Wishing everyone a healthy, safe Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Volume 14 • Edition 23
December 15, 2021
Delivering to over 19,000 homes & businesses in rural Adams, Morgan, and Weld Counties
“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington “If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson
Gov. Polis Provides Update on State’s COVID-19 Response & Efforts to Scale Vaccine Clinics for Booster Doses
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2021 More than 41% of eligible Colorado adults have received booster DENVER - Today, Governor Jared Polis provided an update on the state’s COVID-19 response and efforts to scale clinics to make more first and second and booster doses available to Coloradans. Governor Polis was joined by State Epidemiologist Dr. Herlihy who discussed the omicron variant of concern (B.1.1.529) and the latest case trends. Among those hospitalized with COVID-19, 16.4% (233) are vaccinated individuals and 83% (1,186) are unvaccinated. More than 41% of eligible adults have received their booster in Colorado. Last week, thanks to the diligent team of scientists and epidemiologists at CDPHE, Tri-County and Boulder County Health, Colorado became the third state to detect its first case of omicron. Since then, at least nineteen states have detected the variant. Gov. Polis noted today that though omicron is being identified in more states every day, the Delta variant continues to be the dominant form of COVID-19, and potentially the more deadly form. Gov. Polis applauded the work of teams at the state and local public health agencies to quickly sequence COVID cases for omicron detection with methods including wastewater surveillance to deliver results and Dr. Herlihy announced today that CDPHE had detected the omicron variant in Boulder municipal wastewater. “Our administration has built up robust testing capacity and we’re grateful to all of the team members at our state lab and local partners for discovering variants of concern quickly. As we approach the holiday season and New Year, it’s still the Delta variant that is taking Coloradans from us before their time so we urge Coloradans to get vaccinated,” said Gov. Polis. “Get vaccinated and boosted at one of the many community vaccination sites across our state because no one wants to bring COVID-19 with them into 2022.” While researchers are still investigating the extent to which the omicron strain has spread in the U.S. as well as the severity of disease, it is likely that the omicron is more easily spread than previous variants that have emerged including the Delta variant (B.1.617.2). Dr. Herlihy discussed the data behind the health impacts of COVID-19 in populations who have received a booster dose versus fully vaccinated people who have not yet received their booster, demonstrating that vaccines and boosters decrease the likelihood of catching COVID-19 and being hospitalized. “As we learn more about omicron’s ability to spread and the severity of disease it causes, the highly transmissible and potentially more deadly Delta variant continues to be the dominant form of COVID-19 in Colorado,” said Dr. Herlihy. “We are seeing the clear impact of getting a booster dose. If boosted, you are 9.7 times less likely to become a COVID case and 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized than if you have no protection at all. We must continue leveraging the effective tools we have at our disposal and move forward with getting eligible people in Colorado their booster doses.”
Fort Morgan Mustangs Win First 3A Football Championship Since 1999 by Paul Dineen / Get The Picture Sports LLC
Ferrnando Marquez intercepts a pass in the Mustangs 21-14 quarterfinal win over Frederick, November 20, 2021. (Paul Dineen / Get The Picture Sports LLC)
Number nine. That was the CHSAA pre-season coaches poll’s opinion of the prospects for the Fort Morgan Mustangs in 3A football. Number three. That was the state tournament seed committee’s opinion of their prospects. Number two. That was where they finished in the 3A North Central 3 league and CHSAA’s 3A RPI ranking. Number one. That was the Mustangs’ opinion of themselves. That final number became real when they beat the Mead Mavericks to win the Colorado 3A football championship on December 4 in Pueblo. It was their first title appearance since 2008 and their first title win since 1999. Their other championships came in 1992 and 1952. Despite their 12-1 record, the Mustangs had to battle harder as the season went along. In winning their first six games, Fort Morgan outscored their opponents by 230 to 95. Over their last seven games: 165 to 109. Their only loss: 14-7 to Roosevelt. Two wins to finish the regular season gave them that number three seed for the playoffs. That meant the opportunity to host playoff wins against Green Mountain (score 14-0) and Frederick (score 21-14). The feeling after the first playoff game against Green Mountain was that they’d need to score more than fourteen points to compete against the remaining teams, which included several offensive powerhouses. That, they would do. But, true to the adage “Offense wins games -- defense wins championships”, it was their tough Fort Morgan Mustangs Win First 3A Football Championship Since 1999 Continued on page 6...
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE PAGE 2: WAY OF THE WORLD PAGES 4 & 5: FORT MORGAN PARADE OF LIGHTS PAGES 7 & 8: OLD FASHION CHRISTMAS IN WIGGINS PAGES 10 & 11: FORT MORGAN TRAIN DECORATING Governor Polis acknowledged that many people have faced challenges in booking a booster appointment at their local pharmacy. In response, the state has and will continue Gov. Polis Provides Update on State’s COVID-19 Response & Efforts to Scale Vaccine Clinics for Booster Doses Continued on page 10...
CONTEST
PAGE 12: CHRISTMAS IN KEENESBURG SHOP EVENTS PAGE 24: CHRISTMAS IN KEENESBURG PARADE
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Way of the World
by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide It is the holiday season, and everyone should have a healthy, safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. That will not be the case for everyone for a variety of reasons. We should all try and make life a little better for someone special and for someone we do not know at all, but who could use the help. Asking for help is hard for some, all too easy for others. In the world of today it is easy to become jaded and to say folks should help themselves, well sometimes some cannot. So, in the vein of the giving spirit, try and remember that there are some folks who really do need help. This has been a tough couple of weeks for many of us as we lost friends and relatives. I wish the geniuses who live in the ivory towers of government and academia could realize, in a personal way, what their expertise and contribution to the decision processes have really cost all of us. I took all the shots, which was a personal choice. I still got sick, but in theory not as sick as I could have been. The vaccine is not a guarantee, but statistics are showing that the patients who are now in the hospital are overwhelmingly those who have not been vaccinated. Your choice, but if you do not have the vaccine, at least have the courtesy to try and minimize your public contact especially if you are showing symptoms. Sounds like a no brainer but I have seen folks at a local restaurant that should have been home in bed rather than out distributing germs. This vaccine issue should not be a political statement. You have a right not to get a vaccine, I just suggest you use good common sense in how you conduct yourself. There are other people out there. Speaking of good common sense, I have been revisiting two of my favorite books. They are by George Orwell, Animal Farm and 1984. They were written in the 1940’s and have been popular ever since. Many view them as a warning of the impact of a totalitarian government, but in reality, are much more. As I reread them, it is clear that the stories apply to many issues we are facing today. When I first read them, more years ago then I would like to admit, I just said to myself this could never happen in America, well look around, look around. After 911 our government passed the Patriot Act and many of us, including myself, held our noses but supported it in the guise of national security. The question was could you really trust the government bureaucracy not to misuse it? The latest efforts by the DOJ, using it to profile parents who were perhaps little overzealous at a school board meeting, is exactly the example that concerned people. Our government, including all our elected and appointed officials and the employees of the government, work for the people, not themselves or the bureaucracy that supports them so well. Nobody holds anybody accountable. We are a nation founded on the principles of law. Today we have too many examples of I do not like a law so I will not enforce it. This is a dangerous path to take. We have seen our crime rates go up astronomically because there is little or no fear of justice being maintained, worse in some states than others, but our political leadership needs to develop the backbone to stand up and say the law is the law, follow it or face the consequences. Today, in too many places, there are no consequences. What do you think happens when there are no consequences? You do not have to hold a PhD to figure that one out. The Mayor of New York is trying to give the vote to any person who lives in New York City, whether they are a citizen or not. Even he, admits it is not legal, but how absurd can you be to even consider it? The verdict is in on the Jussie Smollett case in Chicago, guilty of 5 of 6 charges. Where are all the politicians and news media people who jumped on this as it was the politically correct thing to do? The silence is deafening. People have a right to be what they want, but the transgender competition issue is another theater of the absurd. I think you should have independent transgender competitions not mixed competition. But why should common sense prevail? The OMICRON variant of COVID 19 is not as strong as originally projected. Our geniuses in Washington are a little disappointed they cannot beat the hysteria drum as hard now. We are looking at a tough next eighteen to twenty-four months. Inflation is feeding on itself and appears to have no letup in sight. People are losing confidence. We should be asking our elected officials, all of them at all levels, to do what they can to support the American people. Is it too much to ask them to review their budgets, which are really our budgets, it is our money, to see where they can reduce expenses, and, God forbid, reduce taxes? You have to ask why they do not have to do what the rest of us have to, which is watch our expenses in tough times. People are getting
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tired of it. Just ask some of the residents in Keenesburg which is imposing a 37.5% increase in water & sewer rates for 2022. As usual your thoughts and comments are always appreciated. publisher@ lostcreekguide.com
Aims Community College Opens New Welcome Center
GREELEY, Colo., Dec. 10, 2021 — After several years of planning and 20 months of building, Aims Community College opened the doors to its new Welcome Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house for the public. The iconic new facility on the Greeley campus will reshape the student experience at Aims while ushering in both cultural and economic opportunities for northern Colorado. The Welcome Center is the new home for student services, and it will serve as the beginning and endpoint of the student journey — where students first come to register and where they walk at graduation. The building features an auditorium, ballroom, and other spaces for the college and community to host events. Approved by the Aims Board of Trustees in August 2018, the nearly 106,000-square-foot facility was funded through Aims reserve and operating budgets, with no additional cost to taxpayers or students. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Aims CEO/President, Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, said, “This Welcome Center is for all of us, just as Aims is for all of us. And it’s a tangible example of how Aims is building a stronger community.” She added, “During the pandemic, I heard numerous times from folks throughout the community who would specifically drive by to see the construction progress and let us know it gave them hope. Hope that this too shall pass. Hope in observing creativity, momentum, and progress. And, hope for the future.” This spring Aims will begin hosting internal college events at the Welcome Center, and beginning next fall the facility will be open to the community for events. Alongside the construction of the Welcome Center, the Aims Student Commons building (formerly College Center) has been undergoing renovations. That project is set to be completed during the spring of 2022. For more information about the Welcome Center, visit the Aims Community College website. Photo Description: Aims CEO/President Leah L. Bornstein, alongside Greeley Mayor John Gates, members of the Aims Board of Trustees and other VIPs, cuts the ribbon to symbolize the opening of the new Welcome Center. About Aims Community College Aims Community College is one of the most progressive two-year colleges in Colorado. Founded more than 50 years ago in Greeley, Aims has since established locations in Fort Lupton, Loveland and Windsor. Curriculum now includes 4,000 day, evening, weekend and online courses annually in more than 200 degree and certificate programs. Aims Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Aims Community College is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution. www.aims.edu
The Lost Creek Guide, Llc Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com
lcgnews.com
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Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Letters may be edited for length, libelous, or inappropriate content. All letter submissions should include name, address, & phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published at the editor or publisher’s discretion. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Lost Creek Guide or staff.
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December 15, 2021
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Colorado State Demographer’s Office Forecasts on Age Group Growth by 2050 from 2020
by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide In our last issue we ran story on aging along with some data on population aging forecasts from the Colorado State Demographers Office. Several folks contacted us for clarification, and we thought it best to run a comparison of the 2020 data forecast versus the 2050 projections. Overall, the total population numbers show al growth of about 30.7 percent in total, but it is not evenly distributed across the age groups. For simplicity we broke the data into three categories: 0 to 14 years, 15 to 64 years and 65 to 95 + years. Over the 2020 to 2050 period: The 0 -14-year-old group data indicated an 11.0 % increase The 15 – 64-year-old group data indicated a 24.7 % increase The 65 – 95 + age group data indicated a 74.9% increase This raises questions as to how our state, county and local governments are planning to address this sharp increase in the older population and the associated services that will be needed. As a member of that older group I just wonder if anybody is looking at that. You younger folks should also be concerned as you are going to part of these numbers. Ask your local officials what their thoughts and plans are. You may be surprised. The Lost Creek Guide would like to thank Nancy Gedeon, a Demographer in the State Demography Office, for her assistance in providing access to the data.
Town of Keenesburg Raises Water & Sewer Rates by 37.5% effective January 1, 2022
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from the Town of Keenesburg. In the December 2021 Newsletter from the Town of Keenesburg was an important notice from the Town. It wanted to clearly explain the 37.5 % increase in water & sewer rates which will be effective January 1st , 2022, that is next month. The newsletter states when Town meetings are held and that you can attend virtually or by telephone. In my last paper, in my Way of the World column, I bemoaned the fact that our federal, state and county governments have developed the non recognition and non participation of the voter as an art form., but that our local governments were the last line of defense of our freedoms and fair representation of the voter’s interest. I guess I was wrong. I am not arguing whether the funds are needed for the water & sewer operations, either way. I am pointing out that the public participation part of the equation seems to have evaporated. We elect our officials to represent the best interest of the citizens, all the citizens, not new ones or old ones. Staff is supposed to be responsible to the elected officials who in turn are supposed to be responsible to the voters who elect them. At the federal, state & county that process has been broken for a long time. It is our failure as voters, to hold our elected officials accountable. We seem to have elections and then elected officials go off and do what they think is right based on what staff tells them. Oops, you mean we should actually expect them to talk to, and more importantly, listen to what the voters might have to say. How novel. In the newsletter the town provides a contact number: 303-732-4281 and a new compliments & concerns contact vehicle: email: tokclerk@rtebb.net. Use them to express your thoughts and concerns. More importantly, think about running for office. Get involved. With all our residents in town and our existing residents should be thinking are we satisfied how our interests as voters are being addressed? I share with you our voter turn out numbers are nothing to be excited about. That is the message we send our elected officials, do what you want, we do not care. Be careful that God does give you what you ask for. Think about that every time you write your check for your water and sewer bill next year. You are, of course, always welcomed to write a letter the editor at: editor@ lostcreekguide.com and share your thoughts with your fellow citizens. Communication is always healthy.
Sheree’s Seniors Last Chance Before Christmas before Christmas to sponsor a gift for a senior this year. Tis is your opportunity to bring a smile to someone’s face who might be forgotten during the holidays. If interested, please contact Sheeree Sloan 303-359-3940
Christmas Capital
PROMOTION RUNNING November 29 - December 24
OF
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ELF ON A STORE SHELF CAN YOU FIND US AT A FORT MORGAN STORE?
Find a City elf, take a photo, and submit it along with your contact information to elf.shelf@cityoffortmorgan.com Each week, a drawing will be held from correctly submitted entries to win a prize valued at $150 in local gift cards. Four chances to enter each week - one entry per found elf. Clues for the week's four hidden elves can be found on the City of Fort Morgan's Facebook page.
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT: WWW.CITYOFFORTMORGAN.COM
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Fort Morgan 2021 Parade of Lights Pictures by Geoff Baumgartner
Fort Morgan 2021 Parade of Lights by Geoff Baumgartner Continued on page 5...
December 15, 2021
Lost Creek Guide
Fort Morgan 2021 Parade of Lights Pictures by Geoff Baumgartner Continued from page 4
highplainsbank.com 1-800-984-0010
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Fort Morgan Mustangs Win First 3A Football Championship Since 1999 Continued from pg 1
defense that was the difference. Frederick had outscored their opponents 458-196 (compared to Fort Morgan’s 388-211). The Warriors boasted the number three and number ten running backs in 3A. But, the Mustangs contained those two to 111 yards, combined. The Mustangs’ third interception, late in the fourth period, ended a threat by the Warriors. The semi-final game in Parker against Lutheran looked like a tall order. Lutheran had scored more points and allowed fewer points than any other 3A team (a whopping 626-88). But, the Mustangs scored late, for a 23-21 lead. Then, once again, a late threat was shut down by a Mustang interception, Frank Ortega’s Frank Ortega scores one of his two touchdowns in the Mustangs’ 21-17 in over Mead in the 3A championship third of the game and the team’s fourth. game, December 4, 2010. (Paul Dineen / Get The Picture The championship game against mead Sports LLC) in Pueblo was a back-and-forth battle. The fifth lead change, a touchdown by quarterback Briggs Wheatley, was the winner at 21-17 Mustangs. And, again, a late interception iced the contest. Frank Ortega scored two touchdowns and was named player of the game. As is common with winning teams, role players are key. In addition, some Mustang players who were central to team success in 2021 were: Briggs Wheatley (passing: 2188 yards/16 TDs; rushing: 910,/15), Frank Ortega (receiving: 884/9; rushing: 948/12; 31 receptions; 10 interceptions), Brayden Fajardo (40 receptions, 49 tackles), Fernando Marquez (45 receptions,55 tackles), and David Keller (82 tackles).
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December 15, 2021
High Plains Library District Hosts “Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds” Traveling Exhibition
(Erie– December 2021) – Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds is a national traveling exhibition exploring the fascinating world of space and astronomy. Discover Exoplanets covers topics such as the search for habitable worlds beyond our Solar System, how NASA scientists are searching for these worlds, and how they may be like our own. The exhibit will be on display at Erie Community Library starting December 10th, 2021.Discover Exoplanets strives to make science fun with handson, multimedia activities where visitors can build their own solar systems, see the most recent NASA discoveries, and learn about whether popular TV and movies feature “Science Fact or Science Fiction.” People of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy exploring the universe and our place in it in a way that is understandable, inspirational, and relevant. High Plains Library District and Erie Community Library were selected to be one of only seven sites nationwide to host the Discover Exoplanet exhibit. “We’re very proud to make this great exhibit available, and we hope this will be one of many times the library can connect the community to science, exploration, and a little bit of fun!” said HPLD Marketing Specialist Peter Derk.Erie Community Library is located at 400 Powers St, Erie, CO 80516. The exhibition is free and open to the public during library hours. Discover Exoplanets was developed by the Space Science Institute’s National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) in partnership with NASA’s Universe of Learning. This project was made possible through support from NASA, under cooperative agreement number NNX16AC65A. The High Plains Library District connects communities to information, inspiration and entertainment for life. HPLD includes libraries in Greeley, Evans, Firestone, Erie, Kersey, Ault, Eaton, Johnstown, Platteville, Hudson, Fort Lupton and Gilcrest. Carbon Valley Regional Library • Centennial Park Library • Eaton Public Library Erie Community Library • Farr Regional Library • Fort Lupton Public & School Library Glenn A. Jones, M.D. Memorial Library • Hudson Public Library • Lincoln Park Library Northern Plains Public Library • Outreach • Platteville Public Library Riverside Library and Cultural Center (Evans) 1-888-861-READ (7323) • www.MyLibrary.us
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December 15, 2021
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Old Fashion Christmas in Wiggins Pictures by Darlene Ruyle et al
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Old Fashion Christmas in Wiggins Pictures by Darlene Ruyle et al Continued on page 8...
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Old Fashion Christmas in Wiggins Pictures by Darlene Ruyle et al Continued from page 7
December 15, 2021
KIRKMEYER ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN TEAM
Lost Creek Guide
Team to Focus on Promoting American Renewal with Fresh, Conservative Ideas (BRIGHTON, CO) – Colorado State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer today announced key additions to her campaign for Congress in Colorado’s new 8th Congressional District, considered one of the most competitive districts in the entire nation. “I’m thrilled by the encouragement I’ve received, since announcing my campaign for Congress,” said Kirkmeyer. “People are ready for a fresh, conservative voice from Colorado in Congress who will work to Renew America. “Our campaign team features some of the best and brightest campaign minds here in Colorado and across the United States. We are excited to offer Colorado voters an effective, conservative voice to promote American Renewal.” The Kirkmeyer for Congress campaign (www.kirkmeyerforcongress.com) is co-chaired by former State Representative Kathi Williams of Thornton, former Greeley Mayor and Senate President Tom Norton, Weld County Commissioner Steve Moreno and former Commerce City Mayor and current Councilman Sean Ford. Organizing Adams County operations will be Nick Kliebenstein of Amber Consulting Group. Nick brings a breadth of experience in the north suburban Denver region and is currently Chairman of the Broomfield Republican Party. Organizing operations in Weld and Larimer counties will be Stacey Kjeldgaard, former Chair and Vice Chair of the Weld County GOP. Rounding out Colorado operations will be Alan Philp, a seasoned Republican operative whose previous experience includes executive director of the Colorado Republican Party and regional political director for the Republican National Committee. Philp will serve as general consultant and handle direct mail operations. Paid media and digital operations will be handled by Alexandria, VA-based OnMessage, Inc., the only Republican media firm to flip Democrat seats in the House each of the last seven election cycles. Polling will be performed by Dave Sackett, Partner at Alexandria, VAbased The Tarrance Group, a leading Republican survey research team whose Colorado experience includes former Senator Cory Gardner and former Governor Bill Owens. - 30 -
There’s something for you at Aims.
Build new skills, work toward a degree or certificate, or take a class for fun. Spring semester starts Jan. 18, 2022 Register now at
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Fort Morgan Train Decorating Contest Participants
The Fort Morgan Chamber of Commerce and Bloedom Lumber are the annual sponsors of the Train Decorating Contest. Vote for your favorite at the Chamber’s offices at 300 Main Street or on the Chambers Facebook page. Deadline for voting is December 24th . Support your local businesses as they support you.
Gov. Polis Provides Update on State’s COVID-19 Response & Efforts to Scale Vaccine Clinics for Booster Doses Continued from page 1
to scale up eight vaccination sites across the Front Range that offer longer hours (select sites open 7 days a week) for more Coloradans to get their first, second, and additional doses of the vaccine. Each of these clinics recommends appointments, but can accommodate walk-ins if the doses are available: Arapahoe Community College (Lot B) - 5900 S Santa Fe Drive, Littleton CO, 80120 • Hours of operation: 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Aurora Municipal Center (drive-thru) - 15151 E Alameda Pkwy, Aurora, CO 80012 • Hours of operation: 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Chapel Hills Mall - 1710 Briargate Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 • Hours of operation: 7 days a week, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Citadel Mall (parking lot next to JCPenney) - 680 Citadel Dr E, Colorado Springs CO, 80909 • Hours of operation: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Douglas County Fairgrounds - 500 Fairgrounds Rd, Castle Rock, CO • Hours of operation: 7 days a week, Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Jogan Health, LLC Tri-County (in Jefferson Marketplace) - 500 Fairgrounds Road, Castle Rock CO, 80104 • Hours of operation: Tuesday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. • Register online for an appointment La Plata County Fairgrounds - 2500 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301 • Hours of operation: Monday - Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Pueblo Mall - 3201 Dillon Drive, Pueblo, CO 81008 • Hours of operation: Tuesday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Weld County Clerk and Recorder Building - 1250 H Street, Greeley, CO 80631 • Hours of operation: Tuesday - Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 6:10 p.m.; Wednesday, 12:30 - 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. • Register online for an appointment Beyond the large-scale sites, mobile vaccination buses are making stops in communities across the state, along with a series of clinics hosted at the Ball Arena in Denver. The bus will be at Ball Arena until 5 p.m. today, and again on December 10 from 12 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Avalanche game to make it quick and easy for eligible people to get protected against COVID. Coloradans can view the full list of clinic dates and times, as well as other mobile vaccination clinic stops by visiting covid19.colorado.gov/vaccines. Fort Morgan Train Decorating Contest Participants Continued on page 11..
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Fort Morgan Train Decorating Contest Participants Continued from page 10
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Christmas in Keenesburg Shop Pictures by Kim Thompsen
Invites You to Join Us for Our
CUSTOMER APPRECIATION DAY FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, 2021 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM 165 N Market Street Keenesburg, CO 80643 Come on down for some free Breakfast Pizza and French Toast Sticks! We’ll also be offering free donuts, soda, coffee & other goodies.
Make sure to fill out a raffle ticket for a chance to win! (One per Adult; Must be 18 or Older to Enter) Drawing will occur at 1pm. Need not be present to win - Winner will be contacted by phone
Grand Prize SAMSUNG 65-In Crystal UHD AU8000 Series Smart TV with Alexa Built-in
Door Prizes Gift Cards Shell Fleece Jackets
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CDOT’S GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) RULEMAKING - A WOLF IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING THAT WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT RURAL COLORADO
WELD COUNTY, CO - On Dec. 16, 2021, the Colorado Transportation Commission will vote on a new Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reduction rule that will fundamentally change the purpose and direction of CDOT’s mission. When the rule is adopted, CDOT, once tasked with building and maintaining safe, efficient roads, bridges and other infrastructure, will add air quality standards to their criteria in determining whether capacity projects, such as widening I-25, US 270, I-70, etc. may occur in the future, regardless of contribution by taxpayer dollars funded through the gas tax. BE INFORMED – CDOT will justify restricting certain transportation funds for capacity projects under the premise that expanded capacity will induce demand – essentially, if you build it, they will come; therefore, the best way to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and thereby reduce emissions is to not build bigger roads. However, documented studies show that for “induced demand” capacity restrictions to be successful, there must be viable alternative transportation modes available, which are more commonly associated with urban areas. “Passage of this GHG rule will prove the Colorado Department of Transportation is governing for what is best in the urban areas not what is best for the entire state,” said Weld County Commissioner Scott James. Rural areas generally have fewer resources, and may bear disproportionate financial burdens from higher taxes, fuel costs, and vehicle costs associated with GHG reduction strategies. The state’s induced demand philosophy will affect land use decisions for local governments in the metro areas. If emissions reduction standards are not met for the region, the GHG rule lays the foundation for CDOT and the Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to prioritize GHG emission reductions over projects that effectively and safely move people and goods throughout Colorado. “CDOT says GHG reductions should be made through the purchase and use of electric vehicles and riding transit,” said James. “The problem is, though, neither of those options work well in the non-urban areas of the state.” Weld County fully appreciates the importance of GHG emissions reductions; however, the GHG reduction rule, as written, is not a common-sense approach best suited for Colorado residents. Through testimony and data driven facts, Weld County has been engaged with the rule making process for months. Also, Weld County launched a robust air quality monitoring network, consistent with the role of a local government tasked with protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its citizens. CALL TO ACTION - Weld County urges the public to contact your CDOT Transportation Commissioner and ask them to vote to delay adopting the rule. A delay will allow local government partners to continue to work with CDOT on a data driven decision making model that isn’t directed to the metro area or punitive to the rural areas but will reflect leadership of a statewide air quality transportation program. For members of the public to participate in the final hearing, you may submit public comments and/or register to speak at the final Transportation Commission meeting on December 16, where the rule will be considered for adoption, by emailing Jennifer.uebelher@state.co.us
We want to Wish a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year to all our customers! From Ali & Fatima Qasemi & all of us at the Keene Market
Keene Market
80 S. Main St. Keenesburg 303-732-4405
Park Hill Dental 100 S. Main Keenesburg www.ParkHillDental.com
Take ACTION For Your Tooth and Gum Health. Dr. Thomas Croghan has been serving Southeast Weld county with pride since 2005. We are a full-service general dental office where your dental needs are addressed in a welcoming, professional setting.
We look forward to meeting you and caring for your oral health!
CITY LIGHT & POWER CREWS WORK ON TREE TRIMMING
Routine maintenance ensures safety, reliability of power system The City of Fort Morgan Light and Power Department will be trimming trees near power lines throughout the city during the winter months. This tree trimming work has started and is expected to be completed in February. Keeping trees trimmed around electric power lines is important to ensure public safety and maintain the reliability of the electric system. The city’s Light and Power Department trims trees in public rights of way near all main high-voltage lines, which bring power to the poles near homes or businesses. To comply with the National Electric Safety Code, public utilities must trim or remove trees growing near power lines that threaten to disrupt service. Proper and regular tree trimming helps prevent the danger and inconvenience of outages. Residents should be aware that they should never attempt to trim trees near power lines themselves. Only qualified line clearance workers are allowed to work within a minimum of 10 feet of highvoltage lines. For an inspection of tree limbs in and around power lines by your home or business, call Doug Linton, Light and Power Superintendent, at 542-3912. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/cityoffortmorgan
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Lost Creek Guide
Magic Spurs 4-H Club Mardi Gra Success
By Madison Richmann The Magic Spurs 4-H club, led by Shelli Jacobi and Sam Dudley had another successful year at Mardi Gra. The club’s snow cone, popcorn, and candy booth has done very well for many years. This year the popcorn was called “golden nuggets” as the theme of Mardi Gra this year was “Wild West.” Magic Spurs put together a western looking booth with hay bales, ropes, stick horses, and more. “Wanted signs” of all of the members of the club hung around the outside of the booth. The club called their booth the “Snow Cone Saloon.” The members of the club took turns working the booth to earn the most tickets possible from selling the items. The club worked together, as some were taking orders, others were making snow cones or scooping popcorn. The hard work in decorations and planning paid off when the Magic Spurs earned a 7th place ribbon for their decorations. The club also had a basket in the silent auction. The theme for the basket this year was “Root Beer Float.” With a wide variety of items, the basket sold for the third highest price! Congratulations to the Magic Spurs 4-H club with their 2021 Mardi Gra success.
Auto, Home, Farm & Commercial
Agents Mark Kinnear Devon Kitchell 303-732-9700 20 S. Main Keenesburg, CO
December 15, 2021
Remembering the Lessons of Pearl Harbor
December 7, 2021 By Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich and Speaker Newt Gingrich The lessons America learned from the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor are as important today as they were 80 years ago. Just after dawn on December 7, 1941, a fleet of Japanese fighter planes, torpedo planes, and bombers descended on the U.S. Naval Station Pearl Harbor. The attack caught the Americans stationed there by complete surprise and devastated much of the base, its ships, and its aircrafts. More than 2,400 sailors, soldiers, marines, and civilians were killed. This attack spurred the United States to enter World War II to defeat the Nazis in Europe and the Japanese in the Pacific. The attack on Pearl Harbor taught Americans many hard lessons. Some were obvious: We were not invulnerable, and unchecked foreign opponents can – and will – attack us on our soil. Also, to remain safe and survive as a country, we must be vigilant. We must be prepared to be surprised. Perhaps most importantly, we learned that intransigent, self-assured bureaucracies and stubborn, antiquated leadership can lead us to death and defeat. The fact is the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor eight decades ago, should not have been a surprise at all. We knew Pearl Harbor was particularly vulnerable to attack – especially on Sunday morning – because our own Navy had discovered this less than a decade earlier. During a war game on February 7, 1932, Rear Admiral Harry Yarnell played the role of a militant Asian admiral (a clear analogue for Japan) and led a successful mock attack on Pearl Harbor. Yarnell was an early-adopter of airbased warfighting at a time when the Navy still favored battleship combat. He led his attack with aircraft from two carriers anchored north of Pearl Harbor. His fighters and bombers approached at dawn on Sunday morning from the same direction that normal air traffic heading to the base would come. They then dropped mock bombs that were filled with flour on nearly every vessel and critical asset in the harbor. Yarnell knew that the potential for a surprise attack was real, because Japan had a history of attacking enemies before it declared war on them. He also knew the U.S. Navy at the time had no preparations for such an attack. The naval officials who oversaw the war game initially ruled Yarnell’s attack a complete success – and a total loss for the defenders of Pearl Harbor. However, this ruling was overturned after the old guard, battleship-focused admirals complained. They claimed the surprise attack was unfair because it was air-based. They said Sunday was an inappropriate time for the mock attack. They even argued against the war game result spuriously claiming, “everyone knew that Asians lacked sufficient hand-eye coordination to engage in that kind of precision bombing.” Because of the hard-headedness of these admirals, the wargame was largely buried. We learned no lessons from it, but the Japanese did. Nine years later, the Japanese followed Yarnell’s attack plan almost to the letter – and killed 2,403 Americans in the attack on Pearl Harbor. A few hours later, they killed 80 more at Clark Field in the Philippines. How could history be different if the Navy had learned from Yarnell’s war game gamble – rather than refuted and dismissed it? More pressing, are we at risk of this deadly trend repeating with one of our modern adversaries – North Korea, Iran, China, Russia, or even radical Islamic terrorist cells? Are our nation’s military and civilian leaders stubbornly clinging to the strategies they know, or are they willing to learn and develop new solutions for new problems? If the disastrous evacuation and Taliban takeover of Afghanistan are a recent indication, it seems there are still lessons to be learned. As we remember the brave men and women whose lives were taken in Pearl Harbor 80 years ago today, we must also remember the tragic lessons their sacrifices taught us.
December 15, 2021
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Lost Creek Guide
Local Barrelracer Qualifies for Junior World Finals
By Madison Richmann 12 year old Brealynn Huwa hit the ground running this year when she started her first year of junior high rodeo. The 6th grader at Wiggins Elementary has had much success already in her rodeo career, including qualifying for one of the toughest youth rodeos in the country. The Roggen local, says that her favorite part of rodeo is the strong competition. Brealynn says,“Being my Rookie year competing in Jr High rodeos, I so far have been successful.” She goes on to say her biggest accomplishment this far is winning the KK run for Vegas qualifier in Torrington, Wyoming. This qualified young Huwa to the Junior World Finals this year in Las Vegas, Nevada during the National Finals Rodeo, (NFR). When asked about her horse she says, “Zip is my barrel horse. He is 18 and loves to run barrels. He has taken me to many wins in the barrels so far. He is super sweet, fast, and beautiful.” Brealynn and Zip will be competing for a world champion title this December against the toughest youth rodeo athletes. When not barrel racing Brealynn can be found roping with her family, on her horse named Crazy Hair. She breakaway ropes and team ropes on this super fast, 18 year old gelding. Brealynns dad, Brent Huwa, used Crazy Hair as his team roping horse, but now she gets to compete on him. She competes in the ribbon roping, team roping, and breakaway roping along with the barrel race at the Colorado State Junior High Rodeo’s and the Colorado Junior Rodeos. Currently, Brealynn is winning the state title for the Colorado State Junior High Rodeos, in the barrel race. When asked about her family, Brealynn said she lives with her parents, Brent and Tonya Huwa, her three older brothers, Cody, Austin, and Trey, and her older sister, Kylie. As the youngest in the family, Brealynn is following in her older brother’s rodeo footsteps. Cody and Austin compete in college rodeos in Oklahoma, and Trey in highschool rodeos for Colorado. She also says that her entire family likes to team rope. Brealynn says that she sees rodeo being a huge part of her life forever. After high school she hopes to go to college and become an x-ray technician while continuing her love for rodeo in college and eventually the pro rodeo circuit. She has watched her brothers compete and win at the national level, and hopes she will get her chance in the national winning circle for years to come in junior high, high school, college and beyond. Brealynn also enjoys playing basketball, playing volleyball, and showing livestock in 4-H. She says, “I play on a competitive volleyball team called Club One as well as play basketball. I also show market steers and market hogs. I have won Jr Showmanship titles and Grand Champions with my steers at county fair and National Western Stockshow.” The Huwas raise their show cattle, and have had much success through the years. Brealynn would like to give a special thanks to God and her family. She says they are her biggest inspiration. We wish Brealynn Huwa the best of luck in Vegas this December, as well as the rest of her rodeo career.
May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through the Year. Wishing you a season of blessings from heaven above.
Christmas In My Heart
Wednesday, 8 December 2021 by Pastor Perry Bell Ephesians 3:16-19 16 I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. I looked out in the front window today and I noticed that not much has changed. There is yet no snow on the ground, and people are going to work just like they always do. The brightly colored lights on a few of our neighbors’ houses that were shining brightly last night, are now dark. Now although this is pretty much the way it is all year, it got me thinking. Where does Christmas go when there is no snow on the ground, and it is only the third week of Advent? Where are the joys of “here we come a-wassailing” and the sharing of Christmas greetings? Does that mean that I must wait to the evening of December 24th and then the 25th in order to feel that? I know it is difficult for some families during Christmas. I know that for my wife, having lost her father just two weeks ago, this Christmas will be different. I also know many others who have lost loved ones during the year and this Christmas will be the first one without them. Some families won’t be able to afford gifts for their kids because they had to choose between paying the utility bill and food to eat and gifts for the kids. Some will be standing on that wall, defending this nation in far-off places, and won’t be at the Christmas dinner table this year. These things and many more may make Christmas seem like it is so very far away. It may be hard to find that Spirit and joy and wonder and marvel. So, let me give you an idea, and hope to truly change not only today, but also your entire life. You see, I carry Christmas in my heart. Not only in December, but every day of the year! It gives me a reason to rise in the morning, to greet my day with limitless possibilities! It helps me to smile at strangers, to reach out beyond my problems and to see an infinite number of new possibilities! It helps me to reach out to those in need and to remember America’s young men and women in the Armed Forces. And it also reminds me of how wide and long and high and deep the love of Christ is! I hope that you will join me and carry Christmas in your heart, starting right now! Be Well, Do-Good Work, and… Be Blessed Like Crazy! Pastor Perry Destination Ministries
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Lost Creek Guide
United Power Soliciting Requests for Information for Microgrid Projects
Brighton, CO - United Power is currently soliciting formal Requests for Information (RFIs) from companies interested in partnering with the cooperative to develop several microgrids throughout the cooperative’s service territory. United Power’s microgrid pilot project has the goal of creating several self-contained power systems utilizing battery and solar, or other energy resources. “United Power has a long record of investing in a variety of innovative technologies to learn more about how these systems work and how they can help us serve our members more reliability or reduce costs,” stated Dean Hubbuck, Chief Energy Resource Officer. “We have been discussing the viability of a microgrid project for some time now and want to find a partner willing to invest both money and expertise into this pilot venture.” United Power is Colorado’s second largest cooperative, serving more than 100,000 meters on Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative has been an innovator in the renewable energy field, energizing the State of Colorado’s first community solar field, Sol Partners in 2009. Since that time they have added 84 megawatts of renewable generation on the system including a landfill methane project, multiple utility scale solar fields and a 4.5-megawatt Tesla battery storage system. “This project is the natural evolution of our interest and investment into alternate energy solutions,” stated Hubbuck. “United Power continues to investigate a number of different concepts with the end goal of providing unique solutions for our growing membership.” Companies interested in submitting RFI’s for the project are encouraged to reach out to Greg Howes, Vice-President of Energy Resource Planning for more information at 303-637-1308, or via email at ghowes@unitedpower.com. United Power will be soliciting RFI’s for the microgrid project through the end of the year and plans to begin work on the project in 2022. United Power is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative, delivering electricity to homes, farms and businesses throughout Colorado’s northern front range. The cooperative is one of the fastest-growing electric cooperatives in the nation, and in June joined the elite ranks of cooperatives serving more than 100,000 meters. The 900 square mile service territory extends from the mountains of Coal Creek and Golden Gate Canyon, along the I-25 corridor and Carbon Valley region, to the farmlands of Brighton, Hudson and Keenesburg. United Power is also a founding member of the NextGen Cooperative Alliance, dedicated to expanding the power supply and procurement options and reforming the traditional Generation and Transmission (G&T) business model. For more information about the cooperative, visit www.unitedpower.com or follow them on social media Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.
December 15, 2021
HOLIDAY CRAFTING FEATURED AT TEEN NIGHT OUT
Registration required for Dec. 17 event The Fort Morgan Library & Museum’s Teen Night Out series continues with a Holiday Craft Night on Dec. 17 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants can create homemade holiday cards to impress their friends and family. Love those cute little gnomes? Make some of your own to add to your holiday decorating. Looking for holiday decorations to spruce up your room? Make them with us during our holiday craft night. Registration is required and space is limited, so act fast! Hot chocolate and cookies are included with registration. For more information and to register, contact Library and Museum Educator Kathleen Byrne at kathleen.byrne@cityoffortmorgan.com or (970) 542-4014. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/cityoffortmorgan
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Don’t Avoid ‘Taboo’ Topics with Older Parents
If your parents are getting close to retirement age, or are already retired, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues, some of which may involve difficult conversations. For the sake of everyone in your family, don’t avoid these “taboo” topics. You’ll need to be careful about approaching these subjects with your parents. Mention ahead of time that you’d like to talk to them about their future plans and reassure them that you want to understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like. If your parents are agreeable, choose a location comfortable for them and ask whom they might like to invite (or not invite). Then, think about how to open the conversation, preferably not with what they want to do with their money – this could be interpreted as your seeking information about your inheritance or being skeptical about
Kyle S. Bernhardt
Financial Advisor 606 Grant St. Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 970-542-6401
their financial decisions. Instead, build a broad-based discussion about their vision for their aging years. A series of shorter conversations may allow you to cover topics more comfortably, one by one, rather than trying to solve everything at once. Try to address these areas: • Health care – You’ll want to learn if your parents have established the appropriate health-related legal documents – a health care power of attorney, which gives someone the authority to make important decisions about their medical care if they become unable to do so themselves, and a living will, which spells out the extraordinary medical treatments they may or may not want. • Independence – As people age, they may begin to lose their independence. Have your parents considered any options for long-term care, such as a nursing home stay, or the services of a home
Timothy R. Guggenmos Financial Advisor 228 Main St. Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 970-867-2441
Mark A. Hough
Financial Advisor 513 Main St. Ste A Fort Morgan, CO 80701 970-542-3048
health aide? And do they have plans in place? If they plan to receive support from family members, do their expectations match yours? • Financial goals – Focusing on the personal and financial aspects of the legacy your parents want to leave can be a valuable conversation. Have your parents updated their will or other arrangements, such as a living trust? Have they named a financial power of attorney to make decisions on their behalf if they become incapacitated? Do they have the proper beneficiary designations on their insurance policies and retirement plan accounts? If you can position these issues as being more about your parents’ control over their financial destiny, rather than “who will get what,” you’ll more likely have a productive conversation. • Last wishes – You’ll want to find out if your parents have left instructions in their will about their funerals and last wishes.
Wes Cable
Financial Advisor 611 Edison St Brush, CO 80723 970-842-2252
Express to them that you, or another close family member, should know who is responsible for making sure their wishes are met. Money, independence and aging can be sensitive topics. Don’t think you have to go it alone – you can enlist help from another close family member. Or, if you know your parents are working with a trusted advisor, such as an attorney or financial professional, you could see if they’d be willing to have this person participate in your talks. You might even be able to introduce them to one of your advisors. In any case, keep talking. These conversations can be challenging, but, if handled correctly, can be of great benefit to your parents and your entire family. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. – Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Forrest Hough
Financial Advisor 129 S. 4th Ave Brighton, CO 80601 303-659-2301
December 15, 2021
Lost Creek Guide
The Data are in: Coloradans who get a COVID Vaccine Booster are Nearly 50 Times Less Likely to be Hospitalized
Coloradans who received a booster shot were 2.4 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than people who had been fully vaccinated against the virus but had not received a boost by Jesse Paul, Colorado Sun
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that “we believe it’s likely more than one case.” She said “there’s probably some low level of community transmission” of omicron in Boulder County. No additional cases of the omicron variant, which was first identified in South Africa, have been confirmed yet in Colorado, however. Polis said, nonetheless, that he is confident there will be more. Herlihy and Polis also warned Coloradans that coronavirus remains prevalent in the state despite a dip in cases and hospitalizations in recent weeks and cases were back up Hospitalizations rose Tuesday and the seven-day average of new daily cases has been higher over the past few days. “There’s really no clear pattern,” Polis said.
The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported news organization that covers Colorado people, places and issues. To sign up for free newsletters, subscribe or learn more, visit ColoradoSun.com
Shop Local This Holiday Season and Save with Your Co-op Connections® Card
Gov. Jared Polis receives a third and booster dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine about six months following his last shot on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021, at Denver Health in Capitol Hill. “I’m now at full FDA and CDC approval for folks who had Moderna … I’m ready to get the booster because, like most Coloradans, Americans are ready to put this pandemic behind us,” Polis said. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun)
Coloradans who receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster are less likely to test positive for the coronavirus and, if they get infected, are less likely to require hospitalization, the state’s top epidemiologist said Tuesday as she released data on the efficacy of vaccine boosters for the first time. Between September and November, Coloradans who received a booster shot were 2.4 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 than people who had been fully vaccinated against the virus but had not received a booster. People who received a booster shot were 9.7 times less likely to test positive for the disease than unvaccinated Coloradans. The state also collected hospitalization data during the same time frame, finding that Coloradans who received a booster shot were 3.3 times less likely to be hospitalized after contracting COVID-19 than people who had been fully vaccinated against the virus but had not received a booster. People who received a booster shot were 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized after contracting the disease than unvaccinated Coloradans.
A screenshot from a presentation by Dr. Rachel Herlihy on COVID-19 vaccine booster efficacy.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Colorado’s top epidemiologist, said the booster shots are having “a clear impact in protecting people.” All Colorado adults are eligible to receive a COVID-19 booster shot. So far, 41% of eligible Coloradans have received one. Gov. Jared Polis, speaking at a news conference at the governor’s mansion in downtown Denver, said the value of getting vaccinated is “simple math.” “We’re not just advising you to do something that cuts your risk in half or marginally reduces it,” Polis said. “You reduce your risk 10 to 15 times.” The state had been waiting to release data on the efficacy of vaccine boosters in Colorado until officials could be confident that it was accurate. “The challenge is we needed enough hospitalizations to occur, enough cases to occur for us to feel confident that we had a large enough data set to confidently analyze,” Herlihy said. In fact, Herlihy said, the vaccine boosters are probably working even better than the data the state has right now suggest. That’s because boosters were first distributed to immunocompromised and older people who are more susceptible to COVID. Omicron variant detected in wastewater Herlihy also said Tuesday that the omicron variant was detected in Boulder’s municipal sewage system. Boulder County health officials announced last week that they had detected a case of the variant in a person who had recently returned from a trip to South Africa. But Herlihy said it appears there was enough of the variant found in the sewage sample
The holidays are in full swing and Christmas will be here before we know it. In the hustle and bustle to get all of your holiday shopping done, remember that Morgan County REA members can use their Co-op Connections® card at participating businesses to cash in on discounts and special offers. This winter, let’s power a small business comeback and frequent the shops owned by our friends and neighbors! Are you wondering what deals are available with Co-op Connections®? Simply visit connections.coop or download the free Co-op Connections® app from the App Store or on Google Play. Here you will find lots of deals at local stores, restaurants and more! When shopping at participating businesses, show your Co-op Connections® card or mobile app at the point of purchase to receive the deal. The Co-op Connections® card program is a testament to one of MCREA’s seven cooperative principles: concern for community. Co-op Connections® incentivizes our members to shop locally, keeping businesses thriving in small towns throughout our service area. However, the perks of Co-op Connections® do not stop there. One of the best parts of the Co-op Connections® card is that it can be used across the country! Electric cooperatives throughout the United States participate in the Co-op Connections® program and thanks to cooperation among cooperatives—another cooperative principle—members of one electric co-op like MCREA benefit from cooperative programs across the country. There are many travel discounts and health savings to be found on the app as well. Therefore, whether you are here at home or on vacation, deals are available near you! MCREA’s Co-op Connections® card app can be downloaded to your mobile device or you can pick up a physical card at the MCREA office. If you have any questions regarding Co-op Connections®, feel free to call MCREA and our member services department will be happy to help you. Though the holidays have been seemingly taken over by big box stores and online shopping giants, memorable gifts can still be bought for your loved ones right here in small town America. Remember to use your Co-op Connections® card to shop local and support small businesses this holiday season. Morgan County REA would like to wish all of our members a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Lost Creek Guide
December 15, 2021
Colorado Auditor finds $73 million in “Likely Fraudulent” Unemployment Payments, Including to Dead People
The Colorado Department of Labor, which has confirmed only $30 million in fraudulent payments, said that the additional cases likely will be “determined to be legitimate.” By Tamara Chuang, Colorado Sun Colorado may have paid $73 million in fraudulent unemployment benefits, with payments made to dead people, inmates and underage applicants, a state audit found, more than double the $30 million state labor officials had previously confirmed was improperly paid. “Despite the numerous steps that the department has taken to prevent and detect fraud, our audit identified likely or potentially fraudulent claims that the department didn’t identify,” Ethan Greenberg, senior auditor with the Colorado Office of the State Auditor, told the legislative audit committee hearing Monday. The auditor’s report found 8,200 unduplicated claims for $73.1 million in payments between March 1, 2020 and April 30. Those include: • $3.87 million to 1,065 deceased claimants, which included “some claimants who’d been deceased for years” • $5.04 million to 696 incarcerated claimants. Incarcerated residents are ineligible for unemployment benefits • $101,630 to 18 people “not of working age” • $18.5 million to 2,919 people who were considered “potentially fraudsters” and had suspicious bank accounts • $52.7 million to 4,354 claimants with multiple indicators of fraud There was overlap and duplication in the fraud claims found by the auditor’s office, but the unduplicated amount is $73.1 million, as seen in the chart below. Read the audit HERE
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The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment office in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on March 21, 2020. (Eric Lubbers, The Colorado Sun)
The Colorado Office of the State Auditor found that the state Department of Labor and Employment paid $73.1 million in unemployment claims that were “likely fraudulent.” Of those, about $9 million was paid to deceased or incarcerated people who were not eligible for benefits. (Screenshot) Greenberg said that while the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment created numerous ways to detect fraud among applicants — using 10 fraud flags in June 2020, and about 70 in August — the auditor’s office wasn’t privy to those. Instead, auditors created their own set of 25 fraud indicators to determine that $73.1 million in payments were “likely fraudulent.” “Likely fraudulent means there’s no explanation for why a legitimate claimant would have this characteristic, such as a deceased person’s Social Security number,” Greenberg said. But that doesn’t mean all of the claims identified are fraudulent, he added. Of the $18.5 million tied to suspicious bank accounts, auditors sent 18 over to CDLE to investigate further. CDLE found that six were not fraudulent, but the rest were still under investigation. Auditors recommended the labor department adopt its fraud indicators, a condition Daniel Chase, the agency’s chief of staff, agreed to. The labor department also will accept other recommendations that were kept confidential in the report to prevent fraudsters from gleaning more ways to trick unemployment systems. “We’ll work to improve and control our internal controls as recommended in the confidential report,” Chase said during the hearing. While the labor department’s $30 million tally of fraud payments is less than half what the auditors found, the number is based on investigated claims that were deemed fraudulent by staff, agency officials have said. The new claims by the auditor’s office must still be investigated. But Phil Spesshardt, director of the Unemployment Insurance Division, said that a lot of what the auditor found may not be fraud. “The claims and figures cited by the auditor in today’s hearing represent suspected fraud and further review and analysis consistent with (U.S. Department of Labor) requirements is required to determine how much of that total represents confirmed fraud,” he said. “Through investigations, it is likely that many of the claims identified in the audit as potentially fraudulent will be determined to be legitimate.” How could this happen? As businesses rushed to limit losses early in the pandemic by cutting staff, federal aid provided a way for workers to stay home and collect income to pay their bills. At the start, the money flowed freely with few limitations. The auditor’s office noted three main contributors to CDLE paying $73 million to potential fraudsters: • Gov. Jared Polis’ executive order in March 2020 required CDLE to pay unemployment benefits within 10 days, and determine eligibility later. Before the pandemic, CDLE took four to six weeks to verify eligibility. • Federal pandemic programs, such as Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for gig workers, thrust new responsibility on state unemployment agencies. It also allowed for minimal verification — PUA users just had to certify that they were eligible for benefits. • Colorado was about to move to a more efficient computer system, but delayed it as CDLE rushed to get benefits to the unemployed. The change to the new computer system, called MyUI+, didn’t occur until January. Colorado had more than 1.2 million continued claims for unemployment in May 2020, according to the auditor’s analysis. Normally, that number hovers around 18,600, which was the weekly average in 2019. Colorado Auditor Finds $73 Million in “Likely Fraudulent” Unemployment Payments, Including to Dead People Continued on page 19...
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
December 15, 2021
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Colorado Auditor Finds $73 Million in “Likely Fraudulent” Unemployment Payments, Including to Dead People Continued from page 18 With the unprecedented number of requests and limited oversight, imposters flooded the system in Colorado and nationwide. A rash of claims using a stolen identity eventually caused the state to put thousands of applicants on hold in order to investigate further. According to the auditor’s report, CDLE had 1.6 million claims on hold and were still waiting for an investigation as of May — and of those, 47,650 were deemed fraudulent but had already been paid $31.2 million. The bulk of fraudulent payments identified by the auditor’s office were part of the federal PUA program for out-of-work gig workers, contractors and the self-employed. Since March 2020, Colorado has paid $1.59 billion to PUA users, which at its peak week in July 2020 included 156,299 claimants. PUA benefits ended Sept. 4 in Colorado. Sign up here to get The Unaffiliated, our twice-weekly newsletter on Colorado politics and policy. Each edition if filled with exclusive news, analysis and other behind-the-scenes information you won’t find anywhere else. Subscribe today to see what all the buzz is about. The early rush meant that accounts that may not have been approved in the past got paid, including to people who were long deceased. One explanation, according to the auditors report, was that the state contracted with Accurint since 2016 for death records, but the data was not complete and came from credit reporting agencies, 15 individual states and the Social Security Administration’s Death Master File. CDLE also used a company called Appriss for national incarceration data, which excluded Colorado Department of Corrections data. Some of the local inmate data came from a company called On Point Technology, but the contract appears to have ended in March 2020. Spesshardt said he can’t speak to the auditor’s method for finding the new fraud, but added that this was not an issue anymore because of the labor department’s requirement that all people seeking unemployment benefits must use identity verification system ID.me. The tool requires users to show their face and provide personal data to confirm their identity. “Since April 2021, the department has required all claimants to complete a liveness check as part of the ID.me identity verification process, which has effectively eliminated this issue,” he said. CDLE has referred just four cases to authorities, the agency said last week. But the auditor’s office learned that the state labor department is now involved in more than 130 active criminal investigations, although not all are being handled by Colorado authorities. The U.S. Department of Labor does share some criminal investigations affecting Colorado. One included Rhode Island resident Francois Parker who said he was a babysitter and falsely claimed he worked in Colorado. He was paid $3,292 by CDLE, in addition to more than $70,000 in claims filed in other states. “Altogether, we identified $73,123,710 in likely or potentially fraudulent claims that the department paid, which the department did not identify as fraud prior to our audit work,” the auditor’s report said. “Unemployment benefits fraud is a high-risk area for the state, which the department will need to continue to combat using additional fraud prevention controls.” Hangups, fraud holds and long waits As the state labor department clamped down on fraudulent activity in June 2020, thousands of unemployed workers found their calls unanswered or their benefits put on hold. And that earned more criticism from the auditor’s office. The agency didn’t have a written policy on resolving resolutions or a tracking system to show how long requests were taking. Auditors found that nearly 200,000 claims weren’t resolved — or at least there was no data or resolution date. “When the department doesn’t resolve fraud holds for legitimate claimants, it can delay when they receive their benefits. Also claimants who have unresolved issues are more likely to call and email the department multiple times, taking up the department’s limited resources,” Kate Shiroff, audit supervisor for the auditor’s office, said during the hearing.
A small group of unemployed Coloradans gather at the Colorado Department of Labor downtown to voice their complaints that they have not received their pandemic unemployment payments on Feb. 8, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Kathryn Scott, Special to The Colorado Sun)
The peak was In April 2020, when the department got more than 11 million calls, averaging 55 calls per claimant. Colorado Auditor Finds $73 Million in “Likely Fraudulent” Unemployment Payments, Including to Dead People Continued on page 20...
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Colorado Auditor Finds $73 Million in “Likely Fraudulent” Unemployment Payments, Including to Dead People Continued from page 19 Between July 2020 and June, about 52,000 claimants asked for help more than once. One person asked 112 times over a 46-day period, Shiroff said. Of the 70,134 resolved fraud holds between July 2020 and June, one third were resolved within seven days, another third took up to 60 days. Approximately 676 claimants in the last third waited more than 210 days. CDLE told auditors that they resolved many cases after adopting identity verification system ID.me in January for applicants with holds, and in April for everyone on unemployment. Informing applicants to use ID.me was the resolution. The agency plans to have a written policy in place by March.
“A lot of that has to do with the changing nature of fraud,” Chase said. “Fraud is not the same now as it was last year. Fraud is very different for us. These investigations are very complex and are coming about with different things. And so we need to make sure that we have policies that take all of that into account.” CORRECTION: This story was updated at 9:12 a.m. on Dec. 7, 2021 to correct the spelling of Ethan Greenberg’s name and to note that the hearing was part of the legislative audit committee. The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported news organization that covers Colorado people, places and issues. To sign up for free newsletters, subscribe or learn more, visit ColoradoSun.com
CDOT is Prepared For Winter, Are You? Motorists should start preparing for winter 2021/2022
The Colorado Office of the State Auditor found that the state Department of Labor and Employment did not have a policy in place to document resolved unemployment claims, leading some users to not see resolution for more than 200 days. (Screenshot) “I find it shocking and completely unacceptable if there wasn’t a written policy at the very minimum for keeping records for when a claim was resolved,” Rep. Colin Larson, a Littleton Republican, said during the hearing. “Why is it going to take until March to get a formalized policy for doing something as simple as documenting that the claim was, in fact, resolved?” Chase, with the labor department, responded that the agency does track resolved claims and accounts but not in a system “that’s nice and neat and easy.” CDLE has since added some written policies but doesn’t expect the full process to be final until March.
STATEWIDE- While the state saw some spurts of winter weather in October, Coloradoans have mostly been enjoying warmer temperatures and dry weather for the majority of fall, but do not be fooled, winter weather is knocking on our door today through Friday and motorists need to be ready for the official kick off the winter driving season. Winter weather may not be on the mind for some right now, but it is on the minds of Colorado Department of Transportation maintenance crews all year long. Maintenance crews across the state conducted various trainings for new hires as well as for folks who have been with CDOT for decades. These trainings cover best practices, safety tips and promote efficient ways to be winter ready. All plows are checked to ensure they are in great shape for the winter and snow fighting materials are at the ready for adverse conditions. “We are working through various methods to bring in new maintenance employees prior to the winter season and have built out a robust training program that allows employees to obtain their Commercial Drivers Licenses along with coaching, mentoring and other standard training in the Denver metro area,” said CDOT Director of Maintenance John Lorme. “As a part of this training program, trainees have 30 days to obtain their CDL instructional permits, and then 60 days after that to receive their full CDL, which helps us to not only attract but retain dedicated employees who are fully equipped to maintain our roadways this winter season and beyond.” Not only are crews gearing up to clear the roadways of snow and ice this winter and specifically this week, but CDOT’s avalanche team is already closely coordinating with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to prepare for the upcoming avalanche season. CDOT’s avalanche team goes through extensive training so they can properly mitigate nearly 200 slide paths across the state. “Some people might not realize that CDOT is out there using various devices to clear slide paths that have the potential of covering the highway, or worse, posing a danger to motorists,” said Lorme. “It’s no secret that we’ll have temporary road closures all winter long to allow our crews, in conjunction with the CAIC, to mitigate slide paths to prevent any unplanned closures of the highway. We saw an active avalanche season earlier this year and want to continue to urge motorists to use both CAIC’s avalanche forecasting maps and CDOT’s COtrip.org website and COtrip Planner mobile app before heading out onto the roadway to know if roads are closed or if it is better to just stay home due to avalanche conditions.” In late September 2021, CDOT launched a new, easy-to-use COtrip.org website that features a new 511 map that allows drivers to safely navigate Colorado roads. The website offers new features that help travelers plan their route ahead of time, and prepare for road or lane closures or adverse road conditions. In addition to the website, CDOT also launched the new COtrip Planner mobile app that was designed to meet the growing trend of getting information on mobile and tablet devices about road closures and detours. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time CDOT is Prepared For Winter, Are You? Continued on page 21...
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CDOT is Prepared For Winter, Are You? Continued from page 20 traffic information, and works on smartphones and tablets that operate on iOS and Android platforms. “Our hope is that checking the COtrip Planner app before getting into your car becomes a routine that will help to prevent motorists from heading out in challenging winter conditions,” said CDOT’s Executive Director Shoshana Lew. “Cameras are available on any state highway or interstate you travel on in Colorado so it’s easy to see what the roads look like and if you feel comfortable driving during a winter weather event. In addition to seeing the road conditions either through our cameras or our road conditions layer, you can also see what roads are closed and if the Chain and/or Traction Law has been implemented along your route. It’s important to be prepared before you go, and COtrip provides great resources to get ready for winter.” Motorists are now able to be more prepared than ever before thanks to the COtrip Planner mobile app and CDOT’s various winter driving resources that can be found here. While extensive annual training might not be needed for the general public who have experience driving in the snow, it may be time to consider registering teenagers in classes that will help them to safely navigate driving in adverse weather conditions. Adult drivers new to Colorado can also find various classes to register for to prepare for driving in snowy or icy conditions. To be extra prepared for this season, motorists should stock their cars with blankets, water, a flashlight, a shovel, some nutrition bars or other food for sustenance. Motorists should also consider stocking up on sand to help gain traction in the event a vehicle becomes stuck on ice or snow, jumper cables, an ice scraper and lock deicer. If there is one thing all Colorado drivers know, it’s that during major snow and ice events our state highways and interstates will likely close due to poor driving conditions or motorists who are unprepared or exhibiting unsafe driving behavior during a storm. Don’t be caught unprepared during an extended closure. For the most up-to-date winter driving resources, information and tips, visit winter.codot.gov. BEFORE YOU TRAVEL THIS WINTER: • Have a plan. Prepare a winterized emergency vehicle kit. Always plan your route in advance and be sure to let someone know your route and ETA. Check road conditions at COtrip.org. • Check your tires. It’s tire buying season! Make sure to check the air pressure in all tires, including your spare, and that your tires have good tread — at least 3/16”. • Perform a safety check. Give your vehicle a tune-up before long trips. This includes getting an oil change if necessary, inspecting the battery, brakes and pads and wiper blades. Ensure you have a full tank of gas, and lastly, check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights. • Know the laws. When weather conditions warrant, CDOT implements Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws. Head over to CDOT’s Traction & Chain Laws page for the most up-to-date laws. WHILE YOU’RE ON THE ROAD: • Drive for the conditions. Don’t drive faster than you can see ahead and don’t forget to turn on your headlights! If you’re stuck in a serious storm, do not leave your vehicle. Run the engine periodically and wait for help. • Bow to the plow. It is illegal to pass a snowplow when it is operating its lights and operating in a tandem formation with one or more snowplows. Don’t crowd the plow, be sure to remain three to four car lengths behind snowplows. DOWNLOAD THE COTRIP PLANNER APP The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download! Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include: • Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org
• Project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts • Scheduled lane closures: codot.gov/ travel/scheduled-lane-closures.html • Social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/ coloradodot ABOUT WINTER WISE CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe on Colorado’s winter roads. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction and Passenger Vehicle Safety Laws, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov. ABOUT CDOT CDOT’s Whole System-Whole Safety program has one simple mission — to get everyone home safely. Our approximately 3,000 employees work tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. The department manages more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,000 bridges and 35 mountain passes. CDOT also manages grant partnerships with a range of agencies, including metropolitan planning organizations, local governments and airports. It also operates Bustang, the state-owned interregional express bus service. Gov. Jared Polis has charged CDOT to further build on the state’s intermodal mobility options.
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- Obituary Virginia (Ginger) Starks Ginger Starks passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 after a brief illness. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her gardening, cooking, and entertaining, and for her quiet sense of humor. Daughter of Louis and Lorraine Sittler, Ginger grew up on a farm in Garden Plain, Kansas, with her three sisters. After graduating high school as class valedictorian, she attended Mount St. Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas. There, she met her husband Jerald (Jerry) Starks, who was attending the nearby St. Benedict’s College. After graduation in 1970, the two were married and moved to the Denver area. Ginger and Jerry spent much of the next twenty years living in Arvada, where they had two children. Besides taking care of the house and kids, Ginger enjoyed reading, sewing, gardening, and bowling. She was also involved in school activities, local community groups, and the parish altar society. In 1988, the family moved to Keenesburg when Jerry became president of Citizens State Bank. In Keenesburg, Ginger participated in the Holy Family Church altar society, served on the board of Timberwood Housing Authority, cooked and served meals for the Lunch Bunch at the American Legion, and created a beautiful garden. Once the kids were grown, she also enjoyed coming up with menus of foods to share with friends in the couple’s pub-themed basement. Ginger is survived by her husband, by children Courtney Starks (Joe Jez) and Jim Starks, granddaughter Kayleigh Jez, sisters Rose Ann Sittler, Mary Kay Shankle, and Jane West, and extended family. A funeral will be held on Saturday, October 16 at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart Parish in Roggen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Keenesburg American Legion Auxiliary (PO Box 4, Keenesburg, CO 80643), or to the Loaves and Fishes food bank
- Obituary -
Henry Edward Schmitz Jr. In loving memory of Henry Edward Schmitz Jr. who went to be with our lord on December 5th, 2021. He was born on March 22nd, 1932, in Mendota, Illinois. He is survived by his wife, Rita Schmitz, children, Kathy, Rita, Henry, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. An incredibly loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle and, of course, friend. His Wisdom will live on through his legacy which was to love faithfully, work hard and trust in the lord. His sense of humor was unmatched as was his selflessness. He will live in our hearts and memories forever. Gone but never forgotten. Publishers Note: I had the pleasure of knowing Henry for a little over a year. We met at Saturday morning breakfast up in Wiggins. Henry occasionally wrote to the paper and was always an active participant in our breakfast discussions. He was not shy about his thoughts. I had the utmost respect for him. He will be missed. Bob Grand
December 15, 2021
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SERVICE DIRECTORY Computer Support Repair, Service & Sales
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Thomas J Croghan DDS Family Dental Practice
Appointments: 303-377-8662 Appointments Available in Keenesburg and Denver
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Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry Assistance for Roggen, Keenesburg, Prospect Valley, & Hudson Call to Request Assistance
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HELP WANTED TRUCK DRIVER-PART-TIME Dairy Farm, located in eastern Colorado, needs a dependable & hardworking driver & willing to jump in where needed. Duties will consist of hauling commodities to the facility, hauling manure to fields, harvest driving, & anything that may need hauling. It will be local driving and home every night. Pay will be determined by experience, & retired drivers welcome to apply. - Solid experience preferred - Need to be self-motivated, good communication skills with staff & ownership - Must have CDL Class A with a clean driving record - Able to pass a drug & alcohol screening - Most trucking is within a 200-mile radius, home at night. 35895 CR 18 Roggen, CO 80652 l 303-849-6222 PROPANE SERVICE TECHNICIAN/DRIVER We are seeking a qualified, self-motivated, career oriented person with a strong work ethic to help us provide exceptional propane service. Join our team and receive competitive pay and benefits. Qualifications and Requirements: - High School Diploma or equivalent - Class A CDL license with air brake, hazmat, and tanker endorsements - Must possess a clean driving record - Must pass a background check and drug screen - Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and work in all weather conditions - Meet all DOT requirements Principle Responsibilities Include: - Provide exceptional service and support during customer interactions - Provide on-site installation of propane tanks and related equipment - Perform leak tests for customer safety - Provide maintenance on equipment and propane lines - Operate all equipment in a safe and competent manner - Requires on call rotation for after hours and weekend emergency deliveries or service calls - Loads, secures, transports, delivers, and unloads propane to and from specified destinations - Inspect and document for any/all maintenance issues - Assist with other job duties as assigned Please contact Steve Steinkamp at ssteinkamp@roggenfarmerselev.com or 970-217-5321.
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Keenesburg Housing Authority
Keenesburg Housing Authority is looking for a volunteer to sit on the Board of Commissioners. This position does not include pay, but only requires approximately an hour a month for meetings. The Board of Directors are the major decisionmakers of the Housing, and oversee employees, major expenses and other issues that arise. If interested and would like more information please contact the office at:
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First Baptist Church, Keenesburg, Food Pantry Open every third Saturday 9 am to 12 pm 100 North Market Street, Keenesburg For emergency needs, please contact 720-480-6428 or email us at: http:// www.fbca.church
Donations are welcome to help us defeat hunger in our community
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Christmas in Keenesburg Parade Pictures by Kim Thompsen
December 15, 2021
Christmas in Keenesburg was a complete HIT this year and I want to extend a big thank you the Keenesburg and surrounding communities for making that happen! Early in the season, I was informed that there would not be a holiday parade this year due to lack of participation in previous years therefore resulting in less people wanting to help put it together. Being from a small town myself, I remember always loving the parade of lights and wanted to make sure it happened. After putting out the “feelers” for interest, I quickly learned we would have more than enough to make it happen! I had 36 total float entries, making it the biggest Christmas parade of all time! Business’s, families, town residents, out of town business’s, and more! Trucks, tractors, Rzr’s, 4 wheelers, horses, cars, floats, and people were all decked out with bright lights and Christmas décor! The streets were lined with smiling faces and the town was truly filled with Christmas spirit! After more than a year of COVID, it was so refreshing to have a night of normalcy in our town! Thank you so very much to everyone who participated in making this day one to remember! I look forward to having an even bigger parade next year! Merry Christmas to all! Cheyenne Stolz -Bombshell Bling Salon