The Lost Creek Guide October 19, 2022

Data:

Candidates,

Voters Went

COGOP Statement on September Inflation Report

“High prices and record inflation is now the norm, not the exception...”

Greenwood Village, CO Colorado GOP Chairwoman Kristi Burton Brown released the following statement today after the September 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation has risen nationally an astronomical 8.2% since last September and 13.5% since Joe Biden took office in January 2021:

“High prices and record inflation is now the norm, not the exception under the failed leadership of Joe Biden, Michael Bennet, and Democrats in Washington and Denver. As I travel the state, I speak with so many moms and dads who are struggling to pay their grocery bill, their gas bill, or their energy bill. Democrats don’t seem to care about how their policies have made life harder for so many working Americans. In 26 days, Coloradans are going to elect new Republican leadership and hold Joe Biden, Michael Bennet and Democrats in charge accountable.”

Ballots Will Be Delivered This Week! Please Vote! It is important and every vote counts!

Since the June 2022 Primary Election, Colorado’s Political Observers have been wondering how much of an impact Unaffiliated Voters had in determining the winners for the Republican nominations.

Unaffiliated Voters were credited for the victories of more “moderate” Republican candidates who significantly beat their “extreme” (i.e. more conservative) opponents.

Now that the final results have been released by the Secretary of State, we can measure their impact.

The final data confirms that Unaffiliated Voters made a historic impact on the Republican ballot.

So, how big was this impact on the June Primary?

Let’s Look at the Data 1,217,496 ballots were cast by all voters.

Of these: 668,983 ballots were returned for Republicans. 548,486 ballots were returned for Democrats.

Final Primary Data: Unaffiliated Voters Went 60% for GOP Candidates, Were 37% of Total GOP Count – Plus: DC Democrats Spent Big continued on page 7...

Fact Sheet

SOCIAL SECURITY

2023 SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES

Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA):

Based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the third quarter of 2021 through the third quarter of 2022, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive an 8.7 percent COLA for 2023. Other important 2023 Social Security information is as follows:

Vote for who you think will do the best job for you and your family for all positions. Keenesburg voters, I remind you that Mayor Ken Gfeller & Mayor Pro Tem Wilbur Wafel brought you explosive growth in development, expenses and the water and sewer rate hikes this past year. You should vote for them again because???? Paid for by Bob Grand

NOTE: The 7.65%

rate is the combined rate for

and

Social Security portion (OASDI) is 6.20% on earnings up to the applicable taxable maximum amount (see below). The Medicare portion (HI) is 1.45% on all earnings. Also, as of January 2013, individuals with earned income of more than $200,000 ($250,000 for married couples filing jointly) pay an additional 0.9 percent in Medicare taxes. The tax rates shown above do not include the 0.9 percent.

“Truth

George Washington

Thomas Jefferson

thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Brandon Wark

Way of the World

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek Guide

Ballots will be mailed out this week. Not soon enough. The TV ads are just overwhelming. If we spent a fraction of what is being spent on working to educate people on the significant issues we face, America would be a better place. The media companies love it, but for the rest of us it just seems like such a waste of time and money.

The state of the economy is terrible. Seniors are excited about getting an 8.7% increase in social security benefits for 2023, but the real world in Colorado, is that inflation is up over 15%. Seniors would have been better off with no increase in benefits if inflation would have stayed where it was. In fact, they would be about 8% better off. You have to ask what elected officials have done? Listening to them, they have done wonderful things and we are all better off. I missed something. Being number one in bank robberies, number one in auto thefts, number two in fentanyl deaths is not something our Attorney General, the head of law enforcement in the state, should be proud of. His ads say he is protecting our rights. Again, I miss something, but what about our public safety?

Been to the store lately? Insult to injury, not only are prices continuing to climb, but some marketing genius, who holds a PhD in packaging, has figured out how to make the packages smaller, so you get the benefit of selling less product at a higher price. Hope you enjoyed the brief reduction in gas costs because we are back heading the wrong way again for pricing. We live in the real world. In Washington, they seem to live in a bubble where reality has no meaning. George Orwell wrote about that in 1984. None of us believed that would be possible in America.

The Ukrainians continue their defense of their country. We continue to supply them. When does it end? At least all we are sending are supplies and not our young people. How does Putin solve this one. It has certainly not turned out to be anything he expected. It is like Afghanistan and Vietnam. But again, at least now we are not having our young people dying over it.

In our election process this go around, I truly hope our elected officials that are elected at all levels, local, county, state and federal, begin to take a serious look at the cost of government. Like the academics we seemed to have successfully bred a bureaucratic breed that grows unto itself in terms of size and expense. Our forefathers believed in limited government. They did not envision a professional politician or administrative staff that seems to forever grow in terms of numbers and cost.

In our front-page article one of the Libertarian Party folks did a dive into the unaffiliated voter impact on the recent primary. In our last primary election in Weld County turnout was about 28% of the possible registered voters, the state level was better but not by much. Why was there no clamor? Because the political parties are more than content to let that be. In areas that are dominated by one party or another as long as they protect their candidates, that is all they want. Common sense is not a desired trait, only obedience. We are not as bad as China where over 21.5 million people have been detained for protesting the actions of the CCP. Or Russia where it is illegal to question the war in Ukraine. But we should not allow the government, in any way or shape be partisan, in attacking citizens for having a different point of view. We have that as a fundamental right. Yet partisan hacks at the Department of Justice think it is all right to pick on parents who question teacher union philosophies or right-wing conservatives for trying to voice their opinions. Where is that enforcement when it comes to immigration and extreme left-wing activities? The answer is that is different. Well guess what, it is not different. If you cannot enforce the law equally you should not be in charge or employed. I do not care how high it goes. Our government should guide by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. If you are in government, any level you take an oath to do so. If you cannot, get out of office. Voltaire was quoted as saying “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend with my life your right to say it.” How many Americans paid the ultimate price to protect your right to say what you believe?

Our farming heritage is under siege. This past year Colorado corn production was about 9% below last year’s production. Prices were up 22%, so on the surface the farmers are ahead except for inflation impact, which in Colorado was up over 15%. Farm employment is also down in the United States. Farm employment represents about 6.5% of the worker population compared to 15.4% in 1970. Coupled with that is the fact in the United States farm dependent counties are down about 4% fewer people than in 1970 while counties nondependent on farming economically have seen their population grown by more than 55%.

The unaffiliated voter base is growing. We should support people who have a commonsense basis of thought on governance. Ballots come out this week. Please vote and please think about the people you vote for. Are they best candidate for you and your family? That is what America is all about. You need to vote to protect our American system. You need to decide the best candidates for you and your family are, and not be driven by political rhetoric that is long on wind and noticeably short on results.

As usual your thoughts and comments are appreciated. Thank you to the very many who have responded these last several months. Not all agree with me, but I appreciate your response. It shows you care. publisher@lostcreekguide.com

The LosT Creek Guide, LLC

Bob Grand - Publisher 303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com lcgnews.com

105 Woodward - PO Box 581 Keenesburg, CO 80643

Letters to the Editor are encouraged. Letters may be edited for length, libelous, or inappropriate content. All letter submissions should include name, address, & phone number for verification purposes. Letters are published at the editor or publisher’s discretion. Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Lost Creek Guide or staff.

Delivering on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month and sent to all Postal Boxes. Our hours are Tuesday, Weds, & Thursday 10am to 3pm. Call or email us for advertising rates.

Keenesburg Mayor & Trustee Candidate Meet & Greet at the 1st Baptist Church Hosted by The Lost Creek Guide by Bob Grand

The Lost Creek Guide hosted a Meet & Greet for town candidates in the upcoming election. Attending were mayoral candidates Ken Gfeller and Aron Lam, and trustee candidates: Cindy Baumgartner, Jarod Frazier, Bob Grand, Tim Knudson, and Wilber Wafel. In attendance were a small number of local citizens. Each candidate was given five minutes to introduce themselves and give a brief background on their experience and why people should consider voting for them. After that there was about an hour of question back and forth among the candidates. Mostly reasonable discussion. It broke down to consideration of supporting incumbents and their existing, historical, policies on growth & development, water and sewer or the new folks who wanted better representation for the citizens. It was clear from Mayor Gfeller that the town administration has a great deal of influence on what the town does. Many of the new candidates felt that in that process the representation of the citizen’s gets lost. Given the recent water & sewer rates issue at the beginning of the year, trustee Wafel and Mayor Gfeller were absolutely clear there would be no increases in 2023 of those rates. They would not comment on beyond. They stated that the Town was in the budget development process for 2023. The subject of ongoing water & sewer issues was brought up and the latest memo from the trustees that went out in the October newsletter was questioned. Mark Gray, in attendance as a citizen, tried to explain the water & sewer issues. The discussion did not answer the questions asked. He did clarify that the town affluent (gray water, no pun intended), was currently used for agricultural purposes at no charge per an old agreement that can be changed but has not been.

Last town survey indicated that people wanted Keenesburg to remain with a smalltown flavor. Asked about how all the development that has gone on and what is coming fits into that desire, the existing town officials said that if you do not grow you will fade away. The question is how fast, doubling in a year seems a bit much. It would appear that the town is banking and acquiring more water to have available for more development. That means more growth. I do not remember a town vote on that discussion or a meaningful presentation by the Trustees and the Mayor with the public giving that as a specific course of action to be taken by the town, quite the opposite. It was clear from the mayor’s statements that the Town Administrator and staff have a great deal of responsibility in these decisions. The question is who represents the people and their wishes on what the town’s direction should be.

There is a clear choice in this upcoming election, incumbents, who sincerely believe the Town is on the right course. And a new slate including a mayoral candidate who believe that the citizens of the Town of Keenesburg deserve better representation then what they have received. Should we have to fight for reduced water & sewer bills with our Town Board, or should they be our advocates? We should be looking at all the facts, see what neighboring towns do, especially in regard to the allocation of expenses to the water & sewer funds. Our Trustees should provide direction to the Town administration on a course of action that best considers the interests of all the citizens, not just legacy projects, or unbridled development, but what makes Keenesburg a better place to live, not necessarily meaning bigger.

There was a discussion on getting people involved. The existing electing officials bemoaned the fact that citizen’s just do not participate. A citizen in attendance contributed she felt intimidated when going to town meetings as she was overwhelmed with detail and felt there was no place for her to give input. Mayor Gfeller pointed out that items have to on the agenda to be discussed but that public comments could be made at the beginning of a meeting. The citizen was not impressed by the answer.

Public participation is an ongoing issue all over. The answer is not to just ignore it and just do as you please. Please vote in the upcoming election and vote for your best interests, not just the same old same old.

Reminder: Another Meet & Greet for Keenesburg Candidates at the first Baptist Church 5:00 – 7:30 pm on October 19th, 2022. Candidates & the public invited.

CO GOP: Colorado Voters

We are now just a few days away from ballots dropping here in Colorado! Which means we are also a few weeks away from throwing off the yoke of Democrat control and electing some great new Republican leaders.

This week, CD-08 Republican candidate Barb Kirkmeyer took down far-left hack Yadira Caraveo in a debate on 9News. Caraveo previously signed a letter, with Brittany Pettersen, pushing Biden to defund ICE and border control. She tried to backtrack at the debate, but Barb had the receipts.

Republican Secretary of State candidate Pam Anderson held Jena Griswold accountable this week for AGAIN sending out postcards to non-citizens encouraging them to register to vote. We must defeat Jena Griswold. She is incompetent and a partisan hack. Pam was also endorsed by the Durango Herald.

Michael Bennet is in such bad shape that he had to beg Joe Biden to fly to Colorado and campaign for him. Joe O’Dea went on Fox News and stated the fact that a presidential photo op isn’t going to save Bennet from his failed and far-left record. O’Dea will be appearing on State of the Union this weekend.

Heidi Ganahl once again defeated Jared Polis in a debate. She told the TRUTH to him about how he has failed Colorado families. #1 in inflation in the country, #2 in Fentanyl deaths, 3rd worst state for crime in the country, and 60% of our kids can’t read at grade level. That is Polis’ record.

Attorney General candidate John Kellner released a new ad this week highlighting how Phil Weiser has failed Colorado families and made Colorado less safe. Kellner is focused on public safety and ensuring that Colorado is once again a safe place to live and raise a family.

Treasurer candidate Lang Sias is continuing to run a strong race and is focused on fighting to protect Colorado taxpayers. He was endorsed this week by the Grand Junction Sentinel.

You’ll also see many walk days with statewide and local candidates below...please join in on any you are able to make. New volunteers are ALWAYS welcome, so bring a friend, too!

Onward to victory!

, Colorado GOP Chair

Letter to Editor:

Weldon Valley School District Voters, I’m asking you all to vote yes on 5A!

Twenty years ago or so, when I was on the Weldon Valley school board, we asked the community to pass a bond to help finance a new high school and junior high. The bond passed and under the leadership of then Superintendent John Gotto that project led to two more projects, a new elementary school and restoring the original historic building. It’s beyond time to upgrade the remaining areas that were not touched during the last three projects.

Here are a few reasons why I think this is a good idea and the right time:

1) We have a great administration and school board who is capable of managing and over seeing this project.

2) The previous capitol construction bond for the high school will be paid off next year. What other area have you all paid taxes on the past twenty years, in this community, that you can go and see that will be there functioning well for future generations?

3) Neenan Company is involved to design and build. Twenty years ago we interviewed several contractors and Neenan rose to the top. They have completed three projects for Weldon Valley and have done a great job. Some of the same folks who worked on the original project attended our community meeting and are still working for Neenan.

4) Interest rates are attractive historically. If history repeats itself, the community will grow over time. As the assessed valuation grew the last twenty years the tax burden for the bond service was less over time for each taxpayer. So hopefully the highest tax assessed will be in the early years of servicing this bond.

5) If not now when?? There probably won’t be a better time to apply for a BEST grant to help with this project. After the community meeting young kids were still practicing in the gym as that was the only time available. They should be home with their families at that time of night. It’s time to add additional facilities for the kids, parents and community.

Nobody likes their taxes to go up! And unfortunately, it’s expensive to build and do things right now, but it’s necessary and worth it for the kids and community.

Cary Wickstrom

Candidate for Keenesburg Trustee

by Cindy Baumgartner

With all the new faces in the community in the past 27 years I would like to introduce myself. I have lived in the Roggen and Keenesburg area since 1967. I graduated from Weld Central High School in 1972. While living in the area and being involved with ranching and farming while raising my two daughters I have seen a lot of change. For the past twenty seven years I have lived within the city limits of Keenesburg. I’ve been retired from Suncor Energy in Commerce City, Co., as a Maintenance Planner since 2020 and I have enjoyed living in this size town which is why I commuted for many years.

With seeing all the fast changes here and in the surrounding areas, I felt that I needed to get involved again. I resigned from the Town of Keenesburg board of trustees in 2017 and then served on the Planning commission for Keenesburg until April 2018. I started with the town board when our mayor was Virginia Swift for the old timers in town. I do not want to lose the small town feel and look that we have here. But at the same time we all know that growth is coming and with it is change. So it will be up to the board of trustees and mayor of Keenesburg to manage smart growth and adjust to the changes. But this can not happen with out support from our citizens and businesses. I will be supporting and encouraging interaction from everyone.

Growth also brings the challenges of water, sewer, parks, street, law enforcement and the upkeep of present infrastructure to meet the needs of our citizens. With being a board member for some 18 years in the past and seeing now what is happening I see the importance of staying involved. We all need to be involved you can’t let a hand full of people dictate what our town will look and feel like. Our town is business and not here to make money from our tax payers and that is how it needs to be ran financially.

We will have to be very careful with our resources. With the large housing development on the way, we still need to preserve some of the important values this town offers. I feel it is important to encourage commercial development in our area, to help balance out our town and increase revenues to help keep up with facilities, equipment and other needed improvements within the town. Without burdening the tax payers to cover all the needed expenses. I’ve also served on an Economic Development committee and seeing what is important to commercial development. This is starting to be the new hot spot for growth in Colorado, but don’t rush it with roof tops, we need to find that balance between houses and commercial businesses. But the right upfront work we do now, we can help save some of the home town feel we don’t want to lose.

With this being said I hope I will have your support on November 8th. I believe my experience and leadership skills will be an asset for the community.

Cindy Baumgartner

Letter to Voters: by Bob Grand

Citizens of Keenesburg, my name is Bob Grand. I am running for trustee. I have lived in town for over twenty years. I have served on the town Board, the school board, the Fair board, a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Served on the Country Planning Commission for six years, the county extension office for six years, the work force development board and the High plains Library District for two ½ years as treasurer. I have experience in governance. I am not satisfied that the residents in Keenesburg are getting the kind of representation on the town board and the office of mayor that they should. I understand you cannot please everyone all the time but to choose to ignore the voters is not acceptable. Our expenses have grown dramatically with the new growth in town but is it all necessary? Who is asking the questions about our revenue and expenses? Did we even consider lowering taxes and fees? The Town Board and Town

Administration reaction to complaints about the water bill increase we experienced in the beginning of the year is an indicator of a much bigger issue. Someone needs to remind our elected officials and Town administration that they should represent the interests of the people, all the people. This is a problem at the county, state & federal level. We can work on it directly at our town level. Vote for a new slate of Keenesburg officials and help us make Keenesburg a really wonderful place to live for you and your family and one that you really can afford to live in.

I ask for your vote and to vote for the new folks, not incumbents, who want to represent you in a town government that is really concerned about you and your family and the future of the Town.

An Appeal to the Citizens of Keenesburg: Save Keenesburg by Aron Lam

My name is Aron Lam and I am running for Mayor of our town, Keenesburg. My mission is to save Keenesburg from becoming Aurora or like so many of the other front range towns. For both, those who have been lifelong residents of Keenesburg and for those of us that have chosen Keenesburg to be our home to raise our families, maintaining the smalltown community feel is vital. It is really disappointing to see more of our town’s homes go up for sale every week as residents decide that Keenesburg is no longer the community that they knew and love. Unfortunately, it is clear that many are seeing the plans the current town leadership have for Keenesburg over the next 10-20 years and deciding it is better to get out now.

If you attended the Oktoberfest in town, you most likely saw the consulting firm that the town paid to present the future plans and obtain feedback. I was speaking to the very nice person who was running the presentation and she voiced that she was surprised about how much animosity and negative feedback that she had been receiving throughout the day. After looking at the material, it was clear why this was happening. Residents are already unhappy with the housing developments that have been approved and the majority were unaware that 12,461 residential projects in Keenesburg are in various stages of approval. In order to accomplish this, good portions of our surrounding farmland will be rezoned to residential. At the same time, a relatively small portion of the rezoning is for industrial or commercial. In order to sustain long term revenue for the town and increase growth sustainably, we must attract businesses and jobs, not just approve new housing developments.

Many residents have raised concerns regarding our water quality and whether we have an adequate supply. The town leadership assures that we have an adequate supply and treatment capabilities, and that the developers have the responsibility to secure water capacity for their projects. Many people that I have spoke with are skeptical and desire more transparency.

It is estimated that there are currently 1,744 residents in Keenesburg. I am sure we can all agree that by adding between 12,000-24,000 residents to our town, there will be no small-town community feel left. My goal is simple, to keep the wonderful small town community feel that we have, while thoughtfully planning and growing towards our town’s future. Please visit my website www.SaveKeenesburg.com. I sincerely hope that you consider voting for me for Mayor of Keenesburg. Together we can save Keenesburg and keep our small town community.

Letter to the Citizen’s of Keenesburg: by Tim Knudsen

My name is Tim Knudsen, and I am running for the board of Trustees.

I moved to Keenesburg with my wife in January of 2021. We grew up in Denver and Littleton respectively, and purchased our first home together here in Keenesburg. The things that drew us out here are the same as what draws most out here, the small town feel and large amount of personal space one can enjoy.

Within several months of living here, I joined the Planning Commission in order to be more involved in the goings-on around town. I believe that public service is an enormous honor and privilege. Coming from Denver I had always wanted to participate in steering and guiding my community towards the highest good for all, however in such a large city most people feel that their voices are not heard. I have appreciated how possible it is to speak up in a public forum here and be heard by those in the positions to make decisions. I believe that if you want to see the town develop in a different direction, you can express that and have an effect. That gives us all an opportunity to change this community for the better, to reflect the values we want to see upheld and to move in the direction we would all be happy with.

In addition to joining the planning Commission in June of 2021, I have learned the ways things get done through my participation in the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee, the Cemetery Planning Committee, and the Community Center Committee. I enjoy continuing to learn new things every week about how the town operates, and where we are all headed together in the future. I also believe further development is inevitable, and frankly very exciting. I am ready to help Keenesburg continue to grow, but to grow consciously, intentionally, and in the direction that the *current* residents want to see.

Living here, we have all been blessed with the opportunity to create the culture and community that we wish to participate in and experience together. None of us are in this alone, and the only way that we can move forward is by communicating and cooperating. As one of the next members of the Keenesburg Board of Trustees, I will be directly in service to each and every one of you citizens of Keenesburg. Change is the only constant you can count on in life, and by working together we can guide that change in a direction that makes all of us further appreciate this wonderful community that we are part of.

US 6 Timber Bridge Replacement East of Brush Starts Next Week

MORGAN COUNTY – The Colorado Department of Transportation and Lawrence Construction will replace a bridge on U.S. Highway 6 (Mile Point 372.75) approximately one mile east of the Interstate 76/US 6 interchange starting next week.

Daily lane closures with flaggers alternating traffic are expected for several months while the contractor removes an old timber bridge and replaces it with a concrete box culvert.

A week-long full closure of US 6 between I-76 and County Road U is necessary in November. More information will be posted on message boards near the work zone and on the project web page as the closure date approaches. A signed detour route will be provided.

Pavement at the US 6 bridge approaches will be replaced, and outside shoulders will be widened to eight feet. Other project work includes new guardrail, drainage improvements, and upgraded signage and striping. Project completion is expected in late 2022 for the US 6 location.

The US 6 bridge is the fifth of ten timber bridges throughout the region to be replaced. The project is about to kick off the second phase, which will replace two US 34 bridges in Washington County between Akron and Otis in addition to the US 6 bridge in Morgan County. Work on the US 34 bridges will begin this spring.

“CDOT has prioritized safety and mobility on several transportation corridors by replacing 90-year-old timber bridges. We’ve been able to replace four bridges so far this year resulting in improved safety and access for decades to come,” said CDOT Region 4 Transportation Director Heather Paddock.

Project Background

Ten timber bridges throughout the region will be removed and replaced with concrete bridges or box culverts. Roadway pavement on the bridge approaches will be removed and replaced. Outside shoulders will be widened to eight feet across each bridge or box culvert. Other project work includes new guardrail, drainage improvements, access modifications, and upgraded signage and striping. Drivers should expect full roadway closures for each bridge replacement.

General work hours are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with occasional extended hours and weekend work. Construction schedules are weather-dependent and subject to change. Weekly updates are available on the project web page.

Stay Informed

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

Project hotline: 720-735-9975

Project email: pr@workzone.info

Project web page: https://www.codot.gov/projects/eastern-plains-timber-bridges

October is Co-op Month: Celebrate With Your Local Electric Cooperative

By Morgan County Rural Electric Association

Cooperatives across the country are celebrating National Co-op Month. The tested and proven cooperative model is a unique and irreplaceable part of our nation. In fact, the benefits of cooperatives were reaffirmed last month with the introduction of a U.S House of Representatives resolution expressing support for the designation of October 2022 as National Co-Op Month.

The resolution went further in commending the cooperative business model and its positive impact on the economy and society. Cooperatives differ from other businesses due to the guiding principles that define their structure and establish direct accountability to their member-owners.

As Morgan County REA, your rural electric cooperative, celebrates National Co-op Month with fellow electric cooperatives, we are really celebrating you—the members who make our co-op possible. It was our members who first established MCREA in 1937, and it is our members who continue to jointly own and democratically control this electric cooperative today. This is one of the principles that make co-ops like MCREA unique.

It is also why MCREA returns profits to members in the form of capital credits checks. A board of directors, elected by the membership, votes to retire profit margins from previous years. These capital credits are sent back to the members according to how much power they purchased in the years being retired. Instead of dispersing profits to shareholders, like investor-owned utilities do, MCREA returns the funds to the members who contribute to our cooperative.

Cooperatives genuinely care about supporting the communities in which they exist. Concern for community is one of MCREA’s top priorities, and it goes beyond just keeping the lights on. In addition to contributing to local non-profit organizations, MCREA offers numerous youth programs and scholarship opportunities for our younger members. MCREA also takes part in various events throughout our service territory, where the co-op meets with our members and discusses ways to better serve them.

Whether your family has been a member for generations or you just moved onto our lines, you are an important part of our electric cooperative. To say thank you, members are encouraged to visit MCREA’s office this month and enter to win our National Co-op Month giveaways. While here, feel free to visit with MCREA employees and learn more about what your co-op is doing for you, our member.

Since our first power lines were energized in the late 1930s, our members have guided MCREA in serving this area of northeastern Colorado. With a strong tradition and vision for the future, MCREA remains dedicated to providing safe, reliable energy for many years to come. That is our mission. That is the cooperative way.

WIGGINS SCHOOL DISTRICT 50J OCTOBER NEWS

GOOD PEOPLE OF TIGER NATION: Midterms are upon us.

Mid Terms for our schools have come and gone with parent teacher conferences (some good and some not so good) taking place the first week of October. If you did not get an opportunity to talk with your child’s teacher don’t hesitate to give them a call or shoot them an email with any questions or concerns, you may have.

Construction on the preschool and 3rd-6th grade building is going as planned. The preschool building is close to being completely enclosed with drywall and electrical currently being installed. Concrete is nearing completion and steel is going up at the 3rd-6th grade building. It won’t be long until all of the exterior walls are erected. The most important update is that the school is still on pace to be open come fall of 2023!

Congratulations to Sky Lefever for being selected to speak at the Energy Innovation Summit about the batteries she engineered for her science fair project. Congratulations to Coach Lorenzini and the middle school volleyball team for winning the LPAA league championship!

Monthly Expenditures for October

General Fund 647,650.04

Preschool 47,635.26

Capital Reserve 0.00

Bond Redemption 0.00

Bond Project-Baseball/Practice Field 18,549.34

Elementary Project 3,431,580.21

Lunch Fund 46,458.25

Total $4,191,873.10

Activity Account $33,001.12

It is not just Midterms for students but for the nation’s politicians as well. Superintendents have been notified that there may be some questions as to how school districts spent the Covid Relief Funds given to each district during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Below is the story of our district.

October Calendar

DATE EVENT TIME

Wednesday, October 19 FFA District Speaking Contest 4pm

Thursday, October 20 HS Volleyball @ Caliche 4pm HS Cross Country Regionals @ Co Springs TBD

Friday, October 21 HS Football vs Limon 7pm

Saturday, October 22 HS Volleyball @ Sterling Tournament 9am MS Cross Country Championships TBD

Monday, October 24 No School/In Service

Tuesday, October 25 MS Boys Basketball Wiggins Tournament 3pm Thursday, October 27 MS Boys Basketball @ Akron 4pm Friday, October 28 HS Football vs Wray 7pm HS Volleyball vs Wray 4pm Saturday, October 29 HS Cross Country State @ Co Springs TBD Monday, October 31 No School

Tuesday, November 1 MS Boys Basketball vs Brush 4pm Wednesday, November 2 MS Boys Basketball @ Bennett 4:30pm School Board Meeting 6pm

Friday, November 4 HS Volleyball Regional Tournament TBD TBD

Saturday, November 5 HS Football Playoffs TBD TBD Tuesday, November 8 MS Boys Basketball vs Ft. Morgan 4pm League Choir @ Merino

Thursday, November 10 Elementary Family Science Night 5:30pm

Thur/Fri/Sat, November 10 12 HS Volleyball State Tournament TBD TBD Friday, November 11 No School

Saturday, November 12 HS Football Playoffs TBD TBD Monday, November 14 No School/ In Service

ANNOUNCMENTS

COVID RELIEF FUNDS

CARES/ESSER I/II/III

This fall you may hear and see many anti-education groups spreading misinformation on how school districts used the Federal Funding given to each school district due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. Wiggins School District wants to be completely transparent with our constituents and let you know exactly what our ESSER funds went to.

Wiggins used its ESSER funds in a variety of ways to suppress the impact of COVID 19 on our students. Initial funds were used to purchase equipment such as bottle fillers, handwashing stations, social distancing stickers, and hand sanitizer. Sanitation supplies, such as disinfectant sprayers, floor sanitizers, and certified disinfectants were purchased as part of the mitigation strategies. The district also purchased ventilation systems, circulating fans, and a washer and dryer to be housed in the elementary school. To try and slow the spread of the virus a stipend was given to each staff member for their time spent cleaning.

When all schools were shut down, we purchased distance viewing equipment including interactive monitors, classroom cameras, microphones, and personal devices so no child was without the necessary technology for continued learning. When schools were back to in-person learning, the district carpeted, tiled, and purchased furniture so the administrative building could be used for educational purposes while meeting social distancing guidance.

To help students who didn’t feel comfortable coming back to school, Wiggins School District partnered with CDLS (an online accredited classroom) for these students to learn while working from the safety of their home. To help make up for learning loss, Wiggins School District offered summer school and purchased a small bus to transport students to and from summer school classes. The district has also hired more interventionist, ELL teachers, SPED teachers, and a family liaison to help students impacted most by the government shutdown and state safety mandates.

Social Emotional support for students is an area that the district is using its latest ESSER funds for. The district has had numerous PD days designated toward student wellbeing that has been accompanied with Sources of Strength Peer Mentoring practices being implemented.

Other than sanitation supplies, everything purchased with the relief funds is still being utilized and will continue to impact students positively!

CARES Funds

(Student Safety) $436,473

Health/Prevention

Floor scrubbers ($8,130)

Handwashing stations/ thermometers/ dividers/ sanitizing materials ($6,932)

Distancing stickers ($2,668)

Chromebook carts ($12,145)

Bottle fillers ($15,000)

Social Distancing

Installed carpet and tile in the Administrative building to social distance ($30,639)

Installed classroom TV’s for synchronous learning with students at home and in the classroom ($12,749)

Furniture for 5 classrooms in Admin building and teacher office created in elementary ($25,395)

Computer lab ($5,618)

Volleyball standard holes/poles in the elementary school ($1,550)

Virtual Learning Classroom cameras/ mic/devices ($110,442)

Digital curriculum ($20,000)

Teacher distance learning devices ($3 6,800)

Teacher PD for blended learning ($1,700)

Server for distance learning ($3,133)

Building Safety Safety gates on playground, and quad ($8,803)

Key fob all doors in district ($25,000)

Closing Achievement Gap Summer school ($25,000)

CDLS ($25,000)

Online Teacher Support ($44,000)

Total: 436,472

ESSER I (Addressing initial impact) $87,834

15 Passenger Bus for small group transportation

Sanitizer/disinfectants ($5,000)

Staff pay for disinfecting rooms ($10,768) ($59,875)

SPED Teacher/Interventionist ($27,959)

TOTAL: $87,834

ESSER II (Managing Crisis) $357,7

01

Sanitation

Staff Disinfecting Rooms ($10,026)

Cleaning Supplies ($1,306)

Washer/Dryer in elementary ($1,000)

Automatic Hand Dryers ($3,600)

Furniture to meet needs of growth ($76,296)

Virtual Learning

Interactive teacher monitors for at home viewing $80,665)

Chromebooks ($105,532)

Digital Curriculum ($28,426)

Classroom Equipment

Science equipment ($6,524)

Ventilation System ($3,326)

Safety Door Fobs ($41,000)

Total: $357,701

ESSER III (Recovery Acceleration) $803,915

Social Emotional

Peer Mentoring ($45,000)

Learning Gap Recovery

Instructional Coaches ($195,025)

Sheltered Instruction/ELL PD ($45, 000) SPED Staff ($106,200) ELL Staff ($140,690)

Classroom Support

Full Time Substitute ($67,020)

Student Health

Full Time Nurse ($37,500)

Remodel of Classroom to meet growth ($7,350)

Student Attendance

Family Liaison/Truancy Officer ($80,130)

TOTAL: $803,915

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.”

For

pictures

Stone Age Fair

Now that the final results have been released by the Secretary of State, we can measure their impact.

The final data confirms that Unaffiliated Voters made a historic impact on the Republican ballot.

So, how big was this impact on the June Primary?

Let’s Look at the Data

1,217,496 ballots were cast by all voters.

Of these: 668,983 ballots were returned for Republicans. 548,486 ballots were returned for Democrats.

Source: Colorado Secretary of State

With more choices on the GOP ballot, it’s not surprising that more Unaffiliated Voters turned in Republican ballots.

418,824 of all ballots were returned by Unaffiliated Voters, making up 34% of the total vote.

Unaffiliated Voters returned 170,631 ballots for Democrats, and 248,192 for Republicans.

Nearly 60% of Unaffiliated Voters cast their ballot for Republican candidates.

31% of the Democrat ballots were returned by Unaffiliated Voters. 37% of Republican ballots were returned by Unaffiliated Voters.

Source: Colorado Secretary of State

The 248,192 Unaffiliated Votes in the GOP Primary had a decisive outcome.

The margin of victory for the Statewide Republican candidates were as follows:

• 48,961 votes in the Governor’s Race

• 88,578 votes in the Secretary of State Race

• 56,560 votes in the US Senate Race

Consider that Registered Republican Voters were probably leaning more for the conservative candidates, and Unaffiliated Voters were leaning more towards the moderate choices.

With millions of dollars spent to influence Unaffiliated Voters in support of the moderate candidates, it was a decisive victory.

The consequence of Open Primaries is that unless Party Members are unified behind one candidate, Unaffiliated Voters have big enough sway to determine the winners.

It is extremely disheartening for grassroots candidates who won their local caucus, their county assembly and the State Assembly, but lost to candidates who bought their way on the ballot and bought their victory.

The reality now is that as long as a candidate has enough money behind them, they can petition on the ballot, and advertise their way to the General Election.

The voices of faithful Registered Republicans and Democrats have been muted.

What Does This Mean for November?

Now that moderate GOP candidates are on the November ballot, will they be more likely to win the general?

Since Colorado’s Democrats seem to be further Left than ever, Colorado’s moderate Republicans will be able to present a choice for many independent-minded voters.

Will the moderate Republican candidates beat the extreme Democratic candidates?

After all, Unaffiliated Voters are the largest voting bloc in the State, and many of them just chose their preferred candidates for November.

Many conservative Republicans may be turned off by the moderate candidates, and instead decide to either skip voting for some candidates or choose a third party option.

Colorado’s Libertarian Party just may see a big year.

Regardless, it will be interesting to see what impact the primary has on the November election.

DC Democrats Spent Big

As previously noted, Democratic Colorado spent over $4 million to influence the US Senate Primary race.

It has been revealed that Democratic Colorado was entirely funded by Chuck Schumer’s Senate Majority PAC.

Thanks to Colorado Peak Politics for the link

It’s claimed that this spending was to help the more conservative candidate win, so they would be an easier target for the November election.

However, it does seem that this spending only ensures that Colorado voters will have double the amount of Authoritarian choices on the November ballot.

Health

Open House

Final Primary Data: Unaffiliated Voters Went 60% for GOP Candidates, Were 37% of Total GOP Count – Plus: DC Democrats Spent Big continued from page 1...

SECURITY CHANGES continued from

Earnings

Security (OASDI

Medicare (HI only)

Under full retirement age

- ObituaryMichael J. Bates

The year an individual reaches full retirement age

of Coverage

$160,200

No Limit

$147,000 $1,510 $1,640

Exempt Amounts

$19,560/yr. ($1,630/mo.)

$21,240/yr. ($1,770/mo.)

NOTE: One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $2 in earnings above the limit.

$51,960/yr. ($4,330/mo.) $56,520/yr. ($4,710/mo.)

NOTE: Applies only to earnings for months prior to attaining full retirement age. One dollar in benefits will be withheld for every $3 in earnings above the limit.

Beginning the month an individual attains full retirement age

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

None

Thresholds

Michael J. Bates was born on May 4, 1950 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Nilo and Anna (Johnson) Bates. He passed on September 7, 2022 in Fort Morgan, Colorado. He is survived by his wife Pat whom he married on August 20,1976 in Sheridan, Wyoming, his daughters Jennifer Finn (Ashley Gill) of Colorado Springs, Stephanie Bates (Demetrius Dixon) of Lochbuie, Melanie Torres (Miguel) of Colorado Springs, and Hilary Kyte (Jeremy) of Wiggins. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren Blake Finn (Ashlie Wycoff), Kaleigh Bates (Melvin Weseman), Nikolaus Finn, Kirsten Kyte, Tristan Kyte, Vanessa Torres, Josilyn Kyte, Gabriel Torres, Emersyn Kyte, and Kassidee Dixon and one great grandchild Mason Weseman. Michael is also survived by his sisters Patricia Mueller and Angela O’Brien, his nieces and nephews Jay Ekis, Charlie Ekis, Erin Steigelman, Tracy Mendoza, Anna O’Brien, Frankie O’Brien and Bubba O’Brien as well as numerous cousins, great nieces,and great nephews. Mike is also survived by his mother-in-law Joan McIntyre and his honorary daughter Shana Anderson and granddaughter Andrea Anderson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Sherry Robertson and his brothers Skeeter and Bobby Bates, and his father-in-law Lawrence McIntyre.

Mike graduated from Sheridan High School in 1968 receiving the first FFA memorial scholarship given by the school He was also president of his FFA chapter. He then graduated from the National College of Business in Rapid City, South Dakota in 1972. Mike then started doing accounting in Greeley, Colorado. He met his future wife there in 1976 and they were married later that year. In 1977, he started working for Valley Feed and Seed in Wiggins, Colorado. The family moved to Wiggins later that year. While working for Valley Feed and Seed, he was also a part of the Morgan County Ambulance. Mike and Pat built their home in Wiggins in 1979. Mike was on the Wiggins Town Council for several years as a trustee and again later as the Mayor. After the closing of Valley Feed and Seed, Mike established his private accounting practice of Michael Bates Accounting which later became Michael Bates and Associates.

Blind

Trial Work Period (TWP)

Security Benefit:

Retiring at Full

$1,470/mo. $2,460/mo. $1,050/mo.

Age

Non-Blind $1,350/mo. $2,260/mo. $970/mo. $3,345/mo. $3,627/mo.

Individual Couple

Individual Couple

Monthly limit

limit

$841/mo. $1,261/mo.

$914/mo. $1,371/mo. $2,000 $3,000

$2,000 $3,000

Mike was an avid book reader and puzzler, he also enjoyed playing softball and bowling. Once his girls got older he enjoyed coaching their softball teams. He continued to coach and sponsor the girls’ adult teams. Mike enjoyed going to all events and activities that involved his children and grandchildren.

His celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 30, 2022 at 10:00 am in the Wiggins High School Event Center, 201 Tiger Way, Wiggins, CO, followed by a reception at the Bates Family Home, 604 3rd Avenue, Wiggins, Colorado. Please dress casual (jeans) and wear orange if possible as it was his favorite color. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Michael Bates Memorial Scholarship fund at High Plains Bank in Wiggins, CO.

Mike’s Column Voting from My Perspective

Before

All Retired Workers

Mother

Aged Widow(er) Alone

All Disabled Workers

After

Hey there, everyone! For this issue, I’ve decided to deviate from my usual article subject. With the elections coming up for Keenesburg delegates and Colorado gubernatorial races, I will be writing from my point of view on these elections. Heidi Ganahl is running against the existing governor, Jared Polis. Both of their ideals differ greatly and it’s up to you now to save this country from ruin. Of course, it’s better for you to research before you vote. Watching the last debate, Governor Polis seemed to struggle to give many reasons for the bills he has signed into law. In my opinion, not many are good. On the opposite end, I thought Heidi Ganahl was very headstrong, assertive, and impulsive. Now, while both candidates may have their flaws, Governor Polis seemed to be more on the defensive, whereas Heidi Ganahl appeared relentless in her attacks against the way things are. As a mother of four children, Heidi Ganahl feels strongly for the young people who have lost their adolescents to the drug –fentanyl. With Colorado having some of the worst/highest rates of any other states in the country; 16% inflation, 1st in crime, 4th in fentanyl deaths, highest housing costs, only ⅓ of children read at their grade level in schools, Heidi has chosen to take a stand to help Colorado families and businesses. It is this that I respect about her. However, it is not just Heidi’s feistiness and warrior type demeanor that sticks out, but the fact that she sees things the way they are and is not afraid to speak her mind about the truth. She sees events from the perspective of the average Coloradoan. Governor Polis, however, strives to make Colorado a ‘green state,’ and is willing to do whatever he can to achieve his ideal. Heidi wants to increase teachers and their salaries and put our oil workers back to work instead of letting our reserves just sit there. Heidi has also teamed up with Danny Moore as her Lt. Governor who is a successful entrepreneur and Navy Aerospace Advisor. There are many other points of debate between them, but I’ll leave it at that for now. Thanks for reading and as always, Go Rebels!

Letter to the Citizens of Hudson: by Joe Hammock

My name is Joe Hammock, I am running for Mayor of the Town of Hudson. I am not a politician, and I don’t want big city politics for Hudson. My wife and I have lived in Hudson for 23 years; we raised our three children here and our grandchildren are being raised here. I am committed to this community and its success.

As my children were growing up, I coached basketball, vol leyball, and soccer. I was Vice President of the Hawks Athletic Association, which originally organized these sports. When Hudson voted to become a Home Rule Municipality I served on the Board of Commissioners, helping to establish the parameters for Home Rule. I was elected for a position on the Town Council in 2016 and was re-elected in 2020. I am dedicated to this town, its residents, and its businesses. Serving on the Town Council, I recognize how critical it is to listen to council member’s suggestions and opinions, as well as our community suggestions. I feel it is the mayor’s job to listen to residents. It’s not only what I want for Hudson, but also what you as citi zens, want. It’s crucial for our community to share in the decisions for Hudson’s future and growth.

I believe that we need to get back to the basics and concentrate on providing our current community with the resources it needs to flourish. This includes focusing on improving our present water conditions. We need to ensure our current residents have quality water for their families. The “Band-Aids” currently being used to obtain drinkable water need removed and we need to find a workable solution to eliminate water waste. Once this is accomplished, we can take the necessary steps to move Hudson into the future with suf ficient water supply for controlled growth.

As Mayor I will focus on supporting our current businesses, while making our commu nity a desirable location for new business development. Our community needs economic sustainability. As a community we can develop strategies that support controlled longterm economic growth without negatively impacting Hudson’s history and culture.

Support for our police and fire departments is a top priority, as well as the Town’s con tinued cooperation with our Neighborhood Watch Program. We must be able to provide a safe environment for our children and community.

Finally, but very close to my heart, is to nurture our community’s young people, provid ing them with recreation options and a supportive environment. It is my goal to promote more community events and revitalize the Town’s public spaces.

My hope is that these objectives will promote a healthy, prosperous, and appealing en vironment for our community. In doing so this will give us the base we need for controlled growth and expansion. I love this community and I am willing to work hard to make this town the best it can be.

Joe Hammock for Mayor

Letter to the Citizens of Hudson: by Matt Cole

Hello, I am Matt Cole and I am running for Hudson Town Council. I am a native Coloradoan and have lived in Hudson since 2005. I was on the Town Board/Council from 2010 to 2018 and also planning commission from about 2010 to present. I believe in small government and individual property rights. There are issues that Hudson needs top deal with such as growth and water., but the Town also needs to take care of the things we already have and finish projects it has started before starting new ones. Over the last four year the former town manager/ administration along with some of the Town Council failed on several issues including standing up for the people/town that they serve. Some of these issues have been taking care of but there is still work to be done. That is why I decided to run again for town council. I will stand up for the people of Hudson

Letter to the Citizens of Hudson: by Dan Warren

Dan Warren is a candidate for Hudson Mayor. Mr. Warren is a combat veteran of the United States Marines Corps, a husband and a resident of the Town of Hudson.

After graduating high school Dan served in the United States Marines as a member of an anti-tank assault team in the Marine infantry. Her completed two combat tours in Iraq: one as part of the initial invasion and a second in late 2004. Shortly before the end of active duty service, Fan met his wife Trisha. They will have been married for sixteen years this November. Dan and his wife live in Hudson with their four dogs. Dan’s father and uncle moved to Hudson in 1994, “when the town still had dirt roads”. Dan spent his summers and most of his military leave here in Hudson.

After the Marine Corps Dan worked as a CSDL driver and became a field service supervisor, overseeing shipping operations for DHL. During the economic turndown in 2008, Dan was forced to change career paths. Dan then pursued an auto industry job. He went to tech school, graduated and then worked as a Ford diesel mechanic. He worked very hard and eventually became a Porsche, Ferrari and Bentley technician. He left the auto industry after fifteen years to pursue another career path. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, graduating in the top 5% of his class. He now works for an autonomous vehicle company based out of Golden.

To this day Dan still works on his own cars in his garage. Dan’s focus as Mayor has three main areas.: Water, Economic Development and a ten to fifteen year growth plan. He has many concerns when it comes to water. He would like to find solutions for the following: How do we keep our drinking water clean and use it more effectively while lowering cost ?” Second is when it comes to drinking water, the town has only one source ”what do we do when that source is no longer available or is all bought up by other entities?” Dan’s second area of focus is economic development.

Hudson has continued to lose businesses time and time again; this is a problem. “How do we attract new business to town and make sure the ones we have prosper?” Lastly, a concern right up there with water, is having a solid plan for the future. The towns around Hudson are growing three times faster. Hudson may not want to grow that fast and we want to be sure we do not out grow our water supply as well as other services. “Hudson needs a plan to create the space we need to grow in the future. This will protect us from being enclosed and allow us to grow at a rate that keeps Hudson, Hudson”.

“My intention as Mayor is to drive towards solutions to these issues and to better set the town up for success over the next ten to fifteen years, we need to both solve the issues we have now and plan ahead for the future.”

Birth Announcement:

Landry James Nighswonger, the son of Jess and Brook Nighswonger, was born on September 25, 2022. He arrived at 10:12pm at Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton, Colorado. Landry is the second child of the Nighswongers and weighed 8 pounds 4 ounces and was 20 inches long. He was welcomed home by big brother Staton and all are doing well. We are thankful the Lord provided us with a healthy baby boy and safe delivery.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO VOTE!

Pancake Breakfast, Craft Show, and Other Activities to send Youth to National Conference

Four youths and a sponsor from Brush will be attending the 2023 Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) in July in Tampa Bay, Florida. According to the website, NYC is a powerful youth event that takes place every four years and provides an opportunity for high school students from the USA and Canada to be united in a time of worship, teaching, and community service. During the four days of the conference, the youth will minister to others through community service projects that impact the host city. After Hurricane Ian, there will be plenty of projects for the youth to work on. The conference will include sessions featuring motivating speakers, creative artists, and live concerts from top Christian recording artists.

In order to raise funds to send the local youth, the Brush Church of the Nazarene is having a Fall Festival on Saturday, November 5. The festival will include a pancake breakfast, craft fair, bake sale, and children’s activities. There will be a jumping house, miniature golf, and a petting zoo. The family event will take place at the new Brush Church of the Nazarene located at 26150 Hwy. 34 just west of Brush.

The festival will begin with a pancake breakfast from 7:00-9:00 followed by a craft show featuring the crafts of local people starting at 10:00 am. Concessions will be sold at lunch time and a bake sale will be held by Church members. The activities will last until 2:00 pm and will provide plenty of entertainment for the entire family. For more information, email bbrbusinesscoaching@gmail.com.

--More information contact: Merle Rhoades

970-380-2076

Activities Abound at Library

OCT. 20-22

Early starts to Halloween and tea making on tap

The Fort Morgan Library and Museum has a packed schedule of fun activities slated for Oct. 20-22, including some that will give you a jump on Halloween fun.

Art Walk Let’s Go Build Halloween Challenge

Come to the museum lower gallery during the Fort Morgan Art Walk on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 4 to 6:45 p.m. for a special Halloween-themed program.

Look at some examples of Halloween Lego builds and try them out for yourself! Make a skull, witch, jack-o-lantern, monster or whatever Halloween build you want. We provide the Legos; you do the rest.

This program is free to the public and does not require registration. For more information, contact Kathleen Byrne at (970) 542-4014 or kathleen.byrne@ cityoffortmorgan.com.

Teen Night Out Pumpkin Carving and Ghost Stories

Meet us at the library on Friday, Oct. 21, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. for our next Teen Night Out with ghost stories and pumpkin carving in the spirit of Halloween.

Carve out time for some spooky fun! Will you be haunted by our ghost stories? Appropriate costumes are welcome but not mandatory. Registration is required, and space is limited so act fast! Snacks and drinks included with registration.

For more information and to register, contact Angie Hoke at (970) 542-4014 or Angela.hoke@cityoffortmorgan.com.

Tea Making Returns

Back by popular demand, Tea Making at the Fort Morgan Library and Museum! Join us Saturday, Oct. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Howard Rollin Memorial Community Room for a chance to mix and blend your own teas.

We will provide the raw ingredients. You provide the creativity and ingenuity! Beat the cold and boost your immune system with your very own tea blends. Tearelated snacks and drinks will be provided.

Due to limited ingredients, this program requires registration. For more information and to register, contact library and museum educator Kathleen Byrne at (970) 542-4014 or kathleen.byrne@cityoffortmorgan.com.

The IRS Dirty Dozen

For the last several years, the IRS has issued a list of “Dirty Dozen” tax scams. Below are a couple recently released from 2019.

Promises of Inflated Refunds

Unethical tax return preparers promise taxpayers inflated tax refunds. Often, it’s the elderly and low income taxpayers, with no obligation to file, who are targeted by these scam artists. The IRS suggests that people should be wary of preparers who promise larger refunds than competitors or larger refunds than they are used to seeing. Some taxpayers never even see these refunds. Also part of this scam is falsely filing returns claiming no wages or ‘correcting’ a Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement or Form 1099 to show zero income.

Phone Scams

This continues to be a problem. The IRS warned, “Aggressive criminals pose as IRS agents in the hopes of stealing money or personal information.” These phone calls often involve hostile scammers ordering immediate payment and making threats against the person. The IRS will never collect money over the phone.

Contact me at: larry@larryfrenchaccounting.com

The Future of Agriculture Communication

by Madison Richmann

Communication is one of the most predominant skills in our world today. Agriculture is one chief industry in our world, however communicating to the consumer, and the world outside of our industry, is complicated. Agricultural communication is the communication between consumer, producer, agribusiness, policy makers, and academics; and is any written or spoken communication now, in the past, and in the future. The history of agriculture communications is what shaped today’s and today’s communication will shape the future imparting of agriculture. Imparting and presenting accurate and informative information to those who are not educated and are not familiar with the ways of agriculture is a challenge.

There are plenty of sources that are misleading and biased. For example, “Food Babe,” has become an award winning author and affiliate marketer for denouncing the food industry and agriculture. She started out with a blog that was full of misinformation about our food. She has grown into a social media sensation with 1.2 million followers on her Instagram account alone. The “Food Babe” is not the only one presenting false information about GMO’s, food security, and agriculture as a whole. Consumers have grown to have a negative perception on agriculture because of the negative deceptions found everywhere. Agriculture provides for the world, and it is time for us to start providing opportunities and support for agriculture, and this starts with communicating and educating consumers with veracity.

As producers and experienced, first hand agricultural workers, we are the ones responsible to educate and communicate so that the information getting out there is truthful. Right now, there are plenty of people, such as the “Food Babe,” who are communicating, but without experience and pedagogy. If we continue to allow uneducated and disrespectful people to speak for our industry, then we are not going to gain the support that we want and need. We know the validity, and need to be cultivating the rest of the world so that we can gain support, and knowledge around the agriculture industry. Agriculture education should go farther than an elective curriculum, everyone needs to understand where our food comes from, and how agriculture helps to make the world go round. Agriculture as an industry is dwindling because of the lack of abutment, but with proper communication, the general public would gain knowledge and understanding of the industry and see how important agriculture is to our world.

To be an effective agricultural communicator, we must have the knowledge to teach, and the respect to listen, understand, and disagree respectfully. There will only be more negative views on agriculture if the communication is negative, inconsiderate, and disrespectful. It is important to educate the public on these topics without pointing fingers and being impudent. The most important thing to remember as we communicate in our agriculture world, and to the outside general public, is respect because our world is missing some respect sometimes and agriculture needs all the help we can get at gaining popularity and support from the world. We need interpersonal and leadership skills as well. Agriculture leadership is important because we need to help our communities for our farmers and ranchers. We have the knowledge to communicate, but we must also be considerate.

New technology has created a one of a kind future for communication; in the agricultural industry, and in the entire world. New social media platforms, more news resources, and more ways to communicate more efficiently and quickly are all around us, we just need to properly take advantage of these things. The future of communication in agriculture could be great if the right people start to utilize their resources and are committed to changing some of the negative views around the agriculture industry. With respect, we must educate with our own knowledge to create a successful future for agriculture and ag communication.

Fort Morgan Football Wins Easily Over Lincoln, 49-6

The Fort Morgan Mustangs hosted the Lincoln Lancers (Denver) on October 7, winning 49-6. The Mustangs jumped out early, leading 28-0 after the first quarter, maintaining that score through the half. The Lancers scored their TD in the third. The Mustangs countered with one in the third and two in the fourth.

The win brought Fort Morgan’s record to 2-4 and dropped Lincoln’s to 3-3. Fort Morgan plays next on Oct 20 against Holy Family in Broomfield. Lincoln plays Oct 14 against Lutheran at home, then on Oct 21 versus Kennedy in Denver.

Charlie Langford caught two passes and broke up this one intended for TJ Martinez of Lincoln. October 7 at Fort Morgan.

David Keller led Fort Morgan with 125 yards rushing and two touchdowns. October 7 at Fort Morgan.

This cannon is fired by its builder, Gary Kliewer, after each Fort Morgan score. October 7 at Fort Morgan.

Angel Lopez rushed for 74 yards and caught this 42 yard touchdown pass for Fort Morgan. October 7 at Fort Morgan.

Obituaries -

Frances Elizabeth Peggram

Frances Elizabeth Peggram was born on August 28, 1929 in Sundown, Texas, and went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 28, 2022, in Greeley, Co.

Many know Frances as their teacher. She had a long career as a teacher of various subjects in Wellington, Texas; Haswell, Westcliffe and Wiggins, Colorado. She also directed plays and was the teacher/editor of the school yearbooks and newspapers. Frances helped many people through ESL classes while tutoring children and adults alike. She was also a rancher and farmer’s wife at Westcliffe, and Wiggins, Colorado. Frances enjoyed going to sports, music, and dramatic arts events of her grandchildren.

After graduating from West Texas State College in Canyon, Texas, Frances married B.J. Peggram in 1950 in Canyon, Texas. They lived their lives serving the Lord, teaching school, and farming and ranching. After Billy Joe’s death, Frances married Roy Dee Brown; they were married for nine years until Roy’s death in 2019.

Frances was a member of the Summit Baptist Church in Wiggins and an avid lover of her Lord, and she served him alongside her husband B.J. Peggram as Colorado Southern Baptist church planters in Kim, Haswell, Westcliffe, Colorado. They were also members of the Colorado Campers on Mission.

She is survived by her children: Linda (Rodney) Epple of Wiggins, Co; Bill (Karen) Peggram of Hixson, Tenn; Tim (Eileen) Peggram of Wiggins, Co; and Joseph Peggram of Woodstock, Ga. Surviving grandchildren are Chad Epple (Kim) of Woodinville, Washington; Luke Epple (Erin) of Wiggins, Colorado; Tara Schadegg (Brian) of Skiatook, Oklahoma; Kent (Jennifer) Peggram of Hixson, Tenn, Kyle (Aaron) Peggram of Hixson, Tenn, Jon Peggram (Mandy) of Wiggins, Colorado; Jennifer Neal (Daniel) of Wiggins, Colorado; Jason (Shantelle) Peggram of Greeley, Colorado; Joel Peggram & Justin Peggram of Ft. Collins, Colorado. Frances is also survived by seventeen great grandchildren.

Frances is preceeded in death by her husband B.J. Peggram, her son Matthew Roy Peggram, and her late husband Roy Dee Brown.

Pastor Jeff Paschall will be officiating the service. Pallbearers will be: Chad and Luke Epple, Jon, Jason, Joel, Justin Peggram, and Kyle Peggram. Honorary pallbearers will be Jennifer and Daniel Neal, Brian and Tara Schadegg.

Services will be Friday, October 7, at the Summit Baptist Church, 401 E. 2nd Ave., Wiggins, Colorado. Viewing for family and friends will be at 9:00 in the south foyer of the church. 401 E. 2nd Ave, Wiggins, Co. 80654. Burial will be at the Hoyt Cemetery, Hoyt, Colorado.

Memorial gifts can be given to Summit Baptist Church, 401 E. 2nd St., Wiggins, Colorado.

Patricia Ann Tanko

Patricia ‘Patty” attended St. Catherine’s grade school, Holy Family High School and Loretta Heights College. Retired teacher from DPS where she taught for over 30 years. In 1998 she became the Director of AEC and retired in 2005 from RE3-J School District in Keenesburg. Preceded in death by Francis Tanko (father), Agnes Tanko (mother), Darlene Fabiano ( sister), Father John Grabian (cousin(. Survived by her husband, Charles Dunning, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives., friends and the numerous whose lives were enriched by her. Services will be held at St. Marks Church, 3141 West 96th Avenue, Westminster, Colorado on Friday October 21st, 2022 at 10:30 am.

Meirs ( Dunning)

Brush Beetdigger Volleyball is Better Than Their Record Suggests

The way scoring is done in volleyball tends to exaggerate the differences in competitiveness. A 25-23 game counts the same in set outcomes (1-0) as a 25-12 game (or a 25-0 game, for that matter). Which means that game scores of 25-20, 25-20, 2520 count as a match outcome of 3 sets to 0, not something akin to a ratio of 75 to 60.

Take the 2022-23 Brush Beetdiggers as a specific example. Their win-loss record is 1-14 through October 4. They’d won 3 sets and lost 42. But, is Brush winning 3 sets out of 45 (= 7%) generally representative of the closeness of play? No. Brush had scored 713 points in those 45 sets to their opponents’ 1083. That’s two points for every three by their opponents. Or, 66% of their opponents’ total points, not 7%.

Furthermore, looking at the closer sets, had Brush scored 155 more points (an extra 21%) in twenty of those sets (admittedly very specifically chosen), their set record would be 23-22, rather than 3-42.

Alternatively, focus on close matches. Brush and opponents have combined to score 1,796 points. If just 46 points had gone Brush’s way instead of for their opponents then Brush’s record would be 7-8 instead of 1-14.

These arbitrary scenarios still have Brush being outscored (868-1083 and 759-1037, respectively). However, they do illustrate how unrepresentative of competitiveness the match win/loss records (and even the sets won/lost) can be in volleyball.

The University HIgh School Bulldogs (Greeley) defeated the Brush Beetdiggers in three sets (25-6,25-15, 25-13) at Brush on October 5, 2022. This brings Brush’s record to 1-15 and University’s to 11-5.

Rebels Youth Athletics

Rebels Youth Athletics is a non-profit youth sports organization that serves the Re3j school district. Our mission is to provide youth sports to the surrounding communities at a reasonable cost: Lochbuie, Hudson, Keenesburg, Roggen, and Prospect. We try our best to keep sports costs low and are completely volunteer based.

We are always seeking new community members to join us and we cannot continue without the support of the community and volunteers like you! Our board consists of 4 officers-President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer as well as several sports chairs and community members. We welcome everyone willing and wanting to help us run youth sports and keep this program going. If we don’t have enough help, we will have to cancel the sports we do offer. If you are interested or you know anyone that may be interested, please email us at contact@rebelsyouthathletics.com. Commitment requirements vary and we are happy to share any information with you! You can also visit our website at www.rebelsyouthathletics.com for more information.

We offer an array of sports including: Soccer grades PreK to 6th grade with seasons in the fall and spring. Volleyball grades PreK to 8th grade with seasons in the fall and spring. Basketball PreK to 8th-grade fall/winter seasons run from October-March, Softball, and Baseball.

We also have money set aside for hardships and sponsorships for families that need it. The process to apply is very simple and easy to access on the website. We welcome all children and we never want someone to not play because of financial hardships so please inquire by emailing us at contact@rebelsyouthathletics.com.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering and openings within the or ganization please join us at our next meeting to be held at the Weld Central High School November 9, 2022 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium. We look forward to seeing you!

The RYA Volleyball season is winding down. It was a great season for the ladies that played. We are currently in the NECO league and play in North Eastern Colorado loca tions with the Wiggins, Ft. Morgan, Brush and Merino communities. We had 2 teams for each age division 3rd/4th and 5th/6th. They will be competing in the end of the season tournament October 22-23, 2022 at the Ft. Morgan Middle School and High School! Go Rebels! Basketball is the next sport opening up so be on the look out for that! If you have not already set up an account please do so at www.rebelsyouthathletics.com and be sure to like us on Facebook at Rebels Youth Athletics RYA!

IT IS IMPORTANT TO VOTE!

Baylei Kembel prepares for a kill shot against the University Bulldogs at Brush on October 5, 2022.

Head coach Sarah Albrandt of the Brush Beetdiggers gives instructions to her bench at Brush on October 5, 2022.

Natalie Moore of the University Bulldogs attempts a kill shot against Brush Beetdigger Kiley Dulaney at Brush on October 5, 2022.

The University Bulldogs celebrate a point in their win at Brush on October 5, 2022.

The 5th/6th Grade Brassington team on the court ready to bump, set, spike it! Back row Taleah Shupman, Payton Loveless, and Mia Kensinger Front row: Breanna Brassington, Zoey Wrobleski, and Addison Stockton.

One of the 3rd/4th grade Rebel Teams-Maci Wiese, Chloe Rosling, Coach Leah Tweedy, Addison Gordon, Sadie Epple, Gloria Morre, Shayne Bell, and Reese Simpson posing pre-game at Ft. Morgan High School!

The Moser 5th/6th grade Rebels team posing in the gym after practice!