Notes from your editor, October 15, 2020

So many events are looming over our heads, like the Cameron Fire, Elections, COVID getting worse, and more; so, we try to both keep you informed of these things to help you better handle them, and focus on positive news and inspirational articles.  Thank you for trusting us to be there for you.

So, let’s get started…

On the technical side, we have had positive notes about the new, easy-to-navigate Front Page of our Newspaper. We appreciate your comments.

THIS ISSUE:  A few surprises…

If you thought you knew what a Blue Moon was, you are in for a surprise. The meaning has changed multiple times over the centuries. Our talented astronomy writer Keith Gleason did all the research for us in his article this week. And, wait till you hear about a Blue Moon on Halloween… Note, he includes full moon dates that were computed and checked specifically for our time zone.

OK, so I’m going to surprise you again, and it’s not even Halloween week yet… In our article about bears hibernating, the things that their bodies do to keep them thriving during the winter, including giving birth, will be beyond surprise. Also, there is a photo of a bear in a tree on Lyons’ Main Street! And a video of some very pudgy bears getting ready for hibernation, taken this week.

While Sweetest Day is a National Holiday (not federal holiday), I found that some people I spoke to about it were –yes, surprised! This article explains the purpose of the holiday, along with a poem “When I loved myself…” with some life-changing revelations by the poet that may also inspire change in your life.

We have a couple of Letters to the Editor that are VERY informative. One is about the Gallagher amendment vote on the November ballot that explains what it is all about, and how it affects small towns like Lyons. I will add a note that the Chamber sent out an e-blast to members recommending that they vote YES on Amendment B.

The second Letter to the Editor gives tips on voting, in an effort to debunk misconceptions, and answer popular questions. The Lyons Recorder has an extensive TIPS page “VOTING-2020” that gives you links to not only common questions, but brief summaries of the CO Secretary of State’s six Press Releases on innovations to increase the ease of voting. Check it out! 

SCHOOL SPORTS: Congratulations to Lyons High School Girls Softball team, and their coach Julie Vasquez, who went to the Regionals, but lost. It was an exciting season. Now we are watching the always amazing cross country teams entering the championship season. Also, the football games are starting. All the teams appreciate it when the town people turn out to cheer them on to their championship games. See the weekly articles for more details, scores, and date of next games.

EVENT NEWS: – always check Flash News for events and their related dates.

GENERAL NEWS…

FOREST FIRES: We published news on the Cameron Peak fire on Wednesday, a day early, so that people could see what was going on; and it included links and lists for fire preparedness, getting an emergency box packed, signing up for alerts, links to maps and reports, and more. The evening of October 15, Wednesday, the Cameron fire reached 158,300 acres and became the largest fire in Colorado history. It was two weeks ago that it jumped to the third spot; and the Pine Gulch Fire went to the first spot as the largest wildfire in Colorado’s recorded history, burning 139,007 acres at its peak.

We also send out prayers to California. The fires have burned four MILLION acres, DOUBLE that of 2018. They have had 23 MAJOR fires across the state. And, their traditionally worse season for fires is just starting.

COVID-19 NEWS: Colorado and the U.S. have joined Europe and Asian in a second COVID-19 wave this fall. On Tuesday, Colorado went over the dreaded “5% guidepost” in number of new cases. Five European countries, plus Thailand, Russia and N. Korea are looking at new shutdowns or stronger restrictions. The European surge showed numbers not seen since March. Even stoic leaders like Russian President Putin, and Supreme Leader of North Korean Kim Jong Un have had to bow to the overwhelming effects of the pandemic. Kim gave a rare tearful apology message for the sad plight of the people.

In Colorado, on October 8 numbers showed that case numbers were going back to the July figures; and in just five days, the daily total of 1,048 on Tuesday made it the highest number since MARCH! Plus reaching 6.4 percent for the day. The hospitalizations have not made a proportional gain as there is now a better understanding of the virus, with better treatments being offered inside and outside of the hospitals. At this time, 50 to 69 year olds are the highest group in hospitals.

ARE YOU ONE OF THESE PEOPLE:

National news pointed out that many of the cases coming in are from “coronavirus fatigue,” with people being careless when visiting with friends. Just this week there were some group parties in Lyons that followed the rules, but people all knew each other well and got within inches of each other, put their arms around one another’s shoulders, all the while not wearing masks “because it’s outside.” I’ve personally visited a few friends and had snacks, and had to ask them to move their chair away (nicely!) Don’t let your guard down with people you know! The numbers are going up everywhere. Consider it your defense zone.

VOTING: OPEN your Ballot Envelop NOW! There are 11 amendments to read, and judges to pick and more! It’s not just the president and congressman you are voting for. Use your Blue Book to decipher the things you are voting on. Look up a link to the League of Women Voters in your area for unbias reliable information on candidates and more.

Each local news station /and/ major newspaper has “FACT CHECKERS”..such as “Truth be Told” at Channel 7.. that dissect TV campaign ads — as well as “Voter Guides” on their web pages – Both Channel 7 and 9 conducted debates for the two senate candidates. Be sure to watch the full debate, as “news clips” often just state the most sensational thing said. 

Judge Performance Ratings by multiple witness sources can be found on the State of Colorado web page.

If you only read one paragraph about voting here – Please remember that you need to MAIL your ballot no later than October 26. And, if you drop your ballot in a box, try to put it in your county’s box to speed up the process. This means those in Larimer County should drive to Estes Park or Loveland.

STORMS/WEATHER: The St. Charles area of Louisiana was hit again by a hurricane, just six weeks after the last major one hit. Many were just leaving their shelters to go home, and one family said their roof was ripped off for a second time. Six million people were impacted by the Cateory 2 storm. The area has suffered six storms already this season, on top of the COVID-19 hardships. This is the tenth landfalling storm, SETTING A RECORD. (October 7) Be sure to donate to the Salvation Army, Goodwill and/or Red Cross! It could be you needing help next.

MESSAGE OF CARE… National Sweetest Day encourages everyone to be generous even in the smallest ways. Even small tokens, like a cute note stuck to a front door, or a funny thank you card, or a phone call of support improve the lives of those around us… Take time this Saturday to do some small things greatly.  (Send me your stories, and perhaps we will share some.)