But they town. I think that is a good thing. I all are perfect to me. I am old am reminded of this every time I am enough to have been around the stuck at a RR crossing in Fort block a few times. I have the gray Collins and Windsor. The down side hair to prove it. I lived in a of this “good thing” is that highways community for 50 years before and RR’s bring commerce which moving to Severance 9 years ago. I provides more services for the didn’t leave because it was too residents to enjoy. We all know wonderful of a place to live. Severance lacks close by shopping, entertainment and general services. Severance has the “right stuff” to be the best community in Northern We do have many great businesses Colorado, in my opinion. I hope owned by good people, that provide your opinion is similar. invaluable services to all of us. It is a good thing to support our local As your Mayor, along with your businesses.
If you have ever watched my “Mayor’s Monday Memo”, I often close with “Say hello to your neighbor. Give them a wave and a smile”. We all should be respectful and friendly to one another. Life is simply too short to do it any other way. Be safe. Be happy. I hope to see you around town soon. Matthew Fries
JOSH OCHS COUNCIL MEMBER Merry Christmas—er, I mean Happy Thanksgiving! No, wait... I know, Happy Halloween! Where has the time gone? I can’t believe we are already into the fall season. And, as I’m sure you’ve all noticed, Christmas and holiday decorations seem to make their appearance earlier and earlier every year!
that come wrapped in a box, but rather some of the capital improvement projects we have planned for our community. One of the projects I am especially excited to see explored is the potential for a community pool. This project is still in the early planning stages, and many details have not yet been determined. As the Town moves through the planning and design process, there will be opportunities for public input to help identify community priorities that guide decisions about the size, features, and overall design of the facility. Similarly, the Town is exploring the possibility of an outdoor roller hockey rink and other recreational amenities. The specific design and uses of this space have not yet been finalized. As planning progresses, the Town will consider community needs, potential multiuse opportunities, and public feedback before determining what elements should be included.
These projects, along with many others, reflect the Town’s continued efforts to plan for future community needs and provide Even with Christmas still a few amenities that serve residents as months away, I do want to talk about Christmas gifts. Not the kind Severance grows.
I encourage everyone to attend a Council meeting or one of the many other public meetings held throughout the year. Thesemeetings provide opportunities to ask questions, learn more about projects and priorities, share feedback, and stay involved in the community. I look forward to seeing you there! And don’t forget about the Trickor-Treat Parade on October 30 from 3:00–5:00 p.m. at Town Hall and the Clearview Library. I look forward to seeing all of your ghosts, goblins, witches, and other Halloween characters! As I close, I’ll leave you with another quote: “At last, small witches, goblins, hags, and pirates armed with paper bags. Their costumes hinged on safety pins, go haunt a night of pumpkin grins.” — John Updike Have a great October, Severance! Josh Ochs Town Council Member
COMISSIONER OPENING Would you like to contribute to our community’s wide variety of planning and land development-related proposals? The Town of Severance Planning Commission is an advisory board to the municipal governing body on zoning, land use amendments, plans and studies, and land development. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm. The Town Council is seeking one (1) resident to fill the Planning Commission vacancy, the term expires June 2027. This position is a volunteer position. To be eligible, residents shall hold no other town office, be a registered elector of the Town, must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, and have resided in the Town for at least one (1) year. If interested, please fill out the application, and please submit a letter of interest and resume (addressed to the Mayor and Town Council) on our website at: townofseverance.org For further information, do not hesitate to contact Nicholas Wharton, Town Manager, at nwharton@townofseverance.org 970-686-1218. Applications will be accepted until Friday October 16th, at 4:00 PM. The Town Council will appoint the open seat at the October 27th Town Council Meeting. All applicants shall be available to attend the October 27th Town Council meeting in person for interviews by the Town Council.
COMMUNITY
TREE CLEAN UP
ntt en evve e
MUST BE A SEVERANCE RESIDENT
Drop off your tree trimmings and we’ll chip them into mulch that will be available to pick up for free at a later date!
OCT. 17
8AM-12PM
BEHIND COMMUNITY PARK
GUIDELINES
Wood must be Branches should Residents are no more than 6 be at least 3ft expected to inches in long unload their diameter own materials NO TWINE, WIRE, OR ROPE. BRANCHES/TREE WOOD ONLY
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE A MAP FOR THE LOCATION VISIT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
WHAT IS A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN? Every community faces important questions about growth, investment, and quality of life. The Comprehensive Plan serves as Severance's longterm roadmap for addressing those questions and guiding future decisions. The Plan is a living document that is reviewed regularly to ensure it reflects community needs and priorities. Due to the significant growth and changing trends in our region over the past five years, now is a great time to refresh the Plan. Through a multi-month process, the project team analyzes data and collects input from residents, businesses, community partners, and local leaders to help shape our goals, strategies, and action items.
Come visit with us at Town Christmas on December 12th or, attend one of our meetings on the 1st Wednesday of every month
TRICK or or
TREAT PARADE
Bring a non-perishable food item to the Trick or Treat Parade! Donations benefit our neighbors through the Weld County Food Bank.
SAFE TRICK OR TREATING & ACTIVITIES
Friday, October 30th, 2026 Severance Town Hall & Library 3-5pm More information at townofseverance.org
VETERANS APPRECIATION NIGHT
11.10.2026 ALL VETERANS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO VETERAN APPRECIATION NIGHT AT SEVERANCE HIGH SCHOOL ON TUESDAY NOV 10.
RSVP TODAY! HONORING ALL WHO SERVED Join us at Severance High School for a Veterans Appreciation Night. There will be a dinner, made and served by Severance High School students, at 5pm and an appreciation from Town Council to honor all who served. Please RSVP by October 30th!
Please call 970-686-1218 or email events@townofseverance.org with questions or to RSVP.
ANNUAL TURKEY AND FOOD DRIVE SATURDAY NOVEMBER 7TH, 2026 10 AM-12 PM SEVERANCE TOWN HALL, 3 S. TIMBER RIDGE PARKWAY ACCEPTING CANNED FOOD, & NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS STARTING OCTOBER 27TH AT SELECT LOCATIONS*
SCAN QR CODE TO DONATE ONLINE
ALL DONATIONS BENEFIT:
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION
$1 = $6 WORTH OF GROCERIES 1 in 4 people in Weld County are hungry, 1 in 3 children in Weld County are hungry, which equates to over 88,000 of our neighbors. Help us, help our neighbors this holiday season.
2026 2026 PHOTO PHOTO CONTEST CONTEST We want to see Severance from YOUR point of view! Our annual photo contest is accepting photos from our community. Whether it's a beautiful Colorado sunset, local wildlife, community events, parks, small-town charm, or your favorite spot around Town, we want to see the moments that make Severance special. Photos may be features in Town publications, on our website, social media, and other promotional materials throughout the year (with photo credit, of course) Get your camera ready and start submitting your photos on our website at https://www.townofseverance.org /397/Photo-Contest
2025 WINNER
2025 WINNER
2025 WINNER
Citizen of the Year: The individual who best exemplifies the citizen/mentor of the year is one who sustainably and regularly contributes to the community through TOWN PRIDE. This individual should not work in an official capacity with or for the Town. Nomination exclusions include Town employees and Town Council/board members. Youth of the Year: This young individual (18 & under) who best exemplifies the Youth of the Year is active in and contributes to the community by carrying out TOWN PRIDE in and for the community Business of the Year: The business that best exemplifies the business of the year contributes to the community through its dedication to residents and visitors. This business goes above and beyond through activities that align with TOWN PRIDE in and for the community. TOWN PRIDE stands for the following values: Teamwork, Open-minded, Welcoming, Neighborly, Professionalism, Respect, Innovation, Dedication, and Ethics
DID YOU KNOW...
THERE IS A SEVERANCE YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM? Windsor Parks, Recreation & Culture has established a scholarship program that offers financial assistance for youth athletic/program registrations to residents of Severance under 18 years.
Please contact the Windsor Community Recreation Center to obtain an application, or you can fill one out online at recreationliveshere.com/ReduceFee. Your request will be confidentially reviewed and approved based on financial qualifications. SIGN UP FOR ACTIVITIES ANYTIME ONLINE AT recreationliveshere.com/RecReg
Stay Connected! Severance Library 5 Timber Ridge Parkway Severance, CO
Library Hours: Monday–Thursday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Friday–Saturday:
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: Closed
The Annual Trick or Treat Parade is back on October 30 at Town Hall and the Clearview Library District - Severance Library. Join us from 3 to 5 PM for trunk or treat fun, crafts, vendors, and spooky door to door trick or treating through Haunted Town Hall and the Library.
Program & Event Highlights: Autumn Flow: Yoga for Adults
Oct. 21 • 1:00 PM Unwind this October with this gentle midday yoga class designed for adults of all levels.
Teen Outdoor Horror Movie: Night Swim: Presented with the Town of Severance
Oct. 24 • 7:00 PM Join us under the stars for an epic horror movie experience!
The Bookmobile in Severance Thursdays: 3:30-4 PMat Overlook Park 650 Audubon Blvd - Severance
Fridays:
2:30-3 PM at Range View Elementary (School Days Only) 700 Ponderosa Dr - Severance
Digital Spotlight
ParentTV offers thousands of ondemand parenting videos and courses with content designed to support those who care for children, from pregnancy through to teenage years. More Ways to Connect - Programs & Events at the Library! Scan the QR code below to explore the complete October program schedule for the Severance Library — programs for all ages, full event details, and easy online registration. Programs for: Adults 18+ Teens 12–18 Children 6–9 Little ones 0–5
970-686-5603
clearviewlibrary.org
PLANNING NEW CONSTRUCTION, A RENOVATION OR BIG CLEAN UP?
HAVE QUESTIONS? CONTACT THE PLANNING OFFICE AT 970686-1218 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT TOWNOFSEVERANCE.ORG
SEVERANCE POLICE DEPARTMENT Ken Chavez Chief of Police Summer is unfortunately over. Schools are back in session. This means paying close attention to your speed when driving near schools, bus stops, and our major streets leading to schools such as Audubon Blvd and Ponderosa Drive (Range View Elementary School), Timber Ridge Parkway and Avery Plaza Street (Severance Middle School), and Hidden Valley Parkway (Severance High School). Please adhere to the reduces speeds when the School Zone Lights are flashing. Speeding fines are doubled during these times. And be ever mindful of kids on bikes or on foot near or on the streets.
Lastly, continue to beware of scams. Police Departments, Sheriff’s Offices, Courts, the Social Security Administration, and other government agencies will not call you to demand money, threaten you with a warrant for your arrest, or ask for your personal information by a phone call or a text. These are scamming attempts. Don’t fall for them. If unsure, hangup, look up the number for the entity online, and then call them to verify they are trying to contact you. Just because they sound official doesn't mean they are. Have a great Holiday Season!
Chief Ken Chavez It is getting darker sooner in the Severance Police Department evenings. Please check your front and rear outdoor lights to ensure they work and please use them during times of darkness. DROP UNOPENED They are great and cheap crime TOYS FOR ALL AGES deterrents and also bolster your AT THE POLICE surveillance camera capabilities. Additionally, please check to DEPARTMENT make sure your home address BETWEEN NOV 16numbers are still in place and DEC 16 TO HELP visible from the street. This CHILDREN IN OUR makes it easier for first COMMUNITY responders to identify your home in an emergency.
A GUIDE TO EASY E-RIDING E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular, and we want to help ensure everyone rides safely and responsibly.
SAFETY CHECK! I am wearing a properly fitted helmet My brakes work correctly
According to Colorado law, EMotorcycles are classified as Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) and are not permitted on public roadways, sidewalks, or trails. If you ride an e-motorcycle, always do so in approved areas and wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, to help prevent serious injury. Ride smart. Ride safe. Protect yourself and others.
I am wearing bright or reflective clothing I ride on the right side of the road, sidewalk or trail I stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing streets I dismount from my bike before crossing big intersetions My bike has reflectors I watch for cars backing out of driveways
Device Quick Reference
eBike (Class eBike (Class III) Electric I/II) assist; Electric higher assist; speeds. lower speeds
eMoto Electric Motor + Battery (optional pedals)
Electric Electric Skateboard Scooter Motorized Electric; stand on
The Town Council is currently reviewing a proposed Ordinance on E-Bike regulations. Please visit our website for more information.
NEIGHBORS LOOKING OUT FOR NEIGHBORS A SAFER COMMUNITY
starts with connected neighbors. As the Town of Severance continues to grow, one of our shared priorities is preserving the safe, connected, and welcoming community that makes our town such a special place to live. To support that goal, we are reaching out to gauge interest in establishing Neighborhood Watch programs within our neighborhoods. WHAT IS NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH? Neighborhood Watch is a community-led program that encourages neighbors to work together to help keep their neighborhoods safe. It is not intended to replace law enforcement. Instead, it helps residents:
Stay aware of what is happening in your neighborhood
Recognize and report suspicious activity
Learn crime prevention and communicate with one another
Build stronger relationships with the Severance Police Department
ready to get your neighborhood involved? If your HOA or neighborhood would like to learn more or schedule a Neighborhood Watch presentation, contact the Town of Severance.
LET’S BUILD A SAFER, MORE CONNECTED SEVERANCE, TOGETHER If your neighborhood is interested, the Town would be happy to coordinate with the Severance Police Department to have a public safety representative attend one of your future HOA or community meetings.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN THE BASICS. What a Neighborhood Watch Program is GETTING STARTED. Best practices for starting/maintaining a program STAYING SAFE. Crime prevention and personal safety tips PARTNERING WITH POLICE. How to partner with local police COMMUNITY RESOURCES. Resources to support safety efforts
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD YOUR APPROACH Every neighborhood is different. Your community can decide whether Neighborhood Watch is right for you and, if so, how you want to organize and lead the effort The Town’s role is to supportnot take over
we can provide: Guidance Resources Connections with public safety Support for neighborhood-led efforts
let’s work together to keep severance safe CONTACT US 970-686-1218 If you see suspicious activity, call nonemergency dispatch at 970-350-9600
info@townofseverance.org townofseverance.org
Windsor Severance Fire Rescue Students are asked to take the lesson home. Ask your student what they Visits Local Classrooms to learned. They've been told they can "Charge Into Fire Safety" October is Fire Prevention Month, help the fire department by teaching and WSFR crews are back in the their own families about two things: a home escape plan and safe charging classroom. habits.
Every October, Windsor Severance Safe Charging, Made Simple Fire Rescue’s Risk Reduction Use the cord and charger that came Division visits every Pre-K, 1st, with the device, or one approved by and 3rd grade classroom in the the manufacturer. Weld RE-4 district, including Charge on a hard, flat surface, not on Range View Elementary here in a bed, couch, or under a pillow. Severance, to teach students the Stop using a device if it feels very hot, basics of fire safety. This year's swells, smokes, or smells strange. visits tie into the National Fire Unplug once it's fully charged, don't leave it plugged in longer than needed. Protection Association's Fire Prevention Week theme, "Charge Charge e-bikes, scooters, and power Into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is tools outside and away from exits. a Superpower," running October 4For more on Fire Prevention Week 10, 2026. programs in Windsor and Severance, The theme focuses on lithium-ion contact the Education & Outreach Manager at hcarson@wsfr.us. To batteries, the power source learn more about lithium-ion battery behind phones, tablets, laptops, esafety, visit fpw.org.
bikes, scooters, and toys. These batteries pack a lot of energy into a small space, and if they're damaged or charged the wrong way, they can overheat or even catch fire.
Weld County
CodeRED by Crisis24
Be informed. Be prepared.
What is CodeRED by Crisis24?
CodeREDby Crisis24 allows publicsafety officials to send targeted alerts to registered users through phone calls, text messages, emails, and mobile app notifications. Crisis24 represents that its new CodeRED is reliable and protects data security. Notifications may include evacuation notices, public safety incidents, and other time-sensitive information. People may also opt in to receive severe weather alerts
Register today!
To sign up, visit the CodeRED by Crisis24 sign-up webpage and click “register.” Users will enter their name, create a username and password, and select a preferred contact method such as text or email. While previous CodeRED user information has been migrated into the updated system, Weld County recommends creating a new account. A new account allows users to easily update contact information and access alerts through the CodeRED mobile app, available in the Google Play and Apple app stores.
www.weld911alert.com
CONNECT WITH US HOW YOU CAN REACH US VIA PHONE Call Town Hall at 970-686-1218 Call Severance Police Station 970-685-9708 Non-emergency Dispatch 970-350-9600 VIA EMAIL Email: info@townofseverance.org WEBSITE townofseverance.org
FOLLOW US on social media! @TownOfSeverance / @SeverancePD @TownOfSeverance @SeverancePD Town of Severance Town of Severance
Get email and text notifications about: Events Construction/Closures Meeting Agendas Published Newsletters
SCAN TO SIGN UP
BUSINESS CORNER Business License Renewals — Mark Your Calendar Attention Severance business owners: annual business licenses expire December 31. The Town will begin accepting renewal applications starting November 15 — submit early to avoid any lapse in your license! Renewals open: November 15 Licenses expire: December 31 Applications can be found online Submit early to stay ahead of the deadline There is a $25 administrative fee
Start, Grow, and Succeed In Colorado From Napkin Sketch To Market Leader, Get The Expert Guidance You Need—At No Cost To You. One-on-one confidential advising No- to low-cost programs & events Community & resources
We want to see your coloring skills! Please use your artistic skills on the next page and then drop your finished artwork off at Town Hall to be posted.
JOIN US AT A TOWN MEETING! TOWN COUNCIL MEETING EVERY 2ND & 4TH TUESDAY Work Session at 5 PM & Council Meeting at 6 PM YOUTH COUNCIL MEETING FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH at 5 PM
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING THIRD WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH at 6 PM CITIZEN ADVISORY BOARD FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH at 6 PM
All meetings are held at Town Hall. You can attend inperson or online. More information about meetings can be found on our website. We look forward to seeing you!