The Lost Creek Guide November 2, 2022

The Origins of Veteran’s Day Celebrating America’s Freedom U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Washington, D.C.

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle. Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day,” which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11, then designated Armistice Day. Later, U.S. Representative Edward Rees of Kansas proposed a bill that would change Armistice Day to Veterans Day. In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November 1982. Weeks’ local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated nationwide. On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. The remains from Vietnam were exhumed May 14, 1998, identified as Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, and removed for burial. To honor these men, symbolic of all Americans who gave their lives in all wars, an Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil. A law passed in 1968 changed the national commemoration of Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11 was a date of historic significance to many Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.

Jena Griswold has Betrayed the Trust of Colorado Voters

by Brandon Wark, FreeStateColorado.com

Colorado voters have suffered under Jena Griswold’s tenure as Secretary of State.

The legitimate interests of Colorado voters seem to take second place to Griswold’s personal agenda. Both in 2016 and 2020, concerns were raised by Coloradoans about the legitimacy of major elections And how did Jena Griswold alleviate these concerns?

With hyper-partisan attacks on her political opponents, the press, and Colorado voters. Griswold has not only failed to alleviate voters concerns, but has lowered Coloradoan’s trust in the electoral system. So, how has Griswold betrayed the trust of Colorado voters?

I will be sharing some of her exploits below.

But first, let’s ask, “who is Jena Griswold?”

Griswold’s Background

Griswold has a career in politics, which explains why she seems so detached from the life of the average individual. She worked for Barack Obama’s Organizing for America (OFA), the politically-connected Paul Hastings law firm, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, and John Hickenlooper’s Washington DC office. This explains her support from Blueflower Action, and other DC connected Big Money.

Griswold’s biography on her current website doesn’t give a lot of specifics on her work experience, but an older archived version of her biography reveals some interesting details:

Griswold’s 2019 campaign website says she, “began working on our elections as a voter protection attorney for President Obama.“

For four months during the 2012 election, in a Deputy Director position, lawyer Griswold was tasked with protecting Democratic campaigns for an Obama organization.

Griswold then brought this experience to Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper’s Washington DC office for the State of Colorado, where she served as a Director.

All those years in DC politics, with Hickenlooper, DeGette, and OFA staff, set her up well for her 2018 campaign.

The Colorado Sun reported: In the contest for Secretary of State, Democratic newcomer Jena Griswold has raised more than $1 million, compared with $301,000 for GOP incumbent Wayne Williams. Griswold’s cash is more than both candidates raised in each of the last two secretary of state’s contests.

Democratic outside groups are spending about $609,000 on the race, compared to about $429,000 by GOP groups. Jena Griswold has Betrayed the Trust of Colorado Voters continued on page 14...

Delivering

November 11th is Veteran’s Day Thank a Veteran for His/Her Service!

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.”

Fort Lupton Chamber of Commerce presents Ghoul’s Night Out

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WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

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over 17,000 homes & businesses including all of Fort Lupton and Lochbuie.

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

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

Sponsored by the Bank of Colorado Pictures by Mariann Johnston

1st Place The Spice Girls

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Way of the World

by Bob Grand

A week left until election day. Please make sure you vote. It is important and it does count. Just think if we took all the crazy ad money and put it to use helping people who really need it? My what a thought.

We are going to see a tipping point in this election. Oxford Language defines tipping point “as the point at which a small changes or incidents become significant enough to cause larger more important change.” By the time the election is over the Democrats, I think, will learn that enough people voted for Joe Biden and Jared Polis, et al, not because they agreed with their policies but because they voted against Donald Trump. Joe O’Dea may find out that Donald Trump’s non endorsement may have been the best thing that happened to him. On the other side of the coin the old guard Republicans will learn that they cannot win, without the support of the unaffiliated voters. The tent really does have to be bigger! Should all understand something clearly at last, the answer is yes, but will they?

Hopefully, the voters will be the ones who are the real winners. Our government policies and resources should be focused on solving our immediate, in your face issues, like public safety, border security, runaway inflation, poor educational results etc., etc. The public will expect results. We need to focus on making life better for all our people. The question is will the Republicans, assuming they do as well as they think they will, despite the political poles which are only now beginning to reflect the magnitude of the red wave, deliver? Only time will tell. Hopefully, they function as adults and do not do what the Democrats at the national and state level in Colorado did which was jam their policies down our throats. Time will tell.

We have seen runaway cost of government at the local, county, state, and national levels. Driven by the growth in the number of government jobs as well as the inflationary salary cost of those employees. We watch as the federal reserve continues to drive interest rates up to reduce the runaway inflation, we all face. The results of that effort, unfortunately, mean that we will be facing growing unemployment. We have not felt the impact of that yet, but it is coming. Watch the housing market as that is beginning to turn. The same can be said at the national level. There is no free money. As interest rates go up the cost of borrowing money by the federal government goes up. Where do you think the money that the Federal government has been dolling out comes from? Much from taxes but a lot from borrowing. It is like watching someone with a no limit credit card. Eventually the bill comes due. How do you instruct a person who does not manage their money to do better? First thing is do not vote for them.

Our elected officials after next week will have some tough decisions to make. Many will be unpopular with people who are used to getting “free money” from the government. We all hope they will have the courage to do what is needed for the longterm benefit of the country as well as for us, our kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

The basic functions of government at the Federal level are defined in our constitution. Over the years the bureaucracy approved by the politicians has added an ever-growing list of things. Being a parent is difficult. You are the deciding force in your children’s life and that covers everything! You cannot make it if all you can do is teach your child how to play catch or ride a horse. Life requires a while lot more. You do the best you can, you are not perfect, but you try. No one ever asks our experts in Washington what does the big picture look like? They would not know what to say. Now that does not stop them from expecting great salaries and benefits for what most have is no responsibility or accountability for results. Our founding fathers were worried about big government and tried to limit it. The politicians, of both parties, have allowed that bureaucracy to grow at our expense in many ways. Think about that when you vote. And please vote. Our country needs you to cast your ballot at all levels.

As always, your thoughts and comments are always appreciated. Thanks again to all of you who have contacted us. publisher@lostcreekguide.com

Keenesburg Mayor & Trustee Candidate Second Meet & Greet at the 1st Baptist Church of Keenesburg

Hosted by The Lost Creek Guide

by Bob Grand

The Lost Creek Guide hosted the second Meet & Greet for town candidates in the upcoming election. Attending were mayoral candidates Ken Gfeller and Aron Lam, and trustee candidates: Cindy Baumgartner, Leroy Blackston, Jarod Frazier, Bob Grand, Tim Knudson and , Wilber Wafel. Also In attendance were a 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 over an hour of question back and forth among the candidates and citizens. Mostly reasonable discussion. It broke down to consideration of supporting incumbents and their existing, historical, policies on growth & development, water and sewer rates or the new folks who wanted better representation for the citizens. It was again 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. One can assume that the Town priorities have been growth, increasing staff and the associated salaries, legacy projects and building the town’s cash position. Reading Mayor Ken Gfeller’s letter and Mayor pro tem, Wilbur Wafel, in this issue (see page 3 and 4) there is no mention of addressing the cost of government and what that means to the tax payer.

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. It was again clear from the Mayor’s statements that the Town Administrator and staff have a great deal of input in town decisions. The question is who represents the people and their needs or desires on what the town’s direction should be? Certainly, the town surveys comments on growth were not followed.

I believe that both Ken Gfeller and Wilber Wafel are sincere in their beliefs. But you have to ask if you surround yourself with people who reinforce what you want to hear are you really representing the people or the interests of those who cater to you?

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 uncontrolled growth or building cash reserves, but what makes Keenesburg a better place to live, not necessarily meaning bigger.

There was again a discussion on getting people involved. The lone elected official present again stating the fact that citizen’s just do not participate. Well, if you have been to a town meeting and you share your thoughts and are then ignored it is not encouraging to continue participation. A small point but I think telling. If you go to a town meeting, you sit in the audience facing the backs the town administration folks who directly face the Mayor and the Trustees. . Clearly you are being told you are a spectator not a participant.

This election is not about personalities. It is about the quality of representation the citizens of Keenesburg receive from their elected officials. There are many of us who feel we deserve better than we have been receiving.

Please vote in the upcoming election and vote for the people who you believe will best represent the interests of you and your family.

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 Keenesburg:

by Ken Gfeller

Growth and development cannot be avoided. The Town Board and Planning Commission has worked hard to ensure the new design standards were put in place and they met the values and feel of small-town America. With the direction of the Town Board the staff has overseen housing development, commercial development and creating our own home-based police department. We also have completed a traffic study which helps to set impact fees for development. We are finalizing the comprehensive plan which has involved resident participation. I am proud of the work I have accomplished as Mayor for the town of Keenesburg. Many Colorado towns thought they would stop growth by not taking charge of the inevitable expansion of humankind. The result for all was neighboring towns annexed right up to their borders and did all the development for them leaving them without any input toward those projects. As of Aug. 24th, 2022, our certification of valuation by Weld County Assessor shows a current year’s net total is $126,763,750.00 compared to 2018’s valuation at $982,230.00 we are showing positive growth. Keenesburg is in better financial shape right now than it has ever been. We do have a choice to stay positive and stay focused to accomplish a better future. I am committed to continuing to keep Keenesburg safe by providing thoughtful and well-planned direction. Vote for Kenneth L Gfeller for mayor Nov. 8th, 2022. Thank you all for your continued support.

http://keenesburgtruthntransparency.org/

Ken Gfeller

Step

CO

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 Marine Corps, a Husband, a resident of the Town of Hudson, and currently serves as Mayor-ProTem and on the planning commission. After graduating High school Dan served in the United States Marines as an anti-tank assaultman in the Marine Infantry. Dan completed 2 combat tours to Iraq: one as part of the initial invasion and a second in late 2004. Shortly before the end of active-duty service, Dan met his wife Trisha, they have been married for 16yrs this November.

Dan and his wife, Trisha live in Hudson with their 4 dogs. Dan’s father and uncle moved to Hudson in 1994 “when the town still had dirt roads” Dan spent summers and most of his military leave here in Hudson.

After the Marine corps Dan worked as CDL driver and became a Field service supervisor overseeing shipping operations for DHL. During the economic down turn in 2008 Dan was forced to change career paths. Dan then pursued an automotive industry job. Dan went to tech school, graduated, and then worked as a Ford diesel Mechanic. Dan worked very hard, eventually becoming a Porsche, Ferrari, and Bentley Technician. Dan left the auto industry after 15yrs to pursue a new career path. Dan obtained His bachelor’s degree from

Arizona State university graduating in the top 5% of his class. Dan now works for an autonomous vehicle company based out of Golden Colorado. 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 10-15yr growth plan. Dan 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 costs.” Second is when it comes to drinking water, the town only has 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 time faster. Hudson may not want to grow that fast and we want to be sure we don’t out grow our water supply as well as other services. “Hudson needs a plan to create the space we will 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 10-15 years, we need to both solve the issues we have now and plan ahead for the future”

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.

VOTE ! IT IS IMPORTANT AND IT DOES COUNT!

180 Annual Chili Cook-Off Event

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 the Citizen’s of Keenesburg:

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.

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.

To the Citizens of Weld County:

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!

Leroyblackston8@gmail.com

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.

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 Keenesburg:

by Wilbur Wafel

I am Wilbur Wafel and I am running for re-election to the position of Town Board Trustee for the town of Keenesburg, Co.

My wife Mary and I have lived in the wonderful town Keenesburg for 51 years and raised two boys in our town. They both Graduated from Weld Central High School Re3J School District.

It is election time for the town Trustee and Mayor Positions. The town is facing issues which many towns face at various times throughout their existence. Growth and Water are the two big issues facing Keenesburg at this time.

Keenesburg is in a unique location, we are on the cutting east edge of the 1-76 Growth corridor with I-76 Bisecting the town. With our location there will always be developers offering development projects to the town. There has been growth in Keenesburg since the 70s. There were and will always be debates about growth. I think the way growth is handled and what type of growth is the main issue. In the past and present the town has worked to get commercial, industrial, and residential growth when the opportunities have been presented, the projects do not always work out. The offers are sometimes with drawn or not compatible for the town.

Our water supply comes from water wells. The water sources are in two water aquifers. The Lost Creek Basin and the Fox Hills Sands Basin. All Water has to be pumped to the surface for Treatment. We have no control over the content and purity of the water from the wells. We have to treat the water to meet the state and federal standards of water quality for community consumption. Our water bills are based on the cost of maintaining the water system. Over the past years the costs have increased but the water rates were not increased to cover the costs, and funds had to be moved from other budget areas to cover the cost. When the rates were increased to cover the costs it was a big increase and not very well accepted.

The town is working to make the community more accessible to open space, walking, and biking trails to be able to enjoy the great outdoors and our parks.

I want to continue to work to make Keenesburg a viable community so the citizens can be proud of Keenesburg and want to become active participants.

Be sure to register to vote.

I am asking all voters to vote for WILBUR WAFEL for Town Trustee. Thank You

Season’s Last School Visit at the Fort, South Valley Platte Historical Society

by Jackie Smith, Pictures by Kim Thomsen

On Oct. 7, forty-nine children and thirteen teachers / parents from the Cottonwood Plains Elementary School in Ft. Collins descended on the South Platte Valley Historical Park in Ft. Lupton. Their assignment was to learn about life in the 1800’s. It is the society’s mission to preserve the history of the South Platte Valley Fur Trading post. Its members are dedicated to its education and provide a living interpretation for its visitors. That day’s activities were organized by Bernie Kendall and Mike Willis, and it was through their efforts that made this tour a success. The day began with, President Lavon and her husband Jerry Watson, dressed in period clothing ringing the bell sending the children to view the individual buildings. The children were enthralled. In the trapper’s cabin built about 1852, docent Ron Martin demonstrated life in the cabin. He spoke about the tools needed to make a living as a trapper. At one point he sets a trap. One little guy covered his ears and kept them covered waiting for the trap to be sprung. When finally, it snapped! The jaws slammed shut and yes, all the children jumped, including the little boy who was preparing for it.

At the Independence School House, a local 1875 one room schoolhouse, donated and brought back to life by the society volunteers and local high school students. Docent Ginny White gave a snapshot of how school would have been taught during the time period. In a new post and beam barn, the societies latest addition to the park, were docents Ron and Jan Brown who gave the history of a Victorian sleigh, the local “branding Iron buggy”, and covered chuck wagon. All restored for the children to view. The Donelson house, built in 1869, was the first frame home in the Brighton area. A local artist Kim Thomsen and Jackie Smith played the characters of Mother, Laura, and her daughter Elizabeth Donelson. Once the children were welcomed into the home, they were asked what was different about this home compared to theirs. The Donelson house was built without electricity, no furnace, no running water, no bathroom, no sinks, and no refrigerator. Upon hearing this, the children decided it was very hard to live on the plains, but it was completely unbearable to live without the microwave.

Although the Park has closed to the public until May, there are special events scheduled. Visit spvhs.org to keep informed of current events or follow us on Facebook. We always welcome inquiries, and volunteers are always needed.

Aims Awarded Colorado Aviation Education Grant

Aims Community College was awarded $50,000 from the Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics. This funding supports the creation of a mobile aviation lab with industry equipment to promote careers in aviation and aerospace among Colorado K-12 students. The project is designed to encourage, empower and educate anyone interested in aviation and aerospace.

by Aims Communications

The state developed the Colorado Aviation Education Grant to increase workforce development and support the expected growth in aviation and aerospace. The funding also looks to foster more diversity in people entering this field. With the establishment of the mobile aviation lab, Aims can conduct outreach to communities that might not have been previously exposed to aviation.

“We will have educational activities within the trailer to emphasize the importance of STEM-based classes and hopefully spark inspiration.” Said Sara Bauermeister, an Aims flight instructor and the President of the Aims Women in Aviation Chapter. “As a female, I was not exposed to aviation and didn’t consider it as an option growing up. We hope to change this and show kids the various paths in aviation and how to pursue them.”

The features of this lab include the following:

• virtual reality flight simulators,

• air traffic control simulation,

• unmanned aircraft simulators,

• drones,

• STEM-related activities.

Aims anticipates this project will be ready to launch in the late spring or early summer of 2023.

Visit aims.co/aviation for more information about Aims Aviation programs.

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. YOUR SOURCE OF POWER. AND INFORMATION.

Happiness Through Horses

Gillian Smith does more than Politics

by Gillian Smith

Every now and then, you wake up and know something good is going to happen. Saturday, October 22nd, the day broke crisp and clear. We knew the day would unfold with a story of hope, inspiration, and joy.

My name is Gillian Smith and I am running for Weld County Council At-Large. You may have read some of my articles in previous editions. Today, however, I want to share about a program near and dear to my heart that has meaningful impact for people of all ages – from participants to volunteers.

Kim Swaney and her husband, Chris bought the ranch down from our place to move Happiness Through Horses (HTH) up to the next level. Their mission is to heal the hearts of struggling youth through bonding with horses. Over the next couple of years, Kim and I grew to know each other, and she offered me opportunities to become involved. Doing chores so she and Chris could get a break, being on the board, and eventually mentoring a young lady in her program one on one. Watching Kim work with children and young adults and seeing the progress they make is inspiring. When asked about what HTH meant to her, Aubrey said, “I’ve found myself more through it, and what I want my future to be”.

Mental wellness is more than a catch phrase for our time. It is something that we need to pay attention to, focus on, and not be lulled into thinking young people will “grow out of it”. Challenges participants face include being bullied at school, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Kim and volunteer mentors work with the participants in the HTH programs to help build confidence and skills for handing life situations. There is a plan to expand programming to include young adults (18-26). The benefit to those who go through the programs is significant. Kim has hosted several young leadership classes, and in 2023 will be doing a Girl’s Leadership Program which HTH recently received a grant to fund.

Abigail Johnson was a participant for several years and shared that “The Happi ness Through Horses program has taught me that you must first respect and be able to lead yourself before you’re able to be seen as respectable or a leader to anyone else, whether that be an animal or a person”. Abby is heading off to college in January 2023 and HTH helped her achieve that goal.

My husband Mike and I hosted the gymkhana fun day on the 22nd for several of Kim’s current program participants. The age range was 12 to 18 with the skill set mostly novice and a couple of intermediate riders. The fun level was 100%. We had five events, a couple they had the basics on, and others were a surprise. Everyone in volved gave it their all. The efforts of volunteers and parents were essential to making this happen. The camaraderie and support the participants expressed for each other was so sincere and uplifting. Each one of them was a winner.

For more information and pictures of the event, please visit my FB page of Smith for Weld. Kim can be reached on FB at Happiness Through Horses. Or, her website, https://happinesshorses.org.

October and November Happenings at Aims Community College

Join us during the Night on the Town open house featuring “Paintings” by Anthony Monaco. Meet the artist, enjoy refreshments, and spend some time enjoying local art on the Loveland Campus.

Nursing Information Sessions

Oct. 25 | noon - 1 p.m. | Allied Health And Sciences Building | Greeley Campus | Nov. 16 | 5 - 6 p.m. | Allied Health And Sciences Building | Greeley Campus Community members and prospective students are invited to come and learn more about the Nursing program at Aims.

Aims Artist Reception Show: “Composite” | Oct. 27 | 4-6 p.m. | Ed Beaty Hall | Greeley Campus

Check out a new art show at the Ed Beaty Hall Gallery featuring artwork by Aims art instructor Matt McHugh. The show, titled “Composite,” includes drawings, etchings and relief prints in black and white. Meet the artist at a special reception.

Halloween Spook-Tacular | Oct. 31 | 4-7 p.m. | Welcome Center Ballroom | Greeley Campus

Aims invites all community members to a safe, fun and free trick-or-treat experience. Not only will there be candy, but also free pizza, games, a showing of the movie Monster House and a picture booth will be available. Participants can join in a costume contest and win prizes. Come enjoy a safe space for a wonderful tradition of trick or treating. contest and win prizes.

Health Program Open House | Nov. 2 | 4 -7 p.m. | Prairie Building |Fort Lupton Campus

Learn about Aims healthcare programs such as Nurse Aide, Emergency Medical Technician, Radiologic Technology, Phlebotomy, Surgical Technology, Nursing, CPR, Workforce Development and more. Find out more about Care Forward Colorado funding and the certificate programs you can attend at no cost. Giveaways and refreshments will be provided. Please sign up at aims.co/HealthcareOpenHouse.

Aims Alumni Guitar Concert | Nov. 9 | 5 p.m. | Ed Beaty Hall Theater | Greeley Campus

Enjoy a free guitar concert featuring the musical talents of Aims alums Landon Peck, Andres Meza and Carlos Marin. They’ll be performing solo guitar performances and ensemble music in various styles. Refreshments will be provided.

Discover Aims Open House | Nov. 19 | Welcome Center Ballroom | Greeley Campus | 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Discover Aims Open House is for non-traditional students, families of students, and community members who want to explore campus and attend info sessions to learn more about what Aims offers and connect with student resources. This is a conference-style event where participants can choose which sessions to attend. Lunch is provided. Registration begins Oct. 12; sign up at aims.co/discoveraims.

For more information about events at Aims Community College, visit events.aims. edu.

A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Why Joe O’Dea Can Beat Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado

There is a real possibility that most Coloradans are going to say “this just isn’t working.” At that point, you will have Sen. Joe O’Dea of Colorado in January. by Newt Gingrich

There is a real possibility Joe O’Dea will be the big surprise winner in Colorado on Nov. 8.

The Colorado race’s parallel may be the 2021 New Jersey State Senate race, in which truck driver Ed Durr Jr. spent $2,300 to defeat former State Senate President Stephen Sweeney.

Sweeney, a Democrat, had won re-election four years earlier with 59 percent of the vote after an exhausting campaign in which the two sides spent $19 million combined.

Durr was an independents truck driver who got mad because New Jersey would not issue him a concealed carry permit (even though he met all the requirements).

With no disrespect intended to Durr, it was clear he did not win because of the muscle of his campaign. In fact, it is likely most of the people who voted for him were not exactly sure who he was. They were sure who the President of the New Jersey Senate was – and they were sure they wanted to throw him out. It became a “not that guy” campaign.

To be clear: O’Dea is a much more substantial figure than Durr was in 2021. O’Dea is the CEO of a construction firm that employs more than 300 Coloradans. He won a spirited GOP primary with 54.5 percent of the vote – even though some Democratic PACs spent money trying to nominate his opponent, who they thought would be easier to beat in the general.

On primary election night, O’Dea said he would represent Colorado and the country, not a political party. “The Colorado Senate race is a referendum on Joe Biden’s policies and Michael Bennet’s rubber stamp,” he said. “I will work with reasonable people on both sides. No political party will control me.” Importantly, O’Dea defined himself as a construction CEO – not a politician or a partisan.

O’Dea is helped by the clear contrast with Bennet. For starters, O’Dea is a fourthgeneration Coloradan, while Bennet, moved to Colorado in 1997 after being born in India and raised in Washington, D.C.

To demonstrate how out-of-touch Bennet is with Colorado, he got a one-day fishing license to film an ad depicting him as outdoorsman. Few Coloradans, an extraordinarily outdoor-focused people, are going to think a one-day fishing license demonstrates a serious commitment to fishing, the outdoors, or conservation. It just made Bennet look like a phony easterner pretending to be a Coloradan.

The challenge for O’Dea is that Joe Biden won Colorado in 2020 with 55 percent to Donald Trump’s 41 percent (the rest went to third-party candidates). Colorado was 9.1 percent more Democrat than the country as a whole in 2020.

O’Dea is straightforward about his goals. He asserts he is running for the Senate to reduce inflation, cut wasteful spending and the debt, to get America refocused on energy independence, and to keep America safe and secure by supporting the police at home and by supporting a strong military and “peace through strength” abroad.

He emphasizes his background: The adopted son of a police officer who left school early to start a successful construction company with his wife. That company, Concrete Express, started out of their basement and now employs more than 300 employees. (By the way, in tough times, he has paid these employees with his own personal credit). O’Dea’s story is the classic American Dream success story. As the CEO of this company, O’Dea has built billions of civil construction projects in Colorado that have improved the lives of people across the state. O’Dea represents hard work, and blue collar Coloradans.

By contrast, Sen. Bennet is the son of a diplomat. He was raised in Chevy Chase, Maryland, went to an elite private school in Washington D.C. (St. Albans School), and then attended Yale Law School. Bennet represents eastern elitists who move to Colorado to play cowboy.

However, O’Dea’s greatest advantage is Bennet’s voting record. Sen. Bennet has voted with President Biden and the national Democrats 98 percent of the time.

This means Bennet owns rampant inflation and the growing recession. He owns rising crime – including in Denver and Boulder – skyrocketing Fentanyl deaths, and the wide-open southern border. Bennett owns continued anger over schools indoctrinating children with weird values and ideas. The list goes on.

There is a real possibility that most Coloradans are going to say “this just isn’t working.” At that point, you will have Sen. O’Dea of Colorado in January.

As Durr has shown, a “not that guy” sentiment can lead to a huge upset.

Aims Community College hosts events designed to create shared experiences and deliver first-hand exposure to programs and campuses. All are welcome to these public events on Aims Community College campuses. by Aims Communications

Loveland Fall Art Show, Featuring Anthony Monaco | Oct. 14 | 5:308:30 p.m. | Loveland Campus

Colorado Housing Prices would have to Drop 32% to Match the “Affordability” of 2015

by Tamara Chuang, The Colorado Sun

Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment recognizes National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week

Weld County – The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) is pleased to recognize National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 23-29, 2022. A joint initiative of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the goal of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week is to empower families and other stakeholders to take action to reduce exposure to lead in children and adults.

About 3.3 million American households, including 2.1 million low-income households, have children under 6 years of age who live in homes with lead exposure hazards. Even relatively low levels of lead exposure can impair a child’s cognitive development. Children with blood lead levels can experience delayed growth and development, damage to the brain and nervous system, learning and behavior problems, and a host of other health-related problems. There is no safe blood lead level in children.

Back in 2015, the median sales price for a house in Colorado was $285,000, according to data from the Colorado Association of Realtors. Between January and September, the median price averaged $575,000.

Housing prices are already much higher now than they were seven years ago, but combine that with today’s higher mortgage interest rates (7.1% for a 30-year fixed loan, as of Friday’s Mortgage News Daily calculation versus just under 4% in 2015) plus consumer incomes that haven’t kept up with inflation or home prices, and 2015 was a pretty sweet year to buy a house, according to the CSU’s Colorado Futures Center.

Getting back to that affordability would require an average 32% drop in housing prices to get the same share of housing stock to a price that is affordable to the median family income. And that housing price adjustment differs by county, with the value at one end needing to drop about 15% in Huerfano County but closer to 60% in Jackson County. Denver was just below the state’s average price decline adjustment of 32%.

Lead can be found inside and outside the home, including in water that travels through lead pipes or in the soil around the house. The most common source of exposure for children, however, is from lead-based paint, which was used in many homes built before 1978. Toys or furniture painted with lead-based paint are other potential sources of exposure. Adults and children also can get lead into their bodies by breathing in lead dust, especially during activities such as renovations, repairs, or painting, by swallowing lead dust that settles in food or on food preparation surfaces, floors, and windowsills, or by eating paint chips or soil that contain lead.

Children are not exposed equally to lead, nor do they suffer its consequences in the same way. Some children are at greater risk for lead exposure than others, including children who live with adults whose jobs or hobbies involve working with lead and minority families and low-income families and their communities.

The problem is largely preventable with increased testing, education, and a focus on prevention. One of the most valuable resources to help residents and housing professionals nationwide is the National Lead Information Center, 1-800-424LEAD. More information may also be found at https://www.weld.gov/go/lead or https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/default.htm.

If housing prices dropped an average of 32% statewide, Colorado’s home prices would be affordable, according to research by the Colorado Futures Center, a nonprofit organization at Colorado State University. But in some counties, home prices would need to drop nearly 60% to get to 2015 levels of affordability. Affordability is determined by looking at incomes, housing prices and interest rates. (Colorado Futures Center)

“As you can see from the report, it would take pretty considerable drops in values in order for us to get to a level of ‘affordability’ that the state enjoyed back in 2015,” said Phyllis Resnick, the center’s lead economist and executive director. “I use that word in air quotes because I don’t think people thought 2015 was a terribly affordable era. But in retrospect, it actually was because interest rates were almost historically low and the runup in prices hadn’t happened yet.”

Affordability is also impacted by limited housing supply, added Jennifer Newcomer, the center’s research director.

“We have stated before that we’re going to need to create a separate environment to basically bring supply at price points that have largely not been catered to for a long time (because) the current market environment is not incentivized to do anything different when it comes to new production,” Newcomer said. “We’ve noodled on this idea of supply to get us out and take us out of the challenge that launched some of the Great Recession, when we had a lot of home builders exit the market entirely.”

Increasing supply could very well provide Coloradans with more attainable housing, but this comes after last decade’s decline in construction workers, slow wage increases and the regulatory environment, though Resnick said the notion of local regulations driving up cost always make her “a little skeptical when one thing is singled out as the only reason.”

“We got into this work five years ago because we were convinced that the construction defects (law), while real, (would not cause) the housing market to correct itself” if removed, Resnick said. “All these components matter. … Labor’s expensive, materials are expensive, the regulatory environment is part of it and there may not be enough land in the condition that you need, coupled with COVID and a real constriction in what came to the market. That’s probably an unsatisfying answer, but we hope to stimulate the right conversations where people recognize that all of these issues are part of it.”

This was the first of a series of housing affordability reports from the organization.

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

SponsoredBy WeldCentralHighSchool FBLA

LOCATED AT THE SE WELD COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 7758 CR 59 KEENESBURG, CO 80643

Support our local vendors and do some holiday shhopping!

Handmade wood items, quilting, T-Shirts, food items, candles, Tupperware and more!!

Also check out Holiday Bazaar at the American Legion Nov. 19th 9:00am to 4:00pm

The median sales price for a house in 2015 was $285,000

Houses and trash bins are seen in Denver’s Sloan Lake neighborhood on July 14, 2022. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)

Valley Craft & Vender Market 2022

How Two Big Denver Suburbs are Approaching the Reality that They’re Running Out of Water

Growth is good. But hold the sod. And have the checkbook handy.

Colorado’s population growth and the swelling stress on state water resources amid climate change and drought are sending Front Range suburbs in a scramble to shore up sustainable supplies.

Castle Rock is banning traditional grass turf in front yards of new homes and offering developers steep fee discounts for water-saving “Coloradoscaping” yards. The Douglas County town that is a center for housing sprawl in Colorado foresees dwindling aquifer resources and ever-higher prices to secure new surface water from the state’s overtaxed mountain river basins.

Arvada, on the opposite corner of the Denver metro area to the northwest, is more than doubling homebuilders’ water and sewer connection fees and sharply raising existing homeowners’ utility rates. The city has so far avoided turf bans or other strong conservation measures on development, while a debate builds on whether the its new $54,000 connection fees are making homes even less affordable.

The two cities’ big moves, combined with Aurora’s recent decision to restrict new lawns and ban new golf courses, reflect the strains on high-growth Colorado cities confronted by higher water prices and dwindling supply, older collection and treatment systems hitting capacity, and everyday inflation. Arvada says it is paying 30% more for water treatment chemicals, and triple for piping, amid worldwide price increases.

median home prices, the rising tap, storm and wastewater fees represent about 10% of the overall price, he noted.

The stress on water resources and homebuyer resources will only worsen. Castle Rock expects to grow from 81,000 people to 140,000 in the next couple of decades. The city wants to cut per capita water use by 18% in the next 10 to 20 years, Marlowe said.

Castle Rock gets its drinking water from a combination of withdrawals from aquifers under Douglas County, which are depleting and can’t continue to be used at current rates, and buying from Denver and Aurora. Water law allows much of Castle Rock’s water to be reused — withdrawals from aquifers and transmountain diversions can be recycled “to depletion.” The town is working on recycling more aquifer water back into the system after it is spread on landscapes and flows back to local creeks.

Restricting water use in new development also helps keep costs lower for existing Castle Rock homeowners, Marlowe said, a key consideration as electric, water and other utility rates soar. On a winter day, Castle Rock uses 4 million to 5 million gallons of water, while summer days peak at 19 million gallons. The city must build out enough infrastructure to handle the peaks, and charge ratepayers for the capacity and upkeep.

“Water is a critical resource here,” Castle Rock Water Director Mark Marlowe said. “These are the things we can do to make that resource go further.”

“We are at capacity, and parts of our system are full in places that we expect that growth is going to pay for itself,” said Sharon Israel, Arvada’s director of utilities. Aurora sent water messages loud and clear over the summer by moving to ban new golf courses and sharply limit the amount of traditional thirsty lawn grass installed in the yards of new homes.

Now comes fast-growing Castle Rock, which Tuesday night was expected to give final passage to a ban on front yard grass in new homes and a limit on backyard grass to 500 square feet. The new rules also demand that developers oversee all water-wise landscaping if they want to qualify for discounts off steep tap fees.

City water agencies are ramping up those tap fees charged to developers to link to local water systems to pay for higher water acquisition and distribution costs amid the historic Western drought. The tap fees have risen so high that homebuilders are arguing — out of self-interest, but also reflecting concerns of town officials — that water fees are a major contributor to the lack of affordable housing on the Front Range.

Castle Rock’s utility system fees for a newly built single-family home in 2023 will be $42,097, up from $37,067 this year. Developers who agree to oversee landscape installation themselves using certified conservation contractors can trim more than $16,000 from that total under the new rules, officials said.

Arvada’s vote Monday night boosted charges for water, sewer and stormwater connections that it calls “system development fees” to $54,000, more than double the previous $25,000 fee, according to city officials and the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver.

Builders know water conservation is crucial now more than ever, and agree with the gist of the Aurora and Castle Rock initiatives, HBA’s Morgan Cullen said. They did seek concessions, not wanting to be responsible for overseeing all the landscaping.

But the rapid increase in new home tap fees, in Arvada and to a lesser extent in places like Castle Rock, is exacerbating crushing affordability problems for new buyers, Cullen said. “Water is getting prohibitively expensive,” he said. At current

Tennis courts and amenities surround Montaine, a resort-style neighborhood of luxury homes, in Castle Rock. Turf restrictions were not in effect when these portions of Montaine were built, but landscape designs use water-saving plants and limit grass lawns. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)

Avoiding new infrastructure through keeping the summer peaks lower “will help on rates” over the long term, Marlowe said.

Castle Rock calls its alternative home landscaping models “Coloradoscaping,” and Marlowe said such water-saving designs will be part of many new developments up and down the Front Range. “We certainly think it’s a good thing for the state as a whole,” he said.

Arvada’s steep increases to both development fees and rates for existing water and sewer users will shore up existing systems and allow growth that supports future city budgets, council members said in approving the increases unanimously Monday night.

“Development has to pay its own way,” Arvada Mayor and Councilmember Marc Williams said. “We’re not going to do it on the backs of existing ratepayers. Yes, we recognize this is going to have an impact on housing costs.” Like other council members, Williams said Arvada now needs to redouble efforts on both utility support programs for lower-income customers, and creating more affordable housing units.

“We invite all of you to work with us on that,” Councilmember Lauren Simpson told developers and community members in the audience.

“As much as I hate to do it, it’s a necessary evil. I hope this doesn’t deter development in our community,” Councilmember David Jones said.

Developers speaking at Monday night’s public hearing said the connection fees were high, but praised the council for agreeing to delay higher payments until July 2023 to allow them to line up permits and financing before the new fees take effect.

“I hope that with the modification, developers will still see Arvada as a great place to be,” Jones said.

Arvada purchases most of its water from Denver Water. The Jefferson County community is paying for one-sixth of the controversial expansion of Denver Water’s Gross Reservoir Dam in Boulder County, and will receive one-sixth of the new water supply from that, Israel said.

The city and consultants spent the past three years studying water supply and capacity for water treatment, stormwater and sewage, Israel said. Council members mentioned their tours of the aging sewage treatment facilities reaching their limits, and having helped neighbors shovel sewage out of basements after the 2013 floods on the northern Front Range.

Denver Water, meanwhile, is raising its raw water charges to Arvada by 15%, Israel said. Every stage of utility handling is undergoing massive inflation, from water cleaning chemicals to pipelines to fuel and equipment. Arvada needs to issue $100 million in bonds for its water and sewage utility systems, and interest rates on that new borrowing will be far higher than the rates contemplated three years ago.

At the same time the new development fees were passed, the council approved a 12.3% increase in existing water rates and a 9.8% boost to sewage rates. Both systems will also charge higher fixed monthly service fees.

“So all of that together we estimate it would be about $9 more a month for a typical single-family residence,” Israel said. “We are still in the bottom third of the metro area in terms of fees for water and sewer services. So it sounds like a big jump, but it’s a big jump on a relatively smaller number.”

Israel acknowledged Arvada has not made the same push that Castle Rock and Aurora have made to reduce thirsty grass lawns. Landscape watering typically makes up about 50% of municipal water use in arid states that are thick with traditional turf grass. Arvada customers have access to consultation on creating a more water-wise landscape, she said, and the city is gradually installing smart water meters in homes that alert customers to leaks and their overall use.

“We haven’t gone the same route as some other communities,” she said.

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

Fast-growing Castle Rock starts with a turf ban, while Arvada doubles connection fees. Water prices are now part of the affordable housing equation.

by Michael Booth, Colorado Sun

New homes are seen under construction near the Montaine community on Oct. 17, 2022, in Castle Rock. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)

New homes are seen under construction near the Montaine community Oct. 17, 2022, in Castle Rock. (Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)

Wagoneers 4-H Club Annual Trick or Treat Street at Weld Middle School

Pick a Pattern Pumpkin Art at Hard Bean Café in Fort Lupton

By Kim Thomsen

2022 4th Annual Sheree’s Seniors

Griswold must be pleasing the right people, because she has raised nearly $4 million for her 2022 re-election campaign.

Griswold doesn’t seem to take kindly to criticism.

Eric Sondermann, a regular reporter for Colorado Politics and The Gazette, was kicked out of an event that Griswold’s campaign was hosting after writing an article critical of her.

Griswold’s anti-press attitude may have contributed to the left-leaning Denver Post’s endorsement of her opponent!

The Denver Pest admitted that “Colorado deserves better,” and that Griswold “is completely dismissive of ours, and anyone else’s valid questions and concerns about election integrity.”

Now that we’ve explored some of Griswold’s background, let’s see how she used her position as Colorado Secretary of State.

The 2020 “#PressPause”

Leading up the contentious 2020 Presidential election, many voters were worried about the potential for election night irregularities.

Remember, most of the country was going to use mail-in ballots for the first time, and Covid restrictions were still in place.

So what did Griswold do to assure Colorado voters the election was going to be conducted fairly and accurately?

Griswold asked Colorado’s news media to NOT report results on election night!

What could be more suspicious and insulting to voters than a politician telling journalists to not report?!

This is CBS News! Not the Babylon Bee!

Griswold’s bizarre request to the press caused many people to wonder who she was actually working for.

Soros Money

As previously noted, Griswold’s campaigns have received Big Money, and this includes George Soros connected money.

The son and daughter-in-law of billionaire social justice advocate George Soros supported Griswold with thousands over the past two election cycles.

This includes a $10,000 contribution to Blueflower Action.

Soros Donations to Griswold and Griswold supporting Blueflower Action – Source: TRACER

Blueflower Action spent $200,000 on TV ads supporting Griswold’s campaign in 2018 – Source: TRACER

Federalizing Colorado’s Elections & Attacking Third Parties

When Democrats took over the US Congress in 2021, they got to work attacking their competition.

HR 1 federalized elections, and made it more difficult for Third Party Presidential candidates to qualify for matching funds.

This bill helped secure future elections for Democrats, and stifled others.

And of course Griswold supported it.

Asking Non-Citizens to Register to Vote

In 2020, Griswold’s office was caught sending voter registration postcards to dead people, and non-citizens.

And now in 2022, Griswold’s office was caught sending 30,000 voter registration postcards to noncitizens! - Source: CPR ARTICLE 10-7-2022

Griswold’s claims that Colorado is the “Gold Standard” of election integrity appears more foolish than ever!

Lawsuit by County Clerks

Concerns over the accuracy of 2020 elections led to Elbert and Douglas County Clerks to sue Secretary of State Griswold so they could examine election data.

Griswold does not appear to be interested in hearing the concerns of county clerks, and instead worked to dispel the lawsuit. - Source: 9News

Campaign ads disguised as public service announcements

Spending $1.1 million dollars of taxpayer money, Griswold boosted her image by appearing with former GOP Secretary of State Wayne Williams. - KRDO on YouTube

According to political reporter John Frank: All told, Griswold has spent more than $4.3 million in federal and state funding since 2020 on such commercials, documents reviewed by Axios Denver show.

The Gazette also reported in October 2021: Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold sent $2.8 million in federal emergency COVID-19 mitigation funds — almost half of the CARES Act cash allocated to her office — to a politically well-connected, Washington D.C.-based public relations and lobbying firm to produce a set of TV ads to educate Colorado voters about the 2020 election procedures.

Almost half of the $6.6 million spent by her office went to The Glover Parker Group, a Washington D.C.-based lobbying and PR firm, to produce TV ads to promote voting in the 2020 election. Although an initial no-bid contract was penned in August 2020 for $1.8 million, additions and changes to the contract over the next few months led to a total of $2.8 million directed to the firm.

Clearly Griswold’s priority is to promote herself and send money to Democrat-connected DC organizations.

Anti-gun Agenda

After the tragedy in Boulder in 2021, Griswold wasted no time exploiting the deaths to push her anti-gun agenda on national media: - Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/video/colorado-secretary-of-state-calls-for-stricter-gunlaws-in-wake-of-boulder-shooting/#x

Extreme Rhetoric

Griswold may be one of the worst examples in recent history of a Colorado politician using their position to push a partisan agenda.

Do you believe that if Republicans win the next election, they will take away your right to vote?

Jenna Griswold wants you to think so.

Just a few months ago, she claimed that you should expect that Republicans running for office will “strip Americans of the right to vote,” if elected. - Source: Fox News Article

Not only that, but Griswold also advocated for a boycott of Alabama because she disagrees with their laws on abortion: - Source: Twitter

Griswold is willing to disparage Colorado voters who might not trust her by using extreme language.

“The Big Lie” seems to be one of Griswold’s top campaign slogans, and it’s no mistake that she wants to compare concerned Coloradoans with fascists.

Her campaigns fundraising emails frequently feature the line: Fundraising Email from Griswold’s campaign – September 6th, 2022

Griswold’s use of the term is extremely insensitive.

By comparing Colorado citizens who question the integrity of elections, with Adolph Hitler, Griswold is making a bold statement.

Apparently, Griswold is using her position not to represent Coloradoans, but to enforce an extreme political agenda. No wonder her office has contributed to the widespread concern over Colorado’s election integrity.

Failure to Clean Up Voter Rolls

In October of 2020, Judicial Watch sued the Secretary of State, and the State of Colorado for failure to clean up voter roles. - SOURCE: Judicial Watch Website

With all this controversy, it’s no surprise that Griswold’s office is having a difficult time keeping employees.

Massive Turnover at the SOS Office

According to Colorado Peak Politics, Griswold’s office hit 200% turnover between her taking the office in 2019, and early 2021.

Was Griswold chasing out qualified employees to replace them with partisan hacks?

Or was it just her lack of leadership and poor management that caused individuals to flee her office?

Jimmy Sengenberger, in a Denver Gazette article points out that this turnover is unusual:

Secretaries Davidson, Denis, Coffman, Buescher, Gessler, Williams – this kind of thing genuinely just didn’t happen. Until Jena Griswold. - Source: Colorado Peak Politics

State Regulation of Social Media and New Laws to Combat “Misinformation”

Prior to the 2020 election, Griswold, like many of her Colorado Democratic colleagues parroted the talking points that “Russia interfered in our elections.”

Of course, Griswold’s concerns over the 2016 election, is at odds with her assurances that the 2020 elections were without interference.

Griswold testified to Congress on October 6th, 2020 advocating for new national legislation to “combat deep fakes, election misinformation, and foreign coordination,” and “to act to remove the artificial protections afforded to social media companies by section 230…and third party content posted on their sites can promote ill-intentioned foreign activity, they should no longer be shielded from accountability.”

That’s right, Griswold wants to regulate social media companies to ensure only “official” election information is shared!

Of course, Griswold wants the Federal Government involved in “combating” citizens who raise concerns.

If you can stomach it, you can watch Griswold’s testimony from October 2020.

Using the SOS Office to Target Political Opponents

In early 2021, Griswold was caught by the Colorado Sun, “undermining the nonpartisan staff in the enforcement division to target her perceived political opponents,” according to Colorado Peak Politics.

The Colorado Sun reported:

In at least two instances, the office’s Campaign Finance Enforcement team recommended dismissing complaints but the deputy secretary of state reversed the recommendations.

The Sun continued:

Griswold’s review of campaign finance enforcement decisions before they were issued contrasts with her vows to keep the process in the hands of her nonpartisan staff.

“Please work to get time in my schedule for my review,” Griswold wrote to Ian Rayder, the former deputy secretary of state, in a Jan. 5 email. “Ian, please review first.”

Conclusion

Jena Griswold seems to want a larger role in national politics, and that’s frightening.

Griswold has little in common with the average Coloradan, and represents the worst traits of career politicians.

Griswold has no problem advocating for restrictions on social media companies, and telling journalists not to report election results until she gives them the okay.

Griswold has used her elected position to push for restrictions on our right to defend ourselves with a firearm, and as a platform to push for social issues that have nothing to do with her position.

The real danger to our Democracy are politicians like Griswold.

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