Delta County Independent, Sept. 30, 2015 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE North Fork students enjoy a field trip to Lost Lake, Kebler Pass, B1

SPORTS UP TO PAR

HARVEST SOME FUN

Cedaredge, Delta golfers qualify for state competition, C6

Cedaredge hosts annual AppleFest celebration Oct. 3-4, Inside

DELTA COUNTY

SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 VOL. 132, NO. 39

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Legislators address school funding BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

At Cedaredge High School last week, superintendent Caryn Gibson had the opportunity to share the needs, challenges and celebrations of Delta County Joint School District with the state legislators who represent Delta County in Denver. At the end of the first-ever legislative school visit, Rep. Millie Hamner, Rep. Yeulin Willett and Senator Kerry Donovan all expressed support for Delta County schools. Also in attendance were Joyce Rankin, the newly appointed member of the Colorado Board of Education, Delta County Commissioner Bruce Hovde and Ed Bowditch, a lobbyist for the school district. School board members, Cedaredge administrators and four members of Cedaredge High School’s student leadership team sat in on a presentation that highlighted the unique needs of Delta County Joint School District. Superintendent Caryn Gibson explained the school district is one of the largest in the state with multiple sites. It covers 1,157 square miles and has 24 instructional sites, ranging from the Backpack Early Learning Academies to Delta-Montrose Technical College. The geographic and demographic challenges of the district result in funding inequities that were a focus of discussion with the legislators. Lobbyist Ed Bowditch zeroed in on the numbers. Using per-pupil funding from the state, he ranked all 178 school districts in Colorado.

Delta County came in at 159 out of 178 school districts, with per-pupil funding of $7,009. At the top is Pawnee School District, which is funded at $16,636 for each of its 79 students. Silverton receives $15,493 per student. Almost all of the schools at the top of the funding list are very small, Bowditch noted. One school district in eastern Colorado actually split into two so it could get more money for each of the two smaller districts, he noted. If Delta County was funded at the state average, the result would be $278 per student, which totals $1.4 million when multiplied by student enrollment. Bowditch observed that Delta County does not benefit from any of the variables that affect state funding. It’s not small enough for the size factor, not in a high cost area and while there may be a high percentage of at-risk students, it doesn’t reach the level of 50 or 60 percent like Aurora or Denver. “There’s no extra money for Delta County from the School Finance Act,” he said. Bowditch also touched on general economic conditions in Delta County. Per capita income of $34,681 places Delta County 50th among the state’s 64 counties. The most recent data is from 2013; when new statistics come out in November, Bowditch says he fears a slide due to the impact of mine layoffs. “This is not a rich county. We can’t depend on the voters to keep coming back and bail-

City, police chief announce retirement BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

After being on paid administrative leave since late August, Robert Thomas, chief of police, and the City of Delta have jointly announced his retirement. “It has been an honor and privilege to have served the City of Delta,” Thomas said in a press release. “I take pride knowing I have influenced positive and productive change within the police organization and community. To our citizens, thank you for your acceptance, kindness and support during my tenure as your police chief. After dedicating 31 years within the law enforcement profession, the time has come for me to retire. Best wishes to the Delta Police Department administrative staff and officers who have sworn to serve and protect you.” Both Thomas and Glen Black, Delta city manager, said the relationship ended “professionally.” Black declined to provide any additional details. When asked about the severance package offered Thomas, Black said

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Agriculture .....................B5 Back Page ................. D10 Business .........................B8 Church ........................... D8 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-7 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A6 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ......... D9 Sports ..........................C6-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ..................C4-5

that is a “personnel” issue. He also issued a press release: “The City of Delta would like to thank Chief Thomas for his positive contributions to the Delta community, City of Delta, and Delta Police Department. We appreciate Chief Thomas’ dedication, organizational accomplishments and commitment to public service.” Black said Charles Kettle will continue to serve as interim police chief until a new city manager has been hired. “We’ll let that person make the selection,” Black said. The word “interim” has been dropped from Black’s title, to comply with a charter regulation that the interim serve no longer than 180 days. The search for a permanent city manager continues, with an application deadline of Oct. 9. While retired from the DPD, Thomas is just 52 years old. He said it’s unlikely he’ll again work in law enforcement, but he does hold three master’s degrees and he hopes to put them to work somewhere on the Front Range.

ing out the school district,” he told the legislators. While per-pupil funding has increased steadily over the past five years, Gibson noted state funding has been offset by declining enrollment and declining valuation. The result is flat funding, while expenses continue to increase. School board president Pete Blair noted one of those expenses is PERA, the state retirement program. Employer (school district) contributions are mandated by the state legislature and now total almost 10 percent of the school district’s total budget. Other challenges as noted by Gibson included an aging transportation fleet, the need for more electives for high school students, and the need for more teachers who are qualified for AP and concurrent enrollment courses. Professional development is a priority for the school district, but often requires travel SCHOOL FUNDING TO A3

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Nellie Freeman and Amber Jenkins, Cedaredge High School student council members, get a civics lesson from Senator Kerry Donovan. During a legislative visit at CHS, she referred to a bill killed in committee, and the students had speciﬁc questions about how that process works.

City urged to modify zoning on Silver Street BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A vacant building at 701 Silver Street in Delta is being eyed for a chicken processing facility, to the dismay of neighbors living across the street. Barry Vollmert and his wife JoAnn circulated a petition urging Delta City Council to repeal the portion of the zoning regulations that allows agricultural products processing — including chickens — as a use by right in the industrial zone. Most of the west side of Silver Street is zoned industrial, which allows a wide range of uses. The Vollmerts would also like sawmills/planing facilities and sexually oriented businesses to be prohibited, as well. They are also uses by right. Since the proposed use is permissible under the zoning regulations, city manager Glen Black says the prospective owner is not required to obtain planning commission or council approval. The building is owned by Producers Co-op and was most recently used as a transportation center by Meadow Gold. It is just off the alternate truck route. The Vollmerts say they’ve been good neighbors with industrial businesses in the area for 35 years, though they say they’ve occasionally had reason to complain. “But now that all the tenants are gone from this block of land, it is an ideal time to repeal some of the allowed uses in this I-1 zoned district,” Vollmert said in a written statement to Delta City Council. “When this land was

Access plan open house The City of Delta, Delta County and the Colorado Department of Transportation will hold a public open house for the Delta U.S. 50 and SH 92 Access Plan. The access plan is a long-range plan for future access to U.S. 50 between Starr Nelson Road and SH 92 and to SH 92 between U.S. 50 and 2200 Road/Austin Road as growth in the community occurs. The open house will be held Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. For more information, contact the consultant project manager, Michelle Hansen, Stolfus & Associates, Inc. at 303-221-2330.

zoned to its current uses, it was a different time and Delta was a desperate town.” Delta County Economic Development director Trish Thibodo confirms DCED has been working with an out-ofarea individual who is interested in establishing a chicken/turkey processing facility in the county. In a presentation to Delta City Council, Thibodo said at full production, the facility would process 9,000 birds per day and employ 30. (A previous DCI report erroneously stated the facility would process 1.3 million birds per week, which Thibodo mentioned only as a scale of reference for a large industrial operation.) The Vollmerts are concerned about adverse effects including smells, noise from caged birds, unsightly blowing of feathers around town, health risks to employees and nearby residents, and prop-

erty values. “We are not anti-jobs or anti-business folks,” Vollmert told the council. “We would support a facility such as this if it were located outside of town and preferably downwind from city limits. “The whole idea of having DCED try to bring businesses to Delta is fine. But they need to get businesses to come to our downtown area that are compatible, sustainable and that help to further Delta as a modern, clean town that would make people want to live here, build a business in, raise a family in, or simply enjoy their stay here and not make them step on the gas and go on down the road to GJ or Montrose!” Vollmert left council with the petition signed by residents of 30 addresses. “Nothing is concrete,” said Thibodo. “They’re just looking at this area.”

Jeremias Quintero sentencing postponed BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A sentencing hearing for Jeremias Quintero was postponed after Judge Steven Schultz was handed a packet of sealed letters that he said he needed to first share with the district attorney’s office and Quintero’s attorney, Vincent Felleter. In July, Quintero entered a plea of guilty to a felony charge of child abuse resulting in serious bodily injury, with an underlying sexual factual basis. Sentencing was set for

Sept. 28. The courtroom held the victim’s mother and about a dozen friends and family members; Quintero arrived with another 12 to 14 supporters. Although sentencing was set for 11 a.m., Judge Schultz was still working through the 10 a.m. docket. He interrupted those proceedings to consult with Felleter and deputy district attorney Seth Ryan before announcing Quintero’s sentencing would be postponed. QUINTERO TO A3

Keener enters guilty plea Like his co-defendant, Kevin Keener entered a plea of guilty in the death of Trever Rawson, a motorcyclist from Hotchkiss. Keener pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide, a class 5 felony, and willful destruction of big game wildlife, a class 5 felony. Valdez pleaded guilty to reckless manslaughter and transfer/ alteration of a hunting/fishing license. Both Keener and co-defendant Mark Valdez will be sentenced Jan. 13. According to the plea bargain, the judge will determine whether or not there exists extraordinary aggravating circumstances, and whether such circumstances jus-

tify a sentence in the aggravated range. The sentence is open, to be determined by the judge. The victim’s family objected to the plea agreement, but the plea was accepted by the judge. Restitution will be awarded, jointly and severally with Mark Valdez, in the amount of $3,135. Rawson was killed in October 2013, as he was riding westbound on Highway 92 south of Crawford. He ran into a rope Keener and Valdez had stretched across the highway to retrieve a downed elk. Both defendants left the scene before any first responders arrived.

A2 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

OPINION

LETTERS We’re under attack from regulatory agencies Dear Editor: Once more the federal government seeks to enrich itself on the backs of the citizens. The DCI’s Sept. 23 article notes that Cedaredge’s obsolete hydro equipment is located on the town’s own property. If the town was exempt from FERC regulation on energy production, it should still be exempt if it is non-producing because it now has even less effect on other energy producers. The EPA demands that the building not be repurposed to save money, but that it be destroyed and the site “returned to nature’” — which would be waist-high weeds. Isn’t government brilliant? This nonsense must be attacked at its root. Our jobs and the economy of our state are under continuous attack from federal regulatory agencies. Under the Constitution, there is no excuse for this. Article 4 Section 4 states

that the states shall be guaranteed a republican form of government. Dictionary: Republic: A state or nation in which the supreme power rests in all the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives elected, directly or indirectly, by them and responsible to them. Federal regulations are not written or debated by the elected legislative branch. In a shocking dereliction of duty, a past Congress purported to “delegate” legislative power to agencies established in and by the executive branch. This must be ended immediately. All regulations must be written and debated in Congress, and the agencies must be moved into the legislative branch. Agency overreach of the last decade or so must be rescinded by the agencies, or repealed by Congress. Another violation also

Upset by trespassers Dear Editor: I am writing this letter terribly upset. I have had a huge wasp’s nest in my cherry tree that I have been keeping my eye on. When I discovered it, a gentleman who was looking at it with me asked me if he could have it. He said he would get it when it froze because the wasps were too active right now. He was going to take it down and give it to the school if they wanted it. I was more than glad to give it to him.

On Sept. 21, I went to show it to my friend who was visiting and lo and behold, someone took it upon themselves to break this nest into many, many pieces. I was really upset and angry. Whoever did this was trespassing into my yard. They had no business coming into my yard and destroying something that was mine. I wonder what happened to the wasps! My wish is that someday this person gets stung really bad. Evelyn Morrow Paonia

exists: these executive agencies have “administrative law judges” to execute the draconian penalties provided in the regulations. That function belongs only to the judicial branch, which it operates on the principle of fair representation and jury trials. The regulatory agencies provide neither. (A local jury could nullify federal overreach). I say to Scott Tipton, Cory Gardner and Michael Bennet: You, as my representatives, have not addressed any of these problems. You have been there long enough to become part of the problem. You must not understand the Constitution, and that makes you unfit to serve. This seems to be true of most members of Congress. At this point, the leadership of both parties is the enemy of the citizens. Their only purpose is re-election. Problems are not to be solved, they are to be milked to reap campaign contributions. Past mistakes are not repealed, they are endlessly patched and diddled around with. This is easily taught to elected newcomers. The only solution is to vote them all out every time. Consecutive terms in federal office must be forbidden. I will vote for any conservative or Libertarian opponent you have. If we cannot come up with a fresh, competent, honest candidate in each district every time, the nation is doomed anyway. Bill Coates Eckert

receiving an early diagnosis and treatment. American Cancer Society recommends yearly mammograms starting at age 40. To determine your own estimated lifetime risk of cancer, go to the National Cancer Institute’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool at www.cancer.gov/ bcrisktool/. If your lifetime risk is >25%, be sure to talk with your medical provider about additional steps you can take to reduce your risk. For your friends, family and community: Here are just a few ways you can join the fight to finish breast cancer: • Make a donation of time or money to a local coalition or hospital foundation that provides support for people with

Is Delta County still safe? Dear Editor: I’m used to the sound of gunfire in my neighborhood as I live near the duck blinds of Sweitzer Lake and the shooting range at the vo-tech school. And I’m not normally an alarmist. However, I was startled this morning shortly after daybreak by the sound of automatic gunfire coming from the direction of the vo-tech pistol range. I’m familiar enough with guns to tell the difference

between the report of a 9 mm cartridge and a 223 NATO cartridge. This sounded like a full auto M-16 which raised questions in my mind. Are our local SWAT officers now armed with Armytype machine guns? If the local criminals are that dangerous maybe we all need machine guns? I’ve always felt so safe in Delta County...up till now. Dick Gilmore Delta

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Second class postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 401 Meeker St. • (970) 874-4421 editor@deltacountyindependent.com ads@deltacountyindependent.com MANAGEMENT Publishers .... Norman & Gladys Sunderland General Manager ........... Randy Sunderland Managing Editor ................. Pat Sunderland Advertising Manager . Roxanne McCormick Production Manager ......... Ron Sunderland

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION RATES Delta County (includes Olathe Somerset & Maher) ....$29.00 Seniors in Delta County (65 and over) ....................................$26.00 In-State ............................................$33.00 Out-of-State .....................................$37.00

No one should go without health care Dear Editor: I recently received a newsletter from Colorado Health, which is basically a brokerage for those seeking “affordable” health insurance. According to Colorado Health, health insurance rates will increase from 21 to 34 percent this year. Also, unfortunately, some carriers are leaving the Colorado market altogether in “certain areas.” There is no doubt that rural western Colorado is one of these “certain areas.” This means that a lot of us will “certainly” have fewer health insurance choices with higher premiums and deductibles. The health insurance industry is a complex, profit-oriented machine, driven by people’s fear of bankruptcy because of astronomical health care costs. Have you ever heard of an insurance company declaring bankruptcy? Insurance companies have been given free, unregulated rein to decide what they will cover on your medical bills. Now, they have been given free rein to decide what areas they will offer their services. The stable hands assisting with those “free reins” are called lobbyists and politicians. Sarah Palin was pretty much “right on” regarding “death panels,” she just failed to identify the true culprits, health care insurance companies.The following is from an article in National Nurse Magazine by Donna Smith. Donna is the executive director of Health Care for All Colorado. “The current health care system is brutal. It does not allow us to show

the care for one another that many believe is consistent with our broader values as Americans. Our society is paying more attention to inequality of late, whether it’s racial, economic, or health care inequality. “I believe economic inequality is what drives the despair that crosses all racial and cultural divides and keeps people shuttered in their homes until appalling events turn quiet desperation into active rage. “Yet, in our society, we’ve become mostly silent participants in our own oppression. We’ve so ingrained the notion of personal financial responsibility in our market-based system that patients, their families and friends often struggle alone to remedy a medical debt crisis.We see it as the individual’s fault if he or she has not worked his or her way out of difficult economic conditions. “Basically, it doesn’t matter whether you are white, black or brown, if you haven’t worked hard enough to lift yourself out, you deserve to struggle for life’s basic necessities of health care, housing, food, water, transportation, education and safety. “I believe health care is a human right, that no one should go without care when it is necessary, or suffer financial ruin afterwards.” I agree! According to the Colorado Rural Health Center, almost 10 percent of rural western Colorado families are living below the 2014 federal poverty line, which is $23,850 for a family of four. Twenty-three percent of rural children in

Colorado live in poverty, and 36 percent are eligible for free or reduced lunch. Twenty-four percent of rural Colorado are single family households. Health coverage for a 50-year-old rural Colorado man is $532 a month, while the same 50-yearold urban Colorado man pays $352 a month with more access to health care providers and facilities. Having been a registered nurse for 30 years, I’ve watched an overall decline in health care. It can take months to get an appointment with a “specialist.” There are more secondary complications and infections because of insurance companies’ refusal to cover adequate follow-up treatment. Now health insurance companies can deny entire “certain areas” coverage because it marginalizes their profits. What can we as residents of a “certain area” do to save ourselves from bankruptcy for a medical crisis and the greed of insurance companies? Number 1, register to vote! Number 2, think of what you and billionaire presidential candidates, and those receiving millions from insurance lobbyists have in common when it comes to you and your family’s health care before you vote. Number 3, write your legislators and remind them that the Declaration of Independence celebrates the value of every life as equal, and as such, all residents of our state should have similar access to affordable and adequate healthcare. Carl Page Crawford

We need to heed the pope’s call to action

Reduce your risk of breast cancer Dear Editor: In spite of tremendous breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer death for women in the U.S. With more than 230,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and more than 40,000 deaths nationwide last year alone, it is imperative for every woman to know what she can do to protect herself from this terrible disease. For yourself: Get screened! Early detection of breast cancer dramatically increases women’s chances of survival — with nearly 98 percent of women surviving breast cancer as a result of

Delta County Independent

Dear Editor: On Wednesday, Pope Francis arrived in Washington for a historic visit to the United States. His public remarks staunchly reiterated that climate change is one of the prevailing moral issues of our time. His message was well-received by the thousands that flocked to watch his speech all over the country. Here in Colorado, a recent poll shows that most people support Pope Francis’s call for climate action. In fact, 62 percent of Colorado voters said they

agreed when asked, “Do you agree or disagree with the message from Pope Francis calling on the world to do more to address climate change?” Less than one-third of Colorado voters disagreed, according to the Quinnipiac poll. His words are a call to action, to be headed by all, especially those of us living in one of the consumptive nations in the world. And the future is beginning to change. Last month the EPA issued its first-ever rules to limit carbon pollution from

breast cancer in your community. • Register, fundraise and walk in one of nearly 300 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) events across the U.S., or participate virtually at Making StridesWalk.org. • Take action to help make fighting breast cancer a top national political priority at acscan.org/ makingstrides. • Learn more at cancer.org/fightbreastcancer. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Celebrate by taking action to reduce your risk! Karen Forest Screening Systems Please remember: All From the Delta Specialist, American criminal charges are Cancer Society Police Department: merely an accusation and the defendant is preSept. 22: Meghan J. Conway, 23, sumed innocent until or of Delta was arrested and unless proven guilty. jailed for alleged criminal From the Delta mischief. Sherri L. Hatch, 52, of County Sheriff’s Office Long Beach, Calif., was (partial list): issued a ticket for alleged Sept. 21: shoplifting. The theft of half a cord Sept. 26: Dear Editor: Chanslor C. Childers, of wood was reported Delta Area Chamber of Commerce request- 21, of Delta was arrested from a Cedaredge area ing additional funding and jailed for alleged no resident. A possible susfrom the city at the last license plate light, owner pect has been identified. A couple who moved council meeting is like operated uninsured motor the adult child living at vehicle, fictitious license from Alaska to the home asking for a bigger plates, DUI and prohib- Cedaredge area discovered a number of items allowance. The chamber ited use of a firearm. Samantha D. Jackson, missing, but it’s not occupies 301 Main Street, the building is owned by 30, of Delta was issued a known whether the items the City of Delta. Per an ticket for alleged dog run- were taken en route or after the couple’s arrival. agreement some time ning at large prohibited. They are missing about Sept. 27: ago, the chamber does not Michael A. Winde- $10,000 in jewelry and pay rent, water, electric, maker, 34, of Delta was collector coins worth sevtrash or sewer, and city arrested and jailed for eral thousand dollars. workers provide sidewalk alleged possession of A computer, monitor, snow removal. What is drug paraphernalia, BB gun and stereo with a the yearly cost for addi- unlawful distribution for total value of $1,400 were tional city workers and sale of Schedule II con- reported missing from a police presence as a direct trolled substance, unlaw- storage shed in Orchard result of chamber events? ful distribution for sale City. Sometime between The City of Delta does of Schedule IV controlled Aug. 1 and Sept. 21, the its fair share with mon- substance, violation of a lock on the unit was cut etary sponsorship for restraining order (alco- off and replaced. multiple chamber events hol) and violation of a A Delta area man throughout the year. I restraining order (con- was lucky to escape with respectfully request that trolled substance). minor injuries after he the city council review Michael A. Lester, 36, rolled his car into an irrithe financials as request- of Delta was arrested and gation canal and the car ed by Mr. Penick and jailed for alleged harass- began filling with water. The accident was the take stock of the gener- ment. Citations: 11 tickets result of an encounter ous partnership already for traffic violations were with a deer, one of three in place. Ann Barker-Honchell issued this week, 10 for such incidents reported to dispatch last week. Delta speeding.

existing power plants, and now Pope Francis is reminding us of our obligations to act. Supporting the Clean Power Plan is one way we can follow his call to action. To quote from Pope Francis’ recently published encyclical Laudato Si, “Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start.” Michelle Amiott Paonia

Law enforcement blotter

Chamber request: City of Delta is doing its share

Sept. 24: The theft of a brand new Stihl chainsaw was reported by a Hotchkiss area resident. A 13-year-old Crawford boy, the subject of multiple Facebook posts, was reported missing early Thursday morning. The boy returned home on his own later that afternoon, reportedly after spending the day hanging out in a nearby canyon. Sept. 26: A concerned Orchard City resident called dispatch after she saw and heard her neighbor arguing loudly with her husband. Later, she saw the neighbor come out of the house covered in bruises. A Cedaredge area man stopped at his mailbox en route to his house and noticed a fire under the hood of his car. Cedaredge firefighters responded, but there was significant damage to the red Kia. The fire started in the engine compartment and is believed to be electrical. Sept. 27: A family member spotted a vehicle stolen earlier in Delta at the intersection of 2010 Road and Highway 65 while driving to Grand Mesa. The sheriff ’s office was notified and responded. The vehicle was later released to the owner by the authority of Delta Police Department.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Villas at the Bluff celebrates opening BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Delta Housing Authority hosted a grand opening ceremony at the Villas at the Bluff Wednesday, Sept. 23. The project was completed in two phases, both of which were quickly ﬁlled by occupants. The units are located at 14th and Bluff in Delta.

Phase II of the workforce housing units known as Villas at the Bluff was completed this summer — and in fact is entirely occupied — but Delta Housing Authority (DHA) delayed a grand opening ceremony until all its partners could join the celebration. Those partners include Colorado Housing Finance Authority, Colorado Division of Housing, Solvera Affordable Housing Advisors, Parikh Stevens Architects, Wells Fargo,

the city and county of Delta, and Ridgway Valley Enterprises. Phase II consists of 32 units, for a total of 80 apartments serving residents with incomes between $17,300 and $34,500. Rents range from $300 to $750 per month, depending upon income and size of the unit. Jo Rosenquist, former DHA director, said the housing units had been a “personal mission” since she served on the board. “I left for retirement with my mission complete,”

School funding FROM PAGE A1 to the Front Range, and technology is an ongoing challenge. The state legislators were sympathetic, but said the state faces similar funding issues. “We’ve got another challenge too,” said Rep. Millie Hamner. According to one state forecast, there won’t be enough money to fund Amendment 23 (for schools), partly because the state has hit its TABOR cap and will be

issuing taxpayer refunds. “We’re committed to figuring this out, but we have fixed resources too. We have to think smarter around.” Rep. Hamner, a Democrat, and Rep. Bob Rankin, a Republican, tried to carry a bill last year that would have helped legislators better understand the school funding formula. The bill called for a task force to make recommendations to the state Legislature

Levi Hyde to receive substance abuse treatment BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Facing multiple felony charges, Levi Hyde appeared in Delta District Court Monday for entry of plea. That hearing was postponed, however, after the district attorney’s office informed

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Judge Steven Schultz that evidence has not yet been received for two additional felony allegations in the North Fork. Deputy district attorney Kurt Beckenhauer said he had hoped to handle all the cases under a “global disposition.” In the meantime, Hyde has been accepted into an intensive inpatient program in Pueblo intended to address his substance abuse issues. Clearly, those substance abuse issues are underlying causes of the felonies, Judge Schultz noted. Although Hyde is accused of multiple offenses, he said he would not object to Hyde starting the 90-day program, with the understanding he will immediately return to Delta County for criminal proceedings. If he is terminated from the program for any reason, the judge stressed he must immediately inform the court and return to Delta County. Hyde is currently being held in the Delta County Jail. Judge Schultz approved a personal recognizance bond, effective Oct. 7 — the day a slot opens up in the Circle program. A church elder will transport Hyde to Pueblo. A status conference was set for Oct. 26, so the judge can verify by phone that Hyde is still in the program. Hyde is accused of a A short discussion on break-in at Hays Drug in Paonia and the theft of wills, trusts, powers of a pickup from Crawford attorney, and living wills will be presented by local Town Hall. attorneys at a make-awill seminar Thursday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Then, for $150 per document, participants will be able to make their own will, power of attorney, or liv�� ing will. Forms will be �� provided. Proof of iden-

nity for schools. With increased risk would come increased liability insurance premiums for every school district, he noted. “I’m stuck right in the middle of this legislation, SB 213 and 214, and I’ve been tasked with taking the lead on opposing those issues and doing what I can to rein them in.” A school safety checklist is one component of the legislation, yet Rep. Willett discovered Delta County schools do not have counselors because of tight funding, and some schools don’t even have cell service. “It’s a complex issue and I welcome your feedback,” he said. “On the issue of mill levy overrides and increased taxes: When I look at Delta County, what I see is they will oppose a tax to the end of the day, but what they will do is come out with a bunch of lumber, cranes, tractors and build you a football field. You might want to think about rallying the community that way. They may not tax themselves, but they will give a hundred bucks on a fundraiser or bring a tractor.” Sen. Kerry Donovan also addressed SB 213 and SB 214, saying it’s critical to analyze how each piece of legislation will affect a school district “like this, versus Cherry Creek or Boulder High. Even within my district, legislation affects school districts in different ways. Never hesitate to call or email with a story that helps us explain your challenges at the state capitol. That’s how we change the hearts and minds of legislators. “Know that you have three people down there fighting for you every day,” she concluded. “Sometimes we lose, but once in a while we win.”

$6.5 million. Phase II cost $9 million, for a total project cost of $16 million. Impact and tap fees totaled $535,000. After the presentation and refreshments, Ute Jantz, DHA director, and Cil Curry, unit manager, offered tours of one of the units.

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Quintero

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tity (driver’s license, etc.) will be required, as all documents will require notarization. The seminar will take place at Westminster Hall, 135 East 4th Street, Delta. Registration is suggested but not required by calling Leah Lewis, senior coordinator, Delta County Senior Resource Council at 712-2295.

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FROM PAGE A1 By that time, it was clear more than an hour would be needed for the sentencing hearing; Felleter and Ryan said they each expect five to six individuals to speak to the court, including the victim’s mother and an officer from the Delta Police Department. They said a minimum of three hours would be needed, so Judge Schultz set aside the entire afternoon of Oct. 29. “This will be the only matter on the docket,” he said. The mother of the victim was clearly upset by the delay. Judge Schultz acknowledged that many people in the audience had traveled from the New Castle-Glenwood Springs area, but he said

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

• Focusing on retirement plan rollovers ( 401K, 403B, proﬁt sharing, etc.) • Annuities • Life Insurance • Long Term Care Insurance • Stocks* • Bonds* • Mutual Funds* ��

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Make-a-will �� seminar planned ��

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for change, and had bipartisan support, but was “quietly killed” in the Senate Appropriations Committee one morning. “We don’t know why it died, but please know we understand the issues and are your advocates, whether we’re Republican or Democrat,” Rep. Hamner said. “I think the larger school districts did the math and saw any change would have a negative impact on them. It just makes us want to fight harder. Rep. Rankin and I are committed to reinstating that legislation during the next session.” Joyce Rankin agreed that bill “is our best hope, to look over all of education and see how we can change to make it more equitable. I’m fighting for it too, talking at the state board and trying to get them to understand what’s going on in the state Legislature.” Rep. Hamner noted that two recent ballot measures to increase school funding at the state level failed, but said it’s a question Delta County Joint School District should consider asking voters. “I know it’s hard, but I do challenge you to think about other opportunities to increase your tax base,” she said. “It is more expensive to operate small schools, but you value those small schools and the community values those small schools.” Rep. Hamner concluded her comments by saying she’s excited, interested, supportive and willing to work with the school district. Rep. Yeulin Willett, a graduate of Delta High School, said he could discuss a number of issues but wanted to highlight a piece of legislation that could reduce or eliminate governmental immu-

she said. Greg Glade, Solvera Affordable Housing Advisors, recognized the vision and discipline of the DHA board to persevere in the wake of the 2008 economic downturn. Total cost of Phase I, also built by Ridgway Valley Enterprises, was

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�� he wants time to fully consider what everyone has to say. Judge Schultz said the letters would be opened, copied and mailed out that day. He also noted Quintero had been denied admission to the community corrections program, and asked the probation office to file a report with the basis for denial so he could take that information into consideration, as well. Quintero, 45, was the pastor of the church the victim attended in Glenwood Springs. The teen lived in New Castle but occasionally spent weekends in Delta with Quintero. The teen, who was 14 at the time of the incident, was killed in a car accident last spring.

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A4 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

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bound meal deliveries and independent senior housing. If you are interested in becoming a vital part of Western Slope operations and can be an advocate for VOA’s mission of service, please contact Erin Berge at eberge@voa.org or 275-1220.

Seniors to learn about Silver Whiskers program

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Event Volunteers

with lettuce, onion and tomato, cheesy vegetable soup, pineapple tidbits and lemon pie cookie bar. Wednesday, Oct. 28 — Meat loaf with tomato glaze, baked potato with sour cream, broccoli, tossed salad, orange wedge garnish and cinnamon roll. Thursday Oct. 29 — Spaghetti with meat sauce, mandarin spinach salad, green beans, Italian bread and strawberry gelatin dessert. Friday, Oct. 30 — Hot open-face turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, cabbage and carrots, garden cottage cheese salad and grapes.

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Pavilion Road. Coffee, goodies,and conversation will begin at 7 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. Community Options will continue its tradition of recognizing special community members who are important in the lives of persons with disabilities, and will also award Employee of the Year. Keynote speaker will be public relations/capital campaign consultant Lori Sharp, who will be sharing an exciting update on Community Options’ new Park Place project. Election of board members will also occur at this meeting. Any resident of Delta, Montrose, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray, or San Miguel County (who is not an employee of Community Options or a contract provider) is eligible to vote provided that they register to do so by Oct. 9. Registration can be done in person at the Community Options office at 336 S. 10th in Montrose, or by mail. For further information, contact Community Options, Inc., PO Box 31, Montrose, CO 81402, or call 970-249-1412, ext. 202.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Delta Homecoming extravaganza planned BY CIDNEY FISK Delta High School

As the leaves change colors and the temperature drops, Homecoming plans emerge. At Delta High School, Homecoming is rolling in with autumn. The Homecoming football game is set for Oct. 9 against Summit County. Although Delta’s schedule revolves around football, the entire week is packed with festivities. The tradition students most look forward to is spirit week dress-up days. Monday, Oct. 5, has been deemed by student council as ‘Merica Monday. The week continues with Twin Tuesday, Western Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and finally, Panther Pride Friday. There will be plenty of fun and celebration after school hours. The tailgate and bonfire have been

moved from their original Thursday date to Monday, Oct. 5. Student council members have moved the activity to Monday in order to increase community involvement. There will be a movie night, karaoke, air bands and other activities spanning throughout the week along with a variety of sporting events. Freshman and junior varsity football have games against Rifle on Monday and boys’ soccer plays Montrose that same day. Tuesday’s schedule includes softball, volleyball and soccer. There will be an academic recognition assembly, varsity soccer game, and JV and freshman volleyball games on Thursday. Cross country and varsity softball will compete on Friday. Before the big football game that evening student

council will be holding a Homecoming carnival where clubs will have an opportunity to fundraise and join in on the week’s excitement by setting up stations and booths on the football field. Zumba dance classes and exciting games will be going on that afternoon. Student council will wrap Friday up with an exhilarating Homecoming assembly where each class will participate in games to vie for the Homecoming championship title. Hint: the seniors always win. The busy week will end on Saturday, Oct. 10, with a JV softball tournament, another cross country meet, and, of course, the dance. Although Delta High School has a packed week, it’ll all be worth it when the Homecoming fun ensues.

Photos submitted

Terriﬁc Kids

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and ﬁrst grade students (front row) Gabbie Gallenbeck, Armando Aparicio, Payton Dunlap, Ahlysia Garcia, Eh Glo Hpo; (back row) Hailey Dearing, Caylie Velasquez, Brooke Armendariz and Isabelle Hall. Below are second and third graders Brooke Pietak, Brianna Huff, Joey Siennicki, Bergen McCormick, Raylene Hansen, Jaden Angelo and Abby Bloom.

Tipton: Service academy applications are due Oct. 7

Photo submitted

Virtuous Kids

Lincoln Elementary and the Kiwanis Club of Delta recently recognized the Virtuous Kids pictured above: (front row, left to right) Claudia Gonzalez (responsible), Fabiola Arellano (trustworthy), Alexis Kirkman (respectful), Emma Simental (caring), Nee Blut Moo (on task), Corbin Ortega (trustworthy); (back row) Brian Delasancha (respectful), Bethani Miller (determination), Ana Asavei (responsible), Clayton Cryer (responsible), Christian Ramirez (kindness), Alan Asavei (perseverance), Jasmin Saenz (encouragement), Faith Watkins (on task).

The office of Congressman Scott Tipton (CO03) is currently accepting applications from students who are interested in attending a United States service academy in 2015. The deadline for applications to Tipton’s office is Oct. 7. “It’s a true honor to nominate talented students from Colorado’s 3rd District each year to our nation’s service academies,” said Tipton. “These future leaders are among the very best and brightest, and I encourage any students who are considering this special calling to learn more about the nomination

Expectations high for DHS band BY HANNAH SMITH DCI Intern

As band competition season comes around the corner, the Delta High School band works hard day after day to prepare. “Preparing for competition means productive classes, evening rehears-

als, and even all day Saturday rehearsals!” band director Marcos LeBlanc said. “Every Tuesday and Thursday night the band gets together for two-hour evening rehearsals, some of them after doing football and cross country.” Every year the show

that the band does tells a story — this year they have “Forge.” The music is Night on Bald Mountain with selections from Firebird Suite. It involves intense love stories, kidnapping and even murder. Along with the tough music, there is a giant metal forge that serves as a centerpiece as well as great visuals from the color guard. The band placed second in field competition

Sept. 26 and is now getting ready for regionals Oct. 15. Then comes the state competition in Pueblo at the end of October. LeBlanc says hard work and dedication are what make the band great, and are why they will go above and beyond the expectations. “I am most looking forward to going to state and for all of our hard work paying off!” he concluded.

process and submit an application so they can be considered.” Each year members of Congress can nominate a limited number of people from their districts to U.S. Service Academies — including the Air Force, West Point, Annapolis and Merchant Marine. Congressman Tipton nominated 11 students

from the 3rd Congressional District in 2015 to U.S. service academies. Tipton’s office uses a merit-based competitive process to ensure that the best qualified individuals are given the opportunity to attend. Interested students can download an application at tipton.house.gov or call 719-542-1073 for more information.

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Under the direction of ﬁeld conductor Sara Jurca and band director Marcos LeBlanc, band members competed at the Colorado West Invitational Marching Band Festival in Grand Junction Saturday. The band earned an inspection award and placed second in Class II competition. In the background of the photo is the forge from the show’s title.

Lincoln Elem. invites parent involvement Lincoln Elementary School values parent involvement in the education of its students. FamilyFacts.org says, “Youths whose parents are highly involved in their education during elementary school are more likely to graduate from high school or complete high school requirements.” Your participation in school does matter... even if it is just eating donuts with your kid, talking about how cool their teacher is or their favorite subject in school. You’re invited to Lincoln Elementary the first Wednesday of each month for “Donuts With

Dudes.” The first “Donuts With Dudes” will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the cafeteria at 7:15 a.m. If you are a dad, grandpa, uncle, brother or friend of a Lincoln student please bring them and enjoy some donuts with your favorite Lincoln Lion! Lincoln is also looking for companies or individuals who are willing to donate $100 to sponsor one month of donuts for the “Donuts With Dudes” program. Donors’ names will be posted on the school website and Facebook page. Please call Lincoln Elementary at 874-3700 if you are interested in donating.

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A6 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Michael McCormack

Michael Joseph McCormack of Eckert died Sept. 22, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 65. He was born June 17, 1950, to Joseph Francis and Geraldine (Fitzgerald) McCormack. He enjoyed being a husband, father and grandfather, fishing, hunting, automobiles, his Jeep and traveling to see his family across the country. Mr. McCormack is survived by his wife of 33 years, Susan Ann McCormack; his mother, Geraldine McCormack; his sisters, Judy, Mary and Patty; his daughters, Barbie McCormack and her daughter Ellen Allmaras and Brandy Mortashed (Michael) Gardner; and granddaughter, Chelsea Gilbert (Michael Sherman) and their daughter Madison Gilbert; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Francis McCormack; and a brother, Timothy McCormack. At the family’s request, no services will be held. Burial will be in his hometown of Chewelah, Wash., with Mr. McCormack’s father and brother.

Ruth Phillips

Eckert resident Ruth Phillips died Monday, Sept. 21, 2015, at her home. She was 100. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Delta. Ruth Mason was born in Albion, N.Y., July 19, 1915, to Frank Wood and Nina (Lamont) Mason. She spent her childhood and attended school in Albion, graduating from Albion High School in 1933. She received a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in

OBITUARIES

1937. On Nov. 16, 1940, she married Arthur Phillips Jr. in Albion, N.Y. Mrs. Phillips moved to Cedaredge in 2001 and Eckert in 2006. She was a member of the DAR in Charlottesville, Va., and was the founder of the Senior Hikers in Cedaredge. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Delta. She enjoyed hiking and traveling around the world. Mrs. Phillips is survived by a son, Arthur (Janice) Phillips III of Eckert; and a daughter, Frances Phillips (Greg) Lazear of Cedaredge. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Arthur, in November 1986 in Charlottesville, Va.; a brother, Albert Mason; and a sister, A. Louise Miller. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

trapshooter, fisherman and guide and outfitter. Mr. Lowe is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Lowe of Hermiston, Ore.; a brother, Bill (Barbara) Lowe of Salt Lake City, Utah; his grandchildren, Sabrina and Tony Hyland and Andy Golden; and his great-grandchildren, Sophia, Ryan and Piper; Jolene Lowe; Mike Heinz (Kenda and Ashley), Barbie and John Griggs, Chuck and Joni Euler, and Brooke Euler; and extended family. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Judy Lowe. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 3, at Church of Christ, 2893 Patterson Road in Grand Junction. Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Ore., is handling the arrangements.

Jim Hankins

Jack Lowe

John “Jack” Douglas Lowe of Hermiston, Ore., died Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, at his home. He was 79. He was born in Delta Sept. 1, 1936, to William and Frankie (Crawley) Lowe. He was raised in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1954. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. After he was honorably discharged he returned to Colorado. Mr. Lowe worked as a regional agent supervisor for American General and Southland Insurance companies. He also operated DTD Outfit in Delta, guiding for 25 years. He lived in Kenai, Alaska, from 2008 until 2013 when he moved to Hermiston, Ore., where he worked for Walmart and Home Depot. He enjoyed being a

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James Raymond Hankins died Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, at HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 95. He was born on Nov. 13, 1920, to James Howard Hankins and Gertie Elsie (Ennen) Hankins of Corwith, Iowa. He grew up and attended school in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He later moved to Indianapolis, Ind., where he graduated from Ben Davis High School in 1939. He was known as Bud to his family and friends. Mr. Hankins served in the U.S. Coast Guard and was honorably discharged in 1941. One of his first jobs was delivering telegraphs for Western Union on his bicycle. He married Ellen Jeanea McCloskey on Nov. 4, 1943, in Westfield, Ind. Early in their marriage they moved back to Corwith, Iowa, where they farmed. During that time the couple attended St. John Lutheran Church. In 1961, the family moved to Albuquerque, N.M., where Mr. Hankins owned several small businesses during their 30 years there. After retiring, he built three of his own homes. The Hankins lived in Crawford the past 10 years. Mr. Hankins enjoyed woodworking, making wood projects and furniture for his and his children’s homes, fishing, teaching his grandchildren to fish, and traveling with his wife and their RV. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ellen Hankins; son, Jim Hankins of Pine Island, Fla.; daughters, Carol Smythe of Peoria, Ariz., and Janet (Jeff) McGregor of Crawford; sisters, Katheryn Quebe and Gloria Adams, both of Corwith, Iowa; eight grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild.

Delta County Independent

Dunn of Townsend, Mont., and Val (Sue) Deutsch of Bethel Springs, Tenn.; two brothers-in-law, Kay (Mary) Dunn of Helper, Utah, and Emmett (Pauline) Dunn of Delta; three sisters-in-law, Michelle Dunn of Lake Charles, La., Betty (Charles) Klaseen of Crawford and Bernita (Donald) Dove of Grand Junction; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Keith Dunn and Kale Deutsch; a son, Kendall Dunn; a brother-in-law, Kenneth Dunn; and two sisters-in-law, Dixie Filener and Donna Buell. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online Valda Mlakar Valda Mlakar of Som- guest registry at taylor erset died Wednesday, funeralservice.com. Sept. 23, 2015, in Denver. She was 72. Betty Pallas A graveside service Betty J. Pallas of Delta will be held at 10 a.m., died Sept. 4, 2015, at Saturday, Oct. 3, at Cedar Crossroads Assisted LivHill Cemetery in Paonia. ing in Delta. She was 90. James Gall will officiate. A memorial service Memorial contribu- will be held Saturday, tions may be made to Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. at TaySt. Mary’s Hospital or lor Funeral Service ChaHopeWest, P.O. Box 24, pel in Delta. Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service Valda Ann Neal was and Crematory is hanborn in Umatilla County, dling the arrangements. Ore., Dec. 8, 1942, to Walter and Alma (Williams) Neal. She spent her childhood and attended school in Paonia. On May 26, 1965, she married Harold Mlakar in Las Vegas, Nev. Mrs. Mlakar enjoyed crocheting, tying flies, breeding Yorkies and Boston Terriers, watching old movies and caring for her disabled son, Opie. She is survived by three sons, John Mlakar, Harold Mlakar Jr. Jake Accola and Joseph “Opie” MlaRetired Colonel Jacob kar, all of Somerset; one daughter, Valerie (Steve) “Jake” P. Accola died O’Connell of Hotchkiss; Sept. 25, 2015. He was four grandchildren, 99. He was born Aug. 31, John (Jasmine) Mlakar Jr. of Grand Junction, 1916, to Lawrence and Sherry Mlakar of Ste- Leila Accola in the Kickvensville, Texas, Chris- apoo Valley near Steutina O’Connell of Silt and ben, Wis. In October Casey (Betsey) O’Connell 1917 the family moved to of Crawford; and one Cedaredge. Mr. Accola gradugreat-grandchild, Jameated from Cedaredge son Mlakar. She was preceded in High School in 1933. He death by her husband attended Western State of 49 years, Harold on College where he lettered June 1, 2014; one broth- in football and edited er, Larry; and one sister, the school newspaper. After his graduation in Daisy. Taylor Funeral Service 1937, he was a teacher and Crematory is han- and assistant basketball dling the arrangements. coach in La Junta. He enlisted in the View the Internet obituary and sign the online Army Air Corps in 1941, navigation guest registry at taylor attended school and was assigned funeralservice.com. to the 19th Bomb Wing flying B-17s. Headed for Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed, he was reassigned to Adak in the Aleutian Islands, flying B-26 bombing missions. In 1943 he was assigned to a B-25 training wing at Columbia, S.C. He married Mary Kathryn Derrick in August 1946. They served tours in Hawaii, England, Illinois and Nebraska before Shirley Deutsch retiring to Colorado Shirley Deutsch of Springs in 1971. Mr. Accola enjoyed Denver died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, in Long- sports, especially football, basketball and baseball. mont. She was 79. A funeral service was He played tennis and held Saturday, Sept. 26, badminton, for which he at Taylor Funeral Service won many trophies, and Chapel in Delta. Interment followed at Mesa View Cemetery. Shirley Jean Holman was born June 21, 1936, to Donald and Myrtle (Holmes) Holman. She spent her childhood in and How do I file a small around Hotchkiss, gradu- claims case in state ating from Hotchkiss court? What do I need to High School in 1954. know about my upcoming On May 5, 1954, she divorce and custody hearmarried Eldon Dunn in ing? My tenant hasn’t Oklahoma. They had four paid rent in months; how sons. Eldon died in 1960. do I evict him? She married E. Kale Each day, people across Deutsch Nov. 9, 1962, Colorado turn to the Colin Hotchkiss. He died in orado Judicial Branch to July 2005. help them resolve disMrs. Deutsch enjoyed putes they cannot resolve her family and friends, on their own. At the same traveling to see her sons, time, more and more peosightseeing, Sunday ple in Colorado are headdrives, crocheting, camp- ing to court without an ing, horseback riding and attorney to guide them trail rides. through the process in She is survived by civil and domestic relaher sons, Donald (Marie) tions matters. The ColoDunn of Aurora, Byron rado Judicial Branch is (Sheryl) Dunn of Jackson- committed to providing ville, Fla., Roger (Connie) those without an attorMr. Hankins was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard Hankins, Howard Hankins and Harold Hankins. No service will be held at his request. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Western State and Air Force Academy athletics. He was president of the Western State College foundation and was a charter member of the AFA Athletic Association. He is survived by a son, Tom of West Melbourne, Fla.; a daughter, Robin of Chicago; four grandsons and three granddaughters. He was preceded in death by a son, John, in June 2006. A reception by the family will be held from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at the Accola residence. Interment will be in the family plot in Cedaredge Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the WSCU Foundation.

Glenda Bass

Hotchkiss resident Glenda Evelyn Bass died Sept. 26, 2015, in Grand Junction. She was 68. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Hotchkiss. Mrs. Bass is survived by her son, Jayson Shelden of Hotchkiss; her daughter, Dolores (Les) Morris of Hotchkiss; her brothers, twin Glen Reed of Montana, Clarence Reed of Craig and Keith Reed of Massachusetts; sisters, Doris Miller of Loma, Mary McFarland of Grand Junction and Lola Wold; and two grandchildren, Ernest and Sara Morris of Hotchkiss. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Evea Ashurst

Evea Yvonne Ashurst of Cedaredge died Sept. 23, 2015. She was 75. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at New Hope Church in Cedaredge. Mrs. Ashurst is survived by two sons, Larry Lowell of Cedaredge and Harvey Lowell of Meeker; two daughters, Ramona Clymo of Cedaredge and Teresa Anderson of Eagle; two sisters, Bonnie Gill of Las Vegas and Carolynn Barton of Cedaredge; 20 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Rebecca Deal of Eckert is a resident assistant for Fort Lewis College for the 2015-16 academic year. Deal is majoring in elementary education. Resident assistants are student staff members who live on a floor in a college residence hall to serve as primary resources for information and assistance. The objectives of resident assistants are to exhibit a concern for others and relate in a positive manner to the students.

Learn about legal resources

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ney with the information and education they need to be prepared to appear before a judge. Toward that end, the branch is hosting a free Legal Resource Day on Friday, Oct. 2, in five of Colorado’s courthouses, including the Montrose County Justice Center. Hour-long sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. All of the hour-long sessions will be taught by volunteer lawyers. Information on specific sessions for each of the participating courthouses has been posted to the Legal Resource Day web page at www.courts. state.co.us/Self_Help/ legalday/index.cfm.

Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Artists to experiment

with Yupo

Delta Fine Arts meets Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 2:15 p.m. in the Orchard City Town Hall community room on 2300 Road. After a short business meeting, Sheryl Williams will be presenting a program on using Yupo paper. She asks that everyone bring their own media to the meeting and she will provide the Yupo paper on which everyone can experiment. The public is invited; the event is free. Contact Laurae Welch at lbwelch@wildblue.net with questions.

Candidate forum scheduled The League of Women Voters will host a forum for school board candidates and will also present information on the local and state issues that appear on this year’s ballot. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, Hotchkiss High School. Candidates for school board District 2, Genevieve Novinger and Jill Jurca, will answer questions for the first half of the forum, and the League of Women Voters will present information on the ballot issues during the second half of the forum.

Fort Uncompahgre will close for the season Wednesday, Sept. 30. Admission will be free from 9 to 4 p.m. Save the date for Christmas at the Fort following the Delta Parade of Lights Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. For more information call 874-8349 or 640-7076.

Run/walk benefits those affected by breast cancer Montrose Memorial Hospital is proud to present the 23rd annual “One Step Closer to Help and Hope” 5k Walk and 5 and 10k Run on Saturday, Oct. 10. The walk/run begins at 9 a.m. with registration beginning at 8 a.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. The cost for the event is $30 before the event and $35 the day of the event. Registrations on the day of the event will include a T-shirt while supplies last. Otherwise, your shirt will be mailed to you after the event. New this year, you may register online at www.bosombuddies swc.org or registration

AppleFest is site of photo walk Plant, tree Cedaredge AppleFest is a Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk site Saturday, Oct. 3, from noon to 2 p.m. Photographers are meeting at the Cedaredge Chamber steps on Main Street at 11:45. The walk route will be around and in the town park. Pictures taken during the designated time can be entered online in the Cedaredge site. Photographers (any age and level of expertise) can pre-register online at kelbyone. com/photowalk. Contact Rae-Ann Simmons with questions: rae-anns@live. com.

auction set for Oct. 10

Fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs and perennials. You won’t want to miss CSU TriRiver Area Master Gardeners’ annual plant sale and tree auction Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Mesa County Fairgrounds. Bidder registration starts at 9 a.m. with the tree auction starting at 10 a.m., with Buster Cattles as auctioneer. The sale of plants, books and hypertufa pots will run until 1 p.m.

forms are available at Montrose Memorial Hospital, City Markets, Safeway, KUBC/ KKXK, and at the San Juan Cancer Center. ALL money raised during these events stays in western Colorado to help

A 5k race on Saturday, Oct. 10, will benefit Girls on the Run of Western Colorado and the Western Slope Center for Children. The UV Splash by Color Dash is a fun, noncompetitive 5k (3.1 miles) run/walk. Held in the evening, the race features black lights and UV color. Participants are dusted with the non-toxic color at each kilometer. Music and dancing also will be on hand. The race starts and finishes at Canyon View Park, 730 24 Road, Grand Junction. Packet pickup begins at 5 p.m. The race is at 7 p.m. Registration is $40. Families and other groups are eligible for a discounted rate. Children 5 and under are free. Half of all ticket sales will go to Girls on the Run, a mentoring and

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life skills program offered at 112 sites throughout western Colorado and eastern Utah, and the Western Slope Center for Children, a child advocacy center that provides services to child sexual abuse victims and their families. Girls on the Run uses running and an interactive, experience-based curriculum to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Each team also completes a community service project, and the girls run a fun, noncompetitive 5k open to the community at the end of the 10-week season. The UV Splash is the season-ending 5k for Heart & Sole, Girls on the Run’s middle school program. This fall, Heart & Sole is being held at three middle schools in the Grand Valley. To learn more about Girls on the Run of Western Colorado or to register for the UV Splash, go to www.gotrwesterncolo rado.org. To register for the race, click on GOTR 5k.

Dance the night away Oct. 17

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individuals who have been touched by breast cancer. If you are unable to attend and would like to send a donation to this year’s annual fundraiser, please mail it to Bosom Buddies, P.O. Box 1263, Montrose, CO 81402.

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Photo submitted

Visit the fort for free

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Get lost in the maze

The corn maze at Red Shed Produce, 1800 Road and Highway 92, is open noon to dusk every day. Hay rides are available on the weekends.

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Come dance the night away at the next community evening dance Saturday, Oct. 17, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Chuck Gregory will provide the music for this fun event, which runs from 7 to 10 p.m. Bring a friend and a snack to share. Coffee and lemonade will be provided. The cost is $5 at the door. For more information, call 874-0923.

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A8 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Chicken ranch approved by county planning commission BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Delta County Planning Commission has recommended approval for the Kuntz Chicken Ranch specific development application. Commission members, however, added a couple of conditions. First, the commission suggests the Board of County Commissioners “considers” that the application plan include some kind of provision for short-term manure storage on site. Second, the county planners would like the county commissioners to resolve a regulation dispute regarding adequacy of the storm water discharge and erosion plan submitted with the application. The project’s owner/ applicant, David Kuntz, DVM, of Redlands Mesa,

told the planning commission that dry manure from the 20,000-hen organic egg laying operation would be cleaned from the barn every 14 months and applied to his hay fields. The owner of a nearby composting operation, Tom Kay, said he would be able to quickly remove any manure that might have to be kept in storage for even a short time. Still, members of the planning commission suggested the county commissioners consider an on-site manure storage option. The BoCC is scheduled to hear the specific development application Oct. 5 at 10 a.m. in the commissioners’ meeting room. The second issue raised by planning commission members was on the adequacy of Kuntz’s storm water drainage

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and erosion plan. It was a knotty issue for the planners, county staff and the applicant. Among the points raised by Kuntz and his attorney, Ben Wegener of Grand Junction, during a lengthy back-and-forth exchange with the planners and county staff were: • The county has not been forthcoming with stating reasons it sees the storm water drainage plan as inadequate. • Correspondence with the county attorney has yielded no clarity on the issues, either. • The storm water drainage plan submitted with the specific development application is done by a professional engineer with a letter attesting to its accuracy. • The Kuntz operation is not required to submit a storm water drainage plan under state regulations because it is under the 25,000-bird threshold for requiring a plan. • The plan is a review of existing drainage management structures including ditches and a retention pond. • The plan is not intended for construction of new drainage structures and therefore, noted Ken Nordstrom, county environmental health director, it need not be as detailed as a new construction plan for a contractor to work from. County engineer Bob Kalenak questioned the adequacy of the storm water drainage and erosion plans on several points, stating the runoff flow capacities don’t pass muster with the county’s regulation requiring an engineered plan.

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Girl Scouts from Delta/Cedaredge Service Unit #126 and Boy Scouts from Delta Unit #481 joined members of Lee Marts #3571 VFW and its Ladies Auxiliary at Fort Uncompahgre on Saturday, Sept. 26, for a ﬂag retirement ceremony.

VFW, Scouts retire flags Saturday, Sept. 26, members of VFW Post 3571 and its Auxiliary honorably retired 50 U.S. flags at Fort Uncompahgre. Post commander David Rowland and Auxiliary president Jennifer Wright explained the process of flag retirement to the invited guests — nearly 60 Scouts, their leaders and their parents. This somber retirement is not a public display, but a dignified and final honor for the symbol of the United States of America. Post 3571 uses its annual flag retirement ceremony to help teach Delta area Scouts the basics of the United States Flag Code, including the final burning and interment of flags that are no longer suitable for service. This retirement procedure has been used by the U.S. military for over 200 years. After a prayer, recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, and demonstration of the proper method of folding a United States flag, the Scouts worked with members of the post

In honor of National Cooperative Month, DMEA invites you to celebrate the work that we do and those we serve - you! Join us at our annual Member Appreciation Days for hot coffee, freshly baked treats, and a special DMEA ceramic coffee mug. The event is free for DMEA members. Come and go as you please.

“Taps,” the traditional end of a military funeral ceremony. The members of VFW Post 3571 and its Auxiliary wish to thank the Scouts, their parents and leaders for their participation and express their gratitude to Chris Miller, executive director of the Interpretive Association of Western Colorado for allowing the use of Fort Uncompahgre for this hallowed event.

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VFW members, Scouts of all ages, their leaders and parents all worked together to properly fold U.S. ﬂags prior to retirement.

Delta County Libraries: Preserving the freedom to read BY LEAH MORRIS Delta County Libraries

Mark Twain, Toni Morrison, Dee Brown, Maurice Sendak, Walt Whitman, Margaret Mitchell, Jack London, Cesar Chavez. These authors share a heavy burden. Along with a number of others, they have all written books that were selected by the Library of Congress as “Books That Shaped

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and auxiliary, their leaders and their parents to fold all the soiled, faded and badly damaged flags collected throughout the year. The Scouts then assisted the veterans in the final retirement of the colors of their nation. All present had time to reflect on the status and honor due the living symbol of the United States of America as the flags were “laid to rest” accompanied by the playing of

America” for their unique role in this nation’s literary heritage. And they have all been banned or challenged by schools, institutions and individuals for various reasons. Libraries seek to bring to light the effects of book banning during Banned Book Week, which takes place this week, Sept. 27Oct. 3. While challenges to books and authors take place year-round, this one week is intended to celebrate the freedom to read and highlight some of the exceptional literature that has been banned over the years. Delta County Libraries is participating by offering banned book displays and lists of challenged titles, encouraging patrons to consider the powerful effect that censorship could have on the materials available in libraries. “When books are banned, for whatever reason, something of value is lost to everyone,” says library district director Annette Choszczyk. “In the former Soviet Union, book banning was taken to a high level. Librarians were given a list of the books to be purged from libraries and they had to turn those books in to be destroyed. If they did not, they lost their jobs. Librarians were in tears as their favorite authors’ books disappeared and were no longer available for anyone to read. Purged books were also no longer for sale, so those books were, literally, lost for everyone.” Open access to information is not guaranteed everywhere in the world, but in the United States patrons might be surprised at the numbers and titles of books that would disappear if libraries did not take a stand against censorship, as challenges come in many forms and for many reasons. According to the American Library Association website, “A challenge is an attempt to remove or restrict materials, based

upon the objections of a person or group. Challenges do not simply involve a person expressing a point of view; rather, they are an attempt to remove material from the curriculum or library, thereby restricting the access of others.” “Young Adult books are challenged more frequently than any other type of book,” said Judith Platt, chair of the Banned Books Week national committee. “These are the books that speak most immediately to young people, dealing with many of the difficult issues that arise in their own lives, or in the lives of their friends.These are the books that give young readers the ability to safely explore the sometimes scary real world. This Banned Books Week is a call to action, to remind everyone that young people need to be allowed the freedom to read widely, to read books that are relevant for them, and to be able to make their own reading choices.” Choszczyk firmly agrees with the principles of Banned Books Week, but she does not want to make the libraries unwelcoming places for patrons who might be uncomfortable with certain titles. “We are not asking people to read books that go against their values and beliefs,” she stresses. “We are simply hoping that patrons will think about exercising their own discrimination without limiting opportunities for others.”

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Library assistant Shayna Peters stands by a display of banned books at the Delta Library.

NORTH FORK

September 30, 2015

TIMES

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www.deltacountyindependent.com

Sewer line work begins in Hotchkiss BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Construction on the Town of Hotchkiss main sewer line rehabilitation project was slightly delayed, but is expected to begin today, according to Public Works manager Mike Owens. Most of the line is located within the town’s alleyways, although some work will affect the streets where they intersect with alleyways. Williams Construction, the contractor for the project, will begin excavation and line replacement in the alley between Pinon and Cedar streets, and Highway 92 and Hotchkiss

Avenue. The project involves replacement and construction of man holes and construction of 6,000 feet of existing sewer line. Work is expected to progress at the rate of about 50 feet per day and continue through fall. While full street closures are unlikely, some one-lane situations may occur and residents are asked to be aware of construction zones and signage as the project zigzags its way through town. A street map of the project is available at townofhotch kiss.com. For more information, contact the town at 8723663.

Democrats look at rural initiative BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Delta County Democratic Party announced recently that it is considering forming a chapter of the Colorado Rural Initiative (CRI). The chapter would be one of the first for the newly-formed initiative, said chairman Dick Barkey, of Fort Lupton, who was one of eight speakers at the DCDP’s annual barbecue, held Sept. 19 at Paonia. The CRI was formed last December to give a voice to citizens living in the less-populated rural areas of Colorado. Goals include promoting economic development, improving access to health care and quality public education, protecting the environment, improving communication technology, promoting rural transportation infrastructure, supporting agricultural eco-

nomic policies that allow family farms and ranches to prosper and sustainable agricultural practices, and healthy food production and distribution practices. The initiative has established six working committees: organizing, legislative action, agricultural production and food distribution, rural economic development, rural county Democratic party renewal, and natural resources, energy and environment. One of the issues discussed was how to involve youth in the democratic process. Two millenials — the generation born from the early 1980s to the early 2000s — participated in the discussion. Some of the stereotypes about today’s youth are true, said Alex Johnson, executive director of the Western Slope RURAL INITIATIVE TO B4

Paonia adopts fee schedule BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia trustees adopted a resolution at the Sept. 22 board meeting that establishes a schedule of fees and fines. Trustee Ross King prefaced the discussion by clarifying that the schedule was created at the direction of the board of trustees and was not ordered by town manager Jane Berry. Berry opened discussion with a clarification of the special event liquor license fee, which after being misinterpreted had drawn critical comments from the public and members of the board. “We are not recommending raising the fees for a large-group event,” which will remain at $50 per day and a maximum of $150 per event, which is as it has been for many years, said Berry. To avoid other misinterpretations, staff made minor changes to the final draft, eliminating redundancies, adding existing fees that were omitted from the original draft, including fees for copies and faxes, and fixing errors in code section referrals. “I apologize for any confusions that I might have created with the original draft,” said Berry. Of the 152 line items on the schedule, fewer than a dozen came up for discussion and only one was amended prior to voting on the resolution. Trustee King stated concerns about the fee for return of insufficient/bad checks to the town, which rose from $20 to $25. King asked if the bank charges the town when checks written to the town are returned. If so, the fee should be amended to $25 plus bank charges. According to finance officer Cindy Jones, they aren’t charged the fee per their contract with the bank. Berry said she was unaware of any contracts. “If we have a contract from the bank where they’re waiving these contracts, I’d like to see those contracts,” said Berry. King was also concerned with the per diem charge for animal confinement when

animals at large are picked up, which rose from $25 to $50. Berry explained it is intended to cover vet boarding fees from the dog owner, due before they can take their animal back. King made a motion and it was seconded to amend the schedule to $75 to recoup staff time and other associated costs with picking an animal up off the street. Berry argued that the fee is intended to encourage responsible pet ownership. “We want the animal to go home with its owner,” said Berry. “If the fee becomes so high, they might just decide to leave the dog there,” which means more costs, and a homeless animal. After hearing the argument, King withdrew his motion. “No one wants to see them abandon their animals” PAONIA FEES TO B3

Photo by Tamie Meck

U.S. Forest Service natural resources specialist Barrett Funka, left, and wilderness ranger Jen Stagner give fourth-graders and volunteers a talk on government pack mules and the tools used in managing the nation’s wilderness Friday at Lost Lake.

Field trip offers kids a wilderness experience BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

“It couldn’t have happened on a nicer day,” said Paul Kempling, the U.S. Forest Service Youth Conservation Corps leader with the Paonia Ranger District, while dozens of North Fork area fourthgrade students explored the Lost Lake area of Kebler Pass. The weather was perfect, and the trees were at their peak of color. The field trip was attended by all North Fork area fourthgrade classes and was sponsored by the Paonia Ranger District and Grand Mesa, Montrose, Uncompahgre and Gunnison national forests, in partnership with the Paoniabased Western Slope Conservation Center, as part of a new federal Every Kid in a Park initiative. The event was also held in honor of National Public Lands Day, which was Saturday, Sept. 26. Through the initiative, fourth-grade students throughout the nation can obtain a free pass granting them and their families (three accompanying adults or an entire car for drive-in parks) free access to more than 2,000 federally managed sites nationwide. Passes are valid through Aug. 31, 2016. A lot of kids don’t have many opportunities to get out into the forests and learn about wilderness, said Kempling. “The goal is to get kids out into the forest,” to get them excited about public lands, and to create future stewards of the land by giving them first-hand experiences within them. Throughout the day, students visited five different educational stations to learn about geology, trees, and the

Remembering our ag roots

Photo by Tamie Meck

Fourth-grade students from Hotchkiss K-8 school hiked with U.S. Forest Service biologist Dan Gray to upper Lost Lake Friday. The ﬁeld trip was attended by all North Fork area fourthgrade classes and was part of the national Every Kid in a Park initiative to get children and their families to visit the nation’s public lands. Leave No Trace land ethic principals. They also helped build bat houses to install at their respective schools. Kempling said this is the first time for the field trip, and one he hopes will become an annual event. And it’s a great way to get some exercise, added Kempling. A total of 35 adults, including 10 community volunteers, helped keep the event running smoothly. Students, teachers and parent volunteers split into groups and took turns visiting each of five educational stations set up around the lake, hiking to the upper Lost Lake, and meeting pack mule brothers Bruce and Jimmy. Pack mules are a big part of Forest Service heritage and history and are still used today for hauling gear and build-

Photo by Tamie Meck

Jaylene Park, center, and First Colorado National Bank CEO Stan Park, right, chat with long-time Paonia residents (from left) Jill VanDenBerg, Lenora Knight (Jaylene’s mother), Claudia King, Eddie VanDenBerg and Glen Austin about the early days of agriculture in the North Fork area last Friday at the bank. Jaylene Park put together a display of artifacts used by local growers, including record books, fruit boxes and labels, tools, photos and a pair of homemade stilts used for pruning fruit trees, which will be on display through most of October. The exhibit is a tribute to past and current growers and inspired by the annual Mountain Harvest Festival.

ing supplies into and out of the wilderness, where motorized vehicles are prohibited, said Barrett Funka, a Natural Resources Specialist and Wilderness Manager for the forest service Paonia Field Office. Barrett has worked extensively with the Forest Service’s Rocky Mountain Regional Pack String, and said that each animal can carry upwards of 200 pounds of materials. Barrett paraded a string of mules at the 2014 Cherry Days in Paonia, and said that the animals also packed out some 500 pounds of trash from the Raggeds Wilderness area last summer. Mules are part of the history and heritage of the forest service, and are “a good face for the Forest Service,” said Funka. Despite their imposing size, they are also gentle with children. The pack mule station also displayed some of the tools used in managing wilderness, including axes, crosscut saws (also called tie hacks), and hammers, since power tools are prohibited in the wilderness. At the geology station, kids identified the three types of rocks. Geologists Liane Matson and Jessica Lopez Pearce explained how Lost Lake is a moraine lake and how it was formed by glaciers. Paonia Elementary School principal Sam Cox said the program is a nice compliment to other programs that local agencies and the school are offering this fall, including last week’s sixth-grade “Cottonwood Days” and an upcoming third-grade trip to Escalante Canyon, sponsored by the Colorado Canyons Association. The Forest Service also sends educational materials and suggestions for follow-up activities back to the schools, and Cox said he planned to ask kids to observe the changing landscapes on the bus ride back to the school. “But the best way to learn is by handson experience and by being in the environment.”

B2 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

MOUNTAIN HARVEST FESTIVAL

Delta County Independent

Fun at Mountain Harvest Festival Photos by Tamie Meck

The 15th annual Chili Cook-off, hosted by the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, attracted more than 20 entries and a seemingly endless stream of chili tasters.

Participants in the ﬁrst Cow Bingo event wait patiently to see where Coffee the Jersey dairy cow makes a deposit. Coffee made her deposit squarely on the number purchased by Shari Davis of Paonia.

Team Grape Nuts, left, and Lucy’s in the 80s compete in the popular Grape Stomp. Prizes are awarded for showmanship, best costume, best I Love Lucy (which these ladies won) and most juice. The event beneﬁts The Solar Energy International Solar in the Schools program and the Paonia Public Library Foundation.

Pie contest judge Ella Jensen expresses her satisfaction during the Pie Contest, a beneﬁt for the Lamborn Grange and Paonia/Hotchkiss High School Speech Club. Zoe Boren won ﬁrst place in the Harvest and Cream categories and Susan Pitt won the Fruit category.

Bernie Canape serves chili during the 15th annual Chili Cook-off with Paonia Library teammates Harry Harpoon and Laura Lee Yates.

Face painting and hula-hooping were both popular events at the 15th annual Mountain Harvest Festival.

Squash bowling was one of the many events at the Kids Area.

With a voice part Grace Slick, part Stevie Nicks, Emily Paige Wray sings with the Cedaredgebased band RARE Sunday with Jeremy Lee Ross on lead guitar, Terry Covell on bass and Christian Eggstaff on drums. More than 16 acts performed over the three-day festival weekend.

John Mattox of Paonia heaves a bicycle during the Paonia Bike Co-Op Slow Bike Race and Toss.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Paonia fees FROM PAGE B1 because of a high fee, said King. “On the other hand, changing peoples’ behavior … we certainly want to encourage that.” The $150 fee for snow and ice removal from sidewalks is intended to get the property owner’s attention, said Berry after trustees suggested it was too high and could hurt those unable to afford it. Trustee David Bradford stated that failing to remove snow results in deterioration of sidewalks and safety hazards for pedestrians. The one change was for the $500 fee for variance requests to the board of adjustments. The motion passed on a 4-2 vote, with King and mayor pro tem Charles Stewart voting nay. “I’m just concerned that someone would be hesitant to bring a request if in fact they’re looking at a $500 request,” said Stewart. Berry argued that a variance is a request

for something that is prohibited by the town, and that the actual cost is typically much more. “The fee should be prohibitive,” said Berry. “All other alternatives should be explored before someone presents a variance request.” Resident Bill Brunner called it a big mistake to attach such a high fee to requests and said that when the town was zoned no one thought the law should apply to them. “The town has a long history of handing out variances like candy,” said Brunner, a former trustee. “Anybody that has to pay hundreds of dollars . . . is going to feel like they’re being wronged.” In the past, fees were considered by trustees, acting as the zoning board, on a case-by-case basis. That is in violation of town ordinances, said Berry, who also said she found no consistency in the way past fees were assessed. If the process is

done correctly and by law, each request can generate upwards of $3,000 in town costs. Stewart said that many of the variance requests “are not very well-founded. Perhaps if people have a cost associated with it, they may think about it.” Trustee Eric Goold called $500 “punitive.” If the town wants to encourage citizens to request variances, “$500 is a lot of money to spend to have the board say no, which they can.” Fines related to crimes drew few comments. When trustee Suzanne Watson made a motion to lower the $50 fee for a disc copy of town code book to $5, it died for lack of a second. Brunner called it disappointing. “I wish that motion would have had a second,” said Brunner. “It’s a shame to charge people for access to the law.” He noted that the code book, which is in the process of revision, is currently not available

First annual blow out book sale is Oct. 9-10 Friends of the Paonia Library book sale chairman Larry Beezeley announced a first-timeever bargain book sale to be held at Paonia Library on Friday, Oct. 9, from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Friends will be selling a bag or box of books for $4 each. Bring your own box, or bag, if possible. You pay $4 regardless of what you fill — with a limit of 12 hardbounds or 20 paperbacks (about all that will fit most boxes). Many of the books are newer and little used, and make great gifts. Why are the Friends trying to clear their shelves? Even though the Friends have been shipping excess unsold books to the non-profit BetterWorld Books (which sells the books online or donates to literacy programs), the pile up of newly donated books is overwhelming the storage sheds. Every third Thursday of the month the Friends gather to sort the books donated that month — and the amount donated is amazing! Even with four sales a year, and with the lowest prices in

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Judy Briscoe and Mike Campo, both Paonia Friends of the Library volunteers and book sorters extraordinaire, are preparing for the big “blow out” book sale at the Paonia Library on Oct. 9-10. the area for used books, the Friends end up with boxes of books left to go back in storage after each sale. Some books have never been put out for sale on the tables, but sit in the sort boxes until there is room. All books (except for specially priced coffee table or special art books) will be put out for this sale. Even the newer paperbacks

and hardbacks which are priced a bit more than older books will be available for this “blow out” book sale. So bring your box or bag (there will be some boxes available if you forget) and fill up to the limit. This is a wonderful opportunity for the North Fork (and beyond). Come early so you don’t miss out!

on the town website. In addition, said Brunner, not everyone has access to the Internet. Elaine Brett, who described herself as “a bit of a cheerleader for the town,” spoke of all the great things happening in Paonia and how busy it’s been. The town was highlighted in the most recent issue of 5280 Magazine for its organic farms, wineries and friendly atmosphere, said Brett. But the subject of the $150 fee for loitering, which was mocked on the Paonia Message Board on Facebook, could cast a negative light on the town. Brett noted that fees make up only a small part of the town’s budget and asked board members if they “examined the need, the impact, and the unintended consequences” of raising fees, reached out to constituents for input, or considered visitors to the town and “the elderly lady … who can’t afford snow removal?” In response, Stewart read the definition of loitering from town code, which is associated with nefarious acts such as interfering with schools, endangering students, and consumption of controlled substances, and that those considered to be loitering have been asked to leave and have refused to leave. “I think it’s clear from that definition that the intent is not to simply cite people for standing around, and that is a misconception of what loitering means under the code,” said Stewart. As for fines being only a small part of the budget, Stewart responded. “With a $2 million operating budget, the town has collected roughly $11,000 in total fees and fines as of the end of July. Will that balance the budget?” he asked. “No. That’s not what this is about.” The schedule does help bring outdated fees in line with costs and puts in place a document that has not before existed. “All we’re trying to do is clean this up,” said Stewart. King said that the board has been pressing town staff to review fees and fines since he joined the board in 2012. At the direction of the board, they finally got it done, said King, who thanked Berry and her staff for listening to them. Trustees also approved payment of 2016 premiums of $60,000 for the

Property Casualty Pool contributions and the Colorado Intergovernmental Risk Sharing Agency (CIRCA) Workers’ Compensation pool contribution. The cost reflects a $6,000 rate reduction over 2015 due to a reduction in payroll, said Berry. The town also had earned credits of about $1,800 that will be applied to premiums. King, who serves on the Finance and Personnel Committee, asked Berry to consider quarterly payments to CIRCA if the 2016 budget now being drafted reflects cash flow issues. Trustees also approved payment of $10,920 to Delta-Montrose Electric Association for upgrades to electrical services to the Upper Lamborn Mesa Water Treatment Plant. The installation of lines requires a 25-foot underground utility easement

from Roeber Road to the plant. The upgrade was recommended by town engineers WestWater Engineering and is needed to provide sufficient power to the new state-mandated filtration system being constructed at the plant. The upgrade was selected over a “three-phase” power system, which was estimated at $400,000, said Berry. The town will dig the trench for electrical lines. Berry also reported abuses of the Town Hall restrooms, where people are “conducting their personal hygiene.” “The conditions are unsanitary, they’re deplorable,” and “unlike anything that you could possibly imagine,” to the point of being a health hazard, said Berry. If the problem persists, the facilities will be locked and a key must be requested at the town office during business hours.

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Paula’s Exchange ��

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B4 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Rural initiative FROM PAGE B1 Conservation Center, who chose the topic of millennials. Johnson wore skinny jeans and took notes on his iPhone. He also checked social media prior to the event for any updates, and found nothing. The political power of the roughly 80 million millennials in the country can’t be underestimated, said Johnson. Millennials “entered the workforce during the Great Recession.” Most of their lives

the U.S. has been at war, and the economy and the job market have changed dramatically. Millennials don’t really have the economic stability to pursue more traditional career paths. As a voting block, millennials are skeptical and critical of establishment, said Johnson. Politics can allow for individual, families, groups to find that stability and a livelihood that doesn’t make them rich, necessarily, “but that allows them the

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta County High School senior Cidney Fisk is applauded for her talk on youth and politics during a roundtable discussion at the Delta County Democrats’ Sept. 19 fundraiser barbecue in Paonia. Engaging today’s “millennials,” was one of the major issues discussed at the event. DCD is considering starting a chapter of the newly-established Colorado Democratic Rural Initiative. quality of life, good food, good drink, and good company. I think those are high priorities.” What millennials want, said Johnson, is “. . . to focus on escaping from debt, no promises of richness and wealth that can’t be kept, and ways to produce more stability and equity with honesty and humor.” Cidney Fisk, a senior at Delta High School, recently resurrected the school’s Colorado Young Democrats chapter. Fisk participates in speech and debate, and has participated in national public speaking contests. She said that political involvement is one of the most important things to advocate for among today’s youth. With a diverse demographic of students, Fisk said she has made some conclusions about what youth find important in rural America, and education is high on the list. Fisk noted that at DHS, many AP classes lack appropriate textbooks, technology is sub-par to the point of being useless, and clubs like Speech and Debate and Knowledge Bowl “are under-funded and overlooked.” With so much focus on athletics, those focusing on education are at a big disadvantage, said Fisk. While opportunities for higher education exist, they often seem out of reach considering tens of thousands of dollars of debt and unpredictable interest rates. Fisk told her fellow

Democrats that if her peers knew more about candidates like Bernie Sanders and others who believe in education subsidies, they would be more driven to become a part of democracy and educated citizens. Degradation of the environment is also a growing concern. With renewable energy still in its early stages, “we have to wonder, what will become of our earth. I think that my generation will either be the people who change the world and secure its future, or the ones who continue its degradation.” Cassandra Shenk, founder of Teens on Farms, spoke of the value of young people, and how they “are an untapped resource for our economy and for our community” in a time when many farmers are reaching retirement age. Shenk said she grew up in rural Montana and was instilled with strong values and work ethics, which has helped her realize the value in engaging young people in agriculture. “We need to provide this opportunity to young people.” Speakers touched on other areas pertinent to the initiative. Kathy Steckel, executive director of the North Fork Ambulance, spoke of the need to recruit and retain members and pursue grants and other funding mechanisms in order to maintain current service levels. Loss of ambulance services would hit the more

rural areas of the service area hardest, and Somerset lies on the outer bounds of that area. Terry Commander, one of the 90 residents of Somerset, says she sees very little in the way of support for the community. The number of cars that drive through the tiny community is amazing, said Commander, but few actually stop. A good place to start is to recognize that “Somerset is there.” Commander said a master plan has been filed to bring the Ragged Mountain Fire Protection District back to life and construct a substation. The community is proactively seeking plans for infrastructure upgrades for sewer, water and streets, “which is long overdue in Somerset.” But it’s going to cost a lot of money and won’t happen overnight, said Commander. A lot of people seem to think that Somerset will go away when the mines, which have already filed reclamation plans, are gone, said Commander. “Somerset’s not going away because of that.” Dr. Brenda Holland with the Families Plus program said that Delta County has “a very critical lack of access” to health care providers. Delta County Memorial Hospital now provides most of the health care needs throughout the county. Families Plus was awarded a $600,000 federal grant in April for funding its model for

treating children with complex needs, said Holland. While the private network of mental health providers is “very weak,” the county leads the way nationally in treating children. County health rankings put Delta County at No. 40 of 59 counties for health care, said Holland. About 27 percent of residents are currently insured through Medicaid. “If you have Medicaid insurance you must go out of county” for dental care. John Gavan, DeltaMontrose Electric Association board member representing northern Delta County, is deeply involved in bringing highspeed broadband Internet access to Delta and Montrose counties. “We’re in the midst of a massive transition … from the phone to digital communication,” said Gavan. In addition to the recent awarding of a $5.3 million grant to Region 10 to provide “middle-mile” broadband infrastructure, the region is also on the verge of supplying more energy needs from renewable sources, said Gavan. “It’s a very exciting time.” Barkey said he believes the CRI can speak to these and other issues affecting rural communities by reaching across party lines, and solve problems through legislative and other actions. “Delta County needs support with economic development,” said Democratic State Representative Millie Hamner, who represents House District 61, including much of Delta County. She has 35 years of experience in public education and served two years as chair of the Education Committee. Hamner also served as vice chair of the Senate Budget Committee and will be appointed chair in November. Hamner referred to Senate Bill 282, also known as the “Jump-Start Program for Economically Distressed Counties.” The bill provides for “pretty substantial tax incentives to new businesses.” But lack of access to things like broadband and quality health care could stand in the way. “All of these things have to come together,” said Hamner.

What’s up at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. Check out these programs: Cedaredge Storytime for Babies, Tots and Preschoolers at the Cedaredge Library. Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Parents and tots are invited to participate in a reading time together. Maker Space. Come into the Cedaredge branch and paint a face on a gourd for Halloween or just for fun! One per patron during the month of October. This is an ongoing event for all ages. Genealogy. Who’s Who in Whoville ... find out who you really are. Friday, Oct. 2, at 10:30 a.m. Computer Class. Downloading free library materials to your device. Books, audiobooks, music, movies ... all free from your library. Friday, Oct. 2, at 10:30 a. m. Cedaredge Friends Programs. Dr. Robert Halley will be presenting a program on coral reefs at the meeting of the Friends of Cedaredge Public Library. Dr. Halley, a marine scientist, has spent 40 years studying coral reefs around the world. His work was centered in Florida for a number of years under a joint appointment between the United States Geological Service and the University of South Florida. The Friends meeting will

follow. Refreshments are served. Thursday, Oct. 8, at 2 p.m. Fourth Annual Teen Scene October Competition. This year’s competition: mutant toys. If ever there was a fun Teen Scene to get involved in, it’s this one! Bring your broken/unwanted toys (some will also be provided, as well as screws, bolts, glues, etc. ...everything you need to put together your creation). May the best mutant toy win! Snacks provided. Friday, Oct. 9, at 4 p.m. Crafts Group. Crafters meet each Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Contact the library at 399-7674 for details. Crawford Storytime for Babies, Tots and Preschoolers at the Crawford Library. Stories, games, songs, activities and crafts for kids 0-5 and their parents or caretakers. Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Crawford Cookbook Club. Discover new recipes, sample new foods, and enjoy eating and chatting with a fun group. This month’s theme will be breakfast — bread, pastries, eggs...you decide! Thursday, Oct. 8, at 12:30 p. m. Scrapbooking. It’s our monthly scrapbooking get-together. Bring your projects and enjoy some company while you scrapbook your memories. Please call 399-7784 if you are coming. Saturday, Oct. 10, at 11 a.m.

Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Delta Friends of the Library Book Sale. Friends of the Delta Library are having a book sale on the lawn of the library. There will be a huge selection of books, so this is a great time to get some books for the long winter ahead! Thursday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Magic the Gathering Tournament. Saturday, Oct. 10, at noon. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, activities and crafts downstairs. Pumpkin Recipe Exchange. Share your favorite pumpkin recipes for the month of October. Bring your recipes to the Hotchkiss Library. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company. Anyone is welcome to join. Call the Hotchkiss Library to get more information on this group. Wednesdays at 4 p. m. Slow Food Western Slope Book Club.

This month the Slow Food Book Club is reading “Renewing America’s Food Traditions – Saving and Savoring the Continent’s Most Endangered Foods” by Gary Paul Nabhan. With a special guest speaker Mark Waltermire, Thistle Whistle Farm. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact Paonia Library at 3997881 for information. TAB (Teen Advisory Board). Calling all tweens and teens. Join our Teen Advisory Board meeting. Help us make decisions about the teen department of Paonia Library. It’s your chance to tell the adults what you want! Friday, Oct. 2, at 3:15 p.m. Valley Voices: Age Better by Aging in Place. Several of your aging friends and neighbors have been exploring ways to age better. We wish to share our ideas with you at Valley Voices. The conversation will focus on housing and service options to support local, intentional and proactive aging. Bring your thoughts, questions and experiences. Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m. Evening Book Club. This month’s book club choice is “Invisible Thread” by Laura Schroff. Copies of the book are available for checkout from the library. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m.

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Are local water users adapting to scarcity? BY HANNAH HOLM Water Center at Colorado Mesa University

Since the early 2000s, use of Colorado River Basin water has exceeded the amount of rain and snow that’s fallen into the basin — hence the famous bathtub rings at lakes Powell and Mead, as their water levels dip ever lower. The 2012 Colorado River Basin Supply and Demand Study led by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation indicated that the situation could get even worse in the future. The study compared the median of water supply projections (lower, taking into account climate change) against the median of demand projections (trending higher, if no action were taken to change how water is managed) to show an imbalance of 3.2 million acre feet/year by 2060. Does this mean that we’re running out of water and destined for societal collapse, as imagined in The Water Knife, a new novel from Paoniabased writer Paolo Bacigalupi? Not necessarily, according to longtime water journalist John Fleck, who is currently writing a book on the Colorado River called Beyond the Water Wars. Speaking at a Sept. 10 seminar in Grand Junction organized by the Colorado River District, Fleck presented an updated version of the supply/

demand graph from that 2012 study, which shows that in recent years the supply and demand lines have come much closer together. On the one hand, we’ve had a few decent water years, which have nudged the supply line up a little. On the other, the line showing actual water use has trended downward since right about the time the two lines crossed. Fleck argued that the forces bending down the demand curve include cooperation, in contradiction to the old saw that “whisky is for drinking, and water is for fighting.” Fleck pointed to conservation and fallowing agreements between southern California farmers and cities as an example of how water scarcity can actually be a catalyst for collaboration. In addition, the agreement between water users and stakeholders in Mexico and the U.S. to bring water back to the Colorado River Delta showed that the environment, as well as people, can benefit from efforts to make the Colorado River system work better for all parties. Fleck also noted that in recent decades, there has been a “decoupling” of water use from economic activity. While in past decades, the two rose together, that’s no longer the case. Water use trends have sharply diverged from population

and economic growth roy, former head of the we wait until the system rado and Gunnison Basin trends in Albuquerque, Southern Nevada Water is truly in crisis, what Roundtables to raise Las Vegas, and South- Authority, encouraged us we’ll get is irrationality awareness about water needs, uses and policies ern California, and Ari- all to think of ourselves and chaos. zona’s water use actually as citizens of the great, To learn more about in our region. To learn peaked in 1980 despite interconnected system of the seminar, go to http:// more, go to www.colorado mesa.edu/WaterCenter. continued growth since communities that rely on www.coloradoriverdis You can also find the then. Likewise, Imperial the Colorado River, and to trict.org/district-busi Water Center on Facebook Valley farm sales have do what we can to protect ness/annual-seminar/. also gone up in recent that system rather than This is part of a series at https://www.facebook. years, while water use each of our more nar- of articles coordinated by com/WaterCenter.CMU declined. row interests. She argued the Water Center at Colo- or on Twitter at https:// Despite these encour- that we have the opportu- rado Mesa University in twitter.com/WaterCenteraging developments, the nity to do that now, but if cooperation with the Colo- CMU. water use line on the WHY SHOULD I ATTEND THIS OPEN HOUSE? graph is still higher than the supply line, and Lake Learn about the species we planted Mead hit a historic low and our tips and tricks that are imA hands-on look at irrigated and dryland pasture grasses point this summer. The portant for proper establishment, as to help youwill meet your agricultural and natural resources demand curve have well as some best management pracmanagement objectives to continue going down tices to bring home to your site. to get the system back in A hands-on look at irrigated and dryland pasture grasse Refreshments and snacks offered. balance and avoid letting to help you meet your agricultural and natural resources the reservoirs get to truly Saturday at 9 am – 1 pm MT �� critical levels. management objectives Other speakers at the Join�� us for a self guided tour of our grass seeding demonstration project seminar discussed some at the Delta County Fairgrounds in of the measures that �� Hotchkiss. We will be getting our are underway to further hands dirty looking at: �� control demand. These  The dryland and irrigated grass species seeded. include additional work ��  The on-site irrigation system, discussing on fallowing, deficit irrisome proper irrigation techniques and methods. gation and efficiencies ��  We will observe which species seem to in agriculture, as well as be�� doing best at this time, and discuss changes in homeowners’ how to evaluate your recent planting.  Pasture establishment and management notions about what kind �� Oct 3 Open House techniques including weed control methCall to Register of landscaping they need. ods used on site. Bring your questions and talk to ��  Best management practices to bring Additional water reuse local experts about your property �� home to your property. and de-salting were men�� tioned on the supply augMeet at Delta County Fairgrounds, mentation side. 403 S. 4th Street, Hotchkiss, CO �� 3 Open and follow Oct the signs to the House site Call to Register �� Speaker Ken Nowak Bring your own lawn chair to sit in. Bring your questions and talk to of the Bureau of ReclaDELTA COUNTY �� local experts about your propert mation spoke of “silver �� buckshot” rather than a �� silver bullet in describing the multi-pronged effort to align supply and demand. DELTA COUNTY Speaker Pat Mul-

Pasture Demonstration Plot Open House

Pasture Demonstration Plot �� Open House �� October 3, 2015 October 3, 2015

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�� Pasture grass plot open house is Oct. 3 Colorado State University Extension - Small Acreage Management will be holding a Pasture Grass Open House for small acreage landowners in the Tri-River Area. It is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Delta County Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. The program will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the grass pasture demonstration plot located on the fairgrounds. Participants will be able to take a self-guid-

ed tour of the irrigated and dryland pasture grass plots, view the irrigation system on display, and discuss weed control methods used on site. There will also be time to ask local professionals specific questions to help you meet your property goals. This event is open to the public and there is no charge to attend. Please contact the Montrose County Extension office with questions and to RSVP at 249-3935.

Delta County 4-H Council elects officers The September meeting of Delta County 4-H council was called to order at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 by Grady Simpson. Pledges were led by Adam Sheldon. Minutes were dispensed. Grady Simpson gave the treasurer’s report. Discussion was held concerning state fair, county fair and club charter update. State fair projects are available for pickup at the extension office. Election of new officers was held. New officers are: president Derek Johnson, vice president Grady Simpson, secretary Ellison Black, treasurer Charley Perkins, reporter Trey Hunt, boy senator Derek Johnson, alternate boy senator Adam Sheldon, girl senator Tess Gore, alternate girl senator Charley Perkins, and female alternate leader advisor Jodi Black.

Discussion was held concerning the county achievement program. It will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Hotchkiss High School. We voted on outstanding 4-H leaders, individual friend of 4-H, and business friend of 4-H. Clubs were reminded to have their representatives come to the county council meeting. We voted to have Jackie draft a letter to fair board regarding our thoughts concerning initial swine weigh-in. We discussed possibly buying a set of small scales for clubs to use. National 4-H Week is Oct. 5-10. County council chili cookoff is Oct. 10. Council officers will attend the Oct. 5 county commissioner meeting. We will be thanking them for their support throughout the year. Trey Hunt Council Reporter

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B6 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

NATURAL GROCERS

Delta County Independent

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B8 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

River Valley celebrates first anniversary BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Since moving into its new location on Olathe’s Main Street, River Valley Family Health Center has seen over a thousand new patients. To keep pace with the rapid growth, a second location will open in Montrose next month. That’s good news for Delta area patients, because more slots are opening up — usually with little waiting time. River Valley Family Health Center has also expanded providers from three to eight, all of whom are committed to quality integrated health care for individuals and families.

The clinic is located at 308 Main Street in Olathe and features a 6,000-square-foot building with 10 exam rooms. As a federally qualified health center, River Valley offers health care and mental health services to families with Medicaid, Medicare, CHP+, CICP, most private insurances and most importantly, those without insurance. Patients without insurance can qualify for a sliding fee scale to receive medical services at a discounted price. The outreach and enrollment specialists will help those individuals apply for Medicaid and insurance on Connect for Health,

RE/MAX Today welcomes new team member RE/MAX Today welcomes Kim Frovarp-Isom to its team. Kim has lived in Delta for 43 years, having moved here from eastern Colorado. Her parents wanted to raise their children in a smaller town. Her professional resume includes working as instructional support for the Delta County School District for eight years, and as a loan processor/originator for Lane Mortgage for three years. She and her husband Mike started their

Kim Frovarp-Isom

own business, Summit Mechanical Company, in 2001. Kim is owner/office manager for the business and continues her work part time. She and her husband celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary in August. Their hobbies include getaways on their Harleys, seeing Colorado in ways not experienced by car. They have three children, two girls and one boy, and six grandchildren. Kim’s experience at Lane Mortgage has given her a love for real estate from which she has chosen her career. She is committed to helping clients achieve their dreams in getting into a house they can call home. She is excited to start her career here and to be your realtor with the utmost respect, care, loyalty and quality of service, whether you’re interested in residential, commercial, land, ranches or mountain properties. Stop in and say hi and join RE/MAX Today in welcoming its newest team member.

the state’s health insurance marketplace. The same specialists help with food stamps, housing assistance and other needs, as well. “We don’t turn anyone away,” said Debby Harrison-Zarkis, chief executive officer. The comprehensive list of clinic services includes family health, well women exams, colorectal screening exams, lab testing, emergency room followups, care of patients with acute and chronic illnesses, CDL/DOT physicals, well child exams and physicals, and treatment of minor injuries. At every appointment, River Valley’s providers take the time to fully explain treatment options and offer helpful techniques for managing symptoms. Each morning, they “huddle” to go over appointments for the day, discuss what services/ labs will be needed, and review test results, so when the patients walk through the door their needs can be fully met. The facility was designed to keep the lines of communication open, with medical providers in a central “pod,” seated next to their nursing staff. Exam rooms are spaced around the perimeter. In the pod, patient health navigator May Lou Garcia checks in by phone with patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes, reminding them about checkups and lab tests. “We care about them, we care about their health,” Harrison-Zarkis said. Jeannie Mueller, chief medical officer, is a certified physician assistant, certified diabetes educator and registered dietitian. As a physician assistant, she is able to prescribe, diagnose and treat all types of illness-

Photo submitted

Three new providers recently joined River Family Family Health Center. Providers include (back row, left to right) Rachel Stranathan PA-C, CDE, Shawna Mcelroy PA-C, Dr. Reinmund, GYN, Dr. Van Gemert, Dr. Shelton; (front row) Whitney Silva, LCSW behavioral health therapist, Christie Wilson LCSW behavioral bealth therapist, Sue Rahn NP, and Jeannie Mueller PA-C, CDE, RD, CMO. es, with a focus on preventive medicine. “There’s been a huge turnaround in the direction of health care,” Mueller said. Through education, classes, and the focused efforts of a patient health navigator, River Valley Family Health Center helps patients understand how to take charge of their health issues. Class participants learn healthy eating habits to lose weight or control their diabetes. CALM (Coping with Anxiety and Learning Mindfulness) is a skills-based group teaching relaxation and stress reduction techniques. Relaxation can help relieve the symptoms of chronic pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, headaches and irritable bowel syndrome. Adults living with any type of pain or chronic pain issue will benefit from the support, training and skills shared during the “Living Well with Pain” class. Henry Grater found the medical home he was looking for when he discovered River Valley Family Health Center. “I didn’t want to be treated

like a number,” he said. “I wanted a place that would treat me more like family.” Grater had a severe weight problem, which in turn was causing other health concerns. With the support of Rachel Stranathan, PA-C and certified diabetes educator, he has dropped over 120 pounds. He now serves on the health center’s board of directors. “As a Medicaid patient, it was so hard to find a doctor,” he said. “River Valley Family Health Center has been a blessing to me and to many others.” “I was afraid if I didn’t get my health back on track, I wouldn’t see my daughter graduate.” “We’ve had a lot of success stories just like Henry’s,” Harrison-Zarkis said. Due to a lack of health insurance, many of the health center’s patients have put off seeing a doctor. When they come to the clinic, they often have complex medical issues, including mental health problems. Henry says he was one of those patients. “When you have mental health issues, a lot of doctors don’t want to work with

you.” River Valley Family Health Center has partnered with the Center for Mental Health to provide mental and behavioral health services, as well as primary health care. Harrison-Zarkis explains there is often a stigma associated with visiting a mental health clinic. Grater agrees. “I didn’t want to be seen going in and out of a mental health office. With both in the same office, it’s a great thing.” Another valued partner is All Points Transit, which provides transportation from Delta to the clinic in Olathe. Details are available by calling 249-0128. Health care is constantly evolving, and River Valley Family Health Center is excitedly embracing those changes. If you’ve been struggling to find a health care provider in these changing times, give River Valley Family Health Center a call at 323-6141 or visit the facility’s website at rivervalleyfhc.com. “We want to be the place you come to for quality integrated health care,” Harrison-Zarkis said.

SURFACE CREEK September 30, 2015

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Tickets available for Golden Gala Tickets are on sale at the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce for the Friday, Oct. 2, Golden Gala, one of the great social events of the year for Cedaredge. The 23rd annual event will be held from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Community Civic Center. A $40 ticket will get Galagoers hors d’oeuvres by the Graystone of Eckert. The adult beverages includ-

ed in the ticket price will be offerings of wine, hard cider and beer. Again this year the music for dining, and for dancing afterward, will be provided by local favorites Ric and Karen. The Golden Gala ticket won’t include the complimentary etched glass that has been part of the event in previous years. Instead, guests will receive a souvenir coaster.

Shop the Local Row at AppleFest A feature of AppleFest intended to attract local crafters and artisans is “Local Row.” Local enterprises, organizations and individuals will stretch between about the chamber office and Grand Mesa Drive on both sides of West Main. A recent count showed over 40 local vendor booths signed up. All will be displaying a special apple crate logo. The locals were given a special pricing to encour-

age them to set up at AppleFest along with all the professional festival followers who will be congregated around Town Park. Local Row allows local vendors to benefit from the large number of people who visit town for the event, chamber officials say. Now there will be a little extra reason to feel good about that impulse purchase made at Local Row during AppleFest — it helps the local economy.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Crunch time

Bob Morris checks the Rome apples at Red Mountain Ranches above Cedaredge. While the Romes are still a month from harvest, Bob plans to have several other varieties available during AppleFest this weekend. Stop by the town park, where he and other growers will be selling their fresh-picked apples by the bag or by the box Saturday and Sunday. A complete guide to AppleFest can be found in this week’s DCI.

Pioneer Town plays host to Ferraris tour BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The volunteers at Pioneer Town put the community’s best foot forward and served as perfect hosts to a group of car club members on their fall color tour last week. This area’s scenic vistas are being discovered by an increasing number of tour groups driving in their specialty cars or riding their thundering motorcycles across the Grand Mesa. Last week it was members of the Ferrari Club of America/ Rocky Mountain Region that had an appropriately racingred carpet rolled out for them at Pioneer Town. A convoy of 30 shiny Ferraris made a loop over the Grand Mesa before making a pit stop in Cedaredge. The trademark sound of the race-bred Ferraris’ throaty exhaust combined with the crunching sound of high performance Pirelli tires grinding against the Welcome Center’s gravel parking lot announced arrival of the flashy lineup of sports cars. Cedaredge was ready for their arrival. The Ferrari Club had passed through Cedaredge on a fall color tour about five years ago but had not stopped here, according to one club member. This year, though, they were alerted by another member that Pioneer Town would make a perfect pit stop for the group’s GPS guided tour. Local Pioneer Town volunteers were waiting to greet their guests with welcoming hellos, questions about the Grand Mesa’s fall colors, and, of course, lots of admiring interest in the various Ferrari models on display. Inside the Stolte Shed, the hospitable hosts had laid out a table of refreshments including an assortment of homemade goodies. The Surface Creek Historical Society’s corps of volunteer guides escorted anyone who was interested on a tour of the museum’s Main Street displays — free of charge. Members of the Ferrari Club seemed appreciative and impressed with the reception and hospitality — at least as impressed as anyone might be in the middle of a small town parking lot surrounded by 30 world class sports cars which, at $200,000 each, represented $6 million of Enzo Anselmo Ferrari’s high-priced Italian iron. The parking lot display brought gawkers and admirers in from Grand Mesa Drive who probably left with a little different feeling about their prized pickup truck or SUV after surveying the Ferraris. One man said that he was “only a local.” His prized possession was at the end of a five-foot leash, and although it was only a dog, in

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

With the Stolte Shed in the background, an awesomely sporty, 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale sits in the Pioneer Town parking lot last Friday. Next to it is a Bentley that also accompanied the 30-car Ferrari Club of America fall color tour that made a pit stop in Cedaredge. the parking lot that day it was a pretty sporty pooch anyway. One car club member said the “fastest and most expensive” car in the tour was a trademark red, 2015 458 Speciale. The car is promoted as Ferrari’s fastest and most powerful naturally aspirated V8 ever. The base model comes in at around $250,000. For bud-

get-minded buyers, that’s a monthly payment of around $3,900. The 458 Speciale on display at Pioneer Town included a few options from the Ferrari upgrade list, like a 600 horsepower engine, and had probably cost its owner “north of four,” said a club member. Actually, a guy could easily find a nice 911 turbo for less than

half that price. But for pure exciting looks, a truly classic, 12-cylinder Testarossa in the group was impossible to beat. With its rakish louvers running along the doors and rear quarter panels providing radiator cooling air for the mid-mounted monster motor, the Ferrari red Testarossa was a standout among standouts. The owner of one of the Ferraris was touring with a big, round race number decal displayed on each side of his convertible. They bore the legend “Pacific Coast Region.” The car had come from Pebble Beach, said a club member. That, along with some Polo shirt attire showing “Laguna Seca Raceway” logos, lent the entire event a detectable flavor of West Coast sophistication. Most of the cars in last Friday’s tour through Cedaredge were being driven by owners who live along the Front Range. There was a 1998 canary yellow 355 F1 Berlinetta which, if it had been sitting on a Grand Junction car lot, would have a windshield sticker saying “Good Miles.” The owner said it has fewer than 40,000 of them — not bad for a 17-yearold car. There are guys around

this area with Vettes and other domestic exotics like the occasional Viper or Cobra who give their project rides that same kind of baby care. Meanwhile, back in the Stolte Shed, a friendly couple who spoke with strong British accents (there was a four-door Bentley sedan tagging along on the tour) wanted to see Pioneer Town’s Main Street Mercantile, and they were fascinated by the Stolte’s upstairs display of vintage fruit packing equipment. Another couple, nicely dressed, could have been taken for club members. They came walking through the parking lot and with a sweeping gesture of his arm, the man asked, “What’s all this?” “Aren’t you members of the club?” came the reply. “The Ferrari boys are out touring fall colors.” “Ferraris?” The woman exclaimed. “We’re in the van parked over there in the corner . . . we’re from Nebraska!” “Yeah,” her husband added. “We come out here to get away from all this kind of stuff!” The couple was actually looking for a good winery and they were soon on their way with directions to several local tasting rooms.

CHS band wins in Grand Junction BY MCKENZIE MOORE DCI Intern

During halftime of the first home football game on Sept. 4, the CHS Marching Band played music up to the bleachers completely filled with fans from the community. Its season began in the heat of July, and now competition season begins to heat up. The first competition was the Colorado West Invitational, taking place at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction on Sept. 26. Band members spend their days preparing

for the competition season, marching the show early in the morning and late at night. The show on the field is called “Faces in the Sky,” an unconventional show for a 1A band. “Competition season is very exciting,” director Melissa Gross exclaims. “It gives us the opportunity to perform for a large group of our peers from across the state.” Although the CHS band boasts a streak of four state championships, each member dedicates time and effort to becoming the best they can be and practices

like they’ve never won. The 2015 band is an even mix of new marchers and experienced veterans. Junior Daniel Roberts states, “The band is looking strong this year and we are going to continue our tradition of excellence.” Young recruits also express excitement about the upcoming competitions. Freshman Niala Stair shares her thoughts on her first season with the CHS Bruins. “I feel very proud to be in this band and I’m excited to see what we can do on the field.”

Colorado West is the first competition of three major events, including regionals competition on Oct. 15 and state competition taking place in Pueblo Oct 26. Melissa Gross encourages members of the community to attend band competitions, which feature the CHS band as well as other bands from around Delta, Montrose and Mesa counties. “It’s really a great experience to see what all these high school music programs have accomplished,” she said.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The Cedaredge High School band placed first in parade and first in Class I field competition at the Colorado West Invitational Marching Band Festival in Grand Junction last Saturday. Director Melissa Gross and band members will be polishing their performance for regional competition in mid-October. That event will set the stage for state competition, where the Bruins will be defending their championship title.

C2 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Cedaredge works on water storage BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Cedaredge public works department crews have been laboring to repair some of the town’s Grand Mesa Reservoirs that have sustained various kinds of damage over years, making them unsuitable for holding water. According to town officials speaking at a recent budget workshop, the Governor’s office is compiling a list of abandoned reservoirs. The list is to be completed in 2020. Reservoirs not in operation by then may be declared “abandoned” and have their water rights and storage rights put in jeopardy of being lost. The list is part of a general program of tightening up on water resources statewide.

Recent rehabilitation work at Slide Rock reservoir was presented to the Cedaredge trustees recently. Rehab work there will help the town retain rights to storage of about 30 acre feet of water. Other reservoirs on the town’s work list include Calumet, Zig Zag and Last Chance reservoirs. In a separate item of town business, trustees have learned that town hall will be needing a phone system upgrade, and that the phone systems in the police department “is way outdated.” Also, town hall staff is using “different operative platforms” and versions of the Windows operating system, and that is causing problems that need to be addressed.

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It was a super eclipse

John Mitchell of Snow Pack Public Relations in Cedaredge captured the beginning of the total lunar eclipse shortly after sunset on Sunday, Sept. 27. His photo is of the full moon coming up on Grand Mesa. Although lunar eclipses are relatively common — Sunday’s was the fourth in 17 months — it occured when the moon was closest to the Earth during its orbit, making the moon appear larger than normal. Dubbed a “supermoon eclipse,” it last happened in 1982 and will next occur in 2033. From start to ﬁnish, it took more than three hours for the earth’s shadow to move across the moon. For local viewers, the moon was in total eclipse for 72 minutes. Due to ambient light from the earth, the moon is still visible with a rusty red color — described as a blood moon. You can view a portion of the eclipse in a time lapse video on the DCI’s Facebook page as well as photos submitted by fellow skywatchers. If you want to share your photos in the Facebook album, send them to editor@deltacountyindependent.com.

Report details cause, effect of Grand Mesa landslide BY HANNAH HOLM

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Photo by John Mitchell

Water Center at Colorado Mesa University

On the evening of May 25, 2014, the longest landslide in Colorado’s historical record tumbled down the West Salt Creek drainage on Grand Mesa, overtopped two adjacent ridges, and buried three men: Wes Hawkins, Clancy Nichols and Danny Nichols. The men were investigating irrigation disruptions and safety hazards from smaller slides earlier in the day. Now, a detailed report of the landslide has been released by the Colorado Geological Survey and the Colorado School of Mines. The report describes the geological history of the location, what investigators believe actually happened during the slide, current conditions in the slide area, potential hazards, and recommendations for future risk reduction. You can download the report for free from http://coloradogeo logicalsurvey.org/. According to the report, melting snow and intense rainfall likely played a role in lubricating existing weaknesses in the underlying rock to send a “rapid series of cascading rock avalanche surges of chaotic rubble” down the slope. The toe of the slide, which just missed an active gas well, is 2.8 miles from

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the top, where a 1⁄2 mile wide block rotated and slipped free of the northern flank of Grand Mesa. At its deepest point the pile of debris is 123 feet deep. The slide is located about 6 miles southeast of the town of Collbran, which sits along Plateau Creek downstream from its confluence with Salt Creek. Impacts to the surrounding community, in addition to the loss of life, include irrigation disruptions, loss of grazing land, and the ongoing threat of additional slide movement and/or the sudden release of water from a pond that has formed at the top of the slide. There was a tense moment during snowmelt last spring, when the water level in the pond at the head of the slide began rising quickly, and there were fears that it could overtop. Collbran residents were warned that they may need to evacuate, but then the water levels gradually diminished again. The slide area is being intensively monitored, and so far there haven’t been any major movements beyond the settling of the debris field. The pond at the top remains a concern, however. Several different scenarios could cause the pond to spill suddenly, sending large amounts of water and debris downslope and downstream. These include further slumping of the block of material that created the natural dam holding the water in place; exposed bedrock above the slide falling into the pond and causing a “mini-tsunami,” and simple overtopping that then erodes the bank holding the pond in place. Alternatively, it’s possible that the slide will remain mostly stable and the water will find its way out less dramatically, gradually re-establishing the stream channel.

Water is already beginning to percolate through the slide and emerge at the toe. The report notes that it is very likely that similar slides have occurred in this area in the past, and that the existing inventory of landslides from published maps doesn’t capture the full story. New

technology has made it possible to identify many more old slides. The report recommends conducting a comprehensive landslide risk assessment of the greater Plateau Creek Valley and other landslide-prone areas in Mesa County, as well as limiting development in hazardous areas.

Rebekahs open country store Elberta Rebekah Lodge members have been busy getting ready for the AppleFest celebration in Cedaredge. There will be a good old-fashioned yard sale on Friday, Oct. 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The country store will be open on Saturday, Oct. 3, also from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The lodge hall is located on the corner of 3rd and Main. There will be a bake sale each day featuring pies, cakes, cookies, all kinds of good things to eat. The cooks will again this year be serving their

New lights

delicious breakfast burritos each day. You’ll want to be sure to get some of the homemade salsa that’s served with the burritos. Coffee and juice will be available also. The Rebekah Lodge is a fraternal order; one of its main goals throughout the year is to raise money for the upkeep of the building. Donations are given to various charities and to local community entities. Plan to visit the country store for great food, bargains and a place to sit down and rest your weary feet.

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

DMEA crews have been working their way through town replacing old street light bulbs with new LED bulbs. Mayor Pat Means explained for the DCI, “The DMEA replacement of old

New series, H2O - September 20th through November 8th

CEDAREDGE ASSEMBLY OF GOD Find out more @ www.cedaredgeag.com Sundays 10:00 a.m. dress code is casual, come as you are!

lights to new LED lights was a result of the trustees unanimous vote to do it all at once. We should see about $600/month savings, which will pay off the cost of purchase in just over three years. The savings will go on [after that]. Police are also pleased that the sharper lighting will illuminate shadowy areas, thus improving their surveillance.”

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Centennial wall needs to be rebuilt BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Orchard City’s Centennial honor wall is going to have to be rebuilt. The structure is crumbling from a lack of adequate foundation support. Adobe soils the structure is built on are likely contributing to the problem also. There have been some attempts at repair to shore up the structure, which was built by contractors atop no more than a 4-inch-thick concrete walk with no additional footers or foundation. Attempts to fix the problem by adding underneath support have proven ineffective. The structure will be taken down and rebuilt from scratch with a proper foundation support, offi-

cials say. The construction snafu resulted in settling almost immediately after the structure was completed. Cracks appeared in the wing walls that display the commemorative tiles. The tiles were purchased by town residents, businesses, and organizations, designating those institutions and people that have been a part of the town’s history. The tiles will be removed and replaced once the wall is reconstructed. In business at its Sept. 9 meeting, the Orchard City Town Board dealt with the following matters: • Trustees discussed removal of a non-functioning scoreboard from

the Field of Dreams. • It was reported there were three water leaks discovered in the Del Ray subdivision in a one-month period. • Trustees heard a request from resident Allen Scheetz. He asked the trustees to buy window shades for his home to cut glare entering through front room windows; glare caused from sun reflection off of the metal roof of a town storage building constructed below his residence on Tank Hill. He presented the town with a cost estimate to treat seven windows in his and his wife’s home with glare blocking screening. He explained that the reflective glare entered not only the front room,

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Ofﬁcials say that the Orchard City Centennial wall will have to be rebuilt on a new foundation. Tiles that were purchased will be restored to the new structure. but other rooms includ- the bedroom. After some discusing the sewing room and sion with Scheetz, the trustees decided that it would not be appropriate to spend taxpayer money to fund improvements to a private residence. They noted that the town did not create the glare problem

Birds of the Western Slope A look at local birds with Evelyn Horn American Kestrel May 2015 There’s plenty of bird activity in our tall cottonwoods. We have our Lewis’ woodpeckers as usual, with lots of display flights, drilling and calling. But no nesting behavior. More starlings than anyone would want. The top branches of the cottonwood are frequently taken over by a pair of kestrels. and so it is this year. Allen and I watch a brownish bird fly down into the pasture across the road and then return to the same area in the tree. It was about the size of a robin, rufous colored with a long tail. Late June I’m looking out our

Photo by Dollar Photo

American Kestrel

window at the Grand Mesa and watching the clouds of a thunderstorm. There’s movement in the top of the east cottonwood … watch … our

kestrel flies out over the pasture. I can make out blue wings, so it would be the male (the female is all rufous colored). He hovers! The wings move at the same speed as the wind blows: it’s a controlled stall and always fascinates me! Now he plunges down and rises with something … I wonder what it is. But there’s no chance to even guess, because he quickly flies back up into the tree. So I would surmise that he has young to feed. Both parents incubate for about 30 days, so I should get to see the young in a month or so. The primary diet of these birds is insects, mice and lizards. Throughout the

AppleFest will be part of largest photo walk Scott Kelby announces the official date of his highly anticipated eighth annual Worldwide Photo Walk™, the world’s largest photo walk! The event is happening Saturday, Oct. 3, in thousands of cities all over the world. Cedaredge will participate in this event from noon to 2 p.m., walking from the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce west to town park for two hours of photographing AppleFest. The walk will be led by Rae-Ann Simmons. The Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk, dubbed the world’s largest global and social

photography event, has grown immensely in size and popularity since the inaugural walk in 2007. Last year, more than 30,000 photographers of all walks of life and skill level converged to explore their corners of the world through photography and social community. The concept of a Photo Walk is simple. Photo Walks are created by Walk Leaders in cities all over the world. Walkers meet up at a pre-designated location — downtown areas, zoos, business parks, you name it — to spend a few hours socializing, capturing images and sharing

Two creative grants awarded in Delta County Colorado Creative Industries (CCI) announced recipients of the 2015-2016 Colorado Creates grant program, and two Delta County organizations are among the recipients. Delta Montrose Youth Services was awarded $6,500 and Elsewhere Studios in Paonia was awarded $4,000. A total of 168 grants were awarded in 33 counties across the state totaling $1,260,500, an increase from the 162 grants awarded last year. Colorado Creates is CCI’s largest grant program, providing critical financial support that helps nonprofit cultural organizations and government agencies produce and present arts and cultural activities, bringing jobs to their communities and enhancing their quality of life. Grants are awarded annually on a

competitive basis and provide a seal of excellence that helps organizations leverage local and national funds. “The state is experiencing healthy growth in the creative economy, due in large part to combined state, local and regional efforts to advance support for artists, non-profit arts organizations, and creative place making efforts,” said Margaret Hunt, director of CCI. “We applaud the talented and hard-working groups that contribute to our state’s vibrant economy and, just as importantly, to our amazing quality of life. We are glad to support their work with the Colorado Creates grants each year.” The grants benefit both small and large communities, and 44% of grant funds were awarded in towns and cities located outside the Denver metro area.

with like-minded people. At the end of the photo walk, many groups convene at local restaurants to share their images and experiences over food. In addition to the event, photo walkers will be able to upload their favorite picture to the Photo Walk contest for a chance to win a digital copy of the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom CC book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby. There will be a grand prize winner and 10 finalists to be selected by Scott Kelby himself! The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Register at www.worldwidephoto walk.com, locate your city and complete the free signup form. You can also apply to be a photo walk leader in your area. This year, every photo walker is encouraged to support this year’s initiative to “Walk with a Purpose” by donating $1 to the Springs of Hope Orphanage in Kenya! Additionally, participants can connect socially before, during and after the event using the #WWPW2015 hashtag on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Connect on the flickr page at https:// www.flickr.com/groups/

Have an apple a day According to the CSU Extension, apples are a delicious, nutritious way to boost consumption of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet. Apples are fat free and high in fiber which allows sugars to be released slowly, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels and warding off hunger. They are also a good source of vitamin C and a variety of other disease-fighting antioxidants.

literature, it’s mentioned that they prey on sparrows, hence the common name of “sparrow hawk.” I’ve never seen it happen (I’m still watching!). Mid July I’m looking out of our dining room window at the Grand Mesa. It has been raining but not today. It’s perfectly clear without a cloud in the sky. And suddenly there’s a great commotion in the east cottonwood. Now I see the female kestrel fly from the tree and the dark face markings (called “whiskers”) show very clearly. But there are more birds! I count four and they’re all following the female. At last — I’m seeing young kestrels. And I’ve only been watching for three months!

“on purpose,” and also that country living with no zoning does provide benefits to residents as well. The board voted five “nos” on buying window shades for the Scheetz’s home. Trustee Craig Fuller was absent from the meeting.

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C4 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

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C6 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

SPORTS

SPORTS September 30, 2015

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Ponce returns, Delta rolls to 49-0 3A victory BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The trip to Steamboat Springs to play football hasn’t always been the best of experiences for Delta High School. But this year’s visit had positive results as the Panthers rolled up 368 yards of offense in a 49-0 drubbing over the Sailors. Jonny Ponce returned

to the starting lineup after suffering a badly bruised leg in a game played against Montrose on Sept. 4. Ponce rambled for 157 yards on just 12 carries and scored three touchdowns last Friday in Steamboat Springs. Ponce’s scores came on runs of 40, 18 and 17 yards. Junior Kole Roberts

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Jonny Ponce (1) ﬁnds the yardage tough to come by in the Panthers’ game against Montrose earlier this year. After a leg injury against the Indians, Ponce was well enough to run for 157 yards and three touchdowns at Steamboat Springs.

was sharp with a 7-10 performance in the passing department resulting in 163 yards and three touchdowns. Junior Beau Byers caught three of Roberts’ aerials for 79 yards and a touchdown. The first score of the game was a 58-yard scoring strike to Byers in the first quarter. Kory Mills hauled in an 11-yard toss from Roberts for a score in the second quarter, and Tristan Brown was on the receiving end of a 12-yarder from Roberts for another score in the second frame. A Braden Atchley 55yard punt return for a score came in the first quarter, helping the Panthers put 21 points on the scoreboard in the first quarter. The scores by Ponce, Mills and Brown in the second period added another 21 points after extra point kicks by A.B. Ontiveros. A 42-0 lead prompted a running clock for the remainder of the game. The only score in the second half of play came on Ponce’s 17-yard run in the third quarter. Sophomore Cam Schall and Brown shared Delta’s tackling honors with six each, while Mills had five and sophomore Josh Reeder finished

with four. Schall was everywhere as he led the team in interceptions with two against the Sailors, and junior Andy Richards had one pilfer to his credit. Ontiveros was good on all six of the PAT kicks. The Panthers will have their hands full this week when they travel to Rifle to take on the second-ranked Class 3A Bears. Delta is sitting at the number 12 spot currently. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Bruins’ running back Tyler Cooper, with ball, is wrapped up by an Aspen defender as he attempts to spin out of trouble two weeks ago during Cedaredge’s homecoming game. Cooper scored two touchdowns in a 40-13 win at Bayﬁeld last Friday.

Bruins take over top spot in 1A WSL play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruins went to 4-0 in the 1A WSL standings to take over first place after Paonia’s first loss in two years. The Bruins handled Center 40-13 while the Eagles fell 35-0 to Bayfield. The Vikings were 3-0 coming into last week’s game at home and were averaging 42 points a game. Cedaredge used its running game to stymie the Vikings’ defense and racked up 290 yards on 45 carries by Bruin ball

carriers. Senior Tyler Cooper led the charge with 16 carries and 71 yards for Cedaredge. Cooper scored on a kickoff return and finished with two touchdowns for the Bruins in the win. Jacob Ostrom toted the ball seven times for 66 yards and scored one touchdown. Junior Christian Reynolds had 52 yards on nine carries. Ostrom threw the ball 13 times and completed three passes for 20 yards, while sophomore quarterback Pedro Madaleno threw one pass for 25 yards, and a score, to

Tristan Waddell. Junior Isaac Swoffer was the leading tackler for the Bruins with nine and Reynolds finished with seven. Junior Brandon O’Hern had five tackles for the Bruins. Sophomore kicker Brendon Klaseen finished the game as the team’s second-leading scorer with eight points. Brendon Klaseen was good on all five of his PAT kicks and booted a field goal to score his eight points. The Bruins will host 1-3 Hotchkiss on Oct. 2 with kickoff at 7 p.m.

Bruins win five softball tilts BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruins upped their softball league mark to 5-0 over the past week with a nonconference win over Palisade and a 3A District 5 decision over Meeker. Against Palisade the Bruins avenged a loss to the Bulldogs, 8-4, on Sept. 18 in tournament play in the Delta Invitational Tournament. The rematch on Sept. 22 was an 8-5 win for Cedaredge. Both teams scored three runs in the opening frame, with Palisade taking a two-run lead on single runs in each of the second and third innings. Cedaredge caught up

and passed the Bulldogs in the sixth inning with five runs. Junior Kelsey Stroud paced the Bruins’ hitters with two hits in three at bats for two RBIs. Another two-RBI performer included junior Brittney Thliveris who was 13 with a double. Senior Chey Christian had a triple that produced a run. Palisade’s Paige Orman was 1-3 with three RBIs. Lacey Rodriguez (31) went 6.2 innings for the Bruins to pick up the win. Orman (8-4) took the loss. Samantha Galley held the hot bat against Meeker as she went 2-3 with two RBIs and two runs

scored. Brittany Kendall had a hit in three at bats for another two RBIs and Stroud got two RBIs on a hit to aid the Bruins’ winning cause. Cedaredge started the game with three runs in the first inning and the Cowboys matched that production in their half of the first frame. The Bruins took the lead for good in the second inning with a fiverun surge. Meeker came back with two runs of its own making the score 8-5 going to the third. Another run in the third and two more in the sixth accounted for the Bruins’ 11 runs. Meeker picked up its last two

runs in the bottom of the third for a final score of 11-7. Kendall was the winning pitcher for Cedaredge and Tori Lasker took the loss. Next up for Cedaredge, following its rematch with Delta on Sept. 28, is its third game with Palisade on the 30th at Bergman Field on the Campus of CMU. Game time is set for 3 p.m. The Bruins are in Rifle on Oct. 2 for a 4 p.m. game against the Bears. Cedaredge’s fourth and fifth games of the week will be a doubleheader against Basalt with the first game set for an 11 a.m. start. Game two has a 1 p.m. starting time.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Brittany Kendall watches the ﬂight of the ball after making contact in a game against Palisade in a recent softball tournament hosted by Delta High School.

Delta sending two golfers to state meet BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Delta Panthers have achieved many goals this golf season. One goal was to win a tournament, and that happened at a recent golf tournament in Gunnison. Delta scored 239 points to win the team title and had a medalist in the top three. Christian Hall shot a 77 in Gunnison and finished third in the indi-

vidual medalist race. Palisade’s Nate Woll fired a 74 and Moffat County’s Mike Bingham shot a 76. To round out Delta’s 239, Blake Reiher had an 80 and Logan Wood an 82. On a bigger scale, the Panthers are sending two individuals to state. Logan Wood carded a 79, and Blake Reiher had an 80 in regional play in Steamboat Springs on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The

two Delta players are on a list of nine other golfers who also made the cut. Durango won the team title at 223, with Steamboat Springs placing second with an identical 223. Montrose was third (242) and Delta fourth at 247. Eagle Valley placed fifth with a 253. Delta is a member of Class 4A division and will play its state competition in Longmont, Oct. 5-6.

Cedaredge qualifies three for state golf BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruins placed third at regional qualifying play at Steamboat Springs’ Haymaker Golf Course. Aspen won the team title (244), Basalt was second (253) and the Bruins were third with their 257. Cedaredge’s qualifiers, and the three qualifying scores for the 2015

state meet, include Peter Carlson, Jacob Lewis and Duncan Campbell. Carlson had the top score for the Bruins with his 80. Next in line for the Bruins was Lewis with an 85 and Duncan Campbell who finished with a 92. Individually, the Bruins qualified three athletes to participate in the state meet. With their qualifica-

tion, the Bruins will be eligible to compete as a team at this year’s state competition. With the Bruins being a member of Class 3A, their state tournament site is on the western side of the divide. Class 3A tournament play is set for Oct. 5-6, at Eagle Ranch Golf Course in Gypsum. Jack Murphy is Cedaredge’s golf coach.

Photo submitted

Juniors Logan Wood, left, and Blake Reiher have qualiﬁed for the 4A State Golf Tournament in Longmont on Oct. 5-6. Wood shot a 79 while Reiher qualiﬁed with an 80. Head Delta golf coach Ken Brown poses with his state-bound competitors.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Panthers stay on top with 19-0 win in Rifle BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta played once last week and that contest was against Rifle’s Bears in Rifle. Delta improved to 4-0 in league play and 12-4 overall after shutting out the Bears, 19-0. The Panthers wasted little time after jumping to a 1-0 lead after one inning of play. Delta’s bats exploded in the second frame for 11 runs that left little doubt as to the game’s outcome.

Another seven runs in the third inning, and a stingy defense, combined to end the game after four innings of play. Delta outhit the Bears 13-2 on its way to the 4A WSL win. Rifle dropped to 0-4 and 3-10. Lily Lockhart hit her 11th home run in the game and finished with three RBIs. She also picked up a double to go with her home run. Keilee Womack had two hits, including a

home run, her sixth, and knocked in two runs. Nadia Hall plated two RBIs with her one hit and Megan Sandoval also had a double and a two-RBI day for the Panthers. Womack picked up her sixth win of the season against two losses. The Panthers played Cedaredge on Monday, Sept. 28, and will take on 4A WSL Palisade, 3-1 and 8-5-1, on Friday in Delta at 4 p.m. The Bulldogs are in second place.

Photo by Eric Goold

The Hotchkiss Bulldogs prepare to face Paonia in last Tuesday’s volleyball match at Paonia High School. The Bulldogs are young and enthusiastic under ﬁrst-year coach Taralee Williams and are developing a solid foundation as they progress through the season.

Hotchkiss VB shows improvement; Paonia keeps winning ways BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The old Hotchkiss versus Paonia rivalry was rekindled in high school volleyball last Tuesday night in a match in Paonia’s gym. While the veteran Eagles showed they are still the top team in the region, Hotchkiss demonstrated solid teamwork, a strong team attitude and proved that the young Bulldogs are getting better every match. Paonia started strong and then held on after Hotchkiss rallied in the match and the Eagles won 25-7, 25-11, 25-12. Paonia is a tough place to play for any team, but first-year Hotchkiss head coach Taralee Williams was pleased with the way her charges responded to the challenge. “Paonia is a great team, they’re well-coached, they have awesome players, but I’m proud of the way that we didn’t give up,” Williams said. “We did a lot of good things. We actually I think played pretty decent.” The Bulldogs fell behind quickly in the first set after some hitting and service errors. “We needed to start strong in the beginning. You can’t get down and be 8-0 against a good team, you need to start strong at the beginning,” Williams said. “But we did a lot of good things. I’m really proud of how we kept fighting.” The Bulldogs got their feet under them and responded with a strong second set behind Sophia Fisher, Gratia Fisher and freshman Carson Collins. Sophomores Yasmine Gaub, Jordan Tamayo and Fatima Rodriguez are also part of the young core of Bulldogs that is showing there’s a bright future ahead in Hotchkiss. “Every day we get better,” Williams said. “We are young, and just experiencing it helps. We’re improving our serves, even more than last week. We just have to keep getting better every day.” Hotchkiss played its best set of the match in the third. It jumped out to a 3-1 lead and started to find a way to defend against Paonia’s powerful outside hitting. “Out of all the teams I’ve coached, this is the best team-oriented, family-oriented team I’ve ever had,” Williams said. “So I’m really proud of them

for that.” Emily Pieper led Paonia’s effort with nine kills in the match. Taylor Carsten had 15 assists and eight aces to lead the Eagles from the service line. Hotchkiss was a good test for the Eagles before Paonia faced 5A Grand Junction on Thursday night. While dropping only its second set of the

year, Paonia rallied to beat the Tigers 25-18, 1925, 27-25, 26-24. Pieper again led the Eagles attack with 15 kills and McKenna Hartigan chipped in with 10 kills and 7 blocks in the win. Brianna Van Vleet recorded 5 aces and Photo by Wayne Crick Carsten dished out 26 assists to lead the Eagles, Delta’s top pitcher, record-wise, Keilee Womack delivers a pitch against Duranwho went to 7-0 on the go in a recent tournament hosted by the Panthers. season after the big win.

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Carson Collins, with ball, prepares to serve for Hotchkiss as teammates Gratia Fisher, left, and Sophia Fisher look on. Collins starts for the Bulldogs as a freshman and is part of the young core of players ﬁrst-year coach Taralee Williams is developing at Hotchkiss.

Delta soccer team has 1-2 week of play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta’s Panthers have played some good soccer in 2015. And they have played some very good teams. Last week, Delta lost two of the three matches played to bring its season record to 2-5 in league play and 2-7 overall. The Panthers lost to Central, 2-0, on Sept. 22 in Delta and fell to Glenwood Springs, in Glenwood, 2-1, on Thursday. A Saturday encounter against Summit was a 3-

1 home win for Delta. Delta had 17 shots on goal against the Warriors on Tuesday but could not find the net. Danny Mendoza had six of the 17 team shots. Vi Reh and Joseph Holiman combined for seven saves in goal. Central had one goal in each half to post the win. Thursday’s match against the Demons was a better offensive effort for the Panthers. Junior Colton Godwin netted Delta’s lone goal in the second half. He was 1-3 in

goal attempts. Glenwood’s Cameron Horning scored both goals for the Demons, one in each half. Saturday’s match featured 14 Delta shots on goal with three finding their mark. Godwin had two goals and Ian Downey scored the third. The Panthers are at Eagle Valley, 5-2 and 8-2, on Oct. 3 for an 11 a.m. contest. On Oct. 6 Delta travels to Parachute to face the Grand Valley Cardinals in a 4:30 p.m. match.

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Delta midﬁelder Colton Godwin looks for a play against the visiting Summit Tigers last Saturday. Godwin and the Panthers won their second match of the season after posting a 3-1 score.

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C8 Wednesday, September 30, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Delta volleyball team wins BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Following its 3-1 loss to Steamboat Springs a week ago, Delta has started a new winning streak with victories over Rifle and Summit this past week. Last Thursday’s visit to Rifle resulted in a 3-0 win while Saturday’s match in Delta produced the same 3-0 results. Against Rifle, Emily Baier earned top-kill honors for the Panthers with 12, and Ashton Reese contributed nine more. The Bears did not go down easily after Delta’s

25-13 first-set win. Rifle played its closest match of the day in a 25-21 loss in set two. The Panthers scored a 25-20 decision in set three for the match win. Shelbi Ledesma and Shanan Davey scored four and three points, respectively, from the service line for Delta. Ledesma also had 11 digs for the Panthers. Reese finished her day with two blocks, 10 digs and 16 service receptions. Emily Nortnik dished out 21 assists during the

match while Baier had 12 service receptions and Harlee Roberts another nine. It was Reese’s turn to post the top number of kills against Summit last Saturday. She finished with 15 while Baier had 13. Delta derailed the Tigers with wins of 25-17, 25-23 and 25-14. In the digs department, Davey finished with 23, Baier had 16 and Nortnik added another 13. Nortnik was the assists leader with 24 while the top service receptions went to Davey (16), Reese

(11) and Roberts (8). Eagle Valley is the only 4A WSL volleyball team that does not have a loss in league play at this time. The Devils are 4-0 in league and 7-4 overall. Delta, 3-1 and 11-1, will travel to Gypsum to face the Devils on Oct. 3. Before its showdown with Eagle Valley, Delta is scheduled to play in Glenwood Springs on Oct. 1 at 1 p.m. Following play against Eagle Valley on Saturday the Panthers will be in Paonia Oct. 3 to take on the Eagles at 6 p.m.

Bruins roll on in volleyball BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge Bruins are keeping pace with Paonia in a tight 2A/1A WSL volleyball race. Paonia is shown on top of the league standings with a 4-0 league mark and 7-0 overall. The Bruins are second at 4-0 and 7-3. The two teams are set to meet on Oct. 1 at Cedaredge High School at 6 p.m. The Bruins were in

De Beque last week where they controlled the pace of the game for a 3-0 win. Cedaredge won the first set 25-14 and then kept momentum with a 25-17 second-set decision and scored a 25-11 win in the third set. Kills leaders for the Bruins included Hannah Gilmore (10), Kenzie Henderson (6) and Nellie Freeman (5). Freeman was the best points producer from the service

line with nine aces. Freeman was also the top digger for Cedaredge with 15, and Henderson finished with 11. Kendall McHugh doled out 19 assists to lead the Bruins in that category. Cedaredge took its high-powered play to Rangely on Saturday and was successful in scoring a 3-0 win over the Panthers. The Bruins had their toughest test of the

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Emily Baier, opposite side of the net, gets a match in set one with good swing on the ball against Steamboat Springs a 25-21 victory. Set two in an early match played in Delta. The Sailors dealt was slightly better for Delta its only loss of the season. Cedaredge as it scored a 25-18 win and then sealed the match win with a 25-12 decision in set three. Rangely’s Katelyn Brown recorded 11 kills in the match and Katye Allred had seven. Game stats for Cedaredge were not available in time for printing in this story.

Paonia XC at ‘Banana’ BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia cross country team competed at the Anna Banana Invitational in Fruita last weekend. The race is run in honor of Anna Janowitz, a member of the Fruita cross country team who died in a tragic car acci-

dent. Janowitz loved the sport and inspired many in the cross country family. The 5k course is a fast one and runners often post some of their best times of the season at the race. The Paonia girls’ team was paced by Chelsea

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Meilner, who finished the course in 20 minutes, 24 seconds. Brooke Hillman was next at 22:37, and Nora Dransfield (23:41), Courtney Van Vleet (27:56) and Megan Limone (29:02) rounded out the girls’ times for Paonia. The Eagles boys’ team was led by Caden Meilner, who set a new personal record with his time of 18 minutes. Tim Helmer was next with his season

best time of 18:47. Ben O’Rourke was third for the Eagles with his new PR of exactly 20 minutes. Ethan Bartlett posted a time of 22:40 and Allen Harper was next at 23 minutes. John Deck completed the boys’ times with his season best of 37:06. The Eagles and many of the region’s teams will run at Sweitzer Lake in Delta on Friday morning.

Photo by Wayne Crick

The Bruins’ Nellie Freeman, 11, plays the ball across the net while teammate Hannah Gilmore takes a defensive position in a spot where the ball might be returned. This action took place in a recently played match against Gunnison. Cedaredge won 3-0.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Mountain Harvest Festival 5k leaders Leah Morris, pushing son Ian, and Kevin O’Brien, both of Paonia, set the pace for the 5k run/walk last Sunday morning. Morris ﬁnished second overall, and O’Brien ran another nine miles after ﬁnishing third in the race.

5k Mountain Harvest results Several participants ran in the Mountain Harvest Festival 5k held in Paonia on Sept. 27. The top 10 runners in the event included Tom Sheefer (no time taken), Leah Morris (pushing her son Ian in a running Photo by Wayne Crick stroller), 28:40, Kevin Cedaredge’s Kenzie Henderson serves during the O’Brien 28:41, Jeanine Bruins’ and Gunnison Cowboys’ match played on Devlin 29:58, George Sept. 17. Hanan 30:28, Stephanie Gulliver 31:25, Sandy Sheefer 31:53, Kim Haller and dog Ellie, 36:47, Jennifer Anderson 36:47 and Ashley Trego 47:38.

Walkers completing the race included Kathy Thompson 58:50, Glen Dalgren 58:51, Patricia Dalgren 1:00.16 and Jill Knutson, Chris Mendenhall, Kitty Burns, Linda Mereness and Rolinda Smith with a time of 1:00.16. Tom Gifford and Jean LaTourette were the final walkers to finish. Runners over the age of 50 years included Tom Sheefer (66), O’Brien (57), Devlin (54), Hanan (57) and Sandy Sheefer (66).

CMS to host football games The Delta County Middle School Football Championships for the 2015 season will be hosted by Cedaredge Middle School. Games are scheduled for Oct. 8. Games will be played on both the Cedaredge High School and Middle School football fields. Games begin at 3 p.m. on both fields using a California Playoff Style.

Cedaredge, Delta, Hotchkiss and Paonia will be playing in 8A/8B and 7A/7B divisions as they seek top honors, and bragging rights, in Delta County. Admission for these games has been set at $2 for students and $3 for adults. An Immediate Family pass may be purchased for $10.

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RECREATIONAL VEHICLES 26 FT. ITASCA CLASS C motor home. Very good shape, runs well. Lots of extras and improvements. (970) 856-3095. (3x39)

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YARD SALES HUGE MOVING SALE Oct. 2 & 3, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. 1305 SE Fairway Dr., Cedaredge. Furniture, kitchen, books, clothing, etc. (2x38) LIVING ESTATE/DOWNsizing/moving sale. A little bit of everything! 789 Genessee St., Stone Mountain Subdivision, Delta. 10/2 & 10/3, 8:00 a.m. (1x39)

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ORCHARD CITY MAYOR Don Suppes will be auctioning off approximately 468 pounds of unclean brass on October 14th at 6:30 p.m. at 21014 Austin Rd. Minimum bidding will start at 35¢ per pound. An affidavit will need to be signed by the buyer stating that the material will not be used for any type of potable water system. (2x39)

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LOST - GRAY AND WHITE Shih Tzu, 11 years old, blind and deaf. Owner is very devastated. Reward offered. Please contact (970) 874-0123. (2x38)

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HELP WANTED ADVERTISING SALES Representative: High Country News (HCN), a nonprofit multimedia news outlet, seeks a salesperson to sell print and digital advertising programs. Candidates should have excellent communication skills (written, phone and digital), two years of sales experience, preferably in newspaper or related field (or any other combination of education and experience). This fulltime position includes competitive salary and benefits. To apply, send cover letter and resume to jobs@hcn. org. HCN is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work force. (3x37) CUSTOMER SERVICE Representative. DeltaMontrose Electric Association is seeking a Customer Service Representative. High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred. Must have experience working with the public and verifiable customer service skills. Must have proven written and oral communications skills. Must have basic math skills, cash handling and cash drawer management experience. Must have personal computer experience, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. Requires verifiable data entry and 10-key skills; 10-key by touch preferred. Must have experience operating general office machines. Must have legible handwriting. Bilingual language skills (English/Spanish) a plus. Accounting skills a plus. To apply, contact the Colorado Workforce Center in Delta or Montrose, Colorado, phone: (970) 249-7783 or (970) 874-5781. Applicants must be registered with the Colorado Workforce Center online through www.con nectingcolorado.com. Application packets are available from the Workforce Center. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, 2015. DMEA is an EOE/ Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. (1x39)

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JOURNEYMAN LINEMAN Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) is seeking a Journeyman Lineman. Applicants must have a valid IBEW Journeyman Lineman Certificate. Must have and maintain a valid Colorado Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL). Must have recent experience performing electrical line construction and maintenance work. High school diploma or equivalent required. Must have basic computer skills and legible handwriting. Must reside within a 30-minute response time of DMEA's service area center. To apply, contact the Colorado Workforce Center in Delta or Montrose, Colorado, phone: (970) 874-5781 or (970) 249-7783. Applicants must be registered with the Colorado Workforce Center online through www.con nectingcolorado.com. Application packets are available from the Workforce Center. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 20, 2015. DMEA is an equal opportunity employer and provider. DMEA is an EOE/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, or any other status protected by law. (2x39)

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. 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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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) 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. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Public Library. NARCOTICS ANONYmous meets at 9th and Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m. (tfnx5)

BECAWS! DONATIONS needed. Credit cards accepted. Call 970-5273350, or visit cawsonline. org. Delta County Citizens FREE DIAPERS FOR UP for Animal Welfare and to one year! Pregnant Shelter (CAWS) women in Delta County can DELTA FOOD PANTRY now get help to quit smok- needs meals for Delta ing and get something they families who are temporarcan really use after their ily in need. Donations of baby arrives — free diapers. non-perishable food may Healthy moms have healthy be brought to 628 Meeker. babies. Enroll in the Baby & (tfx36) Me Tobacco Free program today. Contact the Delta HELP!!! KEEP THE County Health Department animal population under at 874-2165 or your local control, and SAVE an aniphysician. (TFNx2) mal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta SUPPORT THE DELTA County Humane Society. Public Library. Give a gently Adoption fee is minimal. used book in the Downstairs Call 874-2149. (DCHS) Book Store. ADVERTISE TODAY!

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Delta County Independent

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THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the IOOF Hall, 860 Hwy 92, Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster. (tfx12)

SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of gold and silver scraps. The Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is sending them to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. BECAWS! ADOPT A DOG 548, Delta, CO 81416. or cat today. Call 970-5273350, or visit cawsonline. THE AMERICAN RED org. Delta County Citizens Cross needs you. Become for Animal Welfare and one of the Red Cross volShelter (CAWS) unteers who says, “We’ll Be There, Because Help Can’t CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV Wait!” Call your local Red regular meetings on the Cross Chapter at 970-242second Monday of each 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW month at 7 p.m. at the for information on the difVeterans Building, 15th & ference you can make in Howard, Delta. For further someone’s life as a disaster information, call Paul Carter volunteer. ((TFNx4)) 874-5150. (tfx19) DELTA HAS A BOOKARE YOU NEW TO THE store in the basement of Delta area? Stop by the the library featuring gently Delta Area Chamber of used books and magazines. Commerce at 301 Main St. Come check it out! for you FREE Welcome Bag, filled with goodies, sam- UNEMPLOYED? JOIN ples, discounts and commu- others for a time of netnity information, courtesy working, encouragement, of Chamber members and and skill improvement. sponsored by Kim Guthrie- Latent Resources meets Burch of Re/Max Today. the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 at the Delta YOU HAVE THE POWER TO United Methodist Church change a child's life! (5th & Meeker). Attendants Children are waiting for and visitors are encouraged senior partners in Delta to dress professionally County right now! Can you and bring a note pad and spare 3 hours a week? We a willingness to learn and need your help! Call today be challenged. Find us on for more information. Please facebook.com & twitter.com volunteer to spend time with - search "Latent Resources", a child in our community. or call James at 970-901Partners of Delta, Montrose 9463. and Ouray, 874-4661, www. partners-west.org. or www. HEALTHY BABIES START deltayouth@montrose.net. with early prenatal care. (tfx13) Delta County Health Department. Offers access AMERICAN to immediate, temporary PAONIA Legion runs a year round Medicaid for pregnant non-perishable emergency women who qualify. 874food pantry. This is for 2165. (tfx25) the North Fork area. For information, call 527-6252. BOOKS MAKE GREAT (tfx49) stocking stuffers. Find books at great prices in BECAWS! DISCOUNT the basement of the Delta spay and neuter coupons Public Library. available. Call 970-5273350, or visit cawsonline. YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN org. Delta County Citizens help. Colorado Tobacco for Animal Welfare and Quitline offers free, confiShelter (CAWS) dential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW. (TFNx28).

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PUBLIC SERVICE FARM WORKER HEALTH Services: We offer assistance with medical, dental and medicines. If you work in agriculture you may qualify for our services. For more information call 3230538. (tfx12) 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)

PUBLIC SERVICE 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)

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

The ‘Piano Men’ bring back the ‘70s dance. The troupe consisted of five men, Jim Witter at our grand piano as lead singer and directing his four other band members — Ian Tanner on the bass guitar, Tony Lind, electric guitar, Turner King with the saxophone, flute and keyboard, and Jimmy Bourdeau at the drums. In all it made for a really energetic group which did great justice to the music of Elton John and Billy Joel, including such selections as “Just the Way You Are,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Piano Man” and concluding the show with “Souvenir.” Throughout the entire concert, there was at

BY CHARLIE HUFF

Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association

This past Saturday evening (Sept. 26) at the Delta Center for Performing Arts and Education, the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association presented its first concert of the 2015-16 season. The concert featured a 1970s light rock group called Jim Witter’s Piano Men, who billed themselves as “a musical journey through the ’70s featuring the music and songs of Elton John and Billy Joel.” And that is precisely what they succeeded in doing for the entertainment and enjoyment of all in atten-

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rear-stage a giant screen on which was projected at appropriate times according to the music, a vast assortment of ’70s trivia and memorabilia that included such things as ’70s automobiles, prominent historical and news events, movies of the day, and the lives and deaths of prominent men and women. During the second half of the show, the Piano Men featured the music and theme songs of numerous popular TV programs of the era — even taking audience requests! Overall, we enjoyed a unique and lively time of music, song and very entertaining stories and memories from the

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Call for details: Bob Brown at 835-4480 (Delta County) or Sue Roushar at 249-9154 (Montrose County) or browse

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church is hosting a craft and jewelry sale featuring products from Africa. The sale will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in St. Luke’s Muller Hall. On Saturday, Oct. 10, you can also enjoy a potato and dessert bar lunch downstairs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A donation of

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our website at www. deltamontroseconcerts. com. Make it a great day now, and keep a song in your heart!

St. Luke’s hosts jewelry sale, lunch

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bygone decade of the 1970s, all courtesy of Jim Witter’s Piano Men. I hope you were able to join us. If not, do mark your calendar for Monday, Nov. 16, for our next performance of this season. We are pleased to present the Maniacal 4, an “internationally acclaimed trombone quartet, a fabulous group of four musicians who tell one inspiring story after another ... with a wide range of styles from Bach to rock.” And it’s not too late to get your season ticket for the remaining four concerts of the season. It’s only $40 total — the best live family entertainment bargain around!

$7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under is suggested. All proceeds from the luncheon go to St. Luke’s building fund. Proceeds from the craft and jewelry sale go to African Team Ministries. Stop in to see a fabulous array of jewelry and crafts made from beautiful natural stones and woods from Africa.

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

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B A C K P A G E

Delta County Independent

Good vibrations!

Photos by Tamie Meck

David Alderdice, third from left, performs with the Marimba Project during the 2015 Cherry Days festival. Marimbas provide “a quick way of getting people to have a good experience of playing music together,” says Alderdice. “It’s really easy to get the sounds right from the beginning.”

BY TAMIE MECK

BACK PAGE

Staff Writer

hen it comes to music, David Alderdice wants his students to say “yes” to opportunity. A world-class percussionist and session drummer, Alderdice has collaborated with musicians from throughout the world. He performs and records a long list of styles and with a long list of artists. A teacher, mentor and rhythmist, he also provides opportunities for saying yes. “I want people to have this experience with music that elevates them and uplifts their human condition and takes them on a journey, and not just a vacation,” says Alderdice. When they return, they are rested and transformed and apply what they’ve learned to their own life rhythms. He and wife Arlyn Deva offer classes and workshops, as well as recording and other services, through their Embodying Rhythm School of Percussive Arts studio in Hotchkiss. Their goal is to deepen others’ relationship with life through “the study and practice of all the universal applications that rhythm, percussion, music and dance have to offer.” It’s really catching on. Alderdice also runs the Marimba Project in partnership with The Learning Council, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, the Lamborn Center, and the Hotchkiss schools’ music department. While the history of the marimba dates back hundreds of years, the Zimbabwean style (“think big wooden xylophones,” says his website) originated in Africa in the 1950s, and was designed for use as an ensemble instrument. Alderdice mentors students of all ages and abilities. His older students often believe they aren’t musical or rhythmical and were turned off to music at a young age through negative experiences. “Music is not something that if you missed it, you missed it,” he says. Everyone has builtin rhythm and music. “We function through rhythm, by breathing and blinking and in our heartbeats.”

Alderdice didn’t start his own musical journey as a percussionist. While his parents enjoyed music, they weren’t musical, but at about age 5 they asked him and his older brother to select an instrument. He selected the violin. “I hated it,” said Alderdice. “It took me years to get the sound right.” Because it requires a combination of skills to make music, it can be difficult to learn. Despite the frustration, he loved the sound and vibration created by pulling bow across string, and played in school orchestras. “You don’t have to spend as much time to get those pristine sounds,” (with marimbas), he said. Once basics are learned, other skills naturally follow, and learning becomes a joy. In third grade he switched to drums, but he doesn’t recall why, “besides I didn’t like playing the violin. There was just something about it.” He started on snare drum, then saved up for a drum set. At age 10 he started lessons with Francis Thompson of the Duke Ellington School of Arts in Washington, D.C. “That was a big chunk of my education.” His large high school in D.C. offered marching and jazz band, show choir, percussion ensemble, and a drum line. And he began saying yes to every opportunity. After high school he chose a community college over the bureaucracy, competition and debt of a major music school, and enrolled in Montgomery College in Maryland as a fine arts major. He took weaving, painting, drawing, sculpture and ceramics — every visual arts class he could. “I figured it was all the same universal concepts.” During the day he practiced fine arts, but at home he applied those lessons to his instruments. For example, one art exercise calls for coloring a white page black and erasing the paint to expose the picture. On drums, he experimented in creating noise, then erased some of the noise to get to the music. An exercise of drawing a picture in only four lines turned into creating sound from silence with minimal strikes.

Percussion students from Hotchkiss K-8 school perform under the direction of Jeannette Carey at their fall concert last week at Hotchkiss High School. Alderdice volunteers and works with school children throughout the valley.

Black/white. Sound/silence. He studied dance to bring grace to his performance — to still hit the instruments with force, but maintain balance and subtlety. As with centering the clay on the potter’s wheel before pulling it up into a vessel, he sought that central point where music begins. “The music is already in the drum and really, we’re trying to tap into that sound, that vibration, and pull it out,” says Alderdice. He begins with his students by asking where music begins, then helps them find that central point and start pulling music out of the instrument. His instruments range from his first drum set and a full ensemble of marimbas, to ordinary “found” objects including pots and pans, water bottles, old telephones, and stacks and stacks of Bundt pans that, depending on the materials they’re made of, fill the air with a range of sounds. “No one collects Bundt pans the way I do,” Alderdice mused. He teaches using the south Indian Solkattu method of learning rhythm which removes the technical exercises that stimulate the analytical part of the brain in order to free up the creative side of the brain. It’s like learning to ride a bike by learning balance before figuring out how to operate pedals and gears: students learn rhythm first, then add mallets or drum sticks as an extension of the body. Alderdice became more involved in local schools a couple of years ago while volunteering with Hotchkiss K-8/High School music director Jeannette Carey. While working with her high school students on a piece he composed for them to be performed exclusively on found instruments, he realized that, as he had when growing up in D.C., kids in the area don’t have a lot of musical opportunities in this area to say yes to. With support of The Learning Council, he and Carey created an all-ages community ensemble band, teaching parade, jazz and contemporary music along the line of the New Orleans Second Line traditions. “I was born in New Orleans,” said Alderdice. “I have parading in my blood.” The band meets Mondays and includes a wide range of students, including middle school students just picking up their first instruments, and their parents, some of whom haven’t played an instrument for years or decades. He brings a great deal of creativity to the school programs, says Carey, whose percussion section at last week’s K-8 school fall concert at Hotchkiss High School featured 30-gallon trash cans, five-gallon plastic buckets, and pots and pans. His presence gives her more confidence to make unconventional instruments part of the program, and having him work with percussionists frees her to work with the reed section. That allows the entire band to progress more quickly. Through his experience in high school line bands he brings visual dimensions to performances through synchronized gestures, added Carey. And his enthusiasm is contagious. He loves the kids and the kids love him and are always asking if he’ll be at the next class. For the past seven years he has been involved in the annual Celebrate the Beat dance

David Alderdice provides the beat for the 2015 Celebrate the Beat dance performance at North Fork Montessori School. Below, after the performance, Shannon Castle, the school arts and upper elementary teacher, presents David with ﬂowers in appreciation for his work with the students.

performance at North Fork Montessori at Crawford. The residency program immerses students in classes for about two weeks and culminates in a high-energy community performance. Alderdice said he envisions a similar program with marimbas. His most recent title is as Artistic Director of World Music at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. This Saturday, Oct. 3, he will present the first of three World Music performances: “Tomchess — Musical Journeys of a 21st Century Musician.” The series is part of the non-profit’s 2015-2016 concert series program. Tomchess studies the oud, an 11-string lute-like instrument, the ney, an end-blown reed flute, both of Middle Eastern origin, and the morsing from South India; Charlie Parker Mertens will perform on upright bass and Alderdice will perform on frame drum. The Feb. 6 concert, World Music Salon, features a selection of Western Slope musicians studying World Music, each in a 10- to 15-minute set. Percussionist and composser Jon Seligman, a college teacher with whom Alderdice

has performed, collaborated and studied will join him and other musicians for the final concert on March 19. Alderdice is also the house drummer for the Western Slope Concert Series, now in its 17th season. He and violist Stephanie Mientka will perform “Viola and Percussion: Exploring Middle Eastern With a Classical Twist” on Jan. 8 in Grand Junction and Jan. 10 at the Montrose Pavilion. He will perform Jan. 30 at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction and Jan. 31 at the Pavilion with the Celtic band Feast, one of many bands he has helped to start over the years. Alderdice, who came to the area in 2003 and is also an organic gardener, calls his relation with the many people and organizations supporting his efforts a “reciprocal relationship.” He and Arlyn recently were blessed with a son, which has provided him with a whole new world of inspiration. “I feel blessed to be able to live here and make a living with music,” he says. “Not just to teach and perform, but to just share what I love with the community.”

David Alderdice at home with an array of instruments.