Delta County Independent, Dec. 12, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

EMBODYING RHYTHM Debut CD takes listeners on a musical tour of the world, B1

SPORTS

TRACK TO BE NAMED

120 WRESTLERS WEIGH IN

Recognition urged for longtime CHS teacher, coach, C1

DELTA COUNTY

Cedaredge Bruins win 30th annual Panther Invitational, B6-8

DECEMBER 12, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 50

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Website tracks progress at DMS BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Kissner GC, the general contractor for the addition to Delta Middle School, has begun posting project updates to the school district website, www.deltaschools.com. The updates allow parents and students to track what’s going on, noted John McHugh, facilities supervisor for Delta County Joint School District #50. During a school board meeting on Dec. 4, superintendent Caryn Gibson said a lot of people are wondering why the building isn’t going up faster. The answer: the work to date has all been underground — foundation, slabs, plumbing and electrical systems. Soon, Kissner GC will begin building walls using insulated concrete forms, or ICF. The forms snap together somewhat like Legos. Once

the forms are in place, concrete will be poured to create a solid concrete core. These new walls will be strong and energy efficient. “Watch over the next few weeks as these walls go tumbling ... up,” the website explains. At the school board meeting, McHugh demonstrated how progress can also be tracked via a 360° view from a camera that’s been placed in the middle of the future cafeteria. “You’ll be able to see how the building goes up around it,” he said. The addition includes classrooms, music and choir rooms, and a new cafeteria — all to be connected to the existing 2004 building to enhance student safety. Other safety upgrades include replacement of the fire alarms, an intercom system throughout the main building and the gym, security doors and door

locks. On the school grounds, the bus loading zone has been extended and a new parent drop-off is being created. An ADA ramp will improve handicap access to the gym. A BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant of $10 million will largely offset total construction cost of

about $14.5 million. The addition was designed by Reilly Johnson Architects; Austin Civil Group is providing civil engineering for the project So far, the project is on track for completion next summer. In the meantime, sixth grade classes are being

held on the second floor of the old middle/high school. Throughout the design and construction process, there have been opportunities for student involvement, from designing exterior features to calculating the square footage of the new parking area and parent drop-off lanes.

DMEA begins exit from Tri-State G&T Tri-State rate increases deemed ‘unsustainable’ PRESS RELEASE

On Dec. 6, Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) strongly reaffirmed its intent to exit membership in Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association (Tri-State), and has asked the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to exercise its statutory authority over Tri-State as a public utility and adjudicate a just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory exit charge. “DMEA and our board of directors have a fiduciary responsibility to serve the best interests of our members to remain a competitive, reliable and cost-effective co-op,” said DMEA chief executive officer Jasen Bronec. “DMEA’s wholesale power costs from Tri-State have been escalating at an unsustainable rate. Tri-State’s annual reports show that average member rates have increased 56 percent since 2005, which is more than double the increase in the Consumer Price Index over the same time period. This stands in stark contrast to the overall energy market in which prices have decreased significantly over the same period.” The Dec. 6 announcement culminates over a decade of negotiations between DMEA and Tri-State to stabilize rates and lift restrictions on DMEA’s pursuit of more local renewable energy generation. Tri-State restricts rural cooperatives to a 5 percent limit for the amount of energy that they can produce on their

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Agriculture ................... C8 Back Page ................... D6 Bruin Tracks ............. C3-6 Business .......................A10 Church ..................... A8, D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ............................ D3 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries .................. A6-7 School Zone .................. A5 Sports ..........................B6-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-7 TV Listings ..................B4-5

own, which DMEA met two years ago. Since then, DMEA has been limited in its ability to capitalize on its energy-rich territory, despite the low cost and numerous benefits to the community. In recent years, DMEA has tried to exercise its right to exit Tri-State consistent with Tri-State’s “core principle” of voluntary and open membership. Despite DMEA’s efforts, Tri-State has refused to provide a just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory exit charge. Under Colorado public utilities law, the PUC has legal responsibility to ensure that public utility rates and charges are just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory. “While the decision to separate from Tri-State allows for significant economic benefit for our members — including stabilized rates, development of diverse and low-cost local energy, and the creation of new local jobs — we are seeking fair exit terms that will protect both Tri-State’s remaining members and the interests of DMEA’s members,” said Bronec. “Our filing asks the PUC to ensure that we pay our fair share, but only our fair share, in exiting Tri-State.” Following Kit Carson Electric Cooperative’s securing a buyout from Tri-State for $37 million in 2016, DMEA has validated options that could provide wholesale rate relief if the PUC sets a just and reasonable exit charge for DMEA that would allow DMEA to withdraw from Tri-State on reasonable economic terms. Like Kit Carson, DMEA will partner with Guzman Energy, a Colorado wholesale power provider, upon withdrawing from Tri-State.

Photo by Kissner GC

This drone footage shows the grade beams being placed on the campus of Delta Middle School. Progress should become much more visible over the coming weeks, as Kissner GC begins building walls using insulated concrete forms.

McKee looks back on law enforcement career BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

After capping a 40-year career in law enforcement with four terms as sheriff of Delta County, Fred McKee is retiring. He declined to seek a fifth term in office, saying 16 years is enough. Mark Taylor, who was unopposed in the November election, will serve as the next sheriff of Delta County. McKee said he didn’t set out to become a peace officer, although he did a stint in the military, which often serves as a jumping off point for law enforcement. Instead, he painted horse trailers, trained as a locksmith and joined a brother-inlaw in the hog business in the San Luis Valley. The hog business was tough going at times, and not looking to improve any time soon, so when the thensheriff of Rio Grande County said he needed a graveyard dispatcher, McKee decided to give it a shot. He then applied for a job as a deputy sheriff, and when he was hired, the office put him through law enforcement training. After about four years on the job, he was promoted to senior deputy/investigator, then named undersheriff. When Kamerzell was defeated in his bid for re-

HopeWest hosts holiday event HopeWest invites friends, family and neighbors to its annual Lights of Life event to celebrate the spirit of community this holiday season. This evening allows you to gather in recognition of the meaning of the season while reflecting on the cherished memories of loved ones held close to our hearts. The event will feature a holiday greeting, candlelighting ceremony and beautiful lights with music and singing. It will take place at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory, 682 1725 Road, Delta. This event, in cooperation with Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory, is free and open to the public. For more information, call 970-874-6823 or visit HopeWestCo.org.

election, the new sheriff kept McKee on as undersheriff. Although they were pretty good friends, McKee decided to resign and run for sheriff of Rio Grande County. He was beat by 40 votes and found himself out of work. Kamerzell had since been named director of the County Sheriffs of Colorado association and was aware that Bill Blair, the newly appointed sheriff of Delta County, was looking for an undersheriff.

McKee applied for the job, and the rest, as they say, is history. He’s now been with the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office for 27 years. He was elected sheriff in 2003, when term limits forced Blair into retirement. McKee faced opposition in the first election, but has run unopposed the last three. “The fact that Mark [Taylor] had an opportunity to run unopposed for a vacancy says McKEE TO A3

Photo submitted

Fred McKee was one of three retiring sheriffs recognized at a meeting of the Montrose County Republican Women. U.S. Representative Scott Tipton (right) read a tribute commending McKee for his commitment to justice and service in Colorado. His remarks were entered into the Congressional Record.

Carbon monoxide blamed for two deaths

An initial autopsy report indicates that an elderly Cedaredge couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning. The Delta County Sheriff’s Office reports that John Thompson, 88, and Joan Thompson, 81, were found by a neighbor the morning of Dec. 5. In a separate incident, a group of friends was affected by carbon monoxide while playing pool at the home of Jenna Bemis on Dec. 6. Bemis reports that she’d recently had a new heating stove installed in the pool room, and it was appar-

ently emitting carbon monoxide. Bemis believes she was the first to feel dizzy and she passed out. The others thought she had had a heart attack and called 911. Everyone wound up going to the hospital to be checked out, including two of the men who had gone home. Bemis says police officers went to the men’s respective homes and made sure they went to be checked out at the hospital also. In light of her experience, Bemis urges everyone to install a carbon monoxide alarm in their houses.

A2 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS

It’s time for America to get back to the basics

Mayor should avoid closed door discussions Dear Editor: On Nov. 20, Delta’s City Council convened a special work session to discuss the zoning and licensing of potential medical marijuana businesses within city limits. During the meeting, Mayor Ron Austin admitted to having a private conversation with a “main street business owner,” who opposed all of the marijuana ballot measures. It was suggested that this individual was a “big player in town,” who would “not invest another dime if marijuana came to Delta.” Though he would not reveal the identity of this concerned individual, Austin made it clear that he was concerned that this one business owner would leave town given the results of the recent midterm elections. There is a thing called “ex parte communication” that elected leaders are trusted not to engage in while in office. Ex parte communication involves any discussion — whether via spoken word, email, social media, or smoke signals — between public jurists and an individual party regarding a legal proceeding outside of the presence of the opposing party. This restric-

tion encourages judges to be transparent and to only engage in this type of conversation in public settings. Otherwise, judges will have to disclose these private conversations and recuse themselves from residing over the specific case where their judgement has been compromised. City council is a “quasijudicial” political entity, so city councilmembers are beholden to this same restrictions when hearing specific cases — cases like applications to receive a medical marijuana business license. Considering the clandestine nature of his conversations with marijuana opponents, the mayor has set himself up for future legal headaches based on his admission. Imagine a potential business owner wants to apply for one of these licenses, and the site of his future dispensary is located right next door to the aforementioned “big player.” What is our mayor going to do? Will the mayor disclose the name of this anonymous bigwig? Will he produce a word-for-word version of the conversation that took place between the two? Will this anonymous individual come

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any anxiety whatsoever and maybe we should be more thankful to live in an area like this where the cost, even at $8 a year is a real bargain and that we have access to some of the most beautiful places in this country to enjoy our outdoor activities. I have lived in many places in this country where retired fishermen would love to pay only $8 a year. Merry Christmas. Now, get thee over to your favorite fishing store, cough up the $8 and get out there amongst those fish. Walt Fick Cedaredge

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Dear Editor: Paonia water used to taste delicious; out of town visitors would comment on it. Lately it tastes like an overly chlorinated swimming pool. I called town hall to inquire about this change and was passed around from one person to another, until finally told this was the purview of the public works department, and someone would definitely call me back from there. It never happened. I guess mum’s the word. Mark Vlosky Paonia

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had other plans for me. Needless to say, America has gone down the road of liberality. Those who recall a better time, not a problem-free time, will tell you how much better it is to have rules to guide you. For instance, in August, the home next door to me was raided twice for drugs and those who are there now aren’t much better. This lends to this: all common sense and logical action is nowhere to be found. When we realize we live in a nation that offers a great life only if we adhere to a few rules, we’d be better

off. Where does it end? It doesn’t unless we get back to basics. America was founded on a Judeo Christian premise. People came here wanting to worship God their way. Our first group of leaders acknowledged that America would not last if we did not keep Christian or a religious code front and center. We have not and this is the result. Our youth is killing each other and lives are changed for the worse. May God bless us once again and help us get back what can be recaptured. Gary Herby Delta

LES collects gently used toys Dear Editor: Lincoln Elementary School’s Student Council is starting a new program to help families with children that are struggling in life. Student Council recognizes that Christmas for families who don’t have a permanent home is especially difficult. Many of us have been blessed with homes and childhoods filled with wonderful toys. We’ve taken care of our toys but we have outgrown them. We

know younger children would appreciate these toys. We also know that other children in Delta County probably feel the same. Between now and Friday, Dec. 21, we are collecting gently used toys. We will then deliver these toys to the Haven House. Thank you in advance for your thoughtfulness and generosity. Jennifer Magner, Principal, and Lincoln Elementary Student Council

Law enforcement blotter

on that beach. Not having gone to renew my license recently, I assume the cost to us retirees has now gone up from $1 to $8 [DCI: it was free]. I honestly still don’t know how this contribution can make much of a dent in the cost to operate a statewide fish and game department or even to be remotely visible in the cost of providing search and rescue services should you fall in your favorite fishing hole and require being rescued. Given that all of us now on fixed income need more than ever to take a hard look at our priorities, I don’t think paying $8 a year for the services we receive from that license should cause us

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Dear Editor: I was affected by David Hiney’s letter to the editor of Dec. 5, “The pitiful results of methamphetamine use.” How sad but unfortunately how normal in today’s society. To have so many lives altered due to the decision of immature people who should by rights be either in school furthering their education or in some other worthwhile endeavor. Instead they chose a life of crime. To me the question is why? Why go that route when so many avenues of excellence are open to us in what was the greatest nation in the world? Oh, it still is but we sure have tarnished its standing. The why is simple. Our leaders gave in to easier ways. We bowed down to the adage that it’s easier to follow the current rather than fight against it. I’ve learned if you want to do what is right, that just may be the harder way. I wasn’t always of this mindset. There was a day of reckoning where I had to make a choice. I made the harder of the two. I praise God EVERY day for doing it. It could have led to serious consequences but it didn’t. God

forward during the public hearing for the license, much like the multiple readings that took place for the ballot measures that this same individual — for some unknown reason — avoided? Will the mayor recuse himself from the proceeding since he cannot be an impartial arbiter? It is a sad state of affairs when our elected leaders have made up their minds about an issue well before a fair, public-facing, deliberative process can first occur. Furthermore, it is even worse when these same elected leaders openly admit to having back-channel communications with moneyed interests, who want to hold the community ransom just so they can both further their own personal agendas. When considering future rules and regulations, I strongly encourage all City of Delta councilmembers to respect due process, rule of law, and transparency in government. This conversation deserves to take place in a public setting, not behind closed doors. Jay Stooksberry Chair From the Delta Police Libertarian Party Department (edited for of Delta County length):

$8 fishing license is still a great bargain Dear Editor: In response to a letter published in the Dec 5, 2018 DCI written by Larry M. Head of Hotchkiss. To Larry and any other subscribers on a fixed income, I do sympathize with the issues of keeping up with inflation in retirement; however, I would ask that you give more careful thought to your anxiety related to the cost of fishing licenses in Delta County. An 800 percent increase is surely significant; however, this could be considered similar to comparing one grain of sand on the beach to a teaspoon full. Yep a lot more in that teaspoon, but still the teaspoon does not really stand out

Delta County Independent

Mum’s the word

DELTA COUNTY

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Dec. 2: Officers responded to a residence in the 600 block of Fox Court for a report of eggs being thrown at the residence. Investigation resulted in a 13-year-old female of Delta receiving a ticket for alleged second degree criminal tampering. Joey Jacob Gates, 24, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged second degree assault and menacing. Officers took a report regarding an alleged assault in the 600 block of Highway 50. A burglary was reported in the 100 block of Main Street. Officers responded to the area of 11th Street and Hastings Street for a disturbance. Triston Lane McDonald, 19, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged vehicle plates improperly attached, failure to present evidence of insurance, possession of illegal/dangerous weapon, possession of a controlled substance, minor in possession of 2 ounces or less of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, open container (marijuana), and introduction of contraband in the second degree. Tanner Woodrow M. Jones, 19, of Hotchkiss was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of a controlled substance. Christopher Daniels Johnson, 23, of Grand Junction was arrested and jailed for alleged possession of a controlled substance and bail bond violation. An officer responded to E. 7th Street and Hartig Drive on a report of a traffic hazard. Dec. 3: Officers responded to the railroad overpass on Confluence Drive for a one-vehicle crash. No injuries were reported or observed. A stolen/missing bicycle (black Roadmaster with white lettering) was reported in the 200 block of Dodge Street. David Wilson Bement, 36, of Eckert was arrested and jailed on a no bond warrant. A hit and run accident was reported at the Salvation Army store. Officers responded to City Market on a report of a young child walking in the area alone. The child was identified and a parent/guardian located. Officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of E. 7th Street for a burglary in progress. Jonathan Wilfred Lopez, 64, of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged second degree burglary, criminal mischief, first degree criminal trespass and first degree criminal tampering. Dec. 4: A theft was reported at Brickyard Motors, 1414 Main Street. Officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 600 block of Palmer Street. Lindsey Shae McKinney, 34, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $300 bond. Alan Scott Hawk, Jr., 34, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on three warrants with $300 bond each and one no bond warrant. Officers responded to the 100 block of W. 6th Street on a report of a disturbance. Karen Maureen Sherwood, 47, of New Mexico was issued a ticket for alleged disorderly conduct. An officer responded to Delta Middle School for a juvenile problem. An officer took information regarding a juvenile problem on a school bus.

A burglary was reported at Alpine Fencing, 1427 Highway 50. An officer responded to the 500 block of Main Street for a two-vehicle accident involving a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported or observed. An officer responded to the 1600 block of South Main/Highway 50 for a single vehicle hit and run accident involving a road sign. An officer responded to City Market to assist an elderly person who was travelling and had made a wrong turn and was “lost.” Dec. 5: An officer responded to the coffee shop at 420 Crawford Avenue for a burglary. An officer took a report of a possible assault as an act of domestic violence. An officer responded to 692 Highway 50 on a report of criminal mischief. Theft from a vehicle was reported in the 100 block of Grand Avenue. An officer responded to the 200 block of E. 2nd Street to take a report of stolen license plates from a vehicle parked there. Officers responded to the 600 block of Silver Street for suspicious activity. Dec. 6: Officers responded to E. 7th Street and Labor Street for a one-vehicle accident. The vehicle was towed from the scene. An officer responded to the 1200 block of Main Street for a vehicle struck by a deer. Christopher Scott Taylor, 34, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $1,500 bond. An officer responded to the 1600 block of Highway 50/ South Main Street for a report of a deer versus vehicle crash. No injuries were reported or observed. An officer responded to a shoplifting report at Safeway. Dominick Paul Nichols, 23, of Montrose was issued a ticket for alleged shoplifting at Tractor Supply. An officer responded to the 100 block of W. 11th Street for a report of a hit and run accident. No injuries were reported. An officer and K9 Raico responded assisted another agency with a search warrant. Raico conducted an “air sniff” for illicit drugs and controlled substances. Alison Nicole Martin, 23, of Montrose was issued a ticket for alleged theft from Walmart. Dec. 7: A sexual assault involving a juvenile was reported. An officer took a report of a runaway juvenile. An officer responded to Columbine Circle on a report of suspicious activity. An officer responded to the 1400 block of Highway 50 near Western/Alta Convenience on a report of a passenger car hitting an animal. The animal, a dog, was located deceased with no identification. A theft was reported from a residence in the 500 block of E. 10th Street. Dec. 8: Daniel Joseph Winter, 39, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $300 bond. Tylor Michael Naranjo, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $3,000 bond and two additional warrants each with a $750 bond. Tyler Anthony Saenz, 36, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $300 bond. An officer conducted a traffic stop on Highway 50 near

G-96 Lane. JMichelle Kathleen Brincefield, 56, of Delta was issued a ticket for alleged fictitious license plates and failure to provide evidence of insurance. Officers responded to a residence in the 1000 block of Meeker Street for a disturbance. Investigation resulted in multiple firearms being taken into custody and one person leaving the residence to stay elsewhere. Reminder: The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Dec. 3: Dylan Tucker, 26, of Cedaredge escaped injury when his vehicle slid off the road and struck a guardrail near U and 2325 roads. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. The theft of an envelope containing $40 in cash was reported by a property owner on L Road, Hotchkiss. A Delta area resident reported the theft of pain pills. At about 8 p.m., a singlecar accident was reported at mile marker 4, Highway 65. The driver, Cooper Gillies, 22, of Eckert, struck a speed limit sign. There were no injuries. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. Dec. 4: Cedaredge firefighters were dispatched to a fire involving a chimney and carport on U Road north of Cedaredge at about 2:30 a.m. No one was injured. A school administrator requested a welfare check on an 11-year-old chronically absent male. Dec. 5: An Austin resident reported the theft of mail when he noticed the red flag on his mailbox had been lowered and the box emptied before the postal carrier made his rounds. Deputies responded to two suicide attempts, one on Dec. 5 and the other just after midnight on Dec. 6. Dec. 6: Deputies who responded to a report of a neglected dog at a Paonia address found the complaint to be unfounded. Dec. 7: A Cedaredge area resident reported that his wife, age 53, had been gone for two days. He followed up to say she’d returned home on Dec. 8. At about 6 p.m., a Cedaredge area resident returned to find her home on Surface Creek Road filled with smoke. It was determined the smoke was coming from a loaf of banana bread she’d forgotten to take out of the oven. There was no structural damage to the home. A small grass fire was reported in some grass along 1650 Road, Delta. A Paonia area woman reported her husband had pulled her out of her wheelchair after she took a swing at his stomach. He then pushed her head down until she had trouble breathing. Dec. 9: Deputies stopped a vehicle driven by Anthony Evans, 31, of Delta, who was known to have outstanding misdemeanor warrants. During the arrest, they discovered suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Evans was transported to Delta County Jail; charges of drug possession are pending against a passenger in the vehicle, Khyrsten Springer, 28, also of Delta.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

McKee FROM PAGE A1 a tremendous amount about the confidence that Delta County voters have in our administration,” McKee said. “When I was first elected, and Mark was appointed undersheriff, we wanted to become known as one of the finest law enforcement agencies on the Western Slope, if not the state. We went about building that with the help of a lot of different people and some tremendous county commissioners who have been very public safety minded. They helped us improve salaries for our staff, so we’re able to compete with other agencies in selecting the quality of individuals we wanted to work for us. Then our goal was to make sure we were providing the training they needed to serve the public properly and be safe. Then equipment — for a lot of years Delta County struggled with making sure we had the proper equipment. “Our guys now, I believe, have the most modern equipment that’s available to law enforcement personnel, from their firearms to Tasers to pack sets to body cameras. We want to make sure they’re never at a disadvantage. “So I think all those things together make a really good team of indi-

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viduals who care about this county,” said McKee, who believes integrity is another essential component of his office. McKee said he decided four years ago this would be his final term in office. “There’s a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of stress related to this position ... just a tremendous amount of responsibility. After about 16 years, it starts wearing on you a bit. It’s just time to move on.” McKee said it’s tough to fall back asleep after the phone rings at 2 or 3 a.m., alerting him to what often turns out to be a tense situation involving his deputies. There’s been a tendency in recent years for criminals to be more combative, to be more willing to go hands-on with peace officers. “It’s pretty hard to go back to sleep when you know they might be out there in certain circumstances,” he said of his deputies. Jail inmates who are experiencing mental health issues are also a huge concern. “Those are the big things that keep you up at night,” he said. Fortunately, none of his officers have suffered any serious injuries, either in vehicle accidents or at the hands of criminals. “That’s a credit to their training and their supervisors,” he said. Soon after taking office, McKee made the decision to let the undersheriff (meaning Taylor, because he’s only had one) assume a lot of the day-to-day operations so he could represent Delta County in the greater law enforcement community. He immediately got involved in the County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC), and through that association was able to connect with fellow law enforcement officers and with legislators. As president of the CSOC, he testified on a number of legislative bills related to gun control, OHV use and even the process for VIN inspections. “It involved a lot of trips back and forth to Denver, but I think we did a lot of good things for the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office,” he said. McKee served on the board of directors for Center for Mental Health, and through that affiliation has developed a strong desire to address the issue of mentally ill people in our jails. He said the initiative he’s most proud of is legislation that prohibits mental health holds in jails without criminal charges. The first bill he supported passed, but was vetoed by Governor John Hickenlooper, for what McKee admits were very good reasons. But through that veto, the governor established a statewide task force.

“I was appointed to that task force, and through our work we were able to come up with a bill Hickenlooper signed the next year,” McKee said. “So today unless there’s a criminal charge attached to a mentally ill individual, they can not be held in the jail.” That doesn’t solve the problem of mentally ill inmates who have been determined incompetent to proceed through the judicial process. “We have two of those inmates in our jail right now, so we need to figure out how to deal with that issue next,” McKee said. He traveled to Denver in late November to represent CSOC in discussions with the lieutenant governor, to bring these concerns to her attention. “They’re found incompetent to be prosecuted because they’re so seriously ill, but they’re still sitting in our jails,” he explained. “These people are in serious crisis and they should be in a secure facility.” The issue of mental health also encompasses suicidal individuals. McKee said, “I don’t even want to try to guess the number of suicides our agency has dealt with the last 16 years. On the other hand, I would guess the number of suicide attempts would be quadruple the number of actual events.” Sheriff ’s personnel are trained and are intervening in suicide attempts on a weekly basis. “That’s very positive and it doesn’t get enough mention,” he said. The sheriff ’s office has also been parternering with the Center for Mental Health to initiate a program that makes a ride-along therapist available for deputies. Once deputies have assured the situation is stable, they can leave the therapist on site, instead of spending hours tied up on intervention calls. “Along that line, we’ve implemented a jail-based behavioral health program which puts a therapist in our jail,” he added. This grant-funded program provides resources for detention officers when they see somebody in crisis. “It’s definitely lowered our recidivism rate,” McKee said. “Part of my goal was to make mental health better in Delta County and I think we’re taken some serious steps forward.” McKee also served on the POST (Peace Officer Standards Training) board and was a founding member of Drug Free Delta County. “The very capable treatment team and volunteers, working closely with Delta Drug Court and Family Court, have successfully intervened in many lives and have made a real difference in

Student survey gauges school climate BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

For the fourth year, students in Delta County Joint School District #50 were surveyed about school climate and school engagement. The online survey is provided by Panorama, which compares findings in Delta County with national benchmarks. Jim Farmer, human resources director, presented district results to the Delta County Board of Education at its Dec.

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4 meeting. In-depth analytics for each school and each teacher will be shared with building leadership. Superintendent Caryn Gibson said the survey is intended to help teachers learn and grow. Survey questions address student perceptions about school climate and culture, classroom management and connections between students and teachers. Survey results indicate that the younger the student, the more favorable the results. To recap, Farmer said the third-fifth school results were very positive, with growth in every area. Classroom results didn’t grow a lot, but were high to begin with. For grades 6-12, the district is growing in both areas. “There’s still room to grow for sure but we’re headed in the right direction,” Farmer said.

our community,” he said. As a civilian, he plans to lend his support to a countywide public safety tax proposal. The goal of this public safety tax, as discussed, is to benefit all law enforcement agencies in Delta County, McKee explained. Once derived, the revenue would be divided among the different agencies to be used at their discretion. The primary goal, though, is to make sure all agencies in Delta County are able to compete for the best possible job applicants. “All around us, other counties are implementing public safety taxes and we’re falling behind in the number of staff we need, and in salaries. If we get too far behind, we’re not going to be able to hire the quality of people we need to ensure we’re properly providing the services we need.” McKee, who lives in Cedaredge with his wife Julie, say they have no plans to move anywhere else, but they’re looking forward to the opportunity to do more camping and to see more of their kids and grandkids. “It’s been an honor to serve,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of people to thank — first and foremost, my wife Julie, who has put up with being a police officer’s wife for 40 years and all the weekends I’ve been on-call or working. She’s been a huge supporter of this career that I’ve had the definite privilege of doing.” “I also want to thank our great county commissioners, the DCI for fair and balanced coverage, and of course, our staff. “We’ve got a tremendous quality of individuals providing service for Delta County,” he said. He says the staff and the county will be in good hands with Mark Taylor. “I hired Mark in December 2003 and I consider him my best friend,” McKee said. “He’s never been afraid to disagree with me and we’ve been able to work it out ... to agree to disagree. It’s been a magnificent relationship.”

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A4 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

VFW hosts Christmas party, awards dinner

Photo submitted

Sharing holiday cheer

The Bill Heddles Recreation Center 5/6 grade girls’ volleyball teams collected toys to donate to a local charity that will distribute them to needy families this Christmas.

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The members of the Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3571 and its Auxiliary made a special presentation at their annual awards banquet and Christmas party Monday, Dec. 3, to the entire ownership and staff of the Delta County Independent. This certificate of appreciation honored the paper for its years of dedicated service to Delta County, and for its display of patriotic commitment to readers and support of veterans. The certificate was proudly presented to Pat and Randy Sunderland on behalf of the DCI by Jim and Sandy Baker on behalf of all area veterans organizations, especially the members of VFW Post 3571 and its Auxiliary. Also recognized were Patriot Pen winners Zoie Shean, first; Tatem Miller, second; and Angelina Bolinger, third. This competition is open to students in grades 6-8, who are encouraged to examine America’s history, along with their own experiences in modern American society, by drafting a 300- to 400word essay expressing their views on a patriotic theme chosen by the VFW commander-in-chief. The three finalists read their essays on the 2018 theme, “Why I Honor the American Flag.”

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Brandon and Sierra Huff of Cedaredge are the parents of a daughter, Evanyssia Ann Rose Huff, born Nov. 29, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches in length.

at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length.

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VFW Auxiliary 3571 Junior Vice President Debra Jackson and VFW Post 3571 Senior Vice Commander Ben Cole listen as the post Voice of Democracy winner Caleb Frazier reads his winning entry.

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Jim and Sandy Baker, media chairs of VFW Post and Auxiliary 3571, present a certiﬁcate of appreciation to the Delta County Independent, represented by Randy and Pat Sunderland in the photo above.

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each teacher’s building principal were read. Winners for K-5 were Kathy Alves, Garnet Mesa Elementary, first; Tony Miramontes, Lincoln Elementary, second; for grades 6-8, Dianna Carlisle, Vision Charter Academy, first; Brandi Gerrard, Delta Middle School, second; grades 9-12, Jackie Thibeau, Vision, first; Robert Ames, Delta High School, second. A special certificate of appreciation was presented to teachers from Great Beginnings Preschool for their efforts in teaching preschoolers the Pledge of Allegiance.

BIRTHS

Jacob and Jessica Urich of Cedaredge are the parents of a son, Levi Andrew Urich, born Nov. 29, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 4 pounds, 15 ounces and was 18 inches in length.

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Students in grades 912 competed in the Voice of Democracy contest with the theme, “Why My Vote Matters.” The winning writers were Caleb Frazier, first; Carissa Linus, second; and Missa Webb, third. First place winners in both contests advance to district, state and hopefully national competition. Scholarships are awarded to state and national winners. In addition, the VFW presented Citizen Education Teacher Awards to one teacher from each elementary, middle and high school in Delta. Nomination letters from

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SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

T-shirts reinforce values Lincoln Elementary School holds dear

Encouraging students

Photos submitted

Each month, Delta Middle School highlights a character trait valued by students and staff. Encouragement was the theme for November. At a monthly awards ceremony, sixth, seventh and eighth grade students were recognized as being encouraging to peers and staff at DMS. Pictured above are sixth graders Tami Byler, Brianna Huff, Vanessa Nunez-Chavez and Paige Kehmeier.

1440 Apparel reached out to Lincoln Elementary School to design and donate a shirt to over 600 students and staff on campus. LES principal Jennifer Magner explains, “They found out each Wednesday at our school is very special. It is a day we all wear orange and remind Photo submitted the world that we are Lincoln Elementary is grateful to 1440 Apparel for buddies, not bullies. We donating T-shirts for over 600 students and staff. want the world to ‘Be Like Us: We are Kind, We are Lions!’ “We are grateful for the support of our community in reinforcing values that we hold so dear. Delta is a wonderful �� place!”

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Encouraging seventh graders are (front row) Sarah Clark, Cya Wright, Ava Shaball, Aylin Bayles; (back row) Ana Asavei, Pete Herren and Judah Neely.

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Lincoln Elementary students and staff wear orange every Wednesday to remind the world they’re buddies, not bullies.

Help create miracles

Photo submitted

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Dec. 5. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement, and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) were: (back row) Remi Poulson (kindness), Russell Vigil (sportsmanship); (middle row) Jason Weaver (trustworthiness), Jenesis Naranjo (perseverance), Asha Hocking (responsibility), Gabe Csere-Bitono (diligence); (front row) Justice Jones (caring), Charlie Magtutu (compassion), Jaxin Green (perseverance).

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Eighth graders Kailie Hofschulte, Sunshine Wills, Clay Sandridge, Pway Doh were recognized as being encouraging to peers and staff at DMS.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, all communities of Delta County will be helping raise money for Make-A-Wish Colorado, #21Strong. Bring your change!! Between the championship games of the First Colorado National Bank tournament on Saturday, Dec. 22, representatives of the four communities will have one minute to race into the stands to gather as much spare change as possible from fans. The winner will be announced at the end of the boys’ championship game. Want to help sponsor, advertise, or further promote your community? Learn how to get involved by contacting Reagan.Clay@ deltaschools.com or Shawna.Magtutu@delta schools.com. This event sponsored by Delta High School Student Council and DHS Kids for Wish Kids.

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First Colorado National Bank Basketball Tournament & Jack Hawkins Alumni Games

Alumni Friends Women

Alumni Friends Men

Photos submitted

December 21st - 3 PM & December 22nd - 1 PM Delta High School

Most points win

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and ﬁrst grade students (front row) Stormy Wilson, Jadyn Griswold, Madelyn Hughes, Johnathon Blair, Julian Salgado, Hailey Surber; (back row) Abigail Salazar, KaiBree Sanchez and Sunny Guthrie. Below are second and third graders (front row) Faith Rundle, Sophia Lopez, Trever Sukle, Molly Todd; (back row) Drake Ripplinger, Martin Medina Luna, Juan Ramirez and Charles Miller.

Most points win

GMES’ Terriﬁc Kids

A6 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Hope Gomez

Delta resident Mary “Hope” Gomez died Nov. 21, 2018, at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 75. She was born to Jose and Andrea (Valdez) Gomez. She spent her childhood and attended school in Delta. She lived in Delta most of her life and in Elko, Nev., for a short time. She enjoyed music, dancing, cooking, puzzles and spending time with friends, family and her grandchildren. She was known for her cooking and sense of humor. She is survived by her children, Teri (Lalo) Campos of Delta, Peter (Carla) Gomez of Denver, Randy Salazar of Rifle and Monica (Felipe) Cruz of Rifle; two brothers, Richard and Daniel Gomez of Delta; a sister, Josie Diaz of Santa Fe, N.M.; 19 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and five greatgreat-grandchildren. She helped raise several of her nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jesse Gomez, Alex Gomez and Joe Gomez; sisters, Amelia “Lisa” Flanery and Margarita Salazar; and niece, Carla Gomez, whom she raised. A memorial service was held Dec. 8 at First Baptist Church of Delta, followed by a graveside service at Delta City Cemetery and a celebration of life back at the church. Pastor Paul Espinosa and Pastor James Conley officiated. Memorial contributions can be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 North 12th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506. Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.

OBITUARIES

Gwen Trubey

Gwen Lee Trubey died Dec. 5, 2018. She was 89. She was born June 6, 1929, in Waukomis, Okla., to Theodore and Margaret Campbell. She attended high school and college in Bartlesville, Okla. She attended Oklahoma University for one year for nurses training and also worked for Phillips. She owned a fabric store in Oklahoma from 1972 to 1980. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, attending church at Heart of Junction when she could, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband, Dale Trubey; children, Debbie (Walter) Tidmore of Alb, N.M., Mark (Diane) Snodgrass of Yukon, Okla., and Susie (Jeff) Cupp of Grand Junction; a sister, Tommy Lou Flynn of Edmond, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held at the Chapel of the Cross in Pioneer Town on Dec. 10.

the USS Alamo, completing tours in the Far East, including Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong and the Philippines. He was honorably discharged in 1965 and returned to Southern California where he worked in the telephone industry. After retiring in the early 1990s, he moved to Delta, where he resided until 2011, when he moved to Mary Esther, Fla. In his later years, he enjoyed working in the electronics department at Walmart stores in Delta, Niceville, Fla., and Fort Walton Beach, Fla. He enjoyed animals and often owned dogs, cats, fish, geese and chickens. He also enjoyed dune buggy racing, camping in his RV, and deep sea fishing, especially off the coast of Northern California. He was known for his smoked meats and carrot cakes he baked during the holidays. He is survived by his daughters, Shannon (Steve) Correnti of Las Vegas, Nev., and Heather (Chris) Leader of Astoria, Ore.; stepson, Josh Martin of Durango; grandchildren, Stephanie Correnti, Dominic Correnti, Adam Leader and Abigail Leader; his former wife of 33 years, Jill Mefford of Mary Esther, Fla.; and extended family. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 4, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nev.

Bruce Wolfe

Former Delta resident Bruce Wolfe died Nov. 6, 2018, at Centennial Hills Sebastian Martinez Hospital in Las Vegas, Sebastian Martinez Nev., due to complications died Nov. 15, 2018, in from congestive heart Albuquerque, N.M. He failure. He was 76. was 43. Bruce Edward Wolfe Sebastian Alexander was born Sept. 7, 1942, in “Charlie” Martinez was San Francisco, Calif., to born in New Mexico April Walter and Opal (Surface) 12, 1971, to Linda and Wolfe. He was rasied in Fidel Martinez. He spent Southern California and his childhood in Delta attended Verdugo Hills before moving to New Amelda Griffin High School in Tujunga, Amelda Kay Grif- Calif., before enlisting in Mexico as a young man. He was a department fin died Dec. 8, 2018, at the Navy in 1959. manager for a large HopeWest Hospice Care He was a fireman on supermarket chain in Center in Grand Junction. She was 72. She is survived by her son, Tad (Donna) Treat of OBITUARY POLICY Delta. As a community service, the Delta County Memorial contribuIndependent publishes obituaries at no charge. tions may be made to Submissions are edited to include basic biographiHopeWest, PO Box 24, cal information, survivors, precedents and service Delta, CO 81416. details. One photo can be included. Taylor Funeral Service Families wishing a more detailed eulogy may and Crematory is hanrequest a price quote for a paid obituary, which dling the arrangements. will be printed word-for-word and may include Visit the internet obitmore than one photo. uary and sign the online For more information, call 874-4421. guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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Delta County Independent

Albuquerque, N.M., for many years. He studied Hebrew, the Land of Israel, through the University of Judaism, earning a Ph.D. He enjoyed fishing and his cat, Sammie. His mother lives in Montrose. His siblings are Alberta Martinez of Albuquerque, N.M., Tammy Sanchez of Grand Junction, Mitchell Martinez of New Mexico and Gabriel Sanchez of Montrose. He was preceded in death by his father and Mitchell. Services were held Nov. 18 in New Mexico.

John Thompson Joan Thompson

John and Joan Thompson died Dec. 5, 2018, at their home in Cedaredge due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s

Witnesses in Cedaredge. They are survived by their daughter, Kristi Thompson-Smythe of South Lyon, Mich.; and a son, Mike Thompson of Centennial. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Diane Williams

Diane Williams died Dec. 2, 2018, at her home in Cedaredge. She was 66. She was born Oct. 17, 1952, to Ernie and Nancy Davis. She grew up in Delta and moved to Gunnison

during her high school years. She helped at the Gunnison jail when her family lived on the property and was a manager of Willow Tree Care facility. She enjoyed fishing, hanging out at her cabin in the mountains, hot tubs, casinos, gambling and being a wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Tom; three children, Christopher (Paula), Kristine (Lance) and Jason (Connie); grandchildren, Tiffany, Libby, Jordyn, Colton, Riley, Mackenzie, Abi, Jamy, Kynlee and Kaycee; great-grandchildren, Christopher, Michael and Russell; and sister, Dottie Williams. She was preceded in death by her parents. A celebration of life was held Dec. 8 at Calvary Baptist Church in Delta. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Leonard Appelgren Nov. 30, 1935 ~ Nov. 30, 2018 Leonard Stephen was born to Waldemar and Mary Appelgren in Denver, Colo., on Nov. 30, 1935, as the youngest of eight children. He proudly served in the Navy on the US Dd730 Collette from 1952 to 1956 and the Reserves until 1960 when he was honorably discharged. Leonard married Patricia Buzza in 1955. They were devoted parents to their five children: Susan Appelgren, Linda Jensen and Nancy Oates from Colorado Springs, Kenneth Appelgren of Delta, and Steven Appelgren who predeceased him. Len retired as a cook from Fitzsimons Hospital and moved to Delta, Colo., in 1978. Patricia

died in Delta in 1985. Leonard married Sharon Scheetz in 1988 and they traveled around the United States in their RV. They bought their home in Pahrump, Nev., in 2009 where they were avid gardeners, dog enthusiasts and bingo players. Len could build and fix almost anything. The

most important thing to him was his faith; he was a lifelong and devout Catholic. Len is survived by his wife Sharon; four children; four stepchildren, Rod and Mike Scheetz of Utah, Sandy Conner of Olathe, and Janet Purgason of Missouri; 23 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He also has one surviving sister, Ann Cline of Fountain, Colo., and many nieces and nephews. Len died on his 83rd birthday. A funeral Mass will be Friday, Dec. 14, at 10 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Burial will take place in the veterans section of Delta City Cemetery. A reception will follow at St Michael’s Parish Hall.

Jack L. Chaffee July 22, 1929 ~ Dec. 2, 2018 Jack was born July 22, 1929, in the Township of Lucas, Dunn County Wis. (SW of Menomonie) to Orville and Annie Chaffee. He was the middle child of six siblings. He went to Sunnyside school until eighth grade and then graduated from the Menomonie School of Agriculture. As a young man, he tried several lines of work, including farming, insurance sales, and a stint as a merchant seaman. His spirit of adventure led him to move, along with brother Bill (his “powder man”), to Colorado to try his hand at mineral mining on the Eastern Slope in 1957. He was still mining when he met Virginia (Sothman) at a dance at Mishawaka up Poudre Canyon. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, 1957. They raised three children in Fort Collins, where he eventually began working at CSU in the grounds department. He was active in a semi-pro bowling league and was an avid golfer, acquiring several trophies in each sport. He and Ginny traveled to many bowling tournaments all over the US. An ardent sportsman, he taught his sons to hunt and fish all over Colorado and Wyoming, and coached them in baseball as well. He gave daughter Carol her first guitar and was mildly disappointed when she didn’t become the next Reba. He retired from CSU, as grounds superintendent, in 1988, and moved back to Menomonie for a few years. However, missing both the mountains and the more temperate winter weather, he and Ginny returned to Colorado

in 1996, this time to Eckert, on the Western Slope where brother Bill was a close neighbor. Jack continued to be active in hunting and fishing, making lots of new friends with whom he could share this favorite pass time. He also spent many years driving tractor and helping a neighboring farmer. He was active in local politics, hosting rallies in his garage, and speaking at City Hall in protest. He loved to garden and kept Ginny supplied in cucumbers for her prize winning “Nonnie pickles.” Jack was famous for his birthday pig roasts, every July, which drew friends and family from all over Colorado and other states. He had been married to Ginny 53 years when she passed away in 2011. Jack remained active and independent following her passing, enjoying visiting with friends and daughter Carol and two of his great-grandchildren. He continued to enjoy gardening and freezing his own produce. His last deer hunting venture at the age of 85 was successful, and he came to mourn his inability to physically hunt and fish in his final few years. Indeed, we’re convinced that his first question at the pearly gates will be “Where is THE BEST fishing hole around here?” He moved to a memo-

ry care unit in Fort Collins in November 2016, and got to visit often with his sons. He kept track of the Rockies and the Broncos and enjoyed having popcorn and a cold beer with Doug on game days. Bob and Jack spent time reminiscing for a memoir journal, of which he was quite proud. He endeared himself to facility staff with his whacky sense of humor and pretty sharp timing of witty commentary. Jack suffered a sudden massive heart attack on Dec. 2, 2018 and died quickly and quietly with sons and daughters-in law by his side. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, his parents, brothers Sid and James, and sister Vivienne (Joe Long, Bob Dougherty). He leaves behind three children: Bob (Norma Calfee), Carol, and Doug (Suzie Lybarger), as well as seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, brothers Bill (Mary Jo Oliver), David (Marquita Brandt), and sistersin-law Joyce (Oas) and Liz (Stanek). A memorial service will be held on Dec. 14 at 2 p.m. at Allnutt Chapel, 650 West Drake Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526. For friends and family that knew Jack in his final years in Eckert, Colo., another memorial service will be held in the Delta, Colo., area on a date to be announced. Memorial contributions in Jack’s honor can be made to The Abraham Connection, a shelter for those in need, at https://smartpay. profitstars.com/express/ The%20Abraham%20 Connection or by mail at The Abraham Connection, PO Box 910, Delta, CO 81416. Paid obituary

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Florris Isom

Florris Percilla McAlexander Isom, longtime resident of western Colorado, died Nov. 26, 2018, at Hinkle Hospice House of Davidson County, N.C. She was 81. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, at Taylor Funeral Service, Delta, with Pastor James Conley officiating. Interment will follow at Delta

City Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held at the I Don’t Kare restaurant at 1410 Valley View Drive, Delta. Florris Arnett was born Jan. 28, 1937, in Roswell, N.M., to Leonard and Letha Mae (Thompson) Arnett. She grew up during the Great Depression in northeastern Oklahoma and migrated with her parents to the San Joaquin Valley, Calif. She married Walter McAlexander in 1954 and they made their home initially in Southern California eventually making their way to Santa Cruz, Calif. After being widowed in 1967 she married Merle Isom Sr. in 1968. In September 1969, she and her family moved from Santa Cruz to Mesa, Colo. Mrs. Isom lived and worked in the Plateau

Valley as a rancher, country store proprietor and restaurateur. After moving to the Uncompahgre Valley, she engaged in a wide range of activities, including waitressing, farming and custom grain harvesting. She resided in the Plateau Valley, Olathe and Eckert areas for nearly 50 years. She is survived by her sons, Boyd (Rita) McAlexander of Lexington N.C., Brian (Heidi) McAlexander of Fallon, Nev., and Bruce (Bobbi) McAlexander of Craig; daughter, Brenda Baecker of Grand Junction; brothers, Leonard (Audrey) Arnett of Delta and Jerry (Judy) Arnett of Port Orchard, Wash.; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and extended family. She was preceded in death by husbands, Walter McAlexander (Octo-

ber 1967) and Merle Isom Sr. (November 2008). Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington NC 27292, any hospice facility or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Ernest Chandler

Ernest J. Chandler of Cedaredge died Dec. 10, 2018. He was 81. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Roselawn Funeral Home Chapel in Pueblo. Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

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Winter Wonderland

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Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

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LOCAL NEWS

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Holy Guardian Angels presents a living nativity Holy Guardian Angels School presents a living nativity scene on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 3 to 8 p.m. The presentation will be inside the Weatherport building on the west side of the school, located at 59350 Carnation Road in Olathe.

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

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Enjoy a free walkthrough experience with live characters, animals and shops selling homemade crafts and baked goods. There will be a bonfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows. For more information, call 970-323-5057.

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THE TEAM YOU TRUST

Renee Ealey, manager of Bill Heddles Recreation Center, congratulates the winner of a youth pass.

Vision fifth grader wins rec center pass A fifth grade Vision Charter Academy student won the November grand prize drawing for participating in the Passport to Health program, offered by Delta County Libraries. The program, aimed at encouraging youth to make healthy choices, offers incentives for completing healthrelated activities. The program launched in October and is running through December, in conjunction with the Discover Health exhibit at Delta Library. The winning student

claimed her prize, a youth pass to Bill Heddles Recreation Center, on Friday, Dec. 7. She was very excited to hear that she won, said the youth’s mother after library staff contacted the family. Children who did not complete a passport in October or November still have time to participate. The December prize is an outdoor games package sponsored by the Delta Family Center. Completed passports can be turned in at any library in Delta County during the month of December.

GET UP TO

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ON SELECT SETS OF 4 GOODYEAR TIRES WITH INSTALLATION

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School district pursues safety grant BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta County Joint School District #50 has set aside a minimum of $400,000 to match a Homeland Security grant to be used for ALICE training and building upgrades, specifically automated locks for inter-

nal and external doors on buildings throughout the school district. The state has made available $28 million statewide on a first-come, first-served basis, which prompted the school board to fast-track the grant application at the Dec. 4 meeting.

Traffic tip By Trooper Evan Hilling Careless Driving Bad weather in Colorado has arrived, and with it comes poor road conditions. If you find yourself off the road, regardless of road conditions, you will likely receive a citation for careless driving. Colorado Revised Statute 424-1402(1) states any person who drives a motor vehicle “in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and high-

ways and all other attendant circumstances, is guilty of careless driving.” If your vehicle leaves the road, regardless of road conditions, you are guilty of careless driving, a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense with a $169 fine. When you encounter bad weather, just slow down! Better to arrive late than not at all. The Colorado State Patrol thanks you for slowing down and driving safe this holiday season!

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A8 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Area churches prepare for the birth of Christ

Cedaredge Community Methodist Church 3rd & Aspen Sunday, Dec. 16 — Service of music with a sermon titled “Clear Away Trifles” based on Luke 3:7-18, 10 a.m. New members will be welcomed at that service followed by lunch open to all. At 6 p.m. Dec. 16, A special Blue Christmas worship service featuring music by local artist Emily Wray is planned. This service is for all who are struggling and grieving during this holiday season. While Advent and Christmas are joyous times for many, many others find financial stress, the death of loved ones, family too far away with some in danger’s path, and painful memories of holidays past overwhelming. This service will be a time to claim those feelings as part of life while seeking to find God even in such difficult circumstances. Sunday, Dec. 23 — The sermon, “Claim Out Giftedness,” is based on Luke 1:39-45. Communion will be served to all present. Southern Baptist Church 110 SE Jay Avenue Cedaredge Sunday, Dec. 16 — Christmas program, 10:45 a.m. Includes children’s Sunday school nativity song and painting. All are invited. St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church 290 NW Cedar Cedaredge Sunday, Dec. 23 — Mass, 8 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Mass, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Mass, 8 a.m. Come rejoice in the birth of our Child Jesus. Sunday, Dec. 30 — Mass, 8 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1 —Mass,

8 a.m. Eckert Presbyterian Church 13025 Highway 65 Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6:30 p.m. All Saints Lutheran Church 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service with communion, 7 p.m. Delta Christian Church 795 1600 Road Sunday, Dec. 16 — Coffee fellowship, 9 a.m.; morning worship, 10 a.m. Presbyterian Church of Delta 4th & Meeker Sunday, Dec. 23 — Morning worship, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 6 p.m. Cowboy at the Cross Church Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service at the Delta Sale Barn, 7:30 p.m. Grace Community Church Sunday, Dec. 16 — Christmas production with music, drama and fun, 10 a.m. at Delta High School, 1400 Pioneer Road. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 5 p.m. at Delta High School. The whole family will enjoy classic Christmas music, children’s choir and good news of great joy. Rivers Church (formerly Delta First Assembly) 762 Dodge Sunday, Dec. 16 — Kids’ Christmas production, 10 a.m. (Come early to get a seat!) Sunday, Dec. 23 — Worship, 10 a.m., with a “Who’s-Ville” themed message: “Who’s Christmas About?” (Come early to

get a seat!) Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 6 to 7 p.m., with communion, Christmas story, carols, cookies and hot wassail. Redeemer Lutheran Church 1000 Pioneer Road, Delta Wednesday, Dec. 12 — Midweek Advent services Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 — Live nativity presentation, 6 p.m., with a chili/soup dinner and bake sale to benefit Tiny Treasures Preschool. Wednesday, Dec. 19 — Midweek Advent service, 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Christmas Day communion service, 9 a.m. Garnet Mesa Baptist Church 863 A Street, Delta Sunday, Dec. 16 — Children’s Christmas program, 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend. First Baptist Church of Delta 1250 Pioneer Road Sunday, Dec. 16 — The morning message, “Salvation,” comes from Luke 2. Soup is served after the worship service every Sunday. This fellowship meal is prepared by members and anyone is welcome to attend. Sunday, Dec. 23 — Sunday, Dec. 16 — The morning message, “Reconcile,” comes from Luke 2. Calvary Baptist Church 1290 A Street, Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight Christmas Eve service, 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — First Baptist is offering two Christmas Eve services with an old-fashioned candlelight service at 5 p.m. and a Vigil of Christ-

mas at 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 — Karen Ethnic Baptist Fellowship is holding a Christmas dinner at 1 p.m. with a program at 3 p.m. at the church. Traditional authentic Karen food will be served and the program will include singing, sermons, and special music in the Karen language. The community is invited to come and share in this afternoon of worship. Tuesday, Jan. 1 — Celebrate Recovery ministry invites the community to a potluck supper at 6:30 p.m. and worship in song starting at 7 p.m. Celebrate Recovery meets weekly at Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road in North Delta. Saint Andrew’s Orthodox Church 298 Bert Street, Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Nativity Vigil, 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — Nativity Divine Liturgy, 9 a.m., followed by a festal potluck. Wednesday, Dec. 26 — Second day of Nativity, Synaxis of the Theotokos, Divine Liturgy, 8:30 a.m. St. Michael Church 628 Meeker Street Delta Monday, Dec. 24 — Anticipatory Mass (bilingual), 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 25 — English Mass, 10 a.m.; Spanish Mass, noon. Delta United Methodist 477 Meeker Street Sunday, Dec. 23 — Contemporary worship, 8:30 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m.; later worship, 10:45 a.m.; Spanish congregation, 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight service, 6 p.m. Hotchkiss Community United Methodist Church 2nd and Orchard Sunday, Dec. 16 —

Children’s Christmas program and worship service, 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Candlelight service welcoming the Christ, 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Hotchkiss 203 W. Main Sunday, Dec. 23 — Christmas cantata, 11 a.m. This year’s cantata, “Take Me Back To Bethlehem,” is a beautiful piece about the true meaning of Christmas. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 5 p.m. Bring your families and friends and worship the newborn King. Sacred Heart Catholic Church 3rd & North Fork Paonia Sunday, Dec. 16 — Annual Christmas concert, 7 p.m., with prelude music beginning at 6:30 p.m. This year’s concert is titled “Angels Hov’ring ‘Round” and will feature stories of early days in the North Fork Valley with related music. Come join a 20-year local tradition of Christmas warmth and love. The event is free and non-denominational. Early arrival is recommended as the church always fills for this event. Paonia Friends Church 409 3rd Street Paonia Friends Church is celebrating this season with a series called “God With Us.” Sunday, Dec. 16 — God With Us in the Storm, 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 — God With Us - Always, 8:45 and 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 7 p.m. This is a sweet, peaceful time of reading the Christmas story, communion and candle lighting followed by snacks. All are welcome.

For additional information, call 527-6151. Bible Baptist Church 112 Main Street Olathe Sunday, Dec. 16 — Christmas musical, 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 — Christmas Eve candlelight service, 10:30 a.m. Olathe Assembly of God Monday, Dec. 24 — Christmas Eve service, 6:30 p.m. Mountain View Bible Church 8733 3100 Road, Lazear Sunday, Dec. 16 — Noel service, 11 a.m. “If you’re missing Baby Jesus, call 7162.” Sunday, Dec. 16 — Reader’s theater and musical, 6 p.m. Children’s program, “A Church Mouse Christmas” and Christmas fellowship. Friday, Dec. 21 — Caroling and chili supper, 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 — Christmas morning worship, 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 — Candlelight communion service, 6 p.m. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints All congregations will have a special Christmasthemed program on Dec. 23. The entire community is invited to services that day. There will be a special program with music centered on the birth and mission of Jesus Christ. The programs will last just a little over an hour. The following are the meeting times for our units. Cedaredge Ward, 1395 SW 9th Street, Cedaredge — 10 a.m. Paonia Ward, 511 Oak Avenue, Paonia — 10 a.m. Delta and Uncompahgre Ward (combined), 1679 Pioneer Road, Delta — 10 a.m.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

�� Vocalist shares the gift of music ��

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The last of this year’s Advent concerts at St. Luke’s Church in Delta will feature Mindy Robinson singing Tuesday, Dec. 18, from 12:10 to 12:55 p.m. Robinson moved to Montrose at the age of 10 and became involved in many musical activities there until graduating from high school. She went on to Mesa State to achieve her bachelor of fine and performing arts with an emphasis in vocal performance. After graduating she began growing her family while teaching a few students and singing through different avenues as often as she could. Her husband took a job outside of St. Louis and they moved their little family all that way to seek God’s plan and purpose. Robinson sang in the large church

Community band offers free concert for Christmas Join the Montrose Community Band on Sunday, Dec. 16, at 3 p.m. for a free Christmas concert at the Montrose Pavilion. The band will be playing a variety of Christmas music sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This concert is proudly sponsored by the Montrose Daily Press. For more information visit www. montroseband.com or call 970-596-1188.

Children of all ages are invited to give Santa Claus their wish list at Sweitzer Lake State Park Saturday, Dec. 16, from 1 to 3 p.m Entry to the park is free for everyone coming to visit Santa. Santa’s helpers will also take photos that will be emailed to you. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served. Sweitzer Lake State Park is located south of Delta, just off U.S. Highway 50. For more information about the event and the park, call 970-874-4258. For more information about Colorado’s state parks, see cpw.state. co.us.

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A new organization will be introduced at the Christmas benefit concert hosted by the Arts Coalition of Delta County on Sunday, Dec. 23. The concert will be held at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue, beginning at 4 p.m. Richard Weldon, former member of the Western Colorado Brass Quintet formed in the 1990s, has reorganized the group which plans to debut at the December benefit concert. The new group includes Lindsey Lewis and Richard Weldon on trumpets, Sheri Williams on French horn,

The Radio Room proudly presents The Scones in concert Thursday, Dec. 20. The Radio Room is located at 1310 Ute Avenue in Grand Junction. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Scones, known for their high energy, big harmony, and original tunes which thread the needle

Helpers plan fun run, walk Join Santa’s Helpers Run/Walk to benefit Families Plus Saturday, Dec. 15. The event starts at Lions Pavilion in Confluence Park and takes place on the 1.5-mile trail around the lake. Checkin is at 8:30 a.m.; start time is 9 a.m. Bring a gift for a child ages 2-12. The $10 entry fee also includes a Santa suit (limited supply available), hot chocolate, candy canes and a drawing for a one-month recreation pass. Be sure to wear your Santa suit and join the fun Dec. 15.

reation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta. Dances are “Mainstream” with “Plus” Tips. Round dances are to recordings. Bring refreshments to share during the evening. Non-dancers are welcome to come and watch, meet the dancers and find out about upcoming lessons. If coming from out of town, call to verify dance dates, details and directions: Zee Pacheco, 970835-3771, or Paul Ash, 970-773-4495.

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Music is a gift from God that she enjoys sharing whenever she can. Don’t miss this special presentation at the church, 145 W. 5th Street. For more information, call Nyla Storch, 8749485.

Sam Kevan on trombone and Grady Weiszbrod on bass trombone The group will widen its music selections and hopes to give several concerts here on the Western Slope. Brass quintets have a long history with music written in five parts for classical, ragtime, jazz and popular music. The sounds of a brass quintet are regal, elegant, unforgettable and usually make the listener wonder how the music can be so full and clear. Brass quintets are an international phenomenon and part of the chamber music group, with a broad repertoire

from ancient madrigals to today’s jazz and popular music. “Playing in a brass quintet puts the pressure on each of its players to cover a part and make it sound like one,” said Richard Weldon. “It’s exciting and fulfilling while reaching a sense of total communication between the instrument.” Don’t miss the brass singalong Christmas concert in Delta on Sunday, Dec. 23. The cost of the concert is normally $10, but if you bring canned goods for area food pantries, the cost is $5 per person.

Grand Junction’s Radio Room presents the Scones Dec. 20

Square dancers celebrate Christmas It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will celebrate the yuletide season with a “Christmas Dance” on Saturday, Dec. 15. This final dance of the year will be directed by regular club caller Naaman Moorehouse. Come celebrate the season! Dances are $6 admission per dancer, and held from 7-9 p.m., in the aerobics room at the Bill Heddles Rec-

seven years where she has raised her now fullgrown family. She sings as often as she is able, in church, with the Valley Symphony Chorus, at Chapel of the Cross in Cedaredge, and a few other places as well.

Brass quintet reorganizes just in time for Christmas

Share your wish list with Santa Santa’s

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they attended and with a prestigious a cappella group called St. Louis Chamber Singers. She continued to teach privately as much as life would allow. Robinson has been back in Delta for about

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between Americana and rock, have found a special niche for themselves in the Colorado music scene. Featuring wild acoustic guitar gymnastics, solid rhythm section, flute, banjo and four singers, the band keeps its audiences entertained from beginning to end. Primary writer Rick Stockton is a two-time Kerrville New Folk Songwriter finalist as well as winner of other songwriting accolades. Members of The Scones

include Rick Stockton on guitar, banjo, and vocals, Helen Highwater on bass and vocals, Harry Knipe on drums and vocals, and Melanie Jean on flute, vocals and percussion. Each artist brings his own individual influences to the band to create the unique Scones sound. Tickets are $13 in advance, and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, go online at kafmradio. org, or call 970-241-8801 to pay by phone during business hours.

Vintage Santa, Mrs. Claus to visit museum Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be at the Delta County Museum Christmas open house celebration Saturday, Dec. 15. Bring your family for a vintage photo opportunity betwen 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Children can write letters to Santa and personally deliver each one to him. Admission is free and everyone is invited, with or without children.

There will be an opportunity to sign up to renew your membership or to sign up for the new “Time Traveler Passport” membership. The museum is located at 251 Meeker, one block north of the post office. For further information contact Delta County Museum at 874-8721. Winter hours are Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volunteers invited to help count birds Hawk-eyed volunteers are invited to count birds during the annual Audubon Christmas bird count Dec. 16 through Jan. 5. The annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for the Montrose area Sunday, Dec. 16. Meet at 8:30 a.m. at the old city council chambers meeting room in Centennial Plaza. The bird count continues until the circle is done or until dusk. All data needs to be turned into the leader by the end of the day. In the Delta area, the Christmas Bird Count

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takes place Sunday, Dec. 23. Participants are asked to meet at 8:30 a.m. in the Delta City Market parking lot. Maps and directions will be provided; bring lunch and water. Plan to spend the majority of the day birding. All skill levels are welcomed; please bring your own binoculars. Watch for more details about the Hotchkiss area bird count scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 5. For further information, contact count area leader Amy Seglund at amy.seglund@state.co.us.

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A10 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Christian radio station broadcasts from Delta BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

When David Lehmann opened Mr. Detector at 208 Ute Street in Delta, he opened the door to a Christian radio station that begins its fifth year of broadcasting this month. KSYF, at 107.5 FM on the radio dial, is owned and operated by the Montrose Christian Broadcasting Corporation (MCBC). The corporation was formed in 2001 by Gale George and likeminded friends. Lehmann is now the president of MCBC, which explains the close relationship between the radio station and his business, which offers metal detecting equipment, prospecting supplies and Oreck vacuum cleaners. A great deal of waiting and praying went into the process of obtaining an FM license for KSYF, Lehmann explains in a historic account he wrote for the station’s soon-to-

be-launched website. An application was initially submitted in 2000, but due to a variety of obstacles, the station didn’t receive its FCC license and begin broadcasting until December 2014. Operations moved from Montrose to Delta in June 2018, when Lehmann purchased the building that formerly housed the Hometown Sears store on Ute Street. There’s plenty of retail space for his business, plus two offices that are dedicated to KSYF. The radio station features a 24/7 mix of talk, children’s programming and Spanish language programming. A feed from 3ABN — the Three Angels Broadcasting Network — arrives in Delta via a satellite dish on the roof of the building. The station engineer modifies the content for local needs, incorporating some live programming to supplement 3ABN’s Christcentered format, which

covers topics related to health, finance, relationships and prophecy. The broadcast tower is located on Waterdog Peak, about 15 miles southeast of Montrose. “People tell us they’re picking up the signal in the Fruita-Grand Junction area, as well as Moab, Telluride and Silverton,” Lehmann said. Folks traveling Highway 50 have tuned in to KSYF around Gunnison and Salida. Both 3ABN and KSYF are nonprofit organizations that rely on Christian listeners for support. “Any donations that we receive go back into programming and materials,” said Lehmann. Despite a small staff, consisting of the engineer, a part-time receptionist and a handful of volunteers, the station is gaining new listeners every day as it strives to spread a message of hope and inspiration across western Colorado.

Colorado extends grace period for new sales tax rules

Colorado Department of Revenue executive director Mike Hartman issued the following statement regarding proposed sales tax rules to implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s South Dakota v Wayfair decision and destination sourcing: “As part of our rulemaking process to implement sales tax rules for in-state and out-of-state retailers, we have heard from legislators and the business community, and the Department of Revenue agrees it is important for the state to take the time to get this right. “As such, the department is extending the automatic reprieve for

Colorado businesses and out-of-state retailers to comply with the emergency rules from the current March 31 deadline to May 31, 2019. We will evaluate the need for another extension as May 31 nears. This additional time will give the state legislature an opportunity to find innovative solutions to streamline and simplify our sales tax collection laws in accordance with the wishes of the residents of Colorado. “Despite the automatic reprieve, the department requests that businesses with the sophistication and capability to collect and remit sales tax on internet sales based on

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where the good or service is being delivered do so as quickly as possible in advance of the May 31 deadline. The department has upgraded its systems and processes to make compliance as simple as possible. “This is an opportunity to simplify sales tax for all parties: for businesses that collect and remit sales tax, for customers who pay it, and for those of us in state government whose obligation it is to carry out the tax laws passed by the state legislature. No one desires a streamlined and simplified sales tax collection and compliance system more than the department.”

DHS recognizes librarians

Photo submitted

On Nov. 28, DHS students Sebastian Chavira (right) and Alexis Espinoza (second from right) presented Delta County Libraries staff members with a thank you card and buttons on behalf of the DHS journalism class. The journalism students wanted to recognize library staff for the resources, programs, and support the libraries provide for schools. The buttons displayed various quotes, including: “Librarians. The original search engine.” “I am the librarian. I speak for the books.” “Google can bring you back 100,000 answers. A librarian can bring you back the right one.” Library staff have been proudly wearing their buttons ever since. Pictured from the left are Susan McIntire, Paonia Library, Hannah Easter, Delta Library and JC Lammers, Hotchkiss Library.

Nana K’s chocolates earn first place ribbons Nana K’s Kandies took two first place ribbons at the 10th annual Ouray Wine, Chocolate & Cheese Festival. “Most decadent” honors went to Nana K’s double chocolate fudgy truffles. Nana K’s also received a people’s choice award for the second year in a row. Mathew Gallegos, owner of Nana K’s Kandies, announced that in 2019 he is taking over ownership of the festival. The current owner has decided it was time to step aside after a successful 10 years. More details will be revealed in the coming months. Gallegos said Nana K’s intends on doing several chocolate and wine pairings with local wineries in the coming months. It is also in the process of

getting other retail locations to start carrying its award-winning chocolate. Nana K’s Kandies

is located at 326 Main Street, Suite 105, Delta. The store is open Wednesday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ouray’s Wine, Chocolate and Cheese Festival is celebrating its 10th consecutive year with another food and wine packed weekend Dec. 7-8. Nana K’s Kandies came away with two ribbons for chocolate treats made in Delta.

Know Your Neighbor

Looking for a professional tree trimming service? Give APB Tree Service a call

Now’s the ideal time to contact Andrew Biszant, owner of APB Tree Service, for professional tree trimming service. In the winter, trees largely go dormant and fallen leaves make it easier to see the branches beneath. Pruning during the dormant period also minimizes sap loss and stress to the tree. You may be tempted to try trimming and pruning yourself, but without the right tools and the right equipment, the job can be tricky — and even dangerous. Hiring a professional like APB Tree Service is much safer and well worth the investment. Trees may require pruning for a variety reasons. Storms may have damaged branches, or the trees may have outgrown their yards, overpowering the landscape. Andrew will assess the situation, explain all the options, and proceed only after you fully understand the direction he plans to take. He prides himself on great communication with

all his customers. The tree business comes naturally to Andrew, who grew up trimming trees

with family members. He has since gained 22 years of experience, and is licensed and insured to handle all

Good tree and shrub pruning promotes health, removes damaged limbs, encourages new growth and maintains shape.

aspects of tree trimming and removal. Andrew established APB Tree Service in 2012, after moving from the upper peninsula of Michigan. While he’s based in Cedaredge, he serves the entire Western Slope. He can offer professional advice on how, and why, a tree should be removed — or suggest steps you can take to maximize your trees’ health and appearance. From stump grinding, to hedge trimming, to brush clean-up, Andrew will complete the job in a timely manner. He’ll clear away hazardous materials and clean up your lot. You’ll find Andrew to be fair, prompt and prepared to respond to an emergency 24 hours a day. APB’s normal business hours are 9-5 weekdays. You can reach him by calling 623-9937, or check out his Facebook page at APB Tree Service. From his family to yours, he wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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NORTH FORK December 12, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia sets holiday schedule for town services If you have business to do with the Town of Paonia before year’s end, you’d best get it done before Christmas. Town trustees approved closure of Town Hall from Tuesday, Dec. 25, through Tuesday, Jan. 1. “It’s not going to affect crucial functions of town hall,” said town administrator Ken Knight in requesting the closure on behalf of the staff. While he will be available throughout the holidays, because it’s the slowest time of the year, “I do not see the need to have people sitting in Town Hall.” With the national holidays

Crawford council meets tonight The regular meeting of the Crawford Town Council was delayed a week in recognition of the National Day of Mourning for President George H.W. Bush on Dec. 5. The council will meet tonight, Dec. 12, to finalize and approve its 2019 budget, as well as consider a franchise tax ordinance for Elevate, TDS tower installation, adopt a multijurisdictional hazard mitigation plan resolution, and employee bonuses. The meeting will begin at 6:45 p.m. with a public hearing for the 2019 budget.

Planning commission member sought in Hotchkiss Are you interested in helping to plan the future of the Town of Hotchkiss? Now is your chance to become a member of the Hotchkiss Planning Commission. Submit a letter of interest to Hotchkiss Town Hall. Applicants must be a resident of the Town of Hotchkiss and a registered voter. Call town clerk Marlene Searle with any questions at 872-3663.

of Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Tuesday, normally, staff would get paid holiday time on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. On the non-holiday days off, employees will use vacation time. Bill payments can be placed in the secure drop box to the left of the Town Hall entrance. Building contractors requiring inspections during this time can contact Dan Reardon to schedule an appointment. Trash pickup service will run as follows: Monday, Dec. 24 — normal schedule Wednesday, Dec. 26-Friday, Dec. 28 — normal schedule Monday, Dec. 31 — Normal schedule Wednesday, Jan. 2 -Friday, Jan. 4 — normal schedule For emergencies within town limits, call Delta County Dispatch at 970-874-2015. At the regular town meeting on Dec. 11, trustees were expected to vote to cancel the second meeting of the month, scheduled for Dec. 18. If approved, the next board meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 8.

North Fork Children’s Christmas Party is 27

In their 27th year of serving the North Fork Valley, the North Fork Children’s Christmas Party volunteers have not lost their enthusiasm for the children of their community! Over 180 needy children were served this year with a fun-ﬁlled morning of cookie decorating, face painting, piñatas, games, Christmas crafts, pizza and, of course, a visit from Santa with his many bags of presents! The Christmas party is a North Fork tradition and energetically supported by a host of volunteers.

After frustrating four years, Paonia ready to bring water tank online BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

It’s been a long, grueling process, replete with problems and high costs and overseen by two town managers and a town administrator. But Paonia’s one-million-gallon Clock Water Treatment Plant is expected to go on line shortly after the new year. The Clock plant, located on Lamborn Mesa Road, delivers treated water to Paonia town proper. The last time the plant was in operation was in 2015. Since then, the town has relied solely on its two-million-gallon Upper Lamborn Mesa Treatment Plant to provide its customers with safe drinking water. That plant primarily serves private outof-town water companies and the northeast end of Paonia, and is capable of servicing the entire system. Town clerk Corinne Ferguson and finance officer Cindy Jones recently sat down with the DCI to discuss why the

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Paonia public works director Travis Loberg, an unidentiﬁed worker, trustee David Bradford (in hat) and SGM project engineer Brandyn Bair listen as Scott Lanham with DNCI Construction Inc. explains the process involved in repairing the decades-old one-million-gallon concrete water tank at the Clock Water Treatment Plant on Aug. 31, 2015. The tank and water treatment plant have not operated since December 2014. 1MG tank has been out of operation for almost four years. They began by explaining that the Clock Water

Treatment Plant consists of two parts: the filtration plant, and the 1MG tank. The filtration plant was completed in

CD release party a world music tour BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

About five years ago, David and Arlyn Alderdice purchased a Zimbabwean-style marimba, a large, flat, table-like instrument with big keys that, when struck with a mallet, resonates with beautiful sound. Musicians and teachers, they wanted an instrument they could play at belly-level for their unborn baby boy. They didn’t know that their decision would bring a new style of music to the North Fork Valley, and later this week, to the world. On Dec. 15, the Embodying Rhythm Marimba Ensemble will give a concert at the Paradise Theatre to celebrate the release of its debut CD, “Music For Everyday Life.” The CD features 13 songs, most original compositions by Alderdice, and two traditional Zimbabwean songs. In addition to David and Arlyn, the ensemble features Daniel Be, Jeannette Carey, Matt Drbohlav, Rebecca Drbohlav, Dylan Fixmer and Jen Sanborn. The event is the third of the four-concert World Music in Paradise series produced by Alderdice. The family-friendly performance will include music from the CD and from around the globe. In addition to the marimbas, ensemble members will perform on trumpet, mandolin, flute, melodica, drum-set, Cajon, steelpan, glockenspiel, trombone, saxophone and vocals.

Photos by Pat Sunderland

Photo by Devon Meyers

From left, Embodying Rhythm Marimba Ensemble members David Alderdice, Jeannette Carey, Dylan Fixmer, Rebecca Drbohlav, Matt Drbohlav, Arlyn Alderdice, Daniel Be and Jen Sanborn will celebrate their debut CD, Music For Everyday Life, Saturday evening at the Paradise Theatre. The event is part of the World Music in Paradise series produced by Alderdice. Tickets are selling fast. The CD is the culmination of years of work. After experiencing that first marimba, said Alderdice, he and Arlyn wanted a full set. A makeshift ensemble of locals who also liked the instrument formed and held concerts to raise funds. “The magic of this style of music is in the entire set,” said Alderdice, They began branching out beyond Zimbabwean music to music from around the world, and Alderdice, a world-class percussionist and session drummer who has collaborated with musicians throughout the valley and the world, began arranging traditional songs from around the world for them to play. A band based around

marimbas is “somewhat of a new sound,” and opens up a world of possibilities, he said. “It gives us a big palette to draw from.” From there, the natural progression was to record a CD. Because all of the musicians have day jobs, they can’t take off and tour, but they can send CDs, he said. The CD also documents where they have progressed as a band, which has occurred naturally, here in the North Fork Valley, and takes the band to the next level. For Alderdice, who has performed on dozens of albums during his career, it represents his first work as artistic director and producer. He composed and arranged all but

one of the songs, which was composed by Matt Drbohlav, a local dentist. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $15 for students. As part of the World Music in Paradise mission to provide educational outreach to the community, at 10 a.m. Sunday, Alderdice will present a marimba ensemble workshop at the Paradise. No experience is necessary and all instruments are provided. Participants ages 9 and up can experience the feeling of making wonderful sounds and musical vibrations with beautiful, wooden percussion instruments traditional to the country of Zimbabwe. Tickets are $10 for students under 18, $20 for adults, and available at paradiseofpaonia.com, the Paradise, Cirque Cyclery, and Lizzy’s Market. The workshop provides a fun, family-friendly environment for exploring music, said Alderdice. Because creating music on marimbas is such a basic function of striking bars with a mallet, anyone can play them. Alderdice said he can create a part for everyone based on their level of experience, from those who have never played music to the practicing professional. Before the workshop is over, they’ll be performing. Said Alderdice, “We have so much fun playing and we want to extend the opportunity to the community.”

2011 prior to state-mandated upgrades to the Lamborn plant. In 2012, the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment - Water Quality Control Division, which oversees drinking water compliance for the state, reclassified the town’s water sources as “ground water under the direct influence of surface water.” In December 2014, the state placed the town under a water enforcement order related to the 2MG Lamborn plant, effective until a plant filtration system upgrade was complete, and public notices were issued to all water customers. To comply with the state order, the town secured approximately $5.7 million in grants and low-interest loans for a four-stage project, to include improvement and expansion of the 2MG treatment facility, construction and rehabilitation of distribution/transmission lines, and the addition of two million gallons in water storage facilities. The project was funded largely by a $1 million grant from the Department of Local Affairs; a $847,920 principal forgiveness loan from the Colorado Water Power Development Authority; a $75,000 grant from Gunnison Round Table; $310,000 from Colorado Water Conservation Board; and $3 million in bonds issued by the Colorado Drinking Water Revolving Fund. In 2014, in accordance with Colorado drinking water regulations, the CDPHE conducted its scheduled sanitary survey of the treatment and delivery systems — an on-site review conducted every three years to WATER TANK TO B2

B2 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Water tank

Photo submitted

Saturday concert

“Russell & Friends” present an afternoon of music at the Paonia Library Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. “Russell & Friends,” led by Justin G Russell Jr., will play neoclassical, jazz and bluegrass selections.

Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

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FROM PAGE B1 consider eight elements of a system to ensure it’s distributing safe drinking water. The survey found, in part, that the aging roof over the 1MG tank did not comply with state regulations, and mandated repairs. At that time the state did not mandate that the town shut the entire plant down. The town secured a $200,000 emergency grant from DOLA to repair the roof, and set aside $197,000 in matching funds, according to the 2014 town audit. The 1MG tank was drained and a new roof was in place by April 2015. The tank was then sandblasted and re-lined. This is where the troubles really began. While empty, the tank floor shifted and the roof no longer aligned with the tank, said Ferguson. In mid-June 2015, the public works department installed a French drain around the tank to divert water away from the structure, but it continued bubbling up; in late June, a “holiday testing” detected pinholes in the liner, signaling a risk of contamination. Ferguson said that then town manager Jane Berry convinced DOLA to let the town use a portion of the $1 million grant for additional storage to repair the tank and stabilize the roof. In 2015, another problem — several actually — popped up: between July-September, between 125-150 leaks occurred in the town’s aging delivery system’s pipes and major sewer system back-ups occurred, keeping the Public Works Department very busy. In September, the town bored a well below the 1MG water tank to divert the water, and the leaks stopped. Ferguson said a third

party was hired to perform humidity testing, and results showed “a complete tank liner failure.” A recommendation was made not to move forward with filling the tank due to contamination risks. Everyone came back to the table to discuss the next steps, said Ferguson. Berry determined that the majority of the problem was in the floor, and the town requested bids to replace it. In November and December 2015, PNCI Construction in Grand Junction replaced the floor. The town began dry field testing the tank to see if all the cracks were sealed. No one was held responsible for the problems, a decision Ferguson and Jones said was made by Berry and then Public Works committee members David Bradford and Ross King. The tank was disinfected and filled, but another problem arose: the walls leaked, said Ferguson. In 2016, Albuquerque-based CW Divers inspected both tanks and began making repairs to the 1MG tank while it was still full, said Ferguson. They were unable to repair all the leaks and the tank slowly drained. Fast forward to September 2017, and the CDPHE conducted its requisite three-year sanitary survey. The town received a report from the state dated Oct. 19, 2017, noting that while it has made “significant progress in repairing the tank and the previous sanitary deficiencies,” the tank had to remain offline until it was repaired. The tank “is an integral part of the disinfection contact time,” and is necessary for operation of the filtration plant, according to the report. “This affects the redundancy of

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Black Mesa CattleWoman of the Year Christy Hawk

At the Delta County Livestock Association banquet on Dec. 1, the Black Mesa CattleWomen honored their president, Christy Hawk, as Black Mesa CattleWoman of the Year. In her second tenure as president, she has breathed new life into the organization this year with her willing attitude and her commitment to keeping the organization on track. From organizing

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received in time to get on the agenda. Despite requests from the public for a special meeting, and citing the fact that the tank was a topic of discussion at several meetings, trustees awarded a bid of $345,000 to Southwest Systems — approximately $194,000 for relining and $151,000 for sandblasting. Southwest invoiced the project for $350,000 — with an additional $4,000 for the lining, according to town administrator Ken Knight. Public works director Loberg stated at the Nov. 27 board meeting that the project was nearing completion. According to Ferguson, once complete, the tank will be disinfected and filled. Following requisite testing, the plant will be back online. Ferguson explained that the decision to wait until after the new year was made to avoid the cost of repeating the disinfection and testing process. “Of course, the town wants to get back online so the town has the capability of storing the additional one million gallons of water,” said Ferguson. Especially since the severity of droughts is expected to continue.

CattleWomen honor Christy Hawk

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the filtration and storage system. At the current time, the supplier is limited to use of their Lamborn Plant and the corresponding water storage tank at that site to supply the town” with potable water. Public Works committee members Bill Bear and Mary Bachran and town staff considered their options: build a new tank, or repair the existing one. Last February, while public works director Travis Loberg waited for recommendations from town engineers WestWater Engineering, Bear asked in a committee report to the board that the committee meet to research options and make recommendations to the board. A decision was made to sand blast and re-line the tank. In May, trustees approved allocation of $550,000 in water reserve funds for the project. In June they awarded a bid of $78,364 for sandblasting of the tank to Grand Mesa Mobile, which then backed out of the bidding process. In July, the board voted to add the sandblasting bid to the agenda due to cost estimates not being

the first Ag Expo for elementary students in the North Fork and Crawford area, arranging for the installation of roadside beef signs throughout the area and getting a brochure on navigating through livestock being moved on public roadways, to publication of a long-awaited cookbook, she has consistently turned can’ts into cans and dreams into plans throughout the year.

Photo submitted

Submissions sought

There is still time to submit original works of ﬁction, non-ﬁction, poetry, essays and photographs for the 2019 publication “Convergence: Words and Images from the West Elks.” The Paonia Literary Committee, in partnership with the Blue Sage Center, the Paradise Theatre, and Delta County Libraries, is seeking submissions from writers and photographers throughout Delta County for the publication. Submissions must be made online by Jan. For more information on how to submit your work visit the Blue Sage Center’s website at www. bluesage.org. The book cover, pictured above, is the work of the late Celia Roberts.

Skills Showdown December 21st & 22nd

Friday December 21st

Gift drive

Photo by Tamie Meck

If you’re looking to make someone’s holiday more merry and bright, consider donating a gift to The Giving Tree. Giving trees are located at First Colorado National Bank and First Bank of Colorado in Paonia, and at Paonia Elementary and Paonia Junior/Senior High School. Trees are decorated with gift tags, each with a Christmas wish from a senior resident at Paonia Care Center. To participate, select a tag, purchase the gift listed on the tag (most gifts are available for under $10) and drop the tag and unwrapped gift off at any of the four locations by Dec. 17. Santa will take it from there.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Winter Warrior dodgeball tourney helps VFW The seventh annual Winter Warrior dodgeball tournament at Paonia High School was held

Wednesday, Dec. 5. The $3,000 for the Ameritournament, bake sale, can Legion Post 97 in live auction and chili Paonia. The third grade class dinner raised more than

won the Paonia Elementary School K-6 coppersilver wars (and will be rewarded this week with

an ice cream party), and the eighth grade class won the 7-12 copper-silver wars. Organizers wish to thank sponsors and donors who made the event a success: Lightworks; Renee Adams; Homestead; S&B Quilters; locals who donated jams, jellies, pickles, salsa and more to the auction; Judy Luther

— PHS Alumna, class of 1963; Paonia Elementary School for their participation in the copper/silver wars; Paonia High School and Paonia Junior High student councils and their families for donations toward the chili dinner; and all the generous folks who volunteered to work, play dodgeball, and bake. It was a fun and successful event.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Members of the Bad Santas and Cowboiiz dodgeball teams compete for balls while trying not to get hit during the PHS Winter Warrior dodgeball tournament.

Pool tourney in Crawford to help Tom McGraw There will be a benefit pool tournament and silent auction at Diamond Joes in Crawford on Sunday, Dec. 16, beginning at 5 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Tom McGraw and his family. McGraw has a rare blood disorder which caused him to have a stroke this summer. He has had two brain surgeries, and is having another this month. It has been a difficult

time for Tom, his wife Desiree and their young son. Those wanting to help by donating something for the auction are asked to drop items at Diamond Joes, on Highway 92 in downtown Crawford, attention Jessica Hart. Those wanting to contribute, please make checks payable to Tom and Desiree McGraw. All contributions will be greatly appreciated.

Local author to sign books at Crawford Library Karen Weinant Gallob is a rancher, writer, and anthropologist. She publishes articles, reviews, stories, and poetry. She’s written five novels which people seem to think are set locally. Well, this much is true: she has a unique understanding of this North Fork Valley community into which she was born. She and her husband, David (Doc Gallob, the retired veterinarian) have a big, bulky, sprawling family. If you haven’t met Karen or Dave, you have probably met some of their relatives.

Dark Night returns to Paonia Dark Night returns for its 10th annual show at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia Thursday and Friday, Dec 13 and 14. Join renowned author Craig Childs and friends for Emergent Kingdoms, a visceral experience of storytelling, spoken word, visual multimedia and live music. This is a family-friendly event. Tickets are available online at BrownPaper Tickets and in Paonia at The Paradise Theatre, The Cirque and Lizzy’s Market.

Musical tradition continues Sacred Heart Catholic Church presents its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 16, at the church at 3rd and North Fork in Paonia. This year’s concert is titled “Angels Hov’ring ‘Round” and will feature stories of early days in the North Fork Valley with related music. Come join a 20-year local tradition of Christmas warmth and love. The event is free and non-denominational. Prelude music starts at 6:30 p.m. with the concert at 7 p.m. Early arrival is recommended.

Sign up for youth hoops skill camp Basketball coaches Chase Roeber and Karla Head will teach a sixweek fundamental basketball skills camp for children ages kindergarten through second grade beginning Saturday, Jan. 12. Registration forms are available at Paonia Elementary School and the entrance to Don’s Market in Paonia. Registration deadline is Dec. 21. For details, call Danita Green at 201-3806, or Diane Gallob at 929-5189.

Join Karen at the Crawford Library at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, for a book talk and signing of her newest book, “Hidden Treasure (or) Where is Jesus?” The book is a mystery and you won’t guess who did it until the end.

Lighting judging set for Dec. 13 The National Junior Honor Society will be out Thursday night, Dec. 13, to select winners for residential and business lighting displays in Hotchkiss. Be sure to have your lights shining bright.

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

B6 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS December 12, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Bruins win 30th annual Panther Invitational BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

For the third consecutive year, the Cedaredge Bruins won the team title at the annual Delta Panther Invitational wrestling tournament. The Bruins won four championships. At 126, sophomore Trey Geyer (8-1) had three pins for the day, winning the title match by fall (3:31) over Delta’s Ben Koch (6-2). At 126, Sean Dale upped his record to 10-0 for the season, winning his second straight Panther title on a 4-2 decision over Johnny Masopoust (8-1) of Florence. Senior 220 Taj Van der Linde (6-2) won his second straight Panther title with a fall over Asa Grice (4-6) of Grand Valley.

Derek Sanchez won the 285 round robin bracket, pinning his three opponents in a total mat time of 4 minutes, 43 seconds, ending the tournament on a pin over Basalt’s Ernesto Lopez (7-2) in 1:16. Also in a round robin bracket, Lane Hunsberger (106, 8-3) placed third, winning one match by a 10-2 major decision over Ty Geodert (6-2) of Meeker and ending the fiveround bracket on pins over Anthony Scanlon of Hotchkiss in 55 seconds and Ku Htoo of Delta in 1:52. Brian Hoerr (138, 3-2) placed fourth, and Austin Crawford (160, 6-5) was seeded 13th and placed fourth. Placing fifth were

Lucas Hoerr (113, 2-8), AJ Robidoux (120, 6-4), and Toby Waddell (182, 3-2). Head coach Cutter Garrison said the tournament was the first matches for Waddell, who is coming back from an injury. “He’s a little rusty, but it’s early,” said Garrison. Several of what he called “those mid-range wrestlers” at the tournament are working their way back into shape. “We’ll keep chipping away at the rust and getting better as a team.” This is the 30th year Delta has hosted the tournament, which attracted a total 120 wrestlers representing 13 Class 2A and 3A competitors. Due to low numbers at 106, 113, and 285 pounds, those weights competed

in a round robin bracket this year. The Bruins had the most pins for the tournament with 16, followed by Hotchkiss, whose nine wrestlers had 15 pins, and Delta with 11 pins. Senior Landen Mayberry of Hotchkiss (120) made the most pins in the least time, pinning four opponents in 8 minutes, 10 seconds. Mayberry’s teammate Ethan Guy recorded the meet’s fastest pin, defeating a Coal Ridge wrestler in 23 seconds. Most technical falls in the least amount of time went to Paonia senior Sackett Chesnik, who had two technical falls in 2:15. Chesnik also scored the second most match points with 39.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Bruins sophomore Trey Geyer was named Outstanding Wrestler for lower weights (106-145 pounds) at the Delta Panther Invitational. Geyer won all three of his matches by fall on his way to the 126-pound title.

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Cedaredge wrestling team won its third consecutive Panther Invitational Wrestling Tournament title Saturday at Delta High School. The Bruins had 10 placers and four tournament champions.

Delta cagers win a pair BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

It’s sometimes a rare occasion when high school basketball teams win all four games in the same evening. Delta High School accomplished that feat last week in Olathe when the Panthers won both junior varsity games and finished the evening with wins at the varsity level. Delta’s girls were not the sharpest in a 4443 win while the boys were dominant in a 76-52 win. Delta Girls Delta 44, Olathe 43 Due to a large number of fouls, and a larger number of turnovers by each team, the final score is indicative of how close this game actually was. Delta found the going slow in first-quarter play but managed a 12-11 lead

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Sara Geddes is focused on her shot from the free throw line in Delta’s 44-43 win in Olathe last Tuesday.

after one period. Olathe got some mojo going in the second quarter and was leading 23-20 at the break. The Panthers were two points better than Olathe in the third stanza but still trailed, 34-33, as the two teams entered the final period. An 11-9 advantage by Delta was good enough to secure the win, 44-43, as the Pirates turned the ball over with less than 10 seconds left in the game. In all there were 52 fouls called between the two teams, 27 for Olathe and 25 for Delta. The Panthers might have made a better showing had they made more than 12 of the 32 free throws attempted. Olathe’s score could also have been higher had it cashed in on more than 13 of 28 attempts.

Photo by Wayne Crick

John Ames cashed in on a fastbreak against Olathe’s Pirates with an easy lay in. Ames had 14 points in the 76-52 win.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Anthony Miller of Paonia wins the consolation semifinal round at 182 pounds with a pin over Toby Junior Sara Geddes to Centauri on Saturday Waddell of Cedaredge at the Panther Invitational. was Delta’s leading scor- for games at 12:30 and Miller finished fourth overall and Waddell placed er with 10 points (four 2 p.m. fifth. in the first quarter and fourth quarter) with junior Haylin McCulloch eight points. Olathe’s Maddie Brown was the game’s leading scorer with 11 points, nine coming in the first half. carroms and two blocked Hotchkiss’ boys outBY WAYNE CRICK Delta and Grand Valshots. scored the Miners 14-12 DCI Sports Editor ley boast 3-0 overall Junior Elsie Velasquez in the middle quarters A visit from Telluride’s records in 3A WSL play while Cedaredge and Miners Dec. 6 had a pleas- finished the game with but lost the fourth quarRoaring Fork show 2-0 ant ending for Hotchkiss eight points and had five ter 18-16 to make the records heading into this High School’s girls bas- rebounds and seven steals final score 50-41. The Bulldogs had the ketball team and not so for the Bulldogs. Senior weekend’s action. pleasant for the Bulldogs Kaiya Firor also chipped Telluride lead whittled Delta Boys in with eight points and down to a field goal near boys. Delta 76, Olathe 52 Senior Carson Collins had seven steals. Fresh- the midway point of the Delta senior John Ames hit a pair of 3-balls was a force in the middle of man Lottie Hollembeak fourth period but lost in the first quarter help- Telluride’s defense as she had three steals and momentum on several ing the Panthers jump sifted the ball through the three assists coming off turnovers and missed shots. nets for a game-high 20 the bench. out to an 18-4 lead. Junior Hunter Bryant Hotchkiss Boys Olathe slowed down points to lead Hotchkiss Miners 50, HHS 41 HOTCHKISS TO B7 the Panthers’ offense and to a 44-9 romp. A disoriented first used a 16-point second quarter to trim Delta’s quarter helped the visitlead to 32-20 by half- ing Miners gain an early 20-11 lead after one peritime. Delta, behind senior od in the boys game. The Andrew Baier’s eight game was played evenly points, raced to a 30- after that with Telluride point second quarter to hanging on for a 50-41 take a 62-36 advantage win. Hotchkiss Girls to the fourth quarter. Olathe won the final Hotchkiss 44, Miners 9 The Bulldogs had frame, 16-14, to make the advantage from the the final score 76-52. Baier finished the beginning with a 13-2 game with 15 points to first period that mushlead Delta’s offensive roomed to a 24-2 halftime effort with Ames next lead. Hotchkiss coach Hailie with 14 points followed by 12 points from both Kyle Taylor told her Bulldogs the correct strategy to Mock and Joe Bules. Dawson Walraven fun- use in the third quarter neled 21 points through with a 16-2 surge upping the nets to lead Olathe, Hotchkiss’ lead to 40-6. There were plenty and all players, in scoring for the game. Team- of substitutions for the mate Dominique Gonza- Bulldogs in the final lez chipped in 10 coun- stanza as the Miners scored three points and ters. The Panthers are 2- Hotchkiss four making 1 overall for the season the final score 44-9. Collins’ day on offense while Olathe is 1-3. Photo by Wayne Crick Delta is on the road included an 8-10 perfor non-conference play formance from the free Hotchkiss’ Kaiya Firor shoots over Telluride’s Anna in Alamosa, Dec. 14 (girls throw line. Defensively, Krownapple in last Thursday’s action in Hotchkiss. at 6:30 p.m. and boys at Collins led the Bulldogs The Bulldogs were in control from start to finish 7 p.m.), and moves on in rebounding with 12 with a 24-4 halftime lead.

Hotchkiss hoops split with Telluride

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Paonia third at 30th Delta Invitational BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia placed seven wrestlers and scored 135 points to finish third at Delta. The Eagles sent three wrestlers into the championship match. At 160, junior Grey Neal won his second straight Panther title on an 11-5 decision over Micah Hertich (7-1) of Buena. Senior Anthony Felice (195) also repeated Photo by Tamie Meck his 2017 championship Paonia’s Grey Neal, right, won his second straight Panther Invitational title on performance, winning the Saturday. title match over Delta’s

Barrios wins at 170, Delta fifth at Invitational BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Delta scored 121.5 points to place fifth at its own Panther Invitational Wrestling Tournament. Delta sent three into the championship match. Aiden Barrios went undefeated to claim the title at 170 pounds. The top seed, Barrios, won the championship match by a 10-6 decision over the tournament’s number-two seeded wrestler, Jace Peebles (7-1) of Hotchkiss. At 126, Ben Koch pinned his first two opponents, Ethan White of Paonia and Hector DelaCruz of Grand Valley, in a total time of 2:54. His only loss, a 3:31 fall, was to defending state champion Trey Geyer of

Cedaredge. At 220, Eli Miramontes (120, 3-2) and Timothy At 195, junior Gauge placed fifth; and Ku Htoo Horn (145, 1-3) placed Lockhart was runner- (106, 5-5), Nicole Koch sixth. up on an 11-2 MD loss to Anthony Felice of Paonia. At 160, Jeffrey Griffith was seeded 12th and placed third. His only loss came in quarterfinals on a 7-1 decision to Cedaredge’s Austin Crawford. Griffith then won four straight consolation matches, including a 52-second fall over Coal Ridge, a 17-0 technical fall win over Florence, and a 13-0 major decision over Dax Sheridan of Meeker in semifinals. In consolation finals, the fifth match of the day for both wrestlers, Griffith Photo by Tamie Meck pinned Crawford in 38 Cedaredge’s Trey Geyer wrestles Ben Koch of Delta seconds. in the 126-pound championship round match at Delta Saturday. Geyer won the match for the title and was named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler for lower weights (106-145).

Gauge Lockhart by an 112 major decision. At 152, senior Sackett Chesnik was runner up after a 5-4 loss to Matthew Broughton (8-1) of Montezuma Cortez. Chesnik (7-1) won his quarterfinal and semifinal matches by technical fall. A four-time placer at the Panther Invitational. Chesnik finished fourth as a freshman, was runner up his sophomore year, and won the 138-pound division as a junior.

Reagan Todd (120) and Carlos Lozano (170) placed third. Todd’s only loss was a 10-0 major decision to defending state champion AJ Serna in semifinals. Lozano (81) lost in semifinals to Peebles of Hotchkiss and finished the day on an 11-9 win over Colby Clatterbaugh of Meeker. Sophomore Anthony Miller (170, 6-3) finished fourth, and junior Austin Norris (220, 3-6) was 2-2 on the day to place fourth.

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Bulldogs finish eighth at Delta BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss scored 104 points to finish eighth out of 13 teams at the Panther Invitational. At 170, junior Jace Peebles was runner-up. In quarterfinals Peebles (7-1) pinned David Lopez (5-3) of Cedaredge in 3:00, and advanced to the first-

place match with a thirdround pin over Paonia’s Carlos Lozano (8-1). The No. 2 seed, Peebles lost the championship match in a 10-6 decision to No. 1 seeded Delta senior Aiden Barrios (5-0). At 145, junior JD Miller won three matches by fall to place third. Miller ‘DOGS TO B8

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta’s Aiden Barrios wrestles Colby Clatterbaugh of Meeker in the semiﬁnal round of the 170-pound division. Barrios went on to defeat Hotchkiss’ Jace Peebles, 10-6, for the title in the championship match on Saturday,

Photo by Tamie Meck

At 170 pounds, Jace Peebles of Hotchkiss and Carlos Lozano of Paonia grapple in semiﬁnal rouond action at the Panther Invitational. Peebles won the match by fall and ﬁnished second overall while Lozano placed third.

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Hotchkiss’ Will Scarlett got to the basket against Telluride’s Ian Enkema for two points, but the Miners had too much in the early going and hung on to defeat the Bulldogs in Hotchkiss, 50-41.

Hotchkiss CONTINUED FROM B6 was Hotchkiss’ offensive leader with nine points. Teammate Evan Mattison was next high with seven points, Jacob Palecki had six and Oliver Mendoza

and Jacob Stucker were next with five points each. The Bulldogs played in a non-conference game in De Beque on Wednesday, Dec. 12 and will host Ouray on Dec. 14.

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B8 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Eagles basketball teams still undefeated BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia girls basketball team remains undefeated after it opened conference play last Thursday with a 6216 win over visiting Caprock Academy (Grand Junction). With a game-high 10 points that included two three-point goals, Carly Horn was named “Player of the Game.” Senior

50-8 win over Caprock. With 16 points, David Lozano was high scorer; Soul Connolly added 13 points. The Eagles were 12-for-16 from the line. The wins give both teams a 3-0 record heading into week three of competition. They will host Class 3A Coal Ridge this Friday. Both Coal Ridge teams start the week with a 3-3 win-loss record.

Poppy Lightfoot scored seven points and had three offensive rebounds. On defense, Lightfoot had eight of the team’s 36 steals for the game. Junior Kiley Olson had six total rebounds, two steals, and two turnovers. On the boys side, David Lozano scored 16 points and Soul Connelly added 13 in Paonia’s conference-opening,

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior Anthony Felice, above, was named the 1A Western Slope Conference Player of the Year. The photo that ran with Paonia’s All-Conference story in the Dec. 5 edition of the DCI was of senior running back Josh Burns, who was named to the WSL All-Conference First Team and was the recipient of the second annual “Casey Gillenwater Award for Sportsmanship, Grit and Determination.” The DCI Sports Department regrets the error.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Poppy Lightfoot controls the jump Senior Elan Maulhardt scores one of ball in Paonia’s conference win over his three goals in Paonia’s 62-16 conference win over Caprock Academy. Caprock Academy last week.

Cedaredge cagers rope wins in Nucla BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

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Cedaredge High School’s basketball team had one game scheduled for the past week. That game was played in Nucla on Saturday, Dec. 8. Cedaredge won the girls contest, 58-14, with help from a 30-0 second quarter, which initiated a running clock for the remainder of the game. On the boys side of the weekend, the Bruins started fast and stayed fast in a 63-38 decision. Cedaredge Girls CHS 58, NHS 14 In a one-sided affair in Nucla, Cedaredge’s Bruins rumbled past the Mustangs, 58-14, in a non-conference contest. The Bruins outscored Nucla 19-9 in the opening quarter with sophomore Sophie Andrews scoring six of her 12 game-high points in that eight minute span. Nine players scored for Cedaredge in the second period with sopho-

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more Kammie Henderson scoring six of her 10 points in the frame. Freshman Paige McGovern contributed another five counters in a blitzkrieg attack accounting for 30 Cedaredge points in eight minutes of play. Meanwhile, the Bruins’ defense put up a steel wall to hold the Mustangs scoreless. A 49-9 halftime lead was the signal to clear the bench for Russell Coleman’s team. Neither team was as efficient as in second half play as they had been in the first two quarters. Cedaredge kept the offensive edge with a 9-4 difference to produce the final score, 58-14. Junior Makayla Kehmeier scored 11 points, all in the first three quarters, to give the Bruins three players in double figure scoring for the game. Ashley Steele scored five points to lead the Mustangs’ offense. True to a coach’s mindset, Cedaredge coach Russell Coleman was pleased with his team’s play and noted, “We played pretty well, but we still have a ton of work to do!” Cedaredge Boys CHS 63, NHS 38 Cedaredge’s fast start created a 16-7 lead for the Bruins after one period of play. Despite a more evenly played second quarter the Bruins held

a four-point advantage at the end of the quarter and took a 31-18 lead to the halftime break. A close third quarter remained in favor of the Bruins who outplayed Nucla 12-9. The fourth quarter belonged to Cedaredge in a 20-11 run that created the 63-38 final score. Sophomore Owen Craig had the hot hand for Cedaredge on offense. His 21 points were the most scored by a Bruin in the game. He was solid at the charity stripe with seven of nine free throws going through the net. Craig also pulled down 10 rebounds in the game and had five steals. Senior Jared Reynolds finished with 15 markers for the Bruins. Cedaredge’s basketball teams will visit Centauri on Friday, Dec. 14, for varsity action beginning at 5:30 (girls) and 7 p.m. (boys). An overnight stay in Alamosa will allow the Bruins an early starting time to accomodate a trip to Ignacio on Saturday for games at 3 and 4:30 p.m. The Bruin girls will play Paonia at 3 p.m. on Dec. 21 to begin the fourth annual First Colorado National Bank Basketball Tournament in Delta. Cedaredge’s boys follow the girls at 4:30 p.m. in a game against the Eagles.

Bulldogs beat Moffat County in mat action BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss extended its early-season dual record to 4-2 Friday on a 42-35 win over Moffat County. The Bulldogs won three matches by pin, including Landen Mayberry (113-pounder) over Hunter Fredrickson in 3:58; Presley Pene (132pounder) over Isiaih Herod in 4:56, and Teagan Sommers (195) over Daniel Cruz in 2:39.

‘Dogs CONTINUED FROM B7 lost in quarterfinals to undefeated defending regional champion Tannen Kennedy of Meeker and won both his consolation matches by fall. In the third place match he won by fall (2:26) over a Montezuma-Cortez wrestler, Anthony Abeyta (62).

Justin Mattison (160), and Jace Peebles (182) won their matches by forfeit. At 106, Anthony Scanlon lost by fall (2:00), Tyrel Chamberlain (138), JD Miller (145) and Ethan Guy (170) lost by major decision. Hotchkiss competes this Friday and Saturday at the Warrior Classic in Grand Junction and end the calendar year at Delta on Dec. 20.

Seniors Landen Mayberry (120, 3-2), Presley Pene (132, 7-3) and sophomore Christian Matus (285, 6-2) placed fourth. At 106, Anthony Scanlon (4-6) placed fifth. Hotchkiss’ Ethan Guy (160, 6-4) and Teagan Sommer (195, 2-6) finished this year’s Panther Invitational in sixth place.

SURFACE CREEK December 12, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Orchard City trustees disagree on drought actions Trustees will consider ordinances on building code and subdivisions on Dec. 12 BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

After making some adjustments to the agenda, the Orchard City Board of Trustees began its Dec. 5 work session by continuing the discussion on tiny home building regulations. “The hope is to ease some of the restrictions on building a normal home,” said Mayor Ken Volgamore. Essentially, the trustees will adopt parts of Appendix Q from the 2018 International Regulation Codes. Tiny homes on wheels will be “strictly prohibited,” with the appendix applying to homes of 400 square feet or less. Trustee Doug Keller raised the issue of whether they should even allow tiny homes at all and recommended making it a voting item. “Those are two different areas,” commented building inspector Bruce Stanley. The general consensus was that since the community already technically allows them there at least need to be regulations in place. The first reading of the ordinance will be at the Dec. 12 meeting with implementation in January. Following this the trustees discussed RVs. “I would have no problem with an RV park,” said Mayor Volgamore. “Is this something else we might want to put on the community survey?” asked trustee Jan Gage in response. One issue they realized would be how to enforce the 90-day live-in rule that’s currently in place for RVs on properties and if they should enforce it with an RV park. They decided to wait until the survey results come back to further explore RVs. Regarding the community survey, it’s still in draft mode with the planning commission. This survey will analyze town direction. The last one sent out over a decade ago received good feedback, according to trustees. Another ordinance on the agenda was the amendment to subdivision/land improvement regulations. Basically it’s a “cleanup of previous subdivision rules,” commented trustee Gynee Thomassen. “Very minor changes.” The first reading will be at the Dec. 12 meeting.

Next they discussed changing the point of responsibility for water leaks from the meter/house to the main line. Before being changed years ago the town’s responsibility ended at the main line with the owner’s responsibility being from the main to the meter. The main issue is that when a homeowner puts in a line from their meter to the tap it might not be up to town standards and leaks then become the town’s responsibility. One concern raised was the possibility of a homeowner deciding not to fix a line between the main and the meter. The town would still be losing water that wouldn’t be recorded on the meter. Audit meters might be a solution, but that puts more responsibility on the town. Polly Proctor, deputy clerk, brought up that many meters have been moved closer to the main to account for this issue. They also discussed the possibility of moving the meters closer to the main when repairs are needed. This idea will be explored with the water committee. The drought task force report was the most discussed item on the agenda. Viewpoints clashed on the recommended phases for drought actions. Additionally, trustees disagreed on the recommendations for new taps and tap installations during droughts. For example, trustee Dick Kirkpatrick highlighted that this year when they urged citizens to conserve water, they saw an increase in water use that month because citizens foresaw a spike in rates. Thus, he thinks preliminary phases might do more harm than good. Trustee Keller disagreed, saying education is important, specifically when targeting high end users like those using 60,000 gallons regularly, even in a drought. After discussing conflicting opinions, trustee Mel Cook pointed out that if the town focused on buying more water when able then in times of drought it wouldn’t need to raise rates. “That would take care of a lot of this,” he said, referring to the concerns raised by staff with the drought recommendations. To finish, they discussed water acquisitions at length before concluding the need to put this item on the next work session agenda. The trustees will bring recommendations for specific changes to the report.

Let it snow

With snow falling the Grand Mesa Nordic Council kicked off this season’s race series on Sunday, Dec. 2 with the Winterstart 5k featuring a 5k classic race followed by a 5k freestyle at the Skyway Trail on Grand Mesa. There were 37 skiers in the classic race and 21 in the freestyle, ranging in age from 18 to 83. Despite the wind and cold temps of 11 degrees, the skiers were full of smiling faces. Upcoming races includr the Skyway Shufﬂe on Dec. 29, the Grand Mesa Classic on Jan. 27 and the Mesa Meltdown on March 17. All will be held at the Skyway Trail. Entry fee is $20 for GMNC members and $30 for nonmembers. Check out the GMNC website at gmnc.org for the latest grooming updates, as well as information about trails and programming on the Grand Mesa.

Comments sought on proposal to name CHS track for Jack Kehmeier BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta County Joint School District #50 is welcoming comments on a proposal to name the track at Cedaredge High School in honor of longtime track coach and educator Jack Kehmeier. Kehmeier died Aug. 16, 2000, at the age of 78. According to a letter of nomination submitted by Randy Brown, principal of Cedaredge High School, Kehmeier was a track and field coach at CHS from 1956 to 1982. His track teams earned state championships in 1963 and 1964, were runners-up in 1966, 1970 and 1971, placed in the top 10 eight times and earned six league/district championships. While coaching at CHS, Kehmeier was named Coach

Cedaredge trustees to approve town budget Dec. 13 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Following a series of public budget work sessions and the public publication of a draft budget, the Town of Cedaredge Board of Trustees will meet in regular session Dec. 13 to officially adopt the town’s 2019 budget. Time is allotted for constituent comments at the start of all regular board of trustee meetings. The meeting begins at 5 p.m. in the Grand Mesa Room at 140 NW 2nd Street in Cedaredge. The public is encouraged to attend. To finalize the 2019 town budget, the trustees will vote on five separate resolutions. The resolutions will: • Establish emergency reserves • Establish a capital improvement plan • Approve the detailed budget itself • Set the town mill levy • Authorize budget appro-

priations In other business, the trustees will hear reports from the town planning and zoning committee and the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. Trustee and treasurer Patti Michael will provide a financial report and town departments will provide reports on their activities. In addition to budgetary activities and items discussed at the trustees’ Dec. 6 work session (see related story on page 2C), the trustees’ agenda includes the following items for possible action: • Changes to 2019 golf course fees. • A memo of understanding concerning the use of the town’s commercial kitchen by food entrepreneurs working through ENGAGE of Delta County. • An ordinance related to the Surface Creek Trail and the Deer Creek Village Homeowners Association.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

of the Year by the Gunnison High School Booster Club. He was named to the Colorado High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. “Cedaredge High School has had a long-standing tradition in the sport of track and field,” Brown noted. “Administrators and coaches at CHS believe this would not have happened without the support of Mr. Jack Kehmeier. It is our proposal that we name the track and field in between the campus of CHS and CMS the Jack Kehmeier Track and Field Facility. We would furnish a stone sign to be placed at the entry that would read the name of the facility and also list Mr. Jack Kehmeier’s accomplishments.” In accordance with school board policy, the nomination was accompanied by signa-

DCI ﬁle photo

This photo by Gary Burke appeared in the May 14, 1979, edition of the Delta County Independent. Titled “Kehmeier hangs ‘em up,” it announced that Jack Kehmeier had completed his last spring season as a track coach. He started his coaching career in Gunnison in 1947.

tures from 100 supporters. The policy also requires a two-week public comment period. Comments for or against the proposal can be mailed to the Delta County School District at 145 W. 4th Street, Delta, CO 81416, or submitted through a link on the school district website, www.deltaschools.com. Look for a link titled “CHS Track Naming Nomination Jack Kehmeier.” Jack’s son Bill and his wife Cindy noted that while teaching at CHS, Jack coached football, baseball and track. They wrote a letter of support stating in part, “His willingness to help all young people reach their potential was unmatched. He often told his athletes that he didn’t care if they were first or last as long as they came out of a competition situation knowing that they had done the best they could do that day. He also wanted them to be humble no matter what. He believed that any young athlete could be as good as they wanted to be if they would push daily to get better.” Teacher/coach Kirby Henderson has spent hours and hours researching DCI archives to chronicle Cedaredge High School sports through the years. From all accounts, Henderson said, Jack Kehmeier was a true professional in all he did. “More than anything, this proposal is a way to honor Jack for putting Cedaredge track on the map.” Henderson said Kehmeier’s athletes still hold a number of school records. “If he’d had the facilities we have, imagine what he could have done.” And although Kehmeier didn’t have the opportunity to coach many girls’ teams, Henderson is convinced they would have been just as successful as the boys. “This is just a great way of recognizing that Cedaredge track is here because of this guy. He’s a legend.”

Countdown underway for community Christmas dinner BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Volunteers and donors have less than two weeks to help organizers get ready for this year’s free community Christmas dinner. The annual holiday meal will be served on Dec. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town at the intersection of South Grand Mesa Drive (Highway 65) and SW 2nd Street. Community members are invited to gather for this festive meal which includes tur-

key, ham and all the trimmings. The dinner is free with donations welcomed at the door. As with past years, the Cedaredge Rotary Club is joining with Les and Dorothy Mergelman to coordinate the event. This year’s dinner will serve as many as 300 people so organizers are asking for volunteers and cash donations to support their efforts. Volunteers are needed on Christmas Day to set up the dining area, prepare and serve food, and assist with

clean-up. To volunteer, call Marsha Bryan at 970-2348800. To help pay for the food, community members and local businesses step forward each year to contribute funds. Rotarians are busy this week and next contacting prospective donors. To contribute funds, businesses and individuals are asked to mail checks made out to “Rotary Community Christmas Dinner 2018” to Cedaredge Rotary Club, PO Box 750, Cedaredge, CO 81413.

C2 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Garden club members craft wreaths with nature’s bounty BY JOAN CHAMBERS

Plant & Dig Garden Club

For our November meeting, members of the Plant & Dig Garden Club took advantage of Mother Nature’s bounty of the fall season, gathering seed pods, dried grasses and fresh greenery to make wreaths which will decorate our homes, inside and out, until (and even after) Christmas decorations take center stage. Club member Barb Klein demonstrated how to attach these items to numerous types of wreath forms, showing us how different textures and colors can produce the best results using the products at our fingertips. Many of the members made beautiful wreaths to take home. Barb’s creative mind and expertise helped us create our own masterpieces. Thank you, Barb, for sharing your knowledge

and expertise in helping us create beauty for our pleasure from Earth’s garden. Club members elected a new slate of officers for the next two years. They will take over the guidance of our club at our January meeting, keeping our club focused on our goals of learning, community service, friendship and scholarship. Club members also approved generous gifts to be made from our treasury to the Cedaredge food bank and to our animal shelter, vital community services that we have supported throughout the club’s existence. Lisa Joss, our gifted secretary, has updated the club brochure with new pictures and information regarding our club and its activities. It is not only nicely informative, but beautifully

done. Thank you once again, Lisa, for your help with this latest project. These brochures will be distributed to the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, Pioneer Town (when it opens next spring), as well as garden centers in the area. Pick one up and read all about us and enjoy the pictures of us having great fun. Our annual Christmas gathering will once again this year be held at RJ’s restaurant. We look forward to a wonderful meal, a raucous gift exchange, and Christmas wishes forthcoming between good friends who just happen to also be members of our club. It is a gathering we look forward to and enjoy immensely. We cordially invite you to join us in our endeavors of gardening knowledge, community service, scholarship and friendship. For more information you may call 8567077 or 856-3897. From all of us to all of you, we extend the warmest Christmas wishes and hopes that a new year will bring to all peace, happiness and good health.

Jingle and Mingle

Photos by Dale Russell Smith

The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center hosted 100 people at its second annual Jingle and Mingle fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 9. There was both a silent and live auction called by Les Mergelman and a holiday dinner catered by the Creekside Cafe. Entertainment was David Starr and Tamara and David Hauze, with live carolling to round out the night. Below are Judy Fairchild, Cindy Starr, Dottie Whitlock, Terry Hotz and Linda Lichtendahl as they enjoyed the festive event.

Cedaredge trustees discuss liquor tasting regulations BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

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The Town of Cedaredge Board of Trustees met for a work session on Thursday, Dec. 6. Typically the trustees meet for work sessions on the second Thursday of each month and for regular meetings on the third Thursday of each month but December’s meetings were adjusted to allow for the upcoming holidays. The purpose of a work session is to discuss town business in a public setting and to preview items to be acted on at the next regular meeting. During last work session’s meeting the trustees and town staff discussed three items which will appear as action items at their Dec. 13 regular meeting. The first discussion item was a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan. The plan concerns proactive efforts made by area communities and special districts to take steps to mitigate hazards as a way of lessening the impact of a future disaster. An example is the practice of clearing brush around structures

Free Cedaredge Community

to mitigate the impact of a future wildfire. The plan is multi-jurisdictional because prospective disasters can occur across jurisdictions. In the event of a disaster, having a plan in place also makes it more efficient for affected jurisdictions to apply for federal assistance through agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The hazard mitigation plan was first developed in 2008 with input from Cedaredge and neighboring communities as well as district entities such as local and neighboring fire districts. On Dec. 13, the trustees will receive a formal presentation on efforts to update the 2008 plan and the trustees will be asked to approve a resolution adopting the updated plan. The second item discussed at last week’s work session was a proposed change in the way the town determines building permit fees. Under

the town’s current procedure, a contractor submits an estimated cost of materials and the town then doubles that figure to establish a valuation and applies fees accordingly. Greg Brinck, town administrator, and Bruce Stanley, Cedaredge building inspector, proposed maintaining that option for setting fees for remodeling building permits but adopting a different procedure for new construction. Their suggestion for new construction is to learn the square footage of the proposal construction then set a valuation figure by using a nationally-established per-square-foot cost provided and regularly updated by the International Code Council (ICC). The trustees expressed interest in the proposed change and emphasized that it should be adopted as soon possible but with a delayed implementation date so as to give notice of the change to contractors.

The final item discussed last week was a proposed ordinance governing the conduct of liquor tastings to be held in town liquor stores. At present, Cedaredge liquor stores cannot host liquor tasting events unless they bring in an outside vendor who has a license which allows that vendor to provide such events. The proposed ordinance, which will be further discussed and acted upon on Dec. 13, would require that liquor stores notify the town of a proposed liquor tasting event and the ordinance also establishes rules for such events. Rules include requiring that employees conducting the tasting complete server training, limiting the number of events held annually and weekly, and limiting their duration. The proposed ordinance is similar to one already in force in Delta and it is also consistent with state statutes governing liquor tasting.

St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church collects snacks, warm clothing St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church in Cedaredge is beginning the Advent season with a giving tree. This year the church will support the Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter. Donations of pre-packaged food, snack items and warm clothing (socks, hats, scarves and gloves) may be left at St.

Philip Benizi on Tuesdays from noon to 5 p.m. The church will deliver the items to Delta. “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and, he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17. The church also extends an invitation to Mass on Sunday morn-

ings at 8 a.m. and Tuesdays at 5 p.m. To refresh yourself or learn more about the Catholic faith, come to a class on Thursday evenings at 6:30 p.m. Mass is scheduled at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve and at 8 a.m. Christmas morning. Come rejoice in the birth of our Child Jesus.

Christmas Day ~ Tuesday, December 25 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Stolte Shed at Pioneer Town in Cedaredge Everyone is Welcome!

Menu: Turkey, Ham and All the Trimmings, plus Desserts of every kind.

Bring your favorite dessert to share if you wish. If you’d like to volunteer to help with this event or for information, please call Marsha Bryan at 970-234-8800

DONATIONS AT THE DOOR ARE WELCOME. PROCEEDS ABOVE THE COST OF FOOD WILL GO TO THE ROTARY LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

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Students of the Month

Photo submitted

Cedaredge Middle School recognizes its Students of the Month for November: (front row, left to right) Alexandra Hirsch, Kade Henderson, Laura Carey, Kylee Terry, Victoria Hirsch; (back row) Kyle Brown, Madison Crawford, Logan McIntire, Aulyvia Nold, Grace Madden, Robert Smith and Elyxa Belveal. Not pictured: Ashlyn Webster.

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS 970-856-6882

C EDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL

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��575 Southeast Deer Creek Drive

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��chs.deltaschools.com

�� Grace Hatheway Co-Editor

Sophia McCrackin takes the afternoon preschool students around the school and reads them parts of the story.

For the past three years a group of students have written a story for the Cedaredge Library storywalk. This year Abby Williams, Grace Hatheway, and Sophia McCrackin collaborated to write and illustrate Santasaurus’ Adventure. The story is about a santa dinosaur, Santasaurus, whose reindeer are sick. They are cannot pull the sleigh on Christmas Eve night. What will happen on Christmas Eve without anyone to pull the sleigh? On December 6th, the three authors went to share their story with the students at Little Sprouts Preschool. The preschoolers enjoyed hearing a new story with dinosaurs in it. Sophia McCrackin said, “It was awesome to see all those kids so happy, and I really enjoyed working with Abby and Grace, too.” The story is posted along Surface Creek Trail where families can read the student’s story Grace Hatheway continues to take the students around their playground as throughout the holiday season. she reads them the story.

Santasaurus and his Elferaptors make toys in preparation for Christmas Eve night.

Abby Williams reads a page of the story to the morning class at Little Sprouts Preschool.

What’s Bruin Inside Drama scores another hit for all ages It’s a Wonderul Life becomes every persons Christmas story.

Santa Claus and dinosaurs tromp down the river trail providing entertainment through the holidays for familys. On Decmber 18th mark your calendars. NHS induction at 7 p.m. Boys basketball take second at the Vail tournament and faithfully attend grueling practices.

Santasaurus begins the long journey around the world to deliver presents to all of the little dinosaurs.

Wrestling takes down 4A Palisade in an outstanding win on December 6th. Girls basketball scores win after win as they start out a tremendous season with a new Varsity coach. �� scheduled for December 19th, 20th, and 21st.

Grace Hatheway and Sophia McCrackin hold up the drawing for the preschool students to see.

�� Azalee Hoffbauer Co-Editor

��demically strong leaders who come together to provide service to their community and school. At Cedaredge High School it is not well known that there is a NHS chapter, although CHS hosts one of the largest groups of students involved in National Honor Society. Most of the newest members of NHS didn’t even know what it meant to be a member. There are four pillars to National Honor Society in which all students are held accountable to hold. The four pillars include scholarship, character, leadership, and service. All students involved must have a minimum GPA of 3.5, and be in good standing with all teachers and administration to uphold the scholarship pillar. The students must show participation in other organization, and extracurricular activities that they have held leadership rolls in to uphold the leadership pillar. Also all the students have to provide proof of some kind of service they have participated in to uphold the service aspect of the pillars. If a student can uphold these three pillars it shows they also uphold the character pillar.

Mrs. Cannell volunteered to be the teacher sponsor for NHS last year when the position was left vacant. She loves being involved with this group of kids because she “already knows all the students from teaching them in various classes”. Mrs. Cannell has also shown her excitement for what the community is to expect from the NHS this year because of all the great plans she and the members have. The main service the CHS National Honor Society provides for the community is snow shoveling for the elderly needs. At this moment 10 houses are on their snow shovel list, and two to three students are assigned to each house. Then when it snows those students will go to the house and shovel all their snow, in return a donation can be made to the NHS. “NHS is a good opportunity to help the community and build teamwork,” says new member Grace Hatheway. As one of the main organizations at CHS, the National Honor Society is excited to welcome their members and continue to provide snow shoveling and other services to the community of Cedaredge.

Nicole Miller shovels snow outside of her resident’s home.

Swimmers drive to Delta every day to make every minute in the water count. �� competition will take place in January. Climbers above all else are individuals. They meet two days a week and are accomplishing great things. Bruin time continues to provide students a creative outlet for activities of their choice. Parent dedications need to be turned in in January. Parents check your mailbox.

C4 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

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Bruins Girls and Boys Hoops Tip off the Season

Kammie Henderson smiles as she looks to the rim while she practices her shot.

Hannah Gardner Editor-in-Chief

Tip off! The 2018-2019 basketball season has begun. Both teams start the daily grind for the winter. Many of the players put in hard work during the summer by going to and winning tournaments. The girls and boys teams switch off practice times every week and give their full effort toward every play of the game. The last weekend of November, the boys and the girls team travelled over �� of the winter season. The boys faced off against Vail Mountain in their �� and overcame hardships to put a “W” in the win column. Jared Reynolds weaved his way through the defenses and scored buckets for his team. The team’s defensive success was contributed by all the players, and Owen Craig helped control the paint �� the tournament placing second due to a close fall to the Battle Mountain

Huskies. The Lady Bruins also went into the tournament in search of a “W” for the win column. They faced the Huskies �� the weekend by taking the girl’s side of the tournament. Makayla Kehmeier talks about her outlook on the girl’s season, “The team looks good this season. We all cooperate and have a deep bench full of talent. We performed at a high level �� I’m excited to see where this season goes.” Overall, the Bruins played well �� Christian tournament. The Bruin basketball teams kick off their season and prep for the rest of their match ups. The teams will be participating in the First Colorado National Bank tournament in Delta’s gym on December 21st and 22nd. Colby Rupp cuts toward the hoop as he looks for a pass.

Dennis Jackson shoots a baseline jumper during practice to improve his in-game shot.

Camie Baldozier focuses on her form to help perfect her shot.

Alex Barron �� up a 3 point shot during practice. He hopes to help the team win their games.

Owen Craig drives �� while Fabian Barron gives him defensive pressure.

Wrestling Takes Down the Season Opener Kaitlyn Toothaker Staff Writer

Let’s get ready to rumble! The Cedaredge High School Wrestling �� all schools they come across. CHS has two returning State Champions and three returning State Placers competing this year. These athletes are hungry for victory and will show great effort to gain it. All the wrestlers are hard workers and put in real dedication. �� boys brought the hammer down on the Palisade Bulldogs. CHS won �� wrestling moves and calls. However, they still come and cheer as loud as possible for their boys. Returning State Champion, Sean Dale sees the team having a shot at taking state. He says, “We’re small in numbers, but we have �� last years victories or even top them. Only hard work can get him there. Sean senses that his team is very close and “wrestling builds a bond stronger than any other sport”. Cedaredge will go to many duels this year, but Sean Dale is most excited for the home Paonia duel. He explains that Paonia always is a tough competition in wrestling and every other sport so he “can’t wait to whoop up on them!” The CHS wrestling schedule has been posted. The next home matches are Thursday, December 13. The Meeker Cowboys will ��

Freshman Ty Walck gains the upperhand in his matchup against Palisade. Ty looks to compete all �� school. AJ Robidoux analyzes the Palisade wrestler as he chooses his next move. AJ wrestles in the 120 pound division.

Wrestling in the wieght class of 132 pounds, Sean Dale lifts the Palisade wrestler into the air. Sean won his match �� as well as his record.

Trey Geyer moves around his opponent and looks for the right moment to pin him. Trey won his match by pin and gained his team six points.

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Bruins

Bruins On The Climbing Wall Hunter Campbell Advertising Editor

“Am I on belay?” A climber gives the command to his beylayer before making an attempt on a climbing route. The Delta County Climbing team kicked off �� Delta and Cedaredge represent the Delta County team for the Western Slope region. Both the boys and girls league for Delta took 5th place as a team. The most recent competition took place in �� team performed well and had a great time sending routes on the Ridgeway wall. Sopho�� really surprised myself with way I performed.” Although rock climbing is ultimately an indi�� works together as a team to encourage each other and to motivate each other to become �� people. Rock climbing creates a positive atmo��-

ents and everyone else involved with the pro�� to his climbers that it doesn’t matter whether a climber participates to win a state competition �� either way you he climbs against himself. Climbers should face every competition with the mindset that the competition is not be�� climber and the route in front of them. This year’s climbing team has potential for great accomplishments with hopes of sending climbers to the state competition in Denver at the end of the season. Climbing is a very rewarding sport because the majority of a climber’s training is done on their own. The climbing team only has access to the climbing wall about twice a week. It takes a �� completes a problem they have been working ��

Wyatt Smith is determined as he looks for his next move so he can send a route on a bouldering wall.

��concentrates before deciding what his next hold will be.

Lance Knutson studies the wall for his next move.

��focuses during his attempt at a tricky bouldering problem.

Sophia McCrackin uses ��

Grace Hatheway holds the top of the wall to signify that she completed the route.

��holds himself onto the wall while he determines the best strategy to get up the route.

Grace Hatheway spots her teammate, Lucy Sachova ��

C6 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS

Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Bruins

�� A Christmas Tradition

Wyatt Camp is on the phone with Mr. Potter. Wyatt plays the part of George Bailey.

Amberlyn Lamm Staff Writer

“Everytime a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” For over 30 years the drama class has been putting on productions for the viewing pleasure of the community. This semester’s production titled, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” takes place in the 1950’s. George Bailey, played by Wyatt Camp, has always wanted to get out of his little hometown of Bedford Falls, but after his father dies, he is left with a family business and is known for being a good man in light of this. After misplacing a huge $8,000 deposit, he faces time in jail and possibly losing his business, but as he contemplates suicide, his guardian angel talks him out of it and leads him down memory lane in this heartwarming Christmas story.

Mr. Parsons has directed theater for seven years and proves very optimistic about his cast and this production saying, “My favorite part of the cast I have is that we’re a motley crew of individuals with many peer social groups represented, and the cast has come together to produce an amazing show.” Another student says that theatre is lots of fun and that he chooses to do it because he enjoys it so much. Leaving us with some inspiration, Mr. Parsons says, “If you think theater looks fun, don’t let your apprehension hold you back… When you look back at your school years, you won’t regret the things you did in school, you’ll regret the opportunities you thought about and didn’t take a chance on.”

Kaden Schulz, Ashlyn Anderson, and Riana Fuller are the angles in the play and help guide George Bailey.

Riana Fuller applies makeup on Tyla Wallace to give her that perfect stage look while she is performing on stage.

Briar Wagner does her hair in preparation for dress rehearsal.

Adison Arnett smiles with excitement as she waits to perform the play at an evening practice.

A special thank you to our advertisers for supporting our program. The journalism program greatly appreciates your support, and we look forward to doing business with you again. Without you our program wouldn’t be where it is today!

BRUIN TRACKS

Editor-in-Chief Hannah Gardner

Co-Editors Elisabeth Cole

Grace Hatheway

Advertising Editor Hunter Campbell

Writing Staff Azalee Hoffbauer Alaiha Hoffbauer Hannah Hohenstein Hunter Kissner Amberlyn Lamm Kaitlyn Toothaker The views expressed in the Bruin Tracks do not necessarily represent the opinions of Cedaredge High School or its staff. The Bruin Tracks is a public forum for student expression, striving for journalistic excellence; it is created as part of the Journalism class at Cedaredge High School. Bruin Tracks thanks all the advertisers and other community supporters. We welcome all comments.

Damon Hudson plays the part of Peter Bailey. He is seen here in an intense scene talking to a coworker.

Keaton Sheppard ��Maxwell Moore’s bowtie to make sure he is in tip top shape for the performance.

�� Break the Silence at the Elks Lodge January 5th at 6pm till 10pm. All students from the ages 13-18 are welcome to come and enjoy food, crafts, games, dancing and fun. Included in your free ticket you will receive tickets for you to possibly win a door prize. DJ L will be joining the Elks from Luminosity Tattoo for the dance and will be taking song requests at the door. Sponsors from throughout the community have donated to make this an all inclusive dance. We encourage everyone to get dressed up and come to party. Your Rural, Community Hospital Serving You with 49 beds, an Urgent Care, and 9 Clinics

The care you need from the people you can trust close tohome

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Blue Christmas service offers message of hope Christmas is not joyous for everyone. Those dealing with job losses, living with cancer or chronic illness, facing divorce or separation, grieving deaths of loved ones, facing disconnection from family, struggling with finances, and other stressful life events and situations find feeling blue in stark contrast to constant images and messages that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Recognizing many are in pain, are sad, are lonely this month, Cedaredge United Methodist Church is offering a Blue Christmas service at 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the church at the

northwest corner of 3rd Street and Aspen Avenue in Cedaredge. Local singer/songwriter/instrumentalist Emily Paige Wray, best known in Delta County as lead singer and songwriter for the band RARE, will

Emily Paige Wray

Best of both worlds

provide music for reflection holding out acceptance, hope and healing for all. Wray has been singing since she was a child first with her sisters and father, and later on worship teams at various churches. All are welcome at this service that welcomes each person just as she or he is and affirming not everyone finds joy at this time. Pastor Joe Agne will continue his series of sermons, “Christmas Is Coming, Ready or Not,” at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, with a message based on Luke 3:7-18 titled “Clear Trifles Away.” In the passage, John the Baptist from the wil-

derness speaks a word against trifling. The crowd asks him, “What then should we do?” John has an answer: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Pastor Agne will suggest we give away our extra

coats and share our food with those who are hungry. “There is no better way to get ready for the birth of Jesus,” Pastor Agne says. The service will feature special Christmas music. New members will be welcomed, and lunch will be served for all in

the church’s friendship hall following worship. Other Advent services at Cedaredge United Methodist Church will include worship at 10 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 23 when Pastor Agne will preach on Luke 1:39-34 in a sermon titled “Claim Our Giftedness.”

Photos by Jude Kieca

The Senior Hikers take advantage of our wonderful location here on the Western Slope. Most of the winter the group is able to hike in the many canyons west and south of Delta. In the photo below the Senior Hikers are on the Sidewinder Trail in the Gunnison Gorge Recreation Area. The group hikes about ﬁve plus miles every Wednesday. They meet at the Cedaredge FoodTown parking lot at 9 a.m. to carpool. The country they hike in is sometime steep and rocky with no established trails so good footwear and hiking poles are needed. Hiking the Sidewinder were Jerry Harding, Marv Kieca, Jeff Weiss, Kathleen Morse, Arthur Schwedler, Rex Replogle and Joan Kennen. Above, Sue Hicks, Marv Kieca, Kathleen Morse, Jeff Weiss, Vicky Kiefer, Rex Replogle, Arthur Schwedler and Rich Kiefer get out in the snow on Grand Mesa. The Senior Hikers go up on the mesa twice a week for snowshoeing and crosscountry ski fun. The group welcomes any outdoor enthusiasts who would like to enjoy the beauty of the canyons and mountains that surround us. Call Jude Kieca at 856-7331 to learn more.

Cookie walk raises scholarship funds for community preschool Cedaredge’s Little Sprouts Community Preschool is once again hosting its annual cookie walk fundraiser. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 15 at the Grand Mesa Arts and Event Center at 195 West Main Street. Little Sprouts, originating in 1995, is a local, homegrown nonprofit focused on providing early education programs to the Surface Creek community. The class sizes are small, allowing for more individualized instruction. Not every family can afford the tuition, which is where the fundraisers step in. Funds raised

from the cookie walk and silent auction go directly to the preschool’s scholarship fund. Parents/families supply cookies and other baked goods for the fundraiser. The community is encouraged to come, browse and purchase a large or small box to fill from the dozens of goodies. A silent auction raises more funds for scholarships. On the auction list are two passes for the Durango/Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, a certificate for a ride to school in a Cedaredge police car with Chief Dan Sanders, wooden cars/ trucks, crocheted items,

Students explore their secondary education options BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

On Nov. 16 students from the Cedaredge High School sophomore class toured Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. For many, this was their first time on a college campus. The opportunity for the 70 plus students to experience a small community-style college is thanks to a School Counselor Corps Grant with supplementation from the school district. The grant program was created to help increase the percentage of students who continue into postsecondary education and to increase overall graduation rates. In the spring, the other

three grades will explore more education options. Freshmen will visit the Technical College of the Rockies in Delta. Juniors will visit Western Colorado University in Gunnison. Seniors will tour Colorado Mesa University. The goal is for students to explore options they might not know exist or think are possible, said school counselor Amanda Cerise. Seeing the students get excited thinking about their futures is another perk to the tours, she added. Last year the tours all took place within a week’s time-frame. Hoping to spread it out more, Cerise is aiming for one tour a month next semester.

jewelry, gift certificates, pictures and more. Santa will also be in attendance, likely snagging bites of cookies in between pictures.

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C8 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

BLM proposes increased flexibility and access in sage-grouse plans The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced the availability of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and proposed plan amendments addressing greater sage-grouse conservation on public land in Colorado. The proposed plan amendments aim to better align BLM resource management plans with state plans for conserving sage-grouse populations, strike a regulatory balance and build greater trust among neighboring interests in Western communities. The proposed amendments and final EISs also addresses the issues remanded to the agency by a March 31, 2017, order by the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada, which determined that the BLM had violated the National Environmental Policy Act when it finalized the 2015 Nevada plan. The BLM developed the plan changes in cooperation with Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, state wildlife managers, and other concerned organizations and individuals, largely through the Western Governors Association’s Sage-Grouse Task Force. “We worked with the Bureau of Land Management and our stakeholders to produce a plan that maintains protection for the sage grouse while balancing the potential impact on local economies,” said Gov. Hickenlooper. “This is a significant step that closes out the planning phase and allows us to begin to see the true conservation efforts that safeguard the

sage grouse in Colorado.” The proposed changes refine the previous management plans adopted in 2015. Under the 1976 Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the BLM is required by law to cooperate with states on landuse plans and amendments. In Colorado, the proposed plan amendments open approximately 224,200 acres near greater sage-grouse leks to fluid minerals leasing under a no surface occupancy stipulation. The amendments revise the language for waivers, exceptions, or modifications to no surface occupancy stipulations to reflect the state’s authority over wildlife management and consider Colorado’s unique habitat and management issues. The proposal also provides a process for adjusting habitat boundary maps to account for future changes. In addition, the amendment process offered an opportunity for the BLM to align its mitigation requirements under FLPMA with those established under Colorado law. Publication of the final EIS and proposed amendments in the Federal Register initiates a 30day protest period, which will run through Jan. 8. The Colorado governor also has 60 days to review the proposed amendments. The process will conclude with a Record of Decision (ROD) following resolution of any protests received during the 30day review period. The final EIS is available online at https://goo. gl/kmLtwT. Instructions

for filing a protest regarding the Proposed RMPA/ Final EIS are found online at https://www.blm.gov/ programs/planning-andnepa/public-participation/ filing-a-plan-protest. All protests must be in writing and mailed to the appropriate address or submitted electronically through the BLM ePlanning project website. To submit a protest electronically, go to the ePlanning project webpage https:// goo.gl/kmLtwT and follow the instructions at the top of the home page. If submitting a protest in hard copy, it must be mailed to one of the following addresses: U.S. Postal Service Mail: BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest Coordinator, WO-210, PO Box 71383, Washington, DC 20024-1383. Overnight Delivery: BLM Director (210), Attention: Protest Coordinator, WO-210, 20 M Street SE, Room 2134LM, Washington, DC 20003. Protests submitted electronically by any means other than the ePlanning project website will be invalid unless a protest is also submitted in hard copy. Protests submitted by fax will also be invalid unless also submitted either through ePlanning project website protest section or in hard copy. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personally identifiable information, you should be aware that your entire comment — including your personally identifiable information — may be made publicly available at any time.

Miracle on Main Street

Photos by Pat Sunderland

Vocalists from Olathe middle and high schools filled the air with holiday cheer prior to the Miracle on Main Street parade Friday, Dec. 7. Pictured below is the entry from the Stompers 4-H Club, an Olathe firefighter with treats for all, and everyone’s favorite couple — Mr. and Mrs. Claus, on the Olathe VFW float.

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Ag conference emphasizes ‘Healthy Fields, Farmers, Futures’ Local farmers and ranchers take center stage with nationally known speakers at the seventh annual Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum, Jan. 25-26, in Montrose. Friday half-day sessions are held at the Montrose Fairgrounds and Saturday workshops at the Montrose Pavilion. The conference theme of “Healthy Fields, Farmers, Futures” provides focus to 20 workshops on crops, livestock, water rights, ag management and marketing. Farmers, ranchers, gardeners and those interested in local agricultural issues will find sessions geared to their interests. Joel Salatin, known as the “most famous farmer in America,” kicks off the conference. His hilarious and insightful delivery illuminates how farmers can create a healthy bottom line and still manage to create balance between life and work. The author of 12 books, Salatin also presents a session called, “Dancing with Dinner: Healing the Nutritional Deficit in the Urban Rural Divide Rural.” This session is open to the public and will begin at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. The Healthy Fields theme features sessions highlighting local innovative soil health practices. George Rosenbaum of Olathe details his innovative use of cover crops to build soil health on his hog farm. Bill Parker of Gunnison offers the half-day session, “Performance Based Planned Grazing” and Paonia producer, Jacob Gray presents “Pastured Poultry Principles.” Jen Mueller of Yurtstead Farm near Olathe presents “Low Tech Low Cost Season Extension.” With 30 years of local experience, Dave Dearstyne looks at the benefits of integrat-

ing livestock with cover crops to build soil health. Creating a habitat for pollinators and managing risks from invasive species is the topic of Mesa County entomologist Meredith Schrader. The Healthy Farmers theme acknowledges the fact that agriculture is a stressful, risky business that involves long hours and the pressures of managing relationships while typically running a family business. The recent drought put even more pressure on local producers. Sessions addressing this theme include Ben Hartman, author of The Lean Farm, who delivers a plenary session titled “What’s Wrong with A Farmer Working a 35Hour Week?” Additional sessions include “The Power of Healthy Teams” and “How to Enjoy Farming Again,” presented by the Center for Mental Health. These sessions deal with how to manage stress through improving communications, managing teams and developing coping skills. Healthy Futures takes a look at the relevance of the emerging technology, including Blockchain for the family farm. Additional future forward topics include “Top Ten Mega Trends You Can Use: Predicting the Future in A Fickle Market” with Sylvia Tawse and Kenny Meyers, local forager for Whole Foods Markets. Dr. Janelle Peck looks at future weather patterns specific to western Colorado, climate change predictions, and creating weather-ready operations. Land Link helps producers create a future by helping farmers access land for lease. This theme is rounded out by a session on the future of cider making in Colorado with heirloom apples and how to plan a secure future with local

financial planner Lisa Isaacson, CPA Teresa Campbell and Jim Plumhoff, attorney. Friday’s half-day sessions offer an opportunity for in-depth learning and include the Western Colorado Water Workshop, hosted by the National Your Farmers Coalition. Colorado’s chief water engineer presents at this timely session. In the afternoon, a session geared from crop producers is led by Ben Hartman called “Lean Concepts Applied to Crop Production.” For livestock producers, Bill Parker of Parker Pastures delves into planned grazing, how to create drought reserves and maximizing livestock performance. “The conference is designed to provide a rich menu of workshop options and to encourage networking among participants during a free chili dinner Friday, round table discussions, a farmer-to-farmer invention convention, and a post conference bowling night,” says organizer Carol Parker. The educational conference offers discounts to those registering by Jan. 11. Scholarships sponsored by Montrose County are available by application to FFA, 4-H, and beginning farmers or ranchers. Numerous farmers provide delicious local food throughout the conference. Concurrent translation and registration materials in Spanish are also available. The Valley Food Partnership, CSU Extension, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, ENGAGE, National Young Farmers Coalition and Shavano Conservation District organize the conference collaboratively. For a complete list of topics or to register, visit food farmforum.org or call 970-765-6170.

Classifieds

December 12, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

Delta County Independent

Real Estate

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FOR SALE '05 NISSAN Murano SE AWD. Automatic, 6 cyl. 3.5 ltr. AC w/climate control, leather heated seats, moon roof, etc. 127,800 mi. Excellent mechanical and physical condition. $5,100. 856-8051 or 623-5503. Leave message. (3x48) 2003 LS PREMIUM MERcury Sable 24 valve, traction control, moonroof, antitheft, leather seats, antilock brakes, remote keyless entry, audio system, great condition. Call 970-2704068. $1,500.00. (3x48) NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent 10 days prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-8744421.

Subscribe and be informed! Do you know what happened at city hall? Do you know what happened in local sports? Do you know what happened in your neighborhood? You’ll know, if you get your day off the ground with our newspaper!

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401 Meeker St., Delta • 874-4421

Help Wanted BOLINGER & QUEEN IS now accepting employment applications in Hotchkiss for full-time sales position. Applicants must have a valid drivers license (CDL would be a plus) have a basic knowledge of plumbing and irrigation materials and be able to work with a range of customers. Applications can be picked up at 32874 J Rd. in Hotchkiss. Please call 970-872-3371 with any questions. (3x50)

MOVING? CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Please give the Delta County Independent 10 days notice — PO Box 809, Delta CO 81416 970-874-4421

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D2 Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Miscellaneous

CLASSIFIEDS

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or call Colorado Press Association Network at 303-571-5117. ��

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Public Service

HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X47) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up.

THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421.

Delta County Independent

Public Service

ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta.

CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd DELTA FOOD PANTRY Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. needs meals for Delta fami- 10th St, Delta. lies who are temporarily in need. Donations of non- THE ABRAHAM CONNECperishable food may be tion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., brought to 628 Meeker. Delta, offers emergency AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: overnight shelter and food Hope and help for families to men, women and famiand friends of alcoholics lies in the Delta area midmeets in Delta: Al-Anon and October- April. Call us at Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 970-773-8290 to make a pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal referral, or for informaChurch, 145 W. 5th St., con- tion on how to volunteer tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or donate. www.Delta or Shirley 970-323-5067. AbrahamConnection.org.

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CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, Gift Shop and some additional areas. If you are interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Barbara Hall at 250-2105 for an application.

HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster. HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support groups. Please call our office at 970-773-2251 for more information or if you are in crisis please call our 24 hour crisis line at 1-844-990-5500.

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door).

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THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up.

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401 Meeker St. Delta, CO 970-874-4421 www.deltacountyindependent.com

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AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: AlAnon, Mondays at Noon, Methodist Church 285 N. FREE DIAPERS FOR UP 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210to one year! Pregnant 8090 or Marjorie 970-433women in Delta County can 1856. now get help to quit smoking and get something they PARENTS FREE! INFORMcan really use after their ation and referrals to baby arrives — free diapers. licensed child care providHealthy moms have healthy ers, call Bright Futures Child babies. Enroll in the Baby & Care Resource and Referral, Me Tobacco Free program 1-877-728-5613. today. Contact the Delta County Health Department YOU HAVE THE POWER TO at 874-2165 or your local change a child's life! Children are waiting for physician. senior partners in Delta SUPPORT THE DELTA County right now! Can you Library. Give a gently used spare 3 hours a week? We book in the Downstairs need your help! Call today Book Store. for more information. Please volunteer to spend time with WELCOME RETURNING a child in our community. Veterans, Post 9221 VFW Partners of Delta, Montrose meets at 5:00 p.m. on the and Ouray, 874-4661, www. 4th Thursday of each month partners-west.org. or www. in Cedaredge. To find out deltayouth@montrose.net. how to participate in promoting patriotism and PAONIA AMERICAN assisting veterans, contact Legion runs a year round Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- non-perishable emergency 1180. food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For inforAARP DRIVER SAFETY mation, call 527-6252. Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD laws, learn defensive driv- jewelry and silver or bits of ing techniques. For details gold and silver scraps. The and schedule contact John Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is Loring (970) 856-6924 or sending them to: New Eyes (970) 424-1778. for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 AL-ANON: HOPE AND or send them to: Gale help for families and Conger, Secretary of IOOF friends of alcoholics meets Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, Delta, CO 81416. Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall behind First Baptist Church, AL-ANON: HOPE AND 370 W. Main St., contact help for families and Mary M. 970-856-6123 or friends of alcoholics Jim 970-874-7855. meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, Wednesdays at 7 pm, HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD United Methodist Church, Historical Museum. Winter 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. 949-395-3608, Chris 970$3 admission or free to 527-3366 or Marjorie 970members. Come see our 433-1856 museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 872- THE AMERICAN RED 3780. Cross needs you. Become one of the Red Cross volCHECK OUT THE BOOK unteers who says, “We’ll Be store at the Delta Library. There, Because Help Can’t You'll find a great selection Wait!” Call your local Red of paperbacks at reasonable Cross Chapter at 970-242prices. 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, for information on the difyou will love the Downstairs ference you can make in Bookstore in the basement someone’s life as a disaster volunteer. of the Delta Library. NARCOTICS ANONY- DELTA HAS A BOOKmous meets at 9th and store in the basement of Palmer, Delta, Mondays and the library featuring gently used books and magazines. Fridays at 8 p.m. Come check it out!

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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D4 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Christian Perspectives class to be offered in Delta A 16-week course called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” is being offered starting Jan. 8 at Calvary Baptist Church in Delta. The classes will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday night from Jan. 8 to April 30. The first two lessons are free and open to the public and can be attended without registering for the entire course. Snacks and a light dinner will be served each week. This is the first time this class has been offered in Delta County. This course is designed to help Christians understand God’s Global purpose. The first five lessons explore God’s desire revealed in Scripture that all nations and every

people group would know Him. The next four lessons explore the history of missionary movements from early Christianity to recent missionary movements. The final portion of the course explores how God is moving in the world today, and how Christians are reaching the world through culturally sensitive, spiritinspired strategies. This part of the course is very exciting as you learn how God is moving in regions of the world that have remained unreached for centuries. Each lesson features a different instructor. Most of these instructors have been involved in world missions for many years. The first instructor

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is Sean Cooper. He has spent over 10 years with “The Traveling Team” teaching at churches, colleges and universities. Cooper will be speaking on God’s three-fold purpose: For Kingdom victory over evil, for redemption and blessing to the nations, and for global glory in worship of God. He will be speaking Tuesday night, Jan. 8. This lesson is free and open to the public. The second lesson on Jan. 15 is also free and open to the public. The instructor for the second lesson is Eric Guthrie from Oklahoma City. He is an experienced missionary who has ministered to 35 countries and currently the executive director

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of “Beautiful Feet,” an organization that trains missionaries specifically to go reach unreached people groups. Eric will speak on “The Story of Glory,” how God has been steadily unfolding a plan throughout all nations and generations to bring about His greater glory, drawing to himself the worship of all peoples. After these two lessons, you might be inspired to take the course. To continue, you need to register for the course before the third lesson. The cost for the entire course is $250 which covers the travel costs for these amazing instructors. Included in the price are a textbook and workbook. There are discounts for pastors, for

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more than one family member, and if you want to purchase the books elsewhere. There is also a discount for registering before Jan. 1. Scholarships are available for those who demonstrate interest by attending the first two classes, based on need.

More information can be found at the website Perspectives.org. You can register for the course on the site, or simply come to Calvary Baptist for the first or second lesson. You can also call the coordinator of the class, Julie Mixter, at 216-0781 for information.

Psychiatric facility opens in Grand Junction The new West Springs Hospital, located at 515 28 3/4 Road in Grand Junction, is proud to open its doors. Medical director Frank Lotrich, MD and hospital administrator Kim Boe offered tours of the 63,000-square-foot facility during a grand

opening celebration. Patients are now being accepted. Direct assessments are available by calling 970-263-4918, or if you are a physician looking to refer a patient, 970-210-2023. Visit West SpringsHospital.org for more information.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, December 12, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, December 12, 2018

B A C K

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

Gold fever

P A G E

BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

n 1858, the Colorado Gold Rush produced a wave of over 100,000 people into the Rocky Mountains, leading to the creation of the Colorado territory. Since then placer mining, or prospecting in water, has died down, with most of the easy-to-reach deposits being emptied by 1863. But, gold fever is still alive and well. The Gold Prospectors of America Association (GPAA) is out to show that panning for gold isn’t just for commercial users or a relic of Colorado history. Striking it rich isn’t likely, but you’ll still get gold flakes and other minerals. Members of the GPAA Western Colorado Chapter will tell you the best part is actually enjoying nature and time with friends. Finding a gold nugget occasionally is just a perk. “We really want to educate others on how gold was a large part of our nation’s history and that it can still be enjoyable,” said GPAA vice president Lester Workman. The club started in 1998 with just a couple members but has grown to include over 35 people from mostly Delta and Montrose counties, but some as far as Grand Junction and Ridgway. The group used to make prospecting trips to Arizona but realized they could enjoy the hobby easier, cheaper and more frequently by staying in Colorado.

Outings typically take place in the summer due to weather, though dry panning is possible during the winter. When the weather is warm, the group easily hosts an outing a month. According to the BLM, WCGPAA members are known as “casual use” prospectors, not “recreational use.” The difference is recreational is non-motorized, using a sluice box or a pan. Casual users have claims and use motorized methods such as the dredger or metal detector. “There are places open to the public that are recreational,” said claims coordinator and purchasing agent Calvin Nobles. However, the WCGPAA members usually use their personal claims for dredging in the San Miguel River. Three of the club’s members have personal claims which aren’t associated with GPAA. Dredgers are popular and allow the group to search deeper in the river bottoms. A typical outing starts with heading out in the early morning to set up and pan/dredge, metal detect and fish. The crew of 10-12 will pan for a few hours, enjoy lunch, pan some more then call it a day. One time the group made a vacation out of the activity, camping for two weeks. “Prospecting is quite a bit of work,” said new member Gerry Nottingham. “Walking with the river and working with a dredger can be tiring.” He joined WCGPAA after mov-

Photo submitted

You’re not likely to ﬁnd a lot of gold, but prospecting is a great way to enjoy nature and the companionship of fellow enthusiasts.

ing to Paonia from Arizona about eight months ago. He mostly dry panned in Arizona but he sought other options in Delta County. When he discovered he could go dredging with WCGPAA, he was hooked, and he has been out with the group three times so far. The outings are educational in nature and those new to prospecting are welcome. Often, if a prospector has family, they bring their kids or spouse for fishing and metal detecting. The group always leaves its site better than it found it, picking up trash and “taking care of the environment” according to Nottingham. “Most people wouldn’t even know we we’re there.” Participating in an outing also guarantees you’ll get rich — in experience, that is. “You’re not real likely to find a lot of gold, but the activity and people are fun,” said Workman. When he first started prospecting, he was lucky enough to find two gold nuggets. While some sell the gold, he decided to make them into earrings for his wife. Debbie Littlefield, one of the club’s original members, equates the hobby to gambling, having found four ounces in her 20 years of prospecting. For reference, one troy ounce of gold is valued on the market at about $1,200. She happened upon the hobby like many — she said yes to one outing and “got hooked.” “We don’t really care who comes, we just want to all be together,” said claims coordinator Doug Molone. Treasurer and contact person Illene Lewis equates the group to a second family. She loves prospecting. “The camaraderie we have on the outings is awesome,” she said. Her grandson started going with her when he was 10. “When he graduated high school, I thanked the club for helping to raise such a fine young man!” she exclaimed. A multi-generational prospector, her claim is called “grandpa’s place,” on the same property her grandfather lived when she was young. The crew emphasizes diversity and accessibility for all, even making sure its boat ramps allow for disability access. One of the members has a PhD in environmental studies. “We’ve had coal miners,

ranchers and farmers; there’s such diversity in who enjoys prospecting,” said Workman. Aside from outings, the club hosts monthly meetings year-round on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at 115 W. Main Street, Olathe. It has discussions and does business while occasionally hosting presentations or demonstrations. “Often people come to the meetings to learn where they can and can’t go panning,” said Nobles. Each meeting a raffle is held for door prizes related to mining; a member can also win a gold nugget. The money gathered is used to buy more prizes or nuggets from members to use in the raffle. About 15 years ago the club also started doing fundraisers as a way to give back to larger causes such as Camp Wapiyapi for kids with cancer and assisting community members in need. They raise funds through dinners and

donations. One way they’re thinking of fundraising is through a gem/rock show in Denver next summer. Three years ago the few clubs that ran the booth split the $12,000 profit. Shows are also a good way to promote the club and educate the public. Grand Junction hosts a gold/rock show in May and Delta hosts one in June. Often the group has a booth at Outdoor Heritage Days in Delta to educate the community. Those interested in learning more about prospecting and the WCGPAA can check out the website at www.wcgpaa. org or call 970-596-4627. The passion for prospecting, gold, and nature in general is evident in each member of the group. They’re always eager to answer questions and share about their experiences. And, as they’re fond of saying, “What happens at the river stays at the river.”

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Some Boy Scouts joined WCGPAA members for an educational outing on the history, methods and best practices of prospecting.

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Imagine an underwater vacuum cleaner and that’s a gold dredger. Most gold mining today is done on small scales with one or two persons operating the suction-hose machine.

As part of the GPAA, the Western Colorado Chapter seeks to “preserve and promote the great heritage of the North American prospector by providing member exclusive access to gold bearing property across the country as well as the tools needed to get started in gold prospecting,” according to the organization’s website, www.wcgpaa.org.