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Overbeck: Voters Punish Colorado GOP’s Interference In Primary
by Joy
Overbeck,
Complete Colorado Page 2
Dave Williams and the leadership of the Colorado Republican Party call themselves the “grassroots” – that’s how they claim their power. But in Tuesday’s election the actual grassroots, the voters, decisively took their power back by rejecting the Party’s unwelcome interference in the primary. In re-writing the long-established preprimary neutrality rules and endorsing only their favorites, the Party overstepped and they were punished for it.
Instead of allowing the primary election itself to choose the Republican nominees, which is its sole purpose, the Party’s new bylaw let them step in to muzzle and even oppose candidates who legally petitioned onto the ballot, tipping the scales by promoting and endorsing only those who went through the caucus/assembly process. Dire consequences ensued on Tuesday as voters rejected the GOP’s preferred candidates in 14 out of the 18 races in which the Party endorsed. All but one of those races were lost by double digits, including Williams’ own race in which he was soundly pummeled by Jeff Crank. Under Williams’ rule, the Colorado GOP endorsement has become the kiss of death.
Testing for purity
The Party further winnowed the field by imposing yet another purity test in the form of a 22-question “survey” required for endorsement.
The questionnaire includes issues clearly designed to root out opponents of Dave Williams and his cadre, such as “Do you denounce Americans for Prosperity…” a policy group that supported Williams’ rival and eventual winner, Jeff Crank. And: “Should Red Flag laws be used to prevent mentally ill people from possessing firearms?” –a swipe at District Attorney candidate George Brauchler (who won with 65% of the vote) and to show fealty to the powerful Rocky Mountain Gun Owners who supported Williams.
This questionnaire was so preposterous that Republican presidential nominee Trump himself would have flunked questions like: “Do you support a federal ban on abortion?” – he doesn’t. Trump and even Ronald Reagan, who were both once Democrats, would have failed this: “Have you ever voted for a Democrat…or contributed financially or otherwise to a Democrat running for office in any election? If so, list all contributions and support.”
Overbeck: Voters Punish Colorado GOP’s Interference In Primary continued on page 2...
Photos of Brush & Grover Events July 2024
CO 144 travel delays expected this summer between Log Lane Village and Weldona
CO 144 full closure starts July 15 north of MCR 12
Morgan County — Colorado Department of Transportation preventative repair work on two sections of Colorado Highway 144 between the Town of Log Lane Village and Weldona will impact travelers this summer.
CO 144 will close for approximately 1.5 months just north of the Morgan County Road 12 intersection, which is about three miles east of Weldona (Mile Point 20.6). The signed detour route uses CO 39 and Interstate 76 and adds approximately 15 miles to the trip. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead for additional travel time. During the safety closure, crews will perform full-depth road reconstruction.
CDOT will also make preventative repairs to the CO 144 bridge over Bijou Creek (MP 24.4), which is approximately three miles west of Log Lake Village. A temporary signal will control traffic in a single lane through the bridge work zone. Drivers should be prepared to stop and expect some travel delay during peak travel times.
The project serves as an important reminder of CDOT’s commitment to preventative repair work to maintain mobility in rural communities. These improvements will increase the longevity of the highway and provide a smoother riding surface.
AB Underground is the prime contractor for the $1.31-million project. Project completion is expected in fall 2024.
For additional information about this project: Web page: codot.gov/projects/co144loglanetoweldona Information hotline: 970-427-4005
Email: pr@workzone.info
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
WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE
Page 2: Way of the World
Page 3: Selected County Voter Turnout 2024 Primary Election
Page 6: CASE Western Art Show Photos in Brush
Page 7: Selected Election Results in 2024 Primary Election
Page 8: Wiggins July 4th Celebration 2024
Page 9: Wiggins July 4th, 2024, Parade
Page 10: Brush Lion’s Club 2024 Annual Pancake Breakfast
Page 11: Grover Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo 2024 Photos
CO 144 travel delays expected this summer between Log Lane Village and Weldona continued on page 2...
Brush Lion’s Club 2024 Annual Pancake Breakfast
Grover Earl Anderdson Memorial Rodeo 2024
Lion’s Club 2024 Annual Pancake Breakfast
Way of the World
by Bob Grand
The attempt on Donald Trump’s life on Saturday at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, was a sad day in our history. Violence is not an answer at any time. Too early to know the story behind the shooter but it will come out over the next week or so. But one thing for sure that we do know is that professional hate speech should be discouraged. Our first amendment provides for free speech but even there you cannot yell fire in a facility. There should be consequences for hate speech mongers that incite people to commit violent acts. It is a contributing factor that should not be permitted. Tough to decide, but there should be consequences for people who stoke easily persuadable people to commit heinous acts of violence. There should be consequences. If not legal, then at least civil so that people understand there are consequences for their actions, no matter which party they support.
The Joe Biden story unfolding is sad. It is not a question of whether you like the guy or not. He is at an age where we most of us will end up, sooner, than any of us would like to expect. But not all of us are the President of the United States. His staff, his family, his party, the national media, for the most part, all have had a personal stake in not disclosing his growing deterioration. Not fair to the American people, and quite frankly, to Joe Biden himself. Again, not asking whether you approve of him or not, but the man has been involved at the national level for an exceptionally long time and great many Americans voted to elect him to be President of the United States in 2020. Now the fact that the Democratic leadership, i.e., Chuck Schumer of New York and Nancy Pelosi of California, are being talked about being King makers, should make every American concerned. The Republicans have so far been sitting on the sidelines watching the Democratic Party implode over this situation. Even Donald Trump, for him, has been relatively quiet.
The American people need a leader who will work towards bringing the American people together. A healer, a person who will offer dialogue to the other side and, in fact, listen. In this writer’s opinion neither the Democratic nor Republican party is geared to do that. The controlling factions in both parties, believe that stirring the pot is the road to success. It is in fact not a road to success for the American people but a road to maintain control by the party leadership on both sides. People are just fed up with it. Recent voter turnout (see chart on page 3 of this issue) reflects this. Should any elected official in Weld County be proud of a 22.8 % voter turnout?
In Colorado we watch as the Republican party split between the Dave Williams Party of purity and the more reasonable Republicans who want to reverse the current trend and grow the party and even win some state offices. The Dave Williams group wants purity more than anything else. They call those other people RINOS. Look at the numbers. You have to question the relevance of the Republican Party under the Dave Williams leadership, a smaller and smaller total number of the active voter participation. At what point does the Republican party become irrelevant under that direction?
We have watched Donald Trump being attacked from many sides by an overly aggressive Department of Justice and numerous state legal systems that certainly do not give any indication of balance. If Trump wins, do we look at a repeat of what has been done to Trump to the Biden family? Joe Biden will probably pardon his family and appropriate associates, as he has the absolute right to as President. The country needs to reduce hate speech from both sides. We need to focus on bringing our country together to work on developing solutions to the key problems our country faces: economy, illegal immigration, crime, homelessness, the national debt to name a few. Our government, at all levels, should look to reduce the cost of government with a corresponding reduction in taxes to the American people. The growth of our national debt is staggering and not sustainable. We need to send a message to all our elected officials at all levels of government from local up to the federal level that they spend too much money. If our elected officials will not address that, we need to work on electing people who will. Beware this is not an easy task as there are too many people and organizations that are the recipients of the tax dollars that are spent. It takes courage to say no and quite frankly courage is not a major component of too many of our elected officials makeup.
Our economy is not in growth mode. The interest rate increase is having a toll on everyone. Employment numbers at the federal level have been increasingly adjusted, downward in months after being given out by the Department of Labor. Additionally, the increase in jobs has been primarily in government and healthcare where manufacturing and retail have been decreasing. Pressure on companies to maintain their stock prices as profits fall will require belt tightening which in many cases results in reductions in surplus facilities and workers. Overall employment is not going to get better.
We have a great history as a country of working together when things get tough. But that takes leadership, effective leadership, not political hacks. Our role as citizens is to step up and let our elected officials know that mediocrity is not an acceptable level of performance from them. Get involved. It takes effort but protecting the future of your children and grandchildren is worth it.
As always, your thoughts and comments are appreciated: publisher@ lostcreekguide.com
The LosT Creek Guide, LLC
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Overbeck: Voters Punish Colorado GOP’s Interference In Primary continued from page 1...
This is a Colorado Republican Party that is unrecognizable as the onetime bastion of fairness, equal opportunity for all, and free speech, having banned candidates who petitioned onto the ballot from speaking at the county and state assemblies, restricting them from presenting their views to fellow Republicans.
In Douglas County (among the reddest in the state) and others, this flagrant suppression of free speech inspired some homegrown “Liberty” groups with hundreds of members to follow suit, barring non-assembly candidates from speaking at their meetings. The poison raged as social media posts popped up, accusing certain candidates of being traitors to conservatism if they refused to jump through the Party’s increasingly bizarre hoops.
The new, unprecedented bylaw allowing the state and county parties to take sides before the primary and to discriminate against some candidates while elevating others with publicity and endorsements, incited nonstop infighting and rancor. Stalwart Republicans who had been friends for years became enemies. Longtime conservative activists who had worked for the Party for decades as precinct leaders or district captains were labeled RINOS and “establishment” if they didn’t conform to the Party dictates. Williams’ only job as chair is to elect Republicans to office. Instead, he’s instead been focused on revving up rivalries and divisiveness that splinter the Party and defeat good Republicans.
Williams has also come under fire for using Party resources to fund his own campaign, reportedly $20,000 in May alone, and using multiple Party emails and mailers to boost his candidacy, and even spending Party money on a last-minute mailer to attack 8th Congressional District candidate Gabe Evans (who was endorsed by Trump). Evans won big at Assembly, and ultimately buried his Party-endorsed primary opponent Janak Joshi with a 77% to 22% victory.
Going scorched earth
Williams’ infamous “God Hates Pride” declaration further divided the Party by insisting that everyone in the LGBTQ community is a groomer, guilty of indoctrinating and mutilating children in service to the trans agenda. After the fierce outcry against his wholesale condemnation of the entire LGBTQ community, many of whom are Republicans or GOP candidates, Williams turned his wrath on Party members who criticized him, demonizing them as child mutilators allied with the trans movement.
From his mass email: “Sadly, we now have weak establishment Republicans who want to join radical Democrats and the press in defending this child-harming Pride Month agenda…preparing to wage civil war within the Republican Party to defend transgender procedures for minors.” This is a lie; virtually all Republicans and even many Democrats are horrified at the transgender cult and the damage it is doing to innocent children.
The blow-back from Williams’ scorched-earth tactics will likely take place August 31 at a special meeting of the State Central Committee that will vote on whether to oust him from his chairmanship. But despite the destructive rampages of the chair, he may still be supported by the majority of the 400 or so committee delegates who see their mission as aligned with his – that is, to endorse and elect only the most ideologically “pure” candidates. They resolutely deny the mathematical reality that nearly half the Colorado electorate is registered as unaffiliated for a reason. They live high up in their cloud of conservative purity, flinging poison arrows at anyone calling for Reagan’s “big tent” party, branding them cowards, traitors, and of course – RINOS.
And that’s the central conundrum of the Republican Party. Doctrinaire purity is simply not a practical option for a party with an anemic superminority in the Colorado House of Representatives, and a lost seat away from similar status in the Senate.
The Party’s attempt to commandeer the primary for their anointed ones has failed spectacularly. And given the Party’s eagerness to undermine its own most electable candidates, who in future will want to run as a Republican knowing they will be attacked not just by the Democrats –but also by their own Party?
Joy Overbeck is a Colorado journalist and Douglas County Republican Precinct Leader whose work has appeared at Complete Colorado, Townhall.com, Rocky Mountain Voice, American Thinker, The Washington Times, The Federalist and elsewhere. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter (X) @joyoverbeck1
CO 144 travel delays expected this summer between Log Lane Village and Weldona continued from page 1...
• 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!
2024 Primary Voter Selected Statistics
Counties
Colorado GOP Spent $20,000 Supporting Chairman Dave Williams’ Congressional Campaign In May, Report Shows
Colorado GOP Treasurer Tom Bjorklund says “the party isn’t out any money and our balance sheets and subsequent disclosure filings will show a net positive for Colorado Republicans,” but he declined to explain how by Sandra Fish, The Colorado Sun
The Colorado GOP spent nearly $20,000 in late May to help party Chairman Dave Williams in his 5th District Congressional campaign.
That represented the largest single expense of the nearly $90,000 the party spent last month, according to a Federal Election Commission filing late Thursday. The party raised about $56,000 in May and began June with about $550,000 in the bank.
Williams has faced intense criticism for using party resources to benefit his congressional bid as he faces conservative commentator and activist Jeff Crank in the 5th District Republican primary June 25. Earlier this week, in an interview with 9News, Williams denied using party money on his campaign.
“There’s been no direct spending from the party for myself,” he said.
But the FEC report filed by the Colorado GOP late Thursday refutes that claim. It discloses $19,445.29 spent by the party in support of Williams’ congressional campaign. No other candidates directly benefited from party spending last month, according to the FEC report.
The Colorado GOP sent a mailer in late May promoting Williams and his endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The FEC report says the money spent by the party to support Williams’ congressional campaign was spent on May 28, the same day The Sun received a copy of the mailer. (The report does not say what the money was spent on, just that it was spent to support Williams.)
The party sent two more mailers in early June promoting Williams and attacking Crank. The Colorado GOP’s June spending won’t be revealed until late July.
Williams didn’t respond to Colorado Sun requests for comment. A spokesman for Williams’ congressional campaign referred questions about the spending to Colorado GOP Treasurer Tom Bjorklund.
“The party isn’t out any money and our balance sheets and subsequent disclosure filings will show a net positive for Colorado Republicans,” Bjorklund said in a text message.
But Bjorklund declined to explain how that could be. He also refused to answer questions about whether Williams’ campaign plans to reimburse the party. Instead, he called The Sun “fake news.”
Williams has not reported giving any money to the Colorado GOP since announcing his campaign in the 5th District, except for $1,000 for an ad in the party’s newspaper in late May. His campaign’s next FEC report isn’t due until July 15 for spending between June 6 and June 30.
Super PACs have spent nearly $2.5 million to help Crank beat Williams in the Republican primary in the 5th District, mostly by running attack ads targeting Williams. Williams, meanwhile, has only received a few thousand dollars in help from super PACs, FEC filings show.
The winner of the primary in the 5th District, which is based in Colorado Springs, will likely win in November, too, given the district’s strong Republican lean. The district is currently represented by longtime Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, who is retiring at the end of his term.
More from the Colorado GOP’s campaign finance report
Town of Keenesburg Announces Election Orientation on July 31st at 6:00 PM at Town Meeting Hall, 140 S. Main Street
Election Candidate Orientation– if you have a desire to serve your fellow residents, please plan to run for office at the upcoming regular municipal election that will be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. We will be holding an Election Orientation session to help you navigate through the required petition and election process. There will be openings for five (5) Trustee positions. Three (3) four-year terms, and two (2) two year-terms. Electors eligible to hold municipal office; Registered electors shall reside in the municipality for a period of at least twelve consecutive months and eighteen years of age or older on the date of the election.
When: July 31, 2024, at 6:00 PM
Where: Meeting Hall, 140 S. Main Street
If you are considering running for office in Keenesburg you should attend.
Letter to the Editor: Re Town of Keenesburg Housing Authority Openings
The Keenesburg Housing Authority (KHA) is a non-profit housing authority aimed to assist low-income residents with safe, sustainable and affordable housing in the Keenesburg area. We are currently looking for a Keenesburg area resident to fill one Commissioner board position. We do not have any requirements as to the length of time the candidate has been a resident of the Keenesburg area, but we do ask for a 5 year commitment for the position.
The KHA Commissioner board meets every second Monday of the month from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to discuss all housing authority related business, review of any apartment openings and persons on the waiting list for an apartment. Meetings are typically in person, at the KHA administration office, but accommodations can be made for attendance via phone.
If you are interested in volunteering in the Keenesburg community and would like to join our dynamic group of board commissioners, please contact our Executive Director, Adriane Roskop, at 303-732-4221.
You are also welcome to attend a monthly meeting to see if this position is right for you. Please contact our Executive Director, Adrianne, for more information regarding the meeting date and time. We look forward to hearing from our Keenesburg residents!
The Colorado GOP’s largest contributions in May were nearly $17,000 from the Douglas County Republican Central Committee and nearly $5,000 from the Weld County Republican Central Committee.
The party’s donations included $2,350 from four candidates endorsed by the party, including $1,000 from former state Rep. Ron Hanks, who is running in the six-way GOP primary in the 3rd Congressional District.
The GOP paid Bjorklund’s consulting firm $11,750 in May, and Williams’ firm $8,000. It also sent a $10,000 donation to the Claremont Institute in California, which employs attorney and election denier John Eastman, who was representing the party in a federal lawsuit seeking to block unaffiliated voters from casting ballots in Republican primaries. He withdrew from his role in the case last month.
A California judge recommended Eastman be disbarred for his actions of trying to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election to keep Trump in office.
Colorado Democrats reported raising $113,000 in May while spending $102,000. The party ended the month with $384,000 in cash. The Democratic National Committee was responsible for much of that fundraising, as well as Democratic candidates paying the party for voter lists.
The Colorado GOP paid for a mailer sent this week to voters in the 8th Congressional District promoting former state Rep. Janak Joshi and attacking state Rep. Gabe Evans in the Republican primary there.
Joshi is among the candidates endorsed by the Colorado GOP.
The mailer paints Evans as disloyal to Trump and weak on tax policy and abortion. Evans is the preferred choice of national Republicans to take on Democratic U.S. Rep. Yadira Caraveo in November in the highly competitive district.
Colorado Sun reporter Jesse Paul contributed to this report.
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
Natelson: Supreme Court Just Helped Out
The Real Colorado
by
Rob Natelson, Complete Colorado Page 2
Here is something you might not realize if you never venture outside the DenverBoulder metroplex or if you are part of the state’s benighted “progressive” ruling class: Colorado is not Massachusetts or New York.
Most of the state is economically and culturally part of the American West. Traditionally, that’s the Real Colorado.
People in the Real Colorado, like people in Montana, Idaho, Utah, and other Western states, largely live off the land. Farming, ranching, mining, hydrocarbons, and tourism are central to the economy. Those who live in the Real Colorado, like those in other Western states, share the individualism and traditional values the “progressive” crowd would delight to destroy.
Folks in the Real Colorado don’t get many breaks these days, but the US Supreme Court just gave them one.
It was the decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which pulled the plug on the infamous “Chevron Doctrine.”
The Chevron Doctrine
The Chevron Doctrine was one of the fig leafs that 20th century liberal activist Supreme Court majorities used to pretend the federal administrative state is somehow constitutional. Here’s the background:
The Constitution grants Congress power “to regulate Commerce … among the several States.” By “Commerce” the Constitution means mercantile trade and a few associated activities. Other economic activities, particularly those involving land within state boundaries, are not “Commerce” as the Constitution uses that word. Regulating such matters was reserved almost exclusively to the states—that is, to governments closer to the people than the distant Washington, D.C. establishment.
During the years 1787 to 1790, Americans debated whether the Constitution should be ratified. The document’s advocates emphasized repeatedly that the proposed Constitution limited the economic power of the federal government. Only the states could regulate in-state land transactions, agriculture, mining, and other forms of land use. These representations were confirmed by the Ninth and Tenth Amendments.
Beginning around 1940, however, liberal Supreme Court majorities stopped enforcing those limitations on federal power. The court pretended that “Commerce . . . among the several States” meant “the entire economy.”
The result was a bonanza for federal politicians. They reveled in their new-found power and passed laws on almost every conceivable subject. Eventually, even your personal toilet became subject to federal regulation.
But the politicians who so enjoyed inflicting laws on the rest of us couldn’t be bothered monitoring those laws. So they passed statutes creating administrative agencies and granting those agencies vast powers.
Yet even those vast powers were limited. When agencies attacked Western land owners and land users, the victimized citizens sometimes went to court to argue that the agency was exceeding its statutory authority.
Well, we can’t have that! So in 1984, yet another liberal Supreme Court majority issued what became known as the “Chevron Doctrine.” It said that in most cases, an agency is the judge of its own authority. If there was any basis for the agency’s conclusion—even if the conclusion was wrong—the judicial branch would abdicate and let the agency rule in its own favor.
Agency abuse
What followed was, in the words of the Declaration of Independence, a “long train of abuses.” Federal agencies invaded the jurisdiction of the states to assault Western property owners.
A good example was on the Supreme Court docket last year: Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In that case, an Idaho couple (the Sacketts) had decided to backfill their land, but the EPA ordered them to reverse the process.
As a constitutional matter, this land use issue should have been one for Idaho state officials—not for the federal government. But the EPA claimed jurisdiction as part of its authority over “navigable waters.”
There was no water—navigable or otherwise—on the Sacketts’ land. But that didn’t bother the federal bureaucrats. The EPA argued that—
1. The Sacketts’ lot lay beside a 30-foot-wide road;
2. On the other side of the road was a non-navigable water ditch;
3. The ditch flowed into a non-navigable creek;
4. The non-navigable creek flowed into Priest Lake;
5. Although Priest Lake is located wholly within the State of Idaho and is not a trade route, tourists sometimes used it; so
6. The EPA had designated the lake as “navigable,” and therefore
7. The EPA had jurisdiction over the backfilling of a lot 30 feet away from a nonnavigable ditch entering into a non-navigable stream entering into an isolated lake that was “navigable” because the EPA had declared it so.
All of this might sound like a joke. But the EPA’s threat to fine the Sacketts up to $40,000 per day certainly was no joke.
What the Supreme Court just did
Last year’s case of Sackett v. EPA has a happy ending. The Supreme Court unanimously told the feds to back off.
But farmers, ranchers, and other land owners still could fear the feds would come for them next. At any time, land owners might be subjected to obliterating financial penalties for draining a mudhole or being insufficiently kind to some federallyfavored species.
In the Loper Bright case, the Supreme Court reduced the threat. By discarding the Chevron Doctrine, the court assured that when the Deep State attacks a citizen, the citizen will have more of a fighting chance.
At least if it looks like the agency exceeded its legal authority, that question now will be tried by a court—not by the agency itself.
Rob Natelson is Senior Fellow in Constitutional Jurisprudence at the Independence Institute and a former constitutional law professor at the University of Montana. He is the author of “The Original Constitution: What It Actually Said and Meant” (3rd ed., 2015).
Common Sense Institute - Releases New Analysis of
PERA July 2024
Stabilizing PERA has Come at High Cost by Chris Brown, July 2024
JULY 2024 By the Numbers: 3 Big Takeaways from PERA’s Latest Annual Report Colorado’s public pension management agency, PERA, just released its 2023 annual report.
i As an organization that provides retirement benefits to more than 138,500 Coloradans and manages more than $61.5 billion dollars across its investment portfolios (an amount $20 billion larger than the entire state budget), its influence over public finance looms large. Three takeaways from PERA’s latest financials: 5 of 5 PERA Divisions met funding requirements.
• In order for the PERA fund divisions to stay on track to pay down the combined unfunded liability of $27.5 billion, new non-member contributions must meet what is called the actuarily determined contribution rate (ADC). For the third straight year, all 5 PERA divisions (state, education, local government, judicial and DPS) met their ADCs. This assured that each fund remains within its 30-year amortization window as established by major 2018 reforms.
ii The cause of PERA’s deteriorating financial position before those reforms was persistent failures to meet their ADCs as costs rose. Keeping PERA on track to becoming fully funded has come at a very high cost.
• Total annual contributions increased by 43% ($1.143 billion) while the number of active members has grown by just 0.93% (1,964) since 2018. In 2023, contributions totaled $3.8 billion.
• The 2018 reforms to PERA that set the fund on a course to be fully funded within 30 years did so by increasing contributions from members, employers, and taxpayers and reducing benefits for retirees. It also established that up to three automatic adjustments could be triggered to further increase contributions and reduce benefits. There have been two such adjustments since 2018, but the latest report indicates that the third will not be triggered this year.
• A large share of annual contributions is paying down the unfunded liability rather than just funding the current benefits that active members are accruing. In FY25, the total contribution as a share of payroll is projected to be 33% for the state division and 32.7% for the school division. Meanwhile, only 13% of contributions to the state division and 14.6% of contributions to the school division will fund benefits for active members. Therefore, 61 cents of every dollar contributed to the state division on behalf of current members is going towards paying down the unfunded liability on service already accrued. For the school division, it is 55 cents of every dollar. In 2023, schools paid more than $1.16 billion just towards PERA’s unfunded liability— an amount equal to more than $21,000 per teacher. In 2021, it was $16,100.
iii Common Sense Institute :: CommonSenseInstituteCO.org • PERA retirees have also incurred higher costs over the past few years as automatic cost of living adjustments (COLA) have dropped to 1% annually. This decline coincided with higher levels of inflation than the state had experienced in decades. Inflation was 3.3% over the last 12 months and 7.5% over the last two years. Despite no new automatic trigger this year, there is still an elevated risk that even higher contributions will be needed in the future amid rising costs.
• If all actuarial assumptions are met, the state and school divisions of PERA are still facing at least 23 years of elevated costs. If they are not met, greater sacrifices will be needed. The most critical of these actuarial assumptions is the 7.25% target rate of return. This is the rate of return required for PERA’s investments to generate enough funding to pay for contributing members’ benefits. PERA reports that it has a 53% chance of achieving the target rate, which would mean fully funding the school division in 27 years. It also reports a 25% chance of reaching only 6.18%, which would push the amortization window to 69 years and almost certainly instigate further reforms to increase contributions and reduce benefits. Although the 2023 annual report affirms that the expected real geometric mean returns will be sufficient, extreme recent volatility should give some cause to remain cautious. Though the average rate of return since 2007, a 14-year time period that spans two recessions, is 7.58%, the geometric mean rate of return is only 6.8%. This demonstrates the fund’s vulnerability to a future economic downturn, which would bring PERA’s future back into the legislative spotlight. Bottom Line PERA remains an integral financial institution influencing state and local budgets across Colorado. The most recent annual report is welcome news that some stability has been achieved, but it is critical to not lose sight of the impacts of elevated costs on taxpayers and reduced benefits on members. Getting PERA’s finances back on track will be a painful process now and for years to come. i https://www.copera.org/files/68e5ab405/ Annual+Comprehensive+Financial+Report+2023.pdf ii https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/ sb18-200 iii https://commonsenseinstituteco.org/dollars-and-data-2021/
Nearly 1.8 Million Chickens Will Be Culled in the Latest Bird Flu Outbreak at a CO Poultry Farm
Gov. Jared Polis declared a disaster emergency for the egg-laying operation in Weld County by John Ingold
Nearly 1.8 million chickens will be killed after bird flu was detected at an egg-laying operation in Weld County, a major resurgence on a commercial farm of the disease that has already seen more than 6 million birds culled.
Gov. Jared Polis verbally declared a disaster declaration for the facility over the long holiday weekend. The move activates the state’s emergency operations plan and makes additional resources available to respond to the outbreak.
A spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Agriculture declined to name the facility.
The mass culling — or “depopulation,” as the state described it — is the second-largest in a commercial flock since bird flu was first detected in Colorado in early 2002. In June 2022, an outbreak at a commercial poultry facility, also in Weld County, resulted in more than 1.9 million birds being culled.
The strain of bird flu, also known as highly pathogenic avian influenza, is the same as the one currently circulating through Colorado dairy herds. But the infections in cattle have rarely been fatal.
The same is not true of infections in birds, hence the “highly pathogenic” part of the virus’s name. Since its discovery in Colorado, part of a worldwide bird flu outbreak, the disease has killed untold numbers of wild birds, as well as some mammals such as bears, mountain lions and skunks.
When bird flu infiltrates a poultry farm — whether it’s a commercial one or of the backyard variety — standard protocol is to kill the entire flock and destroy any eggs to prevent the disease from spreading. Producers may be entitled to compensation from the federal government for their losses.
CASE: Western Art Show –
A Few Interesting Tidbits
by Suzanna Spears, photos by Lost Creek Guide, photographer, Pat Lentell
In 2010, then MCC President, Dr. Gary Hart, studied the history of music in Fort Morgan. From its early days, the Community Band, and High School Music faculty made music an important part of community events and celebrations. Dr. Hart, a musician himself, wrote a white paper on the early influencing factors in the development of the musical style of Glenn Miller. While working on this research, Dr. Hart invited leaders of cultural activities throughout Morgan County to a brainstorming breakfast to consider the concept of a program within Morgan Community College that could provide a framework for the offering of cultural events throughout the community. Out of this brainstorming came the concept of the MCC Center for Arts and Community Enrichment (CACE). An office for CACE was established in the historic MCC building in downtown Fort Morgan, the Bloedorn Center for Community and Economic Development at 300 Main Street. Once the office was established, plans were developed for an Art gallery in the lower level of the building. In 2011 the CACE Gallery of Fine Art opened and was the first art selling gallery in the area. The first official CACE event was held in February of 2011. The event, “If it Ain’t Baroque,” was an organ recital in the historic All Saints Lutheran Church on the Eben Ezer Lutheran Care Center campus in Brush.
Over the following years CACE has become a strong program of Morgan Community College. The CACE Mission:
“…to enhance life through artistic, cultural, social, and intellectual activities.”
The Vision of CACE is that Eastern Colorado communities and individuals thrive through artistic creation and grow resilient and dynamic through engagement with local, national, and global arts.
The CACE Season runs from July 1 through June 30 of each year. During the 2023/2024 season CACE sponsored more than 30 events including speakers, performances, Art Walks, exhibits, and workshops. Through the live, in-person events 2087 people were able to enjoy the mixture of cultural activities. 402 (almost 20%) of these attendees were from outside Morgan County.
In addition to attendance at these events, several thousand people also took advantage of the monthly chat webinars with prize-winning authors. These webinar activities were sponsored by both CACE and the MCC Library.
People who have grown up in Morgan County and surrounding communities are familiar with the annual Brush Rodeo that happens each July 2, 3, and 4. Many community organizations create events to make the Rodeo Days a well-rounded series of events during this period. For many years different groups sponsored a western-themed Art Show during the Rodeo to support local artists. A few years ago, CACE was asked if it would be interested in sponsoring this event. The CACE Visual Arts Committee agreed to coordinate the event. Over the last few years, the Western Art Show has grown in both participation by local, regional, and national artists, and in attendance. The 2024 CACE Western Art Show received applications from almost thirty artists. Twenty-six artists displayed their 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional artworks. During the show between 300 and 400 visitors enjoyed the amazing displays. Over $2500.00 in artwork was sold.
The Morgan Community College Center for Arts and Community Enrichment program committees are made up of members from both the college and the communities served by MCC. If anyone is interested in Speakers and Authors, Community Arts, Performing Arts, or Visual Arts, please reach out to the MCC/CACE Coordinator, Suzanna Spears at 970-542-3180 or Suzanna.spears@morgancc.edu. For more information about upcoming CACE events go to the MCC website at www. morgancc.edu/CACE.
CACE events are always free, and open to the public. Many individuals, businesses, and local foundations provide sponsorships to CACE annually. If you are interested in helping to support CACE and its activities, you may give through the MCC Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Call the MCC Foundation for specific giving information at 970-542-3107, or contact Suzanna Spears.
Caldara:
Jared Polis’ Presidential Prospects
by Jon Caldera, President, Independence Institute, Complete Colorado Page 2
When the press gets hold of something confidential it’s rarely without purpose. Leaked stories are leaked for a reason.
After President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance, pressure is growing and will grow exponentially to convince him to step aside for a more winnable candidate. The decision is his and his alone, which is a pleasant way of saying the decision lies solely with First Lady Jill Biden. And Jill is not going easily.
So, imagine the surprise that a confidential insider poll was leaked to a small news outlet that shows, post-debate, Biden getting trounced. Done by the Democratic messaging firm Open Labs, the poll shows Trump now winning in most swing states, spelling doom for Biden.
The poll indicates Colorado is still pro-Biden but now only by a razor thin 1.9%, well within the poll’s margin of error.
If this is accurate, Colorado becomes a potential swing state. The state that trounced Trump by 14 percentage points four years ago is now in play.
This is all part of a coordinated escalation to encourage Jill, I mean Joe, to step aside. With every embarrassing senior moment, the small chorus of Democrats demanding he drop out will grow to a passionately loud orchestra.
So, who would replace Biden? According to this leaked poll, the Democrats most likely to beat Trump would be (in order) U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, then Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, followed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Vice President Kamala Harris, although none are slam-dunk wins.
Oddly missing from this poll and from all the talk of potential replacements is our own, and very popular, Gov. Jared Polis.
A year ago Jared’s name as a presidential candidate was in article after article and talked about on national shows. A Washington Post analysis even had him in third place on the Top 10 potential Democratic nominees, just behind Harris and Buttigieg.
Why has the shine worn off? Polis’ carefully quaffed PR image of a new type of businessfriendly, libertarian-leaning Democrat was making him a leading contender. With help from his family friend and economist Art Laffer, he bought himself positive press, from outlets like Fox News, The Wall Street Journal, Reason Magazine and even George Will.
So, what changed? Nothing really. It’s just that secrets can’t be kept forever.
The national press slowly came to realize that of all the praise for this “libertarian” governor, none came from Colorado. Polis’ actions spoke louder than words.
Tax increase after fee increase after regulatory increase after energy price increase after minimum wage increase after gun-control increase after killing the oil and gas industry after banning plastic shopping bags — well, Jared’s actions beat out any out-of-state spin machine.
So here we are with the likelihood of Biden dropping out growing by the minute and replacements are starting to jockey for position, sans Polis, it seems.
As usual, money is a big issue. The Biden-Harris campaign has raised more than $265 million. Should Biden drop out, Harris could still use that money, since it was raised for the ticket that includes her. Other candidates would have to be spectacular at raising money quickly, Newsom might be good at this, or they have to bring their own money to the table like Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who’s worth nearly $4 billion.
Selected Unofficial Election Results from Colorado Secretary of State Election Results
If only there were another ultra-rich candidate who could self-fund (rubbing my chin as I think)? Maybe a Western-state guy wealthy enough to buy himself the governorship, twice. Of course, it would be helpful if that guy could also check a few of the identity
Polis is too smart to run for president this year. He’s aiming for a 2028 run, though he
But if, in fact, Colorado turns out to be a swing state, choosing Polis as a vice-presidential
It would be even better for Polis himself. If his ticket won, he’d be a heartbeat away from If they lose, he gets nationwide notoriety and becomes a household name and perhaps Independence Institute, a free market think tank in
Make Safety Priority One When Doing Home Improvement and Repair Projects
by Morgan County Rural Electric Association
There is still some summer left, which means lots of people are working on remodeling, repairs, maintenance, landscaping, and construction projects inside and outside the home. Morgan County REA and Safe Electricity urge all do-it-yourselfers to take precautions, especially when working around electrical equipment and overhead power lines.
Make sure outdoor outlets have a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI). Use a portable GFCI if your outdoor outlets don’t have them. It’s also a good idea to have GFCIs professionally installed in wet areas of the home, such as the kitchen, bath, and laundry.
Safety tips to remember include:
• Look up and around you. Always know of the location of power lines, particularly when using long metal tools, like ladders, pool skimmers, and pruning poles, or when installing rooftop antennas and satellite dishes or doing roof repair work.
• Be especially careful when working near power lines close to your house. Keep equipment and yourself at least 10 feet from lines in all directions. Never trim trees near power lines — leave that to the professionals. Never use water or blower extensions to clean gutters near electric lines. Contact a professional maintenance contractor.
• If your projects include digging, like building a deck or planting a tree, call the national underground utility locator at 8-1-1 before you begin. Never assume the location or depth of underground utility lines. This service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted, and can help you avoid serious injury.
• Always check the condition of cords and power tools before using them. Repair or replace worn or damaged cords and tools.
• Electricity + water = danger. If it’s raining or the ground is wet, don’t use electric power or yard tools. Never use electrical appliances or touch circuit breakers or fuses when you’re wet or standing in water. Keep electric equipment at least 10 feet from wet areas.
Make certain home electrical systems and wiring are adequate to support increased electric demands of new electric appliances, home additions, or remodeling projects. An older home may be inadequately wired for today’s electricity consumption, putting your family at risk for fire and electrical shock. Have a professional replace worn and outdated circuitry and add outlets for appliances and electronics – this is not a job for casual do-it-yourselfers!
LOCAL
FAIRS & RODEOS
2024 Brush Quilter’s Show
Weld Central has State Winners at Colorado State FFA Convention
Twenty FFA members from Weld Central High School attended the Colorado State FFA Convention at CSU Pueblo from June 3rd-6th, 2024 and were very successful! In Quiz Bowl, Dawson Dever, Ali Weber and Katelyn Nuanes were teammates and were State Winners! They qualified for this contest at the District Competition in March and at State competed in a 16 team bracket. They defeated Platte Valley in the finals to become the state winners.
In the Agri-Science Fair, Citlali Calixo and Garrett Hall competed. Citlali received Gold and won the State Contest for her category! Her report will be submitted to the National FFA Convention this October. Garrett received Bronze.
In Extemporaneous Speaking, Citlali Calixto competed and made it to the finals. She received a Gold Award. In Employment Skills, Garrett Hall competed and made it to the finals. He also received a Gold Award. Weld Central submitted an application for the National Chapter award where they received Gold as a chapter. This application will be submitted to the National FFA Convention against chapters around the country. For proficiency applications, Brielle Bange received Silver in Swine Entrepreneurship and Emily Spayd received Bronze in Agricultural Education Placement.
Kennedy Cardillo and Charlotte Goodman served as Weld Central’s delegates where they attended meetings and voted on decisions for all of Colorado FFA. Hannah Auer and Emily Spayd served as interns and helped with events during the week. Fifteen members received their State FFA Degrees. This is the highest degree that can be achieved through Colorado FFA. Members receiving their State Degrees include Westin Barrows, Addie Forbes, Kennedy Cardillo, Tessa Schutter, LJ Rome, Charlotte Goodman, Conner Nuanes, Aaron Rodriguez, Megan Hopp, Hannah Chambers, Makayla Santos, Breanne Dowdy, Makayla Hager, Alexis Villela and Bonnie Koehn.
Congratulations to all of the FFA members for a great State Convention and good luck to those competing at the National Convention this Fall!
photos by Lost Creek Guide, photographer, Pat Lentell
photos by Lost Creek Guide, photographer, Pat Lentell
Celebrating the 4th of July in Grover Colorado and Earl Anderson Memorial Rodeo & Parade 2024
photos by Lost Creek Guide, photographer, Pat Lentell
To see more pictures go to Prairie By Pass, Grover, New Raymer or Stoneham, news/events
4-H Shotgun Shoot, First Pre-County Fair Event
The Morgan County Fair 4-H Shooting Sports Contests kicked off this weekend with 5-Stand being held on Saturday, July 6 and Trap and Skeet on Sunday, July 7. 12 youth competed on Saturday and 24 youth participated in the contests on Sunday.
In the 5-Stand contest, Gunnar Yocam placed first in the Junior Division, Saxson Keller, 2nd; Brayden Sauer, 3rd; and Axel Lorenzini, 4th. Odin Nilsen was first in the Senior Division, Talan Hall, 2nd; Americo Lorenzini, 3rd; Soul Keller, 4th; and Wyatt Chacon, 5th. Also competing in the Senior Division in 5-Stand was Ceri Dixon, Maverick Hunter, and Chad Schilling.
In the Skeet Contest on Sunday, July 7th, Brayden Sauer placed first in the Junior Division. Gunnar Yocam came in 2nd; Saxson Keller 3rd; Bentley Larrick, 4th; and Axel Lorenzini, 5th. Placings in the senior division were Odin Nilsen, 1st; Americo Lorenzini, 2nd; Wyatt Chacon, 3rd; Talan Hall, 4th; and Maverick Hunter, 5th. The other youth competing in the senior division were Ceri Dixon, Soul Keller, Chad Schilling, and Rylan Schreiner.
Rounding out the weekend was the trap contest. Top award in the junior division went to Saxson Keller who shot 35 out of a possible 50 score. Second place went to Axel Lorenzini, Gunnar Yocam, 3rd; Kaine Eicher, 4th; and Brayden Sauer, 5th. Other junior shooters were Bentley Larrick, Gavin Larrick, Tucker Martens, Cora Paris, and Seth Whitney. Americo Lorenzini took first place in the Senior Division with a 47 out of 50. Second Place went to Odin Nilsen; Talan Hall, 3rd; Damon Lucero, 4th; and Tate Strand, 5th. Other competitors in the Senior Division were Wyatt Chacon, Ceri Dixon, Aiden Deiker, Maverick Hunter, Soul Keller, Blake McClain, Chad Schilling, Rylan Schreiner, and Owen Whitney.
The top five in the all three of the Shotgun Contests for both the junior and senior age divisions will represent Morgan County 4-H at the Colorado 4-H State Shooting Sports Championship in Colorado Springs over Labor Day Weekend.
Superintendent for the 4-H Shotgun Shoot was Paul Oliveira. Oliveira was assisted by Dale Chacon, Levi Dixon, Andy Larrick Jay Marshall, and Stefani Oliveira.
The next 4-H Shooting Sports contest will be Friday, July 12 at 5 pm where youth will compete in muzzleloading. On Saturday, July 13, the .22 Rifle and .22 Pistol contests will be held, and the events will wrap up Sunday, July 14, with Air Pistol, Air Rifle, and Archery Contests.
Shooting sports awards will be presented at an awards dinner on Tuesday, July 16 at 6 p.m. The banquet will be held at the Mark Arndt Event Center at the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
Here’s to the last 85 years and the brilliant future we’ll create together. We’ve evolved, but our dedication to powering progress and making connections that contribute to a stronger tomorrow remains unwavering. We’re here for tomorrow - we’re here for good.
Shotgun 5-Stand Participants: Morgan County 4-H Members that participated in the 2024 Morgan County Fair 4-H Shotgun 5-Stand Contest. Saxson Keller: 2024 Junior Shotgun Trap Champion. Americo Lorenzini: 2024 Senior Shotgun Trap Champion. Odin Nilsen: 2024 Senior Shotgun 5-Stand and Skeet Champion. Gunnar Yocam: 2024 Junior Shotgun 5-Stand Champion. Brayden Sauer: 2024 Junior Shotgun Skeet Champion.
Shotgun Trap Participants: Morgan County 4-H Members that participated in the 2024 Morgan County Fair 4-H Shotgun Trap Contest.
photos by Lost Creek Guide, photographer, Pat Lentell
- ObituaryRoman Salinas
Roman was born September 4th, 2018, in Brighton, CO to Luis Salinas and Heather (Scheihing) Salinas and was the youngest of 4 siblings and uncle to 2 nephews. He passed away at the age of 5 on June 10th, 2024, in Aurora, CO.
Roman was raised in Keenesburg, CO and surrounding areas (Wiggins, CO). He graduated kindergarten at Hoff Elementary School. Roman loved everything about school, especially his friends and teachers. Roman wanted to be a Police Officer when he grew up. Before his passing he was made an Honorary Police Officer with the Fort Lupton Police Department.
Roman was known for his compassion, his love for God, extremely hard work ethic and willingness to please everyone. He was always the first to share with his friends and stick up for them if needed. His love for family, especially his sister, was always something people talked about.
Roman’s pride in the cowboy way made him the hardest working little boy who would get up early to start his daily chores on the farm, gathering eggs and playing with his calf, Ferdinand. Roman loved archery, target practice, golf, digging in the dirt, fishing, camping, building and repairing everything even if it didn’t need fixing. Most of all, Roman loved going to the annual branding in Wyoming. He showed no fear when he took control of the calves, chasing them into the corrals. He loved watching the “real” cowboys on their horses, rope and wrestle the calves to be branded.
Roman’s willingness to help and be a team player made him popular in all team events. He was always the first one to run across the gym floor in his cowboy boots to gather balls for the games. He took every opportunity he could to jump in a tractor and help work the fields or just drive the fence lines. It didn’t matter to Roman what he was doing as long as he could be a part of something. He helped bake with his grandmas, fixed cars and worked outside with his grandpas and played cops and robbers with his sister.
Roman is survived by his parents Luis and Heather Salinas of Wiggins, CO; his sister Mya Salinas of Wiggins, CO; his sister Shelbie Stricklin of Pace, FL; his brother Brandon Stricklin of Brighton, CO; his 2 nephews Abel and Elis of Pace, FL; his grandparents Randy and Gayle Scheihing of Reunion, CO, Luis Sr. and Andrea Salinas of Fort Lupton, CO; his aunts and uncles and numerous cousins.
Deceased’s Funeral Arrangements
A celebration of life will be held at 4:30 pm on Thursday July 25th, 2024, at the South East Weld County Fairgrounds located at 7758 Co Rd 59, Keenesburg, CO 80643 with a reception immediately following. The service will be open to the public. Anyone who has been touched by Roman during his life is welcome to attend. Memorial donations can be made to High Plains Bank, Memorial for Roman Salinas, 401 Central Avenue, Wiggins CO 80654 or 370 W. Veterans Dr., Keenesburg CO 80643.
At least 32 have died in Colorado waters this summer. State loaning life jackets, upping citations to slow pace.
The season’s tally of water fatalities include 17 deaths in reservoirs and 15 in moving water. CPW has issued 430 tickets for PFD violations so far this year. by Jason Blevins, The Colorado sun
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife ranger on the trail around Sylvan Lake was hollering.
“Paddleboarders! Meet me by the dock,” he yelled.
Maray Lindley, 17, and her friend paddled back to the shoreline, where the ranger asked why the two girls didn’t have life jackets on or strapped to their stand-up paddleboard.
“I just completely forgot. We came up through the side and missed the signs,” Lindley said later, after paying the $102.50 ticket. “It was a lot. I was surprised. He was talking about all the drownings.”
Since March 28, at least 32 people have died in Colorado’s reservoirs and rivers. That’s pacing ahead of the record 42 deaths Colorado Parks and Wildlife tracked in 2022. A Colorado Sun accounting of water deaths this year includes 17 deaths in reservoirs and 15 deaths in moving water. One rafter has been missing since his raft overturned June 2 on the Upper Colorado River.
The fatalities this season include:
• A 3-year-old boy who drowned in an irrigation canal near his home in Rocky Ford
• A 65-year-old woman who crashed an e-bike into a swollen Boulder Creek
• A 25-year-old woman who died after she was struck by a motorboat on Navajo Reservoir
• A 20-year-old man found near his submerged car in Horsetooth Reservoir
• Five people who died in boating accidents on reservoirs
• Five people who died in rafting accidents on rivers
• Four people who died after suspected falls into rivers while walking on the shore
• Six people who died in swimming accidents in reservoirs
• Three stand-up paddlers who drowned, two in reservoirs and one in a river
Of the people who died while recreating on a watercraft, six were not wearing a personal floatation device, or PFD, and two slipped from improperly worn PFDs.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is hammering on its life jacket messaging, emphasizing Colorado laws that require PFDs. People on paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and rafts less than 16 feet long need an accessible PFD for each person aboard. Boats longer than 16 feet need a PFD for everyone plus a throwable flotation device. Anyone on a personal watercraft — like a jet ski — and anyone being pulled behind a boat must be wearing PFDs.
“Many people are just unaware of the law, so education is a great option,” CPW spokesman Joey Livingston said.
CPW has 42 life jacket loaner stations at 24 of its state park reservoirs and recreation areas. That’s an increase from previous years.
On top of the educational campaign, CPW rangers are writing tickets.
Through July 9, CPW has written 430 citations for PFD violations. For the same period in 2023 the agency issued 244 tickets. In all of 2023, CPW officers issued 497 tickets to PFD rule-breakers.
Those tickets are only for visitors to CPW parks, wildlife areas and trust lands. A vast majority of Colorado’s reservoirs and waterways are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and local cities and counties, all of which can issue their tickets.
The CPW tickets are $102.50 for each violation, which means a boat with five people and zero PFDs could yield five citations totaling $512.50.
“He told us he could have written us two tickets,” Lindley said. “So I guess we got lucky.”
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
Celebrating 4th of July 2024 in Brush, CO
photos by Lost Creek Guide, photographer, Pat Lentell
