Lost Creek Guide - August 16, 2023

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

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

For Women Farm Owners In Colorado, The Leading Concerns Are Crops And Animals, Not Sexism

More women are finding training and support for dealing with pests, weather and how to purchase land to farm and ranch in Colorado

by Mark Stevens

Morgan Di Santo is as surprised as anyone to find herself guiding a walk-behind tiller through the soil on her one-acre vegetable farm by the Florida River east of downtown Durango.

Di Santo faces a considerable list of challenges as a farm owner. Long hours. Mice. Voles. A variety of crop diseases. Weather — including high winds that destroyed some of her plot’s infrastructure.

But Di Santo says sexism in agriculture is not one of those hurdles.

“There definitely are instances where people are shocked to see me in some certain spaces such as the irrigation store, you know, or the hardware store,” said Di Santo. “A lot of times they don’t think it’s my farm or that I do the work. They think I just run the farmers market booth or whatever — but I mean for the most part, I definitely don’t think that farming has been challenging because I’m a woman.”

Forty miles to the west in Montezuma County, Nina Williams would agree.

“I’m not sure my challenges are because I’m a woman,” said Williams, the owner of Haycamp Farm & Fruit. “My challenges are the cost of farmland and me being a solo operator and doing too much by myself.”

Di Santo and Williams are among what appears to be a slow-rising tide of womenled farms in Colorado. In 2012, according to the U.S Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, 37% of all “operators” in Colorado were women. By 2017, that number had climbed to 41% of 69,032 “producers,” ranking Colorado ninth-highest among the states. (The USDA changed its metrics to allow farms to count up to three operators for every piece of property, which may skew this data.)

Learning the basics at a farm incubator

Di Santo grew up on Venice Beach in California. She earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Bard College north of New York City. But family connections led her to the property in southwest Colorado. An aunt suggested farming based on how much Di Santo loved to garden.

Together with a girlfriend, Di Santo learned the basics of farming at Fort Lewis College’s incubator program in nearby Hesperus.

“That’s a great way to figure out if farming is actually something you want to do,” said Di Santo. “It’s low investment, low risk. You’re still leasing the land, but it’s really affordable.”

In 2018, the pair built a deer fence around the one-acre property, added a new polytunnel (plastic wrapped around steel hoops—cheaper than a greenhouse) and started planting.

“I think that people that I’ve known in my past life probably would be surprised to find me here,” said Di Santo. Today, she runs Long Table Farm solo after her friend opted out.

“I mean, I definitely have a chuckle about it,” she said. “But I’m a pretty driven person. I know what I want. I think I can do anything, which is hilarious because I can’t. But I’ll try. I’m really good at hard work, at long days.”

Di Santo is less concerned about how her gender is treated than she is about overall access to the industry.

“I would argue that a lot of small-scale market garden farmers come from some sort of place of privilege,” said Di Santo. She noted that she leases her land and could not afford to buy: “There is no money in this. If there is, it’s very marginal. And there’s a lot of risk.”

Di Santo hires a trio of workers each week to help with the harvest and washing vegetables to get ready for the Saturday farmers market in Durango—and it’s important to note that this article is focused on women farm owners, and not the For Women Farm Owners In Colorado, The Leading Concerns Are Crops And Animals, Not Sexism continued on page 13...

Congratulations to all 2023 Fair Participants

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Morgan County Extension Says Thank You to All

The dust has settled on the 2023 Morgan County Fair, and as an Extension Staff we could not be more proud and grateful for the youth, families, and volunteers that we get to work with. Around 300 members of Morgan County 4-H participated in the 2023 Morgan County Fair through contests, indoor exhibits and livestock. These youth have spent months working on their projects to exhibit at the fair. Through 4-H youth develop life and leadership skills and we have witnessed these skills throughout the fair season. From building new friendships, supporting each other through both the hard and good times, helping show each other’s animals, and many more examples, the youth of Morgan County 4-H constantly remind us what amazing individuals they are. This all couldn’t be done without the support of their families as well. 4-H is a family organization, and it takes everyone being involved to get to meetings, get projects ready, spend time at the fair, and so many other events in between. Volunteers are the lifeblood of this organization, and they put in countless hours holding club meetings, project workshops and practices, sharing their expertise with the members, and helping make sure the county fair goes off without a hitch. The Morgan County Extension Staff are thankful that we get the opportunity to help our youth grow and for the families for becoming involved in Morgan County 4-H and the Morgan County Fair.

Thank you all!

Robin Halley, Marlin Eisenach, Aimee Kanode, Katie Seelhoff, Jamie Dixon, and Faye Klenda.

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

Page 2: Way of the World

Page 2: The Differences Between the Two Parties

Page 3: Hail Storms, Slim Margins and Regulations Challenge Farmers

Pages 4, 6, 11, 14–17, 20, 21: Morgan County Fair Results

Page 5: Wiggins’s School District Newsletter

Page 8: Denver’s Real “Emergency” is Crime Not Homelessness

Page 13: I Am Not Your Friend

Page 24: Break the Silence

Morgan County Extension Staff. Photo by Dustin Price

Way of the World

by Bob Grand Fair season is about over, with the State Fair being the last for this season. It is awe inspiring to see the young people who have worked so hard all year to prepare and compete. They are all winners in the sense of participating. Some do better than others, but the important thing is that they participated. As a nation we should figure out how to duplicate that experience in our urban areas as young people miss an important opportunity in their development. Family participation is big part of the Fair experience and again, something many of our urban young people do not have the benefit of to the same level. We need to figure out how to get our urban folks more involved in our rural community and perhaps vice versa. We all can learn from it and, develop a better understanding of each other.

In America, we have permitted the creation of a political class that does not encourage change and improvement but the maintenance of the status quo, as it protects those in charge, be they at the city, county, state, or national level. Being in charge does not mean they have the general public’s best interest at heart. This coming year in Colorado, most home and business owners will see the largest real estate tax increase in their history. Colorado real estate taxes are calculated based on three pieces, the ratio established by the state in terms of the allocation between residential, business, farm and oil & gas, the applicable mill levy established by each taxing authority in each taxing district and the assessed value determined every two years at the local taxing authority level. Looking at 2024, the higher assessed values are based on the explosive increase in valuations. The Republicans in this past year’s legislative session attempted to introduce a bill to maintain the existing valuation levels, in effect, pause the stiff increases, assuming there would be a price correction in the next two years. The bill did not move forward. Other than an appeal on your assessment you will face the new assessment values in the calculation of your new real estate tax bill. That leaves only the adjustment of your mill levy at the local taxing authority level as hope. The question becomes whether your local elected officials will ask their local staff to examine the projected revenue increases, which in many cases will be significant and determine if they are reasonable compared to projected expenses, and if not so, they should reduce the mill levy to soften the blow to homeowners. It is like the discussion on who to vote for: the candy store owner who promises you sweets and good things or the doctor who tells you what is healthy for you. Most doctors do not win.

These elected officials are supposed to represent you the people. I am not optimistic that many will have the courage to stand up for you, their constituents. Is it unreasonable for us, the electorate, to expect the elected officials to look after our best interests? Many people have said you get who you elected. It is time to hold them accountable.

We are all facing a very uncertain economic picture in the country. This is contrary to many who hold the “soft landing” opinion. The Federal Reserve has focused on reducing inflation by raising interest rates. This affects all of us. An unintended consequence of this has been the effect on bank lending and corporate debt. Most of us deal with long term housing debt i.e., 30-year mortgages and credit card debt, which is now getting to the 25 to 29% annual interest rate level. Commercial real estate and corporate debt tend to have a much shorter time window. The stay-at-home workforce, which has reduced the need for corporate office space, has sparked an unpleasant series of events. Buildings with lower occupancy levels, because businesses require less space, have led to extremely competitive subleases being generated, meaning less rent revenue. You have commercial real estate debt coming due, since many are based on a five-year renewal period, which will see interest rates go from around 3% to 8% to 12%, and property valuations decreasing because of reduced rental revenue and higher interest costs. Sounds like the investor has to face the music, they gambled and lost. While true on the surface, there is another piece that effects all of us. The banks or pension funds that lent original mortgages because that is what the smart money did, right? Well, what the market is beginning to see is that many of these borrowers had non-recourse loans and are beginning to just hand over the keys to the buildings and walk away. The banks and pension funds that lent money on a property valued at one value, are now faced with having to write down the value of that collateral from its original value to reflect current market value. There have been some examples where the reduction has been at the 40% to 70% level. If the lender writes down to current value that reduces their asset base. This puts the lender into recognizing a reduction in value to their balance sheet. If you are a bank and you have too many of those, it could cause you to fail, if a pension fund, again if you have too many bad loans, not being able to meet your forecasted payments to retirees.

A complicated world that requires strong leadership. Are you really impressed by the leadership of our main political parties?

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

Rosen: The Differences Between The Political Parties

by Mike Rosen, Complete Colorado Page 2

In a recent Denver Gazette column, Eric Sondermann offers a timely thoughtprovoking essay on the nation’s great divide between left and right, Democrats and Republicans, and intolerance for differing viewpoints. I respect Eric and found his piece wholly tolerable, agreeing with much of it except for some important definitions and degrees of distinction.

Eric is of the political center, albeit the left-center. He’s not a Bernie Sanders socialist or even a progressive. I’m of the right-center, and no fan of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a radical right-wing firebrand. Eric criticizes both Republicans and Democrats, although he tends to criticize Republicans more. (Disclosure: I criticize Democrats more.)

Referencing a phrase in the Pledge of Allegiance, “liberty and justice for all,” he explains how Republicans and Democrats see and prioritize those two terms differently, describing Republicans as the party of liberty and Democrats as the party of justice.

I have a somewhat different take. When Republicans speak of justice, they lean on the Constitution’s preamble that seeks to “establish justice,” and the Bill of Rights that goes on to guarantee things like due process of law, property rights, and a speedy and public trial; while banning things like double jeopardy in criminal prosecution, excessive bail, and cruel and inhuman punishment. Our Department of Justice deals with matters of criminal justice.

When Eric describes Democrats as the party of justice, he redefines justice largely in terms of the left’s crusade for “social justice,” with emphasis on expanded government, redistribution of income, and confiscatory taxation. But the U.S. Department of Justice isn’t the Department of Social Justice. The left demands “equity.” While equity sounds like equality, it’s decidedly not equality of opportunity; it’s equality of outcome which is incompatible with capitalism and a free market economy. It’s egalitarianism taken to extremes, fulfilling Karl Marx’s (and Bernie Sanders’) socialist vision of “From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs.” To the radical “woke” left, capitalism and meritocracy are symbols of racism and white supremacy. As economist Thomas Sowell (a conservative black man) has wondered, “What is your fair share of what someone else has worked for?”

Eric labels Republicans as the party of liberty, in the sense of “opportunity, initiative, enterprise, motivation, less government intrusion, and allowing people to keep the fruits of their labor.” True enough. “On the flip side,” he writes, “Democrats prioritize leveling the playing field, lifting those lower on the ladder, relying on government for an expansive role, and requiring those who prosper to pay more of the load.” That’s also accurate. But, to Republicans this is a formula for dependence, entitlement, and confiscation rather than the concept of liberty as individual freedom and the protection of private property.

I join Eric in his frustration with extremists in both parties. But, here, he puts his left-center thumb on the balance scale with his choice of language when he declares, “the epicenter of the Republican Party has shifted ‘hard to the right’ and that of the Democratic Party has moved ‘discernibly’ to the left.” Yes, there are extremist Republicans in the party’s general coalition but they’re the outliers and have pushed the party’s center only marginally to the right. The Democrats’ leftward thrust isn’t merely “discernable,” as Eric puts it, it’s been decidedly “hard to the left” since the days when President Kennedy proclaimed, “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.”

While both parties have radical fringes, the Democrats’ fringe is more extreme, more powerful, more influential and greater in number. The House Freedom Caucus consists of 45 ultra right-wing members out of 222 Republicans — that’s only 20 percent — including a handful on the lunatic fringe whose power is limited to obstruction on rules and legislation. By comparison, the House Progressive Caucus has 103 members (plus Sen. Bernie Sanders) out of 212 Democrats — 49 percent — including looney lefties like AOC and “The Squad.” The measure of their power is the party’s wholesale adoption of the radical progressive agenda, which is amplified in the liberal media, Hollywood, TV, public education and academia.

Eric rightly criticizes universities, no longer “bastions of free speech,” he says, where “Disagreeable speakers are uninivited and shouted down.” But it’s only conservative speakers who get this treatment by intolerant leftist students, faculty and administrators, while speakers on the left are welcomed with open arms.

Eric claims too many Republicans resist liberty and freedom for those with different lifestyles and social mores. I wouldn’t say Republicans “resist” their liberty and freedom; that’s protected by law. Republicans and even some Democrats are merely exercising their right to disapprove. By contrast, progressive Democrats have weaponized the cancel culture to silence and oppress those they disapprove of on the right.

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

Hail Storms, Slim Margins And Regulations Leave Colorado Farmers With An Uphill Battle

This year’s wheat harvest season has been particularly difficult.

And many farmers are saying it’s hard to stay profitable.

by Tracy Ross, The Colorado Sun

Out on the Colorado prairie due north of the town of Byers, Justin Lewton was keeping his eye on a group of clouds forming above the western horizon.

The clock was ticking as he motored across a field of winter wheat in a 20-ton cranberry-red combine harvester. He’d been out since dawn with his crew of six employees. They’d driven back and forth, back and forth across the field of wheat, attempting to cut it in straight, neat rows. But there were four rookies on Lewton’s crew, one only 16 years old. It takes a while to learn to cut crops in uniform rows, so in some there were islands of overlooked wheat, which meant Lewton had to backtrack and cut them himself.

But it wasn’t the imprecise cutting that put Lewton just the tiniest bit on edge as a late July afternoon crept toward early evening. Or the inexperienced farm hands needing his attention. It wasn’t even memories of a June packed with torrential rain and pulverizing hailstones. What kept drawing his eye were the clouds, which for most of the day had been white and puffy. Sometime in the last hour or so, they’d started to gather and now cement-gray rain clouds had taken over. They coalesced into a wall, with breakout clouds that crept across the land, wispy and wraithlike.

“Gonna keep a close eye on those,” said Lewton, 29, a fourth-generation farmer and president of the Colorado Wheat Growers Association. He knew those clouds, knew what they carried, knew their capacity for devastation in a season already upset by insects, drought, politics and weird weather.

Rain, hail and more rain

So far this summer, clouds full of heavy rain and hail the size of baseballs have flattened fields of corn, wheat and melons in some parts of eastern Colorado. Lewton wasn’t hit as hard as some of the other farmers he knows in the region. But he knew it could happen.

So he took action that afternoon, calling his crew of combine and grain-cart drivers off the field as a precaution. He sent the grain trucks out to the highway, because the dirt on the road accessing his fields turns to mud in heavy rain and driving a semi down it is close to impossible. He got the grain out of the combines and into a tarped cart. And then the crew started working their way out. Lewton knew this would take an hour when every second matters. But depending on the severity of the storm, the crew might save the day and still make up time later in another field the family owns, or return to this one.

A storm ended up arriving on a strong wind that kicked up dirt and shook the corn stalks, but it dropped only a small amount of rain and no hail. Lewton and the crew resumed working later that evening. To other, less cautious farmers — or people who know nothing about farming — their hasty exit under an angry-looking sky might have seemed excessive.

The region where most of Colorado’s wheat comes from experienced devastating drought from June 2019 until this spring. Hot sun with no rain relief cost farmers millions of dollars and cut the state off from lucrative national and international sales. Then, in June, the pendulum swung back harder in the last places where a way of life can’t hide from the weather. Rain fell in sheets, day after day, followed by hail compared to tennis balls, if the tennis balls were full of lead.

Lewton said on land he farms near Fort Morgan, “there were times when the weather service was calling for a half inch and we’d get 2 inches in 45 minutes.” Out in Yuma County, where former state Sen. Greg Brophy farms 250 acres of corn, sorghum and watermelon, “two utterly devastating storms came through at the end of June and on July 8,” he said. Similar storms pounded Kit Carson and Adams counties.

Some of the farmers had their corn, winter wheat and melons wiped out completely. Those who did lost income for the next season’s seeds, land and equipment loan payments, money for employee salaries and living expenses. A strip of corn along U.S. 36 near Bennett looks like a bulldozer drove over it. Brophy’s losses totaled $275,000. A farmer Brophy knows saw his entire corn crop flattened. “Every year, there’s a field or two that gets damaged by a hailstorm,” he said, “but I don’t recall ever seeing backto-back hailstorms.”

Yet something amazing has also happened thanks to the storms that continue to form over northeastern Colorado. Many say this year’s wheat harvest is the best they’ve seen in years. That means higher yields for the farmers whose wheat survived; more money for the Roggen Farmers Elevator Association, a cooperative of Colorado farmers that stores, ships and brokers wheat to commercial flour mills; and more wheat for Ardent Miltls, the largest flour producer in the country with two mills in the Denver area, to make the flour that goes into the bread products eaten by people from Colorado and the rest of the world.

If Lewton’s entire wheat crop on a typical year went into whole wheat bread, he said it would produce 32.4 million loaves. Assuming each loaf will yield 6.5 sandwiches, Lewton’s wheat could produce 211 million.

But stakeholders all along the Colorado wheat chain, from farmers to brokers to commodities experts, told The Sun that regardless of rain, hail, drought, bugs or “macro events,” like the COVID-19 pandemic or war in Ukraine, the reality of farming remains uphill battle to stay profitable — or in some cases afloat — in Colorado.

It’s something farmers say Coloradans should know about as they bite into their next slice of whole wheat ciabatta. Even if, as Lewton says, “farmers don’t want to be thanked. They just want to do their jobs.”

How a grain of wheat grows and gets sold

The main thing Keith DeVoe wants people to know is that “the farming industry isn’t in some conspiracy to ruin your food.”

DeVoe is the CEO of the Roggen Farmers Association Elevator, described on his LinkedIn profile as an agricultural cooperative that is half owner of Commerce City Grain, with the flour company Ardent Mills, and does about $90 million in annual sales. The four grain elevators in northeastern Colorado associated with the co-op are where farmers bring their wheat, corn, soybeans, sorghum and other crops to be weighed, inspected for quality, priced and sold. The co-op also stores some of the different grains to be sold later, based on what a farmer bets will happen in the market.

DeVoe calls the agriculture industry a “high-volume, low-margin business” that must survive because it feeds the world. He also believes the industry is overregulated

by the government, and that “anytime you bring on more regulations, or some special new energy program, you’re adding cost to a business that’s working on 1.5% or 2% margins.”

As he talked, semis loaded with wheat kernels pulled up to a machine that extracted samples from the front and the back of each trailer. Then two young women weighed the wheat, ran it through an analyzer and wrote down a number.

“Nine-point-three,” said one of the women, reporting the wheat’s quality score, based on factors like protein and moisture content.

“That’s all right,” said DeVoe, adding that 10.5 is this year’s average.

The Department of Agriculture says there are eight different types of wheat, but it would be overkill to list every one for this story. The important thing to know is that Colorado farmers deal in winter wheat and spring wheat. Winter wheat is planted in late fall, starts putting down roots and holding soil down over the winter, can grow quickly if there are good spring rains and can grow relatively well without irrigation in as little as 2 inches of annual rain in some parts of the plains, said DeVoe.

Still, despite wheat’s hardiness, all sorts of calamities can conspire to degrade its quality.

It’s not just hail and buckets of rain. For Lewton, it was a sawfly infestation that originated in Canada and made its way down through Montana and into Colorado in the 2010s. The flies burrow into the stalks of the wheat and lay eggs. When these hatch, the bugs chew through the stalks’ pithy centers, girdling them from the inside out. When they’re done, the stalk has lost some of its strength. It lays over and the combines struggle to scoop it up. Some of the grains in the wheat heads survive, but Lewton said this year, in crops hit hard by the flies, he lost 30% of his yield.

Heavy rains are the second-biggest scourge of wheat farmers, first, because rain is “the largest compaction factor of soil anywhere,” Lewton said. “Think about how much force is coming down and landing on the ground. It compacts the dirt on top of the row and even if the seeds germinate, the plants can’t make it up through the crust.”

Excessive rain at planting time means trouble getting into muddy fields with heavy equipment. And too much rain during seed germination can cause poor soil aeration resulting in seed diseases, lackluster germination rates and weak plants.

Heavy rains also trample standing wheat.

“But I’d rather have it wet than be in a drought any day,” Lewton said. “Having a crop get pummeled by hail is like watching a loved one have a heart attack. It’s ugly and painful but over quickly and you’re glad they didn’t suffer. You’re both able to move forward. But with a crop in drought, you watch something you love die a little bit every day and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

With three of the past four years being the driest on record, Lewton still managed to harvest 30 bushels of wheat per acre, per year on a 10-year rolling average. But it wasn’t the 45 bushels per acre he normally grew and that amounted to an average annual loss of just over $1 million in revenue. The family farm survived, “partly because we’ve amortized our cost over more acres,” he said.

Lewton Farms owns and operates 35,000 acres of land from north of Bennett to Fort Morgan to north and east of Byers. Until April, he and many other owners of the estimated 39,800 farms in Colorado that contribute $47 billion to the state’s economy annually thought they were in for another financially draining year, because the drought was forecast to continue.

So like many of the wheat farmers trying to survive another year of burning sun, blow-dryer-like winds and endless heat, Lewton destroyed 30% of his wheat crop to conserve water. Then the storms came and he lost half of two wheat fields to hail damage. “The next worst were between 20% and 25%. And if you go straight south from there, it’s gotten so that anytime a cloud pops up, a little bit of hail falls on the crops and they get more dinged up.”

Adding insult to injury, Lewton said, all of this is happening in an industry facing increasing obstacles from government policies.

Some farmers to Congress: Stop over-regulating our industry

Lewton said it, DeVoe said it, and Jeffrey McPike, a commodities expert, hinted at it. They all believe that farmers will suffer from increased farming regulations and the government’s push toward green energy.

Riding in his combine, in between helping to direct his other drivers by radio, Lewton explained how he thinks the government is over-regulating farmers.

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

Morgan County Fair 2023 Dairy Show

Dairy Showmanship

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

01 Senior Dairy Showmanship (14-18)

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Addyson Schwindt, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 5

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Senior Champion: Jayden Chapin

Senior Reserve Champion: Addyson Schwindt

02 Intermediate Dairy Showmanship (11-13) ············· 2 records

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Intermediate Champion: Fallyn Gregersen

Intermediate Reserve Champion: Jacob Whitney

03 Junior Dairy Showmanship (8-10)

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Junior Champion: Evy Lozier

Dairy Cattle

12 Holstein Winter Heifer Calf born December to February for current calendar

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

13 Holstein Fall Heifer Calf born September to November one year ago

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

17 Holstein Fall Yearling Heifer born September to November two years ago

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Addyson Schwindt, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Champion Holstein Heifer: Jayden Chapin

Champion Holstein: Jayden Chapin

34 Other Breed Spring Yearling Heifer born March to May one year ago

Addyson Schwindt, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Champion Other Breeds Heifer: Addyson Schwindt

45 Catch-It Dairy (1st Year) Heifer Calf Class

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Kodi Holdren, Valley View 4-H Club, Snyder, 5

46 Catch-It Dairy (2nd Year) Heifer Class

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Addyson Schwindt, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Brush, 3

2nd Year Catch-It Dairy Champion: Addyson Schwindt

Grand Champion Dairy: Jayden Chapin

Reserve Grand Champion Dairy: Jayden Chapin

Morgan County Fair 2023 Rabbit Show

Breeding Rabbit

Friday, July 28, 2023

16 Senior Doe over 6 months Polish

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 1, Champion

25 Senior Doe over 6 months Mini Lop

Annabelle Peggram, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 1, Champion

35 Junior Doe under 6 months Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Rex, Satin, Sable, and Silver Martin

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 1, Champion

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 2

36 Senior Doe over 6 months Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Rex, Satin, Sable, and Silver Martin

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

38 Senior Buck over 6 months Chinchilla, Cinnamon, Rex, Satin, Sable, and Silver Martin

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1, Reserve

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

44 Junior Doe under 6 months D’Argents, California, New Zealand, Palomino, and Silver Fox

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

45 Senior Doe over 6 months D’Argents, California, New Zealand, Palomino, and Silver Fox

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

46 Junior Buck under 6 months D’Argents, California, New Zealand, Palomino, and Silver Fox

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1, Champion

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 2, Reserve Champion

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

47 Senior Buck over 6 months D’Argents, California, New Zealand, Palomino, and Silver Fox

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Grand Champion Breeding Rabbit: Payten Thompson

Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Rabbit: Gabriella Ramos

Market Rabbit

01 Catch-It Rabbit (one market rabbit)

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Logan Weiderspon, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 2

Gavyn Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Lexie Walter, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Emariah Rivera, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Champion Catch-It Rabbit: Logan Weiderspon

65 Single Fryer Rabbit, any sex or breed, weighing 3.5-5.5 lbs.

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Gavyn Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Brayton Tormohlen, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 5

Emariah Rivera, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 6

Logan Weiderspon, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 6

Lexie Walter, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 6

Grand Champion Market Rabbit: Brody Yoder

Reserve Grand Champion Market Rabbit: Ceri Dixon

Rabbit Showmanship

01 Senior Rabbit Showmanship (14-18)

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Champion Senior Rabbit Showman: Ceri Dixon

04 Intermediate Rabbit Shownmanship (11-13)

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 1

Annabelle Peggram, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 2

Champion Intermediate Rabbit Showman: Ryder Halley

Reserve Champion Intermediate Rabbit Showman: Annabelle Peggram

07 Junior Rabbit Showmanship (8-10)

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Lexie Walter, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Gavyn Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Logan Weiderspon, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 5

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 6

Emariah Rivera, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 6

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 6

Champion Junior Rabbit Showman: Payten Thompson

Reserve Champion Junior Rabbit Showman: Lexie Walter

Morgan County Fair 2023 Club Book Results

During the Morgan County Fair, on Wednesday the 26th, 4-H Clubs had the opportunity to turn in their club books from the year for judging. This includes their Secretary Book, Treasurers Book, Community Pride Book, and Scrapbook. These books are the records that are kept by their respective elected officers for the 4-H Year. The 4-H Year runs October 1 – September 30.

In the Secretary Book Contest, Weldon Valley 4-H Club placed 1st, Lads ‘N’ Lassies 4-H Club, 2nd; and Winning Edge 4-H Club, 3rd. The Champion Secretary Record Book award is sponsored by FMS Bank.

The Treasurer Book Contest had four entries. Placing 1st is Lads N Lassies 4-H Club; Travelers 4-H Club, 2nd; Winning Edge 4-H Club, 3rd; Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, 4th; and Wildcat 4-H Club, 5th.

Clubs that enter their Club Scrapbook all receive a $20 gift certificate from Impressions By Bird and Leader’s Advisory Committee to use towards future scrapbooks or other stationary for their club. The clubs that exhibited scrapbooks at the 2023 Morgan County Fair were Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Wiggins Cornerstone, and Winning Edge 4-H Club.

Our final area that clubs can enter is Community Pride. Each club completes a minimum of one community service project each year, and the Community Pride contest allows the clubs to develop a book showcasing their community service. This years’ winner of the Community Pride award, which is sponsored by KSIR Radio, is the Weldon Valley 4-H Club. With Lads ‘N’ Lassies coming in 2nd and Winning Edge, 3rd. All of these books are on display in the Mark Arndt Event Center at the Morgan County Fair Grounds for the remainder of the 2023 Morgan County Fair which is held July 28-August 3.

Morgan County Fair 2023 Junior Agriculture, Farm Mechanics

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

02 Medium Farm Carpentry

August Filter, Weldon Valley FFA, 1

Adrian Lopez-Lopez, Weldon Valley FFA, 2

04 Large Metal

Aubryn Ferguson, Wiggins FFA, 1

05 Medium Metal

Riley Thomas, Wiggins FFA, 1

06 Small Metal

Aubryn Ferguson, Wiggins FFA, 1

Riley Thomas, Wiggins FFA, 2

Grand Champion Farm Mechanics: Aubryn Ferguson

Reserve Grand Champion Farm Mechanics: Riley Thomas

WIGGINS SCHOOL DISTRICT 50J AUGUST

NEWS

GOOD PEOPLE OF TIGER NATION: August 2023

Ready or not, we will be starting school on time in all buildings. Construction will be ongoing but the buildings are cleared for occupancy. Administration will ensure the safety of the children while both the primary and elementary school buildings are finished up.

Preschool drop off will take place along Main St. and in the parking lot of the Preschool building. There are only 23 spaces inside the parking lot so please feel free to park diagonally on Main before walking inside to sign in and sign out your child.

When dropping off and picking up your K-3 students please use the bus loop on the South side of the Primary building. Kindergarten will no longer drop off and pick up on Main St.

All 4-6 students will be dropped off and picked up in front of the main entrance at the NEW Elementary School building. Please use Chapman to enter and exit the parking lot. There will be staff members outside directing traffic the first week of school to help guide people through the desired flow of traffic.

The district wants to thank all of its constituents one more time for allowing the school system to grow in a manner that is safe, functional, and conducive to accelerate the learning potential of our students. In my opinion, our campus is one of the most appealing yet practical campuses that I have seen. As I look upon all that this community has built over the past five years it makes me proud to be a part of TIGER NATION!

Wiggins School District is excited about the opening of the New Elementary School and for the 2023-2024 school year. Teachers and Staff are already working hard to make this year great for our returning students and want to welcome all of the new students with open arms. Enjoy the last days of summer!

Monthly Expenditures for July

In the fast-paced world of construction, having reliable and efficient equipment is the backbone of any successful project. One company that has made significant strides in providing top-notch construction equipment solutions is MTC Equipment. Born in a modest 2-bay garage in Commerce City in 2020, MTC Equipment has quickly become a trusted dealer for XCMG construction equipment, focusing on sales, rentals, and service to cater to the diverse needs of the construction industry. With its commitment to customer satisfaction and a state-of-the-art 15,000 sq ft shop in Hudson, MTC Equipment has emerged as a leading force in the sector.

The Humble Beginnings and Rise of MTC Equipment:

What started as a small operation in a two-bay garage has evolved into a remarkable success story. MTC Equipment was founded in 2020 with a vision to revolutionize the construction equipment industry with superior products and unparalleled service. From the outset, the company focused on the core principles of integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

The XCMG Partnership:

MTC Equipment’s partnership with XCMG has been a crucial factor in their success. XCMG is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of construction machinery, renowned for producing high-quality, innovative, and technologically advanced equipment. As an authorized dealer for XCMG, MTC Equipment gained access to a vast array of machinery that catered to the diverse needs of the construction sector. This allowed MTC Equipment to meet its commitment to customers, ensuring they receive the best solutions for their projects.

Customer-Centric Approach:

MTC Equipment’s relentless pursuit of customer satisfaction sets it apart from the competition. Instead of treating clients as mere transactions, MTC focuses on building lasting relationships. The company’s sales representatives take the time to understand the unique requirements of each customer and recommend the most suitable equipment for their projects. By providing personalized attention and tailored solutions, MTC Equipment ensures that every client receives the best value for their investment.

Sales, Rentals, and Service:

September Calendar

MTC Equipment’s comprehensive range of services encompasses sales, rentals, and service, making it a one-stop destination for all construction equipment needs.

Sales: Whether a construction company is looking to expand its fleet or needs specific machinery for a project, MTC Equipment offers a wide selection of new and used XCMG equipment. From excavators and loaders to telehandlers and scissor lifts, they have the tools to meet any construction challenge.

Rentals: Not all projects require long-term investments in equipment. MTC Equipment recognizes this and provides flexible rental options, enabling construction companies to access top-tier machinery without the burden of ownership. Their rental fleet is well-maintained and up-to-date, ensuring optimal performance on the job site. Service: Recognizing that equipment downtime can significantly impact project timelines, MTC Equipment prioritizes timely and efficient service. Their team of skilled technicians is equipped to handle maintenance and repair tasks promptly, minimizing interruptions to construction operations. Moreover, their commitment to providing genuine XCMG parts ensures that equipment remains in top condition, maximizing productivity and longevity.

The Hudson Shop:

MTC Equipment’s decision to operate out of a 15,000 sq ft shop in Hudson reflects their commitment to quality and professionalism. The state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest tools and technology to provide top-notch maintenance and repair services. The spacious shop also allows them to house a diverse range of equipment, ensuring quick access for customers.

Looking Ahead:

As MTC Equipment continues to grow, they remain dedicated to enhancing their offerings and customer experience. They plan to expand their inventory to include the latest advancements in construction equipment, embracing new technologies that improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.

Conclusion:

In a relatively short period, MTC Equipment has achieved remarkable success by prioritizing customer satisfaction and aligning with a world-renowned brand like XCMG. Their journey, from a small garage to a state-of-the-art facility, exemplifies their commitment to excellence and innovation. As the construction industry continues to evolve, MTC Equipment’s customer-centric approach, along with its range of sales, rentals, and service, is set to leave an indelible mark on the sector, empowering construction projects across the region with the best-in-class machinery and support.

Morgan County Fair 2023

Breeding and Market Beef Show

Breeding Beef

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

02- Heifer Calf, born after 8/1/22

Eli Kline, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Jason Dias, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 2

Kenadee Kohler, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Garrison Middlemist, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

03- Yearling Heifer, (8/1/21-7/31/22)

Jason Dias, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 1

Gracie Eiring, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 3

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 4

Ariana Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Grand Champion Breeding- Eli Kline

Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Beef- Jason Dias

Market Beef

21- Beef Underweight-1

Danielle Moon, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Reilly Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Harlee Codman-Davis, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Brush, 3

31-Beef Lightweight- 1

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Americo Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 4

Josie Ginther, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Collin Codman, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

32- Beef Lightweight- 2

Jason Dias, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 1

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 3

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Eli Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Adysen Spelts, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Cassius Middlemist, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

33- Beef Lightweight- 3

Tegan Kroskob, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Ariana Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Baylei Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 5

Benjamin Eiring, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Olivia Herrera, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Champion Lightweight- Jason Dias

Reserve Champion Lightweight- Mikaela Thiel

41- Beef Mediumweight- 1

Nathanel Dahl, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Aysli Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Tegan Kroskob, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Axel Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Jocelynn Middlemist, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Tenleigh Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

42- Beef Mediumweight-2

Delaney Draegert, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Darylea Dory, Open Range 4-H Club, Brush, 2, Reserve

Jason Dias, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 3

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Ty Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Gretchen Vermillion, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Champion Mediumweight- Delaney Draegart

Reserve Champion Mediumweight- Darlea Dory

51- Beef Heavyweight- 1

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Garrett Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Braden Weibert, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Percy Odle, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Nathanel Dahl, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Americo Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Landon Crispin, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

52- Beef heavyweight- 2

Hannah Fox, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1, Champion

Gretchen Vermillion, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2, Reserve

Delaney Draegert, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Eli Kline, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Braden Weibert, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Champion Heavyweight- Hannah Fox

Reserve Champion Heavyweight- Gretchen Vermillion

Grand Champion Market Beef- Hannah Fox

Reserve Grand Champion Market Beef- Delaney Draegert

70- Catch- It Class

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Jocelynn Middlemist, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Catch-It Champion- Jocelynn Middlemist

Champion Market Beef Rate-of-Gain: Abby Ramirez

Champion Market Beef Rate-of-Gain: Jocelynn Middlemist

Beef Showmanship

80- Sr. Beef Showmanship

Delaney Draegert, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Danielle Moon, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 3

Ariana Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Tenleigh Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Sr. Beef Showmanship Champion- Delaney Draegert

Sr. Beef Showmanship Reserve Champion- Danielle Moon

81- Int. Beef Showmanship

Ty Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Cassius Middlemist, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Collin Codman, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Bush, 3

Reilly Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Int. Beef Showmanship Champion- Ty Sneddon

Int. Beef Showmanship Reserve Champion- Cassius Middlemist

82- Jr. Beef Showmanship

Hannah Fox, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Gretchen Vermillion, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Garrison Middlemist, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Harlee Codman-Davis, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Jr. Beef Showmanship Champion- Hannah Fox

Jr. Beef Showmanship Reserve Champion- Gretchen Vermillion Morgan County Fair 2023 Poultry Show

Breeding Poultry

01 Pullet, Lightweight

Friday, July 28, 2023

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 6

02 Pullet, Heavyweight

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 2

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 6

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 6

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, 6

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 6

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 6

03 Cockerel, Lightweight

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 1

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

04 Cockerel, Heavyweight

Eli Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

05 Bantam Pullet

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

07 Specialty Breed Hen

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 1

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 2

Everlee Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

08 Specialty Breed Cockerel

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 1

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

13 Goose

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

15 Hen Duck

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

16 Drake Duck

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Grand Champion Breeding Poultry: Raelynn Carlock

Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Poultry: Raelynn Carlock

Market Poultry

20 Meat Pen of Chickens (Fryers) 3 birds, one breed, 9 - to less than 18 lbs. (Catch-It Poultry Class)

Averie Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Eli Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

21 Meat Pen of Chickens (Broilers) 3 birds, one breed, 18 -30 lbs (Catch-It Poultry Class)

Morgan County Fair 2023

Morgan County Fair 2023 Poultry Show

Continued from page 6

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Josie Ginther, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Wesson Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 6

25 Catch-It Chicken (pen of 3)

Josie Ginther, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1, Champion

Wesson Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 2

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Champion Catch-It Chicken: Josie Ginther

30 Meat Pen of Turkeys, 1 bird, one breed, Toms: 60-130 lbs; Hens 40-90 lbs

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Grand Champion Market Poultry: Gus Vickers

Poultry Showmanship

40 Sr. Poultry Showmanship

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1, Champion

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2, Reserve Champion

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 3

41 Jr. Poultry Showmanship

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1, Champion

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2, Reserve Champion

Eli Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3,

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Everlee Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 6

Morgan County Fair 2023 Dog Contest

Reserve Champion Intermediate: Jacob Whitney

Champion Senior: Addyson Schwindt

Reserve Champion Senior: Elizabeth Whitney

Overall Grand Champion: Peighton Arndt

Overall Reserve Grand Champion: Jacob Whitney

0541 Overall Dog Showman

Peighton Arndt, Champion Jacob Whitney, Reserve Champion

Elizabeth Whitney, 1

Addyson Schwindt, 2 0510 Pre-Beginner Novice A

Karrie Mellott, 1

Jacob Whitney, 2

Caden Cozad, 3 Madison Bennett, 4

Zylana Vlieger, 5

Kaylea Ferguson, Participant

Eden Tramp, Participant

Jaden Baker, Participant 0511 Pre-Beginner Novice B

Peighton Arndt, 1

Addyson Schwindt, 2

Saxson Keller, 3

Kimber Heid. 4 0513 Beginner Novice B

Morgin Koch, 1 0514 Novice A

Elizabeth Whitney, 1 0532 Rally Novice A

Madison Bennett, 1

Zylana Vlieger, 2

Eden Tramp, 3

Karrie Mellott, 4

Jacob Whitney, 5

Kaylea Ferguson, Participant

Caden Cozad, Participant

Jaden Baker, Participant

0533 Rally Novice B

Peighton Arndt, 1

Saxson Keller, 2

Kimber Heid, 3

Addyson Schwindt, 4

0534 Rally Intermediate A

Elizabeth Whitney, 1

Morgin Koch, 2

Champion Junior: Morgin Koch

Reserve Champion Junior: Jaden Baker

Champion Intermediate: Peighton Arndt

Caldara: Denver’s Real ‘Emergency’ Is Crime, Not Homelessness

by Jon Caldara, Independence Institute Attention.

Attention. Now hear this.

Denver is operating under a Declaration of Emergency!

Mayor Michael Johnston has invoked his constitutional authority to declare a state of disaster emergency.

In doing so, he has granted himself extraordinary officious authority to circumvent normal checks and balances of due process to address the crisis for the safety of the people of the city.

The crisis? Thousands of homeless infesting our streets. The action he’s taking? Doubling down on the policies that have created the problem in the first place.

First, the usual disclaimer. Johnston is a remarkably affable, likable individual who’s starting a very difficult job. And I do wish him all the best in the many challenges in his new role.

That said, declaring a state of emergency on your first day in office could have been a way to signal there’s a new sheriff in town. Instead, Johnston used it to signal the same kind of sucker is in town but with a bigger wallet.

Those of us who remember New York City in its big decline also remember a young mayor named Rudy Giuliani who fixed it. There are some lessons for Denver’s young mayor there.

Before Giuliani lost his status representing Trump post-Jan. 6, he earned the reputation as “America’s mayor” for his steadfast handling of the Sept. 11 attacks, and how he cleaned up a crime-infested city.

He too wanted to do something on day one of his administration to show he took the crime situation seriously. Instead of creating more ways to give criminals even more goodies, as Johnston is doing right now, Giuliani decided to take them off the streets.

His first small target was the “squeegee men.” These were the guys who would clean your car windshield at stop lights, and if you didn’t give them a dollar, they might just break off your wiper blade.

He started arresting them. And surprise, surprise nearly all of them had outstanding warrants for a variety of other crimes, which Giuliani was happy to see landed them in jail.

This began the rapid cleanup of New York City, which changed it from a crime-ridden city to a revitalized, safe destination again.

Johnston’s emergency plan has nothing to do with fighting crime. It has nothing to do with arresting and jailing criminals. It has nothing to do with forcibly removing people who are injuring innocent Denverites.

Mayor Johnston’s emergency orders only gives more incentives and more services to people to be homeless just like Denver has been doing since Mayor John Hickenlooper’s foolish 2005 “Road home” project to end homelessness permanently by 2015.

As Denver and Colorado have been doing with crime for nearly two decades, it is all carrot and no stick.

Denver’s problem is not that there aren’t enough beds for the homeless. It’s that transients, addicts, and mentally unstable people don’t want to stay in them. Yet Johnston’s plan is all about providing more for them such as:

▪ Expedite permitting and construction timelines for homelessness and affordable housing projects;

▪ Develop city-owned and private land for supportive housing, microcommunities, and navigation centers;

▪ Take immediate action to improve life for those living on the streets, as well as the businesses and neighborhoods surrounding them, by deploying trash, hygiene, and care services to encampments.

Johnston’s action is another feeding frenzy for the homeless industrial complex and another slap in the face to Denverites who are tired of criminals being treated like hotel guests on our streets instead of guests in our jails.

If the definition of insanity is doing more of the same and expecting a different result, then Mayor Johnston’s inaugural effort is insane.

Johnston is a smart man. On some level, I suspect he understands that throwing more money to provide more services will only entice more homeless and more crime to Denver.

He has one eye on higher office, so he’s scared to do what is necessary to clean up the streets of Denver because it will anger the identity-politics, victim-celebrating, policehating, socialist progressives in his party whom he feels he needs for higher office.

He’s made clear in his first week in office he cares more about appeasing them than the safety of his constituents.

Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute, a free market think tank in Denver.

U.S. Education Chief Advocates for More Workforce Development Programs in High Schools

Miguel Cardona and Gov. Jared Polis headlined a workforce summit at the Community College of Aurora, where educators and employers explored how to better prepare students for in-demand jobs by Erica Breunlin, The Colorado Sun High schools as they are designed today haven’t changed in more than 150 years, or as U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona calculates it, over the course of two pandemics.

Schools, he insisted, must change the ways they educate kids. That’s a big part of why the country’s top education official visited Colorado on Thursday, when he announced a new federal $25 million grant program that will give school districts and community and technical colleges funding to restructure the last two years of high school so that students are transitioning into higher education more quickly and developing skills that will matter in the workforce.

Cardona, who is in the middle of a four-part workforce development summit called the Unlocking Pathways Summit, spoke at the Community College of Aurora about the urgent need to create more seamless transitions and collaborations among schools, colleges and universities, and industry leaders — particularly as they sit on opposite sides of the same goal to connect students with meaningful careers.

“For too long, we’ve treated the walls between our K-12 systems, our college systems and our workforce systems like they’re set in stone,” Cardona said to a room of leaders in K-12 and higher education, policymakers and industry executives from multiple states. “We’ve maintained in this country a ‘four-year college or bust’ mentality, and that leaves too many students behind.”

Before interviewing Gov. Jared Polis about steps Colorado has taken to direct students to in-demand jobs, Cardona raised concerns about what he sees as a sense of complacency trailing the height of the pandemic, particularly with too few students of color and women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“We’ve normalized that,” Cardona said. “We’ve allowed thousands of high schoolers to graduate without pathways to rewarding careers.”

“It’s time to raise the bar, and that starts with a total reimagining of high schools in this country,” he added, noting that college will be “one but not the only pathway to a bright future.”

He hit on the need for schools to hire career advisors who understand regional workforce opportunities, expand paid on-the-job learning experiences and internships beginning in high school, enable students to get a jumpstart on learning the trades in fields like welding and coding, and pushing students to earn at least a dozen college credits in college-level courses before graduating high school.

Those efforts mirror some of Colorado’s priorities in training students for jobs and filling critical workforce gaps, Polis said during the conversation with Cardona.

“I believe that every high school student should at least graduate with some exposure (to) what might come next,” Polis said.

Polis and lawmakers in the past year have committed to investing millions of dollars into helping students prepare for careers in in-demand fields — from their first years in school. That has included earmarking $26 million to help students improve their understanding of foundational math skills at a time less than a third of elementary and middle school students are meeting or exceeding grade level standards in math, according to an analysis of standardized test results by the nonpartisan Keystone Policy Center.

An additional $25 million is supporting scholarships for high schoolers entering higher education and pursuing jobs in industries facing significant workforce shortages, giving them money to cover expenses for books, fees and tuition. And a separate $5 million is flowing to short-term nursing programs at community colleges to help build up nursing workforces at local hospitals.

The state has also worked to dramatically reduce upfront higher education costs that often weigh down students with debt by paying tuition and covering fees, books and supplies for those starting training in a variety of industries that desperately need more workers — including early childhood education, nursing, construction, firefighting, law enforcement and forest management.

Polis highlighted the need to build a more robust workforce in Colorado’s energy sector as the state aims to be a national leader.

“That’s one of the areas that we seek to shine because when we’re meeting with major companies, and we’ve had several that have made commitments to grow in Colorado, their number one issue … is workforce,” Polis said.

The new grant program developed by the federal government will give schools and colleges another resource to expand the number of courses that award high schoolers college credit, invest in industry equipment while training students and pay for exams students have to take to secure credentials they need to jump into the workforce, Cardona said.

The federal support falls as more jobs that pay a living wage require more than a high school diploma, said Luke Rhine, deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education within the U.S. Department of Education.

“There are many paths to a good job, but a high school diploma is no longer sufficient for students to access the majority of jobs in their community,” Rhine said, “particularly good jobs.”

The grant program, which districts and colleges must apply for by the end of September, will position individual students for jobs that will come with stability and help communities adapt to the evolving needs of local employers, Rhine added.

“In many communities, high schools are a reflection of that community,” he said. “As we build up the capacity of high schools to respond to changing economic conditions, we are also in essence building the capacities of communities to do that exact same thing.”

Armstrong: Jared Polis’ Libertarian Side Needs Work

By Ari Armstrong, Complete Colorado Page 2

Did you hear the one about how Jared Polis is a libertarian? I heard that, again, right after I struggled to get my groceries home because of the bag fees that Polis signed into law, and right before I paid the Polis-approved “retail delivery fee” on an online order. The Coloradans harmed by Polis’s taxes, fees, and controls are not laughing.

My paper last year, “The Tax and Regulate Reality Behind Governor Polis’s Libertarian Image,” detailed many of Polis’ anti-liberty policies to that point. This year, Polis supported the deceptive Proposition HH, which promises to cut property taxes but actually allows huge net increases in property taxes while also costing us TABOR refunds. He forced some people to subsidize others’ abortions through insurance premiums. He imposed waiting periods and age restrictions on gun buyers in clear violation of Colorado’s Constitutional protections. He imposed new controls on property owners in the rental market. This is just a taste.

Nevertheless, Nick Gillespie from the libertarian Reason magazine previously said that “Polis might be the most libertarian governor in America.” I concede he’s one of the more liberty-oriented governors. Yet, as I wrote in my paper, “Saying Polis is the most libertarian governor in America is a bit like saying he’s the most sober person at a Grateful Dead concert. It’s not like he faces much competition.”

Stossel gushes over Polis

John Stossel is the latest libertarian-friendly commentator to gush about Polis. He begins his new video, “Is there a Democratic governor who actually stands up for economic freedom? Yes!” (See also Stossel’s related article.)

Stossel rightly praises Polis for his entrepreneurial past, something that surely gives Polis some respect for productive business leaders and for free markets. When Stossel describes how hard government often makes it to do something as simple as open a lemonade stand, Polis concedes, “Government in general does a lot of things that aren’t necessary.” Stossel mentions a CPR article about the Polis-signed 2019 Senate Bill 103, which, as CPR summarizes, “prohibits local government or any agency of local government from requiring a minor to have a license or permit to run a small and occasional business.”

“You hate the income tax,” Stossel says to Polis. But, as I explained in an article a couple years ago, Polis doesn’t have any realistic proposal to eliminate that tax. Instead, the Independence Institute (which publishes Complete Colorado) and others took the lead in reducing tax rates. As usual, Polis attempts to take the credit, telling Stossel, “We’ve reduced the income tax twice in Colorado since I’ve been there.”

Polis wants freer immigration and freer global trade, Stossel points out. True! However, these federal issues are not relevant to Polis’s work as governor. (Polis did sign a bill restricting police cooperation with federal immigration officers.) Polis does use his “bully pulpit” to publicly advocate for freer immigration, and I appreciate that. We have the opportunity in America to benefit from bringing in more of the smartest, hardest-working people in the world to kick our economic engine into overdrive, but our national leaders foolishly severely limit our ability to do so.

Polis says, “Tariffs in particular penalize trade. I think trade’s a good thing. If two people, willing partners, both have something, and they both want what the other has, and they make an exchange, they’re both better off. We should not penalize trade.” Preach it, brother.

Yes, Polis shut down businesses during the pandemic, Stossel grants. And, I’ll add, he did so in a way that showed extraordinary political favoritism. Yet, Stossel rightly points out, Polis lifted Colorado’s restrictions relatively quickly.

Ambiguously ‘libertarian’

Stossel also points out that Colorado now has legal marijuana and psychedelics. This is another issue where conservatives complain but libertarians cheer. Yet again, these were citizen-led ballot issues, not ones initiated by Polis. Yet Polis voices the standard libertarian line on such matters, telling Stossel: “I think it’s ultimately a matter of personal responsibility. If you want to use marijuana, if you want to drink, if you want to smoke, that’s your prerogative. The government shouldn’t be deciding that for you.” Obviously we need to take seriously things like age restrictions and protection of public spaces for public use.

An issue that Stossel neglects, but that is very important for (actual) libertarians (as opposed to libertarian poseurs who don’t understand property rights), is the liberation of the housing market. Generally, within some broad guardrails, people should be free to develop their property as they see fit. As Jerusalem Demsas points out for the Atlantic, “Homelessness is primarily a function of the broader housingunaffordability crisis, which in turn is primarily a function of how difficult local governments have made building new housing in the places that need it the most.” Although Polis’s major reform bill failed this year, he helped set the stage for future reforms.

In his short August 1 video, Stossel promises to be more critical of Polis in their longer interview. One issue is Polis’s actions to restrict Colorado’s oil-and-gas industry. Of course that issue is complicated by the problem of “externalities” of carbon dioxide emissions driving global warming. Polis takes the stance that such problems require government intervention.

So is Polis a libertarian? These days, many people who claim to be libertarians aren’t even libertarian, and the term always has been ambiguous. I wouldn’t call myself a libertarian without tightly qualifying the meaning. If we mean roughly someone who advocates personal and economic liberty, then I’m a libertarian, and so is Polis— sometimes. We should evaluate Polis’ policies on a case-by-case basis.

Polis certainly cares more about liberty than do most American politicians, and he’s probably as libertarian as someone can be and still be elected to statewide office in Colorado. We could do far worse in picking a governor. And, sadly, we probably will.

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

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

You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals.

To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative investments. Traditional investments are those with which you’re probably already familiar: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and so on. Speculative investments include cryptocurrencies, foreign currencies and precious metals such as gold, silver and copper.

Now, consider these three components of investing and how they differ between traditional and speculative investments:

The first issue to consider is risk. When you own stocks or stock-based mutual funds, the value of your investments will fluctuate. And bond prices will also move up and down, largely in response to changing interest rates. However, owning

FINANCIAL FOCUS

Should You Invest…or Speculate?

an array of stocks — small-company, large-company, international, etc. — can help reduce the impact of volatility on your stock portfolio. And owning a mix of short- and long-term bonds can help you defend yourself somewhat against interest-rate movements. When interest rates fall, you’ll still have your longerterm bonds, which generally — but not always – pay higher rates than short-term ones. And when interest rates rise, you can redeem your maturing short-term bonds at potentially higher rates. With speculative investments, though, price movements can be extreme as well as rapid. During their short history, cryptocurrencies in particular have shown astonishingly fast moves up and down, resulting in huge gains followed by equally huge, or bigger, losses. The risk factor for crypto is exacerbated by its being largely unregulated, unlike with stocks and bonds, whose transactions are overseen by well-established regulatory agencies.

There just isn’t much that investors can do to modulate the risk presented by crypto and some other speculative investments.

A second key difference between traditional and speculative investments is the time horizon involved. When you invest in stocks and other traditional investments, you ideally should be in it for the long term — it’s not a “get rich quick” strategy. But those who purchase speculative investments want, and expect, quick and sizable returns, despite the considerable risk involved.

A third difference between the two types of investments is the activity required by investors. When you’re a long-term investor in traditional investments, you may not have to do all that much, once you’ve built a portfolio that’s appropriate for your risk tolerance, goals and time horizon. After that point, it’s mostly just a matter of monitoring your portfolio and making occasional moves — you’re not constantly buying and selling, or at least

you shouldn’t be. But when you speculate in crypto or other instruments, you are constantly watching prices move — and then making your own moves in response. It’s an activity that requires considerable attention and effort.

One final thought: Not all speculative instruments are necessarily bad investments. Precious metals, for instance, are found in some traditional mutual funds, sometimes in the form of shares of mining companies. And even crypto may become more of a stable vehicle once additional regulation comes into play. But if you’re investing for long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement — rather than speculating for thrills and quick gains, which may disappear just as quickly you may want to give careful thought to the types of investments you pursue.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Special Press Release: Morgan County 4-H

Fashion Revue: Wild About Fashion

Monday, July 24th the Morgan County Fair Fashion Revue had a Fashion Fiesta, where various youth competed in Creative and Constructed Clothing categories. Evy Lozier, Kaylea Ferguson and Veronica Heisler all participated in Creative Clothing. Evy Lozier received Grand Champion and Veronica Heisler took Reserve Grand Champion. Clothing Construction also had three participants; Kimber Heid, Evy Lozier, and Elizabeth Whitney. Grand Champion was Elizabeth Whitney and Reserve Grand Champion was Evy Lozier.

Evy Lozier made it bloom with her hand painted jean jacket. She used chalk to outline a flower and then used white and gold paint to to complete the look. She then added smaller flowers to the pockets of her jean skirt. This outfit placed first in the Junior Creative Clothing class and Grand Champion in the Creative Clothing Division.

Kaylea Ferguson was the second participant to show off her outfit. She made a tie dyed spring dress that she could wear anywhere. She loves that her dress has many bright colors and pockets! She chose to accessories her dress with a sweater, just in case it gets chilly, and a fun pair of spring shoes. Kaylea is looking forward to wearing this dress to school next spring.

The final participant in the Junior Creative Clothing class was Veronica Heisler. She designed a jean jacket with her favorite mystical creature, a dragon! She used several stencils to aid in this project which took her over ten hours to complete. She also added a dragon to her flared jeans. Veronica took reserve champion in the Junior Creative Clothing class and Reserve Grand Champion in the Creative Clothing Division.

Kimber Heid opened up the Constructed Clothing Division with her stylish relaxed dress that she can wear to school and for social events. She picked a plaid flannel material for this dress and learned that matching plaid can be challenging. She also learned how to make buttonholes and add a collar on this dress. Kimber loves the versatility to change her look depending on the shirt, sweater, or blouse she wears under it. She can also wear tights, boots, her converse platforms, or leg warmers to match the look she is going for that day. Kimber placed Reserve Champion in the Junior Constructed Clothing class.

Evy Lozier’s second outfit of the night was a tie-dyed romper with butterflies. The pattern she chose for this romper was a pull on design with an elastic waist, V-neck and dolman sleeves with lace trim and ruffle detail. She learned how to gather, add elastic, use a serger, and used iron on interfacing on the neckline! Evy was the Junior Constructed Clothing class Champion and the Constructed Clothing Reserve Grand Champion.

The final outfit for the night was worn by Elizabeth Whitney. She showed off her Heritage Arts Miscellaneous Fibers project which was a woven poncho called the Colorado Poncho. Elizabeth chose to use Lamb’s Pride yarn colors, Persian Peacock, Teal Haze, and Seafoam from Brown Sheep Company. She learned that the yarn she had chosen was weak in some spots, so she learned how to control her tension to keep it from becoming a problem. Elizabeth was the Senior Constructed Clothing class Champion and the Constructed Clothing Grand Champion.

Unit Champions were:

Junior Creative Clothing: Evy Lozier

Junior Constructed Clothing: Evy Lozier

Senior Artistic Clothing: Elizabeth Whitney

Cloverbud 4-H Members showed decorated t-shirts that they made at a workshop earlier in July. This year they decorated their t-shirts by using tape to mark off designs in their shirts, then using a spray-bottle to apply tie-dye around the tape. They also made maracas to accessorize their outfits and celebrate the Fashion Fiesta. Cloverbuds participating were, Vivenne Carlson, Kaitlyn Kral, Madison Kral, Lincoln Lozier, ZJ Lozier, Hadley Martens and Delaynie Piper.

The emcee for the evening was Cora Rhode. Fashion Revue Superintendents making the show a success were Kathy Wood, Cora Rhode and Jennifer Rhode. Dana Hansen also assists with securing the location and running sound through the contest.

Morgan County Fair 2023 Winners Announced In The Cricket Races

In the Wednesday fun events at the 2023 Morgan County Fair, three classes of cricket races were held. In the Pee-wee division (7 years of age and under), Leo Arndt won first place, while second place went to Thomas Carrington. Third place in the Pee-wee Cricket Races went to Tate Arndt.

In the Junior division (8-10 years), first place was Luke Norton, and Eddie Arndt came in second. There were two participants in the Senior division (11-13 years). Kimber Heid took first, and Becky Groves placed second.

Also taking place on Wednesday at the 2023 Morgan County Fair was the Pedal Tractor Pull, Master Showmanship Contest, FFA Farm Mechanics, annual Steak Fry BBQ, Catch-It Animal Contests, and Barn Dance featuring Southern Fryed. The 2022 Morgan County Fair wraps up Thursday, August 3rd with the Jr. Livestock Sale.

Morgan County Fair 2023 Cloverbuds Results

While 4-H members have to be 8-18 to compete at the Morgan County Fair, there was still fun to be had for the Cloverbud Members, ages 5-7 in Morgan County 4-H. The overall purpose of the 4-H Cloverbud Program is to foster the development of life skills that are essential for the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical maturation of five to seven year old children.

Cloverbud members have the opportunity to attend monthly workshops held at the Extension Office where they do activities, such as learning about STEM or completing a craft. These members also attend monthly club meetings where they also do activities. On Interview Judging day these members had the opportunity to enter in a project that they had completed during the year, and get interviewed just like the older members do.

Most of the youth chose to display the shirts that they made during the 2023 Cloverbud t-shirt workshop, which they had the opportunity to model during the Fashion Revue on Monday, July 24th. Cloverbuds that displayed their t-shirts were: Dante Heisler, Iris Hunter, Jace Lambert, Luke Lambert, Lincoln Lozier, ZJ Lozier, Hadley Martens, Delaynie Piper. The Cloverbud projects will be displayed in the Mark Arndt Event Center at the Morgan County Fair Grounds in Brush for the duration of the 2023 Morgan County Fair which ends August 3rd

will receive full 30 MW of output for 25 years

United Power Signs Power Purchase Agreement with Solar of Alamosa LLC Cooperative

the signing of a power purchase agreement on July 27. Under the 25-year agreement, United Power will receive all the output of Whetstone’s Solar of Alamosa project beginning in May 2024.

“United Power is excited to commit to purchase the power generated by this proven solar project, at an attractive and stable price,” stated Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “United Power will be able to immediately add 30 MW of renewable energy to our power portfolio, without having to go through the process of developing a new greenfield generation facility. The mix of power that cooperative members receive will be cleaner and more economical from day one of this contract.”

Whetstone and funds managed by Rosemawr Management acquired the 30 MW-ac Solar of Alamosa project in June 2022. Located in Alamosa in Colorado’s San Luis Valley, the innovative project used concentrated solar technology when it was initially developed in 2012. The facility’s current panels, inverters, and other components are scheduled to be replaced and modernized throughout 2024 to achieve optimum power output going forward.

“We are proud of the opportunity to serve United Power and the long-term partnership we have developed to provide renewable energy from the Solar of Alamosa facility,” said Collin Franceschi, Whetstone founding partner.

The solar project has been producing clean, renewable power for more than a decade, converting solar energy to electricity on one of Colorado’s highest elevation plateaus. The installation boasts that, at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet above sea level, it receives some of the highest irradiance in the country.”

“Rosemawr continues to be excited about the opportunities in renewable energy, and we very much look forward to this next chapter for the Solar of Alamosa facility with United Power,” said Josh Herlands, Rosemawr’s Head of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure.

United Power serves nearly 110,000 meters and maintains and operates over 6,500 miles of distribution line. The 900-square mile service territory wraps around the north and west borders of the Denver International Airport. It includes the north and northeast metropolitan development corridors along Interstate 25, Interstate 76, State Highway 85, and E-470 and the Golden Gate and Coal Creek canyons, two of Colorado’s most iconic and historic mountain canyons. As a result of its geographic location, United Power’s system is experiencing significant demand and energy growth, averaging approximately 6% annually.

United Power is building a power portfolio ahead of leaving its current power supplier on May 1, 2024. The cooperative recently announced agreements with Guzman Energy and Ameresco for portfolio assets related to this exit. To learn more about United Power’s power supply transition, visit www.unitedpower.com/powersupply.

Pictured (l-r) Beth Martin, United Power Board Chairman; Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO for United Power; Collin Franceschi, Whetstone founding partner; and Dean Hubbuck, SVP and Chief Energy Resource Officer for United Power. Brighton, CO—United Power, Inc. (United Power), an electric cooperative serving Colorado’s northern Front Range, and Whetstone Power LLC (Whetstone) announce

For Women Farm Owners In Colorado, The Leading Concerns Are Crops And Animals, Not Sexism continued

broader issue of working conditions and sexual violence faced by some farmworkers. Several organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Southern Poverty Law Center, have documented the vulnerability of female farmworkers, particularly immigrants. Seventy-seven percent of women in a 2008 Southern Poverty Law Center report reported that sexual violence was a major problem.

A land purchase in the future

One county west of Di Santo, Williams manages both livestock and crops. She raises sheep, a herd of 19 Scottish Highland cattle, and grows a variety of vegetables.

Williams, whose family’s roots in Colorado go back to her maternal great-great grandmother, is originally from northern California. She earned a degree in botany from Humboldt State University and lives on a 10-acre farm near Dolores with stunning views of Sleeping Ute Mountain. Through barters, Williams grazes her sheep on a nearby 14-acre orchard, shuttling them back and forth from her own property. She grazes the cattle on nearby acreages in exchange, as one example, for managing irrigation.

“I come from a long line of women who are pretty independent,” said Williams. “I’m physically pretty strong and enjoy a lot of the traditional male activities.”

Williams is eyeing the purchase of a 70-acre property that has been owned by the same family for nearly 100 years. The pasture is irrigated and will allow her to bring her crops and livestock together on one tract while also raising her own hay—the largest expense in her operation. “I hope to increase efficiency and profitability by being in one place long enough to build soil that grows more nutrient-dense food,” she said.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture does not collect its own data on the gender of farm owners or operators, but is expected to have 2022 census data parsed later this year, according to a spokesperson. However, the USDA’s Economic Research Service asserts that, nationally, “women play an integral part in farming, either as a principal operator or as a secondary operator. In 2019, more than half (51 percent) of all farming operations in the United States had a woman principal or at least one woman [as a] secondary operator.”

In 2015, the USDA reported that “the share of U.S. farms operated by women nearly tripled over the past three decades, from 5 percent in 1978 to about 14 percent by 2012.”

Statistics from the Society for Range Management also suggest changing gender demographics over the last 30 years, at least among its 2,000 members, which include land managers, scientists, educators, students, ranchers and conservationists. Julie Larson, chair of the society’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, said the percentage of members who are women has steadily increased from 14% in 1992 to 20% in 2002, and to 35% in 2022. (These data have not yet been published.)

Larson added that the percentage of women is even higher among younger members — 51% in the 22-41 age bracket — and that might indicate that the numbers will continue to climb.

“Sexism comes up in different ways, but I think it’s less than the past,” said Emily Lockard, the Colorado State University extension agent in Montezuma County, where Williams’ farm is located.

Lockard, who has held her current position for 18 months, has 13 years of extension experience. “We are looking at women being larger players in agriculture… and I think that shows progress. I have definitely encountered sexism in agriculture, but I wouldn’t say it’s the biggest part of my experience. Usually, [such instances are] things I can roll my eyes at and move on my life.”

Kellie Pettyjohn moved on from a decade of running The Wily Carrot, a oneacre vegetable farm in Mancos, two years ago. Pettyjohn sold salad greens and other produce at Cortez and Durango farmers markets and through the Southwest Farm Fresh Cooperative. She also sold wholesale to grocery stores and restaurants. (Recently, Pettyjohn earned an associate’s degree in nursing and today works at Southwest Health System in Cortez.)

Pettyjohn said the biggest challenges were income versus time and effort, drought, hail and grasshoppers. She was also raising a young son. When her irrigation water turned dirty, she hiked five miles to the headgate in the foothills of Mount Menefee to clear brush. “It drove me crazy,” she said.

Did she experience any sexism? No.

“I always felt extremely supported by my fellow farming buddies. They were like family and I wouldn’t have made it without them,” Pettyjohn said. As evidence, Pettyjohn offered examples when male farmers helped with specific chores, such as draining oil out of a tiller and offering guidance on irrigation — “and, perhaps most importantly, to commiserating at the end of a day with a cold beverage,” she said. “They were always there for me.”

There is “something amiss”

Carrie Havrilla is an assistant professor of rangeland ecology and management at Colorado State University. This fall, for the first time, she’ll teach a class as part of a minor offered in “Diversity and Inclusion in Natural Resources.” The class isn’t about rotating crops, said Havrilla; rather, it deals with equity, inclusion, race and gender, and the relationship of those issues to resource management “and people’s experiences in that space.”

There is “something amiss,” said Havrilla, because there are fewer women than men working as farmers, ranchers and in federal and state land management agencies.

“Maybe it’s systemic, maybe it’s remnants of the past. But definitely women don’t see themselves represented in those areas,” said Havrilla. “And when you don’t see people who look like you in positions of power or in positions of influence, it perpetuates the idea that you don’t belong there.”

While Di Santo feels like she belongs, she also isn’t sure the job will work over the long haul.

“Physically, I can do this right now, but in 10 years, maybe even in five? I mean, even in the time that I’ve been doing it, it’s definitely taken a toll on my body,” she said. Yet “I would describe myself as a workaholic, as I’m sure most farmers would, too. I derive pleasure in being productive.”

For Nina Williams, farming gives her the chance to participate in an agrarian way of life and “interact with the land and its natural cycles.” Williams has applied to the graduate program at CSU’s Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. She also studied

with Nicole Masters, a leading agroecologist from New Zealand who runs a coaching program called Integrity Soils.

The work is hard, conceded Williams. She has had back and knee issues (and has traded raw wool for massages). The hours are long. She willingly concedes she stretches herself too thin. There are always challenges. A mountain lion recently killed two lambs.

But Williams sees the work she loves as something demonstrating that consuming cheap, industrialized food “has come at an incredible cost to not only our environment, but to our health.” Consumers have been sold a “big lie” that “food should be cheap and convenient,” she said. But the “ecosystems are failing and our health is failing— and that is why I do it. Our well-being is inextricably tied to the vitality of our soil and how we produce food. For me, this is the most fundamental community service I can offer.”

To Larson, at the Society for Range Management, leaders like Williams and Di Santo are key to encouraging more women into the field.

“It’s important to showcase the stories of women out there doing this work now because I think that is also a critical part of enabling the next generation to see what is possible,” said Larson. “I have female friends who have started their own small farms and food production businesses. It’s awesome. And empowering.”

Freelance reporter Mark Stevens wrote this story for The Colorado Trust, a philanthropic foundation that works on health equity issues statewide and also funds a reporting position at The Colorado Sun. It appeared at coloradotrust.org on June 12, 2023, and can be read in Spanish at collective.coloradotrust.org/es.

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

I am Not Your Friend

by Elizabeth Christen

I frequently tell my kids, “I am not your friend.” The puzzled looks don’t follow anymore, but they certainly don’t like to hear it. It is only ever said in the context of saying no to some request from them, of something that isn’t good for them.

In their perfect world, they would have ice cream for dinner every night, watch TV all day and never be made to do a single chore. To be fair, that doesn’t sound half bad, but reality has a different plan. So as the parent, the adult responsible for their wellbeing, I know the fantasy must remain just that.

What they don’t understand is how hard it actually is to say no to these things that will make them happy in the short term. How easy it would be to stick them in front of the TV and have some peace and quiet for a couple of hours. Dinner would be simple. No fighting over asparagus or beans. No explaining quality versus empty calories in their little growing bodies. Just mint chocolate chip all around. I would be the hero instead of the villain. Maybe I would even get a cape.

And we all know the pleading arguments, because we made them to our parents when we were kids. “But all of my friends get to do it!” “I’ll be the only one and everyone will laugh at me.” “Johnny’s mom bought him one.” Sometimes they are right, they are the only one left out, or the only one without the newest thing. But that’s ok. Because we aren’t their friends. We are their parents. Healthy boundaries aren’t just ok, they are necessary.

In our modern era, there are new dangers that we didn’t face as kids, that our parents didn’t have to navigate. Social media is one of them. This new time-suck is detrimental to our youth. It is having negative outcomes on adults, so what do we think the consequences will be on anyone under 25, who doesn’t have a fully formed pre-frontal cortex?

Teenagers and even young kids are spending hours a day on social media. Yet they feel alone. They aren’t truly connecting with one another. They are bullying and being bullied based on the conception of the internet not being the real world. But the hateful content and false perceptions of others are far too real.

The seemingly innocuous challenges adolescents are partaking in are injuring or killing them. The Nyquil Chicken Challenge entails boiling raw chicken in Nyquil and consuming it. The Skull Breaker Challenge consists of the legs of a person being swept from underneath them, flipping them backwards after they have jumped in the air, before their skull hits the ground. The Fire Challenge has kids rub gasoline on their skin and light it on fire. Of course, we all remember the Tide Pod Challenge of a few years ago. And unfortunately, this list is not exhaustive.

The US Surgeon General issued an advisory earlier this year about the risks of social media use in adolescents. The results showed negative effects to include depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and lack of enough sleep. On top of all of these, there are predators lurking behind every corner on the web, trying, and sadly at times succeeding, in luring kids to met them for whatever nefarious deeds these evil doers have in store for our kids.

And of course, there is the screen time consumption itself to consider. Excessive screen time leads to poor academics, weight gain/obesity, loss of sleep, developmental impediment, communication skill deficit and behavioral issues. In some extreme cases, children’s brain cortexes have thinned, depleting their reasoning and critical thinking skills.

There are plenty of studies out there that illustrate all of this and more, in great detail. But when we look around us, common sense paints its own vivid picture.

When our kids complain about something, my husband likes to ask them, “But did you die?” Of course, the answer is always no, but what if the complaint is about not getting to use social media? They won’t die if they don’t get on those apps, but their fate could be far different if they do. So, what is the upside to social media for kids?

I’ll wait… Oh, right, there aren’t any. Not in the long term, anyhow. Being the cool parent, our kid’s friend, isn’t good for them. They have friends, peers their own age. And while we all would like to feel a little younger, this isn’t the way to go about it. We need to parent them, not befriend them. They may hate it now, but they will thank us later. And then, when they are well-adjusted adults, contributing to society in positive ways, we can be friends.

from page 1

Animal Science

Morgan County Fair 2023

4-H General & FCS Results

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Vet Science - From Airedales to Zebras Unit 1 Int

Madison Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Red

Thea Covelli-Carter, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Vet Science - On the Cutting Edge Unit 3 Sr

Addyson Schwindt, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Brylee Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion, Best Records

Horseless Horse Unit 1 Jr

Olivia Strand, Open Range 4-H Club, Blue

Horseless Horse Unit 2 Int

Zoie Parker, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Cat Unit 1 Jr

Abby Strickland, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Blue

Ella Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Cat Unit 1 Int

Madison Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Senior Grand Champion Animal Science: Addyson Schwindt

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Animal Science: Sateen Keller

Intermediate Grand Champion Animal Science: Thea Covelli-Carter

Junior Grand Champion Animal Science: Ella Farnik

Artistic Clothing

Upcycle Your Style Applied Jr

Kaylea Ferguson, Sunshine 4-H Club, Blue

Lainey Jones, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Veronica Heisler, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Upcycle Your Style Applied Int

Bailey Lingo, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Red

Annaleah Alloway, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Upcycle Your Style Applied Sr

Jynnaya Gleason, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Creative Sewing - All Other Exhibits Unit 5 Int

Lexy Sears, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Senior Grand Champion Artistic Clothing: Jynnaya Gleason

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Artistic Clothing: Annaleah Alloway

Junior Grand Champion Artistic Clothing: Evy Lozier

Junior Reserve Grand Champion Artistic Clothing: Veronica Heisler

Cake Decorating

Cake Decorating Unit 1 Edible Decorations Jr

Natalie Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

Chloe Nadon, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Averie Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Cake Decorating Unit 1 Edible Decorations Int

Garett Norman, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Adilyn McCombs, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Cake Decorating Unit 2 Single Layer Jr

Lainey Jones, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Hannah Fox, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve, Best Record

Rhylee Lambert, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue

Aubrey Kauffman, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Cake Decorating Unit 2 Single Layer Int

Karlie Jones, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue

Cake Decorating Unit 3 Two Layer Jr

Brooklyn Eggleston, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Cake Decorating Unit 3 Two Layer Int

Morgan O’Patik, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Red

Kaylee Blake, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Annaleah Alloway, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve, Best Record

Bailey Lingo, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Red

Cake Decorating Unit 3 Two Layer Sr

Shariyah Grostzky, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Cake Decorating Unit 4 Character Int

Piper Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Maycie Jones, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Kimber Heid, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Cake Decorating Unit 5 Themed Cupcakes Int

Arisa Eicher, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Cake Decorating Unit 5 Themed Cupcakes Sr

Kayla Garcia, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Senior Grand Champion Cake Decorating: Kayla Garcia

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Cake Decorating: Shariyah Grostzky

Intermediate Grand Champion Cake Decorating: Arisa Eicher

Intermediate Reserve Grand Champion Cake Decorating: Maycie Jones

Junior Grand Champion Cake Decorating: Aubrey Kauffman

Junior Reserve Grand Champion Cake Decorating: Averie Williams

Clothing Construction

Beginning Clothing STEAM 1 Pillow Jr

Elise Norman, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Beginning Clothing STEAM 2 Dress (not formal wear) Int

Millie Strauch, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Beginning Clothing STEAM 2 Romper or Jumpsuit Jr

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Beginning Clothing STEAM 2 Two-Piece Outfit Int

Kimber Heid, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Senior Grand Champion Clothing Construction: Millie Strauch

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Clothing Construction: Kimber Heid

Junior Grand Champion Clothing Construction: Evy Lozier

County Self Determined

Junior Miscellaneous

Jacob Kral, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Natural Resources Unit 1 Jr

Jaden Baker, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Everlee Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Best Record

Natural Resources Unit 1 Int

Annie Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Best Record

Dog Record Books

Junior

Jaden Baker, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Kaylea Ferguson, Sunshine 4-H Club, Blue

Morgin Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Best Record

Intermediate

Kimber Heid, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Eden Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Caden Cozad, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Best Record

Peighton Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Zylana Vlieger, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Senior

Addyson Schwindt, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Best Record

Karrie Mellott, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue

Madison Bennett, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Foods

Cooking 101 Unit 1 No Bake Bars,Cookies Jr

Natalie Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Cooking 101 Unit 1 Baked Bar Cookies Jr

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Red

Cooking 101 Unit 1 Cookies Jr

Rhylee Lambert, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Cooking 101 Unit 1 Cookies Int

Anna Werner, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Cooking 101 Unit 1 Cookies Sr

Ty Griffith, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Cooking 201 Unit 2 Quick Breads Int

Thea Covelli-Carter, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Cooking 201 Unit 2 Quick Breads Sr

Myer Wickham, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue

Tessa Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Cooking 301 Unit 3 Yeast Rolls Int

Millie Strauch, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue, Champion

Senior Grand Champion Foods: Thea Covelli-Carter

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Foods: Tessa Oliver

Junior Grand Champion Foods: Natalie Higgins

Junior Reserve Grand Champion Foods: Rhylee Lambert

Heritage Arts

Crochet Unit 1 Int

Taylor Hollis, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Red

Fiber Arts (Weaving, Spun skeins, felted bags, etc) Sr

Jynnaya Gleason, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Quilting Unit 1 Jr

Ellie Hansen, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Senior Grand Champion Heritage Arts: Elizabeth Whitney

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Heritage Arts: Jynnaya Gleason

Junior Grand Champion Heritage Arts: Ellie Hansen

Home Design & Décor

Home Design & Décor Unit 1 Jr

Natalie Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Home Design & Décor Unit 3 Int

Haylee Amen, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Senior Grand Champion Home Design & Décor: Haylee Amen

Junior Grand Champion Home Design & Décor: Natalie Higgins

Leadership Leadership Road Trip Int

Isabella Petrino, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Put Leadership to Practice Sr

Alyssa Eskew, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Refining Leadership Skills Sr

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Community Service Project Sr

Ryan Strauch, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue

Grand Champion Junior Leadership: Sateen Keller

Reserve Grand Champion Junior Leadership: Alyssa Eskew

Leathercraft

Intro to Leathercraft Unit 1 Int

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Adv Leather Carving Unit 5 Sr

Shawn Hollis, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Senior Grand Champion Leathercraft: Shawn Hollis

Junior Grand Champion Leathercraft: Saxson Keller

Leisure Science

Film Making - Documentary Sr

Jaxon Reynolds, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Film Making -Promotional Sr Morgan County Fair 2023

Morgan County Fair 2023 4-H General & FCS Results continued from page 14

Ryan Strauch, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve, Best Record

Scrapbooking - One Page Layout Int

Adilyn McCombs, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Scrapbooking - Two Page Layout Int

Kaylie Powell, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue

Jaxon Gleason, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue

Scrapbooking - Two Page Layout Sr

Taryn Wickham, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Scrapbook Album Sr

Addyson Spradlin, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue

Visual Arts - Paintings and Printing Int

Kimber Heid, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Senior Grand Champion Leisure Science: Taryn Wickham

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Leisure Science: Jaxon Reynolds

Intermediate Grand Champion Leisure Science: Kimber Heid

Mechanical Science

Computers Level 3 Advanced Programming Int

Landon Crispin, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Magic of Electricity Unit 1 Jr

Luke Makings, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Give Robotics A Hand Unit 1 Stand-Alone Jr

Liam Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve, Best Records

Liam Woodring, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue

Gabriel Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Give Robotics a Hand Unit 1 Stand-Alone Int

Todd Makings, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Robots on the Move Unit 2 Stand-Alone Int

Collin Richardson, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Small Engines - Crank It Up Unit 1 Int

Seth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Small Engines - Warm It Up Unit 2 Int

Dustin Ashlock, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Intermediate Grand Champion Mechanical Science: Dustin Ashlock

Intermediate Reserve Grand Champion Mechanical Science: Todd

Makings

Junior Grand Champion Mechanical Science: Luke Makings

Junior Reserve Grand Champion Mechanical Science: Gabriel Higgins

Metalworking

Metal Fabrication Unit 2 Sr

Seth O’Patik, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Blue

Advanced Metal Fabrication Unit 3 Sr

Soul Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Kade Kohler, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Senior Grand Champion Metalworking: Soul Keller

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Metalworking: Kade Kohler

Model Rocketry

Intro to Rocketry Unit 1 Jr

William McCombs, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Red

Liam Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

Gavyn Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Teegan Bellinder, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve Champion

Gabriel Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Best Records

Intro to Rocketry Unit 1 Jr

Jacob Kral, Wildcat 4-H Club, Red

Logan Weiderspon, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue

Nathaniel Bridges, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Intro to Rocketry Unit 1 Int

Landon Crispin, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Intro to Rocketry Unit 1 Sr

Thomas Sears, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Blue, Champion

Basic Model Rocketry Unit 2 Jr

Bentley Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Designer Model Rocketry Unit 6 Sr

Rylan Schreiner, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue Champion, Best Records

Senior Grand Champion Model Rocketry: Rylan Schreiner

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Model Rocketry: Landon Crispin

Junior Grand Champion Model Rocketry: Gavyn Larrick

Junior Reserve Grand Champion Model Rocketry: Teegan Bellinder

Natural Resources

Take the Bait Unit 1 Jr

Lukas Richardson, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

Carter Cozad, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Gunnar Yocam, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Red

Take the Bait Unit 1 Int

Tyson Fox, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

The Worth of Wild Root Unit 1 Int

Christian Schmeeckle, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Intermediate Grand Champion Natural Recourses: Tyson Fox

Intermediate Reserve Grand Champion Natural Resources: Christian Schmeeckle

Junior Grand Champion Natural Resources: Carter Cozad

Photography

Photography Basics First Year Unit 1 Jr

Morgin Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Hudson Blake, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Kaylea Ferguson, Sunshine 4-H Club, Blue

Photography Basics First Year Unit 1 Int

Haylee Amen, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Evan Ferguson, Sunshine 4-H Club, Blue, Best Records

Photography Basics First Year Unit 1 Sr

Katelynn Johnson, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue

Photography Basics Second Year Unit 2 Sr

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Next Level Photography Unit 3 Sr

Lorin Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Mastering Photography Unit 4 Int

Kaylie Powell, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Mastering Photography Unit 4 Sr

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Low Light Photos Unit 5 Sr

Elizabeth Schmeeckle, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Senior Grand Champion Photography: Rebekah Thiel

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Photography: Lorin Koch

Intermediate Grand Champion Photography: Kaylie Powell

Intermediate Reserve Grand Champion Photography: Haylee Amen

Junior Grand Champion Photography: Morgin Koch

Plant Science

See Them Sprout Unit 1 Jr

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue

Let’s Get Growing Unit 2Jr

Everlee Tramp, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Let’s Get Growing Unit 2 Int

Kimber Heid, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Take Your Pick Unit 3 Sr

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Senior Grand Champion Plant Science: Payson Poland

Junior Grand Champion Plant Science: Everlee Tramp

Shooting Sports

Archery Display Board Jr

Edward Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Archery Display Board Int

Damon Lucero, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Faith Dalrymple, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue Reserve

Rylee Stevens, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue

Cason Tow, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue

Lilyana Bridges, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Archery Display Board Sr

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Aiden Deiker, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Red

Air Rifle Display Board Jr

Cora Paris, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Fowler Farnam, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Air Rifle Display Board Sr

Kayla Garcia, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Shotgun Display Board Jr

Evan Ewertz, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Gunnar Yocam, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Shotgun Display Board Int

McKenzie Cuckow, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Red

Shotgun Display Board Sr

Baylei Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Red

Aysli Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Red

Odin Nilsen, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

.22 Rifle Display Board Jr

William McCombs, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Nathaniel Bridges, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

.22 Rifle Display Board Int

Danica Bledsoe, Explorers 4-H Club, Red

.22 Pistol Display Board Int

Shylynn Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Ben Werner, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

.22 Pistol Display Board Sr

Shariyah Grostzky, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Muzzleloading Display Board Sr

Danielle Moon, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Archery Stand Alone Jr

Raylan Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Best Records

Hudson Blake, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Wyatt Johnson, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue

Brayden Sauer, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Blue

Greysen Reed, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Tucker Hall, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Blue

Wesson Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue

Carter Cozad, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Archery Stand Alone Int

Dillon Curtis, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue

Evan Ferguson, Sunshine 4-H Club, Blue

Adilyn McCombs, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Red

Anna Werner, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Archery Stand Alone Sr

Katelynn Johnson, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Savannah Blake, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Max Curtis, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue

Cole Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue

Cole Curtis, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Red

Morgan County Fair 2023 4-H General & FCS

Results continued from page 15

Wyatt Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Red

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Tenleigh Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Air Rifle Stand Alone Jr

Bentley Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Gavyn Larrick, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Aubrey Kauffman, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue

Liam Woodring, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue

Air Rifle Stand Alone Int

Tate Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Air Rifle Stand Alone Sr

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Shotgun Stand Alone Int

Blake McClain, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue

Axel Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Seth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue

Shotgun Stand Alone Sr

Rylan Schreiner, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Americo Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue, Best Records

Talan Hall, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue

Grayson Johnson, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Soul Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Air Pistol Stand Alone Jr

Katelyn Jones, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Air Pistol Stand Alone Sr

Chad Schilling, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Wiley Eicher, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

.22 Rifle Stand Alone Jr

Annabelle Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

Eli Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve, Best Records

Averie Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Gabriella Ramos, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Blue

.22 Rifle Stand Alone Int

Aiden Midcap, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

Malachi Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Adrian Montes, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Blue

Caden Cozad, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue

Maddex Reynolds, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Eli Williams, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

.22 Rifle Stand Alone Sr

Ethan Bohl, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Blue, Champion

Shawn Hollis, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Red

Wyatt Gorrell, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

.22 Pistol Stand Alone Jr

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

.22 Pistol Stand Alone Int

Arisa Eicher, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue

Jaelyn Olivere, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Kaine Eicher, Explorers 4-H Club, Blue

Cade Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve, Best Record

Muzzleloading Stand Alone Sr

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Blue, Champion

Decorative Item Jr

Liam Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

Brooklyn Eggleston, Travelers 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Records

Gabriel Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue, Reserve

Decorative Item Sr

Kirstin Powell, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue

Tate Strand, Open Range 4-H Club, Red

Senior Grand Champion Shooting Sports Exhibit: Jasmine Brindisi

Senior Reserve Grand Champion Shooting Sports Exhibit: Chad Schilling

Intermediate Grand Champion Shooting Sports Exhibit: Shylynn Larrick

Intermediate Reserve Grand Champion Shooting Sports Exhibit: Axel

Lorenzini

Junior Grand Champion Shooting Sports Exhibit: Brooklyn Eggleston

Junior Reserve Grand Champion Shooting Sports Exhibit: Abby Ramirez

Woodworking

Measuring Up Unit 1 Jr

Teegan Bellinder, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Lukas Richardson, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Blue

Measuring Up Unit 1 Int

Lukas Walter, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Blue

Nailing it Together Unit 3 Int

Todd Makings, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Blue, Champion, Best Record

Nailing it Together Unit 3 Sr

Savannah Blake, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Blue

Senior Grand Champion Woodworking: Todd Makings

Intermediate Grand Champion Woodworking: Teegan Bellinder

Morgan County Fair 2023

Breeding and Market Show

Breeding Goats

Sunday, July 30, 2023

71 Dairy Breed Senior Kid (born 8/1/21 to 12/31/22)

Zylana Vlieger, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Ella Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 2

72 Dairy Breed Doe (yearling 1-2 years)

Zylana Vlieger, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

73 Dairy Breed Doe (aged 2 years and over)

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Piper Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Wesson Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 3

Raylan Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Raylan Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Piper Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Grand Champion Dairy Goat: Zylana Vlieger

Reserve Grand Champion Dairy Goat: Tucker Martens

80 Meat Breed Junior Kid (born after 1/1/23)

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Jarrett Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Joslyn Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Gretchen Vermillion, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 5

Addyson Spradlin, Travelers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Joslyn Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

81 Meat Breed Senior Kid (born 8/1/21 to 12/31/22)

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club Fort Morgan, 1

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Natalie Higgins. Winning Edge 4-H Club, Brush, 3

83 Meat Breed Doe (aged 2 years and over)

Ellie Hansen, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Ellie Hansen, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Caiden Healey-Mitchell

Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Meat Goat: Kealy Langford

Goat Showmanship

01 Senior Goat Showmanship (14-18)

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 1

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Riley Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Eli Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Ariana Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Jarrett Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Champion Senior Goat Showman: Caiden Healey-Mitchell

Reserve Champion Senior Goat Showman: Kealy Langford

02 Intermediate Goat Showmanship (11-13)

Joslyn Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Henry Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Maycie Jones, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Cason Tow, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 5

Landon Crispin, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Maveryk Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Ashlyn Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Peighton Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, Participant

Champion Intermediate Goat Showman: Joslyn Haubert

Reserve Champion Intermediate Goat Showman: Henry Langford 03 Junior Goat Showmanship (8-10)

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Natalie Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Gretchen Vermillion, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Darlene Smith, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Morgin Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Haedyn Varelman, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Bristol Stolberg, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Matlock Hunter, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Edward Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ryder Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Cash Gould, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Tucker Martens, Sunshine 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Champion Junior Goat Showman: Remington Butler

Reserve Champion Junior Goat Showman: Abby Ramirez

Market Goats

11 Goat Underweight - 1

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Jason Dias, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 4

Ilithyia Packer, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Raylan Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Bristol Stolberg, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Darlene Smith, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Morgin Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

21 Goat Lightweight – 1

Ryder Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Bristol Stolberg, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Morgan County Fair 2023 Breeding and Market Show continued from page 16

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Edward Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, 5

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Madison Dreier, Wiggins FFA, Wiggins, Participant

Lorin Koch, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Jasmine Brindisi, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Adysen Spelts, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

22 Goat Lightweight – 2

Henry Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Braden Weibert, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Ariana Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Jacy Jo Dreier, Wiggins FFA, Wiggins, Participant

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Kinser Smith, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

23 Goat Lightweight - 3

Riley Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1, Reserve

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Eli Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Ryder Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Haedyn Varelman, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Cash Gould, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Ceri Dixon, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Landon Crispin, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, Participant

Champion Lightweight Market Goat: Henry Langford

Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Goat: Riley Hunt

31 Goat Mediumweight - 1

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 1

Jason Dias, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 2

Ariadne Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

J.R. Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

J.R. Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Brody Smith, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Madison Dreier, Wiggins FFA, Wiggins, Participant

Raylan Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Olivia Herrera, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

32 Goat Mediumweight - 2

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Wyatt Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, 2

Cason Tow, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Landon Crispin, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, Participant

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Madison Dreier, Wiggins FFA, Wiggins, Participant

Matlock Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

33 Goat Mediumweight - 3

Eli Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Cason Tow, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 3

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Ariadne Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Maycie Jones, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Braden Weibert, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Brody Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Natalie Higgins, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Journee Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Champion Mediumweight Goat: Remington Butler

Reserve Champion Mediumweight Goat: Eli Kalous

41 Goat Heavyweight - 1

Henry Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

J.R. Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Maycie Jones, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Ashlyn Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Ariana Yoder, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Peighton Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, Participant

42 Goat Heavyweight - 2

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Joslyn Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Gretchen Vermillion, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, 4

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, 4

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Brody Smith, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

43 Goat Heavyweight - 3

Jarrett Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Joslyn Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Cason Tow Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 4

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Payson Poland, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, Participant

Maveryk Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Raelynn Carlock, Lads N Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Matlock Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Cade Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Ellie Koch, Weldon Valley FFA, Fort Morgan, Participant

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Champion Heavyweight Goat: Kealy Langford

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Goat: Henry Langford

60 Catch-It Goat Class

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1, Champion

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Matlock Hunter, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Haedyn Varelman, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Cash Gould, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Champion Catch-It Goat: Abby Ramirez

61 Rate-of-Gain

Brody Smith, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1, Champion

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 2, Reserve

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Champion Goat Rate-of-Gain: Brody Smith

Reserve Champion Goat Rate-of-Gain: Ashlynn Thompson

Grand Champion Market Goat: Kealy Langford

Reserve Grand Champion Market Goat: Henry Langford

Morgan County Fair 2023

Creative Cooks Results

Eighteen Morgan County 4-Hers competed in the 2023 Creative Cooks Contest held on July 27th at the Morgan County Fair Grounds in Brush, Colorado. Members competing in the Creative Cooks contest planned a menu, developed a theme around the menu, and then cooked one item off of the menu to serve to the judge and public. There is also a Colorado Specialty class in which participants must cook a meal using a predetermined ingredient set by the State 4-H Office. This year’s ingredient was Apples.

Five individuals competed in the junior age division, with Luke Makings placing as champion in the Junior Individual Category with her Banana and Chocolate “Chimp” Muffins. Gavyn Larrick was the Junior Individual Reserve Champion with his Chicken Alfredo Lasagna. The final participant in this category was Everlee Tramp who made a Cowboy Caviar. The Champion Colorado Specialty Individual, Bentley Larrick, made an Apple Slab Pie. The Reserve Champion in the Colorado Specialty Individual Category was Rhylee Lambert with her Flowerpot Apple Crumble Muffins. The Overall Reserve Grand Junior was Gavyn Larrick. Luke Makings received Overall Grand Champion Junior. The Junior Grand Champion award is sponsored by Peppy Coffee in Fort Morgan.

Six individuals were in the intermediate age division. Receiving a champion for her individual entry was Lexy Sears with her Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta. The Reserve Champion Intermediate Individual was Kimber Heid and she made a Melon Pan. In the Intermediate Specialty Team Category, Shylynn Larrick and Arisa Eicher made a Norwegian Apple Soup, earning class Champion. Eden and Annie Tramp took Reserve Champion with their Apple Dumplings. The Overall Reserve Grand Champion Intermediates were Shylynn Larrick and Arisa Eicher. The Overall Intermediate Grand Champion was Lexy Sears. The Intermediate Grand Champion award is sponsored by Bun Appetit.

In the Senior age division, Thomas Sears served Italian Lasagna, which received Champion.

Rylan Schreiner served Red Hot Applesauce Jell-O in the Senior Specialty Category and was Champion. The Overall Reserve Grand champion was Thomas Sears. The Overall Grand Champion Senior award went to Rylan Schreiner. These awards are sponsored by The Flower Petaler and Brighter Day Original of Fort Morgan.

Cloverbuds were also allowed to participate in Creative Cooks, making their favorite no-bake snack for the judges and public. Cloverbuds participating were Emery Fox, Luke and Jace Lambert, Amelia Meusborn, Delaynie Piper, and William Sears.

One-Fifth Of Crested Butte’s Restaurants Have Closed, Leaving Tourists Hungry

To top it off, the grocery store will be temporarily closing soon. But thankfully, this is a short-term problem.

by Nancy Lofholm, The Colorado Sun

hammering of change.

None of those promising activities helps visitors with hungry kids in tow who are waiting for the chance to order a slice of pizza at the Secret Stash or a breakfast sandwich at Butte Bagel.

“You definitely hear about the limited options,” Crested Butte town administrator Dara MacDonald said.

“It’s certainly an unusual problem,” she said, and added that town officials didn’t see it coming, or compounding, as it did this summer.

The problem has been dire enough to produce a staff report “Restaurant Status in Crested Butte” for the town council in June.

“These closures and reductions in operations have many negative impacts on the community and the Town of Crested Butte, including reduced dining options, increased dining costs, increased workload/stress on current operators, loss of municipal tax revenues, and negative experiences for valley visitors, to name a few,” the report stated.

The closed restaurants have resulted in an estimate of more than $400,000 less in town coffers this year. Overall, bar and restaurant sales taxes are up 4% for the year and 1% for June. MacDonald said that increase would usually be heftier for the start of the summer tourist season. The fact that they didn’t explains the estimated big bite out of this year’s town revenues.

(Dean

Growing pains are plaguing some Colorado resort towns. Crested Butte is also rumbling with hunger pangs.

Seven of the restaurants up and down Elk Avenue are closed. Many of those still cranking out meals for long lines of diners have had to cut back on days and hours of operation because of a worker shortage.

And maybe this isn’t a good time to mention this as stomachs and tempers growl, but this month the town’s only full-service grocery store is closing down for four months for a major renovation.

Having 19% of the town’s dining establishments flying “Closed” signs at once is a painful inconvenience in a historic resort town where tourists have expectations of some decent grub after a day of mountain biking or wildflower hiking.

“It’s strange. It’s crazy,” said Glo Cunningham, who has been leading tours around downtown Crested Butte for two decades. “But it’s what I call a first-world problem — people who have the money to come here and vacation struggling to find food.”

Jackhammers signal this is a short-term problem

The dining dearth is not expected to be a long-term problem. The shuttered restaurants are in various stages of makeovers to eventually reopen.

And that presents another problem: The sound of jackhammers, backhoes and beeping dump trucks jars the flower-bedecked, mountain-town ambience for tourists and locals alike.

Crested Butte’s dining problems really began after the COVID pandemic shut down the town’s restaurants along with its ski area and pretty much everything else in and around Crested Butte. The reopening of Crested Butte businesses came with a tsunami of visitors eager to get out and vacation after being cooped up. But many of the pre-pandemic workers had moved on to other jobs or other towns. Restaurants struggled and hung up “Help Wanted” and “Closed” signs on front windows.

Oh, and also, the grocery store is closing

Many towns went through similar post-pandemic business whoop-de-doos. But what complicated Crested Butte’s situation was a billionaire buying spree.

Mark Walter, a Chicago-based financier and an owner of the L.A. Dodgers as well as a home in Mount Crested Butte, started buying up commercial buildings in and around Crested Butte. He bought the 142-year-old Grubstake building. He snapped up the Princess building that had recently housed a wine bar. The Wooden Nickel, Crested Butte’s oldest restaurant, became his. The Forest Queen and the Gunnison Savings and Loan building went into his real estate quiver.

to The Colorado Sun)

Some of that comes from the former Brick Oven Pizzeria and Pub in the heart of downtown Crested Butte. The loss of that business represents a particularly painful example of the flipping of the town’s dining scene.

The Brick, as it was fondly known, was a communal gathering spot with an Elk Avenue-bordering patio. It was the see-and-be-seen place to meet friends, grab a beer and rehash details of an epic mountain bike adventure.

Since April of last year, the Brick has sat vacant except for occasional gatherings of locals who couldn’t let it go. They started meeting weekly on the bare patio outside the closed building for BYOB get-togethers.

The gatherings and the joking stopped in June when a crew with chainsaws whacked down the line of aspen trees that used to provide shade on the patio. Then a construction barrier went up and the headachy drill of jackhammers permeated Elk Avenue as the patio was obliterated.

“It made me sick to my stomach,” Cunningham said. Lines are long, options are limited Up and down Elk Avenue, other closures and construction zones are strung out as reminders of what’s no longer available for breaking bread together, and as teasers for what the future holds.

The longtime popular Last Steep with its wonky wooden steps and tilting floors has a sign promising that it will reopen soon as The Hideout. The construction sounds from the former Brick signal that something that will be named the Bruhouse is in the works. The historic Forest Queen that most recently housed the Coal Creek Grill is wrapped in a construction barrier and has earthmovers lumbering around outside its funky mining-era clapboard walls bringing hope that there eventually will be burgers and fries served up there again. The former Montanya Rum tasting room and small-plates hangout (Montanya moved down the street) has sporadically emitted the

Off Elk Avenue, Walter purchased a building with a health club and office space and an undeveloped lot that is ready and approved for the building of a hotel and shops. He also bought the Almont Resort, a compound of cabins and commercial buildings 20 miles south of Crested Butte.

That was in early 2021. Crested Butte residents are still waiting to find out what he plans to do with those properties.

The notoriously private Walter has not said. He has been goaded by Crested Butte News editor Mark Reaman for more than a year to come forward and let Crested Butte know what his plans are. Reaman’s editorial pleas have not yielded so much as a comment or a news release.

Rumors bouncing around Elk Avenue have Walter visiting Crested Butte this summer and deciding then what he will do with his properties.

On the heels of Walter’s acquisitions, longtime Crested Butte resident Jeff Hermanson went on his own property shopping spree. Hermanson, who turned Larimer Square and Union Station into thriving commercial areas in Denver, bought four Elk Avenue buildings that had housed restaurants.

Customers line up to get inside Butte Bagels to place an order on July 14, 2023. Many Crested Butte restaurants have too few workers to serve customers because of labor shortages and other restaurants are closed several days a week because of the same problem. Other long established restaurants have changed ownership and are under construction.

Krakel, Special to The Colorado Sun)

Construction is ongoing at the former Brick Oven Pizzeria and Pub. The Brick Oven had extensive outside seating under shady aspen trees and was a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists. (Dean Krakel, Special

The historic Forest Queen Hotel and the Coal Creek Grill next door are receiving a makeover, as evidenced by construction crews working on July 14. (Dean Krakel, Special to The Colorado Sun)

Customers wait in a long line outside of McGills restaurant for lunch on July 14. (Dean Krakel, Special to The Colorado Sun)

Hermanson could not be reached for comment, but he has been more forthcoming with Crested Butte residents and with the News about his intentions to help Crested Butte thrive — and be fed. Hermanson has a bit of a local track record on that front.

One-Fifth Of Crested Butte’s Restaurants Have Closed, Leaving Tourists Hungry continued from page 18

He opened his first Crested Butte restaurant in the historic Slogar building in the 1970s.

He has workers turning the Last Steep into The Hideout, a fast-casual restaurant. The building that used to house the Montanya Rum tasting room reportedly is being made over into an upscale dining establishment with a trendy wood-fired hearth. He also owns the building where the Breadery — an eatery, bar and bakery across the street — continues to operate.

To bring Elk Avenue restaurants into their new iterations, Hermanson has partnered with another restaurateur in Crested Butte, Kyleena Falzone. Falzone owns the Secret Stash pizza joint and Bonez taco restaurant that have helped to keep many tourists fed during the restaurant famine.

A chance for newer spots to shine

MacDonald said town officials are still pondering what can be done about the lack of restaurants this summer and fall until planned reopenings promise more dining options by ski season. They are working with color-coded charts and maps to keep up on the progress of eateries.

“We have reached out to all restaurants that have gone through the permit process to see if there is something we can do to help them get open sooner,” she said.

MacDonald said several of the smaller, locally owned businesses have reached out for help with liquor licenses and kitchen-safety requirements.

Cunningham said, in the meantime, when tourists ask the inevitable question about where to eat, she directs them to a newish sandwich shop or to longtime stalwarts Pitas in Paradise or Teocalli Tamale. When long lines spill out of too many places, she advises visitors to make their own food in their condos.

That advice may be taking hold. Grocery sales taxes in Crested Butte are up 14% so far this year.

But with Clark’s Market closing from mid-August to mid-December, that will mean a nearly 60-mile round-trip drive to the Gunnison City Market or Safeway stores to stock up on groceries. There will also be the option of squeezing into Mountain Earth, a small health food store just off Elk Avenue.

Cunningham said it’s possible hunger could be a good thing for a tourist-stuffed town. “Maybe people will be so disgusted they can’t get a place to eat that they will go elsewhere.”

MacDonald is serving up a more upbeat end for Crested Butte’s food shortage.

“We have had a robust Elk Avenue for many years,” she said. “It will be back.”

South Platte Valley Historical Society Gets Ready for Trappers Day

by Jackie Smith

Whether visiting the park or volunteering, South Platte Valley Historical Park offers a sense of cultural experience and an excellent opportunity to give back to a worthy cause. Taking place several times throughout the summer, the society hosts periodic workdays where volunteers help maintain the park. They clean, trim branches, remove dead wood and trash, stain wood, and paint. These volunteers are a special bunch of people dedicated to the success of the park. Volunteers like Ron Martin who lends his expertise to repair doors, beams, and signs; Ken Wee who puts his painting experience to benefit the park. Bill Taylor is also constantly in the park. Dressed in his stylish bibs, Bill can usually be found in the settler’s garden growing tomatoes, beets, and other delicious vegetables. He also assists in the repairs, mowing, and gives tours when the park is closed to visitors who just show up. These are just a few of our numerous heroes! Thank you to all who graciously donate their time. If you are interested in helping out, Sunday, August 13 is the next scheduled workday from 9AM – 2PM; lunch will be provided for the volunteers. All you have to do is bring your gloves and show up.

Do you know what is coming up September 9th? It is Trapper Days and Jerry the mountain man is back, and he has brought a few friends and they are hungry! So, what’s Jerry to do? Well Jerry, you can take your friends and go to the Annual South Platte Valley Pancake Fundraiser Breakfast. You and your friends can get all you can eat pancakes, sausage, and drink for $10.00. Kids under six eat free. Smiles are also free. The Society will be flipping them up early from 7-10 AM at the Ft. Lupton Fire Station on Saturday, September 9. Part of the downtown Trappers Day festivities. Umm, umm good! Also, on Trappers Day the park will be open with re-enactors in the park. Visit us from 10 AM-4 PM.

Do not forget to join us for our potluck membership meeting and historical talk on Monday, August 8 at 6:00 PM. A historical guest speaker will enlighten us on the 1800’s. Check the website for details www. spvhs.org or follow us on Facebook South Platte Valley Historical Park. Remember we are not just a fort, but a living history park. We are located at 2001 Historic Parkway in Fort Lupton. On highway 85, the northside of Fort Lupton, turn West on 14 1/2. The park will be on your right. We are looking forward to your visit.

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

Loveland Archaeological Society, Inc.

A Colorado Non-Profit Corporation

Presents the 2023

LOVELAND STONE AGE FAIR

Featuring Displays of Prehistoric Artifacts

Saturday, September 23rd - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

McKee 4-H, Youth & Community Building 5280 Arena Circle, Loveland, Colorado 80538

Public is Welcome! Admission is FREE!

NON-COMMERCIAL - NO BUYING OR SELLING OF ARTIFACTS

** PROGRAM **

Saturday, September 23rd, 1:00 P.M.

Dr. Randy Haas

Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of Wyoming

** FREE ARTIFACT IDENTIFICATION **

***STONE AGE FAIR SPONSORS***

The Loveland Archaeological Society, Inc. ARC Air Compressors

Bob Grand, Publisher of the Lost Creek Guide and ourtowncolorado.com

Dr. Grayson Westfall, Dr. Laura Brunner, Anna, and Jackson Westfall Rick Miller, Miller & Law, P. C.

Mr. Joe Mosier

Morgan County Fair 2023 Swine Show

Swine Showmanship

Monday, July 31, 2023

Senior Swine Showmanship (14-18)

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1, Champion

Peyton Vickers, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 2, Reserve Champion

Danielle Moon, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan. Participant

Peyton Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Champion Senior Swine Showman: Rebekah Thiel

Reserve Champion Senior Swine Showman: Peyton Vickers

Intermediate Swine Showmanship (11-13)

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Tate Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Henry Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, 5

Piper Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Axel Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Seth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Isabelle Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participant

Peighton Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, Participant

Taggert Sheppard, Travelers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Maveryk Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Champion Intermediate Swine Showman: Sidney Miller

Reserve Champion Intermediate Swine Showman: Tate Oliver

Junior Swine Showmanship (8-10)

Conor Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Ivan Anderson, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 5

Wesson Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Ariadne Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Olivia Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participant

Autumn Malone, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Tegan Kroskob, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Chase Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Ella Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Greysen Reed, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ryder Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Adelita Rivera, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, Participant

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Journee Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Matlock Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Champion Junior Swine Showman: Conor Miller

Reserve Champion Junior Swine Showman: Aiden Miller

Market Swine

11 Swine Underweight - 1

Tate Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Olivia Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 3

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

12 Swine Underweight - 2

Kash Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Ivan Anderson, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Seth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Nathanel Dahl, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Taggert Sheppard, Travelers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Isabelle Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participant

21 Swine Lightweight - 1

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 2

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 3

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Henry Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Particpant

Ariadne Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, Participant

Maverick Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

22 Swine Lightweight - 2

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Axel Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Tate Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Peyton Vickers, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 5

Olivia Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participants

Savannah Loose, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Wesson Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Champion Lightweight Market Swine: Aiden Miller

Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Swine: Josie Hunt

31 Swine Mediumweight - 1

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 1

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, 2

Tate Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Paityne Mora, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Fort Morgan, 4

Conor Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Peyton Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Taggert Sheppard, Travelers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Matlock Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

32 Swine Mediumweight - 2

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Tate Oliver, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 5

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Piper Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Peighton Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Peyton Meyer, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Piper Neal, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Champion Mediumweight Market Swine: Aiden Miller

Reserve Champion Mediumweight Market Swine: Tate Oliver

41 Swine Heavyweight - 1

Peyton Vickers, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 1

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Harley Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 3

Savannah Loose, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, 4

Tegan Kroskob, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Matlock Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Journee Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Greysen Reed, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ryder Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

42 Swine Heavyweight - 2

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Kodi Holdren, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Snyder, 2

Savannah Loose, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, 3

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Maverick Hunter, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participants

Ariadne Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Ella Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ivan Anderson, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

43 Swine Heavyweight - 3

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, 1

Peyton Vickers, Fort Morgan FFA, Fort Morgan, 2

Danielle Moon, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Maveryk Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Isabelle Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 5

Nathanel Dahl, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participants

Greysen Reed, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participants

Ryder Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participants

Ella Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, Participants

Tegan Kroskob, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participants

Champion Heavyweight Market Swine: Peyton Vickers

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Market Swine: Rebekah Thiel

60 Catch-It Pig Class

Olivia Meusborn, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 1

Ella Farnik, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Snyder, 2

Greysen Reed, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 4, Champion

Peighton Arndt, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Jackson Zink, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Seth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Champion Catch-It Pig: Payten Thompson

Grand Champion Market Swine: Aiden Miller

Reserve Grand Champion Market Swine: Aiden Miller

Morgan County Fair 2023 Sheep Show

Breeding Sheep

Sunday, July 30, 2023

03 Meat Breed Ewe Lamb after 1/1/23

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 2, Reserve

Champion

11 Wool Breed Ewe Lamb after 1/1/23

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Grand Champion Breeding Sheep: Caiden Healey-Mitchell

Reserve Grand Champion Breeding Sheep: Caiden Healey-Mitchell

Morgan County Fair 2023 Sheep Show continued on page 21...

Morgan County Fair 2023 Sheep Show continued from page 20

Sheep Showmanship

20 Senior Sheep Showmanship (14-18)

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1, Champion

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 2, Reserve

Champion

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Makenna Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Braelynn Rulel, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Akron, 5

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Eli Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Riley Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Ashley Clement, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participant

21 Intermediate Sheep Showmanship (11-13)

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1, Champion

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2, Reserve Champion

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 4

Ashlyn Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, 5

Weston Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Danica Bledsoe, Explorers 4-H Club, Log Lane Village, Participant

Kenneth Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Maveryk Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Cade Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

22 Junior Sheep Showmanship (8-10)

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1, Champion

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 2, Reserve Champion

Conor Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

Market Sheep

31 Sheep Underweight - 1

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Ashley Clement, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 3

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, 4

41 Sheep Lightweight - 1

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Makenna Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Aysli Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

42 Sheep Lightweight - 2

Braelynn Rule, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Akron, 1

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 4

Ellie Koch, Weldon Valley FFA, Fort Morgan, 5

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Cade Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Saxson Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Ariadne Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Elizabeth Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

43 Sheep Lightweight - 3

Conor Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Ryder Halley, Cowpokes ‘N’ Cactus 4-H, Brush, 4

Aysli Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Danica Bledsoe, Explorers 4-H Club, Log Lane Village, Participant

Payten Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Savannah Loose, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Abby Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Champion Lightweight Market Lamb: Braelynn Rule

Reserve Champion Lightweight Market Lamb: Conor Miller

51 Sheep Mediumweight - 1

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Darylea Dory, Open Range 4-H Club, Brush, 2

Cade Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 3

Journee Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, 4

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 5

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Baylei Kembel, Snyder Pioneers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Kenneth Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participant

52 Sheep Mediumweight - 2

Conor Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Garrett Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Skylar Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 4

Olivia Herrera, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 5

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Eli Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Adysen Spelts, Explorers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan,, Participant

Ashlynn Thompson, Explorers 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Sateen Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

53 Sheep Mediumweight - 3

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Braelynn Rule, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Akron, 5

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Darylea Dory, Open Range 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Garrett Kalous, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Weston Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Champion Mediumweight Market Lamb: Aiden Miller

Reserve Champion Mediumweight Market Lamb: Sidney Miller

61 Sheep Heavyweight - 1

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 2

Kealy Langford, Bijou Go Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Braelynn Rule, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Akron, 4

Makenna Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Cade Ramirez, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Clayton Barch, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, Participant

Soul Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Owen Steffen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

62 Sheep Heavyweight - 2

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 1

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H, Wiggins, 2

Savannah Loose, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, 3

Arath Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Maveryk Vondy, Golden Clover 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Ashlyn Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Savannah Loose, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

August Filter, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

63 Sheep Heavyweight - 3

Makenna Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, 1

Alan Carrazco, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Josie Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 3

Riley Hunt, Long Meadow 4-H Club, Wiggins, 4

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, 5

Ashlyn Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Kennedi Quint, Explorers 4-H Club, Hillrose, Participant

Tenleigh Lorenzini, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Wyatt Chacon, Wildcat 4-H Club, Snyder, Participant

Champion Heavyweight Market Lamb: Aiden Miller

Reserve Champion Heavyweight Market Lamb: Caiden Healey-Mitchell

Grand Champion Market Lamb: Aiden Miller

Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb: Braelynn Rule

80 Catch-It Lamb Class

Jacob Whitney, Wildcat 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Kenneth Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Weston Clapper, Trailblazers 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 3

Champion Catch-It Lamb: Jacob Whitney

Champion Market Lamb Rate-of-Gain: Ashlynn Thompson

Morgan County Fair 2023

Master Showmanship Contest

Wednesday, August 2, 2023

Master Showmanship Contest

Juniors

Hannah Fox, Lads ‘N’ Lassies 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 1

Remington Butler, Sunshine 4-H Club, Weldona, 2

Greysen Reed, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Aiden Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Conor Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, Participant

Evy Lozier, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Champion Junior Master Showman: Hannah Fox

Reserve Champion Junior Master Showman: Remington Butler

Intermediates

Sidney Miller, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush, 1

Joslyn Haubert, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, 2

Lexxi Meyer, Bijou Go-Getters 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Gus Vickers, Explorers 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Ty Sneddon, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Fallyn Gregersen, Winning Edge 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Champion Intermediate Master Showman: Sidney Miller

Reserve Champion Intermediate Master Showman: Joslyn Haubert

Seniors

Delaney Draegert, Valley View Ag 4-H Club, Brush,1

Mikaela Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Rebekah Thiel, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, 2

Soul Keller, Morgan Sandburs 4-H Club, Fort Morgan, Participant

Caiden Healey-Mitchell, Wiggins Cornerstone 4-H Club, Wiggins, Participant

Jayden Chapin, Weldon Valley 4-H Club, Weldona, Participant

Champion Senior Master Showman: Delaney Draegert

Reserve Champion Sr. Master Showman: Mikaela Thiel and Rebekah Thiel

Know What’s Below: Remember to call 811

By Morgan County Rural Electric Association

From planting trees to building a deck to putting in a fence—outdoor projects enhance our outdoor living space. Some projects we can do ourselves. For others, we call in the professionals. Morgan County REA encourages both weekend warriors and professionals who work outdoors to be safe and be sure to avoid underground electrical hazards. To help you stay safe, make use of the national underground utility locating service for free by calling 811.

“Outdoor projects take planning and preparation,” says Rob Baranowski, manager of member services for MCREA. “Part of that preparation is planning to avoid underground utilities, and 811 helps members do this.”

811 routes callers to a local utility locating service. From there, it takes a few business days for a professional to come mark your utilities with flags or spray-paint. If you are in a rush to complete a project, a few days might seem like a long wait. However, a small waiting period can spare you an injury that could take years of recovery.

Tom Dickey learned the dangers of underground electricity years ago when he was on the job as an underground contractor. Tom was asked to add a small task at the end of the work day—after his safety gear was already headed back to his shop in another truck. He made a decision that put time and efficiency above safety. He had one accidental slip and came in contact with lethal levels of electricity. Fortunately, he survived, but even years later he lives with pain every day.

“You may get by with it a thousand times, but at some point, it can happen to you. It can happen to anybody,” says Tom.

Electricity is not the only thing that lies underground. Gas, water, cable, and telephone lines all are buried beneath the earth. Not only are these utilities dangerous to make contact with, but people and businesses rely on these services.

Even if you had utilities located last year, it is best to have them located again. Underground utilities can shift, and it is important to be certain of where they are before ever putting a shovel in the ground. There may be private utilities in the area you are digging, which will not be marked by 811. For a list of private locate companies, visit www.co811.org.

If you accidently come in contact with an underground utility, do not bury the problem. Your first priority should be evacuating the area for safety, if necessary. Small nicks in underground wires are expensive to fix. It can be difficult to locate exactly where a problem is after the damage occurred and was buried. Damage to some underground utilities can cause dangers and inconveniences miles away from the actual site of the damage. If you nick an underground utility, notify your utility provider. Do not attempt to fix the problem yourself.

National Safe Digging Day is August 11. This month and year-round, MCREA urges you to start all outdoor digging projects the safe way—by calling 811 to have underground utilities marked. For more information on electrical safety, call MCREA at (970) 867-5688 or visit SafeElectricity.org.

Candidate Petitions for City of Fort Morgan City Council Election Ready Aug. 8

Completed petitions due Aug. 28 for Mayor, City Council hopefuls

Nominating petitions for candidates seeking election to the Fort Morgan City Council in November will be available starting Tuesday, Aug. 8, at City Hall.

The City of Fort Morgan conducts its municipal elections as part of the coordinated election conducted by Morgan County. The Nov. 7 general election will be an allmail ballot election.

This year’s municipal election will have four candidate contests, one for mayor and one for councilmember from each of the city’s three election wards. The mayor’s position is contested every two years and voted on by registered voters in the entire city. Councilmember candidates run for four-year terms with only voters in the candidate’s ward eligible to cast ballots in those races.

Nominating petitions and candidate packets containing other information on running for city office will be available beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 110 Main St.

To be eligible to run for the city council, candidates must be U.S. citizens, qualified electors of the City of Fort Morgan and residents of the city for at least one year prior to election day. They must currently reside in the election ward in which they are running but there is no separate time of residency requirement within the ward.

Potential candidates picking up packets should expect to spend a few minutes having the documents and the process explained to them. They will also be required to enter their names on a log of petitions distributed, and provide contact information including phone numbers and e-mail addresses so they can be reached and advised on any election issues.

Petitions can only be circulated between Aug. 8 and Aug. 28, and must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office before 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28. Candidates for City Council seats must obtain the signatures of 20 registered voters who live within the boundaries of the election ward for which the candidate is seeking office. Mayoral candidates must obtain 50 signatures from registered voters who live anywhere in the city limits.

The signatures on the petitions will be checked against voter registration and address lists, so it is advisable for candidates to secure more than the minimum number of signatures required in case some are found to be invalid or ineligible.

Anyone with questions about the municipal election process is encouraged to contact Deputy City Manager/City Clerk/PIO John Brennan at 542-3963 or john. brennan@cityoffortmorgan.com.

For more information about voter registration and other general election issues, contact the Morgan County election office at 542-3521, option 5.

Voters can check their own voting status and/or update their voter information by visiting the Colorado Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.state.co.us/Voter.

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