The Lost Creek Guide March 6, 2024

Volume 17 • Edition 05

March 6, 2024

Delivering to over 18,000 homes & businesses including all of Fort Lupton and Lochbuie.

“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

Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 2024 At the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Keenesburg, Colorado

by Lost Creek Guide, Pictures

taken by Pat Lentell

This past Saturday night the Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual banquet celebrating the year’s events. The Animal Sanctuary is always an excellent venue. Close to two hundred attendees were present enjoying a meal prepared by the 1919 Café, formerly the Main Street Café in Keenesburg. The food was very good, and the desserts were spectacular. There was an acoustical guitar player, Tony Medina, during cocktails where attendees had a chance to review the silent auction items and network. There were over twenty giveaways including restaurant gift cards and wine & cheese baskets. One lucky husband and wife each won a giveaway, the odds of which are astronomical of not happening.

During dinner Pat Craig, Executive Director of the Would Animal Sanctuary give the group an overview of how the whole Wild Animal Sanctuary concept evolved. It was a very informative and personal story.

Chamber President Maggie Munoz and Hudson Mayor Joe Hommock presented the annual recognition awards. Business of the Year was United Power recognized for their strong support for the Chamber, its activities and the communities that make up the Chamber focus, Hudson, Keenesburg and Lochbuie. The nonprofit for the Year was the American Legion Post 180 Ladies Auxiliary, recognized for all the good work they do for the Legion and all the communities throughout the year. The Citizen of the Year was Sheree Sloan. Sheree’s Seniors is an effort spearheaded by Sheree that focuses on bringing some Christmas cheer to seniors who too often, are forgotten in care facilities. This year over three hundred people donated to help Sheree and her helpers provide some Christmas cheer to many.

The silent and live auctions were supported by over thirty companies that donated items. Our auctioneer, John Bowman, worked very hard to generate interest and raise money for the organization. The Heads or Tails activity was a high point of the night as there was good participation by the audience with much anticipation. Listed below are pictures of the award recipients as well as a list of the individuals and companies that support the Chamber with donations. A big thank you to all our supporters and congratulations to the Chamber volunteers who worked so hard on making this another successful event. More pictures can be seen on pages 8 & 9.

BNSF Facility Growth in the Hudson Lochbuie Area Begins to Surface

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide

In discussion and speculation for a while the BNSF Railroad development plans for the Hudson and Lochbuie area are beginning to see the light of day. The overall development is viewed as a thirty-year time frame and has been estimated at a value of one billion dollars, creating over 25,000 jobs, encompassing between 1500 to 3000 acres eventually. Exact timing and sizing is difficult to predict as it relates to the economy and demand but the framework for development is beginning to be fleshed out. The graphic below reflects the near-term current annexations that are in progress. The area outlined in red is the Lochbuie Southwest Holdings No. 2 & 3, representing a little under 200 acres; the outlined in light green reflects the Hudson MSLCAT annexation which represents about 120 acres and the jade outlined area is the Hudson Long annexation representing 292.1 acres. All three of these annexations are in various stages of approval. As you can imagine a complex effort involving many pieces to the puzzle. The RE3j school district, the Hudson/Lochbuie Fire Protection District and the High Plains Library District will all directly benefit no matter what the annexations evolve to. How the tax benefits accrue to the towns of Lochbuie and Hudson remains to be determined as the annexations proceed. We will attempt to keep you updated as more facts are available and are released for public information. This is a work in progress.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

Page 2: Way of the World

Page 2–3: Political Letters & Information

Page 4–5: RE3J Newsletter & Annual Report

Page 6: Coming Events at South Platte Historical Society

Page 8–9: Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

Page 10: Hoyt Community Center & Chili Event

Page 10: Weld Central Celebrates National FFA Week

Page 11: Cardinal Community Academy Spelling Bee

Page 16: 2024 Assembly/Convention Report from Former CO GOP Teller Committee Chair

Maggie Munoz, SEWCCC President, Accepting for United Power: Samantha Riblett, Brian Blehm, & Ursala Morga, and Hudson Mayor Joe Hommock

Maggie Munoz, SEWCCC President, Accepting for United Power: Samantha Riblett, Brian Blehm, &Ursala Morga, and Hudson Mayor Joe Hommock

Maggie Munoz, SEWCCC President, accepting for the Auxiliary: Karen Baumgartner, and Mayor of Hudson Joe Hommock

Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet

Way of the World

by Bob Grand

At breakfast Saturday we had our usual delightful visit among friends along with our usual robust discussion. The where is the commonsense discussion question took center stage. But another topic also began to surface. It was that of bullies. In the old days you thought about bullies in high school, and they were easy to spot, loud, pushy, obnoxious people who were undisguised. You knew who they were, and you could choose to ignore them. Today though there appears to be a far more insidious group out there who profess to be doing the right thing for you, whether you know it or want it or not. These include many elected and appointed officials and their bureaucratic staff at all levels of government. This problem at first appeared in Washington, but it is cascading downward. Most of these folks are not elected, they are appointed. They seem to be accountable to no one, much less the people who pay their salaries, the taxpayers.

We allow this because we never have time to participate, so these people think they have free reign to do what they think is best for us. Ever try and read the attachments to agendas for public meetings, sometimes totaling in the hundreds of pages of attachments? Often difficult to read. They comply with the rules but what about the underlying intent?

The major parties only really want the party loyalists to participate, who they can easily control by the mechanics of the party apparatus that has been set up and is rigidly in place. For the Democrats this translates into a very controlled access to run for public office. None of that infighting that the pesky Republicans have an affinity for. The Republicans on the other hand seem to enjoy forming circles and shooting at each other. Meanwhile the unaffiliated voters look at both and say do I really need or want to participate in this circus?

You ask why our voter turnout is so low? When was the last time you saw a big “turnout in the get out the vote effort” by either of the major parties? They do not want it. They want to maintain control of their world, which is really our world. Jon Caldara and Dick Wadhams had an interesting discussion about the Republican Party on one of Jon Caldara’s podcasts. Wadhams asked how you can expect to grow the Republican party that focuses on an effort of subtraction. There by increasing the purity of the Republican Party but resulting in having a smaller and smaller base. Seems like a no brainer but who says there are brains involved.

Most voters in Colorado are unaffiliated. There appears to be no significant effort to try and focus on that group along with attracting dissatisfied Republicans and Democrats to form a coalition of the willing and able to take back our political world from those, who I believe, are another example of bullies. The worse kind, the zealots who think they know better, and who expect us to listen intently and just follow their direction like sheep. I ask you to think about that. We need to get out of the Biden Trump game and focus on doing what is right for our future generations of grandchildren and great grandchildren and work towards leaving them a better place to live and thrive in. I am not convinced most of our officials have that as their prime focus.

The illegal alien invasion that we are living with continues to make bigger and bigger headlines as the actual cost in actual dollars and the emotional costs are becoming more and more obvious. If it was a border state problem no one seemed to care but now that the invasion has moved into our cities, where the support systems have been advertised for so long, the cities are suddenly alarmed. Well welcome to reality. The impact on our hospitals, school and municipal services has become unmanageable. The impact on crime, drugs and human trafficking is out of control. One does not want to be insensitive to the overwhelming number of people who are just looking for a better life. But in these numbers of people there is a percentage who are truly undesirable. Try explaining that it is the right thing to do to a family who has lost a loved one because one of these bad apples has perpetrated an unspeakable act on a family member.

We are a nation founded and based on the principle of law, we should expect those laws to be followed and enforced. If you do not approve of a law, work to get it changed but do not ignore it. To do so brings chaos. The problem is we have a government that seems to believe in a two-tier system, and certain people decide who falls into what tier. This is fundamentally wrong. Reminds me of the bully discussion we had earlier. As a nation we are on a very slippery slope. If you disagree just look at what is happening in California, Oregon, and Washington and many of our major cities. Lawlessness is something that should not be tolerated. If the city or state cannot enforce its laws citizens deserve protection, that is a fundamental right guaranteed in the Constitution. Do something about it.

Our elected officials should be focusing on the significant issues we face as a country. It is our responsibility as citizens to continually remind them. If they do not listen, then vote them out of office. That is your responsibility.

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

Why has Weld County Commissioner for District 3, Lori Saine been stripped of her Weld County Department Coordinator Roles by a 4 to 1 vote by the County Commissioners?

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide

As one of 70,000 voters in Weld County Commissioner District 3 I have asked three Weld County Commissioners why she was relieved of her coordinator responsibilities. I have been told it is a personnel matter and cannot be discussed. I have gone to three Weld County Council Meetings to attempt to find out why our elected District 3 Commissioner, Lori Saine, has been stripped of her Coordinator role. Having re-read the County Charter, it is because the County Council has no authority, in the revised Weld Charter, to hold Weld County Commissioners accountable. I have been told I am getting a letter to that effect. But we have a primary coming up where Commissioner Saine has an opponent. It is important for voters to know what the decision process was for the four commissioners who voted to take a major responsibility away from her. Ms. Saine alluded to me it was politically motivated but has provided no documentation to support that. If what she implied is true, she should be reinstated. If it is not and there is a substantive issue, given it was a four to one vote, she should resign. If she done something justifying the actions that the other four commissioners have taken what are our options as voters?

We can attempt a recall which is time-consuming and expensive. To have a recall you also have to state the facts why the recall is justified. There are no facts on the table., or we could wait until the next election and vote her out of office. They say to successfully grow mushrooms you have to keep them in the dark and give them plenty of fertilizer. That may be fine for mushrooms but as a voter I would expect a little better treatment. So, what is the story and how long do we have to wait to hear it?

The Importance of Voting

by Carlos Barron

When you think of civic duty what comes to mind? Maybe serving your country’s armed forces, serving in public office, getting involved with local governments and informed voting for candidates you’ve researched? Many voters won’t, can’t or refuse to believe their vote will count; that because they are one in millions, they can’t make a difference. I believe we are stronger in numbers, including voting. If you’re standing on the sidelines, you’ve lost your voice.

If we truly want change, we must get involved, either by helping your chosen candidate get on the ballot, spreading the word of laws that go against your beliefs and rights, voting in elections and voicing your opinion in polls; at the very least sign a petition for a cause or candidate you believe in.

Sadly, in my experience petitioning I get comments like “I do not get involved in politics”, “I don’t vote”, “I am not registered to vote” or “I don’t care”. Forgive me for being blunt but the people that think that way have no right to complain about what happens in the country or in their daily life. If you don’t get involved, you can’t make the difference you want. Unfortunately, in many instances those are the people who complain the loudest.

I recently took a tour with our Weld County clerk and recorder Carly Koppes. She did a great job in demonstrating the process of counting our ballots. The process starts with picking up mail in ballots at the various drop boxes located around the county. All ballots are picked up in marked Weld County vehicles by volunteer election judges wearing yellow vests. They are put in a bag and tagged at the pickup box location. Ballots are then brought to Greeley to the elections building where they are received by bi-partisan volunteer judges who verify the bag tag. The ballots are then counted in groups of 100 ballots -still in their respective envelopes with the voter signature on it-and run through a counting and signature verifying machine called Agilis. This machine has files of every voter’s signature from the previous election to verify the signature belongs to the voter. This is just the start of a multilayered verification process. After the ballots are completely authenticated, those ballots are taken to the a counting scanner and run through to count the votes for the candidates and ballot questions. Those ballots are then tagged again and placed into the clear containers and kept for the election audits. Election audits take place after election day to make the counts official. That is why when you see election results on election night, they are unofficial counts until they become verified by election auditors. Each county reports their unofficial counts on their county website and then reports to the secretary of state.

Many voters have lost faith in the voting process believing the elections are stolen. Consequently candidates, especially the Republicans, suffered in elections since 2020. Many voters did not go out and vote because of this belief. But your vote does count, your voice is heard, and you will make a difference.

Another important factor of voting is research; vital to make the correct decision. Before every election a blue information book in sent to all registered voter that includes information on ballot questions. That is the least you can do to research before you make your decisions. You can also find a lot of information on candidates and laws on your elected official’s social media pages. Many of them are very helpful in spreading the word of what is happening and give you resources to study the issue further. There are resources and tours you may take that are free to better understand the election process. In conclusion, please do your due diligence and vote. Americans are powerful! And it’s more than a right you have as an American citizen, it is your duty as a member of our republic.

Letter to the People of House District 63 –

Stewardship Over Sustainability

by Dusty Johnson, House District 63 Candidate March 2024

In today’s media driven world, perception is everything. In fact, perception is often trusted more than the reality of things. That is why it is important to put those with the most education or experience in the position of providing the information. To us in the 63rd, this means that those in agricultural and rural communities need to lead the discussions and drive the narrative. We cannot afford to sit back and let those in the urban areas label what we do or take lead on the stories that are told about our way of life. People from the metropolitan areas who don’t understand our way of life are trying to tell our communities out here in rural Colorado what is sustainable. Big government is trying to pick winners and losers in the agricultural sector based on what they perceive is a “better” practice.

I cannot say what is or is not a sustainable agricultural practice. I have looked and have not yet been able to find a solid definition of sustainable farming and ranching practices that will work in all areas of our state. What may be a sustainable practice for us in Northeast Colorado may not be practical in Southwest Colorado, and vice versa. In short, the notion of sustainability just does not work in the way the media or masses are trying to sell it.

Farmers and ranchers are the best at what they do and are the best stewards of the land. You know this and I know this; however, most of the population does not. It is time we change the discussions to stewardship over sustainability. Stewardship is not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Stewardship allows for self-accountability and the freedom to choose what is best for one’s own agricultural production and family business.

This mindset of stewardship over sustainability can also be applied outside of the agricultural sector. Stewardship applies to family and the way we live. It is how we choose to raise our children and what values we instill in them. It is how we choose to handle our own medical decisions and health. Stewardship over sustainability allows for people to oversee their own means of livelihood and ways of life instead of the government telling them what is allegedly sustainable. We need to take back the narrative, which I am up for.

Dear Residents of Weld County District 3,

Weld County deserves a full-time county commissioner who shows up to work every day.

I am Adrienne Sandoval, former Trustee and Mayor for Platteville and 5th generation Weld County resident. I am running to be your next Weld County Commissioner in District 3.

The communities of Weld County District 3 deserve a fresh, optimistic, and principled voice on the Board of County Commissioners. Being on Platteville’s town board for the last ten years has taught me how to work with fellow town board members and lead a high-performing team to ensure we are getting things done responsibly and efficiently for residents. I have fought for Platteville in state and county transportation meetings, county roundtables, and county coalitions.

I support agriculture and small business, am fiscally conservative, and will prioritize keeping Weld County debt-free.

I have been endorsed by over 25 fellow elected officials, such as State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, former Clerk and Recorder and Commissioner Steve Moreno, and Sheriff Steve Reams, including all unaffiliated conservative and Republican Mayors in Weld County District 3.

You can find out more about me on my website at SandovalForWeld.com.

I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail!

Adrienne Sandoval

SandovalForWeld.com

adrienne@sandovalforweld.com

970-222-3238

Republican-Led Anti-Human Trafficking Bill Passes in the Senate!

DENVER – Today, the Colorado State Senate passed Senator Byron Pelton’s antihuman trafficking bill, Senate Bill 24-035. The bill will increase the punishment for human trafficking crimes by redefining them as crimes of violence. The bill also lengthens the statute of limitations from its current 5 years to 20 years.

“For too long human traffickers have been evading justice thanks in part to our state’s soft-on-crime human trafficking laws,” Senator Byron Pelton said. “It’s an insult to victims and their families to deny them the justice they are owed– this bill is long overdue. By increasing the penalties and lengthening the statute of limitations we are sending a clear signal to human traffickers that God’s children are not for sale!”

During the bill’s committee hearing, dozens of human trafficking survivors shared their stories and spoke in support of the bill. Debate on the bill was brief, but not without some opposition from Democrats. Ultimately the bill passed in the Senate on a 33-1 vote.

The bill now faces a potentially challenging future in the state House. Earlier this month, Democrats in the House State Affairs committee killed Senator Van Winkle’s bill, HB24-1092, which would have increased the mandatory prison sentence for those who prostitute children.

Colorado’s conviction rate for human trafficking is notoriously low. For several years legislators in the state Capitol have tried and failed to overhaul Colorado’s human trafficking laws.

Gabe Evans’ Statement Regarding Scott James’ Withdrawal from CD 8 Race

(FORT LUPTON, CO) – State Representative and 8th Congressional District Republican candidate Gabe Evans today issued the following statement regarding the withdrawal of Scott James from the race:

“Scott James is a friend and ally who ran a spirited race with integrity. I appreciate that he made me a better candidate in the process and look forward to continuing to work with him in the years ahead as he continues his service in Weld County. We are united in our desire to advance the conservative cause, and that begins with stopping Joe Biden’s and Yadira Caraveo’s extreme, far-left agenda.”

Learn more about Gabe Evans’ campaign at www.ElectGabeEvans.com.

PAID FOR BY ELECTGABEEVANS.COM

Draft Bill Puts Numerous Places Off Limits To Concealed Carry; Democrats Test Limits Of ‘Sensitive Spaces’

by Sherrie Peif, Complete Colorado Page 2

DENVER — A bill banning the licensed carrying of a concealed handgun in many newly designated “sensitive spaces” around Colorado may soon be making its way through the legislature, despite similar laws passed in other states already being challenged in court, and losing.

The bill has not yet been introduced, but at least one version of a draft has been circulating, showing how far majority Democrats are willing to go to restrict Coloradans’ gun rights.

According to the copy obtained by Complete Colorado, the bill is almost identical to legislation already passed in California and New York. Those laws are already being challenged and are expected to eventually make their way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The legislation “prohibits a person from carrying a firearm, both openly and concealed,” in a variety of public locations specified in the bill, with up to a $250 fine for the first offense and a maximum of $1,000 for every violation after.

Current sponsors of the bill are all Democrats: Sen. Sonya Jaquez Lewis, Boulder County; Sen. Chris Kolker, Jefferson/Arapahoe County; Sen. Tom Sullivan, Arapahoe/ Douglas County; Rep. Kyle Brown, Boulder County; and Mandy Lindsay, Arapahoe County. Language for the bill was taken directly from Everytown for Gun Safety, an extremist national organization with the goal of banning certain firearms to the general public.

School safety on the chopping block

Notable in the bill is the repeal of legal authority for concealed carry permit holders to “have a handgun in the permittee’s vehicle on school property and carry a concealed handgun on school property while on duty as a school security officer.”

That piece would take away affordable armed security for charter schools and school districts across the state, said Laura Carno, the founder and president of Faculty/ Administrator Safety Training and Emergency Response (FASTER) Colorado, a non-profit that raises money to deliver the necessary training to employees of school districts, charter schools, and private schools as they look for ways to protect their students in a safe and economical manner.

“You can’t disarm the districts that are already carrying,” Carno said. “There are (at least) 400 people today already carrying in schools. In the 20 years that this law has been in place, nothing has happened. Nothing bad has happened. But what we do know that has happened is bad guys keep coming onto school grounds trying to kill people, sometimes being successful, and there has been no armed staff member on Colorado K-12 campuses that has done anything bad. So why are they trying to do

Draft Bill Puts Numerous Places Off Limits To Concealed Carry; Democrats Test Limits Of ‘Sensitive Spaces’ continued on page 12...

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Morgan County, Colorado citizens,

My name is Kelvin Bernhardt, and I am running for District 1 County Commissioner! A little about myself as a lifelong Morgan County resident: I was born a 3rd generation farmer in the Wiggins area and raised with core values of faith in God, love of family, service to the community, and hard work. I truly believe that living with these four guiding principles is what has allowed me to lead the full life I have, thus far.

My wife of 38 years, Lorie, and I have proudly called Wiggins our home for decades and decades. Our son Kyle, his wife, Kaitlyn, and my beautiful granddaughter, Kaleia (aka THE BOSS), have also made their home in Wiggins. Lorie is a retired teacher, having served Fort Morgan’s elementary youth for 34 years. I proudly spent 20 years simultaneously farming and serving as a firefighter for the Wiggins Volunteer Fire Department. After this, I moved into a career in law enforcement with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, where I have spent the last 25 years and have diligently served as an Investigator for the last 12. If elected as District 1 County Commissioner, I will retire from law enforcement and will make Commissioner my sole focus. It brings me joy to know that upon retirement from the Sheriff’s Department, I will still be able to serve my community in such an impactful way.

As I mentioned, faith in God and service to my community is at the heart of everything I do. For all my adult life, I have actively (and happily) served Wiggins Community Church as a board member, 13-year co-youth leader, co-marriage class instructor, audio/visual team member, Night to Shine volunteer, and more. The value and impact these many positions and volunteer hours have placed upon my life is immeasurable! A service-minded heart is my calling.

With 45 years of experience as a first responder within this county, I can confidently say I know it well. All 1,296 square miles of which I have personally patrolled. Service to this county has allowed me not only the opportunity to protect its citizens (of all walks of life) but to build positive working relationships with the many departments and divisions that make up Morgan County. CSP, Division of Wildlife, Ambulance services, County Coroner’s office, the various police and fire departments, Wiggins and Weldon Valley school districts, and Road and Bridge are just some of the departments I have had the pleasure of learning from and working with to serve to the very best of my ability. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to serve as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the Weldon Valley staff and administration for nearly 20 years; ensuring the children and staff are safe has been a top priority.

In my time of service to this community, I have had the opportunity to connect with a multitude of our county’s citizens; and with that, I see a true need to improve insurance benefits for the families of county employees. I have watched valuable county employees voluntarily leave their positions for opportunities that offer more valuable benefit packages. Another ongoing issue is the lack of infrastructure in our Justice Center/Jail Complex. Our jail has been overflowing for a long time, and unfortunately, numbers are not letting up. I want to be sure that a plan and timeline are in place for either renovations or rebuilding. Communication via social media is another area of need. A Facebook page with current county roads or bridge priorities being worked on would help citizens’ understanding. These are just a couple examples of the needs our citizens and I see, and I am committed to working to better the lives of our county employees and our citizens.

I intend to learn from current and former commissioners, study the budget, and take the time to understand the issues facing this wonderful community of great, hard-working people. I will continue to listen to citizens and employees alike to understand wants and needs, while also understanding there isn’t enough money to cover all needs - let alone the wants. Priorities will be set after careful examination of the whole picture. I will be fair and take a well-balanced approach to finances, growth, and development. I will seek to understand the laws and their implications regarding taxes, planning and zoning, structure maintenance, new building projects, and more.

Depending on who you talk to in the county, you will hear about different county needs - better roads, new buildings, new businesses, and many other issues. I would love to say there is a quick fix to all the problems, but unfortunately, the money and staff needed are not there. Priorities will be set, and I will work with the other Commissioners as a team to find solutions to make Morgan County a better place to work and live. There are always two sides to every decision that needs to be made, and I will examine the good and the bad outcomes before making decisions. Regular office hours, phone calls, and meetings in the county’s various towns are ways that I want to hear from Morgan County citizens. I plan to interact with all the departments of Morgan County to learn more about the workings of each department so I can make informed decisions. One of our biggest issues is the amount of unfilled positions within our county. To combat the multitude of open positions, I will encourage each of the County’s divisions to get involved in job fairs and career days at the local High Schools. We need to encourage the local youth to look at future careers in Morgan County. If we garner interest in working for our county, maybe our youth will stay to become active, long-term community members. I will continue to take pride in dedicating my time to serving Morgan County and Morgan County’s 29,000 residents as your next Commissioner.

I want to do the right thing, I will work to do the right thing, and I WILL do the right thing! As your District 1 County Commissioner, I will work with officials to find the best, most suitable answers to the multitude of problems we face as a County. I promise to lead with honor, integrity, and dedication. I request that you consider me, Kelvin Bernhardt, as your next District 1 County Commissioner. Thank you. I would be honored to receive your vote!

Respectfully submitted, Kelvin S. Bernhardt

Contact: Cell 970-768-3677

KELVIN.BERNHARDTFORCOMMISSIONER@GMAIL.COM

FACEBOOK@KELVINBERNHARDTFORCOUNTYCOMMISSIONER

REGISTERED AGENT: KELVIN SCOTT BERNHARDT

All signage: PAID FOR BY KELVIN BERNHARDT

Upcoming Events At South Platte

Valley Historical Park

by Jackie Smith

Mark your calendars on April 1 from 6 to 7:30 P.M., the Historical Park will welcome the owls (more than one) from the Raptor Education Foundation. It is free and open to the public. Enjoy a potluck meal, so bring a food dish to share. It is your chance to get close with these gorgeous birds. Kids will enjoy this one, please do not be shy and bring them.

Photo Provided by Raptor Education Foundation.

On May 4, 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., it is going to be epic! The society will host our annual Heritage Fair. All the old favorites will be there and some exciting new ones.

Welcoming back are the extraordinary Buffalo Soldiers and their horses, the amazing Colorado Vintage Baseball Association, French Voyageur Camp, Revolutionary Re-enactors, Colorado Historical Military Group, 23 Regiment of British Foot Soldiers, Fjellborg Vikings (Tentative), US Corps Topographical Engineers, American Civil War Re-enactors, Society for Creative Anachronisms, Reenactors will also be in the Historic Fort, 1850’s Trapper Cabin, 1875 Independence School, the 1867 Donelson House, and the Post and Beam Barn.

Returning, but have not been seen in a while are the Maroon Bells Morris dancers who portray ancient English folk dance, and the Native American Dancers.

New this year will be Author Randi Samuelson- Brown who writes historical western novels and several local museums showcasing some of their artifacts. Of course, there will be a few wonderful surprises. A small fee will be charged at the gate with more information to come.

We hope to see you at these events, follow us for more information on Facebook, South Platte Valley Historical Park. Watch for updates on our website www.spvhs.org

We are located at 2001 Historic Pkwy. Fort Lupton. On Highway 85, the Northside of Fort Lupton, turn West on 14-1/2. The park will be on your right.

Rosen: Biden Plays Lead Role In Colorado’s Sanctuary State Woes

by Mike Rosen, Complete Colorado Page 2

A recent commentary by Denver Gazette editor Vince Bzdek raised an intriguing question: “Is migrant crisis fed’s fault, or Colorado’s?” I’d say this isn’t an eitheror-question. This unprecedented magnitude of illegal alien entries into the U.S., encouraged and allowed by President Biden and openly accommodated by Colorado, Denver, and other Democrat-controlled sanctuary cities, is indisputably the fault of all of the above along with the hundreds of billions of dollars that have been squandered to accommodate it.

This catastrophe was triggered and has been accelerating from the very beginning of the Biden presidency while the president and his Secretary of Homeland Security, Alejandro Mayorkas, have pooh-poohed it, preposterously claiming, “our border is secure!” Only now, in the first stage of his reelection campaign with polls showing massive disapproval of his performance on immigration policy and border security has the word “crisis” finally passed Biden’s lips. And even then, absurdly blaming it on Donald Trump.

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. Someone always gets the bill. When the feds funnel billions of dollars to subsidize sanctuary cities for the care and welfare of millions of illegal aliens, the cost will ultimately be passed on to federal taxpayers, including folks who don’t live in those sanctuary cities. They shouldn’t be forced to bail out the sanctuary cities whose elected “social justice” warriors brought this on themselves by sanctimoniously rolling out the welcome mat to begin with. Of course, that was before the deluge. Suddenly, they don’t want any more. Real justice would be best served by having the politicians who created this mess and the people who elected them open their own homes to all those who crossed our border illegally. Fat chance.

Bzdek wasn’t actually opposing subsidies for sanctuary cities in his commentary. The thrust of which was that Colorado hasn’t milked the federal cow as well as border states like Texas. Especially the city of El Paso, thanks to its Congresswoman Veronica Escobar. He said with envy, she’s “been able to grease the skids for federal reimbursements” and wonders why Colorado’s congressional delegation hasn’t. Perhaps because Escobar has more clout as a leader of the radical left-wing House Progressive Caucus that dominates the Democrats’ legislative agenda with 102 members out of the party’s 213. Oh, and she also represents a congressional district that’s 82% Latino.

El Paso is a border city that’s become a way station for foreign migrants. That includes those who illegally sneak across our border as well as those ushered across under Biden’s outrageous misapplication and abuse of “parole.” That’s a quasi-legal immigration status that’s customarily granted by the federal government to a relatively small number of refugees and other foreign nationals, but nowhere near the many millions Biden has extended it to. Ironically, El Paso’s alien intruders want out of that city for fear of deportation. Which is why they head for sanctuary cities like Denver that provide free housing, food, clothing, medical care, public education, and also shields them from federal immigration law enforcement.

Which brings us to the so-called “bipartisan” Senate bill that failed on February 7 with all but a handful of Democrats voting for it and all but a handful of Republicans voting against it. That’s hardly bipartisanship. With Biden’s public approval rating on immigration tanking, his handlers were desperate to change the campaign narrative. Their scheme was to contrive a bill so deficient on border security they knew House Republicans would never accept it. After which they’d claim Republicans stonewalled this solution to the crisis (which was all Biden’s doing) with the liberal media echoing

the new narrative. And that’s just what happened, with Biden blaming it on Trump, to boot.

At Biden’s insistence, the 370-page, $94 billion so-called Senate Border Bill (with less than $20 billion for the border) was bundled together with aid to Israel and Ukraine getting the bulk of the money — two unrelated issues. With progressive Democrats opposed to Israel and right-wing Republicans opposed to Ukraine, the bill was guaranteed to fail. When it did, Democrats and media liberals absurdly claimed the failed Senate bill wasn’t “perfect” but was a “compromise” that gave Republicans most of what they wanted.

Nonsense. In April, House Republicans had passed HR-2, the Secure the Border Act, listing their demands, including a 900-mile border wall. The failed Senate bill included no border wall and rejected many other key Republican security and immigration reform measures. Instead, Senate Democrats authorized 5,000 illegal crossings a day! That’s no compromise. Why allow any? And they threw in $1.4 billion for private organizations that aid illegal aliens. If they’re truly private, they should fund it themselves.

If Republicans approved the Senate bill, Biden claimed he’d “shut down the border right now and fix it quickly.” That’s laughable. He didn’t need this bill to do that. He already has that power if he’d simply exercise it and let the border patrol do its job, as Trump did. Republicans would have been crazy to accept that deal or trust Biden and the Democrats to enforce border security. Their vision of “comprehensive” immigration reform is a very porous border and expedited citizenship for countless illegal aliens who will return the favor by electing Democrats forever.

Longtime KOA radio talk host and columnist for the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News Mike Rosen now writes for CompleteColorado.com.

Here’s to the last 85 years and the brilliant future we’ll create together. We’ve evolved, but our dedication to powering progress and making connections that contribute to a stronger tomorrow remains unwavering. We’re here for tomorrow - we’re here for good.

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A “Breathtaking” Request: Colorado’s Public Defenders Say They Need 230 More Attorneys

To Provide Effective Counsel

The biggest factor driving the need for attorneys is a 4,500% increase in the volume of evidence they must scrutinize in the digital age by Brian Eason, The Colorado Sun Colorado needs three times the number of public defenders it employs today to meet new workload standards for criminal defense, according to a national study backed by the American Bar Association.

For next budget year, which starts July 1, Colorado’s Office of the State Public Defender is asking for 70 more attorneys and 58 new support staff, including paralegals and investigators, at a total cost of $14.7 million.

That’s still far less than 230 new attorneys the office says it needs — let alone the 700-plus hires it would take to triple current staffing levels to meet the study’s recommendations.

But even the partial request was enough to shock members of Colorado’s Joint Budget Committee.

“It’s breathtaking,” said Rep. Shannon Bird, a Westminster Democrat who chairs the JBC.

The biggest factor driving the need for attorneys is a massive increase in the volume of evidence they must scrutinize in the digital age, a list that includes police dashboard and body camera footage as well as text messages and other electronic media.

All told, attorneys now have 45 times more discovery material to review than they did in 2016, said Megan Ring, the state public defender. That’s left public defense attorneys regularly working 60 to 80 hours a week.

Officials fear the rising workload could raise concerns about whether the state is consistently meeting its constitutional obligations to provide effective legal representation to defendants at trial.

“We are getting overwhelmed with work,” Ring told the JBC in a December hearing. “This is an absolute, absolute need.”

During last year’s legislative session, lawmakers approved pay raises for public defenders that agency leaders say has helped make the job more attractive. But raises alone aren’t enough, Ring said.

Excessive caseloads “inevitably cause harm”

The national findings, released in September 2023 by the national bar and the RAND Corporation, underscore the dire state of public defense in Colorado at a time when the state’s Democratic majority is pushing to reduce mass incarceration.

“Excessive caseloads violate ethics rules and inevitably cause harm,” concluded the study.

The last time the office requested a major infusion of new attorneys was in 2020, when officials said they needed 36 new public defenders to keep up with steady increases in felony caseloads, in addition to the growth in digital evidence. At the time, the typical attorney’s workload was 47 hours a week, according to JBC documents.

Two years later, lawmakers approved another big staff increase: 104 new paralegals. But the public defender’s office says the paralegals can’t handle all of the work.

Not only do attorneys have to review more evidence than they used to, they also have to staff new courtrooms that have opened in recent years.

Additionally, they work closely with those deemed incompetent to stand trial. But while lawmakers and the Polis administration have pushed to increase funding for psychiatric beds to help the state work through its competency waitlist, public defenders say their role in the process has not received enough attention.

“The state of affairs is that our clients’ constitutional rights are being consistently violated,” said Lucienne Ohanian, Colorado’s chief deputy public defender.

Budget writers hesitant

U.S. Department of Justice guidelines direct public defenders offices to limit caseloads for attorneys in line with national standards as well as local needs. The RAND study represented the first major update to national caseload standards in 50 years. Colorado’s last workload study was completed in 2017.

But the sheer size of the request may be too much for lawmakers to swallow particularly without an updated state-level study to back up the national recommendations. The budget committee this month put off a decision until after the state’s next revenue forecasts in March, amid misgivings from some budget writers.

“I’m very hesitant to take action on this until we know how much money we have,” Bird said at the meeting.

JBC’s nonpartisan staff has recommended approving the new hires, but spreading them over the next two years.

Colorado’s public defender staffing levels may fall short of the resources criminal prosecutors bring to trial, JBC documents suggest.

While district attorneys’ offices along the Front Range employ more than 580 lawyers, the state had just 380 public defenders working in the region as of November 2022. The public defender’s office has around 65% as many attorneys as Colorado prosecutor offices, even as they defend 70% of all criminal cases and upward of 80% of serious crimes.

On the other hand, some budget writers pointed out, prosecutors also have to meet a

higher burden of proof — beyond a reasonable doubt — to secure a conviction.

District attorney offices in Colorado are funded by a mix of state and local tax dollars, while public defenders are funded entirely by the state government.

Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver, said she was ready to approve it, citing conversations she’d had with public defenders. The workload the state is expecting of its defense attorneys is “unreasonable,” she said. There may be a broader reckoning over public defender staffing still to come. The office is under review by the state auditor’s office its first performance audit in 20 years.

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

Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce

Annual Banquet 2024 continued on page 9...

Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 2024

Photos by Lost Creek Guide, Photographer Pat Lentell

Southeast Weld County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet 2024 continued

Photos by Lost Creek Guide, Photographer Pat Lentell

Hoyt Community Center

by Steve Corner, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide, Photographer Pat Lentell

The Community purchased the building in 1946. At that time, they did dances and card playing. The Hoyt Fair used to be there until the late 70’s, the fair was always well attended. The Hoyt Home Circle Club has been there since 1915. There was a church service there on Sundays for many years.

We started renovating the building around 2012, starting with a beekeeper removing the bees from the building, there were several hives. Since then, we have removed and improved the windows, siding, electrical and the roof above the stage.

The old and dead trees were removed and all tree stumps cleaned up. New trees were planted and a drip system installed. Through the generosity of the Community and people who donated their time and labor, this project was able to be done.

Our Chili and Soup Super is always the last Sunday of February. Members of the community supply the chili, soup, desserts, give-a-ways and silent auction items.

We appreciate everyone who attends this annual fundraiser and helps throughout the year.

Weld Central FFA celebrates National FFA Week

by Sarah Madsen

Weld Central FFA had a busy week celebrating National FFA Week during the week of February 20th-23rd, 2024.

On Tuesday, FFA officers and FFA parents helped and prepared a pancake breakfast for the staff at Weld Central High School. In class, students wrote thank you letters to local farmers and also participated in the Ag Olympics obstacle course competition in the Ag Shop.

On Wednesday, FFA members that participate in CDE’s (Career Development Events) and LDE’s (Leadership Development Events) created hands-on workshops for the 8th graders at Weld Central Middle School and Cardinal Community Academy. The middle school students came to the high school to learn about FFA and these activities that they can participate in. Also on Wednesday, officers went to 4th grade classrooms at Cardinal Community Academy, Hoff Elementary, Hudson Elementary, and Lochbuie Elementary and taught the students a lesson about beef cattle. They delivered the lesson and a craft with the kids.

On Thursday, students in Ag classes celebrated Ag Appreciation Day. FFA members went to the auditorium to listen to guest speaker, Mr. Chad Reznicek. He spoke to students about mental health in agriculture and for farmers and ranchers.

On Friday, around 100 FFA members helped with the Barnyard Day event where students brought in equipment, livestock, were group leaders and put on workshops for 1st graders to learn about agriculture in our community. Students came from Cardinal Community Academy, Hoff Elementary, Hudson Elementary and Meadow Ridge Elementary. National FFA Officer, Morgan Anderson from Ohio as well as National FFA and Colorado FFA Staff came to visit our program on this day. Students got to hear from her and connect with her

The whole week was a huge success celebrated throughout the whole school district! Thank you to everyone who made this week possible!

Republican Caucus Weld County District H

Oil Companies Used Fraudulent Scheme To Shift Liability For Orphaned Colorado Wells Onto The State, Lawsuit Claims

Denver-based HRM Resources acted as a middleman, moving wells from larger companies to smaller ones that went bankrupt, lawsuit says by Mark Jaffe, The Colorado Sun Trusting orphan well sits at the end of Cindy McCormick’s driveway. She passes it when she goes out and when she comes home — a horsehead pump jack, a dilapidated shed, big weather-stained tanks and a pit.

The old oil and gas site has become a dumping ground attracting mattresses, couches and an old foosball table. The sign on the well pad located in unincorporated Adams County identifies the owner as Painted Pegasus Petroleum LLC — a bankrupt Texas company.

It is just one orphan well among an estimated 1,800 in Colorado, but a lawsuit filed in Adams County District Court contends it is part of a large, fraudulent scheme to dump old, played-out wells onto the state.

Adams County leads the state in orphan wells with 318. “It is a serious concern for the county and a growing concern as the number keeps increasing incrementally,” said Gregory Dean, the county’s oil and gas administrator.

The lawsuit, in which McCormick and her husband, Ronald, are among the plaintiffs, focuses on Denver-based HRM Resources LLC, which was the recipient of hundreds of low-producing oil and gas wells from some of the state’s largest operators.

The average production for these wells was the equivalent of two barrels of oil a day or less, according to the complaint. HRM then transferred the wells to smaller companies, such as Wolverine Resources and Paint Pegasus, that went bankrupt.

“As of June 30, 2023, over 40% of all wells that were listed in Colorado’s Orphaned Well Program’s Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Report had previously passed through HRM’s ownership,” the lawsuit said.

“The focus is on HRM because they’re the middleman company,” said Camille Sippel, an attorney with the nonprofit environmental law firm ClientEarth, which along with two other law firms, Richards Carrington and Borison Firm, is representing the plaintiffs.

“When they get these wells from the larger oil companies, they have a good idea of how much is left in the wells,” Sippel said. “They operate them for a little while and sort of figure out what to do with them next.”

“We started to look at this pattern, basically transferring wells to companies that would end up going bankrupt,” she added.

HRM Resources did not respond to email and telephone requests for comment.

In the case of Painted Pegasus, the lawsuit contends that HRM went a step further, in essence working with a shell company to accept 200 wells.

HRM transferred the wells to Painted Pegasus, which was based in Houston, in September 2018 and then Painted Pegasus filed for bankruptcy in November 2021.

The complaint contends that Painted Pegasus “was structured to go bankrupt and wash away HRM’s liabilities … Painted Pegasus was a mere dumping ground.”

When Painted Pegasus collapsed, 196 wells were added to the state’s orphan well list, 188 of them in Adams County.

In its bankruptcy proceedings Painted Pegasus attributed its financial problems to the closing of an old gas gathering system in Adams, Arapahoe and Denver counties, but the lawsuit contends the company received the HRM wells after the pipeline system was closed.

When Cindy and Ronald McCormick bought the 39-acre parcel with the Painted Pegasus well on it in 2020, they were told the well hadn’t been in production in seven years and that it was going to be plugged and the tanks and pumps removed.

When Ronald planned the driveway to the home the couple was building on the property — the house was located at the furthest well — he met with men who identified themselves as Painted Pegasus representatives. He was assured steps would be taken to clean up the site.

“And then we heard nothing, and nothing was being done,” Cindy McCormick said. She started calling the telephone number on the Painted Pegasus sign at the well, but the mailbox was full.

After a few months of trying, McCormick contacted Adams County and learned that the wells had been orphaned and that it could be years before the state’s Orphan Well Program got around to plugging the well and remediating the site.

“We thought we did our due diligence, but we never imagined this,” McCormick said. “More people need to know what is going on. It is a real eye-opener.”

For Adams County, orphan wells have been a big problem. Since July 2021 there have been 75 leaks and spills from orphan wells and 92% of the orphan well sites checked by county oil and gas inspectors were out of compliance.

The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages. HRM currently has no active wells, according to the Colorado Energy and Carbon Management database, and in the last four years produced the equivalent of 550 barrels of oil.

The company has been financed by Los Angeles-based Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, which according to its website manages $34 billion in investments, many in niche areas including oil and gas fields. The company is mentioned but not named as a defendant.

The complaint does name John Hutson, HRM’s CEO, and John Hoffman, the former CEO of Painted Pegasus.

While two plaintiffs are named, the McCormicks and Trupp Land Management, it has been filed as a class action lawsuit for many other landowners who have been impacted by HRM.

“We do know there are probably over 100 landowners and lessees,” Sippel said.

Cardinal Community Academy

Spelling Bee 2.0

by Brooklynn Christen

My name is Brooklynn Christen. I won the Cardinal Community Academy (CCA) Spelling Bee last year. This year, I was eliminated after spelling the word “droll.”

The top 15 students from grades 4 through 8 became Spelling Bee contestants. All participants were given a packet with all the words that could be used in the Bee. We were to study these words so as to be prepared for the competition.

On the day of the Bee, all of the contestants walked into the gym. We were all extremely nervous as we went in and found our assigned seats. We were all breathing heavily and raggedly as the parents and the rest of the school filed in to watch the Bee.

There were 6 people left in the Spelling Bee when I got the word that would eliminate me. I felt nauseous and my breathing quickened as I saw the critical stares of the students on the bleachers. I shrank in my skin as I traipsed back to my seat, embarrassed at my simple failure. I wondered where I had gone wrong. Had I fumbled my words, causing my defeat? Or had I, caught up in my nerves, forgotten how to spell such a simple word? It seemed to take an eternity for the round to end. As the applause began, I walked over to the bleachers and sat next to the rest of my class, contemplating all of this. Then the applause died away and Miss Sarah called my name. She told me to come back up. Apparently, I had spelled a homonym for my word correctly, so I was given a second shot. The announcer was supposed to tell me the word was a homonym, but since he did not and I spelled the homonym correctly, I remained in the Bee.

Now there were just three of us left. Aliya, Cadyn and myself. Cadyn was eliminated, giving him a third-place finish. Then Aliya and I went 17 head-to-head rounds, until finally, she misspelled a word. The victory would be mine if I could spell the next 2 words in a row correctly. If I did, I would win. If I didn’t, Aliya would have a second chance and we would keep spelling against each other.

Nervously, I spelled “malicious.” Then, I spelled “innards.” The announcer said “correct” after each word. I sighed in relief. I had done it again. I now had a 2-year streak of winning the school Spelling Bee. The audience erupted into shrieks and applause.

United Power Selected by US Department of Energy to Receive $6.1 Million Investment to Accelerate Clean Energy Deployment in Rural and Remote America

Brighton, CO – United Power was selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations to begin award negotiations for up to $6.1 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding as part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program. The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was selected as one of 17 clean energy projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities to receive more than $366 million to ensure more reliable power, lower energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide economic growth opportunities, and support our nation’s rural and remote communities.

“We are excited that this unique project was recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy through this program,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, United Power CEO and President. “United Power is in the process of changing our operating structure to invest in more local power generation, and that includes developing energy solutions along with local leadership. United Power has a long history of partnering with the communities we serve to bring them the services their residents need, and this innovative microgrid project is an illustration of that commitment. I encourage all our members to read more about our vision for United Power’s energy future on our Cooperative Roadmap, which can be found at unitedpower.com. Building a cooperative for tomorrow through new energy solutions is a just one of the ways we are showing our members that we are here for good.”

The Fort Lupton Microgrid project was submitted with the goal of increasing the reliability of the city’s municipal water treatment plant. The project will replace an aging diesel generator with a floating photovoltaic array, coupled with battery storage, that will help to ensure a clean, reliable water source for residents of Fort Lupton. The project will bring construction jobs to the area, and United Power is partnering with Aims Community College and the BUENO Centre for Multicultural Education to provide contracting outreach in the community. Schneider Electric will lead the construction of the microgrid, which will improve power resiliency, reduce water evaporation, and help the city deliver reliable water services. The project is eligible for up to $6.1 million in funding.

“We expect this project to increase power redundancy while reducing our costs,” stated Chris Cross, Fort Lupton City Administrator. “We are projecting a 9% savings on the city’s monthly power bill. Coupled with the floating panel benefits to the water storage, we are excited to see how high our overall savings will be from the project.

“This project captures our drive to revolutionize the energy landscape,” said Jana Gerber, Microgrid President, Schneider Electric North America. “The Fort Lupton microgrid is a perfect complement for our focus on streamlining energy delivery, while providing more sustainable energy solutions. Bringing additional jobs and training opportunities to residents is a key component of the project and will help build the skillsets workers will need in an expanded energy economy.”

Learn more about the ERA program and projects selected for award negotiations here.

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

Draft Bill Puts Numerous Places Off Limits To Concealed Carry; Democrats Test Limits Of ‘Sensitive Spaces’ continued

this?”

The 400 number Carno cites is the number of school staff in 41 districts across Colorado that Carno’s FASTER organization has helped train over the past seven years.

For some school districts, such as in Bennet, which sits about 25 miles southeast of Denver International Airport in rural Colorado, the response time for a law enforcement agency to react to an active shooter on site is too long to wait.

Districts like Bennett, Weld Re-1 in Gilcrest (about 5 miles south of Greeley), and the Briggsdale Schools (about 45 miles northeast of Greeley) have been open about allowing any staff member who wishes to go through the training to carry while on the job. The “extra” duty of the staff member is generally authorized through a separate contract with the school district that outlines the responsibilities and added pay the staff member receives, which in most cases is very minimal to make it affordable.

“From a rural school standpoint, if they wish to take the only armed security out of these rural schools, is the state government going to fund full time armed security at every rural school building?” Carno asked. “You can’t just take security away.”

Defining ‘sensitive spaces’

The bill doesn’t stop there, however. It goes on to define what “sensitive spaces” in Colorado are, and prohibits the carrying of a gun either open or concealed. That list includes:

▪ A public park or playground.

▪ A recreation facility or community center that is open to the public and is owned, operated or managed by a local government.

▪ Property open to the public while a public gathering, assembly or special event is being conducted, which includes demonstrations, marches, rallies, vigils, protests, and picket lines, as well as the sidewalk or streets adjacent to the gathering.

▪ A public or private hospital, nursing home, clinic, medical office, urgent care facility or other place at which medical or healthcare services are being provided.

▪ A mental health or substance abuse facility.

▪ Any stadium that is host to professional, collegiate, high school, amateur or student sporting events.

▪ Any amusement parks, aquariums, carnivals, circuses, fairs, museums, water parks, or zoos

▪ A courthouse and other buildings used for court proceedings.

▪ In a building or real property owned, leased, or operated by the state or a local government or on the adjacent grounds.

▪ At a location where a state or local government meeting occurs.

▪ Correctional facilities.

▪ A public library.

▪ A shelter operated by the state or a local government or charitable organization that serves homeless people.

▪ Daycare centers and preschools.

▪ The campus of any public or private community college, college or university. It also outlines who is exempted from the bill, including:

▪ Police officers — but only when engaged in their official duties, off-duty officers would not be allowed to carry.

▪ Military — only when engaged in official duties.

▪ Security personnel when engaged in official duties.

The nearly identical laws already passed in California and New York came about because of recent rulings by the US Supreme Court that have further clarified what the right to “bear arms” means.

In one ruling, the court found that if a state wants to ban open carry, it must allow concealed carry or vice versa. So, now advocates of restricting gun rights are testing how “sensitive spaces” can be defined.

In 2008, the high court ruled that while residents have a right to bear arms there are some “sensitive spaces” where that right can be restricted (District of Columbia v. Heller).

In response, New York and California passed bills that define such spaces. A federal judge in December issued a stay against California’s bill. Judge Cormac Carney said it was unconstitutional because it essentially labeled nearly all public places in California as “sensitive spaces,” thus infringing upon the Second Amendment. A three-judge panel overturned Carney, but then the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated Carney’s stay shortly after.

Taylor Rhodes, the executive director of Rocky Mountain Gun Owners, said while recent court rulings are encouraging, gun control groups know exactly what they are doing. Rhodes said that by using Democrat-controlled legislatures to pass restrictive new gun laws they know are unconstitutional in an election year they are keeping groups like his busy and financially strapped with lawsuits — taking them out of the election equation.

“This bill, and bills like it, that have popped up all over the country, are in direct defiance to the Bruen decision, but they want to see how far they can get away with it,” Rhodes said. “It’s just dragging out the process. We have activist judges on the left that know how to play the game.”

In the 2022 Bruen decision, the Supreme Court ruled that courts must find that any new gun laws align with the nation’s “historical tradition,” to consider them constitutional. That ruling overturned several New York laws, including one that allowed subjective decisions in granting gun permits, such as if the applicant was of “good moral character” or whether “good cause” existed to deny the permit.

“The Colorado legislature has been open about their election strategy and their litigation strategy,” Rhodes continued, pointing to comments made by House Majority Leader Monica Duran that they intend to pass as many bills as possible.

“They want to pass as many bills as they possibly can because they know it will wrap up groups like mine in court, so we can’t play in elections,” he said. “We can’t do anything else because they know how much we have to spend on this.”

More gun bills coming

Rhodes said his group does plan to fight this bill should it ever get introduced, but he’s also concerned about nearly a dozen other bills that he is aware of that may be introduced.

Those include:

from page 3...

▪ A second try at a ban on semi-automatic weapons.

▪ A second try at a private property shooting ban.

▪ A liability insurance requirement.

▪ A church carry ban.

▪ A further expansion of the so-called “red flag” law.

▪ Requiring background checks and waiting periods on the purchase of ammunition, magazines, parts and accessories.

▪ Requiring a permit to purchase and a limit of one gun purchase per month.

▪ 10-day waiting period.

Rhodes said these bills are popping up in response the only thing that seems to stick with gun control measures and that is the “sensitive places” issue.

However, even that area of law is being challenged successfully. In mid-January, a federal judge in Florida ruled that a federal law that bars people from possessing firearms in post offices is unconstitutional. Post offices have previously been considered “sensitive spaces” by the federal government, but never challenged in court until now.

Rhodes and Carno, both, said there will be many more challenges to come with these types of bills.

“We kind of expected this bill,” Rhodes said. “We and many in the industry are deeming this as a Bruen response bill because it changed a lot of things about (gun restriction legislation). It changed the burden of proof. Instead of the plaintiff having to prove why it’s not constitutional, now the government has to prove why it is. And it guaranteed the right to carry a firearm outside of your home and on your person. So, if a state wants to take away open carry, it has to offer you conceal carry, or the opposite. Now the courts will have to define “sensitive spaces.”

Colorado Budget Committee Plans Aid For Schools Enrolling More Migrant Students

by Jason Gonzales, Chalkbeat

Colorado lawmakers on the powerful Joint Budget Committee want to provide some financial assistance to schools grappling with educating an influx of migrant students this year.

The idea from state Rep. Emily Sirota, a Denver Democrat who sits on the committee, would allocate up to $24 million, to be split among school districts that have enrolled newly arrived students after the October cutoff date that determines districts’ per-pupil funding. But the funding would be far less than what the state provides to educate a student.

The budget committee, which plays a major role in how the state spends its money, voted unanimously earlier this month to draft a bill allocating the funds.

Sen. Rachel Zenzinger, an Arvada Democrat and vice chair of the committee, said she plans to co-sponsor the bill once it’s ready. The bill has not yet been introduced.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Gov. Jared Polis said he’s working with the legislature on a proposal to provide additional funding for school districts that have new arrivals after the October count date.

The state annually adjusts districts’ education funding up or down during the legislative session based on each district’s student enrollment on Oct. 1. But the surge in migrant students since the official count has overwhelmed many districts and prompted calls from school leaders for more aid to teach recent arrivals.

Sirota said while the state doesn’t have an exact tally, she’s heard estimates of up to 8,000 new student arrivals statewide since October. Some schools have needed to increase class sizes and have a greater need for services that help English learners, she said.

“This crisis is being felt across our cities, counties, and the state,” she said.

The state money would be a one-time infusion for districts. Joint Budget Committee members have said they want to ensure school districts wouldn’t need to apply for the money, but instead would have to provide the state with a tally of eligible students.

How much money districts would get likely will depend on whether the committee decides to allocate the full $24 million Sirota has proposed and how many newly arrived students have enrolled statewide since the October count.

The $24 million sum is not a calculation of how much it costs to fully educate the migrant students in Colorado. Rather, it is money the state would otherwise put in its savings account for education. Increasing local tax revenue means the state needs to spend $24 million less on schools this year than anticipated.

The proposed bill would reallocate those funds, but committee members have said they want to also find other funding sources.

The extra money would help districts, but it would be less than the $11,319 per student, on average, they get for students who are enrolled during the October count.

Sirota said funding is tight this year, especially when there are many competing budget priorities. But the extra funding would help districts bearing the brunt of the costs.

“I want to help our districts better absorb the costs that they are incurring with so many new students who are new to the country that they have taken on since October,” she said.

States across the country have seen a spike in recent migrant arrivals. The Denver area has dealt with the brunt of those arrivals.

In Denver Public Schools, migrant student enrollment has ballooned by more than 3,200 of these young people since the start of the school year. Many arrived after the October count that determined state per-student funding sent by the state.

The impact has also been uneven within the district. New students are concentrated in about two dozen of Denver’s schools.

But schools and cities across the metro area and state are reporting more students arriving every day, either from families moving to find work or recently coming to the state. The influx has caused financial shortfalls and pushback from some communities.

Jason Gonzales is a reporter covering higher education and the Colorado legislature. Chalkbeat Colorado partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage. Contact Jason at jgonzales@chalkbeat.org.

Protections for a Living Child vs. Right to Abortion: Competing

Ballot Initiatives for 2024

by Elizabeth Christen

Abortion in the state of Colorado is currently legal through all nine months of pregnancy and more than 2,000 abortions are performed here each month (Guttmacher Institute). Petitions are currently circulating on two competing ballot initiatives. If both receive enough signatures, voters will have a choice to make at the ballot box this fall.

Initiative #81, “Protections for a Living Child,” needs 50%, plus one vote to pass. The measure would keep unborn children from being “intentionally dismembered, mutilated, poisoned, scalded, starved, stabbed, given toxic injections known to cause death, left to die of the elements for lack of warmth or nutrition, used for experimentation, or treated in any way inhumanely to cause intentional harm leading to intended death or intended to cause disability to otherwise healthy and functioning parts of the body of a child.” The initiative seeks to apply the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution as well as medical facts to its case. If Initiative #81 is adopted, abortion clinics would be closed, and mothers would instead be referred to nonviolent resources.

On the other hand, Initiative #89, “Right to Abortion” with support of 55% of voters, would keep those practices legal by enshrining abortion into the state constitution, as well as allowing public employees and Medicaid recipients abortion coverage through their health care plans. The final text of this measure reads: “The right to abortion is hereby recognized. Government shall not deny, impede, or discriminate against the exercise of that right, including prohibiting health insurance coverage for abortion.” This measure would also repeal section 50 of Article V, of Colorado’s constitution, which currently forbids public funding of abortion; effectively requiring taxpayer funded abortions.

In 2022, a bill codifying abortion was signed into law. If the “Right to Abortion” initiative is adopted, little will change other than making the law into a Constitutional amendment, therefore making it more difficult to be overturned in the future. The amendment would also allow for public funding of abortions, as mentioned above, which has been outlawed since 1984. However, if the “Protections for a Living Child” measure is enacted, it would supersede the 2022 law, therefore outlawing abortion.

Advocates on both sides of this issue are passionate. Proponents of the right to an abortion argue that bodily autonomy is at stake, while those against it argue that the body of the baby is a separate body entirely, and termination of the pregnancy takes an innocent life.

Pro-abortionists argue that taking away their choice can put low-income women in even further economic devastation, while pro-lifers contend that community resources for diapers, formula and other expenses as well as adoption resources, are alternatives that would not further the financial burdens on the mothers-to-be.

When polled, most Americans lie somewhere in the middle of the abortion debate. In a May 2023 Gallup poll, 51% answered that abortion “should be legal only under certain circumstances,” while only 34% and 13% think that it should be “legal under any circumstances” and “illegal in all circumstances,” respectively. To zoom in on this by trimester, Gallup found that 69% of Americans support abortion in the first trimester, dropping to 37% in the second trimester and to 22% in the third trimester. Thus, it remains to be seen how Coloradans will vote this November.

The full text of both initiatives can be found at sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/ Initiatives/titleBoard/.

Providers Say Proposed State Board of Ed Rules Threaten Homeschool Learning Programs

by Sherrie Peif, Complete Colorado Page

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DENVER–New rules being proposed by the Colorado State Board of Education that will eliminate funding for enrichment programs offered to home-schooled children could negatively impact thousands of students statewide who are served annually by Colorado Early Colleges (CEC), according to a letter obtained by Complete Colorado.

CEC is Colorado’s largest network of tuition-free, public charter schools, that offers a wide array of academic options to more than 6,000 students, including brick-andmortar middle and high school locations, an online campus, college direct locations, and homeschool academies.

The board is expected to take up the rule changes at its regularly scheduled meeting on Feb. 14.

In a letter obtained by Complete Colorado and sent to members of the State Board of Education, CEC President Laura Calhoun, and Chief Executive Administrator Sandi Brown say its mission to give students “regardless of background or skill level, the opportunity to pursue a growth mindset that will allow them to achieve mastery and to demonstrate that they can succeed in school, in college, and in their chosen career. No Exceptions. No Excuses” will be severely impacted by the changes.

“The proposed rules will pose significant barriers to homeschool students seeking to access our programs,” the letter reads in part. “… While we are committed to aligning our program with the proposed rules, Section 2.05 will eliminate alternative teacher-pupil instruction for grades other than six through twelve. This change … will eliminate public school programming used by thousands of Colorado students.”

Under the rule changes, “alternative instruction,” which includes “any instruction not meeting the definition of direct teacher-pupil instruction, including but not limited to independent study, work-study, internships, apprenticeships, blended learning, and supplemental online learning,” will no longer be funded for non, brickand-mortar organizations such as CEC.

Legality of changes questioned

Specifically, according to a separate legal analysis done by Eric Hall, a Colorado Springs-based attorney, two changes violate current Colorado statutes.

“The proposed school finance rules stipulate that Instructional Time “does not include parent-led or parent-directed instruction,” Hall wrote in part. “These terms are defined as meaning the parent is substantially or primarily responsible for establishing the content of the required program of planned instruction and activities, selecting course curriculum, leading such instruction and activities, and/or directly

evaluating student progress in the class.”

Hall uses the example that “even if there is a teacher of record communicating with the parent, it will still be parent-led or parent-directed if it meets the above definition,” therefore the program will not be funded.

However, Hall points out in his analysis that Colorado’s Home-Based Education Act explicitly authorizes that homeschool students may “attend a public school for a portion of the school day,” i.e., participate in part-time homeschool enrichment programs,” and “if they do, then public schools providing those programs ‘shall be entitled to count such child in accordance with the provisions of the Public School Finance Act and receive part-time funding.’” Hall continues that “The Home-Based Education Act also requires that homeschooling parents must be ‘in charge and in control of’ the homeschooling program in order to be exempt from the compulsory school attendance law.’”

Hall points out in his analysis that online programs are governed under three separate state statutes: The Online Education Act, the Supplemental Online Education Grant Program, and the Empowering Digital Learning for All Act.

“The Online Act explicitly permits online schools and programs to offer supplemental online courses. Thus, both brick-and-mortar and online schools can offer supplemental online programs,” Hall writes.

The Supplemental Online Education Grant Program and the Empowering Digital Learning for All Act were both enacted through legislative actions to encourage the growth and expansion of supplemental online programs, according to Hall.

“It is in the best interests of the state to help small or rural school districts, charter schools, BOCES, and facility schools provide supplemental online education courses to their students by allowing these public schools to apply for grants to help them overcome their financial and technical barriers,” Hall said.

Changes pose ‘significant barriers’

It’s for all these reasons, CEC said in its letter, that the proposed rules will “pose significant barriers” to homeschooled students

“CEC currently serves approximately 2,300 homeschooled students through an online program,” CEC wrote. “By providing supplemental homeschool programs, we have engaged with students at a younger age, offering insights into the benefits of obtaining college credit at no cost to their families. This results in home school students enrolling full-time in the public school system much earlier than has been our experience.”

CEC also said the rules will adversely affect students concurrently taking college courses while in secondary school.

“As designated Early Colleges, our schools are designed to ensure that students graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree or postsecondary credential. The Proposed Rules mandate that students must enroll in a full college course load to receive full-time funding. However, this approach undermines the success of students who gradually transition to college courses while benefiting from CEC’s support.”

CEC is asking that the State Board of Education instruct the Colorado Department of Education staff to develop rules that prioritize the well-being of students and are grounded in research rather than jump to passing the new rules.

“As an institution committed to ensuring that ‘All Means All,’ CEC has consistently strived to provide exceptional educational opportunities to a diverse student population, irrespective of their backgrounds or skill levels,” CEC’s letter said.

The Democratic Party Hosts Precinct Caucus, County Assembly, and County Convention Meetings across Northeastern Colorado

Northeast Colorado - On Saturday, March 9, 2024 Registered Democrats in Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Yuma, and Weld Counties are encouraged to attend their Precinct Caucus, County Assembly, and Convention Meetings.

Logan County - 11AM

Logan County Fairgrounds DeSoto Building, Sterling

Morgan County - 9AM

Morgan Community College Founders room 920 Barlow Road, Fort Morgan

Phillips County - 2:30PM

Virtual - Register ahead: bit.ly/42qu2lg

Sedgwick County - 1PM

Hippodrome Arts Center, 215 Cedar St, Julesburg

Yuma County - 10AM

Eckley Community Center, 201 S. Catchpole, Yuma

Weld County - 10AM

Virtual - Register ahead: bit.ly/3T6Fu2o

Precinct Caucus - Each precinct elects two Precinct Organizers who are responsible for connecting with voters within their specific precinct. These Organizers receive training from the County Party to effectively canvas their precinct, which involves activities like distributing Party or candidate literature, phone banking, sending texts, and organizing house parties for candidates. The Precinct Caucus is where the elects Precinct Organizers and signs up Election Judges and Poll Watchers for the 2024 elections.

County Assembly - County Assembly is the venue where candidates, who do not petition onto the ballot, secure their spot on the June Primary Ballot. The County Assembly also elects Delegates to the House District Judicial District, Congressional District 4, and the State Assemblies.

County Convention - The County Convention occurs every four years during a Presidential Election.and serves as the platform for electing Delegates to the Congressional District 4 and State Conventions. During the CD4 Convention, Democrats will elect one member to Colorado’s Electoral College Delegation and select Delegates to the Democratic National Convention taking place from August 1922 in Chicago.

At the State Convention, Democrats will elect the remaining DNC Delegates allocated to Colorado, as well as select members for the Democratic National Committee. Finally, two of the 10 Electoral College members will also be chosen at the State Convention.

For more information on your County Democrats: https://cd4demsco.org/

Glenn R. Bell

Glenn R. Bell, age 89, passed away on February 19, 2024 at the Brighton Care Center, Brighton, CO, after a brief illness. Glenn was born May 28, 1934 in Fort Lupton, CO to parents Tom and Leona Bell of Keenesburg. Glenn lived his entire life in Keenesburg, CO. He graduated from Keenesburg High School in 1952.

Glenn was a lifelong member of Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg. He had many jobs in the community during his lifetime. He worked 49 years in the Keene Drug Store, waiting on customers and manning the soda fountain. Glenn was a janitor for the Keenesburg Post Office for 25 years and a janitor for the local bank for 42 years. He also worked for 6 years at McDonald’s in Denver.

Glenn is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Leona Bell of Keenesburg; his brothers George and Elmer Bell; his sisters-in-law, Lula May (Dot) Bell and Barbara Bell; and his nephew-in-law, Geoffrey Braslow. He is survived by his nephew Fred (Shirley) Bell of Keenesburg; his niece, Vicki Braslow, Tehachapi, CA; his grandnephew, Murdoch Bell of Keenesburg; his grandniece, Jennifer (Mark) Bouder, and great grandnephew, Marcus E. Bouder, of Milliken, CO; plus, numerous other relatives.

There will be a memorial service for Glenn on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Keenesburg, CO with light refreshments following the service. Glenn’s ashes will be interred at Heart of the Plains Cemetery in Roggen, CO.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Community United Methodist Church, in care of Fred Bell, P.O. Box 40, Keenesburg, CO 80643.

William “Bill” Eugene Burke

William “Bill” Eugene Burke, was born May 27, 1947 in Belle Fourche, SD, to Robert “Bob” and Jackie (Kane - Cuddy) Burke. They lived near Tuthill, SD, on what is known as the Winchester place and then later moved to Keenesburg, CO in 1956.

During summer breaks Bill would head back to South Dakota to work on the family ranch near Patricia and also other nearby ranches. He rodeoed throughout high school, riding barebacks and bulls. He was tough as nails and lived his dream of being a cowboy.

Bill graduated from Weld Central High School in Keenesburg, CO. in 1965. After graduation, Bill headed to Texas where he worked on The King Ranch.

In the late 1960’s he moved back to SD. He worked at a couple of ranches near the Martin/Vetal area including The Putnam Ranch and also for Bob and Marj Bucholz. He subsequently met and married JoAnn Huffman. The couple then moved to The Flying A Ranch near Arnold, Nebraska. During this time, Andrea was born in November of 1970.

“He was one tough cowboy. In March of 1971 Bill was in a horrific car accident. After being divorced and completing rehab for his accident, Bill moved back to CO. He lived the last 53 years with severe injuries suffered in that accident. He was one tough cowboy. Never once in those 53 years did he ever complain or feel sorry for himself. He lived in Greeley where he held a couple of jobs until his injuries would no longer enable him to work. He stayed true to the cowboy motto “Cowboy Up”.

Bill married Betty Mecum in 1981. They were married for 25 years until her death in 2006. Bill remained in Greeley, living alone, and collecting aluminum cans for extra spending money. In 2017, when he was unable to adequately care for himself, he moved into an assisted living facility in Northglenn, CO nearer to sister Judy. As his health continued to decline, he moved into a skilled nursing facility in Northglenn. He resided there until his death on Feb. 24, 2024.

Bill is preceded in death by his father Robert Burke, mother, Jackie Coursey, wife, Betty, and sister Sandi Weickum. He is succeeded in life by his daughter Andrea (Jason) Fanning, grandchildren; Sabrina, Rhett (Rickie), Gabe and Laney. Also, brother Jerry (Sharon) Burke and sister Judy Williams. As well as several nieces and nephews, aunts & uncles.

Funeral services are planned for the Summer of 2024

Republican Women of Weld (WOW) Host Candid Candidate Conversations

by Gillian Smith, Photo by Tammy Klien

The Republican Women of Weld hosted a candidate meet and greet on Thursday, February 22 at Ben’s Pizzeria in Hudson. The atmosphere crackled with energy as the candidates shared one on one conversations with citizens.

Candidates spoke alphabetically. Starting off was Representative Ryan Amagost whose prior public service included military and law enforcement. He is seeking a second term to represent House District (HD) 64. Carlos Barron, business owner and current City Council member in Fort Lupton, is seeking to serve HD48. Commissioner at large Perry Buck discussed the successes in her first term and shared how she intends to continue aiding Weld County. Representative Gabe Evans, who currently serves HD48, updated us on some of the disturbing bills that are in the House before changing gears to share how his experience would benefit the constituents of Congressional District (CD) 8.

Representative Richard Holtorf currently serves HD63 which includes Logan, Morgan, Phillips, Sedgwick, and parts of Weld, Washington, and Yuma counties. He is a Veteran, rancher and no-nonsense Conservative who wants to represent CD4. Julie James came to speak for District 2 Commissioner Scott James, who is seeking to take his leadership talents and radio voice to Washington to serve CD8. Dusty Johnson has a passion for agriculture and the Eastern plains. She is campaigning to be the new representative for HD63. Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department head Jason Maxey is seeking to increase his level of service as County Commissioner in District 1. Parent and teacher Jazmin Navarro spoke about her experience in our schools and her quest to serve on the State Board of Education. Dan Woog wrapped up the candidate speeches highlighting how his solid experience as a business owner and former Representative would regain HD19 after a slim loss to his opponent in 2022.

Recurring topics included getting voters to the polls, having productive conversations with unaffiliated voters, and the need for balance in our government. The balance of power in Colorado is dangerously lopsided. Democrats control the Governor’s seat, Senate with 23 Democrats and 12 Republicans, and the House of Representatives which has 46 Democrats and only 19 Republicans. This makes stopping detrimental bills virtually impossible. Citizens lose when fair representation can’t be attained.

The hottest topic of the evening was Senate Bill 24-159 which Representative Evans discussed in his update. This bill calls for a phase out of new oil and gas production by January 1, 2030. The phase out would begin by reducing the total number of permits for new wells in 2028 and 2029. During a Q & A session, several candidates voiced concerns about the devastating effects this bill would have on Colorado as a whole and Weld County in particular. Commissioner Buck commented on the contributions the oil and gas industry makes to the Weld County. Jason Maxey, current head of the Weld County Oil and Gas Energy Department, voiced concerns for the economic well-being of county residents. Carlos Barron spoke about how service providers who depended on oil and gas would be negatively impacted. Representative Holtorf wrapped up the evening with how agriculture benefits from oil and gas in day-to-day operations.

Pictured from Left to Right: Carlos Barron, Rep Richard Holtorf, Jason Maxey, Commissioner Perry Buck, Dusty Johnson, Rep Ryan Armagost, Rep Gabe Evan, Dan Woog. Photo credit to Tammy Klein.

2024 Assembly/Convention Report from the desk of Peg Cage, Former CO GOP Teller Committee Chairman

February 27, 2024

Yesterday, I was removed as the CO GOP Teller Committee Chairman by Chairman Dave Williams for refusing to allow machines to interfere with the people’s demand for a 100% hand counted paper ballots election for the State Assembly/Convention on April 6, 2024. It is with great sadness and trepidation that I must submit this report to the Colorado Republican Committee. It inherently includes details of the election integrity struggle that has come to a head in the past month between formerly trusted party leaders and the people of the party. Although I have been removed as Chairman of the Teller Committee, I hold firm in my stand that Republicans should conduct the Assembly election without any machines.

“TO CONTROL THE GOVERNMENT, WE MUST FIRST CONTROL ELECTIONS.”

Bottom Line Up Front:

The State Assembly is being held for ELECTED Delegates to participate in ELECTIONS. The integrity of the ELECTION Process is paramount to the Assembly. By forcing the use of the Scantron election machines alongside the hand-count audit at the Assembly, Chairman Dave Williams and CRC Ballot and Election Security Committee Chairman Ron Hanks are betraying the trust of the people. This betrayal is even more grievous as both have run several campaigns on an election integrity platform to get rid of the machines.

The Republican National Committee, the 2022 COGOP Assembly Delegates, and our top Republican Candidate, President Donald J. Trump, and Republicans nationwide are all insisting upon eliminating election machines and returning to hand-counted paper ballot elections. No less than the future of Colorado’s elections, and therefore our government, rests on the party’s ability to prove that no election machines are needed or wanted in Colorado.

To this end, I suggested that Chairman Dave Williams should relinquish control of all aspects of the April 6, 2024, Assembly/Convention and appoint a capable and neutral person as the Chairman of the State Assembly Committee. This person would coordinate with all subcommittees as we prepare for an historical reclamation of honest election processes.

Williams should publicly renounce the use of machines, endorse the hand-count, and get a refund of the money wasted on the unwanted Scantron machines which violate CRC Policies and Procedures.

Immediately after the SCC’s September vote to have “Paper Ballots” at the 2024 Assembly, the Teller Committee dove into preparations for the election, with the challenge of counting 3,500+ ballots with the possibility of 200 or more National Delegate Candidates on each. We merged our Glass Box Process with Clerk Rhonda Braun’s and the Maricopa GOP’s systems of recording each ballot’s vote marks onto tally sheets that create a manual Cast Vote Record. Maricopa counted 2,500 ballots with 80 candidates in one hour with less than 100 volunteers. Colorado has planned for a similar success.

The CRC Teller Committee has the experience, knowledge, and skill to conduct every aspect of the elections at the State Assembly.

It is important to note that up until January 13th, I and the Teller Committee thought the GOP was, at last, unified in the goal of regaining control of Colorado’s elections. We planned to showcase a one-day, in person, hand-counted paper ballot election with only verifiably eligible electors. Producing trained volunteers from every Colorado County would give a jumpstart to President Trump’s goal of machine-free elections.

Much of the current controversy could be chalked up to the lousy communication that has happened bidirectionally, but after my removal as teller chair, it is clear that our goals are incompatible.

We want honest elections and Chairman Williams wants the machines. Any machines.

● Since the beginning of his term, Chairman Williams has told Executive Committee members that he’s okay with the use of election machines.

● Chairman Williams did in fact contact county clerks with Dominion machines to talk about contracting them to “administer the elections at the State Assembly.” He discussed the details with the clerks, and agreed to the accuracy of the Dominion machines. The clerks were unable to agree to administer the assembly election only due to the timing of state and federal elections being held this year.

● Chairman Williams blamed non-existent conversations with me, along with negotiable details in the Teller Committee proposal concerning ballot distribution, as reasons for seeking the machines, although the proposal was created in response to his seeking machines.

● Chairman Williams asked if I was willing to have my photo and cellphone number on the Assembly’s big screen during the count, along with instructions to call me, not him, with any complaints. I agreed to these terms as I am confident in the Teller Committee’s plan and the abilities of our team of enthusiastic volunteers.

● Chairman Williams asked if I was willing to have my team put down a $20,000 deposit so we’d “have skin in the game” and to cover facility fees if the counting was to go over the time he has contracted with the venue. Although I thought it was absurd to ask for this from experienced volunteers who have already invested hundreds of hours formulating a plan, I asked him for a contract to consider what he was proposing.

● Chairman Williams sent this message in an email with the non-disclosure agreement attached: “Please sign and return this NDA for us to move forward. Additionally, no confidential or privileged conversations or information related to the State Assembly will be allowed to be disseminated without my expressed written consent.”

I do not believe an NDA is appropriate as the business of the party should be held in public to assure integrity. I thoroughly believe that the volunteer Teller Committee will provide an accurate and efficient hand count of the Assembly elections if given the support of the CRC leadership. However, Chairman Williams has created an adversarial atmosphere by excluding the Teller Committee from important decisions and inserting overwhelming obstacles to our success.”

The Teller Committee’s Hand Counted Paper Ballots Election Proposal can be found at https://mycoloradogop.org/429-glass-box-elections.

THERE IS NO BENEFIT TO ADDING ANY TYPE OF ELECTION MACHINE. IT WILL NOT MAKE THE HAND-COUNT EASIER, FASTER, MORE TRANSPARENT, MORE SECURE, MORE ACCURATE, OR PREVENT DRAMA.

I disagree with Chairman Hanks of the COGOP Ballot and Election Security Committee and candidate for CD 3 in his statement made on February 16, 2024.

(https://mailchi.mp/cologop.org/assembly-ballot-counting-procedure.)

● Hanks’ arguments numbers 1-5 do not address the conduct of elections at the State Assembly. Rather, they seem more concerned with the outcomes of his and Williams’ Congressional District elections which appears to be a conflict of interest.

(Of note: The Executive Committee did not have Dave sign the CO GOP Political Conflict of Interest agreement after being elected as Chairman.)

● Several of the reasons for using the machines imply that without the machines, President Trump will not visit Colorado. President Trump is our champion for eliminating the machines and using “Hand, hand, hand count systems.” How could the use of machines possibly entice him?

● The claim that we must win elections to BEGIN fighting for honest elections is patently absurd. Chairman Williams has the power right now to give those who elected him in the party a 100% win by saying “NO MACHINES” and conducting a Hand Counted Paper Ballots election - ONLY.

● Allowing machines at the Assembly and claiming a 90% win for the grassroots is gaslighting for multiple reasons:

o Attempting to count the Scantron ballots by hand is a set up for failure as the ballots are designed to be read by machines and not humans.

o Adding any election machines would be a 100% ideological failure for the election integrity movement and an embarrassment to the party. Already we have seen news articles ridiculing the Chairman who once spoke out against the machines but is now considering the use of machines at the largest Republican event of his chairmanship, the State Assembly/Convention.

o Asserting that using machines is the only way possible to provide a “drama free” Assembly and to provide the Trump Team with fast results is another absurdity, considering the machine count is not official and any delay on April 6th won’t hamper the RNC Convention in July.

● The only “ad hoc” plan for the Assembly election is the plan to use Scantron machines which have their own laundry list of issues:

o An investigative email to Scantron confirms their software is not open-sourced, as is required by the CRC Policies and Procedures for the Conduct of Elections at Meetings of the Colorado Republican Central Committee, Article 2 § 2.

o Scantron ballots only have 50 bubbles on each side. With the potential of having over 100 candidates for National Delegate, there is a possibility of Delegates needing to manage and correctly mark three to five pages of unidentified bubbles. Those pages then have to be manually fed into the Scantron machines, one side at a time, in the proper order to be tabulated correctly.

o The overwhelming experience of teachers who have suggested a 1 in 20 rate of confusion or mismarking the bubbles.

o Filling out ballots with #2 pencils that can be smeared or erased could cause ballots to be spoiled and votes to be improperly counted.

o Even at this late date (less than six weeks out), it is unclear if the Scantron ballots can be printed on due to the possibility of creating stray marks that might interfere. Therefore, candidate’s names and the titles of resolutions would need to be printed on a separate paper, making it difficult to select the correct bubble.

o Without the ability to print on the ballot, the Scantron ballots will not comply with CRC Bylaws, Art. XIII, § A(5)(c): “The ballot shall include the presidential candidate each candidate for national delegate is pledged to support.”

o The forced use of the Scantron ballots bars the Teller Committees’ ability to design a ballot that facilitates easy voting and fast and accurate hand counting.

o The list of Scantron issues and time wasted trying to educate the 3,500 Delegates on how to fill out the ballot could foreseeably outpace the time needed to hand count ballots.

COGOP has begun purchasing Scantron tabulators for continued use. This will ensure that whatever hand-counting limitations they claim this Teller Committee has will also be applied in the future.

It is the Teller Committee’s and my belief that using any machines in this election will go against the Republican Party’s values and principles and kill the momentum towards honest elections that we have spent the last three years promoting and working towards.

Furthermore, after searching the Bylaws and RNC RULE NO. 16(f) FILING SUMMARY, it appears that Chairman Williams is in noncompliance with Article 13 § 2(a) by failing to adopt and file complete “rules, procedures, policies, and instructive material governing the selection of delegates and alternate delegates to the national convention.” This failure leaves it open to interpretation if he is the sole authority in selecting the method of election to be used at the Assembly. It is my understanding that Chairman Williams filed changes with RNC on February 14th, I have not yet obtained those documents to know what was added or deleted at such a late date.

Due to Chairman William’s apparent conflict of interest and his noncompliance with Article 13 § 2(a), I believe it best serves the party’s interests to appoint a competent and neutral Chairman of the Assembly/ Convention to successfully implement a secure, hand counted paper ballot election.

Sincerely,

Peg

Cage

Former COGOP Teller Committee Chairman APATHY IS WHERE FREEDOM GOES TO DIE.