Weld farmers can receive emergency loans
    Weld County family farmers are among those who can apply for low interest emergency loans from Farm Service Agency.
    Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman requested a disaster designation July 27 due to losses caused by excessive rain, hail, high winds, lightning, flooding and flash flooding that began June 3 and has continued through the summer. Colorado’s Weld, Logan and Sedgwick counties are included in the designation. This designation allows all family-sized farm operators in primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for low interest emergency loans from Farm Service Agency, provided eligibility requirements are met. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available, repayment ability and other eligibility requirements. The deadline for applications is April 12, 2011.
    For applications and further information, contact alocal Farm Service Agency county office or Bryan Cook, Farm Loan Manager, 57 West Bromley Lane, Brighton, 80601, 303-659-0525, ext. 2.

Martinez draws three-year sentence
    BRIGHTON – A Brighton man involved in a chase through downtown Brighton drew a three-year sentence in the state department of corrections.
    Daniel Martinez received credit for 370 days served before the sentence was handed down.
    Martinez pleaded guilty to vehicular eluding earlier this year. He led police on the chase from a fast-food restaurant to a spot in front of several businesses on South Main Street.

Judge finalists selected
    The Seventeenth Judicial District Nominating Commission nominated three candidates for a district court judgeship created by the retirement of John T. Bryan, effective Jan. 11.
    The nominees are Robert Walter Kiesnowski Jr., of Commerce City, Cynthia J. Kowert, of Brighton, and Ted C. Tow III, of Northglenn.
    Under the Colorado Constitution, the governor has 15 days from Aug. 31, to appoint one of the nominees as district court judge for the Seventeenth Judicial District (Adams and Broomfield counties). Comments regarding any of the nominees may be sent via e-mail to the governor at 17thDistrict.Appointments@capitol.state.co.us.

National Preparedness Month in Brighton
    The city of Brighton recognizes September as National Preparedness Month September. As part of the designation, the Brighton Office of Emergency Management is encouraging all citizens to prepare themselves and their families for natural and human caused disasters. The goal is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to motivate individuals to take action.
    Brighton’s OEM will conduct community emergency response team trainings for city employees beginning the last week of September. In addition, the eight-week, public CERT training that began in July will conclude with a simulated disaster exercise Sept. 18.  Citizens interested in volunteering for this exercise should contact Rebecca Martinez, office of emergency management, 303-655-2316 or rmartinez@brightonco.gov.
    To continue its recognition of National Preparedness Month, the city of Brighton will send weekly individual preparedness tips to citizens in an effort to continue educational messages about individual responsibilities during a disaster. Tips include information about preparing a 72-hour kit, being prepared individually and as a community, early warning notification and sirens, and winter safety tips.
    The Brighton City Council presented a proclamation declaring September 2010 at National Emergency Preparedness Month in the city of Brighton. For information on emergency preparedness, visit www.brightonco.gov, www.readycolorado.com or www.ready.gov.

Volunteer victim advocates needed
    The Brighton Police Department Victim Assistance Program is seeking volunteer victim advocates. Advocates change the lives of others in the community who have been impacted by crime, violence and sudden trauma.
    The next training will be from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 28 through Oct. 28, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 2 and 16.  Interested participants must complete the entire training.
    To volunteer, contact Brenda Fabian at 303-655-2308 for nformation and to obtain an application.

Brighton hosts community walk
    The city of Brighton, in collaboration with CBS 4 Denver, hosts a free “Fit 4 Colorado Community Walk” at 9 a.m. Oct. 9, beginning and ending at the Brighton Learning and Resource Campus, 1850 E. Egbert St.  The walk will be just over two miles and will loop through Benedict Park and the Brighton Memorial Parkway. The purpose of the walk is to promote physical activity and healthy living. All ages are welcome to participate in this free community event.  Preregistration is not required. To participate in the walk, just show up. The first 100 participants will receive a free pedometer.
    Fit 4 Colorado is a statewide educational initiative to improve the health and well-being of Coloradans through free educational information and on-line resources to help children and adults make small changes to increase activity and eat healthier.

Name the city’s aquatic park
    The city of Brighton is seeking the perfect name for its new outdoor family aquatic park set to open next in 2011 near 17th Avenue and Bromley Lane, and the public can help.
    Naming suggestions can be submitted by filling out a form on the city’s website (www.brightonco.gov) or by visiting the parks and recreation department office, 1901 E. Bridge St. The deadline for entries is 5 p.m., Sept. 6. There is no limit to how many entries a person can submit. The top five names suggested will be requested to complete a park naming petition according to the city’s naming policy, which can be found on the city website.
    Submissions can also be sent to dsecord@brightonco.gov with “Park Name Contest” in the subject line, by fax at 303-655-2131 or by mail at Parks and Recreation Office, 1901 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601.
    The winner will be chosen at the Dec. 7 city council meeting