The Lost Creek Guide January 06, 2021

Volume 14 • Edition 01

January 6, 2021

Delivering 6,000 copies to rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties

“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson

Sheree’s Seniors

See more pictures on Page 11 This year’s “adopt-a-senior” program was a HUGE success due to all our participant’s love and kindness. All the facilities were so grateful to have a gift to share with their residents. We were able to bless 7 different senior homes in the Brighton, Fort Lupton, and Keenesburg area. This year we also added a handmade ornament in each gift to make them extra special. Thank you to my young friends for all your creativity in making the ornaments. Thanks to my special friends who came to help get all the bags ready for delivery.

Thank you to the Church of Christ for their blanket donations. A lot of seniors will feel extra warm and cozy this year. A big thanks to Bob Grand for sharing my story with all of you!

Last but not least, THANK YOU to my wonderful husband, DC, who helped me deliver all 225 gifts this year. I could not do this act of love without you and your support.

This endeavor has been in my mind for many years and I was able to finally make it happen last year. Now it will be a yearly act of love from me and my many helpers.

I have always loved seniors!! They have so much wisdom and stories to share if we only take the time to listen. They make you laugh and cry but their spirits usually exude kindness and appreciation. Take the time when you can and HUG a senior!!

A big thank you goes out to all my donors this year. Your generosity overwhelms me.

Jaguar Land Rover Flatirons Kleve Enterprises Kinnear Insurance Keene Market Hardware Hanks Ries Electric Main Street Café Lost Creek Guide Country Liquors M&B’s Roggen Elevator Henrylyn Tim Car Clinic Main Street Insurance Hudson Locker Kate Erickson Jenny & Glen Smithgall Linda Jones Theresa Shindledecker Nancy Musselman Dawn Hester Andrea Grilli Nicole Hurtado Lori Birkmeyer Rena Oster Lisa Proksch Linda Jensen Betty Coan Jody Nighswonger Helen Sirios Janet Sauter Lacee Haffner Henry Nguyen Kathy Cochran

Carol Clark Roxanne Lang Dorothy Gurtler Jan Carlson Kathy Kovanda Denise Kilker Fred Hallda Sue Kitsman Martha Klausner George Klausner Bill Klausner Margaret Klausner Jill Krueger Dorothy Cordes Debbie Lewton Tara Dreiling Ken Geffelar Johanna Abbott Kylene Defrate Teri Redden Clara Smith Dawn Soloman Bob Zebroski Georgene Brnak Carol Bell Kayla Victor Shelly Nelson Scott Loechel Lori Wise Jamie Wealty Vivian Grilli Rene Fielder Valerie Horner J. Gadbois

CDPHE Provides Latest Information on COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

REMOTE, (Dec. 30, 2020): Today, the state of Colorado provided updates to its phased vaccine distribution plan. The state has been working to fine-tune a phased approach to vaccine distribution in order to save lives and end the crisis that has been brought on by the pandemic as quickly as possible. More than 91,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine have already been administered to frontline health care workers since the first shipments of vaccine arrived in Colorado in mid-December.

Updates to the vaccine distribution plan include an expansion of phase 1B and changes to the age ranges under phases 2 and 3. Moderate risk health care workers and first responders are still covered under phase 1B, which has been expanded to include frontline essential workers and continuity of state government. Phase 1B also now covers Coloradans age 70 and older, who represent 78% of all COVID-19 deaths in the state. Many people in phase 1B will have the opportunity to begin getting vaccinated in the next few days as federal supplies allow and as phase 1A is completed. We expect that we will get through the majority of phase 1A health care workers by January 15 and as we get closer to that date will be able to provide more information for Coloradans on next steps. In the meantime, we encourage Coloradans to visit the COVID-19 vaccine frequently asked questions.

The state is currently coordinating with local public health agencies, health care providers, pharmacies, and diverse community partners to distribute the vaccine as equitably and efficiently as possible to people in phase 1A and 1B. Some phase 1 recipients will receive the vaccine through their employer, local public health agency, enrolled COVID vaccine provider, or through the federal government’s Pharmacy Partnership for Long-term Care (LTC) program.

For individuals not receiving a vaccine through one of these options, the state is actively working with local public health agencies to determine which additional providers will vaccinate members of the 1A and 1B groups. Several counties are planning to hold mass vaccination clinics for members of their communities. In the coming days and as more information becomes finalized, we will publish additional locations for vaccine distribution on the state’s website. For more information on vaccine distribution locations, Coloradans may call COHELP at 303-389-1687 or 877-462-2911, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. or visit our Vaccine for Coloradans website.

The state is continually onboarding providers and coordinating with local public health agencies to determine additional points of distribution.

View the updated vaccine distribution phases in the graphic below. Visit the Vaccine for Coloradans page for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE:

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: US Senators Push to Support Uyghers Page 4: Trump’s Florida Victory Has Lessons Page 6: What We Know About New Coronavirus Page 7: A Familiar Face in Colorado Politics Page 8: Recent Models Indicate Infections Decreasing Page 11: The Looming Threat of Socialist America Page 16: About CSU Extension

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Lost Creek Guide

– Way of the World –

by Bob Grand 2021 has arrived. I hope all had a safe and Happy New Year. As we wait for vaccines to be available, there is some optimism about. There are those who have decided not to take it. That is their choice. Just remember to respect others and, their space, as they are doing what they think is right. It has been a tough year, many have suffered severe economic impact, in one way or another. Others have been deprived of seeing their loved one, especially hard hit has been our senior members of the population who have been robbed of almost a year out of seeing and hugging their children and grandchildren. That time is gone, not be regained, it is lost forever. More troubling is the ongoing anxiety and mental health issues that are out there.

The economic impacts are not done. Few have stopped to ask how the stock market can maintain its level of performance. The significant negative impact on profits cannot support the market be as strong as it is on the surface. It cannot sustain it. Companies have borrowed money to buy stocks back. This reduces the number of shares outstanding and causes earnings per share to be bolstered because there is less stock out their circulating.

But how long can that last? For those companies that borrowed money, no matter how low the interest rate is, how do they pay it back, if profits are significantly reduced? Mortgage forbearance is another issue that has helped many but when does that bill become due?

The 2020 election is drawing to a close, painfully. The Democrats hold 222 seats in the House of Representatives with the Republicans having 211. Certainly not a mandate.

2022 looks like it will hold a very unpleasant surprise for the Democrats. The Republicans are fighting hard for their President. Democrats did that for four years after the Donald Trump was declared the winner over Hillary Clinton. Listening to some Democrats that sounds like the worst thing in the world. Something about turnabout is fair play.

The bigger question we should all be asking is how comfortable are we that the election was not tampered with in some manner? Attorney General Barr indicated that there was no evidence of massive voter fraud that would alter the election result. He did not say there was no fraud. 90% of the voting in America is managed through three companies, Election System & Software, Dominion Voting Systems, and Hart InterCivics. These companies have private equity firms as their major stockholders. One has to ask, in today’s world of cyber hacking, has there been a good forensic audit of these firms to test and verify that their security is above and beyond reproach? We, all know that the world is not all fair and friendly. How comfortable are we that these companies have, in fact, been set up and operated to run to prevent any intrusion in their systems? It is not a question of whether you are a Republican or Democrat. We are citizens, and someone should be able to answer that question to us with certainty.

On October 4th, 2020, the Great Barrington Declaration was issued. Ever hear of it?

Few of us have. It was issued in Great Barrington , Massachusetts, yes there is a town there. It was a document that basically said that there was a far greater danger to the public in locking down society than the actual threat of COVID-19 19. It has been signed by over 13,000 public health professionals and over 39,000 medical practitioners. I think that was an important statement and should have qualified as an important news story.

But who am I, but a humble mortal? It is a good example of where the media had elected to not carry a story that does not support the party line, and, God forbid, support the President, prior to the election. I am tired of the experts, with all their degrees and pontifications, and not a lick of common sense, telling us what is good for us. Most of these people have jobs that have not and probably will not be affected by the economic impact of COVID 19. They get their pay, get to work at home, get their annual increases, get their retirements, without any accountability of what value they contribute to the United States of America and its citizens. Somebody should ask about that.

On the night John Hickenlooper was elected he declared victory and said that Washington was broken. I have little expectation he will do anything to fix it, but we will attempt to report that activities of both our United States Senators from Colorado. If over the next few years, they can accomplish half of what Cory Gardener did it will be a pleas-

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January 6, 2021

ant surprise. Both our senators will be good and faithful servants to the minority leader in the United States Senate, Chuck Schumer, from the State of New York. On a local level the elected Commissioner for Weld County District 3, Lori Saine, gave an interview to the Greeley Tribune saying, among other things, that her strength was in assessing operations. I must have missed that experience in her bios. But Ms. Saine must try and establish herself as the replacement for Commissioner Kirkmeyer. A task I am not sure she can accomplish. I guess I would just like to see her start with being a representative of the citizens of District 3 in Weld County and not the Republican Party base in the greater Greeley area. As with our two United States we will attempt to cover the activities and hopefully accomplishments of Ms. Saine as the Weld County Commissioner representing District 3.

If Joe Biden is declared our President, I wish him well. He will be facing some tough times. I am not optimistic of what he has recruited as his senior staff as it looks like Obama 2.0. I am proud of being an American, we all should be.

We always welcome your comments and thoughts: publisher@lostcreekguide.com Have a safe, happy, and healthy New Year.

Town of Hudson Receives State Broadband Grant

Guy Patterson, Hudson Town Manager On December 29, 2020, the Town of Hudson was informed it has received a matching grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs in the amount of $731,170 to build a broadband “backbone” in Town. “This is great news” exclaimed Hudson Mayor Laura Hargis. “This is a big step in a project that is entering it’s fifth year. We firmly believe this will help move Hudson successfully into the future as a small, comfortable community people want to move to grow their family.”

The grant is a dollar-for-dollar match for the project. The Town of Hudson has budgeted the same amount for FY-2021. The next steps for the Town are to secure a partner to design and build the system, then find someone to run it. “We’ve been in conversations with a few companies that want to perform various parts of the work” said Guy Patterson, Hudson’s Town Manager. “We have narrowed our choices of who to partner with and will be bringing that information to Council early in 2021.” Patterson believes the project should be completed late summer or early fall, 2021.

“Lot’s of people want broadband for playing games and watching Netflix” Mayor Hargis said. “Those are important reasons, but we believe this will also help people in Hudson work from home or educate their children on-line. It may even lead to getting an emergency health clinic into town or other professionals who need the ability to quickly move lots of data online. We want to thank everyone at the State and everyone in Town who has committed time and effort to this project.”

The Town of Hudson holds a current population of approximately 1,600 residents and growing. Located off SH 52 and I-76, it is one of several communities that has attracted attention from developers for its proximity to the Denver metro area. There are numerous residential projects in various states of development, a new $100,000,000 BNSF Logistics Center being built, as well as other land within Town limits and in areas that may be annexed in the future.

A copy of the award letter and a preliminary report issued by the Town regarding broadband are attached for reference.

Town of Hudson Broadband Middle-Mile

The Honorable Laura Hargis, Mayor Town of Hudson P.O. Box 351 Hudson, CO 80642 RE: EIAF B001 – Town of Hudson Broadband Middle-Mile Dear Mayor Hargis: The Department of Local Affairs is in receipt of your application for state Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance funds. These revenues are derived from oil, gas, carbon dioxide, coal, and metals extracted in Colorado.

Your project was reviewed based on a variety of factors such as its connection to energy impact, degree of need, measurable outcomes, amount of request, relationship to community goals, level of local match and community support, management capacity, and readiness to go. Competition for these limited funds was intense and we had many more requests than we had funds available.

Congratulations! After thorough review, I am excited to offer a grant award in the amount of $731,170 for the Town of Hudson Broadband Middle-Mile project.

These grant funds will be from state severance tax proceeds, which may cause you to go to election to receive and spend them. You should confer with your legal and budget advisors to determine if such an election is necessary.

Please contact your DOLA Regional Manager, Chris La May, at 970-679-7679 for information on how to proceed.

Expenditure of State funds prior to the contract being fully executed cannot be included in the contract budget or reimbursed by the State. Per our program guidelines, this offer is valid for one year from the date of this letter.

Sincerely, Rick M. Garcia, Executive Director cc: Jerry Sonnenberg, State Senator Lori Saine, State Representative Guy Patterson, Town of Hudson Matthew Hirschinger, Town

January 6, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

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Liberty Vittert: Biden Should Halt Sales to China of US US Senators Unite for Bipartisan Push Tech Used to Persecute and Enslave Uyghur Muslims to Declare Uyghur ‹Genocide› by China

Technological identification facilitated by the US is a dangerous tool that tyrannical governments can use against their own people

By Liberty Vittert | Fox News Rep Mike Gallagher raises concerns over American companies’ possible connection to China’s Uighur human rights abuses Rep Mike Gallagher raises concerns over American companies’ possible connection to China’s Uighur human rights abuses and discusses how Congress can unite to fight against those abuses.

Without garnering much public attention in the U.S., the Chinese Communist government is currently enslaving about 1 million Uighurs — members of a Muslim ethnic group based in northwest China — in “reeducation centers” that have been described as high-tech concentration camps.

Imprisoned Uighurs are indoctrinated with Communist propaganda and are forced to perform slave labor in Chinese factories. Millions more Uighurs in the Xinjiang region are subject to government surveillance and restrictions in what amounts to a Chinese police state.

Few Americans are aware that the unjustified imprisonment and persecution of the Uighurs is made possible in part by surveillance technologies exported by American corporations to China. The sales of these types of tools to authoritarian regimes should have been prohibited long ago.

During the presidential election campaign, President-elect Joe Biden’s campaign labeled the oppression of the Uighurs as “genocide.” Biden needs to follow through on that view and turn it into action after he becomes president Jan. 20 by banning sales of dangerous American tech to the oppressive Chinese regime.

Databases created in the U.S. have been shared with companies in China that are linked to the ethnic cleansing of the Uighur Muslims. Facial recognition systems are being used in China to identify individuals as Uighur or non-Uighur. China has deported as many as 3 million of those identified Uighurs to detention camps, where torture is commonplace.

Multilevel connections and partnerships between U.S. companies, investors and universities are interwoven into the multitude of Chinese companies supplying the technology to carry out police-state surveillance and ethnic cleansing Imagine walking down the street gazing at the Christmas lights twinkling away, but you also see a harsh-colored red light shining down on you emanating from a camera with artificial intelligence-powered facial recognition.

The camera photographs your face and after you’ve ambled a little further down the street a van pulls up, men in uniform throw you in the van and the next time you see light is as you are processed in a detention center by your own government simply for being a certain ethnicity. You have no idea what has happened to your family. All they know is that you have disappeared.

History is littered with stories of dissidents vanishing. Technological identification facilitated by free and democratic countries like the United States is brand new and a dangerous tool that tyrannical governments can use against their own people.

As the European Union tightens restrictions on sales by member nations of facial recognition and biometric systems to other governments, the U.S. has failed to take an obvious step: ban the sale of artificial intelligence and facial-recognition systems to countries that are dictatorships with totalitarian governments. Biden should impose this ban after he becomes president.

The U.S. government’s Export Administration Regulations and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations restrict the import and export of items and technology sold outside of the United States involving national security.

The U.S. Commerce Department has banned Chinese facial recognition and biometric companies from buying American products because the department says the Chinese firms “ have been implicated in human rights violations and abuses in the implementation of China’s campaign of repression, mass arbitrary detention, and high-technology surveillance against Uighurs, Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups.”

However, the U.S. hasn’t carried out a comprehensive review of emerging American technologies like mass surveillance systems, advanced biometric analysis systems and advanced facial recognition software since 2008.

Think of what has happened since 2008 to technology. We have 10 times the number of smartphones. Social media are far more widespread, with the number of Facebook monthly active users growing from 100 million 12 years ago to 2.74 billion today. Many other social media platforms that were in their infancy with far fewer users have also become far more widespread, and some didn’t even exist in 2008.

Simple commonsense dictates that a comprehensive review of artificial intelligence technology that is shaping the world is long overdue.

The high-definition cameras used by China against the Uighurs generally do not require a U.S. export license because they didn’t exist 12 years ago. This is just one of a multitude of items that have never been added to the “comprehensive list” of dangerous tech products that shouldn’t be sold to certain governments.

Unfortunately, the U.S. government is allowing advanced technology to have a life of its own, with these tools of tyranny being sold to the highest international bidder to be used for who knows what purpose.

I believe we are at the precipice of a very scary turning point in U.S. history. We need to understand the technology that we are creating in order to protect citizens of the United States and the rest of the world.

It is time for the U.S. government to step up to the plate and end the abhorrent practice of helping foreign governments commit horrific human rights abuses. Moreover, we need to have a much wider discussion about the issues surrounding the uses of these technologies right here at home, and the risk of authoritarian regimes having these technologies to use against U.S. interests in the future.

Joe Biden will have a lot on his plate when he becomes president and it’s understandable and appropriate that he is focused on dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. But the Biden administration should also act to prevent China and other dictatorships from using U.S. technology to violate human rights and oppress their own people.

WASHINGTON: October 28, 2020 – U.S. senators have sought to declare that China is committing genocide against Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims, a step that could increase pressure on Beijing over the plight of an estimated one million-plus people being held in detention camps, The Guardian reported on Wednesday.

U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced a bipartisan resolution on Tuesday to designate human rights abuses perpetrated by the People’s Republic of China against the Uyghur people and other Turkic peoples in Occupied East Turkistan as a genocide.

Menendez and Cornyn were joined by Senators James Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

The resolution stated that China›s campaign «against Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, Kyrgyz and members of other Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uighur autonomous region constitutes genocide.”

Senator Cornyn said the bipartisan resolution “is the first step toward holding China accountable for their monstrous actions.”

«We thank the U.S. senators for actively working to hold China accountable for its mass atrocities against East Turkistan and its peoples,» said Salih Hudayar, Prime Minister of the East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE).

The resolution would hold China accountable under the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide and begin the process to coordinate an international response to bring these abuses to a halt.

ETGE urges the U.S. Senate to use the proper term East Turkistan when describing the Uyghur and Turkic peoples’ homeland.

The name “Xinjiang” is a colonial terminology meaning “the New Territory,” which was imposed on East Turkistan. However, East Turkistan’s people intensely hate it. Furthermore, it wasn’t until 1955 that East Turkistan was designated as the so-called “Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.”

ETGE has also been pushing a resolution since June 4, 2018, to formally recognize East Turkistan as a country occupied by China. To truly bring an end to the genocide and the decades of the endless suffering of the Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in East Turkistan, the world must acknowledge the root of the problem. East Turkistan, like Tibet, was an independent country that was invaded and occupied by China in late 1949. The independent East Turkistan Republic was overthrown on December 22, 1949, making East Turkistan a country occupied by China.

The overwhelming majority of East Turkistan’s people believe that without our restoring East Turkistan’s independence, there is no way to truly ensure the freedoms, human rights, and the very existence of the Uyghur and other Turkic peoples in East Turkistan. Thus, we urge the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Government, and the international community to help the Uyghur and other Turkic peoples of East Turkistan regain our independence.

ETGE is also grateful for the bipartisan work of Congressman James McGovern (D-MA) for passing the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) in September of 2020. The bill calls for enforcing human rights standards to end importing goods made with Uyghur and other Turkic peoples forced labor or slave labor in Chinese Occupied East Turkistan.

During the vote on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) said, “make no mistake, this is Xi Jinping’s genocide” about the genocide of Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples.

Source: East Turkistan Government in Exile

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Unifying the Country

Lost Creek Guide

By: Bill O’Reilly I listened to Joe Biden’s speech the other night—the one where he had that frog in his throat, happens to all of us but I think that frog might be a confused as I am.

Mr. Biden says he wants to bring the American people together—that’s noble intent.

However, he has said absolutely nothing that would indicate he knows how to do that.

Instead, he continues to scold people who question the election. Well, there was some fraud and the way to unite everyone is not to deny that—it is to investigate those allegations—right? But no!

Also, Joe Biden’s party continues to hammer anyone who voted for Donald Trump.

Here’s Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, “Is anyone archiving these Trump sycophants for when they try to downplay or deny their complicity in the future?”

Oh, I see Congresswoman—we should be archiving people that you disagree with.

Yeah, that’s real Democratic.

How about the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, “The President has no fidelity to truth or fact and actually, in his comments the last few days, no fidelity to the Constitution. He and his henchmen are a danger with their comments, are a danger to our democracy.”

Well, I don’t think this is bringing Republicans or Trump supporters any closer to the Democratic party or their leader Joe Biden—do you? Do you see anything positive going on? I don’t see it.

So, if Joe Biden is going to be the leader, he has to scold people like Nancy Pelosi and Ocasio-Cortez, but he isn’t going to do that.

So, what is the solution? Well, as a patriot I voted for Donald Trump, not out of any sense of history, but I thought that he did a pretty good job with policy in his term. I didn’t like some of the demeanor, but the policy—I felt—was beneficial to the country and I did not think Joe Biden would stand up to the radical left and we’re seeing that in his first days as President-elect.

However, I said I would give Mr. Biden a chance and I am and the first few days he’s not doing what he should do in my opinion. I think that Joe Biden will be conciliatory in his inaugural address, I think he’ll say the right things—but will he do them? I have no confidence. He is not a strong man; you have to understand that.

Also, he is not calling the shots—the Obama people are. I firmly believe that Barack Obama is going to have a lot to say in the next four years.

January 6, 2021

Sen. Rick Scott: Trump’s Florida Election Victory has Important Lesson for Republicans Nationwide Democrats want to control your life.

Republicans want to give you a life

By Rick Scott | Fox News President Trump’s decisive election victory in my home state of Florida offers an important lesson for Republicans nationwide: If we show voters that Republicans are the party of working-class Americans, a party that reaches out to people of all races and creeds, and a party that fights for equal opportunity for all we will win in future elections.

For years, Democrats and pollsters have wrongly predicted Democratic wins in the Sunshine State, including in my successful races for governor and the U.S. Senate on the Republican ticket.

The Democrats and pollsters forgot why people choose to live in Florida, which is now the third-most-populous state in America, after California and Texas.

People are moving to and staying in Florida because they want low taxes and small government. They want to escape socialism, to raise strong families and to send their kids to good schools. They want to work hard and be entrepreneurial, and they want to be able to forge a future for themselves and their families.

More from Opinion Bobby Jindal & Wes Anderson: Hispanic support for Republicans growing as Democrats move leftward Adriana Cohen: Democrats and Republicans know that empty words won’t unify this nation Sally Pipes: Big plans for BidenCare doomed if Republicans keep Senate majority Just two days before the Nov. 3 election, Democratic vice-presidential candidate Sen. Kamala Harris stated that the goal of equity among Americans is not equal opportunity, but equal outcomes.

Too many Floridians are familiar with the language of equality of outcomes, and they know that it leaves everyone equally poor. They have heard the empty promises of the late communist leaders Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and Fidel Castro of Cuba. And more importantly, Floridians have seen the violence and authoritarianism that too often follows those empty promises.

People — including many fleeing communism and socialism in Latin America and elsewhere — have moved to Florida because they don’t want to live under the economic policies that the left is increasingly embracing in this country.

Between 2016 and 2020, President Trump significantly improved his standing among Latino voters. That’s a reflection of both his hard work to reach out to those communities and the Democrats’ hard turn to the left.

But the growth in support for President Trump wasn’t limited to Latinos only. President Trump saw an 8-point increase among all non-White voters in Florida, according to exit polls, and made significant inroads in predominantly African American communities like West Park.

Republicans have built a multi-ethnic, working-class coalition of Florida voters who don’t like big government, don’t like socialism and just want the opportunity to live their lives in freedom and peace.

This doesn’t mean that all government is bad. It just means that government should live within its means and that essential services provided by government — like the national defense and important safety net programs — should be efficiently and effectively managed.

In my races for governor and the U.S. Senate, I didn’t treat Latino voters as an afterthought, an add-on, or an “outreach” group. Latinos were fundamental to all of my elections, and are fundamental to the emerging Republican coalition that leads the way in Florida.

President Trump had incredible success in Florida because his message resonated with this diverse coalition of voters who don’t neatly fit into the pundits’ and pollsters’ conception of the political world. And he worked to earn votes in my state — a necessity that Florida Democrats seemingly forgot about decades ago.

All this explains why the success of Florida Republicans, including the president, is a model for Republicans across the country.

January 6, 2021

Car Voucher Winner Lisa Vigil Says Helping People is Awesome Through Her Donation to United Way of Weld County

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Lost Creek Guide

Lisa Vigil knows that donating to United Way of Weld County (UWWC) gets results for people in the community. She understands that donating to UWWC is the right thing to do.

“The idea of helping people is awesome,” said Vigil, who was announced as the winner of the UWWC $20,000 annual car voucher on Dec. 22. “I know we can’t always go out and hand all these people on the street corner $1,000 to go do something with themselves, to get housing, to get somewhere to do what they need to do, but with United Way I know that it’s being put to good use. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

For a donation of $156 or more, Vigil and other individual donors had the opportunity to win a $20,000 car voucher toward a vehicle at one of the five car dealerships (Ehrlich Toyota, Ghent Chevrolet Cadillac, Honda of Greeley, Spradley Barr Ford and Weld County Garage) that sponsored the virtual event on Zoom this year. A total of 594 individual donors gave $156 or more this year.

Jeannine Truswell, president and CEO of UWWC, credits the car dealerships and individual donors for coming through year after year for the car voucher drawing.

“Thank you to the car dealers,” Truswell said. “Thank you to the generous individual donors. Without you, our work of helping children, youth, families and older adults in Weld County wouldn’t happen. We may never get to meet the faces of the people who are helped, but it’s thanks to our loyal United Way donors for making this happen.”

Vigil, a patient account representative for Professional Finance Company in Greeley, had a positive feeling about winning a new car.

Those feelings came true when Mike Bond, UWWC board member and host of the event, called out her name.

When Bond announced that Vigil was the winner of the $20,000 car voucher, she said she called her whole family. And hours later, her husband still didn’t believe her.

“I was so excited. I called my husband, my kids and my mom and dad and screamed, ‘I won a car!’ ” said the Greeley resident in a telephone interview. “He still doesn’t believe me. He said, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’ I had a good feeling about this all along for some strange reason. Maybe because I went from the top 125 to the top 10, I had a good feeling about it. It is an awesome Christmas present.”

Even though Vigil isn’t sure what kind of vehicle she’ll end up with, she now has the fun of shopping for a new set of wheels at one of the five car dealerships. In addition, she’ll also know when she drives her new vehicle out of the car lot, she’ll have helped residents in her community by donating to UWWC. Other car voucher finalists and what they won: Larry Rose (runner-up – 65-inch Samsung TV, sound bar and Fast & Furious movie collection) Margaret Priestley (third place - $750 King Soopers fuel card) David Fry (fourth place - $250 Greeley Chophouse gift card) Jordan Felhofer (fifth place - $125 Best Buy gift card) Alan Holmberg (sixth place - $125 Best Buy gift card) Tracy Axton (seventh place - $50 VISA gift card) Alan Miller (eighth place - $50 VISA gift card) Dr. Robert Kahn (ninth place - $50 VISA gift card) Stephen Young (10th place - $50 VISA gift card) About United Way of Weld County The mission of the United Way of Weld County (UWWC) is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. UWWC assists residents in the areas of Early Childhood Development, Youth Success, Household Stability, Older Adults/ Healthy Aging and Access to Services.

Through our community’s willingness to give, advocate and volunteer, UWWC is able to have a positive impact on tens of thousands of lives every year. Thanks to the generosity of the 36 UWWC Cornerstone Partners, they donate all or a portion of their corporate donation to help cover 100 percent of administrative and fundraising costs for the resources under UWWC’s management. For more information, visit the United Way of Weld County website at www.unitedway-weld.org.

NY Post Editorial Board: NYC Staggering From Soaring Gun Crimes — that Pols Have Been Asking for In NYC, years of often ill-conceived criminal-justice reform have set up a revolving door that instead frees even repeat offenders almost instantly

By New York Post Editorial Board | New York Post “We have made staggering numbers of gun arrests, taking guns off the streets from felons,” New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Tuesday, “but when you look, three days later, four days later, those individuals are back on the street committing more gun violence.”

Too many bad guys — gang members, in particular — are walking the streets.

In the past, cops could get them jailed and, often enough, imprisoned after catching them once. But years of often ill-conceived criminal-justice reform have set up a revolving door that instead frees even repeat offenders almost instantly.

Worse, because everyone knows the perp will be back in the neighborhood again — and the no-bail law lets the defense know right away who has talked — witnesses are everharder to come by. So it’s that much tougher for prosecutors to get convictions, or even for the NYPD to prove how bad the revolving door has become.

Gangs also exploit the “Raise the Age” reform by recruiting kids 18 and younger to take point on crimes that bring harsher penalties for older citizens. That means more guns in the hands of younger boys (and sometimes girls), who are even more likely to shoot in the heat of the moment.

And Gov. Andrew Cuomo has for years been appointing “softer” members to the state Parole Board — so that even those who do get sent to prison are out earlier, on average.

More from Opinion James Carafano: Does Biden pick Lloyd Austin have what it takes to be an outstanding defense secretary?

Jimmy Failla: Sports Illustrated wants fans to salute woke athletes -- will sports as escapism ever return?

Gutfeld on the mall Santa refusing the request for a Nerf gun And Mayor Bill de Blasio, by signing on to various consent decrees, has ensured that the NYPD can’t revive stop-and-frisk as a tactic for discouraging people from carrying. The City Council’s “chokehold” law, meanwhile, puts cops at personal risk of prosecution and lawsuits if they get physical with a suspect.

And the larger climate makes it all too likely that any officer making an arrest will soon be surrounded by a jeering crowd.

All that leaves many officers cautious about doing the proactive work that delivered New York City’s historic crime drop.

The politicians have been taking tools away from the NYPD for more than a decade and tying cops’ hands with new restrictions. Plus, the political machines have been giving the city ever-softer-on-crime district attorneys and judges — ensuring fewer convictions, on lesser charges.

With the pandemic and the lockdowns, it all crescendoed in a huge increase in gun use — such that the city is seeing more shootings than it has in 14 years, with a strong chance that the rise will continue even as the vaccines bring most of life back to normal.

This editorial first appeared in the New York Post.

$3,535.00 $2,183.00

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

$15.50

$1.55 per gallon will call or route

Page 6

Lost Creek Guide

As Coronavirus Cases Continue to Surge, Prioritize Your Mental Health

By: Flora Welsh Originally posted by The Pagosa Springs Sun The colder months are here, driving many of us indoors. The stress of one of the most contentious elections in our nation’s history has left us feeling divided and frustrated. And coronavirus numbers are surging, affecting everyone’s mental health.

According to a recent report from Mental Health America, our mental health needs are growing and our harmful substance use is on the rise.

As the days get darker, many of us experience seasonal depression, even in the best of times. This year, it goes beyond seasonal depression. Watch out for your mental health.

Watch out for the mental health of your friends and family.

Here are some things you can do to help keep yourself and others well: • Reach out to people, let them know how you’re feeling.

Don’t forget to go outside — even when it’s cold. Take a walk around the block to clear your mind and get some fresh air and sunshine. Just remember to bundle up first.

• Exercise. There are free classes you can take online if it’s too cold outside and you don’t feel comfortable going to the gym. Find a 30-day fitness challenge and stick to it.

• Schedule time with your loved ones. If you can’t meet in person, put a weekly coffee or tea date on the calendar and stick to it. We need each other now more than ever.

• Limit screen time. Put a date on the calendar for a 24-hour social media detox. Studies show increased mental health concerns directly correlate with social media usage.

Resources: Colorado Crisis Service: (844) 493-8255 or visit its website.

Many insurance providers are offering telehealth for mental health. If you have insurance, start by calling your provider to get connected with a mental health professional.

Some other options for getting connected with a therapist are resources like Sondermind or Open Path Collective.

On our free resource website page, you can find online activities that bring us joy are wonderful ways to take care of ourselves. We also list resources related to housing, financial, and health concerns/questions.

We’re in this together. Never forget, you are not alone. Remember to breathe. Focus on what you can control. And don’t miss this chance to practice active kindness to all.

About Mental Health Colorado Mental Health Colorado is the state’s leading advocate in promoting mental wellness, ending shame and discrimination, and ensuring equitable access to mental health and substance use care. Mental Health Colorado is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization and an affiliate of Mental Health America.

kinnearinsurance@outlook.com

January 6, 2021

What We Know About The New U.K. Variant Of Coronavirus — And What We Need To Find Out

by MICHAELEEN DOUCLEFF, Twitter A new variant of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in England and raising international alarms. This new variant now accounts for more than 60% of the cases in London.

And scientists say the variant is likely more contagious than previous versions of the virus.

Health officials have closed international travel to the United Kingdom. The British government has locked down much of the country. And scientists all over the world are rushing to figure out how the virus mutated and how big a threat the new variant poses.

Here›s what we know so far: The variant has a large number of mutations.

Throughout this pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 — the virus that causes COVID-19 — has been mutating. It has accumulated about one or two mutations each month.

That’s not surprising. Viruses always mutate.

But this new variant in the U.K., called B.1.1.7, has acquired mutations much quicker than scienA poster about the new, fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus warns some Britons to stay home. The sign is displayed near King’s Cross railway tists expect. station in London.

The variant Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images has 17 different mutations in its genetic code. And eight of those mutations occur in a critical part of the virus, called the spike protein, which reaches out and binds to human cells during the initial stages of infection.

Several of the mutations in the variant are worrisome.

Article continues after sponsor message Scientists have already studied several of the mutations occurring in B.1.1.7, and they are cause for concern. One mutation, called N501Y, makes the virus bind more tightly to human cells. This mutation has also appeared, independently, in a rapidly spreading variant in South Africa.

Another mutation, called D614G, makes the virus more transmissible. B.1.1.7 also contains a small deletion in the virus’s genetic code, called 69-70del, and that deletion helps the new variant evade the body’s immune system in some people.

These mutations, combined with the fact that B.1.1.7 acquired many changes simultaneously, suggest this new variant didn’t arise by chance, but rather the mutations are giving it an advantage. They are helping it adapt to humans.

The new variant likely is more transmissible than previous versions of the virus.

When scientists first detected B.1.1.7 in late September, it rapidly took over parts of England, pushing out other forms of virus. By early December, the new variant had pushed out other forms of the virus in London and become the dominant one.

This rapid rise suggests B.1.1.7 is more transmissible than other forms of the virus.

“There’s no hard evidence, but it seems most likely,” says biochemist Jeremy Luban at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. “So if a person sneezes on a bus, the new variant is more likely to infect other people than the previous form of the virus.»

To figure out transmissibility for certain, scientists have to bring B.1.1.7 into the lab and see if it›s better at infecting cells and spreading between animals.

Even if the variant is more transmissible, it might not change the course of the pandemic.

SARS-CoV-2 is already spreading quickly around the world. So a small increase might not make a big difference. It depends on how much better B.1.1.7 spreads.

In the end, how quickly the virus spreads depends on many factors, including people’s behavior in a community. That is, whether they wear masks, physically distance and avoid big gatherings. Those factors could be more important than whether B.1.1.7 arrives in a community, says virus expert Pei-Yong Shi at the University of Texas Medical Branch.

“With all these human interventions, it’s hard to predict the course of the pandemic.”

So far, the new variant doesn›t appear to cause more severe disease.

Scientists don’t know for sure because this variant has just emerged, but so far, people who catch B.1.1.7 don’t seem to be getting sicker.

“There is absolutely no evidence that this [variant of the] virus is more deadly,” Luban says. “There’s nothing at all to suggest that, and I don’t think anyone that I know is worried about that possibility.”

The new COVID-19 vaccines will likely be effective against the new variant.

Again, scientists don’t know for sure if the vaccines will work as well with B.1.1.7. as they do with previous forms of the virus. They need to test out the new variant in laboratory experiments. But many scientists are optimistic.

Why? When we get a vaccine, our immune systems make many antibodies against a big chunk of the virus, not just one small section that could change when the virus mutates.

So even if the variant contains 17 mutations, some antibodies targeting the vaccine will likely still bind and neutralize the virus.

“So if you’re in line for the COVID-19 vaccine, stay in line. Don’t give up your spot. Take it,” says microbiologist Andrew Pekosz of Johns Hopkins University. «You know, everything is still looking good from the vaccine standpoint.»

The variant has likely spread to many countries around the world, including the United States.

Researchers have already detected it in Denmark, the Netherlands and Australia.

The U.K. has been vigilant about looking for new variants and following them. Other countries, including the U.S., haven’t been tracking variants as closely. So new variants, such as B.1.1.7, have likely gone undetected.

January 6, 2021

Page 7

Lost Creek Guide

A Familiar Face In Colorado Politics, Hickenlooper Is About To Become A Fresh Face On Capitol Hill

By Caitlyn Kim John Hickenlooper isn’t new to politics — or even to Congress, to a degree.

During his eight years as governor, he worked with Colorado’s congressional delegation on numerous issues to get the things the state needed.

“A lot of people don’t appreciate that when you’re talking to the delegation as a governor, you’re beseeching, you’re asking, you’re suggesting that they support this or that,” Hickenlooper explained.

Soon he’ll be on the other side of that asking and suggesting that goes on between the state and the federal government.

He’ll be Colorado’s junior senator, one of the nine members of Colorado’s congressional delegation.

“I’m kind of looking forward to it as a way that I can more directly have an impact that benefits Colorado.”

In the months AP Photo/David ZalubowskiJohn Hickenlooper, Democratic candidate since the elecfor the U.S. Senate seat in Colorado, speaks during a car rally for Doug tion, HickenEmhoff, husband of Democratic vice presidential candidate Kamala looper has been Harris, at East High School late Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, in Denver. meeting with More than 70 motorists took part in the rally to urge people to get out experts on COand vote in the upcoming election. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) VID-19, as well as zooming with groups of Coloradans to gather ideas, learn their needs and listen to their opinions. He wants those conversations to be the cornerstone of bills he introduces.

“I hope as much as possible that my legislation is directly reflective of what the people of Colorado want and what they believe will be best for them,” he said.

He points to the CORE Act, the massive Colorado public lands bill pushed by his Democratic colleagues, as one example. It passed the House in the current ending session, but not the Senate, in part because Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, who lost to Hickenlooper in November, wasn’t on board with it.

Similar priorities as his time at the state Capitol, but at a very different pace Some of Hickenlooper’s other priorities are in line with what he did as governor — skills training and youth apprenticeship programs that could serve as a model for the country — as well as issues that are Susan Walsh/AP PhotoSenate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer important to a of N.Y., second from right, talks with the newly elected senators, from majority of Cololeft, Sen.-elect John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Sen.-elect Ben Ray Lujan, D-N.M., and Sen.-elect Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., before a meeting on Capitol radans, such as Hill in Washington, Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. tackling climate change or investing in highways or broadband.

“I still have this optimism that...on some of these issues, like infrastructure, we can find bipartisan agreement and roll up our sleeves and get to work,” Hickenlooper said. “And I really am looking forward to being part of that process.”

What he may not like is the speed of that process. The Senate is deemed the world’s greatest deliberative body. It’s meant to go slow. And that’s not necessarily Hickenlooper’s preferred setting.

Colorado’s Changing Congressional Delegation: Rep. Scott Tipton Says He’ll ‘Miss The Clowns,’ But Not The Congressional Circus, After 10 Years In Office From The Western Slope To Capitol Hill: Rep-Elect Lauren Boebert Prepares For Her New Job Cory Gardner Reminds Colleagues To Balance Principles And Practicality In Final Senate Address Before, as a business owner, mayor, and then governor, he was always the guy in charge. Hickenlooper said he’s always had this sense of urgency. Even more so now in the middle of a pandemic that has upended businesses and life for much of the year. But some of his colleagues have warned him, the pace can be different.

“A number of senators have warned me to — especially in the beginning — recognize there are 100 people you’ve got to persuade. You know, you’ve got to at least persuade 60 of them for any significant legislation,” he said.

He’s been learning more about the job from some current sitting senators, Democrats like Chris Coons, Joe Manchin and others, as well as Republicans like Sen. Roy Blunt and outgoing Sen. Lamar Alexander. Hickenlooper will also be able to lean on his senior colleague from Colorado. His relationship with Sen. Michael Bennet goes back almost 20 years, to when Hickenlooper was mayor of Denver and Bennet was his chief of staff.

“Every day that goes by I see a different potential opportunity and really look forward to getting to work with a group of very diverse and talented individuals,” Hickenlooper said.

Learning the ropes as a freshman senator but veteran politician He points out the new class of senators includes people who haven’t been in politics be-

fore, such as a former football coach — Republican Tommy Tuberville of Alabama — and a former astronaut — Democrat Mark Kelly of Arizona.

Hickenlooper said he’s enjoyed getting to know the other six senators-elect — two Democrats and four Republicans — during the Senate orientation held right after the election.

It was very short, but they covered the basics, the blocking and tackling of being a senator: hiring and staffing, office budgets, getting lots of background on legislation and procedures, and learning the rules of the senate right down to “when you can speak and when you can’t.”

A lot of Senate work happens in committees, which could be a challenge for Hickenlooper, who admits he’s not a fan of long meetings. Assignments won’t be made until the new Congress is sworn in, but Hickenlooper has expressed interest in a seat on the powerful Appropriations Committee. But he said he would be happy to end up on Energy and Natural Resources, a significant committee assignment for the state, Commerce, which fits his small business background, or Armed Services, another important committee for Colorado.

Hickenlooper has tempered his expectations; as a freshman senator he’s not necessarily going to get his first choices. He said he’s flexible and ready for any assignment. Given his background, he has thoughts on most of the significant issues the country faces.

“I’ve got opinions about how to be cost-effective and efficient in dealing with those things. So whatever committee I’m on I think I can engage and participate in an active way right from the beginning,” Hickenlooper said.

He’ll find out soon enough. Hickenlooper will be sworn in on Jan. 3, in a rare Sunday session of Congress, with his wife and son by his side. Given the challenges facing the country, the 117th Congress is expected to hit the ground not just running, but sprinting.

PUBLIC NOTICE Wiggins Telephone Association, dba Blue Lightning Statement of Nondiscrimination In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA (not all baes apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency of USDA’s TARGET Center at 202‐720‐2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 1‐800‐877‐8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complain Form, AD‐3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 1‐866‐632‐9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA within 180 days by: 1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410; 2) Fax: 202‐690‐7442; or 3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Wiggin Telephone Association LIFELINE SERVICE AND UNIVERSAL SERVICES Colorado

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lifeline Service is a federally funding program designed to make basic telephone service available at reduced rates to eligible residential customers. Customer’s eligibility to receive the discount must be renewed periodically. The program is limited to one benefit per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service.

Who Qualifies? You are eligible for Lifeline Service if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or in your household resides a person who receives or has a child who receives benefits from at least one of the following programs: Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) National School Lunch Program (only applicant or customer who satisfy the income standard of the program for free meals) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Health benefits coverage under the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) An eligible customer residing in tribal lands Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard) Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Children under 17 years of age with no health insurance Other eligible programs may apply Information about customers who qualify for Lifeline Service may be shared between state agencies and Wiggins Telephone Association. Lifeline customers can also subscribe to optional services at the same rate offered to other customers.

What Universal Services are available to all customers? Universal services are offered to all customers of Wiggins Telephone Association. . Universal Services available include the following services: Voice grade access to the public switched network or its functional equivalent Minutes of use for Local service Access to emergency services to the extent the local government has implemented 911 or enhanced 911 systems Toll limitation for qualifying low-income consumers Local Calling for Residential Service is $10.55 - $16.00 and Business Service is $15.90 - $23.30 Ability to report service problems seven days a week How do Telephone Customers and Applicants for Telephone Service Apply for Lifeline Program?

Applicants can come into our office and pick up a certification form or call 970-483-7343 and request that one be mailed to you.

Page 8

2021 – Another Adventure in Time

Lost Creek Guide

By Daryl L. Meyers Another year will soon begin; another opportunity to tell the story of the human experience on planet earth. The unknown is just ahead … a new adventure into the unexpected and unexplored. The terrain is unfamiliar and conditions could be far from ideal. To retreat to the comfortable and familiar is not an option. Movement forward is the only choice we have.

As with years past, this year too is wrapped in mystery. What it will bring will largely be determined by our choices rather than some preordained or predestined outcomes. Some have suggested this might be a year of transition, of dramatic change for the human race, a time of trouble as some theologies predict.

Visionaries from ancient times and indigenous peoples from traditions and cultures around the world share a similar view … warning of events just ahead that could be of a magnitude beyond our ability to anticipate much less prepare for.

Regardless of what lies ahead, our world, our civilization, has definitely reached a crossroads in the way we live and relate to each another. Wonderful opportunities for us and our children are within our reach if we make the right choices, but if we continue moving in the direction we are now, life as we know it on planet earth will be unsustainable.

Throughout the New Year, we are once again given the opportunity to move forward beyond the chaos and confusion around us, to push beyond the boundaries that separate us, to create a new and better world, a world of compassion and peace, a world that respects the rights of all people and gives equal opportunities to all.

This is the world our children and our children’s children deserve.

Are we willing to move beyond our differences providing them with a better future? The days ahead and how they unfold are unknown, but they may have more to do with us and the decisions we make than we realize. We can make a difference … if we choose to.

PUBLIC NOTICE Northern Colorado Communications, LLC Statement of Nondiscrimination In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by the USDA (not all baes apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency of USDA’s TARGET Center at 202‐720‐2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at 1‐800‐877‐8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complain Form, AD‐3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call 1‐866‐632‐9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA within 180 days by: 1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Ave, SW Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410; 2) Fax: 202‐690‐7442; or 3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Northern Colorado Communications, LLC LIFELINE SERVICE AND UNIVERSAL SERVICES Colorado

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lifeline Service is a federally funding program designed to make basic telephone service available at reduced rates to eligible residential customers. Customer’s eligibility to receive the discount must be renewed periodically. The program is limited to one benefit per household, consisting of either wireline or wireless service.

Who Qualifies? You are eligible for Lifeline Service if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or in your household resides a person who receives or has a child who receives benefits from at least one of the following programs: Medical Assistance (Medicaid) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) National School Lunch Program (only applicant or customer who satisfy the income standard of the program for free meals) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Health benefits coverage under the state Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) An eligible customer residing in tribal lands Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard) Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Children under 17 years of age with no health insurance Other eligible programs may apply Information about customers who qualify for Lifeline Service may be shared between state agencies and Northern Colorado Communications, LLC. Lifeline customers can also subscribe to optional services at the same rate offered to other customers.

What Universal Services are available to all customers? Universal services are offered to all customers of Northern Colorado Communications, LLC. Universal Services available include the following services: Voice grade access to the public switched network or its functional equivalent Minutes of use for Local service Access to emergency services to the extent the local government has implemented 911 or enhanced 911 systems Toll limitation for qualifying low-income consumers Local Calling for Residential Service is $10.55 - $16.00 and Business Service is $15.90 - $23.30 Ability to report service problems seven days a week How do Telephone Customers and Applicants for Telephone Service Apply for Lifeline Program?

Applicants can come into our office and pick up a certification form or call 970-483-7300 and request that one be mailed to you.

January 6, 2021

Latest Model Indicates Infections are Decreasing

REMOTE, (Dec. 18, 2020): The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Colorado School of Public Health released an updated statewide modeling report and updated regional models showing that public health protocols before the Thanksgiving holiday have helped to slow the spread of the SARS-CoV-2.

Transmission control of the virus improved across the state in recent weeks; hospital demand and cases have declined, but it will be weeks before both reach lower levels.

“The steady downward trend in Colorado is not what is being seen across the country. Colorado’s trend is much better than most states. Coloradans’ actions and Colorado policies made a difference and prevented a substantial Thanksgiving surge and have led to the declines we are seeing now,” said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, state epidemiologist, CDPHE. The latest modeling provides projections based on COVID-19 hospital census data through December 14, 2020.

“There are still more Coloradans in the hospital than at the April peak and contacts remain very risky,” said Jonathan Samet, MD, MS, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health. “This declining trajectory of the epidemic could be reversed by holiday lapses if Coloradans don’t remain vigilant in wearing masks, limiting contact with others outside of their households, and maintaining distance in public spaces.”

The models are based on Colorado data and assumptions based on the current state of the science.

“We can’t let up now. Hope is on the horizon with the vaccine. We need to make it through the holidays with the level of diligence we had over Thanksgiving. Please only celebrate inperson with the people who live with you,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, executive director, CDPHE. “The best gift we can all receive is a healthy holiday season.”

Key findings from the reports: Transmission control continues to improve and is now at 82%, but December holidays are ahead.

There is no evidence of a Thanksgiving bump, up to 18 days after the holiday.

The effective reproductive number is below 1, meaning that the epidemic is declining, but infection prevalence remains dangerously high. An estimated 1 in 59 Coloradans is currently infectious.

Infections are decreasing or flat in most LPHA regions (Local Public Health Agencies) across the state. The estimated effective reproductive number varies from 0.6 to 1.2. Infections are spreading most rapidly in the East Central region and continue to increase in the Northwest LPHA region. Infection prevalence remains high in most regions.

At the current level of transmission control, hospital demand and cases will continue to decline, but it will be weeks before hospital demand and infection prevalence reach low levels, for example as low as during the summer. This declining trajectory could be reversed by holiday lapses. Potential peaks are lower than projected previously.

The Colorado School of Public Health (ColoradoSPH) assembled the expert group that works with the state on modeling projections. The group includes modeling scientists at the ColoradoSPH and the University of Colorado School of Medicine at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus, as well as experts from the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Colorado Denver, and Colorado State University.

All previous modeling reports are available on the Colorado School of Public Health’s COVID-19 website.

The state will continue to review data and model findings as the pandemic continues to inform policy decisions. Continue to stay up to date by visiting covid19.colorado.gov.

Waterfowl Hunters Urged to be Especially Careful On, Near Water

DENVER, Colo. – With waterfowl hunting season in full swing, Colorado Parks and Wildlife is urging hunters to always handle guns safely and be careful in all situations. Waterfowl hunters who use watercraft must be especially careful.

The tragic drowning of a young hunter in November served as an unfortunate reminder to be extra cautious on the water. Hunters using boats should always wear a personal floatation device and pay close attention to the weather. Winds in Colorado, powerful enough to capsize a boat, can come up at any time. Waterfowl hunters are always dressed for the cold; so getting knocked into the water makes swimming extremely difficult and hypothermia can set in within a few minutes.

Without a PFD, getting back to shore could be impossible.

“Water temperatures are very cold during waterfowl season, making cold-water immersion a serious concern,” said Travis Long, hunter education coordinator for CPW. “We strongly recommend wearing your life jacket whenever you’re on the water, especially when out on paddle craft like canoes and kayaks. Life jackets and an emergency whistle are required on every vessel.”

Besides being careful in a boat, hunters must always practice basic firearm safety skills: keep the safety on and your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot; load and unload your gun well away from others; never point the muzzle of a gun in the direction of another person; be aware of the locations of your hunting partners; and always be sure of your target before pulling the trigger.

“Hunters must always review and focus on firearms safety,” Long said. “Remember, one moment of carelessness with a firearm can have a lifetime of consequences.”

The waterfowl seasons continue through mid-February.

Waterfowl hunters are also reminded that motorized craft, including those powered by small electric motors, are not allowed on most lakes or reservoirs because Aquatic Nuisance Species inspections have ended for this year.

Surprisingly, because of the sunny days, recreational paddlers are still going out on lakes and reservoirs. The cold weather and cold water present major hazards for those using any paddle-craft. Regular boaters in most locations have stopped going on the water and there are, essentially, no safety patrols occurring. Anyone who falls in the water is unlikely to be seen or rescued. All paddlers must be constantly aware of weather conditions and wearing of PFDs is mandatory.

To learn about hunter education classes, firearms safety or boating safety, go to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife web site at, cpw.state.co.us.

January 6, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

-Obituaries-

Page 9

GERALD D. JOHNSON

LEROY ROBERT MONSEES

Gerald D. Johnson, 79, passed away on Nov 20, 2020. He was born October 4, 1941, in Buena Vista, Colorado to Harold (Buck) & Myrtle (Vix) Johnson.

Gerald married Karen K. Hamilton on June 2, 1962 in Arvada Colorado.

Prior to moving to the Wiggins, the Johnson family lived in Orchard, CO, Las Vegas Nevada, Arvada CO (great memories there), Hudson, CO. Prior to retirement, Gerald was a diesel truck mechanic- he loved working on engines.

A very simple man, Gerald enjoyed tinkering with metal, working in his garage, and spending time with his family, especially doing outdoor activities- hunting and fishing and on his computer searching ancestry and writing stories. His favorite time was spent with his wife Karen, two sons and their wives, with his grandkids, great grandkids- any family event with his brothers and sisters. Gerald was a man of God and very well versed in his bible.

Gerald is survived by his loving wife, Karen; 2 sons, Jerry (Robin) of Wiggins and Travis (Robin) of Orchard, CO; 1 brother, Larry (Liz) Johnson of Briggsdale, CO; 2 sisters, Sunny Johnson and Melody Anderson both of Briggsdale, CO; 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, Harold and Lanny, his sister-in-law Liz; and his parents Buck and Myrtle.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held when the current pandemic events settle down.

The Heer Mortuaries & Crematory are entrusted with the cremation arrangements. Any who wish to make memorial gift donations, please do so in memory of Gerald to St Judes, please help children fight cancer.

How Gerald wanted remembered: I am very happy- I have no regrets, and I have the loving family I dreamed of as a child. There is no secret to a happy marriage, and there is no magic formula to make it work. Love and respect are the first of many things it takes to stay happily married! The best advice I ever received was “BELIEVE IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU WILL BE SAVED”. Karen has been the biggest influence in my life. Her love is never ending and all she asks in return is my love. Karen has always been happy with the things I have been able to give her. Without her, I would not be happy, and probably would have never come to know The Lord. I want to be remembered as a good husband, father, and grandfather, great grandfatther, and as a good person. I want to be remembered as a good relative and friend. I also want to be remembered as knowing The Lord. I do not want to be remembered by any of the wrong things I’ve done.”

LeRoy Robert Monsees was born in Brighton, Colorado on June 10, 1944 to Roy and Lucille (Freitag) Monsees. It pleased the Lord to call him to his heavenly home on December 25, 2020.

LeRoy’s family moved to Hudson, CO in 1955. He graduated from Weld Central High School in 1962. In 1969 he began his long and legendary career in custom meat processing when he ventured into his first business at Hudson Lockers until 1980. in 1982 he moved to Wiggins and continued his career in custom meat processing with the purchase of Your Choice Meats. He remained in the business until his retirement.

LeRoy was a devoted husband, uncle, and friend. He cherished time spent with his family. He was especially close to his nieces and nephews, and his great nieces and nephews. They are ‘his kids’. He loved traveling and held a special place in his heart for the Black Hills of South Dakota. He loved flower gardening and yard care.

He is survived by his soul mate and beloved wife, Pam of 43 years. His ‘kids’, Jody Shipman and Brandon Harmon families, Diane Powell and Dave Monsees families, Marie Foose and Irene Tollman families, and many more nieces and nephews that were precious to him.

LeRoy was a faithful member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fort Morgan and served as treasurer for many years.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 4th, 2021 at 10:30 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fort Morgan.

Weld County Road 49 to be Designated as HazMat Route Weld County, CO

A petition to allow gasoline, diesel fuel, petroleum gas and crude oil to be transported on Weld County Road (WCR) 49 between Interstate 76 and U.S. 34 was recently approved by the Colorado State Patrol to advance the proposed state statute modifications for hazmat transportation rules. The next step is the rulemaking hearing, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, with the new route designation becoming effective on April 1, 2021. “Designating WCR 49 as a state hazmat route is a great step forward from a safety and efficiency standpoint,” Weld County Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman said. “We constructed WCR 49 to safely accommodate multiple industries, and now the energy industry will have an alternate corridor to transport fuels throughout our county, which will also relieve congestion on Highway 85, improving our regional transportation system.” The Weld County Board of Commissioners along with the Weld County Department of Public Works, compiled the necessary application information to the state for approval. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Title 42, Article 20 of the Colorado Revised Statutes governs the routing of hazardous materials by motor vehicles on all public roads in Colorado. To be considered a hazmat route, a road must to meet several criteria related to feasibility, practicality, and the ability of the roadway to move goods from one jurisdiction to another. The road is also graded on several safety requirements which shows it provides greater safety to the public then other roads. Some of the statistics used to measure safety include traffic, crash and fatality rates, the overall condition of the road and more. Virtual public meetings were conducted on December 1 and December 5 to solicit public feedback on Weld County’s petition. Weld County Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer and representatives from the Weld County Department of Public Works presented Weld County’s application and were on hand to hear any feedback or answer any questions or address any opposition. Beyond just approving the application, the Colorado State Patrol also credited Weld County on the depth, quality and work that went into its application. “I would like to once again thank you for what was frankly a petition that was very well done,” Colorado State Patrol Captain John Hahn said in an email. “The document itself is one that will, moving forward, serve as an example to future entities wishing to petition CSP for routing designation or changes.” To learn more about Colorado’s Hazardous Material routing, visit https://www.codot.gov/ business/hazmat-routing. More information on the Weld County Department of Public Works, visit https://www.weldgov.com/departments/public_works.

CO 52 Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) & Access Control Plan (ACP)

About the Project Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study and Access Control Plan (ACP) for the state highway CO 52 corridor. This project will provide a long-term vision for the corridor by prioritizing projects and identifying funding for transportation improvement projects.

In recent years, traffic congestion along CO 52 has increased dramatically. The communities along the corridor utilize CO 52 to commute to business and industry centers.

Changes in land use are causing the average daily traffic (ADT) to increase to a level that is straining the existing infrastructure along the corridor. CDOT is interested in a comprehensive document that creates a long-range plan to address corridor limitations with an emphasis on stakeholder involvement.

The project limits extend 41.6 miles (MP 0 to MP 42) along CO 52, from CO 119 north of Boulder in Boulder County to CO 79 east of Hudson in Weld County. CO 52 interchanges with I-25, US 85, and I-76 in Weld County. CO 52 is a major east – west connection corridor for the region, which is experiencing an increase in residential and commercial development. The corridor provides critical access from residential and rural areas to business centers, as well as commercial freight from industrial centers along the corridor.

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Lost Creek Guide

January 6, 2021

New programs aim to house Colorado foster youth who end up homeless

More than a third of the 200 kids who age out of foster care each year in Colorado end up without shelter. New programs help anchor young adults with housing and even savings accounts.

by Jennifer Brown, The Colorado Sun Olivia Potter spent her high school years in foster care, then set off on her own at 18.

She drifted from a short stint at her dad’s house in Montrose, where his one last chance to show her he was “a good human being” fell short, to a boyfriend’s college dorm room in Grand Junction. When her relationship with that boyfriend blew up, Potter found her way back to Montrose and into a bedroom in the home of a friend’s parents.

She had no long-term plan, no savings, no parent who offered her gas money or advice on whether to go to college or how to find an apartment.

More than 200 young people each year leave foster care in Colorado without ever getting adopted, returned to their parents or sent to live with relatives. They move directly from a foster home or group home to adulthood. More than a third of them end up homeless, according to a survey that checks in when they turn 19 and again at 21.

As the statistics remain dire every year, Colorado is responding with new housing voucher programs and new apartments built specifically for youth who have aged out of the foster system.

The latest efforts to break the cycle of homelessness, public assistance and involvement in the child welfare system are happening in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties, plus Denver, Montrose and Delta.

For Potter, 19, the call that came a few months ago was like an anchor that kept her from drifting to another friend’s extra bedroom, another couch.

The local CASA office in Montrose County, where Potter was first assigned a “court appointed special advocate” when she entered foster care at age 13, said there was an apartment available for her. Potter received a housing voucher specifically for young people who had grown up in the foster care system and moved into one of two four-plex housing units owned by the nonprofit.

“There is tons of space and the kitchen is gorgeous,” Potter said, adding that she could not afford an apartment in Montrose on her own. “There is heating and cooling upstairs and downstairs.”

Potter cleans homes through a home health agency and is starting classes in January to become a certified nursing assistant. She pays $270 per month in rent, and through a program funded by an anonymous Colorado benefactor, every rent check she pays is matched with a deposit into an investment account in her name.

In a few years, she hopes to use the money to pay off her student loans or make a down payment on a house.

“When you’re on your own, it’s really overwhelming,” Potter said. “I have good friends around myself, and their parents. Aside from that, you’re just on your own.”

New program helps foster youth build up savings The Montrose four-plexes, which opened in February 2018, were the first supportive housing project in Colorado for 18- to 24-year-olds who had been in foster care or were at risk of becoming homeless. They’re appropriately named “1st Place.” The eight units, funded by various state and local foundations, can house up to 12 people.

The year the duplexes were built, the area had 10 foster teens “emancipate” from the system — six were homeless or couch-surfing, four “we cannot locate,” the CASA office said then.

Three years later, the county CASA office is spearheading another housing project for former foster youth, this one a $1.2 million project with six units in nearby Delta. Plans are to break ground in February and finish by August, said Carlton Mason, chief executive of CASA of the 7th Judicial District.

It wasn’t hard to convince folks in the rural county that donating to a second housing unit was a worthy cause — six individual donors gave about $50,000 each.

“I think all of us understand inherently that an 18-year-old is not ready to live independently without parent support,” Mason said. “It wasn’t a hard sell.”

Along with the publicly funded housing, Mason wanted to provide hope that former foster youth had a chance to catch up to their peers who are supported financially by their parents well into their 20s.

“How do we solve the bigger issue of hope, purpose, future?” he asked, saying that he fears that putting a kid in public housing at 18 could lead to them “holding out no hope other than the minimal help that the government can provide.”

That’s where the “FLEX” program originated. Through a grant from a Colorado foundation that wants to remain anonymous, former foster youth who pay at least a portion of their own rent — including Potter in Montrose – get a matching account in an investment account. There are stipulations on spending the money, which must go toward assets, education or entrepreneurship.

For now, the pilot program is helping about 30 young adults, mainly in Montrose and Jefferson counties. It’s expanding soon to Arapahoe County, and Mason is talking to state lawmakers about turning it into a statewide program.

We’re recognizing that it’s becoming a crisis with a higher degree of urgency.

Carlton Mason, CASA of the 7th Judicial District State child welfare officials, meanwhile, are working on legislation that would allow foster youth who’ve emancipated to return to the system. The proposal aims to let those aged-out youth maintain their autonomy but still access help with housing and other resources.

And in Broomfield, a nonprofit called Anchor House broke ground in July on an eightapartment complex for foster teens who’ve emancipated from the system. The housing project, developed by the Lutheran Church of Hope and Lutheran Family Services, is expected to open in May. Despite the new initiatives aimed at helping the specific population of former foster youth, Colorado is nowhere near to solving the problem, Mason said. It’s only beginning to recognize it.

“We’re recognizing that it’s becoming a crisis with a higher degree of urgency,” he said.

Dozens of Colorado foster teens go missing, become homeless each year In 2019, 211 foster youth aged out of foster care in Colorado, according to the state Department of Human Services. In addition, 61 left the system because they ran away.

Another 70 entered the custody of a jail or youth corrections center.

The numbers for 2020 aren’t any better. By September of this year, under the latest count available, 133 young people had left the state child welfare system because they aged out. An additional 47 ran away and 53 entered jail.

Another dismal statistic that isn’t improving: More than a third of foster youth who emancipate from the system in Colorado are homeless at age 21, according to the National Youth in Transition survey.

A new federal housing voucher program specifically targets this group of young people.

It’s called the Foster Youth to Independence program, or an “FYI” voucher for short, and it’s beginning to take off in multiple Colorado communities.

Jefferson County’s housing authority, Foothills Regional Housing, placed its first former foster youth with the voucher in November 2019, and beginning in February, the Littleton authority will begin using the vouchers for teens and young adults aging out of foster care in Arapahoe County.

Meanwhile, Mile High United Way is working to set up a similar partnership to use the voucher through the Denver Housing Authority.

The new program is unique because it’s localized — it’s meant to work best as a streamlined partnership between a local housing authority, child welfare officials and nonprofits that aim to help foster youths transition to adulthood without the financial or emotional support of a family. Colorado for years has used a statewide voucher program, administered through Mile High United Way, that is for young people who spent at least one day in foster care at age 16 or older.

Under the localized voucher program, child welfare workers and volunteers identify young people who are at risk of becoming homeless when they leave their final foster placement. They contact the local housing authority to secure a voucher, as well as help the youth find an apartment that accepts the voucher.

Adults who work with foster teens, mainly through local Chafee Foster Care Independent Living programs, will help young people find everything from beds to pots and pans for their new apartment.

Powers Circle Apartments in Littleton is owned by South Metro Housing Options, the housing authority for Littleton. Former foster youth will soon get vouchers to live in the building or other Littleton apartments that accept the voucher. (Provided by South Metro Housing Options) Jefferson County has housed 27 young people through the program in the last year and has nine more whose applications are in process. A new development near the Arvada Gold Line light rail station will house 30 additional young people, said Kristen Gines, chief people officer for Foothills Regional Housing.

The Littleton program, through South Metro Housing Options, plans to provide 24 vouchers — and expects to fill them quickly. Young people must have left foster care within 90 days and must be between the ages of 18 and 24. A voucher lasts for up to three years.

Corey Reitz, executive director of South Metro Housing Options, recalled reading a July 2019 notice from the federal HUD administration announcing the program. The Littleton housing authority works with families, seniors and people with disabilities, but had never helped young people exiting foster care.

Reitz also recalled looking up statistics about the grim outcomes for young people leaving the system without family support and knew immediately that he wanted to help. “After a very short amount of research, I found out how many potentially negative outcomes are for these folks.”

Shiloh House, which has seven residential treatment centers for foster youth across the state, will help find young people to use the Littleton vouchers. The nonprofit also runs various programs that provide parenting skills to families who’ve been reported to child welfare officials and that help young people learn self-sufficiency skills before aging out of the system.

The agency also plans to work with landlords in Arapahoe County to persuade them to accept the foster youth vouchers, “helping them understand, yes, there is a risk, but we are not just throwing these kids in there and saying, ‘Good luck,’” said Molly Ramirez, Shiloh’s deputy chief executive officer.

Ramirez said she has noticed in the last few years that Colorado officials and nonprofits are putting more emphasis on helping young people who age out.

“These kids have nowhere to go and no support,” she said. “A lot of people have a heart for these kids. They just need someone to walk alongside them and teach them the things that, unfortunately, their parents weren’t able to.”

1st Place in Montrose houses former foster youth who have aged out of the system. In Colorado last year, 211 young adults aged out of foster placements to live on their own.

(Provided by CASA of the 7th Judicial District) If Colorado fails to help aged-out youth transition to adulthood, Ramirez said, “we are going to unfortunately see them back in the system, but as the parent and not as the kid.”

Besides the new “Foster Youth to Independence” vouchers, Colorado also has about 135 young people across the state using another federal housing program, called the “Family Unification Program.”

A housing authority that administers the family unification voucher cannot also use HUD’s newer “Foster Youth to Independence” voucher, said Brittany Wade, program manager for the “Bridging the Gap” foster youth program at Mile High United Way. That’s why the agency is hoping the Denver Housing Authority will start distributing the new voucher program for Denver foster teens who age out of the system.

Until we can start ensuring that young people aren’t going to spend any time homeless, with a solid ‘this-is-where-I’m-going-from-foster-care-plan,’ it’s still going to be a pervasive problem of young people falling through the cracks.

Brittany Wade, Mile High United Way Since the coronavirus pandemic began, the older voucher program has been frozen.

Colorado hasn’t added any more young people to the program in months, despite a steady flow of requests from youth who are homeless and reach out to Mile High United Way for help.

The new localized voucher programs and housing projects specifically for foster youth are an encouraging sign, but not nearly enough to break the cycle, Wade said.

“Until we can start ensuring that young people aren’t going to spend any time homeless, with a solid ‘this-is-where-I’m-going-from-foster-care-plan,’” Wade said, “it’s still going to be a pervasive problem of young people falling through the cracks.”

January 6, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

The Looming Threat of a Socialist America

Commentary by Lee Edwards, Ph.D.,Distinguished Fellow in Conservative Thought Lee Edwards is a leading historian of American conservatism and the author or editor of 25 books.

KEY TAKEAWAYS The grassroots efforts of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and similar left-wing groups are paying significant dividends.

Socialism is indeed riding a wave of momentum when more Texans than Californians view it favorably.

We cannot depend on someone else to step forward. We must go on the offensive, disseminating the truth about socialism and the freeenterprise alternative.

As the far-left congresswomen known as the Squad celebrated their overwhelming victories in Democratic primaries earlier this year, far-sighted radical strategists were plotting to achieve their longrange goal—a socialist America governed by, in the words of the Marxist group Socialist Alternative, “a tested Marxist leadership.”

For those who say it can’t happen here, there are warning signs aplenty.

In New York, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez did not just turn back her wellknown Latina challenger, CNBC anchor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, she crushed her, winning 74.6 percent of the vote. Representative Rashida Tlaib easily defeated Detroit City Council president Brenda Jones, 66.3 percent to 33.7 percent. Ilhan Omar won her Minnesota primary against a well-funded Antone Melton-Meaux with 57.4 percent.

In each case, the socialists defeated liberal Democrats who were attractive, organized, and had plenty of money. It didn’t matter—an overwhelming majority of Democratic primary voters endorsed the OAC-Tlaib-Omar vision of a socialist America, including the multitrillion-dollar Green New Deal.

This was only some of the evidence of a revolutionary shift in the Democratic Party that is on its way to becoming the Socialist Party. Three senior Democrats in the House of Representatives lost their seats to AOC-like candidates. Representative Lacy Clay of Missouri, a 20-year incumbent, lost to Cori Bush, a Black Lives Matter leader. Representative Eliot Engel of New York, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, was defeated by progressive school principal Jamaal Bowman. Representative Dan Lipinski of Illinois, one of the very few pro-life Democrats in Congress, lost to leftist challenger Marie Newman.

Get exclusive insider information from Heritage experts delivered straight to your inbox each week.

The grassroots efforts of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and similar left-wing groups are paying significant dividends. In New York, five statewide candidates for the General Assembly who had been endorsed by DSA all won their primaries. Several had come-from-behind victories because of absentee ballots—a key socialist initiative. At least two self-described democratic socialists not endorsed by DSA also won statewide races.

They ran on platforms that included the Green New Deal, single-payer health care, criminal justice reform, housing for New York State’s 70,000 homeless, affordable housing for the poor, and new taxes on the rich and Wall Street to pay for all of it. Their goal, as set forth in campaign literature, is to “advance a vision for a socialist world.”

Socialists found receptive voters across the country. In Philadelphia, democratic socialist Nikil Saval won the Democratic primary for the state senate. Summer Lee, the first Black woman to represent southwestern Pennsylvania in the state senate, won reelection with 75 percent of the vote. In Montana, six “Berniecrats,” backed by Our Revolution, a progressive political action committee, won their primaries. San Francisco elected Chesa Boudin, son of the leftist militants, its district attorney. In the California primary, exit polls revealed that 53 percent of Democrats viewed socialism “favorably.” In Texas, Democratic voters in the primary approved of socialism by 56 percent, a 20-point margin over capitalism.

Socialism is indeed riding a wave of momentum when more Texans than Californians view it favorably.

Socialists are building on the remarkable candidacy of Senator Bernie Sanders, who raised more money than any other candidate in 2020 (an estimated $200 million), enlisted an unprecedented army of volunteers, and won the Iowa caucuses and the primaries in New Hampshire and Nevada. But he was unable to overcome the still-powerful Democratic establishment, which rallied behind former vice president Joe Biden.

Socialist strategists are calculating how best to push the Democratic Party farther to the left. Writing in Jacobin, Curt Ries argues that socialists need stronger institutions on the left, especially more militant labor unions. Ries, who worked in the Sanders campaign, points out that only three smaller unions backed Sanders. He also claims that socialists need more activist organizations like DSA, Our Revolution, and the Sunrise Movement, along with more independent media like Democracy Now! and Jacobin.

Socialists need “class-struggle elections,” argues Ries, that pit the people against the ruling class and focus on “the greed and corruption of capitalism.” Socialists believe, he said, that with the multiple crises in the economy, government, and public health, now is the time to push for a world where “all people can live with dignity, security, and freedom.”

The Socialist Alternative has called for the formation of a new left party with “a clear socialist program and a tested Marxist leadership.” The Call, a publication run by Bread and Roses, a caucus of Marxist organizers, has declared, echoing Karl Marx, that American workers need “a mass working class party.” The Sunrise Movement, a youth-led leftist climate group, has cautioned that a workers’ party should not be an “immediate” goal. But those on the far left agree that a workers’ party is “a crucial strategic goal for the socialist movement.”

These radicals clearly see themselves as a revolutionary vanguard like the Bolsheviks of 1917, prepared to strike when the moment is ripe to bring down a weakened political and economic structure. Although they are comparatively few—DSA has a membership of about 70,000—they are committed. They have helped to elect a number of national and local candidates. According to the polls, the mood of the country is favorable to radical solutions such as free education, free health care, and the Green New Deal, which would eliminate oil, coal, and natural gas as energy sources.

Writing in Javelin, DSA strategist Jared Abbott refers to a great debate that will take place between pragmatists and idealists on the left. Should socialists adopt a strategy of coalition-building with Democrats and others on the left? Or follow a strategy of confron-

Page 11

tation with Democrats, running their own candidates and building a combative class-centered left-wing organization?

Resolution of the debate depends in large measure on our national leadership. A Democratic president and a Democratic Congress would strengthen the pragmatists’ call for collaboration. A Republican president with a Republican Senate would enhance the idealists’ strategy of confrontation.

Given the electoral gains cited above, are we certain that a socialist America is impossible—especially when 70 percent of Millennials say they would vote for a socialist? We cannot depend on someone else to step forward. We must go on the offensive, disFor those who say it can’t happen here, there are warning signs aplenty.Mattseminating Gush/Getty Images the truth about socialism and the free-enterprise alternative.

We must point out that socialism has never worked anywhere, most recently in Venezuela and in past years in Israel, India, and Great Britain. We must show that it is based on the failed prophecies of a delusional economist named Karl Marx, who predicted two centuries ago that capitalism would wither away, that socialism would mean the end of private property and of small businesses, of which there are now 30 million in America.

Further, we must explain that, thanks to free enterprise, one billion people left poverty and a new middle class has formed around the world—that capitalism not socialism has brought greater wealth and more freedom to more people than any other economic system in history.

Unlike the rights that Thomas Jefferson wrote about in the Declaration of Independence, these facts are not self-evident. We must present them untiringly and defend them ceaselessly. The alternative—losing our country to so-called democratic socialists—is unthinkable.

This piece originally appeared in the National Review

Sheree’s Seniors

“Reagan was optimistic about America amid the cynicism and general retreat of the post-Vietnam era because he believed unfashionably that America was both great and good -- and had been needlessly diminished by restrictive economic policies and timid foreign policies. Change the policies and America would be restored, both at home and abroad. He was right.”

– Charles Krauthammer (1950-2018) writing in the Washington Post on June 11, 2004.

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Lost Creek Guide

United Way of Weld County Welcomes Patty Gates Onto its Staff

United Way of Weld County (UWWC) is pleased to announce that Patty Gates has joined the staff as the new vice president of donor engagement and leadership giving.

“We are very excited to have Patty join our United Way of Weld County professional staff,” said Jeannine Truswell, president and CEO of UWWC. “She brings knowledge and commitment to our community, strong business acumen and an understanding of what it takes to be an excellent nonprofit organization.”

Gates, a board member at UWWC before accepting her position on staff, was in the banking industry for more than 30 years and retired as the branch president and chief operations officer of FMS Bank in Greeley in September.

“I have always believed that the work of United Way is critical,” Gates said. “I was honored to have been a board member for the past two years, and feel very blessed to be able to now join the organization as a staff member. I look forward to being part of the important, impactful work of the United Way.” Born and raised in Greeley, Gates is married to John Gates and has two married sons and six grandchildren. Gates has been very active in the community, volunteering for many nonprofit organizations over the years. She is the past chairwoman and member of the Greeley Chamber of Commerce Board, past president and member of the Board of Women2Women, past general chairwoman and hospitality chairwoman of the Greeley Stampede Committee and member emeritus of the Northeastern Colorado American Cancer Society Leadership Council.

About United Way of Weld County The mission of the United Way of Weld County (UWWC) is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. UWWC assists residents in the areas of Early Childhood Development, Youth Success, Household Stability, Older Adults/Healthy Aging and Access to Services. Through our community’s willingness to give, advocate and volunteer, UWWC is able to have a positive impact on tens of thousands of lives every year.

Thanks to the generosity of the 36 UWWC Cornerstone Partners, they donate all or a portion of their corporate donation to help cover 100 percent of administrative and fundraising costs for the resources under UWWC’s management. For more information, visit the United Way of Weld County website at www.unitedway-weld.org.

January 6, 2021

Service Industry Relief Fund Update

Just over $3 million in grants has been distributed to Weld County businesses through two rounds of the Weld County Business Recovery Program. Over 400 businesses, employing 2,274 people, applied since the program launched in August. Upstate Colorado administered the program utilizing CARES Act funding from Weld County and contributing municipalities. The Recovery Program was open to all businesses with a physical presence in Weld County, primarily distributing grants to restaurants, service providers, and retail stores to help cover COVID related expenses and lost revenue.

The Board of County Commissioners has made a new round of grant funding available, provided by Weld County’s economic development fund, bringing an additional $2 million to support local “high-risk” businesses impacted by the pandemic who have had to close or significantly modify services to meet increased COVID-19 guidelines. The Weld County Service Industry Relief Fund is currently accepting applications and will review and approve grant funding on a two-week rotating basis through the January 31, 2021 deadline. Businesses have already begun receiving awards through this new fund, which will continue on a need based, first-come first-served basis, prioritizing first time applicants in service industries including restaurants, bars and other food and beverage service providers; live event venues; movie theaters; gyms and fitness centers; bowling centers, arcades, and other recreation facilities.

Upstate Colorado’s president, Rich Werner honors businesses during this difficult time and takes pride in the resiliency of our local business leaders who continue going above and beyond to ensure the safety of our community saying, “So many of our local public facing business have had been working hard to institute new health and safety measures and it’s important to help them through this process, as they are now faced with additional closures and capacity issues.”

Additional information, official guidelines, and the online application for the Weld County Service Industry Relief Fund can be found at www.weldrecovery.com.

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January 6, 2021

Page 13

Lost Creek Guide

Colorado Now Has Enough Coronavirus Vaccine for all Frontline Health Care Workers — and is Poised to Move Into Phase 1b About 9,000 people are being vaccinated a day in the state, Colorado National Guard general says

by John Ingold and Jesse Paul Jesse PauThe Colorado Sun — Colorado hospitals and health clinics have now received enough coronavirus vaccine to provide a first dose to all frontline health care workers in the state, the Colorado National Guard general overseeing the state’s vaccine distribution system said Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Scott Sherman said the state expected to have more than 195,000 doses of vaccine “on the ground” by the end of the day Tuesday.

“According to our records … we’ve pretty much got the frontline health care workers done with their first dose,” Sherman said. “So we’ll be going into our next phase, Phase 1b.”

Health care workers who have direct contact with coronavirus patients are in Phase 1a of the state’s allocation plan, along with the staff and residents of longterm care facilities. Phase 1b includes all other health care workers — and likely first respondArmy Veteran Phil Ross, 73, right, celebrates after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine from registered nurse Ola Arije, left, at Veterans Community Living ers, such as Center at Fitzsimons in Aurora on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. Ross is the p a r a m e d i c s first senior-care center resident in Colorado to receive the vaccine. (Pool and police ofphoto by Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post) ficers.

But exactly who is included in Phase 1b could be changing after new federal guidance. Sherman said Gov. Jared Polis would announce more about the state’s latest plan for Phase 1b and other phases at a news conference on Wednesday.

Sherman declined to provide more details. But there are indications that Colorado could be moving all people age 75 or older into the higher-priority tier, aligning with the new federal guidance. That group currently sits in Phase 2, which isn’t expected to begin until spring.

The Vail Daily reported Tuesday night that a health official told Eagle County commissioners the county would begin rolling out vaccinations to those 75 and older next week. Though details of how it will work are still pending, Eagle County Public Health and Environment Director Heath Harmon said vaccine would likely be distributed to doctors’ offices, a shift from what has thus far been tightly controlled distribution channels.

“Our goal is to get the vaccine into the hands of our primary care providers,” Harmon said, according to the Vail Daily.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported that 73,867 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. That differs slightly from what Sherman told The Sun in a Tuesday morning interview — saying that about 76,600 people had been vaccinated as of 9 a.m. Tuesday. He said more than 80,000 would be vaccinated by the end of Tuesday.

Sherman said about 9,000 people in Colorado are getting vaccinated a day.

Colorado is distributing shipments of both coronavirus vaccines approved so far, those made by the pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Moderna. Both vaccines require two doses, and people must get their second dose with the same vaccine they received in their first dose. The doses are spaced 21 days apart for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days apart for the Moderna vaccine.

So far, there does not appear to have been any serious side effects from the vaccine reported in Colorado — such as the rare but severe allergic reactions seen in other states.

The federal Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System has recorded 11 instances where a person suffered a notable side effect in Colorado from a coronavirus vaccine. The most common symptom reported was a headache.

The slow pace of vaccination has led to frustrations across the country. But Sherman said Colorado is doing well with vaccinations per capita compared with the rest of the country.

He attributed the gap in the number of vaccine doses distributed and the number of people who have been inoculated to the tedious, on-the-ground task of getting people organized and lined up to receive the vaccine. Some large hospital systems are moving doses around between hospitals to make sure they get to the people who need them first.

Hospitals are taking into account staff schedules and spacing out appointments to avoid crowding.

“It’s just getting their frontline health care workers available,” Sherman said.

Sherman said the state this week should begin receiving shipments of the Pfizer vaccine designated as second doses for health care workers who received their first dose three weeks ago. The state will also continue receiving vaccine designated for first doses, he said.

Sherman said the state expected to receive around 33,000 additional doses of the vaccine manufactured by Moderna next week.

Much of the Pfizer vaccine received next week is expected to go to a special program for inoculating workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. That program launched Monday, and Sherman said it is running about a week ahead of schedule, after the state received more of the Pfizer vaccine this month than it was expecting.

Sherman said the state expects to receive the last of the first doses needed for that program in the week of Jan. 15 — though, as with health care workers, it will take time to get those doses into arms. The doses are going directly to a partnership between the pharmacy chains CVS and Walgreens, which are administering the vaccinations at nursing homes and long-term care facilities in Colorado.

In the meantime, Sherman said the state will begin ramping up Phase 1b even as it is still winding down Phase 1a. First responders in Denver and Pueblo, for instance, have already received a first dose of the vaccine. Some hospitals with leftover doses after inoculating their frontline staff have also already begun vaccinating workers in Phase 1b.

“They are going to be fluid, especially as you get toward the end,” Sherman said. “They are going to be a little bit fluid, a little bit of overlap.”

Certified Gardener From CSU Extension

Overview

Tuition

Are you a green thumb? Happiest while knee-deep in dirt? Enjoy planting and watching things grow? Based on the Colorado Master GardenerSM curriculum, the Certified Gardener Program is your opportunity to learn the latest gardening techniques and become an authority for sharing your gardening know-how.

Full Program – $654

While the program is based on content similar to a traditional master gardener program, online courses give you more flexibility to learn only what you want to learn, on your own schedule. You have the option to take courses individually, register for a “bundle” of courses on related topics, or complete the full program and earn a mastery badge. No matter if you are a backyard gardener, interested in learning more about landscaping, pruning, and home composting, or are a green industry professional, these online gardening classes can be tailored to help you meet your goals.

As a student in the program, you will be able to: • Provide knowledge-based information to help gardeners protect and enhance their home landscape • Use gardening therapy as a tool to develop individuals, strengthen families, and build communities • Share ideas and build relationships with other students throughout the country in an online learning community • Illustrate your expertise and competencies through the use of digital badges

Digital badges illustrate expertise The Certified Gardener Program from CSU Extension is one of the first programs at Colorado State University to award digital badges upon completion of noncredit courses. Once you earn them, you can share badges on your resume, website, e-portfolio, and on social media to illustrate for others the skills you have learned.

This chart shows the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s plan for how coronavirus vaccinations will be prioritized. CDPHE released the updated chart on Dec. 9, 2020, and said it could change in the future as more is learned about COVID-19. (Screenshot)

(970) 491-2131

Outreach_Team@colostate.edu

Quest Bundles – $108-144 Individual Quest Badge – $60 Individual Trek Badge – $40 Tuition for the full program may vary based on savings earned by bundling courses.

Badge expiration Badges in this program expire after three years from the date earned to ensure up to date knowledge of practices in the industry.

More info online.colostate.edu/badges/certifiedgardener

Contact Outreach_Team@colostate.edu (970) 491-2131

Page 14

Town of Frederick News

Lost Creek Guide

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is conducting a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study and Access Control Plan (ACP) for the state highway CO 52 corridor. This project will provide a long-term vision for the corridor by prioritizing projects and identifying funding for transportation improvement projects.

In recent years, traffic congestion along CO 52 has increased dramatically. The communities along the corridor utilize CO 52 to commute to business and industry centers.

Changes in land use are causing the average daily traffic (ADT) to increase to a level that is straining the existing infrastructure along the corridor. CDOT is interested in a comprehensive document that creates a long-range plan to address corridor limitations with an emphasis on stakeholder involvement.

From August 24 - September 17, 2020 the Study Team hosted an online public engagement opportunity where we presented Study information as well as captured ideas and concerns from the public.

With the help of local agency outreach, the engagement opportunity reached over 800 people. The team collected input through various platforms, including the Social Pinpoint Map and the Comment Wall as well as via email, phone, and a series of surveys.

Thank you to all who participated in the online public engagement event and provided your feedback!

View the results from the 2020 public engagement survey.

What’s next? Understanding the existing conditions along the corridor allows the Study Team to identify the needs and develop a Purpose and Need statement for the project. The next step will be to develop the evaluation criteria with our local agency partners.

This is the beginning of the process for developing project alternatives for the corridor.

As part of the study, the alternative options will go through two rounds of evaluation to identify projects that will best serve the corridor.

January 6, 2021

Weld County Extension Director Keith Maxey retires

After 25 years with the Weld County Extension Office, Keith Maxey will retire on December 31, 2020.

Maxey began his career on December 18, 1995, as a Dairy Agent where he focused on programming for dairy cattle and goat producers and 4-H Club members. He also became a Livestock Agent, broadening his programming scope to include beef cattle, sheep and goats. His love for dairy cattle and livestock in general spurred him to start both the Dairy Extravaganza and Goat Extravaganza in 2000 where youth can practice showing their dairy cattle and goats ahead of the Weld County Fair livestock shows. At that same time, Maxey led a Kids for Kids goat program, where youth from underrepresented populations took care of goats and learned how to raise them to produce quality meat. The program, which ran for eight years, expanded 4-H’s reach in Weld County and won Maxey a National Program of Excellence Award from the National 4-H Association.

On June 1, 2011, he was promoted to director of the Extension Office. As director, Maxey oversaw staff administration of several Extension areas including the Weld County Fair, family and consumer sciences, livestock, horticulture, agriculture and youth programs. In addition, he took on 4-H and adult programming responsibilities including farm visits and assisting producers in adopting new technologies, such as decision tools, predictive models and integrated whole farm systems, as well as identifying problem areas limiting long-term productivity. He was also a coach for the Colorado 4-H Dairy Judging Team and helped lead them to judge at the International Dairy Judging Tour in Scotland and Ireland during the summer of 2019.

“I was on the interview committee that hired Keith as Extension Director,” said Commissioner Chair Mike Freeman. “I’m more than honored to have been able to work with you over the years. You’ve done a great job.”

Maxey’s dedication to agriculture and ag education has extended outside of his career as he’s worked with the Weld County 4-H Foundation since 1995 and has been the Dairy Cattle Superintendent at the Colorado State Fair since 1996. For the past few years, Maxey has served on the Colorado Farm Show Board where he helped with educational and scholarship programs.

“We’re going to miss you,” said Commissioner and Extension Office Coordinator Barbara Kirkmeyer, mentioning how Maxey’s calm leadership was an asset to Extension over two decades. “We’ve really enjoyed having Keith here, and I believe he is the best Extension Director in the state of Colorado.”

“Working for CSU Extension here at Weld County Government has given me the opportunity to get to know and learn from so many people, whether that be from ag producers, county staff or community agencies,” Maxey stated. “I’m thankful for the support I’ve received over the years to grow extension and 4-H through the county — it really has enriched my life.”

For more information about the Weld County CSU Extension Office, visit https://www. weldgov.com/departments/csu_extension.

January 6, 2021

Page 15

Lost Creek Guide

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Page 16

Lost Creek Guide

January 6, 2021

About CSU Extension

Do you sometimes feel like you’re on information overload? With hundreds of television channels to choose from, social media options such as Twitter and Facebook, and more and more websites popping up every day, it’s challenging to know which information to trust.

Colorado State University Extension can provide relief by offering reliable, researchbased information to help you make informed decisions.

Wherever you live, Extension’s job is to determine what issues, concerns and needs are unique to each community, and offer sound and effective solutions. Whether you have a question about health, financial literacy, pasture or livestock management, weeds, pests or gardens, 4-H or youth development, renewable energy, elder or child-care issues, CSU Extension can connect you to the latest, most accurate data.

For over 100 years, Extension has helped people in Colorado find the answers they need—for a healthy home life and successful business. And now with our partners at eXtension.org, everyone with a computer has access to a nation-wide network of professionals who can help answer specific questions and solve distinctive problems.

There’s only one difference between Colorado State University Extension and the University itself: the entire state is our campus. Our system of county offices puts Extension resources within easy reach of Colorado’s 64 counties.

In 1914, Congress authorized land-grant Universities in every state to feed researchbased information to Extension agents in each county. We’ve been in the education/information business ever since.

Faculty and staff with expertise in agriculture, horticulture, range, forestry, water, health promotion, financial literacy, business management, community development and 4-H youth-development-based in counties and on campus-are all part of Extension’s effort to bring the latest information to the people of Colorado.

Just a few of our programs: 4-H Youth Development Each year, nearly 100,000 Colorado youth benefit from Extension’s 4-H programs by participating in hands-on projects including: environmental science, rocketry, foods and nutrition, animal science, photography and more. As a result, they learn valuable life skills such as leadership, ethics, decision making, record keeping, responsibility and community service.

Water Quality and Water Saving Education One example of how we help Colorado citizen’s understand and protect water resources in the state, Extension, in cooperation with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, developed guidelines to help Colorado crop producers employ Best Management Practices that protect the state’s water resources while allowing producers to remain economically competitive.

Native Plant Masters After training and certification, volunteers educate the public about using and appreciating native Colorado plants; this fosters stewardship and sustainable use of plant resources.

Nutrition Education Helping Colorado residents acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviors necessary to maintain healthy lifestyles; reduce the incidence and severity of selected lifestyle-related diseases; and improve safe food practices—from farm to table—to reduce food-borne illness.

Clean and Renewable Energy Our network of Extension agents and specialists empowers Coloradans to make environmentally and financially sound energy decisions through hands-on workshops, online webinars, publications, field demonstrations, K-12 teacher trainings, and volunteer development.

Resources Programs are just one way Extension delivers quality information. You can also access a huge database of downloadable resources from our on-campus Resource Center.

Our publications are not textbooks, but easy-to-read booklets, information sheets, and brochures. The resources are specifically intended for everyday use and application, written by experts and based on the latest findings. To learn more, go to: http://extension.colostate.edu/publications-2/ Accurate and Unbiased Information Answers are as close as your nearest county Extension office. When you are looking for straightforward, research-based, usable information, make your first stop CSU Extension. You won’t need to go any further.

Call your nearest county extension office for more information. Let Colorado State University Extension help you to improve the quality of life for your family and your community.

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 23, Article 34 outlines the objectives of CSU Extension, “The objectives of the service’s programs shall continue to be the dissemination of information to the people of this state in order to assist them in applying the results of scientific research and technological developments, as well as lessons from practical experience to the solution of individual, family and community problems, drawing on relevant knowledge from various fields, including but not limited to agriculture, natural resources, home economics, nutrition, health, citizenship, and community and economic development.”

This act goes on to outline the authority to accomplish the purposes of the article.

These include, under (e), “development of interstate and multicounty administrative or program arrangements, memoranda of understanding and agreements to achieve state extension objectives.”

S T A T E

O F

P O S S I B I L I T I E S

We’re Here for You

Our mission is to provide information and education, and encourage the application of research-based knowledge in response to local, state, and national issues affecting individuals, youth, families, agricultural enterprises, and communities of Colorado.

We are part of the land-grant university system nationwide. We draw from the University’s research-based resources to strengthen community partnerships, boost the economy, engage families and youth, and enhance our quality of life.

Who We Are S

ince 1912, Colorado State University Extension has been a trusted resource for building and strengthening Colorado communities, Extension is the front door to the university, within the Office of Engagement.

Other Office of Engagement units are: • Colorado Water Institute • CSU Online • Office of Community and Economic Development

We provide the extensive knowledge, research capabilities and resources of this premier land grant university to Coloradans from all walks of life.

Extension staff throughout the state are dedicated to serving current and future needs of Coloradans by providing educational information and programs that safeguard health, increase livelihood, and enhance well-being.

Campus partners include: • College of Agricultural Sciences • College of Engineering • College of Health and Human Sciences • College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences • Warner College of Natural Resources

Designed to meet the unique needs of each of Colorado’s 64 counties.

Colorado State University Extension offers a wide variety of programs and educational classes.

We teach people how to apply science-based information in their daily lives in order to make informed choices about everything from personal finances and healthy living to community issues.

extension.colostate.edu

extension.colostate.edu