Fort Lupton Press December 26, 2024 by Colorado Community Media

STRAINS IN FORT LUPTON

shows o marijuana that

recreational marijuana retailer in Fort Lupton.

and the

Ten stories we talked about in 2024

A tight race in CD 8, threats to Palizzi Farm and Brighton and Fort Lupton go green

Close race for the 8th Congressional District goes to Gabe Evans

After a neck-and-neck race for a seat in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District in November, incumbent Democratic Yadira Caraveo conceded to Republican Gabe Evans ve days after the nal votes were cast.

e two ran a tight race since the Nov. 5 vote, with Caraveo holding a narrow lead until votes began trickling in from conservative Weld County in the farung 8th District.

e district was created in 2022 and Caraveo won the seat with by just over 1,632 votes over her Republican opponent Barb Kirkmeyer that year.

e race was considered pivotal as Republicans and Democrats tried to hold majorities in the U.S. House of Representatives. Nearly $15 million in super PAC money streamed into the race by late October.

In all, over $20 million in total was spent by PACs and the candidates on the 8th Congressional District contest by late fall.

–Monte Whaley

Brighton rallies to defend Palizzi Farm

e signs were everywhere in Brighton in 2024: Save Paliizzi Farm.

When the Brighton City Council voted unanimously in September 2023 to create a new metropolitan district, Park-

land Metropolitan District No. 1, it approved a development project on 140 acres south of Bromley Lane between Chambers Road and the Bromley Koizuma-Hishunuma Farm.

To make that work, developers said they needed to attach to a storm sewer line from the west, and the most direct route would be through the southern end of Palizzi Farm. But farm owner Debora Palizzi said doing that cut her property in half and could put her popular Bromley Lane farm stand out of business.

“If it were a pizza parlor, Palizzi’s could move to another location and reopen to continue serving pizza,” her website read. “ is is not the case with a vegetable farm. It will end the livelihoods of everyone employed at Palizzi Farm.”

State mulls stricter rules for police licensing Standard board

asks to add 31 misdemeanors to disqualifying list

BY ALLISON SHERRY CPR NEWS

Child abuse, animal cruelty, theft, fraud, invasion of privacy for sexual grati cation.

In Colorado, a person can be convicted of these crimes — plus dozens of others — and still qualify to be a licensed peace o cer responsible for dealing with people at their most vulnerable moments.

e state agency in charge of licensing the state’s law enforcement o cers wants that to change.

e Peace O cers Standards and Training Board voted unanimously this month to ask the state legislature to add another 31 misdemeanor crimes to the existing list of 44 as “decertifying to be a peace o cer.” at means if the legislature agrees, a law enforcement o cer convicted of any of these crimes will also be decerti ed. e state already bars anyone convicted of any felony from being able to serve as a law enforcement o cer.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, whose o ce manages the POST board, said that adding to this list of disqualifying misdemeanors is long overdue.

“Over a decade ago, the POST Board had recommendations for additional categories that should merit being decerti ed. e legislature failed to act,” he said. “It’s important that the public have full con dence in law enforcement, and conduct in these misdemeanor categories is unacceptable and should prevent someone from serving in law enforcement in Colorado.”

Currently not included in that disqualifying list is violating a protective order – something state o cials hope the legislature adds.

SEE RULES, P2

WESTMINSTER WINDOW

Budtender Manny Ramos

High Plainz Strains sells

variety it o ers. The store opened in Fort Lupton in February, the ﬁrst

PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR

KS Industries is moving into Platteville

Oil and gas support ﬁrm expects to open in 2025

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

KS Industries, a California-based engineering and fabrication service provider for oil producers, has announced the new location of its Rocky Mountain Regional o ce in Platteville, Colorado, according to a news release by Upstate Colorado Economic Development on Dec. 10.

“We are excited to welcome KS Industries as they establish their new regional location in Platteville and Weld County. rough our regional partnerships, we can support the attraction of high caliber companies like this, which contribute to economic growth said,” Audrey Herbison, Director of Economic Development at Upstate Colorado Economic Development. “ e jobs created at the new facility will support residents across the region. Investing in rural communities is the spirit of the energy industry and supply chain, and we are eager to see KS Industries’ success and growth in Weld County.”

RULES

KS Industries’ new location will be on a 7.49-acre site at 804 Grand Ave. in Platteville. e site features approximately 27,000 square feet of industrial space and a huge yard area. KS Industries is based in Bakers eld, Calif. e company serves upstream oil and gas production, natural gas treating and transportation, re ning, cogeneration, heavy industrial markets, and pipeline infrastructure, according to o cials.

KS Industries is in the process of renovations, with completion expected in

February 2025.

“Our move to Platteville represents a signi cant milestone for KS Industries. is location o ers us unparalleled access to key energy markets and provides an excellent foundation for our continued growth,” said Kevin Small, Owner. “ is strategic move positions KS Industries in the heart of Colorado’s most productive energy region.”

Weld County leads the state in oil and gas production, accounting for 83% of crude oil and 56% of natural gas production in Colorado, according to Weld County’s Oil and Gas Energy Depart-

ment. e new facility will create up to 100 new jobs in Weld County, Small said.

Local o cials were pleased.

“KS Industries has already made signi cant improvements to the newly acquired property and will provide longterm employment opportunities that will support our local energy production and overall economy,” said Troy Renken, Platteville Town Manager. “ e investment that KS Industries is making in Platteville is greatly appreciated, and the company is a good overall t for our community.”

Grant to beneﬁt Frederick Recreation area, youth

Frederick’s Recreation area will get a boost and help from the Weld County Youth Conservation Corps, thanks to a $96,000 Great Outdoors Colorado grant. e grant, announced on Dec. 6, funds the partnership with the youth conservation corps to manage the work at the Frederick Recreation area.

“Our partnership with GOCO changes the lives of thousands of Coloradans for the better,” said CYCA Executive Director Scott Segerstrom. “ is investment will employ hundreds of corps members to steward our iconic natural resources,

including e orts that support healthy forests and wildlife habitats, expanding the outdoor recreation economy in rural communities, and restoring water ow by removing invasive species. We are grateful to GOCO for helping us build the next generation of leaders.”

e Weld County Conversation Service Corps works with young adults ages 16-30 to accomplish land and water conservation projects, gain handson experience, and advance to paid projects jobs. With the partnership of GOCO and the Conservation Corps, the goal is to hire conservation youth and young adults for outdoor recreation and project management.

According to o cials, the Corps works to revive and perverse native riverbank habitats within the Frederick Recreation Area. e corps crew will remove and treat invasive tamarisk and Russian olive trees in the area over seven weeks.

Next, they will remove invasive trees and plant native trees to enhance the site’s ability to withstand environmental challenges. e project goals are to decrease future ooding risks and protect native plant and wildlife habitats and water resources, according to ofcials.

Visit GOCO.org for more information about t

Julia Stahnke was an Aurora police o cer who, in 2021, was found to have violated a protective order, after she was charged with domestic abuse and a colleague drove her back to her house to pick up a car.

Stahnke was going to get red for that, according to news reports at the time, but she resigned before getting red.

She ended up getting decerti ed in September 2023, but not for violating a protective order. She was found to have been untruthful and the POST board pulled her

“It’s horrifying that these are not already violations that would decertify an o cer. ese are the people the state entrusts to protect civilians in the most vulnerable times of their lives,” said Mari Newman, a Denver civil rights attorney who has sued law enforcement agencies on behalf of clients dozens of times. “We really should expect better from our o cers. If the state tolerates obviously bad behavior from law enforcement o cers, none of us should be one bit surprised when they engage in misconduct that endangers members of our public.”

e Colorado Association of Police Chiefs declined to comment on the proposal, saying they were still studying it. Since the pandemic, law enforcement agencies have complained about how di cult it is to nd quali ed o cers given a slew of retirements and low morale between 2020 and 2024.

e state’s voters in November approved a $350 million grant, paid for by state dollars, to help agencies recruit and retain o cers, though how that money will be spent is still unclear.

Hashim Coates, an Aurora community advocate who has been critical of police misconduct, said he supports tightening regulations on who is quali ed to become a police o cer.

“Sometimes these are the least educated and least experienced people who have the greatest amount of control over someone’s future and so I think they should be held to a higher standard,” Coates said. “Child abuse, theft, these are things they arrest on on a daily basis and the fact someone could be a police o cer after being convicted of these things is troubling.”

Tom Raynes, the executive director of the Colorado District Attorney’s Council, said that the state’s DAs support adding any criminal o ense to the decertifying list where the conduct “clearly exhibits a lack of integrity, is morally wrong or of evil intent.”

e state’s Fraternal Order of Police said they haven’t seen the full list of proposed changes but will review them with an open mind.

“We always welcome conversations to ensure we maintain the highest level of integrity and public trust in our o cers,” the group said.

is story is from CPR News, a nonpro t public broadcaster serving Colorado. Used by permission. For more, and to support Colorado Public Radio, visit cpr.org.

KS Industries moves into Platteville, Colorado.

COURTESY OF KS INDUSTRIES

Small Landlords: Looking to Cash Out Due to New Pro-Tenant Laws? Here’s

One

Option.

Under laws enacted by the 2024 General Assembly, Colorado tenants gained many protections, both from eviction and for “habitability,” but those protections for tenants have made being a landlord trickier, more expensive, and riskier, especially for the small landlord who manages his or her own rental units.

Last week, I helped one such small landlord dispose of his rental duplex and invest the proceeds in a way that deferred his capital gains but didn’t get him into yet a new investment that carried those problems and management.

you’re able to put the entire proceeds to work generating income. If you keep doing 1031 exchanges until you die, your heirs will inherit your final holding(s) with a stepped up value and no capital gains tax liability at all.

In his case, he had to deal with a squatter who knew his protections against eviction that already existed under Colorado law and refused to leave. That experience left such a bad taste in my client’s mouth that he chose to sell instead of finding a new tenant.

I was once a commercial landlord myself and earned some great passive income from it for several years, but I vowed never to be a residential landlord. Back then, the big concern was whether your tenant might be cooking meth — a nightmare situation requiring not only eviction but very expensive mitigation before the property could be put back on the rental market or sold. I preferred being a commercial landlord, because my tenants’ offices were always open and I knew they wouldn’t trash their office, because they had customers.

These new protections for residential tenants only add to the unattractiveness of being a small landlord of residential properties.

Other changes in landlord-tenant law include the banning of occupancy limits based on familial relationships by local governments and prohibiting rent increases in excess of 10% over the prior year’s rent (defined as “rent gouging”). Local governments may still implement residential occupancy limits based on demonstrated health and safety standards, such as international building codes, fire codes, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment wastewater and water quality standards, or affordable housing program guidelines.

College towns, including Boulder and Golden, have in the past implemented occupancy limits to prevent the use of singlefamily homes by large numbers of unrelated college students. Those laws are now invalidated by state law.

In the posting of this article on my blog, http://RealEstateToday.substack.com, I’ve included a link to an article with a fuller description of those 2024 landlord-tenant laws. Meanwhile, selling a long-held investment property can subject the seller to capital gains tax and depreciation recapture that can wipe out much of the profit from selling. A common tax strategy for deferring those taxes is to do a “like kind” exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code.

By purchasing a replacement investment property (not a primary residence) with the proceeds from your relinquished property,

You may be saying, “I don’t want to own any new investment property, especially a residential rental property,” given these new laws, but I have good news for you.

“Like kind” properties are broadly interpreted by the IRS to include any real estate (except a Real Estate Investment Trust or REIT). This allows you to reinvest your funds as a passive investor in what’s known as a Delaware Statutory Trust (DST). However, a DST investment is only for accredited investors. Individual accredited investors come under two categories:

They have an individual net worth, or joint net worth with their spouse, excluding primary residence, but including home furnishings and personal automobiles, of more than $1,000,000, or

They have an individual income in excess of $200,000 or joint income with their spouse in excess of $300,000, in each of the two most recent years and have a reasonable expectation of reaching the same income level in the current year.

DSTs are exploding in popularity, and with good reason. A Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) is an ownership structure that allows an investor to purchase a fractional interest in a large property or portfolio of properties. The DST is a legal entity (formed as a trust under the laws of Delaware) which holds legal title to property(ies) held in the trust.

For Federal income tax purposes, each DST investor owns a “beneficial interest” in the trust and is treated as owning an undivided fractional interest in the real estate being held by the trust. A real estate company, known as the sponsor, purchases the real estate for the DST and sells “beneficial interests” to 1031 exchange investors through broker/dealers.

The investors, as beneficiaries of the trust, receive their prorated share of the income, tax benefits, and any capital appreciation produced by the real estate. The real estate company, the sponsor of the DST, serves as the trust manager and is responsible for making the major management decisions of the trust. Some examples of the type of real estate that a DST may invest in are: Industrial, MultiFamily, Medical Office, Student Housing, Senior Housing, Retail, Storage, etc. The sponsor purchases the real estate for the DST and sells "beneficial interests" to 1031 exchange investors through broker/dealers. If you list your investment property for sale and your listing agent doesn’t tell you about DSTs, it could be because it’s an investment of your proceeds that doesn’t allow your agent to earn a commission. It could also, however, be because he or she is not familiar with DSTs. Show him or her this article!

We learned more about DSTs when Wayne Bernardo of Bernardo Asset Management, a boutique real estate securities firm in Evergreen, spoke to our broker associates and me at a recent office meeting.

One problem with doing a traditional 1031 exchange is that you must identify your replacement property within 45 days of closing on the relinquished property, and close on the replacement property within 180 days. It’s not uncommon for a 1031 exchange to fail due to missing these deadlines, leaving the seller of the relinquished property to owe the capital gains tax which he or she was intending to defer. The good news in that situation is that it takes almost no time to switch to a DST. If it’s day 45 and you know you’ll miss the deadline, there’s still time to invest in a DST. But you must identify the DST by day 45 with your Qualified Intermediary (QI).

That’s because there are always some DSTs being offered, and Wayne Bernardo can assist you in finding a DST option to complete your 1031 exchange. He proved that last week when he spoke to us on Monday, and I told him I had a closing that Friday in which the seller was facing over $500,000 in taxable capital gains which he was willing to pay to get out of his rental investment. “Can you help him,” I asked.

The answer was clearly “yes,” because at the closing on Friday, the settlement statement showed $500,000 of the sellers’ proceeds going to my client's Qualified Intermediary for a DST purchase. Wayne was able to find a few DST options for my client and my client decided to purchase one of Wayne's DST recommendations.

Instead of paying capital gains tax (and depreciation recapture) on his sale and wondering how to invest what was left, my client is investing $500,000 in a DST that will earn him an expected monthly income stream over the life of the DST. (Note: Distributions are not guaranteed.)

One of the “negatives” about DSTs is that it is not a liquid investment. You can’t pull your money out of the DST for at least 5 to 10 years, but if that is not problematic, it’s a great solution for the seller who wants to get out of an investment property without paying capital gains tax but having no further management concerns or liabilities. Wayne refers to it as “mailbox money,” because you get a

check in the mail without the headaches of being a landlord.

Note: You don’t have to invest your entire proceeds in a 1031 exchange. My client who invested $500,000 in the DST also received $153,000 in proceeds on which he will pay capital gains tax but still providing him over $100,000 in net proceeds for other purposes, such as travel. I did the same thing when I sold an office building in 2004 and didn’t reinvest the entire amount using a 1031 exchange.

For more information about DSTs, check out Wayne's website BernardoAsset.com, or call Wayne at 303-981-1387, or email him at Wayne@BernardoAsset.com Let Wayne know you saw this article, which he factchecked for accuracy prior to publication.

Of course, my broker associates and I are ready and able to help you sell your investment property. Our contact info is below. As with any real estate investment, there are risks with investing in DSTs. Here’s how they are spelled out on Wayne’s website:  Investors Do Not Hold Title: 1031 Exchange DST investors do not hold title of the property but rather own beneficial interests in the trust and the sponsor controls the management and selling of the property.

 Illiquidity: A Delaware Statutory Trust interest is an illiquid alternative investment and there is no current active secondary market for selling your interest, which creates the inability to access immediate liquidity.

 Potential for Property Value Loss: All real estate investments have the potential to lose value during the life of the investment.

 Reduction or Elimination of Monthly Cas Flow Distributions: Like any investment in real estate, if a property unexpectedly loses tenants or sustains substantial damage, there is a potential for suspension of cash flow distributions.

 No Performance Guarantee: General real estate market risks also apply to DSTs. There can be no assurance that a property will perform as projected. DSTs are subject to economic volatility, tenants not paying their rent on time, and other traditional risks of owning, operating and selling real estate.

 Potential Change in Tax Law: Tax laws are subject to change, which may have a negative impact on a DST investment.

Why Are HOA Dues Being Raised So Much?

This is a question which I have been asked by readers, so I reached out to Stan Hrincevich, president of Colorado HOA Forum, who suggested some possible causes.

Many HOAs are discovering that their reserve accounts are underfunded and are increasing monthly dues in lieu of a one-time special assessment.

Insurance costs have skyrocketed, and if the HOA is responsible for more than just common elements, this could be a reason for increased dues. If the dues weren’t raised in a timely manner, the eventual increase could be even bigger.

Insurance deductibles have increased significantly, too, and if, for example, the HOA insures the community’s roofs and there’s a hail storm, your individual share of the deductible for replacing the roofs could result in

a special assessment in the tens of thousands of dollars. Ask the provider of your individual insurance policy about a rider to cover such an assessment.

Fees charged by HOA management companies and the contractors hired by them, such as for grounds maintenance and snow removal, have increased substantially.

Water charges have skyrocketed, and if the HOA provides irrigation, that could cause dues to increase.

If the HOA embarks on lawsuits and loses, this can result in a financial impact that could raise monthly dues or result in a special assessment.

If you are worried about misappropriation, ask to see the check register and bank statements of your HOA and see where the money is going.

NOTE: All prior “Real Estate Today” columns are archived at www.JimSmithColumns.com

STORIES

“ is is all I have left of my family, and it’s a big part of Brighton,” Palizzi said. Brighton City Councilors said there was not much they could do when they discussed the matter at a packed-house public meeting. City Councilor Matt Johnston said he had asked the developers in the 2023 meeting if the farm would be able to continue, and was told it could. He noted that Palizzi herself was absent from that meeting, and she said she would have told them di erently.

An Adams County judge ruled in favor of the metro district in June, granting the developer access to the farm but saying the farm’s continued existence was expected.

But Johnston said the city must have some kind of recourse when a developer’s actions don’t meet what the city was told.

“I’ve been told no, we can’t do anything, again and again,” Johnston said. “But there is something we can do, if we can create a tool or mechanism to make sure that every development agreement, every one that is in the queue now, is held accountable. en we will be able to stop bad developers from nishing their projects.”

– Scott Taylor

Marijuana markets open in Fort Lupton and Brighton

Twelve years after retail sales of marijuana for recreational use was legalized in Colorado, Fort Lupton and Brighton made sales legal within their city limits. Fort Lupton was rst, as High Plainz Strains opened four-lane drive-through sales in April. One of three marijuana

company dispensaries in Northern Colorado, it was the rst to open after Fort Lupton legalized sales in 2019.

Brighton took more time to be convinced, but they moved to open their shops more quickly. Brighton City Councilors had approved the sales on rst reading in October, just before a municipal election with three on the ballot. e council agreed to postpone the nal vote until new councilors were seated. e new council agreed to sales in February.

Nine businesses applied for the four Brighton licenses, and the city chose four to proceed through the application process.

Star Buds, located at 560 N. 7th, just west of the Brighton Recreation Center, was the rst to open, with a grand opening on Oct. 31.

Galaxy Greens was close on their heels at 125 W. Bridge St., just west of the Bridge Street-U.S. 85 roundabouts. ey hosted their grand opening Dec. 6.

Social equity licensee Basecamp Cannabis plans to put its location in a retail spot at 991 Platte River Blvd., southeast of U.S. 85 and Bromley Lane. e Fireplace, the second social equity licensee, plans to open at 1563 E. Bridge St., across from Safeway.

– Belen Ward and Scott Taylor

Denver Zoo chooses Weld County for its animal preserve

Denver Zoo will build a 570-acre facility in Weld County, a preserve for endangered animals from around the world.

e preserve is called e Lembke Family Preserve, named after Bob Lembke, a Colorado native who has been very involved with the Zoo since the 1950s with his wife and family.

e preserve will be built in two phases. e rst phase is creating a space for the Zoo’s “Species Survival Plans,” the

current breeding program for raising animal families and adding new species.

e Brian Aucone Chief Conservation O cer said they are working with Weld County on permitting; ey have a new barn on order and are working on installing fencing.

“Our goal is to have the facility ready to receive animals by mid-summer 2025 depending on how long the permitting process takes,” Aucone said.

“ e Lembke Family Preserve represents the start of a new era for Denver Zoo and will dramatically expand our capabilities for our animals and Colorado wildlife as we build it out in the coming years,” said Bert Vescolani, president and CEO of Denver Zoo. “We are deeply grateful to the Lembke family for their generosity and mutual understanding that saving wildlife for future generations requires a dedicated community of donors, members, partners, and neighbors.”

– Belen Ward

Aims Community College CDL program

e Aims professional driver training program to obtain a state Commercial Driving License has proven so popular that the college added English and Spanish courses versions. Aims was awarded a grant of $137,000 in March to help as many as 38 veterans and underserved students with a full scholarship for the CDL program.

Aims purchased an L3 Harris Technology virtual CDL simulator with a handson stirring wheel of a semi-truck, brake, stick shift, and visual driving screen when the program started. e simulator screen helps the student practice driving a semi-trailer in a city or rural area. It also

trains the students to drive in extreme weather or hazardous situations without damaging a semi or crashing into people.

Martin Rubalcaba, program director for the college’s commercial driver license program, said that once students master the simulator, then they move on to practicing driving an actual Aimsowned semi-truck to practice on two acres of private roads at the Aims Fort Lupton Campus, without tra c and its safe and controlled environment.

– Belen Ward

Removing CO-2 from the atmosphere in Fort Lupton

With global temperatures rising, a Fort Lupton Company called Charm Industrial seeks to solve how to save the planet by putting carbon back into the ground.

Charm was a semi nalist for the Department of Energy Carbon Removal Purchase Pilot Prize, the rst initiative by the U.S. Federal Government to purchase carbon dioxide removal directly from domestic providers.

Charm Industrial started building its facility in 2022 and opened its doors at 2360 South Rollie Avenue on July 23, celebrating with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We need to reduce emissions by switching to electric vehicles and other things,” said Charm Industrial CEO Peter Reinhardt at his company’s grand opening and ribbon cutting in Fort Lupton.

“But we also need to remove CO-2 from the atmosphere. In other words, we’ve over lled the bathtub. So, we need to go back and remove historical emissions to keep the balance and checks.”

SEE STORIES, P5

A sampling of political mailers sent to residents in Colorado’s 8th Congressional District from the Evans and Caraveo campaigns.

PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR

Removing carbon involves converting plant residues from agricultural waste and potential wild re fuel into a bio-oil biomass liquid. at liquid is injected into orphan oil and gas wells. Reinhardt said its process permanently removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, measurably puts it underground, and permanently sequesters it. Reinhardt said his company buys biomass from folks who have it as residue from a forestry operation southwest of Denver, a part of forest fuel load reduction and wild re prevention and works to prevent the worst outcomes of wildres along the Front Range. ey convert the biomass to Bio-oil and then transport it to injection orphan wells nearby.

– Belen Ward

Fort Lupton Aluminum plant expands

Fort Lupton Aluminum received a $22.3 million grant from the Department of Energy, to invest in its plant through Golden Aluminum, a metalworking company associated with Molson-Coors.

e multimillion-dollar grant will be used for clean energy aluminum products for electric vehicles and other clean energy technology applications, the company announced on April 2.

e Golden Aluminum hosted representatives for their ceremony from the Department of Energy and Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo and Weld County Commissioners Lori Saine, Kevin Ross, and Scott James to announce the grant at the company’s 1405 14 St., Fort Lupton location.

– Belen Ward

A Forgotten Cemetery

Bill Knox, 93, grew up in Weld County in the Vollmar area, near an abandoned cemetery called St. Francis Vollmar.

“Every time I’d go by it, it bothered me that most of these tombstones are covered with sand up to three feet deep,” Knox said. “I would like to clean that up before I pass away.”

He thinks the people buried are the ones who helped the community grow by laboring in the sugar beet factory and cleaning beets. e area was a huge supplier to Great Western Sugar’s factory in Brighton.

Knox did what he could to help save and preserve this historic cemetery, which covers an acre and a quarter and is home to about 35 to 40 people. It is located between Weld Country Roads 21 and 23, west of Fort Lupton.

Knox researched the cemetery and found and eventually took over the deed and the association name at the cemetery. He called many people, including Weld County Genealogy and the Catholic Archdiocese of Denver to see if they had records of the cemetery.

Dr. Holly Kathryn Norton, Director of the state O ce of Archaeology & Historic Preservation said the cemetery was not recorded in their database or listed on popular sites such as Grave Finder. Dr. Norton and her team visited and investigated the cemetery and Knox said he is still waiting for Norton’s results and to learn what they could do to help him perverse the cemetery.

– Belen Ward

Fort Lupton’s new Splash Park opens free to the public

Fort Lupton’s June 29 grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Splash Park was a long time in the making, Mayor Zo Hubbard said.

“When I was a kid, we had zero recreational opportunities in Fort Lupton. My mom and a few other moms got together and said, we need to get recreation,” Mayor Hubbard said at the grand opening. “We needed to be able to teach our kids to swim. at was important, and my mom didn’t give up. So today, thanks to my momma, Marlene Stieber!”

e Splash Park is connected to the newly renovated Community Park. It is a state-of-the-art playground for kids and families, with a tness area, interactive

games, swings, slides, climbing equipment, a skate park, running trails, and a unique splash pad.

“It’s a fantastic space for this community to come out here and enjoy their outdoor recreation space. It’s a free space for them to enjoy,” said Dave Cook, Recreation Manager at Fort Lupton Recreation Center.

– Belen Ward

More neighborhoods are lighting up every day with ALLO’s fiber-optic service. If you’re in the green, schedule your installation today. If we’re heading to your neighborhood, pre-order services now to reserve a priority installation date.

Palizzi Farm owner Deb Palizzi, second from right, listens as Brighton City Councilors discuss a developer’s plan to bisect her farm with a sewer line June 4. photo by scott Taylor

SEE STORIES, P19

Resolve and resiliency, American-style

“ese are times that try men’s soul.” So wrote omas Paine in e American Crisis on Dec.19, 1776. Six days later on Christmas night, General George Washington led his Continental Army command across the ice-choked Delaware River for a surprise attack on Hessian mercenaries who were carousing in their warm barracks in Trenton, New Jersey. It was a military stroke of genius, one that gave the struggling nascent independence movement hope.

A year to the day after Paine published his pamphlet, Washington and his 12,000 troops hunkered down for a challenging winter at Valley Forge where many went without proper footwear and warm clothing and about 2,000 died from dysentery and more. Yet they persevered. e Continental Army for the most part consisted of everyday men — backwoodsmen, farmers, craftsmen — with little or no military training. But they understood that history had called upon them to ght for something greater than themselves: freedom. And not just at the national level, but at the personal.

On this Christmas 248 years later, it’s timely to recall what Washington and the men and women fought and died for in the American Revolution. Like standing and removing one’s cap during the singing of “ e Star-Spangled Banner,” taking a few moments to re ect upon Washington’s feat should be requisite for every American on Christmas Day. For far too many take for granted the freedom the millions since Washington fought and many died for.

From the outset, the Founders knew personal rights and liberties would need to be endlessly defended not just from abroad but from within. Unlike many Americans today, they knew their

As the year draws to a close, I often re ect on themes that carry us into the future with purpose and positivity. Gratitude, imagination, nishing strong and, most profoundly, hope are the cornerstones of these re ections. Gratitude and hope stand at the pinnacle of all the emotions that enrich our lives. ey are intertwined, like two sides of the same coin, each fueling and strengthening the other. Hope, as I see it, is never truly lost, it may be buried, misplaced or dimmed, but it endures, like a ickering pilot light waiting to be reignited. It’s not uncommon for someone to ask, “How can I nd hope when it feels like all is lost?” My response is always the same: Hope is never gone. It may feel distant or faint, but it is there, quietly waiting for you to reconnect with it. Often, the key to nding that spark of hope lies in gratitude. When we pause to identify what we are truly thankful for, we uncover the wellsprings of hope that fuel our lives. Hope can be elusive in di cult times, but it is far closer than it may seem.

JERRY FABYANIC

history. ey also understood the “will to power,” as Friedrich Nietzsche called it a century later in “ us Spake Zarathustra,” runs deep within the soul of men, and if it isn’t harnessed and redirected toward noble, unsel sh pursuits, bad things happen at the hands of the unprincipled and unscrupulous. History had clearly shown that.

But some grow weary of the struggle and decide their and their fellow citizens’ rights and liberties aren’t worth defending despite Ben Franklin’s admonition that “ ose who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” ey become willing to compromise and agreeable to watered-down versions of their inalienable rights that in their essence become like junk jewelry and cheap goods bought at dollar stores. Paine took to task such people, calling them “the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot” who “shrink from the service of their country.”

“What we obtain too cheap,” he wrote, “we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated.”

When the head winds blow at gale force 24/7, it can try one’s soul. When that happens, the danger of falling into one of two extremes—denying reality and insisting everything will be all right or shrugging one’s shoulders and plaintively asking, “What’s the use?”—arises.

Brad Stulberg, a mental health authority, suggests an alternative in a New York Times essay: wise hope and action. By not looking at the anti-freedom forces through rose-colored lenses and by not giving into futility, he says a person is better able to “muster the strength, courage and resolve” to keep their focus on what they can control. e challenge for the individual then is identifying what is in their power and deciding on how to act on it.

In “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Viktor Frankl, a psychologist and Holocaust survivor, posits the most critical elements the prisoners and victims of the Nazis’ death camps needed for survival were resolve and resiliency. In short, never giving up. Just like Washington and his army.

ough circumstances were bleak that Christmas in 1776, Washington

The beauty of living with hope

ink of those moments that warm your heart: the cooing of a newborn baby, the laughter of a child, the enduring love of a couple married for 50 years, a breathtaking sunrise or the quiet beauty of a sunset. ese moments remind us of life’s simple, profound beauty and reconnect us to the hope we might have forgotten. For me, hope comes from my faith, the belief that the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth, is with me in all things. is is where I draw my strength and nd the wellspring of my hope. I recognize that not everyone shares this perspective, and that’s OK. Hope is deeply personal, and its sources are as varied as the people who carry it in their hearts. What matters most is nding your own connection to hope and nurturing it. Hope is not merely a feeling but the foundation of a purposeful life. Hope fu-

els purpose, and purpose drives passion. Passion, in turn, primes the pump of performance. When we act with purpose and passion, we achieve results. And when those results align with our values and goals, they bring us joy. is progression, from hope to joy, forms a beautiful cycle, a virtuous loop that carries us forward even in challenging times. e power of hope lies in its ability to inspire us to dream and strive, even when the odds seem stacked against us. Hope allows us to see beyond today’s struggles and envision a brighter tomorrow. It gives us the courage to take that rst step, keep going, and believe in the possibilities that lie ahead.

So, as we approach the end of this year and look forward to the next, I encourage you to take a moment to re ect. Ask yourself: Where does your hope come from? What are you grateful for? What sparks joy in your life? ese questions may seem simple, but their answers hold the power to transform how we face each day.

Hope is not a luxury; it is a necessity. It is the seed from which resilience grows

and his troops didn’t buckle. Like the fty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence who pledged their Lives, their Fortunes and their sacred Honor, they remained steeled in their resolve and resiliency. I seriously wonder how many today could claim likewise with a straight face. History shows freedom-loving Americans are not a compliant but a feisty people. ey don’t cave when confronted by anti-freedom forces. ey stand strong and resolute because deep within their soul, they know it’s like omas Paine said: “For though the ame of liberty may sometimes cease to shine, the coal can never expire.”

Jerry Fabyanic is the author of “Sisyphus Wins” and “Food for ought: Essays on Mind and Spirit.” He lives in Georgetown.

and the light that guides us through the darkness. Whether in a quiet moment of prayer, the embrace of a loved one, or the beauty of the natural world, hope is always there, waiting to be rediscovered. Let this season of gratitude also be a season of hope. Let it be a time to reconnect with what truly matters, celebrate life’s joys and blessings and step into the future with a heart full of possibility. Hope is the beginning, and joy is the result. May you nd both, and may they sustain you in all the seasons to come. What is your hope story? I would love to hear about it, especially as we enter another new year at gotonorton@gmail. com. And when whether we are trying to reignite the pilot light of hope or fan the burning ames of our existing hope, it really will lead to a better-than-good life.

Michael Norton is an author, a personal and professional coach, consultant, trainer, encourager and motivator of individuals and businesses, working with organizations and associations across multiple industries.

Columnist

Bright lights on Bridge Street

Brighton Festival of Lights Parade shined on the city

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e City of Brighton hosted its annual Festival Parade of Lights as families lined up on Bridge Street to see the oats covered in lights on Dec. 14. Several local schools marched, playing Christmas music, and many local businesses and churches entered oats draped in lights to celebrate Christmas cheer. e parade ended with Santa on his sleigh.

MEES

Willard Kenneth Mees June 23, 1928 - December 16, 2024

Willard was born to Helen (Bitzer) and Otto John Mees in Tolstoy, SD on June 23, 1928. Will graduated from Wilmont High School in 1946. After graduating high school, Will enlisted in the Navy in July 1946. He served two years as a Hospital Corpsman. After the Navy, he received his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry. Will received several post graduate certi cations throughout his professional career. Will met his wife Mary Ann Pongratz when he was in the nal stages of his optometric education. Willard and Mary Ann married on November 26, 1955. ey moved to Brush, CO where Will began his practice of Optometry in 1956 and raised their three sons Je ery, Craig, and Brad. Along with his practice, Will was elected to the Morgan Community College board

as Treasurer. On the board he assisted in opening the rst community college in Morgan County. In 1977, Will and Mary Ann moved to Denver where Will continued to practice Optometry until December 1999. Willard holds a Life Membership in both the Colorado Optometric Association and American Optometric Association. In retirement, Will enjoyed his time at the golf course and gol ng in the senior men’s league.

Willard is survived by his two sons Craig Steven Mees (Yolanda) and Brad Charles Mees (Sheila), two siblings Grace (Mees) Knight and Clayton Mees, eight grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. Willard is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann Mees, son Je ery Alan Mees, both parents, and sister Joy (Mees) Olson.

Santa came sliding in to bring Christmas cheer to families.

PHOTOS BY BELEN WARD

Prairie View High School marching band playing Christmas music.

BY MCKENNA HARFORD MHARFORD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Every artist, crafter or hobbyist needs a collection of supplies, materials and equipment to accompany their creative passion.

A few stores around Denver seek to help creatives both build their collection and rehome it, if necessary. e Craft Box in Wheat Ridge, and ReCreative in downtown Denver, are both dedicated used art supplies stores that accept donations for resale – essentially thrift stores for artists.

“We’ve had kilns, massive oor looms, pottery wheels, everything down to the individual buttons,” ReCreative Programs Director Kelly Eigenberger said about the store’s inventory.

Eigenberger, who is also a clay artist, said her main goal at ReCreative is to help make art more accessible, especially when it comes to cost. Eigenberger said she knows and relates to the nancial squeeze working artists face, between studio rentals, equipment and marketing their creations.

“I love getting to hook it up for people who I see working really hard and creating access on the retail side of art,” she said. “I mean, the cost of rubber stamps is criminal.”

In addition to the reuse store, ReCreative is a nonpro t that houses artist studios, a membership-based woodshop and an art gallery. e store also o ers classes, ranging from watercolor painting to sewing to kintsugi, a Japanese technique for repairing pottery with gold.

Eigenberger said a community has built up around ReCreative, with a loop of customers becoming featured artists in the gallery or instructors of classes, creating loyal shoppers and connections for donations.

“It means a lot to have friendly neighbors and the support that comes from our people,” Eigenberger said.

Another of ReCreative’s missions is to throw away as little as possible. As of December, the store had diverted 28,000 pounds of supplies from land lls in 2024. Donations are accepted by appointment, which can be made online.

Eigenberger said donating supplies has the dual bene ts of being more environmentally friendly and helping other artists.

“I think that we’re all inclined to collect in one way or another,” Eigenberger said. “But as we collect and lose interest, there’s a lot of guilt about it, so being able to con rm for people that what I’m taking will be used by someone is important.”

Similar to ReCreative, e Craft Box is part used sup-

ply store and part haven for artists, providing space for a variety of art groups and clubs, like Quilts of Valor and the Aspen Leaf Button Collectors.

Liz Boxler, the owner of e Craft Box, said her goal is to create a community space through thrifty crafting.

“Our purpose is twofold, of course, to nd homes for all this crafty stu , but also to work with local charities that need or want things that are handmade,” Boxler said.

When donated supplies aren’t t for resale, Boxler, who is also a quilter, will sometimes use them to create goods for people in need. For example, Boxler has made dget quilts for people with Alzheimer’s, crochet pouches for catheter bags and reusable grocery bags for the food pantry.

Boxler has found that there are more supplies that could be reused than she will ever be able to manage, but she tries to do what she can. is year, the store has diverted 1.4 tons of fabric, books, rubber stamps and other craft supplies from land lls.

Boxler estimates that since she opened the store in 2012, that amount is more than 9 tons and 260,000 items. Most of her donations come from estates and

people who are moving, Boxler said. e store accepts donations by appointment, which can be made online.

“ ey’re de-stashing, is what we call it when people are moving, or they’re downsizing, or they just realize they’re gonna have to live to be 150 years old to do all these projects,” she said.

Luckily, there are also plenty of people eager to nd new purposes for the various beads, frames, yarn, fabric, paints and endless other materials stocked at e Craft Box.

Not only is it a cheaper way to maintain a collection of supplies, Boxler said used supplies are also popular with people wanting to test a new hobby.

“People can try out new crafts much easier,” Boxler said. “If somebody wanted to try quilting but fabric is so expensive, this is a way they can do that without investing a lot upfront. And then if they like it, they can expand on that.”

Boxler said one of the best things about the store is that there’s something for everyone and every skill level.

SEE ART SUPPLIES STORES PHOTOS, P9

Kelly Eigenberger, the programs director at ReCreative, said the store’s mission is twofold: to help divert supplies from landﬁlls and to make art more ﬁnancially accessible. ReCreative also houses an art gallery, studio space and a membershipbased woodshop.

ReCreative is fueled by donations, which Eigenberger said mostly come from estate sales and people who are moving or downsizing. In 2024, the store accepted more than 28,000 pounds of materials.

PHOTOS BY MCKENNA HARFORD

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Phone: 303-566-4100

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Fort Lupton Press (USPS 205880)

A legal newspaper of general circulation in Ft. Lupton, Colorado, Fort Lupton Press is published weekly on Thursday by Colorado Community Media, 143 S. 2nd Pl., Brighton CO 80601. .

PERIODICAL POSTAGE PAID AT Ft. Lupton and additional mailing o ces.

POSTMASTER: Send address change to: Fort Lupton Press, 750 W. Hampden Ave., Suite 225, Englewood, CO 80110

Elmwood wreaths honor those who served

BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

e City of Brighton joined the Wreaths Across America, laying wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans to honor them at Elmwood and Fairview Cemetery on Dec. 14. e ceremony was held on Dec. 14 at the Veteran Memorial at 14800 Brighton Rd. in Brighton. Volunteers across America participated in laying the Wreaths at the cemeteries. It’s part of a national e ort to distribute wreaths to decorate the graves of every veteran in the country.

Wreaths Across America and its national network of volunteers placed more than 2.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths on headstones of our nation’s service members at 3,702 participating locations in recent years, relying on the support of more than 5,000 sponsorship groups, corporation contributions, and in-kind donations from the transportation industry across the country.

BRIEFS

Free bingo games at the Fort and win prizes

You are invited to see what’s happening at the Fort. It is open to the public, and bring snacks to share on January 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Fort Rendezvous room. A brief membership meeting will follow for members.

At the South Platte Historical Society, 2001 Historic Pkwy. Fort Lupton On Highway 85, the Northside of Fort Lupton, Turn West on 14-1/2. e parking will be on the right.

Saturday pancakes

e Fort Lupton Public Library hosts a simple pancake breakfast on the last Saturday of each month in the library’s community rooms. is month’s pancake breakfast runs from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dec. 29. e library is located at 370 S. Rollie Ave. e event is combined with the library’s weekly reading program, so families can ll up with a good meal while listening to popular cult classic children’s stories that never get old. Breakfast starts at 9:30 and readaloud starts at 10 a.m. Every last Saturday of the month.

All ages are welcome.

Library seeking trustees

e Fort Lupton Public and School Library is accepting applications for a Board Trustee member vacancy. e position begins on Jan. 1.

Visit the library’s website at https://www. fortluptonco.gov/1179/Board-Application to download an application in English or in Spanish.

Completed applications can be emailed to kmerrell@highplains.us at the library. Applications can also be obtained and submitted in person at the Fort Lupton Public & School Library, 370 S. Rollie Ave.

ment of the meters is entirely free of charge to residents.

According to the city, the current meters continue to work properly, however, some meters do not transmit the data from the meter to the system. e meter must then be read manually.

Accounts with meters that can’t be manually read, will be estimated. If the actual amount consumed is lower than the estimated amount previously billed, then the bill will be adjusted to re ect the higher usage. When the new meter is connected, it will re ect the correct usage moving forward.

Contractors will notify residents when they will replace meters in their vicinity. For houses with meters that are outside and accessible, the contractors will let residents know when they plan to replace the meter. For houses that have inaccessible meters that are inside, in a basement or a crawl space, residents should contact Public Works to schedule an appointment.

More information can be found herehttps://www.fortluptonco.gov/1240/WaterMeter-Replacement-Program.

Chamber banquet is Jan. 17

e Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual banquet at 5 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Fort Lupton Recreation Center, 203 S. Harrison Ave.

e evening includes a silent auction and performances by Liza Jo and a BBQ dinner catered by Halliburton. A cocktail hour is sponsored by Bank of Colorado.

e chamber is currently accepting donations for the silent auction and looking for event sponsors. If you or your business would like to contribute, please contact Allison Johnson at executivedirector@fortluptonchamber.org for more information or visit the chamber online at www.fortluptonchamber.org.

CORRECTIONS

Colorado Trust for Local News asks readers to make us aware of mistakes we may have made.

Email linda@cotln.org if you notice a possible error you would like us to take a look at.

e library’s board of trustees includes seven members, three appointed to represent the city, three appointed to represent the school district and a seventh member. Meetings are scheduled for the third ursday of each month in the Multi-purpose room at the library. e next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 16.

To watch the trustee meetings, use the link https://meet.goto.com/481492221 online.

Fort Lupton replacing water meters

e City of Fort Lupton has hired Northern Colorado Contractors to replace the water meters in town.

Over time, meters age and require replacement to ensure accurate measurement and e ciency of water use. e majority of the meters in the City are reaching their useful life prompting this program. e replace-

and climate intersect. Topics that are expected to be discussed include Innovations in transit-oriented communities, rail development and funding and e orts to expand statewide transit.

e breakfast is scheduled from 7:45-9:45 a.m. Jan. 7 in the University Memorial Center on the CU campus. Tickets are $100 for Commuting Solutions group members, and $135 for non-members. For more information and to register, go to https://commutingsolutions.org/event/16th-legislativebreakfast/ on the group’s website.

Co ee with a cop

Fort Lupton Police set aside one morning each month to share a few cups of co ee with residents.

Local legislators to speak at Jan. 7 breakfast

Commuting Solutions will host a breakfast discussion with Metro North legislators and municipal o cials Jan. 7 in the Glenn Miller Ballroom on the University of ColoradoBoulder Campus.

Commuting Solutions is a non-pro t community group based in Louisville that focuses on transportation alternatives, like rail, bicycling and ride-sharing. It’s made up of businesses and government o cials from the northern Metro Denver area. is will be the 16th legislative breakfast the group has hosted.

e 2025 edition of the breakfast will discuss the areas where transportation issues

Co ee with a Cop is a chance for police to meet with community members and discuss many topics including parking regulations on the 1st Wednesday of each month at Hard Bean Co ee 107 Dales Place. e next scheduled event runs from 8-9:30 a.m. Jan. 8 at Dales Co ee.

Co ee with a Cop is an easy way to get to know the men and women who serve our community and let them know about the issues that matter most to you. Remember that you can always reach our police department through our non-emergency number 720-652-4222.

Acts of Connection seeks to lessen loneliness

Weld County and North Range Behavioral Health are working to target social isolation and build personal connections throughout the county with the Acts of Connection Initiative.

According to the group, four of ve adults younger than 24 and seniors older than 66 all reported feeling lonely at some point. e campaign encourages everyone to nd ways to connect with others, build relationships, and promote a stronger sense of well-being and a culture of connection for all.

e group has sponsored a website at https://actsofconnectionweld.org/ to survey members of each group, o er some tips to help and take pledges to connect to the community and connect with other members of the community.

Visit the e ort’s website at https://actsofconnectionweld.org/ for more information.

Blessings in a Bag

Fort Lupton’s Backpack Program helps schoolchildren in need with a backpack of healthy food. It’s an all-volunteer program and is in need of volunteers. If interested in volunteering or donating, call 303-718-4440.

Wreaths are laid at the Veterans Memorial at Elmwood Cemetery to honor those who served in all military branches.

PHOTO BY BELEN WARD

Thu 12/26

LIS Winter Holiday Goalkeeper Clinic

2024/25

@ 12am

Dec 26th - Jan 1st

Longmont Indoor Soccer, 795 South Sherman Street #8, Longont. 303-440-0809

Tony Medina Music: Thursday Nights at The Bluegrass-Old Town Arvada

@ 6pm

The Bluegrass Coffee & Bourbon Lounge, 7415 grandview ave, Arvada

Tony Crank

@ 6pm

Bootstrap Brewing, 142 Pratt St, Longmont

Joe Sib

@ 7:30pm

Comedy Works Downtown, 1226 15th St, Den‐

ver

Fri 12/27

Colorado Ballet w/ The Nutcracker @ 1pm

Monthly Bird Walks - December

@ 9am / Free

Barr Lake State Park, 13401 Picadilly Rd, Brighton. 303-659-4348 ext. 53

Denver Nuggets vs. Detroit Pistons @ 7pm / $65-$4260 Ball Arena, Denver

Bounce Empire: Hullabalo0 At Bounce Ft TreeGaud, Dal�n & Friends @ 7pm Bounce Empire, 1380 S Public Rd, Lafayette

Wiji Moma, Stephen Lear Band, Splintered Autumn "Live on the Lanes"

@ 8:30pm 100 �ickel, 100 �ickel St, Broom�eld

Sun 12/29

Dinner out – Buca di Beppo (12/30)

@ 4pm

Eagle Pointe Recreation Center, 6060 E. Park‐way Dr., Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Decadence 12/30

@ 6:30pm

Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, Denver

Tue 12/31

Noon Years Eve Celebration

@ 10:30am

Anythink Brighton, 327 East Bridge Street, Brighton. rbowman@anythinkli braries.org, 303-405-3230

Noon Year's Eve @ 11am

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Denver Nuggets vs. Atlanta Hawks @ 7pm / $40-$2615 Ball Arena, Denver

Thu 1/02

Colorado Avalanche vs. Winnipeg Jets @ 6pm / $75-$999 Ball Arena, Denver

New Years Eve Bash @ 6pm / $30.05 Grizzly Rose, Denver

Denver New Years Eve Bar Crawl @ 6pm / $24.01-$35.78

The Passport, 1437 Market Street, Denver. info @pubcrawls.com

Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Denver

Keith Hicks @ 6pm Mangiami, Arvada

Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

@ 7pm / $76-$4260

Ball Arena, Denver

2024 Wrapped Party

@ 9pm

Bluebird Theater, 3317 E. Colfax Ave, Denver

Sat 12/28

Singing bowls Dec

@ 3pm

Fort Lupton Recreation & Parks Depart‐ment, 203 S Harrison, Fort Lupton. 303-8574200

Colorado Mammoth vs. Georgia Swarm @ 2pm / $31-$999 Ball Arena, Denver

Jason Lee Band @ 5pm Globe Hall, 4483 Logan St, Denver

Sol y Luna @ 6:30pm

Studio Loft at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, 980 14th Street, Denver

Mon 12/30

Westminster Noon Years Eve Party @ 11am

A Night in Vienna w/ Colorado Symphony Orchestra @ 6:30pm Boettcher Hall, Denver

Denver New Years Eve - Gatsby’s White

Rose Gala 2024 - 2025 @ 8pm / $109.58-$161.28

Ritz-Carlton Denver, Curtis Street, Denver, CO, USA, 1891 Curtis Street, Denver. kevin@kevinlar sonpresents.com, 720-507-1376

Wed 1/01

New Year's Day 5K or 1M Virtual RunThornton @ 9am / $27-$27

Jan 1st - Jan 2nd Thornton area, Thornton

Irving Street Library, 7392 Irving Street, Westminster. wpl-intouch@westmin sterco.gov, 303-658-2306

Hair of the Jog - Shoes & Brews New Year's Day 6k Run and Cheers @ 11am / $15-$30

63 S. Pratt Parkway, Unit B, Longmont

Birds of Winter Camp @ 9am / Free Jan 2nd - Jan 3rd Bird Conservancy's Environmental Learning Center, 14500 Lark Bunting Lane, Brighton. 303-659-4348 ext. 53

School Breaks: Winter Break @ 9am Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Plains Conservation Center @ 11am Offsite, 6060 E Parkway Drive, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Colorado Avalanche vs. Buffalo Sabres @ 7pm / $46-$999 Ball Arena, Denver

CARA Girls Gymnastics Team Optional Level (Tue/Thu) @ 7pm Jan 2nd - Jan 30th

Bison Ridge Recreation Center, 13905 E. 112th Avenue, Commerce City. 303-289-3760

Buffalo Sabres at Colorado Avalanche @ 7pm Ball Arena, 1000 Chopper Circle, Denver

Calendar

MARKETPLACE

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Metro Districts Budgets

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has adopted the annual budget in accordance with the

EXHIBIT A

CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, 2025, AND ENDING ON THE LAST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Ground Water Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District has appointed Randy Ray, Executive Director, to prepare and submit a proposed budget to said governing body at the proper time, and;

WHEREAS, Randy Ray, Executive Director, has submitted a proposed budget to this governing body on November 19, 2024 for its consideration, and;

WHEREAS, upon due and proper notice, published or posted in accordance with the law, said proposed budget was open for inspection by the public at a designated place, a public hearing was held on November 19, 2024 and interested taxpayers were given the opportunity to file or register any objections to said proposed budget, and;

WHEREAS, whatever increases may have been made in the expenditures, like increases were added to the revenues or planned to be expended from reserves/fund balances so that the budget remains in balance, as required by law.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO:

NOW,

MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO:

Section 1. That the following sums are hereby appropriated from the revenues of each fund, to each fund, for the purposes stated:

HELP DEFRAY THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR THE 2025 BUDGET YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Ground Water Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District has adopted the annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Law, on November 19, 2024 and;

WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the General Fund purposes from property tax revenue is $2,302,208, and;

WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the Enterprise Fund purposes from property tax revenue is $252,962, and;

WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the Debt Service Fund purposes from property tax revenue is $4,395,445, and;

WHEREAS, the 2024, valuation for assessment for the Ground Water Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District as certified by the County Assessors is $4,612,219,389. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GROUND WATER MANGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO:

Section 1. That for the purpose of meeting all General Fund expenses of the Ground Water Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District during the 2025

Section 1. That estimated expenditures for each fund are as follows:

Section 2. That estimated revenues for each fund are as follows:

ADOPTED, THIS 19th day of November, 2024

Attest:

Executive Director

President

RESOLUTION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION (Pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFRAY EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS BUDGETED FOR THE GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR 2024.

WHEREAS, The Ground Water Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District will incur expenses for certain activities during the 2024 fiscal year which were not anticipated, and;

WHEREAS, these contingencies could not have been reasonably, foreseen at the time of the adoption of the budget, and;

WHEREAS, to finance these contingencies the money is available in the form of unrestricted fund balances in the Debt Service Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT SUBDISTRICT

Section

Section 3. That the budget as submitted, amended, and summarized by fund, hereby is approved and adopted as the budget of the Ground Water Management Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District for the year stated above.

Section 4. That the budget hereby approved and adopted shall be signed by the President and Executive Director of the Subdistrict, and made a part of the public records of the Subdistrict.

ADOPTED, THIS 19th day of November, 2024

Attest: Executive Director President

RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE SUMS OF

summary of the proposed budget is attached as Exhibit A.

Dated the 19th day of November, 2024

By Randy Ray - Executive Director RESOLUTION TO SET MILL LEVIES (Pursuant to 39-5-128, C.R.S. and 39-1-111, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION LEVYING GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2024, TO HELP DEFRAY THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR THE 2025 BUDGET YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District has adopted the annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Law, on November 19, 2024 and;

WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for voter approved debt purposes from property tax revenue is $4,459,789, and;

WHEREAS, the 2024, valuation for assessment for the Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District as certified by the County Assessors is $495,421,987. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO:

Section 1. That for the purpose of meeting all payments for Debt approved by the voters of the Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District during the 2025 budget year, there is hereby levied a tax of 9.000 mills for contractual obligations and 0.002 mills for refund and abatement upon each dollar of the total valuation for assessment of all taxable property within the Subdistrict for the year 2024.

Section 2. That the Executive Director is hereby authorized and directed to immediately certify to the County Commissioners of Adams, Morgan and Weld Counties, Colorado the mill levies for the Well Aug-

NOTICE OF ADOPTED BUDGET (Pursuant to 29-1-106, C.R.S.)

NOTICE is hereby given that the budget for 2025 has been adopted by the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District Board of Directors on November 19, 2024. The adopted budget is on file in the office for public inspection.

A brief summary of the proposed budget is attached as Exhibit A.

Dated the 19th day of November, 2024

By Randy Ray - Executive Director

RESOLUTION TO SET MILL LEVIES (Pursuant to 39-5-128, C.R.S. and 39-1-111, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION LEVYING GENERAL PROPERTY TAXES FOR THE YEAR 2024, TO HELP DEFRAY THE COSTS OF GOVERNMENT FOR THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO FOR THE 2025 BUDGET YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District has adopted the annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Law, on November 19, 2024 and; WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the General Fund purposes from property tax revenue is $3,230,563, and;

WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the Enterprise Fund purposes from property tax revenue is $44,501, and;

WHEREAS, the amount of money necessary to balance the budget for the Debt Service Fund purposes from property tax revenue is $3,887,817, and;

WHEREAS, the 2024, valuation for assessment for the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District as certified by the County Assessor is $7,043,147,954. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CENTRAL COLO-

mentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District as hereinabove determined and set.

ADOPTED, THIS 19th day of November, 2024

A

Attest: Executive Director President RESOLUTION TO ADOPT BUDGET (Pursuant to 29-1-108, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION SUMMARIZING EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES FOR EACH FUND, AND ADOPT-

ING A BUDGET FOR THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, 2025, AND ENDING ON THE LAST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District has appointed Randy Ray, Executive Director, to prepare and submit a proposed budget to said governing body at the proper time, and;

WHEREAS, Randy Ray, Executive Director, has submitted a proposed budget to this governing body on November 19, 2024 for its consideration, and;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO:

Section 1. That estimated expenditures for each fund are as follows:

Section 2. That estimated revenues for each fund are as follows:

Section 3. That the budget as submitted, amended, and summarized by fund, hereby is approved and

Public Notice

Attest:

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT BUDGET (Pursuant to 29-1-108, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION SUMMARIZING EXPENDITURES AND REVENUES FOR EACH FUND, AND ADOPTING A BUDGET FOR THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR BEGINNING ON THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, 2025, AND ENDING ON THE LAST DAY OF DECEMBER, 2025.

WHEREAS, The Board of Directors of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District has appointed Randy Ray, Executive Director, to prepare and submit a proposed budget to said governing body at the proper time, and;

WHEREAS, Randy Ray, Executive Director, has submitted a proposed budget to this governing body on November 19, 2024 for its consideration, and;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT:

Section 1. That estimated expenditures for each fund are as follows:

Section 2. That estimated revenues for each fund are as follows:

RESOLUTION TO ADOPT BUDGET

Page 2

Section 3. That the budget as submitted, amended, and summarized by fund hereby is approved and adopted as the budget of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District for the year stated above.

Section 4. That the budget hereby approved and adopted shall be signed by the President and Executive Director, and made a part of the public records of the District.

ADOPTED, THIS 19th day of November, 2024

Attest:

Executive Director President

RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE SUMS OF MONEY (Pursuant to Section 29-1-108, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING SUMS OF MONEY TO THE VARIOUS FUNDS AND SPENDING AGENCIES,

adopted as the budget of the Well Augmentation Subdistrict of the Central Colorado Water Conservancy District for the year stated above.

Section 4. That the budget hereby approved and adopted shall be signed by the President and Executive Director of the Subdistrict, and made a part of the public records of the Subdistrict.

ADOPTED, THIS 19th day of November, 2024

Attest:

Executive

Director

President

RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE SUMS OF MONEY (Pursuant to Section 29-1-108, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING SUMS OF MONEY TO THE VARIOUS FUNDS AND SPENDING AGENCIES, IN THE AMOUNTS AND FOR THE PURPOSES AS SET FORTH BELOW, FOR THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO, FOR THE 2025 BUDGET YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has adopted the annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Law, on November 19, 2024, and;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has made provision therein for revenues in an amount equal to or greater than the total proposed expenditures as set forth in said budget, and;

WHEREAS, it is not only required by law, but also necessary to appropriate the revenues and reserves or fund balances provided in the budget to and for the purposes described below, thereby establishing a limitation on expenditures for the operations of the Subdistrict.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WELL AUGMENTATION SUBDISTRICT OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT,

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has adopted the annual budget in accordance with the Local Government Budget Law, on November 19, 2024, and;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has made provision therein for revenues in an amount equal to or greater than the total proposed expenditures as set forth in said budget, and; WHEREAS, it is not only required by law, but also necessary to appropriate the revenues and reserves or fund balances provided in the budget to and for the purposes described below, thereby establishing a limitation on expenditures for the operations of the District. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO:

Section 1. That the following sums are hereby appropriated from the revenues of each fund, to each fund, for the purposes stated:

ADOPTED, THIS 19th day of November, 2024

Attest: Executive Director President

RESOLUTION FOR SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND APPROPRIATION (Pursuant to Section 29-1-109, C.R.S.)

A RESOLUTION APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL SUMS OF MONEY TO DEFRAY EXPENSES IN EXCESS OF AMOUNTS BUDGETED FOR THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT, COLORADO FOR 2024.

WHEREAS, The Central Colorado Water Conservancy District will incur expenses for certain activities during the 2024 fiscal year which were not anticipated, and;

WHEREAS, these contingencies could not have been reasonably, foreseen at the time of the adoption of the budget, and;

WHEREAS, to finance these contingencies the money is available n the form of unrestricted fund balances for the Debt Service Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CENTRAL COLORADO WATER CONSERVANCY DISTRICT:

Section 1. That the 2024 appropriations are increased to the following amounts for each fund:

Section 2. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its passage.

ADOPTED,

PUBLIC NOTICES

0157104100004, 0157110400006, 0157104100005, 0157104000020, 0157103000014, 0157103300009, 0157103300003, 0157102100004, 0157102101002, 0157102101003, 0157102101015, 0157102101014, 0157102100003, 0157102101012, 0157102200007, 0157102100005, 0157102101011, 0157110211010, 0157102101009, 0157102101016, 0157102101008, 0157102101007, 0157102101006.

Case Manager: Greg Barnes Applicant: Seltzer Farms, Inc., 16705 Yosemite Street, Brighton, CO Property Owners: Todd Creek Farms

Notice District Court, County of Adams, State of Colorado Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601

CONSOLIDATED NOTICE OF PUBLICATION – DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

Notice is hereby given that in the following proceedings filed in the Court under the Uniform Dissolution of Marriage Act, the Court has found that due diligence has been used to obtain personal service of process within the State of Colorado or that efforts to obtain the same would have been to no avail.

Pursuant to C.R.S. 14-10-107(4)(a), one publication of the following shall be published once during the month of December, 2024. A copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the Combined Court. Default judgment may be entered against you if you fail to appear or file a response within 35 days of this publication.

Case Number Names of Parties

2024DR1411 JOSE DE JESUS GALLARDO PALACIOS VS DESTANIE CHAVEZ

2024DR1460 CYNTHIA CAHVEZ VS MIGUEL ORDONEZ RAMIREZ

2024DR30731 JUAN OLVERA ALMARAZ VS LILIANA SALAZAR ARCILA

2024DR1482 MAURO GALLEGOS PENA VS TASHEENA CASTAWAY

2024DR1540 JANELL SAMPSON VS HIRAM SAMPSON JR ALANA PERCY Clerk of the Combined Court

Date: December 17, 2024

By: Andrea Rivera Deputy Clerk

Legal Notice No. BSB3544

First Publication: December 26, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade City of Brighton

Public Notice

RESOLUTION NO. 2024-93

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO FINDING SUBSTANTIAL COMPLIANCE OF AN ANNEXATION PETITION, AND SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING FOR JANUARY 21, 2025, TO DETERMINE IF THE APPROXIMATELY 2.859 ACRE PARCEL, TO BE KNOWN AS THE PETERS PROPERTY ANNEXATION, COMPLIES WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCH ANNEXATION.

WHEREAS, pursuant to the laws of the State of Colorado, a Petition for Annexation to the City of Brighton (the “Petition”), was presented to the City of Brighton; and

WHEREAS, the Petition requests the annexation of approximately 2.859 acres of contiguous unincorporated territory, situated, lying, and being in the County of Adams, State of Colorado, as more particularly described in EXHIBIT A, attached and shown in EXHIBIT B, attached, hereto (the “Property”), into the City of Brighton; and

WHEREAS, William E. Peters (the “Applicant”), submitted the Petition, attached hereto as EXHIBIT C; and

WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, has reviewed the Petition and has determined that the Petition is in substantial compliance with the applicable laws of the State of Colorado and with the City of Brighton’s requirements for a Petition; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to adopt, by resolution, its findings in regard to such Petition and to set a public hearing in regard to such petition.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado, as follows:

Section 1. The City Council hereby finds that the Petition, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference as EXHIBIT C, substantially complies with the applicable requirements of C.R.S. § 31-12-107.

Section 2. The City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado will hold a public hearing for the purpose of determining if the proposed annexation complies with Colorado Revised Statutes, Sections 31-12-104 and 31-12-105, as amended, at the following time, date, and place:

Tuesday, January 21, 2025, 6:00 p.m. City Council Chambers 500 South 4th Avenue Brighton, Colorado 80601

Any person may appear at such hearing and present evidence relative to the proposed annexation.

Section 3. Upon completion of the hearing, the City Council of the City of Brighton, Colorado shall set forth, by resolution, its findings

of fact and its conclusion based thereon with reference to the eligibility of the proposed annexation, whether the statutory requirements of the proposed annexation have been met, and whether an election for the annexation is required.

Section 4. This Resolution is effective as of the date of its adoption.

RESOLVED this 3rd day of December 2024.

CITY OF BRIGHTON, COLORADO

By: /s./Gregory Mills, Mayor

ATTEST: By: /s./Natalie Hoel, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM: By: /s./Yasmina Gibbons, Deputy City Attorney

EXHIBIT A Legal Description

Approximately 2.859 acres of property located in the Southwest Quarter of Section 10, Township 1 South, Range 66 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

[A full legal description may be obtained in the Community Development Office during normal business hours.]

EXHIBIT B Annexation Map

[Annexation Map may be obtained in the Community Development Office during normal business hours.]

EXHIBIT C Annexation Petition

[Annexation Petition may be obtained in the Community Development Office during normal business hours.]

Legal Notice No. BSB3529

First Publication: December 19, 2024

Last Publication: January 9, 2025

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Public Notice

NOTICE OF VESTED PROPERTY RIGHT

CITY OF BRIGHTON

BRIGHTON RECREATION CENTER

ADMINISTRATIVE PLAT

Notice is hereby given that the City of Brighton has approved the Administrative Plat known as Brighton Recreation Center, generally located to the north of Longs Peak Street, south of East Baseline Road, west of North 19th Avenue, and east of North Main Street. The approval is for an approximately 31.53-acre property to create two lots for the expansion of the Brighton Recreation Center. The property is located in a part of the northwest quarter of Section 5, and the northeast quarter of Section 6, Township 1 South, Range 66 West, of the Sixth Principal Meridian, City of Brighton, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

The approval of this application December 13, 2024, completes the City’s acceptance of the dedication of land for public purposes indicated in the approved subdivision plan, and creates a vested property right.

Further information may be obtained from the City of Brighton Planning Division by calling (303) 655-2072.

Legal Notice No. BSB3550

First Publication: December 26, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

NOTICE OF VESTED PROPERTY RIGHT CITY OF BRIGHTON

BRIGHTON CROSSING FILING NO. 2 8TH AMENDMENT FINAL PLAT

Notice is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Brighton has approved the Final Plat known as Brighton Crossing Filing No. 2 8th Amendment, generally located to the south of Longs Peak Street, north of E. Bridge Street, east of the Brighton Crossing Filing No. 1 Subdivision and west of the Speer Canal. The approval is for an approximately 33.248 acres of property to create a residential neighborhood. The property is located in the southeast quarter of Section 2, Township 1 South, Range 66 West of the Sixth Principal Meridian, City of Brighton, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

The approval of this application on December 17, 2024, creates a vested property right.

Further information may be obtained from the City of Brighton Planning Division by calling (303) 655-2072.

Legal Notice No. BSB3551

First Publication: December 26, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Bids and Settlements

Public Notice

NOTICE OF FINAL PAYMENT

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Rocky Mountain Rail Park Metropolitan District of Adams County, Colorado, will make final payment at the offices of the District’s Accountant, CliftonLarsonAllen

CO 80112, in connection with payment for services rendered, materials furnished, and

for all labor performed pursuant to Task Order #5-Engineering, Pre-Construction Services, and Grading & Erosion Control (Northern Parcel – 470 Acres) dated August 3, 2022 and Change Order #009 TO#5 Final Contract Reconciliation dated 10/24/2024, entered into between JHL Constructors, Inc. and Rail Land Company LLC, for the Rocky Mountain Rail Park Project, all being within or adjacent to the boundaries of the District and in Adams County, Colorado.

Any person, co-partnership, association of persons, company or corporation that has furnished labor, materials, provisions, or other supplies used or consumed by such contractor or his subcontractor in or about the performance of the work contracted to be done or that supplied rental machinery, tools, or equipment to the extent used in the prosecution of the work whose claim therefore has not been paid by the contractor or the subcontractor, may file a verified statement of the amount due and unpaid on account of such claim. Said verified statement must be filed with the Rocky Mountain Rail Park Metropolitan District c/o Carrie Bartow, District Accountant, at the above address and at or before the time and date hereinabove shown. Failure on the part of any claimant to file such verified statement of claim prior to such final settlement will release said Rocky Mountain Rail Park Metropolitan District, its Board of Directors, officers, agents and employees, of and from any and all liability for such claim.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIREC-

TORS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN RAIL PARK METROPOLITAN DISTRICT

By: /s/ Nicole Peykov

Legal Counsel to the District

Legal Notice No. BSB3532

First Publication: December 19, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024

You may have an interest in the real property being affected or have certain rights or suffer certain liabilities or loss of your interest in the subject property as a result of said foreclosure. You may have the right to redeem the real property, or you may have the right to cure a default under the instrument being foreclosed. Any Notice of Intent to Cure must be filed no later than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date of the foreclosure sale.

A notice of intent to cure filed pursuant to section 38-38-104 shall be filed with the officer at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the first scheduled sale date or any date to which the sale is continued.

If the sale date is continued to a later date, the deadline to file a notice of intent to cure by those parties entitled to cure may also be extended.

A notice of intent to redeem filed pursuant to section 38-38-302 shall be filed with the officer no later than eight (8) business days after the sale.

In this regard, you may desire and are advised to consult with your own private attorney. IF THE BORROWER BELIEVES THAT A LENDER OR SERVICER HAS VIOLATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT IN SECTION 38-38103.1 OR THE PROHIBITION ON DUAL TRACKING IN SECTION 38-38-103.2, THE BORROWER MAY FILE A COMPLAINT WITH THE COLORADO ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE FEDERAL CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BURAU (CFBP), OR BOTH. THE FILING OF A COMPLAINT WILL NOT STOP THE FORECLOSUE PROCESS.

Colorado Attorney General 1300 Broadway, 10th Floor Denver, Colorado 80203 (800) 222-4444 www.coloradoattorneygeneral.gov

Federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau P.O. Box 4503 Iowa City, Iowa 52244 (855) 411-2372 www.consumerfinance.gov

Further, you are advised that the parties liable thereon, the owner of the property described above, or those with an interest in the subject property, may take appropriate and timely action under Colorado statutes, certain sections of which are attached hereto.

INITIAL COMBINED NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND RIGHT TO CURE AND REDEEM

Plaintiff, Riverdale Farm Homeowners’ Association v. Defendants, FRANSISCO ANTONIO ESPINOZA CHAVERO et al

Regarding: Lot 5, Block 5, Riverdale Farm Residential 2nd Filing, County of Adams, State of Colorado.

Also known as: 8430 Madison Way, Thornton, CO 80229

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS,

Please take notice:

You and each of you are hereby notified that a Sheriff’s Sale of the referenced property is to be conducted by the Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Office of Adams County, Colorado at 9:00 A.M., on the 30th day of January 2025, at 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601: phone number 303-655-3272. At which sale, the above-described real property and improvements thereon will be sold to the highest bidder. Plaintiff makes no warranty relating to title, possession, or quiet enjoyment in and to said real property in connection with this sale.

**BIDDERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE CASH OR CERTIFIED FUNDS SUFFICIENT TO COVER THEIR HIGHEST BID AT TIME OF SALE. **

Further, for the purpose of paying off, curing default or redemption, as provided by statute, intent must be directed to or conducted at the above address of the Civil Division of the Sheriff’s Department of Adams County, Colorado.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY.

First Publication: December 5, 2024

Last Publication: January 2, 2025 Published In: Brighton Standard Blade NOTICE OF RIGHT TO CURE AND RIGHT TO REDEEM

RE: Sheriff’s Sale of Real Property pursuant to Order and Decree of Foreclosure and C.R.S. 38-38-101 et seq.

This is to advise you that a Sheriff sale proceeding has been commenced through the office of the undersigned Sheriff pursuant to a Court Order and Decree dated August 15, 2024, and C.R.S. 38-38-101 et seq., by Riverdale Farm Homeowners’ Association, the current holder of a lien recorded on July 31, 2023 at Rec. No. 2023000043594, in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Adams, State of Colorado. The judicial foreclosure is based on a default under the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of Riverdale Farms Subdivision, recorded on August 12, 2010 at Reception No. B592466 in the records of the Clerk and Recorder of the County of Adams, State of Colorado. The Declaration and notices, as recorded, establish a lien for the benefit of Riverdale Farm Homeowners’ Association, WHICH LIEN BEING FORECLOSED MAY NOT BE A FIRST LIEN ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY AND IMPROVEMENTS.

In order to be entitled to take advantage of any rights provided for under Colorado law, you must strictly comply and adhere to the provisions of the law. Further, you are advised that the attached Colorado statutes merely set forth the applicable portions of Colorado statutory law relating to curative and redemption rights; therefore, you should read and review all the applicable statutes and laws in order to determine the requisite procedures and provisions which control your rights in the subject property.

DATED in Colorado this 7th day of November 2024.

Sheriff of Adams County, Colorado By: Kathy Grosshans Deputy Sheriff

ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF: ORTEN CAVANAGH HOLMES & HUNT, LLC 1445 Market Street, Suite 350 Denver, CO 80202

Statutes attached: §§38-37-108, 38-38-103, 38-38-104, 38-38-301, 38-38-304, 38-38-305, and 38-38-306, C.R.S., as amended.

Legal Notice No. BSB3519

First Publication: December 5, 2024

Last Publication: January 2, 2025

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Dr., Brighton, CO 80601

Plaintiff: EASTLAKE ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., a Colorado non-profit corporation

Defendants: JACQUELYN KOSINSKI; COLORADO HOUSING & FINANCE AUTHORITY; DECKER & JONES, P.C.; CAPITAL ONE, N.A.; ALEX VILLAGRAN, AS PUBLIC TRUSTEE AND TREASURER FOR ADAMS COUNTY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION

Case Number: 2024CV030916

Attorneys for Plaintiff: WINZENBURG, LEFF, PURVIS & PAYNE, LLP Wendy E. Weigler #28419 Address: 350 Indiana Street, Suite 450 Golden, CO 80401 Phone Number: (303) 863-1870

SHERIFF’S COMBINED NOTICE OF SALE AND

THE SALE IS CONTINUED. IF THE SALE DATE IS CONTINUED TO A LATER DATE, THE DEADLINE TO FILE A NOTICE OF INTENT TO CURE BY THOSE PARTIES ENTITLED TO CURE MAY ALSO BE EXTENDED.

A NOTICE OF INTENT TO REDEEM FILED PURSUANT TO §38-38-302, C.R.S., SHALL BE FILED WITH THE OFFICER NO LATER THAN EIGHT (8) BUSINESS DAYS AFTER THE SALE, EXCEPT THAT, IF THE PERSON IS DEEMED AN ALTERNATE LIENOR PURSUANT TO §38-38-305.5, C.R.S. AND THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED IS A UNIT ASSOCIATION LIEN, THE ALTERNATE LIENOR HAS THIRTY (30) DAYS TO FILE THE NOTICE WITH THE OFFICER OF THE ALTERNATE LIENOR’S INTENT TO REDEEM.

IF THE BORROWER BELIEVES THAT A LENDER OR SERVICER HAS VIOLATED THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A SINGLE POINT OF

Big surgeries for a tiny baby

Amanda Sullivan and Roy Mendez of Platteville found their unborn daughter Emilia showed a mismatch in her small intestine at a 20-week ultrasound scan. ey knew then that she would need surgery to correct after she was born. Emilia, who is approaching her rst birthday and living with a congenital

STORIES PUBLIC NOTICES

condition called Jejunal Atresia. It’s a rare but serious condition and Emilia will have to endure several surgeries throughout her life.

Her rst surgery occurred just three days after Emilia was born. Dr. HillsDunlap said there was a signi cant size mismatch between the ends of the intestine that he needed to sew together.

“My job as a surgeon is to connect the two blind ends of the intestine back together, but sometimes the upstream blind pouch is much bigger than the downstream blind end; we call it a mis-

17th day of December, 2024.

Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court

Legal Notice No. BSB3546

First Publication: December 26, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Public Notice

DISTRICT COURT, ADAMS COUNTY, COLORADO

Court Address: 1100 Judicial Center Drive Brighton, CO 80601

Child: Mason Gutierrez

Respondents: Bailey Schneider, Margarito Gutierrez

Representative 203 Telluride Street, #400 Brighton, CO 80601

Legal Notice No. BSB3531

First Publication: December 19, 2024

Last Publication: January 2, 2025 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Estate of Theresa Patricia Mincic, a/k/a Theresa P. Mincic, a/k/a Theresa Mincic, Deceased Case Number: 2024 PR 30815

All persons having claims against the abovenamed estate are required to present them to the Personal Representative or to the District Court of Adams County, Colorado on or before April 12, 2025, or the claims may be forever barred.

Toni Lee Mincic Personal Representative 12289 Crabapple St. Broomfield, CO 80020

Legal Notice No. BSB3525

First Publication: December 12, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024 Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade

Special Respondents: Christina Bujaci, John Bujaci

Case Number: 23JV30235

Div: S ORDER OF ADVISEMENT

NOTICE TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENTS,: Bailey Schneider and Margarito Gutierrez

YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED that the Petitioner, has filed a Motion to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship which now exists between you and the above-named child;

YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that the Motion has been set for hearing in Division S of the District Court in and for the County of Adams, Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, Colorado, on the 7th day of January, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., at which time the Petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence that: 1) That the child was adjudicated dependent or neglected; 2) That an appropriate treatment plan has not reasonably been complied with by the parent or has not been successful; 3) That the parents are unfit; 4) That the conduct or condition of the parent or parents is unlikely to change within a reasonable time; no less drastic alternative to termination exists, and 6) That it is in the best interests of the child that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child and the respondents be terminated and severed.

Public Notice STATE OF COLORADO IN THE DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ADAMS Division D No. 24JV30181

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE INTEREST OF:

Cisco O’Connor, Kelly O’Connor, Royal Figueroa Children, and Concerning

Respondents: Christina Cornell, Michael Hudson, Richard Young (Deceased), Xavier Figueroa

S U M M O N S

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Michael Hudson

You are hereby notified that a verified petition has been filed in the above named Court in which it is represented to the Court that said child are alleged to be dependent and neglected; for the reasons set forth more fully in said petition, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference for greater certainty.

You are further notified that the parent-child legal relationship may be terminated by this action, if prayed for in the petition.

You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for hearing on the 13th day of January, 2025 at the hour of 9:10 a.m. You are hereby notified to be and appear, at said time, before this Court located at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.

Witness my hand and seal of said Court this

match,” Hills-Dunlap said. “You can think about it as though I’m connecting a 10-lane highway to a one-lane highway and hoping there won’t be too bad of a tra c jam. at’s exactly what Emilia has: a 10-to-1 size mismatch. at’s how much bigger her upstream intestine was than her downstream intestine.”

Emilia had another surgery in August 2024 because her intestine narrowed down, causing her to vomit. Doctors need to open it back up, but Hills-Dunlap said he hoped her body would continue accommodating this slight abnor-

STATE OF COLORADO IN THE DISTRICT COURT COUNTY OF ADAMS Division D1 No. 24JV30197

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF COLORADO IN THE INTEREST OF:

Raymond Contreras A Child, and Concerning

Amy Jazwick, Raymond Contreras, Cindy Jazwick

Respondents: S U M M O N S

To the parents, guardian, or other respondents named above, GREETINGS: Raymond Contreras

You are further notified that the parent-child legal relationship may be terminated by this action, if prayed for in the petition.

You are further notified that the Court has set said petition for hearing on the 22nd day of January, 2025 at the hour of 2:00 p.m. You are hereby notified to be and appear, at said time, before this Court located at the Adams County Justice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton, CO 80601.

Witness my hand and seal of said Court this 13th day of December, 2024.

Alana Percy Clerk of the District Court

Legal Notice No. BSB3538

OR 1) That the child has been abandoned by parent or parents in that the parent or parents have surrendered physical custody for a period of six months and during this period have not manifested to the child, the court or to the person having physical custody a firm intention to assume or obtain physical custody or to make permanent legal arrangements for the care of the child; and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child and the respondents be terminated and severed.

OR 1) That the child has been abandoned by parent or parents in that the identity of the parent of the child is unknown and has been unknown for three months or more and that reasonable efforts to identify and locate the parent in accordance with section 19-3-603 have failed; and 2) That it is in the best interests of the child that the parent-child legal relationship which exists between the child and the respondents be terminated and severed.

If a grandparent, aunt, uncle, brother, or sister of the child is requesting guardianship or legal custody of the child such request must be filed within twenty days of the filing of this motion.

YOU ARE FURTHER ADVISED that you have the right to have legal counsel represent you in all matters connected with the Motion to Terminate the Parent-Child Legal Relationship. If you cannot afford to pay the fees of legal counsel, you are advised that the Court will appoint legal counsel to represent you at no cost to you upon your request and upon your showing of an inability to pay.

If you have any questions concerning the foregoing advisement, you should immediately contact either your legal counsel or the Court.

Done and signed on: October 15, 2024

BY THE COURT: District Court Judge/Magistrate

Legal Notice No. BSB3537

First Publication: December 26, 2024

Last Publication: December 26, 2024

Publisher: Brighton Standard Blade Public Notice

2024

Lupton Press

CERTIFICATE OF ELECTION

This is to Certify that at the Municipal Election coordinated with Weld County on the 5th day of November 2024, the results of the votes cast, are as follows:

Ballot Issue 2B SALES AND USE TAX FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT

SHALL THE CITY OF FORT LUPTON TAXES BE INCREASED BY $2,867,386 ANNUALLY BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, BY WHATEVER AMOUNT IS GENERATED THEREAFTER BY A PUBLIC SAFETY SALES AND USE TAX IMPOSED AT THE RATE OF ONE HALF OF ONE PERCENT (0.5%), FOR THE EXCLUSIVE SUPPORT OF FORT LUPTON LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES (POLICE SERVICES), INCLUDING AMONG OTHER THINGS:

• ADDING PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE THE OPTIMAL

IMPROVING RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF

MAINTAINING AND UPGRADING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES, AND

• STRENGTHENING PROACTIVE POLICING EFFORTS TO ENHANCE PUBLIC SAFETY;

SHALL APPLICABLE PROVISIONS OF THE CITY CODE BE

mality over time.

“It’s gratifying to help patients and the most vulnerable. is is a small baby that can’t eat; she can’t survive it,” he said. “It’s extremely rewarding to help patients, to give Emilia the ability to eat and grow and be happy and healthy.

“Amanda knows we have a way to go with Emilia, but she will tackle every challenge, and we are thrilled with how well she is doing. She holds a special place in my heart,” he said.

– Belen Ward

TAX REVENUES AND ANY INTEREST THEREON BE COLLECTED AND SPENT AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REVENUE EXPENDITURE LIMIT CONTAINED WITHIN ARTICLE X, SECTION 20 OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

Yes/For 1631

No/Against 2470

Total Votes Cast 4101

Ballot Question 2C

Publication:

In order to save publication costs to the City, shall the City of Fort Lupton, Colorado, provide all required information on its website regarding proceedings relating to payment of bills and statements concerning all contracts awarded and rebates allowed, rather than publishing the information in the newspaper?

Yes/For 3073

No/Against 1004

Total Votes Cast 4077

Ballot Issue 2D

MARIJUANA EXCISE TAX SHALL THE CITY OF FORT LUPTON TAXES BE INCREASED BY ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($100,000) ANNUALLY IN THE FIRST FISCAL YEAR (2025), AND BY SUCH AMOUNTS AS ARE RAISED ANNUALLY THEREAFTER BY IMPOSING, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2025, A NEW EXCISE TAX OF 1.5% WHEN UNPROCESSED RETAIL MARIJUANA IS FIRST SOLD OR TRANSFERRED BY A LICENSED CULTIVATION FACILITY WITH THE TAX REVENUES BEING USED TO FUND GENERAL GOVERNMENT EXPENSES AS DETERMINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, WITH THE RATE OF THE TAX BEING ALLOWED TO BE INCREASED OR DECREASED WITHOUT FURTHER VOTER APPROVAL SO LONG AS THE RATE OF TAXATION DOES NOT EXCEED 4%, AND WITH THE RESULTING TAX REVENUE BEING ALLOWED TO BE COLLECTED AND SPENT AS A VOTER APPROVED REVENUE CHANGE WITHOUT REGARD TO ANY EXPENDITURE, REVENUE RAISING, OR OTHER LIMITATION CONTAINED IN ARTICLE X, § 20 (TABOR), OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION OR ANY OTHER LAW?

Yes/For 1713

No/Against 2367

Total Votes Cast 4080

Ballot Question 2E

Marijuana Facilities:

Shall the City of Fort Lupton adopt Ordinance 2024-1169 allowing for the operation of a limited number of licensed marijuana establishments including Cultivation Facilities, Products Manufacturing Facilities, Research and Development Facilities, Centralized Distribution Permits, and Off-Premises Storage Facility Permits within the specific zoning districts in the City of Fort Lupton?

Yes/For 2249

No/Against

COVID rates dropped for ﬁrst time since 2020

Hospitalizations skipped late-November spike

BY JOHN INGOLD THE COLORADO SUN

’Tis the season in Colorado to be hipdeep in people in the hospital with COVID-19 — except not this year.

In each of Colorado’s previous four years living with the virus, the state has seen COVID hospitalizations surge in the late summer and through the fall, with a peak just before anksgiving that gradually recedes.

It may not have been the peak for the entire year, but it was a clear spike that ebbed when, during a season of holiday travel and gatherings, you might think it would continue climbing. (And there’s only been one year — the year that the original omicron variant emerged — where it wasn’t the peak.)

e pattern is clear in this chart, versions of which e Sun has run before when writing (and writing) about a phenomenon one epidemiologist has called “fascinating and beguiling.”

But 2024 seems to have broken the trend — COVID hospitalizations are relatively low right now and there was at best only a teensy weensy peaklet just before anksgiving. And that may point to ways the virus’s place in our lives is changing and how the ways we track it must also change.

A summer ﬂing with the FLiRTs e most obvious reason for this de ated COVID season is that we already had

an infection peak recently.

It came during the summer and early fall, and was due to a new gang of variants known collectively as the FLiRTs for the pattern of their mutations. e immunity gained during that wave, plus Colorado’s continued better-than-the-national-average vaccine coverage, could be doing a lot to throw a blanket over what is normally a hot time for COVID transmission, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

“ at is probably playing a role here, as is the underlying immunity of the population. As is the timing of the emergence of new variants,” Herlihy said. “So I think all of that, together, contributes to why we see surges when we see surges.”

But, as Herlihy indicates, there may also be deeper changes taking place.

Are hospitalizations a has-been?

Epidemiologists are evolving in the data they look at to track COVID.

Experts long ago stopped paying close attention to reports of new COVID infections. At-home testing means that most people aren’t reporting when they get sick with COVID, so infection data has become less reliable. at trend also threw o test positivity — looking at the percentage of COVID tests that come back positive.

So hospitalizations became a more important metric for watching COVID infection trends. People may not report when they’re sick, but they’re more likely to go to the hospital when they need to.

But Herlihy said a larger number of people in the population with at least some prior COVID exposure or vaccina-

tion means that hospitalizations for COVID are now less likely. at can make hospitalization data less sensitive.

“It can be more di cult to see a clear trend with hospitalizations, especially when we are starting to see increases,” she said.

The proof is in the poop Herlihy said it’s become much more important to watch multiple data sources to gure out what’s happening with COVID.

Testing on wastewater is now an earlywarning system for COVID surges as well as those from other viruses. Data from emergency room visits has become more valuable, similar to how it is used to track u. e Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now produces simple updates based on measures of whether

a virus’s infections are increasing, decreasing or staying at. Its latest forecast shows COVID trends at in Colorado, something that state wastewater and emergency room data seem to con rm. e story is di erent for u, though. Both CDC and state data seem to indicate that a u surge is coming in Colorado.

“Once we start to see a gradual increase in u, it usually takes o a few weeks later,” Herlihy said. at’s a reminder that miserable viruses still abound this time of year, even if COVID may not be quite as abundant as it had been in previous years. Herlihy said vaccinations for u, COVID and RSV are all still available for those who haven’t received one. is story was printed through a news sharing agreement with e Colorado Sun, a journalist-owned nonpro t based in Denver that covers the state.

An EMT prepares to give a vaccination at an event in Lakewood.