Armstrong: Government Right to Restrict Squatting in Public Spaces continued from page 2...

with organizations that can help them, and getting them into mental health treatment if they need and want it. A compassionate approach is compatible with managing public spaces for public use. Government policy properly is compassionate both to people suffering homelessness and to people who fund the maintenance of public spaces.

I again point out that the problem of homelessness is, in part, a problem of government artificially limiting the supply of housing through myriad restrictions. As Aaron Carr points out, “Homelessness is primarily a housing problem.” I have called for a genuinely free market in housing, which would boost supply, lower costs, and help alleviate homelessness. Instead, the so-called “progressives” in the legislature are busy wrapping the housing market in more red tape, which will limit supply and increase costs.

The issue of homelessness is hard. But, whatever is the right approach, it cannot involve forcing people to finance public spaces that they then cannot safely use because those areas have been converted to unauthorized personal encampments. The people paying the bills have rights too.

Ari Armstrong writes regularly for Complete Colorado and is the author of books about Ayn Rand, Harry Potter, and classical liberalism. He can be reached at ari at ariarmstrong dot com.

Morgan County Student Artwork Exhibit, “Best of the Best”

Fort Morgan, CO 2/28/2023. Morgan Community College’s Center for Arts and Community Enrichment (CACE) announces the annual “Best of the Best” student art exhibit featuring artwork by regional middle school, high school, and post-secondary students. The artwork, submitted by local teachers, was selected from student class projects. The exhibit will open March 2 and remain on display through March 23, 2023. A reception for the artists will be held March 16 from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the CACE Gallery of Fine Art, located at 300 Main Street in Fort Morgan.

Participating artists have a chance to be recognized with a certificate and award for Best of Show, Best College Artwork, Best High School Artwork, Best Middle School Artwork or The People’s Choice Award. A panel of local recognized artists will judge the exhibit. Winners will be announced on Thursday, March 23 at 5:00 PM at the CACE Gallery of Fine Art. Awards have been provided by an anonymous donor.

MCC CACE invites the public to attend this free exhibit, celebrate local student artists, and vote for The People’s Choice Award.

“This Art Exhibit is one of the most popular CACE events each year,” stated Suzanna Spears, CACE Coordinator. “Visitors are amazed at the talents of our local students and by the dedication of their Art teachers. CACE looks forward to hosting this event and welcoming the public to the CACE Gallery of Fine Art.”

MCC CACE offers many free enrichment opportunities throughout the year. To learn more about the “Best of the Best” exhibit, CACE, or future events, contact Suzanna Spears, CACE Coordinator, at 970-542-3180 or visit www.morgancc.edu/ CACE.

During this presentation, you will receive the tools necessary to successfully transition your business into the next generation of leadership With over 30 years of experience helping small businesses, presenter John Sneed offers real-world examples of what to do (and what not to do) His insights are also drawn from his own experience of being CEO and then passing the reins on to his successor Only 30% of family businesses successfully transition from the Founder to the next generation Only 12% make it to the third generation Whether the next leader of your organization is known, or unknown, start setting your small business up for success after your exit

John Sneed offers his years of banking experience helping businesses succeed John is the former CEO and current Chair of FMS Bank Additionally, he served as President/Chair of Independent Community Bankers of Colorado and Morgan County Economic Development Corporation, as well as several non-profit organizations

Wiggins School District 50j March News

GOOD PEOPLE OF TIGER NATION: March 2023

It is finally beginning to feel a little bit like spring: Days are beginning to get longer, spring sports are getting underway, and parent teacher conferences are over. So what comes next in the school season? It is assessment time. State assessments will begin and will be given to students in grades 3rd-11th over the month of April. Students will take part in CMAS, PSAT, and SAT exams.

State CMAS testing will begin on April 11 and end on April 21. Makeup testing for those who are absent will be the week of April 24. Every parent has the right to opt their child out of state testing and understand if you chose to do so. If your child will take the CMAS tests it is important for your child to show up to school on time and prepared to avoid having to make up tests.

Construction: The interior of the preschool addition and the new 3-6 building are on pace for completion in July. As the weather begins to warm-up the exterior of the buildings will be addressed. Both playgrounds will begin to take shape in May with other landscaping taking place at the same time.

E-Rate: The district applied for and will receive $75,000 of updated touch screen Chromebooks for K-2 students. E-Rate funds can only be used for school or library technology programs. This generous gift helps the district fund different broadband or technology needs each year.

Congratulations: 19 of Mrs. Neal’s middle school science students created projects that earned their way to the District Science Fair. Tenleigh Lorenzini, Arath Carrazco, Anna Werner, Ari Yoder and Kynley Yzaguirre, Ainsley Sauer and Monse Delval-Gomez performed well enough at the district level that they will be representing Wiggins Middle School at the state level held at CSU in April. The FFA Parli Pro and Quiz Bowl teams won the District Championship and will compete at the State FFA Convention in June. FFA also held its annual Hired Hand Auction on March 6 with an outstanding turnout. Four Tigers participated in the state wrestling tournament. Jorge Mendez and Michael Pacheco gave strong efforts but came up short. Pepper Rusher won his first state wrestling title, vindicating his third place finish from last season. Laith Ibrahim won his third state wrestling title. Laith is the first 3 timer in Wiggins history!

Financials:

Monthly Expenditures for February

Brush Boys Takes Opening Game of Playoffs Over Liberty Common

by Paul Dineen, Get The Picture Sports LLC

The Brush Beetdiggers defeated the visiting Liberty Common Eagles (Fort Collins), 66-49, on February 17, in the opening round of the playoffs.

Brush was led in scoring by Josh Lancaster with nineteen points and in rebounds by Kaden Castrup and Danny Saucedo with eight each. Owen Rudel led both teams with eight assists.

Hunter Lipsey had seventeen points to pace the Eagles. Carson Ford also broke double-digits with eleven points. Luke Tynan had five steals to lead all players.

March-April Calendar

Enroll Now for Universal Preschool

Apply at http://upk.colorado.gov to determine if your child qualifies for preschool funding support. All 4-year-old children will receive 15 hours of free preschool. Three-year-old children could also receive tuition support. Children must be at least 3 years old, before June 15, to attend preschool. After completing the online application, please contact Miss Lisa at 970-483-7783 to complete the Wiggins Preschool/Child Care application as well. Apply soon-while space is available!

Consumer Sciences Teacher FY 2023-24

Secondary Business Teacher FY 2023-24

Secondary Social Studies Teacher FY 2023-24

New Members Needed for City Planning Commission

Several opportunities for terms on advisory panel

The City of Fort Morgan’s Planning Commission has vacancies coming up soon. The terms of two current members will expire April 1, and applications are being accepted now through March 17. Planning Commission members serve six-year terms and must reside within the city limits of Fort Morgan.

The Planning Commission is active in the process of development in the City of Fort Morgan. The commission has authority to review new developments, subdivisions, special use permits and other matters related to land use and development, and makes recommendations to the City Council.

Anyone interested in the Planning Commission seats or any other city advisory board vacancies can pick up an application at Historic City Hall, 110 Main St., or find the application on the city’s website at: http://www.cityoffortmorgan.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/112.

For more information contact Deputy City Clerk Jill Westhoff-Curtis at (970) 542-3962 or jill.curtis@cityoffortmorgan.com.

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Immigration Affects Us All

by Jodi Walker

Immigration is a hot topic everywhere but I think everyone can agree that we need comprehensive immigration reform. We need to protect our borders while giving a path to citizenship for those hard working immigrants who do the work in our economy that many people aren’t interested in.

In my job I am blessed to work with kids from a myriad of countries. Each child has a different story and a different path but the one thing they have in common is that they were all brought here as children, with little choice but to follow the adults in their world. With the introduction of the Dream Act 2023 by

Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) there is sure to be lots of discussion surrounding the reality of immigration in the upcoming months, especially when it comes to those young adults who were brought here as children.

Over the course of the next few weeks I want to share some stories of local kids and their journeys, just like the story we shared in the last issue. We will be hearing the lived experiences of immigrant youth from all over the world including South America, Mexico, Russia, Africa and Europe. Our hope is that by being able to relate immigration to real people we will help others better understand why people are immigrating and what they hope to achieve in America. We will give real life examples of how the system has and hasn’t worked for our kids and the challenges faced by those living in our current immigration limbo.

America is a nation of immigrants, and has been since before the revolution. Young immigrants are always shocked when I share the story of how my grandparents came to America, escaping the economic downfall in Denmark to seek a new life in the great west. No one talks about the long sea voyage or the risk of disease or illness. We now look back on this time in history as the way that many of our grandparents and great grandparents established families in America.

The first time I discussed Ellis Island in one of my programs, kids were fascinated. The idea that immigrants who were healthy and willing to work hard had a clear path to citizenship amazed them.

Although many of our kids see Ellis Island as a welcoming station, I must remind them that immigration has always been controversial. Discrimination against Irish and Chinese immigrants was a very real thing as were fears of those who were not homogeneous. I also share with them that during that time, the late 1800’s, America needed able bodied people to build a new county. I happily show them pictures of my great grandparents harvesting sugar beets with horses and plow, ones of them working in the fields and more of wheat harvest. Many of our kids can relate as both they and their parents have worked in the fields, harvesting, weeding and helping our agricultural economy thrive.

My hope is that by sharing these stories it will help everyone understand the importance of immigration, the importance of reforming our laws and how immigrants are a key component to the American Economy, especially in rural America.

Market Update For Today’s Real Estate

by: Jody Malone, Teater Realty

What we are experiencing in the market today is known as Rate-Locked Homeowners. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4%. Today, the typical mortgage rate offered to buyers is over 6%. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put in their homes instead of moving to another with a higher borrowing cost. This is a situation known as being rate locked. When so many homeowners are rate locked and reluctant to sell, this adds to the problem of our already low inventory. However, experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year, and that could mean more people will be willing to move as that happens.

On the Buying side, there is the “Fear of Not Finding Something to Buy” if a seller does consider to sell their home. Worrying about where they’ll go has left many on the sidelines as they wait for more homes to come to the market. That’s why, if you’re on the fence about selling, it’s important to consider all your options. That includes newly built homes, especially right now when builders are offering concessions like mortgage rate buydowns. Also on existing homes, don’t forget that you can ask for a buyers concession to help buydown these mortgage rates.

These two issues are keeping the supply of homes for sale lower than pre-pandemic levels. But if you want to sell your house, today’s market is a sweet spot that can work to your advantage.

Bottom Line rate-locked homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy are keeping housing inventory low in our area. If mortgage rates start to come down this year and homeowners explore all their options, we should expect more homes to come to the market.

While this opens up a window of opportunity, remember: you shouldn’t expect rates to drop back down to the record lows like we saw in 2021. Experts agree that’s not the range buyers should bank on. If you’re ready to buy now, holding out for that 3% interest rate may be a mistake.

A bit of advice from your local Realtor: Don’t wait to buy real estate, buy real estate and wait!

“TICKETS ON SALE NOW FOR FROZEN DEAD GUY DAYS FESTIVAL — REBORN IN ESTES PARK FOR 2023!

Quirky Mountain Festival Given New Life In Estes Park, March 17-19, 2023

Courtesy of visitEstesPark.com

ESTES PARK, Colo., Jan. 25, 2023 – Just as Colorado reaches the dead of winter, tickets for Frozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD), one of the state’s most beloved annual events for more than 20 years, are on sale now. FDGD has traditionally been held in nearby Nederland, but for 2023 and beyond, this quirky mountain celebration will be given new life in Estes Park.

Taking place over St. Patrick’s Day weekend on March 17-19, 2023, the reborn Frozen Dead Guy Days will feature live music and entertainment at the Estes Park Events Complex and The Stanley Hotel, with satellite events occurring around town. Favorites like the iconic Blue Ball and competitive Coffin Races will return alongside new additions like the Deadman Fashion Show and the Bands & Bloodys Sunday Brunch.

Buy early and save — these prices aren’t frozen. Tickets that are inclusive of all music performances, activities and events (except the Blue Ball and Coffin Races team registration) are just $29. In February, they will go up to $39. Registration for the Coffin Races has also opened and is $98 per team. Visit Estes Park and The Stanley Hotel have committed to donating all proceeds from ticket sales that surpass operational costs to the area’s recently established workforce housing and childcare funding mechanism.

Not familiar with the Frozen Dead Guy Days saga? To make a long story short, the event celebrates an unusual turn of events that brought the frozen body of a deceased Norwegian man to a Tuff Shed in Nederland, Colorado. Bredo Morstøl, or Grandpa Bredo, as Frozen Dead”

“Guy Days devotees fondly refer to him, passed away in 1989, but his family cryogenically froze his body and shipped it to the U.S. Over the next decade, his legend grew amongst Nederland residents, and a winter festival was born to pay tribute to Grandpa Bredo with quirky events and activities. It caught on in a big way; and by 2022, Frozen Dead Guy Days attracted approximately 20,000 attendees.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news related to the festival - including the soon-to-beannounced musical line-up - by visiting frozendeadguydays.com and sign up for the e-newsletter. For more information on Estes Park, go to visitestespark.com.

MCC Foundation 24th Annual Gala Pictures continued from page 8...

A Change to Colorado Transportation Funding Process was Tucked in a Free-transit Bill. Rural Leaders are Livid.

An amendment to a bill about free transit fares is stoking ire over how it would affect transportation funding for parts of Colorado with low population

by Jason Blevins, The Colorado Sun

Ashort amendment to a bill adjusting a grant program that supports free bus and train rides is raising hackles among rural Colorado leaders who say it could change how transportation projects are funded.

The amendment to House Bill 1101, approved by the Colorado Senate last month, would reverse a process that began in 1992 in Colorado, with rural and urban communities each at the table discussing how to spend transportation dollars.

“This turns over a process that has worked well for 30 years with one fell swoop, with no public hearings, no public testimony in an overnight change,” said former state Rep. Diane Mitsch Bush, a six-year Routt County commissioner who served as chair of the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Northwest Transportation Planning Region. “This will hurt the economy of the Western Slope. It will disenfranchise rural areas across the state. This should not be an amendment. It’s a major overhaul to how we have done things in Colorado for decades.”

How transportation funding works

Transportation funding in the U.S. is a blurry stew of acronyms that makes it challenging to follow the flow of federal funding dollars. We’re going to try anyway.

The federal system got an overhaul with the Intermodal Surface Transportation Act of 1991. That landmark legislation replaced a federal funding system focused on urban roads and removed population density as the primary consideration for federal grants. The federal legislation directed states to form regional transportation groups to help raise rural voices in funding discussions.

Rural communities have long argued that transportation funding from gas taxes in Colorado should be distributed based on lane miles — the total distance of all roads — or even vehicle miles traveled, which is the total distance traveled on all roads.

While only about 22% of the state’s population lives in rural areas, 78% of the state’s highways are there and 39% of the miles traveled on Colorado roads are in rural areas. CDOT’s 10-year strategic plan, released in 2019, showed Colorado ranked 47th in the country for the condition of rural roads. The agency plans to spend $800 million to repair 2,600 miles of rural pavement between 2020 and 2030.

There are 15 Travel Planning Regions in Colorado that play a role in how funding for transportation projects is distributed. (Provided by CDOT)

CDOT funding plans start with 15 Transportation Planning Regions guided by commissions made up of locally elected leaders. They call those TPRs. Those TPR commission members make recommendations to the State Transportation Advisory Committee, or STAC.

The STAC is made up of 10 representatives from the TPRs, plus five Front Range Metro Planning Organizations and the Southern Ute and Ute Mountain Ute tribes. The STAC makes recommendations to the 11-member State Transportation Commission, which is the final arbiter of funding.

How the amendment could change that

The amendment to House Bill 1011 says that the transportation commission “shall update its rules governing the statewide transportation process and transportation planning regions to adjust the boundaries of the transportation planning regions … in a manner that ensures that the state’s population is proportionally and equitably represented on the transportation advisory committee.”

A change to Colorado transportation funding process was tucked in a free-transit bill. Rural leaders are livid. continued on page 11...