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Lost Creek Guide
Polis Releases Rural Colorado Counties From Most Mask Restrictions
By Chuck Murphy, CPR News Nearly half of Colorado’s counties will be freed from a comprehensive statewide mask mandate Saturday, though masks will still be required for everyone in schools, child care settings, public areas of government buildings and certain other indoor settings. Gov. Jared Polis announced the changes Friday afternoon. In a release accompanying the order, he noted that as more people are protected by vaccine, life can return to normal. But he still encouraged mask-wearing in indoor settings, even in places that will soon be released from mandatory compliance. “We are making incredible progress with getting vaccines into arms and Hart Van Denburg/CPR NewsA sign at the host stand by the door of protecting our most vulSteamworks Brewing in Durango reminds patrons of face mask and social distancing requirements in place in the restaurant, Thursday, nerable, but until everyone Feb. 25, 2021. can get the vaccine and our COVID cases are reduced, taking precautions to prevent a surge in cases and further spread of the disease is the smart thing to do and the right thing to do and helps keep everything open,” Polis said in a statement. “Every community has been impacted differently by this pandemic, and we want to ensure this order is reflective of that. We’re almost there, Colorado, but we need to keep this up just a little bit longer.” Take Care, Durango Tourists. Wear A Mask Or You’ll Be Talkin’ To The COVID Cowboy The new order releases counties now at level “green” on the state’s color-coded COVID-19 restrictions dial from the statewide mask mandate. That amounts to 31 rural counties that are home to just fewer than 240,000 people. Those counties will still have the authority to set their own mask restrictions should they choose. For the rest of the state, masks must continue to be worn when in public indoor spaces with 10 or more people who have not been vaccinated, or whose vaccination status is unknown, have gathered. Ready Or Not, Colorado’s COVID-19 Dial 3.0 Is Here (And We Might Not Be Ready) And even for counties at the green level, masks will still be required in schools, child care centers, “indoor children’s camps, public-facing state government facilities, congregate care facilities, prisons, jails, emergency medical and other healthcare settings, and personal services and limited health care settings,” according to the order. “We fought hard to get Colorado kids back in school successfully, and we’re not going to jeopardize Colorado’s return of in-person learning by changing the mask policy this school year,” Polis said. Counties now at level green include most of those on the Eastern Plains, in the San Luis Valley and in the northwest corner of the state. But counties along the entire Front Range, including metro Denver, are classified as either blue or yellow so residents there will need to continue to adhere to mask wearing indoor, including at restaurants or shops, where 10 or more people are present. The new order will take effect Saturday, and last 30 days before it could be modified again.
-Obituaries-
April 7, 2021
BEN BRATRSOVSKY Ben Bratrsovsky, 57, of Wiggins, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021. He was born March 11, 1964, in Englewood, CO to Bernard & Barbara Bratrsovsky. The Bratrsovsky family moved to the Wiggins community in 1973. Ben graduated from Wiggins High School in 1982. He worked on the family farm and also in the oil & gas exploration industry. He was a member of St. Isidore the farmer Catholic Church in Watkins, CO. He enjoyed stock car racing and playing golf. His favorite past time was spent with his family. Survivors include his Mother, Barbara Chilcote of Wiggins,; 3 brothers, Stephen, Daniel and Michael all of Wiggins; 3 sisters, Theresa (Rick) DeLise of Arvada, CO; Annette (Ron) Cortilius of Northglenn, CO; and Marilyn Arfsten of Brush; 2 nephews, and 3 nieces. He was preceded in death by his Father and 3 nephews, David Hayes, Matthew Hayes and Christopher Hayes. Funeral mass will be recited at the St. Isidore the Farmer Catholic Church, 32100 E Colfax Service Road in Watkins, CO at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow in the St. Isidore Cemetery. Rosary service will begin at 10:30 AM at St. Isidore Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the Heer Mortuary Chapel in Fort Morgan on Sunday, March 28, 2021, from 3 – 5 PM.
RICHARD LEE POWERS Richard Lee Powers (Red) was called to his eternal home after passing peacefully from his residence in Hudson, Colorado on March 23, 2021. Richard was born on September 10, 1935 in Gary Indiana to Donald and Florence Powers. Richard was the third child born of four and was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and older brother. Richard served in the 82nd Airborne as a Paratrooper in the US Army before meeting the love of his life, Elaine (Murray), in Crown Point, Indiana. Richard and Elaine got married on February 19, 1957. Richard worked as an IronWorker while they resided in Indiana. After moving to Colorado in May of 1962 they purchased property and built the home they raised their family in. Richard’s careers consisted of welding, printing, and was a USDA inspector. After retiring Richard and Elaine gained an interest in Game Birds. They started R&E Game Farm and raised wild game birds consisting of pheasants, chukars, quail, and an assortment of anything with feathers. Richard loved being surrounded by his family and friends. Over the years, many great family traditions were established including hosting family holidays and events. You could always count on Richard spending time and teaching his children and grandchildren, how to care for animals, about their 4-H projects, and passing along his skills and knowledge. Richard enjoyed racing stock cars in his younger days then watching NASCAR in his later days along with other sporting events. Richard shared his knowledge and passion about hunting with his boys. Richard was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who will be dearly missed but always remembered and loved. Richard is survived by his wife Elaine Powers, younger brother Kenneth Powers; His two sons Robert (Brenda) Powers and David (Wendy) Powers and his daughter Donna (Lenny) Swarts; His 11 grandchildren Billi, Brandi, Nick, Mandy, Kristina, Kimberly, Samantha, Tiffany, Briana,Bryan and Jodi; His 22 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren.
Aims Plans to be Fully Open Again for Fall Semester
Auto, Home, Farm & Commercial
Agents Mark Kinnear Devon Kitchell 303-732-9700 20 S. Main Keenesburg, CO
GREELEY, CO – March 26, 2021 – Aims Community College is moving forward with plans to offer in-person classes along with remote, online and hybrid learning options when fall classes begin August 23. “We are finally beginning to see our way out of the tumult brought on by the pandemic,” said Dr. Leah Bornstein, Aims Community College president and CEO. “Given the current downward trends in COVID-19 cases and the continued rollout of vaccines, we are optimistic we will be able to open fully this fall.” Because of the uncertainty surrounding the nature of the pandemic, the college will continue to finalize plans and use information provided by the CDC, federal, state and local governments, and other health authorities. Throughout this unique year of learning, many Aims students have found they learn better in-person. Others have discovered that online learning serves them best. Some students prefer a blend of both. Aims plans to offer all those learning options while also fully re-opening student services and events. “I’m thrilled at the prospect of opening fully, celebrating our return, and creating our next reality together,” Bornstein said. “This is a positive step forward for all of us.” About Aims Community College Aims Community College is one of the most progressive two-year colleges in Colorado. Founded more than 50 years ago in Greeley, Aims has since established locations in Fort Lupton, Loveland and Windsor. Curriculum now includes 4,000 day, evening, weekend and online courses annually in more than 200 degree and certificate programs. Aims Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Aims Community College is an Equal Employment
