MILLIKEN'S 2024 HONOREES

GRAND MARSHALL

Milliken Volunteer Fire Department (1949-2015)

Nominated by: Lori Ehrlich

I wish to nominate the men and women of the Milliken Fire Protection District Volunteers from the years of 1949 until 2015. Better known as the Milliken Volunteer Fire Department and the Milliken Fire Flies.

The Milliken Fire Protection District was officially created in 1963 and it wasn't until 2015 that a Fire Authority was formed with the Johnstown Fire District known today as Front Range Fire Authority staffed with paid firefighters.

Milliken"s district covered 38 square miles in Weld County including the areas of Adna, Arrowhead Lake, Big Thompson River, Elm, Dent, Dos Rios, Hartford Reservoir, Hill N Park, Hillsboro Reservoir, Knaus, Little Thompson River, Mad Russian, Mill Iron 5, Milliken, South Platte River, Spomer Lake, Thompson Rivers Park, and Westridge.

Two fire stations served the district, Station #1 on South Irene Avenue and station #2 in Hill N Park.

The men and women that made up this organization were strictly volunteers and sacrificed their time for training, meetings, rescues and fire calls of all kinds. These calls were answered in the worst of weather at all hours of days and nights knowing no holidays.

There are so many volunteers that have come and gone. They were all dedicated honorable hard- working citizens and deserve to be recognized as the hero's that they are.

HONORED CITIZENS

Pat and Jimmy Baugh

Nominated by: Elizabeth Austin

I am nominating Pat and Jimmy Baugh for the 2024 Honored Citizens. As valued members of the Milliken community the Pat and Jimmy volunteer and involve themselves in many aspects of our community.

Pat Baugh currently serves as the Assistant Secretary/Treasurer for the Settlers Village HOA Board and has been a long-standing member of the Milliken Events Committee.

Jimmy Baugh currently services as the President for the Settlers Village HOA Board, Chairman of the Milliken Planning Commission, and has been a long-standing member of the Milliken Events Committee.

Pat and Jimmy also help families in need and always willing to lend a hand. They consistently show up to help plan and execute the many events in town including the Skate Park Event, Beef ‘n Bean Day, Monster Mash, and Festival of Lights.

Pat and Jimmy are valued members of our small community; their continued dedication and service is exemplary and they embody the true meaning of a small neighborly community.

HONORED ORGANIZATION

Milliken Presbyterian Church

Nominated by: Elizabeth Austin

I am nominating the Milliken Presbyterian Church for the 2024 Honored Organization. As valued members of the Milliken community the Milliken Presbyterian Church continues the Beef ‘n Bean Day traditions of a small community that loves and supports its citizens. As lore has it:

In 1924, a local Presbyterian minister decided to cook pinto beans, one of the agricultural products grown in the Milliken area to feed people who were hungry. Two years later in 1926, the Town held the first official festival, calling it Bean Day. In 1983, a local feed lot producer, donated beef, which was cooked underground at Lola Park, the event then became known as Beef 'N Bean Day.

The Presbyterian Church continues its support of residents in our area, maintains a food panty to feed those in need as well as supporting our spiritual needs. The church participates in many of our local events and welcomes all members of the community.

The Milliken Presbyterial Church is a valued member of our small community; their continued dedication and service is commendable.

HONORED BUSINESS

Mad Russian Golf Course

Nominated by: Lori Ehrlich

The golf course was built by Ted Blehm and first opened to the public for business in 1979. It was named Jack Rabbit Trail Golf Course.

Unfortunately Mr. Blehm's dream died in bankruptcy in 1982 where it sat idle for several years.

In 1986 a new owner, Bob Ehrlich rechristened it in Mr. Blehm's honor, changing the logo and renaming it The Mad Russian Golf Course. Mr. Ehrlich opened the course for play on August 1st 1987 and every year this date is celebrated as Mad Russian Day.

The golf course is an 18 hole par 71 challenging course that is open to the public.

Over the years the clubhouse with its breathtaking views has been host to several different restaurants, holiday festivities, parties and weddings.

January 1, 2023, Mr. Ehrlich and his family made the decision to lease the golf course to The Thompson River Parks and Recreation District.

The Mad Russian Golf Course offers league play along with lessons and children's programs. The large clubhouse is hosting parties and weddings and is a wonderful asset to the Town of Milliken.