The Lost Creek Guide November 15, 2023

Volume 16 • Edition 22

November 15, 2023

Delivering to over 17,500 homes & businesses including all of Morgan County.

“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

Colorado Governor Calls Special Session on Property Taxes Following Failure of Proposition HH

If the legislature doesn’t act before early December, a big increase in Coloradans’ property taxes due in April will be locked in

by Brian Eason and Jesse Paul, The Colorado Sun

Colorado State Wide Election Results on Propositions as of November 10th, 2023 per Secretary of State’s Office

Proposition HH:

Yes/For No/Against Total:

678,455 989,845 1,688,300

40.67 % 59.33 %

Proposition II:

Yes/For No/Against

1,123,548 540,771

67.53 % 32.47 %

Total votes cast: 1,690,365 out of 3,935,759 active voters for a turnout of 42.95%

Morgan County Colorado Election Results November 7, 2023

By Morgan County Clerk & Recorder as of November 7, 2023, 10:15 PM

The Colorado Capitol is pictured from Civic Center Park on July 19, 2023 in Denver.

(Andy Colwell, Special to The Colorado Sun)

Gov. Jared Polis on Thursday called state lawmakers into a special legislative session to cut property tax rates and blunt the impact of large increases in home values awaiting homeowners next year.

The session will begin Friday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.

Polis’ announcement comes just two days after voters overwhelmingly rejected his preferred solution, the sprawling property tax relief and school funding measure known as Proposition HH. The initiative was aimed at combating a 40% increase in property values that would cause a corresponding jump in property tax bills next year.

The General Assembly is working under a tight timeline if it hopes to curb the state’s rising cost of living. If no tax cut is approved before early December, a sharp increase in Colorado property taxes due in April will be locked in.

The timing — less than a week ahead of Thanksgiving — puts pressure on lawmakers to reach a deal quickly or risk interrupting their holiday plans. It takes at least three days to pass a bill in the legislature.

“We need to act for short-term property tax relief now,” Polis said at a Thursday announcement at the governor’s mansion.

The governor’s call for a special session comes despite the lack of a clear proposal that a majority of lawmakers can agree upon. Progressives are now pushing for more targeted relief to low- and middle-income Coloradans, while Republicans are seeking “clean” tax cuts that avoid a long-term reduction in taxpayer refunds under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights, or TABOR. Caught in the middle of the debate are school districts and local governments, which stand to lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year if the state cuts property taxes without increasing financial support for local services.

Polis, a Democrat, kicked off a news conference at the governor’s mansion Thursday by swinging a baseball bat at a clear case labeled break in case of emergency — the failure of Proposition HH. But while he said the special session has long been plan B, he offered little guidance for lawmakers at Thursday’s announcement.

“Our plan is to try to assemble a legislative majority for providing the maximum amount of property tax relief that we can,” Polis said, when asked what specifics he would like to see in a bill.

Polis said the special session would be limited to short-term solutions for the current property tax year, but urged lawmakers to take up long-term changes when it reconvenes in January. He proposed a blue ribbon commission to study a broader overhaul that he said should include an annual cap on property tax growth.

In the meantime, Polis offered three potential sources of funding for lawmakers to fund reimbursements for schools and local governments. Two of them come straight from Proposition HH, which voters just rejected by a 60-40 margin.

When lawmakers approved the ballot measure, the legislature set aside $200 million in general fund money to offset some of the financial impacts to local services.

Proposition HH also would have tapped the state’s TABOR surplus, which funds state taxpayer refunds in years when the economy grows faster than the state spending cap.

Colorado Governor Calls Special Session on Property Taxes Following Failure of Proposition HH continued on page 4...

City of Fort Morgan Mayor:

Kevin “ Doc” Lindell

1,683

City of Brush Councilor – Ward 1:

Nathan Tyree

320

City of Brush Councilor – Ward 2:

Daniel R. Scalise Scott Hodgson Davis Basil Scott “ Scotty” Klinkhammer

122 73 111 71

City of Brush Councilor Ward 3:

Nicholas Skiles Justin Spradin Krystal Gabel

65 126 77

City Of Fort Morgan Council Member Ward 1:

Jeff Morford Brian Urdiales

416 299

City of Fort Morgan Council Member Ward 2:

William (Bill) Garcia

418

City of Fort Morgan Council Member Ward 3:

Loren Boyett Joel Cismowski

459 273

Morgan County School District RE-3 School Director:

John T. Prouty Nancy Hopper Heath Kuntz Sarah Whitney Mindy Smith Robert J. Caruth

1,911 1,894 1,474 2,369 2,028 1,784

Proposition HH

Yes/For No/Against

1,644 5,523

Proposition III

Yes/For No/Against

3,109 4,018

City of Brush Ballot Question 2C Regarding Rules & Regulations to Permit Chickens in City Limits: Yes/For 588 No/ Against 534 Town of Log Lane Ballot Question 2G: Should Election Day be Moved to the Tuesday Succeeding the First Monday of November in Each Even Numbered Year?

Yes/For 99 No/Against 39 Morgan County Total Ballots Cast 7,214 out of 18,153 active voters or a turnout of 39.7 %

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

Page 2: Way of the World Page 4: Morgan Community College GrowHer Event Page 5: Wiggins School District Newsletter Page 7: CDOT Article on Teen Driving Issues Page 8: For the Love of Cemeteries Page 10: Thanksgiving in America Page 10: City of Fort Morgan Recognizes Sage Brush Market Page 16: Weld Central FFA at 2023 National FFA Convention Page 16: National Rural Healthcare Day

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Lost Creek Guide

Way of the World

by Bob Grand The National Governor’s Association conference will sponsor a panel discussion this week focusing on a “Disagreeing Better” event. It will be chaired by the Governor of Utah, Spencer Cox, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis among others. The group stated that this effort is attempting to bridge the political polarization in the world we live in by centering on a theme of teaching about healthy conflict and fostering open debate and free expression, particularly in higher education. I suspect many adults would benefit by participating in the same kind of discussion, from both parties.

Our Constitution guarantees, with the 1st amendment, our right to our own opinions and our right to express those opinions. There are many people today, on both sides of the aisle, that seem to forget that. It applies to everyone, even the folks you do not agree with. They have their rights too. It is America. Most recently we are seeing and hearing lot of strong opinions on the issues with Israel, the Hamas and Hezbollah terrorists, and the Palestinian people. A complex set of issues that have gone on for over seventyfive years since the founding of the State of Israel, with no one being able to construct a viable solution. Why have so many well-intentioned people failed? Maybe because there are a lot of not well-intentioned people in the mix.

Politics for President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party continue to get sloppier and sloppier. The President is facing a growing group of participants in the 2024 Presidential race from his own party. The latest being Jill Stien declaring to run for President on the Green Party ticket. The Green Party does not get a lot of votes, about 1%, but when you consider that Biden lost to Trump in several key states by less than that, Jill Stein’s votes will not come from the Trump pool of voters. Worse news is that Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia, this past week announced he will not run for reelection. This almost assures a Republican seat gain in the Senate, but additionally Machin has been talked about being considered to run for President on the No Labels Ticket. Robert F. Kennedy is another player in this mix which does not make Joe Biden’s 2024 plans so crystal clear. None of this focuses on the age issue, which weighs heavily in the minds of many voters as well as the results of the further evolving facts into the highly questionable dealings of his son, Hunter Biden. It would not surprise this person to see Joe Biden decide not to run, maybe with some assistance from the Democratic Party itself.

Speaking of elections, this past week saw some interesting results in a town called Green Charter Township in Michigan. There local residents recalled all five of the remaining town council members officials of the seven-person board, two had already resigned over the issue involved. The voter turnout was 68% of the registered active voters. In perspective, Colorado’s state turnout was 43% this past election cycle. The issue focused on how the council approached a massive new battery plant being proposed by a company called Gotion. The project would have a substantial impact on the town of about 4,000 people. The construction is a 2.4-billion-dollar facility investment producing over 2,000 new jobs in an area that is economically depressed. Seems like a no brainer but there was a catch. Gotion is a wholly owned United States subsidiary of Hefie Gotion High-Tech Power Energy Company, Ltd, a Chinese company. Although in various applications Gotion claimed it is not in any way tied to the Chinese government.

That seems to conflict with statements in the company’s original articles of association in China. The overall project has strong support from the federal government and state of Michigan with strong financial incentives, addressing the production needs of clean energy goals and the overall economic impact to the area. The citizens of Green Charter Township focused on the town council members violating open meeting laws and public input requirements. The 68% voter turnout was split about 60 to 40. The issue is certainly not resolved as Gotion has been reported to have purchased the property.

So, the question of property rights, whoever the owner is, will certainly have a heavy weight. The message is clear though. If voters unite and convince people to vote they can cause impact. It may not be enough to stop the project as our laws are designed for everyone equally, even if you do not like the project. But your vote does count. This is a good example of what is possible. Many of our current elected officials at the local, county and state level should take notice. The people do count and maybe you do not know everything.

The Ukrainian and Russian conflict continues. A horrible loss of life. Discussion in Washington on curtailing support for Ukraine are ill timed. Vladimir Putin has said he will just wait until the appetite of the West for supporting Ukraine will wane. Do we really want Vladimir Putin to be right?

For those who are beginning to notice our economy is not headed in the right direction and it is going to get worse. Our elected government officials and the administrative bureaucracy live in a bubble. They get their raises and cost of living adjustments while most of the rest of the people have to face the realities of where we are today and where we are going. Please remember that when you consider who to vote for.

As usual your thoughts and comments are appreciated. publisher@lostcreekguide. com

The Lost Creek Guide, Llc Bob Grand - Publisher

303-732-4080 publisher@lostcreekguide.com

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Letter to the Editor

November 15, 2023

Washington is broken, and we all feel the impact of this dysfunction. We need better leadership in DC, free from division and inaction.

As a Democratic candidate in CD-4, I offer a constructive alternative to Rep. Holtorf’s recent rhetoric and politics.

I’m a working-class manufacturing engineer with a background in environmental science. I’m a passionate addiction recovery advocate and longtime political activist. I live in the charming community of Severance, where I’m proud to raise three wonderful children with my wife. My origins: however, trace back to Allentown, Pennsylvania, John Padora, Candidate for where my upbringing was shaped in regions deeply Congress CD-4 intertwined with agriculture and coal mining.

I had the unique privilege of experiencing the best of both worlds in Pennsylvania and Colorado. From the age of 5, I began spending my summers and winter breaks with my aunt and uncle on the Front Range. It was there that I fell head over heels for the Western culture, the natural beauty, and the irresistible outdoor lifestyle that Colorado offers. A few years back, my wife and I made the life-changing decision to move to Colorado, and we haven’t looked back since.

Growing up in the rural landscapes of Southeastern Pennsylvania, I was exposed to the abandonment that often plagues rural communities; a condition caused by lack of representation by both major political parties in America. In his recent missive, Representative Holtorf’s rhetoric resounded with the familiar hard-liner talking points and catchy phrases. He rallied around slogans like “draining the swamp,” “riding for the brand,” and “saving Colorado from the progressive California left.”

During these impassioned declarations, one cannot help but wonder about the merits of introspection and the value of honesty.

My opposition to Rep. Ken Buck and his brand of “conservatism” has been a long-standing stance, one that predates my full-time residence in Colorado. He has appeared to be a stagnant politician, failing to enact any significant legislation and essentially serving as a political figurehead with minimal impact. Nonetheless, in recent times, Rep. Buck deserves recognition for his courage. He has boldly spoken the truth to his political party that appears out of touch, ineffective, and rife with internal divisions. His party seems relentlessly fixated on seeking vengeance and blinded by divisive culture wars while clinging to the unfounded belief that the 2020 election was “stolen”.

The 2020 election was undeniably fair & transparent. Had more people actively engaged in on-the-ground canvassing during that election cycle they would have discerned the clear signs of this rejection from the very beginning. Regrettably, hordes of ardent supporters and elected officials resorted to fits of frustration over the past three years, focusing on their losses. Instead of self-reflection, they chose to turn away from reason and intensify the divisive rhetoric that ultimately led to their historic defeat in 2020.

Although I am a registered Democrat now, I spent most of my life as a registered unaffiliated voter, recognizing the stark absence of representation, the abandonment of rural areas, and the shortcomings of both major political parties. Over generations, both major parties have been dominated by privileged, out-of-touch elites who have, regrettably, disregarded the needs and desires of voters, particularly in rural regions, while prioritizing their own self-enrichment. Like so many others I have found no place in today’s Republican party, which seems paralyzed by fear and completely resistant to progress.

Is it too radical to assert that every American citizen, residing in the wealthiest nation on the planet, should have equal access to basic human necessities? I don’t consider it extreme to advocate for the welfare of people, and I am exhausted by the notion that every Democrat is a “dangerous Californian leftist. “The GOP has veered so far to the right that moderation and centrism are now unjustly perceived as radical, and this shift is detrimental to our nation’s progress. The term “progressive” is often used as an insult— yet the continual pursuit of improvement and advancement— should be cherished by all. The world is an ever evolving and changing landscape, and those who insist on preserving every aspect of the past harm everyone in the process.

I pledge to always work to find common ground. This commitment embodies the essence of America and addresses a void in our political system – compassion, compromise, and dedication to enhancing the lives of everyday families. My priorities are grounded in practicality and not the extreme portrayals that the GOP might use to stoke fear. I’m determined to reduce taxes for working families, safeguard and fortify Social Security for future generations, revitalize American manufacturing, preserve our land and jobs, ensure abundant clean air and water, support family-owned farms and ranches, overhaul our for-profit healthcare system and pursue a multitude of other beneficial initiatives.

My deep concern lies in the emergence of election deniers, candidates with antidemocratic tendencies vying to replace Buck. If they were to win this election, we may find ourselves yearning for the previous brand of “conservative” politics that Mr. Buck represented in Colorado. Despite this district’s historical conservatism, the outcome is far from set in stone. My decision to run for Congress stems from a growing observation: there are far too many millionaires in Washington and far too many individuals inclined to foster anger rather than progress. It is our responsibility to create a more promising future for our children and grandchildren to inherit and I am fully prepared to passionately advocate for my community, my state, and my country.

John Padora, Severance, Colorado

November 15, 2023

Lost Creek Guide

Caldara: Is a TV Gig in the Cards for Ken Buck?

by Jon Caldara, President of Independence Institute, Complete Colorado Page 2 You don’t have to be a psychic to figure out what U.S. Rep. Ken Buck’s next job is likely to be.

First, a hearty thank you for Ken’s many years serving the people of his Colorado district, not only his dozen years in Congress but his many years as a fierce Weld County prosecutor and in the U.S. Attorney’s office before that.

It’s easy to forget that before becoming a cable TV news darling he was poised to become a “Tea-Party” underdog United States senator for Colorado if not for a couple of high-profile verbal gaffes.

The first blooper that seemed to stick on Ken like glue was comparing footwear, in what the press mischaracterized as a sexist comment, with his primary opponent Jane Norton. How do I know it was mischaracterized? Well, I’m the reason he made it. Well, me and my 12-year-old sense of humor.

Every year my organization, Independence Institute, throws a tongue-in-cheek fundraiser called the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Party, where we smoke, drink and shoot, sadly not in that order because … lawyers.

We were wrapping up our festivities and I was joking with the crowd that recently the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms had changed its name to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Being 12-years-old at heart, I knew I should end the event with some firecrackers, you know, explosives, which I left in my car. So, I threw the microphone for a minute to the best joke-teller in site: Ken Buck, of course.

Since his opponent Jane Norton was attacking him, always using a line about her high heels as a proxy to let us know she’s a woman, like we couldn’t tell by the skirt and breasts, he told a joke about his cowboy boots.

“I do not wear high heels; I have cowboy boots, they have real bullshit them.” Which got a good laugh at this politically incorrect event. Reporters were there and found the comments not at all noteworthy. But opponents found the video later and took it out of context.

The bigger hit was on ABC’s “Meet the Press.” Buck was asked if being gay was a choice. He answered, “I think that birth has an influence over (it), like (with) alcoholism and some other things, but I think that basically you have a choice.”

In case you don’t know, if you want to get elected in Colorado the political answer is always, “Being gay is never a choice.”

A nuanced answer for Buck could have been, “It’s irrelevant as all people have equal protection under the law. As prosecutor I was the first to use hate crime legislation to convict those who victimized gays in Colorado. Protecting the rights of gay people is what is important.”

But, damage done. By “hating gays and women” he just barely lost the race for U.S. Senate in 2010 to Michael Bennet, the luckiest man in Colorado politics.

Buck did win his congressional seat which proved to be remarkably safe, but not always comfortable.

On the home-front he survived cancer and survived divorce with his talented wife Perry, who has her own distinguished political career.

And on the political front, Buck hasn’t been afraid to take on allies. Notably, he was one of the early, hardcore conservatives to clearly state Trump’s election was not stolen. MAGA Republicans hated him for this.

He was then one of the eight Republicans who ousted House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. MAGA Republicans loved him for this.

He then would not vote for Jim Jordan to replace Kevin McCarthy. MAGA Republicans hated him again.

Oddly Ken didn’t come home to his district to announce his retirement. I’ve never seen this before. He didn’t personally, face-to-face thank his constituents for the opportunity to serve them. Instead, he broke the news live on MSNBC. Conveniently they had the infographic ready to pop up underneath him when he announced he wasn’t going to run again. So, either MSNBC has very fast typists, or they knew in advance.

I have a strong suspicion Ken Buck might be hosting a program on MSNBC when his congressional career is over. If so, the man who wrote a book called “Drain the Swamp” about the evils of people making their living from the foulness of Washington D.C., will be making his living thanks to it.

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

What The Failure Of Proposition HH Means For Your Property Taxes And TABOR Refunds Coloradans’ property taxes will rise by an average of 40% without legislative or local government intervention. People who make less than $99,000 will get smaller taxpayer refunds than they would have had Proposition HH passed

by Jesse Paul and Brian Eason, The Colorado Sun

Voters cast ballots Nov. 7, 2023, at Christ Church United Methodist in Denver.

(Olivia Sun, The Colorado Sun via Report for America)

The failure of Proposition HH on Tuesday has big implications for every Coloradan.

Property taxes due in April will rise by an average of 40% across the state without swift legislative or local government intervention. And people who make less than $99,000 will get a smaller refund next year under the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights than they would have had Proposition HH passed.

Here’s a closer look at how the measure’s failure will affect your wallet: Absent government intervention, your tax bill will rise in 2023, 2024 and 2025 If the legislature and local governments don’t act, which seems unlikely, the 40% median jump in home values across the state will correspond to an equivalent increase

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in people’s property tax bills next year.

Absent government intervention, taxes will go up again in the 2024 tax year for taxes due in 2025. That’s because the statewide assessment rate for homes is set to rise to 6.976% from 6.765% as a temporary property tax relief law passed by state lawmakers in 2022 winds down.

That may seem like a small change, but it can result in an increase of hundreds of dollars on someone’s tax bill. Colorado property taxes, which are collected on the local level and fund services like schools, fire districts and parks, are calculated by multiplying the statewide assessment rate by the value of a property as determined by a county assessor. That number is then multiplied by the local mill levy rate.

Also, a provision in the 2022 relief measure that waives the first $15,000 in taxable value for homes in the 2023 tax year goes away in 2024, which will cause homeowners’ and businesses’ tax burden to increase even more.

The statewide residential assessment rate is then supposed to rise again in the 2025 tax year and for subsequent tax years to 7.15%. Moreover, home values will be reassessed that year, capturing what’s expected to be another two years of housing price growth. The every-other-year reassessment cycle in Colorado is what led to this year’s jump in the first place.

Assuming there isn’t a major housing market downturn, that means tax bills due in 2026 and 2027 will go up.

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

Rosen: Fact-Checking the Hamas Apologists

by Mike Rosen, Complete Colorado Page 2 While most Americans have strongly condemned Hamas for its recent grotesque, unconscionable massacre of innocent civilians in Israel, others have passionately taken their side and hold Israel to blame. As philosopher Ayn Rand observed, when a difference of opinion is so stark and irreconcilable, the parties should “check their premises.” So, let’s start by fact-checking the false narrative that “the Palestinians in Gaza are victims of oppression by Israel who are occupying their rightful Palestinian homeland.”

The claim of a biblical-era historical nation of Palestinian people is a myth. About 3,200 years ago, the 12 tribes of Israel united in Canaan under King Saul and later split into the Jewish kingdoms of Judah and Isarel. In 134 AD, the Romans gave the name “Palestine” to the land formerly called Judea (meaning land of the Jews). But it was the name of a region, not a nation. The land has changed hands many times under various conquerors. From the dawn of history, national borders have been redrawn under “the right of conquest.”

Fast forwarding to the early 1920s, Palestine and a much larger contiguous territory known as Transjordan was controlled by the Ottoman Empire. On the verge of its collapse, it ceded the land to the League of Nations, newly formed after World War I. In 1922, the League placed administrative control under a mandate to Britain, with an instruction to create a “national home for the Jewish people.” The Brits promptly gave three-quarters of the land to the Arabs, creating Jordan. But Britain’s “Mandate for Palestine” still included a national home for the Jews, reconfirming the commitment of the Balfour Declaration issued by the British government in 1917.

Many Jews fleeing from Nazi extermination before and during World War II, and others who emigrated to Palestine, thereafter, were denied entry to the Jewish territory by the British commanders and confined in refugee camps. In 1948, the United Nations officially voted to “partition” the Palestinian Mandate into separate Jewish and Arab states, finally creating the independent nation of Israel. Immediately after the vote, Israel was attacked by Arab forces vowing to obliterate it. (Arab nations had instructed Palestinians to abandon Israel, promising that after Israel’s defeat they could come back, reclaim their property and take whatever they wanted of what had belonged to the Jews.) Against all odds, Israel survived. The Palestinians had picked the wrong side. Under international law, they have never had a so-called “right to return,” nor do they now, other than at the discretion of the sovereign state of Israel.

From its birth, Israel has fought for its existence. In the Six-Day War of 1967, it again prevailed and took back Gaza from Egypt, the West Bank from Jordan, and the Golan Heights from Syria, all of which had been taken in the 1948 war. It would be suicidal of Israel to give up those militarily essential strategic positions while still in the midst of enemies who would destroy it. In 2005, as a peace offering to the Palestinians, Israel agreed to grant them self-governance of Gaza. That backfired in 2007, when the Palestinians first elected Hamas, inalterably dedicated to Israel’s extermination, and governing with an iron fist ever since. Israel has never started a war against an Arab state but has successfully defended itself from relentless Arab attacks. Israelis live peacefully with its Arab citizens who vote in its elections, serve in its Parliament, and even its military.

Ever since the Nazi Holocaust, Israel has pledged that this will “Never again” happen. If it succeeds in wiping out Hamas in Gaza, it would be doing Palestinians a favor. Should they have the good sense to accept Israel’s existence in the aftermath they can live peacefully and prosper with Israel’s help in reforming their dysfunctional government and economy.

Any negotiation, compromise, or peace agreement with Hamas would be futile. It’s a terrorist, jihadist arm of radical Islam intent on submission or death to all infidels.

It wants nothing less than the annihilation of Jews anywhere and everywhere along with the destruction of their Jewish state. Article 7 of Hamas’s founding Charter in 1988 proclaims the very words of the prophet Muhammad: “The Day of judgment will not come about until Muslims fight the Jews. When the Jew will hide behind stones and trees, the stones and trees will say, ‘Oh Muslims. Oh Abdulla, there is a Jew behind me, come and kill him.’ ” Hamas’s General Principles and Policies issued in 2017 reiterate that “no part of the land of Palestine shall be compromised or conceded” and that there is no “legitimacy of the Zionist entity.” (Israel) For Hamas, the “land of Palestine” wipes Israel from the map.

That leaves no room for a two-state peaceful solution, which Hamas rejects, anyway, as incompatible with its goal of exterminating the Jews.

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

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Lost Creek Guide

MCC’s 3rd Annual GrowHer Event: A Success Empowering Young Women in Agriculture and Leadership

Presentation on Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Karen Chandler; Floriculture, presented by Amy Scott; Soil Science by the Colorado State University Extension; Students learn more from MCC Agriculture Faculty Bill Miller about the benefits of technology, contributed by CHS, Wickham Tractor, and 21st Century Equipment.

Morgan Community College (MCC) is thrilled to announce the success of its 3rd Annual GrowHer event, which took place on October 12, 2023 at the Fort Morgan campus. The GrowHer event was designed to broaden young women’s understanding of career and leadership opportunities available within the agricultural industry.

Forty high school students from Brush, Fort Morgan, Prairie, Wiggins, Woodlin, and Weldon Valley high schools had the unique opportunity to attend this event, thanks to the collaboration between MCC’s Student Services and Agriculture Programs. Through hands-on workshops and information sessions, the students gained valuable insights into the diverse aspects of agriculture and its role in shaping the world around them.

Students had the pleasure of hearing from women leaders in the local ag industry.

Rachel Gabel, Assistant Editor of the Fence Post magazine, opened the day speaking about her career experiences. She encouraged the young women, telling them that they possess the capability to create their own narratives within the agricultural sector and its related professions. Rachel was honored by the GrowHer Committee as “Outstanding in Her Field” for her leadership and contributions to agriculture.

Emma Mortensen, former Colorado Future Farmers of America (FFA) State President, was the keynote speaker. Emma holds a master’s degree in Meat Science and is also a Registered Dietitian. Mortensen has carved a niche for herself using her education and experiences of growing up on a farm and raising livestock in Brush, CO. She currently works as an independent consultant in beef nutrition research for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Emma offered guidance to the girls, assuring them that it is perfectly acceptable to not have a career path in mind. She emphasized that the right individuals would enter their lives to provide support and guidance, leading them to the place they are meant to be. During her talk, she touched on the themes of resilience, leadership, and embracing life’s journey. Her key message resonated with the audience: “Be open minded and willing to work for a path that is uniquely yours!”

Workshops covered a range of topics, including Floriculture, presented by Amy Scott; Veterinary Medicine by Dr. Karen Chandler, DVM; Soil Science by the Colorado State University Extension; Precision Agriculture with contributions from CHS, Wickham Tractor, and 21st Century Equipment; and Sugar Beet Processing, featuring Terri Way of Western Sugar.

MCC extends its appreciation to the generous sponsors who made this event possible: Keith Bath Farms, Bank of Colorado of Brush, Premier Farm Credit, Leprino, Hillrose Dairy, Morton Buildings, and Scott Scholes. Their support played an essential role in making this event an inspiring experience for the students.

“The date for next year’s GrowHer event has been set,” stated Leah Thomas, MCC Business Faculty and GrowHer Committee Chair. “We look forward to welcoming even more young women on October 10, 2024, for another day of empowerment and education in the world of agriculture.”

MCC extends a special thank you to the dedicated staff members whose hard work and passion made this event a reality: Leah Thomas, Maria Cardenas, Janell Sutter, Janeth Arrendondo-Perez, Debbie Wacker, Bill Miller, and Cara Draegert.

For more information about the 2024 GrowHer event or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Leah.Thomas@MorganCC.edu or (970) 542-3260.

November 15, 2023

Colorado Governor Calls Special Session on Property Taxes Following Failure of Proposition HH continued from page 1...

Polis offered a third option Thursday: taking as much as $200 million from the state’s reserves, which today holds 15% of general fund spending.

Local government advocates, who opposed Proposition HH because it offered relatively little compensation for their lost revenue, told The Colorado Sun they have been working to come up with proposals of their own.

Ann Terry, the director of the Special District Association, told The Sun this week she was “thrilled” voters rejected Proposition HH. “We recognize there is more work to be done, and we have a coordinated stakeholder process to provide real property tax change going forward,” Terry said.

But looming over the discussions is a measure conservatives placed on the 2024 statewide ballot that would cap annual property tax increases statewide at 4%. The measure has no funding mechanism to offset the financial hit to local services, such as schools, fire districts and libraries.

The hastily called session comes as local government officials are scrambling to meet December deadlines to set their budgets for next year. Tax bills go out in January and are due in April.

The last time lawmakers convened for a special session was in 2020 to approve stimulus spending during the coronavirus pandemic. Before that, then-Gov. John Hickenlooper called lawmakers back to the Capitol in 2017 to fix a bill-drafting error that was costing local districts millions of dollars in marijuana revenue.

This is a developing story that will be updated.

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

REGISTER FOR SPRING!

Classes start January 16, 2024

Kabrie Perez Early Childhood Edu. Director Student

Earn your AA Degree or ECE Teaching Certificates on the weekends!

Earn $100 stipend for taking one weekend course. See details at

morgancc.edu/spring

November 15, 2023

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Lost Creek Guide

WIGGINS SCHOOL DISTRICT 50J NOVEMBER NEWS

GOOD PEOPLE OF TIGER NATION: November 2023 Wiggins School District would like to thank Val Loose and Kris Musgrave for their service to the community by serving on the school board. Val completed a two-year term after serving numerous terms since 1989. Kris completed an eight-year term where he served as Board President his last six years. Both members will be missed.

The HVAC units on the Event Center are 22 years old, nearing the end of their life expectancy. The BOE has approved the district moving forward in applying for a BEST grant to replace the units during the summer of 2024. While the district is hopeful for an approved grant, there is money set aside for capital improvement projects that will take care of replacing the worn down units if Wiggins is bypassed by the BEST board.

The district will continue to spend down its remaining 2016 Bond funds on capital improvement projects. Bleachers will be installed behind home plate at the baseball field and a shop will replace the old greenhouse. The shop will store maintenance vehicles such as golf cart, Gator, tractor, and lawn mowers.

A new Wiggins Primary playground is being looked into to make it more age appropriate for our kindergarten and first grade students. The district will go after a GOCO grant and with 2016 Bond funds will be able to match 25% of the grant funds if awarded.

Teacher shortages are taking place across the nation. Currently, Wiggins School District has two classroom teachers who are going through Alternative Teacher Licensing programs. To support these teachers and Paraprofessionals with ambitions of becoming teachers Wiggins has partnered with Arizona State University through a Next Education Workforce grant. Wiggins administrators are learning about cooperative teaching strategies designed to alleviate the teacher shortage dilemma through distributing educator expertise amongst a cohort of staff.

Congratulations to Chase Bodine for placing 10th at the State Cross Country meet.

The Wiggins boys team, consisting of Jackson Adams, Chase Bodine, Mason Forsha, Cade Green, Scott Kennedy, and Isaac Reed placed 3rd overall.

Monthly Expenditures for October

General Fund Capital Reserve Bond Redemption​

$831,846.15

$0.00

$0.00

Bond Project Elementary Project

$0.00

$688,447.75

Lunch Fund

$50,970.98

Total Activity Account

$1,571,264.88

$50,939.48

November & December Calendar

FORT MORGAN www.CityOfFortMorgan.com

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There is a reason Fort Morgan is considered the Christmas Capital of the Plains. We celebrate the winter holidays with a live reindeer roundup, a chili festival, visits with Santa, an evening parade, alpine tubing, a live nativity experience, an art show, free movie matinees, and even a trackless train ride in our Glenn Miller Park. Join us November 13-December 24. Discover more at Christmas Capital of the Plains on Facebook.

6

Lost Creek Guide

Denver School Board Election Results: Voters Signal They Want Change By Electing Three New Members

by Melanie Asmar, Chalkbeat Colorado

Newly elected Denver school board members Marlene De La Rosa, left, and John Youngquist, right, address supporters at a party Tuesday night. (Melanie Asmar / Chalkbeat)

In a year of rising gun violence in and around Denver schools, and persistent allegations of dysfunction on the school board, Denver voters signaled Tuesday that they want change by electing three new board members.

In the citywide at-large race, former East High School Principal John Youngquist beat Tattered Cover bookstores co-owner Kwame Spearman by a wide margin. Youngquist will replace the board’s most high-profile member, Vice President Auon’tai Anderson.

Two incumbents, Scott Baldermann and Charmaine Lindsay, lost their seats.

Former KIPP charter school network CEO Kimberlee Sia bested Baldermann for the board seat representing southeast Denver’s District 1. In northwest Denver’s District 5, longtime DPS volunteer and Latina advocate Marlene De La Rosa defeated Lindsay.

“I’m feeling like there is a lot of support for the message that we need experience and people close to the community and people who know schools and districts,” Youngquist said at a joint election watch party with De La Rosa Tuesday night.

Taking the microphone at the party, De La Rosa promised to listen “to all sides.”

“I am not a reformer,” De La Rosa said. “I am not a union [candidate]. I am not a particular ideology, but I am the ideology that we need to support students.”

Denver Public Schools is Colorado’s largest district, with more than 89,000 students.

The next board will face several challenges, including how to deal with declining enrollment and how to address school safety concerns after several shootings in and around DPS high schools.

November 15, 2023

MCC CACE Announces Juried Holiday Art Show and Sale

The CACE Gallery of Fine Art is thrilled to announce its upcoming Juried Holiday Art Show and Sale, featuring a collection of artworks by exceptionally talented local artists. The exhibit will be on display November 12 - December 21, 2023, at the CACE Gallery of Fine Art, located at 300 Main Street in Fort Morgan. The CACE Gallery is open most weekdays from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. The CACE Juried Holiday Art Show and Sale is a celebration of art, community, and the joy of gift-giving. The artists will showcase items such as notecards, magnets, and small matted prints, providing a selection of affordable and delightful holiday gift options. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to acquire oneof-a-kind holiday gifts.

An Artists Reception will take place at the CACE Gallery of Fine Arton November 16, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This event is a unique chance to meet and interact with the talented artists behind the creations and gain insight into their creative processes and inspirations.

“We are thrilled to host the CACE Juried Holiday Art Show and Sale, bringing together the talent of our local artists to share their passion and creativity with the community,” said Suzanna Spears, CACE Coordinator. “This event is an opportunity to support local artists and discover unique holiday gifts that represent the spirit of the season.”

MCC CACE offers many free enrichment opportunities throughout the year. For more information about CACE events, contact CACE Coordinator Suzanna Spears at (970) 542-3180 or Suzanna.Spears@MorganCC.edu. Additional information about CACE is available at www.morgancc.edu./CACE.

Gas Dept. Suspends Installing Tankless Water Heaters

Suspension until further notice due to meter shortages The City of Fort Morgan Gas Department is suspending the installation of tankless water heaters until further notice.

Such heaters cannot be installed in either residential or commercial buildings unless they can stay below 300,000 BTU’s total load on the gas system.

This suspension is due to meter shortages and will be in place until further notice from the Gas Department. If you have any questions, contact Superintendent Tony Behrends at the Gas Department at 970-542-3910.

Your cooperation is appreciated!

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/cityoffortmorgan

From left, Marlene De La Rosa, Kimberlee Sia, and John Youngquist won seats on the Denver school board Tuesday. (Photos courtesy of Marlene De La Rosa, Kimberlee Sia and John Youngquist)

In DPS election politics, the teachers union is typically on one side, while groups supportive of charter schools and education reform are on the other side. That was true in this election, too.

The candidates who won — Youngquist, Sia, and De La Rosa — were backed by Denver Families Action, the political arm of a group called Denver Families for Public Schools whose board is made up of local charter school leaders. The losing candidates — Spearman, Baldermann, and Lindsay — were backed by the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, the teachers union.

For the past four years, board members backed by the union have held a majority of seats. Tuesday’s election won’t change that because the other four members on the seven-person board were backed by the union and will still hold the majority.

But the election of three new members is likely to shake up the interpersonal and political dynamics on the board. The winners are all supportive of keeping police in schools and, to varying degrees, allowing schools to have more academic and programmatic autonomy and encouraging families to choose the school they deem best.

The current board has restricted principal autonomy and been less friendly to charter schools.

This election has been expensive, with candidates and outside groups spending nearly $1.9 million as of last week, according to reports filed with the Colorado Secretary of State’s office.

The biggest spender has been an independent expenditure committee called Better Leaders, Stronger Schools, which spent more than $1.3 million on digital ads, mailers, and even TV ads to support Youngquist, Sia, and De La Rosa. The pro-charter committee outspent the teachers union by 4 ½ to 1 in the lead up to the election.

The new board members are set to be sworn in on Nov. 28.

Melanie Asmar is a senior reporter for Chalkbeat Colorado, covering Denver Public Schools. Contact Melanie at masmar@chalkbeat.org.

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November 15, 2023

7

Lost Creek Guide

CDOT Addresses Rise in Teen Fatalities During National Teen Driving Safety Week; Urges Parents to Get Involved

More than 16,000 teens have been involved in a crash this year Statewide — More than 16,000 teenagers between the ages of 15-19 have been involved in crashes in Colorado so far this year, according to CDOT crash data. That’s approximately 57 every day. National Teen Driving Safety week is Oct. 15-21 and provides a crucial opportunity for parents, guardians and young drivers to discuss the life-and-death importance of driving safely..

In Colorado, 61 teen drivers have died so far this year on the road, up 53% from this time last year. Also concerning is the number of fatal crashes that involve teen drivers.

So far this year, 73 roadway fatalities have involved a teen driver, up 33% from this time last year.

“Driving is a pivotal rite of passage, but it comes with tremendous responsibility,” said Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “The stakes are high, as young drivers often underestimate the risks they face on the road. Unfortunately, we’ve seen a distressing increase in teen fatalities on our roads. These statistics emphasize the need for education, awareness and parental involvement.”

According to the Colorado State Patrol, the most common citations among teen drivers are speeding, careless driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Tragically, seat belt use is lowest among teen drivers. In fact, the majority of teenagers involved in fatal crashes nationwide are unbuckled — in 2021, 51% of teen drivers who died were unbuckled. Additionally, when the teen driver involved in the fatal crash was unbuckled, nine out of 10 of the passengers who died were also not wearing their seat belts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are more likely to be killed in an alcohol-related crash than anyone else. Even though the minimum legal drinking age in every state is 21, data shows 19% of 15- to 18-year-old passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021 had been drinking.

“Teen drivers face unique challenges, including inexperience, distractions and peer pressure,” said CDOT’s Office of Transportation Safety Director Darrell Lingk. “We urge parents and guardians to play an active role in guiding their teens to become responsible drivers. By setting clear ground rules, modeling good driving behavior, and having ongoing conversations about the dangers of distracted driving, impaired driving and speeding, we can help our young drivers make smart decisions and protect themselves and others on the road.”

In 2022 there were a record number of young drivers involved in fatal crashes resulting in 103 deaths.

before using a mobile device. Remind them that texting while driving is six times more dangerous than drunk driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA).

• Promote responsible choices: Discuss the risks of impaired driving, seat belt noncompliance, distracted driving, speeding, and the influence of passengers with your teen. Emphasize the consequences of not following these rules.

Parents are the number one influence on a teen driver’s safety. Self-reported surveys show that teens whose parents impose driving restrictions and set good examples typically engage in less risky driving and are involved in fewer crashes. CDOT urges parents and guardians to be a good example and get involved in their driving habits from the beginning and stay involved for the duration of their teen years.

For more information about Colorado’s GDL laws and teen driving, visit CDOT’s teen driving webpage here.

Crash Not Accident Note to reporters: Crashes are no accident — they are preventable. We would appreciate you saying ‘crash’ instead of ‘accident’ when reporting.

CDOT emphasizes the need for parents and guardians to play an active role in shaping their teen’s choices behind the wheel. To help protect your teen and guide them toward responsible driving, here are some key strategies: • Have conversations: Initiate CLAIM YOUR open and ongoing discussions with your teen about driving laws and safe driving practices. Your RISK-FREE guidance as a parent can make a TRIAL1 significant difference.

• Know the laws: Familiarize yourself with Colorado’s nighttime driving restrictions, passenger restrictions, and graduated driver licensing (GDL) rules. Enforcing these laws with your teen promotes safer driving habits.

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Lost Creek Guide

For the Love of Cemeteries

Article and photos by Jackie Smith, South Platte Valley Historical Society On the Saturday before Halloween, at the invitation of Kathleen Byrne Educator at the Fort Morgan Library and Museum; I found myself at Riverside, the local cemetery. It had just snowed, the first of the season which made the stones difficult to read. I was not sure anyone would brave the frigid weather to learn about tombstone symbolism, but a small group of individuals did gather, and we began to wind around the snowcapped stones.

Most people believe that cemeteries are just the final resting places of family and loved ones, although true, I find the tombstones are so interesting especially the older ones from the Victorian era to about 1930. You can learn a great deal from a departed one’s stone.

How old they were; when they lived and died. If they belonged to a fraternity or if they served in the military. The stone may indicate what branch and rank they held. The carvings also have meaning; for instance, the “Work” stone pictured shows a stone half finished. This is dictating an unfinished life.

This tree stone is one of my favorites in the cemetery and it has a lot of symbolism. The tree trunk shape is the brevity of life. Not all tree trunks mean this. The broken branch may indicate a deceased member’s ending in the family tree. The anchor represents hope and steadfastness. The cute little owl is wisdom. The scroll is their actions recorded in heaven. If the deceased member were Jewish, it would have represented the Torah. Ivy is immortality.

Kathleen likes to point out the GAR star. GAR stand for the Grand Army of the Republic a fraternity of the Union soldiers from the Civil War. James E. Jewel served in the Civil War as a General. He was the commander in chief of the fraternity from 19301931. His stone was erected by Arlington National Cemetery. Impressive!

One thing for sure is that cemeteries have history, you could be standing on a famous grave such as the local science fiction author Philip K. Dick or admiring the art of a beautifully hand carved stone.

There is mysteries and scoundrels and even a few ghosts if you believe in them. One thing for sure is that if you do not visit you will never know.

Watch for tours and events for your local cemeteries most often happening around Halloween. Sorry we missed you. Boo!

November 15, 2023

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November 15, 2023

Lost Creek Guide

Armstrong: Playing Political Horseshoes In Colorado

by Ari Armstrong, Complete Colorado Page 2 I used to be an anarchist. Years ago at an event organized by the Koch-funded Institute for Humane Studies (boo and hiss now if you’re on the left), I heard a talk

by John Hasnas, a law professor, in which he talked about competing legal systems.

Then I read the pro-anarchy book by David Friedman (son of Milton), which you can download for free from his web site if you like.

Anarchist views are widespread within libertarian circles. Academic economists including Peter Leeson and Bryan Caplan (both at George Mason) advocate it. One of Caplan’s students who used to live in Colorado started up an anarchy-friendly social group. One of Caplan’s friends, Mike Huemer, a philosopher at the University of Colorado, wrote “The Problem of Political Authority,” the second half of which outlines an anarchist society.

Colorado statutes explicitly ban “anarchistic and seditious associations” (18-11203). However, the statute associates anarchy with sedition and “the use of sabotage, terrorism, physical force, violence, or bodily injury” to pursue political or social ends.

Libertarian anarchists would deny that anarchism, as they understand it, has anything to do with the use of such force. The aim of anarchism in that sense is to peacefully replace state use of force with voluntary associations.

I’m not an anarchist any more. I basically agree with Arnold Kling, who predicts “if we somehow find ourselves in anarcho-capitalism . . . some predator organization would emerge that would overwhelm the anarcho-capitalist protection agencies, one by one.” Libertarian anarchists think anarchy means decentralized order; I agree with the traditional critique that anarchy brings chaos.

So why am I talking about a fringe theory that almost no one takes seriously?

The horseshoe theory With the election or nondemocratic selection of various self-declared socialists to the state legislature, I have been thinking about political horseshoe theory, which proposes that the “far-left” and “far-right” often resemble each other. Jean-Pierre Faye noted the similarities between the fascists and the Communists—something I have also discussed. The theory has broader applications.

Political anarchy is a theory you find both on the “far right,” with anarcho-capitalism, and the “far left,” with various forms of anarcho-socialism or anarcho-sydicalism.

Critics of policing also find themselves playing horseshoes. Years ago when I hung around the pro-gun Tyranny Response Team, one activist in that group absolutely hated the police. He thought the police to be inherently corrupt and should be abolished. His “far right” views on the police are indistinguishable from the “abolitionist” views of various “Democratic Socialist” legislators such as Elisabeth Epps.

Other elements of the “right” also embrace the language of abolition. History professor and Ayn Rand advocate C. Bradley Thompson forthrightly calls to abolish public schools to achieve the “Separation of School and State.” Two prominent conservative Colorado politicians, John Andrews and Tom Tancredo, signed the proclamation of the Alliance for the Separation of School and State. Turning to the issue of abortion, Dave Williams, currently the leader of the state GOP, sponsored a bill titled, “Abolishing Abortion in Colorado.”

Left and right converge to blame Israel Another way that “far left” and “far right” often converge is in their anti-Semitism.

I’ve written about how newly appointed legislator Tim Hernández initially blamed Israel for Hamas’s attacks and apologized and condemned Hamas only after facing considerable political pressure. Many of Hernández’s “Democratic Socialist” comrades continued to blame Israel and even call for the annihilation of the state of Israel. Such attitudes among the “far left” are comparable to views among neo-Nazis.

Although the details differ, religious-right Republican legislator Scott Bottoms (who misses no opportunity to disparage LGBTQ people) joined Hernández in blaming Israel for the attacks on Israelis. During a sermon (Bottoms also is a pastor), Bottoms baselessly speculated that “our government and the Israeli government knew this [Hamas attack] was about to happen,” Jason Salzman reviews. Bottoms thought this was plausible because of “how corrupt bureaucratic leadership is in both Israel and America.” This sounds a lot like the “blame America first” conspiracy mongering about 9/11.

As 9News reported, Bottoms also asked Jesus to “use” the Hamas terrorist attacks on Jews “as an opportunity” for “the Jewish people to realize” that Jesus is “the savior, the redeemer.” The notion that God might “use” brutal rape, torture, and murder to induce the victims to accept Bottoms’s preferred religious beliefs is repugnant.

Bottoms also wondered aloud whether the attack might be “a sign of the coming rapture,” 9News reports.

A reasonable observer might wonder whether Bottoms or Hernández tried harder to find a silver lining in Hamas’s attack on Israel or to find a way to blame Israel for it.

I enjoy throwing real horseshoes as much as the next person. But, as recent events illustrate, the game of political horseshoes can become a contest of whether “left” or “right” comes off as more creepy and despicable.

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

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10

Lost Creek Guide

Thanksgiving in North America: From Local Harvests to National Holiday

by Smithsonian.org Most Americans are familiar with the Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Feast of 1621, but few realize that it was not the first festival of its kind in North America. Long before Europeans set foot in the Americas, native peoples sought to insure a good harvest with dances and rituals such as the Green Corn Dance of the Cherokees.

The first Thanksgiving service known to be held by Europeans in North America occurred on May 27, 1578, in Newfoundland, although earlier Church-type services were probably held by Spaniards in La Florida. However, for British New England, some historians believe that the Popham Colony in Maine conducted a Thanksgiving service in 1607 (see Sources: Greif, 208-209; Gould, and Hatch). In the same year, Jamestown colonists gave thanks for their safe arrival, and another service was held in 1610 when a supply ship arrived after a harsh winter. Berkley Hundred settlers held a Thanksgiving service in accordance with their charter which stated that the day of their arrival in Virginia should be observed yearly as a day of Thanksgiving, but within a few years an Indian uprising ended further services (Dabney). Thus British colonists held several Thanksgiving services in America before the Pilgrim’s celebration in 1621.

The Pilgrims, with a puritanical rejection of public religious display, held a nonreligious Thanksgiving feast, aside from saying grace. In fact, they seem to have used the three days for feasting, playing games, and even drinking liquor.

In 1623, the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation, Massachusetts, held another day of Thanksgiving. As a drought was destroying their crops, colonists prayed and fasted for relief; the rains came a few days later. And not long after, Captain Miles Standish arrived with staples and news that a Dutch supply ship was on its way. Because of all this good fortune, colonists held a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30.

This 1623 festival appears to have been the origin of our Thanksgiving Day because it combined a religious and social celebration.

Festivals of Thanksgiving were observed sporadically on a local level for more than 150 years. They tended to be autumn harvest celebrations. But in 1789, Elias Boudinot, Massachusetts, member of the House of Representatives, moved that a day of Thanksgiving be held to thank God for giving the American people the opportunity to create a Constitution to preserve their hard won freedoms. A Congressional Joint Committee approved the motion, and informed President George Washington. On October 3, 1789, the President proclaimed that the people of the United States observe “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer” on Thursday, the 26th of November.

The next three Presidents proclaimed, at most, two days of thanksgiving sometime during their terms of office, either on their own initiative or at the request of a joint Resolution of Congress. One exception was Thomas Jefferson, who believed it was a conflict of church and state to require the American people hold a day of prayer and thanksgiving. President James Madison proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving to be held on April 13, 1815, the last such proclamation issued by a President until Abraham Lincoln did so in 1862.

Most of the credit for the establishment of an annual Thanksgiving holiday may be given to Sarah Josepha Hale. Editor of Ladies Magazine and Godey’s Lady’s Book, she began to agitate for such a day in 1827 by printing articles in the magazines. She also published stories and recipes, and wrote scores of letters to governors, senators, and presidents. After 36 years of crusading, she won her battle. On October 3, 1863, buoyed by the Union victory at Gettysburg, President Lincoln proclaimed that November 26, would be a national Thanksgiving Day, to be observed every year on the fourth Thursday of November.

Only twice has a president changed the day of observation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in order to give depression-era merchants more selling days before Christmas, assigned the third Thursday to be Thanksgiving Day in 1939 and 1940. But he was met with popular resistance, largely because the change required rescheduling Thanksgiving Day events such as football games and parades. In 1941, a Congressional Joint Resolution officially set the fourth Thursday of November as a national holiday for Thanksgiving.

Today, Thanksgiving is a time when many families come together, and many churches are open for special services. We have both Native Americans and immigrants to thank for the opportunity to observe a day of thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving in North America Where Did Your Favorite Thanksgiving Day Food Originate?

by Smithsonian.org Millions of people across the United States will sit down to a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, potatoes, squash, corn, and cranberries. These foods have become synonymous with Thanksgiving, but how did they end up on tables from Maine to California?

According to Bruce Smith, senior scientist at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, much of what is eaten at Thanksgiving today came from Mexico and South America. “We can trace many of these foods up through the southwestern United States into other parts of the country,” he said. “Most likely this diffusion happened as a result of trading or other contact among American Indian tribes in this country.”

So, where did these Thanksgiving favorites come from? Smith shares some facts about the origins of the food on this holiday menu: Turkey ▪ The turkey was domesticated twice, in central Mexico and in the southwestern United States. This domestication happened at the same time about 2,000 years ago.

The southwestern domesticate disappeared, and the turkeys eaten today are derived from the Mexican domesticate.

▪ Domesticated turkeys made quite a journey to tables in the United States. They were most likely brought from Mexico to Europe and came to the eastern United States by Europeans when they settled the colonies.

Potatoes ▪ Potatoes were domesticated in South America (likely Peru) about 10,000 years ago. The Spanish probably took the potato from South America to Europe where it slowly became a staple crop.

▪ Like turkeys, potatoes also had quite a journey to the dinner table. Europeans likely introduced potatoes to the eastern United States when they settled there.

November 15, 2023

Squash and Pumpkins ▪ There are many species of squash and pumpkins grown today in the United States; the most common species (Cucurbita pepo) was also, like the turkey, domesticated twice—in Mexico and the eastern United States. Some common members of the species C. pepo include acorn squash, pattypan squash, and spaghetti squash.

▪ The orange-skinned “pumpkin” lineage of C. pepo (what is carved as a jack-olantern) was the first plant to be domesticated in the Americas, about 10,000 years ago in Mexico.

▪ There was a second domestication of C. pepo squash in the eastern United States about 5,000 years ago. All of the yellow- and green-skinned summer squashes in the U.S., such as zucchini and acorn squash, were derived from a wild gourd that is still found in the Ozarks.

▪ Research by a team of archaeologists has revealed a curious connection between our traditional Thanksgiving dinner and the taste buds of prehistoric mammoths and mastodons.

Corn ▪ Corn (maize) was domesticated in Mexico more than 8,000 years ago. This important crop plant arrived in the southwestern United States by 4,000 years ago, and reached eastern North America at about 200 B.C. ▪ Maize is derived from teosinte, a large wild grass that has five species growing in Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Cranberries ▪ Cranberries are native to the United States, most likely coming from the New England area.

▪ The name is derived from “craneberry.” European settlers gave the berry this name because they thought the plant looked like a crane. In the 1600s, cranberries also were called “bearberries” because it was common to see bears snacking on them.

▪ American Indians were the first to use cranberries as food. They also used the berries as medicine and dye.

City of Fort Morgan Recognizes Sage Brush Market as November 2023 Business of the Month

by City of Fort Morgan Congratulations to owners Kristin Lindsey, Jennifer Williams, and Allison Miller at Sagebrush Market, LLC for being selected as our November Business of the Month! The reception for this niche business that offers a variety of food and body products to benefit the whole being has been outstanding. The beautifully remodeled storefront building, located at 210.5 Main Street, contains a wide variety of items secured from local or Made in America vendors with an emphasis on fresh, nutritious, organic, and additive free. Even the product packaging materials and labels are eco-friendly. The business and its owners are strong supporters of the community and serve on several nonprofit boards and organizations including United Way of Morgan County, SHARE, and Fort Morgan Lions Club. Their monetary contributions to such agencies as Morgan County 4-H, Fort Morgan FFA, and the MCC Foundation are also appreciated. Thank you Sagebrush Market, LLC for making Fort Morgan a great place to live, work, and enjoy!

Let’s Go Build with the Lego Guy, Curtis Mork at the Fort Morgan Museum

by Bob Grand, Lost Creek guide During the Fort Morgan Art Walk, on October 19th, the Fort Morgan Museum hosted Curtis Mork, the Lego Guy. Curtis gave a presentation on the history of Lego’s and shared a small sample of his massive collection of Lego projects. He offered tips on how to build as well as sharing lots of stories with the young people. Light snacks provided and it sure looked like those in attendance had an enjoyable visit to the museum.

November 15, 2023

11

Lost Creek Guide

AQCC: In Less Than a Decade, 82% of Car Sales Must Be Electric

by Jake Fogleman, Independence Institute

The Polis administration intends, by hook or by crook, to see the electric vehicle industry succeed.

Last Friday, unelected regulators on the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) voted to adopt the so-called Colorado Clean Cars standard. The new regulations, which would more aptly be named the California-lite Clean Cars standard, largely replicate the California Air Resources Board’s rules requiring auto dealers to dramatically increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) they offer for sale each year—though they stop short of adopting the Golden State’s 2035 gas vehicle ban.

Instead, in a move that would make even the old central planners in Moscow blush, the eight-member commission was evidently able to calculate to the exact percentage how many EVs car dealers ought to sell and how many drivers should be in the market for.

According to the commission: The Colorado Clean Cars standard: • Directs vehicle manufacturers to continue making and selling more zero-emission light duty vehicles beginning with model year 2027, and increasing every year through 2032. Zero-emission options include battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles.

• Directs vehicle manufacturers to ensure 82% of new light duty vehicles sold in Colorado are electric by model year 2032. This will support Colorado’s goal of nearly one million electric vehicles on the road in Colorado by 2030.

• Establishes more protective standards for volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides emissions from conventional passenger vehicles. These pollutants endanger human health and interact with heat and sunlight to form harmful ground-level ozone pollution.

• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide that cause climate change. This will help Colorado meet its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In an extra Orwellian twist, the AQCC claims its new rule to artificially reduce the supply of one type of vehicle in favor of a relatively unproven and more expensive technological newcomer actually “protects consumer choice” and “saves people money.”

The problem with that formulation, aside from its inherent rhetorical sleight of hand, is that consumers thus far have chosen—just not the way the Polis administration wishes.

Despite local, state, and federal subsidies and public pressure campaigns meant to induce prospective buyers, unsold EVs are beginning to pile up on dealer lots.

That’s because electric vehicles, despite some of their virtues, still cost about $10,000 more on average than comparable gaspowered options and are yet to be supported by a functional public charging network at any kind of scale. On the production side, major manufacturers like Ford and startups like Lucid and Rivian are currently losing billions of dollars per year selling EVs. Until the business model is worked out (if it ever is), it’s hard to see how either side of the transaction is set to save money under Colorado’s plan.

If the benchmarks of 82% by the year 2032 strike you as strange, that’s because they should. They were chosen to lend a veneer of precise calculation to what amounts to bureaucratic wish-casting about the future of climate-centric transportation policy. The Air Quality Control Commissioners, wellintentioned as they may be, are no more immune to what Friedrich Hayek called “the knowledge problem” than any other wouldbe economic micromanager.

Hayek’s great insight was that no one person (or governing body) could possibly possess all of the requisite knowledge and

information needed to efficiently allocate resources or plan economic outcomes without unintended consequences in a complex society. Instead, he argued that knowledge is dispersed among the millions of rational individuals in a society interacting with one another each day and that it is effectively communicated through market price signals.

Should electric vehicles make up 82% of all car sales in the next decade? Maybe.

Maybe not.

If they demonstrate their reliability, affordability, and value to consumers at scale, then it is entirely possible. On the other hand, ongoing issues with supply chains, charging infrastructure, and relative unaffordability compared to gasoline cars could prove to be enduring issues that significantly affect consumer decision-making. The point is that the Air Quality Control Commission does not know because nobody knows. The global vehicle market is too complex, with too many dynamic variables at play, for any one governing body to manage its progress from on high.

State regulators cannot overcome “the knowledge problem” no matter how virtuous their motivations might be.

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Lost Creek Guide

Republicans Unveil Property Tax Relief Proposals, Renew Call For A Special Session

DENVER – Today, the Colorado Senate and House Republicans unveiled legislative solutions to address Colorado’s skyrocketing property taxes and renewed the request for Governor Jared Polis to convene a special legislative session.

Colorado homeowners are currently bracing for the largest tax increase in recent history. Next year, Colorado homeowners can expect the taxable value of their homes to increase by an average of almost 40%. In response to this unprecedented spike in property taxes, the Colorado Senate and House Republicans unveiled common-sense solutions to deliver real property tax relief to property owners in Colorado.

The first part of the Republican solution will help provide necessary relief to Colorado seniors by allowing seniors who previously qualified for the senior homestead exemption to receive the same property tax benefit for any home they purchase and live in as their primary residence. The Republican solution would also double the current exemption amount to $200,000.

Republicans have been striving to expand the senior homestead exemption for years.

Senate Bill 22-093 and Senate Bill 23-107, both championed by Senator Larry Liston (R - Colorado Springs), would have extended the homestead exemption for seniors and veterans disabled veterans. Both bills were killed by Democrats on a party line vote in committee.

The second part of the Republicans’ solution to lower property taxes would be to lower the assessment rates for all residential, and most nonresidential properties. The residential property assessment rate would decrease from its current 7.15% to 6.7% with the first $50,000 in value being exempted. Under the Republican solution, the nonresidential property assessment rate would be lowered to 27.9%, down from its current 29%.

As Colorado families continue to struggle with the rising cost of living in the state, the Colorado House and Senate Republicans also presented a permanent reduction in the state’s income tax from its current 4.4% to 4%.

“Thanks to careless leadership and back-room deals conjured up by Governor Polis and the Democrat majority, many Coloradans are fearing the worst – we need tax relief now!” Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer (R - Weld County) said. “By permanently reducing the property tax assessment rate and lowering income tax permanently, Colorado homeowners can enjoy the financial security they are owed. It’s not just about saving Coloradans money, but ensuring they breathe easier knowing that their hard-earned money is staying in their pockets where it belongs.”

“Our plan is focused around providing clean tax relief to Coloradans rather than political games,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Rose Pugliese (R - Colorado Springs). “The cost of living increases that are crushing Coloradans is not limited to only property taxes, that is why our plan not only addresses those increases, but also lowers state income taxes as well,” added Pugliese.

Since the final hours of the 2023 legislative session, Colorado Republicans have been calling on Governor Jared Polis to convene a special legislative session so immediate property tax relief could be delivered. Today, Senate and House leadership renewed this call.

“For months we have been asking the governor to reconvene this legislature so that we can give the people of Colorado the tax relief they so desperately need,” Minority Leader Paul Lundeen (R - Monument) said. “This body does not turn on a dime; we cannot wait until mid-January to conjure up a solution when property taxes come due in February. The Governor must listen to the voices of people and bring this legislature back to Denver so we can take action now!”

In the final hours of the 2023 legislative session, Colorado Democrats proposed their solution to address this unprecedented rise in taxes with Senate Bill 303. The bill created Proposition HH, which asks Colorado voters to use TABOR refund dollars to backill losses in revenue from a proposed temporary reduction in the statewide residential assessment rate.

“The Democrats are attempting to steal your annual refunds and destroy your Taxpayer Bill of Rights,” said House Minority Leader Mike Lynch (R - Wellington). “Their proposals would set Colorado back. Inaction on skyrocketing property tax increases is not the answer either. An issue this important deserves a serious debate,” added Lynch.

November 15, 2023

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November 15, 2023

Lost Creek Guide

Watch For Wildlife On Roads During Daylight Saving Time, Avoid Collisions

DENVER – Changing your clocks with your driving habits during daylight saving time can help prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions. Wildlife experts advise drivers that wildlife is on the move, so be aware, drive with caution and slow down at night.

This Sunday, Nov. 5, marks the end of daylight saving time, which means people will set their clocks back an hour, see dusk earlier and see more wild animals migrating to their wintering habitats during rush-hour traffic on highways.

As the sunlight fades during high-volume commutes, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) asks drivers to stay alert and share roads with wildlife. Autumn is the peak seasonal mating and migration time for many species, so drivers should watch for wildlife as they experience darker commutes.

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) also advises motorists to stay vigilant, drive cautiously and slow down as winter storms often push wildlife from the high country into lower elevations.

“This is the time of year when we start seeing more animals on the move at our state parks and on our roads,” said CPW Fishers Peak State Park Manager Crystal Dreiling.

“Drivers across the state can expect to find wildlife on or near the roadways as winter approaches and they can do their part in helping to reduce wildlife-vehicle collisions with bear, elk and deer by traveling at slower speeds and staying vigilant.”

To decrease the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions in Colorado, CDOT has collaborated with CPW to develop wildlife prioritization plans for the Western Slope, as well as the Eastern Slope and Plains.

“From these studies, wildlife mitigation features can be added to planned highway improvement projects,” said Keith Stefanik, CDOT Chief Engineer. “The prioritization plans provide us with a proactive approach to pursue strategic wildlife-highway mitigation where it is needed most, to allow wildlife to safely cross busy highways and decrease the potential of high risk of wildlife-vehicle collisions.”

Associated wildlife infrastructure includes wildlife overpasses, underpasses, and high fences with escape ramps and wildlife guards along highways.

CPW and CDOT actively monitor wildlife data to identify potential highway mitigation projects to protect our wildlife and keep Colorado motorists safe. To learn more about ongoing collaborative efforts, visit the Colorado Wildlife Transportation Alliance webpage. See locations of completed crossings around Colorado on the statewide wildlife crossing web map.

Learn more about how the Colorado Wildlife and Transportation Alliance met with partners at the 2023 Wildlife & Transportation Summit to find solutions for wildlifevehicle collisions.

Projects recently completed or under construction include: • I-25 Gap Project Monument to Castle Rock (five underpasses, high fencing and one overpass currently in design) • CO 13 Fortification Creek Project north of Craig (one underpass and a wildlife radar detection system, high fencing) • U.S. 550 Connection South Project near Durango (two underpasses, several small mammal underpasses and high fencing) • I-70 between Lookout Mountain and Genesee exits (one underpass and high fencing) • CO 13 North Rifle Corridor Phase I (two underpasses and one box culvert, high fencing) “It’s exciting to see CPW, CDOT and our Wildlife Transportation Alliance partners working together to create safe passage for motorists and wildlife,” said CPW’s Wildlife Movement Coordinator Michelle Cowardin. “Our wildlife faces many challenges and barriers to movement throughout the year, and these projects reduce the risk of an accident while increasing connectivity across our busy highways.”

For b-roll footage of wildlife crossings in Colorado, see the links below.

U.S. 160 near Pagosa Springs, southwest Colorado: vimeo.com/755187932 CO 9 near Kremmling, northern Colorado: vimeo.com/534253713 CO 13 north of Craig, northern Colorado: vimeo.com/600390297

Deck The Halls Safely This Holiday Season

13

By Morgan County Rural Electric Association There’s nothing like putting up lights and decorations to get you in the holiday spirit.

It’s something that many do each and every year without incident, yet the holidays are also one of the most hazardous times of the year when it comes to electrical fires and accidents.

Morgan County REA and SafeElectricity.org offer several tips as you deck the halls this season: • When decorating outside, look up and around for power lines. Never throw lights or other decorations into trees near power lines.

• Keep ladders, equipment, and yourself at least ten feet from power lines.

• Match plugs with outlets. Do not force a three-pronged plug into a two-pronged outlet or extension cord.

• Outside, use only lights, cords, animated displays, and decorations rated for out door use. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use them. Ensure out door outlets or extension cords are equipped with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI’s).

•Never string more strands of lights together than recommended by the manufacturer.

• Do not staple or nail through light strings or electrical cords. Use plastic or insulated hooks to hang lights.

• Do not attached cords to utility poles.

The outside of your home is not the only place where you need to be cautious of electrical dangers. Also be careful when placing and decorating trees inside your home. Place fresh-cut and artificial trees away from heat sources such as registers, fireplaces, and radiators. Water fresh-cut trees frequently. Turn lights off before you go to sleep. Use a timer to help.

The kitchen is another place to keep safety top of mind during the holiday season, as everyone is busy making those favorite recipes—or taste testing them. Be sure to regularly inspect your kitchen appliances for damaged or worn electrical cords, any of which should be thrown out. Always pull on the plug, not the cord, to disconnect an appliance from an outlet. Always dry your hands before handling cords or plugs. If an unplugged appliance cord gets wet or damp, do not plug it in until it is thoroughly dry.

Be sure to avoid overloading extension cords, multi-pack “power strips” or surge protectors with too many appliances or other items; do not plug them into each other.

It is also wise to educate yourself and everyone in your family on how to properly turn off your home’s power in case of an emergency.

Morgan County REA wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

For more information on holiday safety tips visit, SafeElectricity.org.

from

14

Lost Creek Guide

- Obituary -

Lynne Marie Lillard Lynne Marie Lillard was born on September 25th, 1970, and she died in faith in Christ Jesus her Lord and Savior, Tuesday, October 25th, 2023.

She fought the good fight; she finished her race, and is now safely home in the presence of the Lover of her soul, Jesus Christ.

She is survived by her loving husband Avery Lillard, her two daughters, Korina (Christian) Hammerl, and Kaylin Lillard. She had her parents, Jim and Jan Zastrocky and her two brothers, Christian (Nid) Zastrocky (Yanika, age 4, and Cecil, age 18 months), and Daniel (Ashlee) Zastrocky, with her. She is also survived by her brother in law, Colin (Mary) Lillard, and their children, Lindsey, Reagan, Phoebe, Austin, and Andrew.

Lynne grew up and attended schools in the Thornton, Colorado area. She attended Colorado School of Mines on a basketball scholarship and later transferred to Colorado State University.

She and her husband Avery were married on June 13th, 1992. Together they raised two beautiful and talented daughters, Korina Marie and Kaylin Marie. Lynne was very active in supporting and coaching them in their athletic talents. Both girls were very successful, most specifically, in volleyball.

For a period of years, she and Avery owned and managed over 30 head of registered paint quarter horses, and named their business, “Thunder Hill Paint and Quarter horses”. She had this statement on her mirror: “If you’re gonna’ hop in the saddle…. be ready for the ride!”

Lynne was an extremely skilled businesswoman, owning and managing a successful trucking business, Flatwater Express. She also was the secretary and administrator for Zion Lutheran School in Brighton, Colorado for a number of years. Her faith, her impact was felt throughout the school. (She also coached volleyball there.) Lynne’s skills in communicating in numerous venues was immediately recognized by all.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at the Kit Carson United Methodist Church in Kit Carson, CO with burial in the Kit Carson Cemetery.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, November 3, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the Calvary Chapel in Castle Rock, CO. Memorial contributions can be made to the Christ The King Fellowship Calvary Chapel; 10 County Road 53; Keenesburg, CO 80643. Friends and family can register online condolences and sign the guestbook at www.brownfuneraldirectors.com.

Brown Funeral Home is entrusted with the final arrangements.

November 15, 2023

Public Input Sought On Indoor Aquatic Facility

City Council has directed staff to research needs, desires and costs The possibility of an indoor swimming facility for Fort Morgan is currently being explored by city staff with the help of a committee of about a dozen city residents.

Now they want to hear from you.

The Aquatic Facility Ad Hoc Committee was created for a single purpose: to investigate whether an indoor swimming facility makes sense for Fort Morgan.

They have met several times and now want to hear opinions from a wider crosssection of the community.

The link at the bottom of this news release will allow anyone to chip in their two cents’ worth on the topic of a possible indoor swimming pool. And by completing this survey, you will be eligible to win a 2024 pass to Riverside Pool.

The subject of an indoor pool was raised at the City Council’s annual retreat early this year, and the council ultimately directed staff to gather information and research the possibilities. The sheer scope of the project and the estimated costs mean it will be a number of years before any such facility could be built, and one of the biggest questions will be how to pay for it.

The exploratory process will be a lengthy one and the staff and committee will be asking for more public input throughout the effort. It’s a great way to help your community and get involved in the future of Fort Morgan.

Please use this link to complete the survey. https://forms.office.com/g/qAruzXng9U LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! www.facebook.com/cityoffortmorgan.com

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Lost Creek Guide

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Lost Creek Guide

Weld Central FFA Members Attend and Compete at 2023 National FFA Convention and Expo

INDIANAPOLIS (November 1-4, 2023) – Weld Central FFA members attended the National FFA Convention and Expo in early November. Fifteen students and chaperones traveled to Chicago, went on tours including Fair Oaks Farms, Purdue University, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Beasley Apple Orchard.

Citlali Calixto competed in the National FFA Agriscience Fair Competition where she was deemed a National Finalist for her research project in Plant Science Division 3. Her research consisted of testing jalapeno growth in soil samples from counties all around the state of Colorado using the school’s greenhouse to perform her research.

At the convention, she was award third overall and received a Gold placing!

Hannah Auer competed in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Contest where she made it to the semi-finals and top 16. She received a Silver placing! For this contest, contestants are given a topic in agriculture then have 30 minutes to prepare a 4-6 minute speech.

The Weld Central FFA Chapter was also recognized for the National Chapter Award where they were in the top 10 for the state of Colorado and received a 2-Star rating nationally. The students that filled out this application were Kashley Hayden, Peyton Witzel, Emily Spayd, Hannah Auer, Sydnee Klausner, Kennedy Cardillo, Addie Forbes, Citlali Calixto and Charlotte Goodman.

Two past FFA members, Abby Perez and Jacey Lambert received their American FFA degrees. This is the highest degree that you can receive as an FFA member and less than 1% receive this degree.

FFA members attended workshops, sessions and the expo where they connected with hundreds of industry professionals and college/trade school representatives. They heard from keynote speakers. There were around 70,000 individuals who attended the convention and expo from around the country.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

November 15, 2023