Serving the community since 1906
VOLUME 33 | ISSUE 24
WEEK OF JUNE 15, 2023
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Rainbows, roller disco and wedding vows
• Page 9
BY BELEN WARD BWARD@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
•In-door dining and large gatherings prohibited by new restrictions
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Municipal Court to hear minors’ tobacco violations
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Lindy Zuroski of the Fort Collins Circus Center twirls rings at Adams County’s Pride celebration June 10 at Riverdale Regional Park. PHOTO BY SCOTT TAYLOR Zurosky later donned an inflatable unicorn costume to entertain crowds with dancing and gymnastics.
•A fundraiser to combat domestic abuse • Page 3
LOCAL
“But looking at everyone right every day.” Adams County host second event. now, I’m starting to get a little misty.” And then Diver led the 16 people But speaking to the crowd at in their vows — moving forward into annual Pride celebration at Adams County’s Riverdale Regional a great commitment of their love, Park gathered for Adams County’s promising to keep their partner’s Riverdale Regional Park second annual Pride celebration, the heart safe and asking them to love BY SCOTT TAYLOR STAYLOR@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
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As eight couples gathered below the stage, waiting to say their nuptial vows, officiant Stella Diver said it was nearly enough to make a drag queen cry. “The only reason they chose me to do this is because my heart is made of ice,” Diver said at Adams County’s first Marriagepalooza mass wedding
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Council keeps tobacco issues local
Denver-based drag performer said it was much more than just emotional. It was important. “Even now, the love we share for each other is questioned and considered an act of rebellion,” Diver said. “Pride is our moment, our month, to show the world how proud we are of the love we have for each other. And it does not stop with this weekend. The step you are taking today to cement your love for each other allows Pride to live on
their partners as much as they love themselves. And with that, Diver declared them married. It was an experiment this year, Adams County Clerk Josh Zygielbaum said. He plans to bring the event back next year, bigger and even better. “It was not as large as I wanted it to be, but it’s our first year doing it,”
Fort Lupton teens caught possessing cigarettes or buying them will face local court, councilors agreed June 6. Councilors agreed to move violations by those younger than 18 years from the Weld County Courts to the city’s own municipal court. The vote came as a part of their consent agenda, where councilors vote on several items at once. Councilors first discussed the matter at their May 16 meeting. At that meeting, Municipal Court Administrator Jeanelle Andersen said the city did not have a local ordinance pertaining to minors in possession of tobacco. Under those circumstances, people cited for possession of tobacco were prosecuted under state law which required them to be heard at Weld County District Court. Andersen told councilors that the move was meant to keep local violators from having to face county court and more serious consequences. Other cities with similar ordinances can issue summons requiring 24 hours of community services and educational classes and require destroying tobacco products and vape pens.
SEE PRIDE, P5
VOICES: PAGE 6 | OBITUARIES: PAGE 7 | LIFE: PAGE 8 | CALENDAR: PAGE 10
Landmark 20th
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