The Tributary News November 13, 2019

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The Tributary Where opinions & knowledge flow!

105 Woodward Avenue • PO Box 581 • Keenesburg, CO 80643 303-732-4080 • thetributaryeditor@gmail.com

Volume 10 Issue 45

In This Issue:

November 13, 2019

* Page 2 * Page 4

High Plains Library District to Become Debt Free in December

The High Plains Library District (HPLD) is set to be debt free in December and lower its Mill Levy in January. This change is a culmination of a promise made to the communities, that make up the High Plains service area, back in 1999. A Mill Levy Override was approved by voters in 1999 which allowed for an annual increase in funding of $2,577,980 beginning in the year 2000. These funds were used for upgrades to Centennial Park Library, Lincoln Park Library, and member libraries across the District. After voters approved the Mill Levy Override in 1999, the District secured Certificates of Participation (COPs) totaling $11,930,000 in April 2001. Those COPs were refinanced in 2010 reducing the debt to $9,580,000. At the time the override was approved, The HPLD Board of Trustees promised the community that the District would lower the Mill Levy by $1,000,000 once the COPs were paid off. “We are proud to deliver on the promise that was made in 1999. On December 15, 2019, the District will be debt free. In January we will be lowering our Mill Levy from 3.249 to 3.177,” said Dr. Matthew Hortt, Executive Director of HPLD. “This was a promise that our Board felt very strongly about keeping and we are happy to do so.” The High Plains Library District connects communities to information, inspiration and entertainment for life. HPLD includes libraries in Greeley, Firestone, Erie, Kersey, Ault, Eaton, Evans, Johnstown, Platteville, Hudson, Gilcrest and Fort Lupton.

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Wagoneers Annual Trick or Treat Street Event American Legion 17th & Final Haunted House Event

Electronic Cigarettes Linked to National and Local Severe Lung Illness

Weld County – The recent rise of sudden and severe lung illnesses associated with the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vaping has not only been documented across the country, but also now here in Weld County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are 380 cases of severe lung illness nationally, and one of the cases has been identified in a Weld County student. The student is recovering. There are six confirmed vaping-related deaths across six states, with no deaths currently reported in Colorado. E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that deliver a liquid containing highly addictive nicotine, flavoring, and other chemicals by heating it into an aerosol that is inhaled. E-cigarettes can also contain marijuana or other substances. The severe lung illness is not yet linked to any specific brand or products, but all reported cases impacted by severe lung illness have been e-cigarette users, most reporting a history of use of products containing marijuana. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment stated that Colorado high school students have the highest use rates of vaping in the country. One in four youth have used an e-cigarette in Weld County in the last month according to the Healthy Kids Colorado survey. “E-cigarettes are not safe or harmless,” said Mark E. Wallace, MD, MPH, Executive Director of the Weld County Health Department. “They should never be used by youth, young adults, or pregnant women; and if you’ve never smoked before, don’t start now with vaping.” Severe lung illness can be deadly. If a person experiences symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, increased heart rate, chest pain or other health concerns they should contact their medical provider immediately, especially if they are an e-cigarette user. The Weld County Health Department does not promote e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes or other tobacco products. If you are a smoker and interested in quitting, please call the Colorado Quitline for free quit resources, coaching, and support at 1-800-QUIT-NOW or visit https:// www.coquitline.org For more information about how to address e-cigarette use locally, or how to talk to youth about vaping, visit the Weld County Health Department’s ‘Health Hop Topics’ page: https://www.weldgov.com/departments/health_and_environment

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The Tributary News November 13, 2019 by Lost Creek Guide - Issuu