Delta County Independent, Aug. 26, 2015 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

STREET ART

SPORTS

NEWEST EXHIBIT

Colorful mural brightens the street in front of Paonia Elementary, B1

FALL PREVIEW

Memorabilia from Grand Mesa boathouse now at Pioneer Town, B6

Expectations are running high for area athletes, coaches, C1-8

DELTA COUNTY

AUGUST 26, 2015 VOL. 132, NO. 34

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Governor tours Doughty Steel BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A visit to Doughty Steel was like a step back in time for Governor John Hickenlooper — his mother’s family once owned the oldest family-held steel fabrication company in the United States. He shared several memories while touring Doughty Steel en route to a town hall meeting in Montrose last Thursday. “Ours is also a family business,” said Scott Doughty, who is a partner with his brother Wayne. “Our dad, Melvin, started the business in 1935 in an old adobe blacksmith shop in Eckert. We moved to Delta in 1956 and have gradually added on and added on.” The original building and much of the equipment was donated to Pioneer Town in Cedaredge, and used to set up an old blacksmith shop. At the shop on Highway 92, the manual machine shop is still fully operational, but Doughty Steel is also expanding its use of computer-driven lathes and mills to deliver precisely cut/drilled components in just minutes. The shop’s press brake and computerized lasers ensure precise cuts regardless of the configuration and thickness of the finished piece. When it comes to assembling the components, Scott said Doughty Steel is fortunate to have several highly skilled welders on staff. The final step — plating or powder coating — is done by firms in Delta and Grand Junction. Wayne Doughty oversees another aspect of Doughty’s operation — crane rentals.

He had to miss the governor’s visit because he was setting up one of Doughty’s five cranes in the Meeker area. Scott said Doughty cranes were recently used to set the girders for the Highway 92 project at Stengel’s, as well as the girders for the bridge carrying Union Pacific trains across the Gunnison River in Austin. Water tank fabrication is another big part of Doughty’s business. Scott Doughty pointed out how the steel plates are squared and rolled in the spacious shop. The tanks are erected and painted on site. In 2007, Doughty Steel entered the Jeep after-market parts business with the purchase of Mountain Off Road Enterprises, or MORE. Skid plates, motor mounts, dead pedals, bumpers, brackets and more are manufactured on site and shipped to wholesalers across the country. Jeep enthusiasts can purchase products directly at www.mountainoff road.com. Scott said about a quarter of MORE’s business is retail through the website. “When you’re in a rural area, you do a little bit of everything to make it,” Scott told the governor. “That’s the rule of the jungle,” Hickenlooper responded. The governor says he enjoys visits to local businesses like Doughty Steel, DIP Manufacturing and Amarna, which he toured on a previous visit. “Seeing numbers on sheets of paper is not the same as seeing who’s doing what. It’s always very illuminating,” he said.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Scott Doughty (right) explains how laser cutting systems minimize waste, but maximize speed and efﬁciency, when used to cut materials. Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper (left) visited the long-standing Delta business en route to Montrose last week.

Economic opportunities lie in ag, tourism, manufacturing BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

After months of stakeholder meetings and in-depth analysis, an economic recovery plan is taking shape for Delta and Gunnison counties. The plan was funded by a U.S. economic development assistance grant administered by Region 10, with partnerships from cities, counties and the Department of Local Affairs. The purpose of the grant is to improve and enhance the economic resiliency and sustainability of Delta and Gunnison

County seeks interest in Rogers Mesa site BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

County government is issuing a call for “letters of intent” from businesses or other organizations that have a proposal for use of the shuttered CSU agricultural research station on Rogers Mesa. Completion of a fourmonth-long feasibility study on possible community uses for the 70-acre former ag research facility has led to the call for interested users. At a courthouse meeting last week, the feasibility study was released and a roundtable discussion with community leaders was led by consultant Laurian Unnevehr, Ph.D. of the University of Illinois. Her study was funded by Delta County, Region 10 and CSU. The purpose for the study was to “determine the market feasibility and organizational sustainability of a potential agricultural-based education program and/or farm incubator at the Rogers Mesa site.”

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D8 Church ............................B5 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ............... A6, A8 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................C1-8 Surface Creek News ...B6-8 TV Listings ................. D5-6

The study resulted in two recommendations: 1) Delta County should request clarification in writing from CSU regarding the terms of any potential use agreements for the Rogers Mesa site, and; 2) Delta County should issue a call for letters of intent to determine which organization(s) will take the lead for any new programs at Rogers Mesa.” During last week’s feasibility study rollout, a local representative of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union said the organization is interested in submitting a letter of intent and has a use in mind for the site. The RMFU is involved with both ag co-ops and ag education. Other local organizations noted that may have a possible use for the site under the study guidelines include Valley Food Partnership, Delta County Soil Conservation District, School District 50, Economic Development, and/or any viable commercial

operator who could partner with other organizations. Stated goals for future use of the research station are stated in very general terms which are well-suited to the desired non-profit and/or educational use of the facility: • Create a sustainable organization that complements the county’s ag industry and heritage; • Promote economic development and enhance educational opportunities; • Conduct research that will aid local producers in refining and developing best management practices; • Involvement, if possible, with “existing partnerships.” According to the feasibility study, the CSU Rogers Mesa ag research station was established in 1961. It engaged research in tree crops, grapes, vegetables and alternative crops. Weather and water monitoring activities were also conducted there. ROGERS MESA TO A3

counties in the wake of coal mine layoffs. “This certainly doesn’t mean that we don’t feel we should do everything possible to save our coal jobs, but it’s being realistic about moving our economy forward and not being quite so dependent on that one source of revenue for our communities,” Michelle Haynes, Region 10 director, explained at a city council work session last week. Through a competitive application process, Better City was selected as project consultant. Since January, the firm has completed an economic assessment, market analysis and a report with recommended projects and action plans. Each step was vetted through a steering committee comprised of the board

of directors of Delta County Economic Development. Agriculture, manufacturing and tourism were identified as having the greatest potential for bringing outside money into Delta County. The discussion narrowed to two potential projects that are now the focus of feasibility studies — projects that will “put Delta County on the radar for the things we’re great at,” said Trish Thibodo, DCED director. The first is a “gateway” riverfront development that would be located in Delta, but would be a “statement” for all of Delta County. The centerpiece would be a nationally branded hotel with conference center and a restaurant located along the river. Eventually, ECON. DEVELOPMENT TO A3

OHVs allowed on city streets BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The City of Delta has adopted the 2010 model traffic code with an amendment that permits the operation of off-highway vehicles on any street, alley or other public right-of-way within the city, excluding Highway 50, Highway 92 and Highway 348. Drivers must be licensed. City council also clarified the handling of abandoned vehicles. When vehicles are abandoned on public property, the Delta Police Department will contact a tow truck operator for removal, and the city will foot the bill. When vehicles are abandoned on private property, the property owner shall be responsible.

The clarification addresses specific instances where the police department has been asked to facilitate removal of vehicles left in business parking lots for days and even weeks. Portions of the traffic code that are not applicable to the city (such as driving on mountain highways) were deleted. The purpose of the model traffic code is to provide a system of traffic regulations that are consistent throughout the state and the nation. A penalty assessment schedule for use in municipal court is a separate document that is also being reviewed and updated.

Graduation dates set

City offices close early

Rockies invite CHS

Five members of Hotchkiss High School’s graduating class missed commencement ceremonies in May because of state baseball competition. To avoid conflicts with regional and state baseball and track next spring, Delta County schools are leaving free both Saturday, May 14, and Saturday, May 21. Graduations will take place Sunday and Monday. The 2016 graduation dates are: Sunday, May 15 — Hotchkiss at 1 p.m., Cedaredge at 4 p.m., and Delta at 7 p.m. Paonia High School graduation is set for 7 p.m. Monday, May 16.

City of Delta offices will be closed Friday, Aug. 28, from noon to 5 p.m., for an employee appreciation event. Bill Heddles Recreation Center will also close at noon and remain closed until Saturday, Aug. 29, when regular operating hours resume. Devil’s Thumb Golf Club will be open as usual both Friday and Saturday. Bill Heddles Recreation Center announces a full facility closure Tuesday, Sept. 1, through Monday, Sept. 7. Front desk staff will be available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 1-4 for registration/information. Call 874-0923 for more details.

The Cedaredge High School marching band has been invited to play the national anthem at the Colorado Rockies baseball game in Denver Saturday, Sept. 5. The band will join about four other state championship bands from other competition classes. Mckenzie Moore, DCI intern and a member of the Bruin marching band, reports band members will be “camping out” in director Melissa Gross’ old band room, to save money. The band is currently raising funds to travel to Washington, D.C., for Memorial Day 2016.

A2 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

OPINION

LETTERS

School board candidate steps forward

Delta, Gunnison proposal offers a balance Dear Editor: Delta and Gunnison county are both on record stating that for an exchange of national forest oil and gas leases to go through, other important public lands in the area need to be removed from the possibility of future leasing to help ensure a balance of uses of public lands in the valley. The industrialization that accompanies oil and gas drilling and fracking is a tough fit for our confined rural valley. But Delta and Gunnison counties have a real opportunity here. There are already over 70,000 acres of existing leases on national forest lands surrounding the exchange area and into the Muddy Creek drainage. The pro-

posal to support the lease exchange only with the protection of many of the other, yet unleased public lands, as well as greater say over how development occurs where it does happen, offers a chance for communities to have more say over where and how this activity goes forward. While less development is favorable, this proposal provides an opportunity to limit activity that is already nearly certain from spreading much further and to ensure that where it does occur, strong protections are in place under close community scrutiny. So I want to THANK Delta and Gunnison counties for supporting our local communi-

ties and seeking to find a balance between oil and gas development on public lands with the many other resources and qualities for which these popular places are already favored and enjoyed. And I urge our congressional delegation to ignore the big money oil and gas lobby, and instead to listen to the people, communities and impacted residents of western Colorado. Jen Sanborn Paonia

Your Christian Prepping Headquarters and Home of the Noah Project.

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Dear Editor: Delta County residents, let me introduce myself. I am Jill Jurca, and I am running for the open school board seat for District 2. This position is within the boundaries of the City of Delta, but is still a voice for all residents of the county. I am running because I feel that I have the background with the district to make good, solid, conservative decisions, based off facts and figures, to provide the best education possible within the constraints of our current budget. I have a strong knowledge of the district and keep abreast of the current issues by following

the board minutes and board packets as they are published, as well as speaking with administrators and teachers. I served on District Accountability for nine years, sat on multiple school district budget panels, a citizens panel during our past search for a superintendent, and have been extensively involved with my children’s schools for the past 12 years. I am currently on the DHS booster club/ parent accountability team and sitting president of the DHS Band Parent organization. My daughter Sara is a senior at DHS, and my youngest, Ana, is a freshman. I am deeply passion-

ate about the school system in Delta County and want to help to provide the BEST education that we, as a district, can to all students. I feel our educational diversity is an asset because not all students fit the same mold and have always been proud of the choice we offer to all learners. I graduated from Delta High School and would be honored to serve as your representative to the board to help make it an even better place for our kids. Please feel free to contact me via email j.jurcadelta50j@gmail. com with any questions. Thank you for your consideration. Jill Jurca Delta

Cedaredge reunion keeps the memories alive Dear Editor: On Aug. 7 and 8, a group of Cedaredge “Cub” graduates worked hard to put on the first Cedaredge Cub alumni reunion. We had an impromptu gettogether for a group three years ago, former grads who just happened to be visiting in the Cedaredge area, and decided that an alumni reunion was long overdue. A year ago Jerry McHugh brought this idea up again via Facebook and the reunion planning was off and running. Since I live in Cedaredge, I was happy to help. I met with Ann Ballard Reed, now a Grand Junction resident, to start the planning. Over the last three to four months I worked with a number of great people in putting this reunion together. Anyone who has participated in planning a reunion, even for a small school, knows how much work this really takes. I want to thank a few people for all of their hard work: Wanda Parker McManus

A passion for patients

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Delta County Independent

Dear Editor: My practice, Needlerock Family Health Care Clinic in Crawford, is open. My passion has been nursing and my dream for many years has been to serve as a practitioner in the North Fork Valley. Thanks to Colorado law and hard work, my dream has been realized. I began nursing in 1977 and with continued education I began as a family nurse practitioner in 2004. I do not want politics to interfere with my profession or my practice. I’ve always been inspired by Florence Nightingale, who would treat the enemy as kindly as anyone else. This code is what I strive for. I love working for Needlerock, a non-profit, which now has close to 1,100 patients on the books. Jenny Mitchell, RN, MSN, FNP-C Crawford

DELTA COUNTY

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(and daughter) and Steve and Bonnie Briscoe were wonderful! Without these four I am not sure this event would have been as successful — in fact I am positive that we couldn’t have put this on without them. We were relying a great deal on Facebook in order to get the word out to many folks. But since we were inviting anyone who attended the “old” Cedaredge High School, and Wanda had the foresight to understand that not everyone lives on their computers (and to think many of us who graduated still use land lines to communicate), Wanda worked with her daughter to create a poster, and they had it posted over three to four counties. Wanda also bought and set up decorations for our Pondy night, she made salad for the picnic, she helped serve AND she helped clean up at the Pondy and the park. Steve Briscoe was the real force behind keeping me focused, and he did a ton of work to make this event happen. Steve and Bonnie worked hard to help coordinate venues, buy sacks for the meet and greet, as well as helping me secure the food for the picnic along with serving and cleaning. Since Ann lives in G.J., she did a great job buying all of our paper goods as

well as drinks. Some of the other folks who were a great help were Gene and Deb Lillard, Dwight and Karen Benson, David and Paris Boyd, Bob and Lois Helgeland, Dave and Pam Myers, Craig and Pam Metres, Calvin and Ann Reed, and many more. And I am horrible at leaving names out so apologies to anyone I missed.... I want to thank DJ and Barb Hladik, owners of the Cedaredge Pondy, for their wonderful hospitality! They reserved their dance hall for our “meet and greet” and it was amazing! The two young ladies who were tending bar (sorry for not remembering your names) were two of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen! They never slowed down all night, and they NEVER stopped smiling! DJ and Barb were gracious hosts and made sure we all had a night to remember. Gary and Lisa Espinoza, owners of the Big E in Eckert, provided the main meal of smoked brisket. Poor Gary had to revise the estimate of how many folks to feed about five times, and he never once complained. If you’ve never had the smoked meat from the Big E, you are missing a treat! I need to thank the Town of Cedaredge

for the use of the park and the excellent work preparing the pavilion (thanks Louie Luna!). They also set up a drinking fountain station that made getting water very convenient. Thanks to Rocky Mountain Ice for the great service. Thanks to Double J for the dumpster and best customer service around. Thanks to the Cedaredge FoodTown for ordering in buns and hot dogs and all the bottled water. Thanks to Gene and Deb Lillard — and the town of Olathe — for the BEST sweet corn in the world! We ended up seeing around 100 classmates Friday evening and over 300 for the picnic on Saturday. It was wonderful to see Cedaredge graduates from the 1930s through the 1980s. I saw many people I had not seen since the 1970s. I do want to end this with a personal thank you to Wanda, Steve and Bonnie. Without the three of you there is NO way this event would have been as successful as it was. Cedaredge was and is a wonderful place to live. I am glad that we can keep the memories alive, and I promise that I will help put on the second Cedaredge Cubs alumni reunion! Kevin Fischer Cedaredge

Law enforcement blotter

From the Delta Olathe was arrested on a warrant and released on Police Department: a PR bond to a parent. Citations: 26 tickets Aug. 18: Levi W. Duncan, 27, for traffic violations were of Grand Junction was issued this week, 21 for arrested and jailed for speeding. Please remember: alleged speeding 66 mph in a 45 mph zone and All criminal charges are driving under the influ- merely an accusation and the defendant is preence (DUI). Llanet R. Pacheco, 30, sumed innocent until or of Gunnison was arrest- unless proven guilty. ed and jailed for alleged From the Delta speeding 52 mph in a 40 mph zone, drove a motor County Sheriff’s Office vehicle upon highway (partial list): when license restrained Aug. 17: An Austin resident for alcohol offense and reported the theft of a DUI. Christina R. Merca- trolling motor from his do, 47, of Montrose was home on Weaver Road. issued a ticket for alleged Aug. 18: Employees arriving on overtaking on the right after being involved in a job shop on G Road, a two-vehicle crash at Delta, shortly before 5 Highway 50 and High- a.m. spotted a suspicious way 92. No injuries were individual on foot near reported. Both vehicles the office. When they were driven from the shined their car lights on him, he took off running. scene. Daniel Gomez, 61, of The sheriff ’s office is proDelta was arrested and viding extra patrol. Delta County Search jailed for alleged harass& Rescue, sheriff ’s depument. David J. DeBattis- ties and Delta firefightta, 20, of Montrose was ers were involved in the arrested and jailed on search for a missing man a warrant with a $300 west of Delta. He was found on B50 Road after bond. about four hours. Aug. 21: A Clifton man reported James S. Ross, 42, of Delta was issued a ticket he was bit by a dog while for alleged reckless driv- attempting to repossess ing after being involved a vehicle from the dog’s in a single motorcycle owner. crash in the 700 block of Aug. 19: Sheriff ’s deputies E. 7th Street. One person sustained unknown inju- responded to a disturries and was transported bance on Rim Rock Road, to Delta County Memo- Cedaredge, shortly after rial Hospital. The motor- 8 a.m. Two males, Gordon cycle was towed from the Luebs, 62, and Johnathon Jensen, 29, were scene. A 14-year-old female both guests on the propand a 17-year-old male, erty when an altercation both of Montrose, were began over a dog. Jensen each issued a ticket for was charged with third degree assault and transshoplifting. A 16-year-old male of ported to Delta County

Jail after hitting Luebs in the face and possibly injuring his nose. James Cook, 65, of Glade Park was involved in a one-vehicle accident on private property on G Road at about 8:30 p.m. He reportedly stepped out of his vehicle to take some photos. He failed to place the vehicle in park and it rolled into a tree, sustaining heavy damage to the front end. The vehicle was driven off the property. Sheriff ’s deputies and Cedaredge police responded to a physical altercation between a father and son at a residence on Shirl Lane. Both parties refused to prosecute. Aug. 20: A vehicle was totally destroyed in a fire that occurred on Highway 50 just north of the DeltaMesa county line at about 7 p.m. The cause is not known. No one was injured. Aug. 21: A driver from Wichita, Texas, and a driver from Bellingham, Wash., were involved in a two-vehicle collision at I Street and Cedar Avenue in Crawford at about 1 p.m. There were no injuries. Aug. 23: Kenneth Hillis of Cedaredge reported one of his cows had been killed and butchered while on a Grand Mesa grazing allotment. The cow was found on Hay Park Road, just off Old Grand Mesa Road. Whoever killed the cow was fairly proficient at butchery, taking select cuts of meat and attempting to destroy any evidence of ownership. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 874-8810.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

County to search for new planner

Luncheon features candidates

BY HANK LOHMEYER

The Delta County Republican Committee is hosting a luncheon Friday, Sept. 4, featuring candidates running for U.S. Senate, the school board and more in 2015 and 2016. The luncheon will be held at Daveto’s, 530 Main Street in Delta, and will cost $15 per person. Please RSVP by calling Linda Sorensen at 210-6102 or email goplindadeltaco@gmail. com.

Staff Writer

The county administration is working to enlist an interim county planner until a permanent planner can be hired. County administrator Robbie LeValley said last week that efforts to hire a planner for the short term had not yet succeeded. The long-term plan is to advertise for and hire a new planner for the

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Mowed down

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Fortunately, no one was injured when a 30-year-old Eckert driver had a medical issue while driving on Main Street. But when he lost control of his vehicle, he drove over the center median in the 900 block of Main and crashed into two parked, unattended vehicles on private property. Veronica Pacheco, one of Delta’s two “flower ladies,” did her best to clean up the flower bed in the median, but much of the greenery simply had to be cut away. The Delta Police Department reports alcohol was not a factor and no charges have been filed at this time. The accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. Aug. 19.

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Rogers Mesa FROM PAGE A1 The station was closed in June 2011 and was put on the market for sale. CSU was dissuaded from selling the property outright by community interests who want to see it continue as a local resource for some type of “cooperative” ag production and education. In April, a feasibility study was funded and contracted. Last week’s study rollout marked the completion of Phase II in the process of hopefully reviving the station. Phase III, the final phase, is intended to be a detailed business analysis to gauge the economic viability of any proposals received. Since the station was removed from the real estate market, CSU has received two inquiries

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for commercial sale. CSU wants to be able to make a decision on the future use of the property hopefully by June of next year. CSU has placed a number of conditions on continued use of the facility if it is to remain under the institution’s ownership. CSU will require market rent for the site, and any new user must maintain the site. Any use agreement beyond five years must go to the CSU board of governors for approval. The feasibility study finds that whether the station continues forward as an ag incubator or an ag education program, it will need the support and participation of commercial, institutional, and/or grant-funding organizations. Unnevehr said there

are many farm incubator models around the country, most of them less than 10 years old. They are not self-sustaining and need a producing or institutional partner or grant funding to stay in operation. A big farm incubator project at Hesperus is one possible exception with a $638,000 annual budget, multiple thousands of acres available for its various cultural and ag activities, and interlinked supporting partnerships with a range of organizations, including collegelevel ones. The feasibility study notes there are several regional higher ed institutions that offer ag or ag-related courses, including CSU. District high schools have strong FFA programs.

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�� — Potluck Meeting —

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Using, Not Abusing, Our Public Land

GW King Ofﬁce (970) 874-9300 Cell (970) 260-8781

Econ. development

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ture retail venue” could tie in to the riverfront development and its visibility “would let visitors know they have arrived at a hub for agricultural excellence.” Other projects identified by Better Cities would also tie in nicely, “but this is where it gets hard because we would love to do everything,” said Haynes. “You’ll see this theme around food, around sustainable agriculture, and using that to put Delta on the radar nationally.” Delta County is already known for its expertise in organic production and soil health. There are opportunities to partner with academic institutions and pursue opportunities to bring world-class agricultural research into the county, Haynes and Thibodo said.

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Shave your head for a good cause

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Street Dance!

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• Focusing on retirement plan rollovers There’s also an oppor( 401K, 403B, proﬁt sharing, etc.) tunity to enhance tourism by improving and • Annuities promoting the county’s • Life Insurance recreational assets. • Long Term Care Insurance While all these proj• Stocks* ects are linked, and will • Bonds* help raise the profile of • Mutual Funds* Delta County, the feasibility studies will focus �� on just the gateway and �� food manufacturing proj�� ects. Taking place on a parallel track is the effort to extend broadband throughout the DeltaMontrose area. “We specifically told Better Cities not to address broadband,” Thibodo said. �� “We’re working on that �� separately, but we realize we need it to make all of �� this go forward.” “Our goal at DCED is �� to get broadband into our communities as fast as �� we can,” she said. �� “We don’t feel like there’s time to wait on �� any of it,” Haynes said. �� “We want to make sure we’re working on it all together.” The feasibility studies will be completed by �� the end of the year, and �� Haynes expects to meet Have you or someone �� with city council again you know ever consid�� after the holidays to disered shaving your head? �� cuss the specifics. Would you do it for a good cause? St. Baldrick’s Foundation is holding an event at Horsefly Brewing Company in Montrose Saturday, Sept. 12, and is looking for people to get their heads shaved to honor children with cancer. When you sign up, you make a commitment to raise a suggested $50 �� for childhood cancer. For more information, �� contact Michelle Wil�� liams, treasurer for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation Montrose event. She can be reached at Alpine Bank, 369-5035, or mich �� ellewilliams@alpinebank. �� com.

FROM PAGE A1 riverfront development would tie in with Confluence Park and the recreation center to the west and city-owned riverfront property to the west, as well as downtown Delta. “Located at the intersection of Highway 50 and 92, this project will help differentiate Delta, create improved quality of life and bring an additional ‘cool factor’ to living in Delta,” Haynes and Thibodo said in the presentation. The second feasibility study focuses on food manufacturing opportunities that take advantage of locally sourced products, including fruits, vegetables, milk, meat, wine and ciders. A “signa-

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county in the wake of the resignation of Dave Rice from the post on Aug. 14. According to the county personnel department, Rice began work with the planning department in 2004 and became the county’s senior planner in 2007. Until the planner post is filled, LeValley said department staff is available to help the public with any inquiries or needs.

Delta Farmers Market

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A4 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Senior CommUnity meals for September Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining sites in Delta County — Cedaredge Community Center (Monday-Thursday), Delta Community Cen-

ter (Monday-Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (Monday-Thursday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Meals on Wheels are also

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delivered from each location. More information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the Delta meal site, 874-7662; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. The menu through Sept. 30 follows: Tuesday, Sept. 1 — Hamburger on a whole wheat bun, lettuce/onion/ tomato, baked beans, coleslaw and fresh fruit dessert. Wednesday, Sept. 2 — Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, California blend veggies, black bean salad, wheat roll and citrus splash mousse cake. Thursday, Sept. 3 — Lasagna, green beans, tossed salad, bread stick and fresh watermelon. Friday, Sept. 4 — Oven-fried chicken thighs, cornbread stuffing with gravy, pea and cheese salad, summer squash and onions, and apple crisp. Monday, Sept. 7 — Labor Day. All meal sites closed. Tuesday, Sept. 8 — Breaded fish fillet, cauliflower au gratin, orange spinach berry salad, Italian stewed tomatoes, onion roll and deluxe bread pudding. Wednesday, Sept. 9 — Pepper steak, parmesan garlic potatoes, cottage cheese and peaches, Harvard beets, buttermilk biscuit and grapes. Thursday, Sept. 10 — Roast turkey with cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed

Friday! Girl Talk: A Day of Happy Join us Friday for Beauty and Bliss F.A.C. AUG. 28 6 P.M. ON THE DECK

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salad, honey-glazed carrots, birthday cake and tropical fruit. Friday, Sept. 11 — All beef hot dog, potato salad, three bean salad, tossed salad, lemonade and cantaloupe. Monday, Sept. 14 — Homemade beef pizza, tossed salad, green beans and apple pie. Tuesday, Sept. 15 — Sweet and sour chicken over brown rice, Oriental blend vegetables, mandarin spinach salad and sunset yogurt dessert. Wednesday, Sept. 16 — BBQ beef sandwich on a whole wheat bun, pineapple coleslaw, potato wedges, baked beans and fresh orange. Thursday, Sept. 17 — Liver and onions or beef patty, baked potato, calico vegetable salad, roll and fruit cocktail. Friday, Sept. 18 — Chicken enchilada casserole, refried beans, Spanish rice, mandarin spinach salad and molasses snap cookies. Monday, Sept. 21 — Dijon chicken breast over creamy brown rice, peas and onions, marinated carrot salad, garlic breadstick and fresh banana. Tuesday, Sept. 22 — Ham loaf, macaroni and cheese, cucumber grape salad, confetti peas and banana muffin. Wednesday, Sept. 23 — Baked fish, green beans, oven-roasted potatoes, fish house coleslaw, buttermilk biscuit and honey bee ambrosia. Thursday, Sept. 24 — Hot turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, mashed potatoes and gravy, kidney bean salad and lemon pie cookie bar. Friday, Sept. 25 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, tossed salad, Italian vegetable blend, breadstick and mandarin oranges. Monday, Sept. 28 — Ham and beans, cornbread, tossed salad, peas and carrots, and honey fruit dessert. Tuesday, Sept. 29 — Sloppy joe, parmesan potato wedges, coleslaw, western corn and strawberries with whipped topping. Wednesday, Sept. 30 — Beef stroganoff over egg noodles, crunchy garden salad, peas and carrots, and homemade cinnamon roll.

Lorraine and Howard Dean

Deans celebrate 77 years of marriage Howard and Lorraine Dean of Cedaredge will celebrate their 77th wedding anniversary Aug. 29. They have four children, three daughters and a son, and numer-

BIRTHS Jaimi and Chris Comerer of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Kinnley Brooke Comerer, born June 29, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 6.5 ounces and was 19 inches in length. Her grandparents are Jacki and Danny West of Delta and Genny Comerer of Eckert.

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Jay Stooksberry and Carrie Boyd of Delta are the parents of a son, Henry Jay Stooksberry, born Aug. 10, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces and was 22 inches in length.

Jarod and Kaira Keller of Eckert are the parents of a son, Calan Raymond Keller, born Aug. 16, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 11.6 ounces and was 20.5 inches in length.

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Jeff Gallegos and Megan Wall of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Gabriella Rose Gallegos, born Aug. 7, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 5 pounds and was 17.5 inches in length.

Kena and Daniel Iversen of Montrose are the parents of a son, Xander Matthew Iversen, born Aug. 1, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 5 pounds, Christine Rovelstad 12 ounces and was 18.75 of Delta is the parent of inches in length. a son, Eliott Alexander Taylor, born Aug. Courtney and Daniel 13, 2015, at Delta CounCastle of Cedaredge are ty Memorial Hospital. the parents of a daugh- He weighed 8 pounds, ter, Paisley Grace Cas- 4 ounces and was 20.5 tle, born Aug. 4, 2015, at inches in length. Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 6 Brady and Emily pounds, 14 ounces and Moore of Crawford are was 19.75 inches in the parents of a son, length. Casten James Moore, Maria and Edgar Mar- born Aug. 15, 2015, at tinez of Paonia are the Delta County Memorial parents of a son, Edgar Hospital. He weighed 7 Martinez, born Aug. 7, pounds, 13 ounces and 2015, at Delta County was 20 inches in length. Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 4.2 Alyxandria Mele ounces and was 19.5 and Steven Swartz of inches in length. Montrose are the parents of a son, Wyatt William Swartz, born Aug. 15, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

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ous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. They will celebrate their anniversary with family.

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JB and Kyandra Johse of Montrose are the parents of a daughter, Kaleigh Jean Johse, born Aug. 19, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds and was 20.5 inches in length.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Skylyn Webb earns academic award Skylyn Webb of Delta earned the 2014-15 Division 2 Athletics Directors Association (D2ADA) Academic Achievement Award recognition. Webb, a member of the Fort Lewis College Skyhawk women’s basketball team, is majoring in exercise

science - exercise physiology option. The Academic Achievement Awards is a program that recognizes the academic accomplishments of student-athletes at the Division 2 level. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must have

a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, have attended a minimum of two years (four semesters) of college-level work, and have been an active member of an intercollegiate team during his/her last academic year.

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FREEZERS Chest & Upright

The Delta Family Center partnered with A KidZ Clinic to host a day ﬁlled with family fun Aug. 22. The backto-school party featured 22 vendors, free lunch provided by the Delta Lions Club and a 5k fun run. Above, the staff of Lincoln Elementary School hams it up for the camera. They were the winners of a competition between schools that featured a prize of 10 ipad minis to promote academic success in their schools. As participants visited the vendors, they ﬁlled in bingo cards which they could then exchange for chances at some great prizes, including bikes, grills and family movie nights (right). The Delta Family Center, 822 Grand Avenue, houses the BELA preschool and Backpack programs for Delta area families.

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Kids equipped for school at Families Plus’ annual picnic On Aug. 14, Families Plus, a local non-profit, held its annual picnic at Confluence Park in Delta. The event celebrates the families of the program with great food, computer giveaways and school supplies provided by the local community. “We are so very thankful for the various community partners who donated to this year’s event,” said Mary Bauer, administrative director of Families Plus. “It is just amazing that Delta has so many wonderful people who want to give so much. We are truly grateful for their generosity.”

Walmart, Calvary Baptist Church and Delta United Methodist Church were among some of the organizations that donated school supplies to this year’s event. Not only did the kids get necessary items for school, but they had lots of fun as well. Home Depot of Montrose brought down its human foosball table for the picnic. The massive structure was a big hit with the kids and spectators alike. If you haven’t heard of this novel game, just think about the table game being recreated in a human-size version with real live kids

trying to kick the ball into the goal. Families Plus is a homegrown Delta County program that exists nowhere else in the nation with the blending of parents, volunteers and professionals all determined to help children build skills needed to become successful adults. Events like these help Families Plus to be true to its mission — supporting families to partner with the community to help children thrive. If you or anyone you know would like to volunteer or become a mentor to a child, please call Mary Bauer at 874-0464.

Arch Coal kicks off teaching grants program The Arch Coal Foundation is making a significant change to its popular Delta County Innovative Teaching Grants Program for the 2015-2016 school year. The announcement was made by Jim Miller, general manager of Mountain Coal Company’s West Elk mine. “As in years past, the foundation will provide up to $10,000 in grants to Delta County schools,” Miller said. “However, in an effort to remove barriers that may have prevented Delta County’s educators from devising big ideas, we have lifted financial constraints on grant applications. We believe this change will allow teachers to really stretch their imaginations and develop interesting, creative projects with broad appeal to many students in the county.”

The program is open to classroom teachers, specialists, such as those teaching reading and math, school counselors and librarians who also teach a regular class. In the past, applicants were limited to ideas costing $500 or less. Now, applicants — either individual classroom teachers or several educators working in collaboration at one school or at schools across the county — may request funds for projects up to and including the entire $10,000. “The teaching grants program as it previously existed was very popular,” Miller said. “We believe that the new format will generate even more excitement among Delta County’s educators.” A committee of area residents and local employees will review the applications for creativity, clear program goals,

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and specific measurement criteria and make recommendations to the Arch Coal Foundation for grant recipients. The foundation will no longer make grants for technology or equipment that will be used exactly as it is designed. To obtain a grant, the technology/ equipment must be modified for another educational purpose. The foundation is not obligated to grant the entire $10,000 if sufficient applications fail to meet program guidelines. Information about the new guidelines is being sent to all schools in the county. Complete details about the program, along with an online application form, also can be found on Arch’s website at www.archcoal. com/community/teaching grants.aspx. Grant applications are due no later than Oct. 2.

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A6 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

OBITUARIES Arlene and Orpha; and her brothers, Marvin and Nathan. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Thelma Coverly

Thelma Lavonne Coverly died Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, at a Delta care facility. She was 92. Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 22, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Rev. Jerry Hilterbrand officiated. Interment will be in Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven, Mich. Memorial contributions may be made to Garnet Mesa Baptist Church, 846 A St., Delta, CO 81416. Mrs. Coverly was born in Fremont, Mich., June 13, 1923, to Noble and Bertha Moon. She married Bernard Coverly June 18, 1948, in Fremont, Mich. They moved to the Delta area in 1989 after retirement. Mrs. Coverly was a member of Garnet Mesa Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school for many years at Lakeshore Baptist Church in Grand Haven, Mich. She enjoyed her family and family reunions, her church family, sewing, playing the piano and singing. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bernard; a son, Stephen (Cheryl) Coverly of Grand Junction; a daughter, Sharon (Ron) Hughes of Los Angeles, Calif.; her grandchildren, Major Robinson (Jennifer) Hughes, USAF, of Virginia, Bethany Coverly of Grand Junction and Heather (Lucas) Carrington of Indiana; greatgrandchildren, Abigail and Robinson Hughes; siblings, Leora Williamson, Elna Nieboer and Erwin Moon, all of Michigan; and extended family. Mrs. Coverly was preceded in death by a daughter, Linda Coverly; her sisters, Ellen,

(Roger) Trujillo of Delta and Anna Marie Herrera of Grand Junction; 15 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Filimon Herrera (Angelita Cordova); her sister, Angelina Truelove; and three infant children. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Michael Catholic Church, 628 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Beatrice Sanchez

Longtime Delta resident Beatrice Sanchez died Monday, Aug. 17, 2015, in Denver. She was 79. Rosary was recited Friday, Aug. 21, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, Aug. 22, at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial followed at Mesa View Cemetery in Delta. Beatrice Herrera was born in New Mexico March 7, 1936, to John and Balvina (Salazar) Herrera. When she was 10 years old, the family moved to Colorado. Mrs. Sanchez moved to Las Vegas, Nev., in 1967 and back to Delta in 1975. She was a cook for Delta County jail for 22 years and volunteered with Head Start in past years. She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and was involved in Our Lady of Guadalupe Society. She enjoyed her family and friends, food, praying, reading her Bible, storytelling, and her dog, Baby. Mrs. Sanchez is survived by her husband, Mario Sanchez of Delta; her sons, Modesto “Sonny” (Barbara) Ortega, Jr. of Pahrump, Nev., Carl (Victoria) Ortega, Anthony “Tony” Cusick, both of Delta, and George Cusick Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev.; her daughters, Jennie (Doug) Clawson, Dolores “DoDo” (Steve) Boggioni, all of Las Vegas, Nev., Belinda

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granddaughters, helping others, scrapbooking and her Pomeranians. Mrs. Imel is survived by three daughters, Cristi (Steve) Amble of Cedaredge, Carrie Imel of Alaska and Katie (Jason) Rounds of Seattle, Wash.; one brother, Arthur Wescoat; two sisters, Marie Bowker and Evelyn “Sissy” Herring; and two granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Lois “Dodie” Sine; and her husband of 14 years, Eddie Imel on March 5, 1992. Memorial contributions may be sent to HopeWest, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416 or Breast Cancer Society, Inc., c/o Copilevitz & Canter, LLC, 310 W. 20th St., Suite 300, Kansas City, MO 64108. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

artist. She enjoyed traveling, reading and good practical jokes. She is survived by her sons, Bradley (Jacqueline) Meek of Craig and Harris (Yvonne) Meek; and three grandchildren, Kenneth Meek, Julia Meek and Ian Meek, all of Montrose. She was preceded in death by her brother, Marvin; her sisters, Maudie and Marie; and a daughter, Valerie Mitchell. A memorial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 29, at Apple Valley Park in Paonia. Memorial contributions may be made at First Colorado National Bank in Paonia.

Ron Ayers

Ronald G. Ayers died Aug. 22, 2015. He was 60. He was born Feb. 23, 1955, to Ronald and Alma Ayers. Mr. Ayers graduated from Union High School in 1973. He was a stateranked cross-country runner. He ran Ol’ Ron’s Butcher Shop for over 20 years. He was a township supervisor and roads master for Summit Township in Potter County, Pa., for 26 years. He was an outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, and conversation and storytelling over morning coffee. Mr. Ayers is survived by his parents, Ronald and Alma Ayers of Paonia; three children, Stacey (TJ) Persons of Uncasville, Conn., Gary (Lisa) Ayers of Lewisburg, Pa., and Katey (BJ) Fleischer of Saegertown, Pa.; his siblings, Rick (Carol) Ayers of Coudersport, Pa., Randy (Kathleen) Ayers of Starford, Pa., and Eva Ayers of Paonia; his grandchildren, Joshua Ayers, Isabella Persons, Gabriel, Carlotte and Liam Ayers, and Wyatt and Wesley Fleischer; and extended family. Private services will be held. A memorial dinner will be held at American Legion Post #192 at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Walk Pittsburgh, http://www.opera tionwalkpgh.org/RA Memorial or 3380 Boulevard of the Allies, Suite 270, Pittsburgh, PA 15229. Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Saegertown, Pa., is handling the arrangements.

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Delta County Independent

Karen Imel

Hotchkiss resident Karen Imel died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, in Hotchkiss. She was 56. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Mountain View Bible Church in Lazear. Interment followed at Riverside Cemetery in Hotchkiss. Karen Loraine Wescoat was born in Delta Jan. 21, 1959, to Willard and Erma (Gregory) Wescoat. She spent her childhood in Uravan and graduated from Nucla High School in 1977. On Jan. 28, 1978, she married Eddie Imel in Grand Junction. Mrs. Imel owned and operated the Ultramat in Hotchkiss for many years. She enjoyed her family, especially her two

Bonnie Blair

Myrna Webster

Myrna E. Webster of Paonia died Aug. 14, 2015, at Valley Manor in Montrose. She was 77. She was born near Hotchkiss Nov. 13, 1937, to Ada and Earl Mitchell. She graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1955. Mrs. Webster was an

Bonnie Blair died Aug. 21, 2015, in St. George, Utah. She was 81. A graveside funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Cedaredge Cemetery with Bishop Nate Tullis conducting. Bonnie Lorraine Ogden was born in Grand Junction June 20, 1934, to Harry and Vergie Ogden. She spent her childhood in Colorado, Coos Bay, Ore., and Las Vegas, Nev. She married Collice “Pete” Blair Sr. on July 8, 1950, in Colorado Springs where he was stationed

at Fort Carson. Mrs. Blair was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, holding many callings. She enjoyed being an Army wife and traveling to Army bases including Germany, Maryland, Texas, Illinois, Georgia and Kentucky. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Pete Blair Sr.; a daughter, Kathy (Terry) Howell of Grand Junction; a son, Pete (Debby) Blair Jr. of Cedaredge; nine grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; three greatgreat-grandchildren; a sister, Joyce Barnes of Scenic, Ariz.; a brother, Walter Ogden of Snowflake, Ariz.; and extended family. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie, in 1989. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Patty Tweedy

Delta resident Patty Tweedy died Aug. 19, 2015, at her home. She was 66. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her sisters, Mary Ellena of Paonia and Dell Boyd of Lakewood. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. Callahan-Edfast Mortuary is handling the arrangements. More obituaries can be found on page A8

Robert ‘Bob’ Gene Theis

Beloved Husband and Partner, Father, Friend August 29, 1955 - May 15, 2015 “Best known for his creative ability to repair things and make others laugh.”

Robert Gene Theis of Montrose, Colo., age 59, passed away suddenly of natural causes at home. He was born Aug. 29, 1955, to Lois Louise (Hilgert) Theis and Nicholas Martin Theis, at Porter Memorial Hospital in Denver, Colo. Known by everyone as Bob or Bondo, he attended Abraham Lincoln High School of southwest Denver. In 1973 he became a certified Automotive Body and Fender Maintenance Technician at Emily Griffith Opportunity School, Denver, Colo. He continued his knowledge and skills with ASE certifications of Automotive Service Excellence. Bob married his grade school sweetheart, Tammy Diane Evans, in Delta, Colo., at the Delta Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, April 16, 1977. They had grown up on the same street and attended the same grammar schools and congregation in southwest Denver. They became reacquainted years later and they settled in Montrose, Colo., raising two children, Tara and Travis, and many cats and Saint Bernard dogs. Bob had an automotive career with diverse companies that included Royce International, Montgomery Ward, The Pipe Shop, Montrose Tire, the City of Montrose and Highlander Automotive. He enjoyed outdoor sports of snow skiing, fishing, hunting and water skiing. He had a

passion for automotive and furniture restoration, as much as singing and playing guitar. For 25-plus years Bob and his family’s hobbies involved the community theatre in Montrose, Colo. In 1990 Bob was the lead in “Li’l Abner.” He was on stage and behind the scenes for over 200 productions including high school and special events. The theatre is driven 100 percent by volunteers. In 2007 Bob was the Chairman of the Governing Board of Directors, and was Director of the Technical and Lighting Department for more than a decade. Over the years he received numerous accolades for his thespian efforts, but his favorite was the first Ralph Farmer Lighting and Technical Excellence Award during the 47th season. Twice a year, he looked forward to working with the Montrose High School drama and choir student productions. Always teaching others about the theatre was a great pleasure. He was very proud of the many special effects, props, sound and lighting he designed, including the real car on stage for the 2001 production of “Grease.” He would tell you “he repurposed junk to make contraptions.” Bob traveled to several states and other theatres learning the technical systems of stage lighting to enhance the Magic Circle Theatre. Ultimately the upgrades were to automated lighting. In 2008 he worked with

the regional power company, DMEA, to improve the lighting efficiencies, thereby saving energy and money throughout the theatre building. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, JoAnne Evans; and sister-in-law, Reyna Humphrey. He is survived by partner, Tammy Diane (Evans) Theis; daughter, Tara (Travis) Thal; and son, Travis Theis, all of Denver; older brother, Mike (Deloris) Theis of Eckert, Colo.; fatherin-law, Orville “Oscar” Evans of Orchard City, Colo.; brother-in-law, Randy (Pat) Evans of Bennett east of Denver; three nieces; a greatniece; and two greatnephews. Bob was really looking forward to becoming a Grandpa in November 2015! Friends and family are welcome to a memorial Celebration of Bob’s life at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 2015, at the Magic Circle Players’ Community Theatre Auditorium, 420 S. 12th Street, Montrose, Colo., followed by a reception in the lobby. Many of Bob’s prop creations and favorite things will be on display during the memorial. Arrangements are by Crippin Funeral Home and cremation has occurred. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Magic Circle Players, High School Drama Program, P.O. Box 1897, Montrose, CO 81402. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

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life this Saturday

The Fort on the Old Spanish Trail, or Fort Uncompahgre, will come to life with special Saturday events Sept. 5 and Sept. 19. Come in period attire and get free admission. Otherwise, the cost is $2 for adults and children; free for seniors and children under the age of 6. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’ll get a glimpse of fur traders carrying out their daily tasks in the year 1840. Meet the historical characters, experience blacksmithing, adobe works, cooking and games and learn about flint-work rifles. Learn to throw a tomahawk and see a flintknapping dem-

Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP Smart Driver program Monday, Sept. 22, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. Contact John Loring at 424-1778.

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Black family offers lively mix of music

rado. Eight-year-old Jessica sings and plays mandolin. Ellison, 12, sings and plays fiddle. Mom, Jodi, plays bass and dad, Sam, plays guitar and sings. Admission is by donation.

Historical Museum will host a historical cemetery tour Sunday, Aug. 29, starting at 4 p.m. Please meet at the Grandview Cemetery on Sunset Mesa to learn about some of the pioneers and their stories, plus the history of cemeteries. Please call 249-2085 to RSVP. The cost is $10 per person. Space is limited.

wraps up Aug. 30

Vocalist Mindy Robinson is coming to the Chapel of the Cross on Sunday, Aug. 30, at 4 p.m. to perform in the last concert of the year for the chapel’s summer concert series. Mindy is a graduate of Montrose High School and has a bachelor of fine and performing arts from Colorado Mesa Uni-

versity. After college she moved to St. Louis where she was a member of St. Louis Chamber Singers. Moving back to Colorado in 2011, the mother of six children is a member of the Valley Symphony Chorus and teaches voice students. Admission is by donation.

Pea Green Pedal set for Sept. 12 The Delta County Memorial Hospital Foundation announces the fourth annual Pea Green Pedal Saturday, Sept. 12, at Lions Pavilion at Confluence Park. Options include an 18- or 40-mile bike ride or a 5k fun run/ walk around the lake.

It’s time for show and tell The Delta County Rock Wranglers will meet Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at 511 E. 10th Street in Delta. The program will be show and tell. Everyone is welcome.

Registration cost is $20 for the 5k or $30 for the bike ride prior to Sept. 4. Lunch and a T-shirt are included with early registration. Costs go up after Sept. 5 to $30 for the 5k and $40 for the bike ride. A 2015 Giant Defy 2, 10speed road bike valued at $1,500 is being raffled off with proceeds committed to Delta County Memorial Hospital programs, services, equipment and educational scholarships. The bike features an ALUXX SL-grade aluminum frame with compliant D-Fuse composite seatpost; a composite fork with alloy OverDrive steerer absorbs; Shimano Tiagra 10-speed shifting and Tektro rim brakes. Raffle tickets are $5 each

or three for $10 and may be obtained from any DCMH Foundation board member or Patti Kalahar, foundation liaison and manager, education/marketing for Delta County Memorial Hospital.

Leon Logothetis, a global adventurer, motivational speaker and author, is coming to Delta. He will be at the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, for a book signing and short talk. Logothetis is the author of “The Kindness Diaries.” He was a broker in the city of London where he felt uninspired and chronically depressed. He gave it all up for a life on the road. This radical life change was inspired by the movie, “The Motorcycle Diaries.” Logothetis visited more than 90 countries and traveled to every continent. He is the host of the TV series “Amazing

Lee Marts VFW Post and Auxiliary will host an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast on Monday, Sept. 7, at the IOOF hall, 860 Highway 92, Delta. Drop by between 7 and 11 a.m. to enjoy biscuits and gravy, pancakes, sausage, eggs to order, coffee and juice — all for a suggested donation of just $6 (children under 10 just $3). VFW members share the common experience of Adventures of a Nobody,” having served the United which is broadcast by States in a combat zone National Geographic International. Over the course of three seasons, Logothetis crossed America, the United Kingdom The annual Music and Europe on just five dollars, five pounds and Faculty Gala, a celfive euros a day, respec- ebration featuring the talents of the Colorado tively. He has documented Mesa University music his travels for numerous faculty, will be presented media outlets including on Friday, Sept. 11, at Good Morning America, 7:30 p.m. in the Moss Los Angeles Times, San Performing Arts Center Francisco Chronicle, Out- Love Recital Hall. The side, Good, Psychology music faculty will take Today and The New York the stage with a fun and varied program of solos Times. Come visit with Logo- and small ensembles. thetis Sept. 9 and learn The concert, an annual how to let your inner audience favorite, is folrebel come out and play. lowed by a catered recepAnything you dream is tion in the lobby. It is a great way to hear all possible!

someplace around the world, from World War II through the current international war on terrorism. All of them, and their family members in the auxiliary, are dedicated to assisting American veterans; all the profit from the breakfast will be used for this purpose. For additional information about the breakfast, or joining the VFW or its auxiliary, contact post commander Dave Rowland at 314-4208 or auxiliary president Jennifer Wright at 640-7720.

CMU faculty gala kicks off Music at Mesa season

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For additional details including registration, bike maps or raffle tickets contact Kalahar at 874-2291 or pkalahar@ deltahospital.org or go to dcmhfoundation.org.

Join Delta VFW for Labor Day breakfast

Global adventurer, author to visit Delta

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String Band

Historical AARP offers tour planned drivers ed in Montrose Chapel concert series program The Montrose County

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onstration. Visit the teepee village and learn the techniques of restoring a historic covered wagon. The original fort was located along the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail. Antoine Robidoux understood the value of location when he built the fur trading post in the 1820s. Its geoBlack Family graphic location and rich agricultural land have been attracting people for thousands of years. Today the fort is located across from Bill Heddles Recreation Center The entertaining Black and is open to the public seven days a week. For Family String Band will more information, call be performing at the Chapel of the Cross Thurs874-8349. day, Aug. 27, at 7 p.m. Playing a lively mix of bluegrass and Americana music, the Black family hails from western Colo-

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of the department’s faculty, sample the season, and choose concerts to attend for the rest of the year. Faculty who will be performing include Alejandro Gómez Guillén, Arthur Houle, Jane Kuenzel, Kristen YeonJi Yun, Jonathan Hinkle and Darin Kamstra, among others. Tickets for the Music Faculty Gala are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, faculty/staff, and $5 for students. They are available by calling the box office at 248-1604.

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A8 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Vernon Neuberger

Vernon H. Neuberger died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015, at his home in Delta. He was 77. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta with Pastor Paul Rosin officiating. Inurnment

OBITUARIES followed at Mesa View Cemetery with military honors by Lee Marts VFW Post #3571. Mr. Neuberger was born in Ethan, S.D., April 20, 1938, to Philip and Ella (Klumb) Neuberger. He spent his childhood in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1956. He was an Air Force veteran. On March 3, 1961, he married Saundra Carreiro in Grand Junction. They attended All Saints Lutheran Church in Cory. Mr. Neuberger was an electrician and owned Colorado West Electric with his brother for many years. He was also an electrical inspector for

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the State of Colorado and was head of maintenance at Delta Correctional Center. He enjoyed fishing, vacationing in Mexico, playing cards and cribbage, collecting and restoring guns and knives, gardening and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Neuberger is survived by his wife, Saundra Neuberger; two daughters, Lisa (Kathy) Neuberger of Loveland and Ronda (Chris) McDonald of Grand Junction; a brother, Philip “Bud” Neuberger of Grand Junction; two sisters, Arlene Puls and Elaine Heinz, both of Delta; five grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Neuberger; a grandson, Tyler McDonald; and two sisters, Florence Delzer and Vi Gladfelder. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, P.O. Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Carol Hattstaedt

Former Paonia resident Carol Hattstaedt died Aug. 21, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. She was 81. A memorial service will be held at 11

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Delta County Independent

a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 26, at First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction. Mrs. Hattstaedt was a homemaker. She is survived by a son, Paul Hattstaedt of Glenwood Springs; five daughters, Christine Williams and Cheryl Jenkins, both of Grand Junction, Diane Walker of Hotchkiss, Barbara Mayer of Bear, Del., and Heidi Orndorf of Fairborn, Ohio; a brother, Charles Ericson of Kettering, Ohio; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 1/2 Road, Grand Junction, CO 81506. Callahan-Edfast Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Joan Lacey

Joan L. Lacey of Cedaredge died of lung cancer Aug. 7, 2015, at HopeWest Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. She was 71. She was born in Denver Jan. 20, 1944. She graduated from Evergreen High School. She was self-employed in trucking and owned a craft store. Mrs. Lacey is survived by her father, Richard Mueller; a brother, Tom Mueller of Las Vegas, Nev.; her sons, Randy (Karen) Sherer of Centennial and Matt (Shannon)

Lacey of Citrus Heights, Calif.; and four grandchildren. At her request, no services will be held.

Harold Motz Jr.

Phil Siebler Jr.

Phillip Siebler Jr. died Aug. 16, 2015, at his son’s home in Crawford. He was 80. A memorial service was held Aug. 20 at his son’s home. Another will be held at a later date. Mr. Siebler was born May 31, 1935, to Phillip H. “PH” Siebler and Edna Richardson. He is survived by his wife, Rose Siebler of Bozeman, Mont.; two sisters, Stella Rickman and Evelyn Siebler, both of Tracy, Calif.; one daughter, Patty Linman of Hotchkiss; three sons, David Siebler and Michael Siebler, both of Crawford, and Phil-

Grand Junction resident Harold Motz. Jr. died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015, at Larchwood Inns. Services are pending. Mr. Motz owned and operated a laundry business. He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Motz of Grand Junction; a son, Roger Motz of Cañon City; two daughters, Janice Motz of Aurora and Michelle Burkey of Palisade; a brother, Howard Motz of Grand Junction; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, 3090B N. 12th St., Grand Junction, CO 81506. Callahan-Edfast Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Alpine Bank offers CMU scholarship Alpine Bank is pleased to offer the Alpine Bank scholarship for students attending the Montrose CMU campus. The scholarship is open to parttime and full-time students with a 2.5 GPA or above. Every time a customer swipes an Education Loyalty VISA Debit Card, Alpine Bank donates 10

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lip Siebler III of Grand Junction; a cousin, Bill Siebler of Torrance, Calif.; a special friend, Crystal from the bait shop in Shoshoni, Wyo.; and extended family. He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Betty Jean Siebler; a son, Gilbert Siebler; a daughter, Phyllis Atwood; two brothers, Jerome Siebler and Billy Siebler; and a sister, Marlene Snow.

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cents to education-related projects in the Montrose community. The scholarship is worth $1,000 and is nonrenewable. Alpine Bank plans to make the scholarship a yearly offering. “Community support and engagement is invaluable to students pursuing their education. Alpine Bank is helping create access for students who want to pursue their goals of attaining a degree; we are very grateful for their support of CMU Montrose students,” says Joey Montoya Boese, Montrose CMU director. Scholarship applications can be picked up at either Alpine Bank location in Montrose or at the Montrose CMU campus. Applications are also available at www. alpinebank.com/Scholar ship-Opportunities.htm. Application deadline is Monday, Aug. 31. All applications must be returned to the office at the Montrose CMU campus.

NORTH FORK August 26, 2015

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Painted Street mural completed BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The first Painted Street Project is complete. The mural was painted over a period of three days, and the last touches of paint were applied Sunday afternoon. The brightly colored floral design lies along Fourth Street, directly south of Paonia Elementary School, and covers about 800 square feet of blacktop. The idea was first proposed to PES first-grade teacher Jodi Simpson by Lauren Ziccardi, a teacher with The Learning Council, whom Simpson had invited to speak at her class. Members from local organizations including the Village Building Convergence, The Learning Council and PES staff, students and parents all joined forces to make the idea a reality. More than 60 designs were considered, and an application was submitted to the Town of Paonia, which worked with the group throughout the application process. From conception to completion the project took about five months of planning and involved more than 200 citizens, said Ziccardi, now an elementary school teacher at the new North Fork School of Integrated Studies at PES. In response to the application, town trustees passed the Paonia Painted Streets Policy — based on similar policies in Portland, Ore. — which defines a painted street project and its purpose, and outlines the application requirements.

Anyone wanting to create a similar project in the future must go through the application process and receive approval from the town. “I think it’s very beautiful,” and adds to the neighborhood, said Steve Leighton, whose house is located within a few feet of the mural. Leighton praised the concept of community building and partnership behind the project, and the level of organization it took to make it happen. “It’s very much a community-building project,” said Leighton. The mural required about 40 gallons of custom-pigment Cabot acrylic deck stain from Dependable Lumber, said artistic coordinator Susie Lowe. Other art projects, including weaving of brightly-colored strips of T-shirt material donated by Elizabethan into patterns along the school fence, and the construction of a willow branch arch over the north lawn entrance by artist Ryan Strand, were simultaneously taking place. Volunteers were fed meals cooked in solar ovens by the local solar energy community and members of Solar Energy International. Ziccardi said that on Saturday they served 66 lunches. When it was completed and lunch was served, a drone hovered overhead early Sunday afternoon, photographing the scene and capturing images of volunteers circled around the mural in celebration (see photo on page B3).

Crawford considers options for SB 05-152 BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Crawford Town Council was considering calling a special meeting last week following a presentation by Delta-Montrose Electric Association and Delta County Economic Development representatives regarding bringing high-speed broadband Internet fiber optics to the town. For the town to support the effort, voters must approve a referendum asking for the town to opt out of Senate Bill 05-152. The next general election is in November. SB 05-152 provides language for competition in utility and entertainment services and states that before a government can engage in providing telecommunications service, it must hold an election asking voters to opt out of the bill. The town is not considering going into the telecommunications business. DMEA representative Mark Kurtz came before the town board at the Aug. 19 town work session to ask the town to consider opting out of SB 05-152. He also requested a letter of support to allow

DMEA to install middle-mile high-speed broadband fiber optics from an existing substation to a carrier-neutral location. Once the lines are in place, Internet Service Providers, or ISPs, which could include DMEA, can provide broadband service to the community. DMEA is partnering with DCED and Region 10, a nonprofit organization that provides public programs in support of 18 communities and six counties in Western Colorado, including Delta County, on a $5.2 million grant recently awarded to Region 10 by the Department of Local Affairs for broadband development. “It’s an extremely large investment,” said Kurtz, and DMEA wants to know that it’s a good one and that communities support its efforts. Mayor Susie Steckel said the town recognizes the value in bringing broadband service to the rural community. “There are a lot of people who want to come here, but because we don’t have broadband, they don’t,” said Steckel. When asked about the cost OPTIONS TO B2

Photo by Tamie Meck

Volunteers add the ﬁnal touches to the street mural on Fourth Street in Paonia Sunday. The project took three days to paint, was about ﬁve months from conception to completion, and involved more than 200 members of the community.

Meals made with love bring the community together BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

When Jeanne Gatto started serving weekly community dinners two summers ago her goal was to put otherwise wasted food to good use. “I thought it would be awesome if we could use it to get community meals going,” said Gatto. Gatto reached that goal, and in the process brought the community closer together. Two years ago Gatto was growing food on her farm on Rogers Mesa, and noticed that a lot of fresh produce was going to waste. While much of it went to good use on the compost pile at the Colorado State University Extension research center on Rogers Mesa, she believed it could be put to an even better use. She first envisioned something along the line of a soup kitchen. She knew there were a lot of people in need, but that was only part of where the need existed. There were also a lot of hard-working parents who didn’t have time to prepare a healthy meal for their family. Gatto placed an ad for volunteers in The Shopper, and didn’t get a reply for three months. Rather than give up, she begged her friend, Grace MacGregor, to help. While attending a meeting of the North Fork Outreach in Paonia, Grace stood up and said, “Let’s get this thing going,” said Gatto. The four churches that make up the outreach program donated beans and other items and a bean burrito bar fundraiser was served in July

of 2013 at the Ellen Hansen Smith Teen Center in Paonia. The meal raised $400, which went to stock the kitchen with staples and food for the next meal. Rather than charge for meals, the decision was made to accept donations and allow people to give what they could afford or thought was fair. Loving Spoonfuls was born. There were two reasons to serve meals on Wednesdays, said Gatto — other community meals were already being offered on weekends, and it helps break up the week. Gatto first saw the teen center as a temporary home while she found another kitchen, but it’s in such a good place, and it was available. She presented the board with a proposal, and it was accepted.

Wonderful things started to happen, said Gatto. As word slowly got out, people of all walks began attending, and neighbors who barely knew each other were meeting up to share a meal. Barriers were broken down, multiple generations were dining together, and business people and hippies were sharing tables. “That’s what I love about it,” she said. “That’s what my intention was from the beginning.” Meal planning is based on food donations. Volunteers try to prepare a meat option, a vegetarian option, and glutenfree desserts. Meals are made with high-quality, organic, local ingredients when possible, and with health in mind. In the last two years Loving Spoonfuls has received all kinds of wonderful donations, LOVING SPOONFULS TO B2

Photo by Tamie Meck

Loving Spoonfuls volunteer cook and server Grace MacGregor shares a laugh with diners at the July dinner at the Ellen Hansen-Smith Teen Center in Paonia. Created by Jeanne Gatto, the dinners have been bringing community members together for the last two years.

DCMH continues support of health care BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

At the invitation of John Gavan, Delta County Memorial Hospital CEO Jason Cleckler spoke to an audi-

ence of about 25 members of the Aging in Place working group, Rotarians and health care providers last Thursday at the Paonia Library. Cleckler spoke mainly

Photo by Tamie Meck

The sign at the North Fork Medical Clinic’s Paonia ofﬁce was recently removed after Delta County Memorial Hospital announced it would return operations to the clinic. DCMH CEO Jason Cleckler spoke last week at the Paonia Library on the hospital’s future plans for the North Fork Valley.

about the future of health care at DCMH, and the hospital’s continuing efforts to support health care options in the North Fork area. The hospital is asking what it can do to keep citizens in the North Fork area “from driving to Delta for a basic lab test,” said Cleckler. At the request of the North Fork Clinic owners, the hospital stepped in last year to help keep the clinic afloat. At the time, the clinic employed four health care providers and staffed offices at Paonia and Hotchkiss. DCMH returned operations to the clinic and physicians Tim Meilner and Michelle Hundley as of July 31, according to a press release on deltahospital.org. Two providers found jobs at other facilities, and Hundley has accepted a position with the Veterans Administration, which is not an uncommon move, said Cleckler. Due to staff shortages, the Hotchkiss clinic closed its doors, and Dr. Meilner continues to treat patients at the Paonia office. Cleckler said DCMH, which

currently operates 10 area clinics, plans to open a clinic in Hotchkiss before Oct. 1, to fill the gap created by the closing of the Hotchkiss clinic. Since returning operations to the clinic, a lot of information has been disseminated, said Cleckler, and not all of it is true. “We’re here to supplement,” said Cleckler. “We don’t want to take over.” Cleckler also talked about the future of rural hospitals, of which he said roughly 60 were closed nationally in 2014, and 256 are on the verge of closing. Lack of resources, costs of Medicare and Medicaid, and difficulties with attracting quality caregivers all contributed to those closings. DCMH is looking at innovative ways to remain viable and attract the best health care providers it can find. In an effort to remain independent, DCMH has in the last few months partnered with area hospitals including Montrose Memorial and Gunnison Valley Health to share resources, staff and ideas, said Cleckler. The hospital is also

considering other area hospitals for partnerships, and the Mayo Clinic has offered to provide resources and expertise. “We’re being proactive,” said Cleckler. “We don’t want a large hospital to take over.” Cleckler said hospitals are moving away from traditional ways of treating illness and are focusing more on wellness. “It’s truly a shift in mentality.” Cleckler said he worked at eight other hospitals before coming to DCMH, where he has worked for seven years, and said the staff is “phenomenal.” DCMH is publicly owned and receives funding through a special taxing district. Its five-member board is elected by the citizens. Current board members include David Lane, board chairman; Bill Hellman, vice chairman; John Breitnauer, secretary/treasurer; Jim Briscoe; and Jeffrey Berkosky, M.D. For more information, visit www.deltahospital.org, or call 874-7681.

B2 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Celebrate the Fork this weekend in Hotchkiss The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition is throwing the party of the year at the Delta County Fairgrounds Aug. 28 and 29 to honor the work of the creative people who live in the North Fork. “Celebrate the Fork!” starts Friday night in a transformed Heritage Hall decorated like you’ve never seen before where you’ll be amazed at the exhibits of the work of nationally recognized North Fork artisans and craftsmen surrounding the elegantly decorated dining tables before you sit down to a dinner prepared by some of

the leading restaurants’ chefs with all food provided by local ranchers and farmers, and juices, wine, beer and spirits from our celebrated vintners, brewers and distillers. And to keep the night rolling you can dance till you drop to the sounds of “The Deans of The North Fork Music Scene” — The Scones. On Saturday, the gates open at 10 a.m., so get there early with your chairs and blankets to save your place under the trees of the park to enjoy a day of music that highlights the best area musicians have to offer

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Colwell Cedars Retreat ��

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and check out the works of the local artists and craftsmen set up around the park or in air conditioned comfort at Heritage Hall. There will be work by artists, sculptors, potters, quilt-makers, furniture makers, saddle and holster makers, jewelers, authors and more. The music will feature gospel to choral groups in the morning. The afternoon just keeps getting hotter with David Starr, Beth Williams and David Snider, Michael Meadows and MOJO, The 3 Tinkers, The Scones, and

The North Fork Flyers with guest Harry Harpoon. After dark, Travis Mann, raised in Paonia before moving on to Nashville, will be in town for one night only with a Nashville all-star band featuring Guthrie Trapp. The evening closes at 9 p.m. with a special guest star, the one and only Otis Taylor, who will stop in Hotchkiss on his world tour. For tickets go to NorthForkCreative.org, email nfvcreativecoalition@ gmail.com or call 8724671.

Otis Taylor

Options FROM PAGE B1 to the town, DCED director Trish Thibodo said estimates for municipalities remain unknown due to numerous variables. An in-kind donation of infrastructure by DMEA, valued at millions of dollars, will save everyone money, said Kurtz. Trustees are unanimously in favor of the efforts, but because the presentation was given at a work session, they were unable to vote. Council members present were in favor of the referendum, and a letter of support to DMEA. The deadline for municipalities to pass ballot language and for the county clerk and towns to sign intergovernmental agreements for the Nov. 3 election was Aug. 25. The deadline for the county clerk to file with the secretary of sate is

Sept. 4. The next regularly-scheduled town meeting is Sept. 2. If deadlines aren’t met, the ballot referendum could also be placed on the ballot for the town election scheduled for April 2016, noted Steckel.

Travis Mann and friends

Loving Spoonfuls FROM PAGE B1 from fresh veggies to a freezer of elk meat. “That made some awesome meals,” and some really good pots of chili, said Gatto. The first year someone donated a freezer-load of peaches, which went into making desserts for the winter. “It’s really fun making meals,” said Gatto. “Put the love and intention in the food.” Meals now typically attract between 125 and 150 people. Since sum-

mers are so busy and volunteers hard to find, meals are served only on the last Wednesday of the month from June through August. While getting volunteers can be a challenge, they try to have at least three in the kitchen, and someone to stay after to clean up. Some volunteers return week after week. Gary and Joe Handschumacher have been there since the beginning to set up tables and greet diners. “They are very

Poetry and tomatoes are bountiful at area libraries BY LEAH MORRIS Delta County Libraries

With carefully counted syllables and plenty of colorful imagery, poems have been flowing into the Delta County Libraries three lines at a time. Patrons are responding with delightful creativity to a haiku poetry contest planned to coordinate with Delta County Libraries’ upcoming Tomato Fest events in Delta and Hotchkiss. Some of the poems describe beauty and flavor, others complain about pulp and seeds, but every poem

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does share one commonality: the tomato. The roots of haiku poetry date back hundreds of years to ancient Japan. The accepted format for the poems is three lines, with a 5/7/5 syllable count, although English versions of older Japanese poems no longer reflect the syllable count due to the challenges of translation. Historic haiku poems cover many subjects, from fleas to moon watching, but writing haiku about tomatoes is likely a more recent turn of events. Because tomatoes are native to the Americas, it is hard to imagine ancient Japanese poets would have had much contact with them until trade routes were established later on. Fortunately, tomatoes and haiku are coming together in Delta County, and the results dice up nicely. Haiku entries will be accepted online at http:// www.deltalibraries. org/tomato-fest/, by email, and at all Delta County Libraries through Tuesday, Sept. 1. Patrons may turn in up to three original entries, with a separate category for young poets under 16. Entries will be judged by local wordsmiths around the county, and winning entries will be read at Tomato Fest events in

September. The Tomato Fest sprouted in Hotchkiss in September 2014, with local gardeners and farmers bringing large, small, tasty, ugly, and welldressed tomatoes to an event at the Saturday farmers’ market at the Creamery Arts Center. The event was so wellreceived that Delta County Libraries has decided to make it an annual event with opportunities to participate in both Delta and Hotchkiss this year. The Delta event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 10, at the evening DeltaFest street fair, which starts at 5:30 p.m. The Hotchkiss event will once again coincide with the Saturday farmers’ market at the Creamery on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 1-4 p.m. Events will also include seed saving demonstrations, tomato games and other fun activities. As tomatoes quiver on their stems in anticipation of upcoming contests, and locally grown poems continue to roll in, locals should think about how they’d like to participate. The poetry contest is open to all, tomato tasting is free, and the public is invited to be part of either Tomato Fest event by entering homegrown tomatoes in any of the contest categories.

dedicated,” said Gatto. “I can always count on them.” MacGregor Grace is beyond reliable, said Gatto. When Gatto had to leave town a year ago to care for an ailing family member, MacGregor and her sisters Leah and Laura stepped in. Gatto was gone a year, and the meals never stopped. Gatto returned to the valley in time to attend the July meal, which drew more than 100 diners. The last meal of the summer will be served today starting at 5:30 p.m. Beginning in September, meals will be served either every week or every other week, depending on donations, because it takes a lot of food to serve 125 people, said Gatto. Anyone wishing to donate food or volunteer can call MacGregor at 527-3219 or Gatto at 4335476. Gatto said she prayed a lot while considering whether to make the tremendous commitment, but she understands that the more one gives in life, the more one gets back. She knew that all the hard work was worth it when, at one of the first meals, a young boy came to the counter and asked if it cost money to eat. Gatto explained that it was by suggested donation, but he didn’t quite understand the concept of a donation. He then told her that his dad had no money. Gatto looked out the window to see the father with a carload of kids. “It was really heartbreaking,” said Gatto. The man and three more children came in to eat, and all four kids had several helpings. The father told Gatto he had lost his job at the mine, and she sent him home with leftovers, and some of the donation money. “Right then I just felt that, you know, God’s hand was right there,” said Gatto. “It made me see that anything is possible.”

Open For Farm Tours ��

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

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The Delta County Independent publishes engagements, anniversaries and wedding stories free of charge. Photo by Steve Huntley 3DR

Street mural completed

The first Painted Street Project is complete. The brightly colored floral design lies along Fourth Street, directly south of Paonia Elementary School, and covers about 800 square feet of blacktop. The project took three days to paint, was about five months from conception to completion, and involved more than 200 members of the community.

Town of Paonia seeks board members BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Town of Paonia is currently seeking citizens interested in serving on town committees. The Town Planning Commission currently has one vacancy. The town is also undergoing a restructuring of the commission, said town manager Jane Berry. Currently, the five-member commission consists of the town mayor, one member of the board of trustees appointed by the mayor and three citizens. In the next two to three months the town plans to change the structure to a seven-member, all-citizen planning commission.

Top model

The town plans to create a zoning board of adjustments, which considers requests to town code and zoning ordinances and makes recommendations to the board of trustees. A few years ago the duties of the five-member body were handed over to the board of trustees, said Berry.

There are currently four openings on that committee. The town is also considering creating new committees and boards in the near future, including a tree board, recreation committee, business improvement and beautification planning commission.

Blue Sage kicks off concert series All-around bad boy of boogie-woogie and the blues, pianist David Vest returns to Paonia to open the Blue Sage’s

Photo submitted

Mandi Chermak represented Delta County at the Colorado State Fair Modeling Contest in Pueblo on Saturday, Aug. 15, where she was recognized as one of the top 15 models in the competition. Mandi, 19, has completed her 11th and ﬁnal year as a 4-H member.

2015-16 concert series with a master class and performance. Don’t miss a night of honky-tonk, great storytelling and foot-stompin’ fun Saturday, Sept. 12, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the door, online at www.brownpapertick ets.com/rofile/128662, by phone at 527-7243, or at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, 226 Grand Avenue, Paonia. If you’re a keyboardist, you can apply for a master class that’s open to the public. If you’re an instrumentalist, the master class will be a great opportunity to gain some insight into basic skills of improvisation just by viewing the workshop. Stop by the Blue Sage Gallery and pick up an application to participate as a keyboardist in the master class or purchase a ticket to attend the master class in person.

The town is also actively seeking citizens willing to help with special projects and to share special skills and talents. All that is needed is a desire to serve in some capacity, said Berry. Interested town residents can submit an application, available at Town Hall or at townof paonia.com, or write a letter of interest to the mayor and the board of trustees.

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B4 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

NFAA eyes options ahead of membership drive Fork Ambulance Association is asking a simple With its annual mem- question: “What if you bership drive just around called the ambulance and the corner, the North nobody came?”

BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

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The NFAA, the only ambulance service operating in the North Fork area, is considering all of its options after estimating a 2015 budget deficit of almost $200,000. Executive director Kathy Steckel gave a presentation at last week’s Crawford Town Council work session. The presentations covered the history and current operations of the association, the difficulties it faces, and the options under consideration if deficits continue. In 2013 and 2014, the association broke even, said Steckel. This year’s deficit is due largely to cash purchases of new equipment, including three Lucas 2 chest compression systems. The board of directors determined the devices were

Correction

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Due to a reporting error, one of the names of first responders in the Aug. 19 headline story in the North Fork Times was incorrect. North Fork Ambulance Association first responders included Debbie Leger, Sandy Leger, Christopher Brown and Tyler Simpson. Also in the photo on Page 2, Debbie Leger was edited out of the photo and her name was not included among the names of first responders. The DCI regrets the error.

Ginny Wise pastels to be featured

an immediate life-saving necessity and opted to purchase them outright, rather than take valuable time to investigate grants and other funding options. NFAA currently operates almost exclusively with volunteers. It was founded in 1969, with a 1964 Oldsmobile Hearse for transporting patients and a gurney, courtesy of local Rotarians. It covers roughly 1,500 square miles in Delta, Gunnison and Montrose counties and serves about 5,600 residents, and has stations in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford. In the early 1970s, said Steckel, the organization had 25 volunteer EMTs and averaged 60 calls per year. Gas was about 36 cents a gallon. Today, the population has doubled, as has the number of drivers, but calls have increased to 730/ year, or about 12 times. Gas currently averages just over $2.80/gallon. That translates to a lack of funding and a lack of staffing — the two biggest challenges faced today. NFAA is not in a special tax district and is solely funded by membership dues, grants, donations and service fees. Today, the public can expect a response time of between 1 and 30 minutes, with an average time of 12-15 minutes, depending on the location and the number of calls already underway. The first call has the quickest response time, said Steckel, but that time increases as more calls come in. One morning, said Steckel, they

had four ambulances on calls at once. The association logs 52,560 hours per year — that’s three stations with two crew members each, 24/7/365. Labor costs currently average $2.37/hour, or $125,000 a year. If paid staff replaced volunteers and the full value of their labor, including taxes and benefits, estimated at $22/hour, were paid, that cost would rise to $1,155,320. recovers NFAA between 8 and 42 percent of the cost of its calls, which average between $1,000 and $1,200 per call. It currently has 1,800 members, representing about onethird of the population of the service area. Half of those members are senior citizens. Membership pays for 100 percent of out-of-pocket costs for ambulance service for all permanent household residents, and business memberships cover costs to patrons who become ill or injured during normal business hours. In order to continue operating, the association is considering four options: 1) discontinue service entirely; 2) ask voters to approve a special tax district (with a tax levy of 18.59 mills, or $295/year for a residential property valued at $200,000), which can take up to three years to pass, and replace volunteers with paid staff; 3) combine services with Delta County Ambulance District and ask voters to approve a special tax district (with a tax levy of 8.14 mills, or $130 per

$200,000 value); or 4) continue to staff three stations with basic life support and a volunteer advanced life support team, continue to research additional revenue streams, and possibly use up cash reserves. NFAA is also seeking funding for additional training of volunteers in order to provide better first-response care. To do all of this, the association needs more members, more volunteers and more donations. Steckel left the meeting with a check for $200, courtesy of the American Legion, in hand. “We voted on it at the last meeting, said trustee and Legion member Larry Kontour, also a former EMT. A jerky fundraising drive is underway. Packages of nitrate- and nitrite-free, all-natural jerky made with elk meet from High Wire Ranch and can be purchased at the following locations. Paonia: Bank of Colorado, First State Bank of Colorado, Lizzies Market, High Country Printing, The Diner. Crawford: First State Bank of Colorado, the Hitching Post. Hotchkiss: First State Bank, Weekender Sports, CarQuest. Steckel will continue to give public presentations throughout the membership drive, which runs through October. The business membership drive officially begins Sept. 2. Organizations or groups wanting to schedule a presentation can call 234-6169 or email ksteckel@northforkambu lance.com.

The Glennie Coombe Gallery, 138 Grand Avenue, Paonia, will have a show of new works by pastel artist Ginny Wise of Cedaredge. The opening reception will be Friday, Aug. 28, 5 to 8 p.m., with live music and light refreshments. The show will run through Saturday, Sept. 26. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. or by appointment. Call 527-6622 for more information.

Dustbowl Revival

Photo by Tamie Meck

Dustbowl Revival got concert-goers on their feet last Thursday at the weekly Pickin’ in the Park free summer concert series. The series wraps up this Thursday with Grammy nominees Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen, beginning at 7 p.m. The concert also airs live on KVNF. The Colorado-based bluegrass band The Railsplitters opens at 6 p.m., and wraps up the Pickin’ After Dark late-show performance at 9:30, at the Paradise Theatre.

‘Powerful Tools for Caregivers’ to be offered in Montrose “Powerful Tools for Caregivers,” an educational series designed to provide caregivers with the resources they need to take care of themselves, is coming to Montrose. Scheduled to start on Sept. 28, Powerful Tools will be presented at the Montrose County Health & Human Services, 1845 South Townsend Avenue. Presented by Region 10 and Montrose County,

this program helps family caregivers reduce stress, improve self-confidence, communicate feelings better, balance their lives, increase their ability to make tough decisions and locate helpful resources. Classes consist of six sessions held once a week from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Class participants will receive the book, The Caregiver Helpbook, developed spe-

cifically for the class. A $25 donation is requested for participants over the age of 60, but not required. Participants under the age of 60 are required to pay the $25 fee. For more information or to register, contact Sandy Walker at (970) 765-3131 or sandy@region10.net. Participants can also register at www.region10. net/powerfultools.

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Bost family brings live gospel music to Delta County The Surface Creek Community Church and the award-winning Bost Family Traditions trio invite the community to a concert featuring live music and Southern Gospel singing on Sunday, Aug. 30, beginning at 6 p.m. The Surface Creek Community Church is located at 21987 Austin Road in Austin. Admission is free. The Gospel (Bost Family) Tradition, a family music group from Cochise County, Ariz., is the premier Arizona gospel singing group often described as Arizona’s First Family of Gospel Music. Unlike many touring Southern Gospel groups, the Gospel Tradition plays live music which features a

dynamic country sound blending the sounds of contemporary Christian expression with the hard-driving Appalachian tradition. The family vocals are powerful and sincere with genrebending crossovers into more progressive worship hymns and traditional cowboy ballads. Add a heaping helping of warm family atmosphere and it is easy to see why the Gospel Tradition has been named Arizona’s Family Band of the Year three times and Band of the Year, Country Gospel Music Association (West) of Branson, Mo. Spanning a decade of ministry, the Gospel Tradition has consistently tried to present the Gos-

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pel of Jesus Christ in a professional and passionate manner. Through the medium of song, audiences are exposed to the lifechanging power of the Gospel. The family’s main goal is to bring glory to God through music and to encourage the Body of Christ. “We are always humbled when the Lord sees fit to use our family to touch the lives of others,” states the group manager, Pamela Bost. The Gospel (Bost Family) Tradition consists of J.W. Bost, the father of the family and baritone singer. Liberty Bost is the guitar player and gifted lead singer touching audiences through her vocal expressions. Felicity Bost is an extraordinarily gift-

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The Surface Creek Community Church and the Bost Family Traditions cordially invite one and all. There is no charge for admission. A love

Delta County Women’s Connection of Stonecroft Ministries invites area women to an inspirational program and dinner Thursday, Sept. 10. The event will take place at Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dinner will be catered by Daveto’s at a cost of $10 per person. Reservations are requested

by Sept. 7 and can be made by calling 856-4650 or 260-0526 or emailing roushquilts@aol.com. The program will include a presentation titled “Healthy Food for Less: Food Preservation and Wild Game Recipes.” Inspirational speaker Cynthia Leibrock will speak on “Finding Your Purpose.” Feeling bored, drifting or stuck in the

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offering will be collected. For concert information go to www.thegospel tradition.com, email bost. traditions@gmail.com or call (520) 559-6908.

Delta County Women’s Connection plans program and dinner Sept. 10

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ed young musician covering the bass guitar and drum kit. Charity Bost rounds out the band with her high tenor and robust fiddling.

same routine? Leibrock will have some words of hope to share. Andrea Kallsen, a local music teacher, will provide the music. Women throughout Delta County are invited to explore a relationship with God through Stonecroft Ministries and the programs offered by Delta County Women’s Connection.

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B6 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

SURFACE CREEK August 26, 2015

NEWS

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

DMEA seeks town’s support for ISP proposal BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Delta Montrose Electric Association is asking local governments in Delta County for assistance in making plans for a possible decision to enter the “last mile” Internet service provider business. Two DMEA staff personnel from the engineering and operations department were at the Orchard City Town Board meeting on Aug. 12 to make the request. The Orchard City trustees and local governments in Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Paonia and Crawford are being asked to adopt a resolution solidifying their community’s support for DMEA’s Internet provider business planning, explained Mark Kurtz of DMEA. In a memo to Orchard City, Kurtz explained, “In essence, prior to the DMEA board’s strategic planning session on Aug. 17, we are trying to get an unofficial ‘we’re in’ from each city, and then to follow that up with an MOU (memorandum of understanding) should the (DMEA) board decide to authorize DMEA (or its wholly owned subsidiary) to become an Internet service provider.” Olathe is also being asked to adopt the resolution of support. Delta County and the cities of Delta and Montrose are not being asked to adopt the resolution, a DMEA official told the DCI. The DMEA directors held a “strategic session” last week to discuss its fiber optic network initiative. As of Monday this week the board had not made a decision on whether

to enter the Internet service provider business. The DMEA board scheduled its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Orchard City and other local governments have previously written a general letter of support for the idea of faster Internet service in their communities. The requested resolution “is more of an official form of support,” Kurtz explained. “Directors want to have it in case a decision is made to proceed.” The Orchard City board took a cautious approach to the request. Mayor Don Suppes said, “This board supports the idea, but we need to make sure we aren’t sticking our necks out.” Suppes said the town would like to see two of the resolution’s five provisions “more tightly worded.” Those two involve precise description of ISP PROPOSAL TO B7

Blue mountain

Views of Grand Mesa and other scenes in the region have been socked in all week by a haze of smoke caused by western wildﬁres. The smoke has been trapped under a ridge of high atmospheric pressure, meteorologists report. Weather patterns are predicted to shift by midweek, bringing a chance of air-clearing thundershowers and cooler temperatures by week’s end.

Orchard City will not ask ‘opt-out’ question in November BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Orchard City Town Board has hit the brakes and taken a “slow down, wait and see” approach to the coordinated push to place a broadband “opt-out” measure on local November ballots. The town’s trustees at their Aug. 12 regular meeting were advised on the opt-out

proposal by representatives of Delta County Economic Development (DCED) and county commissioner Bruce Hovde. But town board members wanted more information and answers to questions, and so called for a special meeting with Region 10 director Michelle Haynes which took place last Thursday.

Boathouse display added to Pioneer Town BY VERNA BARR Staff Writer

The newest exhibit at Pioneer Town has been set up in the western silo. Marilyn Boyd and her daughter brought in a glass case and have displayed a collection of memorabilia from the boathouse that once stood at Barren Lake on Grand Mesa. Originally named Barren because there were no fish in the lake. When fish were added, the name was changed to Baron. However, Williams never changed the original sign that is now part of the display at Pioneer Town. Art Williams, Marilyn Boyd’s father, built the boathouse at the request of the U.S. Forest Service when the lake was stocked with fish. As proprietor for 50 years, Williams rented boats to Grand Mesa residents, campers and day visitors on both Barren

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

and Eggleston Lakes. The boathouse also served as a summer home for the Williams family, Art, his wife Monedith and four daughters. There was also a snow-

Photos by Jane Everett

A display case of artifacts, photos and text pertaining to a former boathouse on Grand Mesa has been assembled by Art Williams’ daughter Marilyn Boyd (right) and his granddaughter. Among those items are a tackle box constructed by Williams from two old George Washington brand tobacco tins. A whetstone used to sharpen ﬁsh hooks and a mirror salvaged from the old burned Morse Lodge that burned in 1939 are also displayed.

house, built like an icehouse, packed with snow surrounded by sawdust. This served as a refrigerator for the family and to keep the pop cold that was sold at the store which also sold fishing tackle, candy and cigarettes. Boyd tells, “My sisters and I were sometimes tipped 5 or 10 cents for holding a boat for a regular customer. We were always eager for school to close for summer vacation and reluctant to leave for the valley below when school started every fall.” Being able to cast his line and catch trout was what kept Williams on Grand Mesa for 50 years. He truly loved the mesa and gave his heart and soul to his business. He was also the caretaker for the Coldstream Water Association which provided water to the cabins on Grand Mesa. This responsibility meant he was the first to arrive at the beginning of the season and the last to leave. The display illustrates some of Grand Mesa’s history and is a tribute to the memory of Art Williams. His family felt that its donation of the display to Pioneer Town is the best place to preserve this bit of local history.

Following an hour and a half meeting with Haynes about fiber optic network plans, Mayor Don Suppes summed up his board’s feeling saying, “There are a lot of unknowns.” He added, “We don’t really know what is going on.” The trustees decided not to place an opt-out question on the town’s November ballot. The decision came down to a simple one of dollars and cents: “Why spend more than we need to spend? We can have this election in April (at the scheduled municipal election) without spending $2,500 to $3,000 for an election in November,” Suppes said. Suppes said that the fiber optic network issue would be discussed in upcoming trustee budget workshops where the town can assess specifics of actual plans for Region 10’s fiber optic network and hard costs to the town. Four of the county’s local governments including Delta County have notified the county clerk’s office to reserve space on the November ballot for the opt-out votes in their localities. As of last week, Orchard City and Crawford had not done so. The push for opt-out votes has been supported by Delta County Economic Development, Suppes noted, saying, “I don’t understand the DCED push.” The Delta County Commissioners also support the opt-out program. Haynes explained, “They (DCED) may have thought we needed it to move forward on the project,” adding that such wasn’t the case. Haynes told the Delta County Independent that the recommendation for local optout votes had come originally from Region 10’s fiber optic consultant, Diane Kruse of Carbondale’s NeoFiber. The process of opting out refers to a state law — Senate Bill 152 (SB 152). The law prohibits local governments from entering the Internet service provider (ISP) business. Localities may vote to opt out of the provision, allowing their local governments to engage in the ISP business. Officials from both DCED and Region 10 have said that opting out will only provide local governments with “options” and “flexibility” in dealing with future local Internet issues. Haynes told the Orchard City trustees, “None of the (local governments) that I know of are planning to use it as a revenue generator.” She added, “It’s really about economic development.”

Haynes’s presentation to the Orchard City trustees outlined lots of “what if” scenarios about network buildout possibilities, service options, provider configurations and related matters. The DCI has requested a copy of Region 10’s implementation plan. Though in development for a year and the basis of a $5.2 million grant award, the plan is not completed. Also, Haynes explained, the document will have an undetermined number of pages (up to one-third of them) that will be kept from public view by “non-disclosure agreements” among partners in the Region 10 plan. Some points Haynes made in her presentation to the Orchard City trustees on Aug. 20 include: • Local governments are being advised to get their own legal advice on opting out and how their intended uses of the Region 10 fiber optic network squares with provisions of SB 152. Even if voters choose to opt out and allow their local governments to engage in the ISP business, local governments would not be required to do so. In addition, there are other, as yet unadjudicated provisions of SB 152 that could come into play, Haynes explained. • Private ISPs have convinced Region 10 to let them sell Internet access service to “anchor institutions” including government offices, health care, schools and others • Installation of fiber optic cable from the Orchard City DMEA substation to town hall would cost $11 per foot, or $58,000 per mile for approximately three miles. • Because it uses existing DMEA fiber optic cable in its network, ultimate cost of Phases I and II in the Region 10 plan is estimated at $14 million to $17 million. If the proposed network were built from scratch, the cost would be closer to $60 million, Haynes said. • The proposed Region 10 fiber optic service will offer access to local ISPs for a fraction of the wholesale price they are paying now. The wholesale price for gigabit service access could be $1,200 to $1,500 per month. • The “last mile” Internet service plan being studied by DMEA could take up to 10, and perhaps as long as 14 years to complete. A consultant has pegged cost of 100 percent build-out of the DMEA plan at more than $90 million.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

What’s bugging you? Problems of woody plants and their solutions BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

Cottonwood trees are ubiquitous to Colorado. For most folks it is the narrowleaf cottonwood that comes to mind when cottonwoods are mentioned. They line the many waterways that punctuate the landscape of much of the state. They often provide the bright yellow fall leaf color to add to our aspen’s golden glow. But there are many more representatives to the genus, Populus, other than this one. Out in the plains the more common Populus species is the plains cottonwood, a subspecies of the eastern cottonwood. These have larger leaves with a deltoid shape. They, too, tend to follow watercourses. Other members of this genus include lanceleaf cottonwood, Fremont cottonwood, swamp cottonwood and black cottonwood. If we were to add up all their subspecies and cultivars, we would need more than our fingers and toes. And lest I forget to mention the most planted representative of this genus in Colorado, we also have the aspen. Only the Colorado blue spruce is planted more than aspens. Male members of the genus Populus produce catkins in the spring to pollinate female trees. But it is the female cottonwood tree that produces the seed with associated “cotton” that fills the air as downy parachutes. Not everyone is a fan of this “cotton.” Just make sure you buy a male tree if you want to avoid this seasonal “snowstorm.” Another aggravating trait of this genus is its propensity to produce root suckers. This is okay in the wild but in my lawn? I don’t think so! You can cut these off as many times as you like, but they will keep popping up like a proverbial jack-in-the-box. And if you get too aggressive with weed killers, you could damage or lose the whole tree. One thing that all members of this genus have in common is the incredible number of pests and diseases that find their way

ISP proposal FROM PAGE B6 the locations of easements DMEA wants. Also, a provision that the town will help DMEA in marketing its proposed Internet service “needs to be clearer,” Suppes said. Trustee Beverly Moore asked how long it would take to build DMEA’s Internet service plan. Kurtz replied, “Seven to 10 years. It would be a long-term project.” The DMEA plan would bring fiber optic cable directly to individual homes, he added. Suppes asked Kurtz, “As a “one stop shop” for providing Internet service, “would DMEA have a secure long-term agreement with its gateway portal for service in Albuquerque?” Kurtz replied, “DMEA owns its fiber and will have control of its use.” Kurtz also explained the following points: • The DMEA fiber has been in place since 1999. • Albuquerque is the key to being able to offer “inexpensive, affordable bandwidth.” • The DMEA fiber optic cable has “a lot of capacity.” • “DMEA has agreed to energize its fiber running to Albuquerque now that the Region 10 grant has been awarded. The town trustees took the request for a resolution under advisement but took no formal action on it at their Aug. 12 meeting.

to attack our trees. Recently I observed large a webbed tent high up in one of my narrowleaf cottonwood trees. This, of course, was produced by the many caterpillars of the fall webworm, congregating within the protection of this web of silk. If I could reach it, I could prune it out — but I can’t. I could also spray it with a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide with the addition of a wetting agent to aid in web penetration — but I won’t. I’m just going to leave it alone. Not much damage will result. But it is the disease complex that causes the most problems for cottonwoods. The leaf diseases include Marssonina blight, Septoria leaf spot, ink spot, and powdery mildew and iron chlorosis, which is really a nutrient deficiency rather than an actual disease. Both Septoria leaf spot and Marssonina blight are causing the premature yellowing and defoliation being reported in narrowleaf cottonwoods.

Marssonina blight causes spotting and leaf premature fall in aspens without significant yellowing. Both of these last diseases can be managed by cleaning up all the leaves in the fall. This is where the disease passes the winter. A fungicide containing daconil will provide infection protection in the spring if applied in a timely manner and enough times. I recommend starting when leaf buds begin opening and continuing two more times on a 10day interval until three applications have been made. Make sure coverage is excellent. There is nothing that can be done now to prevent further leaf loss this year. Other diseases include wetwood or slime flux and Cytospora canker. None of these diseases has a cure and can eventually kill the tree, but it could take a long time. I personally get great pleasure from these cottonwood trees and every year look forward to their yellow fall color as it spills down our many waterways. I even have several native narrowleaf cottonwoods on my property, and yes, I

have even planted more. But these are all males! Is this considered gender discrimination? Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 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.

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Reverend Bill Potter served as chaplain at the Delta Correctional Center, Delta, CO from 1989 thru 1995. He then was selected to start an Office of Volunteer Services at the DOC HQ in Colorado Springs. He returned to Delta in mid - 1998 and remained there until 2013. He has been a community oriented minister, participating in many local religious activities. He has led many revival programs throughout the prison systems, as well as within the community.

Miss Victoria Hearst is the President and Founder of Praise Him Ministries, which includes Praise Productions Christian Store and Ridgway Christian Center. Miss Hearst formed PHM in 2001 when God placed it upon her heart to create a safe haven for youth and to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ . She is a passionate advocate for Israel and the Jewish people, and assists with projects in Judea, Samaria and Gush Katif. She also sits on the board of Billye Brim Ministry/Prayer Mtn. in the Ozarks and Operation Blessing Japan.

Pastor Carlos Sluder and his wife Rosemary have served in full time ministry for more than 30 years. They worked in Durango, Mexico, for a year at a rehabilitation center for drug addicts from Mexico City. Currently, they are Senior Pastors of El Buen Pastor Assembly of God in Delta, CO, where they have been for more than 20 years. Pastor Sluder has also served as District Men’s Director for the Central District of the Assemblies of God and as an Executive Presbyter for the Central District.

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Praise & Worship Leader:

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B8 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Water reports show progress on system ing leaks that cause lost water and lost money Orchard City contin- from its sprawling domesues to make strides in tic water utility. Evidence of success in its program of minimiz-

BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

its efforts came from two reports presented to town trustees at their Aug. 12 meeting. One report showed

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All Potted Trees 20% OFF

that treated water losses from the distribution system declined from a figure of 16 percent in January to 7 percent in May and 5 percent in July. The loss figures discount for an assumed unavoidable system leakage of 5.5 percent. “We’ve been doing a real good job,” Mayor Don Suppes said. He noted a “big difference” in the four-year average water loss figures, a report which shows a declining loss amounting to several million gallons saved.

A second report on system leaks shows the total number of leaks repaired by town staff was 52 in 2014 compared with 75 the year before. “We’re getting a grip on it,” Suppes added. In a separate action at the trustees’ Aug. 12 meeting, the board adopted a cross-connection and backflow prevention ordinance. “We have been working on this for quite some time now due to the nature of the marijuana business, and also regu-

she graduated from Cedaredge High School in May. She wrote in her application: “My faith is the number one priority in my life. My faith defines what I strive to be. I attended the Steubenville of the Rockies Youth Conference in Denver this past July. The

Emily Anderson (center) is pictured with her mother, Tanya, and Dennis Harlan, Grand Knight of Our Lady of the Rockies, Knights of Columbus, Council 11731 of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Mission.

lations being forced on us by Colorado Department of Public Health,” Suppes said. The ordinance requires the installation of crossconnection controls or backflow preventers where domestic water service is received by customers from the town. Fears of possible contamination of water in town distribution lines — particularly from direct injection fertilizer systems used in large growing operations — has led to adoption of the ordinance.

Catalpa Tree Special $89 Emily Anderson awarded All Large & �� $600 Knights scholarship Small Dennis “Hoot” Harlan, Grand Knight of Select Shrubs Our Lady of the RockKnights of Columbus, 30% OFF 1 Gal. Hardy ies, Council 11731 of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Misin Cedaredge, prePerennials sion sented a $600 scholarship to Emily Marie Anderson $5.99 at Sunday Mass. All Fountains �� Emily is the daughter of Chad and Tanya 40% OFF �� Anderson of Cedaredge; ��

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Photo courtesy Blaine Wells

conference brought me closer to God and during the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, I felt the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. I believe it was God leading me to the decision to always remain strong in my Catholic faith. I hope to one day have a family of my own that I am able to share my faith with.” Emily has an older sister, Alexis, who is enrolled at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison and a younger brother, Zach, who is a junior at Cedaredge High School. While in high school, Emily was part of the Cedaredge state championship marching band for four years and worked as a manager of the wrestling team. One of Emily’s recommendation letters stated, “This young lady has won the respect of her peers, her coaches

Cedaredge appoints planning members BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Cedaredge Town Board approved appointment of three new members to the planning commission at its Aug. 20 meeting, reports Mayor Pat Means. Karen Hebert was appointed to complete a three-year term that expires in 2017. In addition, Walt Anderson and Larry Naslund were appointed to three-year terms that expire in 2018. In other action at the meeting, trustees transacted the following business: • The board approved an intergovernmental

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agreement to participate in the November election. • The board approved a second intergovernmental agreement for sharing costs of the county’s Code Red emergency notification system. Approval was recommended by Police Chief Dan Sanders. • Trustees approved a special events liquor license for the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce AppleFest Gala on Oct. 2. • Trustees also approved a special events liquor license for the chamber’s annual Town Park AppleFest events on Oct. 3-4.

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and her teachers. Her work ethic never falters.” Emily is enrolled at IntelliTec College in Grand Junction and is studying to become a dental assistant. Emily’s name will be engraved on the KOC scholarship plaque that is displayed in St. Anne’s Hall at the church. This is the fifth year Our Lady of the Rockies Knights of Columbus has provided a scholarship award for a graduating high school student. The Knights of Columbus wish to thank the parishioners of our parish who attended our monthly breakfasts and donated to this worthy cause. With our parishioners’ support, the Knights hope to continue offering scholarships for future high school graduates who are members of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Mission.

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SPORTS

Section

August 26, 2015

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Eagles look for third grid title entirely new offensive line this year. “We’ve got a new corps Two consecutive state of offensive linemen that titles. A 23-game winwe’re trying to break in ning streak. The reigning and their effort level and Player and Coach of the attention to detail is a lot Year. higher than we’ve seen While the numbers in a long time,” McRae are gaudy, don’t think said. “In the skill posithe Paonia Eagles are tions we’re looking really resting on their laurels. good but in that O-line The quest for a third 1A we gotta learn how to get state football championit done for those backs.” ship began in earnest Leading the way, of last week, and the Eagles course, will be Taylor have many new faces but Walters, now in the senior the same hard-nosed attiyear of his record-setting tude. high school career. “It’s been pretty nice Expect Walters to because with all these take snaps under center, new guys coming in, to run from the tailback they’re not living in position and also to lead the past at all,” Paonia the defense from the safecoach Brent McRae said. ty position. “They’ve been waiting in The key will be to find the wings, they’re juniors other options and lighten now and some seniors, the load for Walters. and they think, ‘Now it’s “Everyone knows that Taylor Walters is one of the go-to guys, and he gets the ball a lot,” McRae said. “Through the course of a season you can’t give him the ball all the time. We’ve got some ideas, we’ve got Jeramiah Hillman, we’ve got Trevor Smith, we’ve got Colby Simpson, Dagan Rienks, some guys that are fully capable of handling the ball a little bit. So you want to lessen the load a bit and spread the ball around.” The mix of highly experienced veterans and enthusiastic but unproven youngsters will have to gel early. Paonia’s schedule is Photo by Eric Goold Members of the Paonia High School football team one of the roughest in the line up in an I-formation to work on offensive plays state, including the runner up from two years ago during a recent practice session.

BY ERIC GOOLD

DCI Sports Writer

my time to show, hey, I can do it too, we can win it again.’ That’s the attitude those guys are taking, and it’s been pretty refreshing.” First and foremost, the Eagles are facing the loss of 12 seniors from their roster a year ago. It’s not just the quantity but the quality of the players who graduated that will be missed. “What we told them is you don’t replace what you lost. You have to be the best player you can be, you’re not trying to replace anybody,” McRae said. “We’re putting new people in there, and it’s your job to do the best you can. Just be yourself and get better.” It’s the losses up front that hurt the most as Paonia will feature an

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(Centauri), a road trip to face the eighth-ranked team in 2A (Bayfield), and opens on the road Sept. 4 at Monte Vista, a perennial 1A playoff team. “We scheduled for toughness,” McRae said. “Not only for the tough teams, but you look at our schedule, and we’ve probably got eight of the top ten coaches in the state

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third and Cedaredge at eighth. It’s business as usual for the Eagles, and they are taking nothing for granted. “It’s the old cliché: one game at a time,” McRae said. “With our young team, it’s one day at a time. We’re just trying to get better at practice, and when the games come, we’ll take care of those.”

Delta football team to contend for WSL title BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

If the summer camps and noted improvements are any indication, the Delta Panthers could be more than just a force in Class 3A football circles. Delta returns a core of performers who were at the top of the class in many categories at the end of last season’s campaign. Last year’s 8-4 record included wins over rival Palisade in regular season play and Conifer in the Class 3A playoffs. Discovery Canyon ended the Panthers’ season in second-round action. Several key players graduated, leaving room for young upstarts who are working hard to be recognized. Gone are the likes of all-conference lineman Marcus Garcia along with David Brown and Ali Medina. Back for his senior year is First Team All-

Stater Jonny Ponce who led Class 3A in rushing. Delta coach Ben Johnson reports Ponce is bigger and stronger; not good news for opponents’ defensive teams. Another returnee is Tristan Brown, a 6’3” junior whom Johnson notes as “one of the best recruits in the 2017 class.” He performed very well at a rivals combine where he finished in the top eight. Key newcomers for the Panthers include junior

Jonny Ponce

Kole Roberts who stands 6’1” and plays quarterback. Logan Church is expected to help the ‘O’ and ‘D’ lines as a sophomore who weighs 260 pounds. AB Ontiveros also gets approval from Johnson. Ontiveros split time with soccer and football two years ago but is now implanted in the Panthers’ offense as a wide receiver who weighs 155 pounds and has great speed. Offensively, Delta will rely on several returning starters from last season. Ponce will assert his 205pound frame with authority, as will Brown who weighs in at 215 pounds. Beau Byers proved last year he belonged in the starting lineup after making spectacular catches for big gains. Kory Mills will be strong at tight end for the Panthers with his 6’2” frame and 190 pounds. DELTA FB TO C2

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on our schedule. Even if their talent’s down, their coaching staffs are so good that every game is tough.” The past three 1A state champions have come from the Western Slope League, and McRae said he expects the league will again be the best. The first CHSAA online football poll has Paonia ranked first, Meeker at

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C2 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Sirko lauds improving Hotchkiss grid squad BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

What a difference a year makes. Hotchkiss football coach Mike Sirko began his second season last week, and already the Bulldogs are showing signs of improvement. “The biggest difference I feel like is we’re playing like one unit,” Sirko said. “Coming in last year it was a new group and all that stuff, so this year I feel like these kids have bought into what we’re doing, especially with the summer workouts. We had a good turnout in the summer, and they responded, and they’ve been doing a good job in the weight room.” Last year the young Bulldogs started strong but fell victim to lateseason injuries, finishing the campaign on a threegame losing streak and

a 4-6 record after a firstround elimination from the 1A playoffs. Sirko conducted the offseason with one goal in mind: get bigger. The result was an active summer in the weight room for the Bulldogs. “We have to start five or six sophomores again this year, so having them in the weight room has given them the confidence to step in there and do the things they have to,” Sirko said. Last Thursday the Bulldogs offensive line was flying off the ball. They blocked hard and looked like a unit that was far beyond its fourth practice. “They’ve got some size, and they can actually move pretty well, too,” Sirko said about the Oline. “We worked hard on their running this summer, and they’re moving

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“Stay Close To Home and Family, We Are Here For Your Health”

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pretty well; we’re excited about that.” The foundation of the line is senior Cameron Matus, a two-way starter last year whom Sirko called the heart and soul of the O-line. “He worked his tail off in the weight room all year,” Sirko said. “I’d get here at 5:30 in the morning, and he’d already be in there. That’s the kind of commitment he has.” Sirko expects another two-way senior, Jaden Simpson, to have an outstanding year. “He’s really special, he’s a leader,” Sirko said. “He’ll play tight end and outside backer for us.” Junior quarterback Colton DeLuzio has been solid in practice so far, looking confident and taking most of the snaps with the first team. “He’s doing a nice job,” Sirko said. “You know what I love most about the kid is he works, and he’s also a heck of a leader. He’s one of those team players. He’s just as excited about our tailback getting a 4-yard run as he is about getting a touchdown pass. That’s the kind of quarterback I need in my offense.” Just like last season, the Bulldogs will play a power running game behind that big offensive line. Junior Wade Katzdorn will have plenty of chances to run the ball from the tailback position after his strong debut performance last year. “We’ll throw when we need to, but we’ll be a run-oriented football team,” Sirko said. “But when we do throw it, we want to be able to do a good job of it.” Sirko runs a crisp boot camp practice, barking orders and wearing a floppy hat and camo shorts. Players shout “Hoorah!” after they get the plays and coaches call the Bulldogs, “Soldiers.” “We want to teach the ‘Team above me’ concept, with one heartbeat,” Sirko said. “The kids play for each other, it’s a brotherhood. That’s all part of it. We’re just trying to get our kids to understand it is regimented, it is football.” Hotchkiss has a very difficult non-league schedule that includes 2A contender Olathe, 1A state runner up Buena Vista and seventh-ranked Monte Vista. The Bulldogs will have to come together fast as they open the season Friday night in a Zero Week game on the road at Ignacio. “I feel really good about a Zero Week game because our kids have done some things this summer to get us prepared,” Sirko said. “We can’t wait to get these young puppies playing, see how much of a bite they’ll have.”

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Photo by Eric Goold

Head Hotchkiss High School football coach Mike Sirko walks amongst his players during one of last week’s practice sessions.

Milholland, Bruins vow to be better BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

senior quarterback Jake Ostrom and junior running back and linebacker Isaac Swoffer as two key players for the Bruins. Others will emerge as the season progresses. Included in the teams to beat in 2015 are last year’s state champions Paonia, Hotchkiss, which has a strong program, and a Meeker team that

has plenty of talent. Cedaredge kicks off its 2015 season with Basalt’s Longhorns coming to town on Sept. 4 for a 7 p.m. start time. This week’s schedule for the Bruins’ football team includes scrimmages on Aug. 29 against Plateau Valley at 10 a.m. and Roaring Fork at 1 p.m.

Cedaredge’s Bruins made the Class 1A state playoffs last season and lost to Resurrection Christian in the first round to finish the year at 6-4. Head coach Brandon Milholland believes there is solid commitment from his staff and players to improve play in 2015. “We will be competitive and play as a real team this year.” Milholland, in his sixth season at Cedaredge, will be assisted by fifth-year coach CJ Cannell, second-year coach Cutter Garrison and newcomer Jason Robidoux. Including freshmen, the Bruins list 46 athletes on their roster for 2015. There are 12 seniors, 10 juniors, nine sophomores and 11 freshmen currentPhoto by Wayne Crick ly battling for spots on Cedaredge coach Brandon Milholland works on the the roster. snap-count and ball movement to condition the Milholland sees his line to react to movement and not just sound.

Redlands Mesa links rough on county golfers BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Cedaredge and Delta High School’s golf teams competed in last week’s Wildcat Invitational. The competition took place at The Golf Club at Redlands Mesa. Delta finished ninth and Cedaredge placed 11th. Grand Junction High School won the team title with a score of 226, with Steamboat Springs placing second with 238 strokes. Delta used 269

swings and the Bruins 298 to finish in their respective spots. Individually, Grand Junction’s Trevor Olkowski topped the leaderboard with his 67. Delta’s Blake Reiher tied for 12th with three other players who had rounds of 82. Individual scores for Cedaredge players were Jacob Lewis 86, Peter Carlson 103, Matt Smelser 109 and Nate Stumpf 128. Delta’s individual

scores included Reiher, 82, Logan Wood, 87, Mason Garcia, 100, Christian Hall, 100 and K.C. Carlson, 104. Delta coach, and Devil’s Thumb pro, Ken Brown admitted play at Redlands Mesa was, “a bit rough for the boys, but they played well enough.” The Bruins and Panthers are scheduled to play Devil’s Thumb today, Aug. 26, and are at Cobble Creek Aug. 27.

Anticipation high for Delta soccer season BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

When talking to Delta High School boys’ soccer coach Elaine Wood, be ready for lots of smiles. Wood, going on 14 years as a head mentor and 24 years overall, beams with anticipation of what’s to come in 2015. The boys’ soccer program is a district-wide team that is hosted by Delta High School. In 2008, the program was located and hosted by Hotchkiss High School. That year was the best on record for Delta County as Wood and her Bull-

dogs won the league title and went on to claim the Class 3A state championship. The program finished 16-0-4. Wood sees similarities in this year’s team and the 2008 squad. That was a team with speed and savvy, notes Wood. This past weekend, Wood’s team, now located and hosted by Delta High School, drew praise of coaches during scrimmage sessions at Long’s Family Park near Central High School. “One of the things I heard from other coaches was, ‘they are fast’.”

Not only are they fast, but “they understand the game and know how to play it,” said Wood. The Panthers tied with Grand Junction, Fruita and Central with a win over Palisade to make the scrimmage sessions more than worthwhile. There are numerous athletes for Wood to tout. One of the many she chose was Cedaredge’s Danny Mendoza, a forward who has plenty of speed and know-how. Other players who may possess abilities to impact a game include SOCCER TO C4

offensive and defensive linemen Livan Santandar, 205 pounds, Kaleb Lindsey, a 225-pounder, and Stephen Davignon, 190 pounds. Johnson believes the Panthers’ strength is team speed, while there may be early questions about the play of their offensive line. As usual, teams to beat in the 3A WSL include Rifle and Palisade. Johnson has a good

core of assistants surrounding him including Ryan Whittington, Paul Shean, Craig Cerise, Jesse Kendig, Lane Varner, Nick Orros, Matt Hamm and Luis Meza. Delta, ranked in the top 20 by maxpreps.com, begins its regular-season schedule on Aug. 28 when the team travels to Colorado Springs to take on Tri-Peaks league’s The Classical Academy. The game is set for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Delta FB ��

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CONTINUED FROM C1 The Panthers have a few players who go both ways. Brown is a force from his linebacker’s position, while Mills can be just as devastating as Brown from his linebacker’s spot. Add the play of Damon Jensen at strong safety, and the Panthers are solid past the line of scrimmage. Other returning players Johnson notes include

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Eagles’ VB team salty BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia High School volleyball team keeps resetting the standard for excellence. The Eagles took to the floor last week and began the season looking to equal or better their stellar campaign last year. Paonia made it into the winner’s bracket at the state tournament before falling to Caliche in a five-game heartbreaker. “I think the program as a whole has had a lot of success particularly the last three years, and I think the outcome is the expectation,” head coach Krista Carsten said last Wednesday after practice. “Getting to state is the expectation,” she said. “I’ve got to work on my kids to get them to understand that getting to state is a big deal, to where it’s just the standard, we expect to go. We celebrate those things rather than take them for granted, we realize that’s a huge accomplishment being there.” Last year the Eagles posted a 26-1 record.

That and three years of success for the program earned Paonia the No. 5 ranking in 2A according to the first CHSAA online poll of volleyball teams this season. “A 26-1 season is pretty awesome, it’s real hard to complain about that,” Carsten said. “Reality is, we’re getting some recognition from across the state because we’ve been at the state tournament the last three years. When you can have a team that goes back year after year, people start giving your program some credibility.” At some point the Eagles have to start looking forward at the challenges ahead and leave the success of the past behind. Paonia is only in its second week of practice but already is focusing on getting better. “We’ve got a lot of work to do, and they realize that when we start playing,” Carsten said. “Some of the kids we had last year feel some frustrations because we’re not at the level we’re used to playing, but it will come.

Delta volleyball team sets high goals for 2015 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

After reaching regionals a year ago, Delta’s Panthers lost both games they played and bowed out of the 4A state tournament. Delta hopes to better the 14-11 mark posted last season. Beth Nelson and her coaching staff will work diligently to provide a successful atmosphere that will hopefully have the correct ingredients for a post-season berth. This year’s assistant coaches for Delta include Lisa Rover, Teresa Baier and Bria Schmalz. There are 34 athletes currently battling for playing time, with a handful Nelson has her eye on for impact-player status. Junior newcomer Ashton Reese was a starter at her previous high school in Texas before transferring to Delta. She has size and plays at an outside hitter’s position. Emily Baier also plays outside hitter and will be a key factor in the Panthers’ success this season. Emily Nortnik will see lots of action as Delta’s

setter in 2015. Both girls are juniors. Nelson also touted senior Shanan Davey as a potential impact player at libero. Delta will be looking for a piece of the playoff action when the regular season is completed. Teams that will also be in the hunt include Battle Mountain, Steamboat Springs, Eagle Valley and Palisade. These teams are viewed as teams to beat in the 4A WSL because they are tough league games, according to Nelson. The Panthers are also a tough game for league foes, and Nelson is optimistic about how the season will play out. “We are working toward a league title and would like to make it deeper into the playoffs.” Delta was scheduled to participate in scrimmage competition in Montrose today, Wednesday, beginning mid-afternoon. The Panthers will serve up their first gamecompetition on Sept. 5 at Gunnison where they will participate in tournament action.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Emily Baier receives a volley during a practice session held last week. The Panthers will initiate their 2015 volleyball season next Saturday at the Gunnison Invitational Tournament. Delta scrimmages in Montrose today, Aug. 26.

It’s just going to take a lot of work, and they’re not afraid of working hard.” The Eagles ran through a focused, disciplined practice session filled with high energy and enthusiasm. Paonia opens the season on Saturday at the Palisade “C” tournament and this group is chomping at the bit to take the floor. “We lost three seniors that were a pretty important part of our program, and we don’t have the depth that we’ve had in the past, but I think our potential to have the same kind of success is there,” Carsten said. Seniors Taylor Carsten, Ashley Van Vleet and Emily Clawson have returned to help Paonia get back to the top. Juniors Felicity Audin, McKenna Hartigan, Emily Pieper and

Brianna Van Vleet will play roles for the team, and Carsten said junior transfer Sophie Anderson has been impressive so far in practice. Watching the Eagles play, one thing stood out immediately in the coach’s eyes: this is one of the tallest volleyball teams Paonia has put on the floor. Athletically the Eagles are already ahead of the competition. “This is the tallest team I’ve had since 1995,” Carsten said. It’s a blank slate for every team at this time of year, and these Eagles have to continue the program’s success in every match. “We’re in the top 10, that’s great,” Carsten said. “We just have to Photo by Eric Goold prove ourselves. We have to go out there and earn Coach Krista Carsten, middle, is giving instructions as her daughter Taylor runs past. it.”

Bruins’ VB to be tough BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Cedaredge High School’s volleyball team posted a 20-5 record last season. Three of those losses came at the hands of Paonia and one to Olathe’s Pirates. The fifth loss came in regional play to Dolores. In 2015, head coach Heather Dunbar is all about having another stellar year and going deeper into the playoffs. “Our senior class is a huge impact class as a whole. We have great athletes that have great commitment and work ethic.” Dunbar is in her eighth season as a volleyball coach. She will receive help from firstyear junior varsity coach Terrira Garrison and second-year coach Kristine Beach. This year’s coaching staff will be working with a total of 26 athletes, including freshmen. Leading the way for the Bruins in 2015 is Kenzie Henderson, a two year all-conference selection. Joining Henderson is teammate Kendall McHugh who was an Honorable Mention AllConference selection last year. Nellie Freeman and Lydia Knutson will “be huge for us this year and will fill huge roles,” stat-

ed Dunbar. Amber Jenkins and Hannah Gilmore are included in the list of players to watch. Jenkins will add support to the team effort at setter and as the libero. Gilmore is a very much improved athlete who is driven to succeed. Dunbar sees her as a player who should be a major force on both offense and defense.

It’s a competitive 2A Western Slope League this year. All the teams are considered teams to beat if the Bruins are to finish on top. “We are looking to have a successful season. There is no reason we should not surpass our final standings from a year ago,” says Dunbar. The Bruins’ season doesn’t begin until Tues-

day, Sept. 1 against Ridgway at 4 p.m. Next regular season competition is set for Saturday, Sept. 5, when they take part in tournament action in Gunnison. Prior to regular-season play, Cedaredge is scheduled to work on final preparation for the season with scrimmages in Montrose on Wednesday, Aug 26.

Photo by Wayne Crick

This Cedaredge volleyball player attempts hitting past a defender at a recent practice session. The Bruins are excited for the coming season, with eight seniors complimenting a talented group of athletes. Their regular season does not begin until Sept. 1 when they host Ridgway at 4 p.m. Scrimmages in Montrose are scheduled for today, Aug. 26.

C4 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta softball team sets sights on playoff return BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

What the Panthers and coach Steve Reiher want is to duplicate their successful season in 2014 where they finished the year with an 18-5 record. Three of those losses came early to Grand Junction, Fruita and Cortez. The next time Delta lost was in post-season action. Niwot knocked the Panthers into losers’ bracket play where they defeated Englewood for another shot at Niwot for the right to advance to the next round. Niwot won the game, ending Delta’s season. Reiher is excited to begin the 2015 season and has high hopes of returning to post-season play where his team will move deeper into the playoffs. Providing assistance in helping Reiher and the Panthers reach their goal, are Jerry Sando-

val, Darrell Easter, April Easter, Katie Bellew and Tiffany Schaaf. The Panthers will be in the thick of things in this year’s race to postseason. Several players were selected as impact players for the coming season. More may emerge as the season unfolds. Players who are potential impact players include seniors Keilee Womack, Rachel Huerkamp and Hannah Easter. Womack and Easter are pitchers, while Huerkamp plays in the outfield. Womack and Easter have been in the program four years, with Huerkamp participating three seasons. Juniors Megan Sandoval, Lily Lockhart and Saydee Culver add strength and leadership to the team as all have been in the program going on their third year. Sandoval is the catcher who leads the team from behind the plate. Lock-

hart pitches and plays first base, with some thunder in her bat. Culver is a capable infielder and outfielder. When the question of teams to beat is brought up, Reiher listed some familiar names to a growing list. Palisade is most always the first name listed by Reiher. “They are always tough,” says Reiher. “They seem to be our natural rival.” Montrose has played Delta tough over the years, and Durango can be salty as well. Last year, Cortez stole a victory from the Panthers. “They help us see where we stand,” noted Reiher. All said and done, the Panthers are going to be solid in 2015. “We should be fairly competitive. Bringing back a lot of girls off last year’s team,

essentially seven starters, will help us. We also know we have a target around our necks so we are going to have to play well game in and game out.” Delta is in Grand Junction, Canyon View Complex, for scrimmage action this Saturday. The Panthers open regular season play on Sept. 1 at home against Rifle with a 4 p.m. start time for varsity action. Junior varsity action follows. On Thursday, Delta hosts Montrose for another 4 p.m. starting time. A trip to Henderson is set for Sept. 4 and 5, where the Panthers will participate in tournament play at the Prairie View Invitational. A Sept. 8 contest at Palisade is scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.

Delta XC team numbers 26

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BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta shortstop Saydee Culver looks toward the ﬁeld umpire after making the tag in hopes he gives the out signal. The runner was safe at second in a scrimmage game played between Douglas County and the Panthers at Canyon View Park.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s leading home run hitter from last season, Lily Lockhart, squares up a pitch from a Douglas County pitcher last Saturday morning at Canyon View Park in Grand Junction. Teams from across the state gathered to play in as many as four scrimmage games.

Delta High School’s cross-country roster lists 26 athletes. Seven of those listed are female. The senior and freshman classes boast eight runners each. The freshman class has six athletes and this year’s junior class has four on the roster. Head coach JB Lopez notes there is not much experience and a lot of youth on the girls’ team this season. For the boys, “There is a chance they (boys) will make it to state,” says Lopez. Top returners for the Panthers include seniors Mykayla Music, Wade Stinson and Abbi Beckwith. Junior Elias Carlson is a fourth top runner for the Panthers.

Music will lead the girls’ team in 2015. She has determination and a strong work ethic with a desire to succeed. Stinson is a double-duty athlete in the fall with practices in both cross-country and soccer to keep him more than busy and fit. In looking at the years of competition around the western slope, Lopez claims the toughest cross country site is the Battle Mountain course. Providing various forms of assistance for Lopez this season are Beth French, Anna Cummins and Matt Kevan. Delta’s first meet of the season is Saturday, Aug. 29, at Grand Junction Central’s Matchett Park. Competition begins at 9 a.m.

Delta High School Cross Country Schedule ��

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Being aggressive and having the skill to keep the ball is a major advantage in soccer. The two players above are battling each other for possession of the ball. Delta’s player, yellow jersey, was dribbling the ball and managed to get a pass away before losing it to the defense.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta cross-country coach JB Lopez explains instructions to begin a practice session last week. The Panthers are heavily loaded with male runners in 2015. There are 19 boys and only seven girls on this year’s roster.

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Soccer CONTINUED FROM C3 WSL. Battle Mountain, Eagle Valley, Glenwood Danny Mendoza scores a goal against Central last Marcos Gonzalez and Springs, Palisade, SteamBrandon boat Springs and Summit Saturday. Teams gathered at Long’s Family Park sophomore to scrimmage as preparation for season openers Harper. Paonia’s Colton are the opponents Delta Godwin is a junior mid- must contend with and continues. fielder Wood added to the have success against to move on to post-season list. Hotchkiss senior Alex play. Battle Mountain, Aguilera and junior Steamboat Springs and home-schooler Joseph Summit have monopoHoliman will split time lized playoff berths in the with goalkeeping duties. past. Throw in Montrose There are a pair of and Durango to spotlight defenders Wood men- teams that stand in the tioned. Sophomore home- way. Wood believes the school player Ian Downey and Nathaniel Gomez, a Panthers are legitimate senior at Paonia High contenders, and there’s School, will be counted always room for one more at the top. on heavily. Look for other players Delta opens with a true not mentioned to contrib- test Saturday, Aug. 29, at ute to the success of the home against powerhouse team. Battle Mountain. Varsity �� For the past few years action is set to begin at 11 �� a handful of teams have a.m., with junior varsity �� dominated play in the 4A play scheduled for 1 p.m. �� Photo by Wayne Crick Delta senior midfielder

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SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

New XC coach at PHS BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Eagles had to hit the ground running. And fast. Paonia began the cross-country running season last week, not getting much practice time as the Eagles open the year Saturday morning at Central High School’s meet at Matchett Park in Grand Junction. “They’ve literally hit the ground running,” first-year coach Brandy Sparks said. “They’ve done some challenging things already and have risen to the occasion, so we’re real proud of them. We have some real potential.” Sparks came to Paonia via Splendora, Texas, and Dallas Baptist University, where she ran three years for the Patriots. “I really want to help these kids have a passion for running,” Sparks said. “If we win, we win. But more importantly, if they walk away feeling like they’ve accomplished something, and they’ve really pushed themselves hard, and they’ve given their best, that’s all I can ask. And hopefully they still love to run.” Both the boys’ and girls’ squads have leaders to rely on this season, beginning with senior standout Chelsea Meilner. “We’re so excited to have Chelsea Meilner back,” Sparks said. “She went to state last year,

and we’re expecting to see that happen again.” Meilner is a three-time individual qualifier for the state championship, posting a ninth-place showing last year to finish on the podium. “For the girls, we have a new runner, Brooke Hillman, who was very successful in distance for track, and we’re excited to see what she does,” Sparks said. “Megan Lim-

one is the other senior this year, and we hope for good things from her.” The Eagles have a strong returning duo for the boys’ team along with a handful of talented newcomers. “For our senior leader we have John Deck,” Sparks said. “He’s got experience that will help us. And Tim Helmer has been real impressive. He’s come in strong and

Photo by Tamie Meck

One of the more experienced athletes for Paonia’s Eagles is Chelsea Meilner. Meilner has participated at state three years and last year placed ninth to earn a place on the awards podium. She is expected to succeed again in 2015.

is in great shape, and I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.” With talent coming back and momentum building from past years’ successes, Sparks is clear about her goals for the team this season. “I definitely want to win,” Sparks said. “We’re excited about both the girls’ and the boys’ teams. We’ve got some really strong runners on the girls’ side, and I would like to see them go to state as a team. As a winning goal, that’s what I would like.” The Eagles will be helped by a strong sense of family in the crosscountry community. “I always like to stress the cross country family,” assistant coach Shauna Meilner said. “It’s a comprehensive sport in my mind. We do team dinners, and we incorporate other things about fitness and nutrition and staying healthy. We do bonfires and watch movies and encourage family-type bonding. We’re a family.” The Eagles open the season Saturday then will build toward regionals on Friday, Oct. 23 in Delta. “To go to state it’s all about regionals,” Sparks said. “In cross-country, it all boils down to regionals, you have to finish number one or two. That’s when we need to have our best runs to get to state as an individual and as a team.”

Bruins solid in softball BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Matt Hall and his Cedaredge Bruins’ softball team will be looking to duplicate the success they had last season as the new year gets underway. The Bruins enjoyed a 15-7 record last year that included a league championship and a trip to state. The Bruins have Ray Smith, Angie Morgan, Dick Hamilton, Lonnie Stroud and Jim Hathaway returning as assistant coaches with a couple of newcomers added to the coaching list. Jazmine Gomez, a former player for Hall, will be one of the new coaches, with Taylor (Schaaf) Buchheim completing the list. Buchheim enjoyed a stellar career at Delta High School. Cedaredge had 22 prospects sign up for action in 2015, with some notable players returning for another year. Senior outfielder Sam Galley is one of those athletes whom Hall lists in the player impact category. Galley plays the outfield and hit four home runs last season. Junior shortstop Shayna Dale joins Galley as a returning letter winner

for the Bruins. Dale was handy with the bat as well in 2014 with three home runs. Other consistent players touted by Hall included senior Hailey Lofley, who catches, and junior pitchers Lacey Rodriguez and Brittany Kendall. If the Bruins are to repeat as league champions, and possibly make a deeper run at state, they will need plenty of wins. Some of those wins would benefit Cedaredge chances with power points. When asked which teams are the ones to beat, and why, Hall responded with, “Basalt and Gunnison are the teams to beat as they are typically the top teams in the league. Beating teams like Delta, Palisade and Montrose, which are 4A teams, could help us improve our ranking in the 3A classification.” Hall believes he has a very good softball team in 2015. The question of how his Bruins will do in 2015 was confidently answered. “We are planning on being league champions again and hosting the regional tournament. We are hoping to improve on last year by being the top team in the regional tournament and

placing in the top four at state.” Cedaredge opens play this Friday, Aug. 28, when it hosts Meeker for a 3 p.m. game at the Field of Dreams complex in Eckert. The Bruins’ soft-

ball weekend continues through Saturday as they travel to Cortez for an 11 a.m. contest against the Panthers. Junior varsity play follows and is schedule to begin with the first pitch around 1 p.m.

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Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com �� Good luck runners! ��

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Photo by Wayne Crick

The slap-bunt is a valuable tool in offensive softball. Cedaredge uses the weapon to get a running start for a lefthanded batter in hopes of outrunning the throw from an inﬁelder. Cedaredge participated in numerous scrimmages in Grand Junction over the weekend.

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Prep tennis now in Paonia courts are at Apple Valley Benson fired volleys ing for the Eagles first Park, so we have to come and gave instructions to competition which will The diverse landscape here anyway. They’re a young boys’ team prac- come in three matches TENNIS TO C6 ticing last Friday, preparof high school tennis in great courts.” the North Fork Valley is hard to predict, and coach Brian Benson has a whole new set of changes to deal with this season. Boys’ tennis takes to the court during the fall season and the girls’ squad plays during the spring season. Players from both Paonia and Hotchkiss High Schools combine to form the teams, and after being affiliated with the Bulldogs for the past couple years, the tennis team this year will be run from Paonia. “Part of the reason for that is transportation,” Benson said at practice Photo by Eric Goold last Friday afternoon. A North Fork combined tennis team will be located in Paonia this year. Coach “Our bus originates out Brian Benson chats with a few of the players on this year’s team in the photo of Paonia so it just kind above. A varsity tennis team may have 11 total players. The Eagles will be two of made sense for con- short this season. Six players are from Hotchkiss and three are from Paonia venience sake. Also, the High School.

BY ERIC GOOLD

DCI Sports Writer

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C6 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss volleyball team young, dedicated BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Hotchkiss High School volleyball team has a new coach and a new outlook this season. Taralee Williams is the new coach, coming to Hotchkiss to teach and coach volleyball after two years spent coaching in Pennsylvania. “I applied for a teaching job, and the volleyball job was open too, and it ended up working out,” Williams said after practice last Thursday. “This is where I’m meant to be. My volleyball girls are great. I feel so blessed to be out here.” A large group of girls formed varsity and junior varsity squads in the Bulldogs gym, going through vigorous hitting and passing drills then

scrimmaging during a lively practice session. “We had a good turnout of girls in the summer, working hard and weight lifting,” Williams said. “A lot of our young girls are really working hard and are excited to be here. They want to get better, and as a coach I couldn’t ask for anything better.” It’s very early in the season, and the Bulldogs have a young squad on the floor, but they are starting to get in sync, and they love playing together. The camaraderie and positive attitude was obvious at practice. “They’re really coming together, and today we had our best practice,” Williams said. “It’s starting to click more. We’re going to be a little young

Best of Luck Olathe Pirates! ��

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this year. We’ll have at least one freshman starter. We’re young but we’re working hard.” Loud cheers of encouragement rang out in the gym, and the Bulldogs showed a lot of enthusiasm as they prepared for their season-opening matches in Rangely on Sept. 4-5. “Despite their youth, it’s like they’ve always been playing together,” Williams said. “Teamwise, they’re all friends on and off the court so it’s really nice to see that. They are all really good to each other.” Williams said senior Gratia Fisher has been absolutely phenomenal for Hotchkiss. “She came to work all summer long. She’s an absolute leader on and off the court,” Williams said. “As a coach I couldn’t ask for a better senior. She knows the game and is a great player and is like the team mom, too.” With a young squad in her first year as head coach, Williams said the key will be to establish a tradition that can last beyond single seasons. “We want to establish a winning culture and get that attitude set,” Williams said. “I think we’re building. We really do have a bright future here. I just want us to build and get fundamentally sound. We want to work as a team and hopefully get that volleyball sense that you can only establish by playing.” Williams said the Bulldogs have improved their passing a lot during the first days of practice and want to get their setters and hitters in sync a little better before the Rangely matches. “I think that is going to be a big deal for us,” Williams said. “Overall, I hope to see that we’re playing aggressive, not playing safe. We’re young, but we need to bring a more competitive edge.

Photo by Eric Goold

Players track the ball at a recent volleyball practice at Hotchkiss High School. New volleyball coach Taralee Williams has been extremely pleased with what she sees on a daily basis.

Bulldog cross-country team has will to win BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After a fabulous finish at state last year and with some of the best senior running talent in the region returning, the Hotchkiss High School cross-country team begins the season with high hopes. “The season ended very well last year,” said Bulldogs coach Kelly Cowan. “Both the boys and girls finished in fourth place at the state meet.” Hotchkiss has a long tradition of fielding talented cross-country runners, and this year will be no different. The Bulldogs will not lack senior leadership or experience. “Mae Anderson and Sophia Schelle are senior girls who are in their fourth seasons and are both excellent leaders,”

Cowan said. The boys’ squad will also have a solid foundation to build upon. “Andrew Oviedo is the lone senior boy, and he is such a strong leader,” Cowan said. “So both teams have what we need in terms of ability to lead. Over half of the team this fall is new to the program, so leadership from the seniors will be extremely important.” All cross-country teams have a short number of practices before their first competition, but Cowan said things have gone smoothly so far. “At the end of the first week, we are about where I thought we might be,” Cowan said. “We definitely have a ways to go before we reach the conditioning needed to compete as we are accustomed to doing,

but the kids are working hard.” The Bulldogs will have a chance to put that hard work to the test quickly. Their first race is Saturday at 10 a.m. at Crown Mountain Park-Carbondale, hosted by Basalt. “That meet will be a good progress report for us,” Cowan said. “We know that meet conditioning is a ways off, but this will let us know more about our potential.” Hotchkiss hopes that potential will build and peak at the end of the season when the Bulldogs race at regionals on Oct. 23. This year’s state race will be on Halloween in Colorado Springs. “We will keep working with the end of the season in mind,” Cowan said.

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Eric Goold new DCI sports writer

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Eric Goold began his prep sports writing career at his alma mater, Wheat Ridge High School. He has covered high school sports in three different states and has worked for nine different newspapers, the DCI being the tenth, over the course of 15 years. He wrote about state champions in several different sports throughout his career. The ones that stand out in his memory were the 2004 North Pole (Alaska) Patriots and the last two years with the Paonia Eagles. He arrived in the North Fork Valley in GOOLD TO C7

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Eric Goold

Hotchkiss High School has been the envy of many cross-country and track and ﬁeld coaches for several years. The Bulldogs are consistently producing athletes who ﬁnish in top-10 placings. Mae Anderson, left, and Sophia Schelle are two more top runners Hotchkiss will showcase throughout the coming cross-country season.

TENNIS CONTINUED FROM C5 this week. The turnout of nine boys for the squad is a little less than previous years after Benson said the team lost five or six players to graduation. “Two years ago we had 20, which was maybe the most we’ve ever had,” Benson said. “We lost a good strong group of seniors that had been playing together quite a

while. This year we’ve got six boys from Hotchkiss and three from Paonia.” The varsity tennis squad can have 11 total players, four doubles teams and three singles players. With just nine players, Paonia will have to forfeit one doubles match in each contest played this season. “We’ll forfeit that one match,” Benson said.

“This is my fifth year with the boys, and this is the first time we’ve been short. This year we’re fighting to have enough.” The singles players have been playing every day basically since the middle of February. “I’m excited to see what our singles do,” Benson said. “They’ve put in so much time together.” The tennis team began match play yesterday

against Grand Junction’s junior varsity. The Eagles host Fruita’s JV tomorrow at 4 p.m. then play host to Vail Mountain’s Gore Rangers and Cortez’s Panthers Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Both matches are at Apple Valley Park. Look for upcoming issues of the DCI to provide match coverage and player profiles for the tennis team.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Bruins praised for play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

One of the areas Cedaredge coach Matt Hall was pleased with was the job done by his pitching staff. Hall touted Brittany Kendall for carrying the load for the Bruins in all three games the team played on Saturday.

Following their weekend scrimmage games on Saturday, the DCI sports department contacted Cedaredge softball coach Matt Hall to get his impressions of his team’s efforts. The Bruins played three times and mixed their varsity and junior varsity players together in games in an effort to give all who made the trip a chance to get some game experience. “We played Palisade, Gunnison and Rifle. We technically did not keep score, but had more runs than Palisade and Gunnison, but less than Rifle.”

Hall was asked what he focus this week will be on Hall believes when the regular season gets and his team would focus small-ball offensively and underway, his Bruins will on this week. “I think our situations on defense.” play very well against Gunnison and Rifle. In looking at personnel for the weekend, Hall had praise for his pitchers throughout the day. “I was impressed with my pitcher, Brittany Kendall. She carried the load pitching in all �� three games (some relief by sophomore Hannah Hatheway in game two). Otherwise, I was actually quite impressed all the way around. I don’t see a weak spot defensively, and we had a lot of hits throughout the varsity, though we had two junior varsity girls hit triples.”

Delta sees first action BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

of energy, and it showed. Against Brighton I thought we looked much better in terms of intensity. Gunnison was kind of a slow start as well. We

had a three-hour break between the Brighton and Gunnison games and it took us a little bit to get rolling again.” “Megan Sandoval

swung it pretty consistent as did Sarah Parker. All three pitchers threw decent. Jenna Sutliff looked good defensively as did Syanne Steele.”

Delta High School softball coach Steve Reiher was perplexed by his team’s slow starts in a pair of scrimmage games in Grand Junction over the weekend. Otherwise, Reiher said he thought the Panthers just need to play to improve. Reiher was asked to evaluate his team’s performance over the weekend for the three games they played. “We didn’t keep any official score, but we did some things well. We need to work on base running a little bit to start with. We pitched okay and swung it well at times. The scrimmages were good because they showed us the things we do need to work on,” noted Reiher. Reiher was quick to say, “The girls competed hard. We started out slow Photo by Wayne Crick against Douglas County Prior to a practice last week, Delta’s Panthers worked on their swing mechanfor whatever reason and ics using bungee cord coaching equipment. Delta played in three scrimmages, didn’t seem to have a lot Douglas County, Brighton and Gunnison, last Saturday.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Junior Ashton Reese, a transfer student from Texas, bumps the ball during a practice session early last week. Reese is a junior and will likely see Photo by Wayne Crick Delta senior Hannah Easter was called on to pitch plenty of action at an outside hitter’s position for in Delta’s opening game scrimmage at Canyon View the Panthers. Park last Saturday. Easter threw hard with Douglas County meeting the challenge with several hits. Keilee Womack and Lily Lockhart also pitched.

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Delta sophomore Lexi Quinn hits from the back row.

Goold

Photo by Wayne Crick

This Delta soccer player takes a good look ahead before making a decision of where to pass the ball. Delta faced four different teams in scrimmage action at Long’s Family Park located adjacent to Central High School.

CONTINUED FROM C6 2008 and knew immediately that he wanted to stay in Delta County for the rest of his life. He is thrilled and grateful to be covering sports here in the valley, where the sports scene is so active, and the talent level is so high. In addition to sports writing, Goold writes historical fiction

and is an amateur Colorado historian. He lives in Paonia with his dog Isabel, whose favorite sport is sleeping. Tamie Meck moved to the North Fork beat where she replaced Kathy Browning. A big thank you to Tamie for her tireless efforts reporting sports for our North Fork readers.

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C8 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SPORTS

Photo by Wayne Crick

The player who is more aggressive usually has the advantage controlling a loose ball in soccer. In the case above, these two players reached the ball close to the same time. Delta’s Panthers made the trip to Grand Junction for a series of mini-scrimmages against a variety of teams. Delta will open league play with Battle Mountain, Saturday, Aug. 29, at home with an 11 a.m. start.

Delta County Independent

Photo by Wayne Crick

Much-needed work was done on Delta High School’s gymnasium floor over the summer. The photo above was taken at the north entrance to the gym and shows a view of the completed floor. Delta’s freshman and junior varsity volleyball teams will be the first to play on the new surface when they host Montrose on Sept. 10. WEEKLY SPORTS SCHEDULES DATE

SPORT/OPPONENTS

WEDNESDAY

8-26-2015 THURSDAY 8-27-2015

FRIDAY 8-28-2015

SATURDAY 8-29-2015

Photo by Wayne Crick

Repetition helps muscle memory. These Delta High School soccer players are practicing footwork drills to strengthen muscle memory and promote conditioning. Early season practices and great attitudes by the countywide athletes promise to make the 2015 season a memorable experience for the community and players.

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MONDAY 8-31-2015 TUESDAY 9-1-2015

GOLF Cedaredge/Delta @ Devil’s Thumb

9 a.m.

GOLF Cedaredge/Delta @ Cobble Creek

9 a.m.

FOOTBALL Delta @ The Classical Academy Hotchkiss @ Basalt Paonia @ Ignacio SOFTBALL Cedaredge vs Meeker

9 a.m. 10 a.m. 11 a.m. 11 a.m 9 a.m.

SOFTBALL

4 p.m.

Delta @ Riﬂe

VOLLEYBALL Cedaredge vs Ridgway

2015 Volleyball Action

4 p.m.

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4 p.m.

GOLF Cedaredge @ Battlement Mesa

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7 p.m. 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

CROSS-COUNTRY Delta @ Matchett Park, Grand Junction Hotchkiss, Paonia @ Basalt SOCCER Delta vs Battle Mountain SOFTBALL Cedaredge @ Cortez

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NEWER BRIGHT AND cheery 2 BR/1 BA duplex in Cedaredge, attached 1-car garage, washer/dryer, nice landscaping/area, no smoking, no pets, 1-year lease, $640/mo. rent, $600 deposit. (702) 622-8783. (1x34)

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$300 REWARD FOR ANY information leading to the recovery of two items gifted to my mom in 1948. Hand crafted in China, black lacquered 5'x3'x3' cedar chest with lighter colored oval intricately carved. Also brown wooden box 12"x6"x5" similarly carved. (970) 260-3414. (4x33)

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REGISTERED NURSE: Community Options is in need of a part time nurse (16 hr week) to provide nursing support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The office is located in Cedaredge. Must be able to work independently in coordination with support staff and the medical community. Excellent computer and administrative skills are required. A resume is encouraged, but an employment application is required and can be picked up at 155 NW 2nd St., Cedaredge. You can apply online at www. communityoptionsinc.org. Contact Georgiana Russell at (970) 856-7600 ext. 213. (2x33)

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

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WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta. Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m., closed (Alcoholics only) at Friends of Bill W. Club, 897 Palmer. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., open (others may attend) at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door). (tfnx3)

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SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store.

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WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180. (tfnx23)

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TOUCH OF CARE IS NOW hiring full and part time Health Maintenance Attendants. This position involves assisting our elderly or disabled clients in a client-directed program. At least one year of experience in the care giving field is preferred. Experience as a CNA is helpful, but not required. Important skills include good communication, following direction and taking initiative. If you enjoy helping others, you will love this one-on-one position where you truly make a difference every day. To apply, contact Juli for more information at (970) 249-6080 or visit us at www.touchofcarepcp. com. (2x34) ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIStant: Solar Energy International is hiring a part-time (25 hours/week) Administrative Assistant at our Paonia office. This position will work closely with SEI's Executive Director and Workshop Coordinator and assist with administrative functions. The position will initially begin at 25 hours/ week. During our training season (April-October), the hours are from 12:30-5:30, Monday through Friday, and from November-March the hours are flexible. The hourly rate is $15/hour, plus benefits. For a full job description or to apply, send your resume, cover letter and 3 references to: kswartz@solarenergy.org and jess@solarenergy.org. Deadline: 9/4/15. (2x34) YOUR LISTING HERE! call now... 874-4421

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. (TFNx2)

CROSSROADS ASSISTed Living is taking applications for the following positions: QMAP (Qualified Medication Administration Person), Personal Care Providers, Dietary Aid, LPN & Hairdresser (Cosmetologist). Pick up applications at 1380 Aspen Way, Delta. (4x31)

Seeking Employees? Advertise in the Delta County Independent

AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule contact John Loring (970) 856-6924 or (970) 424-1778. HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. thru December 24. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 872-3780. (tfx44) CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices. ADVERTISE NOW!

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PUBLIC SERVICE

Delta County Independent

PUBLIC SERVICE

IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Public Library.

PUBLIC SERVICE

THE AMERICAN RED Cross needs you. Become one of the Red Cross volunteers who says, “We’ll Be There, Because Help Can’t NARCOTICS ANONY- Wait!” Call your local Red mous meets at 9th and Cross Chapter at 970-242Palmer, Delta, Mondays and 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW Fridays at 8 p.m. (tfnx5) for information on the difBECAWS! DONATIONS ference you can make in needed. Credit cards someone’s life as a disaster accepted. Call 970-527- volunteer. ((TFNx4)) 3350, or visit cawsonline. DELTA HAS A BOOKorg. Delta County Citizens store in the basement of for Animal Welfare and the library featuring gently Shelter (CAWS) used books and magazines. DELTA FOOD PANTRY Come check it out! needs meals for Delta UNEMPLOYED? JOIN families who are temporar- others for a time of netily in need. Donations of working, encouragement, non-perishable food may and skill improvement. be brought to 628 Meeker. Latent Resources meets (tfx36) the first Thursday of each HELP!!! KEEP THE month at 6:30 at the Delta animal population under United Methodist Church control, and SAVE an ani- (5th & Meeker). Attendants mal's life. Adopt your new and visitors are encourcat or dog from the Delta aged to dress professionCounty Humane Society. ally and bring a note pad Adoption fee is minimal. and a willingness to learn and be challenged. Find us Call 874-2149. (DCHS) on facebook.com & twitTHERE IS A VFW MEETING ter.com - search "Latent on the first Monday of each Resources", or call James month. At 6 p.m. there is at 970-901-9463. a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the IOOF HEALTHY BABIES START Hall, 860 Hwy 92, Delta. with early prenatal care. County Health For further information, Delta call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Department. Offers access to immediate, temporary Quartermaster. (tfx12) Medicaid for pregnant BECAWS! ADOPT A DOG women who qualify. 874or cat today. Call 970-527- 2165. (tfx25) 3350, or visit cawsonline. org. Delta County Citizens BOOKS MAKE GREAT for Animal Welfare and stocking stuffers. Find books at great prices in Shelter (CAWS) the basement of the Delta CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV Public Library. regular meetings on the DISCOUNT second Monday of each BECAWS! month at 7 p.m. at the spay and neuter coupons Veterans Building, 15th & available. Call 970-527Howard, Delta. For further 3350, or visit cawsonline. information, call Paul Carter org. Delta County Citizens for Animal Welfare and 874-5150. (tfx19) Shelter (CAWS) ARE YOU NEW TO THE Delta area? Stop by the FARM WORKER HEALTH Delta Area Chamber of Services: We offer assisCommerce at 301 Main tance with medical, dental St. for you FREE Welcome and medicines. If you work Bag, filled with goodies, in agriculture you may samples, discounts and qualify for our services. For community information, more information call 323courtesy of Chamber mem- 0538. (tfx12) bers and sponsored by Kim SERVICIOS DE SALUD Guthrie-Burch of Re/Max De Campesinos: Ofrecemos Today. ayuda con doctores, dentisYOU HAVE THE POWER TO tas, y medicinas. Si trabajas change a child's life! en agricultura puedes califiChildren are waiting for car para nuestros servicios. senior partners in Delta Para mas informacion llame County right now! Can al 323-0538. (tfx12) you spare 3 hours a week? THINK YOU'RE PREGWe need your help! Call nant? Abused? Need help? today for more informa- The Pregnancy Resource tion. Please volunteer to Center in Delta offers free spend time with a child in service, support and advice our community. Partners to all teenagers and women of Delta, Montrose and in crisis pregnancy situaOuray, 874-4661, www. tions. For Christian help, partners-west.org. or www. anytime, call 874-5733. deltayouth@montrose.net. (tfx13) YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco PAONIA AMERICAN Quitline offers free, confiLegion runs a year round dential assistance. Call 1non-perishable emergency 800-QUIT-NOW. (TFNx28). food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For GOT TIME? RSVP NEEDS information, call 527-6252. senior citizen volunteers (tfx49) throughout area. If you have 2 - 4 hours per month SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD minimum, opportunities in jewelry and silver or bits of Delta/Montrose counties gold and silver scraps. The that match your interests Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is are available. YOU are the sending them to: New Eyes missing LINK. Call 874-8657 for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or 249-9639. (tfx28) or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF DO YOU HAVE A HOUSE Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. or apartment for rent? Get results through the DCI 548, Delta, CO 81416. Classifieds. SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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FAMILIES BELIEVING in families: Tandem Families is an innovative, private non-profit mentoring program providing services for at-risk children of Delta and Mont-rose counties. Anyone interested in volunteering their services or donating usable items should call 874-3000 or 2527445. (TFNx8) THE AMERICAN LEGION Post 97 Paonia is seeking the names and addresses of all persons currently serving on active duty in the military from the North Fork Valley in order to contact them and show our support. Send addresses to American Legion Post 97, PO Box 277, Paonia, CO 81428 or call 527-6552. PARENTS FREE! INFORMation and referrals to licensed child care providers, call Bright Futures Child Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613. (TFNx4) SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store. PLEASE HELP! VOLUNteers needed to help get new animal shelter in Delta off the ground. We need temporary or long term foster homes, foot soldiers, light research, paperwork and phone people. Many hands make light work. Thank you! Another Chance Critter Haven. 874-9011. COLORADO QUITLINE IS a free, confidential telephone coaching service for anyone calling from a Colorado area code. With QuitLine, tobacco users can receive free supplies of the nicotine patch as they work with trained coaches who create a personalized quit plan just for them. To contact the QuitLine, call 1800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-7848669) or visit www.coquitline.org

PUBLIC SERVICE FOSTER GRANDPARENT Program enriches the lives of senior volunteers while improving the education of children with special needs. Volunteers, 55 and older, needed to assist in class rooms tutoring and mentoring children. Low-income volunteers may qualify for a stipend. Teachers in Delta area class rooms request "Grandparents" to come in and work with students who need the extra help to achieve their best. For information on how you can use your talents to help kids call Tanya at 263-9091. (tfx7) PARENTS — FREE information and referrals for licensed child care providers. Call Bright Futures Child Care Resource & Referral at 877-728-5613. (TFNx1) BECAWS! VOLUNTEERS needed. Call 970-527-3350, or visit cawsonline.org. Delta County Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) DEDUCT IT FROM YOUR taxes! Donations of: pet food, old blankets, towels, kennels, carriers, pet beds or dishes, and money always appreciated. Another Chance Critter Haven. 8749011. 501 (c) (3) JOIN FORCES WITH US! Animal lovers rescue groups, shelters: let's band together and get a countywide shelter built! We are here for the animals. Another Chance Critter Haven. 874-9011. BECAWS! DOG/CAT foster families needed. Call 970-527-3350, or visit cawsonline.org. Delta County Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS) BECAWS! DONATION items needed for Barkin' Bargains Thrift Store in Paonia. Call 970-527-5111. Delta County Citizens for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS)

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D8 Wednesday, August 26, 2015

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

A unique legacy in books

BY TAMIE MECK

Photos by Tamie Meck

Katherine Colwell’s book, “Red White and Blue in Utah 1988,” measures almost 22 feet in length and includes her photographs, embroidery, sketches and text. Some details of her work are so intricate that they are best studied under a magnifying glass. Detailed descriptions are at colwellcedars.com/red-white-blue-in-utah-1988/.

Staff Writer

o say that Katherine Colwell has authored many books is a mis-

nomer. To explain her numerous works, including her showpiece, “Red White and Blue in Utah 1988,” forget that books are made of pages, bound between two covers, read left to right, front to back. Forget that books are categorized as fiction and nonfiction. Now, imagine a book that, when open, stretches out to almost 22 feet in length. It is divided into four chapters, and weighs 3.5 pounds. To read it, your eyes feast upon words, photographs, embroidered images, sketches in graphite and colored pencil. A magnifying glass helps reveal the complex details of the story. A rare, original book — a legacy, unlike any other. People may not understand it, “but that’s ok,” said Katherine. Katherine originally envisioned “RWBinU88” in 2006. The time spent in Utah, surrounded by clouds, sky, rock, “It just felt like red, white and blue.” After years of figuring out how it all fits together, and once it was proofread, she and husband Joe, an author of nature books, introduced it to the public at “Nature in Art and Word,” an open house and arts reception at their home, Colwell Cedars Retreat, on Redlands Mesa.

Guests stayed for a long time, said Colwell. “We didn’t even have wine.” Contained in the pages of “RWBinU88” are 38 plein air drawings of some of Utah’s most spectacular and remote scenery, embroidery replicas of those drawings, and photographs taken by Katherine. Its four chapters are measured in thickness when folded, and divided by years. A selection of drawings is meticulously stitched in detail into fabric, collected from sewing clubs. Bead spacers are sewn carefully in place to prevent pages from rubbing on one another when the book is closed. Books are an important part of Joe and Katherine’s lives. Katherine, whose artistic career spans more than 37 years, has exhibited her works locally and nationwide. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine art from the University of Northern Colorado in 1978 and earned her teacher’s certification in surface stitchery from the Council of American Embroiderers in 1989 and a K12 art specialist teacher certification from Black Hills State University in South Dakota in 1994. Her works combine studies in apparel design and construction, fine hand sewing, fine art, and poetry. The books were originally inspired by a book on making books. “I thought it would be different,” said Katherine. She began with small practice books — with pages only an inch or two in size

A single panel from Katherine’s “Red White and Blue in Utah 1988.” The book’s 38 sketches were all done en plein air between February 1988 and January 1992. While Katherine sketched, Joe hiked the desert canyons looking for inspiration for his books, which include “Canyon Breezes: Exploring Magical Places in Nature.”

— using etchings, embroidery and wood cuts. She eventually scaled up in size, and now has numerous books in various sizes, shapes and dimensions. The panels of her largest book to date, RWBinU88, are 12 inches high and 13 inches wide. Joe has a bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Idaho in Moscow, and worked 27 years with the U.S. Forest Service. His legacy is in printed word. He has authored three books, including “Canyon Breezes: Exploring Magical Places in Nature,” based on his 45 years of work in the West, from the north coast of California to the Black Hills of South Dakota and the Colorado Rockies. Katherine is his photographer. Joe’s books are available on Amazon and at Barnes & Noble and locally at book stores and museums. He has given many readings, including at the July open house and last week at the Paonia Library. The whole publishing experience has been interesting, said Joe, who thanked designer Constance King for her help in the process. He dreaded it for years, “but the experience has been not all bad.” While they traveled extensively in their early years together, today they find much of their inspiration at home at Colwell Cedars Retreat. Both are trained environmental education facilitators. They offer workshops, art assessments and mentoring in drawing, design, technique and more. They challenge their students to use art in unique ways, and their retreat offers a safe place for creativity and contemplation. The Colwells purchased the 40-acre property in 1990, finding it by chance after reading about Paonia in the High Country News. They decided to look at the property, and agreed not to make any hasty decisions. But the land, the views of Grand Mesa, the canyons of the Gunnison River and beyond spoke to them, and by the end of the day they were under contract. They retired to the property in 1998, and held their first retreat that year. “There is a special feeling about this place,” said Joe. It’s mostly high desert with sage and cedar, but a year-round spring creates habitat for vegetation and wildlife. There

Embroidery and rich fabrics are used to tell stories in Katherine’s one-of-a-kind books.

Katherine and Joe Colwell live at Colwell Cedars Retreat on Redlands Mesa. Both have authored books — Joe in the traditional style of words and photographs, and Katherine in a most unique style that combines numerous art forms. Katherine and Joe teach and mentor at the retreat which offers their guests unique spaces for creativity and inspiration. are bunnies (this year’s wet weather brought lots of bunnies), deer and birds, including three pair of nesting lazuli bunting. The property holds remnants of a homestead occupied for 30 years by Hazel Short, also known as Hazel the Hermit. Starting in the 1930s she cast all of her junk into the gully. While most of it was hauled off, the more interesting pieces were left in place, and “Junk Trail,” one of many named trails at the retreat, was created around it. “It’s part of the spirit of the place,” said Joe, who is penning Hazel the Hermit’s story for publication on their website. The retreat offers lodging with full kitchen space and handicap accessibility, and can accommodate meetings, workshops and retreats. “It’s just a nice getaway,” said Joe. Visitors are invited to sign a guest book, and a U.S. map is dotted with pins marking their home towns. At the July open house, an exhibit of watercolors by local artist Susan Blackstock marked the first time they have used their classroom as a gallery. They also collected a $3 suggested donation and gave the money to Carrie Yantzer, principal at Hotchkiss K-8 school, for mural projects to be painted by students inside the school. While it’s a modest donation, said Katherine, “it can go a long way toward purchase of paints.” Carrie said she and her students and the school’s cooking instructors prepared and served food, and helped with signage. They were honored to be a part of it and attend the book reading. Partnering with the Colwells and other area organizations fits well with the school’s mission statement “to produce productive citizens through G.R.I.T -- Growth, Resiliency, InteGRITy and Tenacity.” While Joe is contemplating another book and pen-

ning essays for their website, Katherine is using her time stitching to contemplate and explore new ideas. Her studio is a display case of unique books, each representing countless hours of creativity and history. “My Women” is a crazyquilted-pieced book. Katherine is a descendent of the Smiths who arrived on the ship Mayflower. The book reflects 14 generations of women in her family. It contains hand-dyed silk fabrics, hand and machine embroidery, and hand quilting. The fabric backing is all made from hankies once owned by Joe’s mother. The book evolved out of the “My Family Heritage” challenge put forth by the S&B Quilting Club in Hotchkiss, said Katherine. “Collecting trees” is based on trees in the North Park area. It includes embroidery, silk on linen, sumi painting, monotype, reverse felting, turkey bleach resistant dye process, handmade felt, silk painting with wax resist, etchings, etching with chinecollé print, white ink printing on black silk, and sun printing. It’s interesting to watch the evolution of the books, said Joe. “Very original. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Katherine said one of the challenges of her creations is in packing and shipping. She found a local solution after read a local story on a custom shipping company in Cedaredge. For the final process, she plans to have custom shipping boxes made. She hopes to one day see her books in a rare books library, where they can be both protected and accessible to the public, and is already planning on creative ways to use sketches from 2001 in a design for another one-of-akind book. It will be different, she said. And if her previous works are any indication, it will be rare and wonderful.