Delta County Independent, July 17, 2019 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

BENEATH THE BARK Jim Leser spotlights dying native pinyon trees, C2

SPORTS

CYBER SECURITY

HEADIN’ TO HOUSTON

Town of Hotchkiss experiences ransomware attack, B1

Delta All-Stars baseball team earns state championship, C4

DELTA COUNTY

JULY 17, 2019 VOL. 136, NO. 29

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Chaco building morphs into education center BY PAT SUNDERLAND Contributing Writer

Since the completion of asbestos remediation, quiet has again settled around the old City Market/Chaco building at the corner of 6th and Meeker streets in Delta. But looks can be deceiving. There may not be any visible activity, but there’s a lot going on, reports Michael Klouser, director of the Technical College of the Rockies. The building was purchased by Delta County Joint School District #50 and the tech college in 2017 with the goal of supporting entrepreneurs and business growth through the ENGAGE program. Grants for planning, design, renovation and operations were pursued in partnership with Delta County Economic Development, Delta County, City of Delta, DOLA and Region 10. While office space will still be available for DCED, Region 10 and the Small Business Development Center, use of the remaining space has changed. Stakeholders determined the greatest need is for expansion of the health programs offered at the tech college. Partnering agencies have also expanded, to include Delta County Memorial Hospital, the hospital foundation and Western Colorado Area Health Education Center (WCAHEC). A Denver architect is working on an interior design that will accommodate health care and EMS programs currently offered at the campus south of town. “In addition, we will have office space and a large area suitable for community functions, with a capacity of

about 200 people,” Klouser said. Design work for the 22,000square-foot building is being funded through a Department of Local Affairs grant. For construction, the tech college has applied for a $3 million grant from the Colorado Department of Higher Education. These funds just recently became available to the three technical colleges in the state, when the state Legislature set aside $4 million for capital projects. Each request must be approved by the Legislature so there’s no guarantee of full or even partial funding, and the decision won’t be made until the next legislative session. The earliest funds would be available is July 1, 2020. Klouser also presented the health care center concept at Rural Philanthropy Days and received some positive feedback. While both the school district and the tech college are budgeting funds for the project, Klouser said community partners are vital to the grant process and ultimately to the completion of the project. If funding falls into place, Klouser said he’s “cautiously optimistic” the renovation of the building could be complete by the fall 2021 term. “After we’re done with the project, we expect to expand programs for LPNs, nurse aides, and medical/clinical assisting program, and to build on our EMS programs,” Klouser said. Currently, there’s a waiting list for the practical nursing program, the EMS program has grown to near capacity, and nurse aide programs produce 75 to

DPD awarded $60,869 in grants BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

The Delta Police Department was recently awarded three grants. A $43,600 Gray and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement grant created through passage of state House Bill 17-1221 will go toward investigation and prosecution costs associated with unlicensed marijuana cultivation or distribution operations. Police chief Luke Fedler said the funds will be useful for overtime hours and to purchase equipment. DPD also received a Gray and Black grant last year, which was about $2,000 less. The Colorado Department of Transportation awarded the department a $10,000 High Visibility Enforcement grant to provide overtime pay for officers to enforce the state’s impaired driving laws. This traffic safety approach is used to deter and change unlawful traffic behaviors. While on patrol, police departments

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D6 Business ........................ A8 Church ........................... D4 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health Pages ...............B7-8 Legals ............................ D3 North Fork Times .....B1-3,6 Obituaries ..................... A6 Service Directory .......... D5 Sports ..........................C4-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ..................B4-5

incorporate various elements and strategies, such as electronic message boards, road signs, and command posts to make enforcement efforts obvious. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Although forewarning the public might seem counterproductive to apprehending violators, it actually increases the deterrent effect.” For the year 2020, the DPD will receive $7,269 for its Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE) task force. Each year the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority awards approximately $4 million in grants to reduce automobile theft in Colorado. These funds can go toward apprehension and prevention for auto theft. Speaking on the significance of receiving these grants, Chief Fedler said, “This is a lot of money we can use that won’t come out of city funds.”

80 nurse aides every year. The state-of-the-art health care facility will also provide a venue for continuing education courses for licensed health care professionals. “Everything will be new and be purchased through an advisory board, with input from WCAHEC and Rocky Vista University in Parker,”

Klouser said. “Once programs move out of the main campus, we will be able to expand programming here to include training for the transportation industry, HVAC, carpentry and welding, to name a few.” Automotive/diesel mechanics, drafting and intro computer classes can also be expanded.

One benefit of bringing students to the downtown area will be an increase in foot traffic to restaurants and shops, Klouser said. “During peak class time, we could have 150 people in that building. I think that is where our partners at the city and county really see a benefit to this thing going forward.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

A heavy load

A locomotive pushes cars loaded with coal from Somerset toward Delta Monday morning. Coal trains generally haul between 125 and 150 rail cars, and can be up to 1.5 miles in length.

Delta resident repeatedly ticketed for vicious dog On Saturday, June 29, at approximately 2 p.m., an officer of the Delta Police Department received information concerning a 12-year-old juvenile male being bitten by a dog in the 600 block of Silver Street. The owner of the dog was notified and the dog was placed in quarantine. Code enforcement was advised of the incident. This incident resulted in the dog owner, Sylvia Marie Fantin, 32, of Delta being issued a ticket for alleged vicious animal and city animal license required. Officers of the Delta Police Department, to include animal control/code enforcement, have responded to this address on numerous occasions. At least seven incidents have resulted in the owner/occupants of the residence being cited for alleged vicious animals and other animal related city code violations. An animal owner may be cited for vicious animal if the animal they own, have control over or are responsible for, inflicts an injury on a human being that involves a break to the skin which may be contaminated with saliva from the animal. The offending animal is placed on 10-day

quarantine (isolated confinement) for observation of specific health symptoms relating to rabies, a virus fatal to humans. While it is believed certain breeds of dogs are more aggressive than others, all

dogs are physically capable of biting and injuring a person. All dogs in the city are required by Municipal Code 6.04.030 to be vaccinated against rabies. Rabies vaccinations must be administered by a licensed veterinarian.

Mill levy override on school district agenda BY TAMIE MECK Managing Editor

Delta County School District 50J will consider at its July 18 meeting whether to place a mill levy override question on the Nov. 5 ballot. The district is considering asking voters to approve 1.5 mills to fund transportation, with an eight-year sunset. For a property assessed at $200,000, that equals roughly $21.46 per year, or about $1.79 per month. The district’s fleet of 38 buses was purchased between 2002-2004. Due to the age of the fleet, annual maintenance and repair costs have doubled in the last three years, according to the district. In the 201718 school year, buses traveled 365,000 route miles, and

186,000 activity miles. A poll completed by the district last spring showed that 51 percent of respondents favored funding transporation, while less than 50% favored funding for school safety and additional counselors. Because the district has three open seats, this year’s school board election will cost about $20,000. The mill levy questions would be placed on the ballot at no additional cost, according to the district. “I believe the poll was very good at helping us determine a focus for a mill levy override,” said district superintendent Caryn Gibson. “Transportation is a big need.” The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the district office, 145 West 4th Street.

CDOT projects to impact traffic

DCED annual meeting July 17

A chip and seal project by Colorado Department of Transportation and contractor United Companies has begun on four stretches of state highways 92 in Montrose and Delta counties and a section of Highway 133 in Delta County that will affect local traffic flows. Projects include: Hwy 92 between mile posts 55 and 62 north of the Black Canyon and west of Blue Mesa Reservoir. Hwy. 92 between miles 6.98-15.5 east of Delta to Rogers Mesa. Hwy. 92 between mile posts 0.02 and 4.2 east of Delta. Hwy 133 between mile posts 0 and 11.43 from Hotchkiss to Bowie. Between the hours of 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday, travelers can expect one-lane alternating traffic with delays of 20 minutes and reduced speed limits. The project is part of CDOT’s “Whole System. Whole Safety” initiative aimed at enhancing safety for Colorado traveler, and is anticipated to be completed by the end of September. For updates, call the project hotline at 970-497-4744.

Delta County Economic Development’s 23rd annual meeting begins at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Orchard City Town Hall. Networking, to include appetizers, begins at 5:15 p.m., followed at 6 p.m. with “Rural Economic Development — it’s not sexy,” a presentation and Q&A session by Region 9 executive director Laura Lewis Marchino. The board will announce director election results. Nominees are Susan Welk De Valdez and Zander Parker. Since there are five open seats, writein candidates may be submitted with paper ballot. To ensure seating for the 6 p.m. session, business owners can RSVP at the DCED office, 970-874-4992, or email nicci@deltacountyed.org.

A2 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

OPINION

LETTERS

Climate change is real

Soper comments on Delta’s future in aerospace Dear Editor: Thank you to the Colorado Space Business Roundtable for accepting my invitation to visit Delta recently. The business executives with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, Sierra Nevada, Northrop Grumman, etc., and associated industry promotion groups made clear they were looking to establish business relationships with future contractors in Delta Fifty-five percent of all aerospace industry contracts are awarded to companies of 10 employees or less, including many two-employee shops. If you are a manu-

facturer, coder, engineer, and are looking to grow your business, without moving, then let my office know, as the aerospace industry is actively looking for new contractors. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 landing on the moon, Delta should note we have a long history of being a part of the aerospace industry. From being among the first Civil Air Patrol wings in the state to having one of the key NASA engineers on the Saturn V rocket, Ludie Richard, being from Delta, we have played our part in the nation’s air and space history. The future is not written and I would like

to see engineers and scientist in the aerospace industry hail from Delta and local companies producing component parts for future space missions. Our excellent teachers and schools prepare students for achieving their goals, the values of the West and rural living are prized in complex industries, and our “can do” attitude and entrepreneurial spirit ensures we will not only survive, but persevere. Aerospace is about looking beyond our own horizon, and I am excited by the possibilities for the future we can achieve today! Rep. Matt Soper Delta

The future of climate Dear Editor: Climate scaremongers claim the world is on the verge of extinction in the next 10-12 years, yet make dire predictions 10, 20, and up to 100 years into the future. Nonprofit groups continue to make tons of money with these outlandish predictions. A recent article in this paper quotes various groups dedicated to the, less than factual, climate predictions and scare tactics used to promote their agenda. Claims are made that coastal cities will be underwater in a few short years. The fact is that oceans have been rising for over 100 years at the rate of one-10th of an inch per year and there are no facts to support a dramatic increase in the rate of ocean rise. Their crystal ball look into the future is truly amazing. These and other scare tactics are designed to achieve a specific agenda for which these nonprofits are rewarded with donations supporting salaries in these organizations. If there is true concern the focus should be on efforts to change the real polluters like China and their

1.5 billion people instead of Delta County and our 30,000. This just drives home the fact that climate scare tactics are an agenda driven program. While we need to support what happens in our area, do we need national groups like the Sierra Club and Wild Earth Guardians imposing their agenda on Delta County? If these groups are not willing to take on China, I would propose another worthy cause. Since these groups are so talented at predicting climate change and the effects 100 years into the future, they should be able to help the poor folks in one of their primary donor states, California. As we have just

seen we are unable to predict earthquakes even 15 minutes before one occurs. I am sure that these talented climate experts can predict where, when, and how strong earthquakes will be for the next 50100 years. Then their attention could move to volcanoes. If they would get busy predicting eruptions, and better yet stop them, not only would they save the climate but also safe countless lives. So, I have to ask, what is the real agenda for these self-serving nonprofit groups? Is it for the benefit of humanity, or their own benefit and paycheck? Randy Litwiller Crawford

An update on Sam Jahani Dear Editor: Maybe it is time to inform the citizenry of Delta County as to the whereabouts and situation surrounding a former local and noted physician felon of the past decade. It baffles me that I have to obtain this kind of news from your competitor to the south; this

is important to the residents whose lives were affected by this person, some tragically. William LaPlante Austin (The news story to which Mr. LaPlante refers originally ran in the April 20 edition of the Montrose Daily Press. It appears on Page A5.)

Your mayor’s perspective Your comments and compliments to these articles are a true inspiration and validation of your sincere interest in being a part of the process. It is very exciting to be able to pass along progress reports and letting you know that we are making a difference. In my last column (#3), I told you about a meeting that we were going to have with the Colorado Department of Transportation in mid-June. As I said then, “Nothing happens without meetings.” On June 13 we met with CDOT officials, a Transportation Planning Region commissioner and Region 10 officials and began very productive discussions regarding our Downtown Main Street revitalization. Will CDOT swap Main Street for the bypass? The short answer is no, but the long answer is that significant changes to Main Street are possible and CDOT will work with us to make it happen. That is real progress in and of itself. As with any bureaucracy, it takes

longer than I prefer, but it has to start somewhere and June 13 was that “somewhere.” Some of the things we talked about included pedestrian safety, vehicle parking on and off Main Street, traffic flow, bicycle lane, the ability to create eating and socializing areas that extend from the existing sidewalks outward, creating an attractive business and patron-friendly environment, creating an inviting downtown for everyone, and creating a smooth and safe access to the bypass and Main Street on both ends of downtown through possible integration of roundabouts. Yes, CDOT would allow Confluence Drive (bypass) to be used as an alternate route. Unfortunately, due to issues that involved the development and land acquisition for the bypass, CDOT will not provide any funds for maintenance. They can, however, provide funds for Main Street improvements and changes. I would

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (USPS 152700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Periodicals postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416. All editorial and advertising contents are ©2019 by Delta County Independent. Reproduction or use in any form of editorial, news, photo or advertising content without permission is prohibited.

Delta County Independent

like to point out that no one who was involved in the initial bypass project (design, land acquisition or construction) is currently employed by the city. The remaining debt is ours and a revitalized downtown will have a significant positive impact in the reduction of that debt. If any, or better yet, all of this appeals to your sense of a vibrant and thriving community, we need your support as we move forward. In addition to any future public meetings, you are encouraged to attend council meetings, sign up for public comments, and let council hear form you. I certainly have my visions for economic growth, but I represent all of Delta and together we can make a difference in the look and prosperity of our future. Ron Austin Mayor - Delta

Subscribe Call 874-4421.

Dear Editor: This is in response to the letter “Trump plan pushes fossil fuel expansion, undermines climate law.” All of us agree we have to have clean air and clear water. As for us, the huge windmills that cost $6 million each plus the cost of a transmission line, the three blades only touch 5 percent of the kenetic energy in the wind. I

know how to make one that touches 95 percent of the kinetic energy in the wind. Solar works but all power plants are required to meet the demands of electricity on a cloudy day. Climate change is real starting with the volcanoes, ice age, hot cold, hot cold, up until now which we are heading into an ice age. The environmentalists stated they won’t let the

oil and gas industry spoil the land. Then every environmentalist should quit driving their car, and heating their houses. The ones contributing to ruining our country are Western Environmental Law Center, Center for Biological Diversity, Citizens For a Healthy Community, Sierra Club, and The Wild Earth Guardians. Alan Story Delta

Cats are an invasive species Dear Editor: I would like to comment on the Article “Cedaredge launches cat trap.” I am sure that the individuals involved in this initiative are very nice and well meaning. But let’s take a look at it from a different angle. Cats are an invasive species. The ecology in the U.S. was doing very well before man brought cats

to this country. The main consideration is: after cats are spayed or neutered and released they still must eat. Birds help with insect control. This affects the balance of nature. Cats are natural born hunters and prey on small animals. Have any of you heard the screams of a rabbit that has been caught? The sound is

heart breaking. If a good indoor home cannot be found, the humane thing would be to euthanize them. Turning them loose means they become prey to coyotes or foxes. By the way, I am a cat owner and have three of them, but their paws have never touched the ground outside. Art Schwedler Stroudsburg, Penn.

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta Police Nicholes Gerald Blackman, Department (edited for 56, of Clifton was arrested and jailed for unlawful poslength: session of a controlled substance. July 7: Rikki Shae Commander, An officer responded to a residence on a report of a 25, of Delta was issued a ticksuspicious vehicle. The vehi- et for shoplifting and unlawcle was reported as stolen ful possession of a controlled out of Grand Junction and substance. July 13: was towed from the scene. Officers responded to Jose Luis Rodriguez Jr., 29, of Delta was arrested and 1430 Highway 50 North, Alta jailed for bribery and unlaw- Convenience, on a report of ful possession of a controlled a suspicious vehicle. Hannah Marie Sutherland, 23, substance. Anthony Lee Johnston, of Delta was arrested and 25, of Grand Junction was jailed on five warrants with arrested and jailed for unlaw- a total of $7,000 in bonds. ful possession of a controlled Austin James Engh, 19, of substance, special offenses Grand Junction was issued and possession of a weapon a ticket for drove motor vehicle while license revoked, by a previous offender. marijuana – open container July 8: Officers responded to the prohibited and illegal pos100 block of Highway 92 for session of marijuana by an a two vehicle crash. Derek underage person. Adam Walter ChriestenJames Benoit-Wylie, 28, of Palisade was issued a ticket son, 41, of Delta was arrestfor following too closely and ed and jailed for third degree displayed expired temporary assault, false imprisonment registration. No injuries were and obstruction of telereported or observed. Both phone service all as an act of vehicles were driven from domestic violence. Officers responded to the the scene. An officer took a report area of 1600 road and Highof a traffic accident involv- way 50 on a report of a single ing a motor home hitting vehicle crash. The occupants the guard rail in the area of were transported to DCMH Confluence Drive and North for treatment of unknown Palmer Street. No injuries injuries. The vehicle was were reported and the motor towed from the scene. Please note: All charges home drove away from the are merely an accusation and scene. Robert Kyle Brown, 33, the defendant is presumed of Delta was arrested and innocent until or unless provjailed for obstruction, resist- en guilty. ing arrest, unlawful carryFrom the Delta County ing of a concealed weapon, throwing missiles at vehicles Sheriff’s Office (partial list): and possession of drug paraJuly 9: phernalia. Deputies received inforJuly 9: Jennifer Jean Williams, mation on a potential theft 33, of Delta was arrested that occurred at the Shell and jailed for second degree Gas Station. Aimee Dyer of Delta was assault. An officer responded to a arrested at Cory Store in residence in the 700 block of Austin and transported to E. 4th Street on a report of a Montrose County on a war15 year old male runaway. rant. A report of a fraud The juvenile returned home attempt was received on Del later in the day. Wendell Christopher Ray Drive in Eckert. Deputies responded to Harmon, 43, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two Delta County Memorial Hoswarrants with a total of $800 pital to speak with a female on allegations of a sex offense in bonds. involving a juvenile female, July 10: An officer responded to occurring in Crawford. A REDDI (report every the 100 block of Highway 92 on a report of a two vehicle drunk driver immediatecrash. One vehicle ran into ly) traffic report occurred the back of another vehicle near Cory Store in Austin. in the turn lane from High- The vehicle was contacted way 92 to west bound High- at US Bank in Cedaredge. way 50. No injuries were Cedaredge Police Departreported or observed. Both ment assisted. The juvenile vehicles were driven from driver was cited for violation on his permit. the scene. At approximately 6:45 July 11: Officers and K-9 Raico p.m. the Delta County Sherresponded to the 2000 block iff’s Office responded to the area of Highway 50 South DUI roll over accident at the to assist the Delta County intersection of Hwy 50 and D. Sheriff’s Officer locate a flee- Rd. The driver received only minor cuts but his vehicle ing on foot subject. Diana Joaquina Lopez, sustained severe damage. 20, of Delta was arrested and Colorado State Patrol took jailed on a warrant with a over. July 10: $1,500 bond. Timothy Palish was arrestJuly 12: Officers responded to ed and jailed on a bond of Stinker Convenience Store $2,500 for failure to register on a report of a two vehicle at the Delta County Jail. Matthew Coe, of Delta, accident. One vehicle struck another in the parking area turned himself in on a warand left the scene. Gary rant and was jailed on a Dean Lundy Jr., 43, of Grand bond of $500. Deputies responded to Junction was issued a ticket and his vehicle was towed. West Elk Loop in Austin on a

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2019 Member

report of an abandoned vehicle. Upon investigation, the vehicle was found to have been stolen. Delta Police Department assisted. A potential theft was reported on Surface Creek Road in Cedaredge. Bryant George, of Delta, was arrested and jailed on a bond of $750. Deputies responded to D50 Road in Delta about three dogs running at large and acting in a vicious manner. July 11: An officer conducted a traffic contact with a known revoked driver. The driver abandoned his vehicle, fled on foot and was tracked and captured by KP Oxx. Amber Coleen Fletcher Tunget, of Montrose, failed to return back to the Delta County Jail after a one week furlough. She was arrested and jailed on June 18 with failure to appear with a warrant on a theft class three misdemeanor. Court granted her one week furlough on June 26. As of July 11 she has still not turned herself in and is charged with escape. Deputies of the jail staff located what appeared to be home made ethyl alcohol in an inmate cell. Deputies received a request of an agency assist to check out two vehicles in the water at Crystal Creek in Crawford. While en route deputies learned this was a cold accident reported to Gunnison Sheriff’s Office. July 12: At 7:25 a.m. deputies received a report of a vehicle that had gone off the roadway, through a fence and was sitting in a field somewhere off of Minnesota Creek Road. It was discovered to be inside Gunnison County and they took over the case. Joe Tatom, of Grand Junction, was jailed and arrested on an outstanding warrant after blocking traffic while hitchhiking. Oscar Gonzalez, of Cedaredge, was jailed on a bond of $750. Deputies conducted an agency assist in Hotchkiss involving a wanted person. The wanted person was not located. Deputies responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle sitting on a property near 1600 Road. Upon arrival, the vehicle was found to be gone. The vehicle was described as a white sedan and fled the area at high speeds. Deputies observed an Oldsmobile sedan with a black bra on the front end and black rims entering the highway upon entering 1600 Road, before being told the vehicle description. July 13: Deputies assisted Dollar General in identifying a shoplifting suspect, who was identified and summonsed. Information was received regarding an unknown male sitting in his vehicle pointing a rifle towards vehicles near the intersection of 3100 Rd and Highway 92 in Hotchkiss. Upon canvassing the area deputies were unable to locate the male or vehicle in the area.

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

84th annual Deltarado Days festivities kick off July 25 BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS park — there’s something Commerce. Staff Writer

Four days of family fun are scheduled for July 25-28 with the 84th annual Deltarado Days. Complete with a rodeo, parade, tournaments and an all ages inflatable fun

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for the whole family. Deltarado Days was first observed in 1935 as a harvest celebration. Years later, we still come together to celebrate our rich agricultural and ranching heritage! Thursday, July 25 The farmer rancher luncheon kicks off the festivities at 11:30 a.m. at the Delta Sales Yard. Anyone working in the agricultural industry is invited for a free lunch until 1:30 p.m. Meet the Deltarado Days royalty and the grand marshals. From 5-7 p.m., Altrusa International will host a barbecue and beer garden at Confluence Park’s Lion’s Pavilion. The Ute Trails Car Club will have cars on display in the parking lot. At sunset the Grace Community Church will present a free movie in the park. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy “Rio” with your family and friends. Concessions are available. Friday, July 26 New this year, an all ages inflatable fun park will be at the Lion’s Pavilion at Confluence Park between 10 a.m.-10 p.m Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. A fundraiser for Delta Lions Club, tickets can be purchased at Delta Area Chamber of Commerce and City Market. In the evening, head to the Rodeo Round Up at the Club Arena, 690 1800 Rd. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids and may be purchased at Delta Area Chamber of

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During a brief meeting of the Delta Urban Renewal Authority on July 2, commissioners considered a request by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce to sublease office space at 301 Main Street. The building is owned by DURA, and there is a requirement in the chamber’s lease that any sublease be approved by the board. Mitchell Gronenthal, the chamber’s executive director, explained the sublease would be for Delta County Economic Development (DCED).

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where the Kiwanis and Elks Club will be barbecuing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Vendors will offer food, beverage and merchandise from 10 a.m-4 p.m. at the vendor village. In the kids’ fun park, members of the Delta Barracudas swim team will supervise watery fun that may include water slides, bounce houses and a dunk tank. Live music is on tap in the arbor and will tentatively feature North Fork Country, Beth Williams and Dawson Springs. There will be plenty of parking in and around the park, and Y Bar Hitch will circle the park with a horsedrawn carriage. Park activities wrap up about 4 p.m., leaving time to cool down and get ready for the Boot Stompin’ Street Dance. The party begins at 7 p.m. at 4th Street between Main Street and Meeker Street, with food at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m. Sunday In the Bill Heddles Recreation Center parking lot the Delta Street Rodders will hold a swap meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A community church service is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Lions Club Pavilion. Immediately following worship, hamburgers and hot dogs will be served by The Abraham Connection. A $[amount] donation is suggested. All proceeds will benefit the homeless and hungry of Delta County.

DURA considers lease, sale of chamber building BY KAYLEE DUNHAM

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Saturday, July 27 The Pediatric Associates Color Run 5k run/ walk around Confluence Lake starts at 7 a.m. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m.; the race starts from the island. Across the park at Lion’s Pavilion, a pancake breakfast will be available from 7-10 a.m. and cars will be lining up for the Delta Street Rodders’ annual show, which runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kiwanis disc golf tournament registration starts at 8 a.m. at Confluence Park Disc Golf Course, along with a pickleball tournament at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center tennis courts. The horseshoe tournament happens at 9 a.m. at Cleland Park with registration at 8:30 a.m. Register at deltacham ber.org. In addition to all of the fabulous events taking place at Confluence Park Saturday, historic Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail will be open and free to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Deltarado Days parade begins at 10 a.m. “The parade is such a tradition, and we want everyone to enjoy themselves,” said chamber event coordinator Heidi Hudek. but we’re asking people to stay in the median or on the sidewalks, well away from the floats, horses and motorized vehicles. We wouldn’t want anyone to get hurt.” After the parade, head back to Confluence Park,

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The month-to-month lease of $250/month would be for office space on the main floor totaling 156 feet. Analysis revealed the rent would be comparable to other office space available in downtown Delta. The request was approved. Next, DURA considered an amendment allowing future leases and subleases to be authorized by the director. The city manager serves as DURA director. Authorization was approved, so future subleases will not have to be brought before the board.

Henry Street plan approved Betsy Suerth, public works/utilities director, proposed to the council an amendment to the major street plan for Henry Street. The amendment includes reclassifying Henry Street from a principal arterial to a local street, leaving Heinz Street as the principal arterial crossing of Highway 92. Austin Civil Group noted this street is located midway between the Highway 50 and 1675/Stafford Lane crossing, and is a better option than Henry Street. Suerth noted that reclassification of Henry Street supports revitalization of the property on the southwest corner of Henry Street and Highway 92. The major street plan amendment was adopted as recommended by staff. Suerth proposed a second resolution for a licensing agreement with Western Light and Tower to authorize an encroachment on city land for the purpose of installing a robust broadband network for city residents. A utility pole currently in the requested location is in need of replacement.

Gronenthal also opened discussion into the chamber’s purchase of the building. The chamber has an option to purchase the building for $1. While no decisions were made, concerns arose about the reselling of the building in the future and the financial loss or gain the sale of the building would have on the city. Commissioners decided to discuss the matter further before making a decision.

Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros

Visitor Dick Bushmiaer from Montrose views exhibits at the Delta County Museum. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, and is offering free admission every Friday through October. Bushmiaer said he’d wanted to visit the museum for a while and was reminded about it when he saw the notice for free Fridays.

Free admission ups museum attendance BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Looking for a summer activity to beat the heat? The Delta County Museum is offering free admission on Fridays through October. Located at the corner of Third and Meeker, summer hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. This is the first year the Delta County Historical Society board of trustees decided to offer free Friday admission. Regular admission is $5 for adults, and free for teenagers. Retired curator Jim Wetzel said the free

admission has resulted in spiked attendance. Normally in the summer the museum averages four visitors a day. Each Friday with free admission they’ve averaged 25. Popular museum exhibits include a Victorian butterfly collection, old log cabin with a life-sized Alferd Packer doll, a dinosaur exhibit, a robe worn by the King of Siam, and a clock from Versailles. Kids love ringing the bells in the large outdoor collection. “I think the more people we can get in the door, the better,” said Wetzel “It’s great exposure to local history.”

Rock mitigation on Highway 133 The Colorado Department of Transportation is currently performing rock mitigation work on Colorado Highway 133 between Paonia and McClure Pass, at mile marker 29.7. Work is being performed by consultant Rock Solid Solutions and is part of CDOT’s geohazards program. Using a method called scaling, crews will blast and downsize large slabs of rock on the slope. Work will take place from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Travelers can expect lane closures and delays. Motorists will encounter a speed reduction and a wide load restriction. Travelers are encouraged to check COtrip.org for road alert and condition

information. The project is expected to be completed by the end of July. As part of CDOT’s “Whole System-Whole Safety” initiative aimed at enhancing safety for Colorado’s traveling public, the rock mitigation work will ensure safety for motorists on the roads and help prevent damage to the road or passing vehicles caused by falling rocks.

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A4 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

A summer backyard bucket list for kids BY ANNIE JANIK Friends of Youth and Nature

Celebrating centenarians

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Three resident centenarians of Crossroads Assisted Living were honored at a birthday party on Wednesday, July 10. Anna Marie Suppes, left, will turn 103 on Aug. 4. Howard Dean, right, celebrates his 102nd birthday on July 23. Hazel Denike, not pictured, turned 102 on March 12. Howard says, “I get up in the morning, put both feet on the ﬂoor, take off and don’t look back.” That philosophy, along with black coffee, are essential to a long life, he says. Anna Marie echoes his sentiment. “Just keep on working,” she says. She taught school for 36 years in Olathe and in Iowa.

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For all your printing needs call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

It’s half way through July, and there are a million things to do outside if you’re a kid! If you are feeling a little bored, check out “the list” your friends made of 100 things every kid absolutely has to do before they are 12. You would be surprised at the things you have already done, but there are so many more new ”to do’s” to check off. For instance, have you peeked under a rock in a creek to see what’s underneath, walked a tightrope on a log, dug for worms, danced in the rain, waded in a stream or spotted the big dipper? These are just a few of those 100 things. Need the list? You can download it from Generation Wild – The List. Most of these things you can do in a park, or in your backyard. You don’t have to go far to have fun outside — you just need to go! How about making a worm hotel, or a sock garden? Bake some tasty s’mores in a sun oven or make a soda bottle sprinkler? You can get video instructions on these backyard hacks and more at generation wild.com. Parents, being outside surrounded by nature can have amazing effects on your kiddos but sometimes it is tough to figure out how to motivate your kids to go outside and play. The Generation Wild Movement, sponsored by Get Outdoor Colorado has plenty of fresh ideas to help you raise an outdoor kid, from kids’ nature books, to cool apps like Sky Guide which makes stargazing simple,

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A6 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

OBITUARIES

Gregg and Tim Revels; step-sons, Jeff (Carol) Woolfolk, and Jerry Woolfolk; daughters, Sharon Revels, and Tami (Rob) Hill; brother, Dave (Becky) Revels; sister, Bonnie (Frank) Packley; nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obitGene Fivecoat uary and sign the online Gene Alfred Five- guest registry at www. coat, longtime Delta and taylorfuneralservice.com. Cedaredge resident died July 10, 2019, at Valley Manor Care Center in Montrose. He was 90. A memorial service and internment at the Cedaredge Cemetery will be held at a later date. He was born Jan. 18, 1929, in Scott City, Kan., to Fred and Bertha Fivecoat. After serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, he returned to Colorado to help his parents with their fruit orchards. He George Shiflet married Helen Maxine George Nelson Shiflet Fivecoat Feb. 28, 1953. died July 5, 2019, at St. They tended to their Mary’s Hospital. He was orchard and built a busi- 78. ness, Fivecoat Plumbing. A graveside service After retirement they and celebration of life will traveled, spending win- be held at 2 p.m., Sunters in Arizona. day, Aug. 18, at Riverside Mr. Fivecoat is sur- Cemetery in Hotchkiss. vived by his wife, Maxine He was born July 21, Fivecoat; son, Alan (Car- 1940, in Dublin, Ohio, to ole) Fivecoat of Eckert; Harold and Myrtle Shidaughters, Sherry (Wade) flet. Curtis of Dayton, Mon., The family moved to Eve (Rick) Alderson of Phoenix, Ariz., in 1950 Port Angeles, Wash., and where he completed his Sue Fivecoat of Hanks- schooling. He enlisted in ville, Utah; seven grand- the U.S. Army, serving children, and numerous four years. great-grandchildren. He married Beverly Taylor Funeral Service Taylor in 1966. They and Crematory is han- moved to Colorado the dling the arrangements. same year. Visit the internet obitMr. Shiflet worked as uary and sign the online a ranch hand, coal miner guest registry at www. and a journeyman electaylorfuneralservice.com. trician. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting, fishing Gerald Revels Gerald Ray Revels and spending time with died at his home July 9, family. He is survived by his 2019. He was 84. wife of 52 years, BevNo services will be erly Shiflet; sons, Clint held. He was born Oct. 26, (Tamra) Shiflet, Myles 1934. Mr. Revels was a (Vicki) Shiflet, Travis branch and sales manag- (Twyla) Shiflet, eight two er for a heavy equipment grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and company in Alaska. He is survived by his extended family. He was preceded in wife, Val Revels; sons,

Custom Engraved.... Granite Memorials Stone Signs Address Rocks Pet Memorials & Much More ��

death by his parents; and brother Ronald Shiflet. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

andra, Va.; sister-inlaw, Norma Csperpes of South Bend, Ind.; sister Maria (John) Forster of Hotchkiss; and niece, Justine Forster of Grand Junction.

Joyanna Parker

Spark Richardson

Cedaredge resident Spark Ray Richardson died July 9, 2019, at home. He was 38. A memorial service will be held Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to noon at the Chapel of the Cross in Cedaredge. Mr. Richardson was born April 23, 1981, to Billy and Jane (Wolverton) Richardson in Staunton, Va. He spent his childhood in central Texas. The family moved to Cedaredge where he graduated from Cedaredge High School in 1999. After high school, he married Laci Diaz. They had a daughter. This marriage later dissolved in divorce. Later Mr. Richardson married Nicolette Chavez. They had two children. He was a member of the National Cutting Horse Association and hauled for the World Championship in 1996. He worked in gas drilling. He enjoyed fishing, camping, cooking and spending time with family. He was a man of faith. Mr. Richardson is survived by his wife, Nikki Richardson; son, Andrew of Albuquerque, N.M.; daughter, Eden Richardson of Montrose; son, Dakota, and daughter, Isabella, both of Cedaredge; mother, Jane Wolf of Cedaredge; father, Willie (Sandy) Richardson of Ridgway, sister, Jaylynn (Joshua) Springer, and their son, Jacob all of Olathe; uncles, Kenneth Wolverton of Raeford, N.C., and John Wolverton of Olathe; inlaws, Jeannean and Frank Diaz; Harold and Tereasa Chavez, and Jeff and Debby Springer. He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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Joyanna Parker died June 24, 2019, in Boise, Idaho. She was 94. She was interred at the Cedaredge Cemetery July 12. No services were held. She was born March 21, 1925, to Fred and Pearl Parker in Cedaredge. She had five sons, Vaughn, Donnie, and Gerald Hassell, and Erle and Lamar Eikman. She had eight grandsons and six great-grandchildren. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Simone Grams

Grand Junction resident William “Gene” Scheve died July 11, 2019, at St. Mary’s Medical Center. He is survived by his wife, Linda Scheve of Grand Junction; son Tim Scheve of Grand Junction; and one grandchild. A celebration of life will be held Friday, July 19, at 11 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave., Grand Junction. Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 522 White Ave., Grand Junction or St. Mary’s Hospital Intensive Care Unit in Grand Junction. Browns Funeral Home is handling the arrangments.

Ronald Searle

Ronald Dee Searle died July 13, 2019, at Sunrise Creek Assisted Living Center in Montrose. He was a Montrose and former North Fork area resident. He was 89. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 20, at Taylor Funeral Service chapel in Hotchkiss. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery. He was born March 3, 1930, to Delos and Alice (Caldwell) Searle in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent his childhood and attended school in LaPoint, Utah. He married Lela Jor-

Thoman, both of Colorado Springs; son, James Harper of Cedaredge; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Harper; daughter, Jean Harper-Berg; and son, Thomas Harper. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Al Every

There will be a memorial service for Al Every, a former longtime resident of Hotchkiss Saturday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery in Hotchkiss.

William Scheve

Jack Chaffee

Beverly Harper

Beverly Harper died July 13, 2019, in Grand Junction. She was 83. Viewing will be held from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 17, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, at Mesa View Cemetery in Delta. She was born Oct. 22, 1935, to Chester and Lila Weigle in Indiana. Mrs. Harper is survived by daughters, Carol Schmude, and Beverly

Sharon Shields

Former Delta resident Sharon Middle Shields died in Pahrump, Nev., July 7, 2019. She was 74. She was born in Grand Junction to Theodore and Dorotha (Auckerman) Middle April 28, 1945. She grew up in Delta, graduating from Delta High School in 1963. She continued her education at the Blair Business College, graduating in 1965 with a degree in business administration. She married Henry Shields Sept. 12, 1965. Mrs. Shields enjoyed her home, her children, traveling, penny slots, the beach and her dog, Baku. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Stephen Shields; son, Kameron (Stacey) Shields of Katy, Texas; daughters, Stephanie (Bob) Last of Missouri City, Texas, Tracy (Jimmy) Carlisle of Walker, La.; eight grandchildren, Robert, Kyle, Corey, Jake, Garrett, Zoe, Karsyn and Cooper; and great-grandchild, Bobbi. Mrs. Sheilds was preceded in death her her parents, Theodore and Dorotha Middle. There was a visitation July 16 at the Taylor Funeral Service Chapel with a graveside service at the Cory Cemetery. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

DCED looks to investors for feedback during transition BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Simone Suzanne Grams of White Pigeon, Mich., died May 9, 2019, at Grace Healthcare. She was 70. She was born July 20, 1948, in Elkhart, Ind., to Ralph and Cora (Shook) Windbigler. Mrs. Grams worked full time in managerial positions. She enjoyed visiting her sister, Maria Forster and niece, Justine in Hotchkiss, relaxing at Dog House coffee, riding the Alpine Coaster at the amusement park in Glenwood Springs, reading, her pets, and spending time with family. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Richard Grams of Three Rivers, Mich., son, Nicholas Grams of Columbus, Ind.; daughter, Angela (Craig) Szramka of Alex-

gensen Oct. 7, 1948, in Randlett, Utah. This marriage was later dissolved in divorce. Mr. Searle worked in construction and logging. He was a rancher and cowboy in Hotchkiss and Paonia. He enjoyed bullriding and rodeos. He is survived by his sons, Riley (Sherry) Searle, Leland Searle, and Karl (Yolanda) Searle; brother, Brice (Janette) Searle of Brigham, Utah, 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren. Mr. Searle was preceded in death by his daughters, Ronda Canterbury, and Calene Oglesby; brother, Keith Searle; and sister, Lorna Daniels. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Jack Chaffee died Dec. 2, 2018. He was 89. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, July 20, at the Orchard City Town Hall, 9661 2100 Rd., Austin. His family welcomes friends for a lunchtime pig roast and celebration of his 90th birthday.

Special to the DCI

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Delta County Independent

Delta County Economic Development is in a period of transition marked by the departure of executive director Stacey Voigt and several vacant board positions. To enable the nonprofit economic development organization to move forward, a revisioning task force has been formed. Board president Scott Thomassen and secretary/treasurer Amy Crick, who serve on that task force, met with Delta City Council members June 11 to gather their thoughts and ideas. The city has been one of DCED’s major investors for many years. While council members said they understand the need for confidentiality when dealing with potential business relocation or expansion, they said they’ve been frustrated by the lack of transparency from DCED. They hear talk of a lot of activity, but details are withheld, despite the city’s desire to work hand-in-hand to support business development. “That’s been a bit frus-

trating when we’ve been trying to do our best to be proactive,” said council member Nathan Clay. “Year after year, DCED comes to the council saying they’ve been talking to 19 companies, 17 companies, but we can’t tell you who they are. By the way, we want more money.” “We can’t deny the city and county are our biggest funders, and frankly we hope to keep it that way,” Thomassen said. “As we change the direction of DCED, I would like to see us be more about private investment,” said Mayor Ron Austin, who cited the need for accountability with taxpayer dollars. Government support is the key to DCED’s sustainability, Crick said. Private investment, estimated at 40% and holding steady, helps fund specific projects. Both she and Thomassen agreed DCED could do more fundraising, but that’s a time-consuming undertaking that would fall on the board’s shoulders in the absence of a paid director. Turning the discussion back to DCED’s future,

Crick asked about the city’s economic priorities. Council members listed outdoor recreation, tourism, river activation and hemp. Council member Kevin Carlson said he would love to bring in a manufacturer that would turn hemp into products like paper or plastic bottles. As the discussion continued, council members agreed that “transparency” may have been the wrong word; it’s an alignment of vision they’re seeking. “Better cooperation overall,” the mayor said. As the work session came to a close, he expressed his appreciation for the work the task force is putting in to revitalize DCED. “I’m encouraged by their time and energy,” he said of Crick and Thomassen. “They’re doing this because they really believe in what DCED can and should do, as opposed to continuing on with the status quo.” “We are serious about listening to the feedback and understanding the expectations of our investors,” Crick said. “We will take on the hard stuff.”

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

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Delta First Church of God invites children attending kindergarten through grade six to attend “Fun Days For Kids,” the week of July 29-Aug. 4. There will also be a closing program at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Aug 4. The program runs from 6-8:30 p.m. daily at 1102 Howard St. “This year our church is a stampede of excitement as we visit Avalanche Ranch,” says Pastor Linda Aubery. “Our Avalanche Ranch program will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for all kids. Each day kids will sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, nibble ‘chuck wagon

Astronomy journey coming to arts center Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and Delta County Libraries welcome Nancy McGuire to the stage in July for a family-friendly astronomy presentation. McGuire is president of the Western Colorado Astronomy Club and the outreach and public relations representative for Grand Mesa Observatory. “My passion for science began at an early age,” says McGuire. “In particular, the sight of the planet Saturn through a small refractor telescope initiated a lifelong love of astronomy.” McGuire’s presentation, “Our Home the Milky Way and Beyond,” transports attendees on a journey into space. It begins on Earth, venturing out into our solar system to meet our cosmic “neighbors,” then continues further out into our galaxy, the Milky Way. Finally, it is onward into other galaxies that stretch into the vast reaches of the universe. McGuire includes fun

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facts and quiz questions to engage the entire family. The presentation is part of an on-going series offered by the arts center and the library district called “Voices of the Western Slope.” McGuire presents “Our Home the Milky Way and Beyond” at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 23 at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. There is a recommended donation of $10 at the door to cover presentation facility costs. For more information, call the arts center at 856-9195 or Cedaredge Library at 399-7674.

Nancy McGuire

Vocalist to perform at Chapel

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chow,’ take on a daily challenge to let God’s love grow into their homes, experience electrifying Bible adventures, collect Bible ‘Memory Buddies’ to remind them of God’s Word, and create Western Crafts they’ll be proud to take home. They will participate in a nightly offering to benefit End of the Trail Horse Rescue in Olathe. We hope Avalanche Ranch will get everyone wild about God in our community.” To register, contact pastor Aubery at 970-765-5034, email ljaubery@gmail.com for a registration form, or call Delta First Church of God at 874-4647.

Justin Russell

Bassist to play with group

Vocalist Allyson Cotham will perform at Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross on Thursday, July 18 at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation. Allyson is the director of the Valley Symphony Chorus, and is music director for San Juan of the Mountains Church in Ridgway. She is a soprano soloist and her concert will consist of sacred and gospel music. She will be accompanied by Sharon Clark.

Native American bassist/composer, Justin Russell, Jr. and Friends will be performing at Cedaredge Chapel of the Cross on Sunday, July 21 at 4 p.m. Admission is by donation. Justin plays in various groups including the Grand Junction Symphony, the Valley Symphony Orchestra, Nick C and The Mind Of 3 Jazz Trio, and even a local Mariachi group!

Allyson Cotham

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Dessert theater

Photo submitted

The creamy Miss Ivory Velum (Cindy Felix) is one of the many characters featured in the Crawford Melodrama Players’ dessert theater. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. nightly on Saturday, July 27 at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge, and Sunday, July 28, at the Memorial Hall ballroom in Hotchkiss. Doors open at 6 p.m. nightly. Proceeds beneﬁt “Passionate About Libraries.”

Ridgway State Park smallmouth bass tourney underway Ridgway State Park will host its fifth annual Smallmouth Bass fishing tournament July 6-27. Sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, CPW is reducing the population of smallmouth bass in the reservoir and needs help from anglers. The state agency is providing $12,000 in prize money as incentive to anglers. No entry fee is required. All anglers over 16 years old must have a fishing license. “Anglers have really helped us during the past four years and for the fifth annual tournament we’re offering some serious incentives,” said Eric Gardunio, aquatic biologist for CPW in Montrose. There will be a raffle category and a skills category this year. To qualify for any of the prizes all fish must be turned into the check station located near the boat ramp. It will be open from 1-5 p.m. on Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Those who catch fish during the week can bring their catch to the check station on those days. Prizes include $5,000 for catching the most smallmouth bass, $1,500 for the second place finisher, $500 for third place; $500 for the biggest fish caught, and $500 for the smallest fish caught. Top three finishers also receive a Colorado State Parks Pass for 2020. Contestants receive a raffle ticket for every fish they catch. The grand prize winner will receive $2,500, and six second tier prizes of $250 will also be drawn in the raffle. All kids 12 and under will receive a package of fishing lures. “Anyone who catches even one fish has a chance

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to win a big prize,” Gardunio said. The tournament is designed to protect native fish and water users downstream of the reservoir. Smallmouth bass, introduced illegally at Ridgway Reservoir more than a decade ago, are predator fish that can survive in Western Slope rivers, including the Uncompahgre River which flows from the reservoir. There is a significant risk of smallmouth bass escaping from the reservoir into the river where they could reproduce and consume native fish species found nowhere else in the world. Smallmouth bass have escaped other impoundments in western Colorado and are adversely affecting populations of native fish in several rivers. CPW has a webpage that explains the best ways to catch smallmouth bass. It also provided an in-depth explanation of issues related to smallmouth bass at Ridgway Reservoir: http://cpw. state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/Ridgway/Pages/ Smallmouth-Bass.aspx. Ridgway State Park, located about 20 miles south of Montrose in southwest Colorado is one of the state’s most beautiful parks. Camping, yurts, playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a swim beach, boating and river fishing are available. Entry to the park is $8 per vehicle, and camp fees vary. Boaters are reminded that their craft must be cleaned, drained and dry before entering Ridgway State Park. For more information about the park and to make camping reservations, go to: http://cpw. state.co.us/placestogo/ parks/Ridgway/Pages/ default.aspx.

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A8 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Extraordinary nurses recognized at DCMH Nurses at Delta County Memorial Hospital are being honored with The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses ®. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation’s mission to recognize the extraordinary, compassionate nursing care they provide patients and families every day. Ten DAISY (Diseases Attacking the Immune System) nominee RN recipients were recog-

Meg Robinson

nized on Thursday, July 11 at DCMH by Dawn Arnett, medical surgical unit manager, and Jody Roeber, chief clinical officer. The nominees were Sherry Heinel, David Brodhead, Ashley Tregarthen, Cristina Liddick, April Bonata, Linda Speedie, Elizabeth Knob, Rhonda Galvin, Louie Luna and Meg Robinson. The overall DAISY Award winner for this quarter is Meg Robinson, RN, a med/surge nurse nominated by a co-worker and spouse of a patient. The application letter highlighted her understanding and compassionate approach working with her patients and families. “Meg is an outstanding nurse that is fairly new to the practice, as well as a new mother,” said Arnett, Meg’s nurse manager. “She is diligent in her practice and shows her passion for the profession as well as her love and selflessness for

her patients. We are fortunate to have her join our fabulous med/surg team.” The DAISY Foundation is a not-for-profit organization, established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes by his family. Patrick died at age 33 in late 1999 from complications of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues. The quarterly DAISY award recipient is chosen through a select Daisy Committee and DCMH’s T.E.A.M. M.A.S.H through a scoring rubric recognizing the nurses P.E.T.A.L.S., (Passion, Empathy, Trust,

Admirable attributes, Love and Selflessness). Applications are blinded to these committees and scored. Awards are presented four times throughout the year at celebrations attended by the honoree’s colleagues, patients, and visitors. Each honoree receives a certificate commending her or him as an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” Honorees also receive a DAISY Award pin and a beautiful and meaningful sculpture called A Healer’s Touch, hand-carved by artists of the Shona Tribe in Zimbabwe. Said Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, President and CoFounder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human, extraordinary, compassionate work they do. The kind of work the nurses at DCMH are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.” “We are proud to be among the healthcare organizations participating in The DAISY Award program,” said Arntee. “Nurses are heroes every

day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.” DAISY also offers J. Patrick Barnes grants for nursing research and evidence-based practice projects, The DAISY Faculty Award to honor inspiring faculty members in schools and colleges of nursing, and The DAISY in Training Award for nursing students. More information is available at http:// DAISYfoundation.org. Meg Robinson’s Nomination Letter: I want to acknowledge Meg for her dedicated, detailed, compassionate care. My husband was admitted through the ER to the Med Surg floor. It was a frightening time as we didn’t know what was going on with his

health. We have no family support in this state — it’s just the two of us and it is scary when you are relying on others to understand how important your loved one is to you. I was so relieved when I saw that Meg was his assigned RN having worked with her in the Home Health dept. She was extremely understanding when speaking with my husband, took the time to explain everything to him (and myself) about what was going on and when I had to leave I felt a sense of peace that he was going to be looked after. She understood that I was leaving & trusting her with my most precious gift. Thank you Meg for all you do! You are a wonderful nurse and they are lucky to have you.

Photo submitted

Pictured from left: Sherry Heinel, Ashley Tregarthen, Elizabeth Knob, Meg Robinson, David Brodhead, April Bonata and Cristina Liddick. Not Pictured: Linda Speedie, Rhonda Galvin and Louie Luna.

Harbor Freight Tools to open in Montrose Harbor Freight Tools, America’s leading retailer of quality tools at the lowest prices, will celebrate the grand opening of its new store in Montrose on Wednesday, July 31 at 8 a.m. The Montrose store, located at 2201 S. Townsend Avenue, is the 17th Harbor Freight Tools store in Colorado. The store will open at 8 a.m. “We’re excited to serve customers in the great city of Montrose,” said Kimberly Titmus, store manager. “At Harbor Freight, we’re passionate about providing our customers with the tools they need to get the job

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done, and always at an affordable price. We look forward to welcoming auto technicians, contractors, woodworkers, homeowners, hobbyists — anyone who needs affordable tools.” The 15,000-squarefoot store will stock a full selection of tools and accessories in categories including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools and more. Harbor Freight’s hand tools come with a lifetime warranty. The new Harbor Freight Tools store will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more than 40 years, Harbor Freight Tools has been America’s go-to source for affordable tools. The familyowned company started in Southern California in 1977, when 17-yearold Eric Smidt began transforming his father’s small phone sales business into a successful mail order company. That first year, Eric bypassed the resellers and cut deals directly with factories, realizing that if he could buy tools directly for less, he could pass the savings on to the customer. The company opened its first store in 1980, and today Harbor Freight Tools has nearly 1,000 stores across the country, 20,000 employees and more than 40 million customers who depend on Harbor Freight’s quality and value to earn a living, repair their homes and cars and pursue their hobbies. Harbor Freight Tools is one of the nation’s fastest growing retailers, opening two new stores every week. Still privately owned by Smidt and based in Calabasas, Calif., Harbor Freight Tools has remained true to its humble beginnings. The stores are clean but simple, designed to be welcoming to a worker right off the jobsite and

packed with deals and treasures so every visit discovers a new find — always at an unbeatable price. With core values of excellence and continuous improvement, Harbor Freight Tools works to constantly improve the quality of its products and is developing new lines of tools with the features, performance and durability of the best brands on the market — but at a fraction of the price of competitors. This year, the company will introduce more than 600 new tools and accessories. Harbor Freight Tools offers customers even deeper discounts with special coupon pricing. Customers can sign up to receive a monthly coupon book by mail with dozens of product coupons and additional discounts. Customers can also receive additional discounts by email. To sign up, visit Harbor FreightSignUp.com. Another of the company’s core values is giving back to the communities it serves. Harbor Freight Tools supports non-profit organizations that serve K-12 public education, first responders and veterans. For more information on the gift card donations program, visit harborfreightgiv ingback.org. In addition, Harbor Freight Tools is a major supporter of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, an initiative of The Smidt Foundation, established by company founder Eric Smidt, to support the advancement of skilled trades education in America. Its flagship initiative is the annual Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which honors 18 public high school skilled trades teachers and their programs with $1 million in cash awards. For more information, visit harborfreighttools forschools.org. For more information about Harbor Freight Tools, visit harbor freight.com. Follow the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

NORTH FORK July 17, 2019

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Hotchkiss computer hit with ransomware BY TAMIE MECK Managing Editor

Hotchkiss Marshal Dan Miller reported to the town council at the July 11 meeting that the town recently experienced a little cyber-scare. The morning of Sunday, June 30, Miller told the DCI, a deputy reporting for work turned his computer on to find a software update notice. It looked like a Microsoft update, so he clicked ‘OK,’” said Miller. The computer immediately went compu. It turned out to be a case of ransomware, a malicious type of computer software that allows hackers to attack entire systems and encrypt files, then demand payment for the encryption key. In this case, the system was undergoing a backup and the malware attacked the backup files. Miller said he’ll never know how much money the hackers were demanding. He turned the computer off and contacted Hotchkiss computer techni-

cian Wes Long to recover the data and clean up the system. Due to having an off-site backup and archived information they were able to recover about 99 percent of their data, said Miller. What they didn’t recover was archived in paper records. By Monday morning, all of the department programs were up and running. Long donated his time, but the town hired him to audit the system. None of the town’s information was stolen, “But it’s the same old story, the highwaymen who rob you,” said Miller. “Now it’s the new guys. You have to be prepared and identify security issues.” Miller said the event caused “a lot of stressful moments.” He urges the public to always keep malware and virus protections programs updated. “It’s not a matter of if, but when” they’ll attack, he said. “It may be an expense, but believe me, you’ll be happy you paid that.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Pastoral sunset

Josh Bourassa puts the ﬁnishing touches on a new mural located on the southwest side of the Ace Gambles store located at 121 E. Bridge St., in Hotchkiss. Bourassa worked with store owner Kim Shay on the design. The three old-fashioned images at the top of the mural were already on the wall. If they look familiar, they once advertised clothing, footwear and hardware at the Farmer Franks stores just south of Hotchkiss. Bourassa has done custom paint jobs for Harley-Davidson motorcycle owners for the past 25 years. Bourassa said he is not an artist, but rather a salesman and applicator. “My clients are my muse,” he said.

BMW rally returns to Paonia Town Park BY TAMIE MECK Managing Editor

If you’re out driving this week, be aware of motorcycles on the road. Lots of them. This Thursday the BMW

Motorcycle Club of Colorado Top O’ the Rockies Rally opens at Paonia Town Park. The rally officially runs ThursdaySunday, July 18-21, but riders traditionally show up a day

File photo

More than 300 BMW and other brands of motorcycles will be in Paonia this week for the annual BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado Top O’ the Rockies Rally. Cyclists will take day trips throughout the area during their three-day stay. The rally is headquartered at Paonia Town Park. Head down and say hello. While there, enjoy food and beverage, support local nonproﬁts, catch some great blues music and more.

early. The Top O’ the Rockies Rally is the longest continuous rally of its kind in North America, as sanctioned by the Motorcycle Owners of America. Each year the rally attracts hundreds of cyclists, motorcycles and support vehicles to the North Fork Valley. About 300 riders are preregistered and another 300 are expected to show up, said local coordinator Bob Bushta. Live music, social events, meals, food vendors, a beer and wine garden and numerous activities happen throughout the rally. The event also provides local students and nonprofits an opportunity to earn money for their organizations. The Paonia High School senior class will serve breakfast daily Thursday-Saturday between 6-9 a.m. at the Ellen Hansen Smith Teen Center at town park. From 5-7 p.m. Friday, Kids Pasta Project will serve up a home-cooked pasta dinner at the teen center. Tickets are available at the door. Early

arrival is recommended, as this dinner sells out every year. The PHS junior class will also help with event setup and takedown, for which the BMW club will give a donation. A bake sale to benefit the Abraham Connection in Delta will run throughout the event, and the Paonia Cherry Days Committee’s Beer Garden will open daily at 11 a.m., with proceeds benefiting the Cherry Days festival. The Paonia Lions Club will serve up its famous pulled pork dinners nightly. The Grinnin’ Moose Grill will offer brats, turkey legs and other foods, and the Ice Shack will offer a variety of shaved ice items. In addition, the beer garden opens at 11 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. Thanks to rally registration fees, blues music will fill the park Friday and Saturday evenings, and the public is welcome. At 7 p.m. Friday, enjoy the dynamic bluesinfused rock and soul hybrid

sounds of the David Gerald Band. The band has played numerous notable festivals including the Chrysler Arts, Beats and Eats festival in Missouri, and the Springing the Blues Festival in Jacksonville, Fla. Saturday evening, following the 6 p.m. closing ceremony at the park gazebo, Sammy Eubanks comes to town park. The runner up of the 2019 International Blues Challenge, Eubanks has been voted best male vocalist in the state of Washington 12 times since 1999 and as a hall of fame member of the Inland Empire Blues Society. Other activities are happening throughout the rally, including a “straight talk with Colorado State Troopers” from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. (visit bmwmcc.org/tor-event-sched ule/ for a complete schedule. The public is welcome to check out the bikes and mingle with their owners, but is asked to stay out of their camping area for privacy and security reasons.

Trustees address mobile home, zoning regs BY ROBBIE WINNE Staff Writer

Hotchkiss mayor Larry Wilkening informed the board of trustees at the July 11 meeting that the contract to replace the building code with a 2018 version is in place with Colorado Code Consultants. The cost to the town is not to exceed $2,185, unless services outside of the scope of the contract occur. The mayor suggested when they had a working copy in hand to call on local contractors to supply input. Trustees passed this motion. Hotchkiss trustees moved on to review their past discussions about the mobile home regulation amendment. This was the first reading of a revised amendment. Trustees questioned some of the time limits regarding occupancy. Council agreed to change the extension of time allowed for an unoccupied mobile home from 10 months to a year. Trustees also raised the possibility of a less restrictive

time limit if the trailer’s taxes remain current and the dwelling doesn’t pose a health hazard. The public hearing portion heard a request from land owner Marlin McCracken for a special use review for his property on 755 Barrow Mesa. McCracken plans to plant an acre of millet on the parcel. After he assured the board that he had irrigation water, had no runoff, didn’t plan to use pesticides and had gained the consent of his neighbors to the project, council granted McCracken a three year approval for a millet crop. Under new business, Kim Shay, spokesperson for the Delta County Fairgrounds Utilization committee, requested a special event liquor license for an event the group is sponsoring at the fairgrounds park on Thursday, July 18. The event, a live concert that will run from 6-8 p.m., is the first of a series the committee plans to bring to

the fairgrounds. Dan Bolton presented council with a request to vacate several unused town water easements on his property. Bolton has subdivided and sold one of the lots and would like to clear up the status of these historic water easements. Council moved to allow the vacation of the easements. The last lengthy agenda item was brought to council by former trustee Tom Wills. He raised the possibility of deleting “the unneeded ‘no impact’ references” in Ordinance 2015-03. The inclusion of a no-impact category in the existing ordinance sets a standard that “in effect says that any two-lot subdivision is a no impact subdivision and can proceed directly from staff/ development review to the town council, skipping three public review meetings.” He argued that there are very few subdivisions that can qualify as a no-impact subdivision

and that the planning committee needs to revisit and refine requirements for subdivision specifications. He proposed that a two-lot split should go through a minor subdivision hearing process. Wills argued that the language was adopted from previous ordinances without due attention to the ramifications. Wilkening took Wills’ recommendation under advisement but added that there is a need for a simple split

when a subdivision needs to be reworked. Trustee Esther Koontz suggested that the planning commission review and discuss the language of the no impact portion of the ordinance 2015-03. Wilkening agreed to add the topic to the agenda of the upcoming planning commission meeting. After brief town staff reports, trustees went into an executive session for the purpose of discussing the town’s water tank project.

Paonia to consider regs on short-term rentals BY TAMIE MECK Managing Editor

Airbnb. VRBO. HomeAway. VacationRentals.com. Trivago. Short-term rentals have transformed and revolutionized where travelers stay and how they book their lodging in recent years. But shortterm rentals, aka “STRs” have also disrupted the traditional lodging landscape and created an unregulated underground economy. In response, towns and cities across the country are adopt-

ing regulations and restrictions to protect the character of neighborhoods, account for zoning, sales and excise tax revenues, address parking, traffic and noise issues, and to ensure rental units meet requirements in line with traditional lodging businesses. The town has heard several complaints about STRs said town administrator Ken Knight. In response, the town board has been discussing whether, and if so, how, to regulate STRs. The issue will

be on the July 23 agenda, and the town is accepting written comments. The board is finding that STRs are a complex issue, since several property owners offer some sort of short-term housing — defined by a term of less than six months. STRs also contribute to the reduction of long-term rentals and support tourism by providing lodging opportunities. Among the cons are incompatibility with residential PAONIA RENTALS TO B3

Crossing closing

Photo by Tamie Meck

On Monday and Tuesday, July 22-23, the railroad crossing north of downtown Hotchkiss on Highway 133 will be closed. Motorists will be required to use alternate routes either over Hansen Mesa or on Back River Road off of Highway 92. Other trafﬁc delays on highways 133 and 92 can be expected in the coming weeks. See page A1 of today’s DCI for details.

B2 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Clark Ave. subdivision continued to July 23 BY TAMIE MECK Managing Editor

A decision by Paonia trustees on a proposal for a new subdivision on Clark Avenue was continued by the town board after residents expressed concern over the development. If approved, the South Clark Avenue Subdivision would be built on a culde-sac at the south end of Clark Avenue, a dead-end section of street with 12 largely identical houses that were built in 1948. Applicant Lynn Mattingly proposes splitting the parcel into seven residential housing units — one single-family unit and three, two-unit town homes with shared lot lines. Six of the units would be accessed via Clark Avenue, and the seventh from Colorado Avenue. The applicant is requesting a zoning change from R-2 medi-

um-density residential to R-1 low-density. The application also lists four variances for the subdivision: a reduction in the radius of the cul-desac from 50 to 45 feet, approval of two lots that are less than the 6,000 square foot size required for single family homes; a waiving of the minimum 25 linear feet of public street access and a shared driveway for two of the lots. While each unit would allow for two parking spaces, no additional parking spaces would be provided. Neighbors expressed concerns over potential parking problems, increased traffic, and safety issues the development could create on the narrow section of street — issues that mirror the town planning commission’s main concerns in recommending approval for the subdivision in

June. Residents also complained about ongoing issues with potholes and the formation of “Lake Clark” at the bottom of the street that forms after a rainfall. The town plans to install a new sewer line and French drain on the street later this year. The street is narrow and “has not been cared for very well,” said trustee Bill Bear, who also sits on the planning commission. The commission recommended the developers explore the possibility of accessing the site from Colorado. “I think the concern is traffic,” said Bear, who said he’s heard very little in the way of suggestions for the citizens who live there. Mayor Charles Stewart, who also sits on the planning commission, said the parcel is one that should be developed if the town is going to grow. It’s a good location, “But there is a practical problem in terms of traffic and parking.” Trustees also voted 5-1 to approve a variance for Shane and Paige Smith to construct a one-car detached garage with a 20-foot roof line at 215 Delta Ave. A maximum height of 15 feet is permit-

ted under residential R-2 zoning. Planning commission had recommended denial of the variance, but Shane Smith made compelling arguments. He said the additional height will provide a better angle for solar panels and to take advantage of passive solar heating. A steeper roof also matches the character of the neighborhood, said Smith. Neighbors stated that they have no objections to the height of the roof. The board also approved making the existing town home occupation process one that is approved administratively. All applications currently must go before the board of trustees. Home businesses also must meet specific criteria found in Section 16-11-10 of town code. Trustees also voted to allow applicants to notify property owners within 200 feet of the subject property by first-class mail, rather than by the more costly certified mail. All other requirements for obtaining a home occupancy permit will remain the same. (Managing editor Tamie Meck owns a house on Clark Avenue.)

Photo submitted

Lions leadership

Outgoing Hotchkiss Lions Club president Jess Deegan passes leadership of the club to incoming president Bill Murray.

Crawford will offer Life Line Screenings Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, is pleased to offer a preventive health event at Crawford Town Hall on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to blocked arteries, a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms, which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat, which is closely tied to stroke

risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Register for a wellness package which includes four vascular tests and osteoporosis screening. Cost ranges from $149 ($139 with a Life Line Screening member discount). All five screenings take 6090 minutes to complete. To register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call toll-free at 1-888-6536441 or visit http://life linescreening.com/com munitycircle or text the word “circle” to 797979.

Paonia considers zoning regs for formula businesses BY TAMIE MECK Managing Editor

At the July 9 town board meeting, Paonia trustees voted unanimously to consider an emergency ordinance that, in part, would put strict regulations on formula businesses -- those businesses similar or the same in every detail regardless of location. Paonia resident Thomas Markle came before the board to propose an ordinance amending the

Photo by Tamie Meck

At the July 9 board meeting, Paonia resident Thomas Markle hands out information to Paonia town trustees and staff regarding a proposed ordinance that would address “formula businesses,” businesses that are similar or the same in every detail regardless of location. Markle presented the proposal after hearing that a Dollar General store could be built on Samuel Wade Road. The board voted to consider the ordinance. town’s zoning laws, to include language specific to formula businesses. A regular attendee of town meetings, Markle said he’s never before requested to be on an agenda. But after learning in early July that a Dollar General store was proposed on Samuel Wade Road just outside of Paonia town limits, he took action. Markle was backed

by some 100 citizens — most waiting almost two hours as trustees tended to other business, and remaining until after 10 p.m. to hear the board’s decision. In a 10-minute speech interspersed with exuberant cheers, he called dollar stores a “cancer” and “an extractive industry that will suck the lifeblood out of the town.” Markle spoke of the detrimental effects dollar stores have on small, rural communities, how they produce one-35th of the tax revenue that mixed commercial use economies like Paonia’s generate, and how they “can withstand years of losses while local businesses slowly close down.” Don’s Market, he said, “would last about three years.” Once opened, “all the benefits go to investors, not communities.” The board also voted to accept an annexation petition for the “Stahl Addition,” submitted by Fort Worth-based Vaquero Paonia Partners, LP, and adoption of a resolution initiating the annexation proceedings. They requested a C-2 commercial zoning designation for the property. Vaquero recently

published a request for bids for a 9,100-squarefoot “ground up Dollar General” in Paonia. Both items were approved, but approval only begins the “complex” process of annexation, explained town administrator Ken Knight. It does not create an agreement to annex the property. The Paonia Planning Commission is scheduled to review the annexation petition on July 31. Markle also requested a moratorium on formula businesses until the ordinance is approved. “Time is of the essence,” he said. Markle said he understands “this a huge complicated matter. That’s why I requested a moratorium.” The draft ordinance will come before the board at the regular July 23 meeting. If it meets the requirements for an emergency ordinance in that it protects the health, safety and general welfare of citizens, the board will vote to hold a special meeting to conduct a public hearing on the ordinance. That meeting is tentatively set for Aug. 1. If adopted, the ordinance would go into effect immediately.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Paonia rentals

Photo by Tamie Meck

Children’s Christmas in July

Re/Max Mountain West Realtors and staff held their annual yard sale to benefit the Children’s Christmas Party in June. On July 3 Re/Max presented a check from this year’s proceeds in the amount of $2,500. From left are Carrie Silvernail, Children’s Christmas Party representatives Marsha Grant, Jackie Parks and Pam Bliss, Linda Lario, Bob Lario, Dorothy Lorig, Lisa Swartz, Dylan Geisler and Tammy Geisler. The annual party provides needy children in the North Fork community with a winter jacket or new pair of shoes, new outfit, hat and gloves, underwear, towel, books, activity book, and a Christmas stocking filled with toys and goodies. Babies receive a handmade quilt and other gifts. Last year’s party benefited 182 children. In addition to Re/Max Mountain West, the Christmas party is primarily supported through individual donations of $50 per child.

Ihnot brings space down to earth BY ROBBIE WINNE Staff Writer

Tracy Ihnot, the community outreach director for the Delta County Libraries, presented the fruits of a six-month project to an audience of about 15 at the Hotchkiss library June 10. The topic of the library’s outreach

for the summer focuses on outer space and all that it encompasses. While scientific breakthroughs uncover more and more of that vast topic, as much seems inscrutable to the layperson. Ihnot in her project brought the topic down to a personal level. She pre-

Photo by Robbie Winne

Delta County Libraries community outreach director Tracy Ihnot and son Finley gave a presentation on outer space at the Hotchkiss Library on June 10. Outer space is a hot topic, as this month marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing.

Documentary showing July 22 “Saving the Dark,” a documentary on the effects of light pollution on astronomy, will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, July 22, at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia. The event is a fundraiser for Dark Skies Paonia, a nonprofit with a mission to educate and advocate for the benefits of dark night skies and the growing threat of light pollution occurring around the

globe. Created in association with the International Dark Skies Association, director Sriram Murali made the documentary to bring attention to the need to combat light pollution to preserve night skies. Admission is by donation and will go toward efforts to have Paonia designated an International Dark Sky Community.

Photo by Ben Lehman at Lehmanimages.com

Photographer Ben Lehman captured this image of the Milky Way from the top of Wakeﬁeld Mesa above Paonia. “Saving the Dark Sky,” a documentary on how light is affecting humans’ ability to see stars, will be shown at 7 p.m. Monday, July 22, at the Paradise Theatre.

sented slides that evoke the scientific images of space that come to us via breakthrough technology. She did so by combining ingredients easily found in anyone’s home: water, oil, spices, and colorants. By combining these homely materials Ihnot created small galaxies of color and form. She photographed these substance sculptures and took the project a step further by accompanying the slides with poems. The ensuing booklet, “Heliocentricity,” and the presentation of her labors, showed the creative potential of this, or any, topic. After presenting her slides and poems, Ihnot treated the audience to a fact-based description of black holes. She then offered the participants the opportunity to freewrite in response to all of the above. Members of her audience responded with their on-the-fly impressions and the results were thoughtful and personal.

FROM PAGE B1 neighborhoods. Converting residences to STRs is causing a loss of longterm housing, increasing the number of investment properties and decreasing owner-owned properties. They are also viewed as driving up home prices. “They’re creating a very transient population in a residential zone,” said Knight. There’s also the issue of “leveling the playing field,” since STRs are not required to meet lodging standards such as ADA accessibility and fire sprinklers. Taxation is another consideration. While Paonia does not collect a lodging tax, said Knight, Delta County collects a 2% lodging tax and pays a portion back to the town. Paonia resident Elaine Brett has helped visitors find lodging in the area for more than a decade. She listed numerous events, festivals, concerts, conferences, specialty schools, bike and classic car tours and other events happening year-round that draw visitors from neighboring counties, the Front Range, and around the world to the North Fork area. Most recently, in June she helped find short-term housing for some 320 people during Rural Philanthropy Days. “Did you know that there are 10 major festivals in the North Fork Valley?” she asked. In terms of need, with a growing number of festivals, specialty schools, trainings and other events, “there is one. We need flexible lodging in the North Fork Valley and we don’t have it. We don’t have the means to meet the needs of all this stuff.” The town needs to consider all this and “the changing patterns” of travelers, said Brett. She urged the town not to make a “mountain out of a molehill in terms of trying to regulate the process.” Trustee Samira Hart thanked Brett and others who provided insight and valuable information on the subject. Based on what she heard, said Hart, the town needs to do more research to ensure safety, to make the rental market fair for everyone, and to provide needed affordable short-and long-term housing. “We’re booming tourism-wise,” said Hart. “I’d much rather be ahead

of the curve as it grows.” The board was also introduced to ordinance requiring all in-town businesses to obtain a business license. A draft ordinance was presented to trustees at the July 9 meeting. If adopted, it would be unlawful for any business, profession or occupation to operate without having registered with the town clerk. Businesses would be required to register prior to Jan. 1, and annually thereafter. While the board has yet to establish an annual fee, all related fees, intended to cover the cost

of registration processing, would be set by resolution and would be intended to cover the town’s staff and other costs for registering. Daycare centers, schools and nonprofit Colorado corporations would be exempt from the fee, but would still be required to register. I’m not a big fan of requiring businesses to register,” said mayor Charles Stewart. But the town also has requirements imposed on it by other governmental entities. Knowing exactly what businesses are in town would be helpful, he said.

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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

B6 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Blue Sage hosting writers workshop From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 20, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts will host a memoir writing workshop with Yuri Chicovsky. Chicovsky is a filmmaker, photographer and musician based in western Colorado. He spent a decade filming a herd of free-ranging sheep and their keepers through their symbolic annual cycles. The result is a collection of exquisite photographs and more than 500-hours of digital film footage that provides a last glimpse into the sheeps disappearing world. The feature documentary, “Sage Country,” is now in postproduction. In addition to co-producing, directing, and shooting the film, Chicovsky is also producing the soundtrack.

Shane Peterson

From 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Shane Peterson will hold a short fiction writing workshop. Peterson, co-author of “The Farmhouse Culture Guide to Fermenting,” is a master fermenter, product developer, and best-selling cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the fermented food and beverage industry. His first book, “Fermentering,” was a best-seller in Denmark, and eventually was published throughout Scandinavia. As head fermentologist for Farmhouse Culture he co-created many award winning product lines. Shane is a passionate advocate for the rewilding of the human microbiome and the human spirit through the craft of fermentation. An ardent lover of nature, he

spends much of his time hiking and foraging the trails of Northern California. Shane consults for fermented food companies and leads fermentation workshops both in the U.S. and abroad. On Sunday, Tameca Coleman holds a poetry workshop from 2 till 4. Tameca L. Coleman is a multi-genre writer, experienced in editing, content creation and curation in web, print, and social media communications. With a DIY mindset, and with a foundation in nonprofit work, they aim to find and amplify the work of other creatives who not only create inspiring art, but who work toward positive change on many fronts. “I like weird line breaks and music that breaks my head. I build bridges and I read way too

Tameca Coleman Yuri Chicovsky

many books at a time. I am a poet. I like bananas, and yes, I am probably also bananas.” The workshops are free but donations are gladly accepted. The Blue Sage is

located at 226 Grand Ave in Paonia. For more information please contact us at 970-527-7243. The Blue Sage Center for the Arts is a charitable 501(c)(3) organiza-

tion located in Paonia providing education and expression in the arts and humanities in order to engage and enrich the North Fork Valley community.

Grants available to protect and enhance the environment The Western Colorado Community Foundation has announced a new funding opportunity for organizations that are working to protect and enhance the environment across western Colorado. The Community Grants for the Environment opened on June 17 and the deadline to apply is July 19. The funding opportunity is available to organizations that serve within the seven counties of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco. Focus areas include projects that promote the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle); expand composting and reduce food waste; work to promote clean air and water; and those that engage and educate youth and the general public

around these issues. For more information, or to apply, visit wc-cf.org/ nonprofits/grantmaking. The Western Colorado Community Foundation serves seven counties in western Colorado, managing charitable funds

for community good. Currently, the Community Foundation manages over 265 charitable funds totaling nearly $80 million in assets and awards over $3.4 million in grants and scholarships annually.

HHS 1970s class reunion If you graduated from Hotchkiss High School in the 1970s, this is for you. The all-HHS 1970s class reunion will be held Saturday, Aug. 10, at Zack’s BBQ pavillion. The event runs from 5:30-11 p.m. and includes dinner, dancing and fun. For information private message Lynda

(Olsen) Cannon at lyndak@tds.net for her mailing address and/or to pay with a credit card. Tshirts are also available. Attendance is limited to the first 350, so those planning to attend should make reservations now, as organizers are asking that all reservations be made by Aug. 1.

Dallas Creek shoreline at Ridgway State Park closed to vehicles Because of the rising water level at Ridgway State Park, the shoreline vehicle access on the south side of the reservoir at Dallas Creek is closed to vehicles until further notice. The closure is in place to protect vegetation, nesting waterfowl and the shoreline. Users can still park at the adjacent Bay View parking lot and walk to the shoreline. “This area usually

closes on years when the water level at Ridgway is high,” said Kirstin Copeland, park manager. The area will reopen when the water levels drop and conditions are appropriate. “Thanks to the winter’s big snow fall, the reservoir is full and we’ll have good water recreation through the summer,” Copeland said. Pet owners are reminded that dogs must

be kept on a leash to the water’s edge and all waste must be picked up and removed. Outstanding camping and recreation facilities are available at Ridgway State Park with 283 campsites and three yurts. The daily entry

Traffic tip By Trooper Gary Cutler

Trooper Gary Cutler Photo submitted

Shoreline access at Dallas Creek on the south side of Ridgway State Park is closed due to high water. Parking is available nearby, so visitors can walk to the water.

Coulter named to lead BLM Southwest District This week the Bureau comed Eric Coulter as of Land Management’s its new public affairs Southwest District wel- specialist based in Grand Junction. Coulter will cover public affairs needs for the entire Southwest District, including the Grand Junction, Tres Rios and Uncompahgre field offices; the Dominguez-Escalante, Gunnison Gorge, and McInnis Canyons national conservation areas; and the Canyon of the Ancients National Monument. He will support the Upper Colorado Interagency Fire and Aviation Management Unit in Grand Junction and the Montrose Interagency Dispatch Center. Coulter comes to the Southwest District from Redding, Calif., where he worked for the BLM for more than seven years. He is a public information officer for fire and worked last year’s Camp and Carr fires in California. Coulter can be Colorado reached at (970) 6285622 or ecoulter@blm. gov.

Delta County

fee to the park is $8 per vehicle. Camp sites range in price from $18 to $26. For more information about the parks or camping, call 970-6265822; http://cpw.state. co.us/placestogo/parks/ Ridgway.

Motorcycle Safety According to the meteorologists it is now officially summer. So that means there will be a lot more motorcycles on our roadways. So that is this month’s topic. I was a motor officer for the State Patrol for 11 years, so I have a few insights when dealing with this topic. No matter what angle or side you pick on the subject, it always comes down to one important item: safety for everyone involved is paramount. When it comes to motorcycles, they are smaller and quicker than other vehicles and have ways of hiding in the blind spots of drivers. When driving, do a double look of your blind spots to make sure a motorcycle has not slipped into that hidden area. Motorcycles riders make sure you aren’t hanging out in the blind spot. Remember if you can’t see them, they can’t see you. At intersections it’s important for riders to make sure they have eye contact with other motorists so you know they are aware you are there. This is especially true when making left turns. Drivers, make sure you maintain an adequate following distance behind motorcycles. Rear-ending a motorcycle can be deadly to the rider. Motorcycles are legally entitled to their own lane of traf-

fic. In no situation are you allowed to drive or pass a motorcycle while in the same lane. The same goes for the motorcycle rider. Just because you are smaller, does not mean you get to pass a car in the same lane. From my experience of riding I know it’s fun to really come in fast and low on the lean when navigating tight curves, but it is dangerous. If you’re in the curve and run across an animal or object in the roadway, odds are you are going to hit it or at least go down hard. Use caution when riding in the hills. One of the most common reasons for single motorcycle crashes that I investigated is going too fast around curves. Here are a few quick tips for motorcycle riders: Follow traffic rules, this means go the speed limit, don’t pass on solid lines. Ride defensively; limit lane changes just to get around traffic. Watch for oncoming cars and obstacles on the roadway. Leave room for an escape route. Keep your riding skills honed through education: Take advanced motorcycle riding courses. It’s easy to get a motorcycle license, so learn the skills needed to stay safe. Lastly, I personally recommend wearing a helmet. I know Colorado does not have a mandatory helmet law, but all it takes is one mistake on your part or others that can be the difference between life and death. Live to ride another day, wear a helmet, safety glasses, and leather gloves. Remember that there is no such thing as a fender-bender for a motorcycle rider. They are completely exposed. As always, safe travels!

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

The wonders of animal-assisted therapy BY JENINA MADRID, LPCC A KidZ Clinic

Every pet owner in the whole of existence can attest to how much they love their animals. Whether if it’s the thousands of Instagram photos of Fido, or the organic cat treats for Fluffy, something about the connection with animals brings us joy and a sense of comfort. It comes as no surprise that research has shown animals can help to reduce stress and provide a sense of connection in difficult situations. Because of its benefits, there has been an increased use of animals in settings, such as hospitals, schools, universities, jails, and most especially in mental health therapy. Animals in therapy can range from not only dogs or cats, but even birds and horses, and even fish! Have you noticed you feel better after a

stressful day if you pet your dog or cat (or horse, rabbit, peacock, iguana, etc.)? Research on animal-assisted therapy has shown that petting or interacting with animals can release serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin in our brains, which can help to elevate our moods and make us feel great. This mode of therapy can help to develop social skills, teach empathy, improve memory, lower feelings of anxiety, increase confidence, and develop a strong therapeutic alliance between the client and the therapist. Physical health benefits have also been seen to help reduce pain, improve cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and teach ways to breathe slower and deeper. It is important to note that animals used in therapy or for emotional support are NOT service animals. They have very

different jobs! According to the American Disabilities Act (ADA) National Network, a service animal (mostly dogs) focuses solely on the owner and are trained to provide specific support for people who have visual or hearing difficulties, seizure disorders, mobility challenges, and/or other debilitating disabilities. They require specialized training in assisting people and are taught not to have unacceptable behaviors, such as uncontrolled barking at other animals or other distracting stimuli, and running away from the handlers. Service animals also have specific identification to be allowed in various places. Most handlers prefer that others not pet their service animal, especially when they are working in public. Think of them as professionals! However, the role

of therapy animal is to respond to individuals and their environment, under the guidance and direction of their handler. For example, a child in therapy might be encouraged to gently pat or talk to a dog to teach emotional regulation and learn ways to stay calm. Think of them as tools in therapy to improve a person’s social, cognitive, and emotional functioning. So next time you see Fido or Fluffy, think about what they do for you? Do they keep you calm? Or make you laugh? Of course, researching and learning more about different mental health treatments are vital if you’re considering therapy as animal-assisted therapy might not work for everyone. If you or someone you know would like to improve emotional wellness, consider also other forms of therapy and get to know the vari-

Delta nurse earns doctorate in anesthesia Heather Driver, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) at Delta County Memorial Hospital, can now add doctorate to her long list of accomplishments. Driver has spent the last three years working toward her doctorate in anesthesia from Missouri State University. “We are fortunate to have the caliber of staff like Heather here at Delta Hospital and congratulate her on her success,” said DCMH chief Jason Cleckler, chief executive officer at Delta County Memorial Hospital. “Her dedication to her profession and this hospital is profound. We are proud she chooses to share her talents and passion with us and our patients.” The doctorate offered through MSU is a dual study program. Driver would return to the school campus one time per semester, and studied the remainder of the pro-

gram online. “I wanted to do this for myself,” stated Driver “[And I feel like] it promotes the credibility of the profession.” Driver came to DCMH in 2015 with an already long and impressive list of accomplishments. She has been in the nursing profession for over 23 years, receiving her family nurse practitioner in 2001, masters of anesthesia in 2009, and now her doctorate in 2019. And although Driver has had lofty education goals, working at a small rural hospital like DCMH was on her list as well. “I knew about this hospital and I knew this would be my goal,” said Driver. “I have always liked and wanted to be in a small and more independent setting, getting to provide the complete spectrum of care. In larger settings there is a bigger diffusion of responsibilities. In rural, smaller hospitals [as a CRNA] you

Register for Youth Tennis Blast Camp City of Delta, Bill Heddles Recreation Center and Christina Curtis have joined to offer tennis instruction for boys and girls 8-13 years. Youth Tennis Blast Camp at BHRC begins Tuesday, July 30, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 3. Interested persons should pre-register at BHRC before July 28. Racquets and balls will be provided, but you should arrive dressed to play. The enrollment fee is only $45. For more information, or to register, call Gary West at 970-874-0923 or email gary@cityofdelta. net.

Adult fall softball league Take advantage of our mild fall weather and extend your summer’s healthy fun by registering your team for the City of Delta’s fall softball league. Register now through July 29 for the coed, women’s or men’s leagues for only $225 per team and a $20 player fee. The 10game season begins the week of Aug. 19. Coed will play on Monday nights and men’s and women’s will play on Thursdays at Mountain View Ballpark. For more information, or to register stop by Bill Heddles Recreation Center or call 970-874-0923 or email whitnee@cityofdelta.net.

are doing all of it; owning your practice... it’s an enjoyable and humbling challenge.” DCMH currently employs six CRNAs responsible for providing anesthesia, sedation and pain management for all departments. “It’s like a family,” said Driver, smiling as she describes her fellow CRNAs. “I think everyone works really hard. Everyone jumps in to help each other. It is based on empathy and compassion (with one another) for the best patient outcomes.” DCMH has also partnered with Midwestern University out of Glendale, Ariz., to provide clinical instruction and rotation for senior CRNA students, where Driver will be helping instruct students. “I want to be the best instructor and give the best education I can,” says Driver. Driver lives near Cedaredge with her

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spouse, also a nurse at DCMH, and their goats. “I love the Western Slope,” she said. “We backpack, hike, rock climb, fish, just about everything you can do outdoors other than skydive.”

ous treatments offered in your area! Jenina Madrid is the new behavioral health specialist at A Kidz Clin-

ic. She is accepting new patients and would love for you to meet her unofficial therapy fish, Clarence. 874-2753.

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Back to School Now’s the Time to Call for Physicals and Immunizations

for the new school year! ��

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Heather Driver

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B8 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

HEALTH AND FITNESS

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Delta County Independent

Center for Mental Health offers Mental Health First Aid training Part of National Initiative to Increase Mental Health Literacy The Center for Mental Health with other partner organizations will be offering Mental Health First Aid training in Montrose, Delta, Gunnison, Ouray and San Miguel counties. These classes will be offered at no charge to the public by a grant provided by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). This groundbreaking eight-hour training course gives people the tools to identify when someone might be struggling with a mental health or substance use problem and to connect them with appropriate support and resources when necessary. One in five Americans has a mental illness, but many are reluctant to seek help or might not know where to turn for care. Unlike physical conditions, symptoms of men-

tal health and substance use problems can be difficult to detect. For friends and family members, it can be hard to know when and how to step in. As a result, those in need of mental health services often do not get them until it is too late. Just as CPR helps even those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health First Aiders learn a 5-step action plan that guides them through the process of reaching out and offering appropriate support. “Through this program, we hope to take the fear and hesitation out of starting conversations about mental health and substance use problems,” says Linda Rosenberg President and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health,

which helped bring Mental Health First Aid to the U.S. in 2008. “When more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more people can get the help they may need.” In just ten years, Mental Health First Aid has become a full-blown movement in the United States — more than 1 million people are certified Mental Health First Aiders, and that number is growing every day. For more information or to participate in Mental Health First Aid training in your community, email mhfa@centermh. org or call 970-252-3228. To learn more about Mental Health First Aid USA, visit www.MentalHealth FirstAid.org. The National Council for Behavioral Health was instrumental in bringing Mental Health First Aid to the USA and more than 1 million individuals have been trained.

What’s in your mental health toolkit? BY JILL DAVIS

Special to the DCI The ubiquitous commercial regarding carrying the correct credit card was the inspiration for this perspective. It speaks to being prepared and familiar with having the proper tool in your wallet so that there are no surprises when it comes time to use it. I’d like to offer this same concept when it comes to our mental health. Take a closer look at this kind of toolkit and see why it is so beneficial. As human beings living this life, we will all come across situations that can throw us for the proverbial loop. If you are like me, some of those situations not only knock the wind out of your sails, they cause you to lose the desire and energy to raise the sails again for a good measure of time afterwards. These are the times when having a tailored collection of tools to help you to navigate the situations is crucial. To gain insight on when to begin developing this kit, let’s talk about football. There is a huddle to plan what action the

team will take before the play against the opposing team. By doing this before the interaction occurs, the players know what steps they need to take to recover. This is a great analogy of when to create your toolkit. Our brains are wired to function differently when we are in a difficult situation. Thoughts will usually focus on what is going on and how to get through it now rather than planning future moves. Knowing what tools are useful beforehand can be critical in how you move through critical situations. A plan can look something like this: “the next time I feel anxious when I have a job interview, I will use box breathing and sing a song that I like to myself; when I am in a situation where I feel scared, I can use my daily affirmation to reassure myself” What goes into the toolkit can be as unique as you are. Mine consists of multiple things including journaling, mindfulness, walks, music, pros/cons lists, deep breathing and even cleaning! Other choices that may work could be movies, window shopping, calling a hotline, taking a bath or spending time with a friend. Any plausible, healthy option that works in that moment and creates a path for you to manage the stressors

that come your way can be added. It’s important to remember that a variety of tools is optimum as life ebbs and flows. If you look at a carpenter’s tools, using a hammer for every situation wouldn’t get them very far when they need to cut or measure the wood. I am always talking with people and seeing what tools they are likely to use and I may even add one or two of those to my collection. Let’s be honest, the same tools may not work every day, every time, or in every situation. There have been times in my life, for example, where taking a walk is not an available option, and so having a few to choose from is always the best plan. I have found that having a mental health toolkit has played a vital role in maintaining my recovery and my hope is that you will consider creating one for yourself so that you can experience its powerful impact. So when someone asks “What’s in your toolkit?” you will have the answer. Jill Davis is Peer Services Coordinator for Mind Springs Health. She or any one of our peers are happy to share more about creating your mental health tool kit. Write her at peers@ mindspringshealth.org.

The public is urged to act in emergencies The American Heart Association is shining a spotlight on how lives can be saved if more Americans learned how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED). When a person has a cardiac arrest, survival depends on immediately receiving CPR from someone nearby. For every minute without CPR, chances of survival decrease by 10 percent. CPR/AED facts

• Every year, 475,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the U.S. • Women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander in the event of cardiac arrest. • African Americans and Latinos are 30-50% less likely to have CPR

performed by someone nearby. • Only about 46% of those who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest get help before professional help arrives. • About 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. It will most likely be a family member or loved one who will need bystander CPR. • Hands-Only CPR performed by a bystander has been shown to be as effective as CPR with breaths in the first few minutes for adults. • The AHA still recommends CPR with compressions and breaths for infants, children, victims of drowning or drug overdose, or people who collapse due to breathing problems.

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SURFACE CREEK July 17, 2019

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Defend yourself against mosquitoes BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

As of July 9, the first Colorado case of West Nile Virus (WNV) disease has been reported to the national Center for Disease Control (CDC). This year’s first case falls into the non-neuroinvasive category which carries its own problematic side-effects but is not as serious as the mosquitoborne neuroinvasive diseases which can be fatal. Colorado’s Fight the Bite© mosquito campaign provides a tip sheet with four important anti-mosquito safeguards all beginning with the letter ‘D’: DRAIN standing water around the house weekly since it’s where mosquitoes lay eggs, including: tires, cans, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, rain barrels, toys and puddles.

Ice cream social benefits Pioneer Town The 30th annual Old-fashioned Pie & Ice Cream Social to benefit the Pioneer Town Museum happens from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Pioneer Town. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. MondaySaturday. For more information, call 856-7554.

DUSK & DAWN are when mosquitoes that carry the virus are most active. So limit outdoor activities or take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. DEET is an effective ingredient to look for in insect repellents. Always follow label instructions carefully. DRESS in long sleeves and pants during dawn and dusk or in areas where mosquitoes are active. The Fight the Bite© website offers a host of information about preventive measures: www.fightthebitecolo rado.com. The chances of being bitten by an infected mosquito are extremely low. According to CDC statistics, only a tiny fraction of mosquitoes carry the WNV. Of those bitten by an infected mosquito, eight out of ten people experience no symptoms at all. One in five will experience mild symptoms similar to influenza including headache, aches and pains, vomiting, diarrhea and rash. On average, only one person in every 150 bitten will experience severe symptoms which may lead to the brain and neurological disorders associated with encephalitis and meningitis. Of those with severe symptoms one in ten may die. There were three WNV deaths in Colorado in 2018 including Ed Marston, a Paonia resident. Severe symptoms include high fever and headache; neck stiffness; stupor and disorientation; tremors, convulsions and muscle weakness; numbness; loss of vision; coma and paralysis. A person with mild or severe symptoms should consult his health care provider. People over 60 and those with certain medical conditions appear to be at greater risk of severe symptoms. This includes people with cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease and those who have received organ trans-

plants. Infected mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk, but it is prudent to wear longsleeved shirts, long pants and insect repellent whenever outdoors. Apply sunscreen first and then repellent and ‘refresh’ the repellent if you perspire or skin comes in contact with water. Regarding repellent, a May 2018 article in Popular Science Magazine notes that insect repellents contain DEET (diethyltolua-

mide) in various concentrations ranging from 4-100%. Tests conducted by the magazine conclude that “concentrations of 30 percent provide the same protection as higher percentages for up to 8 hours.” Fight the Bite© recommends reading the repellent label to insure that the product is safe for use by children. Restrictions for adults only should be indicated on the product label. Fight the Bite© also suggests that various

In it for the long haul

non-DEET products are not as effective as those containing DEET. The Delta County Health Services Department website lists helpful information and links to other resources. It also provides a phone number for the West Nile Virus Colorado Health Education Line for the Public (CO-HELP): 1-877-462-2911. (You will be directed to a health care specialist who will answer your questions.)

Photo by Don Benjamin

Mark Eckhart, owner of Long Haul Folding Kayaks, has been building his unique vessels at his Cedaredge shop for two decades. The business is ﬂourishing and constructing the vessels is labor-intensive so Eckhart is always looking to hire people who can sew. The frames and skins fold up into easily-transported and stored bags. His customers who are planning adventures worldwide have taken them along as airplane luggage. For more information on Long Haul Folding Kayaks, visit its Facebook page (longhaulfolding kayaks.com) or call 970-856-3662.

Eagle Scout candidate completes kick wall BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

Soccer practices will benefit this fall from the completion of a new kick wall at Orchard City’s Field of Dreams. Placed between the two north fields, the wall measures eight feet tall. The wall is part of a twopart community project by Cameron Signs, a boy scout with Troop # 482. First, in the fall, Signs marked the lines on soccer fields so they don’t need to be remeasured year after year. Then he decided to build a soccer kick wall. He had another community project in mind for his Eagle Scout project but heard the Surface Creek Soccer Club, which he has friends and siblings in, needed these jobs completed. Planning for this project started about eight months ago by working with the planning commission, building inspector and approaching the OC board of trustees for approval. Once approved

Signs waited for the ground to thaw before setting the posts. Funds for the materials were mostly donated, said Signs. The soccer club also contributed. The wall is made out of pressure-treated plywood, six inch by six inch posts and concrete footers placed two feet into the ground. Both sides are usable and its location will not affect the sprinklers. Signs said he had a lot of help from friends and family completing this project; more than 50 man hours were invested. A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cedaredge, Signs has been a Boy Scout since age 12. On Sign’s sash are 43 merit badges; well above the 21 required to become an Eagle Scout. “Eagle Scout is a big achievement not many people get,” said Signs. Only about six percent of Boy Scouts ever earn Eagle rank nationwide. Signs hopes being an Eagle

Scout will benefit his military career. He plans to join the

military after serving for two years as a missionary with his

church following graduation next spring.

Photo submitted

Band members left to right, Ted Shook, guitar/vocals; Byron Walcher, dobro/banjo; Dave Rowley, bass/vocals; Garry Tullio, mandolin/vocals.

Stray Grass to perform at Arts Center in Cedaredge BY EMY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Staff Writer

On July 20, Grand Junction band Stray Grass will perform at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. Five artists contribute to the group’s sound and style: Ted Shook with guitar/vocals, Byron Walcher on dobro/banjo, Dave Rowley playing bass/vocals and Garry Tullio adding in mandolin/vocals. Each member of the band became interested in music at a young age. Shook started playing guitar after watching Freddie King simulcasts. Tullio got his musical start at 12 playing polkas with his grandpa. Rowley began playing the upright bass in the school orchestra as a sixth grader. About 14 years ago Tullio started the band with two Photo by Emy Lynn Roque Cisneros other members who have Cedaredge High School senior Cameron Signs stands next to since moved on. While looking his Eagle Scout project, a recently completed soccer kick wall for a new guitarist four years at the Orchard City Field of Dreams. ago Tullio discovered Shook

and Walcher. Roley joined to finish out the group with bass soon after. “We gel together better than any configuration we’ve had in the past,” said Gary. “We look forward to making music together.” Stray Grass describes themselves as “Newgrassy Americana,” without letting the style dictate their music. They aim to keep their sound “raw,” by focusing on creating music from their instruments, together. We doing covers the group keeps the basics intact while “putting a good spin on good music,” said Tullio. The creative process starts with finding a song they all enjoy, then seeing how the instruments’ sounds fit. For example, they covered “Late in the Evening,” which featured drum snare. They accomplished this with the mandolin. “We practice as written, often playing with the original song until it’s memorized. Once memorized

we allow ourselves to make it our own,” said Tullio. Stray Grass also has a sample of original songs, many which Gary’s written throughout his life. One is from when he was 16 called “It’s a Nice Day Out Today” and another called “Travis” was written when Gary’s son was five. Tullio said they’re excited to play in Cedaredge and hope to see a good turnout. The best part of performing, he said, is “seeing the crowd get into the music.” Expression comes best through music. More information on the group is available by visiting www.straygrasscolorado.com. Tickets for the July 20 concert are still available and can be purchased online at https://www.grandmesaarts center.com/events or by calling Starr’s guitars at 970856-2331. General admission is $20 and the show starts at 7 p.m.

C2 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

OC seeks funding for water plant improvements BY ROBBIE WINNE Staff Writer

The Orchard City Water Committee met July 10 in the morning to discuss the pending upgrades to the town’s water treatment plant. At this time the plant HMI (Human Machine Interface) system runs on Windows 2007, which will soon be phased out. An HMI that improves upon the old capabilities is necessary to step up the efficacy of the treatment plant. The town has received a proposal from Browns Hill Engineering & Controls, which recommends installing vmSCADA, a “server based virtual

machine HMI” that provides availability, rapid disaster recovery, on and off site storage, multiple user access, and fully firewalled display and networking capabilities. Upgrading to SCADA addresses the tech side of the needed improvements. Of course money enters the discussion. Presently there is no dollar amount floated for the improvements. Leeann Miller, a water engineer with JVA Engineering, did the preliminary report outlining the need to upgrade the plant. Miller is also in a position to research grant possibilities to fund the

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project. The plant also needs a third filter to move forward with its upgrades. The board discussed pre-purchasing the third filter to align with the two that are in service. In the evening at the town council meeting the trustees swiftly dispatched several points of business, including: • Accepting JVA’s preliminary engineering study for the water treatment plant work. • Adopting ordinance 2019-03. The revised ordinance allows for less restrictive guidelines for road classifications. • Officially awarding the Knight Road waterline work to Frontier Pipeline. • Approving the Gilliam Farm subdivision. Trustee Craig Fuller reported on GOCO funded improvements to the town park, including a drinking water station, new gravel, and work on the t-ball lot. The kick wall for soccer practice is also completed and bids are being accepted for work on the dugout. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

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Photo by Don Benjamin

New location

Charla Meeks, coordinator of the Cedaredge Community Farmers Market, has moved to a new location across Highway 65 from the AppleShed. She will still have bi-weekly offerings of local produce, meat, dairy, and baked goods; wine, cider, and beer; cottage foods (jam, jellies, honey, etc.); starter plants; fresh ﬂowers; and handcrafted goods. Hours are 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 7:30-11 a.m. Saturdays. For more information call Charla Meeks, 970-986-2441.

What’s bugging you? Local gardening questions and answers BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

Like the four horsemen of the apocalypse, four pests of our native pinyon trees are on the move. Three beetles and a moth have launched their attack on our pinyon trees in the Delta County and surrounding area. These include the pinyon tip moth, pinyon ips beetle, mountain pine beetle and the pinyon twig beetle. While always around, only sometimes do they cause serious problems, at least to the trees they infest. Now I know that the four horsemen reference comes straight out of Revelations, the last book of the Bible. But if your trees are the target of one of these pests, then you know how serious they can be, even causing death to trees that may be approaching 1,000 years old. I personally have a pinyon tip moth infestation, which I wrote about

in my June 19 column. I think I have gained the upper hand on this pest but I did suffer much twig terminal damage before control was achieved. But new growth is and will compensate. PTM larval feeding girdles the terminal causing the observed dieback. Rarely do PTM infestations kill a tree. They overwinter as young larva and begin feeding mid- to lateMay. Moths fly primarily from late June through August. If you have this pest, I would spray with a pyrethroid insecticide mid-May and again in early July. The next pest is the pinyon ips beetle. Its damage is characterized by reddish boring dust in bark crevices and at the base of the tree. They can have pitch tubes like the mountain pine beetle but are significantly shorter. Their extensive feeding galleries beneath the bark cause girdling and death of small to large branches, even whole trees. There are two to four generations a year. The goal is to cover the woody parts of the tree with a pyrethroid insecticide so that when the adult beetle starts boring in, it dies. If this is your pest, then I would spray in April and again in June and September. These are preventative sprays. The second beetle pest is the pinyon twig beetle, one of the representatives of the bark beetle group. By tunneling under the bark of small limbs and twigs, their girdling kills the infested wood. Like the PTM, the PTB has two to four generations a year, but can kill the tree. Damage symptoms of the PTB can at times look like damage due to the PTM. April, June and September sprays with a pyrethroid insecticide should control this pest. The fourth and final pest is the mountain pine beetle. It rarely attacks pinyons but when it does it can be devastating. This bark beetle usually becomes a problem when

conditions are just right and then develops into an epizootic, a fancy word for an outbreak. Old age of a tree and stress such as drought conditions are key factors, but once an epizootic gets moving, even healthy trees are attacked. Outbreaks usually happen no more often than every one to three decades. Evidence of an infestation of the MPB are the reddish pitch tubes, up to one-half inch high at each entry point. These will be found on the largest branches and tree trunk. There is one generation per year, with larvae overwintering beneath the bark. Adult emergence occurs as early as the first part of July through September. Pyrethroid insecticide sprays such as those containing permethrin or bifenthrin, should be applied in late June as a preventative application. So there you have it. Four pests that differ somewhat as to their attack and damage symptomology, but all able to inflict some pretty extensive damage, even death, to our long lived native pinyon trees. Even though we had great winter and spring moisture seasons, our pinyon trees are still affected by drought stress. I water my trees every 75 days and they are doing quite well. Any step you can take to prevent or relieve stress on a tree is a good step in avoiding bark beetle problems. Also, any infested dead branches or whole trees should be removed from your property. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

Mountain pine beetle pitch tubes

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. The Nature Connection: Grand Mesa Hike. Cedaredge Library is teaming up with The Nature Connection again this summer season to bring exciting outdoor events to youth in our community! Youth ages 6 to 14 are invited to register for a day of hiking near the Mesa Lakes area on Grand Mesa. Register in-person at Cedaredge Library by July 20. Voices of the Western Slope: Our Home the Milky Way & Beyond. Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center and Delta County Libraries present “Our Home the Milky Way and Beyond,” by Nancy McGuire of Grand Mesa Observatory. Fun facts and quiz questions make this family-friendly presentation engaging and fun. Join us at Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center on Tuesday, July 23, at 6 p.m. There is a recommended donation of $10 at the door to cover presentation costs. Summer Moon Party for Kids. Kids are invited to Cedaredge Town Park for an end-of-summer Moon Party! Make your own rocket and launch it, create the phases of the moon with Oreo cookies, and play games. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Wednesday, July 24 at 2 p.m. Race to Mars Pizza Party for Teens. Teens

are invited to Cedaredge Library to celebrate the end of summer with a pizza party and a journey to Mars! First, we will enjoy some pizza, then, we will play the game, “Race to Mars.” Find out if you have what it takes to be an astronaut with this hand-crafted space travel game! There will be prizes galore, with the grand prize going to the “Race to Mars” winner. Thursday, July 25 from 3 to 4 p.m. at Cedaredge Library. Surface Creek Trail StoryWalk®. The July StoryWalk® book on the Surface Creek Trail is Penguinaut! written by Marcie Colleen and illustrated by Emma Yarlett. Build a Rocketship Maker Space. Kids and teens are invited to Cedaredge Library to design, build, and decorate a miniature space shuttle to take home. All supplies provided. All month in July during library hours. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show & tell. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Discover Black Holes. The entire family is invited to Crawford for “Discover Black Holes,” a presentation by Black Canyon Astronomical Society. Learn about black holes through images and discussion with presenter Bryan Cashion, president of Black Canyon Astronomical Society. This presentation will take place at the school in Crawford, located at 51 Fir Avenue. Friday, July 19 at 2 p.m. Pinata Party. The entire family is invited to Crawford Library to celebrate the end of summer reading with snacks and

a pinata! Kids and teens can bring your completed reading logs and pick up a prize. Friday, July 26 at 2 p.m. Crawford State Park StoryWalk®. The July StoryWalk® book on the trail at Crawford State Park is “The Berenstain Bears: Gone Fishin’” by Mike Berenstain. Find out how the story goes on the trail at Crawford State Park. Then, visit Crawford Library for an activity or book related to the story. Contact Crawford Library at 970-399-7783 for more information. Trustee Talk Time Do you like your library? Do you have suggestions for improvement? Talk to Jess Deegan, the Crawford representative to the Delta County Libraries Board of Trustees. Deegan is available on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month at Crawford Library from 4 to 5:30 p.m. If this time does not work for you, contact Deegan at jdeegan@deltalibraries. org or 970-510-0724. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Space-Out Lock-In for Teens. Teens are invited to Delta Library for an after-hours lock-in! There will be a movie, games, snacks, crafts, and a ton of fun! Feel free to come dressed as your favorite extra-terrestrial character! Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. and lock at 6 p.m. sharp. Registration and permission slip are required. Contact your local library for more information and to sign up. Friday, July 19 from 6 to 9 p.m. Delta Book Club. Join the Delta Book Club! This month, we will be watching “Where the Red Fern Grows” by Wilson

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Rawls. Saturday, July 20 at 12:30 p.m. Round ‘Em Up Book Sale. The Friends of the Delta Library present their summer “Round ‘Em Up” Book Sale. Wednesday, July 24 and Thursday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the library lawn. Delta Library Closed for Deltarado Days. Delta Library will be closed on Saturday, July 27 for Deltarado Days. Come see us in the parade starting at 10 a.m.! Water Balloon Party. Kids are invited to Delta Library to celebrate the end of summer reading program with fun water balloon activities. Thursday, July 25 at 10:30 a.m. Abstract Painting for Adults. Adults are invited to Delta Library for a painting class taught by Jean Stortz. All materials will be provided. Thursday, July 25 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sweitzer Lake StoryWalk®. The July-August story at Sweitzer Lake State Park is “America the Beautiful” written by Katharine Lee Bates and illustrated by Chris Gall. Flying Saucer Maker Space. Kids are invited to Delta Library to create and decorate a flying saucer using recycled DVD disks and Easter eggs. All supplies provided. All month in July during library hours. Reading Scavenger Hunt. Kids, preschool through fifth grade, are invited to Delta Library to check out items on the reading list, read the books, and do the outside activity to receive a prize! All scavenger hunt reading hours can also be counted on a reading log to earn a “Universe of Stories” T-shirt. All month in July. Space and Science Book Sale. The Friends of the Delta Library will feature science and space-

themed fiction books during the month of July in the bookstore at Delta Library. Open during library hours. Council of Teens. Calling all teens! Do you want to have a say in what goes on in the library? Do you want to help choose the books we purchase? Join the Delta Library Council of Teens! The Council of Teens will help plan programs and activities as well as come up with books to add to the teen collection. Meets every Monday at 4 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. Are you interested in knitting or crocheting? Then this group is for you! Whether you have beginner, intermediate or advanced skills, you can join these weekly meetings to visit, share ideas and patterns, and have some fun! Anyone is welcome to join. Every Monday at 4 p.m. Call the Delta Library at 8749630 for more information on this group. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Rocket Ship Party for Kids. Kids are invited to celebrate the end of summer at the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss with rocketthemed games, activities and tasty treats. Tuesday, July 23 from 2 to 3 p.m. Interstellar Cookout. Teens are invited to Hotchkiss Library for a space-themed party on the patio! Celebrate the end of summer reading with an interstellar cook-out, outdoor games, chalk-art, and more. We will be grilling hot dogs and veggie dogs with all the fixings. Wednesday, July 24 at 3 p.m. Build-a-Planet Scavenger Hunt. Kids are invited to Hotchkiss Library to travel the

library galaxy searching for the pieces to build a planet. Just follow the clues, pick up all the pieces, and create a planet that is out-of-this-world! All month in July during library hours. Space-Themed Art Display. Visit the Hotchkiss Library in July to view space-themed artwork by Hotchkiss High School students. Quilt Display. Stop by Hotchkiss Library and see the new quilt display with rotating quilts provided by S & B Quilters. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. Discover Black Holes. The entire family is invited to Paonia Library for “Discover Black Holes,” a presentation by Black Canyon Astronomical Society. Learn about black holes through images and engaging discussion with presenter Bryan Cashion, president of Black Canyon Astronomical Society. Wednesday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. Knit Crochet Day. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow knitters and crocheters; share projects and browse our library of craft books for use or purchase. Always tea and cookies too! Saturday, July 20 at noon. Contact the Paonia Library at 399-7881 for more info. Music in the Amphitheater: David Sheppard & Hard Pressed. Tuesday, July 23 at 6:30 p.m. Picnic and take out dinners are welcome. The show will move indoors if necessary, so come rain or shine! Summer Space Party for Kids. Kids are invited to Paonia Library to play space-themed water balloon games. Wednesday, July 24 at 10:30 a.m.

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C4 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

SPORTS

SPORTS July 17, 2019

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Headin’ to Houston to play a little ball BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

This year’s Delta Intermediate 50/70 All-Star baseball team has earned the title Colorado State Champions after winning the Colorado State Tournament held in Thornton at Northern Lights Ball Fields. Delta, entering the tournament as the District 1 champion, had to

defeat District 2 North Metro, and District 5 Colorado Springs to earn the title and move on to Texas where it will begin the next round of competition and represent Colorado. The team will have the honor of representing the state of Colorado in the Little League Southwest Region tournament, which includes teams from Arkansas, Colorado,

Photo courtesy Stephanie-Bellmire-Eikleberry

Delta’s Eban Ficklin delivers a pitch during last week’s Colorado 50/70 Intermediate state baseball tournament in Thornton. Delta won the Colorado title and is advancing to Houston, TX to play in the Southwest Regional Tournament there.

Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. Delta will be looking to continue its winning ways in Houston when it takes the field again. Colorado opens play, in the double elimination tournament, against Texas East July 19 at 4 p.m. and is the second game of the tournament. Game one is between Oklahoma and New Mexico at 1 p.m. Texas West awaits the winner of Oklahoma/ New Mexico on July 20 (10 a.m.) while Louisiana takes on the Colorado/ Texas West winner at 1 p.m. the same day. Games are scheduled through July 24 with the Southwest Regional title game set to be played at 7 p.m.

Photo courtesy Stephanie-Bellmire-Eikleberry

Delta is the 2019 Intermediate 50/70 Colorado Champions. In the front row, left to right, Derek Boyd, Joe Black, Rylan Cryer, Jescinto Delgado, Caleb Weams, Darris Kropf, Davion Lopez and Andric Sanchez. In the back row, left to right, Coach Michael Boyd, Eban Ficklin, Bryson Inda, Kyler Pietak, Coach Shawn Ficklin, Coach Paul Ficklin, Hathan Brewer. Not pictured Coach Jon Cryer.

Photo courtesy Stephanie-Bellmire-Eikleberry

Jescino Delgado waits for the ball to make a play at second base during last week’s 50/70 Intermediate Colorado state tournament. Delgado and teammates defeated District 2 North Metro and District 5 Colorado Springs to earn a state title.

Photo courtesy Stephanie-Bellmire-Eikleberry

Delta’s Davion Lopez keeps his eye on the ball as he runs down a ﬂy ball down the third-base foul line at last week’s Colorado state 50/70 Intermediate tournament in Thornton.

$3k for Cherry Days softball BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

A total of 20 teams competed over the weekend in the third annual Cherry Days softball tournaments. For the second straight year, the defending champion Hitmen and Gonzalez Construction played for the championship and a $500 prize. The two teams first met in the semifinal round, with the Hit-

men, a team from Grand Junction with a couple of players from Montrose and Delta, claiming the win. Because it’s a true double-elimination game, Gonzalez won the consolation bracket to advance to the championship game. A win by the Hitmen would have ended the tournament, but Gonzalez surprised them with a win, forcing an ‘if ’ game. With a 4-3 lead in the top of the sixth, the

Hitmen went on a six-run spree, including a grand slam for a 10-3 win. Other teams competing in this year’s tournament were the Prospects, Half Cocked, the Haz Benz, Caught Looking, and Balls Deep, the winners of the first men’s wood bat Cherry Days tournament. In the 11-team co-ed division, the Renegades defeated the Red Rocks Hyundai Monsters in

Photo by Tamie Meck

extra innings for the championship. As it was with the men’s tournament, the Renegades lost in semifinal round play of the double-elimination tournament to the Monsters, then defeated the Bad Hops to win the consolation bracket. The Renegades won the championship game in 10 innings, then won the ‘if ’ game in nine innings.

The Sleepers, Anarchy, Who’s Lookin the Sonso Pitches, Dirty Gaps and Diamond Joes, and Fire Mountain Properties also competed in the tournament. This year’s tournaments drew some good teams, said organizer Nate Wiggins. “There were some really competitive co-ed teams.” Including a donation by Fire Mountain Properties, the tournament raised

just over $3,000 for the Paonia Wrestling Club, which supports wrestlers from peewee levels through high school. “Turnout was great,” said Wiggins, who resurrected the tournament three years ago — more than 15 years after the last tournament was played back in the early 2000s. “Back then it was a big deal,” he said. “Hopefully it’ll grow next year.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Renegades won the third annual Cherry Days co-ed softball tournament, From the Grand Junction, Montrose and Delta areas, the Hitmen won its defeating the 2019 champion Red Rocks Hyundai Monsters in two extra-inning second straight men’s wood bat division at the Paonia Cherry Days softball tournament. championship games.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

Tournaments remain in adult softball play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

And another summer of adult softball at Mountain View has reached the tournament stage in 2019. There were 24 teams, playing in four separate leagues and on two nights a week, to keep avid softball fans visiting the fields above Delta High School on Mondays and Thursdays. Each team in the four leagues participated in 12 games during the regular season from May 13 through July 11. There were no undefeated teams this season, with two teams, Calhoun Outfitters from the coed recreational league, and Cornerstone, playing in the women’s slowpitch league, finishing regular season play with 11-1 records. Cornerstone also formed a team to play in the competitive coed league and won that league with a 10-2 record. Crazy B’s won the men’s slowpitch league with a 10-2 record. Tournament play began in men’s slowpitch last week with six games kicking off the end-of-

the season hunt for season champions. League champion Crazy B’s had a bye to begin tournament play and played its first game against fourthseeded Balls Deep, which defeated fifth-seeded Mustang TS in game one of tournament action. Balls Deep upset the league champions, Crazy B’s, 12-10, in game 4 to advance to this week’s game 9 at 6:30 p.m. against second-seeded Mountain Men, which had wins over seventhseed Double J Trash Cans and third-seeded Big B’s last week. Big B’s defeated sixth-seed Delta Metals Crusaders to reach its second game against Mountain Men. In loser’s bracket action last week, Delta Metals Crusaders eliminated Double J and will face Crazy B’s in a 6:30 p.m. losers’ bracket game this week July 18. The second 6:30 game will feature fifth-seed Mustang TS against fourth-seed Mustang TS. The two winners in these games play at 7:30 p.m. Balls Deep and Big B’s play a winner’s bracket game at 6:30 p.m., July 18, and that winner will

await the winner of losers’ bracket play to determine the tournament champion on July 25. This past week saw Cornerstone finish its sweep through women’s slowpitch play with a surprisingly easy win, 22-0, over number two H & R Block. Women’s slowpitch will begin its tournament this Thursday, July 18, with four games setting up the finals on July 25. Game 1 will pit top seed Cornerstone against number four My Place at 7:30 (Black Field) and number three Overholt Sheds against number two H & R Block on the Green Field at 7:30 p.m. The two winners of their 7:30 games play in the semifinals at 8:30 on the Black Field and the two losers are on the Green Field at 8:30. Game 5, on July 25, will be between the losers of game 1 and game 2 and the loser of game 3, played on July 18, at 6:30 p.m on the Black Field. The tournament’s first title game is set for 7:30 p.m. on the Black Field on July 25 with an “if” game scheduled for 8:30 if necessary.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cornerstone raced to the Women’s Slow Pitch league title last week with a 22-0 win over its closest rival, H & R Block, in the evening’s ﬁnal game. Cornerstone ﬁnished 11-1 on the season with its lone loss of the season to My Place, 14-3, on May 30. In the front row, left to right, Sarah Parker, Saydee Culver, Sandy Connell, Angie Jackson and Jess Gibson. In the back is April Easter, Charity Lockhart, Danielle Barnard, Chris Ledesma and Chelsea St. Peter. Women’s slow pitch tournament play begins July 18 and concludes July 25 with the championship game on the Black Field at 7:30 p.m.

Youth track meet scheduled for July 25 The following article comes from Ellison Black, a high school student, at Cedaredge High School. Her challenge is for any young person who aspires to participate in track and field to try this planned event. If you are a young person who likes to run, jump, or throw, and you would like to learn more about track and field events, Black extends an invitation to those who would like to learn more. Learn by doing might be a way to begin achieving mastery of technique and the fun of participation. A Practice Greatness Youth Track Meet is scheduled to be held at Cedaredge High School on Thursday, July 25. The event is open to all Delta County youth who will be entering grades one through six this fall. No prior track experience is needed. Each age group will have three running events (ranging from 50 meters up to 400 meters) as well as two field events (softball throw and standing long jump). Ribbons and medals will be awarded along

with fun treats for all participants. Registration is from 4:30-5:15 on the day of the event. There will be a registration fee of $5 per event or $20 for all events with family discounts available. All proceeds from the event will be used for a practice Greatness Memorial scholarship that will be given in memory of Reid Gates at CHS next year. Black has organized this event with intention of giving children in the community too young for middle school track programs a chance to learn about and experience track competition. She also wanted to honor the memory of Reid Gates, an exceptional studentathlete and leader from Cedaredge High School. The “Practice Greatness” motto originated elsewhere, but came to be associated with Gates and his teammates during his years of competiing in football, basketball and track. Though Black has been the primary planner of the event, she greatly appreciates the support of the Cedaredge commu-

BHRC ADULT SOFTBALL

LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

——— STANDINGS ——— COMPETITIVE COED - MONDAY TEAM GAMES RECORD Cornerstone 12 10-2 Hometown Electric 12 7-5 Delta Family Fun Park 12 6-6 Bad News Beers 12 6-6 Berries & Cherries 12 1-11 RECREATIONAL COED - MONDAY TEAM GAMES RECORD Calhoun Outfitters 12 11-1 Tim’s Cust, Countertops 12 10-2 Mobile Homeez 12 9-3 T.S.C. Warriors 12 8-4 Bad News Bears 12 5-7 Monument Anesthesia 12 3-9 Brew-ins 12 1-11 SnoCap Espress-O 12 1-11 WOMEN’S SLOWPITCH - THURSDAY TEAM GAMES RECORD Cornerstone 12 11-1 H&R Block 12 7-5 Overholt Sheds 12 3-9 My Place 12 3-9 MEN’S SLOWPITCH - THURSDAY TEAM GAMES RECORD Crazy B’s 12 10-2 Mountain Men 12 9-3 Big B’s 12 8-4 Ball’s Deep 12 6-6 Delta Metals Crusaders 12 4-8 Mustang TS 12 5-7 Double J Trash Cans 12 0-12 ——— LAST WEEK’S SCORES ——— COMPETITIVE COED - MONDAY (7/08/19) Delta Family Fun 21, Bad News Beers 10 Home. Electric 15, Berries and Cherries 14 Cornerstone 27, Bad News Beers 17 RECREATIONAL COED - MONDAY (7/08/19) Mobile Homeez 5, Brew-ins 2 Calhoun’s 20, Bad News Bears 2 Mobile Homeez 16, SnowCap Espress-O 15 Tim’s Custom Counter. 19, Monument 9 Bad News Bears 24, Monument 5 T.S.C. Warriors 22, SnowCap Espresso-O 15 WOMEN’S SLOWPITCH - THU. (7/11/19) My Place 15, Overholt Sheds 12 H & R Block 22, Overholt Sheds 8 Cornerstone 22, H & R Block 0 MEN’S SLOWPITCH - THURSDAY (7/11/19) 2019 LEAGUE TOURNAMENT Balls Deep 22, Mustang TS 2 Big B’s 14, Delta Metals 2 Balls Deep 12, Crazy B’s 10 Mountain Men W by Forfeit (Double J) Big B’s 16, Mountain Men 4 Delta Metals W by Forfeit (Double J) ——— SCHEDULES ——— COMPETITIVE COED - MONDAY

nity for making it possible. Numerous other students and families will volunteer their time to help at the meet. Black thanks the many businesses and individuals that have made the donations to sponsor the event. The list includes Mountain Valley Realty, Dan and Connie Williams, Starr’s Guitars, Bert Sibley, High Country Shopper, Williams Cellars, Blair and Associates, Millennimum Wellness, Bank of Colorado, Cedaredge Food Town, the AppleShed, Big John’s Lumber and Stacy’s on Main. Black’s ambition is to have a series of meets next summer if there is enough participation and interest this year. She can be contacted at erb42203@gmail.com or (970) 640-1049 for more information.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Crazy B’s Mike Abeyta used pinpoint accuracy to lace this laser-shot down the third base line just inside the bag for a base hit last Thursday in Men’s Slow Pitch tournament action. Balls Deep upset the league champions, 12-10, knocking Crazy B’s into the losers’ bracket.

The Delta County Independent publishes engagements, anniversaries and wedding stories free of charge.

BLACK FIELD - 7/15/19 7:30 GM1: 5 Ber. & Cher. vs 4 BN Beers 8:30 GM3: W GM 1 vs 1 Cornerstone RED FIELD - 7/15/19 7:30 GM2: 2 Hometown vs Delta Fam. RED FIELD - 7/22/19 6:30 GM4: L GM 1 vs L GM 2 7:30 GM6: W GM 4 vs L GM GM 3 8:30 GM5: W GM 2 vs W GM 3 BLACK FIELD - 7/22/19 6:30 GM7: L GM 5 vs W GM 6 7:30 GM8: W GM 5 vs W GM 7 8:30 GM9: If needed RECREATIONAL COED - MONDAY LEAGUE TOURNAMENT - 7/15/19 RED FIELD - 7/15/19 6:30 GM1: 1 Calhoun’s vs 8 Snowcap Esp. 8:30 GM5: L GM 1 vs L GM 2 BLACK FIELD - 7/15/19 6:30 GM2: 5 Bad News Bears vs 4 T.S.C. GREEN FIELD - 7/15/19 6:30 GM3: 3 Mobile Homeez vs 6 Mon. Aes 7:30 GM4: 7 Brew-ins vs 2 Tim’s Custom 8:30 GM6: L GM 3 vs L GM 4 BLACK FIELD - 7/22/19 6:30 GM7: W GM 1 vs W GM 2 7:30 GM10: L GM 7 vs L GM 6 8:30 GM 1: W GM 7 vs W GM 8 GREEN FIELD - 7/22/19 6:30 GM8: W GM 3 vs W GM 4 7:30 GM9: L GM 8 vs Loser GM 5 8:30 GM12: L GM 9 vs L GM 10 RED FIELD - 7/29/19 6:30 GM13: L GM 11 vs W GM 12 7:30 GM14: W GM 11 vs W GM 13 8:30 GM15: If needed WOMEN’S SLOWPITCH - THURSDAY LEAGUE TOURNAMENT BLACK FIELD - 7/18/19 7:30 GM 1: 1 Cornerstone vs 4 My Place GREEN FIELD - 7/18/19 7:30 GM 2: 3 Overholt vs 2 H & R Block BLACK FIELD - 7/18/19 8:30 GM 3: W GM 1 vs W GM 2 GREEN FIELD - 7/11/19 8:30 GM 4: L GM 1 vs L GM 2 BLACK FIELD - 7/25/19 6:30 GM5: L GM 3 vs W GM 4 7:30 GM6: W GM 3 vs W GM 5 8:30 GM7: If needed MEN’S SLOWPITCH - THURSDAY LEAGUE TOURNAMENT GREEN FIELD - 7/18/19 6:30 GM7: 5 Mustang TS vs 2 Mtn Men RED FIELD - 7/18/19 6:30 GM8: 1 Crazy B’s vs 6 Delta Metals 7:30 GM10: W GM 8 vs W GM 7 BLACK FIELD - 7/18/19 6:30 GM9: 4 Balls Deep vs 3 Big B’s RED FIELD - 7/18/19 6:30 GM11: L GM 9 vs W GM 10 RED FIELD - 7/25/19 7:30 GM12: W GM 11 vs W GM 9 8:30 GM 13: If needed

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C6 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

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Delta County Independent

Tackle football camp for youth set All area football players are invited to attend an informative tackle football camp set for July 29, 30 and 31. Sessions begin at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at 8:30 p.m. Interested participants are asked to meet for registration and

equipment checkout on Sunday, July 28 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Delta High School weight room, adjacent to the DHS gymnasium. Those attending will be introduced to proper skills and techniques for playing the game of foot-

ball by area high school coaches. Demonstrations for, and assistance in delivering the use of skills and techniques will be provided by high school players. This camp provides helmet, shoulder pads, and

a mouthpiece. Attending camp’s activities. campers will need their Each camper will own shorts and shoes receive a camp T-shirt. or cleats for use in the The cost for the three-

day camp is $45. For more information call Greg Pope at (970) 2750717

Don’t miss two good golfing opportunities There are two excellent golfing opportunities coming soon to Devil’s Thumb Golf Club. The Thumb will host the fourth annual Hotchkiss Football 18 Hole Golf Scramble on July 20 (this Saturday). It’s not too late to play. Registration for this event is from 7:30 to 8:30 with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The $75 fee includes green fees, cart, a bucket

of balls and lunch following play. Proceeds go to Hotchkiss High School’s football team. A second chance to play golf at Devil’s Thumb is on July 27 when Delta High School invites players to take part in its Panther Pigskin Classic. You may support the Panthers by either sponsoring a hole (with varying costs for different levels of sponsorship-with

recognition) or by playing. There are four kinds of sponsorships available; Touchdown Sponsor, Field Goal Sponsors, First Down Sponsors and a Panther Fan Sponsor. An individual fee of $80 dollars will get you a shared cart, lunch and two raffle tickets. Please call Trisha for more information on sponsorship packages or to reserve your team at (970) 640-2663.

Photo submitted by Clayton Curtis

Barrios signs with Western

Former Delta wrestling standout Aiden Barrios signed with Western State College University on April 22, where he plans to major in business administration. Barrios is pictured above after winning his 2019 State Wrestling Consolation Semiﬁnals match in Denver.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Playing safe, with a mask, is this pitcher for Men’s Slow Pitch team, Big B’s. Pitchers are in jeopardy with line drives.

Photo courtesy Stephanie-Bellmire-Eikleberry

There were a good number of followers to watch Delta win the Colorado Intermediate 50/70 state championship last week. The next step for Delta is a battle in Texas when the national title chase moves to Houston for the Southwest Regional Tournament, July 19-24.

Photo courtesy Stephanie-Bellmire-Eikleberry

Jescinto Delgado sets his feet for a long throw from his shortstop position in a game played in last week’s Colorado state tournament in the 50/70 intermediate division in Thornton.

Photo by Wayne Crick

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Crazy B’s pitcher Albert Abeyta is an ageless warrior who has been around for a plethora of softball seasons and has weathered them well.

Classifieds

July 17, 2019

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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DCI DEADLINES Space Reservation for ALL Display Advertising Fridays (5 p.m.) Copy for Display Advertising Mondays (noon) Legal Notices Mondays (10 a.m.) Classified Ads Mondays (10 a.m.) Too Late To Classify Mondays (noon) Calendar Of Events Items Tuesdays (10 a.m.)

Thank you for your cooperation

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Lease COMMERCIAL BUILDings for lease. Various sizes. 16367 S. Townsend, Montrose (off Hwy. 550 across from South City Market) Contact: 970-2751854 or 970-641-1729. (5x27)

Wanted To Rent WANT TO RENT: 1 BEDroom apt. Low income. 1970-209-1305. (1x29

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

Help Wanted

Yard Sales MOVING SALE: FRIDAY & Saturday, July 19 & 20, 8-2. 435 SW 1st Court, Cedaredge. Little bit of everything! (1x29) YARD SALE: JULY 20-21, 8:00-4:00. 1431 Howard St., Delta. Baby items, household items; few antiques; framed art.(1x29) Classified Line Ad Rates

$8.00 for first issue (25 words or less) 12¢ per additional word 1/2 off each consecutive issue. Customers must pay when they drop off the ad, mail in a check so it arrives at least by Monday, put the ad on their debit or credit card, or charge the ad to their established account. Deadlines: 10:00 a.m. Monday for Wednesday edition. 12:00 Noon Monday for "Too Late to Classify."

Help Wanted

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Help Wanted

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Help Wanted

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ROGERS MESA FRUIT Packing Co. is now taking applications for seasonal packers and sorters for the 2019 packing season. Come in to fill out an application M-F 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 9981 3100 Road, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. We are located on the corner of Hwy 92 & 3100 Rd. (10x22) EXPERIENCED ROOFERS, window & siding installers. Year-round work in Delta & Montrose Counties. Must have transportation. Call 970-874-3665. (5x27)

For all your printing needs call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

Classified Ads are where people look for jobs! Call 874-4421 to place your ad now.

D2 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted

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BOLINGER AND QUEEN is accepting applications for a full-time bookkeeper in Hotchkiss. Must have experience with all aspects of bookkeeping including payroll, receivables, payables and general ledger. Experience with point of sale and accounting software outside of QuickBooks would be preferable. Competitive salary, vacation and benefits package available with off-season flexible hours. Please submit application and resume to 32874 J Road, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Applications may be obtained at www. bolingerandqueen.com or the above address. 8723371. (3x29)

Help Wanted

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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. (4X28)

Public Service

LEGACY OUTFITTERS IS an outdoor group for men ages 16 and up that meets monthly each second Monday at the Delta Trap Club for dinner and a speaker. Meetings are free with no membership fees. Call or text 970-463-73355.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from THE DELTA COUNTY 5-7 p.m. there will be a free Independent runs these support group for adults items as a public service whose lives have been free of charge for non-profit impacted by domestic vioorganizations, if no fees are lence and a separate group charged. However, each for children at the same group is asked to please time. Please call 970-874keep them current by call- 4941 to sign up. ing 874-4421. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? THE DELTA FOOD Golf with a fun group of Pantry announces extended ladies. Two membership evening hours. Every 4th options available. Sign up Tuesday of each month, at www.cedaredgeladies 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Alley golf.com. Get to know us door behind St. Michael’s on Facebook at “cedar Catholic Church, 6th & edgeladiesgolfclub” Meeker. Bring proof of Delta area residency. Regular ALCOHOLICS ANONYdaytime hours are still M-F mous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs CO FATHER’S NETWORKBookstore in the basement dedicated to providing community and education of the Delta Library. to fathers of special needs FREE EGG CARTONS kids. Meets twice monthly needed to give hundreds on the 1st Saturday at 11 of dozens of eggs away to a.m. and the 3rd Monday folks who need them. If you at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, have any cartons you can Delta. See our website for donate please call 250-6637. more details: www.codads. Kings Table. org

AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067.

Public Service FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant women in Delta County can now get help to quit smoking and get something they can really use after their baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program today. Contact the Delta County Health Department at 874-2165 or your local physician.

CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. SUPPORT THE DELTA Library. Give a gently used 10th St, Delta. book in the Downstairs THE SURFACE CREEK Book Store. Community Services food pantry in Cedarege is AL-ANON: HOPE AND accepting all generous sur- help for families and of alcoholics plus from your vegetable friends garden, fruit trees and farm meets in Hotchkiss: Alchicken eggs. The pantry is Anon, Mondays at Noon, located at 245 West Main Methodist Church 285 N. Street. Phone number: 970- 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210856-1125 8090 or Marjorie 970-4331856. THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, AARP DRIVER SAFETY located at 480 Silver St., Course. Save on insurance, Delta, offers emergency keep up on newer traffic overnight shelter and food laws, learn defensive drivto men, women and fami- ing techniques. For details lies in the Delta area mid- and schedule contact John October- April. Call us at Loring (970) 856-6924 or 970-773-8290 to make a (970) 424-1778. referral, or for information on how to volunteer AL-ANON: HOPE AND or donate. www.Delta help for families and A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . friends of alcoholics meets in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, org. Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall NARCOTICS ANONY- behind First Baptist Church, mous meets at 9th and 370 W. Main St., contact Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Fridays at 8 p.m. Jim 970-874-7855.

Do you enjoy decorating or designing? ��

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Classified Advertising Makes Sense!

Call 874-4421

to reserve your space now!

The Classifieds have everything you’re looking for. ■ AUTOS ■ ELECTRONICS ■ SPORTING GOODS ■ REAL ESTATE

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■ COLLECTIBLES ■ JOBS ■ TOOLS

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 720-274-7174.

For all your printing needs call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

Public Service

Delta County Independent

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■ JEWELRY

To place your Classified ad, call 874-4421.

■ YARD SALES ■ RENTALS

DELTA COUNTY

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent ��

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Wednesday, July 17, 2019

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Fall classes at TCR filling up Fall semester of Technical College of the Rockies is right around the corner, and most courses offered are already on a waitlist! Something that director Mike Klouser is quite pleased about saying, “When you look at

some of our core classes such as automotive, cosmetology, barbering, and auto CAD being full, in the middle of the summer before anyone is really thinking about heading back to school, I think it says a lot about all of

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the great things happening at TCR. In fact, our high school enrollment increased from 70 to 100 students in the 2018–2019 school year, we are pretty happy about that!” Enrollment for the Police Academy registra-

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and to register for classes, please see their website at http://www.tcr.edu/, email info@tcr.edu or call 970874-7671. Technical College of the Rockies offers career and technical education programs approved and accredited by the Colorado Community College System. Technical College of the Rockies is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or disability, in our activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.

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2020. Registration is currently open through July 19; it will open up again from July 30–August 9. Technical College of the Rockies is also excited to announce its newest campus in Montrose! It recently received national accreditation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE) for its Montrose Campus located in the PIC Place. TCR will be offering Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), medical assistant and nurse aide courses this fall. For more information

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tion opens on July 26; classes begin on August 14. There are still openings in the EMT, medical clinical assistant and massage classes. The LPN class is full until fall of 2020; registration must be complete by March 1,

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, July 17, 2019

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No matter what your printing needs, we can get the job done. ��

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D6 Wednesday, July 17, 2019

BACK PAGE

B A C K P A G E

Delta County Independent

Guided by a special purpose

Photo submitted

Since retiring, Bill and Phyllis Hoffman have enjoyed time working on artistic projects and caring for their chickens. Phyllis describes their property as “The prettiest little henhouse in Cedaredge.”

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The 1958 freshman class of the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing program. Phyllis Hoffman is standing top row center.

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Cedaredge resident Phyllis Hoffman graduated from the nursing program at Denver’s St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1961.

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Asked a few years ago to create a personal mission statement, Cedaredge resident Phyllis Hoffman knew just how to begin. “I have known ever since I was a child,” she wrote, “that God gave me a special purpose.” Inspired by a spiritual commitment to serve others, Phyllis can trace her desire to be a caregiver back to early childhood experiences. At the tender age of 4 she alarmed her mother, who found Phyllis in the family garage trying to revive an injured mouse. Then, at age 7, she survived an appendectomy only to have the fam-

ily dog damage the incision site by greeting her with an enthusiastic pawing when she arrived home. Sent back to the hospital with an eviscerated incision, she adored the attention of the nurses even though the ministering angels had to combat infection by giving her painful penicillin shots around the clock. When her divorced mother had to work to support the family, Phyllis stepped up to be the caregiver for her two younger brothers. Later Phyllis joined a blended family when her mother remarried and she gained a familiar step-father — the same doctor who had removed her appen-

Phyllis Hoffman (ﬁrst row, standing far left) served as nurse patrol in the 1970s.

dix. As she adjusted to new family dynamics, she never wavered in her desire to become a nurse. Even at high school graduation when her artistic talents — nurtured by her maternal grandmother — led to a scholarship for the Chicago Institute of Art, she decided that art would remain a hobby while she concentrated on nursing. In 1958, she entered the St. Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1961. The nursing course was rigorous with only 20% of the freshman class making it to graduation. After graduation, Phyllis married her high school sweetheart. While she was in nursing school, Bill Hoffman joined the U.S. Navy and the married couple spent the next seven years moving 13 times for the good of the service. Wherever Bill was stationed, Phyllis worked as a nurse while the couple raised four children. Their travels

took them to the Colorado mountains, up to Alaska and Seattle, and back to Western Colorado. During this time her continually evolving caregiver role changed from hospital nurse, to ski patrol nurse, to a vital player in Alaska’s Emergency Medical Services system. She also worked as an operating room nurse, a day surgery manager, and home health coordinator. Her nursing memories include her first job at a little hospital in Idaho, just a few miles from the Blackfoot Indian Reservation. One morning she discovered a newborn baby girl on the hospital’s front porch. The abandoned child lay in a basket wrapped in a blanket. In the 1970s the family moved to Frisco, Colo., where the Copper Mountain Ski area was just being developed. There she got a job as a ski patrol nurse, which included the perks of a mountain condo and season passes for her children. Moving to Alaska in the 1980s, Phyllis learned that emergency response time — which might be measured in minutes in more populous areas — became hours and even days in the isolated Alaska wilderness. “A native community health aid with a snow machine or dog sled would bring the victim to a river’s edge where a coast guard boat or helicopter can take them on to the nearest town,” she recalled. In one challenging incident, Phyllis was told that a very sick little boy would need to be airlifted from her day surgery in Valdez to an Anchorage hospital. “It’ll be dark by the time we arrive,” they told her, “so be sure to get the runway lights turned on.” Phyllis said okay only to discover that Valdez was a “sight-in” runway with no field lights. So she telephoned the local police who quickly assembled a dozen snowmobiles to head to the airport Photo submitted and use their headlamps to for the Copper Mountain ski light up the runway. As her nursing career came

to a close, Phyllis joined Bill in a financial services career and the couple helped clients with investments, insurance, retirement and long-termcare planning. She and Bill earned a number of industry awards including an incentive trip to Paris. Eventually, Phyllis fell in love with long-term-care planning. Working with a Cedaredge partner, she started her own local business, which eventually joined a national insurance brokerage — a move that brought the dedicated caregiver full circle. “In the end,” she said, “I was designated as a ‘nurse advocate’ by the American Nurses Association. In this role I took care of my fellow nurses who always seemed to be at the end of the line — taking care of everyone else in the world but themselves. What an honor and privilege to have worked with and for my peers.” Now retired, Phyllis has continued to be involved in the life of her community. She is active in the Cedaredge Rotary Club and will serve as the service organization’s incoming president.

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Phyllis Hoffman worked ﬁve decades in nursing and 20 years as a long-term care planning specialist before her retirement this year.