The Weld County Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) Weld Aging Well program will offer free fall prevention events Monday, September 21, through Friday, September 25, at locations across Weld County, including Johnstown and Milliken. Adults age 60 and older can take part in movement classes, wellness walks, balance screenings, and presentations on home safety, vision, and nutrition.

The events are part of Falls Prevention Awareness Week and highlight the work Weld Aging Well does throughout the year to help older adults reduce their risk of falls and stay active and independent.

On Tuesday, September 22, there will be a "Home modifications presentation" at the Johnstown Senior Center from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Attendees can learn about equipment and home updates that can make aging at home safer.

Thursday, September 24, there will be Tai Chi in the Park at Lola Park in Milliken from 10 to 11 a.m. this is a beginner-friendly session focused on balance and flexibility. Weather permitting.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults age 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than 14 million older adults, or about one in four, report falling each year. Many falls can be prevented by improving strength and balance, making homes safer, and understanding personal risk factors.

“Supporting older adults in maintaining their independence and safety is essential,” said Commissioner Chair Scott James. “Falls Prevention Awareness Week gives residents practical ways to stay active and reduce their risk of falling. Weld County is proud to offer programs that can make a meaningful difference.”

Weld Aging Well offers fall prevention classes and resources throughout the year, with evidence-backed programs focused on movement, balance, nutrition, and staying safe at home.

“Our goal is to give people practical steps they can use every day,” said AAA Wellness Program Coordinator Gabi Snyder. “This week is more than just one-off classes. It’s a chance for our residents to explore wellness classes, meet our registered dietician, and connect with our community partners. We want adults 60 and older to know support is available through these free programs.”

For more information about Weld Aging Well and its year-round programs, visit www.weldaaa.org or call (970) 400-6117.

If you want to go leaf peeping you better get to it. Officials are saying the dry conditions are causing the foliage to turn even earlier this year.

As summer shifts to fall, the Colorado Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to plan ahead for increased mountain corridor traffic as changing foliage draws visitors to the high country. While local timing varies, experts from the Colorado State Forest Service report that drought and prolonged moisture stress across parts of the state could cause leaves in some areas to turn earlier. Overall, central portions of the state are expected to peak near the end of September and into early October. For additional forestry data and updates, visit csfs.colostate.edu.

The 2026 Fall Foliage Map is a visual planning guide to the annual progressive changing of the leaves. For additional forestry data, visit csfs.colostate.edu.

Regional peak foliage estimates:

• Northern mountains and high passes (above 9,500 feet): Early to mid-September
• Central mountains and Aspen corridors (8,000 to 9,500 feet): Mid to late September
• Southern Colorado and San Juan Mountains (varied elevations): Late September
• Foothills and Front Range (below 8,000 feet): Late September to early October

Plan ahead & travel mid-week

With peak foliage arriving ahead of schedule, Colorado’s mountain corridors are expected to see heavy weekend traffic starting earlier in the month. Drivers are strongly encouraged to consider mid-week trips from Tuesday through Thursday to avoid extreme weekend congestion. Travelers will also encounter active late-season construction zones on state highways as crews work to complete infrastructure projects before winter conditions arrive.

Byways & alternate transit options

This fall, celebrate public lands during the National Scenic Byway Day on Sept. 22. Colorado’s 26 Scenic and Historic Byways offer curated driving routes across the state. Explore route lengths, estimated drive times and key attractions at codot.gov/travel/colorado-byways. Route mapping is also available using the Scenic Byways layer on COtrip.org or via the COtrip Planner App.

Additionally, for a stress-free trip to take in the fall colors, CDOT encourages motorists to use shared public transit during peak travel times by riding Bustang. More information and tickets at Ridebustang.com.

• Bustang to Estes: Offers a direct route to the gateway of Rocky Mountain National Park without fighting traffic. Tickets are 25% off Sept. 19 to 20 and Sept. 26 to 27 with code ESTES25
• Bustang West Line (I-70): Runs between Denver Union Station and Grand Junction, offering scenic views near Vail, Beaver Creek and Frisco.
• Bustang Outrider: Connects Craig, Steamboat Springs, Granby and Denver.
• Local Connecting Transit: Explore local mountain town bus connections at goi70.com/transit.

Please Note: Although Guanella Pass Road between Georgetown (I-70) and Grant (US 285) is not part of the state highway system, drivers should be aware that strict parking restrictions are enforced at the summit and extend at least one-half mile north and south during peak leaf season. Clear Creek and Park counties enforce these restrictions to guarantee emergency vehicle access. Details are available at clearcreekcounty.us.

Leaf-peeping safety tips:

• Keep Eyes on the Road: Avoid distracted driving. Passengers should take photos so drivers can focus on sudden stops in high-density viewing corridors.
• Pull Over Safely: Never stop or park in travel lanes or narrow shoulders. Use designated turnouts, paved parking areas or scenic overlooks.
• Watch for Pedestrians: Exercise extra caution near trailheads, pullouts and overlooks where pedestrians frequently exit vehicles to take photos.
• Use Lower Gears Downhill: Downshift into lower gears when descending steep mountain passes to avoid overheating your vehicle's brakes.
• Yield Uphill Right-of-Way: On narrow, single-lane mountain pass roads, the vehicle traveling uphill has the right-of-way. Downhill traffic must yield or pull over where safe.
• Wildfire Prevention: Dry roadside grasses create extreme fire danger. Never park on dry vegetation, ensure trailer chains do not drag and dispose of smoking materials responsibly.
• Prepare for Early Snow & Traction Laws: High-elevation passes can experience early autumn snowstorms. Ensure tires have at least 3/16-inch tread depth and keep winter emergency supplies in your vehicle.

New COtrip Planner App and COtrip.org

Just in time for leaf peeping season, CDOT has overhauled COtrip.org and the COtrip Planner App, giving drivers immediate access to the interactive map right from the start. The update streamlines travel planning with an upgraded Trip Planner, automatic live-streaming camera feeds, web-based Dark Mode and a fix for overlapping map icons. Additionally, a dedicated Trucker Mode now delivers tailored, clutter-free data for commercial drivers alongside cleaner layer views for everyday motorists checking real-time conditions before heading out.

Fall colors should be a Winter Wise reminder

Fall leaf peeping is the perfect reminder that winter conditions are right around the corner in Colorado. Early mountain snowstorms can strike without warning, making autumn the ideal time to get Winter Wise before driving into the mountains. Colorado’s Traction Law went into effect on Sept. 1 along key corridors like the I-70 Mountain Corridor, requiring all vehicles to have winter-ready tires with a minimum tread depth of 3/16 inch or approved traction devices. Take a moment now to check your tire tread, test your battery, top off winter wiper fluid, and pack an emergency kit with cold-weather essentials. Preparing your vehicle today ensures you can enjoy autumn’s beauty safely while staying ready for whatever weather the season brings. Visit winter.codot.gov for complete vehicle prep checklists and safety guidelines.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

• Road conditions and travel information: COtrip.org
• Download the COtrip Planner app: bit.ly/COtripapp
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COnewsalerts
• Check scheduled construction lane closures: bit.ly/laneclosures
• Connect with @ColoradoDOT on social media: X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Coming off a solid 34-7 win last week against Windsor, the Roosevelt Rough Riders make the short drive to Greeley tonight to take on the Greeley West Spartans. The 2-1 Spartans defeated crosstown rival Greeley Central last week 28-8.

“Yeah, I got a little of a personal vendetta against them,” laughed Rider head coach Lane Wasinger. “We haven’t played them in a really long time, but they were my very first loss as Roosevelt’s head coach. So a win Friday night would definitely help me feel better about that loss 10 years ago.

“We’ve watched the film and they’re a confident group. We (Roosevelt in general) have been known to be a bit of a juggernaut when it comes to sports. And I think this game may be seen as an opportunity for them as a confident football team to show that they can compete at that level.”

Coach Wasinger says it’s important that the team not get too overconfident. This is definitely a “trap” game.

“Confident teams are always going to give you their best effort,” said Wasinger. “So that’s what we’re going to focus on this week, respecting our opponent and going 1-0 on the week. We’ll focus on what we need to do and try and channel that energy into playing the best football that we can possibly play.”

The Greeley West Spartans host the Roosevelt Rough Riders tonight at District 6 Stadium in Greeley. The action begins at 7 p.m.

The Breeze will have live game updates on Facebook.

To start off the meeting, Mayor Michael Duncan read a proclamation that declared September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Community partners like North Range Behavioral Health and Imagine Zero of Weld County were highlighted in the proclamation for their work with suicide prevention, intervention, education and other support services.

Then councilmembers were presented with a resolution to approve construction of a 70-foot monopine communications tower on land owned by Bella Ridge Golf.

The proposed tower will be contained within a 50-foot by 50-foot leased area on Bella Ridge Golf property. However, golfers might not recognize the tower since it will be surrounded by a faux-wood privacy fence that disguises the tower to look like a tree.

Routine monthly maintenance is expected for the monopine, but no other traffi c to the area is expected. A 20-foot-wide gravel road will connect the area to County Road 42 for access.

No residents from the area attended the meeting, but a neighborhood meeting was held on April 23. The residents who attended the meeting didn’t express any major concerns about the project, according to town staff. A representative from the project said that service is poor in the area and he has received interest from Verizon to utilize the tower.

Councilmembers passed the resolution unanimously.

Afterwards, the council moved on to discussing an ordinance to formally create the Johnstown Downtown Devel- opment Authority Fund and amend a chapter in the town code.

The establishment of the fund creates the financial structures necessary to support the downtown authority to begin work. Revenue from Tax Increment Financing will be placed into the fund and then be redistributed throughout the downtown boundary through improvements. Downtown Development Authorities are able to utilize Tax Increment Financing as a way to fund public improvements without raising costs for consumers or businesses.

The authority will be included in the town’s annual financial reporting and audit process, which provides additional financial accountability.

Councilmembers passed the ordinance’s first reading unanimously.

In other business:

-- Councilmembers passed a resolution that modified the 2026 town budget to include increased expenditures within the general fund. The Johnstown Police Department was awarded a $96,176 grant for the purchase of anti-ram barriers, which are used during town events to prevent large vehicles from entering restricted spaces.

-- Town Council interviewed law firms during an executive session for the position of town attorney. Councilmembers voted to select Wilson Williams Fellman Dittman, a local government and municipal law firm, to serve Johnstown.

Johnstown Town Council meets the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the council meeting room at Town Hall. Meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is September 21.

You can’t get there from there.

A portion of Colorado Highway 60 just west of Parish Avenue in Johnstown will be closed for the weekend starting Friday evening so The Great Western Railroad can do railroad track road crossing replacement.

The closure will begin on Friday evening at 8 p.m. and run through Monday, September 21, at 5 p.m. The closure will be between Denver Avenue and S. Raymond Ave./ Johnstown Center Drive.

Motorists should follow the detour signs and plan for additional travel time.

Johnstown 55+ Scene Calendar

Sept. 17: T’ai Chi Chih in Parish Park 10:00 a.m.

Sept. 18: Balance Exercises 9:15 a.m.; Book Club 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 21: Casino: Black Hawk 8:30 a.m.; Ukulele 1:00 p.m.

Sept. 22: Exercise 9:15 a.m.; Chats & Crafts 10:00 a.m.; Fall Prevention at home by Lifeway Mobility; Reiki 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 23: Blood Pressure Checks 11:00 a.m.; Friendly Fork Meal: Braised pork with gravy, baked sweet potato with butter, cauliflower with cheese, apple, 2% milk 11:30 a.m.; Cards & Pool 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 24: T’ai Chi Chih in Parish Park 10:00 a.m.; Colorado Rockies Baseball 11:00 a.m.; Mahjongg 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 25: Exercise 9:15 a.m.

Hours vary based on scheduled events. Feel free to call before you come in or visit our website at johnstownco. gov/seniorcenter Holly Darby

970-587-5251 hdarby@johnstownco.gov

Milliken 55+ Calendar Sept. 17: Tai Chi 10 a.m.

Sept. 18: Matter of Balance 9 a.m.; Games 10 a.m.; Menu: Sloppy Joe on wheat bun, Spinach mandarin orange salad with oil and vinegar, orange slices; Cards / Pool after lunch. No Strong People Sept. 21: Matter of Bal- ance 9 a.m.; Bingo 10:15 a.m.: Menu: Ham and potato Frittata with salsa, roasted potatoes, pear, morning glory muffin with butter; Cards / Pool after lunch; No Strong people Sept. 22: Tai Chi 10 a.m. Upcoming Event: Sept. 19 – Mad Hatter Tea Party Fundraiser. 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Raffl es and door prizes, food, and entertainment. Must RSVP by Sept. 16th at 970-660-5035, contact Dawn. This is a Senior Fundraiser, and we hope to see you there.

Kathy Kindsfather

970-660-5040 kkindsfather@millikenco.gov

“A plane just flew into one of the Twin Towers,” she told me. Believing a horrible accident had just occurred, I hustled to the office and turned on the TV. Moments later, I watched as the second plane hit.

As reality set in, my legislative director rushed in. “The Pentagon’s been hit,” she exclaimed. We could all see the smoke rising from beyond our office window.

The unthinkable had happened: We had just witnessed the deadliest terrorist attack in our nation’s history targeting some of our nation’s most iconic symbols, trade and defense.

We heard that a fourth plane had been hijacked and was headed toward Washington. We were sure (and as it turned out, likely correct) that they were headed for us. No thought, no preparation, no instruction had been given to members of Congress about what to do in a terrorist attack. In retrospect, it was still a time of innocence.

I acted on instinct. I instructed my staff to leave immediately and get as far away from the Capitol as possible. After they left, I locked the office door and strode back to the only place I knew to go, my nearby condo. As I later realized, I was still in the danger zone.

As I walked, I came across a colleague who was walking into the House office building. I told him he needed to turn around and leave. He said, “Do you really think it’s that bad?” It was difficult for all of us to process what was happening at that moment, much less to contemplate how it would change our nation forever.

Meanwhile, my family was home in Denver, where it was two hours earlier. By the time they learned of the attack, all the communication networks were jammed and inoperable. I was unable to reach them on my early- stage cellphone. My girls, only 7 and 11 at the time, had no idea that I was OK. Eventually we were able to get word to them that I was sheltering at my home.

Members of Congress had no idea of the extent of the threat or what was still to come. Rumors were rampant, tanks roamed the streets of the Capitol, and much of our information was gathered from television coverage.

We saw that all U.S. airspace was closed, and planes were instructed to land at the nearest airport. We saw the tens of thousands of people in New York City and Washington, D.C., walking for miles to try to get home, trudging through impassible streets and over-clogged bridges.

Finally, we received word that we were gathering on the Capitol steps that terrible evening to show the world that Congress stood in bipartisan solidarity against terrorism. This brief period of comity, I believe, will be seen as one of the greatest moments of political unity in our nation’s history.

This year has been consequential for our country, marking our 250th year as a nation and 25 years since the deadly attack that changed us forever. Over the past quarter-century, our country has continued to face turbulent times. Even today’s climate can feel eerily similar to how it felt after the 9/11 attacks when then, as now, fear and uncertainty were weaponized against certain individuals and once trusted institutions.

People often ask me whether our democracy can survive. But we must remember that we have been here before. When our nation was threatened, we stood not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans, returning to the House chamber to show our democracy could not be broken.

The extremists who attacked us 25 years ago thought they could break us, but they fundamentally underestimated America’s strength and will. We chose to stand up in the darkest of times and rebuild our nation for the sake of ourselves and future generations. That potential remains.

On this somber anniversary, we have to reject the cynicism and hyper- partisanship that plagues our system. Instead, we must redouble our efforts to preserve our democracy, while we rebuild trust in our institutions and protect those who are vulnerable.

I remain an optimist and believe we still can.

Diana DeGette, of Denver, has represented Colorado’s 1st Congressional District since 1997 and before that served two terms in the Colorado legislature. This opinion piece first appeared on The Colorado Sun (coloradosun. com).

Through the co-operation of both the Windsor and Roosevelt communities the schools were able to put on a tremendous presentation commemorating the heroes and victims that lost their lives that day. They also honored both communities’ military and first responders by having them presented to fans before the game and involving them in the pregame coin flip.

The game began in what looked like may be a defensive battle as the Riders struggled to move the ball on the first drive. On the other side of that token, Windsor’s first possession was pinned down on their own 5 yard line after a Roosevelt punt, where they were held to a three and out.

And that’s where the game started to completely go Roosevelt’s way. After a Windsor punt the Riders methodically moved the ball down the field to the Windsor 3-yard line.

That’s where junior Kayden Madrid ran the ball into the end zone for the Riders first score of the day, followed by the extra point by Spanish foreign exchange student sophomore Rodrigo Castro in his first action of the season.

Madrid had a career day running the ball 23 times for 158 yards and two touchdowns.

Senior receiving star Noah Lucero had a tremendous day as well, catching the ball six times for 58-yards and two touchdowns. His passionate play was invigorating to his teammates and crowd as he broke tackles and fought for every yard he gained.

Junior quarterback Mason Mallory completed 11 of 12 for 105-yards and three touchdowns, his only incomplete pass was an interception thrown into the end-zone.

Senior Nathaniel Herrera also caught two balls for 21-yards and a touchdown.

Defensively the Riders once again were dominant, allowing only 47-yards rushing and 213-yards through the air, which seems to be improving week after week within the Riders’ young secondary. To date the Rider defense is only allowing an average of 63 rushing yards per game.

“I told the team this game went exactly as was expected,” said head coach Lane Wasinger. “It’s what we prepared for, and we got the results we were aiming at. It was fun being able to establish the run game and play our brand of football.

“This being a rivalry game, and us having lost the last two years against this team, I was happy the boys played the way they did. They were poised and played with confidence. It’s a step in the right direction in the young season.”

Next on the schedule for the Riders is the 2-1 Greeley West Spartans who defeated city rival Greeley Central last week 28-8.

“Yeah, I got a little of a personal vendetta against them,” laughed Wasinger. “We haven’t played them in a really long time, but they were my very first loss as Roosevelt’s head coach. So a win Friday night would definitely help me feel better about that loss 10 years ago.

“We’ve watched the film and they’re a confident group. We (Roosevelt in general) have been known to be a bit of a juggernaut when it comes to sports. And I think this game may be seen as an opportunity for them as a confident football team to show that they can compete at that level.”

Coach Wasinger says it’s important that the team not get too overconfident. This is definitely a “trap” game.

“Confident teams are always going to give you their best effort,” said Wasinger. “So that’s what we’re going to focus on this week, respecting our opponent and going 1-0 on the week. We’ll focus on what we need to do and try and channel that energy into playing the best football that we can possibly play.”

The Greeley West Spartans will host the Roosevelt Rough Riders this Friday at District 6 Stadium in Greeley. The action begins at 7 p.m.

The Breeze will have live game updates on Facebook.

In other Roosevelt sporting news:

Boys Soccer fell last Tuesday to 3A 5th ranked Eagle Ridge Academy dropping their season record to 0-4.

Volleyball fell to 4A 16th ranked Mead last Tuesday 0 sets to 3. The Lady Riders drop their record to 1-2 with the loss.

Cross country competed at the Flyin’ Ryan Invitational this past weekend. For the boys the top finishers were Austin Meisenbach with a time of 17:54.39, Cruz Meisenbach with a time of 19:29.45, Liam Burack finished in 19:37.6, and Mitchell Johnson finished in 19:38.57.

For the ladies, Logan Joiner had a time of 20:56.78, Lyza Bradbury finished in 20:59.57, Sadie Gascha finished in 23:05.92, and Leah Gutierrez completed the race in 24:33.64.

The Board voted 5-0 to approve the permit. The data center will reuse an existing vacant industrial manufacturing facility.

Global AI’s application is the first to go through the county’s Use by Special Review process established for data centers. The Weld County Planning Commission reviewed the application September 1. They voted 7-0 to recommend approval to the Board of County Commissioners.

During both meetings, attendees raised concerns. Issues included water use, noise, electricity, and infrastructure. They also discussed the project’s potential impact on the surrounding community.

The first phase of the project is expected to employ approximately 20 people. It includes a closed-loop, aircooled cooling system. Any future expansion beyond the current proposal will require additional review.

What approval means

Approval of the USR grants the required land-use approval needed for the data center use covered by the application. It does not give Global AI blanket authorization to develop the entire former Kodak/Carestream property or build any future phase or infrastructure it may propose.

The applicant must still get all required permits and approvals before construction associated with the approved data center use can proceed. These may include building, electrical, mechanical, fire and life-safety, utility, environmental and other permits.

Future phases or changes to the data center would require additional review and approval.

Requirements for the data center Approval of the USR does not eliminate the county’s development or operational requirements.

County regulations for data centers include noise limits, such as a 65 dB(C) limit at the property line. Applicants must show that water use meets state requirements. They must also provide a “will serve” letter from the electricity provider. A noise mitigation plan may also be required to demonstrate compliance.

These requirements continue to apply as the facility is developed and operates.

The approval applies specifi cally to the USR application considered by the Board on September 9. It does not approve every potential future expansion, infrastructure project or permit that may be proposed by Global AI.

MILLIKEN – The Board of Trustees met on September 9 for their first regular meeting of the month. At the meeting, residents filled the room waiting to speak during the public comment period about their recent water bills.

Prior to public comments, Mayor Elizabeth Austin read a proclamation declaring September as Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. Representatives from North Range Behavioral Health attended the meeting and thanked the board for the proclamation.

As Mayor Austin called up residents to speak, the board heard from an array of individuals who spoke about their recent water bills. Residents expressed frustration with high bills, unexpected additional costs and disappointment with town communication.

Last November, the board voted to raise water rates and the increase took effect in January 2026. In fall 2025, an analysis determined that the rates at the time would not cover operational and capital needs of the town’s water fund. Board members recalled struggling with passing the increase but said it was necessary. A rate increase of 35 percent on average took effect in January.

Milliken uses a tiered system to calculate water bills. In addition to a base rate, residents are billed by the amount of water they use. The base rate was raised 15 percent and consumption rates were increased by 45 percent.

Starting in May, town employees began replacing every water meter in town with “smart meters.” Town employees stated that the new smart meters have numerous advantages over the older meters, but the town is still in the process of rolling out the new equipment to every household. Water meters become less accurate with age and the new meters will reduce unaccountable water loss in the town’s water system. Additionally, residents will be able to utilize an app called WaterScope to check their water consumption once the app is available for public use.

Interim town manager Steven Krolczyk urged residents at the meeting to call Town Hall directly if they wanted to discuss their individual water bills. He explained that some households saw an unusual increase due to a communication error between the new meter and the town’s meter reading equipment.

The new meters are accurately recording water usage, he said, but the billing software may have failed to divide usage due to the timing of water meter replacement. This could mean that a resident’s July water bill could include water usage from June, if their meter was replaced in June, and this additional usage was charged at a higher tier rate. However, because every household’s situation is different, Krolczyk told residents that he strongly urged them to call Town Hall if they have questions about their bill.

Residents can contact town hall at 970-587-4331 with questions about their bill and account. Due to the high volume of inquiries, residents should be prepared to leave a detailed message so staff can research individual accounts before returning calls.

In other business:

-- Kathy Weinmeister was sworn onto the Community Justice Council by the Board of Trustees.

-- A resolution was passed by the board to amend the 2026 annual budget to add additional revenues and expenditures. The changes had to do with town vehicle insurance claims and the Ehrlich Lake drainage improvements project.

-- Trustees approved a resolution officially appointing Greg Brinck as town administrator (see related story this issue).

-- Trustees moved to postpone two discussion items regarding a social media policy and the town’s facility rental program to the next regular meeting.

Milliken Town Board meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Milliken Police Department. Meetings are open to the public. The next meeting is September 23.

Milliken’s Board of Trustees approved a resolution officially appointing Greg Brinck as the town administrator at their regular meeting on September 9.

Town administrators oversee everyday town operations while also working closely alongside the Board of Trustees. The seven members of the board set goals and visions for the town. In turn, the town administrator presents policy that supports the board’s goals. As a town administrator, Brinck explained that they provide the pros and cons of certain actions, but it is ultimately the board’s responsibility to wrestle with decisions.

Brinck describes his leadership style as relaxed, but with high expectations. He prioritizes building a strong and responsive local government.

As town administrator, Brinck said that he wants to take proactive steps for communicating with residents about town business. He plans on fully utilizing the town’s current communication channels to keep residents informed. Milliken currently sends out a monthly newsletter that goes out with utility bills. Additionally, town news is shared through social media and the town website, as well as stories in The Breeze.

Before coming to Milliken, Brinck served as assistant town administrator for the town of Eaton. In this role, he oversaw town operations, infrastructure projects and downtown revitalization. Additionally, he secured millions in grant funding, led major capital projects and updated organizational systems. He said there are big differences between the two roles. He said that the biggest change would have to be the shift to having the Board of Trustees telling him what to do rather than a single superior.

“Instead of the town administrator being my boss, now the Board of Trustees is my boss, and so it is a change to have one boss and then to have seven,” he said.

When discussing the town administrator finalists, some trustees wanted to go with Brinck because of his familiarity with Weld County. He worked with many neighboring municipalities during his time in Eaton.

“I think what’s really critical, especially for smaller communities, is that in order to be successful, we can’t do it alone,” he said. “So we need to have good partnerships with our neighboring municipalities.”

As he gets settled into the new job, Brinck said that he’s excited for the opportunity to work in Milliken.

“You know, I see a ton of potential,” he said.

Brinck said the first impression that he’s gotten from residents is that the people here “really love their community and really care for their community.” Like residents, Brinck also wants to see Milliken continue to improve.

“We shouldn’t lose sight of our small town feel and small town values, and that the residents who are here and love and care about this community can continue to live here.”

Roosevelt High School softball head coach Vince Moreno looked at his roster before the season began and wasn’t quite sure what to think.

Last season’s very successful team lost a total of six seniors, this season’s team only has two seniors, and one junior. That means this entire team is made up of sophomores and freshmen.

Not exactly a recipe for success, but despite the youth, the Rough Riders are having a great season at 12-4.

“Honestly if you had told me at the beginning of the season we’d be 12-4 in our first 16 games I would have told you you’re crazy!” Coach Moreno said with a chuckle. “I never imagined with the amount of young players on this team we’d have this amount of success.”

In fact, the first real look that Coach Moreno got of his new team was at their own home tournament this season, where the squad went 3-1.

“Yeah, we were all pleasantly surprised with those results,” said Coach Moreno. “Our only loss was to 3A 3rd ranked Brush in the final of the tournament by one run, but we also had beat them earlier that weekend, so there was that.”

The Rough Riders do have three returning starters that are taking up leadership roles within the team.

Junior Lexi Arave is taking up the Ace role as a pitcher.

“Lexi has really improved over last season,” Moreno said. “Not only has her pitching improved, but also her hitting. You can tell she made a lot of improvements during her club season and we’re really happy about that.”

“Kenzie Maddox is one of our returners as well. She saw some time for us in the circle (pitching) last year. This season we’re going to be depending on her a lot more in there.”

Coach Moreno says that despite some early season injuries senior Mandi Lindler will also be heavily depended on this season for leadership in the outfield.

Being such a young team, this squad will have its ups and downs this season. All four of Roosevelt’s losses have come to top 10 ranked teams in 3A and 4A, and beating those teams usually comes down to experience.

But 2 to 3 years from now all this youth is going to pay off and that has Moreno excited.

“Sophomore Jaylynn Yebra is a returning varsity player for us, she started every game for us last season at short stop, she does an amazing job there and also leads the team in hitting, which was what we expected from her.” said Moreno.

One freshman that has Moreno extremely excited is pitcher Mable Johnson.

“Mable is right there with our number one pitcher, she’s had some losses but those came to really good teams. She’s still learning but she throws hard. To be able to step into that circle as a freshman is a big ask from us and a big step up for her. And when she’s not pitching, she’s playing first base for us, so she’s an important part of that team’s core.”

Coach Moreno says that in total he has three freshman starters, and nearly the entire infield is made up of sophomores.

“The season is young, so I don’t want to think too far ahead, but the future is definitely bright for these girls.”

Moreno says now that he knows the type of team he has, his expectations of the season have definitely shot up.

“You know we still have a lot of tough games ahead of us, and one can never truly predict how things will go, but I could see us getting close to a 17-win season, which if I had thought that at the beginning of the year, I’d think that I was nuts,” Moreno laughed.

A 17-win season for this team would be great, that would put them in the playoff hunt once again, which is the standard that Coach Moreno and his staff have set for themselves year after year.

In other words, despite their youth, the Roosevelt softball machine isn’t retooling, it’s reloading. And it’s steaming down the tracks once again undisturbed this season.

The Roosevelt Rough Rider softball team will be hosting the Thompson Valley Eagles tonight (Thursday) at Nelson Farms Field in Johnstown. The game starts at 6:30 p.m.

JOHNSTOWN – A recall petition seeking to remove Mayor Michael Duncan from office has been submitted, according to Town Clerk Meghan Martinez.

Martinez said Wednesday morning that the petition, with 559 signatures, was turned in by the Tuesday deadline. The petition would need 490 verified signatures to move forward. She said that per the Johnstown Charter the number is calculated as 25 percent of the total votes cast for the position at the last election in which the position was up for election.

Martinez now has five business days to review the petitions to verify signatures.

As part of the petition, the recall committee that submitted it wrote the following statement:

“Michael Duncan should be recalled from office of Mayor of the Town of Johnstown, Colorado, for exceeding his authority under the Town Charter, and undermining transparency in Town governance.

“On September 3, 2025, Mr. Duncan proposed positioning Johnstown as a hub for artificial intelligence data centers and introduced Russ Baca as the newly created Chief AI Business Development Officer, tasked with procuring land for a data center. Mr. Duncan disclosed that he met privately with outside consultants he did not identify to develop this initiative, without Council’s knowledge and without issuing a Request for Proposal. Council members stated they were not informed of these meetings. Following discussion, including Mr. Baca’s acknowledgement of limited relevant experience, Council voted five to one to reject the agreement, with Mr. Duncan casting the sole dissenting vote.

“Despite this rejection, Mr. Duncan wrote in the December 1, 2025, Johnstown Lowdown that the Town was working to make Johnstown a regional center for innovation and technology through AI infrastructure development. On July 13, 2026, he again directed staff to prepare a data center concept despite Council’s prior denial.

“These actions reflect a pattern of acting outside Charter authority and by bypassing established Council processes,” the petition concludes.

Mayor Duncan has previously said he plans to fight the recall.

“If the petitions are deemed sufficient, the governing body will set an election date unless a protest is filed,” Martinez wrote in an email. “If an election date is set it will be a separate election from the November general election. Based on previous elections, I estimate the cost will be between $30,000 and $35,000.”

Johnstown has previously gone through two recall efforts. One, against former Mayor Tom Martinez, was successful. Another, against former Mayor Mark Romanowski, failed.

A portion of Colorado Highway 60 just west of Parish Avenue will be closed for the weekend starting Friday evening so The Great Western Railroad can do railroad track road crossing replacement.

The closure will begin Friday evening at 8 p.m. and run through Monday, September 21, at 5 p.m. The closure will be between Denver Avenue and S. Raymond Ave./Johnstown Center Drive. 

Motorists should follow the detour signs and plan for additional travel time.

Friday Night Lights are home this week as the Roosevelt High School Rough Riders take on the Windsor Wizards at Randall Hess Stadium in Johnstown Friday night.

The Wizards have had the Riders number the last couple of seasons, beating Roosevelt 34-10 in 2025, and 26-14 in the 2026 season where the Wizards ended losing in the state championship game.

“Teams like Windsor are good man,” Rider head coach Lane Wasinger said. “They lost a special senior class from last year but teams like that just reload. They always have kids, they always have athletes, and their coaching staff is great. Most importantly they have pride and tradition.”

But coach, Windsor will come into Randall Hess Stadium 0-2.

“The records don’t matter in a game like this,” an emphatic Wasinger said. “If anything, it makes them desperate and even more dangerous. They’re eager to get that first win under their belts and what would be better than to do it in a rivalry game against Roosevelt?

“We are fully expecting a knockout drag out kind of football game here Friday night. These are two teams and communities that are very passionate about football, so you have to expect a tough game. They come in 0-2 but they played a top 10 5A team in Fort Collins, and a very tough 4A team in Loveland. They’ll be here hungry and ready to fight. That’s what I’m expecting.”

The 4A 6th ranked Roosevelt Rough Riders will host the 3A Windsor Wizards this Friday night at 7 p.m. Make sure to get to Randall Hess Stadium early because this one’s going to be a banger of a game and is sure to sell out. 

We’ll have live game updates on Facebook.

Friendly Fork meals are served at both senior centers. It is a suggested donation of $5 if you or your spouse is 60 or older. The cost is $14 for those 59 and under. Reservations must be made with the appropriate senior center by 9 a.m. the day before. Both centers offer dine-in and carry- out options.

Johnstown 55+ Scene Calendar

Sept. 10: Lucky Blu Ranch Outing 9:15 a.m.; T’ai Chi Chih in Parish Park 10:00 a.m.; Mahjongg 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: Exercise 9:15 a.m.

Sept. 14: Happy Monday! Sept. 15: Foot Care 9:00 a.m.; Exercise 9:15 a.m.; Artsy Creations 10:00 a.m.; Chats & Crafts 10:00 a.m.

Sept. 16: Flu Shots 10:001:00 p.m.; Wii Bowling 10:30 a.m.; Friendly Fork Meal: Honey ginger chicken thigh with soy sauce, jasmine rice, edamame & corn salad, watermelon, 2% milk 11:30 a.m.; Cards & Pool 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 17: T’ai Chi Chih in Parish Park 10:00 a.m.

Sept. 18: Balance Exercises 9:15 a.m.; Book Club 1:30 p.m.

Hours vary based on scheduled events. Feel free to call before you come in or visit our website at johnstownco. gov/seniorcenter Holly Darby

970-587-5251 hdarby@johnstownco.gov

Milliken 55+ Calendar Sept. 10: Tia Chi 10 a.m.

Sept. 11: Matter of Balance 9 a.m.; Heartlanders Entertainment 10 a.m.; Menu: Cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, mustard, mayo, ketchup, Italian blend vegetables, pears; cards / pool after lunch; No Strong People Sept. 14: Matter of Balance 9 a.m.; Amy Barr Crafts 10 a.m.; Blood Pressure Checks 10:30 a.m.; Senior Board mtg. 12 p.m.; Menu: Chicken fajitas, peppers and onions, pico de gallo, sour cream, refried beans, corn and fresh strawberries; Cards / Pool after lunch; No Strong People Sept. 15: Tai Chi 10 a.m.

Upcoming Events: Sept. 19: Mad Hatter Tea Party 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $15.00 per person. Must RSVP with Dawn 970-660-5035 by Sept. 14. Tickets are limited.

Kathy Kindsfather

970-660-5040 kkindsfather@millikenco.gov

According to the 2025 Weld Community Health Survey, 30.8 percent of Weld County adults reported being diagnosed with high cholesterol. About 64.4 percent said they had their cholesterol checked.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says healthy eating, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco can help prevent or manage high cholesterol. Working with a health care provider can also help people understand and manage their risk.

“High cholesterol often goes unnoticed, which makes prevention and education essential,” said WDPHE Chronic Disease Prevention Manager Kelly Martinez, “We are committed to helping residents build healthy habits through accessible, evidence-based programs that support longterm cardiovascular health.”

WCDPHE’s Community Health Division offers several programs to help residents build healthy habits. These programs focus on nutrition, physical activity and other lifestyle choices that can help cholesterol levels and improve heart health.

Healthy Plate teaches people how to prepare nutritious, affordable meals. Participants also learn how to read food labels, plan meals and make healthier choices in the kitchen.

Heart of Weld, the county’s National Diabetes Prevention Program, helps people at risk for type 2 diabetes make lasting lifestyle changes.

The Well Body Program provides wellness education and practical tools to help people build healthy habits they can stick with.

To learn more about WCDPHE Community Health programs, including Healthy Plate, Heart of Weld, Well Body and other chronic disease prevention resources, visit www.weld.gov/go/HealthEd.

And two things at the top of that list are hard work and consistency. How do you work? When do you work? That absolutely matters. And more importantly, how consistent can you be playing with your teammates and developing team chemistry?

Roosevelt Boys Soccer head coach Tom Fajardo came into the season a little disappointed about how his team worked this summer. No doubt many players got their work in through club play, but the time spent with their Roosevelt teammates just wasn’t there. And if you can’t play with chemistry (developed in the offseason) it makes it a little difficult to compete.

“Our guys just haven’t learned that in order for us to be competitive, especially in our league, we need to put time in together.” Fajardo said. “Our offseason workouts are completely optional and unfortunately guys decided they did not want to take that option. It’s a tough lesson to learn and I’m hoping these guys will learn that this season.”

All this doesn’t mean Roosevelt boys soccer is in for a terrible season. Coach Fajardo is excited for many of his returning skill players and a few new faces that can make a big impact on his squad. The first player he couldn’t help but talk about was his junior team captain goaltender Brayden Richardson.

“He’s without a doubt one of the best goalies in the conference if not the best. We also have junior Athan Babb coming back as our stopper. He’s absolutely fearless in the middle. I love that. He goes after every ball, every header.

“One of our biggest impactful players offensively is definitely junior team captain Brasen Clemens. He’s a guy we have on the wing for midfi eld.”

Coach Fajardo said it was hard to pick guys out of the team that would make an impact because there were just so many good returning juniors from last season. Of course, a team can’t continue to grow without the infusion of brand-new talent, and this year’s comes with a little international flavor in the form of a couple transfers and one foreign exchange student.

“First we have Zion Ayra,” said Fajardo. “He’s a junior from Costa Rica, he plays a holding position for us at defensive midfield. He has some great field awareness and some really good ball skills. His younger brother, freshman Daniel Ayra, is also expected to make an impact.”

And then there’s sophomore exchange student Rodrigo Castro from Spain.

“He really has some incredible foot skills,” Fajardo said. “He’s just needs to learn how we play soccer here. Once he does that, he’s going to be super efffective.”

Fajardo said the differences between the European style Castro has grown up with and American style are quite different and it’s something that needs to be addressed for Rodrigo to reach his full potential as a Rough Rider.

“It all comes down to positional discipline, and chemistry. He’s used to filling a hole on the field whenever he feels it’s needed. The difference is in Spain everyone understands their responsibilities and the gaping hole he leaves behind would be immediately filled. We aren’t getting that here. We need to have strict discipline, and it really needs to be communicated who fills the hole.”

Fajardo says the goals for this team remain the same: to make the playoffs. It’s something that hasn’t been done here in a very long time, and if this team could somehow make it, it would be legendary.

“We talk about our goals every day,” said Fajardo. “Man by man, they all say the same thing, the goal is to be in the playoffs. But how are we going to get there is usually my answer. We need to set smaller goals that build a base and at the top is that playoff berth. It’s exciting that these guys all want to be on the same page goal wise, and we have a lot of talented players. A playoff berth this season is not out of reach.”

This season the Riders once again jumped up to 4A after two seasons in 3A and are in a league with some of the powerhouse teams in the state, namely Greeley Central, last year’s state runner-up.

“It’s a challenge for sure,” said Fajardo. “We were in 3A the last few seasons but game in and game out we were still playing the 4A talent in our league. Athletic director (Chad) Walker and I spoke about it, and we felt we were just better off in 4A. We felt we needed the challenge.”

The Rough Rider boys soccer team will host Valley this upcoming Tuesday (9/15) at 6 p.m. at Randall Hess Stadium.

For me that moment came when I watched John Elway helicopter for a first down in Super Bowl XXXII. I was a sophomore in high school. I still remember watching at my mother’s house, and saying, “Holy smokes, that old man wants this bad. Broncos can’t lose.”

The Roosevelt Rough Riders’ football game against the Pueblo West Cyclones is no doubt going to be one of those moments for a lot of people that attended Randall Hess Stadium last Friday night.

Pueblo West is considered one of the blue blood football teams in 4A. A perennial powerhouse who is year in and year out in CHSAA’s top 10 rankings. They came into Friday night’s contest with the confidence of knowing how to win football games at this level, especially after their Week 1 49-0 belting over Discovery Canyon.

Roosevelt was considered 3A royalty. But with the move up to 4A the Riders came into this game with a lot to prove, especially after the previous week’s 4th quarter collapse at Mead.

The Cyclones got off to a quick 21-0 start in the first half before the Riders were finally able to score late in the 2nd quarter on a Mason Mallory touchdown pass to Owen Nieto from 37-yards out, making the score 21-8 at halftime.

In the second half the Rough Rider defense would come out swinging and flex their muscle, holding the Cyclone offense to consecutive punts in their first two possessions of the 3rd quarter.

The absolute changing point of the game was sophomore safety Tyler Grim’s interception on the Rider 2-yard line. Grim made an excellent read on a ball going into the end zone, then snatched it out of the air and ran it back 58 yards to the Cyclone’s 40.

That got the crowd and sidelines absolutely pumped and it showed in the next play, as Mallory threw an absolutely perfect pass into the end zone to junior Houston Howell for the Riders second score of the ball game. That touchdown would bring the score to 21-14 after the missed 2-point conversion.

Rolling with the momentum on the field and in the stands the Riders went for an onside kick and converted, getting the ball back at midfi eld.

The very next play was another masterful call by the Rough Rider coaching staff and excellently executed on the field as Mallory got hot and lobbed a 48-yard pass to senior Noah Lucero to get the Riders down to the Cyclone 2-yard line…1st and goal Riders.

That’s when junior running back Kayden Madrid punched it in. The Riders would convert the 2-point conversion and take their first lead of the game with 11:56 left.

Just in case you weren’t paying attention, the Riders scored 14 points in four plays. Pueblo West players looked absolutely stunned at the turn of events as they visibly were arguing with each other.

But the next offensive series for the Cyclones proved to be successful and showed exactly why they are looked upon so highly in the state as they methodically took the ball down the field and scored with a little over 5 minutes left on the clock. 27-22 Cyclones.

This offense for the Riders is young, and it showed a bit in the game against Mead as they failed to convert time after time to put away the game. That was not the case this week. This Rough Rider offense literally grew up right before our eyes Friday night.

With 5 minutes left the Riders ran and threw their way down the field. Skill players found holes the offensive line was creating, and if there wasn’t a hole open, Kayden Madrid busted one open for himself. With 1:07 seconds left the Riders found themselves 1st and goal on the 7-yard line with three timeouts.

The next three plays were three consecutive passing plays to the right which went absolutely nowhere. The fans were a bit confused as to why the Riders weren’t running the ball with that much time left and all the timeouts.

But with 5 seconds left the previous plays suddenly all made sense, as once again Mason Mallory booted out to his right, and the entire offense went to the right side of the end zone just like the previous three plays, except one guy: Owen Nieto stood running free into the left side of the end zone. The ball darted into his hands. Touchdown Riders.

The Riders would retake the lead and win 28-27 in what head coach Lane (Wass) Wasinger described as maybe the most amazing comeback of his coaching career.

“We’re sitting there 21-0,” Coach Wass said, “and you’re kind of thinking to yourself, man unless we get something going here, we’re about to start the season 0-2. And I think us coaches just wanted to prove that we could come back, we can be that resilient team, we can be a good football team. And we found a way to win. I was extremely excited about that and wore my emotions on my sleeve a little bit after the game.

“Nothing beats that moment when your backs against the wall and its fourth and goal,” Wasinger said. “And as a coach you need to get the right play call in, and the kids to execute the way they did, it creates a pretty exciting finish, it was fun.”

Coach Wasinger said after the game that momentum is a big part of football, and everything just seemed to go just right for the Riders. “We hit Pueblo West with four big haymakers and they all landed. I think as a team they were a bit stunned and at that moment momentum was just completely on our side. The guys were pumped and the crowd was behind us. It all worked towards our favor and we were able to capitalize at the end.”

Next on the schedule is the Windsor Wizards. A team that has had the Riders number the last couple of seasons, beating Roosevelt 34-10 in 2025, and 26-14 in the 2026 season where the Wizards ended losing in the state championship game.

“Teams like Windsor are good man,” Wasinger said. “They lost a special senior class from last year but teams like that just reload. They always have kids, they always have athletes, and their coaching staff is great. Most importantly they have pride and tradition.”

But coach, Windsor will come into Randall Hess Stadium 0-2.

“The records don’t matter in a game like this,” an emphatic Wasinger said. “If anything, it makes them desperate and even more dangerous. They’re eager to get that first win under their belts and what would be better than to do it in a rivalry game against Roosevelt?

“We are fully expecting a knockout drag out kind of football game here Friday night. These are two teams and communities that are very passionate about football, so you have to expect a tough game. They come in 0-2 but they played a top 10 5A team in Fort Collins, and a very tough 4A team in Loveland. They’ll be here hungry and ready to fight. That’s what I’m expecting.”

The 4A 6th ranked Roosevelt Rough Riders will host the 3A Windsor Wizards this Friday night at 7 p.m. Make sure to get to Randall Hess Stadium early because this one’s going to be a banger of a game and is sure to sell out. We’ll have live game updates on Facebook.

In other Roosevelt sporting news:

Roosevelt’s 4A 8th ranked Softball team finished the week 3-2. Last Thursday they took on the Severance Silver Knights and came up short 2-9. Over the weekend the ladies visited the Barnes Complex in Loveland for a weekend tournament. They went 3-1, beating Rifle 14-8, Air Academy 13-1, and Pine Creek 16-3, before falling to Berthoud 3-7.

Volleyball had one game last week against Monarch High School and lost 1-3.

Cross Country had a great day at the Wyoming Cross Country Invitational. The top 4 finishers for the girls were freshman Lyza Bradbury coming in 36th place with a time of 23:55.9, freshman Logan Joiner in at 51st with a time of 24:31.63, junior Sadie Goscha finished with a time of 24:45.63 to finish in 55th, and sophomore Leah Gutierrez finished with a time of 25:59.25 to finish 74th.

For the boys, junior David Roberts dominated the field in 16:45.19 to win the race, junior Lincoln Fagerlin finished just a few seconds behind Roberts, finishing in 2nd place with a time of 16:53.07, sophomore Hayden Morton finished 13th with a time of 18:20.84, and sophomore Austin Meisenbach finished with a time of 18:35.05 to finish 23rd.

Gymnastics finished 2nd at the Loveland Invitational this past weekend. Congratulations to Liviana White who finished 5th on bars and the beam, and first on the floor, Keira Myatt for placing 3rd on vault, and Elynn Hunt for taking 3rd in beam.

In the face of recent complaints and concerns about perceived high water bills, the Town of Milliken last week released a statement addressing the issue.

“The Town of Milliken recognizes that many residents have questions and concerns about recent water bills, the Town’s water-rate structure, and the installation of new water meters,” the statement starts off. “We understand that higher household expenses affect our residents, and we want to provide clear and accurate information about what determines a water bill.”

A water meter and a water rate perform two entirely different functions, according to the Town. The water meter measures how much water passes through the service connection and is delivered to a property. The water rate structure determines the amount charged for that measured water.

The Town’s current water rates took effect in January. Milliken uses a tiered water rate structure. Under this structure, the price per 1,000 gallons increases as a household uses more water. This encourages conservation and helps account for the greater system demands associated with high-volume use. During the winter, when most households use less water, the effect of the January rate adjustment may have been less noticeable. During the summer, water consumption commonly increases because of lawn irrigation and other outdoor uses. A household using more water may also move into a higher billing tier. The combination of increased summer consumption and the rates approved in January can therefore produce a substantially higher bill.

The meter records consumption. The adopted rate structure determines the charge.

Why did the Town replace its meters?

The Town replaced more than 3,000 water meters as part of a community-wide infrastructure improvement project. Many of the previous meters had been in service for approximately 10 to 20 years.

Like other mechanical equipment, water meters can become less accurate as they age. Replacing aging meters with new “smart meters” can improve billing accuracy and reduce unaccounted-for water loss throughout the Town’s water system.

Where does Milliken’s drinking water come from?

The Town of Milliken does not operate its own drinking- water treatment plant. The Town purchases treated water through the City of Greeley and the Central Weld County Water District. When wholesale water costs charged by Milliken’s suppliers increase, the Town must account for those expenses in its water rates. Water rates must also support the operation, maintenance, and long-term reliability of Milliken’s water-distribution system. These expenses include purchased water, infrastructure maintenance, testing, equipment, electricity, personnel, regulatory compliance, repairs, and future capital improvements.

“The Town does not control every cost charged by its suppliers, and operating and construction expenses have increased throughout the water industry,” the Town wrote in its statement.

Implementing the new metering system

Installing more than 3,000 meters is only one part of this project. Each meter and account must also be entered, matched, configured, and tested within the Town’s utility- billing and meter-management systems. The Town is working with its meter-system provider to validate the information and ensure that the WaterScope customer platform functions properly before it is made available for residential use. The platform has not yet been officially launched for residents.

“This has been a significant transition, and the Town acknowledges that it has not been without challenges,” the statement reads. “New technology of this size requires testing, correction, and continued refinement. Staff members are simultaneously responding to a substantial increase in resident inquiries while completing the technical work necessary to prepare the system for public use. These responsibilities do not lessen the importance of residents’ concerns. They do, however, affect how quickly staff can respond to individual questions while continuing the detailed work required to complete the implementation of the system. We appreciate the community’s patience as staff work through each concern carefully and accurately.”

Residents should not access a meter pit to obtain information for WaterScope or attempt to register before the Town announces the official launch. Only trained and authorized personnel should access or operate this equipment.

“Residents who believe their bill may be incorrect are encouraged to contact Town Hall so staff can review the individual account, usage history, meter readings, billing period, and applicable rate tier,” the statement reads. “Each property may have different circumstances, including irrigation schedules, leaks, household occupancy, seasonal consumption, and historical meter accuracy. Individual account reviews are therefore the most effective way to understand a particular bill. If the Town identifies a verified billing or meter error, the account will be corrected.”

The Town asks residents to consider the following before concluding that a new meter caused a higher bill:

-- Compare the number of gallons used, not only the dollar amount billed.

-- Compare current consumption with the same season in prior years.

-- Review the tier into which the household’s consumption falls. -- Check irrigation schedules and watering frequency.

-- Look for continuous use or possible indoor and outdoor leaks.

-- Contact the Town for an individual account review.

Residents with questions may contact Town Hall at 970-587-4331 for an individual review of their water consumption and utility account. Due to the current high volume of inquiries and the time required to thoroughly review each account, staff may be assisting other residents when a call is received. Please leave a detailed message and allow staff adequate time to research the account and return the call. “Response times may be longer than usual, but staff are working diligently to respond to each resident as promptly and accurately as possible,” the statement concludes.

When voters approved Weld RE5J’s $4 million mill levy override in 2020, they entrusted the district with both resources and a responsibility: to put those dollars to work in ways that make our schools safer, strengthen instruction, and better prepare students for what comes next.

I am writing in my individual capacity as a member of the Weld RE-5J Board of Education because I believe the community deserves a clear accounting of what has happened since then.

The override has helped fund school security improvements and the purchase of school buses. It has supported efforts to attract and retain quality teachers. It has also helped the district build and expand programs that give students more opportunities in middle school and high school – and more choices after graduation.

The results are measurable. Over the past five years, the district’s graduation rate has increased by nearly 10 percentage points, exceeding the State average. The high school course catalog has grown from approximately 200 courses to over 400, including expanded career and technical education, dual-enrollment, and concurrent-enrollment (college) opportunities.

Our college partnerships have increased from one institution to six. Students have gone from earning a few hundred college credits each year to earning more than 3,300. Some now graduate from high school with enough credits to enter college as a sophomore – or even a junior in some cases. Families pay certain fees, but the district covers the largest share of the tuition expense, making opportunities available that might otherwise be out of reach.

Career and technical education pathways have grown from five to 19 – among the largest offerings in Colorado. Students went from earning no industry-recognized credentials in a year to earning more than 600 last year. Similarly, work-based learning opportunities have grown from zero to 133.

State accountability results provide another important measure of progress. Every school in Weld RE-5J is now rated in the state’s Performance category, the highest category available to an individual school. The district is rated as Accredited and has aspirations to keep moving toward Accreditation with Distinction, the highest rating a district can receive. We still have room to grow, but we will celebrate this level of performance in every building that has not been seen in past 15-20 years.

It would be wrong, however, to suggest that funding alone produced these results. The money was not simply thrown at a problem, and this progress is not a happy accident. The district developed an intentional plan, put it into practice, and continues to refine it. Our teachers, administrators, and support staff have done the difficult daily work required to turn resources into real opportunities and stronger outcomes for students.

Preparation also does not begin in high school. It means preparing preschool students for kindergarten, kindergartners and elementary students for the next grade, elementary students for middle school, middle school students for high school, and graduates for college, a career, military service, or whatever path they choose.

The mill levy override is currently scheduled to expire in 2030. This November’s ballot question will ask voters whether to remove that sunset and continue the existing $4 million override beyond that date.

That decision belongs to the voters. As they consider it, they deserve to know how the funding approved in 2020 has been used and what has happened since. The record shows meaningful progress, expanded opportunity, and measurable improvement through an intentional plan carried out by people committed to helping every student take the next step.

For many people, Milliken is a simple town. People go to work, go to school, and even have fun on the weekends. However, before there was a town called Milliken, there was a budding community called Hillsboro.

Located at the Museum at the Heritage House, there is a brand-new exhibit where visitors are invited to learn and understand more about the community that helped create Milliken. In this exhibit, visitors can see pictures and information about the history of Hillsboro. They can imagine what life was like back then for the people who created the place it is today. For the members of the museum, their favorite part is the new Hillsboro exhibit.

According to the records in Weld County, there was a post office established in Hillsboro in 1871. This place belonged to a man named George Sanderson Hill. In the 1860s, Hill built a ranch and a stagecoach station. Throughout the years, this area changed a lot but always remained as Hillsboro.

In the following decades, with people coming and going, a community was eventually formed. Hillsboro became a community for businesses and services in the agricultural area.

When the early 1900s came around, the railroad started to play a big part in Hillsboro. This was when investors came with huge ideas to make this community into a transportation route for Denver and Laramie. With the convenience of the railroad in the area, in 1909, Milliken Station was developed. This was a huge opportunity for the community of Hillsboro to expand.

Unfortunately, the original plans for the railroad did not take place. The railroad stretched to the city of Greeley and never extended beyond any other towns. Even though the ideas for the railroad fell short, the community of Hillsboro was changed forever.

The Milliken community grew, and the businesses that were once in Hillsboro moved into the new area. In 1910, Hillsboro was annexed into the town we know today as Milliken, Colorado.

The museum doesn’t just bring Hillsboro to life, but every other story that helped make Milliken the town it is today.

This is a museum that was created by the community to keep the stories alive, and in 2004, they were able to create that and show their love for the community. In 2010, the location of the house for the museum was moved from Broad Street to Grace Avenue, and four years later, in 2014, the museum that now stands just behind Town Hall was opened to the public.

Since then, the museum has become an archive for pieces of history that has come across Hillsboro and Milliken.

The new Hillsboro exhibit acts as a time machine to see the community that no longer exists. It is gone but never forgotten. The exhibit also gives visitors a chance to think about how much the area has changed.

The community that residents see today developed through decades of changes involving transportation, agriculture, businesses, and population growth. Hillsboro was one part of that development. Despite the absorption of Hillsboro into Milliken, Hillsboro is the backbone of the town’s history, and thanks to the Heritage House, its stories and legacy are preserved.

The Heritage House and the volunteer ladies of the Milliken Historical Society who run it go above and beyond to make it a welcoming and enjoyable place for their community. The museum is accepting volunteers who are looking to preserve and share the history of Milliken. Community members are more than welcome to stop by and visit to learn more about Milliken.

The Museum at the Heritage House is located at 102 N. Grace Ave. The museum is open on the first and third Tuesdays of each month from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments can also be scheduled for visitors who would like to come at another time.

For questions, scheduling an appointment, or information about volunteering, visitors can contact Sharon Morgan at 970-815-4777, Becky Shelby at 970-405-2506, or Linda Blackmer at 970-5811056.

Through their time and dedication, these women give back to their community to make sure that the town’s history is never forgotten. After all, Hillsboro, which once stood in Milliken’s place, as well as Milliken itself, isn’t just about the shops and other places that run the town, but about the people who made it into what it is today.

Trustee BJ Cummins wanted to discuss the social media policy because of postings he’s seen online regarding water bills. Cummins said he wanted to have a more active role in communicating with residents, but worried that multiple trustees communicating on the same post could violate open meeting laws.

Interim town manager Steven Krolczyk said that he understands the confusion surrounding water bills at the moment since the town passed a rate increase at the beginning of the year as well as having new water meters installed in the town. Krolczyk said that he suggests that trustees direct residents to the town directly so they can get their questions answered. He explained that everyone’s water bill is different due to many factors, so it’s hard to address general concerns. Irrigation, leaks, and equipment are some of the varying factors that he’s encountered while talking to residents about their water bill, he said.

No action was officially taken by trustees on the discussion items, but action could come up in the future.

In other business:

-- Trustees passed an ordinance to give board members further consultation on agenda items in work sessions. The town clerk will be providing the consultation to trustees.

-- Trustees approved a resolution to extend the interim town administrator’s duties to overlap with the new town administrator’s in order to let the new administrator receive additional support in the new role. Greg Brinck will be serving as the new town administrator and is scheduled to start next week.

Milliken Town Board meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the community meeting room at the Milliken Police Department. The next meeting is September 9. Meetings are open to the public.

5J School Board approving a mill levy override question for the November ballot got the vote wrong. The measure passed 4-1 with board member Amy Musgrave voting no.

Johnstown 55+ Scene Calendar

Sept. 3: T’ai Chi Chih in Parish Park 10:00 a.m.; Brewery Outing 1:00 p.m.

Sept. 4: Balance Exercises 9:15 a.m.

Sept. 7: Closed: Happy Labor Day Sept. 8: Exercise 9:15 a.m.; Chats & Crafts 10:00 a.m.; Reiki 10:30 a.m.; Lunch Outing 12:15 p.m.

Sept. 9: Foot Care 9:00 a.m.; Hearing Aid Checks 11:00 a.m.; Friendly Fork Meal: BBQ chicken sandwich on wheat with pickles, coleslaw, fresh strawberries, power brownie, 2% milk 11:30 a.m.; Bingo, Cards, & Pool 12:30 p.m.

Sept. 10: Lucky Blu Ranch Outing 9:15 a.m.; T’ai Chi Chih in Parish Park 10:00 a.m.; Mahjongg 1:30 p.m.

Sept. 11: Exercise 9:15 a.m.

Hours vary based on scheduled events. Feel free to call before you come in or visit our website at johnstownco. gov/seniorcenter Holly Darby

970-587-5251 hdarby@johnstownco.gov

Milliken 55+ Calendar Sept. 3: Tai Chi 10 a.m.

Sept. 4: Matter of Balance 9 a.m.; Vaccine Clinic 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Menu: Kalua pork, hawaiian roll, baked beans, BBQ pickle coleslaw, kiwi fruit, tapioca pudding; Cards/ Pool after lunch; Strong People 3 p.m.

Sept.7: Closed for Holiday Sept. 8: Tai Chi 10 a.m.; Lunch Field Trip to Ambrosia Asian Bistro Greeley 11 a.m. Reservations required. Call Dawn 970-660-5035 Sept. 10: Tai Chi 10 a.m. Upcoming Events: Sept. 11: Happy Patriot Day, Heartlanders sing-a-long 10 a.m. all for reservations; Sept. 19: “Mad Hatter Tea Party” 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Food, dessert, raffles, entertainment and community fun. Join us for a fundraiser event for our Milliken Senior Center. $ 15.00 per person. Reservations required no later than Sept. 14th. 970-660-5035 Kathy Kindsfather

970-660-5040 kkindsfather@millikenco.gov