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USDA Under Secretary Bill Northey to speak at CSU Water in the West Symposium
Denver, Colo. – Bill Northey, Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will speak at the upcoming Water in the West Symposium in the Denver area. Colorado State University System is hosting the Symposium at Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center on March 13 and 14.

Northey is a fourth-generation corn and soybean farmer, who previously served as Iowa Secretary of Agriculture from 2006 to 2018. In his role at USDA, he oversees the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Risk Management Agency, and Farm Service Agency.

“Reliable access to water is a significant issue for producers in the west and around the country,” said Northey. “Through forums like the Water in the West Symposium, we are able to work together to identify solutions and make meaningful progress in addressing these challenges.”

Nearly 30 speakers are confirmed for the Symposium, including Colorado Governor Jared Polis and National Geographic Partners Chairman Gary Knell.

Speakers represent a variety of water interests, crossing sectors such as recreation, business, agriculture, utilities, and research. The Symposium, which sold out in 2018, is an initial offering of the CSU Water Building, one of the three buildings that make up the future CSU Campus at the National Western Center.

Sessions will commence on March 14 and include panels focused on water solutions in a variety of topic areas:
- Food, Beverage, and Agriculture;
- Recreation and the Environment;
- Data and Technology;
- Finance and Funding;
- Sustainability dialogue lead by former Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack
A full list of speakers, additional event information, and registration is available at nwc.colostate.edu/water-in-the-west-2019.

Registration closes March 8.

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Colorado State University Campus at the National Western Center

The CSU Campus at the National Western Center will focus on research and educational programming in the areas of food, water, health, energy and the environment within its three buildings: the CSU Water Building, CSU Animal Health Complex, and CSU Food and Agriculture Center. Each of the CSU buildings will provide collaborative research and incubation spaces, and interactive and family-friendly educational opportunities. For additional information, visit nwc.colostate.edu.

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March 7, 2019
CSU Evening with an Author features story of Holocaust survivor March 20

Nancy Sprowell Geise, author of the biography Auschwitz #34207 – The Joe Rubinstein Story, will speak about her work on Wednesday, March 20, 7 p.m., at the Hilton Fort Collins. Her appearance is free and open to the public as part of the Colorado State University Morgan Library Evening with an Author Series.

In the 1950s and ’60s, Joe Rubinstein was one of New York’s leading shoe designers, but he never spoke of his experiences in Poland during World War II, not even to his family. It wasn’t until he met Geise in 2007 at a Fort Collins retirement community that he eventually decided to share the harrowing story of his time in several Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, where he received a number tattoo on his forearm in 1942.

An inspiring tale of resilience and overcoming impossible odds, Auschwitz #34207 tells Rubinstein’s life story, a story of unconquerable courage and discovering light in the darkest of places.

Geise spent two years interviewing Rubinstein, now 98 years old, for the book, which was the No. 1 bestselling Holocaust biography on Amazon and has been named the Book of the Year by several organizations. She has shared his remarkable story around the world, from the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., to a special presentation to the staff and guides at the Auschwitz Memorial and Museum in Poland. Rubinstein still lives in Fort Collins.

Giese’s talk will take place at the Hilton Fort Collins, 425 W. Prospect Road. Seating for this program is on a first-come first-serve basis; no tickets are required, and doors open at 6:30 p.m.

A book sale and photo opportunity will follow the talk, with half the proceeds going directly to Rubinstein.

This event is sponsored by the Morgan Library, Friends of the Morgan Library, Poudre River Public Library, Poudre River Friends of the Library, The Liggett Family Endowment, KUNC, Hilton Fort Collins, and Old Firehouse Books.

Learn more about the author and Auschwitz #34207 on Giese’s website; more information about the Evening with an Author Series is available on the Morgan Library website.

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March 5, 2019
Byers boys to play in 2A Great Eight Thursday

by Steven Vetter, Managing Editor

BYERS — The Byers boys picked up two wins in the 2A Region 7 Tournament March 1-2 and advanced to the 2A Great Eight at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland this Thursday.

The 16-6 green-and-white is seeded No. 6 and will take on third-seeded Fowler at 1:15 p.m. March 7. The winner will play either No. 2 Yuma or seventh-seeded Denver Christian in the championship semifinals Friday. The championship game is slated for 6 p.m. Saturday.

A 2A Great Eight bracket is below.

Great 8 2A Boys 2019

March 3, 2019
Indian boys to make regional trip to the Springs

by Steven Vetter, Managing Editor

AURORA — Wins by the Strasburg boys in the Patriot League consolation semifinals and fifth-place game last week propelled them into one of the last four spots in the 3A 32-team state bracket. The red-and-black, the No. 29 seed, will travel to Colorado Springs on Friday for a 6 p.m. tip-off against fourth-seeded The Vanguard School.

Revisit www.i-70scout.com for postseason updates. The other two teams in Region 4 are 13th-seeded Colorado Springs Christian and No. 20 Gunnison. The winner of Friday’s games will play on Saturday for the right to advance to the 3A Great 8 on the campus of the University of Denver March 7-9.

February 28, 2019
DORA to kick off National Consumer Week next week with series of activities
DENVER — Governor Jared Polis has proclaimed March 3-9, 2019 as National Consumer Protection Week in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) joins dozens of federal, state and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations across the United States this week to recognize and celebrate NCPW.

“Helping Coloradans become informed consumers puts power directly in their hands,” said Gov. Polis. “National Consumer Protection Week highlights our ongoing commitment to ensure that Colorado remains a fair, and safe marketplace that consumers can trust. We want Coloradans to be more aware of the types of frauds and scams they may encounter so they can best protect themselves and their families.”

“At DORA, consumer protection is our mission. National Consumer Protection Week is one way we can reach out to Coloradans so they understand the variety of tools and resources DORA offers and know where they can turn to for help,” noted DORA Executive Director Patty Salazar.

DORA’s divisions — including Banking, Civil Rights, Financial Services, Insurance, Professions and Occupations, Real Estate, Securities, Office of Consumer Counsel and the Public Utilities Commission — are raising awareness about available consumer protection resources to Coloradans through a variety of events throughout National Consumer Protection Week and beyond. DORA is also partnering with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) on activities throughout the week.

DORA’s efforts include kicking off its “Take 5 to Get Wise – Ask DORA” consumer awareness and education campaign, with information shared via its award-winning consumer information website, askDORA.colorado.gov.

A snapshot of activities include:
- Tuesday, March 5
  - Colorado Business Roundtable (COBRT) Connect and Collaborateradio/podcast program with DORA and the Better Business Bureau serving Greater Denver and Central Colorado talking about frauds, scams and resources available to consumers and businesses. The program airs at 4 p.m. on Denver’s Money Talk (1690 AM) and also streamed via YouTube connected via COBRTs website.
  - Employment 101 workshop with the Colorado Civil Rights Division, 1560 Broadway, Denver, 10-11:30 a.m. (Free. Advanced registration required.)
- Wednesday, March 6
  - AskDORA Consumer Information Resource Tables with the Better Business Bureau serving Greater Denver and Central Colorado. 1560 Broadway, Denver, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  - Fair Housing 101 workshop with the Colorado Civil Rights Division and Grand Junction Housing Authority, 8 Foresight Circle, Grand Junction, 1-3:30 p.m. (Free. Advanced registration required.
- Thursday, March 7
  - Free Telephone Townhall: “Marked: Red Flags of Elder Financial Abuse” for state licensed professionals and law enforcement who encounter or work with senior populations and have mandatory reporting requirements. Telephone Townhall features DORA’s Division of Securities and Division of Professions and Occupations, along with experts in the senior care field. 11 a.m. to noon. Advanced registration required.
  - Live Twitter chat on financial consumer protection with DORA (@DORAColorado) and the BBB serving Northern Colorado and Wyoming (@WyncoBBB) at 1p.m.
- Friday, March 8
  - Interview with DORA on La Voz del Pueblo/Que Bueno (KBNO) radio at noon (1280 AM/97.7 FM) and live streamed from http://quebueno1280.com/.
Check out DORA’s consumer information website for more information at askDORA.colorado.gov. Helpful information and tips, live chats and more will be available through DORA’s social media channels on Facebook, facebook.com/Dora.Colorado.gov, and Twitter, @DORAcolorado. Look for #NCPW2019, #Take5CO and #GetWiseCO and follow the “Ask DORA Owl” throughout National Consumer Protection Week!

DORA is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace and is committed to promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. Consumer protection is our mission. Visit dora.colorado.gov for more information or call 303-894-7855 / toll free 1-800-886-7675 outside Denver.

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February 28, 2019
Cranes make annual return to the San Luis Valley; festival scheduled

MONTE VISTA, Colo. — In the San Luis Valley nature is again putting on one of its most memorable displays: the spring migration of Greater Sandhill Cranes. In appreciation of this wildlife spectacle, area organizations, businesses and wildlife agencies are holding the annual Monte Vista Crane Festival, March 8-10.

“Everyone who lives in Colorado should take the time to see this ancient and magnificent migration,” said Joe Lewandowski, public information officer for the Southwest Region of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “This is one of only a few great wildlife migrations in the United States that people can easily see. The sights and sounds are absolutely amazing.”

The cranes started arriving in mid-February, flying from their winter nesting ground, primarily in New Mexico. The large wetland areas, wildlife refuges and grain fields in the San Luis Valley draw in about 25,000 birds. The cranes stop in the valley to rest-up and re-fuel for their trip north to their summer nesting and breeding grounds in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

Cranes are among the oldest living species on the planet: Fossil records for cranes date back 9 million years.

The birds that migrate through Colorado are the largest of the North American sandhill subspecies standing 4-feet tall, having a wing-span of up to 7 feet and weighing in at 11 pounds. Besides their imposing size, the birds issue a continuous, distinctive and haunting call. At this time of year cranes are engaged in their mating ritual and the birds perform an elegant hopping dance to gain the attention of other birds.

The birds are abundant in areas near the town of Monte Vista and wildlife watchers can see the birds most readily in the Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, about 5 miles south of town of Colorado Highway 15. Birds also gather at the Alamosa National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of the town of Alamosa, and at that Rio Grande, Higel and Russell Lakes state wildlife areas.

The cranes are most active at dawn and at dusk when they’re moving back and forth from their nighttime roosting areas. But in the middle of the day they graze gracefully in the grain fields of the Monte Vista refuge.

Be sure to dress warm, as winter still reigns in the valley.

During the three days of the festival, free tours are offered at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the birds are most active. Visitors take buses to various spots on the wildlife refuge, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staffers talk about the migration and the refuge. If you want to take a tour, be on time because the buses leave promptly.

The number of cranes in the valley peaks in mid-March; but many birds linger through the month. So even if you can’t go the weekend of the festival there’s still plenty of time to see the birds.

Birdwatchers who travel on their own should be cautious when parking, getting out of vehicles and walking along roads. People are also asked to view birds from a distance with binoculars and spotting scopes, and to observe trail signs and closure notices.

Many other bird species – including eagles, turkeys, and a variety of raptors and waterfowl – can also be seen throughout the San Luis Valley. Look in the many cottonwood trees for owl nests.

The festival headquarters and starting point for the tours is the Ski Hi Park building located near U.S. Highway 160 on Sherman Avenue on the east side of Monte Vista. Visitors can pick up maps, schedules and information at the headquarters. Besides the tours, a variety of workshops are put on by bird, wildlife and photography experts. An arts and crafts fair continues through the weekend at the headquarters building.

Approximate distances to Monte Vista: Denver, 220 miles; Colorado Springs, 182 miles; Salida, 85 miles; Vail, 175 miles; Durango, 135 miles; Grand Junction, 230 miles.

For more information on the Monte Vista Crane Festival, see: mvcranefest.org; or https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Monte_Vista. For more information on State Wildlife Areas in the San Luis Valley, go to: https://cpw.state.co.us/placestogo.

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February 28, 2019
‘Safety: Know Your Limits’ is Theme of Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Week, March 3-9
Across the country, county and state Farm Bureaus are making safety a priority through the Agricultural Safety Awareness Program (ASAP). As part of ASAP, March 3-9 has been designated as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers will join Farm Bureau in promoting the week with its theme “Safety: Know Your Limits.”

A different safety focus will be highlighted by Colorado Farm Bureau and U.S. Ag Centers each day of the week:
- Monday, March 4 – Emergency Preparedness
- Tuesday, March 5 – Livestock
- Wednesday, March 6 – Heat Stress and Hydration
- Thursday, March 7 – Roadway Safety
- Friday, March 8 – Hearing Safety
During this week and throughout the year, Farm Bureau is encouraging farmers to make safety a priority on the farm.

The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program is a part of the Farm Bureau Health and Safety Network of professionals who share an interest in identifying and decreasing safety and health risks. For more information and resources, visit the ASAP Facebook page or follow along at the Colorado Farm Bureau Facebook page.

Producers are encouraged to share the graphics and social media posts throughout the week, helping spread the word throughout our communities.

Visit the Centers’ YouTube channel for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Join the movement to keep farms safe and share your own safety messages on social media using the hashtags #KeepFarmsSafe, #ASAP19 and #USAgCenters.

The 11 U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers are funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

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February 28, 2019
Press Release: Governor Polis Proclaims March 1 – 7 as Colorado Weights and Measures Week

(DENVER) – Gov. Polis has issued a proclamation declaring March 1 – 7 as Weights and Measures Week in Colorado. Each year, the first week in March commemorates the signing of the first weights and measures law in the United States by President John Adams on March 2, 1799.

It’s been 220 years since that first law was passed. New measuring devices have been invented and computerization has made weights and measurement inspections much different than they used to be. The technologies have changed and improved but the need to make sure transactions remain accurate and transparent is as important as ever.

The governor’s proclamation honors the consumer protection efforts of the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment. Their work touches virtually every Coloradan by ensuring the accuracy of all commercially used weighing and measuring equipment.

Every day, commercial scales, meters and scanning equipment devices are used to ensure equity in the marketplace. The Department of Labor and Employment’s Division of Oil and Public Safety (OPS) and the Department of Agriculture’s Measurement Standards Programs protect consumers by checking and calibrating that the devices are operating properly.

Inspectors with OPS ensure that motorists are getting precisely what they are paying for at more than 50,000 retail motor fuel dispensers across the state. These inspectors routinely collect samples of fuel products (gasoline, diesel, E-85, biodiesel, etc.) from retail fueling stations across the state and analyze these samples to ensure compliance with fuel quality standards.

They also inspect bulk propane, gasoline, diesel truck meters, retail propane, compressed and liquefied natural gas dispensers for accuracy. In addition to this consumer protection work, OPS addresses environmental protection by overseeing the cleanup of leaks and spills.

Inspectors with the Department of Agriculture’s Inspection and Consumer Services division ensure the accuracy of commercial scales, meters and scanning equipment used at supermarkets, warehouses, packing plants, storage facilities, and retail stores. Scales are even used at Denver International Airport to determine allowable luggage weights. The metrology laboratory at the Department of Agriculture safeguards these devices’ precise accuracy.

Weights and measures officials conduct tests of commercially used weighing and measuring devices and report their condition to the owners. If the devices are correct, they are approved and sealed. If incorrect, they are prohibited from being rejected for use until the problem is corrected.

“Guaranteeing the accuracy of weights and measures is one of the oldest and most important activities of government,” says Hollis Glenn, Director of the Division of Inspection and Consumer Services. “Every citizen and every business has a direct financial interest in seeing that transactions are fair to both the buyer and seller.”

Mahesh Albuquerque, Director of the Division of Oil and Public Safety, agrees. “The quiet but systemic efforts of these officials instills trust in our marketplace. Weights and Measures Week is an opportunity to educate consumers, businesses and lawmakers about their important work.”

Colorado Department of Labor & Employment

CDLE’s Division of Oil and Public Safety is responsible for inspecting Colorado’s more than 50,000 retail motor fuel dispensers. Inspectors routinely collect samples of fuel products from retail fueling stations across the state, and samples are analyzed for compliance with fuel quality standards. For more information on OPS’s Weights and Measures program, visit www.colorado.gov/ops/WeightsMeasures.

Colorado Department of Agriculture

Inspectors and metrologists within CDA’s Measurement Standards Program and Division of Laboratory Services ensure the accuracy of scales, meters, and packaged products at supermarkets, warehouses, packing plants, storage facilities, and other retail stores. For more information on CDA’s Weights and Measures programs, visit www.colorado.gov/aginspection/measurement-standards or www.colorado.gov/aglabs/metrology-laboratory.

Link:

Governor’s Proclamation: Colorado Weights and Measures Week 2019

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February 28, 2019
Fourth annual ACT Human Rights Film Festival celebrates human resilience April 5-13

On Friday, April 5, the fourth annual ACT Human Rights Film Festival returns to Fort Collins for a nine-day run, closing the evening of Saturday, April 13.

A Kick-off and Tapping Party will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, at Odell Brewing Company, featuring sneak peeks of films and a special beer brewed for the festival.

This year’s festival will open and close at the Lory Student Center Theatre at Colorado State University with films that celebrate resilience and the human spirit. Between April 6 and 12, festival films will screen at The Lyric in north Fort Collins. Filmmakers, producers and other special guests will be in attendance for talk-back sessions following all films that screen April 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13. Film, ticketing and festival information is available at www.actfilmfest.org.

Programming for the 2019 festival features an exciting lineup of curated films, including documentaries that recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival as well as a wide-ranging thematic collection of short films that will screen together on Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. Several short films will also be shown at the start of feature-length screenings throughout the festival.

“We are thrilled to include short films in our 2019 program,” says ACT Managing Director Beth Seymour. “It is truly impressive what these filmmakers were able to accomplish in just minutes. These films are every bit as moving, important and challenging as many feature-length films.”

Odell party

The March 5 Kick-off and Tapping Party at Odell will feature the release of Screening Session, the festival’s signature beer brewed exclusively for ACT by Odell; sneak peeks at coming films; pass, ticket, and T-shirt giveaways; light snacks; and a free pint to the first 40 guests, provided by ACT. Entrance is free. Volunteers will be on hand to facilitate online ticket and pass sales.

This year’s films explore human rights issues ranging from human trafficking, refugee migration and the Holocaust, to war, Native American rights, racism and more. Countries featured in films include South Africa, China, Nicaragua, Hungary, Afghanistan, Canada, Syria, Austria, Germany, Palestine, the United States and Colombia. Several films will make their Colorado debut at the festival. “Trapped in the City of a Thousand Mountains,” a short that explores the underground hip-hop scene in Chongqing, China, is making its North American premiere at ACT.

“ACT showcases films that explore the whole range of human emotions,” Seymour says. “While some films explore painful, important and hard issues that we as humans have a mandate to confront, other films celebrate the individuals and stories that make our world a more just, resilient and inclusive place. In the end, every film at ACT confirms that regardless of all else, every one of us has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and to be given the opportunity to thrive.”

Festival passes

Festival passes will be on sale until April 4, although quantities are limited. All festival passes include entrance to all films between April 5-13, priority seating (encore screenings excluded) and an ACT T-shirt. Opening weekend passes include entrance to all films screening April 5, 6 and 7. Closing Weekend passes include entrance to all films screening on April 12 and 13. Tier 2 priority seating is included with both weekend passes. Encore films that screen April 6 through 11 at The Lyric are not included in either weekend pass. All pricing information for general audience and student pass products and links to purchase are detailed on the ACT website.

The complete festival program will be announced on Tuesday, March 5, when advance ticket sales begin through the ACT website. Opening and closing night films both feature a reception. Encore screenings do not include talk-back sessions, unless noted on the ACT website. General audience and student ticket prices vary and are detailed on the ACT website. Tickets for all screenings will be available for purchase at the door, pending availability.

The ACT Human Rights Film Festival is produced by CSU’s Department of Communication Studies and is presented by the College of Liberal Arts, the City of Fort Collins, Fort Fun and The Lyric.

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February 27, 2019
Strasburg High School Blood Drive

Where: Strasburg High School

When: Friday Mar 1st, 2019

Time: 9 am – 2 pm

Come support Mary, Jersey, and Ashley to Strasburg High School and Donate blood this Friday!!!

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February 26, 2019