The Lost Creek Guide March 17, 2021

Page 1

Volume 14 • Edition 6

March 17, 2021

Delivering 9,800 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

Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce Holds Annual Membership Meeting Bank of Colorado and Ernie Marquez Recognized

submitted by Sandi Schneider-Engle Bank of Colorado and resident Ernie Marquez were recently recognized at the Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce’s (FMACC) annual meeting as Business of the Year and Citizen of the Year respectively. Bank of Colorado was noted as a strong community supporter of the Fort Morgan community for more than 25 years. The local bank provides area residents access to mortgages, ag, and commercial loans; savings and checking accounts; and related personal and business banking services. In fact, the Fort Morgan bank president, Cameron Armagost, adds that the financial institution played a key role this past year with issuing PPP loans to area businesses. Approximately 200 of these COVID relief loans were processed by the bank this past year. Bank of Colorado received accolades for their service and supFollowing the virtual annual meeting of the Fort Morgan Area port of various nonprofit Chamber of Commerce (FMACC), FMACC Board Directors Josh organizations including Gibbs and Andrew Stieb, along with FMACC Executive Director Sandy Schneider-Engle (on photo right), presented Cameron FMACC and the Fort Armagost, Branch President, and Darrick Ohr, Loan Officer, from Morgan Lions Club inBank of Colorado (on photo left) a plaque noting their recent selec- volvement and donation as this year’s Business of the Year. tions made to Morgan Community College for a new ag innovation building and the Morgan County Golden Stars humanitarian program. One of the oldest banks in Colorado, the bank became a part of a larger family of local banks started by the Dinsdale family during the Great Depression. Today, Bank of Colorado serves 44 Colorado communities throughout the Eastern Plains, the Front Range, the Western Slope, and the Four Corners Region. It recently expanded and opened its new location on the corner of Platte Ave. and Main Street in Fort Morgan in November of 2019. Criteria for the annual business award included: Chamber membership, outstanding company performance, growth of operations, community involvement/contributions, exceptional customer service, and displays of cooperation/collaboration. Ernie Marquez was selected as this year’s Citizen of the Year. Marquez is the founder and President of the Fort Morgan Gladiator Boxing club, a non-profit corporation that operates a boxing fitness gym at 835 E. Platte Ave. in the city. The gym offers a variety of competitive and non-competitive fitness boxing classes focusing on self-discipline, self-worth, and confidence in children and adults. In his nomination of Marquez, local resident Kelly Ewing noted, “Ernie Marquez works hard each day to improve the lives of many . . . He keeps in touch with people who work with troubled youth and adults and offers them a safe place to work out their problems. He provides a place for support groups to talk and uplift each other. He works in the community to help put together and deliver food packages to those in need. During the past year he has stepped up to help anyone who was struggling with being short on anything due to COVID-19 . . . He is also a man that helps to support and promote all other local or small businesses.” Upon accepting the award at the Chamber’s virtual meeting, Marquez noted how honored he was to be able to positively contribute to the well-being of others, and in some cases, turn their lives around. The 39-year-old continues to compete competitively as well as share his passion for the sport of boxing through actively coaching at the gym. The FMACC recognizes individuals for this honor based on community service, resources, and/or time given for the betterment of the Fort Morgan area. The recipient needs to be a resident of Morgan County. “Our businesses and citizens are the backbone of our community. The Fort Morgan Area Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to be able to recognize these special organizations and individuals who have contributed to our success,” remarks Sandy Schneider-Engle, Executive Director of the FMACC. In addition to announcing the award winners, an update on key milestones and chamber accomplishments were shared. A few of them included: Increased visibility and communication with members through social media platforms and with traditional print and radio platforms, chamber ambassador visits, and weekly

newsletter correspondence Developed policies and assisted exporters with Certificates of Origin (more than 2400 certificates were issued in 2020) Collaborated with the City of Fort Morgan, Small Business Development Center, and Morgan Community College Foundation on business education opportunities and continued to serve as a resource offering free monthly workshops on various business-related subjects. Hosted and partnered on successful community events such as the new Teachers Breakfast, holiday art show and train decorating contest, and downtown Third Thursday Art Walks Responded to more than 472 phone calls or walk-in visitors requesting information Schneider-Engle recognized and thanked the Morgan County Commissioners and Energize Colorado for operational grant funds received last year allowing the Chamber to continue its operations. Morgan Community College and O’Neal Appraisal Company were also praised for their contributions of logistic and staffing assistance as well as computer equipment and software. The FMACC ended the year 2020 with a positive financial balance and a membership roster of 63 current paid members including one Rainbow Bridge sponsor, four Big Band sponsors, and 11 Friends level sponsors. Schneider-Engle also elaborated on upcoming chamber priorities, which include determining where the Chamber can add the most value to its membership and modify existing programs or adding new opportunities where appropriate; working with media partners to launch a campaign focused on buying and supporting local; proactively helping Chamber members with referrals, marketing support, and educational opportunities; and positioning the Chamber to remain financially viable so it can represent businesses in the years ahead. The Chamber Annual Meeting sponsors included: Wolf Waste Removal, Cargill Meat Solutions, City of Fort Morgan, Evans Early Childhood Center, Zazzy’s Café, the MAV Restaurant, Comfort Inn, Country Road Vines and Wines, Golden Belt Bank, B106 radio, FMS Bank, Allo Communications, Media Logic Radio, Morgan Community College, FM Furniture Mart, New Method Cleaners, Bank of Colorado, and Cover 4 Theatre.

Governor Polis Provides Update on Colorado’s COVID-19 Response

DENVER- Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on Colorado’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the State’s efforts to vaccinate Coloradans. Governor Polis was joined by Dr. Rachel Herlihy, State Epidemiologist, CDPHE. Colorado continues making great strides in vaccinating more Coloradans every day. The state has vaccinated 74% of Coloradans ages 70 and older, which is essential for preventing loss of life as this group represents 78% of COVID deaths in Colorado. The state has also vaccinated 59% of all Coloradans aged 65 to 69, and 90% of Colorado’s PreK-12th grade educators and licensed child care workers, which surpasses the goal of vaccinating 75% of educators and child care workers by early March. “I am proud of Colorado’s efforts to get shots into arms as quickly as possible. With every vaccine, more Coloradans become protected and we get closer to the end of this crisis,” said Governor Polis. “We’ve made tremendous progress, Colorado, but until everyone who wants the vaccine can get it, we must all continue to protect ourselves and others from this virus. Mask wearing and social distancing are still critical.” Cont. on Page 2, See COVID-19 Update

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE:

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated Page 4: Baseline Page 5: School Safety Patrol Celebrates 100th Anniversary Page 7: Colorado’s MeatOut Day Promotes Big LIe Page 8-10: 13 Charts Show How Colorado has Fared During Coronavirus Page 12: Jon Caldera Letter on Animal Rights Page 14: All Americans Need to Fight Cancel Culture


Page 2

– Way of the World –

Lost Creek Guide

by Bob Grand Pi day, 3/14/2021, brought the 4th biggest snowstorm in recorded Colorado history. Hopefully, this will make a fairly good dent in our drought condition. Vaccines for COVI9 19 are progressing. Many are not taking it for political rather than health reasons. This just does not make a lot of sense. It is a decision that you should make as an individual, but consider the possible ramifications to your family, neighbors, friends, and other people in general. I got both of mine my shots because I want to see my grandkids, who live on the east coast. I would also like to see my Mom. I have not seen either in over a year. That time is lost forever. The COVID 19 Relief Bill has passed, barely. The $1.9 Trillion bill has a lot in it, a whole bunch that has nothing to do with COVID 19 but a whole lot to do with handing out your dollars to the party faithful that supported Joe Biden’s election. I find it interesting that the $1.9 trillion dollar bill is ever so slightly more than the original $1.8 trillion COVID 19 bill passed under President Trump. A coincidence. I do not think so. I just would have hoped that the Congress would have looked at the detail a whole lot closer. This should not have been a Democratic or Republican bill; it should have been a bill for the American people. They are the ones who are going to have to pay for it. It is a good thing to help people but incentivizing people not to go back to work because they make more on supplemental unemployment is not logical. There is a significant portion of the original COVID 19 aid package that has not been spent. This new one has provision they payout over the next few years. As you look at the percentage of government payments that constitute the percentage of the GNP it is now approaching 27%. Almost double what the historical rate has been. Are we creating a culture that will expect this as an ongoing course of conduct? It is not sustainable. In the next few weeks, I believe that we will be seeing the President begin to introduce his proposed tax increases. The ones that will only effect corporations and the rich people. Do people do not realize that to maintain their stock valuations, corporations will raise prices to maintain their profit margins to support their stock prices. Speaking of stock prices, how long can this “melt up” continue. Today there is no meaningful place to put your money to work except the market, to get any meaningful growth. This is the old greater fool theory at work. Read up on your history of 1928. You have to wonder when everyone is talking about stock prices. Where is the substantive base for pricing valuation? An ever-growing supply of money chasing a relatively limited number of shares has to drive share prices up. But what if, as I am afraid it is, only a bubble. The pain will be severe, and it is not a question of if, but only when the reckoning it is coming. Our cancel culture is beginning to eat its own. Now I am not an Andrew Cuomo fan, by any stretch. But this America, you are supposed to be proven guilty before being executed. All Americans should be treated equally under the law. Remember what is inscribed over the entrance to the Supreme Court Building in Washington DC. Now if the allegations are true than Cuomo should have the decency to resign but he is not a decent guy and probably will not resign. Our country has as a base tenet, the fact that people should have equal opportunity. Have we been perfect in this in the past? Probably not, but it should be our goal. That goal should not be driven into the ground by discriminating against Americans who are not part of this victim mentality. Forcing equity by redistributing wealth is socialism. That is not what Americas is based on and certainly not what has made America such a shining light in the world. A piece of the COVID 19 legislation driven by the new Senator from Georgia, Raphael Warnock, calls for debt forgiveness for farmers of color. Is this not reverse discrimination? Most US farmers had nothing to do with discrimination against fellow farmers. Did not the Pigford settlement in 1999 provide $1.25 billion for settlement of discrimination issues? Where does it stop, or is it the plan to never stop? The President called for unity, , you have to work towards that from both sides of the aisles. Ripping open old wounds and pouring salt in them does not work toward unification, quite the contrary. I would suspect that our federal elected officials do not go to the food store or buy gas themselves. If they did, they would not need a lesson to what is happening to prices to the average working person. I am becoming more convinced every day that we need to take a hard look at our Constitution and the Amendments, particularly Amendment 10. It reads “ The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nr prohibited by it to the states, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” We have allowed, by virtue of having elected legislators, from both parties, who have allowed the bureaucratic morass in Washington become our masters. I watched this past COVIOS 19 bill and asked what our two Senators from Colorado or our other elected officials did. The vote was on a totally party line. I did not vote to have Chuck Schumer or Nancy Pelosi decide what happens in Colorado. Our elected folks are bright, not stupid. Is it too much to expect them to represent the people of Colorado as opposed to nodding their head in agreement with what the DNC advocates, and stand by silently while the extreme left of the party attempts to cancel our culture and try and rewrite our history? The people of Colorado deserve better. As always, your thoughts and comments are appreciated: publisher@lostcreekguide.com

The Lost Creek Guide, Llc Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com Our deadline is 7 working days before publication

lcgnews.com

105 Woodward - PO Box 581 Keenesburg, CO 80643

Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Letters may be edited for length, libelous, or inappropriate content. All letter submissions should include name, address, & phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published at the editor or publisher’s discretion. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Lost Creek Guide or staff.

Delivering on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month and sent to all Postal Boxes. Our hours are Tuesday, Weds, & Thursday 10am to 3pm. Call or email us for advertising rates.

March 17, 2021

Governor Polis Provides Update on Colorado’s COVID-19 Response

Cont. from Page 1 Governor Polis also reminded Coloradans who have been fully vaccinated that newly released guidance from the CDC only approves certain activities, like being indoors without a mask with other fully vaccinated individuals or visiting with unvaccinated people from one other household indoors if everyone in the other household is at low risk for severe disease. A person is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the last required dose of vaccine. The CDC’s guidelines for vaccinated individuals still encourage everyone to wear masks and practice social distancing while in public. when visiting with unvaccinated people from multiple other households, and when around unvaccinated people who are at high risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19. Governor Polis also provided an update on a letter he sent along with Oregon Governor Kate Brown to the Food and Drug Administration encouraging the FDA to permit vaccine pooling for the COVID vaccine. If approved, this technique would allow medical professionals to take small amounts of leftover vaccine doses from one vial and combine it with another vial to produce one full vaccine dose. This would prevent waste of vaccine doses and also speed up Colorado’s ability to get more shots into arms, while still ensuring the vaccine is effective and safe. Dr. Herlihy provided an update on Colorado’s response to the new South African variant of COVID-19, which was found in Chaffee County. “Vaccines continue to play a significant role in protecting against the variant and continue to offer substantial protection, especially against severe disease. As always, everyone should continue to wear masks, practice physical distancing, wash hands frequently, and get the vaccine when it is their turn,” said Dr. Herlihy.

Keene Craft Mercantile

A Special Place Where Talented People Bring Their Home-made Crafts to Sell We are open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am until 5 pm 65 Main Street, Keenesburg, Colorado 303-910-0640


March 17, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

Page 3

How to Protect Yourself and Others

from CDC Guildelines COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you from getting sick. Based on what we know about COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic. We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions in public places like wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces until we know more. Have You Been Fully Vaccinated? People are considered fully vaccinated: 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, like Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine If it has been less than 2 weeks since your shot, or if you still need to get your second dose, you are NOT fully protected. Keep taking all prevention steps until you are fully vaccinated. What’s Changed If you’ve been fully vaccinated: You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks, unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms. However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms. What Hasn’t Changed For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinated: You should still take steps to protect yourself and others in many situations, like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet apart from others, and avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these precautions whenever you are: In public Gathering with unvaccinated people from more than one other household Visiting with an unvaccinated person who is at increased risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19 or who lives with a person at increased risk You should still avoid medium or large-sized gatherings. You should still delay domestic and international travel. If you do travel, you’ll still need to follow CDC requirements and recommendations. You should still watch out for symptoms of COVID-19, especially if you’ve been around someone who is sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you should get tested and stay home and away from others. You will still need to follow guidance at your workplace. What We Know and What We’re Still Learning We know that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. We’re still learning how effective the vaccines are against variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. Early data show the vaccines may work against some variants but could be less effective against others. We know that other prevention steps help stop the spread of COVID-19, and that these steps are still

important, even as vaccines are being distributed. We’re still learning how well COVID-19 vaccines keep people from spreading the disease. Early data show that the vaccines may help keep people from spreading COVID-19, but we are learning more as more people get vaccinated. We’re still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines can protect people. As we know more, CDC will continue to update our recommendations for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Until we know more about those questions, everyone — even people who’ve had their vaccines — should continue taking basic prevention steps when recommended. Want to learn more about these recommendations? Read our expanded Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, and the corresponding Science Brief.

Two New Grants Available to Help Those Who Lost Their Jobs Due to COVID-19 Get Back in the Workforce

WELD COUNTY, CO — In response to the economic shock and employment impact of the pandemic, Employment Services of Weld County has received funding through two new state grants to provide employment opportunities to individuals who lost their jobs due to COVID-19. In cooperation with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Employment Services of Weld County is one of the statewide workforce recipients of the newly-created RecoverCO and COResponds grants. Both of these National Emergency Grants were created to address the workforce-related impacts of COVID-19 on local job seekers. The RecoverCO grant provides career, training and employment services to dislocated workers (job seekers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own and do not have the skills to compete for current job openings) with the goal of minimizing the employment and economic disruption on individuals whose jobs have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Services provided can include career services to assess job seeker needs and develop an individual employment plan, training services and skill upgrading, work-based learning services including apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and supportive services to help job seekers obtain and retain employment such as work attire, dependent care, transportation assistance and more. Statewide, the $4,995,000 RecoverCO grant projects to serve 600 job seekers. The COResponds grant provides subsidized wages and fringe benefits for temporary jobs that help Colorado recover from the immediate impact of COVID-19. This grant creates disaster-relief jobs that help stem the rise of COVID-19 and provide clean-up and humanitarian assistance including actions to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity. Positions include contact tracers, temperature screeners, sanitation workers at schools and homeless shelters, food bank delivery drivers, child care providers for first responders and other positions as identified. Statewide, the $4,995,000 COResponds grant projects to serve 332 participants and provide up to $15,000 for wages and benefits per participant. As always, veterans and their eligible spouses are entitled to priority of service for this and other Department of Labor funded programs. Learn more about the RecoverCO and COResponds grants by visiting https://www.weldgov. com/departments/human_services/employment_services/adult_employment_and_training_programs, under the Discretionary Grants tab.


Page 4

Impact on Ag from COVID Monies

Lost Creek Guide

Broomfield, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture is excited to work with the Governor’s Office and legislative leaders from both parties to pass and implement the Colorado Recovery Plan. The plan invests heavily in our rural and agricultural communities to ensure they build back quicker and stronger from the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the many important investments, the recovery plan calls for one-time funding that includes: $20-35 million in agriculture supply chain infrastructure grants $2-3 million in funding to expand market access through Colorado Proud $2-5 million in agricultural drought response and recovery $3-5 million in agricultural renewable energy and energy efficiency grants $7-10 million in support for the National Western Stock Show and State Fair $10-20 million in funding for State Water Plan projects The proposal also includes significant investments in rural broadband, small businesses, and education and childcare. “The investments made in the Colorado Recovery Plan are essential to addressing immediate needs and building resilience across our agricultural sector and rural communities,” said Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture. “The plan supports agricultural producers by expanding rural economic opportunities and market access, reducing energy costs, increasing supply chain resilience, and responding to devastating drought conditions over the past year.” The Colorado Recovery Plan was announced by the Governor and legislative leadership of both parties on May 10, 2020.

March 17, 2021

- Baseline -

By Linda Meyer “Push ‘em back, shove ‘em back, Waayyyy back; “Push ‘em back, shove ‘em back, Waayyyy back!” That cheer from high school football has been running through my mind lately. (I won’t be talking about how long ago that was.) As covid continues to hold our nation’s attention, more and more activities have been pushed back or outright canceled. The latest was a concert we hoped to attend in Fort Collins later this month. We weren’t surprised that it was canceled, but more surprised they waited until three weeks before the concert to call it off. Of course, the email said they hoped to reschedule the concert, just like they hope to reschedule all of the concerts they had to cancel this winter. I know a number of people have received their covid vaccinations in the last six weeks or so. Husband just received his first shot, and I have an appointment for my first shot. As more and more of us are vaccinated, here’s hoping we can soon stop canceling or pushing back all of our activities. Husband and I spent a week in Phoenix at the end of February. We’ve been going to baseball Spring Training most springs for six or seven years. We thought about waiting another month, but the hotels are much cheaper in February. Spring Training games were pushed back (there it is again: pushed back!) a few days, but we had already decided not to attend any games this year. We aren’t ready to be in crowds, especially since Arizona’s positivity rate was 14% in mid-January. It was down to 9% while we were there, but that is almost double the rate in Weld County. Instead of baseball games, we spent our time visiting several friends who now live in Arizona full-time, and exploring every used book store in the area. I also enjoyed not having to think very hard for a few days. When we go on trips, we usually take an extra smaller suitcase for the books we buy, plus gifts for the grandkids! Those kids can’t spoil themselves, so it’s up to us grandparents to take care of the spoiling. What are you hoping to do when covid restrictions end? We are fortunate to live close to our children and grandchildren and see them once or twice a week, but I know not everyone has that luxury. We normally celebrate holidays with my brother and his family, rotating between our home and their home in Aurora. This year we had Zoom calls with them on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but that wasn’t the same. They were able to come to Husband’s drive-by retirement party in January, and it was great to see them again. I was even happy to see my brother! That doesn’t happen very often. My church has been open since mid-January. We have a large sanctuary, so we are able to spread out and maintain social distancing within the sanctuary. I know several larger churches that are finally going to open on Easter Sunday (April 1). They have been closed for almost a year, and I know many people will be happy to go to church again. We usually go to several concerts a year, and two or three Rockies games. The Rockies have announced they are going to allow around 21,000 people to attend their games. It will be interesting to see how they work out who is allowed to attend. Although the way they play baseball, they may only have ten thousand people who even want to go to the games! Maybe by fall the Broncos will be able to fill Mile High again. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Whatever you and your family enjoy doing together, let’s hope it isn’t long until we can all get together again to laugh and enjoy ourselves without any worries about becoming ill. That will be a celebration! And finally, for St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish Blessing for you and your family: May you have love that never ends, Lots of money, and lots of friends. Health be yours, whatever you do, And may God send many blessings to you! Amen to that! Have a great month, Linda ____ Linda Meyer is the Pastor of Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg. Connect with Linda: Pastorcumc18@gmail.com , Twitter @RevLindaMeyer Mental Health Resources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 Colorado Crisis Hotline: 1-844-493-TALK (1-844-493-8255) Trevor Project (LGBTQIA+ Youth): 866-488-7386 Mental Health of Colorado: https://www.mentalhealthcolorado.org/ Farm Aid Farmer Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243)


March 17, 2021

School Safety Patrol Celebrates 100th Anniversary

Page 5

Lost Creek Guide

Blizzard of 3/14/2021, 4th Biggest Winter Storm in Colorado Recorded History

World’s largest school-based safety program curbs student pedestrian deaths

DENVER (March 2, 2021) - AAA is proud to celebrate its iconic School Safety Patrol program’s centennial anniversary. For 100 years, Patrollers around the world have provided school-aged children an extra sense of safety and security when going to and from school. The program has been hailed for its contribution to the steady decline of U.S. student pedestrian (ages 5-14) deaths - a 24 percent decrease since 2010, even as deaths of other pedestrians have trended upward. “AAA’s School Safety Patrol program is the world’s largest school-based safety program. We could not be prouder of the thousands of young men and women annually who dedicate their time before and after school each day to ensure the safety of their classmates,” said AAA President and CEO, and former Patroller, Marshall Doney. “This community program teaches safety and leadership skills to ensure our youngest generations are making smart decisions. I can attest firsthand: The important pedestrian and traffic safety measures I learned as a Patroller had a profound and lasting impact on my career.” While so much has changed in mobility in the past 100 years, one thing remains the same: the School Safety Patrol’s mission to provide a safer environment and opportunities for millions of schoolchildren. The training that Patrollers receive instills a safety sense far beyond street crossings, including bus and car drop-offs, monitoring highway congestion, and real-world leadership. “As a parent, I can tell you that kids sometimes listen more to their peers than to adults, which is one reason AAA Patrollers are so effective at keeping kids safe,” said Cassie Tanner, regional deputy director of public affairs for AAA. “As a mom and as the board president of West Metro Fire Rescue, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the School Safety Patrollers. They’re lifesavers.” AAA School Safety Patrol members have grown up to be U.S. presidents, including President Joe Biden, astronauts, governors, members of Congress, Supreme Court justices (William Brennan, Stephen Breyer, Warren Burger, Anthony Kennedy and Clarence Thomas) and Olympic medalists (Eric Heiden, Caitlyn Jenner and Edwin Moses). Many Patrollers now serve as educators, executives, and community leaders. If you’re a former Patroller, we’d love to hear your story. Send it to Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs, at smckinley@colorado.aaa.com. The 2020-21 school year, different as it may be, boasts 679,000 Patrollers in 35,000 schools in the United States. Over the last 100 years, interest in and excitement for the program have also spread around the world. The AAA model has been adopted in at least 30 other countries, including England, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Since 1920, AAA provides various equipment and education materials to Patrollers, including reflective belts, patrol badges and training resources. To learn how to bring the AAA School Safety Patrol to your school, email AAASchoolSafetyPatrol@acg.aaa.com. About AAA - The Auto Club Group AAA Colorado is a proud part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the second-largest AAA club in North America with more than 14 million members across 14 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories. ACG and its affiliates provide members with roadside assistance, insurance products, banking and financial services, travel offerings and more. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA’s mission is to protect and advance freedom of mobility and improve traffic safety. For more information, get the AAA Mobile app, visit AAA. com, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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

$15.50

$1.85 per gallon will call or route

$3,950.00 $2,950.00


Page 6

Clear Thinking on Elections from Clarence Thomas

Lost Creek Guide

Micah Morrison is chief investigative reporter for Judicial Watch. Follow him on Twitter @micah_morrison. Tips: mmorrison@judicialwatch.org The Supreme Court shut the door on the 2020 election late last month, but Justice Clarence Thomas got the last word. In a dissent directed at the court’s decision not to take up two cases involving the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and mail-in ballots, Thomas encapsulated the world of electoral woe surrounding the 2020 presidential contest. “We failed to settle this dispute before the election,” Thomas wrote, “and thus provide clear rules. Now we again fail to provide clear rules for future elections. The decision to leave election law hidden beneath a shroud of doubt is baffling. By doing nothing, we invite further confusion and erosion of voter confidence.” The Pennsylvania cases centered on which state bodies have the ultimate authority to set election rules, the legislature or the judiciary? The U.S. Constitution says that the “Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections…shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.” But state courts often intervene. In the run-up to the presidential election, the Pennsylvania state legislature gave all Pennsylvania voters the option of casting mail-in ballots. But it left in place a November 3 deadline for ballots to be in. Unhappy with the deadline, Democrats sued, arguing that in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the deadline violated a voting-rights clause in the state constitution stating that elections “shall be free and equal.” The Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed, extending the deadline for mail-in ballots by three days. The U.S. Supreme Court declined petitions to intervene in the case before the election. In February, with the election settled, petitioners tried again. The high court again declined to hear the cases, prompting the Thomas dissent. It’s worth reading in its entirety. Thomas zeroes in on two key issues: legislative versus judicial power, and problems with mail-in voting. Both “before and after the 2020 election,” Thomas notes, “nonlegislative officials in various States took it upon themselves to set the rules,” resulting in “an unusually high number of petitions and emergency applications” to the high court. The Pennsylvania changes undermine confidence in the electoral system. “Changing the rules in the middle of the game is bad enough,” Thomas writes. “Such rule changes by officials who may lack the authority to do so is even worse.” Thomas is clear-sighted on the problems of mail-in voting. “Voting by mail was traditionally limited to voters who had defined, well-documented reasons to be absent,” he notes. But in recent years, “many States have become more permissive, a trend greatly accelerated by Covid-19.” The opportunity for cheating in mail-in or absentee balloting is substantial, Thomas writes. He cites a 2012 New York Times article that notes the “vastly more prevalent” risk of fraud in mail-in balloting. He cites ballot fraud cases in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. He reminds us that Heather Gerken—now dean of Yale Law School—told the Times in the same article that absentee voting allows for “simpler and more effective alternatives to commit fraud.” At Judicial Watch, we’ve been tracking ballot fraud for years. We’ve noted that as far back as 2005, the bi-partisan Carter-Baker Commission warned that “absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud.” In July, we pointed to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s rapid escalation of mail-in voting and reported on a New Jersey fraud case. Read the JW bulletin here. The thanks Justice Thomas got for his rigorous dissent was to be attacked by Democrats and the progressive media. But the complex issues surrounding election fraud aren’t going away. The country owes Clarence Thomas a debt of gratitude for his clear thinking on the coming crisis. Investigative Bulletin is published by Judicial Watch. Reprints and media inquiries: jfarrell@judicialwatch.org

Auto, Home, Farm & Commercial

Agents Mark Kinnear Devon Kitchell 303-732-9700 20 S. Main Keenesburg, CO

March 17, 2021

Meet the 4-H family - The Bydalek’s

Article By Madison Richmann Cody and Courtney Bydalek can both agree that their favorite part of the SEWC fair is how helpful the whole community and everyone there is. Bydalek’s live in Fort Lupton Colorado, and exhibits at the SEWC fair and Weld County fair. Crystal, Cody and Courtney’s mom, is the leader of their 4-H club, the Wagoneers. Cody is the club’s vice president and Courtney is song leader. Cody is a 14 year old freshman at Weld Central Highschool. He is a member of 4-H and FFA. Cody has been showing pigs for 6 years. He says 4-H has taught him responsibility and many leadership skills. The 14 year old says he would recommend 4-H because “it is a good way to meet new people and learn helpful skills.” When not working with his pigs, or showing at his county fairs, Cody enjoys snowmobiling and boating. Cody hopes to continue in FFA and 4-H and after high school go to college and become an architectural engineer. Courtney is a 12 year old 7th grader at Cardinal Community Academy. She has been showing horses in 4-H for 4 years, For Immediate Release; March 2021 through August 2021 and pigs for 3. When asked about what 4-H has ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (non-profit) ID#95-3034133 taught her, the 7th grader says she has learned how to talk in front of large crowds and Contact: Email: _________(contact us for photos) she is not old enough yet, Courtney says she will be a FFA new leadership skills. Although member starting her freshman year and throughout high school. She says she would recomNon-Profit Organization Seeks Local Families to Host High School Exchange mend 4-H to other kids because, “it is so much fun and it has great learning experiences.” Courtney enjoys basketball, gymnastics, surfing, and barrel racing along with her love for Students 4-H. Sheare hopes her love foron animals by attending State University, when Americans amongtothepursue most generous people planet earth. During theseColorado times of global uncertainty, more than ever old enough, to become a veterinarian. Even 2020 tough year, the siblings had America has an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of though its generosity. Youwas can a play your part by hosting an a successful season. had pigs this last year yearand named Charger, international high4-H school exchangeCody student for three the upcoming academic helpingChallenger, them experience American and Hellcat. He got a third place at Weld County fair culture firsthand! with one pig, and a second place at SEWC fair. ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is looking for local families to host boys and girls ages 15–18 Cody alsothe won showarriving soon to attend community high schools. Students from all over worldGrand – placesChampion like Germany,junior France, Italy, at tothe SEWCbased fair,onwhich he considers Portugal, Czech, and Thailand, to name a few – have beenman selected participate strong academics and to bewith hispocket biggest accomplishment citizenship; all they need now is you! Students are equipped money4-H for personal expenses, alongthus with far. He students made the livestock sale at both fairs. accident and illness insurance. Host families can choose their from junior a wide variety of backgrounds, countries, and Courtney also had three pigs which she named personal interests. Snickerdoodle, Butterscotch, and Brownie. She International students dream of experiencing the real America as they live and attend high school within your community. also made the sale at both fairs. Courtney also Our goal is to make each and every one of those dreams come true. Show the world the best side of America by sharing showed her horses Sally and Amigo. Overall the your country, family, and culture with an exchange student. By generously opening your home to a young person from Bydalek’s had a great 4-H year. The Bydalek’s overseas, you can help us continue our global commitment to spreading the ideals of peace, love, and understanding. would like to give special thanks to their entire ASSE’s top concern is the health of our host families, host4-H communities, andparents exchangefor students. Even as theand U.S.helpand club and encouraging many other countries continue to live under temporary travel restrictions, we would like to reassure you that these ing them through their 4-H years. students willLuck travel to safely to the U.S.Courtney under the requirements of nationaltheir and foreign governments entrusted with public Good Cody and as they continue 4-H and FFA journeys. health and safety.

Non -Profit Organization Seeks Local Families to Host High School Exchange Students

To become a host family, or to find out how to become involved with ASSE in your community, please call the ASSE Western Regional Office at 1-800-888-9040 or go to www.host.asse.com to begin your host family application. There are many students to choose from, so begin the process of welcoming your new son or daughter into your family today!

Americans are among the most generous people on planet earth. During these times ASSE Western Regional Office of global uncertainty, more than ever America has an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of its generosity. You can play your part by hosting international high school ASSE International (formerly American Scandinavian Student Exchange) is a non-profit,an tax-exempt, public benefit organization. exchange upcoming academic yearStates andDepartment helping ofthem experience AmeriASSE is officiallystudent designatedfor as anthe exchange visitor program by the United State, was founded by the Swedish National Department of Education. can culture firsthand! ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is looking for local families to host boys and girls ages 15–18 arriving soon to attend community high schools. Students from all over the world – places like Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Czech, and Thailand, to name a few – have been selected to participate based on strong academics and citizenship; all they need now is you! Students are equipped with pocket money for personal expenses, along with accident and illness insurance. Host families can choose their students from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries, and personal interests. International students dream of experiencing the real America as they live and attend high school within your community. Our goal is to make each and every one of those dreams come true. Show the world the best side of America by sharing your country, family, and culture with an exchange student. By generously opening your home to a young person from overseas, you can help us continue our global commitment to spreading the ideals of peace, love, and understanding. ASSE’s top concern is the health of our host families, host communities, and exchange students. Even as the U.S. and many other countries continue to live under temporary travel restrictions, we would like to reassure you that these students will travel safely to the U.S. under the requirements of national and foreign governments entrusted with public health and safety. To become a host family, or to find out how to become involved with ASSE in your community, please call the ASSE Western Regional Office at 1-800-888-9040 or go to www.host.asse.com to begin your host family application. There are many students to choose from, so begin the process of welcoming your new son or daughter into your family today! ASSE Western Regional Office ASSE International (formerly American Scandinavian Student Exchange) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, public benefit organization. ASSE is officially designated as an exchange visitor program by the United States Department of Education.


March 17, 2021

Colorado’s MeatOut Day Promotes A Big Lie

Lost Creek Guide

By GREG HENDERSON, Drover.com It’s no secret that Colorado cowboys don’t care much for their Governor. And judging by Gov. Jared Polis’ actions, it would seem the feeling is mutual. Polis poked the eyes of cowboys last month when he declared March 20 (the first day of spring) as MeatOut Day, asking the state’s residents to forego meat for one day. The proclamation was intended to educate consumers about the “benefits of a healthful, plant-based diet,” according to the Governor’s office. Rubbish, say ranchers! “It felt like a slap in the face,” Lane Iacovetto, whose husband is a fourth-generation rancher, told The Steamboat Pilot. “You would never see a ‘no tourism’ day in Colorado.” Indeed. Tourism brings more than $24 billion to the state each year, and state officials estimate tourism dollars save each Colorado household $707 annually in taxes due to the $1.5 billion in state and local taxes paid each year by visitors. Agriculture? The state’s 34,000 farmers and ranchers contribute more than $47 billion annually to the state’s economy, with more than 17,000 jobs related to agriculture. Livestock account for more than $6 billion of the state’s cash agricultural receipts. Colorado has a total of 2.8 million cattle and calves, with more than 1 million of those in commercial feedlots. So, yeah, MeatOut Day is a “slap in the face.” Credit the Governor’s press secretary, however, for his attempt to put a good spin on the insult to cowboys. “The governor’s office gets hundreds of requests for proclamations throughout the year and rarely declines these nonbinding ceremonial proclamations that get auto penned by the governor,” Conor Cahill, Polis’ press secretary, said in an email to The Steamboat Pilot. “For example, the governor has issued proclamations for Agriculture Day, Colorado Farm Bureau Day and Truck Driver Appreciation Day.” Except, those would all be days of appreciation – not blatantly calling for residents to take a day off from an industry as MeatOut Day attempts. Further, critics of MeatOut Day believe the Governor’s action was influenced by his spouse, First Gentleman Marlon Reis, who is vegetarian and an animal rights activist. On its own, Colorado’s MeatOut Day is likely to have miniscule impact on actual consumption of meat, and cowboys are right to call it for what it is – a slap in the face to ranchers everywhere. More importantly, reducing meat consumption is unlikely to provide the desired impact on the environment or the climate. A leading authority on cows and climate is Frank Mitloehner, an animal scientist and air quality expert at the University of California at Davis. “Many people continue to think avoiding meat as infrequently as once a week will make a significant difference to the climate,” Mitloehner said. “But according to one recent study, even if Americans eliminated all animal protein from their diets, they would reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by only 2.6 percent. According to our research at the University of California, Davis, if the practice of Meatless Monday were to be adopted by all Americans, we’d see a reduction of only 0.5 percent.” In other words, the Governor’s MeatOut Day will have little effect except to further promote a big lie about cows and climate change.

BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND

CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!

15

% & OFF

YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *

NATIO

TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **

OFF

WE INSTALL

YEAR-ROUND! LIFETIME WARRANTY

Promo Code: 285

2

R GU

5

% OFF

SENIORS & MILITARY!

FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1

RD

TE

1

’S

GU

T

E

N

TH

+

10

%

A

Subject to credit approval. Call for details.

1

CALL US TODAY FOR

A FREE ESTIMATE

1-888-527-0691

Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST *For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114

Morgan County Rural Electric Association’s Annual Meeting

Page 7

Morgan County Rural Electric Association’s 84th Annual Meeting of members is less than two weeks away. This year’s annual meeting will be held virtually by a Telephone Town Hall phone call at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 23, as described in our recently mailed Official Notice. The meeting is expected to last around 30 to 45 minutes, and members who listen in and vote using their phones will be entered for a chance to win one of several door prizes, which include a Morgan County REA gift basket and gift cards to local businesses. If you’re a member of the Association and would like to register for this year’s virtual annual meeting, please visit our website at www.mcrea.org. Clicking the annual meeting banner at the top of the page will take you to the registration page. There, enter your name, phone number and service address, and hit the “submit” button to complete your registration. Then, answer the call just before 6 p.m. March 23rd at the phone number you provided. Once you pick up, you’ll be automatically connected to our live Telephone Town Hall meeting, along with our live follow-up question and answer session. If you happen to miss the call, a voicemail will be left with call-back instructions to join the call. Board President Cary Wickstrom and GM David Frick will deliver their respective addresses, MCREA scholarship winners will be announced, 2020 financial information will be shared, and live voting will be conducted over the phone for three directors’ election as well as other meeting business. So, be ready to answer the call to join the meeting on March 23’rd to listen, participate, and for your chance to win. Winning member names will be posted on our website after the meeting, and we will be contacting winners directly. We hope you’ll be able to join our meeting virtually this year and we look forward to sharing news about your Association with you.


Page 8

Lost Creek Guide

March 17, 2021

13 Charts that Show How Colorado has Fared During Coronavirus

Colorado has generally done better than other states during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are exceptions by John Ingold, Colorado Sun The coronavirus pandemic has been difficult not just because of its enormity but also bNow more than a year in, public health officials still find themselves surprised at some of the tricks that the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can pull. “We certainly haven’t seen any virus that behaves like this in our lifetime,” said Jill Hunsaker Ryan, the executive director of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. So, given the scope of the crisis and the unknowns involved, it would be a mistake so say that any state has handled the pandemic well. But some states have clearly done better than others. And the one-year anniversary of Colorado’s first case — which was March 5 — provides an opportunity to see how Colorado weathered the past year and how it compared to the rest of the nation. These 13 charts tell the story. One in four Coloradans may have been infected There have been slightly more than 430,000 confirmed coronavirus cases in Colorado. But because so many cases are asymptomatic and so many cases hit during periods when testing capacity was strained, we know there were likely many more than that. How many more? The team of Colorado School of Public Health and other university researchers that created a mathematical model to chart the course of the pandemic have estimated an answer. They believe approximately 1,585,000 Coloradans have been infected by the virus. Of those, they estimate that around 1,267,000 Coloradans — about 22% of the state — retain some natural immunity as a result of infection.

Colorado hit its peak earlier than most states That fall wave meant Colorado peaked sooner than most other states in the country, according to data kept by the COVID Tracking Project, an effort by The Atlantic magazine. Colorado’s peak for new cases thus far came on Nov. 12, when the state recorded 6,773 new cases in a single day. The following week was the peak for the state’s highest number of cases in a single week. Both put Colorado ahead of the curve nationally.

A chart produced by researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health and other state universities showing confirmed coronavirus infections compared to estimated infections. (The Colorado School of Public Health)

Colorado had lower case and death rates than most surrounding states Every surrounding state but Wyoming and New Mexico had coronavirus case rates above 10,000 cases per 100,000 people. Colorado’s rate of confirmed coronavirus cases was the lowest in its immediate region — about 7,500 cases per 100,000 people. Colorado had the second-lowest rate of deaths among people with coronavirus infections among surrounding states, behind Utah.

A chart produced by The COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic showing when each state had its record day for new coronavirus cases. Colorado’s fell in the second week of November. (The COVID Tracking Project at The Atlantic)

Hospitals avoided major stress, for the most part One of the abiding fears of the pandemic has been that the state could overwhelm its hospital capacity, leading to even more deaths among patients who might otherwise be saved. Hunsaker Ryan and Gov. Jared Polis have called avoiding this scenario their North Star — the thing guiding all decisions on restrictions. And, so far at least, Colorado has been successful at avoiding the dire circumstances seen in other states. Colorado didn’t run out of ventilators and only briefly during the pandemic has seen more than half of its critical-care ventilators in use. The state has not yet had more than 90% of its intensive-care hospital beds in use. Things got pretty scary in the fall — Polis has said the state was days away from having to activate its field hospitals. And while the state did implement some emergency plans around hospital staffing and protective equipment, it has not yet had to activate hospital crisis standards of care that would decide which patients receive life-saving treatment and which do not. Cont. on Page 9, See 13 Charts

Colorado cases have stayed below the national average – except during the fall For most of the pandemic, Colorado has been in the middle of the pack or better nationally in terms of case rate. The exception was in the fall, when the state experienced an enormous surge that briefly made it one of the nation’s COVID-19 hotspots.


March 17, 2021

Lost Creek Guide

13 Charts that Show How Colorado has Fared During Coronavirus

Page 9

Colorado has generally done better than other states during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are exceptions Cont. from Page 8

And case rates show a similar disparity. The county with the highest rate of confirmed cases — Crowley County, with more than 340 cases per every 1,000 people — is 10 times higher than the county with the lowest rate — Park County, with about 30 cases per 1,000 people. Often, in small counties, these high rates are driven by outbreaks. Crowley County saw outbreaks at a prison and a nursing home that, combined, added 142 cases to the small county’s total.

A screenshot of a slide from a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment presentation showing hospital stress levels over the course of the pandemic. Colorado hospital experienced only a brief period of high stress in the fall of 2020. (Screenshot by John Ingold, The Colorado Sun)

Colorado had a lower death rate than the nation After the first, spring wave, Colorado’s death rate from COVID-19 tracked lower than the national average. Had Colorado followed the nation’s death rate, the state would have seen an additional 3,000 deaths so far, said Dr. Rachel Herlihy, the state epidemiologist. She credited the state’s policies and behaviors around mask-wearing and social distancing. “All of those things made a difference,” she said. “We saved more lives here in Colorado.”

A screenshot of a slide from a Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment presentation showing the cumulative death rate from coronavirus in Colorado versus the nation. After the spring 2020 wave, Colorado’s rate stayed below the national rate. (Screenshot by John Ingold, The Colorado Sun)

There’s wide variation among counties Colorado has five counties with no reported deaths from COVID-19, and several others with fewer than five deaths. But it also has three counties where the death rates calculate out to more than 3 deaths per every 1,000 people.

Older Coloradans bore the brunt of the virus People over the age of 80, who make up about 3.2% of the state’s population and 3.2% of the state’s confirmed COVID-19 cases, account for nearly 54% of the state’s deaths from the virus. People under the age of 30, who account for around a third of the state’s COVID-19 cases, make up less than 1% of the state’s deaths. This shows why state health officials have been focused on getting the vaccine first to older Coloradans. And that, in turn, explains why people age 60 and older make up the majority of those who have received a vaccination so far.

Racial and ethnic disparities remain At one point early on in the pandemic, more than half of the patients hospitalized in Colorado with COVID-19 were Hispanic, even though Hispanic Coloradans make up only about 22% of the state’s population. Those statistical disparities have lessened as the pandemic continued on, and cases and deaths for Black and Hispanic Coloradans are now tracking closer to their share of the population. But inequities remain, especially when it comes to vaccination. White Coloradans make up 86% of people who have received at least one dose of a vaccine and whose race is documented in state records. Whites account for about 68% of the state’s population. Meanwhile, Hispanics account for about 6% of those who have been vaccinated and whose race is known.

Cont. on Page 10, See 13 Charts


Page 10

Lost Creek Guide

March 17, 2021

13 Charts that Show How Colorado has Fared During Coronavirus

Colorado has generally done better than other states during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are exceptions Cont. from Page 9 Testing capacity has greatly improved Back in the earlier days of the pandemic, Polis talked about the need for the state to be able to run tens of thousands of coronavirus tests per day. And then, for weeks after, as people struggled to get tested and get results back in a timely manner, that looked like a hopeless goal. But Colorado can now easily do what Polis a year ago proposed. The state’s record for tests run in a day at private labs and the state health lab is 66,690 tests, run on Nov. 25.

The unemployment rate hasn’t bounced back like in other states Colorado’s unemployment rate peaked at 12.2% in April. That’s no where close to the highest in the nation — Nevada saw an unemployment rate in April above 30%. But Colorado’s rate is notable because it hasn’t dropped back down significantly the way it has in other states. The state’s unemployment rate in December was a preliminary 8.4%, the fourth-highest in the nation. A study by the personal finance website WalletHub put Colorado near the bottom in terms of its COVID economic recovery.

A chart produced by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment showing the number of coronavirus tests performed per day. The red line shows a moving 7-day average of test positivity. (Provided by CDPHE)

More than 1 million people have been vaccinated Colorado had once been among the national leaders in rolling out coronavirus vaccinations. It’s since slipped back into the pack as other states have ramped up their efforts. But the state has now passed the 1 million mark for people who have received at least one Wyatt Wilcox The Wagoneers 4-H club met on Monday, February 22. dose of vaccine. And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the state has Unfinished Business Discussed: gotten vaccinations to nearly 25% of its population 18 and older. (Note: The chart below was made using data reported as of March 5. The numbers have 4-H 101 – 4-H 101 is a great event for new families to 4-H to learn, this year’s 4-H 101 was risen for all states since then, as data from vaccination clinics over the past week have been held on February 25 at 6:00 PM. added.) Weld County Fair Camping Reservations – Camping Reservations for the WCF can be reserved by calling Nancy Gogreve at 970-400-2085. New Business Project Add/Drop Date – Please keep in mind the project add/drop date is March 1st. You can contact Michelle Langston at mlangston@co.weld.co.us with the member name and project you would like to add or drop. Shooting Sports Safety Day – The mandatory safety days are required by each new member or new shooting sport that members are taking by the Weld County 4-H Shooting Sports Council. You can attend them on February 27 at the 4-H building in Island Grove Park and March 20th at the Southeast Weld County Fairground in Keenesburg. Animal ID Days for Sheep and Goats – For those who are showing a sheep or goat in 4-H, you can attend the ID days: • Monday – May 3, 4 – 6 PM at Island Grove Park in Greely. • Tuesday - May 4, 4 – 6 PM at Island Grove Park in Greely. • Wednesday – May 5, 4 – 6 PM at the Briggsdale School FFA Shop. • Thursday – May 6, 4 – 6 PM at the Southeast Weld County Fairgrounds in Keenesburg. Animal ID for Swine – Swine exhibitors must have picked up their ear tags and paperwork from the Extension Office by Thursday, May 6 at 5 PM. Nomination information and photos of your pig will need to be mailed in or hand-delivered by the same date. Meat Quality Assurance Sessions – Faceto-face Meat Quality Assurance meetings must be attended by anyone exhibiting an animal for show and market projects. Attendance is required twice for members, once as a Junior, and once as a Senior, and new members enrolling in such projects. You can RSVP by contacting Michelle at 970400-2076 or mlangston@co.weld.co.us. by March 19 at 5 PM. Available MQA days: • Saturday – March 27 at 9 AM – 12 PM • Sunday – March 28 at 1 AM to 5 PM • Monday – March 29 at 4 PM – 7 PM Please remember to check out the county newsletter for additional information about Weld County 4-H Events and activities!

Wagoneers News

Support Local Agriculture


March 17, 2021

Weldon Valley News

Lost Creek Guide

Spring Faith

So swiftly sunlight pierces cloud, So surely day from night is born, So faithfully returns the flower, I wonder that the heart should mourn. Fr beauty hidden from our sight A little while returns again. No lovely thing is ever lost; No prayer is ever prayed in vain. Each springtime sees the snow depart, The leafless bough renew its bloom, And, comfort for the shole world’s heart, Christ emerging from the tomb. R.H. Grenville Springtime is here, the birds have returned, the grass is turning green and children are out on the playgrounds enjoying the sunshine and bright days. It also bring Daylight Saving time, remember to spring up on Saturday night. The members of the GLAD Club met for their regular March meeting. The group continue to donation items for SHARE. A program on the history of St. Patrick’s Day was presented, many members were wearing green. Church Chat: The ST. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church will celebrate Mass on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. Pastor Reverend Erik vigil Reyes and Parochial Vicar Reverend Francis Saleth, HGH will share the services. Confession will celebrated before mass. Weldon Valley Presbyterian Church in Goodrich has worship at 10 a.m. each Sunday. Contact information for Pastor Denise Shannon is 720-271-6733 or pastordeniseshannon @gamil.com. Lenten Bible study after church service at 11:30 a.m. in person at the church or on Zoom on March 14th and 28th at 11:30 a.m. The Book is “The Sign and the Sacrifice” by Rowan Williams. School Scoop: Congratulation to Piper Scott and Aeriel Mese who were induction to the National Honor Society. Preschool and Kindergarten registration is on April 9th, 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Registration will be for morning session and All-Day preschool as well and Kindergarten. The FFA week was celebrated by the members bringing equipment and animals to teach the elementary student about agriculture. They also showed appreciation to the staff of Weldon Valley by sponsoring a luncheon for them. The FFA officers held an 8th Grade Orientation to introduce and answer any question about the Ag Ed Program and FFA. They also recognized first-third place winners of the coloring & Caption contest. 4-H News- Activities of the past. Traveling has been part of the clubs history as many members have won trips due to their 4- H experiences. Three members have attend the Washington D.C. Citizenship Focus trip, Vivianne Chapin Lorenzini, Rick Lorenzini and Craig Chapin. Anglea Arndt went to Kansas city as a member of the Morgan County Judging Team. What’s cookin’’: French-Fired Onion Ring Batter-2 eggs, ½ cup milk 1 cup flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder,1 teaspoon cooking oil, onions. 1 teaspoon salt. Mix all ingredients together. Dip onion rings in batter and fry in skillet or deep fat fryer. First Facts: 1905-Ty Cobb made his major-league debut as a player for the Detroit Tigers, hitting a double in his first at-bat in a game against the New York Highlanders. The Tigers won, 5-3. Weldon Valley History- It was a day of reminiscing, fun, laughter and more fun when over 200 alumni and guest gathered for a all-school Weldon Valley Reunion. This was the fourth reunion in the past 20 years sponsored by the Weldon Valley alumni Association. The activities began in the afternoon when many met at the school. The evening activities took place in Fort Morgan at the County Steak Out. Calendar of Events: Thursday, March 11, Parent/Teacher conferences. Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday March 14. The week of March 22-29 is spring break, no school.

Know Your Sun And Soil

from Burpee Seed Company The key to successful and problem-free gardening is choosing plants best suited to the conditions in your garden. Plan your home garden to match the most important features of your property - sun and soil. Plants depend on light as the source of energy to grow, flower and fruit. The amount of sunlight a garden bed receives determines what we can plant. Managing your soil is crucial to successful gardening. Check soil fertility, pH and moisture levels to guide you on how to prepare and maintain garden beds. Sun Requirement Plants are adapted to different sun exposures for optimum growth, flowering and fruiting. Siting vegetables, flowers, perennials and herbs in your home garden requires careful observation of sunlight received through the day and through the four seasons. Soil, water, temperature and light interact providing different microclimates in your garden. Plants are labeled into three groups based on their light requirements. Soil Testing Know your soil before deciding where and what to plant. Explore around your yard and choose the site where soil texture and drainage look best for gardening. Dig soil samples for testing, at the depth where plants are to be set. The most critical indicators to check are pH and fertility. pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity, which determines what nutrients in the soil are available to plants. Nutrients could be available, unavailable or in almost toxic overabundance, depending on the soil pH. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. A pH value below 7 means the soil is acidic, while above 7 alkaline. Each unit change in the pH scale is a 10-fold difference in acidity or alkalinity. Cont. on Page 14, See Know Your Sun and Soil

Page 11

Livestock Industry Advocates ‘Colorado Livestock Proud Day’ Proclamation by the Governor

GREELEY, CO - Colorado Livestock Association was joined by Colorado Dairy Farmers, Colorado Egg Producers, Colorado Pork Producers Council, Colorado Wool Growers Association and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union in a request for Governor Polis to declare March 22, 2021 Colorado Livestock Proud Day in the state of Colorado. The industry was notified today that the Governor officially signed the proclamation. This official declaration by the Governor is a step forward in setting the record straight concerning the misinformation perpetuated about the livestock industry’s impact on the environment, human nutrition, and animal welfare. The proclamation states: Colorado Livestock Proud Day WHEREAS, farmers and ranchers raise livestock to provide nutritious, affordable protein for families across the state, and throughout the nation, and animal proteins supply the body with essential nutrients, including sources of zinc, vitamins B12 and D, and fatty acids; and WHEREAS, livestock graze lands that are not suitable for the production of crops and are able to convert solar energy in plants into protein dense meat products; and WHEREAS, agriculture producers take seriously the responsibility of protecting the land, water and air and we demonstrate this commitment through compliance with state and federal regulations; and WHEREAS, livestock producers are devoted to the animals in their care and have an obligation to provide responsible animal care using sound animal husbandry practices, based on practical experience and scientific research; and WHEREAS, agriculture serves as our state’s economic backbone, generating more than $40 billion in economic activity annually and supporting more than 170,000 jobs. Livestock production contributes over $4.6 billion to Colorado’s economy; and WHEREAS, the livestock industry is an essential part of Colorado’s past, present and future and is the cornerstone of the foundation of our state; THEREFORE I, Jared Polis Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim March 22nd, 2021 as Colorado Livestock Proud Day in the State of Colorado. Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) was formed in 1998 through a restructuring of the then 43-year-old Colorado Cattle Feeders Association (CCFA). CLA members are cattle and sheep feeders, cow/calf producers, dairy farmers, swine operations, and industry partners. CLA works on behalf of its members in the regulatory and legislative arenas in Colorado. For more information about CLA visit www.coloradolivestock.org


Page 12

Lost Creek Guide

Jon Caldera Letter on Animal Rights

from Independence Institute Hey, I’m very used to being called many variations of this, because often enough it’s true. But I’m surprised to have it come from a member of the tolerance-celebrating, diversity-happy Polis administration. Quick bit of background here. I write a weekly Sunday column which appears in the Denver and Colorado Springs Gazettes and Colorado Politics. If you don’t subscribe, you should and can by clicking HERE. My latest column was very critical of a bill pushed by Colorado’s First Gentleman, Marlon Reis, which would forbid future pet stores from selling, get this, pets, particularly dogs and cats. Team Polis seems to be captured by the animal rights looney fringe, as evidenced by his recent “no-meat” proclamation and his choice of vegan activist Ellen Kessler to the important state veterinary board, which looks over our cattle industry. Yep, she’s the controversial one who’s on a public mission to destroy the livestock trade. Well, after reading my column where I say that tolerant legislators don’t ban selling legal products in pet stores, she emailed this pleasant rebuttal: “Jon Caldera (sic) ...is a piece of sh*t. How dare he be an armchair quarterback to the First Gentleman, Rep Duran and Rep Soper when he can’t tell the difference between his ass and a hole in the ground? (sic) They’ve done more for underprivileged than you’ve done in a lifetime. Yeah, pet stores need to stop selling puppies and kittens. And you need to shut your ignorant yap.” I’m assuming this email is from the real Ms. Kessler, but could be wrong, being ignorant and all. And for the record, when tested, I could in fact tell the difference between my ass and a hole in the ground 3 out of 5 times. This is just another example of how intolerant and smug the new “anti-hate” left in Colorado has become. When representatives of the governor tell citizens to “shut your ignorant yap” on any issue, it illustrates the Boulder-Denver progressive elite are in charge. Don’t challenge them. So much for liberals saying, “I defend to my death your right to say it.” And so much for a Colorado that valued real diversity, dissent, small businesses, and the liberty to run your legal business as you see fit. If you believe a person like Ellen Kessler, who doesn’t represent our Colorado values of admiration for our hard-working, struggling cattlemen and small business owners, shouldn’t be in a position of power, maybe you should let Governor Polis know. His email is Governorpolis@state.co.us and phone number is (303) 866-2471. Stay classy Team Polis, Jon

March 17, 2021

Gun Storage Bill Advances At Colorado Legislature

By Megan Verlee A bill to require Colorado gun owners who share their homes with children to securely store their weapons passed its first committee Monday on a party line vote. The measure would make failure to safely secure a weapon a misdemeanor. It would only apply in situations where a child might be able to gain access to the gun, or if someone living in the home is ineligible to own firearms. Advocates of HB1106 say its provisions would help prevent youth suicides and accidental Elaine Thompson/APIn this file photo taken Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, a gun shop owner demonstrates how a gun lock shootings. works on a handgun. Dr. Maya Haasz, who spoke in favor of the bill on behalf of Children›s Hospital Colorado and the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified she›s treated numerous children for gunshot wounds during her decade as a pediatric emergency medicine physician. «The cry of any parent whose toddler has died is agonizing,» Haasz said. «When the toddler has been fatally shot playing with a sibling, when that death was entirely avoidable, the added layers of guilt and what-ifs add a new, almost tangible level of pain for everyone involved.» The hearing comes a week after a Lafayette teen died in what appears to be an accidental shooting. Another teen has been charged with manslaughter. Opponents who came to testify countered that the state’s focus should be on teaching children gun safety. And they argued that the time needed to remove a lock would render a gun useless in the exact situation many people purchase them for: home defense. “In firearms classes, we actually talk about, first, safety, always safety,” said Erik Stone, a Teller County commissioner and NRA-certified firearms instructor. “That’s how you prevent firearms accidents. You don’t do it by creating laws that have penalties after an accident occurs. It’s completely ineffective.” One question that looms over the proposed law is whether the courts would find it constitutional. In 2008’s landmark District of Columbia v. Heller decision, the Supreme Court struck down a D.C. law that required handguns to be stored either disassembled or with a trigger lock. However, proponents of the bill argue that the court’s problem with D.C.’s law was that its wording didn’t allow gun owners to maintain an operable weapon for self-defense. “This makes it impossible for citizens to use them for the core lawful purpose of self-defense and is hence unconstitutional,” wrote Justice Antonin Scalia in the majority opinion. Colorado’s bill, backers argue, allows for self-defense. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, as of 2019, 11 states had laws requiring safe storage or gun locks in at least some situations. The bill now goes to the full House. A second Democratic gun bill — this one requiring gun owners to inform law enforcement if their firearm is lost or stolen — has its first hearing on Thursday.

VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 6:30 P.M.

REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING All members are invited to join us for our Virtual Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. Members will be able to participate over the phone or watch the livestream online. The meeting will update members on the cooperative’s accomplishments, financial performance, director election results and more. Register at www.unitedpower.com/annual-meeting.

VOTING YOUR BALLOT IN THE 2021 DIRECTOR ELECTION Four positions on United Power’s eleven-member board are up for election, one seat in each director district (South, East, West and Mountain). Balloting in the 2021 Director Election will be via mail-in vote only. There will be no ballot drop boxes and no in-person balloting this year. Please return your ballots in the postage-paid envelope. Ballots must arrive at the P.O. Box by 12 p.m. on April 14, 2021. Find more information at www.unitedpower.com.

Park Hill Dental 100 S. Main Keenesburg www.ParkHillDental.com

Take ACTION For Your Tooth and Gum Health. Dr. Thomas Croghan has been serving Southeast Weld county with pride since 2005. We are a full-service general dental office where your dental needs are addressed in a welcoming, professional setting.

We look forward to meeting you and caring for your oral health!


March 17, 2021

Colorado Dept. of Ag Welcomes Two New Staff Members

Lost Creek Guide

Broomfield, Colo. - The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is pleased to announce the placement of new staff members into two key management roles within CDA’s Markets and State Fair divisions. Danielle Trotta has been selected to lead CDA’s Colorado Proud program. In the role, Trotta will work to promote food and agricultural products grown, raised or made in Colorado, and expand the program’s membership base that include growers, processors, schools, restaurants and retailers statewide. Trotta has served as the Department’s Business Development Specialist since 2018 and as interim program manager for Colorado Proud for the past five months. “My passion lies in community and agriculture,” said Trotta, “In my new role as Colorado Program Manager I plan to pour myself into these passions, encompassing all walks of life and communities as well as all sectors of our food, beverage, and agricultural industries.” Prior to joining CDA as Business Development Specialist in 2018, Trotta co-managed a commerDanielle Trotta cial and registered Red Angus cattle operation in Eastern Colorado and later worked as a livestock audit specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science and a Masters Degree in Agriculture with a focus on Integrated Resource Management from Colorado State University. JT Gillmore will fill the Colorado State Fair’s newly created position of Director of Agriculture and Competitive Exhibits, and will oversee all competitions and agriculture education programs year round at the fairgrounds, as well as during the State Fair. Gillmore was raised in the rural community of Westcliffe, Colorado, on a small cow/calf operation where he was deeply involved in 4-H, FFA, and the Custer County Fair. While attending Colorado State University, he was a competitive member of the University’s livestock judging team, and continues to judge sheep and hogs at the local, state and national level. “I firmly believe that the Colorado State Fair is one of the state’s best tools to both educate the general public about Colorado’s diverse agricultural industries, as well as to promote our youth on the highest level,” Gillmore said, And looking forward to implementing new ideas that continue to make our fair such a great event.” Gillmore began his career with the USDA Farm JT Gillmore Service Agency’s Pueblo, Colorado office. He holds an Associate Degree in Animal Science from Eastern Oklahoma State College, a dual Bachelor’s Degree of Animal Science and Ag Business from Colorado State University, and the American FFA Degree. For photographs of Danielle Trotta or JT Gillmore, please contact Ben Walther. ### The Colorado Department of Agriculture exists to support the state's agriculture industry and serve the people of Colorado through regulation, advocacy and education. Our mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture, promote a safe and high-quality food supply, protect consumers, and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources.

Alan Dershowitz: All Americans Need to Fight Cancel Culture

Page 13

BY JACK PHILLIPS, Fox News Harvard Law professor emeritus said that cancel culture needs to be fought by all Americans, after a House subcommittee last week held a hearing to discuss disinformation and extremism in the media. Dershowitz, who notably defended former President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial last year, said that Americans who subscribe to all political viewpoints— including liberals—should be pushing back. The House subcommittee specifically aimed at cable and satellite carriers that give a voice to conservative-leaning networks. “I hope all Americans wake up to this,” Dershowitz told Newsmax on Thursday. “I hope it’s not just the ‘shoe is on the other foot’ test. Now, the conservatives are the victims of cancel culture so they’re big supporters of the Constitution and constitutional rights. During McCarthyism, it was Legal Counsel for President Donald Trump, Alan Dershowitz speaks the left that were the during impeachment proceedings against U.S. President Donald victims, and the right Trump in the Senate at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Jan. 27, were the oppres2020. (Senate Television via Getty Images) sors.” Going further, he stated that “we need both the right, the left, and also the center to stand united against censorship, against cancel culture, and in favor of the marketplace of ideas.” “We have the right to flip the channel if we don’t like what’s on Newsmax. Change the channel, but don’t tell the carriers, the satellite carriers, and the cable carriers, to deny us the right to watch Newsmax. That is wrong,” he remarked. Last month, Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) and Jerry McEnerney (D-Calif.) sent letters in which they asked whether cable providers should carry Newsmax, Fox News, or One America News Network. The letter was panned by Republicans, who argued that the question suggested that some Democratic lawmakers are seeking to impose authoritarian means on what can and cannot be published. This comes on the heels of a rash of censorship and deplatforming of prominent conservatives by Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Amazon. A recent poll from Harvard CAPS-Harris found that about 64 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of cancel culture, which is a form of ostracism in which someone is removed from social circles or their job. The concept has also increasingly been applied to books and movies. This week, the organization that oversees children’s book author Dr. Seuss’s legacy moved to stop publishing six of his books due to allegedly racist or offensive imagery and depictions. The move drew widespread backlash online. “Americans are showing increased and substantial concern about the growth of cancel culture,” said Mark Penn, the director of the Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey, reported The Hill. “Tech companies beware that the public sees them of acting out of bias tilted towards the Democrats and voters are calling for new regulations to ensure fairness and openness. Amazon, in particular, still has a strong image compared to Facebook and Twitter, but that image may start to erode if they expand the banning of books on their platform.”

Bennett - Flagler - Wiggins - Longmont and new Keenesburg branch approved


Page 14

Lost Creek Guide WELD CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS VARSITY WRESTLING

Weld Central High School Boys Varsity Wrestling finishes 4th place at Regional Friday, March 5, 2021 Place 4

12:00 AM Points 103

The Weld Central Wrestling team finished in 4th place this past weekend at the regional tournament out of 14 teams. Considering the Rebels only filled 9 of the 14 weights, this was an exceptional performance. Of the nine wrestlers who competed 5 placed and 4 will be heading to the state tournament. The Rebels finished the weekend with three champions, a runner up, and a 3rd place finish. On a typical year, all 5 of these athletes would have qualified for the state tournament, but due to the pandemic only the top two athletes in each weight class qualify. Roberto Estrada was the first Rebel Champion at 113 pounds. Estrada, a returning state champion, pinned his way through the tournament. Tanner Baumgartner, returning off a runner up finish at state last year, also won the region in the 170 pound weight class. Braden Baumgartner was our 3rd champion of the day wrestling at 195 pounds for the Rebels. Braden is returning to the state tournament after a 4th place finish last year. Zayne Stam was the last Rebel to qualify for the state tournament, finishing in 2nd place at 220 pounds. This is the juniors 3rd trip to the state tournament. Kane Fobare was the lone placer for the Rebels who will not be making the trip to the state tournament this year. Finishing in 3rd place at the regional tournament, the junior wrestled through a tough heavyweight bracket and finished behind the number 1 ranked wrestler and the number 3 ranked wrestler in the state respectively. Owen Reininger was also able to score the Rebels team points as he picked up a win in the consolation quarters at 106 pounds. The four qualifiers will head to Pueblo for the state tournament which will be held this Friday March 12th. Individual results from the regional tournament are as follows. Owen Reininger 106 pounds 1-2 DNP Roberto Estrada 113 pounds 3-0 1st place Isaac Almaswari 120 pounds 0-2 DNP Cassidy Park 138 pounds 0-2 DNP Tanner Baumgartner 170 pounds 3-0 1st Place Wyatt Bouchard 182 pounds 0-2 DNP Braden Baumgartner 195 pounds 3-0 1st place Zayne Stam 220 Pounds 2-1 2nd place Kane Fobare 285 pounds 4-1 3rd place

March 17, 2021

Know Your Sun And Soil

Cont. from Page 11 For example, soil with a pH of 6 is ten times more alkaline than soil with a pH of 5. Alkaline soils have reduced nutrient availability. Most plants grow well in slightly acidic to almost neutral soils, with a pH between 6 and 7.5. Some plants, like blueberries, are adapted to acidic soils. Changing soil pH takes time, and maintaining the preferred pH for your garden means monitoring soil pH whenever new garden beds are prepared. You can adjust the pH level, or select plants that will thrive at the natural pH of your garden soil. Consider your garden soil type (sandy, loam or clay) when making amendments. Fertility is the ability of the soil to supply essential nutrients in available form for plants to grow, flower, fruit and maintain good health. Carbon, Oxygen, and Hydrogen are derived from water and carbon dioxide from air. The three major elements, for which soil is amended, found in commercial fertilizers, are Nitrogen (N), Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K). Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulfur (S), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (Bo) and Molybdenum (Mo) are needed trace elements. Soil pH affects the balance and availability of nutrients and beneficial organisms. Plants are adapted to different levels of soil fertility, and show healthy to abnormal growth, based on their growing conditions. Burpee’s Electronic Soil Tester The quickest and easiest way to get a reading on the pH and fertility of your soil is to use Burpee’s Electronic Soil Tester. Burpee’s Soil Tester gives accurate results of the soil pH and fertility without any reagent and requires no batteries. The tester utilizes the chemical reaction known as oxidation-reduction to measure pH within the range of 1 through 9. The fertility portion of the tester measures soil nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content, in combination. Fertility levels are indicated as Too Little, Ideal and Too Much. To test your soil with Burpee’s Electronic Soil tester, follow these easy instructions: Remove the top 2” of the soil surface. Break up and crumble the soil underneath to a depth of 6”. Remove any stones or organic debris such as leaves and twigs because they can affect the final result. Thoroughly wet the soil with water (ideally rain or distilled water) to a mud consistency. Slide selector switch to the right which is the position of pH to measure the acidity and alkalinity of the soil. Slide selector switch to the left which is the position of fertility to measure soil fertility. Clean probes thoroughly and insert them into soil up to the specified base. Wait one to two minutes and take reading. Once you take your reading, check the chart below for tips on how to improve your garden. You can adjust your soil pH to match the requirements of plants in your garden using materials available at your local garden center. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the best results. Raise pH to make your soil more alkaline: It is harder and takes longer to correct extremely acid soils. Bone meal can help raise the soil pH. Different soil types react differently to lime added to raise soil pH. More lime is needed for clay and peaty soils than for sandy soils. Use lime only if soil tests indicate it is needed. Lime in the fall to early spring, before planting your garden, to give time for the liming to work. To increase your pH by 1 to make your soil more alkaline: Use 4 pounds of hydrated lime per 100 square feet in sandy soils, 6 pounds in loamy soils and 8 pounds in clay soils. Lower pH to make your soil more acid: If your soil is too alkaline, a quick alternative to using your existing garden beds is to build a raised bed prepared with purchased top soil. Easily available materials like composted leaves, leaf mold and peat moss can be used to lower soil pH. Most fertilizers for “acid-loving” plants such as blueberries and azaleas contain ammonium sulfate or sulfurcoated urea, good and easy choices for acidifying soils. To decrease your pH by 1 to make your soil more acidic: Use 1.5 pounds of Iron Sulfate per 100 square feet in sandy soils, 3 pounds in loamy soils and 4 pounds in clay soils.


March 17, 2021

Page 15

Lost Creek Guide

SERVICE DIRECTORY Computer Support Repair, Service & Sales Reliable, Local, Professional

Roggen Telephone Company

303-849-5260

Thomas J Croghan DDS Family Dental Practice

Appointments: 303-377-8662 Appointments Available in Keenesburg and Denver

New Patients Welcome

Assistance for Roggen, Keenesburg, Prospect Valley, & Hudson Call to Request Assistance

303-732-4319

Self Storage

1401 County Road 153 Strasburg, CO 80136

Phone: (303) 622-4142

Managers: Garold & Geraldine Middlemist

Family Medical Care for All Ages

Keene Clinic

190 So. Main St., Keenesburg

303-732-4268

DOHERTY’S PLUMBING AND DRAIN Plumbing, Drain Cleaning, Water Heater Replacement Video sewer inspection Sewer & drain locating

COMPLETE HVAC SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE

303-859-9126

First Baptist Church, Keenesburg, Food Pantry

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

Open Mon. - Fri. 8am - 5pm

Open every third Saturday 9 am to 12 pm 100 North Market Street, Keenesburg For emergency needs, please contact 720-480-6428 or email us at: http:// www.fbca.church

Donations are welcome to help us defeat hunger in our community

SERVICES Dave Haney Painting & Dry Wall Interior - Exterior Cabinets, Fence Staining Located in Platteville 720-217-2089 McCarthy Trucking Recycled asphalt, concrete Great for driveways & parking areas. Also sand & gravel. Reasonable Prices Call Kevin for free quote 303-901-5034 Longarm Quilter Edge to Edge Computer Automated Quilting Online Store aquiltersfriend.com Cheri Dobratz 303-532-9035

Local Colorado Information On Line Go to: www.ourtowncolorado.com

Call or Text: 970-467-1512 Email: carissa@arrowheadtrash.com Or visit our website at www.arrowheadtrash.com

Being an independent insurance agency, we have relationships with dozens of insurance companies, allowing us to ind you coverage tailored to you and your company’s speciiic needs.

Services: Auto, Home, Business, Workers Comp, Life, Farm, Disability, Annuities, Wills, Renters, Dwelling Fires, Condos


Page 16

Lost Creek Guide

March 17, 2021

JOIN US FOR THE

GRAND OPENING OF OUR 2ND

RAFFLE & GIVE AWAYS ALL DAY

VENDORS & LOCAL FOOD

COME MEET THE TEAM

FRIDAY - APRIL 9, 2021 9 AM - 3 PM 33984 HIGHWAY 52 - KEENESBURG, CO


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.