The Lost Creek Guide May 1, 2024

“If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed” Thomas Jefferson ’

“Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains taken to bring it to light” George Washington

Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine Update: Emails and Audio Show a Weld County Commissioner Hip Deep in Disputes, Accusations

by Sherrie Peif, Complete Colorado Page 2

GREELEY — Emails and recordings obtained by Complete Colorado show a Weld County Commissioner who had her departmental oversight duties reassigned to other commissioners in mid-2023 lashing out not only at fellow commissioners but also county employees and private citizens, all during an election season where she has already left one race and entered another.

Since January, Commissioner Lori Saine, who represents the southern end of Weld County, has erupted in disputes during public meetings, threatened and filed complaints against county employees, filed a complaint against fellow Commissioner Perry Buck claiming Buck assaulted her, organized protests against the commission, and orchestrated an 11th-hour challenge against Buck for her open at-large commissioner seat.

Removed from duties

On July 19, 2023, the Weld Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) voted 4-1 to remove Saine from her management duties over the county’s departments of Finance and Administration, Health Services, Planning, Public Works and Human Services. Saine herself was the lone no vote.

Then Chairman of the BOCC, Mike Freeman, also sent a letter to Dacono’s Urban Renewal Authority Executive Director Jennifer Krieger recommending that Commissioner Perry Buck replace Saine on the agency’s board “effective immediately.”

The reasoning given behind the changes then, according to Yellowscene Magazine (YS), came from Freeman, who told YS: “The Board felt there was a need to make a change in department coordinator positions.”

The move came, however, just days after YS reported that Saine was involved in the firing of former Dacono City Manager A.J. Euckert. Saine represents District 3 of Weld County, which encompasses Dacono, where Saine also lives.

In January, after Kevin Ross was elected the new chairman of the BOCC, nothing changed as to board assignments. Saine was not given any coordinator roles and was allowed to remain liaison to only the Weld Faith Partnership Council, while other commissioners were loaded up with assignments.

Demotion sparks conflict

What did change, however, was Saine’s level of conflict with fellow commissioners — specifically Buck — after they demoted Saine’s closest ally at the county over complaints from his staff.

On the same day Ross was sworn in as the new chairman, the BOCC held a meeting concerning complaints filed against then Weld County Planning Director Tom Parko by three staff members to Human Resources Director Jill Scott.

Scott summarized the complaints, saying they centered around growing concerns from staff over the relationship Parko had with Saine. Among the complaints, Scott said, was the staff’s belief that Parko’s focus historically was on pleasing the entire BOCC rather than educating them with his professional opinion, but that focus had narrowed even further to pleasing only Saine’s directives.

Parko and Saine were then called out for what appeared to be collusion to go against county plans.

“According to staff, the public image of the department has become such that if you (push) hard enough you will get your way,” Scott says in the meeting, “even if it impacts the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Weld County.”

On the recordings sent to Complete Colorado as part of an open records request made in February, Saine tries to flip the script and accuse the other four commissioners of having meetings against Colorado’s open meetings laws.

“You are insinuating, and you need to stop that,” Buck can be heard saying to Saine. “Please just stop it.”

Prior to becoming county commissioners together in 2020, the two women were close friends as state legislators, often taking on other lawmakers with a one-two punch.

At the end of the meeting, the commissioners voted 4-1 to demote Parko, with Saine as the only no vote.

In February, just three weeks after Parko was demoted, Saine filed a complaint with Scott against Parko’s replacement, interim Planning Director Elizabeth Relford, calling her presentation at a work session, “unprofessional and unethical.”

In a separate open records request, Complete Colorado obtained copies of the emails between Saine, Scott, Ross and other commissioners about Relford. It was

Emails and Audio Show a Weld County Commissioner Hip Deep in Disputes, Accusations continued on page 4...

Great Plains Field of Honor

Fort Lupton, Colorado

2024

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide, Pictures by Juan Arellano & Jackie Smith

The Great Plains Field of Honor Planning Committee, the City of Fort Lupton and all the supporters and volunteers made this honoring and remembrance of our veterans and first responders a wonderful event, even if the weather did not fully cooperate. The Schedule of Events program did remind all that it was weather permitting but the event was conducted. Mayor Zo Hubbard and Chris Cross, City Administrator of the City of Fort Lupton, acting as MC’s led the event. Honoring particularly this year the Honor Bell Foundation and the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West, the folks that attended were well bundled up and enjoyed the ceremonies. Honoring the Fallen were Deputy Malloy, Adams County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Moran, Cortez Police Department and Sr. Deputy Humphrey, Adams County Sheriff’s Office.

Sponsors for the event were: Yoder Chevrolet, Warner Ranch, Adolf & Peterson Construction, Ad-Mor Farms, Dales Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente, United Power, Aims Community College, Bank of Colorado, Fort Lupton Fire District, Suncor Energy, Mrs. Marlene Stieber, Wholly Stromboli, Charm Industrial, Perkins & Will, Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital, Gabel Farms, Betty Taylor, Knights of Columbus, City of Brighton, Tabor Rice Funeral Home, RNT Credit Union, and the Jenny Hart Team.

A big thank you to the many volunteers without whose tireless devotion and efforts the event would not have been possible.

More Pictures of Great Plains Field of Honor Fort Lupton, Colorado 2024 on page 6...

Way of the World

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide

A few weeks ago, we did a piece on bullies. This needs revisiting. Ever wonder why there are always complaints about voter turnout after elections but really nothing is ever done about it. When was the last time you heard from either major party about an organized get out the vote effort? It is because they really do not want you to vote. Neither the Republican nor Democratic party is a majority party. The unaffiliated are the largest block of voters. If you participated in voting you might sway the election and elect somebody who might try to do something about the swamp in Washington D.C. and what is growing in a lot more local areas. Neither party wants you to really participate in selecting the candidates you ultimately have to choose from. So many of you stay home and do not vote, asking yourself why does my vote matter?

The Democrats usually do it internally by limiting the number of candidates who will run for office. The Democrats exposed themselves a bit this year in the CD-4 race to fill the seat vacated by Ken Buck’s resignation by having the front running Democratic candidate, Trisha Calvaese, run against Ike McCorkle, the marine veteran who has challenged Ken Buck in the last two elections on what many viewed as a hopeless effort. Seems this race for CD-4 has given the Democrats a different view. The Republicans on the other hand have a wide slate of candidates in CD-4. Led by Loren Beaubert, supported by GOP Colorado State Chair Dave Williams. What ever happened to party election neutrality? The field is overwhelmed with a collection of qualified candidates who will undoubtedly split the primary vote dramatically among themselves. Both leading candidates from their parties, Ms. Calvarese and Ms. Boebert, caucuses have one thing in common. They both can explain what being a carpet bagger really means to the voters of CD-4.

At the national level, our selection for President is decided on the Democratic side by the big money donors and the extreme left wing of the party. This writer, for one. Is not excited about having California and New York politicos having that much impact on the presidential election process in Colorado. On the Republican side, the Trump train is almost impossible to slow down. We, as Americans, should be deeply concerned about the weaponization of the legal system by the government to attack any citizen. I know a many think it is a great way to humble Trump but look beyond that, I understand that it is hard. The implications for all of us, as individuals, are absolutely threatening. Who is their next target? Where is the ACLU in defending the rights of the individual? The justice system is supposed to be neutral, just the facts please and the law as written, not created to fit the individual.

On page 3 of this issue we have reprinted an article by Colorado State Senator for District 1, Byron Pelton, from May of 2023, on how local taxing authorities could have fixed the real estate tax issue this year by reducing their mill levy. Looking at Weld County, not much was done for the taxpayer in any of the 549 taxing authorities that exist in Weld County. The Weld County mill levy tax was reduced by almost 20% for 2024. This was the result of the Weld County Council refusing to allow the Board of County Commissioners to override the binding direction of the Weld County Charter. The three Commissioners that presented in November of 2023 called for a one mill reduction from the current Weld County mill levy of fifteen mills to fourteen mills. The Weld County Council by a vote of 3 to 2 denied it. The Weld County Board of Commissioners came back the following month in November and requested the same thing. There the Weld County Council voted a twoto-two tie which meant the motion to approve the request failed. Commissioner Ilijah Hatch was not at that meeting to vote.

What you have to ask yourself is why did the elected officials throughout the County fail to consider the impact on the individual taxpayers for what amounted to a windfall revenue benefit for the 549 individual taxing authorities by the average increase of 31% for assessed valuations? Why didn’t our Weld County Commissioners use the power of the bully pulpit to ask the elected official to temporarily reduce their mill levy to help offset the impact to tax paying citizens? Something that they have universally accused the Democratically controlled State House of not doing. Even Governor Polis had a statement making that suggestion to local taxing authorities. A little disingenuous as he never requested his party to do something at the state level. Very disingenuous activity across the board.

The question we all should be asking ourselves is simple. Are we satisfied that our elected officials are really being good stewards of our money? Or are we seeing the corruption of our government seeping down from Washington to the state, county, and local levels where the importance of the bureaucracy out ways the concern for our local citizens? This writer does not believe that we should be democratic socialists. Big government does not know better. Our country became a great place to live because we welcomed legitimate immigrants who brought a desire to have a better life for themselves and their families, not expecting the government to provide for their every need. We, as individuals, need to wake up and hold people accountable to do what they are elected to do, represent the best interests of all the people, not to the exclusion of their constituents, but rather their inclusion. A novel thought.

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

Colorado Sun Politics Reporter Kicked Out of GOP State Assembly

Reporter Sandra Fish was escorted out by a sheriff’s deputy after being told the Colorado GOP chairman doesn’t like her reporting by Jennifer Brown, The Colorado Sun

A Colorado Sun politics reporter was escorted out of the state GOP assembly by a sheriff’s deputy Saturday after being told that party Chairman Dave Williams found her “current reporting to be very unfair.”

Reporter Sandra Fish, who has covered politics since 1982, received a text at 3:45 a.m. Saturday from a Colorado Republican Party event organizer saying that she was no longer allowed to attend. Fish went anyway to the assembly at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, where she checked in at the door and received a press credential to enter.

About an hour later, she was told to leave.

Fish initially refused, but was later escorted out by a law enforcement officer, who told her, “You have to be invited here. They don’t want you here. We have to get you out of here,” according to video of the scene taken by other journalists.

In the past year, Fish has written news articles about the 2023 election of Williams to lead the state party, as well as stories about the party’s financial struggles. In February, she authored a Sun article about the state GOP sending a pro-Donald Trump mailer that attacked William’s congressional primary opponent, calling it “the latest example of Williams using his party leadership position to benefit or defend himself and his allies.” Williams is running to replace U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District.

Williams was elected as party chairman on a platform that included falsely insisting that former President Trump won the 2020 election.

Several Republican leaders criticized the ousting of a reporter from the state assembly, one of the most important events of the year as the party chooses its candidates for the November election.

State Sen. Barbara Kirkmeyer, a Republican lawmaker from Weld County, called it “disgusting” and embarrassing in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Sandra Fish is a fair, honest and respected reporter. As a Republican I’m embarrassed by the GOP chair,” she posted. “As a state senator I’m stunned by the blatant disregard for our Constitution — and by a former legislator no less. Disgusting.”

Even the most recent GOP state chair before Williams blasted the move. Kristi Burton Brown, who is currently running to serve on the state board of education, called it a “dangerous take” by the party, noting that Fish is “widely known to be hardhitting but fair.”

“Transparency is necessary for our nation,” she said.

In the predawn text from the GOP, Fish was told by Eric Grossman, who was working logistics for the assembly, that the party had decided the event was not an “open press event.”

“This is to inform you that your name is not included in my final press credentials list currently being typed up,” he texted, adding that the party chairman thinks her reporting is “very unfair.”

Fish said she decided to attend the event anyway. “It’s important for the public to see these things, to have these things reported on,” Fish said.

Colorado Sun editor Larry Ryckman called Fish an “experienced, accomplished journalist” who was working to report important news for the Colorado public.

“A free press is a pillar of a healthy democracy,” he said. “The Founding Fathers understood this, and that’s why they enshrined freedom of the press in the very first amendment to the Constitution. The public has a right to know who is running for political office, and Sandra was there to represent the public today.”

Ryckman said the situation was reminiscent of his days as a Moscow correspondent for The Associated Press. “It’s a sad day when politicians get to decide who can and cannot report for the American people,” he said. “I once lived in and covered a place like that. It was called the Soviet Union. We deserve better in Colorado.”

Williams responded Sunday to The Sun’s request for comment Saturday. He called Fish a “fake journalist” and accused her of sneaking into the event, despite that she received press credentials at the door.

The Sun, he said, “is just an extension of the Democrat Party’s PR efforts, and the only backlash we see is from the fake news media, radical Democrats, and establishment RINOs who hate our conservative base and who always look for opportunities to boot lick the crooked press or pundits who hate true Republicans and President Trump.”

The Sun is an independent, nonpartisan and nonprofit statewide news outlet.

The Sun learned Thursday that the Colorado GOP was possibly planning to prevent Fish from attending the statewide assembly Saturday. Ryckman and another editor reached out to Williams proactively, but the chairman did not respond to multiple messages.

Republicans at the state assembly are advancing candidates to the primary ballot for University of Colorado regent at large as well as selecting representatives to the Republican National Committee, which helps choose the nominee for president. The party was also working to set its platform for the upcoming election season.

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

Local

Governments Can Correct Our Rising Property Taxes

by Senator Byron H. Pelton (R) from Sterling May 4, 2023

We are in the final days of the 2023 Colorado Legislative Session, four days remaining to be exact. One would think that we, as the State General Assembly, would be trying to wrap up work on the remaining bills and that there would not be any new bills still being introduced this late in the session. However, this is not the case as we saw the introduction of Senate Bill 23-303 “Reduce Property Taxes And Voter-approved Revenue Change.”

Whether we like it or not, property taxes are going up in our state. We are predicted to see an increase of up to 30% on property taxes, and this is going to be detrimental for our senior population. Our elderly community members are often confined to a fixed income and strict budget. It is called a fixed income for a reason as they will not see an increase in their social security checks even though they will see an increase in their daily expenses. Utility bills are rising, food prices (like eggs) are rising, and fuel cost is rising all while incomes and pay remain the same.

From my experience as a commissioner in Logan County, I can distinctly recall the tough conversations that I had with many of my county employees who would ask for an increase in their wages. Regardless of how hard working and deserving these county employees were, the county budget was already stretched thin and would not allow for these additional funding requests. Budget limitations are a harsh reality for many municipalities and private businesses, even when faced in a state where everything is getting more expensive.

As a part of local control, county commissioners can help alleviate the financial hardship that many of their constituents are facing by either offering a temporary property tax credit or by lowing the mill levy. I know because five out of the six years that I served as a Logan County Commissioner, I voted to either lower the mill levy or to give a temporary tax credits. Special districts, like fire districts and school districts, also have the authority to lower mill levies. These potential solutions are all ways that local governments can help relieve the financial burden from the rising property taxes that we are experiencing here in Colorado.

While the intention of SB23-303 is in the right place, we do not need state interference and the execution of this bill would mean stealing from our tabor refunds. Local governments can correct our rising property taxes; which is why the citizens of each community need to start getting involved with their county’s budget process and start talking with their local elected officials – county commissioners, fire chiefs, school board members, etc. – about how responsible budgeting, lower mill levies, and temporary property tax credits can curb the impact of property tax increases.

Letter to the People – Elected Officials Work for You, The People

by Dusty Johnson, House District 63 Candidate

May 2024

It’s long past time that we remind our elected officials that they work for the people. Our government, at all levels, should be by and for the people. Unfortunately, many of our elected government officials, especially at the state and federal level, have become disconnected from their constituents.

It breaks my heart when I hear folks say that they cannot remember the last time an elected leader at the state or federal level has reached out to them or visited their area. When I reach out to different hospitals, businesses, and groups across the Northeast, people seem shocked. More times than not, these individuals are more than eager and willing to bend over backwards to make a tour or meeting work. It should be the other way around. It should be the elected officials and/or candidates who are adjusting their schedules around their constituents’ times.

My call to you is to start holding all elected officials and candidates accountable. One way to do this is by taking note of who does and does not return your calls, emails, or letters in a timely manner. Another is to make a note of who does what they say the will; do their actions and words match up?

Let 2024 be the year that we remind our elected officials that they work for you, the people. Now is the time to start thinking about which candidate(s) you want to hire as your voice. Now is the time to start interviewing those running and making it clear that you, the people, will be their boss.

I understand that my job as your next State Representative will be to work for those within House District 63 and to be your voice from the plains to the Gold Dome in Denver. This is why I have uploaded my resume on my website (www. DustyForColorado.com), because I recognize that this campaign trail is my interview and test period. Reach out to me and ask your questions, state your issues. I won’t claim to know it all, but I will find you the answers from those that do.

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Residents of Weld County District 3, My name is Adrienne Sandoval, and I am running to be your next Weld County Commissioner in district 3. During my decade of service to the residents of Platteville as a trustee and then as the mayor for the last 6 years, I have found a love for being a public servant and working hard for what the people want with my other board members. When I ran for mayor in 2018, I ran under the motto or slogan (personal belief) of “Be the change you want to see in the world”. I was sick of my board fighting amongst themselves and mostly focused on what they wanted and not what the people wanted. I was sick of the state and federal government always bringing hate and divide to the name of what we do. THAT’S NOT WHAT A SERVANT DOES. I didn’t then, and still don’t today, know how to fix it other than to just jump in and be a part of it. If I could change the way just a few people do it, I would be winning. Because of this approach, for the last 6 years, the Platteville board of trustees has been a high preforming board for the residents of Platteville. Nobody was focused on what they wanted, we were all focused on what the residents wanted and needed. Because there was no divide and personal vendettas, we all had the residents at the top of our minds.

The residents of Weld County deserve that same focus. I hear screams of transparency needed, a lack of being present and accountable, and so much more. Those are big topics that cannot be addressed by a board who is clearly divided. The people of Weld deserve 5 commissioners who are all working for the same goal and purpose. Naturally, with 5 people on a commission, there will be 5 different ideas on how to get there. That’s where they must come together. They need to work out the best way to bring solutions and action to the residents.

I will bring my ability and reputation to unite to the table and we will have a board of county commissioners who work for the people, just like our forefathers intended. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Adrienne Sandoval www.SandovalForWeld.com 970-222-3238 adrienne@sandovalforweld.com

Emails

and Audio Show a Weld County Commissioner Hip Deep in Disputes, Accusations continued from page 1...

clear in the complaint that Saine was still upset over the demotion of Parko.

Relford “went after an employee indirectly who was accused by three employees, not 39 employees of being solely responsible for low morale,” Saine said in the complaint. The comment was in reference to Parko’s defense that the complaints against him were by “only three people.”

“If they were from 39 employees, then I’d be concerned,” Parko said in that meeting.

Saine continued to use her complaint against Relford to revisit Parko’s hearing.

“Those items regarding HR issues should have been addressed confidentially with HR. That employee didn’t have representation at the meeting, and no one heard the other side of the story,” Saine said, despite the fact that county employees do not have confidentiality as it pertains to disciplinary action, as previously ruled in an open records case brought against Weld County in 2018 by Complete Colorado and the The Greeley Tribune.

Saine also accused Relford of yelling at staff members, coercing businesses going through a planning process, and creating an unprofessional atmosphere, mirroring the complaints against Parko.

“I have started to receive a lot of citizen complaints about Ms. Relford’s leadership again in only two weeks,” Saine said.

In an email response, Ross said Saine’s complaint was “entirely inappropriate.”

“Your email is without merit and appears to be a personal vendetta by you against Ms. Relford,” Ross said. “As such, it will not be placed in her personal file, as you request. … To attack her personally, as you did in your email, is inappropriate and will not be tolerated by the Board.”

In, yet another, separate open records request, Complete Colorado obtained the audio of the presentation by Relford and could not find any instance supporting Saine’s accusations against Relford.

Assault accusations

Then in March, after two resolutions Saine brought to the board that were rejected by the other commissioners, Saine doubled-down and began accusing other commissioners of bullying and assaulting her — all unsubstantiated.

and cause confusion for the residents of our community. I consider what she has done to be highly inappropriate and unethical. Make no mistake, her actions are purposeful and, in my opinion designed to cause friction between the Town of Eaton and the Ag community.”

Saine dealt the final blow on March 26 when she abandoned her re-election bid for Commissioner District 3 and announced she would be challenging Buck for the at-large seat.

Saine nearly lost her primary bid in 2020, beating Fort Lupton Mayor Tommy Holton by just 17 votes. She will need to win over voters in the entire county to beat Buck, who has a long family history in Weld County. Buck’s father Bill Webster was a commissioner in the 1990’s. Webster was president of Webster Land & Cattle Company. Buck’s mother Sylvia Webster was a two-term member of the GreeleyEvans School District Board of Education.

“I understand that it is highly unlikely that Ms. Saine will resign and therefore I urge you as a board to investigate any action that you can take to stop her continued efforts to undermine the good works of your board and the other municipalities in the county,” Moser said. “The people of Weld County deserve better.”

After her last resolution was rejected, Saine organized protests at county meetings that included citizens duct taping their mouths shut in response to the BOCC shutting down public comment on items not on the agenda.

Saine’s accusations were first against Buck, who is also running for re-election. Saine started publicly telling constituents that Buck “assaulted” her in December.

In a fourth and final open records request, Complete Colorado obtained copies of statements filed by Buck and the BOCC’s secretary, Karla Ford about the incident that took place outside Buck’s office on Dec. 5, 2023.

Buck said Saine was doing what she does best. “I would call it bullying,” Buck wrote. “This situation is typical of what she likes to do to me.”

According to Buck’s statement she was waiting for a department head to come to her office for an evaluation when Saine demanded she be included in the evaluation because the director was formally under Saine until her duties were revoked. Buck declined the request.

Buck said Saine refused to leave her office, arguing with Buck about her right to be in the evaluation, so when Buck heard the employee approach, she directed him to another office and began to follow him.

“Lori was behind (the employee), but I was able to get my arm behind (him) and shut the door,” Buck said in her statement. “After the evaluation … Lori was still sitting in my office (uninvited-bullying).”

Ford, who said the event took place in front of her, corroborated Buck’s statement.

“Commissioner Buck went behind (the employee) and was closing the door behind her and Commissioner Saine aggressively pushed the door towards (sic) Commissioner Buck to get into the office,” Ford wrote.

In the time since, Saine has announced that Buck assaulted her at multiple public gatherings, including a town hall where she refused to sit next to Buck out of “fear.”

Saine is also using her claims to fund raise. In an campaign email sent April 3 with the subject “I am not safe at work,” Saine claims she is not allowed in briefings, among other accusations.

“Doors are slammed in my face when I want to ask questions,” she said in the email. “I have been forcibly shoved physically out of office spaces. I … told (HR) I would start recording to protect myself and that I felt like I needed a body cam at all times because of the ongoing verbal and physical harassment from three commissioners in particular.”

Saine also used her complaint against Relford to accuse other board members of the same.

“As I mentioned to you after December,” Saine wrote, “I don’t feel safe in this office environment after being shoved by Commissioner Buck and subsequently have doors slammed in my face by Commissioner Ross. … I now feel like I need to wear a body camera at all times to capture what is going on in the physical environment and to protect me and staff from accusations.”

Saine’s actions have resulted in the BOCC coming up with a rules of conduct for board members. Additionally, some close to the county who asked to remain anonymous say commissioners are also considering censuring Saine.

Conflict spreads

However, it isn’t just commissioners that Saine is having issues with.

On Feb. 3, Eaton Mayor Scott Moser called on Saine to resign in a letter the BOCC. Moser told the BOCC he was filing a complaint with the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission against Saine. Complete Colorado could not find a complaint on the IEC website.

“I have witnessed Ms. Saine knowingly making false statements about the Town of Eaton during one of your regular public meetings,” Moser wrote. “… In the last week, I have fielded several complaints and messages from concerned residents who live in the county, outside our city limits. These complaints are fueled by comments that Ms. Saine has made that have led the public to believe that the Town of Eaton is going to annex a three-mile radius around our Town limits, essentially taking away property rights of farmers and residents within this radius.”

Moser continues “…I am convinced that Ms. Saine’s sole intent is to sow discontent

Wiggins Students Attended State Science Fair

Article and Pictures by

Peggie Neal

Congratulations to all the students that attended the state Science Fair. Each of them did an outstanding job and represented our school district amazingly. Extra congratulations to:

Jessa Wilson with taking third place in Animal Science

Fallyn Gregersen for receiving tree special awards: 1) John Goodenough Chemistry Award as a pioneer in science with a $50 certificate, 2) American Associations of University Women Award for Women in STEM $150 certificate, 3) American Vacuum Society Rocky Mountain Chapter (excellence in physical sciences and engineering award: $200

Collin Richardson American Vacuum Society Rocky Mountain Chapter (excellence in physical sciences and engineering awards) $100

Mario Jacobo being the first Spanish speaking only student to advance to the state level.

Great Plains Field of Honor Fort Lupton, Colorado 2024 Pictures (continued from page 1)

Pictures by Juan Arellano & Jackie Smith

Southeast Weld & West Adams Conservation Districts 2024 Annual Meeting

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide

The 2024 annual meeting of the Southeast Weld and West Adams Conservation Districts was held at the American Legion Post 1809 in Keenesburg Colorado. Southeast Weld Conservation District President Bob Warner welcomed everyone to the meeting. There was a dinner buffet provided, Speakers for the evening were:

Cindy Lair with the Colorado Department of Agriculture. She is the Deputy Director and Climate Resilience Specialist for the Conservation Division of the Colorado Department of Agriculture. She leads the Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO) which includes the Soil Health Program, STAR AGRICULTURAL Ranking Framework, Agricultural Water Policy and the Advancing Colorado’s Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ACRE3) Programs. Within her duties she also oversees the Colorado State Conservation Board and serves on the Colorado Natural and Working Lands Working Group for the US Climate Alliance.

Carmen Farmer is the Project Manager for the Northern Front Range and Lower South Platte Basin at Colorado Open Lands. Colorado Open Lands (COL) is a statewide trust that works with producers who are interested in exploring conservation options for their farms and ranches.

Katrina Stark & Marriah Garrison from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This group works with producers to find the best solutions to meet their unique conservation and business goals.

Before the meeting ended Bob Warner called on Bob Sakata to explain his new job. As Bob Sakata explained it was and is an ongoing challenge to explain to his wife why he took on this new role. He is now the Agricultural Water Policy Advisor to the Commissioner’s Office.

As usual the event ended with an end of night door prize event which left everyone with something to take home.

Lochbuie 2024 Safety Day Event

Our annual Safety Day Event is happening on Saturday, May 11th from 11 am - 2 pm at the Lochbuie Elementary School located at 201 Bonanza Blvd. This event is designed to promote awareness and safety to the residents of Lochbuie and is specifically geared toward kids and teens who will have the opportunity to spend time with first responders.

In the past, our event has been attended by first responders from a variety of agencies including Lochbuie Police Department, Weld County Sheriffs Officer, Hudson Public Library, Rampart Search and Rescue, Platte Valley Ambulance Services, Hudson Fire Department, and BOVA (Victim Advocate Services)!

One of the highlights of the event will be our bike safety demonstration, where participants can complete a bike course and learn valuable bike safety tips. We will also be providing free hotdogs, chips, and water for all attendees to keep everyone fueled and hydrated throughout the event.

As an extra incentive for kids and teens to visit each first responder station, we will be holding a raffle for a bicycle! So be sure to stop by each station and enter your name for a chance to win.

This event promises to be a fun-filled day with plenty of opportunities to learn about safety and interact with first responders. So, mark your calendars and join us for a day of community building and education. We can’t wait to see you there!

Small Colorado Mill Wins Competitive $22M Federal Grant To Decarbonize, Use Less Water

Golden Aluminum is creating a new process line that uses less heating and cooling, and more efficient scrap by Michael Booth,The Colorado Sun Fort Lupton-based Golden Aluminum has won $22.3 million in federal energy grants to decarbonize its mini-mill, incorporate more efficient scrap and use less water, in a competition with hundreds of other heavy industry applicants.

The grants will fund a new process line and job training for aluminum handling that requires less heating and cooling before rolling out the final aluminum coils, and can take advantage of higher scrap content in the metal that saves 95% of the energy used in making primary aluminum from ore.

Golden Aluminum President and CEO Jeff Frim said 33 out of 411 applicants were selected nationwide for a share of $6 billion in clean energy grants from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Golden Aluminum will openly share its new aluminum rolling process, and Frim believes the demonstrations could help promote onsite mini-mills that can use clean energy as a power source and reduce transportation emissions by locating next to scrap or recycling centers.

“I think we’re the second smallest of the grants, and probably the smallest company that was awarded,” Frim said. Golden Aluminum is privately held, but original founders Bill Coors and Coors Brewing had a long-sought goal of making new aluminum beverage cans and other metal parts from 100% recycled aluminum scrap. A mini-mill traditionally melts scrap and recycled aluminum to make rolls of new sheeting, rather than smelting raw ore from scratch.

“We’re ready to go,” Frim said. With stiff competition for the Department of Energy funding, Frim said, “we’re really, really proud of that accomplishment.”

The new process line will also allow Golden Aluminum to supply electric-vehicle makers and other renewable energy industries with more parts. The grant and new process will not greatly expand employment, Frim said, but will support job-skills training and a highly paid workforce in the Fort Lupton area.

Golden Aluminum’s new process will also use 86% less water in production than a previous standard called direct-chilling, according to a DOE release listing the national grants.

One goal of the DOE grants is to seek breakthroughs in reducing carbon emissions in the so-called “hard to decarbonize” heavy industries, such as steel and cementmaking. Such industrial sites rely on intense heat for mills and kilns that previously could only be provided by heavy fossil fuel burning.

Golden Aluminum will be able to burn less natural gas with the new process, which eliminates some heating and cooling steps and produces a thinner aluminum sheet that requires less energy intensity in rolling into a final thickness. As Colorado’s energy grid moves further away from coal and natural gas toward cleanly generated solar and wind electricity, the state’s manufacturing sector has advantages, Frim said.

“If people are buying products from China, they’re buying from coal plants,” Frim said.

The Colorado Sun is a reader-supported news organization that covers Colorado people, places and issues. To sign up for free newsletters, subscribe or learn more, visit ColoradoSun.com

Community Events In Town of Hudson

[HUDSON, COLORADO, April 26, 2024] In Hudson, along with the warmer weather, comes our new calendar of events! In addition to old favorites like the Kid’s Fishing Derby, Trunk or Treat, and the Easter Egg Hunt, new events this year include the Cedar Street Block Party and Market, the Summer Music Mash in Memorial Park, and Hudson Lunch & Lawn Games. Of course, we are bringing back the famous Hudson Harvest Festival, too!

First up in the Major Events category is the Cedar Street Block Party & Market! Starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 25, the Party will feature dozens of market vendors, food and ice cream trucks, cotton candy, and much more! It’s a day filled with music, as Colorado Music Hall of Fame artists Chris Daniels & The Kings and Freddi Gowdy take the 20’ x 16’ stage. The Kings are headlining the day with three fantastic bands, including Denver’s DEF Trio (Diamond, Edwards, Forrest!) and David Michael Boyd & Blues Behind Bars!

A few weeks after the Block Party comes the Summer Music Mash in Memorial Park. Set for Saturday, June 22, the event runs from 1:00 to 6:30 PM. We have four phenomenal bands playing, and the lineup includes The Atomic Drifters, David Michael Boyd & Blues Behind Bars, Greg Schochet & Little America, and headlining the day is Los Bohemios! In addition to great music and atmosphere, we’ll have bounce houses, food and ice cream trucks, vendors of all kinds, and a beer garden for those who like little hops and barley!

On Saturday, July 20, starting at 11:00 AM, we’ll host the first Hudson Lunch and Lawn Games in Memorial Park! And because July is a hot one here on the plains, for the kids, we’ll feature bounce houses and water slides, a kid’s maze, lawn games of all kinds, and free squirt guns for the first hundred kids! We’ll also have a live band at the Pavilion, a water dunk tank, and food and ice cream trucks. It’s a fun-filled day to cool off and hang with friends and family!

The final event we want to highlight today (not the season’s final event!) is the Hudson Harvest Festival happening in Memorial Park on Saturday, September 21, the last day of Summer!

Kicking off at 2:00 PM and running’ till 8:00 PM, the Harvest Festival sports a Car Show, kid’s bounce houses, a kid’s maze, a kid’s train, a petting zoo, and two great bands. Last year’s headliners, Milestone, open the show this year, and Chris Daniels & The Kings will retake the stage with Freddi Gowdy! We’ll also have over 80 vendors, food and ice cream trucks, a beer garden, and fireworks!”

As we approach this great season of events, we want to acknowledge that we can only do these events with the participation of our amazing sponsors! Without them, we would have to scale back much of what we do, so we want you to understand how much these great companies care about their community. This year, our sponsors include Motherload Co-Packing, TBK Bank, United Power, ALLO Fiber, the Hudson Public Library, Waste Management, Aims Community College, The Lost Creek Guide, Intermountain Health, and the Bank of Colorado. Thank you, Sponsors!

For more information about our events, we encourage you to go to the Town Calendar page at www.hudsoncolorado.org/calendar.

For questions about our events, please email ssnow@hudsoncolorado.org, or call 720-961-9020. We’ll see you at the Party!

~ Town of Hudson

“Bringing the Fun in 2024!”

Martinez: Court Sends A Reminder; Tax Hikes Require Voter Consent

by Tyler Martinez, Complete Colorado Page 2

In a major victory for taxpayers, a unanimous panel of the Colorado Court of Appeals agreed with the National Taxpayers Union Foundation’s Taxpayer Defense Center (NTUF) that an overnight doubling of the property taxes in a few Northern Colorado counties violated the Colorado Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights (TABOR).

We represented James Aranci and his neighbors, who were shocked to learn in 2020 that their property taxes to the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District doubled from 2019 to 2020 (and the years thereafter). TABOR mandates a ratification vote of any proposed tax increase or new debt taken on by government entities–including water districts. But there was no vote from Aranci or anyone else. So we came to help in their challenge to this unconstitutional tax increase.

The court held in this case that the doubling of the rate increased the tax revenue to the water district, and thus there should have been a TABOR vote. The court read the relevant case law in the same way as we did, holding that Huber v. Colorado Mining Association–which was about a ministerial tax adjustment based on inflation–did not apply here, where the water district had a lot of options for balancing its budget.

The court also rejected the water district’s theory that a 1996 ballot measure waived any right to vote on future tax increases, as the measure expressly stated “that no local tax rate or property mill levy shall be increased at any time without the prior approval of the voters of the Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District.”

And, finally, the court rejected the water district’s assertion that the sky will fall if they can’t avoid a TABOR vote and double the rates overnight. TABOR simply requires the government to ask permission if it wants more tax money. Various government entities—schools, libraries, fire departments, etc.—routinely ask for more money and get it because the taxpayers agree it is worth the investment. If the water district thinks it needs more funds, it needs to ask.

As for next steps in the case, the unanimous panel of judges reversed the holdings of the District Court and remanded the case back for further proceedings on (1) the question of class certification so that all property owners can get their money refunded and (2) attorneys’ fees. This is expected and routine to have the trial court handle such matters.

The case is Aranci v. Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District (2024 COA 28).

Tyler Martinez graduated law school at the University of Colorado and is a senior attorney at NTUF. A version of this article originally appeared at the NTUF website.

Your Child’s Summer Adventure Awaits

by Jackie Smith

Give your child an incredible memory. Students dressed as a pioneer, will get a remarkable 3-day learning experience while attending school in an original 1875 schoolhouse. The student will learn from the McGuffey readers, do crafts, make butter, wash laundry on an old washboard. In addition, he or she will meet historical characters, enjoy tours of the buildings and more. Oh, and by the way there will be smiles!

Children completing 1st through 8th grade are eligible for registration. Sessions are Mondays through Wednesdays from 9 A.M to 3

P.M. Session one is June 3-5, session two June 10-12, and session three is June 17-19. Cost is $60.00 per student or $62.50 if paying with Pay Pal.

Registration form must be legibly filled out. Sessions are limited! Students will be accepted in order the registration form is received. Payment is due at the time of registration.

For more information and forms please go www.spvhs.org, or contact jsmith@spvhs. org. The independence schoolhouse is located at 2001 Historic Parkway, Fort Lupton. On Highway 85, the Northside of Fort Lupton, turn West on 14-1/2. The park will be on Your Right

Here is a little bit history of our building. In 1864, classes were originally held in an abandoned wooden cabin left by the backpackers, replaced by another wooden cabin cobbled together. Finally, in 1875 the first framed, little white schoolhouse was constructed. Named the Acorn Academy by the children after a cattle ranch that used an acorn for the brand. In 1890’s it was renamed the Independence School. The school was in operation from 1875 to 1900’s when a brick two story building replaced it. This same brick two story building still remains today on Weld County Road 27 between roads 6 and 8. The little white schoolhouse, which was portable, was moved and used for farm workers. It was eventually donated in 1992 to the Society and restored. It was dedicated in 2000 for everyone to enjoy.

In the Tent at the Great Plains Field of Honor

by Jackie Smith

On April 20th, the Great Plains Field of Honor had their closing ceremony. It was all you come to expect to honor those who served.

Displayed by the generations who followed, a field of flags representing soldiers. It was an acknowledgement of gratitude for the opportunity of living free from tyranny, to be given the ability to choose one’s own destiny. Along with the crowd, I too find myself incredibly grateful.

With all the events of the day, it is the green army tent that was most significant, because just inside its flaps were the Buffalo Soldiers. Along with historical artifacts, reenactors told the history of the men and one woman, Cathay Williams, who served as the Buffalo Soldiers.

Starting from a promise he made to his father. John Bell founded the Buffalo Soldiers of the American West. John chose to represent the 10th Calvary Regiment, a segregated African American unit from the time period between 1870 to 1890. Its organization began with its first meeting in 1992 and becoming a nonprofit in 1994. Ever since then this organization has been telling these soldier’s history.

Brighton State of the City 2024 Luncheon

Presentation at the Armory in Brighton

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide, pictures by Lost Creek Guide

On March 27th, 2024, the City of Brighton hosted its annual State of the City luncheon at the Armory in Brighton. Brighton Mayor Greg Mills, Brighton City Manager Michael Martinez, and Greater Brighton Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau President and CEO, Natalie Cumming gave updates on the significant activities and achievements in 2023.

Highlighting major projects was the widening of Bridge Street led the list, a 19.5 million effort that will be completed in 2025. The water treatment plant project is scheduled for completion at the end of December. The storm water project will significantly reduce the flooding possibilities within the community. Ground was broken for the new Municipal Service Center of 68,000 square feet which will combine facilities under one roof that are now housed in multiple locations.

Noted in the police department were the efforts to provide mental health professionals to collaborate with police in those situations requiring it. Additionally noting that five additional full-time school resource officers were now available to support the RE27J district.

For additional information refer to the Brighton City and Chamber web sites at brightonco.gov or Brightonchamber.com.

The event was well attended with many cities as well as regional representatives in attendance.

In an emotional conclusion of the day, the mounted unit of the Buffalo Soldiers honored the fallen with a riderless horse. Often called the lone charge, an empty saddle and in its stirrups are the hollow boots facing backwards. A sign a warrior has fallen in battle; it symbolizes the last journey, the rider not ever riding again, looking back on his family for the very last time.

To truly give honor is to educate with history; to tell stories of individuals who gone before us, who sacrificed sometimes with their lives, and who served to protect the values of this country. Thank you and well-done Buffalo Soldiers of American West.

Ag Day Open House Celebration at Aims

Community College in Fort Lupton 2024

modified press release from Aims Community College pictures by Lost Creek Guide, photographer Pat Lentell

On March 19th, 2024, Aims Community College held its annual Ag Day Open House Celebration at the Fort Lupton Campus. Agricultural Sciences and Technology Department Chair and Professor Amy McFarland said” We have a strong academic program that wants not only to celebrate but also highlight what is available on the Fort Lupton Aims Campus. Ag Day invites everyone to be a part of the agricultural community at Aims.”

Among this year’s events was a drone demonstration highlighting precision agriculture and technological advancements in industry. The Tail Twisters 4-H Club shared activities such as leather craft, sewing, knitting and robotics.

“Agriculture plays an essential role in maintaining Colorado’s strong economy and food security” said Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims Community College CEO and President. “Aims is training future ag leaders with practices and technologies that make the industry more efficient and sustainable.”

Aims Aviation Students Head to National Flight Competition

LOVELAND, CO – April 25, 2024 – Seven Aims Community College aviation students will face off against the nation’s top collegiate pilots in the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON flight safety competition next month. They are the only students from a two-year institution in the competition.

Last fall, the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs hosted a regional SAFECON event. Aims ranked high enough to earn an invitation to the national competition, which takes place in Janesville, Wisconsin, May 13-18.

“It’s exciting to see our aviation students successfully competing with larger four-year schools,” said Dr. Gene O’Hara, secretary of the Aims Board of Trustees. “It’s a testament to the quality of education we offer to future pilots and aviation professionals.”

“Aims aviation students are not only demonstrating their own excellence but leading the way for aspiring aviators in northern Colorado and beyond,” said Dr. Leah L. Bornstein, Aims Community College CEO and president.

Aims aviation students who will compete include:

• Patrick Gronewoller (Team Captain)

• Ryan Lang (Safety Officer)

• Dalton Ellis

• Calving Faller

• Sage Gross

• Greenley Slater

• Zachary Tarrant

SAFECON is a flight competition and safety conference showcasing the skills of the top collegiate pilots in the nation. It features events to test pilots in precision flight maneuvers, navigation, and safety. The event also has educational seminars and networking opportunities.

Assistant Chief Flight Instructor Kurt Bauerle is the advisor of the flight team. “NIFA provides students the opportunity for growth, professional development and networking,” he said. “It allows Aims the chance to showcase the aviation department on a national level.” In addition to Bauerle, flight instructors Conner Rowe and Kevin Ruby have been working with team members as coaches to prepare for the competition. The instructors work with students to hone skills such as precision landings, safety procedures, and other proficiencies.

On the Aims team, Slater is the only female. This spring, she will be graduating with her Professional Pilot Associate Degree. “Aviation is a type of field where you have to have a very strong mindset to make it past the training and the studying,” she said. Slater appreciates the support from Aims. Aviation students do not have to pay to take part in this program. Those on the Aims team get one-on-one coaching and free flight instruction time. “It makes you a better pilot. Having that consistent practice and studying really helps. It’s one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had,” she said.

Slater expects the Aims flight team to do better this year than last. “We know what to expect and can better prepare and compete.”

To learn more about aviation at Aims, please visit aims.co/aviation.

Tailtwister club members with projects from left to right Isaiah Dux, Ari Rife, Jadalynn Frasier and Zeke Rife

May Happenings at Aims Community College

GREELEY, CO – April 23, 2024 – Aims Community College invites the community to our public events. Join us for these upcoming events on Aims campuses. Events are free unless otherwise noted.

Sing-along with Papa David |April 27 | 10-11 a.m. | Ed Beaty Hall Theater | Greeley Campus | $5

Aims Continuing Education invites you to bring your littles for a lively sing-along of classic nursery rhymes, popular children’s songs and recent hits like Frozen and Baby Shark. Kids can get the wiggles out and sing along in this delightful event fit for the whole family. This event is best suited for children ages one to seven years old. Children must be supervised at all times.

Windsor Campus Tour - Automotive | May 1 | Automotive and Technology Center | Windsor Campus

Join us for an in-person tour of the Aims Windsor campus focusing on our Automotive Program. This tour is open for prospective students (and their families) to participate. Please answer the following questions to register for an upcoming tour. These are walking tours, so be sure to bring comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as we give tours rain or shine.

Student Piano Recital | May 1 | 4 p.m. | Ed Beaty Hall Theater | Greeley Campus

Join us to celebrate the accomplishments of our piano students. Everyone is invited to attend this free performance.

Meet the Artist: Mark Kreger | May 3 | 11 a.m.-noon| Ed Beaty Hall Gallery | Greeley Campus

View the latest Ed Beaty Hall Art Exhibit, “Times of Devotion: Moments of Reverence,” featuring work by Denver-based artist Mark Kreger. Join us for a meet and dialogue with the artist event on May 3.

Student Voice Recital | May 6 | 4 p.m. | Ed Beaty Hall Theater | Greeley Campus

Join us for a recital featuring Aims voice students. Everyone is invited to attend this free performance.

Spring Plant Sale

May 8 | 4-7 p.m. | Student Commons | Greeley Campus

May 9 | 4-7 p.m. | Platte Building Ag Shop | Fort Lupton Campus

The Aims Agriculture Club is hosting a Spring Plant Sale fundraiser. All plants are grown and cared for by the Aims Ag Club and Aims Agriculture and Horticulture students.

Aims Physical Education and Recreation Center Community Days| May 13-25 | Physical Education and Recreation Center | Greeley Campus

The Aims Physical Education and Recreation Center (PERC) is open to the community between the semesters. The facility includes a spin studio, cardio theater, strength and conditioning equipment, cross-training center, indoor track, basketball court, racquetball and more. Community members 18 and older can use the PERC during the break. An ID is required for entry.

Coming in June:

Dude Dad | June 21| Doors open 7 p.m. - Show begins at 8 p.m. | Welcome Center Miller Auditorium | Greeley Campus | $35-$45

Dude Dad brings his “On Thin Ice” comedy tour to Aims. Taylor Calmus, aka ‘Dude Dad’, is a Colorado-based video creator who has become a viral sensation through his comedy videos. A father of four kids and a husband to his wife, Heidi, Taylor taps into the relatability of parenthood to help parents laugh at their own struggles.

For more information about events at Aims Community College, visit events. aims.edu. To request accommodations for these events, call 970-339-6388 or email disabilities@aims.edu.

Weld County Commissioners Recognize AIMS Community College

by Bob Grand, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide

Weld County Commissioner Chair, Keven Ross presented Leah Bornstein, President of Aims Community College with a proclamation honoring Aims Community College. celebrating National Community College Month. The Commissioners all thanked and expressed appreciation for the fine work that Aims performs in the Community. The national theme for Community College month was “Cultivating Skills for the Future.

Sam Adamson

Olivia Modad-Estrada

Ashley Clement

Skylar Gregersen

Kasey Merriam

Rebecca Lemus

Payton Nance

Chase Bodine

Taylinn Fitzsimmons

Jacy Dreier

Grayson Johnson

Drevin Castillo

Kaileigh Garcia

John Epple

Scott Kennedy

Dalton Allendorf

Tyleigh Fehseke

Thomas Covelli

Makayla Guilbert

Cayson Miller

Americo Lorenzini

Wendy Rojas Narvaez

Hunter Beach

Aubryn Ferguson

Jacob Dorren

Trey Huwa

Wesley Miranda

Payton Malone

Oscar Perez

Aemin Caya

Cade Green

Taelynn Epple

Tristan Kyte

Grant Reed Isaac Reed Joseph Stone

Retta Thomas

Lance Sulley

Maddison Wyatt

Jennifer Zambrano

Maylin De La Trinidad

Jazmin Talamantes

Roxanne Wyatt

Caz Zimmerman

Daniel Trujillo

Garrette Paul Terrebonne

Tessa Yzaguirre

Austin Covelli

Kylee Nelson

Celeste Eckard

Genevieve Kanka

Camron Rodriguez Trysta Kriska Jaci Sanders Jayce Davis

Angel N. Aguilar

Jeffery D. Blaine

Briley T. Cale

Curtis J. Campbell

Carlos N. Banuelos-Gonzalez

Joshua Britton

Lucas Bruch

Hannah R. Auer

Gavin R. Bowman

Nollan Beckert

Brielle R. Bange

Tyler D. Branch

Nathan Berry

Javier H. Alcala

Nathan S. Bojorquez

Jorge E. Calvillo Olmos

Cassan Cantwell

Kira K. Bargas-Tadych

Lindi M. Brokaw

Cody W. Bydalek

Olivia S. Almaswari

Ximena N. Bonilla

Gustavo A. Camacho Casas

Jaime Carbajal

Valeria N. Batista Rodriguez

Bryan Brown

Fernando Calderon Diaz

Ailyn Vargas Banuelos

Deegan J. Brassington

Cayden J. Bigelow

Gianna Celle

Jaxson G. Dinges

Mauricio N. Casas Ledezma

Addison R. Clayton

Caley Fink

Miguel Carbajal

Abel N. Chavez Saenz

Ryan M. Ellerman

Jonathan N. Cruz-Solis

Roman D. Chernoglazov

Kadie K. Fernandez

Isiah M. Deane

Hannah E. Chambers

Gabriel Dorado

Eduardo Casavantes

Ashley P. Cleverley

Kaylloni J. Ford

Emily M. Carrillo Herrera

Julio Chavez

Daniel C. Duran

Marta America Castaneda

Kaden J. Cooper

Brody J. Francis Gould

Jayden J. Carter

Alonso Cid-Hernandez

Julia Ferrera

Sinay N. Diaz

Benjamin L. Daugherty Vander J. Dause

Isaac W. Defee

Tyler J. Herman

Makiah Jones

Tyler L. Howard

Jose J. Herrera

Bonnie C. Koehn

Sierra S. Jacobs

Aubrei HIlton-Perry

Gabriel N. Jarman

Amy N. Hernandez-Gallegos

Kayla S. Kitzman

Mason J. Hutchins

Aviana P. Hern

Sydnee J. Klausner

Esais L. Jackson

Easton L. Hoffman

Hugo E. Javalera

Tessa Hebert

Jessica Guzman

Kaylynn N. Hatfield

Bailey E. Hayen

Evan M. Graves

Colton G. Goodrich Megan A. Graham Valeria N. Granados-Corral

Arely G. Garcia Kaylee R. Gibson Yadira N. Gonzalez-Juarez

Grace E. Fresquez Connor K. Fry

Josselyn J. Garcia-Orellana

Briana Murillo

Mariah K. Mendez

Olga Y. Montano

Jackson B. O’Connor

Bryan Robles Lugo

Natalie Marseilles

Lillianne M. Miller

Payton N. Norden Conner T. Nuanes

Anastyn N. Livesay

Dylan A. Nataren

Jorge N. Mercado-Chavez

Brookelynn Moser

Sera C. Oh

Shelsea X. Marquez

Payton R. McGrath

Kensley N. Mitchell

Matthew R. Nelson

Irisah Miller

Arely N. Munoz Nunez

Alan N. Marquez-Sandoval

Leonel N. Mendez-Carmona

Xander J. Moessner

Landon C. Nuzum

Marisol N. Lopez-Torres

Zakkary W. Miller

Sean L. Rittierodt

Leah R. Rupple

Jessenia N. Rodriguez

Noah L. Sanders

Leonard J. Rome

Jaqueline Rodriguez-Ornelas

Miranda L. Saltzman

Andre Rodriguez

Damaris Rivera

Julian N. Sanchez

Aquira L. Rouillard-Maldonado

Bryce Ridens

Tyler D. Riddle

Hailey J. Riblett

Owen H. Reininger

Aliyah J. Reyes

Kevin O. Reyes

Guadalupe Ramirez-Castro

Elizabeth N. Rangel

Riley A. Rees

Erica C. Passmore

Logan A. Price

Jesse L. Quinby

Evan E. Peasley

Dylan H. Pevler

Amy C. Ramirez-Sanchez

Bailee E. Park

Natalee R. Parga

Jazlyn R. Ontiveros

Haylee J. Olson

Jose Maria N. Sanudo-Gonzalez

Auburn R. Thoene

Abby J.C. Stannard

Michael A. Sublett

Jason J. Smith Osman N. Soto-Varela

Cristian N. Sandoval-Recio

Joselin Serrano

Kailani B. Thorp

Aryn Steward

Lauryn Suppes

Brooke Severns Hailey N. Singer

Piper R. Stroup

Gilberto J. Talamantes

Emily M. Spayd

Makayla G. Santos

Phoenix L. Wilson

Amber Yeckley

Jazmin N. Zambrano

Zain C. Wilson Shelsea Marquez Xiromee

Michael N. Zambrano

Eloise Vandevandel

Damien W. Villanueva Hector J. Villela

Daniel Van Lue

Edgar D. Vasquez-Sanchez

Samantha J. Weed

Brooke M. Tweedy

Antonio Q. Trevino

Madison M. Urban Cyler B. Troutner

Evelyn Valdvivia-Palacios

Richard J. Trujillo

Jack W. Zimbelman-Lockhart

Fort Lupton 17th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fund Raiser for the Benefit of the RE-8 School District

pictures by Lost Creek Guide, Photographer Jackie Smith

This annual event donates 100% of the proceeds to the RE-8 School District to purchase school supplies for the local RE-8 District Schools.

A thank you to the sponsors: Copper Kettle Kitchen & Catering, the Jenny Hart Team, and Little Caesars.

Community Sponsors: Dale Pharmacy, Wholly Stromboli, United Power, Intermountain Health, Bank of Colorado, Aims Community College – Fort Lupton Campus, Baessler Homes, Basalite Concrete Products, Yoder Chevrolet, Charm Industrial and Suncor.

- Obituary -

Patricia H Waldron

Patricia (Pat) H Waldron, 66, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away on April 10, 2024, at her beloved home in Jacksonport, with her loving family by her side.

She was born June 29, 1957, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Richard and Florence (Callaghan) Hyland. Pat grew up in the Beverly neighborhood on the south side of Chicago attending Christ the King primary school and later graduating from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School with the class of 1975. Upon graduation from high school Pat attended Bryman School where she received her Medical Assistant Certification. In 1978, Pat decided to head out west to grow up with the country, landing in Denver where she worked as a lab technician for the Bureau of Reclamation. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Tony, and together they took off on a 6-month backpacking trip in Europe, becoming engaged in Ireland. On December 30, 1981, they were united in marriage at Christ the King Church in Chicago. They began their life together in Fort Collins, Colorado where Pat put Tony through college while working for the Social Security Administration for 10 years. During that time, they purchased a small farm in Keenesburg, Colorado, where they would live for the next 30 years while raising their family.

Pat was an entrepreneur at heart and started and operated several businesses throughout her life including a licensed daycare facility, a food catering business, and managing HyWal Farms with her family. In 1998, she went to work as a flight attendant for United Airlines where she worked for 10 years. Pat was on one of the last flights before the 9/11 tragedy occurred and was on the first wave of flights after this horrible event. Upon her retirement from United in 2010, she started an Organizing Business (before it was hip) and operated it until her retirement. One of her organizing encounters led her to her last job when she became the office manager at Pawnee Buttes Seed in Greeley, CO until her retirement in 2019.

In 2016, Pat and Tony began their search for a retirement home in Door County, WI. In 2018, Pat found her dream home and they moved to Door County officially in 2019. It brought her much joy and peace to be able to spend her final days on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Pat had an incredible green thumb and it showed in her beautiful house plants and gardens throughout the years. She was also an avid bird watcher and observer of astronomical events. Pat had a beautiful singing voice and pitch perfect hearing and rhythm. After years of suffering, she finally convinced her not so rhythmic husband to take up ballroom dancing lessons in 2010. They enjoyed this activity immensely until her passing.

Of all her varied careers, her greatest achievement was raising her three children, giving them roots and wings, and watching them become productive citizens. They were all at her side during her passing.

Pat will be missed by her devoted husband, Anthony “Tony”; daughters, Emily Waldron (Elise) of Cortez, CO; Sarah (Justin) Feld, grandson James Feld of Washburn, ND; son, Conor (Courtney) Waldron, granddaughter Chesney Waldron, grandson Wayne Waldron; sisters, Mary Ann Rowan, Nancy (Wil) Lawrence; brothers, Richard “Dick” (Kathy) Hyland, Christopher “Chris” Hyland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Hyland; brother-in-law, John Rowan; sister-in-law, Dianne Hyland; brother-in-law, David Waldron.

Pat’s life will be honored with a memorial service held at Huehns Funeral Home, 1414 Michigan St., Sturgeon Bay, WI, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11:00am.

The family will be receiving friends and hosting a luncheon immediately after the service at Alexander’s Restaurant at 3667 Hwy 42 in Fish Creek, WI.

Donations may be made to Unity Hospice.

Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay is assisting the Waldron family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Pat may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.

MTC Equipment Held it’s “Dirt Demo Day” at the New Facility in Hudson, Colorado

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide, Pictures by Lost Creek Guide

On April 4th, 2024, MTC Equipment held its 1st Annual Dirt Demo Day at its new facility located at 213231 I-76 Frontage Road in Hudson, Colorado. The company had all its equipment offerings on display with plenty of people to explain to folks what the equipment could do. Lunch was served, which is always a plus.

MTC Equipment is the largest XCMG dealer in the United States. EXMG, which began in 1943, is now the 3rd largest global equipment machinery company. There were on display: mini excavators, excavators, graders, wheel loaders, rollers, and haul trucks.

MTC Equipment is certainly a positive add to the commercial businesses in the Hudson area.

Costs to Provide Services to Migrants Hits Denver’s Public Safety Budget Common Sense Institute

On April 19th, 2024, CSI released Denver Migrants Spending and the City Budget, a new analysis in an ongoing series examining the cost associated with the recent influx of migrants to Denver. To date, the City of Denver alone is projected to have spent on migrants the equivalent of a small city department’s worth of funding.

Authored by CSI Director of Policy & Research, DJ Summers, the analysis puts recent budget cuts into perspective.

“Whatever kind of emotional reaction the migrant situation drives, it’s clearly hitting budget realities now,” said Summers. “The fact of the matter is that money simply has to come from somewhere.”

Among the key findings:

• The proposed cuts come from all over the city’s departments and offices. The largest share, over $17 million, however, comes from cuts to public safety. Johnston is proposing $8.4 million cut from the Denver Police Department budget, $3.9 million from the Denver sheriff, $2.5 million from the Denver Fire Department, and $2.2 million from the Department of Public Safety budget.

• To date, the city has spent an estimated $64 million in migrant response. It spent roughly $40 million in 2023 and estimates it will spend $90 million in 2024 for a total of $130 million to date.

• At the spending levels of the last two years, the city’s response to migrants amounts to the Denver budget for an entire department, albeit a small one. It is roughly half the Denver Police Department’s budget. In 2024, the Denver Department of Community Development has a proposed budget of $114 million.

CO 52 Closure Planned

East of Hudson for Resurfacing Work 5-week Closure begins May 6

Weld County – A five-week full closure is planned on Colorado Highway 52 between Evergreen Street in the Town of Hudson and Weld County Road 51 from May 6 to June 7 for major construction activities. A full highway closure will speed up the asphalt pavement resurfacing schedule while providing a safe work zone for travelers and workers. Access to adjacent properties within the closure area will be provided.

This section of CO 52 is roughly 22 feet wide making it difficult to maintain two-way traffic in one lane while heavy construction equipment operates in the other lane. The signed detour route will direct drivers to travel north around the work zone by using Hudson Drive, Interstate 76 Frontage Road and Weld County Road 51. The detour adds about four miles for through-traffic on CO 52.

An oversize vehicle width restriction of 10 feet is in place on CO 52. The signed oversize vehicle detour route will use CO 52 south of the Town of Wiggins and CO 79 to connect I-76 to I-70.

The Colorado Department of Transportation and Holcim-WCR Inc. will make improvements to over six miles of CO 52 between Evergreen Street in Hudson and Weld County Road 59 this spring and summer. This project will improve the entire road surface with a new asphalt layer. Minor shoulder widening will occur in some areas. This project will also upgrade guardrail, install rumble strips and place new roadside signs and delineators. Benefits of the project include providing a smoother driving surface and increasing the longevity of the highway. Construction completion is anticipated in early fall.

When the highway is open, the project will also require periodic single lane operations with flaggers alternating traffic. WCR 51 at CO 52 is expected to stay open to traffic during the project. A second full closure on CO 52 is expected later this summer between WCR 51 and WCR 59. More information will follow.

Work will be performed during daylight hours, Monday through Friday, with occasional extended hours and weekend work. The construction schedule is weatherdependent and subject to change.

Stay Informed

For additional information about this project, contact the project team.

Project hotline: 720-743-0775

Project email: pr@workzone.info

Project web page: codot.gov/projects/co52resurfacinghudsoneast

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org

• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp

• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts

• See scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures

• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

• Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.

• Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.

• Watch for workers. Drive with caution.

• Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.

• Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.

• Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.

• Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.

• Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.

• Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.

• Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.

• Be patient!

Download the COtrip App!

The new FREE COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download!