Lost Creek Guide October 5, 2022

Weld Central Volleyball Sweeps Brush

The Weld Central Rebels volleyball teams traveled to Brush to play the Beetdiggers on September 27. The JV squad won in a close match, two sets to one, taking the deciding set by the score of 16-14.

The Rebels varsity had an easier time, winning in three straight, 25-13, 25-11, 2514. The win brought the Rebel record to 4-9. Brush dropped to 1-14. Individual stats were not available by deadline.

cocaine, meth, and heroin.

Statement from COGOP Chairwoman Kristi Burton Brown: “Heidi Ganahl was absolutely correct when she stated that Polis is ‘living on fantasy island,’ instead of the reality Coloradans face every day. It’s clear Jared Polis can’t defend his terrible record that continues to hurt working families.”

A few notable moments:

• Polis admitted to using “reverse psychology” on the people of Colorado with Meat Out Day to make sure they bought meat.

• When Polis bragged about making things like state park passes free, Ganahl responded: “There’s nothing free...if you didn’t take economics, Governor. Taxpayers are paying for these ‘free’ programs.”

• When Polis tried to remind people about the $750 refund the state sent them this year and took credit for it, Ganahl took him to task, reminding the attendees of his real record: Polis fought to repeal TABOR while she fought to defend it.

• She also corrected the record on inflation, noting that Colorado has the highest national inflation rate since Biden took office at 15.6%.

Keenesburg Town Candidates Meet & Greet

by the Lost Creek Guide to be held at 1st Baptist Church, Keenesburg, at 101 North Market Street

Entrance

pm to 7:30 pm

12th & 19th, 2022

candidates

WHAT’S

the public invited

Heidi Ganahl WINS First Debate Against a Flailing Jared Polis

Greenwood Village, Colorado. - At tonight’s gubernatorial debate in Pueblo, Regent Heidi Ganahl took Gov. Jared Polis to task, easily defeating him on his failed record. Meanwhile, the Governor chose to throw out unfounded accusations and tried to evade the bills he supported and signed into law.

Noting that we all must live by our records, Ganahl pointed out Polis’ record on crime:

• #1 in the nation for auto theft

• #1 bank robberies

• #1 for cocaine use

• #2 in the nation for fentanyl overdose deaths

• #4 in the nation for recidivism.

Ganahl asked Polis to address a mom in the crowd, Miki, whose daughter Heather died from fentanyl overdose. Polis shamefully would not acknowledge Miki even once during the entire debate. Polis also failed to answer any questions about the fentanyl bill he supported and signed into law in 2019 that decriminalized the drug, along with

Weld Central Rebels players celebrate a point in the Rebels’ match with the Brush Beetdiggers in Brush on September 27, 2022. Left to right: Shelby Boxburger, Lela Prokop, Peyton Witzel, Emma Hamblin, Brooke Tweedy and Breanna Monk.

Shelby Boxburger of the Weld Central Rebels goes for a kill shot against the Brush Beetdiggers at Brush on September 27, 2022.

Way of the World

by Bob Grand

Ballots are mailed the week of October 17th for the November 8th, 2022 election. That is just two weeks away. For those of you that have not noticed there has been an overwhelming amount of TV ads supporting the various candidates. I wish we could hear what people plan to do about our problems rather than just blame the other party on general principles. I would like to hear about the genuine issues, not surrogate issues supporting political ideology as opposed to real substantive problems, like crime, inflation, immigration, education, homelessness etc. It is as if we ignore the real problems, they will solve themselves. We have political parties that ignore reality, the issues with which we are most concerned. Many just want to bring up Donald Trump and abortion. I suspect the Democrats will find that will not be such a winning strategy this year. The Republicans in Colorado have a pretty decent slate of candidates. Whether Heidi Ganahl can overcome Jared Polis’s money remains to be seen. It is tough to ignore that Colorado has now become the #1 state in the nation for auto theft, #1 in bank robberies, #1 in cocaine use, #2 in fentanyl deaths and #4 for recidivism rates. Those are pretty sobering facts. Something is not working. It is the policies that Governor Polis and his staff have promulgated which seems to support criminals as opposed to supporting the citizens and especially victims of crimes.

The question will be: Will there be enough unaffiliated voters who see through the smoke, and want to see change that will impact our way of life for the better? To do that they have to vote. I hope they do.

Been to the grocery store lately? It frustrates me to see prices up but in addition to seeing prices go up we now have shrinking package size. It is called shrinkflation.

Ukraine gets uglier and uglier for Vladimir Putin. Someone has reminded him that if he uses tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine the wind typically blows west to east, which means radiation would blow back into Russia. The Nord Stream pipeline issue is also problematic. The original contract with Germany called for guaranteed delivery of product or there were substantial penalties. Well, having the pipeline blown up invokes a force majeure clause which invalidates the penalties. How convenient.

The Supreme Court will be hearing Sackett v. the Environmental Protection Agency this session. The Sackett wanted to build a house on land they owned in Idaho and were denied a permit by the EPA, claiming there were wetlands involved. They sued the EPA, and the case has now made it to the Supreme Court. This case could be monumental in its effect on a vast majority of wetland areas claimed to be under the protection of the EPA.

Another Supreme Court case this session is Moore v. Harper, which involves North Carolina congressional maps. The issue here involves the interpretation of the election clause of the Constitution which states that “the Times, Places, Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof,” subject to regulations from Congress. The key point is that the judicial branch is not mentioned at all. How many elections related decisions have been impacted by the judiciary? That could change significantly.

Social media has been hit hard in Australia and new England where a court has decided that social media contributed significantly to the suicide of a fourteen old girl. The algorithms that Meta uses were responsible. Given the recent admissions of Facebook targeting conservative accounts life will become more complicated from a legal perspective for the social media industry. It is about time.

Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda stated that trying to meet California’s ban on gas emission vehicles will be “difficult” to achieve in the period discussed. Toyota is the bestselling auto brand in California. Reality is finally exposed.

House Republican Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy announced the GOP’s “Commitment to America.” It covers four broad categories: “An economy that is strong, a nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom and a government that is accountable.” It is a roadmap. We will soon see if America embraces the ideas.

Responsibility begins at the local level. In Keenesburg we are having a local election in which there are ten candidates running for five positions, a mayor and four trustees. That number of candidates has not happened in Keenesburg for an exceptionally long time. People are waking up to the fact that not all elected officials have their best interests at heart. In Keenesburg we have some legacy issues and a belief that growth was good, particularly good. Unfortunately, in a recent public survey that was taken one of the key outcomes for likes was the small-town nature of Keenesburg. Doubling in size over a two-to-three-year period year does not seem to fit that picture of what the public wanted. As citizens we have abdicated our interests to the elected officials, as our nation is a republic that is supposed to work. What does not work is when the elected officials and the Town administration has objectives that do not really meet what the people want or expected. Aggravated by the Covid fears people did not go to meetings. Responsibility lies with the people, the elected officials, and the town administration. In this election we have six candidates who want to see representation of the people become a major issue in the election. To spur interest and communication the Lost Creek Guide is sponsoring a meet and greet, with the public and all candidates invited, at the First Baptist Church in Keenesburg between 5:00 to 7:30 pm on October 12th and 19th this month. Come meet & speak with the candidates. We need to get the public back involved in town decisions. The town should include everyone.

As always, your thoughts & comments are appreciated. Thank you so much to the many who have responded, it shows you care.

publisher@lostcreekguide.com

Dependence on Government

by Bill O’Reilly

The Wall Street Journal reports that three years ago, 2019, the United States spent $60 billion on food stamps.

This year, more than $120 billion will be spent - a double. And President Biden wants more taxpayer dollars to combat “food insecurity.”

Of course, he does. Mr. Biden’s solution to every problem is spending more money. The astronomical federal budget has caused inflation, which makes it harder for people to buy food. Biden then offers more free food, which will ignite even higher inflation. Great.

Joe Biden doesn’t care about any of that. Way too complicated for him. But his party cares deeply. Not about hungry folks - but about creating dependence on government.

Why do you think poor Americans overwhelmingly support the democrats? Entitlements, that’s why.

And, by the way, many undocumented migrants will be getting those entitlements.

Finally, if you oppose outrageous spending, you are evil, a bigot, a greed head, a selfish American who does not pay “his fair share,” to quote the socialist Bernie Sanders.

So we watch our country descend into a place without problem-solving, discipline, or self-reliance. Please vote on November 8.

To the Citizens of Weld County:

As we move closer to ballot drop and election day, things are heating up everywhere. Over the past few years, Colorado has suffered increases in all types of crime. Laws seem to cater to the criminal rather than the law-abiding taxpayer. People struggle with stolen cars, loved ones dying from fentanyl, and trying to get by with high inflation. Moving into winter, concerns turn towards heating homes and affording food. Store shelves are empty and prices continue to escalate.

There are many concerns in Colorado and across the nation today. My name is Gillian Smith and I am running for Weld County Council at-large. The responsibilities of Council may seem mundane given the challenges mentioned. In my opinion, County Council is especially important now as they offer accountability to the people. County Council is a unique position of Weld County government coming from our Home Rule Charter. One duty of the Council is setting the salaries of elected officials. This is important in every type economy and critical in the event of economic challenges. As an accountant, I have a variety of skills such as analysis, budgeting, and comparisons to help me review various factors that should be considered in salary determinations. These same skills are helpful in considering mill levy increases if requested by the Board of Commissioners.

If a vacancy on the Board of Commissioners or Council occurs, an appointment is made. Careful review of applicants must be done to select the best person. I have been instrumental in strong hires for many companies, including my own, and understand how vital these selections are.

In any business or organization, sometimes people try and leverage a relationship for their personal gain. Conflicts of interest are destructive and take advantage of tax payers. Recognizing conflicts and stopping them is vital to prosperity. Hopefully no officials are indicted or charged with a crime. However, if that happens, suspension and appointments may be done ensure the tax payer’s interests are served.

My goal is to use my skills and integrity to serve Weld County. Decades of business experience allow me to look at concerns and data with a balanced eye and determine positive action. I have a one office focus in this election cycle to serve Weld County on the County Council. This is a non-partisan position which serves everyone; all parties and those who are unaffiliated. I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. We live in America and have a profound number of advantages available to us simply based on being born in this country. Weld County has rich diversity and abundant resources that need to be cherished, developed, and nurtured. Working with the nonprofit Happiness Through Horses and serving on the advisory board for the Weld County Area Agency on Aging both offer me some unique insights that I use to help others. Part of service is hearing people. If you have questions, please reach out. My Facebook page is Smith for Weld and my website is http://smithforweld.com.

I would appreciate your vote. Gillian K. Smith

The LosT Creek Guide,

lcgnews.com

Letter to the Citizen’s of Keenesburg:

by Jarrod Frazier

I am Jarrod Frazier. I am running for Keenesburg Town Trustee. I have been married to my wife, Cassie, for fifteen years.

We have two daughters, Kylie and Taylor, that attend Weld Central Middle School.

I was born and raised in Keenesburg. I understand the value in small town living, especially the importance in raising a family in one.

With over twelve years of experience in the construction field, I have seen what happens in towns that grow too quickly. I believe in keeping Keenesburg a small town with limited growth. I want to make sure the traditions that have been passed down for generations in this town continue for generations to come.

We have seen a lot of growth over the past couple of years. We now have a subdivision where half of the homeowners are not allowed to park in front of their own homes because the streets are too narrow. That is not looking out for the best interest of our citizens.

I want to be proactive, not reactive. I want to work hard for the present citizens of Keenesburg. Please give me a chance to work hard for you and vote Jarrod Frazier for Keenesburg Town Trustee.

Letter to the Citizens of Keenesburg: by Leroy Blackston

I am running for Trustee for our amazing Town. I am running because I feel changes are necessary for this Town to be successful. I was raised in Keenesburg and the Hudson area. I have worked for the Keenesburg Post Office for 23 years. I was actively involved with youth sports for approximately 8 years as a baseball and football coach. I was on the Lil Rebels Baseball and Football Boards. I believe the Town needs to continue supporting youth sports and our youth in general.

I know that growth in our community is inevitable, but we need to control the growth and no longer let the developers dictate what we want in our community. Evans Place is a prime example. The majority of the current Board voted to let the developer replace the commercial lots with residential lots and reduce the lot sizes and the infrastructure (reduce the size of streets). We cannot survive without businesses (sales tax). There is no reason any subdivision should have parking on one side of the road. I want to make sure this does not happen again. It is not a great lay out for the residents that purchase in the subdivision especially when it comes to emergency services. It is not fair to the people who bought in Evans Place or to this Community. The water increases this last year was unacceptable! Our leadership let us down.

If we really needed to increase the water costs, why wasn’t it done prior to this year or if it was absolutely necessary why wasn’t it done in a span of 3 years so the citizens could adjust their budgets accordingly.

I will work for the people of Keenesburg and make sure your voices are heard. I will work for responsible spending, transparency, and better leadership. This is an amazing Town, and we need to make sure we keep the small town feel and tight nit community we once were. I am proud to be a part of this amazing community and want to make sure it is growing the way we all want it to and that is does not turn into another bedroom community. We need business to come to Town. The Town has so much potential, we just need to make some changes so we can reach our maximum potential. I would appreciate your vote come November 8, 2022. Our voices need to matter, and I am going to try my hardest to make sure that our voices are heard! Working together for change for the citizens of Keenesburg!

I would like to hear about your concerns and suggestions on how to make Keenesburg an amazing place to live!

Attention Democrat, Unaffiliated and Independent Republican Voters

Send the Old Guard, Greeley area, Republicans a message: Vote for Gillian K. Smith for Weld County Council At Large Position

The Weld County Council is supposed to represent all the people of Weld County. Why do all the Weld County Council positions members live north of US 34 except James Welsh, who lives between Kersey and Hudson? The people of South County are getting tired of no meaningful representation in Weld County government leadership.

Please vote in this election. Send a message. We deserve elected representation that cares about the people not posturing politicians!

Paid for by Bob Grand

What the Polls are Telling Us

About the Midterms

One has to wonder how often the mainstream media pollsters are willing to be wrong — and how much longer Americans will listen to them.

by Newt Gingrich

Some new polls indicate President Biden and the Democrats are in trouble – and their strategy for the fall is going to be totally ineffective.

Republican pollsters such as Robert Cahaly, John McLaughlin, and Matt Towery have been warning for months that summer’s mainstream polls were simply wrong. They were a continuation of a long pattern of the propaganda media favoring Democrats.

In 1990, a liberal Detroit newspaper had John Engler 19 points behind the incumbent Democrat governor three days before the election. Engler won.

In 1994, Time Magazine had Democrats beating Republicans in the generic ballot 40 percent to 35 percent a week before the election. Then, House Republicans picked up 54 seats with the Contract with America and won their first majority in 40 years.

Part of the change comes from good campaigning. In early September 1978, I was behind the Democrat 51 percent to 37 percent (I had been campaigning for five years and previously lost twice). Seven weeks later, I won 54 percent to 46 percent. An even bigger swing occurred in 1988, when Vice President George H. W. Bush was 19 points behind Democratic Gov. Mike Dukakis in May. After a vigorous campaign communicating how liberal Dukakis was, the American people voted 54 percent to 46 percent for Bush. One-in-four Americans switched from favoring Democrats to Republicans during the campaign.

Size and scope also matter. National polls can misrepresent the electoral college, and statewide polls can obscure outcomes in congressional districts. In early October 2016, Hillary Clinton was only ahead by 3 points nationally – and she was running up huge margins in California and New York (two of our four most populous states). The media believed she would be the next president. But she didn’t have the advantage in the heavily contested states (which meant she wasn’t winning the electoral college).

But the propaganda media’s spin can also be misleading. In October 1994, I was going into a radio interview in Boise, Idaho. On the way in, I glanced at a newspaper headline that said, “Democrats gaining in election.” I spent the entire hour on radio wondering how that was possible. All our data showed us gaining ground. My longtime advisor Joe Gaylord had already told us in September that we were going to win at least 53 seats. The headline just did not make sense.

Sure enough, when the interview was over I picked up the paper. It turned out Democrats were gaining ground among people who were unlikely to vote. Republicans were widening their lead among people likely to vote.

Every August before elections, the liberal propaganda media try to make the Republican case appear hopeless. They want to demoralize donors, volunteers, and even candidates. They run polls with all Americans (or with registered voters but not likely voters). Those kinds of polls inherently overstate the Democrats and understate the Republicans.

As Rowan Scarborough of The Washington Times wrote on Sept. 26, the polls in 2020 were so bad even Pew Research Center spoke up and criticized them. According to Pew: “It’s clear that national and many state estimates were not just off, but off in the same direction: They favored the Democratic candidate.”

This history of bias led Elizabeth Stauffer in The Western Journal to write on Sept. 26: “Pollsters Are Terrified That They’re Blowing the Midterms and Giving Democrats False Hope.” She went on to report, “there is reason to believe that pollsters are once again overestimating Democrats’ chances and underestimating those of the Republicans. And that has some Democrats worried they might see a repeat of the polling misses we saw in 2016 and 2020.”

Citing bungled past pre-election polls for Sens. Susan Collins, Lindsey Graham, Joni Ernst, Thom Tillis and Steve Daines, Stauffer pointed to a New York Times analysis which (unsurprisingly) found, “Democratic Senate candidates are outrunning expectations in the same places where the polls overestimated Mr. Biden in 2020 and Mrs. Clinton in 2016.” The New York Times also found “a ‘consistent link between Democratic strength today and polling error two years ago.’”

Stauffer then pointed to RealClearPolitics’ “Battle for the Senate RCP Projection,” which accounts for previous polling distortions from previous elections. When you incorporate the mainstream bias against Republicans, the GOP is looking fairly strong.

Smarter mainstream pollsters will begin to realize they are out on a limb – and begin to tighten up their polls. It’s already happening for some.

The difference between registered voters and likely voters was captured in the latest Washington Post/ABC news poll. This shows a Republican generic lead of only 1 percent among registered voters (but 5 percent among likely voters).

When you remember the size of the Democrats’ advantage in California, our most populous state, you can see how a 5-point Republican lead nationally could translate into a huge margin in swing districts.

Here are a few more examples:

A recent CBS/YouGov poll also shows Republicans leading Democrats. But it also lists the economy as the biggest issue for voters (82 percent), followed by inflation (76 percent). While 59 percent said abortion was “very important.”

The WaPo/ABC poll found 84 percent of Americans say the economy is a top concern (76 percent for inflation). Further, 74 percent of those polled said the economy was bad under Biden. Only 24 percent thought it was positive.

Finally, voters also trust Republicans more than Democrats to tackle the main issues – the economy is Republican +16, inflation is Republican +19, and Crime is Republican +14.

All this adds up to a crushing Republican advantage in the districts FiveThirtyEight considers most competitive. In fact, the edge among registered voters in those districts is 55 percent Republican to 34 percent Democrat. If you teased out the likely voters in that bloc, it probably is even more pro-Republican.

So, I don’t have any questions about who is likely to win in November. But I do wonder how often the mainstream media pollsters are willing to be wrong.

Armstrong: It’s Parents who are Most Important for a Child’s Education

By Ari Armstrong, Complete Colorado

A great school teacher can play a pivotal role in a child’s life, inspiring someone to love a body of knowledge and pursue a career in science, the arts, journalism, or anther field. But no good teacher would deny the vital importance of parental involvement. Sure, my high school writing teacher spurred me to write my first serious paper, but my mom taught me to read and set me on the path to literacy.

Since my family made the conscious decision to homeschool in the Fall of 2019— coincidentally, just before the pandemic—we have learned that our child can excel academically without the help of a school-based teacher. Children can do without school teachers, especially at younger ages, and often do better. To succeed academically and more broadly, generally they cannot do without involved parents (and I mean the term broadly to encompass guardians), a child’s most important teachers.

Teachers actually are replaceable

Hence, I was surprised to read the following obviously false claim by Colorado Sun columnist Mario Nicolais: “As parents tried to create at-home learning environments, it became obvious that the special skill and experience of our teachers is critical to the learning achievement of our children. Most have spent years refining their classroom management expertise and tweaking curriculum. That turned out to be irreplaceable.”

This remark slights the thousands of Colorado families who successfully homeschool their children, who create vibrant “at-home learning environments,” who do without the alleged “special skill and experience” of school teachers just fine, thank you very much. For our family, school teachers were entirely replaceable, and our child is better off for us having replaced them.

Please distinguish what I am saying from what I am not saying. I am not saying that every family can easily quit traditional school in favor of homeschooling. Although I am aware of single parents who homeschool, obviously that is a lot harder to manage. When both parents of a two-parent household have very-demanding careers, they probably don’t have time to also homeschool. That’s fine. Perhaps what Nicolais meant is that, system wide, school teachers are not entirely replaceable; many families need to rely on them. That’s fair.

I’m certainly not saying there’s anything wrong with school! Indeed, I toured and seriously considered several schools in my area before my family decided to homeschool. I was very impressed with some (but not all) of the teachers I met in those schools. Many school teachers are excellent, and teachers can become extremely important in a child’s education. I am simply saying that parents are radically more important and that, when families decide to homeschool, they don’t need school teachers at all.

I have heard some absolute horror stories about hybrid remote learning organized by public schools and run by teachers. That is not anything like typical homeschooling. So if your idea of homeschooling is that it’s like kids spending endless hours bored on disorganized Zoom calls and the like, please disabuse yourself of that notion. Homeschooling generally is not remote public schooling (although people use the term in different ways).

That said, I know a lot of homeschoolers who love remote classes through such platforms as Outschool. The difference is that parents and students choose their classes, and they can quit those classes if they’re not working well. So those classes tend to be fun and optimized for an online experience. And, in Colorado, some schools run (at taxpayer expense) one-day-per-week programs for homeschoolers. “Home” schooling often mixes in some teacher-led programs.

Teacher supplemented homeschooling

More generally, “homeschooling” is a misnomer in that often much of it takes place out of the home. That’s why I’ve previously suggested the term “world schooling” instead. All the time I hear homeschoolers ask about recommendations for classes (in person or remote) for music, foreign language, and so on. A great thing about “homeschooling” is that parents easily can supplement their own efforts with those of a wide variety of outside teachers, whether or not they are formally certified. Contrast this ability to choose teachers “a la carte” with getting stuck with a publicschool teacher who does not mesh well with your child.

Nicolais is particularly concerned with “struggling” students. The right teacher can help such students enormously. So can targeted parental involvement. When my child needed help with reading, I boosted our phonics work. One book I purchased that worked well for us is “The Reading Lesson” by Michael Levin and Charan Langton. A nice thing about homeschooling is that families can try out different materials until they hit on what works for them. I was pleased when our child started picking books off the shelf to read to himself for fun.

Obviously in the case of learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, many parents will need outside help. Some families homeschool specifically because their specialneeds children were not getting the help they needed in public schools. Again, homeschooling does not mean parents have to always go it alone; it means they have the freedom to seek out others best suited to help their particular children.

Nicolais takes the generally lousy late-pandemic test scores as proof that teachers are “irreplaceable.” I take a rather different lesson. Even before the pandemic, test scores showed that Colorado’s public schools failed many children. Whether we look at the 2019 or the 2022 results for English and math from the Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS), for not a single grade did most students “meet or exceed expectations.” In other words, scores mostly went from bad to worse—and at extraordinary expense to taxpayers. Results vary widely by school, and some schools did quite well, as you can see if you pull up the state’s huge detailed spreadsheet.

Standardized tests reveal only a slice of the picture, to be sure. For my family, homeschooling has let us balance focused academics with long hours of creative free play with friends.

Many children are blessed to have great school teachers. For my family, though, life outside of the public school system is even better.

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.

Caldara: Polis the Magician Performs His Latest Sleight of Hand

by Jon Caldara, President of the Independent Institute

The key to most magic tricks is misdirection. Do something flashy with one hand so folks don’t look at the other hand palming the coin.

Our governor is the greatest magician I have ever seen, and I worked as a stagehand for David Copperfield and Penn & Teller.

Magicians are liars. They say they’re sawing a woman in half, but really, they’re not.

Last week’s magic trick was classic Jared Polis. He decided to bravely take on the omni-powerful Environmental Protection Agency to free Colorado from the unfair shackles of their onerous ozone regulations, so the price of gas won’t explode another 30 cents-a-gallon.

Colorado is, yet again, out of compliance with EPA regulations on air quality. This really has less to do with our behavior and more to do with pollutants that get blown into our very high-elevation state.

It’s why previous governors, like Democrat John Hickenlooper, would sign a simple letter to the EPA asking for, and always easily receiving, a waiver. If they didn’t the EPA would require a very expensive gasoline blend be created just for us, thus the massive hike in gas prices.

But not only did magician Polis refuse to ask the EPA for a waiver, he rescinded Hickenlooper’s application for the waiver on the eve of it being granted.

In his March 2019 letter to the EPA Polis wrote, “we believe that the interests of our citizens are best served by moving aggressively forward and without delay in our efforts to reduce ground-level ozone concentrations…”

In other words, he told the EPA, “Bring it on boys! Force us to reformulate gasoline and gouge consumers. The environmental activists I can’t stand up to will be thrilled.”

Now the magician is misdirecting voters with his other hand, the one he wants you to watch.

Less than two months before his election he is now begging the EPA, even threatening to sue them, not to force us to reformulate gasoline. Of course, he knows full well it’s just smoke and mirrors and will do nothing.

That is, he knows the lady isn’t really going to be sawed in half.

In his September 2022 plea to the EPA he wrote, “with potential ozone reclassification to severe nonattainment, I am deeply opposed to the associated requirement that reformulated gasoline (RFG) be deployed…”

So, he is deeply opposed to what he is SOLELY responsible for. What will his next illusion be?

Support or oppose the largest advance of governmental growth in Colorado history that Polis has created, we all should be repulsed and denounce the duplicitous games and lies Polis uses to tell voters he’s not doing what he is clearly doing.

Sadly, as Polis eyes the White House he has chosen to channel Bill Clinton, not Harry Truman.

A too slick Clinton wagged his finger and lied, “I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Miss Lewinsky.” If only he had told the truth history would honor him more today and voters likely would have forgiven him and celebrated his honesty at the time.

By contrast the sign on Truman’s desk said, “the buck stops here.” In other words, “I am responsible for my decisions and the actions of my administration.”

Imagine if Polis didn’t always try play to both sides and took full and proud responsibility for his actions.

What if he said, “It was my decision and my decision alone that will result in your gas prices going up 30 cents or more a gallon. And though difficult I believe it is crucial, and here’s why…”?

That would not only be brave honesty, but it would also be true leadership, the leadership for which voters are yearning.

Imagine if the letter Polis put in with your $750 TABOR refund check he wrote, “I am constitutionally required by the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights to provide you this refund. Yes, I worked to end all TABOR refunds with Prop CC, but the voters disagreed with me. You should know this check would have been much larger had I not signed numerous bills to raise the state’s revenues with new fees without voter consent. But here’s why I thought those actions unquestionably necessary…”

Great illusionists like Nixon and Clinton have led the nation. But given the high stakes of our troubled times, is Polis the magician we want?

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

Pictures of Weld Central Volleyball

is a new kind of tawdry, and as Colorado has proven, more gun laws don’t stop these tragedies. More cops in our communities and schools will,” said Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers.

Joe Biden and Michael Bennet want to use these tragedies to give states the right to ban guns. Joe Biden and Michael Bennet don’t even think the right to protect your home and family is a fundamental right. The fact that they’d use images from Columbine shows how unhinged, radical and out-of-touch Biden’s super PACs are.

Joe Biden and Michael Bennet have spent $10 million smearing a good man in Joe O’Dea. Joe has been endorsed by the Denver Police Union and Sheriffs across Colorado. Joe O’Dea knows what we all know — the best way to prevent shootings and crimes is more cops, more prosecutors, and tougher prison sentences.

Weldon Valley Falls to Rival Prairie, 72-12 by Paul Dineen

O’Dea Responds to Dishonest Attack Ad from Michael Bennet’s Allies

Joe O’Dea Press Release

Denver, CO — We always knew Joe Biden’s allies will say anything and do anything to re-elect Michael Bennet because Bennet is Biden’s rubber stamp. But including video of Columbine in dishonest attack ads is disgusting even for the low-life political hacks who run Joe Biden’s political operation.

“Joe O’Dea’s plan — more cops and a criminal justice system getting serious about enforcing the numerous gun laws already on the books — will do more to protect Colorado than a bunch of politicians in Washington, D.C. passing another law. Joe O’Dea is an honorable man who has a real plan to protect our kids. The use of footage from the Columbine and Aurora tragedies by Michael Bennet’s allies is beyond reprehensible. This is why people hate politics,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader.

“I was really disgusted by the ad, I was shocked. I looked at it carefully and it brought back a lot of emotion. This shooting is being politicized. They’re using this tragedy without consideration of victims and survivors. It’s shameful,” said school safety advocate John Castillo.

“The Democrats have a lot of nerve. Their weak border policies and their soft on crime laws in Colorado are the reason Colorado is unsafe. These people don’t want safe communities: they want to attack people’s right to own a gun and they want to demonize good people so they can win elections,” said Laura Carno.

“Joe O’Dea has a plan to protect our communities. Cut the federal bureaucracy to fund more cops and more border security. Invoking images of Columbine and Aurora

Weldon Valley Warriors football hosted rival Prairie Mustangs on September 23. Weldon Valley was 1-3 entering this game. Prairie was 2-2. Bethune is the one common opponent for Prairie and Weldon Valley so far this year. Weldon Valley lost to Bethune, 38-31. Prairie defeated Bethune, 76-6.

There is a connection between these two teams. A former star for Prairie, Trent Holzworth, is now Weldon Valley’s assistant football coach (under head coach Greg Edson). In 2017-18, then-senior Trent led Prairie to a 9-1 record. That year, he had 1,724 total yards, 90 points and 84 tackles. Trent’s brother Carson Holzworth, two years behind Trent, later emerged as another of Prairie’s stars.

In 2017-18, Colton Hove also had an outstanding season for Prairie, with 1,024 total yds, 108 points and 30 tackles. Colton’s brother, Claytin, led the current Prairie team with 676 yards rushing, 54 points and 21 tackles going into this game.

Both teams are in the six team A-6 League 1. Before this game, Prairie was in third place (1-1 league). Weldon Valley was in fifth place (0-1 league). Prairie was easily leading the league in points scored, with 190. The next highest was first-place Fleming, with 91. Prairie was ranked 21 in CHSAA’s 32-team 6-man RPI. Weldon Valley was ranked 31st.

On defense, the #1 task for each team was clear: for Prairie to stop Weldon Valley’s Jayce Davis (335 yards rushing and 24 points in the one game for which stats have been entered). For Weldon Valley, it was to stop Claytin Hove (averaging 169 yards rushing and 13.5 points and Prairie’s four games). Prairie had more success at this in their win, 72-12. The Mustangs held Davis to one touchdown. The other Warriors TD was scored by Jayden Felts. Meanwhile, Hove led Prairie with five TDs and 178 total yards on eight carries. The other five Prairie TDs were scored by Justin Schreiner (2), Dylan Chase (1), Brock Dollerschell (1) and Carter Jaeger (1).

On defense, Prairie was led in tackles by Wyatt Butler, Brennan Brigelson and Carter Jaeger, each with five. Parker Jaeger had eight of Prairie’s ten quarterback hurries. The Mustangs also had three interceptions.

Stats were not available for Weldon Valley by deadline.

Prairie suffered a scare when Dylan Chase went down as a result of a play. He was transported by ambulance to Wiggins, then by Medevac to Childens’ Hospital. He was diagnosed as having a “stinger”, which involved lack of feeling down to his feet. He will need to wear a neck brace for a week, then go in for a checkup. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Next:

Weldon Valley hosts Flagler, Sept 30 (3PM); then visits Fleming October 7 (7PM).

Prairie hosts Branson/Kim October 8 (1PM).

Brooke Tweedy of the Weld Central Rebels serves to the Brush Beetdiggers at Brush on September 27, 2022.

Head coach Jennifer Holthaus of the Weld Central Rebels in a match with the Brush Beetdiggers at Brush on September 27, 2022.

Members of the Weld Central football team in attendance, supporting the Rebel volleyball team against the Brush Beetdiggers at Brush on September 27, 2022.

Jayden Felts catches a pass in the Weldon Valley Warriors game with the Prairie Mustangs at Weldona on September 23, 2022.

Trent Holzworth, a standout with Prairie (20162017) is Weldon Valley’s assistant football coach.

Claytin Hove led Prairie’s offense against Weldon Valley with five touchdowns and 178 yards rushing at Weldona on September 23, 2022.

Jayce Davis led the Weldon Valley attack, including scoring one of the Warriors’ two touchdowns against the Prairie Mustangs at Weldona on September 23, 2022.

2022 Loveland Stone Age Fair

In search of early Man on the High Plains Since 1934

The Loveland Archaeological Society hosted the 2022 Stone AGE Fair at the McKee 4-H & Community Building Larimar County Fairgrounds at the Ranch. The Society did its usual excellent job in presenting the public with a wide variety of artifacts, many of which were discovered in our local area. The members of the Society led by President Andy Coca, of Keenesburg, organized a great effort. Hats off to all for a job well done. The event was well attended both in terms of exhibitors and visitors.

The original Stone Age Fair was held at the Cornish School in Cornish, Colorado, south of present day Briggsdale, Colorado, in 1934. This year marks the 88th anniversary of that First Stone Age Fair. When it outgrew the facilities in Cornish, the Stone Age Fair was moved to Loveland, in 1940. This started the long tradition we now recognize as the Loveland Stone Age Fair. There is no other venue that has run longer or brings together the best in speakers and exhibits, as well as live demonstrations such as flintknapping. Visit our website to learn more about this rich Northern Colorado tradition: https://stoneagefair.com/

The program began with the annual remembrance of those the Society lost this year. Dr. Mary Lou Larson and Bryan Morgan were remembered with a moment of silence.

Presentation of Scholarships was done by David Zeeck:

Loveland Archaeological Society/ Harry Walts Memorial Scholarship was presented to McKenna Litynski, attending the University of Wyoming

Eugene Eisenbarth Memorial Scholarship was presented to Spencer Little, attending Colorado State University

Dorothy Mountain Memorial Scholarship was presented to David Kolkemas, attending the University of Wyoming Dorothy Mountain Memorial Scholarship presented to Clifford White attending the University of Wyoming.

This year the Distinguished Lecture series included:

Dr. Jessi Halligan, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Florida State University presenting on “Why underwater? The importance of submerged landscape research for understanding the first peoples of the new world”

Dr. Brendon Asher, Director, Blackwater Draw National Historic Landmark, Assistant Professor, Anthropology & Applied Archeology, Eastern New Mexico University, presenting “Blackwater Draw: A history of Research into Clovis Variability at the Type-Site.”

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

You inspire us to find solutions, so we can provide the energy and savings you need. Being part of a Touchstone Energy cooperative means we’re always listening to make our communities a better place.

What’s here today, has never been better. To learn more, visit UnitedPower.com.

POWER.

Weld County Council sets Salaries for Elected Officials

GREELEY, CO – As part of its duties outlined in the Weld County Home Rule Charter, the Weld County Council, at its September 19 meeting, set the salaries for elected officials for the years 2023 – 2026.

During the meeting, councilmembers listened to public feedback on salaries that were proposed at the August meeting. The Council also heard from elected officials. After much consideration, the Council agreed the salaries should be set as follows:

Position Current Salary Proposed Salary 2023-2026

Clerk and Recorder

Assessor Commissioners Sheriff

$120,000 $120,000

$105,000 (through 2024)

(2025-2026)

The Council will sign resolutions at its October 17 meeting, cementing these salary changes.

Public comment can be made during meetings or by emailing countycouncil@ weldgov.com or calling the Weld County Council Secretary, Linda Kane, at 970-4004780.

Created by the Weld County Home Rule Charter in 1976, the Weld County Council consists of five nonpartisan elected members, one representing each district and two at-large members. The council meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O St., Greeley, the third Monday of each month, except February (county offices are closed for Presidents’ Day).

Weld County residents are welcome to attend Weld County Council meetings to discuss ideas or concerns regarding Weld County Government. For more information, email countycouncil@weldgov.com or call 970-400-4780.

Flu FAQs: Preparing for Flu Season

Sniff sniff! Achoo! Burrr! The familiar sounds of the flu are ringing in the season, and it’s time for health precautions. Sonya Norman, MD, at Platte Valley Medical Group - Brighton, knows these sounds well and answered some questions.

When is the flu season?

Flu season is between October to March, but it does fluctuate. Most people associate influenza with the colder fall and winter weather. Influenza is present year-round but peaks in this period.

How will COVID-19 affect this flu season?

The dreaded “twindemic” has been making speculative headlines since COVID began. While that fear isn’t baseless, this flu season (knock on wood!) is on track to be more normal.

Norman believes COVID will affect this flu season slightly less than some expect. People have started going out into public, not wearing masks, and becoming accustomed to daily germs. This means more potential flu exposure. Take precautions to avoid both COVID and influenza.

Who is at risk for getting the flu?

This answer is simple: everybody.

“Anybody can get the flu, but there are people who are more at risk,” said Dr. Norman. “This includes people with compromised immune systems and groups like babies, kids, and the elderly.”

Regardless of your immune system status, Dr. Norman stressed that you can’t assume you won’t get the flu. Getting the flu shot and mastering health precautions is your best line of defense.

What can I do to prevent the flu?

Wash your hands. Stay home if you’re sick. Wear a mask if you’re at high risk. And, most importantly, get the flu shot!

Even if you do all these things, there is a chance you will get the flu. The flu shot either prevents influenza or makes your symptoms less severe if you do get it. “The flu shot is always worth getting because influenza is miserable,” Dr. Norman explained. “Even if you’re not somebody at risk for getting severely sick, having the flu generally is miserable.”

When should I get the flu shot?

Dr. Norman suggested getting the flu shot in October at the earliest. “The effectiveness of the flu shot wanes over time,” she said. “If you got your flu shot in August, it might not be as effective by the end of flu season.”

It’s important to emphasize that the flu shot will not make you sick, but you may have side effects. These include fatigue, arm pain, or even a low-grade fever after the vaccine. This means your immune system is responding to the shot, and everything is working!

Where can I get my flu shot?

The flu shot is accessible and can be found in doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and more. Need a flu shot? Find a local SCL Health Primary Care Clinic to get vaccinated here: SCLHealth.org/services/ primary-care

Aims Community College Offers Programs Eligible for Care Forward Colorado Funding

GREELEY, CO September 29, 2022 – Aims Community College is one of 19 community and technical colleges now offering short-term certificate programs at no cost with the Care Forward Colorado initiative. Starting this fall, students who enroll in eligible certificate programs will have tuition, fees, and materials covered.

Care Forward Colorado helps meet demand for entry-level healthcare workers. Individuals can gain certification and become qualified to enter a healthcare career in a year or less. Aims has eight eligible certificate programs:

• Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Certificate

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certificate

• EMT - Paramedic Preparation Certificate

• Medical Clinical Assistant Certificate

• Medical Front Office Assistant Certificate

• Nurse Aide Certificate

• Phlebotomy Certificate

• Sterile Instrument Processing Certificate

Many programs, such as Nurse Aide and EMT, have rolling admissions periods with cohorts starting throughout the year. Aims offers some courses in a hybrid (inperson and virtual) format. Evening classes are available as well.

“These certificate programs are for high-need, high-demand, and high-impact careers in healthcare,” said Terry Anderson, Dean of Allied Health and Wellness. “Aims continuously strives to meet the needs of our region and provide our community members with educational opportunities to advance their life and meet their personal goals. This does both of those things at no cost to the student. It’s a win-win for all.”

Shelly Powell, the Nurse Aide and Med Prep Programs Chair, also sees the importance of this funding. “It helps build the healthcare workforce. There was a nurse aide shortage before COVID-19, but it’s worsened.”

Powell is excited about what it brings to people wanting to work in healthcare. “It’s a path to explore a career by taking an intro certificate, such as Nurse Aide. It gives individuals the confidence to pursue other medical training programs.“

Care Forward Colorado is made possible by Senate Bill 22-226. It dedicates $26 million in state recovery dollars to train healthcare workers. As funding allows, Care Forward Colorado extends into the 2025-26 academic year.

Applying to Aims is the first step to benefit from Care Forward Colorado. Students should visit aims.co/apply to begin the admission process. An Aims admissions counselor will follow up to discuss the next steps, specific program requirements and financial aid. To learn more about Care Forward Colorado at Aims, visit aims.edu/ care-forward.

Giorgia Meloni’s Historic Victory

By Ambassador Callista L. Gingrich

Earlier this week, Giorgia Meloni’s center-right coalition swept Italy’s national elections.

Meloni’s party, Fratelli d’Italia or Brothers of Italy, received more than 25 percent of the vote – up from just 4 percent in 2018. The Brothers of Italy are now joined by the League and Forza Italia, bringing the coalition’s vote share to nearly 44 percent.

By contrast, the party with the largest vote share in the 2018 election, the 5-Star Movement, saw its support cut in half, from nearly 33 percent to 15 percent.

This is an historic moment for Italy. Meloni, a Catholic mother, is poised to become Italy’s first female prime minister. In a 2019 viral speech, she proudly asserted, “I am a woman, I am a mother, I am Italian, I am a Christian, and you can’t take that away from me.”

Meloni’s coalition is the most conservative government chosen by voters to lead the country since World War II.

With record-high inflation, increasing energy costs, and a struggling economy, Meloni ran a campaign centered around the slogan, “Italy and Italians first!”

Meloni prioritized issues impacting Italians across the country and advocated for lowering taxes, lessening European bureaucracy, combatting illegal immigration, and increasing benefits for families.

For the Italian people, Meloni’s victory was a rejection of policies that benefit “Brussels bureaucrats” over working-class people.

Yet, for the left-wing media, Meloni’s victory signaled a return to fascism that emerged in Italy in the 1920s under Benito Mussolini. The New York Times, for example, referred to Meloni as “fascist” 28 times in one article.

Additionally, MSNBC host Joy Reid noted, “Meloni is the leader of the hard right Brothers of Italy, a party with roots in the post-war fascist Italian socialist movement.”

However, Meloni herself has denounced Italy’s fascist past, and stated in a campaign video, “The Italian Right has handed fascism over to history for decades now, unambiguously condemning the suppression of democracy and the ignominious anti-Jewish laws.”

But it wasn’t just Meloni who refuted these criticisms. Former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi even admitted that there is no truth in the allegations that the newly elected coalition will revert Italy back to a post-World War I dictatorship.

Renzi said, “I’m not her best friend. We are rivals but she is not a danger to democracy. The idea there is a risk of fascism in Italy is absolutely fake news.”

The recent election results make clear that Italians want a country and a government that works for them.

“If we are called to govern this nation, we will do it for everyone, we will do it for all Italians and we will do it with the aim of uniting the people,” Meloni said in her victory speech. “Italy chose us. We will not betray it.”

This week’s election results ushered in a new era for Italy that will be shaped by a commitment to faith, family, and country. With Meloni’s historic victory, Italians have set a new course for their future.

Weld County’s Assessed Value sees 51% Increase, set at $18.7 Billion

WELD COUNTY, CO — Weld County’s 2022 assessed value has been set at $18.7 billion. The new value, approved by the Weld County Board of Commissioners late last month, represents more than a $6 billion increase from 2021’s total of just under $12.5 billion and marks the first rise in assessed value for the county since 2019.

“The increase in assessed value shows the strength of the market in Weld County,” said Weld County Commissioner Chair Scott James. “While the board has long prided itself on fiscally conservative policies and maintaining a budget that keeps the county in strong financial condition, a strong assessed value can only help us meet our continued goal of providing the best services possible to residents.”

2022 was not a reappraisal year, which means increases in residential and agricultural property weren’t determined and didn’t play a part in the new value. Instead, it centered on the revaluation of oil and gas production, equipment, business personal property, other natural resources and state assessed property, which the Weld County Assessor’s Office is required to revalue each year.

As Weld County is one of the state’s leaders in oil and gas production, it’s easy to associate a rise or dip in assessed value with an increase or decrease in production. While stronger oil and gas valuation is largely responsible for the increase in the county’s 2022 assessed value, Weld County Assessor Brenda Dones said it had less to do with production countywide and more to do with global decisions on production amounts that impact the sale price of the product.

“To determine value of oil and gas production, we use a combination of prioryear production amounts and the net sale price,” Dones explained. “While the combined oil and gas production amounts were down about 10% year-over-year, the combined price for oil and gas increased by about 80%. So, even though production amounts declined, the significant increase in price offset the loss and resulted in the $6 billion increase.”

Town Clean Up Days

Date: October 7th & 8th

Time: 8:00am 4:00pm

Location: Lochbuie Wastewater Plant

1794 Weld County Rd 39

Items Accepted:

Household Waste

Furniture

Trees and Branches (48" or Shorter)

Carpet

Microwaves

Grass Clippings

Washers and Dryers

Personal Home Remodel Debris

Cardboard

Mattresses

Toilets

Sinks

Water Heaters

Items Not Accepted:

Commercial Waste

Liquids of any kind

Rocks, bricks or blocks

Explosives

Propane tanks

Tires

Tree Stumps Dirt or Concrete

Electronics

Items that contain freon (i.e. refrigerators)

Chemicals or paint

Herbicides/Pesticides

Smoke alarms/Thermometers

New Process

This event is open to Lochbuie Residents ONLY.

2 Vouchers per household. Each Vouchers is good for 1 load. Vouchers can be picked up at Town Hall starting September 1st.

Proof of Residency (utility bill/Driver's License) is required.

Town Staff reserves the right to reject any load. For more information, Contact Town Hall : 303-655-9308

Second Annual Essay and Art Contest for Weld County Middle and High School Students

WELD COUNTY, CO — September 2022 has proudly been proclaimed as Constitution Month by the Weld County Board of Commissioners. The week of September 17-23 was also proclaimed as Constitution Week.

Along with these proclamations, the board announced the second annual Constitution Contest for Weld County students in middle and high school.

“The U.S. Constitution has protected the rights of individuals in this country as well as provided a solid foundation for our representative form of government,” said Weld County Commissioner Lori Saine. “This is a document that plays a huge part in our daily lives as citizens of America, and we want to see how it has impacted our young people via this contest.”

The contest, which allows students to demonstrate their knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and its relevance to the daily lives of Americans, will feature three categories:

Essay: Submit an original essay (700 words maximum) demonstrating the way(s) the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights impacts your daily life. This essay can speak broadly about the founding documents and how they are applied to individuals today or the essay can touch on a section of the document or on a life event to illustrate how the rights afforded in the documents affect your daily activities.

Poetry: Submit a poem (400 words maximum) that speaks to the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and how they have led to the success of this nation and continue to be relevant documents for this country.

Art – Painting / Drawing / Photography: Submit a single image or series of no more than five images that depict the importance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the current daily lives of Americans.

Entry forms and submission information can be found at www.weldgov.com/go/ pio. Entry forms and submissions will be accepted Sept. 7, 2022, through Nov. 18, 2022, by 5 p.m. Winners will be recognized and receive a certificate at the Dec. 21, 2022, board meeting.

For more information about the contest, visit www.weldgov.com/go/pio.

FERC

Brighton, CO - After years of legal battles, United Power is one step closer on its path forward to buy out of its existing wholesale power contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission (Tri-State). The methodology, defined by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC) Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Renee Terry, provides a way for all generation and transmission members to determine their cost to exit and will give United Power flexibility to move forward with its plan to leave the power supplier. The ALJ’s initial decision orders an exit fee based upon United Power’s proposed framework, and wholesale rejects Tri-State’s proposed $1.6 billion fee for United Power as excessive and unsupported. While the ALJ directed limited modifications to United Power’s proposal, the decision reaffirms United Power’s longstanding position that it should be able to leave by paying a reasonable exit fee. United Power is currently evaluating the exit options presented in the Judge’s initial decision, which is subject to further briefing and Commission review before it becomes effective.

“I must first acknowledge the FERC Administrative Law Judge for her thorough and thoughtful assessment of the voluminous amount of material as well as the various statements and arguments she reviewed to reach her decision,” said Mark A. Gabriel, President and CEO of United Power. “We are pleased to finally have a course for the future in our quest to lower our power costs for our members and have more control over how the power we purchase is generated.”

United Power has been battling its power generation supplier since 2019 when the cooperative asked the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to intervene in the dispute and help determine a fair and equitable buyout cost. As the case wound through the PUC process, Tri-State admitted additional non-utility members, triggering the generation cooperative to fall under FERC jurisdiction. While the PUC affirmed United Power’s buyout methodology, they deferred to FERC to determine the final opinion.

“When we first began negotiating with our power supplier for an exit cost, they had already released two other members from their contracts, using methodologies that were far different than what they had proposed for United Power,” said Gabriel. “We have been willing to pay a reasonable exit fee, but our power producer never offered a methodology that we considered to be fair or equitable.”

The power market is in a unique period of growth and change, and United Power wants to take advantage of the opportunity to diversify its generation mix where possible. A leader in renewable energy, the cooperative added Colorado’s first community solar farm in 2009 and has since added solar and methane gas generation as well as batteries to provide more than 84 megawatts of electricity to the local electric grid. The current wholesale power contract limits the cooperative to purchasing only 5% of their power through sources of this type.

“Exercising control over the cost and make up of our power generation is the future of the electric industry,” said Gabriel. “We know we can lower costs for our members and take advantage of many of the new opportunities that exist to purchase locally produced renewable resources. The electric cooperative of the future can no longer be restrained by old paradigms that only produce power from centrally located sources far from where it is consumed.”

Earlier this month, the DC Circuit ruled that FERC had final jurisdiction over setting the methodology that would be used to arrive at the final exit cost for the Brighton, Colorado based electric cooperative.

COMING

Weld County Weed Division asks Public to be Proactive in Management of Kochia Weed Growth

WELD COUNTY, CO — Weld County Weed Division supervisor Tina Booton is used to fighting the same issues every year as she and her staff aim to suppress, control and eradicate weeds throughout the county that have been identified and listed as noxious weeds by the Colorado Department of Agriculture. However, when it comes to controlling the growth of Kochia — the weed, not listed as noxious by the state, that dots thousands of acres countywide (usually in open and vacant land) and forms tumbleweeds that are both an eyesore and hinderance — Booton wants to remind everyone about the importance landowners play in controlling the growth.

“Every year, I hear from people with concerns about Kochia and the arrival of tumbleweeds asking what can be done to help address the issue,” she said. “However, because Kochia isn’t a noxious weed, largely due to there being too many infested acres, there’s not a lot the Weed Division can do to control it. The best we can do is encourage residents to manage growth on their property and remind people about the control options available to them.”

While not technically classified as a noxious weed, Kochia does have the same characteristics. Historically, it has also been used as a feed source for cattle when feed wasn’t available. However, if not controlled, Kochia can displace vegetation and when the plants die and break off, tumbleweeds form that can clog irrigation ditches, fence lines, and residential properties, as well as pose a fire danger, which is why Booton is asking residents to help control growth before that happens and the strong winds of fall and winter carry them throughout the county.

Booton said the best control methods for Kochia heading into the fall include mowing and mulching the plants down to a manageable height. In the spring and summer months, chemical application along with planting native grasses can also be beneficial in limiting growth. Those who find tumbleweeds on their property can also mow and mulch them or dispose of them with their trash. Booton admits there is no ideal solution for handling tumbleweeds, which is why preventing them through controlling Kochia growth is crucial. To assist in doing that, Booton said the Weed Division is available to help landowners with control questions or developing the best strategy to attack the issue.

“A few plants are not a big deal, it’s the fields of Kochia that are the issue,” Booton said. “We’re happy to meet with landowners to discuss control options, we just ask they take steps to address the issue before it becomes a problem.”

Read more about Kochia Weed, and control options. Contact the Weld County Weed Division at (970) 400-3770 or at www.weldweeds.org.

Premier Farm Credit’s Ryan Lebsack earns Accredited Rural Appraiser Designation

September 20, 2022, Yuma, Colorado

– Local agricultural lender, Premier Farm Credit announced that Appraiser, Ryan Lebsack has been awarded the Accredited Rural Appraiser (ARA) designation. Lebsack earned the ARA designation by meeting stringent requirements in experience and education, in addition to passing a rigorous written examination and abiding by the Society’s Code of Ethics.

He joins a select 45 percent of the ASFMRA membership who have received the accredited status and currently maintain it through the ASFMRA continuing education program.

“We are proud of Ryan and appreciate the time and effort that he put into becoming an ARA. We know that this will serve our borrowers and others in our rural communities well as he completes appraisals throughout northeast Colorado and the surrounding area,” said President and CEO , Michael Grauberger.

Aside from being a lender, Premier also offers insurance and appraisal services for borrowers and non-borrowers alike. Fee appraisals can be used for estate planning and loans with other lending institutions amongst many other uses and are confidential to their department.

Premier Farm Credit, as a borrower-owned cooperative, is a strong supporter of rural communities and agriculture in the area and is known for paying a significant Cash Patronage Dividend back to its’ member-owners each year. Premier Farm Credit is open from 8-5, Monday through Friday. Customers are welcome to stop by any of their Yuma, Fort Morgan or Sterling locations or call or email anytime.

As a part of the Farm Credit System, Premier Farm Credit offers reliable and consistent credit to agriculture and rural communities, today and tomorrow. Premier Farm Credit is wholly owned by its borrowers and has aggregate loan volume of over $900 million. You can find them on the web at premieraca.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Hispanics For Kirkmeyer Coalition Launches

Hispanic Voters Embrace Kirkmeyer’s Colorado Tough Message and Proven Record of Fighting for Working Class Families (BRIGHTON, CO) – KirkmeyerforCongress.com today announced the launch of Hispanics for Kirkmeyer, a coalition of Hispanics who will work to promote the Kirkmeyer campaign within the district. Members will use social media, email, and grassroots walks, phones, and texts to campaign on behalf of Barb Kirkmeyer.

“Colorado Tough Barb Kirkmeyer, with her proven record of advocacy for Colorado’s energy, agriculture, and working-class interests, is the perfect fit for 8th Congressional District Hispanics,” stated Hispanics for Kirkmeyer Co-Chair and Federal Heights Mayor Linda Montoya.

“I’ve known Barb Kirkmeyer for more than 12 years, and she has always been a strong supporter of education choice and opportunity,” added Maria Weese, coalition co-chair. “Education choice is a big issue for Hispanic families. It’s the civil rights issue of our era. Underprivileged kids should not be trapped in underperforming schools. Voters have a clear choice this fall. Only Barb stands for school choice and opportunity.”

“At nearly 40% of the population of the new 8th Congressional District, Hispanics will be a pivotal constituency in the new CD 8,” stated Kirkmeyer. “I am grateful for the support of so many Hispanic leaders and community members. Just as importantly, I look forward to their advice and counsel, should I be honored to represent the new district. I will be a vigorous advocate for the interests of Colorado’s Hispanic families in Congress.”

The initial membership of the Hispanics for Kirkmeyer coalition follows: Hon. Carlos Barron (Councilman, Ft. Lupton) Hon. Andy Martinez (Mayor, La Salle)

Hon. Mark Clark (Mayor, Evans) Hon. Beth Martinez Humenik (former St Sen) Hon. Linda S. Montoya, Co-Chair (Mayor, Federal Heights)

Maria Weese, Co-Chair Hon. Steve Moreno (Comm, Weld County)

Lourdes Acevedo Diana Andrade Tracy Bachicha Briana Carleton

Hon. Steve Moreno (Comm, Weld County) Hon. Adrienne Sandoval (Mayor, Platteville) Leonel Acevedo Leonard Adame Valdamar Archuletta Andrea Batalla PAID FOR BY KIRKMEYERFORCONGRESS.COM | www.KirkmeyerforCongress.com

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Vanessa Dominguez Valerie Espinoza John Flores Elizabeth Garcia Manual D. Garza Kasi Gomez Judy Griego Braulio Huizer Elisa Kunkel Abel Martinez Martin Martinez Sonia Menindez Zachary Montoya Ana Gladis Pineda Hunter Rivera Briana Rodriguez Alicia Rotherham Lori Garcia Sanders Chris Sisneros Tony Trevino Rod Valdez Adriana Villalba

Weld County Council Decision Process Leaves a Lot to Be Desired

By Bob Grand

The Weld County Council is supposed to be a watchdog group representing all the citizens of Weld County. They just published their salary recommendations for elected Weld County officials. (See press release on page 7 this issue). When the original press release came out a couple of weeks ago, it called for over 50% pay increase for all elected officials. We were told there was a great cry about how unreasonable this was. The Weld County Commissioners sent a letter to the Weld County Council saying that in today’s tough times there should be no increases for any elected officials. Subsequential, Scott James, the Chair of the Weld County Commissioners sent a follow up letter, saying that only applied to the Commissioners. In neither case was the root cause of the salary catch up addressed. Unlike County employees, elected officials are not granted an annual COLA adjustment. So, for example a good department head may work to gain fair wage increases for their employees, but there is no mechanism to provide catch up for the elected official. So what happens to the long term, high ranking, employee who has risen up the ranks? Their salary will begin to bump and, in some cases, even surpass their boss. That is just dumb. Council member Tanya Van Bibber stated that was a county budgeting problem. For those who have attended the public budgeting hearing process for the Weld County departments you know there is not much public comment permitted. The whole salary question in today’s world is insane. The public, who ultimately, pays the bill has very little input. The County Charter does not have any performance criteria to recognize excellent performance, as pointed out by Dave Kisker, a concerned citizen who attended the Council meeting. We are fortunate in that our current Weld County Sheriff, Steve Reams, our Clerk & Recorder, Carly Koppes and our Tax assessor, Brenda Dones, are recognized throughout the state as world-class performers. Yet there is no mechanism to recognize that. Once elected, an official gets the approved salary, whether they do a great job, like our current office holders, or do the bare minimum. There is no mechanism to reward outstanding performance. Now at the hearing there were many speakers who praised the individuals in office for the excellent job they do. The point is the process should have a mechanism that rewards that. There is none in the County Charter. Several of the Weld County Council members said there had been an overwhelming response against the high raises that were originally proposed. These raises, by the way, would not have kept up with the COLA adjustments over the same period (four to eight years).

We have about 235,459 registered voters in Weld County. After the meeting I asked the Council Secretary exactly how many emails or calls were actually received reflecting negative comments about the salary question. Nancy Teksten, Chair of the Council; said she had called everyone. The Council Secretary had made copies of each contact, she counted them in front of me. There were 29. That represents .01% of the voters of Weld County or said another way 99.9 % of the voters had not contacted the Weld County Council. There were well over 29 citizens at the last Council meeting proposing fairness to the elected officials who had been doing such a good job. The County Council is supposed to be a watchdog group, representing the interests of all the voters of Weld County. Do we get that?

We get the government we are willing to accept, as citizen’s it is our job to contact our elected representatives and share our thoughts. If they do not listen, we have a choice, vote them out of office. Now in Weld County that is currently a challenge, but times change.

Understand, Prepare, Engage Car Prep

Think before you go

In the fall, winter (and even spring) throughout Weld County, driving on snowy roads or in snowy weather is often unavoidable. We get it. Many either have work or family commitments that require driving in less-than-ideal conditions.

Still, a key to staying safe during snowy weather is asking yourself if you really need to be out on the road during a snowstorm. Before making any decision, monitor weather reports and Snow Desk posts on the county’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Consider not just the amount of snow on the road but also the likelihood of encountering high winds as they can impact visibility as well as a vehicle’s ability to move through the snow. If you do decide to venture out however, consider the following tips to make your journey as safe as possible.

Don’t neglect maintenence

Before heading out on snowy roads, take a look at your tires. Ensure they are in good condition (have good tread depth, are not bald and are correctly inflated). Additionally, ensure your brakes and exterior items, such as windshield wiper blades, are functioning properly. Don’t forget to make sure your heater and defroster are working.

It’s also a good idea to keep at least half a tank of gas in your car at all times so fuel lines don’t freeze, and, to comply with Colorado traction laws, have chains in your car (and know how to install them).

Drive for conditions

Often roads will be passable, not completely clear. To drive safely, you may have to lower your speed below the posted speed limit. Leave space between your car and other vehicles to avoid accidents from sudden stops and give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

Plan for the unexpected

Just as it’s important to have a disaster supply kit in your home to help you stay comfortable during emergency events, it’s equally as important to have an emergency supply kit in your car before heading out on wintery roads. When considering what items you may need to include in your kit, think about what will help you stay warm and comfortable if your car were to break down or you became stranded. Have blankets and coats along with bottled water and high-energy food like granola.

Preparing for winter driving also means packing items that keep you resilient during changing conditions. Consider carrying jumper cables, an ice scraper, shovels to help you free yourself from snow drifts and kitty litter to help your tires gain traction.

Learn more and download our Emergency Preparedness Guide at www.weldoem.com

Picky Eaters

By: Brook Nighswonger

As a mom of a toddler, I have been blessed that mine has been a well-rounded eater since six months old. However, this is not always the case for everyone. Picky eaters can find themselves missing out on important food groups and nutrients. Attempt ing to add these foods that are on the “I Don’t Eat List” back into your home can add more nourishing foods to your family members. For the mothers raising picky eaters, here are a few tips you can incorporate into your home to help make meal times less stressful.

When meal planning and cooking, try to add a side dish or portion that appeals to each person in your family. For some, this may look like adding beans as another source of protein or adding fruit and yogurt for the sweet tooth. These small changes take less work off your back – no more planning multiple meals for each member of the family. This creates one meal for the family. This alternative allows for less time preparing meals and less time converting your picky eater over to a wider palate.

The more we expose our children or picky eaters to a food item, the higher the chance that they will eventually try the food. Research has shown that it can take up to eleven times for a child to like a new food. Children are often cautious about new foods, specifically their textures. Allow the child to play with the food item, put it in their mouth, spit it out, etc. but keep offering the food. If your child is old enough to communicate, ask them to at least take one bite each time it is offered. Over time your child will not need prompting and may even eat the food without a fuss.

My grandmother always initiated the ‘clean plate’ rule. This is a fine principle in or der to avoid food waste in your home but often times we overestimate how much our children will eat and what portion size is appropriate for their age. There is a golden rule about portion size – 1 tablespoon per age. For example, my two year old should be receiving 2 tablespoons of each food item that is on the menu that night (2 table spoons of fruit, 2 of broccoli and 2 of hamburger). By following this rule, you can help your child not to be overwhelmed with the amount of food being offered to them and focus on eating until they are full versus eating to clean off their plate.

One avenue to create family bonding around meal times is to allow your children to help participate in preparing the meal. They can also feel more empowered when we allow them to choose items at the grocery store that they may be interested in trying or want to eat. When involving them in the meal preparation process, make sure the task is age appropriate. For example, I would allow my toddler to help stir or dump ingredients together. They may even sneak a bite along the way!

My go-to for snack time, when I know my toddler is hungry, is to offer fruits and vegetables. This is a healthy alternative to processed snack items and is a great time to add new foods into their diets. Ensure that when you are offering snack time it is not too close to a larger meal time. This can distract them from not wanting to participate in meal time. When we pick healthier options they can be more fulfilling and whole which can create a feeling of fullness – this is a great thing for our littles but requires a smaller portion size.

These tips and tricks won’t work for every picky eater but it can be a roadmap to trying to figure your picky eater out!

Letter to the Editor:

August 29, 2022

Weldon Valley School District Voters, THE TIME IS NOW!

We will be asking our community this November 8th, 2022, to support a $6.5 million bond referendum which will provide local funds to match a Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant not less than $7 million for a total of $14 million. The combination of these funds will finance health and safety renovations to the kitchen, a modern agriculture shop, additional ADA compliant gymnasium, relocation of athletic fields, and improve traffic flow and parking areas.

While it’s never easy to ask the community for a tax increase, we want to share with the voters on why THE TIME IS NOW! The current bond that funded the junior/senior high school addition in 2003 will be paid in full on July 1, 2023. Residential and agricultural residents will only pay 20% of the new project costs. If the referendum fails, the current facility issues will not go away. To meet the needs of our students, staff, and community, we believe improvements need to be made now. By providing a safe and healthy learning environment, keeping our ag program 21st century relevant, and giving our athletes the area to succeed, we will ensure that the Weldon Valley School will continue to serve the community for many years.

Warrior Pride!

Sincerely,

Ben Bauman, Superintendent

Weldon Valley School District RE-20J

YES ON 5 5A

is

WELDON VALLEY

upgrade

kitchen

continue

year

&

program

investment will help provide a safe, quality education for future generations and preserve the agricultural heritage, small town values and traditions of Weldon Valley.

2022 Fort Lupton RE-8 Home Coming Parade

- ObituaryRuth Rose (Yeager) Trupp

Ruth Rose (Yeager) Trupp, of Prospect Valley, died peacefully in her home on Saturday, September 24, 2022, surrounded by her entire family. She was 93.

Ruth was born to Samuel and Amelia (Beckel) Yeager on November 14, 1928, in Berthoud, Colorado. She spent her younger years in Berthoud and Fort Lupton. At age fourteen she moved with her family to Prospect Valley where she attended Prospect Valley High School. She was the captain of her high school volleyball team, she met her high school sweetheart and graduated in 1947.

On December 5, 1948 she married Raymond Trupp in Greeley, Colorado.

Immediately after their marriage began, Ruth and Raymond turned a one room shack, in Prospect Valley, into their family home where they raised three sons. Ruth continued to live in that same home until her death.

Ruth was a member of Zoar Congregational Church in Prospect Valley from 1948 to 2018. She was an active member of the Ladies Aid Society and she taught Sunday School for many years. In 2018, she became a member of Zoar Baptist Church in Prospect Valley.

Before Ruth became an integral part of the family farm, where she would hoe the beets, plow the fields, and drive the harvest truck; she worked in a local hospital caring for newborns and elderly, ed as a switch board operator and in the kitchen at Prospect Valley School, where her and her mother-in-law made home cooked meals for the school children. She was an avid bowler and continued in her league until age 86. She also enjoyed traveling, gardening, crocheting, sewing, quilting, cooking and baking. She would bake 350 chocolate chip cookies at a time and would never let the cookie jar go empty. She made it clear to anyone who knew her that they were always welcome to join the family for the noontime meal, all you had to do was “make a reservation”. She enjoyed being with her family and she supported all of her grandkids and great grandkids, attending all of their activities including school plays, 4-H and fair events, she especially loved attending all of their sporting events. All of the friends of her grandkids and great grandkids simply referred to her as “Grandma Ruth”. She was a special lady who was generous and kind, never met a stranger and she touched the lives of many people.

She is survived by her three sons Tim (Kathy), Barry (Lori) and Kerry (Debbie) Trupp of Prospect Valley, Colorado. Seven grandchildren Kelly (Thomas) Beach of Prospect Valley, Kim (Danielle) Trupp of Costa Rica, Allen (Kaly) Trupp of Erie, Trevor, Justin, Kirstie and Ben Trupp all of Prospect Valley. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren Jessica and Jordan Beach; Charley and Otto Trupp.

She is also survived by her brother, Raymond (Dorothy) Yeager of Greeley and sisters Esther Klemm of Lees Summit, Missouri; Sandra (Bob) Grangaard of Hayden Lake, Idaho and many nieces and nephews, friends and family. She was proceeded in death by her husband Raymond, her parents Samuel and Amelia Yeager, her closest friend and sister-in- law Helen (Trupp) Altergott and her brother-in-law David Klemm.

Visitation will be held at Allnutt Funeral Home, 6521 W. 20th Street, Greeley, CO on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 at 9:00 AM followed by Funeral Service at 10:00 AM, reception to follow interment at Lynn Grove Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made in to Zoar Baptist Church.

Mental Health Support in Colorado

By: Brook Nighswonger

If there is one thing we learned from the pandemic, it is the impact that such events can have on every aspect of our lives. Many of us spent sleepless nights worrying about our jobs and if they would be there tomorrow. We may have worried about finances, education, sickness and health and how long we could see the impacts of this pandemic. Combining these daily worries with the overload of information that was thrown at us, it is no surprise that the majority of American adults reported a decrease in their mental health. For many, reports of anxiety, depression, stress, and insomnia increased due to the effects of the pandemic. Notably, individuals with substance use abuse increased their intake and further deepened their symptoms of anxiety and depression. As we continue to navigate out of the pandemic there are steps we can take to increase our wellbeing and mental health.

First and foremost, we must take care of our bodies. In all facets of health it is important to include daily exercise into our routine. Find something that you enjoy that involves a form of exercise and partake. By getting outside for a walk or outdoor exercise we are meeting the physical activity requirement and intaking Vitamin D which boosts serotonin. In order to promote sleep, try to maintain your sleep-wake routine. Even if you are working from home still, rising and falling to sleep at the same times each day can promote better sleep. From an eating standpoint, limit sugary and junk food items. Eating a well balanced diet and limiting caffeine can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. As we have discussed in previous articles, an act of selfcare each day can greatly impact our mental health. This can include reading a book, baking, massages, enjoying time with friends or engaging in a hobby. Limiting our screen time, specifically in relation to social media, can assist in our ability to cope with mental health issues.

Our minds are vital to our mental health. As described above, limiting our engagement in screen and media time can have a positive impact. As we have seen throughout the pandemic there is an abundance of false information and media that has been shared with us which can negatively alter our daily thinking and mindset. It is best to limit our exposure to media outlets. Our mental health can be positively impacted by maintaining a daily routine and sticking to it. When we follow a schedule and similar day-to-day instruction we create control in a world that seems out of control. Schedules support taking time for yourself throughout the day as well because we can ensure this time is carved out everyday. To-do lists are also beneficial. Ensure they are realistic in the activities or goals you want to accomplish for the day and you will feel accomplished when you can check things off your list. The most important aspect to incorporate to support our mental health is having a spiritual or moral compass. Firm beliefs can assist us mentally and spiritually during uncertain times.

One of the most important aspects of humanity we learned during the pandemic was relationships. Relationships with others and having connectivity is vital to the human race. It is crucial that we find time within each day to connect and socialize with others. Even more so, helping others positively impacts our wellbeing. If you can reach out and do something for another person, do so!

Colorado has an array of mental health resources that you can take advantage of. They have a 24/7 hotline you can call (1-844-493-8255) if you need someone to talk to. This hotline provides support for yourself or a loved one. They also offer inperson locations you can go to for added support, counseling and referrals specifically for Coloradans. MentalhealthColorado.org provides resources and information on insurance, mental health and substance use support services. Support, guidance and counseling are never far away for those seeking more information.

High Plains Bank New Branch Facility in Keenesburg Update as of September 28th, 2022

Thomas

Computer Support

Keene Clinic

Dave Haney Painting & Dry Wall

McCarthy Trucking

Keenesburg Housing Authority

Looking for part time

Person

Ground Lease Wanted

ground sought for long-term

Local farmer with desire to grow is seeking 5 to 10 year

agreement.

lease with annual

Irrigation equipment

contact Craig at

interested.

want to

the lease and property easy to manage for the land owner.

Fort Lupton 2022 Annual Trapper’s Day Parade

It was a downcast day but the Town of Fort

Trapper’s Day parade. A great

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

2022 Grand Marshall: Melissa

School Award:

Mayor Award:

Civic

Spirit

Grand Marshall

parade

Vote for Gillian K. Smith for Weld County Council At Large Position

The Weld County Council is supposed to represent all the people of Weld County.

Why do all the Weld County Council positions members live north of US 34 except James Welsh, who lives between Kersey and Hudson? The people of South County are getting tired of no meaningful representation in Weld County government leadership.

Please vote in this election. Send a message. We deserve elected representation that cares about the people not posturing politicians!

for by Bob Grand

For

Lupton Parade