042018 CVI

Volume 3 No. 3 April 2018

Delivering to over 6,000 homes and businesses in Dacono, Frederick, Firestone PO Box 676, Firestone, CO 80520

Carbon Valley Help Center 5th Anniversary Celebration Held at E.L.F.’s Grill in Dacono

Carbon Valley Help Center held it’s 5th Year Anniversary Celebration at E.L.F.’s Grill.

The mission of the Carbon Valley Help Center is to help people in immediate need move towards selfsufficiency. They do this by offering food assistance, financial help with utilities, rent and other needs, as well as referrals to a variety of regional resources to help them get back on their feet and find that lost pride once again.

They cannot do this alone.

They need some help.

How can you and your company help them meet the needs of the community?

1. Have a company food drive of non-perishable foods and toiletries.

2. Adopt CVHC as a nonprofit to support each year.

3. Help locate grants that help with our mission or be a grant writer for the CVHC. 4. Reach out within your organization for those families that could utilize our services and refer them to us for assistance. (Sometimes they are too proud to ask for help.)

5. Help us with our “Dream Fund.” Cash donations will allow us to help more families.

6. Help us find a building or land in the Carbon Valley Area that could accommodate our growth and needs.

7. Be a member of our Board of Directors or our Advisory Board.

8. Volunteer at CVHC events or at the Help Center We thank you for any support you may offer Carbonvalleyhelpcenter@gmail.com 303-833-6626 Tuesday and Thursday, 9:00am – 3:00 pm 150 Buchanan, PO Box 508, Firestone, CO Carbonvalleyhelpcenter.org

What should a County Commissioner Disclose?

By Bob Grand On August 19, 2013, Weld P205 Land Holdings, LLC acquired two parcels of land for $3,650,000 which were transferred to Anadarko E&P Offshore, LLC on the same day In today’s world of instant news, whether you like it or not, it is important to have full transparency from all of our elected officials. The recent story in the Lost Creek Guide of Commissioner Kirkmeyer and immediate family members involved with the Wright Farm on the encroachment issue on adjoining parcels of ground led to a look into the history of the properties involved.

It turned up some interesting information.

The property involved with the Wrights Farm question was a recorded exemption piece owned by Kirkmeyer and immediate family members. The piece that the recorded exemption was subdivided from and an adjoining piece of property were both purchased, ultimately, by Anadarko E&P Offshore. The purchase involved a sale to an LLC that transferred the property to Anadarko, on the same day. Now one could say that Kirkemeyer and partners did not know the LLC was going to sell to Anadarko. But for ground that had been dried up, i.e., no water, possible, but it does not seem credible. Purchase date was August 9th, 2013, the first parcel for $2,700,000, with an assessed value of $46,250, and the second for $950,000, with an assessed value of $32,580, for a total purchase price of $3,650,000 dollars.

Kirkmeyer sold her interest in the $950,000 parcel to her brother and his wife, with no value identified on public documents on September 25th, 2012, according to documents filed with the Clerk and Recorders office (Document number 387943). The second piece of property also sold on August 9th, 2013 for a value of $ 2,700,000 (Document number 3957497).

Now I am a strong believer in individual property rights and what people do is their own business but one has to ask that during this time period did Commissioner Kirkmeyer disclose what she was involved with?Was she aware that Anadarko was the ultimate purchaser? Did Commissioner Kirkmeyer have an obligation to disclose her participation in these transactions or even recuse herself from votes effecting Anadarko, if she knew that Anadarko was the ultimate purchaser while this was all transpiring?

Because of the voter approval of 1B the current system in place stops the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission from investigating these transactions because the events took place greater than twelve months ago, which means they are precluded from investigating, by statute (Colorado Independent Ethics Commission; Rules of Procedure; Section 7; Paragraph G) Since it is not a criminal matter the Weld County District attorney does not get involved. So that leaves the Weld County Council which could investigate but has no authority to do anything about it.

So where does that leave the Weld County citizen in all this? Feeling a little bewildered and left in the dark.This author believes that in the interest of transparency the responsibility lies with the elected official to disclose anything that might reflect a potential conflict of interest. What do you think? Email us at publisher@lostcreekguide.com.

What’s In This Issue:

Page 2: Way of the World Page 3: Letters to the Editor Page 4: March is Not a Great Month for Barb Kirkmeyer Page 6: Andy’s Archaelogical Corner Page 8: Greater Mead Chamber of Commerce Hosts “Adult Bingo” Event Page 10: June 2018 Library Events Page 15: Sandi Elder’s and Steve Moreno’s Politcal Views

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Way of the World

by Bob Grand I watched “High Noon” recently. Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly were as great as I remembered. For those who have not seen, or forgotten, the story is about a town sheriff who has to defend the town from a released prison inmate and his three compatriots who want revenge. The towns people are scared and do not offer to help the sheriff, although he asks and asks. Long and the short, the good guy prevails, with the help of his wife, and kills all four bad guys and then climbs into the buck board and leaves town with his wife. Reminds me a lot of our voters. Like the towns people in High Noon, good people, but scared to get involved. Problem is we do not have Gary Cooper to save the day. Our government is managed by people who are selected by a small percentage of the population. Their loyalty is to those that get them nominated and elected, not the majority of the citizens. We wonder why things do not get accomplished. Our Weld County Commissioners are a good example of this. As the light begins to shiner brighter on what they do or don’t do maybe, just maybe, there may be a change coming.

It is fair to say the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have taken a black eye on the way they have been handling the ongoing investigations.

The root cause of the issue is that no one believed that Donald Trump would be elected and, therefore, their actions would never be discovered. Now that the reality is here they are trying to cover their activities. They should admit what was done and let us move on. The dragging out of the process just continues to erode public confidence in both organizations. Have full disclosure and let the chips fall where they may. Actions have consequences, and in this case highly unanticipated. Let us get it cleaned up and put the DOJ and FBI back on the road to regaining the high level of respect the organizations should have as our top law enforcement agencies.

The Martin Marietta Materials case, on the surface should be over, but why is there this uncomfortable feeling that may not be true. It was noted that at the Republican Weld County Caucus Weld County Commissioner Steve Moreno had the Martin Marietta Materials representative, Sean Walsh, handing out material and circulating on the Assembly floor. Is there something we all should be aware of? Moreno’s challenger, Sandi Eller is campaigning on transparency, honesty and integrity. Just maybe she has a point! I am afraid our County Commissioners have lost touch with the people of Weld County. Being responsible to just a few is not the way to build trust in government.

The State legislature is moving to closure with an insane number of bills on the table. Our future is important and should be given thought and consideration. We will see what the last minutes bring to the table. We deserve better.

As usual your comments and thoughts are always appreciated: publisher@ lostcreekguide.com

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

April 2018

Weld County Citizens: Remember 1A & 1B

by Bob Grand In the recent past Weld County citizens voted on Ballot Questions 1A and 1B. They appeared pretty straight forward. 1A asked to eliminate the County Council and the voters said no. 1B question appeared pretty straight forward, placing the County officials under the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission. Of course, as in life, the devil is in the detail. If you read the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission Rules of Procedure under section 7, Paragraph G you will read: “A complaint shall be dismissed by the IEC on one or more of the following grounds:: Under Paragraph 7, paragraph G, sub Section 3 you will read: “The complaint fails to allege that the conduct complained of occurred within the twelve months of the filing of the complaint.”

In plain English that says if the complaint involves an event that occurred greater than 12 months old from the date of filing of the complaint the Independent Ethics Commission cannot, by statute investigate it. Did anybody bother to disclose that to the voters? It begs the question, did any of our Weld County Commissioners possibly have an issue that they did not want to have the Independent Ethics Commission or anybody else investigate, issues perhaps of disclosure or conflicts of interest? In either case I think an explanation is due the public. By approving 1B investigations are cut off.

As usual your thoughts and comments are always appreciated: Publisher@lostcreekguide.com

Aims English Honor Society Donates More Than 150 Books to Monfort Family Health Clinic

GREELEY, CO – April 18, 2018 – The Aims English Honor Society (AEHS) donated more than 150 children’s books to the Monfort Family Health Clinic. This donation is part of the club’s ongoing support of a children’s library that was established by the Aims English Honor Society four years ago.

“I’m very proud of the work the Aims English Honor Society does each year to help further the college’s mission of building a stronger community,” said Aims CEO and President Dr. Leah L. Bornstein. “Our students and advisors have done a wonderful job of bringing a love of reading to the children who visit the clinic.”

The library is located in a small room right off of the waiting area at the clinic.

Children are encouraged to take books with them as a way to promote reading in the home, which is strongly tied to literacy skills and academic success. The AEHS donates 150 to 200 books each year.

“We feel it is important for a school to stay connected to its community, and one way we do this is through volunteering locally,” said AEHS Treasurer Gil Ochoa.

“It’s important to encourage reading in children, and we believe that making books accessible is the first step.”

AEHS collects donated children’s books year round. Anyone interested in donating children’s books to this project can contact club advisor Megan Friesen at megan. friesen@aims.edu.

The Aims English Honor Society provides Aims students opportunities to interact with others interested in literature and to participate in on-campus activities. These activities include literary readings, poetry slams, community involvement and conference travel.

Alzheimer's Stigma a Barrier to Prevention, Care: Survey

Bob Grand - Publisher 303-753-6109 publisher@carbonvinews.com

Advertising 303-732-4444 ads@carbonvinews.com

Carbon Valley Independent PO Box 676 Firestone, CO 80520 Our deadline is 7 working days before publication

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 Carbon Valley Independent or staff.

The goal of the Carbon Valley Independent is to provide good news for our readers on the Local, County, and State level that will be of interest. We always welcome letters to the editor or email us directly.

WEDNESDAY, March 28, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Stigma surrounding Alzheimer's disease may discourage Americans from learning about their risk and from joining clinical trials for potential new treatments, a small survey reveals.

"We found that concerns about discrimination and overly harsh judgments about the severity of symptoms were most prevalent," lead researcher Shana Stites said in an Alzheimer's Association news release.

"By understanding what the biggest concerns are about the disease, we can help develop programs and policies to reduce the stigma," Stites added.

She is senior research investigator with the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine's Division of Medical Ethics.

Researchers gave a random sample of 317 adults a fictional description of a patient with mild cognitive impairment or dementia due to Alzheimer's. Respondents were told the patient's condition would worsen, improve or stay the same.

Fifty-five percent expected the patient would be discriminated against by employers and be excluded from medical decision-making. Forty-seven percent thought data in the patient's medical records, such as a brain image (46 percent) or genetic test result (45 percent), would lead to limits on his or her health insurance.

Those percentages rose when respondents were told that the patient's condition would worsen over time.

When they were told the patient would improve, 24 percent to 41 percent fewer respondents said they expected that discrimination or exclusion from medical decisions would result.

That suggests advances in therapies to improve the prognosis of Alzheimer's patients could help reduce stigma, according to the study authors.

"The unfortunate stigma associated with Alzheimer's may prevent people from getting the diagnosis they need or the opportunity for early intervention that could improve their quality of life," said Maria Carrillo, the association's chief science officer.

"We need to reduce the stigma to encourage persons with mild or even no symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to enroll in prevention trials to find effective treatments.

These survey findings could also have implications on the national goal of developing an effective therapy by 2025," Carrillo said.

The findings were published online March 27 in Alzheimer's & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer's Association.

April 2018

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Opinion: Honor Flight's Stan Cass, Who Died Last Week, Was Dedicated to Veterans

Kevin Duggan from Coloradoan Stan Cass had a small stature, a quiet voice, a quick smile and a commanding presence.

Cass, a retired U.S. Army colonel, died Saturday after a brief illness. He was 84 years old.

He was the founder, president and driving force behind the all-volunteer Honor Flight Northern Colorado, which since 2008 has taken military veterans on free trips to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials tied to their service, including World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

The whirlwind trips fly in May and September. Every time, the veterans are celebrated every step of the way.

Honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice was a passion for Cass, said longtime friend Lee Seward, vice president of Honor Flight Northern Colorado. He got things done, and he got them done on time.

“He was a motivator,” Seward said. “He was a hard man to say no to.”

I know that to be true. I met Cass about 10 years ago when he pitched me on doing a story about the organization’s first flight. He was hoping to raise donations from the community to support the project.

That was the first of many conversations I had with Cass. And just about every time he asked me to do something, my response was along the lines of, “Yes, sir, I can do that.”

In 2015, I had the privilege of traveling with him on an Honor Flight along with 123 veterans and 62 guardians — volunteers who take care of the veterans as if they were family.

I traveled as a guardian and was responsible for two men. The Coloradoan donated $900 to the program to cover my expenses.

It was a remarkable trip on many levels. It was executed with military precision, from the send-off at Island Grove Events Center to the chartered flights in and out of Denver International Airport to repeatedly marshaling veterans and guardians on and off buses.

The trip was an emotional, physically tiring experience for veterans and guardians alike. But I’m sure none of us regretted it.

I’ll always remember the hushed, respectful quiet of the veterans, some with tears in their eyes, as they toured memorials amid the midday clamor of Washington, D.C. Clearly, some were remembering their experiences — and in some cases friends lost — in places such as Normandy, Iwo Jima, Inchon and Khe Sanh.

Cass grew up in Briggsdale, where he worked on the family farm. After graduating from high school, he did two years of coursework at Colorado A&M, now Colorado State University, and was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

He graduated in 1957. He served nearly 30 years with the Army, including tours of duty in Vietnam, commanding a helicopter unit.

He retired to Weld County and the family farm in 1986 and was an active community member. He was instrumental in establishing the Weld County Veterans Memorial near Bittersweet Park in Greeley.

He once told me his interest in Honor Flight stemmed from the realization that veterans of World War II, the Greatest Generation, were quickly dying off. He wanted to be sure as many as possible saw the national World War II Memorial, which opened in 2004, before their time ran out.

“We need to take care of them while we can,” he said.

The next Honor Flight scheduled to leave May 6 is fully booked. It will be the organization’s 20th trip. Seward said organizers are scrambling to make sure it and the September trip come off successfully.

Cass personally took care of many trip details, Seward said. His longtime friends and associates want to cover every base.

And they want to make sure the legacy of Colonel Cass lives on.

Kevin Duggan is a Coloradoan columnist. Follow him on Twitter, @coloradoan_dugg, and on Facebook at Coloradoan Kevin Duggan.

Candidate Meet and Greet Held in Firestone

A candidate meet and greet was held in Firestone at Mama Jama’s Coffee Bar. It was mostly comprised of Weld County Candidates for office. Unfortunately, the candidates and their staffs outnumbered the general public attendees. Doug Robinson was the only statewide candidate. He is running for the Republican nomination for governor.

All of the Weld County candidates running for office were available, each giving a short statement on their candidacy. All had a chance to mingle and chat.

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Letters to the Editor Letter to the Editor & Citizens of Weld County:

Some definitions: Honesty: A fairness and straight forwardness of conduct, adherence to the facts sincerity.

Integrity: Adherence to a code of morals or values, incorruptibility, soundeness, the quality of state being complete or undivided.

Author and motivational speaker Zig Zigler, once said: “ With integrity, you have nothing to fear, since you have nothing to hide. Yu do the right thing so you will have no guilt.”

When I look back on my eight years on the Greeley City Council, I have no guilt. I made my decisions based on sound principles and codes. People ask me ‘Why do you want to be in politics?” “Some how you do not fit the mold” I have always been flattered by those words, nut then I realized they were right because of two other definitions: Politician and Stateman.

Politician: “Often disparaging: a person primarily interested in political office. For selfish or other narrow usually shortsighted reasons” Stateman: “One versed in the principles or art of government: especially one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies.: I, my friends, am the latter. I have always led with honesty and integrity.

I ask myself what type of persons I want my grandsons to be. How can I help shape them ito kind, caring, honest young men with integrity? The best way is by example. That is how I lead.

My opponent voted no on a resolution to support school choice claiming county government should not be involved. Governing boards pass resolutions all the time to let constituents know where board members stand. The same opponent supported a resolution proclaiming March 6, 2017 as UH Bulldog Day after the school’s pompom team won a state title. I believe he was not willing to support school choice for personal reasons related to the ongoing feud among the Weld County Commissioners. That is where the integrity pf our current Board of Weld County Commissioners is failing. They are letting personal opinions cloud sound practices.

As Weld County Commissioner At Large, to be honest means listening to and representing the people of Weld County, all the people and making decisions for the betterment of Weld County, We have too many politicians in Weld County already. We need more statemen. I am sincere, honest, compassionate and I have integrity. What you see is what you get.

I ask for your support and promise to bring the qualities you should expect from your representative.

Sandi Elder Candidate for the Republican nomination for Weld County Commissioner At Large Sandi4Weld.com

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

March is not a Great Month for Barb Kirkmeyer

by Bob Grand Last March 6th, 2017 District Court Judge, Todd Taylor, issued a summary judgement, barring and forever enjoining, the defendants and their successors (i.e.:Barb Kirkmeyer and Randy and Katherin Pevler) from interfering with the Wright Family Farms possession, use, maintenance and quiet enjoyment of the Wright parcel and the West Ditch, as described in the law suit. This decision was the culmination of a law suit that started back in 2015 which had two filings, regarding a 10 foot piece of ground bordering property owned by the parties. The facts involved different surveys based on two different pin locations and included a trespassing summons being issued by a Weld County Sheriff deputy for trespassing to the Wrights which was later dismissed in Court. What happened to being able to resolve something between neighbors without having to go to court?

This past March was not much better for Kirkmeyer because at the Republican County Caucus the candidate she nominated to run against Carly Koppes for Clerk and Recorder, Elisa Kunkel, failed to meet the threshold to be placed on the ballot.

Kunkel has filed the necessary paperwork to be a write in candidate for the general election. Additionally, Sandy Elder, made the primary ballot, with a qualifying of 35% of the votes. She will be running against Steve Moreno for a At Large Seat for Weld County Commissioner. In America we have the right to challenge the system. There are times when people may have been in office too long and forget that it is not what they want it is what the people want that counts.

As usual your comments, are always appreciated: Publisher@lostcreekguide.com

April 2018

Aims Community College Celebrated National Agriculture Day with the Community at the Fort Lupton Campus

GREELEY, CO – March 26, 2018 – Aims Community College celebrated National Agriculture Day at its Fort Lupton Campus, located at 260 College Avenue with an Open House for the community on Tuesday, March 20 and an event for the Future Farmers of America (FFA) on Friday, March 23.

At the Open House, guests saw baby chicks hatch, rode on the Precision Agriculture Mobile Educational Technology Unit (a John Deere gator equipped with auto-steer and GPS technologies), learned about dairy farming from June the Cow (provided by the Western Dairy Association), an animatronic full-sized fiberglass Holstein, and interacted with the West Greeley Conservation District riparian trailer.

On Friday, March 23, Aims’ Fort Lupton Campus hosted approximately 350 students from across the state at the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Career Development event. Students participated in activities that covered job skills in communications, mechanics and more.

“It was wonderful to share what Aims has to offer at our Fort Lupton Campus with the community and the Future Farmers of America, while celebrating National Agriculture Day,” said Aims CEO and President Dr. Leah L. Bornstein. “I hope this event encourages the community to consider coming to Aims for the technology, support and quality education they’ll find here. Participating in the Ag program at Aims is a tremendous value, allowing a smooth transfer to Colorado State University.”

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook for agricultural and food scientists will increase by 7 percent through 2026. Students can receive the high-tech training needed for careers like these and more at Aims in Fort Lupton.

Town of Frederick and United Power Reach Agreement on Purchase of Facilities

April 17, 2018 - United Power, an electric cooperative utility headquartered in Brighton, Colorado, and the Town of Frederick, Colorado, jointly announced today that they have reached an agreement for the cooperative to purchase the Town of Frederick’s municipal electric utility, Frederick Power & Light.

Frederick has agreed to sell the electrical infrastructure to United Power, who will provide on-going service to the citizens of the Town’s original municipal utility. This agreement means that all Frederick citizens will be served by United Power.

“We are pleased to reach a resolution on this issue, and look forward to welcoming these Frederick citizens as new members of our cooperative,” stated James Vigesaa, United Power Board President. “The agreement helps to clarify our future territory and will help us to plan for all our future growth in an efficient and effective manner.”

“Throughout the process of exploring options related to our electric utility, our main goal has been to find a solution that is in the best interests of our community,” said Tony Carey, Mayor of Frederick. “We have met that goal as this agreement is a win for our residents and United Power’s members. I’m excited to continue moving forward with our new board as we explore more opportunities for Frederick’s future.”

The agreement will help the cooperative better integrate their electric delivery system as it grows, and brings greater density to the operation, which will reduce operating costs for all cooperative members. Information and updates about the purchase and transition will be available on both the Town of Frederick and United Power’s websites. Additionally, United Power will be reaching out to affected citizens in the coming weeks to welcome them to the cooperative, and share information about the transition.

“On behalf of United Power’s Board of Directors I want to extend our thanks to the Town Trustees of Frederick,” stated Vigesaa. “We appreciate their willingness to negotiate, and to reach an agreement that is good for not only their citizens, but for the cooperative membership at-large.”

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

April 2018

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Help Keep Young Wildlife Wild This Spring in Colorado

Travis Duncan; CPW Statewide DENVER, Colo. - With spring appearing in every corner of Colorado, residents and visitors will soon see an abundance of new life, including young wildlife. Many birds and mammals give birth this time of year, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises that if you see young wildlife to leave them alone.

Now through June, newborn wildlife may be found in backyards, along trails, open spaces or in some rare instances in parking lots.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife receives numerous calls each year regarding young wildlife that has been "abandoned" by adult animals. And in pet-friendly Colorado, many humans are tempted to "help" a young animal by picking it up or trying to feed it. Well-meaning people sometimes bring baby wildlife to rehabilitation facilities or to CPW offices, but that's the wrong thing to do. There is simply no substitute for their natural parents.

Wildlife experts want people to know that it is quite normal for adult animals to leave their young alone in a safe place while they go search for food. And in the case of baby birds, people are quick to deem them abandoned, though in most cases, they are just learning to fly and are likely very near their nests.

"Baby mammals are scentless in order to prevent predators from finding them," said Janet George, senior terrestrial biologist for CPW. "When humans touch these animals, they leave behind a scent their adults will not recognize or may even fear.

This can result in true abandonment of healthy offspring.It is best for people to leave them alone."

Because birds do not have a highly developed sense of smell, baby songbirds can be picked up and moved out of harm's way or placed back in their nests if absolutely necessary. Raptors, however, are a different story; Great-horned owls and other raptors are territorial and have been known to fly directly at humans seen as a threat to their young.

Deer fawns found in backyards are frequently brought to wildlife offices. They have not been abandoned so don't touch them.

If you do encounter young wildlife on the trail or in your yard, leave the animal where it is, and be careful to keep pets out of the area. Use binoculars to quietly view the animal from a distance. It’s important not to get too close to the animals, nor linger near them, as human proximity and time spent in the area may make the wild parents afraid to return.

If 24 hours pass and the parent does not return, or a young animal appears sick and weak, it is possible the newborn was abandoned or the parent may be unable to return due to sickness or death. In this instance, concerned citizens should call the nearest CPW office. The agency has teams available to determine if an animal truly needs aid and the ability to safely transport it to a certified wildlife rehabilitation center if necessary. Never move an animal yourself.

In addition to potential harm to the animal, there is a potential for harm to humans.

Handling wildlife poses risks, including disease transmission of rabies, distemper or other illnesses. Wildlife can also carry fleas that might subsequently spread disease to humans or pets.

Finally, it is imperative for Coloradans to understand that there is a vast difference between wildlife and domesticated animals. It is illegal to feed or own most wildlife in Colorado, so despite best intentions, “adopting” a wild animal rarely leads to good outcomes. Hand-fed animals with no fear of humans are rarely returned to the wild due to their lack of survival skills. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained to use methods that will give a wild animal the best chance of surviving upon release. CPW asks people to call the agency or these rehabilitators to ensure the best outcome for animals.

For more information on living with wildlife, visit http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/ Pages/LivingwithWildlife.aspx

Container Gardening: Basics

From Plant Talk Colorado Successful container gardening is based on choosing the right container, using soil that will drain properly while holding the moisture to prevent the plant from drying out, sufficient watering and fertilization, and providing the correct amount of light based on the plant’s needs.

In selecting a container, proper drainage is the most important consideration, and watering needs will be based partly on whether the container is porous, as in a Container with salmon flowered Callibrachoa surrounded by other choice annualsterracotta pot, or the pot is glazed, allowing less water evaporation through the container itself.

Potting soil should be porous, include organic material for moisture absorptionas well as free of weed seeds. Vermiculite, perlite, or water-holding polymers may be mixed in prior to planting to extend the time between waterings. It is important to group plants with similar moisture needs in one container, and check the soil daily, watering as needed.

Controlled-release fertilizer can be added at the time of planting, with water-soluble fertilizer used to supplement or replace time-release products as needed throughout the growing season.

When selecting plants and container locations, choose plant with similar needs, and make sure that the container will receive the required amount of sun exposure to assure success.

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Emerald Ash Borer Detected in Lyons

From Colorado State Forest Service LYONS, Colo. – State officials have confirmed the presence of emerald ash borer (EAB) – an invasive, highly destructive tree pest – in the Town of Lyons in northern Boulder County. This new detection is still just within a quarantine area established to try and prevent the human-assisted spread of EAB. However, it represents the fourth community with confirmation of EAB in Colorado outside the City of Boulder, where the pest was first detected in 2013.

An estimated 15 percent or more of all urban and community trees in Colorado are ash species susceptible to being killed by EAB – and a majority of these trees are on private land. EAB attacks and kills both stressed and healthy ash trees and is so aggressive that trees typically die within two to four years after becoming infested.

An arborist recently identified an ash tree on private land in the vicinity of 4th Avenue and Broadway Street in Lyons as potentially infested with EAB. The property manager notified members of the interagency Colorado EAB Response Team, which is working to manage the spread and impacts of the pest in Colorado. An adult beetle specimen found in the tree was provided to the Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) and then confirmed by Colorado State University experts as being EAB. The infested tree and surrounding trees also are being examined by experts from the CDA and Colorado State University Extension.

So far only the one tree has been identified as having EAB in Lyons, but town officials are looking into nearby ash on public property. Most trees in the immediate vicinity are on private property so assessment of other nearby ash will require coordination with private property owners.

Colorado EAB Response Team It is unknown whether EAB arrived in Lyons by natural spread or via accidental human transport, such as in firewood or other raw ash material. Populations of the insect are capable of spreading a half-mile each year on their own, and the City of Boulder is less than 15 miles to the south. EAB was first confirmed in Colorado in September 2013, in the City of Boulder. That fall, the CDA established a quarantine zone around Boulder County in an effort to protect the state’s ash trees.

EAB has also been confirmed in Gunbarrel, Longmont and Lafayette – all within Boulder County. At this time, EAB has not been detected in Colorado outside the county or the EAB Quarantine area. However, the pest is extremely difficult to detect when its numbers are low in an area.

The EAB Response Team remains committed to EAB outreach and detection efforts in Boulder County and surrounding areas, in addition to enforcing the quarantine.

Over the past four years the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), partnering with Boulder County and the City of Boulder, has set hundreds of traps targeting EAB to try and detect its presence along roadways within Boulder County. The CSFS also is currently developing detection strategies with communities in Larimer County – the southern border of which is only a few miles north of Lyons.

EAB tips for Boulder County and Front Range residents: Determine now if you have any ash trees. Identifying features of ash trees include compound leaves with 5 to 9 leaflets; leaflets, buds and branches growing directly opposite from one another; and diamond-shaped bark ridges on mature trees. More information about a related app for mobile devices is available at csfs.colostate.edu/ emerald-ash-borer.

If you have an ash tree, start planning. Decide if the overall health of the tree merits current or future treatment or if it would be best to remove and replace it with a different species. If you aren’t sure, contact a certified arborist. If pesticide treatment is the preferred option, the applicator must be licensed by the CDA as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator.

Recognize signs of EAB infestation. Property owners with ash trees should be on the lookout for thinning of leaves in the upper tree canopy, 1/8-inch D-shaped holes on the bark and vertical bark splitting with winding S-shaped tunnels underneath.

Report suspect trees by calling the Colorado Department of Agriculture at 1-888248-5535 or filling out their EAB Report Form at https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/ agplants/eab-identification-and-reporting.

Be aware of EAB imposters. Other insects like lilac/ash borer, ash bark beetle and flat-headed apple tree borer may look like EAB or cause similar tree symptoms. For more information, visit www.eabcolorado.com.

Help prevent further spread of EAB. Do not transport ash or any hardwood firewood, or any other untreated ash wood products, to other locations. Boulder County and some surrounding areas are under a federal EAB quarantine, allowing for significant fines for those who move untreated wood from the area.

For more information about ash tree identification, the symptoms of EAB and treatment options, go eabcolorado.com or csfs.colostate.edu/emerald-ash-borer.

EAB Information The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a non-native, wood-boring beetle that is responsible for the death or decline of tens of millions of ash trees in the United States and Canada.

This insect was first discovered in Michigan in 2002, and since then it has spread to at least 31 states, including Colorado. As a non-native insect, EAB lacks predators to keep it in check. EAB only attacks ash trees in the genus Fraxinus, but has also been documented infesting white fringe tree. Mountain ash and other tree species are not susceptible.

The Colorado EAB Response Team includes members from the following agencies/ organizations: Colorado Department of Agriculture, Colorado State Forest Service, City of Boulder, Boulder County, Colorado State University Extension, Colorado Tree Coalition, Green Industries of Colorado, University of Colorado, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and various Front Range municipalities.

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Colorado Dahlia Society Hosting Two Flower Shows This Season

The Colorado Dahlia Society is hosting two flower shows this season. We invite you to come and enjoy our many varieties and sizes on display.

Our first show is in Longmont at the Flower Bin Garden Center, 1805 Nelson Road on August 25 -26. The second show is at Paulino Gardens, 6300 North Broadway, in Denver, on September 8-9. Both are free for public viewing.

The Denver show includes a photo contest. Pictures must be 8x10 size with white matting. Both shows include an arrangement category, one that compliments our theme of LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES! There is an Open Class as well as an Amateur Section at both shows.

An education board is on display, and members are available to answer any questions. Visitors can sign up for information about our spring tuber sale.

Judging starts at 10:00 each Saturday, and concludes about noon. Then all entries are open for public viewing and picture taking until Sunday at 4:00.

Membership is not required to enter blooms. Entries are accepted from 7:00-10:00 each Saturday morning.

Vases will be available in limited supply; blooms need to have at least two leaves. For further information and a picture gallery, visit our website, coloradodahlias.net, or call George at 303-232-8539 or Janet at 303-502-4295.

COME VIEW SOME BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS!

April 2018

United Power Kids Demonstrate Safety Around Electricity

Announcing the Winners of the 2018 Electrical Safety Poster Contest Brighton, Colo. — United Power recently asked elementary students in its service territory to help demonstrate electrical safety in its annual Electrical Safety Poster Contest. Kids in grades kindergarten through fifth submitted creative and educational posters designed to teach family and friends how to stay safe around electricity.

United Power will place winning poster designs on bus benches during the month of May, which is recognized as National Electrical Safety Month.

Employees at the member-owned cooperative voted to select the following winners from each grade for the 2018 Electrical Safety Poster Contest: Zariah McPherson from Reunion Elementary, Joey Seymour from Platteville Elementary, Maddilyn Griffis from Bromley East Charter School, Sofie Archer from Landmark Academy, Troy Wymer from Hoff Elementary, and Kaydence States from Bromley East Charter School.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thank you to all the students who entered their creative safety messages. Look for winning safety posters to appear through the cooperative service territory for the month of May. To review winning posters, go to: https://photos.app.goo.gl/Do5N7Xd5WdZKxrFn1 United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 83,000 homes and busineses along Colorado’s northern front range. To learn more about United Power, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow the cooperative at Facebook.com/UnitedPower.

Andy’s Archaeological Corner

Perhaps the most common misconception regarding arrowheads found here in the Colorado High Plains is the fact that most of them are not arrowheads at all. As we mentioned in previous articles, Native Americans have been here for at least 13,000 years and it is believed that true arrowheads have only been in use for the last 1,800 years.

Prior to that the projectile points are considered dart points which were launched using an atlatl which is basically a throwing stick.

The dart points while shaped similarly to true arrowheads were usually much larger. Sometime around 1,800 years ago bow and arrows made their way into the High Plains, probably from either east of the Mississippi River or the desert southwest which had the technology earlier. By 1,500 years ago nearly everyone on the Plains, friends and enemies alike, was using very similar arrow point forms with slight tribal variations.

The earliest recognized true arrowhead was made by the Avonlea Complex and was side- notched (lower left corner of photograph). Plains Corner-Notched Complex points developed next and were shaped very similarly to earlier corner-notched dart points but much smaller. The large Pelican Lake dart point in the center of the photograph is approximately 2,500 years old. The smaller corner-notched arrowheads which are shaped basically the same were used from 1,800 to 600 years ago. The Plains and Prairie SideNotched Complex points developed around 1,300 years before present and were used until about 200 years ago.

The Plains Tri-Notched Complex points (three points at bottom right in photograph) were the last true stone arrowheads in use from 250 to 100 years ago.

The triangular points (bottom center) are probably arrow point preforms and are commonly called Cottonwood Triangles.

Although the preforms were sometimes used as is, most were corner-notched or side-notched as finished points.

Andy is with the Loveland Archaeological Society (LAS) that meets monthly in Loveland and sponsors the annual Stone Age Fair, the longest running Indian artifact show in the United States, (since 1934). The LAS is also always seeking new members who want to learn more about Native American cultures. Andy also offers artifact identification at no charge to anyone who has some points and would like to know what they are.

Contact Andy at arrowhead@whatwire.com or by phone at 303-286-7711.

April 2018

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

May is National Stroke Prevention Month

Weld County – May is National Stroke Prevention Month and the aim is to educate the public and increase awareness of hypertension, which is also commonly known as high blood pressure. What you don’t know about high blood pressure could hurt you. High blood pressure affects one in three Americans yet many people with the condition don’t know they have it. To lower your risk, get your blood pressure checked regularly and take action to control your blood pressure if it is too high.

• Young people can have high blood pressure, too. High blood pressure doesn’t just happen to older adults. About one in four men and nearly one in five women ages 35 to 44 has high blood pressure. The Colorado Department of Public Health reports that between 2013-2015, 23.1% of Weld County residents aged 18+ years had been told by a health care provider that they had high blood pressure. According to the Weld County Community Health Survey, that number was slightly higher in 2016 with 27.3% of respondents aged 18+ years saying a health professional had told them they had hypertension.

• High blood pressure is a leading cause of stroke, a condition that is on the rise among younger people. Experts think the increased risk for stroke among young adults is a direct result of the rising rates of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes – conditions that are preventable and treatable.

• According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), high blood pressure may be linked to dementia. Recent studies show that high blood pressure is linked to a higher risk for dementia, a loss of cognitive function. Timing seems to matter: Some evidence suggests having uncontrolled high blood pressure during midlife (age 45 to 65) creates a higher risk for dementia later in life.

• High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any symptoms. High blood pressure is sometimes called the “silent killer.” Most people with high blood pressure don’t have symptoms, such as sweating or headaches. Because many people feel fine, they don’t think they need to get their blood pressure checked.

• Women and minorities face unique risks when it comes to high blood pressure. Women with high blood pressure who become pregnant are more likely to have complications during pregnancy than those with normal blood pressure. High blood pressure can harm a mother’s kidneys and other organs, and it can cause low birth weight and early delivery.

• African American men and women have higher rates of high blood pressure than any other race or ethnic group. Experts think this is related to higher rates of obesity, diabetes and stroke among this group.

Fortunately, you can keep or lower your blood pressure to a healthy range by practicing the following lifestyle habits: • Eating a healthy diet which emphasizes vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains and limits sodium and added sugars • Maintaining a healthy weight • Getting enough physical activity • Not smoking • Limititing alcohol use For more information on how to prevent or control high blood pressure visit: https:// www.weldgov.com/departments/health_and_environment.

1279 Rural Drivers Cited for Seat Belt Violations During Click it or Ticket Includes 62 Tickets for Unbuckled Children

STATEWIDE — Data shows that 16 percent of Coloradans do not wear seat belts. To encourage seat belt use in rural counties — which historically have low seat belt use rates — the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and local law enforcement agencies recently conducted a Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement in rural counties. Law enforcement agencies cited 1279 drivers between March 26 and April 1, a slight decrease from the 1,341 citations issued during last year’s spring rural enforcement period. Of the citations issued, 62 were for improperly restrained children.

“Seat belt use is the law in Colorado - and for a very good reason since it can save your life,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the Office of Transportation Safety at CDOT. “Buckling your seat belt is quick and easy. CDOT hopes that those who were cited remember to buckle up every time they enter a vehicle. You never know when you’ll be involved in a crash.”

Forty seven agencies participated in the heightened enforcement, with the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office (82 citations), the Rifle Police Department (73 citations) and the Ft Lupton Police Department (61 citations) recording the highest number of tickets. CSP cited 680 drivers of the 1279 total citations. A full list of the citations issued is available at SeatBeltsColorado.com.

Fines for not buckling up start at $65, and parents or caregivers caught with an improperly restrained child can receive a minimum fine of $82.

“Cars have evolved in countless ways over the past 50 years, but the one feature that hasn’t changed much is seat belts. There is a reason for that,” said Col. Matthew Packard, Chief of the CSP. “Seat belts save lives. Remember to buckle up every trip regardless of the distance or speed you are traveling.”

The Click It or Ticket campaign will return for the May Mobilization enforcement beginning May 21 to June 3. Last year, nearly 6,000 unrestrained drivers were cited during the May Mobilization enforcement.

Colorado’s Seat Belt Laws • Adults — Colorado has a secondary enforcement law for adult drivers and front-seat passengers. Drivers can be ticketed for violating the seat belt law if they are stopped for another traffic violation.

• Teens — Colorado’s Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law requires all drivers under 18 and their passengers, no matter what their age, to wear seat belts. This is a primary enforcement, meaning teens can be pulled over simply for not wearing a seat belt or having passengers without seat belts.

• Children — Colorado's Child Passenger Safety law is a primary enforcement, meaning the driver can be stopped and ticketed if an officer sees an unrestrained or improperly restrained child under age 16 in the vehicle.

In 2016, 182 people who weren't buckled up lost their lives in traffic crashes on Colorado roadways. If everyone had buckled up, nearly half of the victims would have lived. Last year, 211 unbuckled drivers and passengers were killed in Colorado, accounting for nearly half of the 399 passenger vehicle traffic crashes.

Spring Weather Brings the Reminder to Be Bear Aware

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DENVER – Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds outdoor recreationists, city dwellers and rural homeowners that early spring is the time to become Bear Aware. As bears emerge from hibernation, all Coloradans need to be responsible and take steps to minimize human-bear interactions.

It’s important to think ahead and be Bear Aware now when preparing your home, neighborhood and o u t d o o r plans with the change in seasons.

Bears are omnivores and primarily eat vegetation such as grasses, forbs, berries, acorns, and seeds, which are usually available as bears emerge from hibernation.

Human-bear interactions tend to increase in the summer months, however, when a late frost or warm, dry weather can lead to localized natural food failures. This can cause black bears from affected areas to become more mobile and persistent in search of human food sources like trash, fruit trees, pet food, bird feeders, livestock and agricultural products. Bears have an extremely keen sense of smell and excellent memories, and once they have learned about a reliable source of food, they will often return.

"It's critical for folks to remember that if a bear finds a meal in or around your home and becomes unafraid of people, it is more likely that a human-bear interaction can occur," said Mark Lamb, Area Wildlife Manager for CPW. "Careless behavior by people, whether leaving your trash out, keeping a dirty campsite or, worst of all, purposely feeding a bear, is most often what leads to these interactions. Unfortunately, our wildlife managers are then tasked to remedy many avoidable problems."

CPW officials say black bears typically do not hunt humans in Colorado; however, because they are large powerful animals, they pose a very serious risk to human health and safety when they become conditioned to finding meals from human sources.

"If you accidentally corner or surprise a bear, remember that one bite or swipe from that bear could lead to a person receiving life-threatening injuries, or worse," said Lamb. "Human health and safety is always our primary concern."

It requires diligence on the part of people to keep bears from becoming human food-dependent at home or while recreating. That effort can begin now; establishing proper Bear Aware behavior in the spring can create good habits that help minimize conflicts throughout the year.

Tips to prevent human/bear conflicts for homeowners include: • Keep garbage in a well-secured enclosure and only put out garbage on the morning of pickup.

• Use a bear-resistant trash can or dumpster. These are available from your trash hauler or on Internet sites.

• Clean all garbage cans regularly to keep them odor free. The scent of ammonia can deter bears.

• Take down all bird feeders -- birds don't need to be fed during the summer. Bird feeders are a major source of bear/human conflicts.

• Don't leave pet food or stock feed outside -- never provide food sources for any wildlife.

• Keep garage doors closed.

• Review CPW’s Bearproofing Your Home Fact Sheet.

• Conduct a home audit to be sure you are not attracting bears to your property.

• Talk to your neighbors and kids about being bear aware.

Tips for outdoor recreationists and travelers: • Read CPW’s Camping and Hiking in Bear Country page to prepare for your trip.

• Pay attention to the surroundings and watch for bear signs, such as tracks or claw or bite marks on trees.

• Make noise while walking or hiking to prevent surprising a bear. Clap, sing or talk loudly. Travel in a group if possible.

• Do not keep food in your vehicle; roll up windows and lock the doors of your vehicles.

• When car-camping, secure all food and coolers in a locked vehicle after you’ve eaten.

• Keep a clean camp, whether you’re in a campground or in the back-country.

• When camping in the back-country, hang food 100 feet or more from your campsite • Cook food well away from your tent; wash dishes thoroughly.

• Don’t bring any food or fragrant items into your tent.

• Review CPW’s Camping and Hiking in Bear Country brochure.

Recreationists, residents and visitors are reminded to contact the nearest Colorado Parks and Wildlife office to file a report of injured or problem wildlife. For more information about Living with Bears, visit: http://cpw.state.co.us/learn/Pages/LivingwithWildlifeWildBears.aspx.

Great 4-H Club Fundraiser

The 4-H Foundation raffle returns $2.50 to the 4-H club/ organization for every $5 ticket sold! This is a much better rate of return than the 25% (one quarter percent) returns grocery store card sales yield and what other fundraising companies provide.

If you are interested in selling raffle tickets to raise money, contact Kim at 970-4002079.

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Greater Mead Chamber of Commerce Hosts “Adult Bingo” Event at the Black Canyon Distillery in Mead

The Greater Mead Chamber of Commerce hosted their Adult Bingo event at the Black Canyon Distillery. The sold out event was packed and a good time was had by all. The enthusiasm of the Mead Chamber group is always exciting to watch.

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April 2018

CDOT Survey Reveals New Insight on Marijuana and Driving Nearly 70 Percent of Cannabis Consumers Said They’ve Driven High in the Past Year

STATEWIDE — Preliminary data from CDOT’s Cannabis Conversation shows that 69 percent of cannabis consumers have driven under the influence of marijuana at least once in the past year — with 27 percent admitting they drive high almost daily.

Forty percent of recreational users and 34 percent of medical users said they don’t think being under the influence of marijuana affects their ability to drive safely.

About 10 percent of all users think it makes them a better driver.

As part of a statewide initiative to gather feedback about marijuana-impaired driving, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) collected survey responses from more than 11,000 anonymous marijuana users and nonusers who shared their opinions, habits and behaviors on the topic.

“What this information tells us is that Colorado still has a lot of work to do in order to change behavior,” said Sam Cole, CDOT Communications Manager. “CDOT has been successful in raising awareness about the laws and consequences of driving high, but now our big focus is on how we can turn that awareness into action and increase safety on our roadways.”

Colorado continues to see marijuana-involved traffic crashes that result in serious consequences. In 2016, there were 51 fatalities that involved a driver with active THC in their blood above 5 nanograms, the legal limit.

In February, CDOT, together with partners across the state representing the marijuana industry, community nonprofits, universities, law enforcement and others, launched The Cannabis Conversation to gain a better understanding of public perceptions, social norms and behavior patterns surrounding marijuana use and driving. CDOT opened an online survey as part of this research, as well as conducted a series of public meetings, events and interviews to talk directly with people in the community.

“This is a complex issue, evidenced in the fact that we’re seeing quite a few mixed messages from our outreach,” said Cole. “While forty percent of recreational users said they don’t think being under the influence of marijuana affects their ability to drive safely, almost half of all survey participants said driving under the influence of marijuana puts people in danger.”

Other key findings from the survey include: • More than two-thirds (69 percent) of all respondents know that if you drive high, you can get a DUI. • Half of all cannabis users surveyed say they consume less cannabis when they know they will need to drive.

• Of people who have consumed marijuana within the last year, 56 percent say they drive themselves to get around when they’re under the influence of marijuana.

Walking, getting a ride from someone sober and using Uber or Lyft were the next most common ways people get around when high.

• Among non-users, 35 percent say they have been a passenger with a driver who is under the influence of marijuana.

All of the survey results are available to view online at ColoradoCannabisConvo. com.

Prevalent issues that rose to the top during CDOT’s public meetings and in-person interviews include the need for better research and testing for measuring marijuana impairment. Participants also agreed that dispensaries are a trusted source of information and should play a key role in educating marijuana consumers about the laws and dangers of driving high.

“This isn’t something that law enforcement can solve, or something CDOT can solve, or something the marijuana industry can solve. We have to work together and be honest with each other about the challenges,” said Todd Mitchem, managing partner of Dacorum Strategies, a Denver-based government affairs and community outreach firm for the cannabis industry that has partnered with CDOT on this campaign.

“It’s important to figure this out together and I think we’re on the right path by doing things like this that keep an open dialogue among the public, the industry and government. We must commit as a culture to working together and holding each other accountable regarding impaired driving,” added Mitchem.

CDOT plans to use what it learns in The Cannabis Conversation to develop more effective education and awareness campaigns in the future that will help curb marijuana-impaired driving and improve safety on Colorado’s roads.

The survey will remain open through early summer, so the public still has time to voice their opinion by visiting ColoradoCannabisConvo.com. These are preliminary results, and a comprehensive report will be available in summer 2018.

CDOT will also be continuing The Cannabis Conversation at the Mile High 420 Festival at Civic Center Park on Friday, April 20, where it will be sharing preliminary research findings and seeking additional feedback from festival-goers.

CDOT also wants to remind everyone to travel safe on 4/20 and plan for a sober ride if they choose to consume. For the second year in a row, CDOT is working alongside Lyft to offer discounted Lyft rides on 4/20 — 20 percent off a ride in Denver (up to $4.20) with the code 420DEN. To learn more about The Cannabis Conversation and Colorado’s drugged driving laws, and to view preliminary survey results, visit ColoradoCannabisConvo.com.

April 2018

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Page 9

More Coloradans Died Last Year From Drug Overdoses Than Any Year in the State’s History. That Shows How the Opioid Epidemic is Changing.

Increases Seen in Deaths from Other Drugs, Including Methamphetamine and Cocaine

By JOHN INGOLD | jingold@denverpost.com | The Denver Post Colorado drug deaths almost certainly were the worst in the state’s history last year, as the opioid epidemic morphed into a broader overdose crisis.

Deaths from methamphetamine exploded. What had been seen as a hopeful downturn in deaths from opioid painkillers reversed. Deaths from heroin and cocaine remained well above where they were just two years ago.

All together, drug overdoses probably killed more people last year than car crashes, according to preliminary numbers. And those numbers are more likely to increase than decrease as the state collects the remaining figures and finalizes the data in the coming weeks.

“Yes, it’s getting worse, and it continues to grow,” said Rob Valuck, the director of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Prevention. “It’s a long problem. I’m of the mind that it’s going to be anywhere from five to 10 years until we see this thing turn.”

The reason for that: Even as the state moves aggressively to crack down on the proliferation of opioids, the overdose epidemic is changing in ways that are harder for policy-makers to target, according to the latest data and a new report from the Colorado Health Institute.

The preliminary figures show that 959 people died in Colorado last year from drug poisoning, a figure that includes both intentional and unintentional overdoses. In 2016, 912 people died. In 2000, for comparison, drug poisonings claimed fewer than 400 lives.

The preliminary age-adjusted rate of deaths from drug overdoses, which accounts for population growth, was 16.7 deaths for every 100,000 people in 2017 — its highest in at least two decades. The largest number of deaths in 2017 occurred in the Denver metro area and in El Paso County, according to the preliminary figures. Areas of southern Colorado had some of the highest rates of drug overdose deaths, though.

Opioid painkillers continue to lead the way. In 2017, the drugs — whether obtained legally with a prescription or illegally — claimed a documented 357 lives, a record for Colorado, according to the preliminary figures. Two years of declining death numbers turned out not to be a trend but “just a blip,” Valuck said.

Their real toll was also likely higher because the state lists dozens of other deaths as being from “unspecified” drugs. A study published last year, for instance, estimated that Colorado’s death rate from opioid painkillers would have been almost 25 percent

higher in 2014 had the drugs involved in those deaths been identified.

But the state’s overdose epidemic is no longer confined to opioid painkillers, according to the new Colorado Health Institute report.

The Denver Post Names Aims Community College a Winner of the Colorado 2018 Top Workplaces Award

Frederick Awarded DOLA Grant for Downtown Drainage Improvements

From Aims Communications GREELEY, CO – April 20, 2018 – Aims Community College has been awarded a 2018 Top Workplaces honor by The Denver Post. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC (formerly WorkplaceDynamics), a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools. The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”

“On behalf of Aims Community College, we are thrilled and honored to be named a top workplace by the Denver Post,” said CEO/President Dr. Leah L. Bornstein. “Aims employees work extremely hard to build a stronger community, and the organization strives for employee and student success. I’m so proud of how employees truly place students first, and are true to their values. I’m ecstatic to see results that show employees are extremely satisfied at Aims. If we have a healthy house, then we can support students to succeed in a healthy way.”

“Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” Claffey said. “It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.”

The report documents a rise in cocaine deaths in recent years — from 60 in 2015 to 101 in 2016, falling only slightly to a preliminary 93 last year. Fatal methamphetamine overdoses increased dramatically — 139 in 2015, 196 in 2016 and a preliminary 280 in 2017. And heroin deaths have also risen sharply — 160 in 2015, 228 in 2016 and a preliminary 213 in 2017.

Jaclyn Zubrzycki, the report’s lead author, said those increases could partly be a result of the opioid epidemic. As hospitals and doctors’ offices crack down on their prescribing, those addicted to opioids may be forced into looking for drugs on the black market — and taking whatever they can find there.

“I think it’s tied to the opioid epidemic and the prescription epidemic, but it’s also an independent growth,” Zubrzycki said.

Colorado’s trends are not unique nationally. Preliminary numbers released by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that drug overdose death rates increased in 36 states and the District of Columbia during the 12-month period ended July 1.

And, for Valuck, this all just shows how much work Colorado and other states have to do in fighting the epidemic.

An opioid death isn’t instantaneous, he said. It’s the conclusion of an often yearslong addiction that begins with a doctor’s prescription. So, the first step in stopping overdoses, he said, is to reduce the flow of opioids out of pharmacies — both to prevent people from becoming addicted to their own medicine and to limit the number of leftover opioids floating around that commonly fuel additional cases of addiction.

Colorado hospitals have made progress in reducing opioid prescribing, Valuck said.

But their prescription levels are still 87 percent of what they used to be.

“The faucet is being shut off at a slower rate than we would like,” he said.

But even if new cases of addiction can be stopped, that still leaves thousands of people in need of treatment who are vulnerable to overdosing on any of an expanding list of drugs. But, Valuck said, treatment services lag in rural areas, while urban areas also have challenges reaching everyone who needs help.

“If you look at the numbers,” he said, “everywhere in Colorado has a problem.”

Grant Will Improve Drainage in Downtown for Storm Events

FREDERICK, Colorado (April 24, 2018) – The Town of Frederick is excited to announce receiving a grant for $700,000 from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) to construct improvements to the stormwater drainage system in Downtown Frederick. These improvements will increase the drainage capacity of the downtown system to reduce flooding and ice build-up that currently plagues the area in storm events. The Town will provide a 50% match for the $1.4 million project.

To reduce flooding and ice build-up, this project will install approximately 3,000 linear feet of reinforced concrete pipe along 5th Street from Locust to Main. An additional 8 inlets will be installed at the intersections of 5th/Elm, 5th/Oak and 5th/ Locust. The project also includes reconstructing and paving the impacted sections of the street and replacement of curb and gutter along 5th Street from Locust to Main.

All of the improvements will upgrade the downtown area to meet the Town’s current Stormwater Standards.

“We are thrilled to take another step toward making our community more resilient and safe,” said Mayor Tony Carey. “We greatly appreciate DOLA’s consideration and approval of this project that helps us improve such a valuable part of our community.”

The project will be bid out in June with construction planned for the fall.

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

Page 10

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

April 2018

June 2018 Library Events

Carbon Valley Regional Library, 7 Park Avenue, Firestone MyLibrary.us; 1-888-861-7323

Nyibol Bior: Walking to Freedom - Wednesday, June 6; 6:30 pm When she was just a child, Nyibol Bior’s world was turned upside down as her country of Sudan descended into civil war. She and her family were forced to leave their home and walk hundreds of miles in search of safety. Eventually their path brought them to the United States where she received a second chance to live the life she had dreamed. Come hear the rest of her inspiring story and find out how Ms. Bior is able to keep a positive outlook in her life despite all that she has overcome.

Crazy Concoctions and More! – Thursday, Jne 7; 10:30 am Discover the fun of these messy, STEM-based experiments in your library!

Registration required; Grades K-5.

Eye Know! – Saturday, June 9; 10:30 am Learn how vision works with hands-on experience in dissecting a preserved cow eye.

This fun and fascinating program is presented by CU Science Discovery. Registration required; Grades 6-12.

Creative Movement – Monday, June 11; 9:30 am Learn about a variety of dance concepts such as size, balance, rhythm, levels, shapes, and energy. Taught by instructors from the Colorado Ballet. Registration required; ages Birth-PreK. Free Legal Self-Help Clinic - Monday, June 11; 3:30 pm A Free Legal Self-Help Clinic for parties who have no attorney, via computer link.

Volunteer attorneys will answer questions, help fill out forms, and explain the process and procedure for the legal issues in the areas of family law, civil litigation, property law, probate law, collections, appeals, landlord-tenant law, veteran's benefits, and civil protection orders. The volunteer attorneys do not represent you just because they help you at this clinic. This clinic is information only, and is no substitute for legal representation. You have the right to retain an attorney of your choice at any time, and are advised to do so. Walk-ins are welcome; no appointment necessary.

Everyone will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

Discover Music! – Tuesday, June 12; 2:30 pm Enjoy music time with your family! Explore instruments, discover music technology, and make your own instrument. Discover why LIBRARIES ROCK! Registration required.

Illuminateens: Teen Advisory Board – Tuesday, June 12; 4:00 pm Teens in grades 6-12 meet monthly to help us make the library some place teens belong. TAB volunteers will brainstorm events, have an impact on the look and feel of the teen room, and suggest books, movies, and music. This is an easy way to get your community service hours, eat snacks, and make a difference in your community.

Carbon Valley Quilters – Wednesday, June 13; 1:00 pm People of all skill levels are invited to explore the fun and fascinating art of quilting.

The pattern will be provided. Participants must bring their own sewing machine and fabric. Open to all, ages 16 and up. Space is limited; registration is required.

Paws to Read – Wednesday, June 13; 6:30 pm This program gives our young readers, at any reading level, a chance to read out loud in a stress-free environment to some very attentive listeners. Therapy dogs will visit the second Wednesday of each month and will be ready to hear some good stories. Each participant will be given a 15 minute time slot to share a story with one of our furry friends. Space is limited, so please register beginning January 31, by coming in or calling the Carbon Valley Regional Library at 1-888-861-7323.

Zumbini – Thursday, June 14; 9:30 am The Zumbini® program includes singing, dancing, and instrument play for 45 minutes of non-stop bonding, learning and FUN! Registration required; children ages Birth-PreK and their caregiver.

Facebook for Beginners – Thursday, June 14; 10:00 am Facebook can be a big plunge into the social networking world. In this class, we will cover your profile, newsfeed, adding friends and messaging. We’ll answer all your questions about security settings, privacy, and who can see what you share. Bring your device (optional), existing Facebook account info (preferred) or email account info. Registration required.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover – Tuesday, June 19; 2:00 pm Bring your stuffed animal for a bedtime story and then tuck them in for the night!

Overnight, the librarians will keep watch and take pictures of their fun-filled party.

Grades K-5.

SBDC Start-Up Seminars - Tuesday, June 19; 6:00 p.m.

This free comprehensive program has been designed to be a starting place for anyone who is considering jumping into business for the first time (or the second time with a better outcome). This seminar will provide you with a Colorado StartUp Guide, free library resources to support your business and websites, as well as a general overview of the things to consider when starting a business, including: business licensing requirements, business taxes you are required to pay, legal forms of organization, components of a business plan, marketing essentials, management requirements, financial planning, funding your business, grant opportunities, putting a business plan together, and launching your business.

Pop Culture Trivia – Thursday, June 21; 3:30 pm Do you love authors like Sarah Maas and shows like "Riverdale" or "Stranger Things"? Then come show off your trivia skills and discover new books and shows!

Snacks provided. Grades 6-12.

Career Edge: Crush Your Interview - Tuesday, June 26; 1:00 pm Once you've gotten your foot in the door it's time to give a good first impression at the interview. In this class we'll discuss strategies for answering some of the most commonly asked interview questions and give tips about body language and what to do after the interview.

Book Lover’s Book Club – Tuesday, June 26; 6:00 pm “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel Pajamarama – Wednesday, June 27; 6:30 pm Cuddle up in your PJs and enjoy sleepytime tales and tunes during our evening storytime. Ages 2 1/2 to 6; storytime begins at 6:30 pm.

Erie Community Library, 400 Powers Street, Erie MyLibrary.us; 1-888-861-7323

Safety Storyime – Monday, June 4; 4:15 pm Join the Mountain View Fire Protection District as they read a story to children in preschool - 2nd grade, and teach about a different safety topic each month. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cowboy and Cowgirl Up – Tuesday, June 5; 6:00 pm Discover the wonders of Colorado’s western heritage with demonstrations from The Greeley Stampede. After the demonstration, meet Bucky and Bertha, the Greeley Stampede’s Longhorn Mascots.

Families N Jammies – Wednesday, June 6; 6:00 pm Families, jump into your jammies, grab your favorite stuffed animal and head to the library for a special evening storytime on the first Wednesday of every month. Ages 2-6.

Reading Team! Book Club – Monday, June 11; 4:00 pm Hey kids, do you love reading books? Join our awesome book club just for kids going into grades 3 to 5 as we read a new book each month then get together to talk about it, play games and have snacks. Everything is provided, we just need YOU to bring the fun!

Zumbini – Tuesday, June 12; 9:30 am The Zumbini® program includes singing, dancing, and instrument play for 45 minutes of non-stop bonding, learning and FUN! Registration required; children ages Birth-PreK and their caregiver.

Middle School Book Club – Wednesday, June 13; 4:00 pm Students ages 11-13 (grades 6-8) are invited to hang out, read, and talk books with other like-minded kids. We will read and discuss a new book every month. Registration is required.

Ask Me Anything About Race: A Panel Discussion - Wednesday, June 13; 6:00 pm Colorado is a diverse state, but we are ONE community none the less. We are a community made up of individuals, families, agriculture, industry, poverty, and prosperity. Our signature author of 2017, Jodi Picoult, opened our eyes to the disparity of race with her novel, "Small Great Things." Join us as we contemplate race with some very brave individuals who have agreed to an Ask Me Anything About Race panel. This moderated discussion is meant to be a safe space for all, for attendees to ask questions and panelists to speak truthfully.

Baby Open Play – Thursday, June 14; 2:00 pm Infants and babies, along with their caretakers, are welcome to drop in to play and explore with all their senses. Activities will stimulate their senses and allow babies to learn while they play. Babies will have the freedom to feel new textures, hear interesting sounds and see new sights. Caregivers will learn about novel ways to interact with their young ones and make playtime educational.

Pop Culture Trivia – Thursday, June 14; 2:00 pm Do you love authors like Sarah Maas and shows like "Riverdale" or "Stranger Things"? Then come show off your trivia skills and discover new books and shows!

Snacks provided. Registration required; Grades 6-12.

Spirits of the High Plains – Thursday, June 14; 6:30 pm Longtucky Spirits will come to talk about their products, how they are made, how they got started and will conclude with a tasting. Registration required; ages 21+.

Crazy Concoctions and More! – Monday, June 18; 3:00 pm Discover the fun of these messy, STEM-based experiments in your library!

Registration required; Grades K-5.

Teen Advisory Board – Tuesday, June 19; 4:00 pm Teens in grades 6-12 meet monthly to help us make the library some place teens belong. TAB volunteers will brainstorm events, have an impact on the look and feel of the Teen Zone, and suggest books, movies, and music. This is an easy way to get your community service hours, eat snacks, and make a difference in your community.

Introduction to Tole Painting - Tuesday, June 19; 5:30 pm Join us to learn Tole Painting, a style of Norwegian decorative folk art. Participants will take home a painted wood item of their own creation. No art experience needed. All supplies provided. Taught by local artist Lizbeth Gage, owner of Gallery 58. Registration required; ages 18+.

Discover Live Action PAC-MAN – Wednesday, June 20; 2:00 pm Act as PAC-MAN and ghost characters from the classic video game PAC-MAN. As PAC-MAN, try to 'eat' or gather all the dots before being caught by the ghosts.

Registration required; Grades 6-12.

Local History Series: Orphan Trains - Thursday, June 21; 7:00 pm Erie Community Center, 450 Powers Street, Erie In the 1800s organizations were established in several East coast cities whose focus was placing orphans, often immigrant children, in adoptive and foster homes in the West. Over 150,000 children were placed in several western states during the 75 years the system was in operation. Colorado received 1,500 Orphan Train riders, who now have thousands of descendants. Sharon is devoted to the preservation of local and regional history as a volunteer with the Loveland Historical Society and through her business, Danhauer's Historical Services. She is the recipient of the Society's "Having a Heart for Loveland History" and has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors of both the Berthoud and Loveland Historical Societies.

Erie LEGO Club – Saturday, June 23; 10:00 am Join us each month to dream it, build it and make friends with a new building challenge. This club is open to kids ages 6-13 who can build independently. Donations of LEGO bricks are always welcome and appreciated.

STEAM for Little Learners – Wednesday, June 27; 3:00 pm It's so important and it has nothing to do with your age or net worth. Join us for an overview of Estate Planning to help you understand the available options, term definitions, and common pitfalls to avoid. Estate Planning is for now and for later, it's for your peace of mind and to make things easier for your family…and it's way too important to ignore. We will cover naming guardians for minors, wills & trusts, powers of attorney, pay on death, joint tenancy, probate... and much more.

Discover Your Dosha - Thursday, June 28; 3:00 pm Come celebrate all things from a galaxy far, far away on Star Wars Day! We will have games, trivia, crafts, and more. Costumes are encouraged but not required.

April 2018

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Weld County 4-H Foundation Banquet

The Weld County 4-H Foundation Banquet was held on April 27th and was a huge success. 9 distinguished leaders were recognized. We thank all of the leaders for their dedication and work for the 4-H program. 15 Weld County 4-H Foundation Scholarship winners were recognized. Close to $13,000.00 in scholarships were awarded. Good luck to all of the scholarship winners in their future endeavors. Here are a few pictures from the banquet.

Deeona Johnston, former Weld County 4-H member, was a Colorado IFYE Delegate who presented on her 6 month trip to France and Germany.

Deeona was the first Colorado IFYE Delegate to visit France.

Jim Park presented two donation checks to Rochelle Platter for the Colorado 4-H Foundation. Rochelle is the new Executive Director of the Colorado 4-H Foundation.

Kim Sterkel presented Jim Park, Weld County 4-H Foundation President, a check for $14,500.00. This check represents the proceeds from the 2017 Weld County 4-H Mardi Gras. We are looking forward to another great Mardi Gras in 2018!

Leaders pictured: Back Row: Stuart Gebauer 15 Year Leader, Ty Dreiling 15 Year Leader, Ray Sagehorn 15 Year Leader, and Dave Marvin 20 Year Leader. Front Row: Bill Erickson 65 Year Leader. Not Pictured: Debbie Trupp 15 Year Leader, Amy Cooksey 20 Year Leader, Stephen Walters 15 Year Leader and Beverly Rodenburg 20 Year Leader.

Weld County, Colorado Citizens Can Skip the Trip to DMV with Gov2Go Receive Renewal Reminders & Renew Vehicle Tags through Cell Phone

DENVER – April 23, 2018 – Weld County, Colorado citizens can now renew their vehicle tags from their home or office with Gov2Go, the nation’s first personal assistant for government. Downloading Gov2Go gives citizens more options when it comes time to renew.

“I’m a millennial and always looking for innovative ways to serve our customers outside of business hours,” says Carly Koppes, Weld County Clerk and Recorder.

“About half of our citizens live in Weld County, but work outside of it. I want to make sure they don’t have to take vacation time or time off work if they don’t have to.”

After users download Gov2Go and create profiles, they’ll receive reminders when their vehicle tags are due and will have the ability to complete the transaction online.

Users can show their stored electronic receipts, if needed, until their vehicle tags arrive in the mail. Weld County is bringing Gov2Go to its citizens through Colorado Interactive (CI) and the Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA). The CI/SIPA partnership provides governments with an easy-to-adopt platform that puts citizens at the center of government and delivers on-demand convenience.

A unique feature of Gov2Go is that it isn’t just a single-purpose application.

“Gov2Go is a platform that makes it easier for citizens to interact with government on all levels,” says Colorado Interactive President and General Manager, Fred Sargeson.

“Although users will initially see its convenience for handling vehicle registration renewals, Gov2Go will help them stay on top of election and voter information, government holidays, receive Amber Alerts and purchase digital passes for select federal parks.”

Available in all 50 states, the Gov2Go platform is designed to expand and adapt with future technologies.

About Colorado Interactive Colorado Interactive (CI) is the team behind the official website of the state of Colorado (http://www.colorado.gov) and is overseen by the Statewide Internet Portal Authority. The portal operates through a public-private partnership between the state and CI to help Colorado government entities web-enable their services. CI builds, operates, maintains, and markets Colorado.gov and is part of the digital government firm, NIC (Nasdaq: EGOV).

About SIPA Established in 2004 by the Colorado General Assembly, the Statewide Internet Portal Authority (SIPA) is a self-funded government organization created to be Colorado's single most comprehensive delivery channel for electronic government (eGovernment) services. SIPA strives to accelerate the adoption of efficient and effective eGovernment services by placing more online to benefit Colorado residents.

In addition to no-cost websites, payment processing and event registration setup, SIPA provides SaaS technology solutions, consulting and cyber security assessments.

Please visit www.colorado.gov/sipa.

About NIC NIC Inc. (Nasdaq: EGOV) is the nation’s premier provider of innovative digital government solutions and secure payment processing, which help make government interactions more accessible for everyone through technology. The family of NIC companies has developed a library of more than 13,000 digital government services for more than 6,000 federal, state, and local government agencies. Among these solutions is the ground-breaking personal assistant for government, Gov2Go, delivering citizens personalized reminders and a single platform for all government interactions. More information is available at www.egov.com.

4-H Truck Raffle

The Rocky Mountain Ford Dealers have again generously donated a Ford F-150 4 X 4 Super Crew Truck to the Colorado 4-H Foundation for the 2018 raffle. This year additional prizes will be awarded as well.

• Grand Prize: 2018 F-150 Truck • 2nd Prize: $1,450.00 cash • 3rd Prize: $1,200.00 cash • 4th Prize: $1,000.00 cash • 5th prize: $750.00 cash • 6th prize: $500.00 cash • 7th prize: $250.00 cash • 8th-12th prize: $100.00 cash Raffle tickets are available to purchase.

4-H Cake Decorating Workshop

Scholarship winners: Back Row: Dustin Horn, Ian Lovell, Mikayla Erickson, Cambrilynn Butterworth, Mary Carlson and Kelli Carlson. Front Row: Courtney Patton, Destinie Ries, Abby Sears, Lindsey Leafgren and Molly Cooksey. Not pictured: Jaynee Halverson, Molly Adams, Ashley Terrell and Taya Baumgartner.

4-H Clubs Needed!

Do you live in or around the Johnstown/Milliken or the Frederick/ Firestone area and have a desire to further your leadership within Weld County 4-H?! Due to increased involvement in those areas, we are seeking volunteer leaders to step into the role of Organization Leaders and start new clubs! With only one club in the Johnstown/Milliken area and no club in the Frederick/Firestone area, it has become impossible to serve all the members who want to be involved. If you are interested in stepping into this role, please contact Kim Sterkel at 970-400-2079.

There will be a cake decorating workshop on Sunday, June 3, 2018 in the Exhibition Building at Island Grove Park, Greeley. There will be 2 different sessions from 2:00 4:00 p.m. Come join us for this fun learning experience.

One session will be learning what to do to prepare for fair. This session will cover information regarding your fair cake and how to do an exceptional record book.

The other session will be for members in Unit 1. Members will need to bring a baked 8”, 9” or 10” round or square cake. The cake can have a crumb coat on it. You will need to bring a cake spatula, cup for hot water, frosting for your cake and edible items to decorate with. You will learn how to bake a level cake, frost and smooth the frosting on your cake, and use edible items to decorate your cake.

Please call the Extension Office to RSVP by May 28, 2018 at 970-400-2076. For questions, please contact Michelle.

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

April 2018

Statement from Chairman Mike Freeman Aims Community College's Aviation on Behalf of the Greeley-Weld County Program Position for Takeoff as it Turns 50 From Aims Communications Airport Board Regarding Aims Community GREELEY, CO – April 5, 2018 – As Aims Community College’s Aviation Program turns 50-years-old, it is focused on providing leading-edge technology in flight operaCollege’s Aviation Program Announcement tions and air traffic control for students. Aims Community College’s Board of Trustees

We are extremely disappointed to hear the news that Aims Community College has decided to pull its aviation program from Weld County and move it to Larimer County. Weld County residents have been the backbone of this college from day one as it is their tax dollars that provide the majority of the funding for the school. To now have the college take the aviation program to another county is an insult to the very people who allowed the college to foster the program in the first place.

Publishers Comment: I must applaud the AIMS Community College Board for it’s decision to relocate the air operations portion of the Aims Aeronautical program to a commercial airport facility to enhance the attractiveness of the program for its current and potential new students. Greeley Weld Airport Board Chairman, Mike Freeman, also a Weld County Commissioner was not happy with the decision as expressed in the above press release.

Discussions have been ongoing for a year and a half with two feasibility studies.

AIMS focused on what was best for the students and the College and that was the basis for their decision. All that will be relocated to the proposed facility will be the air operations, the classroom and simulator will remain at the AIMS Main Campus. Making the decision is up to the Board of the College, it is their job. In my mind, the AIMS Board had the best interests of the students as the decision driver, not the economic interests of a government entity. That, to me, is being responsive to what they should be focused on. AIMS is a very valuable member of the Weld County community overall and, quite frankly, a significant contributor to the Greater Greeley area. Let the AIMS Board do its job and not try and second guess it with emotional rather than factual considerations.

As usual, your thoughts and comments are appreciated: Publisher@lostcreekguide. com

yesterday approved moving flight operations to NoCo Regional Airport, while offering classroom instruction in Weld County. Flight operations for the past 50 years have been primarily conducted at the Greeley-Weld County Airport with more than a decade of helicopter instruction at NoCo Regional Airport.

“On behalf of the Aims Community College Board of Trustees, we want to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Greeley-Weld County Airport for hosting our aviation program over the past 50 years,” said Dr. Ray Peterson, Aims Board of Trustees Chairman. “Greeley-Weld County Airport has been a great partner, and this decision for a change in venue was made with the student at the heart of it. As we look to the next 50 years in Aims Aviation, NoCo Regional Airport better positions Aims Community College to grow and modernize our aviation educational experience for the student with cutting-edge technology at a commercial airport.”

NoCo Regional Airport is located in Aims’ service area near highway I25 in Loveland. This airport offers the student a commercial aviation experience as well as a remote air traffic control tower. Seventy percent of Aims aviation students reside outside Aims’ taxing district. Classroom instruction will continue to be held in the taxing district of Weld County.

“NoCo Regional Airport maximizes visibility, access and convenience for Aims students, particularly our veterans who make up one-third of the aviation student population,” said Mark Hout, Aims Board of Trustees Treasurer. “Although this decision wasn’t easy, it ultimately came down to what is best for students.”

A recent study by Boeing measured the long-term demand for pilots and technicians, and found that 617,000 new airline pilots would be needed, worldwide, over the next 20 years. Over the past 50 years, there have been nearly 900 student experiences at the Greeley-Weld County Airport.

“The global demand for pilots and the aviation student market, including the veteran population, is more than double by relocating to the NoCo Regional Airport,” said Lyle Achziger, Aims Board of Trustees Secretary. “As a veteran, I’m looking forward to seeing increased veteran attendance at Aims.”

In December 2017, Aims received five newly leased 2017 Piper (PA-28-181) Archer III TX Aircraft Trainers, replacing the single engine Cessna 172s.

“I’m very excited for the next 50 years in Aims Aviation,” said Aims Board of Trustees member Carol Ruckel. “Aims is focused on providing aviation students the technical skills and modern proficiencies needed to be competitive in the technologically advanced aviation industry.”

Additionally, Aims Community College is modernizing the Air Traffic Control (ATC) Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) Lab with a state-of-the-art Adacel Tower Simulator.

“The decision for flight operations at NoCo Regional Airport, new aircraft and a new tower simulator are coming at a time when pilot and air traffic controller jobs are in high demand,” said Aims Board of Trustees member Gene O’Hara. “This is the perfect time for anyone who wants to become a pilot or air traffic controller to take advantage of the opportunities that are before them. Aims is striving to become the first choice and recognized leader in aviation education for Colorado as we build a stronger community.”

The RAND Corporation conducted a similar study to Boeing’s in 2015 and found the major airlines would need between 4,000 and 5,000 pilots a year after 2020, and regional airlines would need upwards of 7,000 new pilots a year by 2021. The U.S. Dept of Transportation, in 2016, published a 10-year strategy/plan whereby they state over 1,400 controllers would need to be hired per year for the next five years.

Recently, the Denver Post reported Great Lakes Airlines suspended many flight operations due to pilot shortage.

“I’m so proud Aims has come up with solutions for its aviation program that match its vision for the next 50 years, while keeping the student at the forefront of the decision-making process,” said Aims CEO and President Dr. Leah L. Bornstein. “Aims Aviation has been well-known in the industry since 1968, and these significant modernization efforts, along with quality instruction, are such a great value for students.”

Apply today at www.aims.edu to learn from experienced aviators. Eric Himler, Aims director of aviation leads a talented group of faculty and staff. Himler has over 25 years of experience flying in general, military and commercial aviation. Himler is a veteran who served for 20 years as a Naval Aviator. His flight experience includes: Marine KC-130 Pilot, Blue Angel C-130 Demonstration Pilot and First Officer for Alaska Airlines. He has numerous FAA certifications and ratings including an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate and a B-737 type rating.

Welcome to Firestone's New Website

By now you've probably noticed our new and improved website. With nearly 40 percent of Firestone's website traffic coming from mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets, it was essential for us to update the site to create easier access for online users seeking information about the Town of Firestone government and the community.

The new website is optimized to ensure a good user experience for people visiting it through mobile devices, as well as desktop computing systems. Other improvements include the addition of updated content, images and documents that users can find quickly. The site is also easier for staff to update, so we can save time while providing the relevant information our website visitors want and need. In the weeks and months ahead, we'll be continuing to update and improve the website with more useful and engaging content.

April 2018

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

CDOT Encourages Drivers to “Get Turned On”

Distracted Driving Campaign Urges Drivers to Turn On Do Not Disturb Mode

STATEWIDE — Are you turned on? It’s the question CDOT is asking motorists in a new safety campaign to reduce distracted driving. Launching this week, the campaign urges drivers to turn on the Do Not Disturb While Driving feature on their iPhones and to download other apps to prevent incoming distractions. As National Distracted Driving Awareness Month comes to an end, CDOT is providing resources for Coloradans to drive distraction-free year-round. Have you made your commitment to avoid distractions behind the wheel?

View the campaign messages: bit.ly/CDOTGetTurnedOn or bit.ly/ CDOTGetTurnedOnVideos “Distracted driving is a serious issue in Colorado,” said Darrell Lingk, Director of the CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety. “Drivers acknowledge that it’s a problem, but like any bad habit, it’s difficult to change. We’re hoping Coloradans assume personal responsibility for the issue and take action to prevent this dangerous driving behavior.”

Many phone manufacturers are including built-in functionality that limits phone use while driving. CDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness about these features so more people turn on Do Not Disturb While Driving.

CDOT’s 2017 mail survey of Colorado drivers revealed that 89 percent of participants reported driving distracted in the week prior to the survey; 40 percent admitted to reading a text message while driving and 25 percent said they had sent a text message.

Through online video ads, gas station TVs and digital ads airing across Colorado, CDOT’s Get Turned On campaign shows where to find the Do Not Disturb While Driving setting on an iPhone and how to enable it. When activated, Do Not Disturb While Driving will mute incoming text messages, phone calls and notifications. For text messages, there is an option to send an automatic reply to your contacts that tells them you’re driving and will respond later. In an emergency, a person who tries to contact you via text can write “urgent” to push the message through.

“These tools are great because they eliminate the temptation to glance over at notifications,” said Sam Cole, CDOT Communications Manager. “Breaking the impulse to grab your phone behind the wheel can be tough, but you don’t have to rely solely on self-control. Turn on Do Not Disturb While Driving once and those distractions will be eliminated.”

Once the setting has been turned on, your phone will automatically activate Do Not Disturb While Driving mode when it connects to your car’s Bluetooth or when the phone detects the vehicle is in motion. Users can also manually turn on Do Not Disturb While Driving.

CDOT’s campaign also features victims of distracted driving sharing their stories.

Robye Nothnagel is one of those victims. Her life was changed in February of 2017 when a driver who was texting struck Robye as she was using a crosswalk – breaking her pelvis in four places and shattering her tibia. “Because she was texting, she didn’t see me until I hit her windshield,” Nothnagel recalls. “It was a second and my life changed, drastically.” View Robye’s video at: youtu.be/xThP0PODX9w In 2017, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a bill that increased a first distracted driving offense from a $50 fine and one point on a driver’s record to a $300 fine and four points.

CDOT offers a variety of resources and app suggestions on its website to help Coloradans become distraction-free drivers, no matter what type of phone they use.

The agency’s Drop The Distraction campaign educates motorists about the dangers of distracted driving through a statewide, high-visibility awareness campaign. For more information about distracted driving in Colorado, visit distraction.codot.gov.

United Power 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election held April 18th

Posted on April 18, 2018 by United Power Brighton, Colo. — When United Power met for its 79th Annual Meeting and Director Election at the Adams County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, the four incumbent directors facing re-election found themselves running unopposed in their respective districts, a first since 2005. In a cost-saving decision, the cooperative’s board voted to have an onsite election instead of mailing ballots to members.

More than 350 registered members attended the Annual Meeting and voted in the director election.

South District incumbent, Susan Petrocco, retained her seat with 321 votes. Rick Newman, Mountain District, and Brian A. McCormick, West District, retained their seats with 311 votes each. In the East District, Tim Erickson also retained his seat with 310 votes.

United Power has spent the past year engaging in innovative solutions to bring members more reliable and efficient power this past year in hopes of “Powering the Future,” the theme of the 79th Annual Meeting. Members were able to enjoy a free dinner, educational and informational exhibit booths, live entertainment and more during the course of the evening.

“Our Annual Meeting is more than an event to inform our members,” said John Parker, United Power Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a chance for them to celebrate our accomplishments with us. Everything we’re doing is an effort to bring them safe, reliable and sustainable power.”

During the meeting, Board President James Vigesaa also announced the purchase of Frederick Power & Light, the municipal electric utility serving the town of Frederick, Colo.

United Power’s purchase will add approximately 2,400 new members in the coming months.

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Screen-Free Week is April 30th – May 6th, 2018

Kids, families, schools, and communities are encouraged to take a break from digital entertainment and enjoy life beyond the screen

Weld County – Today’s children grow up immersed in digital media, which has both positive and negative effects on healthy development. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that families proactively think about their children’s media use and talk with their children about it. Too much media use can mean that children don’t have enough time during the day to play, study, talk or sleep.

Research shows that children’s screen time exceeds public health recommendations, and that excessive use of digital devices can lead to health and wellness problems.

School-age children spend more time with screen media – television, video games, computers, tablets, and phones – than in any other activity but sleeping. Excessive screen time is linked to a host of problems facing children today, including poor school performance, childhood obesity, sleep disturbance, and attention problems.

Among the AAP recommendations: • For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than videochatting.

• For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them • For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to good health • Designate media-free times together such as dinner or driving, as well as mediafree locations at home, such as bedrooms It’s all too common for today’s children to grow up immersed in digital media, which means they often are connecting with a screen instead of peers, teachers, and their parents.

For more information and ideas on how to have a successful Screen-Free Week, visit www.weldhealth.org.

23rd Annual Paul and Jean Hoshiko Memorial 4-H Golf Tournament

When: Friday, June 1, 2018 Where: Pelican Lakes Golf & Country Club, Windsor, CO The tournament is named in honor of longtime Weld County residents Paul and Jean Hoshiko. As a youth, Paul was an exemplary 4-H member and, during his adult life, became an outstanding supporter of 4-H. Paul shared his passion for 4-H with his wife Jean who was an outstanding 4-H leader and supporter as well.

The tournament raises funds to support a variety of 4-H programs which prepare thousands of Colorado young people for a productive future.

To register, go to www.co4hfoundation.colostate.edu, Please contact Colorado 4-H Foundation with any questions you may have at 970-491-2768.

Growing Asparagus in the Home Garden

Ruth Sens The best time to plant asparagus was three years ago, the second best time is now.

If you love fresh asparagus and want to try growing it in your home garden, this is the season in Northern Colorado to get started. In a few years of effort, you’ll be harvesting your own fresh asparagus spears.

Asparagus can be started from seed or by planting quality year-old crowns. You can buy crowns at your local garden center or order online. I bought locally so I could select crowns that had 8-10 large roots and a fat, healthy looking bud cluster. Seed should be started indoors in January for transplanting in late April. Jersey Giant, Jersey Knight, and Purple Passion are the varieties recommended for our area.

Because asparagus can produce for 10-15 years, choose a sunny (8 hours/day minimum) spot in your garden with well-drained soil where the plants will be able to grow undisturbed. Before planting, soak the crowns in warm water for 2-4 hours.

Thoroughly work in four inches of well-composted organic material to a depth of twelve inches before planting – this extra effort will pay off in larger yields.

Now dig a trench that is 4-5 inches deep and place the asparagus crowns 12-18 inches apart in the trench by carefully spreading the roots out with the bud cluster facing up. Carefully back-fill the trench so the asparagus crowns are covered over with just 1-2 inches of soil at this point. CSU Extension cautions not to bury the crowns too deep in the Northern Colorado home garden as it can smother them. When the crowns start growing, slowly cover the shoots with soil each week until the trench is filled back up and level with the rest of the garden.

Do not harvest any spears for at least the first two years to allow the crowns and roots to develop fully. Some sources say to wait three years. At two or three years, you can harvest asparagus spears for 4-6 weeks in early May to mid-June.

Only harvest spears that are larger than a pencil. Do not over-harvest. Break off the spears or carefully cut with a knife below the soil level being careful to not cut other spears coming up. Then let the ferns grow until fall and stand through winter. Trim back in spring before new spears start appearing.

During the first two years, water 1-2 inches per week. Asparagus is a heavy feeder and benefits from fertilizer (10-16-8) in spring as the growth starts and again midsummer after the harvest. Mulching around the plants with 2-3 inches of organic material will keep the soil moist, stop weed growth, and protect the plants in winter.

For more information and tips for asparagus planting, visit the CSU Extension website at http://www.ext.colostate.edu/mg/gardennotes/719.pdf.

So having planted my own asparagus crowns a week ago, I start the long wait. I am convinced it will be worth it!

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Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Aims Hosted 4th Annual Aardvark Fun Run on April 28

GREELEY, CO – April 30, 2018– Aims Community College hosted the fourth annual Aardvark Fun Run this past Saturday on the Greeley Campus. Two hundred sixtythree students, faculty and community members registered to find a remarkable sunny morning as they made their way around the 5K and 2K courses to help raise money for the Aims Foundation. The event raised $5,614 that will help fund scholarships for students. In keeping consistent with a true “fun run,” non-competitive format, attendees were encouraged to spend time with friends and family and take in the beautiful sites of campus while they ran or walked the course. For the first time, the Aardvark Fun Run also served as a qualifying site for this year’s BolderBoulder 10k.

The Aardvark Fun Run was presented by the Aims Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC) staff. The PERC was renovated in 2015 expanding the facility to 46,000 square feet. The College offers for-credit and not-for-credit classes for individuals of all fitness levels.

“Whether you are running your first race, trying to beat your personal best time or just want to bring your family and jog or walk around the beautiful Aims campus, everyone was invited (rain, snow or sun) for a healthy time,” said Aims CEO and President, Dr. Leah L. Bornstein. “The money raised will go back into our community by way of scholarships to dedicated students, who will in turn, make the workforce of northern Colorado that much stronger.” According to the Aims Analysis of Economic Impact & Return on Investment of Education study, 95 percent of Aims students stay in the area after achieving their educational goals.

April 2018

Veteran’s Stand Down Day for all Veteran’s Held at Frederick/Firestone Fire Protection Facility in Firestone

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) hosted its annual Veteran’s Services Day with over 30 agencies available.

Weld County RSVP is a nonprofit that offers services to 20 communities in Weld County by providing volunteers 55 and older to over 85 agencies. Sponsored by the University of Northern Colorado and the Weld County Area on Aging to serve the needs of the communities for all ages. Programs include Grocery Shopping Services, Reading Partners, Disaster Preparedness, Veterans Outreach, Medicare assistance and our SHOP program for building handicap ramps.

Weld County RSVP has been a guiding force in Weld County for more than 44 years and has both respect and support of the community.

Support Your Local Small Businesses!

April 2018

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Sandi Elder’s Policy Views

From sandi4weld.com Responsive to County Taxpayers: When setting priories for the County Budget it must be remembered and reinforced that the budget is only possible because of her citizens. It is THEIR tax dollars that make the county what it is today!

When it is stated basic services are funded at adequate levels, who decides those levels? It is the Commissioner’s responsibility to work with the municipalities and their citizens to see ”what level of services” are needed for individual city or towns.

Preparing for the future and having the best staff that is available to number crunch working with the municipalities to ensure that their taxes are utilized to the fullest. Paying people what they are worth is a great rule of thumb. The County cannot operate without appropriate staff. Staffing at adequate levels for every department is a priority. We must maintain reserves and plan for any down turn in our economy and be prepared for any future growths that might occur in our county.

When there is a need for a program to be funded, we must ask, where will the money come from, who pays and is it sustainable? When grants are received, it is our responsibility to see if the level of service can be maintained if the grant should go away.

In 1992 Colorado voters approved the Tax Payors Bill of Rights, a constitutional amendment designed to restrain growth in government, better known as TABOR. The limits set must be adhered to in any budget. Sandi believes Weld’s Charter should be reviewed by a committee and officials to make sure it is in line with legislative and regulatory language and policies. (Realizing we are home rule charter, but still want to adhere to the state codes). Sandi is a proponent of Oil & Gas and knows its economic role in Weld County, but she also thinks there should bean expectation that oil & gas as well as other industries must pursue their work with the safety and quality of life of the surrounding neighbors as a primary consideration. To be good neighbors is much more than saying you will be a good neighbor. The proof is in the actions. Setbacks through home rule charter, still must be safe for all involved.

There has to be a liaison and a talking point for both sides and she feels she can bring that to the table.

She feels there has to be performance measures whenever there is a program or taxpayer’s money involved. Is it working? Where are the statistics to show it? Do we continue or cease?

Much money is spent on infrastructure which is needed on county roads and bridges, but finances must also go back into the “people” part of it. Our seniors, behavioral health programs, and social services must be able to meet their case loads without citizens falling through the cracks.

Sandi’s Leadership in Weld’s Safety: Sandi is a leader. She is a true public servant. She has a servant’s heart. She is humble and relies on her faith to carry her through difficult situations. She recently faced a life threatening ordeal, and when she gained a new lease on life and could have sailed off to the sunset, she feels called to continue on and give back to her community and neighbors that deserve respectful, thoughtful leadership. She will listen to everyone before making decision and is a demographic needed in the Board of Weld County Commissioners. She cares and will work to the best of her ability to serve you, the citizens. This is her calling. She will utilize every resource available to her to make the right decisions and adhere to what is right. She is thoughtful and will have the balance to communicate and be respectful. When you look at the many boards and commissions that Sandi has served on you get a glimpse into who she is and what is near and dear to her. She is responsive and will work for what is right. She deserves the right to represent you!

Safety has always been one of Sandi’s highest priorities. She has served on the Public Service Safety Oversight with members from of both the Greeley City Council and Weld County Commissioners. It was at this time she felt the need for Greeley to have their own dispatch center. Greeley being one of, if not the largest municipality in the county needed their own center. Each municipality needs to be treated according to the needs of their citizens.

The Weld County Sheriff has the huge responsibility of having a jail. We must equip our Sheriff’s department and su8pport them any way we can with this huge responsibility. Sandi feels we must have partnerships with organizations such as the Colorado Municipal League to be on top of any legislation or decisions with early release. We must accommodate the growing need and assistance for the mental or behavioral issues that may go hand in hand with criminal behavior, looking for diversion programs vs jailing individuals that need medical assistance.

In today’s society we must equip our law enforcement men and woman with what is required to cover a county the size of weld County. Not only with equipment but with proper staffing. The men and women that protect our citizens, must not only have the financial resources, but must know that, without a shadow of a doubt, they are supported in their needs as they place their lives on the line every day.

Transparency for Our Community: As an elcted official Sandi dealt with many issues, but transparency was a must.

She represented 110,000 citizens as an At-Large representative for the City of Greeley and understands that everything needs to be transparent to foster an atmosphere of trust and honesty.

A wise attorney told her at a very young age that even if there appears to be an appearance of conflict of interest, disclose immediately, as well as recuse yourself if there is a conflict. She feels there needs to be an oversight committee to remind public

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officials that they work for the citizens of Weld County and they are not only who you represent, but the elected officials employer. The County Council has five functions to perform as noted in the Charter: 1. Set salaries of elected county officials 2. Fill vacancies on the Board of County Commissioners and on the Weld County Council 3. May suspend an elected official formally charged or indicted for the commission of a crime or when a valid petition for recall of an elected official is presented.

4. Review conflict of interests between any county officer, member of an appointed board, or employee and any enterprise or organization doing business with Weld County.

5. To consider requests from the Board of County Commissioners to grant an increased mill levy.

But more importantly, they are designed to be that oversight and be diligent in their responsibilities. They too are responsible to the citizens of Weld County.

Meetings that are open to the public are posted and if there is a quasi-judicial matter that will be voted on, then any information gets all should get at the same time.

If elected officials are meeting as a group – then there needs to be a posted meeting.

Remembering “even if there is an appearance of a meeting” it need to be posted.

Steve Moreno’s Policy Views

From Steve Moreno Home Page

I am committed to the future of Weld County. I see strength in the eople and businesses that call our county home.

In the past four years as county commissioner I have helped our county re-write it’s future with positive leadership and an authentic desire to improve Weld County. In 2018, my fellow commissioners unanimously chose me as their chair, a testament to my knowledge and experience in leading our county towards a better future.

I have continued to maintain the excellent financial condition the county is in, including no debt or sales tax and strong cash reserve and one of the lowest mill levies among all Colorado counties. I will continue to work with all departments and other elected officials to provide the best government services to the citizens of Weld County. I will also continue to foster relationships with agencies and municipalities within Weld County.

One of my next goals, as our population continues to increase, will be to work with others on continuing to improve county road infrastructure and transportation overall in our region. As one of your county commissioners I will continue to work hard and be responsive to the citizens of Weld County.

I have the experience, leadership and vision to continue to serve all the citizens of Weld County.

Publisher’s Comment: Above are the statements of two candidates running for the Republican nomination for the Weld County Commissioner At Large position. The position is now held by Steve Moreno. The above material was taken from the web sites of both candidates: Sandi4Weld .com and MorenoforWeld.com. Sandi Elder is challenging the status quo and attempting something bold. Steve Moreno represents the status quo. If you are satisfied or not that the County Commissioners including Steve Moreno are doing the best job possible for all the citizens of Weld County this will hopefully give you some insight. You should make up your own mind. It is refreshing to see and hear some new ideas. An open air of freshness rather than then the forever bickering at the Board we have come to expect. Some of us have a concern that there are some undue influences at work at the Commissioner level. Some of us do not believe that the Martin Marietta Materials issue has been put to bed. Part of that concern was the observation of Sean Walsh, a Martin Marietta Materials representative, actively campaigning for Steve Moreno at the Republican County Assembly. We are strong believers in full disclosure by public officials. Full transparency is what we should expect from all of our officials. If not we should ask why not?

Page 16

Carbon Valley Independent & Erie Independent

Air Force Chief Master Sergeant James N. Whitlow Jr. Retires after 29 Years of Service

On April 8th, 2018 at Buckley Air Force Base, in Hangar 801, Major General Michael Loh read the retirement orders for Chief Master Sergeant James Whiltlow.

Chief Whitlow was the State Command Master Sergeant for the Colorado Air National Guard, Buckley Air Force Base, in Aurora Colorado.

As the Command Chief, he advised the commander on matters impacting the enlisted force such as Proper utilization of personnel, quality of enlisted leadership, management and supervisor training, operations tempo and quality of life. Further, Chief Whitlow was responsible for monitoring compliance with Air National Guard and Air Force standards including those standards governing conduct, performance, appearance, and professional military education; serves on advisory councils; and works to insure a close relationship with the local community. Chief Whitlow maintained a liaison between the Assistant Adjutant General for Air and enlisted force and staff members, and communicated with the commanders on problems, concerns, morale, and attitudes of the enlisted force.

Chief Whitlow originally enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1988 and transferred to the Colorado Air National Guard in 1998.

His background includes various duties in Information Management at the unit and major command levels. He had fulfilled a myriad of roles including deployment manager training manager, additional duties sergeant and Directorate Superintendent. His active duty assignments included bases in Turkey, Virginia, Idaho and Colorado. He also served oversea in South Korea in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003.

Major General Loh also recognized Chief Whtlow’s wife, Colleen, in recognition for the support she offered to the Master Chief over his service period. Best wishes to the Whitlow family and a big thank for their service.

April 2018

Frederick to Hold Special Election

A special election will be held on Tuesday June 26, 2018. It will be a mail ballot election with a question referred to the voters by the Board of Trustees regarding the sale of the town-owned electric utility to United Power, Inc. The election is required by Colorado State Statute 31-15-713 as the next step in the process of selling a municipal utility.

The ballot question will appear as follows: “SHALL THE TOWN OF FREDERICK BE PERMITTED TO SELL THE ELECTRIC LIGHT WORKS UTILITY TO UNITED POWER, INC. FOR A LUMP SUM PAYMENT OF EIGHTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($18,000,000), AND WITH THE SALE TO CLOSE ON OR BEFORE JULY 1, 2019, WITH SUCH OTHER TERMS AND CONSIDERATIONS AS MAY BE AGREED TO BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES? ________ YES

__________ NO”

Residents can expect to begin receiving their ballots at the beginning of June and can return them through the mail until June 18th or bring them into Town Hall (401 Locust St.) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Town Hall will be open on Election Day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Residents who haven’t mailed their ballots by June 18th are encouraged to bring their ballots into Town Hall or to the Frederick Post Office (411 Oak St.) to ensure their ballot is received by Election Day. New Colorado residents, or residents who have changed their address within the state, are encouraged to register to vote or change their address at www.govotecolorado. com. Voter registration is also available at Frederick’s Town Hall (401 Locust St.), the Weld County Clerk’s office, any motor vehicle office or drivers’ license office within Colorado. Questions about voter registration can be directed to Frederick Town Clerk, Meghan Martinez at 720.382.5500 or mmartinez@frederickco.gov.

Superintendent's Update

St Vrain Valley School District Dear St. Vrain Valley Community, As we move closer to the end of another outstanding year in St. Vrain Valley Schools, I want to take a moment to recognize the achievements and growth we have seen across our system. In the coming weeks, we will be championing the thousands of students who will be transitioning to kindergarten, middle school, high school or graduating with their St. Vrain Valley Schools diploma. It is through our outstanding educators, dedicated parents and unwavering community support that we have seen our students and schools excel to the highest levels of achievement.

This year we have celebrated a record number of state and national champions in our schools. Never in my career have I seen such a large number of students recognized for their work outside the classroom – on top of our highest levels of academic growth, concurrent enrollment college credits, Advanced Placement exams, prestigious scholarships and so much more.

These important activities not only foster engaged school communities, but also strengthen our students by increasing academic performance, enhancing graduation rates and building essential skills such as communication, drive, teamwork, resilience, commitment and the capacity to compete. As students across St. Vrain are demonstrating excellence in leadership, advancing their academic skills and showcasing world-class sportsmanship that is systemic across our schools, they are graduating with a strong competitive advantage that will empower their success now and in the future.

In this edition of The Newsroom, we share just a few of the hundreds of accomplishments, events and programs impacting students in every school in our district. I am incredibly proud to be a part of the St. Vrain Valley community and greatly look forward to the continued success of our students, teachers and staff.

Sincerely, Don Haddad, Ed.D. Superintendent @SVVSDSupt