Monthly Dates of Note
October 2024
10/2: Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Month
The board of commissioners will proclaim October as Long-Term Care Residents’ Rights Month at their board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 2. This month serves to honor and recognize the hundreds of residents in both nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout Weld County by raising awareness about the rights of these individuals and paying tribute to their unique contributions to our community. The Weld County Ombudsman Program through the Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging (AAA) works to promote and protect the rights of individuals living in long term communities. To learn more about AAA’s services and programs, visit www.weldaaa.org.
10/1 to 12/31: CDBG Application Period Open
Weld County’s Community Development Block Grant program is accepting applications for community improvement projects from municipalities starting Oct. 1, 2024. Do you see an improvement project in your community? Do street lighting, water systems or transportation need to be upgraded? Do older adults have access to services? Please get in touch with your municipality to find out which community representative to speak with, so they can apply for grant funding today at www.weld.gov/go/cdbg. The application deadline is Dec. 31, 2024.
10/22: State of the County
Weld County will be hosting its first ever State of the County event on Oct. 22, and the public is invited. The future of Weld County is bright but poses some challenges. Please join Weld County Commissioners for a community update on projects focused on serving residents as well as businesses, collaborating with local municipalities, and engaging in impactful regional partnerships - all to ensure Weld County remains a leader in Colorado. Open to the public; light breakfast will be served. Please watch for more information on our website and social media platforms.
10/30: Town and County Meeting
The annual Town and County Meeting, a meeting among the county and representatives from its 32 municipalities, will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m. in the Weld County Administration Building, 1150 O St., Greeley. Held each October, the meeting not only provides an opportunity for municipal elected officials to come together with the Weld County Board of Commissioners to discuss Weld County issues and concerns but also helps fulfill a mandate of the Weld County Home Rule Charter. This meeting is open to the public, and anyone is welcome to come and listen to the updates and news on various projects throughout Weld County.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Watch our Facebook and X platforms in October for tips on how to be more cybersecure. These posts will also feature insight on a few of the things Weld County’s Information Technology team does to keep county systems secure and functioning. Find more cybersecurity resources on the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency’s website at cisa.gov.
Acts of Connection
Acts of Connection is county-led community partnership initiative to combat social isolation and foster connection in Weld County. This October, Acts of Connection will officially launch in South County (Platte Valley region) with an awareness campaign about the program and the negative health effects of social isolation and loneliness. According to recent health surveys, about half of all US adults report experiencing loneliness or social isolation. The World Health Organization designated loneliness as a "global public health concern”, and research has shown that loneliness is as bad for people's health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment (WCDPHE) and partner agencies will be hosting Connection Workshops in the region to help people understand how critical social connection is for our wellbeing, recognize the signs of social isolation or loneliness in themselves or others, and provide resources that can help us all be a part of making our communities more connected. The initiative was created by the many organizations that are part of the Healthy Mind and Spirit workgroup of Thriving Weld in partnership with WCDPHE. More information on Acts of Connection is at weldhealth.org.
Progress continues on Weld County Road 77
The work ongoing on Weld County Road (WCR) 77 between WCR 100 and WCR 106 has reached a major milestone. Public Works crews finished paving the road, a major step in the project’s completion. Crews are still working on several other elements designed to make the road as safe as possible before it can be reopened, such as shouldering the road, signing and striping, and seeding and mulching to reclaim disturbed areas. Work on Bridge 77/106A, located north of WCR 106 also continues. Find detour routes on the Weld County Road Advisory Map.
High Plains Boulevard project continues
County commissioners, along with the county's public works department, the Town of Mead, Kraemer NA, RMS, Western State’s Land Services and Colorado Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting in August to discuss the upcoming construction of a segment of High Plains Boulevard. Construction of the segment is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2025 and will extend Weld County Road (WCR) 9.5 from WCR 32 to WCR 34 east of Mead. Ahead of the project, residents are encouraged to sign up for a project newsletter, which will provide updates throughout the project. Learn more about the project and sign up for the newsletter by visiting the “High Plains Boulevard” tab at www.weld.gov/go/pio.
Weld County Road 22
Work continues to improve Weld County Road 22 between U.S. 85 and WCR 31. Crews have removed the asphalt on the road, replaced culverts and are finishing the placement of cement treated base and road base before paving can begin. Find detour routes on the Weld County Road Advisory Map.
National Health Education Week is the third week of October
This annual observance serves to highlight the importance of health education in improving public health outcomes. The county health department engages in a wide range of educational and outreach programs, including: informational classes; health screenings; clinic visits; and community workshops that provide invaluable opportunities for the department to educate individuals and promote better health practices within Weld communities. Education is the first step to bring awareness, is a proactive approach that helps catch health issues early which then empowers people to taking action, reducing the need for expensive treatments and hospitalizations. Through Weld County health education classes and outreach events we highlight strategies for preventing and managing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity through lifestyle changes and evidence-based education. More information is available at www.weld.gov/go/HealthEd.
Volunteers needed
Weld County is always looking for residents who want to volunteer on advisory boards or commissions. It’s a fantastic way to give back to the community in helping shape the way government services are provided. Several openings currently exist on various boards, such as the Planning Commission, Board of Adjustment, Extension Advisory Council, and Workforce Development Board. Find out more, and apply, at www.weld.gov/go/boardopenings.