Recent Programs
Hero Expeditions- March 5, 2025
Jeremy Heid gave us a view of the services provided by Hero Expeditions, an organization he and his wife Elizabeth started to assist the rehabilitation of “active-duty military, veterans, first responders and families of the fallen”. He told us how they started this Non-Profit to help a friend of his who was struggling after returning home from Iraq. Eric and Liz learned about a program in California that took groups of men needing help to fully function in our communities. They wanted to create a similar program for Colorado.
In 2015 they started Hero Expeditions here in Northern Colorado. In 2024 they helped 130 men participate in outdoor activities in several different groups. Over 1000 individuals have been helped since they started. After participants return to their regular life, contact is continued, if wanted, through an outreach portion of the program. After experiencing an outing, some participants return to volunteer and assist in various capacities as needed. Occasionally youth who have lost family members are included in the outings to help them deal with their grief. These youth also participate as volunteers when it makes sense.
Their Board of Directors provide guidance and support in operations and fundraising. Private funds are raised and occasionally grants are obtained. Participants pay for their own transportation. In the future the program will expand the types of activities offered to include sports outings, off-road activities, gender-specific options, and family units participating together. Thus far in 2025 they have had 45 volunteers and 52 participants. Jeremy said that they have been told that the most difficult struggles are when they are with those to whom they are the closest. He also reminded us to tell these heroes that we appreciate them and what they have done to protect us.
In 2015 they started Hero Expeditions here in Northern Colorado. In 2024 they helped 130 men participate in outdoor activities in several different groups. Over 1000 individuals have been helped since they started. After participants return to their regular life, contact is continued, if wanted, through an outreach portion of the program. After experiencing an outing, some participants return to volunteer and assist in various capacities as needed. Occasionally youth who have lost family members are included in the outings to help them deal with their grief. These youth also participate as volunteers when it makes sense.
Their Board of Directors provide guidance and support in operations and fundraising. Private funds are raised and occasionally grants are obtained. Participants pay for their own transportation. In the future the program will expand the types of activities offered to include sports outings, off-road activities, gender-specific options, and family units participating together. Thus far in 2025 they have had 45 volunteers and 52 participants. Jeremy said that they have been told that the most difficult struggles are when they are with those to whom they are the closest. He also reminded us to tell these heroes that we appreciate them and what they have done to protect us.
Weld County Update- February 26, 2025
Kevin Ross, Weld County Commissioner provided a broad overview of County activity and potential projects. We are the fastest growing County in Colorado and 3rd fastest in the States. The County has about 360,000 people, 32 towns (in 4000 square miles), 1900 employees, a $560 million dollar budget, and $600 million in reserves which earn from 6 to 8 percent from investments.
In the southern part of the county a new Mobile Health Clinic and a Sheriff’s office have opened. The Comprehensive Plan for Weld County is being updated to include plans for a population of 750,000 by 2050. The County and City are in partnership to manage the Greeley-Weld County Airport and to build its capacity and options for larger planes.
The County’s diverse economy of Agriculture and Energy (all types and forms) continues to present opportunities and need for full support. County roads need to be expanded as our communities grow, requiring safe, dependable transport. Road 66 may have 5 lanes from 85 to 49/47. County Road 54 will have 4 lanes as it connects to 402. Several roundabouts enhance safety on busy roads.
The Facilities Master Plan identifies existing buildings and needs for additional buildings. Currently discussions are taking place about what the Justice system requires now as well as into the foreseeable future. No decisions have been made. Several proposals and scenarios are being considered. Public hearings are scheduled for March. Commissioners want to hear what members of the public have to say about current and future - plans, projects, proposals, etc.