Good morning, Fort Lupton! Belen Ward here, and welcome to another beautiful Friday.

It’s almost too beautiful! Here it is, the second half of February, and we have not had much snow — or any precipitation for that matter. You can tell how dry it is because of all the static in your clothes.

And the wind, especially on Wednesday. One moment, it’s still. The next minute, it’s a sandstorm that blocks your vision.

But it’s more than just inconvenient here on the plains. It’s actually quite dangerous.

We are not in the midst of a Red Flag Warning at the moment, but we remain in a Hazardous Weather Outlook now through Wednesday. We know that there’s a storm due to hit Colorado this morning, with a good bunch of snow in the mountains but just a trace, up to an inch, east of the mountains.

So, even without a Red Flag warning in place, remember that conditions are dry and any open fires — including your barbecue grill — require vigilance.

Anyway, let’s get into this week’s news, shall we?

Colorado native and a survivor of traumatic brain injury twice in her life tells her story about her experience with a hidden disability, using the dark humor that helped her cope and thrive.

Pat Bartels, after years of struggling with heart disease and taking up to five nitroglycerin pills a day, had a novel procedure at Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital using a drug-coated balloon to clear her valve blockage and had her deteriorating valve replaced with a new one.

If you are interested in planning, such as parks or finance, making recommendations on land use, projects and development, Weld County is accepting applications for individuals to represent the Poudre River Board.

Weld County opens its newly remodeled, expanded 911 emergency communications center. The newly redesigned space will improve public service with future-ready technological capabilities. As well as workstations, the new design provides comfort for employees and reduces fatigue to promote wellness.

Charles Duhigg, award winning investgative journalist, comes to Aims Community College as part of it Spotight Speakers Series on March 25.

The Fort Lupton Public & School Library is hosting two events in March

📚 Read Across American Day

The Fort Lupton Public & School Library Read Across America Day is March 2, in honor of Dr. Theodore Seuss on his birthday. Families are invited to come and celebrate Dr. Seuss at 4 p.m. at the library. An official from the City of Fort Lupton will be the guest reader, sharing the favorite story “Green Eggs and Ham”. In addition, a slice of birthday cake will be served.

The quote by Dr. Suess, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

Also, children and adults are encouraged if they want to dress up as their favorite Suess character to celebrate the author's stories that have inspired imagination, curiosity and joy in generations of kids.

🎨 District Art Show

The Fort Lupton Public & School Library is bringing back its annual Weld Re-8 School District Art Show from March 9-21. The exhibit will feature the artistic talent of local students across the district. The community, families and students are invited to a reception that will start on March 10 at 5:30 p.m.

💵 Fort Lupton Casino trips to Black Hawk and Central City

The Fort Lupton Recreation Center has partnered with the Brighton Senior Center to take monthly casino trips up the hill. They have 20 seat available for each trip. Reservations are required to reserve a seat on a monthly buses by at 12:00 p.m on a Thursday before the trip. You can come into the recreation center to reserve your trip or call 303-857-4200. They except cash, check and debit or credit cards.

🧓 Senior Supportive Services:

The Fort Lupton Public & School Library is hosting a senior lunch on the 1st Monday of each month. Come and have lunch and read a book.

Nutrition counseling is offered through the Friendly Fork Lunch program. Come meet with a registered dietitian who provides nutrition counseling at no cost. If you are interested in making an appointment, call and discuss nutrition issues, concerns and questions call 970-346-6950 ext. 6118.

Blood pressure checks are offered on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at the Friendly Fork Lunch program by the Fort Lupton Fire Protection District and paramedics.

If you need a ride, Via Mobilty Transporation offers this service to seniors 60+ or physically unable to drive. Via Mobility can give you a free ride to appointments, shopping ot other engagements. For more information, call 303-444-3043 or visit the website at ViaColorado.org.

If you need basic computer assistance, come to the Fort Lupton Public & School Library each Tuesday from 2- 4 p.m. at staff member can help you.

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