Delta County Independent, Oct. 14, 2015 by Delta County Independent

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NORTH FORK TIMES

DELTA COUNTY

BRAGGING RIGHTS

Readers’ choices for “The Best of Delta County” spotlighted, Inside

OCTOBER 14, 2015 VOL. 132, NO. 41

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Ballots arrive in the mail this week BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

County election officials report that ballots should begin arriving in voters’ mailboxes this week. In the coordinated election, two school board seats will be filled (see related story) and there is one statewide measure: Proposition BB, which asks voters to decide if around $66 million in excess marijuana revenue should go back to taxpayers, or should be used for projects such as school construction. More information on that issue can be found by going to the nonpartisan www.colorado bluebook.com. The majority of municipalities in Delta County are posing a question about telecommunications services. The question comes on the heels of a $5.2 million grant for broadband development in Delta and Montrose counties. Because broadband has become so critical, many communities regard it as a basic infrastructure need, on par with roads, water systems and energy grids. Colorado Counties Inc.,

(CCI) and the Colorado Municipal League (CML) recently issued a summary of the issue: “The increasing demand for broadband service — often driven by economic development concerns — has forced many local government officials to re-examine their role in the provision of broadband services.” One of the biggest impediments to local governments enhancing broadband infrastructure is a law passed in 2005 which is commonly referred to as SB 152. “SB 152 prohibits most uses of municipal or county money for infrastructure to improve local broadband service, without first going to a vote of the people.” Thus the question posed to voters in Cedaredge, Crawford, Delta, Paonia, Hotchkiss and Delta County. CCI and CML note that in the past few years, 10 municipalities and three counties have placed measures on the ballot to override the prohibitions in SB 152. “These measures have passed handily in

virtually every jurisdiction, with the support of citizens who are frustrated and want timely action on broadband service in their communities.” The vast majority of local governments which have passed SB 152 questions (or are going to the ballot in the near future) are not interested in hooking up homes and businesses and providing actual broadband services themselves. “By and large, these jurisdictions are working to enhance local broadband infrastructure in order to attract service providers who would otherwise be unwilling or unable to serve their communities,” the CCI/CML summary relates. In the meantime, local communities are moving forward in partnership with DMEA and Region 10 to plan buildout to anchor institutions in DMEA’s service area. Once access points are established, the network would be available for private “last mile” providers to deliver highspeed Internet service to businesses and homes.

Jurca, Novinger eager to serve school district BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

There is just one contested race on the ballot this year, to determine who will fill the Director District 2 school board seat being vacated by Kathy Svenson. All registered voters within the school district can cast ballots in this race, even though the director district is centered in the City of Delta. In Director District 3 — the Cedaredge and Orchard City areas — Pete Blair is unopposed. Blair is finishing his first term in office and is currently president of the school board. The District 2 candidates are Jill Jurca and Genevieve Novinger. Both have kids in Delta schools and share a commitment to education. Jurca served on the district accountability committee, multiple school district budget panels, a citizen panel during the search for a superintendent, and as a classroom volunteer and DestinationImagination coach. She is currently on the Delta High School Booster Club/parent accountability team and sitting president of the DHS Band Parents. She is thankful for the “admirable and excellent” education her two daughters have received, and that’s partly why she’s running for school board. Novinger was a BELA parent advocate on the Colorado Preschool Program. Since announcing her candidacy in March, she has attended every school board meeting

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Agriculture .....................B6 Back Page ................... D8 Business .........................B7 Church ............................B5 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries .................. A6-7 School Zone .................A10 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................C4-7 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ................. D5-6

and policy review hearing. She made it her goal to visit every school in the district, as well as every bus garage and maintenance building. She talked with parents, principals, teachers, students and voters, and believes she has a well-rounded understanding of what’s going on in the school district. Both candidates attended a forum hosted by the district accountability committee, certified council and classified council in Delta last week. The League of Women Voters hosted a second candidate forum in Hotchkiss Monday night. In Delta, the women were asked about their vision for the school district. Jurca says the school district is headed in the right direction; Novinger believes more parent and community involvement could help relieve the district’s financial burdens. She cited the Delta United Methodist Church’s program for early release days. Novinger said she has a lot of ideas and is willing to serve as an advocate for the school district here and at the state level. When asked about priorities, both said kids should come first, but Jurca said teachers are “right up there.” How can Delta County hire and retain great teachers? Teacher retention is a problem in our district, Jurca said, and could be addressed through more competitive pay and a better support system in the community. Jurca said

all staff members, classified and certified, must feel valued. Novinger talked about factors outside the school district that affect teacher retention. SCHOOL BOARD TO A3

Cedaredge voters are also being asked to raise the town’s sales and use tax from 2.0 to 2.5 percent, and the North Fork Water Conservancy District is asking for permission to “collect, retain and expend full revenues” without regard to TABOR limitations. Those who wish to cast bal-

lots in person can stop by the Delta County Courthouse or the North Fork Annex in Hotchkiss during business hours. On Election Day, Nov. 3, both locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In both Delta and Hotchkiss, voters will also find 24-hour dropoff boxes.

SCHOOL ENROLLMENT Cedaredge Elementary Cedaredge Middle Cedaredge High

2015 355 202 267

2014 Difference 366 -11 219 -17 248 19

Garnet Mesa Elementary Lincoln Elementary Delta Middle Delta High Delta Opportunity

554 504 499 613 97

582 507 494 629 101

-28 -3 5 -16 -4

Hotchkiss K-8 Hotchkiss High

369 205

390 202

-21 3

Paonia Elementary Paonia Junior/Senior North Fork Montessori NF School Int. Studies

176 224 129 25

175 226 124 0

1 -2 5 25

TOTAL

-44

While enrollment continues to decline in Delta County Joint School District #50, administrators were pleased the numbers did not drop as dramatically as feared. “This is a celebration for us,” said school superintendent Caryn Gibson. The largest decline would appear to have occurred at Garnet Mesa Elementary, but administrators explain some students were shifted between Garnet Mesa and Lincoln to better balance enrollment. The ﬁgures above are an October-October comparison.

Police chief allowed to retire ‘on a positive note’ BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A release signed by Robert Thomas, former chief of police for the City of Delta, has been disclosed by order of Judge Steven Schultz. The document was the subject of a court hearing last week after a Colorado Open Records Act request was filed by the DCI and other media. The release reveals a little more information about why Thomas was placed on paid administrative leave a month prior to announcing his retirement. At that time, Mayor Ed Sisson alluded to an investigation into Thomas’s conduct. The release refers to complaints investigated by Heather Coogan, who was identified in court as a “third party contractor” for city attorney David McConaughy. An Internet search reveals Coogan is a retired police chief who now owns a firm that specializes in workplace investigations. Because she was retained by the city attorney, “the limited information

provided by Heather Coogan about alleged wrongdoing by Thomas” is protected by attorney/client privilege. The release states those records are “separate from any involving complaints of others for which an investigation may proceed (such investigations shall not have Thomas as the primary subject), including involving complaints related to allegedly unfair discipline where the discipline may be analyzed as necessary.” The DCI specifically asked for information contained within Thomas’s personnel file related to complaints of any type in the last 12 months, and was told there were no such documents in Thomas’s file. There is also reference to “alleged, but not substantiated, allegations of CCIC violations.” In this context, CCIC apparently refers to the Colorado Crime Information Center, a computerized information system that contains crime/ arrest records, driver license/

vehicle information and a broad range of other data, all intended to be used solely in a professional capacity. Thomas did not return a phone call from the DCI, and his attorney did not appear at the court hearing, although he did file a letter objecting to disclosure of the release “because such disclosure would have a chilling effect on resolution of employee and employment matters. It is Mr. Thomas’s position that the public interest is best served by quick and confidental resolution of such matters.” The judge disagreed. Maintaining confidentiality of a settlement agreement “may provide some indirect benefit to the public by encouraging the prompt and efficient resolution of future disputes by public entities,” he noted in his written decision. “That consideration, however, is far outweighed by the public’s direct and paramount interest in the disclosure of the underlying public records, which is necessary to allow the public POLICE CHIEF TO A3

Is your voter info current?

Cleland tennis courts closed

The League of Women Voters reminds us that voter registration is the key to ensuring that all Americans can engage in our political process. Don’t forget, if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you registered to vote, you will likely need to update your voter registration information at www.govote colorado.com. You may register to vote online at www.govotecolorado.com. Online registration deadline for the Tuesday, Nov. 3, election is Monday, Oct. 26. If your registration is being mailed, it must be postmarked by Oct. 26. You may also register to vote in person by appearing at a voter service and polling center through Election Day. County election officials report the ballots will be in the mail this week.

Due to safety concerns, the tennis courts at Cleland Park have been closed indefinitely. The tennis courts at Confluence Park provide an alternative for local players. The city plans to replace the six tennis courts at Cleland with four new tennis courts, which it believes will accommodate current usage. The 2016 budget will include $350,000 for replacement, but the city anticipates the bulk of the cost will be funded through grants. Parks director Wilma Erven said she expects the restrooms to be upgraded at the same time, and it’s possible a second pavilion could be built, depending on funding. Erven said the tennis courts will likely be closed all of 2016, due to the length of time it will take for design, bid and construction of the replacements. The closure will force the high school tennis team to find a new host site.

A2 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

OPINION

LETTERS

Speeders put our kids at risk

Who stole my autumn friends? So I felt a little pressured to do it. Again it took me three days! I really resent those who took them down. Everyone knew who made them, and if SOMEONE didn’t want them up, they could have called me and asked me to come and get them or they could have dropped them off here. A simple phone call from the powers that be could have resolved the issue easily. I wouldn’t have been happy, but at least they wouldn’t have ended up in the trash. I am guessing that is where they are. I am pretty sure I know who took them down. I had written on the back of each of them that they would be picked up and when, so the powers that be would know they were not responsible for taking them down. I intended to go and fix them on Tues-

Dear Editor: Who stole my autumn friends from downtown Cedaredge? Let me guess! Let me get this straight, I made 20 scarecrows, spent three days putting them together, giving each a lot of thought and time, making each one pretty specific to where they were placed, the cost of around $20 in straw, misc., not counting what the Cedaredge Methodist Thrift Shop and the Shelter Shoppe donated in clothes, my guess at least $100 and someone took them! They were only taken down on Main Street. It is not like people in this town didn’t know who made them. I was approached time and time again over the past few weeks and asked if I was going to make them again this year, everyone stating, “We love them.”

day morning, fluff them and straighten them up, so they didn’t look sloppy. I didn’t put them on any bench downtown as not to use the benches that people needed to use during AppleFest, I was very careful about that! So to my surprise they were gone! I want them back! It took a lot out of me physically to do this. I am so mad that someone took them. I surely didn’t need to do this. My point was to make the town look festive for AppleFest, and to make people smile. So disheartening, first the yellow ribbons taken down, now this. I am going to file a stolen property report in the morning because someone stole my property! So sad, never again will I do anything here! Cathy Meskel aka The fall fairy of Cedaredge

There is no cash crunch for the Town of Paonia the toilet. The town has the power to put a lien on your property and evict you from your home if you cannot pay. To raise the cost of living when it is not absolutely necessary is callous in the extreme. To justify raising the cost of all town services they are advancing a very carefully packaged argument. It’s the cash crunch. We can’t make our loan payments. While the state has mandated some expensive improvements to the water system, they also provide almost all the money to make it happen. All we have to do is make the payments and they refund the money. To have a cash crunch, the yearly sum of these payment has to be lumped together as though they all come due on the same day. This makes it look

Dear Editor: The Paonia management team is on a PR blitz to convince us the town needs more of our money. By their own data, it just isn’t true. There are a few personalities in “power” here who have a collective agenda to turn the town into a business that turns a profit. They are inflating the situation into a crisis to grease the skids to achieve their vision. There are people in our community who are actually in a state of crisis right now. The latest round of mine layoffs is another devastating blow for a lot of very real people. The problem with running the town like a business is that the town is a monopoly. You simply cannot go a competitor to get your water or take the stuff you have to flush down

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Published in the Delta County Independent October 14, 2015.

Delta County Independent

like the town is a quarter of a million dollars short of cash. Really? First, the loans don’t come due at the same time, and even if they fell on the same day, a bridge loan is available for a few thousand dollars. Make the payment and the money comes back in 90 days. If this simple fact is included in the analysis, the cash shortfall suddenly bounces into the black, crisis averted, and no pressing need to raise the price of everything the town charges for. The people pushing this increase in the cost of living are not going to have to use their kids’ lunch money to pay for water, sewer and trash. They are pretty well off. It’s the pain they will knowingly inflict on those in need that is the crime. Bill Brunner Paonia

Dear Editor: In Eckert on 2100 Road and Fruitgrowers Road every morning and every afternoon at the same time, a bus stops to pick up children for school. Kids line up to wait for the bus on the side of the road. Every morning cars speed down that road and most mornings one child or another is at risk for being hit. On Tuesday morning two girls were crossing the road to get in line and had to jump out of the way of a speeding car. They were halfway across the road. The lady driving the car had to swerve to miss hitting them. Phone calls have been

made to the sheriff ’s office to have a deputy sit there for 10 minutes to protect the kids ... they don’t have the manpower to do this we were told. No one answers the phone at the bus barn or the road and bridge department. I have taken it upon myself to stand in the road to get cars to slow down and have been almost hit. Kids play while they are in line waiting. What happens if one steps in the road? They would be killed. It’s absolutely horrible that we cannot get help with this issue. I have personally been told by a person in authority that nothing can be done until something happens.

Draft oil/gas rules frustrate citizen groups Colorado community organizations representing impacted residents around the state expressed disappointment and frustration in the newly released COGCC draft rule that allows large-scale oil and gas development in residential areas. The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission released a draft rule yesterday outlining new regulations to implement the two recommendations from the 2014-2015 Colorado Oil and Gas Task Force. “We are concerned that after several meetings between impacted citizens and the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, that the administration has chosen largely to ignore the needs and concerns of Colorado communities,” said Wendy Highby of Weld Air and Water from Greeley. “This rule seems designed to accommodate drilling in neighborhoods rather than protecting public health and welfare.” At several meetings with the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, community groups expressed the

need to prioritize public health and safety in siting oil and gas development facilities; a need for stronger definitions of residential areas that don’t leave rural Coloradans to fend for themselves against the industry; for better transparency in the siting process, and they re-emphasized the Task Force call to move large oil and gas facilities as far away as possible from homes, neighborhoods and schools. In September, these Colorado community organizations sent a letter to the COGCC expressing the need for basic provisions in the new rule that would prioritize protections for Coloradans. “We had hoped that, for once, the State of Colorado would strike a balance between the rights of ordinary citizens and the power of the oil and gas industry,” said Natasha Leger of Citizens for a Healthy Community from Delta County. “These proposed rules do not advance protections for families — instead, they continue to endorse placing large-scale oil and gas facilities on private property without the permission of the surface

Climate ‘deniers’ are playing a dangerous game Dear Editor: A response to Mike Mason’s global warming science denier letter in the Oct. 7 DCI: Apparently Mr. Mason should be the most famous acclaimed climate scientist in the world today since he has figured out that global warming isn’t happening. Wow! Nobel Prize stuff. Either that or he is ill-informed in nearly every point he makes since every major scientific organization, university and climate scientist in the world today would disagree with him. A quick visit to the basics pages at the NASA or EPA sites or a perusal of the latest Intergovernmental on Climate Change (IPCC) summary (of a 1,000 pages plus collection of reports) for the world’s policy makers will give basics of what we know from the real science. Reading the real science, or taking a basic modern physics course that includes climate science, will reveal that all of Mr. Mason’s claims have been addressed and discounted. www.skepticalscience.com is also a good website to eas-

Letter to the Editor Policy The Delta County Independent welcomes letters on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address and telephone number (not for publication), and must be signed by the author. Letters may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy. E-mail: editor@ deltacountyindependent.com Fax: 874-4424 Mail: P.O. Box 809, Delta, CO 81416

Really! It’s going to take a 5-year-old getting hit and possibly killed to get help? Come on people, wake up. There is NO reason to be speeding on a road where there are kids waiting innocently for the bus. Will it take the death of a child to get some help or the death of a parent trying to keep the kids safe before something is done? What has become of our community to have to rush and speed by kids. Do you think the commissioners will help? Let’s see. Stand up for our kids. If we don’t, who will? Alicia Schoborg Eckert

ily compare the facts to denier claims. The earth is warming and continues to do so. This year will be the hottest year on record as far as average global temperature, breaking the 2014 record. Humans continue to add longlived greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere at an increasing rate and simple conservation of energy physics predicts that if you put more energy into a system than the amount that leaves, the temperature will rise. As the temperature rises on the earth, the climate changes. We have seen only mild negative effects so far with only about 1 degree C of warming from the beginning of the Industrial Revolution but predictions based on the physics, and history of past climate, say that things will be much more dramatic by about 2050 and even worse by the end of the century. So far sea level rises of about a foot are mainly due to simple expansion of oceans due to warming. Ninety percent-plus of the warming ends up in our oceans. But the Greenland ice sheet melting is happening much faster than models predicted and new water is pouring at an ever increasing rate from land ice into the sea. The latest predictions suggest about a two meter rise by century’s end, which would flood the City of Miami and many other low lying areas. And that is only the beginning. While increased CO2 may in the short term benefit some plants (this effect works best in a closed greenhouse), in

the long run the negative effects of higher temperatures and extreme weather are predicted to lower crop yields. Besides CO2, plants also need sunshine, fertilizer and water, and high CO2 coupled with drought is a double whammy. I agree that there is an astonishing level of ignorance in the world today concerning climate science especially since the real science is so easy to access and not that hard to understand and yet we daily see letters to the editor, Internet comments, political speeches and whole denier websites and books devoted to denying the science. Casting doubt to delay action while the window of opportunity to be able to mitigate this issue rapidly closes is a dangerous game. Bearing false witness at the expense of the greater humanity is immoral under any belief system. The time for conspiracy theory climate denial is over and the world needs to focus on real solutions to a very real, critical problem. Thomas Wills Hotchkiss

owner or the surrounding neighbors. Moreover, the COGCC continues to refuse allowing families to appeal to the COGCC when they are impacted by locating these facilities next to their homes or schools.” “These rules, as written, do not provide enough protections for Colorado families. I am afraid that once these rules are adopted, there will be more neighborhood drilling — not less. This draft is not what was called for by the Oil and Gas Task Force,” stated Sara Barwinski, who served on the Governor’s Task Force for five months. Representatives of Citizens for a Healthy Community, Grand Valley Citizens Alliance, Western Colorado Congress, Weld Air and Water, and Adams County Communities for Drilling Accountability Now met with the COGCC several times before submitting the following list of recommendations, none of which are reflected in the draft rules: 1. Define a large oil and gas facility using a matrix that uses proximity and scale in order to mitigate intensity. 2. All Colorado residents in close proximity to a proposed large oil and gas facility need to have access to siting tools and appropriate mitigation measures. 3. Close existing setback loopholes for using an existing surface use agreement or expanding an existing well into a “large oil and gas facility.” 4. Prohibit the siting of Class II waste injection facilities near residential areas. 5. Use property line of schools as marker to measure distance between a school and a well or production facility. 6. Landowners adjacent to a proposed large oil and gas site should have standing to request a hearing before the COGCC. 7. Utilize “siting tools” to locate large oil and gas facilities away from residential areas when feasible. 8. Increased health and safety mitigation measures should be required at all large oil and gas facilities. Additional baseline mitigation measures at the state level for Large Scale Facilities should include new noise, odor, dust and safety protections.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

School board FROM PAGE A1 For example, it can be difficult for the teacher’s spouse to find a job. Others are affected by the mine layoffs. New teachers should be exposed to all of western Colorado’s outdoor opportunities, so they know this is a great place to live and work. In response to a question about school district funding, Novinger suggested diesel mechanics from Delta-Montrose Technical College could get real-world experience while providing much-needed services to the school district. Law enforcement academy students could do security checks, while tech students could serve apprenticeships with the district’s technology resources department. “There are so many opportunities for us at DMTC to bring forward into our communities and into our schools,” she said.

In a county as diverse as ours, it can be difficult to balance the unique needs of each school. Jurca said it’s important to respect the individualism of each community. Novinger stressed the importance of “district pride” — being part of a whole and working together to make sure all students get the best education possible. Despite budget constraints, both candidates believe Delta County students have an amazing amount of choice and dedicated teachers/staff who are committed to the success of every child. In closing, Jurca said, “With my 13 years in the district, I am very passionate about the education that all children get

Genevieve Novinger

Jill Jurca

in this district. I know for a fact that my children are going to be in an excellent place when they graduate, and I’m thankful for that. We provide so much for these kids and I would ask for your vote for this election. I feel I am qualified and I am glad I am able to serve you. Novinger closed by

saying, “I’m really excited to be a part of this and as evidenced by my campaign, I am dedicated to work hard for Delta County schools. Children are our first priority. They deserve the best education we can give them. We have good schools; I want great schools. I want to have the best schools in the state.”

Police chief FROM PAGE A1 to evaluate for itself whether the resolution of the dispute and the concomitant expenditure of funds was reasonable and appropriate.” The city attorney previously disclosed a severance payment of $50,000 plus payment for accrued but unused leave, per city policy. Thomas’ last day on the job was Sept. 12. The release contains the wording the city and Thomas agreed to use to announce his retirement — and both stuck faithfully to the script in press releases issued on Sept. 28 and 29. “As with many such employment-related agreements ... the release

provided that each party would respond to any inquiries regarding Chief Thomas’ departure with specific language. That specificity extends to verbal inquiries from prospective employers. The city is to only “verify that he was employed by the city, the dates of employment, the highest rank attained by the employee, and salary information.” In return, the city agreed not to proceed with investigating the complaints it has received “which relate solely to Thomas.” In summary: “The parties acknowledge that neither side admits wrongdoing and that this release was agreed to so that Thomas could retire on a positive note.”

Displaced resident It’s time appeals for help county numerous times for fall BY PAT SUNDERLAND to explain her situation. For 11 years, Kit She didn’t feel she was cleanup Rynerson has lived in getting anywhere, so she Managing Editor

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a 1975 trailer house on the Huffington property in North Delta. Rynerson is 62, disabled and lives on SSDI payments of $726 a month. The arrangement she made with Bonsall Huffington prior to his death, to pay $200 a month to rent the land for her trailer, has served her well. She still has money to make loan payments on the trailer itself and to buy a few essentials. But late this summer, the county purchased the property, which is located on 1575 Road to the south and east of Blake Field. County administrator Robbie LeValley said the county’s intent was to establish a buffer around the airport. “We wanted to make sure if there was ever an opportunity to expand, we weren’t looking at a significant number of houses,” she said. In August, Rynerson was notified she would have to vacate the property by Sept. 30. “That was the first I heard of it being sold,” Rynerson said. She was granted an extension to Oct. 31. Worried she’s about to become homeless — again — she has contacted the

reached out to news outlets. “My animals and I have to go to the streets to live,” she said. “I don’t even have a vehicle to live in. I can’t afford storage, so I would lose everything except what’s on my back.” LeValley says Rynerson will not be “put on the streets to die,” as she claims, but that Delta Housing Authority, Delta County Health and Human Services, the Delta County Health Department and the Board of Delta County Commissioners are “all working very diligently to try to find a solution.” “We are not trying to make her homeless,” LeValley asserts. LeValley said she hopes Rynerson is also searching for alternatives. Another renter has already moved on, and horses are no longer grazing the 80-acre parcel. “Strictly from a liability standpoint, we want to start cleaning up the whole property,” LeValley said. That means removal of a number of old metal implements, a large, old manure pit and barns that are in disarray. Anyone with suggestions can contact Rynerson at 275-3296.

The City of Delta’s fall cleanup begins Monday, Oct. 19. Please have your items ready that morning by 7 a.m. Bag leaves, separate metal, and cut branches up to four inches in diameter. Please place the branches in piles no longer than 10 feet. Place items close to where you normally place your trash receptable. No tires, batteries, refrigerators, freezers, stumps or electronics will be picked up.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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A place where you can bee yourself Follow us on For a quote on all your printing needs call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Opa’s ��

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COMMUNITY IS

INSPIRING LIFE-LONG LEARNING

A4 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

ACCENT

Gynecologist to discuss breast cancer screening, prevention

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This October, River Valley Family Health Center in Olathe is proud to participate in National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About one in eight women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point. The good news is that many women survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early, and some can even prevent the development of a primary cancer using medications. On Oct. 20 and 27, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., as a service to our community, River Valley Family Health Center will be hosting a program by Rick Reinmund, M.D.,

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Delta Emblem Club met at the Delta Elks Lodge Sept. 28 with president Diane Martinez officiating. The Delta Emblem Club has been active with the concession stand at Elks bingo on Thursday nights and also with a lot of community service collections, consisting of cancelled stamps, education box tops, glasses, pop tabs, card tops and unused cards. Clothing

and household items have been donated to Salvation Army, Raising Hope and Abraham Connection. Literacy committee asked that the club donate money to Lincoln and Garnet Mesa elementary schools for new books for the children and the library. It was moved to donate $250 to each school for this program. The next big project for the Emblem Club is the annual bazaar and

BIRTHS Warren and Crystal Sanford of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Alice Marie Sanford, born Sept. 29, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 7.1 ounces and was 21 inches in length.

Jake and Ashley Newman of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Paisley Nova Newman, born Oct. 2, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 19.25 inches in length.

Sara Walls and Jon Boyd of Olathe are the parents of a son, Kyzer Jordan Boyd, born Oct. 1, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 5.158 pounds and was 19 inches in length.

Eh Dar Hpo is the parent of twin sons born Oct. 6, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. Jonathan Hpo weighed 5 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19 inches in length. Snowden Hpo weighed 5 pounds, 8.8 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length.

The Boss Has Gone Hunting Sale!

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Debbie and Candis are ready to make some AMAZING deals on in-stock inventory! Blowout prices on all clearance items and deeper discounts for all cash & carry sales. Here are just a few of the huge deals we have going on. � � �

who is River Valley Family Health Center’s gynecologist. Dr. Reinmund has been involved in various aspects of breast cancer prevention since the mid-1990s and has had many patients in the critical trials that were done to get FDA approval of two medications now used to reduce breast cancer risk. He spoke for Eli Lilly and its product Evista which is one of these medications. Dr. Reinmund’s presentation will provide information that is important for women who are at high risk or concerned about breast cancer. He will discuss screening options, which include different types of imaging available and use of risk calculators which use family and personal

history to decide which of these techniques is best for each individual woman. He will also discuss cancer prevention options which include two medications that are used in women who are at high risk and can decrease the risk of developing breast cancer by up to 49 percent. For those who are at extremely high risk, he will discuss use of testing for the breast cancer genes, BrCa 1 and 2, and what options patients who test positive have to prevent the development of cancer at several sites. At the conclusion of the presentation, he will entertain questions from the audience. If you are unable to attend the presentation, Dr. Reinmund is available for personal consulta-

Delta Emblem Club supports thrift stores, kids’ reading

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Delta County Independent

HOT OVER-THE-RANGE MICROWAVES ��

SLEEK BUILT-IN WALL OVENS ��

once-loved items sale. The bazaar will be Nov. 6 and 7 in Westminster Hall at 4th and Meeker. Please mark your calendars and come visit us. A new member application was read; the new member will be initiated at our October meeting. The next state meeting for Emblem Club was Oct. 10 in Montrose. Several members planned to attend. Mary Jo Chaffee Press Correspondent

Pizza Hut supports homeless Eat pizza and help those in need! On Sunday, Oct. 18, Pizza Hut in Delta will donate 10 percent of its proceeds from 5-9 p.m. to The Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter. Dine in, carry out or request delivery at 874-5721.

tions at the clinic. Please call for an appointment if you are interested in this option. If you are a woman over the age of 40, be sure to get a mammogram every year. Talk to a doctor about your risk for breast cancer, especially if a close family member of yours had breast or ovarian cancer. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get mammograms.

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SAVE THE DATE!

Masquerade Ball

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Samuel and Kaitlyn Hatch of Delta are the parents of a son, Curtis Ryan Hatch, born Oct. 6, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 12.44 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length. Tanner Simpson and Alexis Westergren of Crawford are the parents of a son, Jayce Scott Simpson, born Oct. 9, 2015, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces and was 21 inches in length.

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We are ready for Fall ~ Are you?

CLASSY GLASS ELECTRIC RANGES �� EXTRA COOL REFRIGERATORS �� SPARKLING CLEAN DISHWASHERS �� TOO MANY TO LIST! COME IN AND SEE!

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

hiest Colorado

Demographics, economy affect community health

the demographics of the county. “Many of the barriers When considering the health of Delta County, to a healthy community ado our Health Report Card Data Spotlight thoughts often turn have nothing to do with to the loss of providers, health care,” she told the wait time for appoint- audience members, many ments, or the escalating of whom work in the medcost of health insurance. ical field. Karen McNeil-Miller, Our Community, Our Story She pointed to the president of the Colorado median age in Delta Health Foundation, takes County — 47.3 compared a broader approach. She to Colorado’s 36.5. Just 47.2 percent of recently conducted a lisadults inbetween 25 n only at thetour doctor’s office. happens our tening in Delta as Itarea and 44 have some postpart of a statewide effort s and our neighborhoods. It’ssecondary part of where we education; the to hear from residents orship, we shop and state where socialize. ratewe is 70 percent. and where decision makers Economically, the averabout how their comunifor health different than those in Paonia. depends on many hourly wage in Delta ties approach andin Pueblo view areage Sterling’s challenges are not the same South Fork’s. d. Convenient County is 41aspercent lower health. gful employment than Report the state average of listening was Health Data intour this Colorado Card Data tive family,The friends help to pinpoint those differences. Over 15 percent KidZ Clinic, a $26.78. ials. hosted by A Spotlight of residents live in povschool-basedThehealth clinic crucial next step is learning from the insights of by our genes, erty, though one person in that provides medical andmembers. caring community behavioral health services the audience cited a 2013 ommitment, Together, the data andsurvey the personal experiences add up that says half the for the students throughout d efforts will make to a community’s story. children in Delta County the county. hier life. arebest living McNeil-Miller And that brought is where we can focus in the poverty. hard work of different. Priorities the healthiest “Money matters,” the with her acreating report card Colorado. that spotlights the data report card states. “Good that plays a role in the jobs and wages provide OURhealth COMMUNITY: COUNTY the resources needed to of theDELTA community, healthy from economic to build pes how we move forward factors together. These data help to paintlives.” that picture.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

DELTA COUNTY

AGE Median Age:

Population Under 19:

Increase in 65+ Population by 2020:

Colorado: 36.5

Colorado: 24.8%

Colorado: 25.9%

47.3 22.3%

14.1%

In addition to economic factors and an aging population, other challenges to healthy communities were identified by audience members. The Affordable Care Act is not only impacting the ability of businesses to provide employee health insurance, many medical providers find themselves ill equipped to deal with the complex business demands. Medicare/Medicaid reimbursements also play a role. Because reimbursement rates are so low for small clinics, many providers do not accept Medicaid or Medicare patients. While over 90 percent of Delta County residents have health insurance, it’s either Medicaid/Medicare, or policies with high deductibles. Now we have a “new insured,” but they’re not accessing health care because they can’t afford the co-pays or because they can’t find a physician who will accept Medicaid/Medicare, one participant noted. On the plus side, Delta

October is National Mensa Testing Month

Are you Mensa smart? Mensa is an internaRACE/ETHNICITY tional society in which Primary Language at Home the sole requirement for 82.6% White membership is a score at Colorado: 69.7% English 8.4% Spanish or above the 98th percen90.2% Colorado: 83.2% Colorado: 11.8% 14.2% Hispanic tile on any of a number Colorado: 20.8% of standardized IQ tests. 2015 Colorado Health Report Card for Delta County Mensa is the largest and

New chamber member

County residents have access to healthy food, physical activity, good schools, supportive family relationships and closeknit communities. All contribute to a healthy community. The broadband project was mentioned as a means of creating economic opportunities that would allow younger, educated professionals to live and do business in Delta County. Without high speed Internet, it’s also difficult to share electronic medical records. The Colorado Health Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose vision is to make Colorado the healthiest state in the nation through grantmaking, public policy and advocacy, private sector engagement, strategic communications, evaluation for learning and assessment and by operating primary care residency training programs. Its partners include nonprofits, health care leaders, policy makers, educa-

Photo submitted

Last week, the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new member, 4B’s Brewery in Cedaredge. Pictured are Josh Applegate, chamber board president/Farmers Insurance, Applegate Agency; Chery Lauderbach, staff; Brandy Atencio, staff; Heather Redden, chamber vice president/Delta Cabinet Company; Amy Wright, manager; Barb Breitnauer, owner; Andre Baker, staff; Jonathan Rogers, staff; Nancy Wood, chamber director/ReMax Today; Kira Pierce, chamber director/Pierce Construction; Phyllis Hoffman, chamber ambassador/Western Slope Long Term Care Solutions; and Leslie Workman, chamber executive director.

most recognized association for people who share just one common trait: high intelligence. This community of knowledge seekers enjoys conversation and camaraderie, and would love to have you join. October is National Mensa Testing Month. Mensa will hold two testing sessions on the Western Slope on Oct. 17 to recruit potential qualifying new members, one in Grand Junction, and one in Delta. In Delta, the test will be administered at the Delta County Health Department, 255 West 6th Street. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., with the test at 1 p.m. The test will take about two hours to complete. Test takers will be required to show a photo ID. The test is open to anyone over the age of 14. Parental permission is required for ages 14-17. A special price of $20 will be charged during the month of October. Register online and pre-purchase your testing voucher at www. us.mensa.org or contact Bonnie Horn Koehler at 970-260-4081 for additional information.

tors and the private sector. The Colorado Health Foundation funded the startup of Families Plus and A KidZ Clinic.

More information and the complete report card for Delta County can be found at www.colorado health.org.

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

A6 Wednesday, October 14, 2015 Ruth Phillips

Eckert resident Ruth Mason 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. Mrs. Phillips is survived by a son, Arthur (Janice) Phillips III of Eckert; and a daughter, Frances (Greg) Lazear of Cedaredge. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

OBITUARIES

ron), Lisa (Tom) Hoff, Amy (Wayne) Braxton and Kelly; her brother, Tommy (Judy) Sandifer; seven grandchildren, Kyle, Samantha, Branden, Jessica, Andre, Jacob and Matthew; a great-grandchild, Justin; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years, Sig, in 2003; and her sister, Bonnie. A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 10, at the home of Kirk and Sharon Niemand in Las Vegas. Memorial contributions may be made to Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada, www.orion cancerfoundation.org.

Josephine Walsh

Peggy Niemand

Peggy Ann Niemand died Sept. 26, 2015. She was 72. She was born in Paonia Sept. 25, 1943, to Tom and Ann Sandifer. She grew up on the family fruit farm and graduated from Paonia High School in 1962. She was a baton twirler for the marching band and was a member of several clubs and social groups. She married Siegmund Niemand on June 27, 1964. Mrs. Niemand had lived in Las Vegas since 1977. She stayed active with her family, home health care work and clubs. She enjoyed being a grandmother and greatgrandmother. She is survived by her four children, Kirk (Sha-

In Memoriam

Elsie June Carelli ��

Forever Loved, Forever Missed

Paonia resident Josephine Walsh died Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015, at Paonia Care Center in Paonia. She was 81. A memorial service was held Saturday, Oct. 10, at the American Legion in Paonia. Josephine Cecilia Lacombe was born in Fort Fitzgerald, Alberta, Canada, Dec. 2, 1933, to Joseph and Agatha (Mercredi) Lacombe. She spent her childhood and attended school in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories. On April 19, 1974, she married Leonard Walsh in Leadville. Mrs. Walsh was a member of the Eagles in Leadville and the American Legion in Paonia. She enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, knitting, cooking and spending time with her family and friends. She is survived by two sons, Kenneth Hustead of Paonia and Alan Hustead of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; two sisters, Rita Wilie of Athabasca, Alberta, and Maggie Jacobson of Stony Plain, Alberta; two granddaughters, Stephanie Hustead and McKenzie Hustead; and one greatgrandson, Carter. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Leonard; two brothers; and five sisters. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

He was born in Liberal, Kan., Oct. 31, 1927, to James Sutton and Ruth Cook. He moved with his family to the Western Slope of Colorado in 1933. At the age of 19, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in the Philippine Islands. After his time in the service, he received a communication license and worked for Aeronautical Radio. He retired from Rocky Flats in 1990. He married Dorothy Dull in 1954. They lived in Denver. Mr. Sutton enjoyed fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy; daughter, Peggy (Ivan); two sons, Steve (Janet) and Tom (Carolyn); brothers-in-law, Harvey (Allison) and Norman (Joanne) Dull; sister-in-law, Jan Dull; six grandchildren, Andrew, Chad (Brittany) Chris, Eric, Rachael and Jacob; and three greatgrandchildren, Clive, Peyton and Lilly. He was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters. A private graveside service will be planned at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Volunteers of America. Crippin Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements.

Butch Showman

Robert Boyd “Butch” Showman died at his home in Grand Junction on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2015. He was 70. A graveside funeral service was held Friday, Oct. 3, at Norwood Cemetery. He was born in Telluride Feb. 23, 1945, to Robert L. and Ardith (Buss) Showman. He grew up in the Norwood area, graduating from Lawrence Sutton Norwood High School in Lawrence Raymond 1963. He attended ColoSutton died Sept. 25, rado State University in 2015. He was 87. Fort Collins before serving in the U.S. Air Force. Mr. Showman married Joanne E. Jacobs on Sept. 18, 1971, at Redvale. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed science, airplanes and astronomy. He is survived by his wife, Joanne Showman of Grand Junction; his sons, Brian Showman of Colorado Springs and Robert Showman and Carl Showman, both of Grand Junction; two brothers, Jerry Heldman of Norwood and Kenny Heldman of Nucla; two sisters, Daphna Ryan of Norwood and Donna Malone of Wiley; two grandchildren; a stepgrandchild; and his in-laws, Lance and Barbara Earley of Delta. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online

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Delta County Independent

guest registry at taylor in the hot tub under the stars, or sitting around funeralservice.com. a campfire talking with friends. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, making log furniture and remaking things including a 1968 Mustang and an old hot tub. Mr. Thomas is survived by his wife, Patty; son, Josh Thomas of Lakewood; daughter, Cailey (Josh) Walker of Tulsa, Okla.; his mother, Helen Thomas of Lakewood; sister, Lynette of Arvada; brother, Kevin of ArlingRick Thomas Ricky “Rick” Lee Thom- ton, Texas; a grandson, as of Paonia died Tuesday, Jackson; and extended Oct. 6, 2015, at HopeWest family. The family is planning Hospice in Grand Junca memorial to be held at tion. He was 64. the cabin next summer. He was born in Springfield, Mo., Aug. 22, 1951, to Helen and Kelly ThomLeo Collins as. He grew up in LakeHotchkiss resident Leo wood where he graduat- E. Collins died Wednesed from Lakewood High day, Oct. 6, 2015, at Delta School. After graduating County Memorial Hospifrom Western State Col- tal. He was 78. lege, he worked as an A celebration of life environmental scientist. will be held at 11 a.m., He married Patty Mur- Saturday, Oct. 17, at The phy of Paonia in the sum- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in mer of 1983. He enjoyed spending Paonia. Mr. Collins was born summers at Taylor Park, where he built a cabin, in Crawford July 20, throwing horseshoes, 1937, to Caroline and playing volleyball, sitting Albert Collins. He grew

up in Crawford, graduating from school there. He joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as a navigator. After leaving the Air Force he worked as a mechanic. He married Peggy Barr. They had four children. On July 2, 1982, he married Wilma Bates in Henderson, Nev. Mr. Collins enjoyed hunting, football, dancing and other activities. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Wilma Collins; two children, Joel and Terry Collins, both of Grand Junction; three stepdaughters, Shawna (Scott) Brown, Linda (Duane) Black of Henderson, Nev., and Lisa Bieber of Montrose; two stepsons, David (Becky) Jones of Grand Junction and Mark (Jewel) Jones; six grandchildren; two great-grandchilren; and extended family. He was preceded in death by an infant son; an infant daughter; and a brother, Alfred Collins. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Randolph “Randy” Park Nov. 3, 1952 ~ Oct. 9, 2015

When I heard that my father passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, the 9th of October, I knew that I wanted to write about his life… those that he loved, the things he enjoyed doing and the legacy that he left behind. I thought of some great stories to share and I pictured this moving, emotional memorial that would perfectly encapsulate everything that I feel and have felt for my dad over the years. This is difficult because my father suffered from mental illness for the last half of my life and the last 18 years of his. The childhood memories that my sister and I share of him are oftentimes clouded in the more recent experiences of his illness, but remembering him in the last few days, I wanted to focus on the life lessons that I have learned from him. We are all students of life, after all, so what did my dad teach me in his time here? The first lesson is one of the earliest that I can remember. My dad owned a grocery store when I was growing up in Rifle and he met people from all walks of life. He held space for everyone he knew and extended a hand for anyone who needed it. My dad would give people work in the store, have them paint our house (even when he did most of the work) and invite anyone who was alone to have a turkey sandwich at Thanksgiving dinner. My dad helped. He had compassion for people. And, in turn, when it was his turn to be helped, there were those that had the same kind of compassion and empathy for my dad. They gave him jobs to do when he could no longer work. They bought him passes to the Recreation Center so he could shower and they gave him gift cards so that he could eat. There are people in this community that helped him get into assisted living. To them, my family will always be grateful. For those that cared for him at The Delta House in the last years of his life, the warmest and most heartfelt “thank you.”

When my mom, sister and I went to the funeral home to discuss arrangements, the gentleman there told us that my dad is the reason that we have a homeless shelter in Delta. The people that helped him recognized the need in our community and decided to do something about it. If there is anything good that can come from my dad’s circumstances, we are thankful for that. My dad loved to hunt and fish and he pursued those interests with the kind of joy and abandon that we should all have. My family always had hunting dogs and they were his truest companions. When looking through pictures of my dad over the last few days, there are so many of my family on the boat, on the lake and him with his friends and family in a field somewhere with his dogs and a haul of pheasants. I joked with my mom and sister that there is a lot of backwards hat wearing, cigarette smoking and fish in those pictures! When I look at pictures of him, I see his happiness. I see his joy with my sister and me. I see his love for my mom and the light in his eyes. Life is short. It’s also painful at times, overwhelmingly sad and beautiful. Do the things you love. Spend time with the people who mean the most. One of my dad’s favorite places was Lake Tobin in Canada. There is a picture of him on one of his trips. My family and I will take his ashes to be spread there. Perhaps it’s one of the final things that we can do for him to show our love. The last lesson that my dad taught me was one of the most difficult, but one of the most important that I will ever learn: we cannot outrun our demons. Life happens to all of us and we get to make the choices to become a victim of those circumstances or we can write our own new, brave endings. I believe that mental illness is one of the most debilitating things that can happen to a family. Every situation is different and no two

cases are alike. Our family has had to heal in its own way and learn how to continue without the dad/husband/son/brother that we once knew. It’s been hard to move on and there is pain and guilt that goes with that. A dear friend once told me that my dad would have wanted me to be happy. It took a good, long while, but I have come to believe that he was right. This leads me to another reason for wanting to write this memorial for my father. When someone suffers from mental illness, it is also a struggle for those that are close to them. In thinking back on my dad’s life, I think it’s very possible that some of us are holding onto some shame or disappointment about times when we felt we didn’t do as much as we might have wanted to for him. If you feel that way at all, I ask you to treat yourself with the same compassion you would offer a good friend and forgive yourself. My dad would want you to do that. If there is any solace in his death, I think that it would be that he is finally at peace and his illness cannot follow him where he is now. Randolph Lemuel Park, aka Randy Park, was born on Nov. 3, 1952, and passed away at his residence on Oct. 9, 2015. He was 62 years old. His mother, Yvonne Park; his brothers, Jim and Bill; sister, Karen; and his two daughters, Jessica and Katie, survive him. His father, William Park, preceded him in death. If you wish to donate your time, effort, talents or resources in the memory of Randy Park, please consider doing so at the Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter, P.O. Box 910, Delta, CO 81416. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneral service.com. Paid obituary

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Heather Albrecht

Delta resident Heather A. Albrecht died at her home Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. She was 39. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at First Assembly of God in Delta. Burial will follow at Delta Cemetery. Mrs. Albrecht is survived by her husband, Hank Albrecht; her son, Daniel Albrecht; her daughter, Lilly Albrecht; her parents, Steve and Becky Shea; her brother, Matt (Jackie) Shea; her paternal grandmother, Ozella Shea; and her maternal grandparents, Don and Peg Lucy, all of Delta. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Fred Fernandez

Former Delta County resident David “Fred” Fernandez died after a short battle with cancer Oct. 3, 2015, at his home in Grand Junction. He was 67. He was an honorably discharged Vietnam veteran. Mr. Fernandez worked as a carpenter. He enjoyed football and classic cars. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Fernandez; five children, Larissa (Steve) Bloom, Heather (Jamie) Hladik, David (Betsy) Fred Fernandez III, Angelina (Chris) Jensen and Elisabeth Fernandez; nine grandchildren, Kelsey Gleason, J.C. Christen, Dakota Cziplus, Cherokee Nicholson, Ashley, Amanda and Gabriel Fernandez, Damon and Zoey Jensen; great-grandson, Drake Gleason; and sister, Anne (Paul) Hanus. A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 17, at Texas Roadhouse in Grand Junction. Dinner will be Dutch treat.

Jody Retherford Jr.

William Joseph “Jody” Retherford Jr. of Perkins/ Stillwater, Okla., died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at his home. He was 73. Graveside services were held Oct. 11 at Parkland Cemetery in Parkland, Okla. Mr. Retherford was born in Tulare, Calif., Oct. 22, 1941, to William and Wilma (Blake) Retherford Sr. He grew up in many areas of California. He served in the U.S. Army for six years. He was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in 1962. He married Sheryl Retherford on Dec. 22, 1964, in Delta. They lived in Sacramento, Calif., before moving to Olathe where he worked as a saw filer for sawmills. They moved to Redding, Calif., for a few years before moving to Perkins, Okla., in 2005. Mr. Retherford enjoyed woodworking, playing solitaire, singing at weddings and funerals, and recording Southern Gospel music. He was a member of the General Assembly and Church of the Firstborn in Yale, Okla. After the death of his wife in 2014, he married Sue Crowley on Aug. 29, 2015, in Perkins. Mr. Retherford is survived by his wife, Sue; children, Jeannie (Tim) Carner of Tryon, Okla., Bobby (Mary) of Grand Junction, Kellie (Gary) Bellew and Joe (Frankie) Retherford, all of Perkins, Okla., and Carl (Teshea) Retherford of Tulsa, Okla.; brothers, David Retherford of Henryetta, Okla., and Larry Retherford of Tahlequah, Okla.; 20 grandchildren; and numerous greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sheryl Retherford; and brothers, Ronnie and Carl Retherford.

Palmer Marler Funeral Memphis, Texas. Home in Cushing, Okla., He is survived by handled the arrange- five children, Jeannie ments. (Lee) Friedman, Terrie Lynn (Sean) McNamara, Billy Jones Jr., Anthony Raymond Reed (Katie) Jones and ChrisRaymond Reed of tina Jones; eight grandGrand Junction died of children, Dominick Mefcancer Sept. 29, 2015. He ford, Dominica Friedwas 82. man, Anastasia and Isaac He was born Aug. 12, Jones, Krishna Wrzesin1933, to George and Edith ski, Nyasia and Denee Reed. He graduated from McNamara and Dameon Hotchkiss High School. Funk; one great-grandAt the age of 18 he daughter, Mazzy; his enlisted in the U.S. sisters, Carolyn Jones, Marines and served priPaula Jones and Marilyn marily in Japan. (Scott) Butler; and his He returned to Colobrothers, Terry and Howrado and worked as a ard Jones. uranium miner, orchard He was preceded in worker and farmer in death by his wife, Debbie various areas of Colorado. Jones in 2000; a brothAfter retiring, he lived in er, Robert Jones; and the Hotchkiss area before his parents, Monroe and moving to Grand JuncImogene Jones. tion 10 years ago. Taylor Funeral Service Mr. Reed is survived and Crematory is hanby a sister, Georgia “Marie” Hale of Yukon, Okla.; a brother, Leonard (Bertha) Reed of Grand Junction; and extended family. He was preceded in death by a brother-inlaw, Clee Hale. BY HANK LOHMEYER No services are Staff Writer planned. The county commisInterment was at sioners recently approved Orchard Mesa Cemetery. a donation for the AbraCards and letters may ham Connection emergenbe sent to 2947 Kathy cy housing shelter on 5th Jo Lane, Grand Junction, Street in Delta. The counCO 81503. ty will donate 350 tons Grand Valley Funer- of gravel for the facility’s al Home handled the parking lot. The county arrangements. also agreed to deliver the material but would like the project’s building contractor to spread it.

dling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Cleo James

Cleo E. James died at his home in Paonia Oct. 10, 2015. He was 91. No services will be held at this time. Mr. James was born in Iowa March 24, 1924. He married Frances

Hoskin in 1950; she preceded him in death. Mr. James enjoyed auctions, taking the scenic route home and partaking in sweets whenever he had the chance. He is survived by his sons, Michael (Nancy) of Whitewater and Doug of Montrose; daughters, Jackie (Rene) Yepez of Redlands, Calif., and Patricia (Shaun) Severin of Loveland; his grandchildren; and 14 greatgrandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Senior CommUnity Care, 11485 Highway 65, Eckert, CO 81418. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Commissioners donate gravel to homeless shelter

Billy Jones

Billy Wayne Jones died Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, at his home in Delta. He was 59. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, at Bethany Baptist Church in Gunnison. The time is pending. Inurnment will be at Salida Cemetery. Mr. Jones was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, Feb. 10, 1956, to Monroe and Imogene (Briscoe) Jones. He married Debbie Arellano July 9, 1973, in

The shelter is scheduled to open on Nov. 1, either at the new building or at an alternate location used last year. In other business, Commissioner Doug Atchley reported on a ballot initiative by state government – question BB. If the question is voted down, $66 million in collected tax dollars will be refunded to the public, to retail marijuana cultivators,

and to retail marijuana purchasers, according to a Blue Book analysis. If the measure is approved, the state government will keep the money, allocating most of it for school construction statewide. The county will pay 16.5 percent higher premiums on health insurance for employees due to high utilization rates on the policy, the commissioners learned.

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Law enforcement blotter

From the Delta were reported and both vehicles were driven from Police Department: the scene. Citations: 14 tickets Oct. 7: Ronald M. Tabor, 76, of for traffic violations were Delta was issued a ticket issued this week, eight for alleged careless driv- for speeding. Please remember: All ing after being involved in a two-vehicle crash criminal charges are on Highway 50 at 1600 merely an accusation Road. No injuries were and the defendant is prereported. One vehicle was sumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. towed from the scene. Oct. 8: From the Delta James K. Gillespie, 84, of Paonia was issued a County Sheriff’s Office ticket for alleged failed to (partial list): yield right of way at stop sign after being involved Oct. 5: A Cedaredge area in a two-vehicle crash on Highway 92 at Crawford woman reported ongoing Avenue. No injuries were concerns about a neighreported. One vehicle was bor’s marijuana grow operation. towed from the scene. A Boulder woman said Francisco J. Ponce, 18, of Delta was issued her father shot a gun at a ticket for alleged fol- her while she was trylowing too closely after ing to pick up some of being involved in a three- her mother’s possessions. vehicle accident on Riley She was advised to leave Lane at E. 3rd Street. No the area and meet the injuries were reported. deputies at a convenience All three vehicles were store. A tractor/car collision driven from the scene. resulted in injuries to a Oct. 10: A 16-year-old female of 2-year-old child. The acciDelta was issued a ticket dent occurred around 3 for alleged reckless driv- p.m. ing, failed to notify police Oct. 6: A Hotchkiss man of an accident and driving without a valid driv- reported he hit a deer on er’s license after being 2100 Road just south of F involved in a one-vehicle Road. The deer was still crash in the 500 block alive but unable to move. of Leon Street. No inju- The Colorado State Patrol ries were reported. The was notified. An Eckert man reportvehicle was driven from ed the theft of a Stihl the scene. chainsaw from his front Oct. 11: Dylan T. Wilding, 23, porch. of Delta was issued a Oct. 7: A vehicle containing ticket for alleged failed to yield right of way four passengers ended up when entering intersec- in a ditch in the Delta tion after being involved area. No one was injured. in a two-vehicle crash on Oct. 8: A Delta man reported Confluence Drive at W. 5th Street. No injuries someone broke into his

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

car with a metal clothes hanger, leaving behind the hanger but taking a Bible and Social Security card. Oct. 9: Shots were reportedly fired inside a Paonia area home. The occupant’s brother feared the ocupant was trying to kill himself. The theft of an ATV trailer ramp was reported from a home on Hanson Mesa Road outside of Hotchkiss. The reporting party believes the thieves were interrupted during the theft and didn’t have a chance to take the other ramp. A Cedaredge area man was contacted after he failed to register as a sex offender. Oct. 10: A Delta area woman reported she found two puppies to purchase on Craigslist. She sent payment via Western Union but never received the bulldog puppies. Oct. 11: A Hotchkiss area woman reported a suspicious incident on M35 Road. She believes a deer was hit by a vehicle, then she heard four shots and the vehicle drove way. The Colorado State Patrol was notified to be on the lookout for a truck or sedan in the area with front end damage. Two trucks and a trailer were reportedly blocking a portion of Shirl Lane in Cedaredge. The sheriff ’s office was asked to track down the owner of the vehicles, which had been left there for several days.

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A8 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Descendants of World War II pilot sought BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

After almost a year of searching for information about a World War II plane crash site discovered in Osteen, Fla., Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C., has concluded the crash site is consistent with the wreck of an SBD-5 Dauntless bomber assigned to the Deland

Naval Air Station in Florida. The pilot has been identified as Ensign William T. Bellmire of Delta. His aircraft crashed on Feb. 1, 1944, six miles south of the DeLand Naval Air Station during a training mission. Pieces of that aircraft were recently recovered by a team from the DeLand (Florida) Naval Air Station Museum. Along with

the pieces of the aircraft, the team recovered two belt buckles, part of a gold chain and an ID plate from the aircraft. The museum is now looking for a descendant who will accept the personal artifacts so family may have these mementos of Ensign Bellmire. Jim Wetzel, director of the Delta Museum, reports Ensign Bellmire

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Lenzini/Released

In February, more than 45 volunteers converged on a property in Osteen, Fla., to help assess, evaluate and document artifacts from a World War II Navy aircraft discovered on a local property. Orange ﬂags designate areas of interest found by members of the Central Florida Metal Detecting Club. It was determined the SBD-5 was piloted by Ensign William Bellmire of Delta. Some of the debris is displayed at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum.

is buried in the Delta City Cemetery next to his parents, Clarence and Shirley (Roady) Bellmire. He was 25, an only child and unmarried at the time of his death. According to museum researchers, the Bellmires were living in California at the time of the crash. Bellmire’s body was returned home and buried with military honors. No known relatives have been located, but the search continues. The search began when Osteen, Fla., resident Rodney Thomas started to find parts of a vintage aircraft on his property. He set out to find out what type of plane had crashed, when it crashed and most important to him, the name of the pilot. For three years he collected hundreds of pieces of the wreckage. Some pieces were small, some were a bit larger, but it was clear by the size of the crash field and the amount of debris that was being recovered, a catastrophic event had taken place. When he finally found an identification plate confirming a WWII SBD-5 aircraft, the direction of the mystery started to take a turn. Rodney contacted The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum and learned that DeLand was the only Naval Air Station during WWII that trained potential pilots to fly SBD-5 aircraft. The members of DNASM, an all-volunteer organization, were honored to join him in the search. They were assisted in a grid search of the crash site by partners from The United States Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C., the Central Florida Metal Detecting Club, the K-9 Search and Rescue Team of Orange City, the Volusia Coun-

ty Sheriff ’s Office, West Volusia Historical Society and other volunteers, including WWII DNAS Line Chief Ken Torbett of Palm Coast. The search generated a great deal of public interest, and the story was covered by a a number of news affiliates and publications. Heidi Lenzini, public affairs officer and George Schwarz, Ph.D., archaeologist, responded to the site from Washington, D.C. They confirmed that six SBD-5 aircraft took off from the DeLand Naval Air Base in 19431944 in the direction of the site. They were never heard from again and are still classified as missing. They continue to conduct an extensive investigation of DeLand WWII flight records, which are located in various archive facilities throughout the U.S. “Normally a site investigation like this one will provide a grieving family with some sense of closure,” Schwarz said, “but in this case, with the body of the pilot recovered and returned to the

family, the investigation is really being driven by the people we worked with in Osteen who are very interested in honoring the life and service of an American sailor who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. I was proud to join them in that effort.” The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum is an all-volunteer not-forprofit organization dedicated to commemorating the men and women who have served in America’s armed conflicts. Thousands of pilots trained for war at DeLand Naval Air Station, which the Navy operated from 1942-1946. The site was returned to the city of DeLand after the war, and is still in operation today with one 4,300-footlong runway and a longer one that is 6,000 feet. If you have any information about Ensign Bellmire, please contact the museum at 386738-4149 or email dnas. museum.org@gmail. com. The museum’s website is www.deland navalairmuseum.org.

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Lenzini/Released

More than 300 pieces from a downed World War II Navy aircraft discovered on private property in Osteen, Fla., are on display at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum. The museum occupies the former master-at-arms quarters and is a historic landmark.

Grant funds integrated behavioral health care The Center for Mental Health, headquartered in Montrose, has been awarded $93,895 from The Denver Foundation’s Colorado Health Access Fund to help advance efforts to integrate behavioral health care into primary care practices across the region. The award to the center was based on the ratio-

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nale that the Center for Mental Health provides services to the most vulnerable and underserved populations in the region and that the Center for Mental Health is implementing a strong model of integration. The award made it possible for the center to continue its existing integrated programs wherein therapists work as one member of a multi-disciplinary care team in the same location to treat the entire health needs of the individual. Existing locations where integrated care is being delivered and being funded by this grant include River Valley Family Health Center in Olathe where there are two full-time therapists providing team-based care and Uncompahgre Medical Center in Norwood where two thera-

pists share a full-time position providing services under the same teambased approach. A second objective of the funding is to create a new integrated program at the Basin Clinic in Naturita which would include a full-time therapist providing care under an integrated model working in concert with primary care providers at the clinic. The center is hopeful that, through this grant funding and through its collaborative partnerships, many lives will be improved and that people who have not previously been screened or treated for behavioral health concerns will receive the care they need in a seamless and team-based approach in the comfortable and familiar environment of their doctor’s office.

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“Stay Close to Home & Fa mily, We Are Here for Y our Health”

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Photo submitted

Fire Prevention Week ��

First grade students at Garnet Mesa had the opportunity to learn about fire safety from Delta’s volunteer firefighters during National Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-11.

Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES Excavations have now mostly concluded at the Eagle Rock Shelter at the Lawhead Gulch site in Delta County. BLM archaeologist Glade Hadden will present the results of the last several years of excavation and

MOPS holds morning, evening meetings Delta MOPS (Mothers Of Preschoolers) now has both evening and morning meetings: 9 to 11:15 a.m. or 6 to 8:15 p.m. All mothers of little ones ages 0-6 are invited to some mommy time, while their kiddos have fun socializing with other kiddos! Coffee, snacks and child care are provided. The next meeting is Oct. 22 at 1250 Pioneer Road. Please call Amanda at 778-5272 for more information.

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discuss the implications of the findings from this 13,000-year-old human occupation on the Gunnison River. His talk, “The First

All ages are invited to participate in the annual amateur chess tournament at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration fee is $15 for adults and $10 for kids ages 16 and under. Registration fees cover the awards. Please register in advance or by 9 a.m. the day of the event. The tournament will consist of six rounds with a limit of one hour for each game. Please bring a snack to share. For more information or to register in advance, call 874-0923.

Ten Thousand Years Is the Hardest,” will be presented to the Chipeta Chapter of the Colorado Archaeology Society. The presentation is free to the

The Western Slope Concert Series will present two concerts with pianist Kathryn Mientka, violinist Sharon Park, violist Stephanie Mientka and cellist John Walz — on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 536 Ouray, Grand Junction, and on Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Tickets are available online at www. JunctionConcerts.com, and at Roper Music in Grand Junction and the Montrose Pavilion. All seats are reserved, and start at $9 in advance and $12 at the door for adults. The concert program will include a Beethoven string trio, a beautiful work for solo piano by Rachmaninoff, and the

great Piano Quartet in A have performed internamajor by Brahms. All the tionally. For more information, performers are awardwinning soloists and call 970-241-4579.

Class offered for amateur archaeologists “Archaeological Dating Methods,” a 15-hour class, will be presented by Colorado assistant state archaeologist Kevin Black in Montrose Oct. 24 and 25. The class is part of the Program for Avocational Archaeological Certification (PAAC) offered by History Colorado and the

Colorado Archaeological Society. This class is an introduction to archaeological dating methods both past and present. The cost is $12 per person. To sign up for this class please contact PAAC coordinator Beverly Kolkman at bk7753@msn.com or 250-8893.

Delta County PERA to meet Oct. 23

The October Delta County PERA meeting has been scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at the Days Inn (back room) in Delta at 4 p.m. After the meeting, participants will order off the menu for dinner. One of the main agenda items will be a report from Tammy Shelton about the state meeting she attended in September. Come find out the latest information from Colorado PERA. Please contact Susan Kathryn Mientka Hamrick, shamrick@ deltaschools.com, if you plan to attend the Oct. 23 meeting. Dues for Delta County PERA members are $5 annually. These may be sent to Helen Groome at cate at the University of 36965 Fruitland Mesa Missouri in Kansas City, Rd., Crawford, CO 81415, studying with Benny Kim. Tickets for the guest artist recital are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, faculty/staff and $5 for students. They are availThe Montrose Botaniable by calling the box cal Society has a public office at 248-1604. display of scarecrows that encourages the artistic creativity of area communities. Enjoy viewing the whimsical scarecrows created by groups, businesses, individuals and families in the area Oct. 24. This is a fun event for the whole family. There are traditional and non-traditional scarecrows. Some creations include Alfred Hitchcock, a garden themed scarecrow, a hippie, a dog scarecrow and Mae West. It’s not too Filip Lazovski late to enter your scareStephanie Mientka

or dropped in an envelope to be given to Susan Hamrick at Hotchkiss K-8 School. You may also pay the dues at the meeting.

Dance the night away Oct. 17 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.

Whimsical scarecrows displayed in gardens

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John Walz

Sharon Park

Guest artist to perform at CMU CMU’s guest artist series will begin with a virtuoso violin concert presented by Filip Lazovski, assisted by faculty pianist Arthur Houle. The concert will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m., in the Moss Performing Arts Center Love Recital Hall. Lazovski was born in Macedonia and began playing the piano at a young age before taking up the violin at age 11. In 2001, he attended the Interlochen Arts Academy on a scholarship. He is a graduate from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., and received a master’s in performance and chamber music from Kent State University as part of the Aidan String Quartet. Filip is currently pursuing an artist certifi-

public and will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the First Methodist Church in Montrose, Park Avenue and South 1st.

Piano quartet opens series with Brahms masterwork

Chess tourney set for Nov. 7

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Archaeologist offers Eagle Rock update

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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crow. Just go to mon trosegardens.org to see guidelines and fill out the entry form. Or call 249-3577 or 941-2249555. This event is a fundraiser for the botanical gardens. No admission fee will be charged, but freewill donation jars will be placed around the gardens. There will be a silent auction for the donated scarecrows. Join the fun Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 to 4 and Sunday, Oct. 25, from noon to 4. The botanical gardens are adjacent to the Montrose Pavilion.

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A10 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Explore Students of the Month financing options Sara Jurca Age: 17 for college Parents: Jill and Robert Jurca Delta High School

Favorite subject: Band Favorite teacher: Mr. LeBlanc and Mr. Magtutu Most influential person in your life: Hailey Hancock. She was one of the greatest teachers I have ever had. From her I learned that if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish it. After graduation I plan to attend college for civil engineering, computer science or music education. Favorite saying: “We aren’t born with a self, we create ourselves. You make you.” ~Hank Green Favorite musician/song: “In the Mood,” Glenn Miller Favorite TV show: Doctor Who Activities: Marching band, ASTRA, National Honor Society, National History Day, Destination Imagination and Delta United Methodist Church bell choir. In my spare time I play my flute and the piano, and run.

Cruz Arias

Age: 17 Parents: Cruz Arias R. and Maritza Hernandez Favorite subject: Business and Art Favorite teacher: Mr. Magtutu Most influential person in your life: My mother Maritza. My mother has far greater influence on me than anyone else. Every word she speaks, every act, every response, her attitude, even her appearance and manner of dress affect my whole life. I have gained from my mother’s attitudes, hopes and beliefs that have determined the kind of life I will live and the contribution I will make to society. After graduation I plan to pursue a career in fashion business and attend Parsons in New York City or the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise in Los Angeles to ultimately create my own high end couture name brand and clothing company. Favorite saying: “I design, therefore I become. I think what I want into existence.” Favorite musician/song: I love to listen to underground alternative and indie rock and pop or anything that is hipster and unpopular. Although one of the biggest idols, inspirations and favorite artist is Lady Gaga and her extraordinary sense of fashion and music. Favorite TV show: I am a very busy young man so TV is not an option, however I do occasionally enjoy watching Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. Activities: ASTRA, Key Club, Leo Club, National Honor Society, College For Every Student, Fine Arts Club, Future Business of Leaders and Health Occupation Students of America. I’m currently president of Delta High’s ASTRA chapter, president of the National Honor Society and Rocky Mountain District Division 7 lieutenant governor for Key Club. My two biggest passions are running and fashion design, so in my spare time I enjoy going on long runs where I transcend into my happy place or I am sitting in front of my design table illustrating new designs for my collections.

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Delta High School will host a parent academy night on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Counselors and keynote speakers will provide information regarding the FAFSA and options for financing college. This is open to the parents of the community — all grade levels — and dinner will be served beginning at 6 p.m. Pre-registration is required for this event. Please go to dhsparent academy.weebly.com for more information.

WAIT training offered for teens The Pregnancy Resource Center is bringing Shelly Donahue to area high schools to talk about the subject of teen sex. Donahue is a speaker and educator who has 20 years of experience in educating and empowering audiences on how to raise the bar of sexual self-control. She is a co-contributor of the WAIT (Why Am I Tempted?) training curriculum. Her mission is to help teens reach their hopes and dreams by honoring themselves and one another while supporting the choice to wait.

Bill Heddles Recreation Center will be offering four classes with craft/music activities for children ages 110. These classes will be held in child care Monday Oct. 19, Thursday, Oct. 22, Monday, Oct. 26, and Thursday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 3 p.m. You can drop off your child/children so you can enjoy your workout or run an errand while they enjoy a craft/music class. The cost is $6 per child, per class. Please register your child at least two days in advance. For more information, call the front desk at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 874-0923.

BAZAAR

FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY,

OCTOBER 16, 17 & 18

• Cake Paddles • Snack Bar • Chinese Auction

~ CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL ~ Friday & Saturday - 6-8 p.m. ~ FAMILY BINGO ~ Friday & Saturday - 7 p.m. • Sunday - 2 p.m. ~ RAFFLE DRAWINGS ~ RAFFLE TICKETS held Sunday, November 1 at 11:45 a.m. $1 EACH 1st Prize: $1000 Homestead Meats Gift Certificate

Buy your tickets at (Donated by Pat Mangum and Delta Hardware in memory of Ralph Mangum) Delta Hardware Modern Appliance 2nd Prize: $500 Visa Gift Card (Donated by Hellman Motor Company) Hellman Motors St. Michael’s Office 3rd Prize: $300 Modern Appliance Gift Certificate

4th Prize: $300 cash

(Donated by Larry and Diane Dicamillo)

628 Meeker St. Tickets will be sold up to the time of the drawings.

~ DINNERS ~

Friday (4-7 p.m.) – Knights of Columbus Barbecue

(Adults $7, Children 12 & Under $3) GREAT & D O Saturday (2-7 p.m.) – Mexican Dinner FO THE R O F N (Adults $7, Children 12 & Under $3) FU WHOLE ! Sunday (11 a.m.- 2 p.m.) – Roast Beef Dinner FAMILY (Adults $8, Children 12 & Under $4)

Buy a weekend meal pass and SAVE$$ Adults $20, Children 12 & Under $8 for all 3 meals!

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Virtuous Kids

Lincoln Elementary and the Kiwanis Club of Delta recently recognized the Virtuous Kids pictured above: (front row, left to right) Keagyn Sharkey (kindness), Amaiya Bowman (respect), Teegan McIlheron (on task), Haylee Brickey (helpful), Diana Soluna (self-discipline), Parker Barnard (respect), Abraham Ramirez (cooperation), Ashlyn Johnson (helpful), Sadie Contreras (respectful), Jaycee Christie (compassion); (back row) Joachim Jones (respect), Maria Reyes Torres (responsibility), Maria Gonzalez (on task), Andrew Priestly (self-discipline), Bethany Farmer (compassion), Adam Ward (diligent), Michael Calhoun (caring), Aneida Sanchez (caring), Faith Williams (responsibility), Draco Soluna (hardworking).

Photo submitted

Students of the Month

Fourth and ﬁfth graders Kailie Hofschulte, Courtney Edenbo, Alexi Armendariz, Ty Huff, Rylan Bynum, Daelen Che and Rosa Varela were named Garnet Mesa Elementary Students of the Month for September.

Crafts, music for kids 1-10 at BHRC

St. Michael’s

(Donated by Jim Sukle)

Photo submitted

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) Emma Valdez, Gabriella Cardenas, Martin Medina, Yaretzi Valencia, Jimmy Say; (back row) Dakota Rounds, Danika Queen, Isabella Gonzalez, Christian Diaz. Below are second and third graders Juliana Stagner, Sydnie Atchley, Ellie Magner, Ryan Hendricks, Giovanni Madrid, Haili Truitt, Olivia Hines and Ladon Hamm.

BAZAR

DE LA IGLESIA DE SAN MIGUEL Viernes, Sábado, y Domingo 16, 17, y 18 de octubre

• RIFA de PASTELES • DULCES • SUBASTA CHINA ~ CARNAVAL PARA NIÑOS ~ Viernes & Sábado - 6-8 p.m.

~ BINGO FAMILIAR ~ Viernes & Sábado - 7 p.m. • Domingo - 2 p.m. ~ La rifa se llevará ~ $1/BOLETO a cabo el domingo, 1 ro de noviembre Compre sus boletos

1er Premio: Certificado de regalo de $1000 de Homestead Meats Donado por Pat Mangum y Delta Hardware en memoria de Ralph Mangum

2do Premio: Tarjeta Visa de $500 Donado por Hellman Motor Company

3er Premio: Certifcado de regalo de $300 de Modern Appliance Donado por Jim Sukle

4to Premio: $300 en efectivo Donado por Larry y Diane Dicamillo)

en Delta Hardware, Modern Appliance, Hellman Motors, o en la oficina de la iglesia de San Miguel 628 Meeker St. Los boletos se venderán hasta el Domingo, 1ro de noviembre.

~ COMIDA ~

! SABROSA AY COMID ÓN I DIVERS DA O T PARA LA! I LA FAM

Viernes (4-7 p.m.) – Comida proporcionada por los Caballeros de Colon (Adultos $7, Niños 12 años o menores $3)

Sábado (2-7 p.m.) – Comida Mexicana (Adultos $7, Niños 12 años o menores $3)

Domingo (11 a.m.- 2 p.m.) – Cena de Roast Beef

(Adultos $8, Niños 12 años o menores $4) Compre un pase de comida y ahorre dinero: Adultos $20, Niños 12 años o menores $8 por los tres platillos

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NORTH FORK October 14, 2015

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Trash collection fees to rise in Hotchkiss BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

At a Sept. 29 special meeting, Hotchkiss trustees voted unanimously to award Double J Disposal, Inc. a five-year contract for trash collection. Double J submitted one of two bids for the service. Those receiving once-weekly residential service will see their bill rise from $11.50 to $12.50. Double J’s weekly residential pickup rate will rise from $9.50 to $10.50, and the town will continue to charge $2 for the cost of bookkeeping, billing cards and printing. The increase begins in November and will be reflected in customers’ December billing. Double J will now charge $23 for customers wanting an optional 96-gallon toter. Weekly rates for dumpsters will also rise to $39 for twoyard, $50.50 for three-, $70 for four-, and $105 for six-yard dumpsters. Pickup service for Town Hall, the public works and fire departments, parks and the library will be supplied at no charge. The contract allows for Double J to discuss with the town a possible surcharge to cover unforeseen expenses in the event landfill fees are raised or the price of fuel escalates. The town also received a bid from Waste Management for $17.25 per resident per

week. Trustees also granted a request from local rancher Dan Bolton to graze about 1,100 sheep on roughly 18 acres on Barrow Mesa, within town limits, for a period not to exceed 30 days. Bolton said the sheep will graze an estimated seven to 10 days. His request included two letters of support from neighboring residents. Bolton said a sheepherder’s camp will also be set up, but there will be no guard dog due to past issues. Trustees unanimously approved the request, with James Roberts adding that it helps cut down on fire danger. Since he makes the request annually, Bolton asked if it’s possible to be granted a three- to five-year variance to avoid having to go through the process every year. Due to the fact that neighbors could change during that time, trustee Tom Wills recommended that Bolton submit a letter of request, and that he doesn’t need to attend the hearing. “I will just do it every year,” said Bolton. “I appreciate the way you do things.” Following the meeting, trustees and staff, including Sheriff Dan Miller, public works director Mike Owens, and town engineer Joanne Fagan went into executive session, followed by a public work session.

It’s Oktoberfest time in Paonia The harvest is a time of celebration, and the Paonia Chamber of Commerce will celebrate this year’s harvest at the Oktoberfest celebration from 2-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at The Living Farm Cafe. This is the second year the chamber has sponsored the event. Oktoberfest will include

a meal of brats and other local fare. A selection of local beers and Big B’s ciders are also available. Put on your best lederhosen and dirndl, as there will be an Oktoberfest costume contest beginning at 4 p.m. RSVP at paoniachamber. com or contact the chamber at 527-3886.

Photo by Tamie Meck

A band of color

The fall colors were still visible from Crawford Cemetery Saturday.

Crawford firefighter thwarts spread of fire BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

When a fire erupted at a house on A Street in Crawford the evening of Oct. 2, Crawford Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Mike Tiedeman was in the right place at the right time and was paying attention. “There’s a lot of people calling Mike our local hero,” said Crawford mayor Susie Steckel at the Oct. 7 council meeting. Tiedeman is president of the CVFD board and has been active with the department for more than 20 years. He also served for 10 years as fire chief. He and his wife Stephanie happened to be driving east past the house Friday evening, and Mike spotted flames on the deck located on the west side of the building. “I thought people were enjoying a fire,” said Tiedeman. When they turned the corner, he spotted flames inside the house. Stephanie imme-

diately called 911, and Mike headed for the fire house where he and Ralph Clark jumped in a vehicle. Within 3 minutes of the call they were on the scene, and within 8 to 10 minutes firefighters were dousing the fire with water, said Tiedeman. Tiedeman said his initial attack was not on the fire consuming the house, but on protecting the fire from spreading to the heavily-wooded area around it, where other structures are located. He knew aid was coming and would take care of the structure. “I was more concerned that we’d end up chasing the fire through town,” said Teideman. “It was pretty unbelievable to look at where that

fire was,” and how it was contained, said public works director Bruce Bair, who estimates that about 20,000 to 25,000 gallons of water were used to fight the fire. An investigation showed that the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion of a pile of rags used in staining the back deck, said Tiedeman. It quickly moved up inside the house, and “violently erupted,” heavily damaging the structure. No injuries were reported. “It’s heartbreaking,” said Tiedeman, adding that it’s best when working with oilbased products to put the rags in a fireproof, ventilated container. That way, if they do ignite, the fire is contained.

Crawford will budget for broadband project BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The town of Crawford has agreed to budget about $60,000 over the next two to three years to pay for its estimated share of installation of “final mile” broadband infrastructure. The project is part of a $5.2 million grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs obtained by Region 10 to provide affordable high-speed broadband Internet services to Montrose and Delta counties. Money will help pay for installation of the fiber network from a DeltaMontrose Electric Association substation to carrier-neutral locations within the town. At the Oct. 7 town board meeting, Region 10 executive director and enterprise zone administrator Michelle Haynes spoke to trustees about the need for bringing broadband to the area. “You all know, in this day and age, broadband is just a necessary service,” for schools and businesses, said Haynes. Delta County communities are being asked to pay part of the cost to install fiber from substation to carrier-neutral locations (CNL). Cost is expected to be between $11$18 per foot to install fiber, plus $5,500 for equipment installation at each CNL. Once installed, individual service providers can contract with Region 10 to provide affordable services to businesses and residences, said Haynes. The town has no intention of entering into the broadband business. In looking at the town’s current finances, expenses for the general fund thus far this year have been $71,563 and revenues are at $105,405, said public works director Bruce Bair, who led a discussion on the 2016 draft budget.

“It looks like we may have a little bit of room in the general fund” for making a contribution toward broadband, said Bair. The money would not all be due at once. Municipalities will pay as the project is built out. Haynes said construction is expected to begin next June and take about a year to 18 months, meaning the cost to Crawford can be stretched out over at least two fiscal years. While Region 10’s grant allows only for “middle mile” infrastructure construction, Delta County has agreed to pay up to $800,000 toward the project. That’s “amazing,” said Haynes. “No other county in our region is doing this … They so strongly believe in economic development and the role of broadband in economic development that they’ve committed to making sure each of your communities has at least one access point to the service.” Region 10 “is asking our communities to really consider paying what they can afford,” said Haynes. “I don’t foresee another time in the future to have this kind of opportunity to leverage these funds.” The town had until last Friday to identify its anchor points and state its financial commitment to the project to the county. Also at the meeting, Connie Layton, president of the Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce, said that no one is planning to take over the annual Parade of Lights and Festival of Trees this year. The festival is held the Friday after Thanksgiving. With the event just five weeks out, “It’s our understanding there will be no Parade of Lights,” or Festival of Trees. Trustee Hetty Todd said she believes someone will step

up. “They’re not going to just let it die, so we’ll just have to wait and see.” The Fruitland Mesa Club also hosts its annual crafts fair that weekend, and in the past has held the event in the Town Hall community room. Speaking on behalf of the club, Layton requested that it be given special consideration for a reduced rate after trustees set the daily rental of the room at $100. “They can’t afford the $100 rate,” said Layton. Following discussion, trustees voted to let the club have the room free of charge. Todd noted that the money made at the craft fair circulates back into the community, and Mayor Susie Steckel noted that the club put money toward Town Hall remodeling efforts. “We’re going to have to revisit those room rates, because they are too high,” said Steckel. “Because it’s a community building we have to allow the community to at least be able to use it and be able to afford it.” Discussion of rental fees will be placed on the Oct. 21 agenda. Layton is also seeking potential chamber board members after four of the six active members said they will not stay on the board after their terms expire in December. Individuals interested in serving on the board can contact the chamber ahead of its November election. “The fate of the chamber rests on other people stepping up to participate,” said Layton. Trustees also voted to approve the liquor license renewal application for the Boardwalk Restaurant. Trustee Gill Saunders, owner of the Boardwalk, abstained from voting.

Photo by Tamie Meck

A house on A Street was destroyed the evening of Oct. 2. Fireﬁghter and town trustee Mike Tiedeman, along with wife Stephanie, reported the ﬁre. At the Oct. 7 council meeting, Tiedeman was called a hero.

Council proclaims ‘Shop Hotchkiss’ BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Hotchkiss mayor Wendell Koontz officially declared the second Saturday of each month, beginning on Oct. 10, as “Shop Hotchkiss Day.” The proclamation reads, in part, that small, local businesses are the backbone of the economy and are essential to communities. The town’s diverse businesses “clearly serve a vital role for the community of Hotchkiss,” help create jobs, reduce environmental impacts and improve neighborhoods. The proclamation was one of numerous items on the Oct. 8 agenda. Resident Ann Robertson received approval of a variance request seeking release of covenant restrictions for the property located at 202204 Bridge Street, which she recently purchased. Roberts resides in an apartment on the property and plans to open a massage studio in the existing office building. The property has only one water tap. Robertson assured the town that her customer water use won’t amount to much. In 1996 when the apartment was

added to the existing building, the agreement between the town and prior owners stated that they could use just one tap, so long as only one business and one residential apartment were occupied. Planning commission recommends approval, said trustee and commission member Tom Wills. The request was unanimously approved, with condition that the town “is only approving the specific use of a massage therapist’s office or the equivalent.” “Good luck to you guys, and we look forward to seeing you open,” said Mayor Koontz. Trustees also unanimously approved liquor license renewal applications for Tucker Ray, LLC, and Dillon Companies Inc., doing business as City Market. There were no reported issues from the town or the state liquor license division. Neither establishment was represented at the meeting. Trustee Larry Jakubiak noted that the application for Tucker Ray was incomplete. It was approved contingent upon receipt of missing information and presentation of a copy of HOTCHKISS COUNCIL TO B3

B2 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

HHS HOMECOMING

Delta County Independent

The Hotchkiss Bulldog football team makes its entrance before shutting out its Homecoming opponent Lake County on Friday night by the score of 61-0.

It was a ‘Super Hero’ Homecoming at HHS

Sophia Schelle and Clayton Oxford were crowned Homecoming Queen and King during halftime of the Bulldog football game.

Photos by Tamie Meck

Photo by Tracy Sturgis

Peach Fuzz volleyball is part of the fun and tradition of Homecoming.

Members of the HHS freshman class enjoyed the tradition of painting the “H” as part of Homecoming Week festivities. Volunteers also began conservation efforts for the “H,”which dates back to the early 1950s. Above right, freshman and adult volunteers dug a trench above the “H” to help control water erosion.

Junior class members freshen up the paw prints along Bulldog Way on Wednesday during Homecoming Week. Several other improvement projects were also completed.

The bonﬁre remains a part of Hotchkiss Homecoming tradition.

Students painted downtown storefronts with Bulldog red and white to showcase school spirit.

As part of Homecoming Week, seniors paint artwork and write names and messages on the bricks of the school hallways on Wednesday.

Super Heroes was the theme for this year’s Homecoming. Holy graduation! Members of the Hotchkiss High and K-8 schools parade band lead the HomeThe senior class chose the Batman theme for itss ﬂoat. coming parade. High School band members proudly donned their crisp red and white uniforms and busbies for the occasion.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

School bell dedicated to Hotchkiss council memory of Harold Martin BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A bell that once rang at the original Hotchkiss High School and was originally ordered from a Sears & Roebuck catalog finally has a permanent home. This year the decision was made to remove the roughly 116-year-old bell

from the roof of Hotchkiss Memorial Hall, where it has been since February, 1979, and give it a place of honor in front of the hall. On Sunday, the Memorial Hall board dedicated the bell in memory of Harold Martin, a 25year board member, lifelong Hotchkiss resident and World War II veter-

Photo by Tamie Meck

The bell that sat atop Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss was recently given a permanent home in front of the hall and dedicated to the memory of Harold Martin, a 25-year board member and lifelong resident of Hotchkiss. Attending the ceremony, from left, are current board member Bud Sussman, Martin’s widow and son, Karen Martin and Tom Martin, and board members Dave Whittlesey — also president of the Hotchkiss Lions Club, Eric Hollembeak, Nancy Stevens, Paul Smucker and Billie Martin. Not pictured: board member Lee Byrum.

an. Martin died in 2014. His wife, Karen, and son, Tom, attended the ceremony, and a plaque was placed on the flag pole. A display created for the dedication by Hotchkiss - Crawford Historical Society board member Kathy McKee stated that an 1897 Sears and Roebuck catalog lists the bell for sale for $22.90. With the steel stand and wheel to ring it, the total weight was 425 pounds. The high school was originally built in 1897, and the bell was put in place in 1899. After a new school was built in 1912 on Main Street across from where Town Hall currently sits, the bell was moved there. When that building, now an apartment building, was slated to be converted to an old folks home, Ed Hanson took it to his home on Duke Mesa, where it was repaired and painted to prevent rust. It was often borrowed for use on parade floats. (The old folks home was never completed.) When the school was closed, Bud Simonds kept the bell safe for several years and in 1979 it was moved to the roof of Memorial Hall after the sitting town council decided they couldn’t display it. Minutes of the Memorial Hall board meeting of June 9, 1978, state that the bell “is not to be confused with the old town bell which is now at the Methodist Camp.” A crane was required to lower the bell off the roof. While moving it, “Harold was really on our minds,” said board member Paul Smucker.

First responder shares thoughts on ambulance SPECIAL TO THE DCI FROM NORTH FORK AMBULANCE As a first response volunteer EMT for more than a decade, Christopher Brown has met hundreds of men, women, children, each of whom is memorable in their own way. He says, “Every individual stands out, and yet we have a common connection through our hearts. We

take care of our people. “Being an EMT is a juggling act, because we sometimes have our own family issues to deal with in the midst of our shift. No matter what the case may be, I always remember each and every call that I go on, bad and good. The best is saving a person’s life.” When asked why being a member of North Fork Ambulance is important,

Learn to save a life with CPR Hands-only CPR can save lives. Learn the two steps to help save a life at a free presentation sponsored by North Fork Ambulance volunteers. Two sessions are being offered, at 10 a.m. and again at 11 a.m., at the Hotchkiss Community Center, 276 W. Main, Saturday, Oct. 17.

An American Heart Association health care provider class will be offered Saturday, Oct. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. This class will also be held at Hotchkiss Community Center, 276 W. Main, at a cost of $45. Please contact Dawnette Simpson at 872-4688 to register for the classes.

Christopher Brown Brown replies, “Being an integral part of something in this upside down world that really makes a difference is inspiring. For me, just knowing I’m involved in something so meaningful and utterly essential to the well-being of North Fork Valley residents is worth it all. Ours is a great service and we need a strong commitment from all the North Fork valley citizens to keep this vital service healthy and growing for coming generations.”

FROM PAGE B1 the lease. Mark Stewart was granted renewal of a permit to allow the Outdoors Alive/Wounded Warriors organization for disabled veterans to access hunting on town property at the wastewater treatment plant. The renewal is contingent upon another lessee, Jerry Thompson, having no objection to the permit. Trustees approved a $500 annual renewal of the town’s gold membership to the Hotchkiss Booster Club. Trish Thibido with Delta County Economic Development requested a $500 annual donation from the town, as it has given in the past, and asked trustees to consider doubling the donation. DCED, a non-profit resource for economic development in the county, has recently increased its staff and is reaching out to investors and the community, said Thibido. In addition to partnering with the Office of Economic Development’s Region 10 to leverage funds for the broadband initiative, “we’ve been involved with a number of different things and we’re taking on a number of new initiatives,” said Thibido. Among its long list of accomplishments, DCED brought in $400,000 in grants to businesses that resulted in 18 jobs and $2.6 million in business expansion, said Thibido. They are also seeking to invest in renewable energy projects and looking at options for bringing more new business to the area. Trustee Jakubiak suggested the town give the $500 it has given in past years and not spend extra money due to recent mine layoffs until the impact to the town are known. “I still believe in the $500, but I don’t personally believe we should double that,” said Jakubiak. Wills said he believes it’s appropriate because times are tough, and recommended the issue be part of the upcoming 2016 budget workshop scheduled for Nov. 2. Trustees agreed to submit a letter of support and consider a cash donation of up to $250 and an undefined amount of inkind donations for the North Fork Pool, Parks and Recreation District for construction of a shade structure to be utilized for picnics, reunions and more, as per its master plan. The NFPPR

board is applying for a Great Outdoors Colorado mini grant, said director Lenore Cambria. Cost is estimated at $45,000, 25 percent of which must be matched with cash and in-kind donations. “The rec district does provide great opportunities for adults and kids in the valley,” said trustee Wills. Cambria said that the district will apply pickleball lines on the Apple Valley tennis courts in the near future. That creates the opportunity for pickleball tournaments, said Cambria. As part of the ongoing discussion on broadband, “Obviously there’s still a lot to be discussed and understood on this point,” said Mayor Koontz. Trustees approved a draft letter to Delta County identifying two potential anchor points within the town — a private connection at Town Hall, and one ConsumerNeutral Location (CNL) at the Public Works Department. When asked for specifics on the private anchor point by trustee Jakubiak,

Koontz said nothing has been committed to and the subject is still up for discussion. The letter, addressed to Delta County, specifies that nomination of the two locations is not a commitment to funds or resources, but solely for budgetary purposes for project grant-holders Region 10. Trustee Wills cast the sole no vote. Past discussion has suggested the town may sell the public works property in the future. “An anchor point … might be an issue,” said Wills. He also noted that the K-8 School has expressed an interest in being an anchor point and wanted to pass that information on to Region 10. The town will include the topic in discussion at the Nov. 2 work session, which will also include discussion of the draft 2016 budget. Michelle Haynes with Region 10 said she will plan to attend the meeting, and said she heard some “inconsistencies” from the board during discussion.

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B4 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

PHS Pink Event raises money for HopeWest BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

One day each fall, the Paonia High School Eagles volleyball team goes all out for breast cancer awareness. The Colorado High School Activities Association encourages volleyball teams to “Think Pink” in honor of October as Breast Cancer

Awareness Month during a home match. Paonia has participated in the event since 2007. Last Wednesday it hosted its annual Pink Event in partnership with the Meeker Cowboys. A bake sale offered an array of pink cookies, cupcakes and other treats, with buyers deter-

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, volleyball coaches Amy Bell, Kriss Allen and Krista Carsten enjoy a light moment Friday during the Pink Night volleyball match at Paonia High School. Since 2010, the event, which recognizes October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has raised close to $10,000 for HopeWest of Delta.

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mining how much they want to donate for each item. During time-outs, drawings were held for prizes donated by local individuals and businesses. Between the junior varsity and varsity matches, prizes were laid out on the volleyball court. Anyone hitting a prize on a serve claimed that prize. “Meeker is always willing to participate,” to buy T-shirts, and be patient with the long time-outs while drawings and contests are held, said assistant coach Amy Bell, who grew up in Hotchkiss and went on to play volleyball at CSU-Pueblo. When their schedules allow, Paonia partners with Hotchkiss to promote the event. Rangely has also partnered on the event. Proceeds from donations, sale of tickets for drawings and bake sales and games, as well as gate fees after expenses will go to HopeWest’s Delta location. Since 2010 the event has generated about $10,000 for the organization, which offers hospice and palliative care and other social programs to people in their homes, hospitals and assisted living residences. While the amount that HopeWest will receive from Friday’s event isn’t yet known, last year’s event raised just over $6,000, which was a record. HopeWest is very grateful, said Bell. Bell credits junior varsity head coach Kriss Allen for making the event what it is. “She does the majority of the work,” said Bell. “She has that kind of heart.” This year’s event has a little extra meeting for Paonia’s coaches. When Bell was three months pregnant with daughter Loni, she was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Loni turned 1 in September. “This year it’s a little closer to my heart,” said Bell. Some of this year’s prizes were donated in recognition of cancer survivors, and in memory of some who didn’t survive. This year Bell and her mother, Karen Lacey, both donated prizes. *** Facts about breast cancer in the U.S. • One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. • Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. • Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women, behind heart disease.

Exceptional Eagles

Photo submitted

On Oct. 9, the pictured Paonia Elementary School students were recognized for demonstrating S.O.A.R. behavior. Pictured are (back row, left to right) Ian Wallace, Alejandro Garcia, Jose Mojarro, Laurel Norris, Marissa Smith, Faith Frazier and Lane Allen for achievement and respect; (front row) Walker Arterburn and Tyreen Farnsworth for respect; Abigale Roberts and Emily Reedy for achievement and respect; Emberlee Vierra for order and respect. Way to S.O.A.R. students!

Repair station helps keep students riding BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia students who ride bikes to school now have access to a repair station at both Paonia Elementary and JuniorSenior high schools, thanks to a grant from Action for Healthy Kids. As part of National Walk To School Day, elementary school students who walked or biked to school Oct. 7, which was also National Walk to School Day, were treated to prizes and other incentives, also courtesy of the grant. Junior high teacher Ellie Roberts wrote the $5,000 grant, which was one of five awarded in the state through the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School. SRTS “uses a comprehensive approach to make school routes safe for children” who walk or bike to school. The Town of Paonia acted as the pass-through agent for the reimbursable grant. The 74 elementary school students who walked and biked to school Wednesday represented 37 percent of the student body, said PES principal Sam Cox. Of those, 31 rode bikes, which is about twice the number of bikes at school compared to a typical day. After school, parent Kaspar Keil demonstrated how to use the repair station, and how to fix a flat caused by a goat head sticker, which frequently happens in the area. Keil, whose family is relatively new to the area, is a former bike

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kaspar Keil demonstrates how to repair ﬂat bike tires Wednesday at Paonia Elementary School as part of National Walk to School Day. Kids also learned about the newly-installed bike repair stations at PES and Paonia Junior/Senior High School, made possible by a grant from Action for Healthy Kids. distributor and repair shop owner. When he saw the repair station at PES, which was installed in mid-September, he offered his services. Repair stations include a bike stand, permanently-affixed tools, and a pump and pressure gauge. Students who participated in the demonstration were given patch kits and tubes, which will also be available for emergencies at the school office. “This is what it’s all about,” said Keil, who sees the stations as filling a need in the community. He also plans to offer more simple repair demonstrations in the future. Roberts said the repair stations are designed for more urban environments by the

Bike Fixation company in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Parts vending machines were also an option, but that didn’t seem to fit the rural North Fork area, said Roberts. When she moved here with her family two years ago, there was no bike shop. But combined with the addition in 2014 of the Paonia Bike Co-op and this summer’s opening of Shish KaBikes, access to parts and support is very accessible. The junior high school is also planning to incorporate minor bicycle repairs into its Life Skills class, said Roberts. Safety remains the No. 1 concern, said Keil, who gave extra credit to students wearing helmets. He said he can’t stress enough the importance of wearing helmets.

Workshops to help water users, government work more cooperatively

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The Ditch & Reservoir Company Alliance (DARCA) will be holding four workshops during the next few months on how local government and ditch companies can work more cooperatively. The first workshop, Enhancing Communication and Reducing Uncertainty Between Local Government and Ditch Companies will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction. The public is welcome to attend this free workshop, and it runs from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided. The workshop will address how ditch companies and irrigated agriculture provide benefits to local communities in many ways. A wide variety of speakers have been invited to not only inform, but to solicit input from the agricultural and water commu-

nities. Representatives from local ditch companies, Mesa County, and the City of Grand Junction will point out the importance of working more collaboratively, and will discuss the needs of counties, cities, ditch companies, citizens, contractors and developers. DARCA will present the updated version of its DARCA Model Land Use Codes. The Ditch & Reservoir Company Alliance, a nonprofit organization established in 2001, is dedicated to serving the needs of mutual ditch and reservoir companies, irrigation districts, and lateral companies through its efforts of advocacy, education and networking. For information and to register for these workshops, please visit www.darca.org or contact John McKenzie at 970-412-1960 or john. mckenzie@darca.org.

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

St. Michael’s annual bazaar is back this fall A year of renovation at St. Michael Catholic Church in Delta forced the cancellation of the church’s annual fall bazaar in 2014. This year

it’s back with lots of food and fun the weekend of Oct. 16-17-18. There will be activities for the entire family, including lots of great food, a kids’ carnival

Friday and Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m., and family bingo Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and again Sunday afternoon at 2. Other activities include

Women support women Around the country, groups of women are coming together once a month on or near the new moon to create a safe, nurturing, healing space by women for women. This gathering, called a Red Tent Temple, is planned Friday, Oct. 16, at the Center for Spiritual Living, 658 Howard Street in Delta. Women are free to come and go from 3 to 11 p.m. A talk-

ing circle is planned at 7 p.m.; other times of day are open to the ideas of women who come. Take a nap, journal, spend time in quiet thought with a cup of tea, rest your head in a sister’s lap, sing sacred songs, share stories, educate and mentor our young daughters and sisters, or listen to our elders. This is a free event, with donations accepted

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to maintain the meeting space. Feel free to bring anything you might like to share with others, including food, talents, skills or stories. The Red Tent Temple is open to all women under the common ground of their desire to connect and care for others and ourselves. For more information, call 874-3425.

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the gospel creates lasting changes in inmates’ lives. The event will be held at Crossroads Victory Church, 515 Hillcrest Drive in Montrose. The doors open at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and costs $35 per person. For reservations or information, call 2528110.

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Good News Jail and Prison Ministry is changing lives through Jesus Christ. To support Chaplain Tim Bergstrom and the ministry at the Delta Correctional Center, a western barbecue fundraising banquet is planned Friday, Oct. 30. Come hear firsthand through special music and testimony how

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a $300 Modern Appliance gift certificate and $300 in cash. The drawing will be held Sunday, Nov. 1, at 11:45 a.m. Don’t miss a fun weekend at the church at 628 Meeker Street, Delta.

Good News Ministry is changing inmates’ lives

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Raffle tickets are being sold at Delta Hardware, Modern Appliance, Hellman Motors and St. Michael’s office. Prizes include a $1,000 Homestead Meats gift certificate, a $500 Visa gift card,

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cake paddles, a snack bar and a Chinese auction. The auction features donations from parishioners and generous Delta merchants, and includes a variety of items, from clearance or overstocked merchandise to gift certificates. The Knights of Columbus are hosting a barbecue Friday night from 4 to 7 p.m. Mexican fare is on the menu Saturday from 2 to 7 p.m. On Sunday, a roast beef dinner will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Purchase meal tickets at the door; buy a weekend meal pass and save money on the three meals. Passes are just $20 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under.

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B6 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

North Fork water district has ballot question Residents of the North Fork Water Conservancy District will have a ballot question to consider in this fall’s election. To help understand the issue, the district issued the following: After more than 50 years of operation, the Paonia Dam, the Fire Mountain Canal, and the LCWUA reservoirs are all in need of continuing

maintenance, repair and modernization. In addition, other irrigation systems in the North Fork Valley have the same problems. The North Fork Water Conservancy District (NFWCD) was established to develop the Paonia Reservoir and maintain our irrigation infrastructure. Over the years, the NFWCD has

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a change of use of the special repayment mill levy and to allow the NFWCD to accept funds from the state to be used for repairs and maintenance on the system. The question reads: “Without any increase in the district’s property tax mill levy rate, shall the North Fork Water Conservancy District be authorized to collect, retain, and expend the full revenues derived from any and all lawful revenue sources generated in any previous or future year, as a voter-approved revenue change, without regard to any spending, revenue-raising, or other limitation contained

Water center hosts film on Colorado water

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overseen the Paonia Project and helped numerous smaller ditch companies with their projects. The NFWCD faces two problems: 1) The NFWCD can only disperse funds from its special repayment mill levy to make the annual project repayment; and 2) because of TABOR limitations, the NFWCD is unable to accept funds from the State of Colorado which might be available for repairs and improvements to the system. To overcome these problems, the NFWCD will have a measure on the November election ballot asking voters within the district to approve

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The Ruth Powell Hutchins Water Center at Colorado Mesa University will host a showing of “The Great Divide,” a feature length film on Colorado’s water history, in the Meyer Ballroom — South at the University Center on Saturday, Oct. 17. There will be a reception at 6 p.m., the film will be introduced by filmmaker Jim Havey at 6:30, and a panel of local water experts will be available to answer questions after the film. To reserve a free ticket and a free beer donated by the Palisade Brewing Company, visit www. coloradomesa.edu/WaterCenter. “The Great Divide,” produced by Havey Productions, traces Colorado’s water history from the water works of the ancestral Puebloans at Mesa Verde to contemporary water projects and debates. It describes the foundations of Colorado water law and major dams and diversions, as well as growing public recognition of the environmental and recreational value of rivers. The filmmakers do

not take sides on the many controversies surrounding water in Colorado, but they do give voice to many of the key players. The narrative is accompanied by stunning images of Colorado’s landscape and many historical photographs. Following the film, a panel of local water experts will offer responses to the film and field questions. These will include Mark Harris of the Grand Valley Water Users Association, Jim Pokrandt of the Colorado River District and Richard VanGytenbeek of Trout Unlimited.

BY LEAH MORRIS Delta County Libraries

“This is why we ask for seeds to come back in plastic bags,” says Sarah Pope, the creator of Delta County Libraries’ North Fork Seed Library. Pope holds up a sealed bag filled with round brown seeds. The seeds appear

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irrigators would receive additional water from lower Rogers Mesa below the Fire Mountain Canal which would be traded to the newly formed Leroux Creek Water Users Association (LCWUA) for shares of Fire Mountain. The Paonia Dam was completed in 1964 and the NFWCD became the contracting agent between the BOR, Fire Mountain, and the LCWUA. This project served to expand and make reliable the irrigation waters of a large area of the North Fork and continues to be the largest supplier of agricultural water in the North Fork Valley. A small mill levy was established to fund the operation of the NFWCD and in 1972, the board approved an additional levy to help make the annual repayment to the BOR. As property valuations increased over the years, the special repayment mill levy generated more revenue than required for dam payments and could now be used to improve the system. Questions are encouraged and can be directed to any NFWCD board member: Tom Alvey, president, 872-3911; Mark Smith, 872-219; Dave Whittlesey, 835-7600; Dixie Luke, 872-6265; Kevin Kropp, 527-3157; Steve Kossler, 527-4597; and Bill Houseweart, 872-3592.

Libraries: Return seeds and the library will grow

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within Article X, section 20 of the Colorado Constitution and without limiting in any year the amount of other revenues that may be collected and spent by the district?” Approval of the ballot measure will not increase the district’s property tax mill levy rate. All water users in the district will benefit from approval of this measure. Approval will allow the district to more efficiently use its resources to improve the irrigation systems in the North Fork Valley. The NFWCD was founded in 1941 by decree of the court for the purpose of developing, conserving and preserving the water resources of the North Fork Valley. In 1948 a special election was held which authorized the NFWCD to negotiate and engage contracts with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) and irrigators of the valley for the construction of the Paonia Project. The Paonia Project included plans to build the Paonia Reservoir, enlarge and extend the Fire Mountain Canal, and evaluate and improve reservoirs on the Leroux Creek drainage. Fire Mountain irrigators would receive a reliable supply of stored water to extend the irrigation season as well as an enlarged and improved canal delivery system. Leroux Creek

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to be moving, covered with strange little insects. “We discovered this is the hollyhock weevil. One of my favorite aspects of being a seed librarian is continually learning something new.” Pope clearly relishes the challenges of seed collecting, even if that job means dealing with seeds that are bug-infested and unusable. Other discoveries are more positive. Pope explains, “In my own garden, I’ve been harvesting dry beans. We’ve been growing several varieties for about five years now, and I’m starting to notice that they are adapting to our region and maturing earlier.” The North Fork Seed Library, well into its second year, has not reached that stage yet, but Pope hopes Delta County Libraries’ seed growers will begin to notice similar changes as the program rolls successfully into future years. Delta County Libraries’ staff is ready to conclude this year by accepting seed returns to the North Fork Seed Library, with or without weevils. Despite being called the North Fork Seed Library, seed savers are encouraged to participate throughout the county. The name reflects the origin of the program, but in reality, patrons checked out seeds from all Delta County Library branches, and donations have come from many different locations as well. Patrons can visit any Delta County Library to obtain seed return bags and forms to fill out with information about their seeds. Returning seeds is not required in order to check out seeds in the first place. Patrons are encouraged to try, but there are

other ways to participate and support the program. Pope offers, “As the seed library continues to grow we will need continued help. You can get involved this winter by helping at a seed sorting party.” Seed sorting requires measuring seeds into individual packets, which are then labelled and cataloged for circulation. It sounds like a tedious task, but Pope assures patrons that working together makes the job fun. The first Delta County Libraries seed sorting party will take place Nov. 10, with details to be announced. Pope has been pleased with the growth of the North Fork Seed Library over the last two years, and has exciting goals for the continued growth of the program. In addition to watching the stock and varieties of available seeds increase with time, she hopes to start capturing more of the stories behind the seeds. “So many patrons bring in their seed donations with beautiful stories of the history and their relationship to those seeds. I feel the seed library is the perfect way to preserve local history.” To this end, Pope and other library staff have been looking into the possibility of recording patrons’ seed stories and storing the recordings in the seed library catalog for everyone to access. Numerous volunteers and staff members are needed to make the seed library a success; however, Pope provides good reasoning for all the work involved when she says, “By maintaining a vegetable variety, you are preserving a piece of history. By saving seeds, you are planting the future.”

Susan Ellinger to perform with VSO The Oct. 25 concert of the Valley Symphony Orchestra will feature North Fork piano artist Susan Ellinger performing Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor with the orchestra. The orchestra will also perform Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and Symphony No. 8 in F Major. Ellinger is the artistic director for the Blue Sage Center for the Arts’

music series and received degrees from Oberlin, Manhattan School of Music, and The Juilliard School. She also teaches private piano and voice lessons in the valley. The concert is being performed at the Montrose Pavilion. For ticket information contact the Valley Symphony Association at 249-7015 or visit the orchestra’s website at valleysymphony.net.

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Memory care unit opens BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Crossroads Senior Living has opened a new memory care unit thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of resi-

dents with dementia. Crossroads at Delta Memory is located on the same property as the assisted living center and independent cottages operated by Crossroads just off

3rd Street in Delta. The entire building is designed in soft, soothing colors to promote a calm and peaceful frame of mind. Resident rooms are private or semi-pri-

Photo by Randy Sunderland

The courtyard has walking paths for those who are active, as well as seating for those who just want to enjoy the view. Residents can grow vegetables or ﬂowers in raised boxes.

Photo by Randy Sunderland

The spacious common area provides a warm, welcoming spot where residents can spend time alone or in the company of others. The dining area can be seen at the rear of the photo.

vate and are placed close to the center core so residents have easy access to the aides and the staff can observe their needs. Staff ratios are 1:5, with an LPN or RN on each shift. The flooring is varied to mimic a pathway, for residents who wander. There are no long, dreary hallways. Instead, the facility is marked by special activity areas such as aquariums, an aviary, a music/sunroom and resident kitchen. The kitchen is for supervised resident use; appliances can be turned on and off with a switch controlled by staff. There’s a beauty shop, library, a craft area and pleasant outdoor courtyard with plenty of seating. A physician exam room can also be used for family conferences. Most rooms have showers, but the facility also has bathing rooms with spacious spa tubs. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, entertainment and an array of activities are all provided. Crossroads at Delta is one of three locations in Colorado operated by Maranatha Volunteers International. After touring the new memory care unit, an associate from Maranatha’s Northglenn facility commented, “There’s nothing like this in Denver. They’ve thought of everything.” Kira Pierce is the director of Crossroads at Delta Memory. She previously worked as the admissions coordinator at Horizons Health Care and has also worked in hospitals. She has lived in Delta County for 12 years. All rooms are private pay. For information on admission criteria or to request a tour, call Kylynn Wilson, marketing/admission director, at 874-1421.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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Want to advertise in the DCI? Contact one of our ad reps at 874-4421.

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B8 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

MARCHING BAND

Delta County Independent

Good Luck to our area High School Marching Bands at the

Western Regional Marching Band Qualiﬁer Thursday, October 15 Stocker Stadium • Grand Junction OLATHE HIGH SCHOOL Performs at 12:45 p.m.

CEDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL Performs at 1:15 p.m.

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL Performs at 1:45 p.m.

CEDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL 1st Place in 1A Colorado West Marching Festival

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL 2nd Place in 2A Colorado West Marching Festival

OLATHE HIGH SCHOOL 3rd Place in 1A Colorado West Marching Festival

March your way to State!

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick ��

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�� A place where you can bee yourself ��

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Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency

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Josh Applegate

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Auto • Home • Life • Business

270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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SURFACE CREEK October 14, 2015

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Water line project delayed due to high bids BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Cedaredge’s Greenwood Avenue water line won’t be replaced this year as had been originally hoped. The leak-plagued water line has kept town crews busy digging and patching at least several times a year the past few years, according to public works staff who delivered bad news on the project to the town trustees at an Oct. 8 special meeting. The low bid for replacement of the line came in at a “pretty shocking” $165,000, according to staff. That was two and a half times higher than the $60,000 budgeted for the work. The money budgeted for this year will be rolled into next year’s spending plan. Another project, to be determined, will be scratched to make about $100,000 available for the work next year following town council’s decision to postpone the project and reject the two bids on the work. Trustee Ray Hanson cautioned public works staff to not let the needed repairs be delayed too long. He cited a situation where a water line on NW 5th had to be patched 14 times before the town finally replaced it. “It ate our lunch,” he said. The new Greenwood Avenue water line is to be the source of enhanced irrigation water supply for the Community Garden. The garden directors

had been hoping for replacement of the line this fall as a step toward being able to place more plots under cultivation. In other business at its special Oct. 8 meeting, the Cedaredge Town Board dealt with the following matters: • Trustees postponed approving a $55,153 change order for the new sewer plant that would pay for computerized monitoring equipment (SCADA). Public works staff said the needed equipment can be purchased for less money than had been quoted. • The board approved a $95,528 change order to the sewer plant project to pay for bringing a treated water line to the plant.

Six pack to go

This six-pack of nice bucks wasn’t waiting around to pose for a family photo when spotted on a recent morning in a hay ﬁeld near Cedaredge.

Concert benefits 11-year-old boy with rare form of cancer BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A benefit concert is being planned for Tyler Clymo, an 11-year-old Cedaredge boy who is battling cancer. Tyler is a fifth grader at Cedaredge Elementary School. Last spring he was diagnosed with ganglioneuroblastoma, a rare tumor that occurs in fewer than five out of every million children each year (MedlinePlus). He and his mother, Ramona, have

Annual fruit sale set for Saturday The annual Fritchman Orchards end-of-the-season fruit sale will take place at the familiar fruit shed just north of Eckert this Saturday, Oct. 17. Every year proceeds from the sale go to a community benefit. This year the money raised will be used to benefit

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

11-year-old Tyler Clymo who has been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. The sale will begin at 9 a.m. and run to 3 p.m. All remaining fruit will be offered for sale. As always, there will be cookies and beverages offered for refreshment, and cider will also be served.

made many trips to Children’s Hospital in Denver for testing and treatments. He is now awaiting an appointment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Philadelphia. Ramona says it was apparent Tyler was seriously ill when he began throwing up blood. He was airlifted from the Delta County Memorial Hospital emergency room to Children’s Hospital and had surgery the next day to remove a tumor from his stomach. “They’ve been removing tumors as they pop up,” Ramona said. Between surgeries, he’s undergone bilateral infusions, a bone marrow biopsy, a spinal tap, CAT scans and MRIs. The next step will be determined by specialists at St. Jude. Tyler continues to attend classes at Cedaredge Elementary School, though he tires easily. “He loves school,” Ramona said. “He does not want to stay home, he does not want to be tutored or homeschooled.” Ramona expressed appre-

Tyler Clymo ciation to the “fabulous” teachers at CES, who keep a close eye on Tyler, and to her supportive church family at New Hope Evangelical Free Church in Cedaredge. Tyler is a fun-loving boy who likes to play harmless pranks. He loves fishing, hiking and all kinds of animals, but especially his pet pig Penelope. “That pig follows him around like a little puppy,” Ramona said. The pet was a gift from a friend after Tyler was told he could no longer play sports. You can help Tyler and Ramona with their travel

expenses by attending the benefit concert at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at New Hope Evangelical Free Church, 17464 Surface Creek Road. The concert will feature Roses and Thorns, a local ensemble, and Beth Williams. Roses and Thorns sings a mix of gospel, show tunes and folk music. The ensemble consists of John Shriver, David DeVinny, Dan Hawkins, Al Smith, Nancy Carlson, AnnaMaria Turilli, Bob Wear and Bob Clark, with Sharon Clark as accompanist and director. Beth Williams is an Academy of Country Music nominee for Best New Female Vocalist of the Year. She is an independent songwriter who sings gospel and message music. She can also yodel! She has recorded seven albums on her own Willow Creek record label, and her songs have charted in Billboard, Cashbox and Americana. Admission to the concert is by donation. For more information, call Tricia Shriver at 778-2436.

A tribute to those serving in the military BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

People visiting AppleFest two weeks ago may have noticed the shiny, satin yellow ribbons that had been placed on Cedaredge’s Main Street light poles and tied around many of the trees in Town Park. The ribbons are a patriotic reminder of those in the military who are stationed overseas in the way of ever increasing danger, working to keep Americans safe and American freedoms alive. The ribbons were put up on Sept. 30 by 24 members of the Cedaredge High School volleyball teams (freshman, JV and varsity). They had readily volunteered for the patriotic project after it was suggested by a team member and her mom. Heather Dunbar is the CHS volleyball coach. She said that the symbolism of the ribbons and the act of placing them around town “was very, very meaningful for the girls. Some of them came up to me and said, ‘Coach, this is so cool.’ They really saw it as being part of something bigger than themselves.” There are a total of 29 members on the three volleyball teams, so participation rate in the team project was very high. Cathy Meskel, a Cedaredge businesswoman and founder of SOS Support our Soldiers who initiated the project told the DCI in an email, “Operation Yellow Ribbon — SOS Support Our Soldiers — would like to thank the Cedaredge volleyball team for helping place the yellow ribbons around our town of Cedaredge. It is a way for all of us to remember ‘Tie a yellow ribbon’ until they all come home. What a wonderful

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Yellow ribbon remembrances of those who couldn’t enjoy AppleFest this year because they are serving in the military overseas were displayed along Main Street in Cedaredge and in Town Park during this year’s community festival.

became weathered. Her yellow ribbons have not had the same reception in Cedaredge where previous displays have also quickly disappeared. It turns out that town government has been removing the ribbons. Mayor Pat Means was asked to comment on the matter and she referred the inquiry to Katie Sickles, town administrator, who emailed, “Ribbons went up three days after 9/11. The time and date when they went up is unknown. The ribbons were present Monday, Sept. 14. We did not know when, why or by whom. Ribbons were taken down the next day, which was 9/15. Yes, I took them down. First, we could only assume the ribbons were placed for the purpose of “Patriot Day” [Sept. 11] and that day had passed. Second, the packing tape will cook to the black poles and the tape was already defacing the poles.” The incident was followed by an exchange of conciliatory

letters between Sickles and Meskel. Meskel explained that after coordinating with the town she asked a good friend whose daughter plays CHS volleyball if the team might want to make a community service project of putting the yellow ribbons back up. They did, and the yellow ribbons were on display along Main Street and in Town Park for AppleFest. “The girls loved it,” Meskel said. “They asked if they could put ribbons up in the park also, and I told them ‘Sure.’ Along the way there is a house painted yellow. The owner has a {son] in the service. She wanted a ribbon to put up, too.” At Cedaredge Town Hall, Meskel’s Operation Yellow Ribbon is seen as a part of an issue of overall governance that includes yard sale signs and various violations of the municipal code. The email from Sickles states, “I have mentioned to the council over the last couple

years a better mechanism to allow yard sale signs or signs in general while reducing the damage to our infrastructure, cut down on trash as a result of abandoned signs, complying with CDOT regarding highway distractions and honoring the Grand Mesa Scenic and Historic Byway that demands greater restrictions on visible non-highway objects. Keep in mind that currently posting anything on public property without permission is a code infraction. Posting anything on private property without permission could be considered trespass. My goal regarding public property is to formulate a way to allow, not more restrictions.” Meskel reports the yellow ribbons that had been placed in Town Park were removed shortly after AppleFest. She also notes, “If anyone would like a yellow ribbon, please stop by Shady Creek RV Park and pick one up: A message of ‘We support you. You are not forgotten!’”

group of girls.” The local yellow ribbon project for AppleFest was completed only after one false start due to local regulations. Meskel said the ribbons first went up following the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. She placed the yellow commemorative ribbons on street light posts downtown on Sept. 14. But the following day she found they had been removed. Meskel began her yellow ribbon tribute to military service several years ago when she lived in Rifle. She has conducted numerous other initiatives on behalf of overseas service people, and for veterans, since moving to Cedaredge about eight years ago. She said Photo submitted that in Rifle her ribbons were Twenty-four members of Cedaredge High School volleyball teams provided the energy and always left unmolested and enthusiasm to display yellow ribbons remembering overseas military personnel for this year’s that she replaced ones that AppleFest.

C2 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

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

Photo submitted

Elberta #106 members sold baked goods and breakfast burritos during AppleFest.

Elberta #106 makes plans for president’s November visit Elberta #106 held its annual yard/bake/breakfast burrito fundraiser during AppleFest. The weather was great, and lots of people were out to enjoy the festivities. The breakfast burritos and bake sale are always a big hit with the public. Yard sale lookers of all kinds attended ours as well as the many others around town. Our first meeting this

month found us getting ready for Grand Lodge. There will be four members attending from Elberta this year. We also started plans for the president’s visit in November. We have a special program in the works, so we hope to see all of you there. We meet on the first and third Mondays at 1 p.m. in Cedaredge. “As noble grand this

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year, I want to thank the members of Elberta #106 for all the help in putting this annual event together,” said Bonnie Pope. “We are a welloiled group and always seem to get things done. I’m proud to be a part of it. We also want to thank City Market, Safeway and Walmart for donations made to the lodge. They were greatly appreciated.”

With garden chores starting to wind down somewhat, now is the time to get to know your soil better. Everything starts and ends with soil. What plants you can grow, how to water, and what fertility program is needed all depend upon your soil. I wish I could tell you that our soils are a nice rich clay or sandy loam, but I can’t. Truth be known, our soils are a clay type and as such drain water slowly and have very little natural pore space for plant roots to “breathe.” While there are some plants that are widely adapted to many different soil types, most prefer specific soil types. Plants that do well in clay will seldom grow well in sand, and sand lovers will almost always do poorly in clay. Soil types affect drainage as well. Some plants

can’t stand wet soils while others thrive in boggy conditions. Clay soil generally does not drain well. That is why an inch of rain on clay soils seems like a lot while not so much with sandy soils that drain especially fast. Soil minerals can also affect where plants can grow. We are generally blessed with an adequate soil supply of potassium, phosphorous and trace elements like manganese. Sometimes iron can be a problem for some plants, but not because it isn’t in the soil already but because they are not capable of utilizing it. This is because our high pH soils bind iron very tightly. Some plants are very closely associated with specific soil minerals. When you see the spectacular yellow or white flowered spikes of Prince’s Plume growing in the ‘dobie badlands or in many open fields, you can bet that the soil there

Community Garden wraps up 7th season Cedaredge Community Gardens has ended its seventh season with fall cleanup, and decided to have a little fun with a presentation of a ceremonial gift basket of produce for Delta County commissioner Bruce Hovde who has been an indispensible help to the garden all these years. Not only has he assisted by earmarking GOCO grants annually, he also comes in on his own time to help disk and plow as time permits. “His support has been invaluable,” said Mary John, president of the association.

Last Saturday, Oct. 10, Bruce Hovde was presented a basket of produce by Dea Jacobson, Community Garden board member. Also present were Barb Breitnauer, Mary John, Sharon Grotrian, Janine Adair and Carol Kern.

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!

As gardeners spent time together cleaning up and putting their gardens “to bed,” some shared their thoughts on what participation in the community garden means to them. Mary John loves to garden and to share her abundance with the Food Bank and with the elderly members of her church, First Baptist in Cedaredge. “I gave up canning awhile back. Many of the church members can no longer garden and miss their fresh produce. And the fresh carrots I brought to the Food Bank only lasted a few minutes!” Loni Cole has been a garden member for six seasons. She pointed out that there are many ways to volunteer in the community but that participating in garden activities “speaks to my heart.” Gardeners love to play in the dirt and are proud of what they grow and share. With the season’s end, the garden will undergo a transformation as a new center path is constructed to tidy up and make the garden safer to navigate. Also, a new water line for year-round water will be installed by SE Ward, using funding granted by USDA Rural Development. “This will extend our growing season,” said treasurer and fundraiser Dea Jacobson, “and allow us to broaden our possibilities for future expansion into a new section of the garden. We are looking now for next year’s potential new members, and urge interested folks to contact us and not wait till spring.” The garden has a Facebook page and a website at www.high countrycommunitygar dens.com. Or call garden secretary Sharon Grotrian at 970-250-6758 to sign up.

contains elevated levels of selenium. When selecting your plants, make sure they can grow well in high pH clay soils. Don’t expect blueberries to grow well in our area. Also, if you want to grow something like Agastache (hummingbird mint) make sure that you amend the planting area to provide good drainage and don’t fertilize. These plants like well-drained, low-fertility soils. For smaller plants, we can amend the soil to increase pore space and enhance drainage. This could also involve raised beds. For larger shrubs and trees, it is impossible to adequately amend the soil in the future root growing area because of the large soil volume involved. Our alkaline soils can also be quite salty. Salt levels can be so high in some areas that nothing will grow. Other areas may have salt levels that preclude growing some annuals, perennials or vegetables. The Colorado Master Gardeners can run a free salt test if you want to know what levels you are dealing with. Give your county extension office a call to find out how to collect a proper soil sample for this test. While many of our plants will benefit from a nitrogen fertilizer, you don’t need to buy a more expensive fertilizer that contains elements other than nitrogen. Ammonium sulfate is all you need. When additional iron is needed in those few instances, make sure you buy a chelated iron such as Miller’s Ferriplus chelated iron. Other kinds of iron simply will not work with our alkaline soils. If you want to know more about your soil’s characteristics and makeup, you will need to invest in a fee-based soil test that can be run by the soil lab at Colorado State University. Contact your local extension office for the particulars of this service. Over time, the addition of soil amendments such as compost can turn your low organic soil into something very rich and rewarding. If you want to be the envy of your neighborhood, start be improving your soil and then select only those plants that will do well in your area. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

Baking contest winners The senior citizens of Cedaredge hosted their annual baking contest on Saturday, Oct. 3, during AppleFest. After judging, all of the baked goods were then sold. The winners are: Pies — first place to Myrna Bertram for her Plain Apple Pie; second to JoAn Hanson for her Caramel Pecan Apple Pie; and third to Cindy Hudson for her Caramel Apple Pie. Cakes — first place to Zee Pacheco for her Apple Spice Bundt Cake; second to JoAn Hanson for her Amazin’ Apple Raisin Cake. Miscellaneous — first place to JoAn Hanson for Autumn Apple Crisp; second to JoAn Hanson for her Fall Harvest Muffins; and third to Zee Pacheco for Coconut Cranberry Apple Bars. Carolyn Goller, Cedaredge Seniors board member, said, “Our thanks go out to all the ladies who did such a great job in their kitchens. And thanks also to all those who volunteered during the sale.”

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Eight-year-old’s gift to ‘give ‘em shelter’ BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Plans for a replacement main building at the Surface Creek Animal Shelter got a big boost recently — not big in monetary terms, but very big in terms of expressing what the shelter’s mission to “give ‘em shelter” is all about. The story begins when, as he stopped by the shelter during daily errands, Larry Dumler, president of the Friends of Cedaredge Animal Control, checked the change box. He was surprised to find the bottom of the metal container covered with a large collection of coins. Upon further investigation, he learned that a Cedaredge girl, Aaliyah Huberd, had donated the coins to the building fund. In fact, Aaliyah had set out a donation jar at her eighth birthday party to gather donations for the shelter. Her mother, Amanda, explained that Aaliyah’s party had a theme of “The Littlest Pet Shop.” Aaliyah, her friends and their parents dug deep and came up with a total $17.90 at the event, all in coin. That was the money Dumler had been surprised to find in the daily change box. The project to construct a new main building to replace an old mobile home at the Surface Creek Animal Shelter has also gotten some impetus from other friends of the Friends of Cedaredge Animal Control as well. The FCAC board thought that Aaliyah’s most thoughtful act could serve as a proper occasion for reminding

friends everywhere that donations to the building project are being gratefully accepted now. The FCAC has not actually officially initiated a fundraising campaign for its new structure. However, Aaliyah’s unexpected contribution to the effort seemed like an ideal moment to announce that the building fund drive is underway. And, in fact, the FCAC has been the recent beneficiary of another heartfelt donation for their project. A brother and sister teamed up efforts to bake cupcakes and sell them at AppleFest as a fundraiser for the new building, FCAC officials said. It was soon after her birthday in June that Aaliyah delivered the $17.90 in loose change to the shelter. Aaliyah is a third grader in the Vision program. She has several pets of her own including a guinea pig, two dogs (Max and Ava), and a cat (Libby). She also comes to the shelter often with her mother to visit the cats there to give them some compassionate human interaction. She wants to be a volunteer and help out at the shelter but is still a little too young. Aaliyah wanted to do something for the shelter as a birthday project, like buy food and donate it to the shelter, her mother, Amanda, told the DCI. In the process of calling to ask what things were needed, they discovered the building project. Aaliyah decided to make her donation to that purpose instead. The FCAC is in the

Volunteers spruce up Grand Mesa ski trails Volunteers spent Saturday, Sept. 26, clipping bushes, sawing tree limbs, clearing trails and generally “sprucing up” the cross-country ski trails on the Grand Mesa National Forest. Over 50 volunteers including the Colorado Mesa University cross-country ski team arrived at the Skyway parking area with gloves and tools ready to be assigned a task! Sept. 26 was National Public Land Day (NPLD), the nation’s largest, single-day volunteer effort for public lands. It is a celebration of the work, play and learning that takes place on public lands every day. The Grand Mesa Nordic Council (GMNC) partnered with the Forest Service to sponsor the work day. GMNC president Dave Knutson was pleased with the turnout. “We got a lot of tasks accomplished to help us get ready for this year’s ski season,” he said. “We divided the volunteers and conquered … some

worked on the Skyway and Ward Lake trails, others on the snowshoe trail. We also resurrected the warming hut at Skyway,” he said. “This was color weekend on the Grand Mesa and one couldn’t have asked for better weather and peak fall colors,” he added. “The turnout was excellent with over 50 volunteers supporting the Grand Mesa Nordic Council and National Public Land Day,” said Albert Borkowski, the Forest Service representative from the Paonia Ranger District. The Grand Mesa Nordic Council provided lunches and the Public Land Partnership (PLP), a collaborative group that promotes public education and awareness of issues related to public lands, provided t-shirts to volunteers. For information on the scheduled events for the upcoming winter season visit the GMNC website at gmnc.org.

Garden club to learn about bees The Plant & Dig Garden Club of Cedaredge had a picnic and plant sale at Cedaredge Park for its September meeting. Members brought plants, bulbs and seeds to exchange. Our outing was serenaded by the Cedaredge High School band which was taking part in the Homecoming parade. We were lucky once again to see all the floats as they came around to our side of the park. But the best part for all of us was the interaction with the band members who stopped by our table to say hello. All in all, it was a very special day. Our October meeting will have our friends Arnie and Cathy Ogden as guest speakers, relating their experiences as bee keepers and informing us about how we can

befriend the bees through our gardening activities. We all look forward to their presentation. Our club meets every third Friday of the month and is dedicated to learning about all aspects of gardening through guest speakers and visits to local entities that provide good learning experiences. We are also dedicated to community service through our scholarship fund, our care of gardens at Pioneer Town and Horizons Care Center. Our third goal is to provide friendship and support for our members. We welcome all women who are interested to join our club. For more information, please call 8563897 or 970-901-9360 for further information. Submitted by Joan Chambers

process of taking over ownership of the shelter facility from the Town of Cedaredge. The operation is headquartered in an old mobile home which, FCAC board members point out, is nearing the end of its useful life. The mobile home includes a service kitchen, an office area, and housing for the many kittens and cats that the shelter cares for and adopts to new owners. FCAC board members say their proposed new building won’t increase their facility in size, except for enclosing several kennels for dogs which are now located in the open air. “What

we plan is modest,” call him at 856-4158 for project and other shelter explained board presi- information about the programs. dent Dumler. Board member Jacki Dapkus added that �� everything the FCAC does is geared exclusively to finding homes for the animals that come under its care. Granting agencies recognize that, “and they like that,” Dapkus said. The building project has fired the imagination of Aaliyah who plans to do some more fundraising for the cause �� by hosting bake sales. �� People may donate to the building fund project �� through whatever normal channels they cur�� rently use. Or, Dumler �� said that anyone may

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Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Friends of Cedaredge Animal Control is off to a ﬁne beginning with its plans for a replacement main building at the Surface Creek Animal Shelter. Shown above are, from left, Larry Dumler, president of FCAC; Aaliyah Huberd, eight-year-old benefactor; and Aaliyah’s mother, Amanda. They gathered at the shelter last week for a thank-you to Aaliyah for a fundraising effort she spearheaded. Aaliyah is accompanied by Cooper and Eli, two ten-week-old kittens which are available for adoption now.

C4 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

SPORTS

SPORTS October 14, 2015

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Bruins to host softball play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Cedaredge High School’s softball team clinched a league title a week ago. Last week’s loss to a determined Gunnison team, on Oct. 8, spoiled a perfect league record but did little else. The Bruins enter this week’s post-season play with a 12-7 overall record with some quality play against tough opponents that could help pave the way for Cedaredge to go deep into the playoffs. Against Gunnison the Bruins fell behind 4-0 after three innings of play. A six-run rally in the fourth inning shot the Bruins in front, 6-4. Each team scored single runs in the fourth, keeping the Bruins in front 7-5. Gunnison plated another run in the fifth, cutting Cedaredge’s lead to one, 7-6. An insurance run in the sixth wasn’t enough for Cedaredge as the Cowboys stole the lead away with a three-run seventh inning. The Bruins failed to score in their half of the inning, giving Gunnison the 9-8 victory.

Coach Matt Hall selected Mik Wilkerson as Cedaredge’s Player of the Game, citing her play as awesome. Wilkerson had two hits, with a double and three RBIs. Hailey Lofley had two RBIs and Lacey Rodriguez had a double in the game. Gunnison’s Madi Johnson had four hits with a double and two RBIs. Lily Westay had three hits and four RBIs. Brittany Kendall posted her fourth win against three losses. The Bruins wasted little time in game one of a doubleheader with Eagle Valley on Saturday. A seven-run surge in the first inning paced Cedaredge’s torrid hitting. A two-run first inning for the Devils kept the game relatively close, at least for one-half inning. Cedaredge hammered out six more runs in the second inning, and the rout was just getting started. One more run in the third and five in the fourth ended the game when Eagle Valley scored just once to put the 10run rule into play, 19-3. Wilkerson stayed hot,

to further highlight Hall’s praise for the senior’s play during the week. She produced two RBIs on three hits in four at bats. Sam Galley went twofor-two with three runs scored, a double and two RBIs. Chey Christian had

a good day as well with three runs scored, a home run and four RBIs. Eagle Valley’s Cody Osteen led the Devils with three hits. Rodriguez was the winning pitcher for Cedaredge and improved her record to 6-3. In game two, the Bru-

ins didn’t get as good a start as they did in game one, but they did take a 4-1 lead after one inning. There were two scoreless innings before the Bruins posted another four-spot for an 8-1 lead. Single runs in the fifth and sixth innings produced the game’s final

Photo by Wayne Crick

The 2015 Cedaredge Bruins softball team is once again the 3A District 5 champion after posting a 7-1 record in league play. Cedaredge is 15-4 and will host a three-team Region 6 playoff this Saturday at the Field of Dreams. The Bruins have a bye into the title game but must defeat either Brush or Meeker to move on to next week’s state tournament.

score of 10-1. Kelsey Stroud, Shayna Dale, Galley and Kendall all had two hits for the Bruins. Galley finished the day with two doubles. Osteen had two hits to once again lead Eagle Valley’s offense. Kendall’s 10 strikeouts helped her pick up win number five against three losses for the season. In Class 3A softball playoffs there are eight regions throughout the state. Cedaredge’s 3A District 5 title sealed a bid to host first-round playoff action at the Field of Dreams on Oct. 17. The Bruins, sixthseeded at 12-7, will play host to seventh-seed Brush, 12-7, and Meeker, the number 18 seed with a 9-9 record. The Bruins, as the top seed, draw a bye to start play while Brush and Meeker battle at 10 a.m. to see which team faces Cedaredge for the Region 6 title at 12:15 p.m. If Cedaredge wins the second game, the two teams in that game will move on to state competition, Oct. 23-24.

Delta earns spot in 4A regional softball play BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Megan Sandoval begins eyeing the reception she is about to receive after hitting a three-run home run against Eagle Valley last week.

With last Friday’s 15-2 win over the visiting Eagle Valley Devils, Delta vaulted into the 2015 post-season softball playoffs. The Panthers, despite winning their third straight 4A WSL title, find themselves shunned for a chance to host a regional playoff site. Delta finished the season with a 15-4 record and drew a 22nd seed designation. To begin their chase for a state title, the Panthers will have to travel to Pueblo to take part in the Region 6 tournament on Oct. 17. Pueblo West, 14-4-1,

South Central League, enters play as the ninth seed and plays number 27 Elizabeth, 16-3, Colorado 7 League, at 10 a.m. On the other side of the bracket, at 10 a.m., is number 22 Delta, 15-4, WSL, and 11th seeded Windsor, 11-8, out of the Tri-Valley League. Game three will pit winners of games one and two against each other at 12:15 p.m., with the losers of games one and two playing at 12:15, with that loser being eliminated. The loser of game three faces game four’s winner for the right to play in the Region 6 championship. Teams playing in game

five are automatically state qualifiers in the following week’s championship series on Oct. 23-24. Delta coach Steve Reiher was pleased with the draw his team received. To close the season, Delta hosted Eagle Valley for the season finale for both teams. The Devils, 1-5 and 3-12-1, struggled through three innings before scoring their first run in the fourth inning. Delta, on the strength of 14 runs through the first three innings, scored once in the fourth and then held the Devils to one run in the fifth on the way to its 15-2 conference win. Freshman Jenna Sut-

liff wielded a hot bat for the Panthers with three hits accounting for four runs scored and a double. Junior Megan Sandoval had two hits in four at bats with two runs scored, a home run and four RBIs. Lily Lockhart was two-for-two with three runs scored and two RBIs. Keilee Womack finished with two hits and Rachel Huerkamp had a double for the winners. Ragan Bossow led the Devils with two hits, including a double. Hannah Easter picked up her sixth win against one loss. Lockhart also saw action in the circle with one inning pitched.

Hotchkiss volleyball team wins two times BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The volleyball team from Hotchkiss High School got its first two wins of the season this past week, and it did it in dramatic fashion. The Bulldogs won the fifth set 15-13 last Tuesday at home and defeated Caprock Academy for Photo courtesy Tracy Sturgis Hotchkiss freshman Carson Collins hits for an attempted point against Cap- their first win. The teams traded wins rock Academy in volleyball action last week. Jordan Tamayo and Tyra Jarain the first four sets 26millo look on as Collins wins the point. 24, 18-25, 25-21, 24-26

before the crazy conclusion in the fifth set. A raucous crowd was treated to the big win and first-year coach Taralee Williams continued to build a strong foundation for the future at Hotchkiss. The young Bulldogs were not satisfied and tasted victory again last Wednesday, going on the road to defeat the De Beque Dragons. Hotchkiss won in

three, 25-21, 25-20, 2521, and posted back-toback wins for the first time in at least a year. Rangely came to Hotchkiss last Friday and beat the Bulldogs on Homecoming, 25-10, 2510, 25-18. Hotchkiss plays its next three matches on the road: last night it was at Ridgway, Friday it is in Plateau Valley and then finish the stretch at Ouray on Oct. 20.

Cedaredge, Delta state golfers perform well BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta County golf teams had a banner year as five players earned trips to this year’s state tournament Oct. 5-6. Delta’s Panthers, after getting their golf program back, qualified two players who attended this year’s state championships at Fox Hill Country Club in Longmont. Those players included juniors Logan Wood and Blake Reiher. Wood shot a 76 the first day and had an 81 on the final

day for a score of 157. Reiher shot an 80 on day one and finished with a 77 and an identical score of 157. The two athletes tied with three others to tie for 31st place in this year’s 4A State Golf Tournament. entered Cedaredge three players in the Class 3A State Golf Tournament held in Gypsum at the Eagle Ranch Golf Course. The Bruins scored 287 points to place 15th in the team race. On the first day of competiton Jacob Lewis had

the highest Bruins’ score with his round of 92. That was good for 51st place. Peter Carlson shot a 97 for 59th and Duncan Campbell carded a 98 and placed 63rd. When the final round had been completed, Lewis had a score of 182 to place 48th, Campbell finished tied for 67th with his two-day total of 196 and Carlson was 73rd with a 205. Photo courtesy Tracy Sturgis Both programs will sport returning players Jordan Tamayo goes for a kill while Carson Collins (13), Tyra Jaramillo (7) and to bolster their respective Sophia Fischer (10) follow the play. Hotchkiss beat Caprock Academy in a ﬁveteam’s play next season. set thriller and won at De Beque two days later for its second win.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Temps, times heat up for XC runners in Delta BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The October sun made its presence felt and temperatures were almost as hot as the running by the time the boys’ race got underway at the Delta Sweitzer Lake Invitational last Friday. Like the girls before them, the boys found the 5K lake course much to their liking and ripe for a personal record. “That was hot,” Hotchkiss runner Sam Rodriguez said shortly after crossing the finish line in a scorching 17 minutes, 28.24 seconds. “It was a brand new course. Mostly flat, some minor hills. I felt really good. I was going for a PR.” Facing tough competition, Rodriguez just missed a Top 10 finish and was the fastest area runner. Jack Plantz of Telluride won the race in a blistering 16:23.05. Hotchkiss was wellrepresented after Rodriguez finished 11th. Gabe Rodriguez was the next Bulldog across the line (18:11.51), with Zack Allen (18:54.79), Owen Mattison (19:56.81) and Parker Katzdorn (21:14.96) following behind. Trenton Carr finished in 21:18.36 and senior Andrew Oviedo came next for Hotchkiss at 21:44.95. Myles Zoutte (22:55.56) and Nick Jung (24:21.87) completed the Hotchkiss team results, which placed them at sixth in the invitational standings. Finishing ahead of them at fifth in the team

standings was Delta, which fielded 19 runners in the invitational. Wade Stinson was the first Panther to finish with his time of 17:57.85, good for 14th overall. Freshman John Ames continued his strong season and posted a time of 18:11.83. Logan Freed was the third Delta finisher at 19:21.54, followed closely behind by Aaron Lohrberg at 19:47.27. Elias Carlson finished with his time of 19:57.03 and David Husmann was the sixth Panther to finish below 20 minutes with his time of 19:58.51. Jeff Chadwick (20:09.58), Andrew Toole (20:23.89), Paul Connett (20:48.38), Neil Thomas (21:00.52), Rodolfo Contreras (21:32.92) and Charlie Reid (21:35.62) were the next finishers for Delta. The Panthers’ team score was completed by Joshua Dillon (23:01.89), Ronald Jackson (23:39.23), Lane Mayberry (23:54.12), Ryan Cooper (23:56.24), Micah Kathrein (25:14.40), Eddie Bombay (30:21.19) and Ben Abbott (35:22.07). Paonia got several strong finishes from its runners as the Eagles finished eighth in the team standings. Caden Meilner led the way for the Eagles, posting the 18th fastest finish at 18:05.87. Tim Helmer was next for Paonia with his time of 19:01.46. Ben O’Rourke was next for Paonia at 20:02.06. Setting a personal record for Paonia was senior John Deck, who finished at 36:45.00.

“I had inspiration to try and pass somebody today, so that was pretty new for me. I usually don’t get that chance,” Deck said with a smile and a shrug of the shoulders. “I didn’t catch him, but I was close.” Deck, in his third cross country season, often finishes with the back of the pack but he improves on a weekly basis and loves the family atmosphere of the sport. “I like the family vibe to it,” Deck said. “We all push each other but in a nice way, we all understand each other.” Bo Pipher finished at 20:36.87 for the Eagles while Ethan Bartlett (22:57.04), Allen Harper (23:25.31) and Dominic Limone (25:11.56) rounded out the Paonia team score. Panthers at MoCo Delta’s Panthers were in Craig for cross country competition at the Moffat County Invitational on Oct. 3. Delta’s boys were third out of eight teams competing. Moffat County placed first with 33 points, and Delta was third with 93. The Panthers’ John Ames was the first Delta runner across the finish line with a time of 18:44. Rangely’s Patrick Scroggins was the event’s individual medalist with a time of 17:53. On the girls’ side, Moffat County was, again, the team winner with 37 points. Delta finished fourth in the six-team field. Mykayla Music ran a 20:56 and was Delta’s top runner.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Hotchkiss’ Sam Rodriguez was the ﬁrst Bulldog to cross the ﬁnish line at Sweitzer Lake.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Wade Stinson had Del- Caden Meilner ﬁnished ta’s top time for boys ahead of the rest of in last week’s Sweitzer his teammates at the Lake XC run. Sweitzer Lake XC Meet.

County teams run in Pantherfest XC meet BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta paced Delta County’s contingent of participants at the Pantherfest Cross Country Meet at Confluence Park. Hotchkiss and Paonia did not have enough participants to warrant team scores in the event but did have individual run-

Mykayla Music

Kaiya Firor

ners in both the boys’ and girls’ competition. Delta had full teams for each division with both squads placing fourth. The girls scored 99 points and the boys had 102. Battle Mountain won both divisions with scores of 23 and 25, respectively. In girls’ competition, Delta’s Mykayla Music was the first Delta County runner to cross the finish line with a time of 20:05.41. Other Delta runners included Beki Atchley (29th), Abbi Beckwith (30th) and Ahna Richards (53rd). Hotchkiss’ Kaiya Firor was the 17th placer in the girls’ race with a time of 20:35.68. Mariah Griffith was the next Bulldog runner, who finished 54th. On the boys’ side, Delta’s John Ames continues to improve his times and finished with a time of 17:27.51 to place 12th overall. Other Delta runners, and places, included Wade Stinson (24th-17:57.68), Elias Carlson (28th18:10.63) and Logan Freed (33rd-18:33.11). Hotchkiss’ Sam Rodriguez finished in 17th place with a good time of 17:40.82. Owen Mattison

finished 53rd and Miles Zoutte was 76th. Paonia’s Caden Meilner had a time of 18:15.95 to place 31st. Delta’s Ames is coming on fast as the regular season nears its conclusion. When asked what it will take to get to state, Ames’ comment was, “Something in the 17s will work.” Ames has shown big improvement since the beginning of the season. He began the season with a time in the 19:10 range. His time on Friday was nearly two minutes faster. Hotchkiss’ Sam Rodriguez is also steadily improving as the season nears the end. With regionals, in Delta, rapidly approaching, Rodriguez notes a need to relax before that race. “The Montrose Relays are next for us and it is a fun race that doesn’t really have that much impact on us.” Rodriguez also sees times in the 17 minute frame as a key ingredient for reaching state competition. Area cross country teams are scheduled to participate in the Montrose Relays on Saturday, Oct. 17, beginning at 10 a.m.

Photo by Eric Goold

Paonia volleyball players, left to right, Emily Pieper, Emily Clawson, Kassidy Rapke and McKenna Hartigan watch as Sophie Anderson digs the ball out against Meeker. The match was the annual Pink Night and both teams wore black and pink uniforms to honor the event, which raises funds for breast cancer awareness.

Start of the girls’ Pantherfest XC race

Variety spices Paonia VB BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia High School volleyball team saw a little of everything last week. The Eagles fell to a very strong Delta team, marking its third loss in four matches. But then Paonia came back with two wins against Meeker and Rangely to get back on the right track. Last Tuesday at home, the Eagles faced county rival Delta and the Panthers’ outstanding duo of hitters, Emily Baier and Ashton Reese. In a seesaw, five-set barnburner, the Eagles lost 26-24, 17-25, 25-20, 16-25, 11-15. “It was just great effort from both teams,” Delta coach Beth Nelson said. “It was a good volleyball match. Our key was to match the hustle they bring. We’re just really happy to come out on top.” Paonia did a good job against Delta’s talented players and led 2-1 going into the fourth set. But then Baier and Reese heated up to lead the visitors to victory. “We were able to control Ashton early in the match, but she really stepped up later in the game, adjusted to our block, and played well

down the stretch,” Paonia coach Krista Carsten said. “Emily is just a solid player. She was definitely their go-to girl when they needed a side out, and we struggled to shut her down throughout the entire match. Although a loss is always disappointing, Delta is a strong, well-coached team.” The annual Pink Night, Paonia’s yearly fundraiser for breast cancer awareness, was held last Friday night and the Eagles enjoyed the festivities and were motivated to beat Meeker in three sets, 25-10, 25-17, 25-22. Emily Pieper led the way for the Eagles with nine kills, five aces and 13 assists in the win. McKenna Hartigan had eight kills and Ashley Van Vleet, Brianna Van Vleet and Sophie Anderson each contributed five kills. Taylor Carsten had a match-high 17 assists in the victory. “The intensity just wasn’t there in the third set,” coach Carsten said. “I think we lost focus with all of the extra events going on in the gym. We have talked extensively about playing at our level, rather than playing at the level of the competition, and game three was just an indication that we still have a lot of

work to do.” Paonia went to Rangely and won on the road last Saturday, winning in three sets 25-21, 25-23, 25-7. “Rangely is a pretty strong defensive team which shows in our hitting percentages,” Carsten said. “They gave us a ton of freeballs that we didn’t convert on as well as we should have. But we did come away with the win so that was

positive.” Taylor Carsten led the Eagles against Rangely, recording nine kills, 13 digs and 17 assists. Pieper chipped in nine kills in the victory. It’s been an up and down season at this point for the Eagles, who over the years got accustomed to winning no matter what adversity they faced. Competition in the region is very tough this PAONIA VB TO C6

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C6 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

PHS gridders pass big test BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The 1A Western Slope Conference still has three weeks to play, but last Friday’s game between Meeker and Paonia went a long way toward determining who will be the conference champion. Paonia put itself in the driver’s seat for a third straight conference title after defeating the Cowboys 34-30 in a wild game at Paonia Town Park. “In the Western Slope you’ve got a lot of great teams,” Paonia coach Brent McRae said. “Any win you can get in the Western Slope you’ve got to appreciate. Now we’ve just got to work and get better.” It was a back and forth, seesaw affair that saw each team trade scores throughout the night, and the game wasn’t decided until the last play. As is often the case when these two teams

battle, a lot of points were scored and the spotlight shined on two of the best players in 1A football, Taylor Walters and Meeker’s senior standout TJ Shelton. “In every sport they’re a huge rival, they’re beating us, we’re beating them. It’s just a huge rivalry,” Walters said after scoring three touchdowns in the win. “TJ is a great player, one of the best running backs in the state. He showed that tonight.” Walters scored first, a 3-yard touchdown run that capped a 10-play opening drive for Paonia. Colby Simpson’s extra point put the Eagles ahead 7-0. Meeker needed eight plays to answer, and Shelton scored from 11 yards out to put the Cowboys on the board. Shelton ran in the two-point conversion and put Meeker up 8-7, the first of six lead changes in the contest.

Walters responded with his eye-popping 64yard touchdown scamper a little over seven minutes later. Walters swept around the left edge and then decked two Cowboys, splitting the defenders and blazing untouched into the house. Simpson’s kick was blocked and Paonia led 13-8. Meeker’s defense rallied to turn the ball over on downs, and the Cowboys had one last chance from their own 46-yard line with 6.9 seconds left in the first half. With the Paonia defense pulled back to defend the Hail Mary and everyone in Town Park expecting a pass, Meeker quarterback Logan Hughes handed the ball to Shelton, who took it all the way into the end zone for an astonishing 54-yard touchdown. Hughes ran in the twopointer himself and the Cowboys led at halftime,

16-13. defense Neither stopped the offenses in the game and points came in a frenzy in the second half. “A game with Meeker never surprises you,” McRae said. “If you total it back, this has been a tight series. I have a lot of respect for Meeker, their coaches and their players. It was a fun game.” Paonia reclaimed the lead on its first possession of the second half, getting a 3-yard touchdown run from Jeramiah Hillman that put the Eagles in front 20-16. The lead didn’t last long as Hughes barreled into the end zone from 18 yards out a little over three minutes later. Paonia’s Trevor Smith stuffed the two-point run attempt and Meeker led 22-20. Sophomore Jaden Miller found the end zone next for Paonia, running in a 1-yard touchdown and collecting a two-

point pass from Walters to make it 28-22 with five seconds left in the third quarter. Meeker’s Casey Turner caused Walters to fumble away Paonia’s next possession. Walters said that it was his first fumble of the season. But Paonia got the ball right back. Under a fierce pass rush, Hughes tossed an interception right to Miller, who returned the ball deep into Meeker territory. Walters ran in his third score two plays later, a 2yard touchdown that put Paonia ahead for good at 34-22 with six minutes left in the game. Meeker did not go away quietly as Hughes led the Cowboys down the field and then scored on a 3-yard touchdown run. His two-point pass to Cole Brown provided the final margin with 2:36 remaining in the game. Paonia got the ball back after the ensuing onside kick went out

of bounds. The Eagles clinched the win by getting two first downs and running out the clock. “Their shotgun was really good. Their quarterback was much improved over last year and he showed us he can do it,” Walters said. “We’ve got to fix some things on defense. We’ve got to get better on our pass coverages and we’ll be OK.” Paonia, ranked third in a CHSAA online poll, moved to 5-1, 2-0 with the win. The Eagles are at Lake County on Friday night. Meeker, ranked ninth, slipped to 3-3, 1-1 after the defeat. The Cowboys go home on Friday night to play unbeaten No. 4 Cedaredge (6-0, 2-0). “We have a very, very good opponent next week in Cedaredge,” Meeker coach Shane Phelan said. “We can’t hang our heads too long about this one because we have a highquality opponent next.”

Bulldogs subdue Lake County in 61-0 rout BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Eric Goold

Paonia quarterback Taylor Walters hands off to Jeramiah Hillman (33) while Jaden Miller (1) moves upﬁeld to block in the ﬁrst quarter of the Eagles’ 34-30 win last Friday at Paonia Town Park. Walters had three touchdowns and Hillman and Miller each had one in the win.

Hotchkiss got just what it needed for Homecoming. Wade Katzdorn scored four touchdowns, the Bulldogs snagged three consecutive onside kicks and Hotchkiss scored early and often en route to a 61-0 Western Slope Conference win over Lake County last Friday night in Hotchkiss.

Hotchkiss (2-4, 1-1) got points from six different players in the big win. Katzdorn led the way with touchdown runs of 19, 26, 1 and 27 yards for the Bulldogs. Hotchkiss led 26-0 after one quarter and 320 at halftime. Colton Peebles recorded a 24-yard touchdown scamper, and he kicked three extra points in the win for the Bulldogs.

Nate Arreguin scored on a 30-yard interception return, then did the honors on a 12-yard touchdown run as Hotchkiss scored 29 more points in the second half. Cole Carvill capped the scoring outburst with his 30-yard run and Hotchkiss rolled to the win. The Bulldogs meet Grand Valley, in Parachute, this Friday at 7 p.m.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Colton Peebles (33) clears a Lake County safety on his way to a 24-yard touchdown in the ﬁrst quarter of last Friday’s 61-0 Homecoming win for Hotchkiss.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kale Litzelman is tackled just shy of the goal line in the second quarter, setting up a 1-yard TD run by Wade Katzdorn. Hotchkiss beat Lake County 61-0 for the Homecoming win.

Cedaredge football 6-0 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Another solid performance on the gridiron kept Cedaredge High School’s Bruins on top in the 1A WSL standings with a 2-0 league mark and 6-0 overall. Paonia is in second place with records of 2-0 and 5-1 Cedaredge hosted Grand Valley’s Cardinals last Friday and scored in all but the third quarter

on its way to a 30-7 conference win. The Bruins’ first score came in the opening quarter. with their seccond touchdown coming in the second frame. Grand Valley cut the Bruins’ lead in half with a touchdown in the third period. Cedaredge failed to score in the third and led 14-7 going to the last quarter. Two touchdowns and a

safety, credited to Ethan Fritchman, produced the game’s final 16 points to produce a 30-7 win for the Bruins. Tyler Cooper ran the ball 26 times for 169 yards and one of four Bruins’ touchdowns. Christian Reynolds had 47 yards and a touchdown while Jacob Ostrom was good for 54 yards and a touchdown. Cedaredge’s fourth

touchdown came on a 67yard catch-and-run play from Ostrom to Isaac Swoffer. Brendon Klaseen added four PAT kicks to help the Bruins arrive at the game’s final score, 30-7. The Bruins will face an always-tough Meeker squad on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m. The Cowboys are 1-1 in league play and 3-3 overall.

ing teams like Cedaredge and Delta. “Communication and confidence seem to become a problem when we are playing a solid team,” Carsten said. “We are reinforcing the importance of each and every player knowing that they have a job to do in supporting their teammates when the chips are down.” Carsten is confident that this Eagles’ team can do some great things once

it fine tunes its approach and figures out who the go-to player is at different times and in different situations. “This group definitely has the potential to be the best team I have ever coached if we can fit all the pieces together,” Carsten said. Paonia was at home against Olathe last night and goes on the road to Plateau Valley on Thursday and to Meeker on Saturday.

Paonia VB CONTINUED FROM C5 year and Paonia finds itself in unfamiliar territory. “Although I have some fairly seasoned players

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on the floor, none of our hitters have the experience of carrying the team and leading the team when we struggle,” Carsten said. “In the past we’ve had players who were confident enough and fiery enough to know they could side out when we needed it. We are still working on identifying our roles in aspects of play both offensively and defensively.” The Eagles lost confidence against big block-

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Panthers outplay Summit BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Homecoming 2015 was a huge success for Delta High School. The Panthers enjoyed a runaway 42-0 win last Friday night against Summit’s Tigers. Delta scored the first time it got its hands on the ball. Tristan Brown scored the first of his three touchdowns on a 1-yard plunge with 10:51 left in the first period. A.B. Ontiveros kicked the extra point, and Delta led 7-0. The Panthers got a second chance to score moments after the ensuing kickoff. A Summit fumble was recovered by Cameron Schaal, and Delta began its next drive from the Tigers’ 20-yard line. Brown finished the 30yard scoring drive with a run of 14 yards with 10:01 left in the first quarter. Ontiveros’ kick made it 14-0. Delta’s defense stymied Summit’s offense, and the Tigers were forced to punt the ball away. Kole Roberts kept the ball on a quarterback keeper and scampered 30

yards to the end zone to complete a 42-yard drive in four plays. With Ontiveros’ PAT kick, Delta had a 21-0 lead with 7:49 left in the opening frame. The next score for Delta came on a Schaal 23-yard fumble recovery and run. Following the kick by Ontiveros, Delta upped its lead to 28-0 as the game entered secondquarter play. Delta waited until near the end of the second quarter to put more points on the board. Brown got the call from 8 yards out to cap a six-play, 32-yard drive with just 45.4 left before halftime. With the extra point, Delta held a commanding 35-0 lead. Josh Reeder recovered Summit’s next miscue, and the Panthers began their next offensive series at Summit’s 18-yard line. The scoring drive took one play with Beau Byers collecting a Kole Roberts aerial for an 18-yard touchdown. With the PAT, Delta was in charge, 42-0, with 28.4 left in the opening half. With the 42 first-half points, a running clock was instituted for the remainder of the game.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Kenzie Henderson had a good block of an Olathe kill shot, but the ball got wedged between her arms and fell to the ﬂoor for a Pirate point. The Bruins went on to score a 3-2 decision over the visiting Pirates.

Delta’s second unit took the field in the second half and held its own as each team played pretty much in the center of the field for the remainder of the game. Delta had enough offense to put up 174 yards on the ground, with Ethan Keller’s 45 yards on six carries leading the way. Brown had 34 yards on five carries. Roberts threw the ball 12 times and completed five passes for 86 yards and one touchdown, while

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s junior quarterback Kole Roberts spins a tight spiral to junior receiver Beau Byers (11) in the Photo by Wayne Crick ﬁrst half of the Panthers’ 42-0 Homecoming win Delta’s Livan Santander’s tackle of Summit’s Tony over Summit’s Tigers. Delta’s 42 points in the ﬁrst half prompted a running clock in second half play. Finley caused a fumble that he recovered.

CHS volleyball beats Pirates BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Last week’s non-conference play against Olathe, Oct. 6, was anything but easy for 2A/1A WSL leader Cedaredge. The Pirates came out with their traditional trademark of hustle and determination as they looked to deal Cedaredge a loss. A 25-23 win in the first set had the Bruins, and their fans, on their heels. Cedaredge bounced back nicely in set two with a 25-19 win to tie things up at 1-1. Kendall McHugh had four service-point stints in each of the first two sets, with the second effort in set two boosting Cedaredge’s lead to 16-11 and an advantage that the Pirates would not overcome. The two teams traded the lead several times in the early going of set three before Cedaredge gained a slight lead in the late stages and held on for a 25-18 win. The Pirates were not ready to give up, however, and a great effort

Delta gets past pesky Palisade volleyball team for the win, 25-23. Emily Baier led the Panthers in several catThe 4A WSL volleyball egories with 23 kills, standings show hotly conone block and 14 digs. tested play, with the top Ashton Reese had 17 four teams separated by kills and two blocks and a mere win or loss in the Makayla Mills finished league race. Steamboat with six kills. Springs is leading with Other top statistical its 7-1 league mark and leaders included Shanan 14-2 overall record. SecDavey, 19 digs, Shelbi ond place Eagle Valley is Ledesma, 14 digs, and 6-1 and 10-5 with Delta Emily Nortnik with 48 next at 5-2 and 14-2. assists. Battle Mountain is also Christa Brown led 5-2 in league play with a Palisade with 13 kills 9-6 overall record. while Abby Thiessen and Summit leads the Kessa Valvoda had 18 bottom tier of teams at digs apiece and Gracey 4-4 and 6-6. Glenwood Higman dished out 34 Springs is 2-6 and 5-9 assists. while Palisade is sevDelta’s schedule for enth at 1-6 and 7-9, and the week started in Rifle is winless in eight Summit for a 5 p.m. vartries in league play and sity match. Eagle Valley 2-13 overall. was Delta’s next oppoDelta kept its hopes of nent the following night a league title with a big in Delta. 3-1 win over Palisade on To finish the week, Thursday. Prior to that, Delta is scheduled to play the Panthers handed in both Battle Mountain, a tough Paonia (2A/1A on Oct. 16 at 6 p.m. and WSL) a 3-2 loss on Oct. then travel on to Steam6. boat Springs on SaturAgainst Paonia, the day for a 1 Panthers p.m. contest could not against the keep up Sailors. To with the earn at least Eagles’ a part of the resolve to league lead finish the the Panset and thers would fell 26need wins 24. over Eagle In the Valley and second set Delta Photo by Wayne Crick Steamboat found Delta teacher Marty Rover works on crowd control Springs, the the going as one of his twin sons made numerous attempts only losses much to get on the playing surface at last week’s volley- for the Panthers’ team. easier as ball match against Palisade.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

it regrouped for a 25-17 win. Paonia found the rythym it had used in set one to score a 25-20 decision in set three. Delta went on to win the next two sets, 2516 and 15-11, to earn a match win. Delta’s match against Palisade was its first competition of the season with the Bulldogs. Delta appeared to be in control with a 25-16 first-set win but found itself on the losing side of a Bulldogs’ 25-21 win in set two. The Panthers and Bulldogs matched surges with each other as they battled for the win in set three. Delta had 5-point leads a couple of times only to have the Bulldogs battle back to cut Delta’s lead to 24-23 on the service of Emily Tucker, whose final scoring serve made the score 24-23. Dani Sakala ended the match with a hit that produced the final point

Drake Horn added 1 yard on a one-for-four passing stint. All together, the Panthers accumulated 261 yards of offense. Defensively, Delta’s defense was led by Brown’s 11 tackles, with Reeder adding 10 stops. Kory Mills, Sam Komives and Logan Church had nine tackles each. The Panthers are at Glenwood Springs on Friday, Oct. 16, for a 7 p.m. contest with the Demons.

in set four yielded a 2520 decision, tying the match at 2-2. Olathe had a seven-point run to take an 18-12 lead on its way to the win. A seesaw battle in set five eventually went to the Bruins, 16-14, and enabled Cedaredge to win the match, 3-2. The Bruins got key performances from several players in the win. McHugh notched eight

aces and had 34 assists, and Nellie Freeman had four aces, 12 kills and 25 service receptions. Other Bruins collecting high numbers included Hannah Gilmore’s eight kills and nine service receptions; Lydia Knutson’s five kills and Amber Jenkins’ 14 service receptions. Results from Cedaredge’s match against Meeker on Oct. 10 were

not available for release. The Bruins’ next court appearances include trips to Meeker, Collbran (Plateau Valley) and Paonia. Meeker’s trip is on Oct. 16 with varsity action set for 5 p.m. Saturday’s varsity match against Plateau Valley is set for 3 p.m. The Paonia rematch is next week, Oct. 20, and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

C8 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

DHS HOMECOMING

Delta County Independent

DELTA HIGH SCHOOL

HOMECOMING ERS!

TH GO PAN

A towering bonﬁre makes a striking photo backdrop.

Queen Jamie Sutliff and King Nikolas Chamblin

Regan Clay and Clayton Cotten for Throwback Thursday.

Mr. Graves at the pep assembly

Freshmen attendants Jenna Sutliff and Eli Farmer

It may be fall break, but band members are busy putting the ﬁnal touches on their ﬁeld show for regional competition in Grand Junction Thursday.

Sophomores Shayanne Steele and Drake Horn

DHS Student Council on ‘Merica Monday

PHOTOS AND

WAYNE CRICK JAMIE SUTLIFF BY

Juniors Makayla Mills and Pete Lousignont

Keilee Womack, Jamie Sutliff, Brenda Towne, Ashlynn Baily for Western Wednesday

2016 rules!

Mrs. Holly Crowder and Pete Lousignont on ‘Merica Monday

Seniors Gabe Acevedo and Victoria Rogers

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October 14, 2015

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AUCTIONS

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RENTALS

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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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L & D CONTRACTORS, LLC is looking for 50 underground miners with continuous mining experience. The successful applicants will be working at Twentymile Coal Co., in Oak Creek, Colorado. The job is scheduled to start in October and be completed in July of 2016. Contact (970) 875-2155 for information. (4x41) LOOKING FOR QUALITY employees? Advertise here in the DCI Classifieds.

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D2 Wednesday, October 14, 2015 HELP WANTED

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

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THE CITY OF DELTA Police Department in Delta, Colorado is now accepting applications for Police Officer. Applicants must be certifiable, certified or lateral; certified preferred. Patrols an assigned beat in the enforcement of law and order and prevention of crime; takes intensive field and basic training in the early period of employment. Necessary special requirements are: High School Graduate; possess a valid Colorado driver's license or able to obtain with 30 days of hire; State certified in law enforcement or ability to acquire; must be 21 years of age or over at time of hire; will be required to pass a detailed background and criminal record check, a psychological exam, physical agility test, physical, written test and a pre-employment drug test. The starting salary is $19.70 per hour plus an excellent benefits package. Please submit application and the supplemental application to: Human Resources Department, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416. Application, supplemental and complete job description available at City Hall or on the web at www. cityofdelta.net. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m., October 27, 2015. EEO. (2x41)

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. (2x40)

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HELP WANTED POSITION ANNOUNCEment — Delta County Libraries. Part-time Library Assistant — Teen Emphasis, Cedaredge Library – 20-24 hours/week. We are seeking a friendly, outgoing, customer service oriented individual. Hours include evenings and Saturdays and occasional special events. Primary duties will include direct service to the general public. Must have above average computer skills, be willing to work with all ages and will assist with program delivery and outreach activities. Customer service includes circulation help, reference help, computer help and readers' advisory help. This individual will be responsible for planning and delivering programs for teens and for school outreach at the Middle and High schools. School or library experience preferred. Some college required. Applications are available on the Library District website: www. deltalibraries.org/ or send application with letter of interest and resume to: Lea Hart, Regional Library Manager, Cedaredge Library, 180 SW 6th Ave., Cedaredge, CO 81413. For more information call (970) 399-7674. (2x41) POSITION ANNOUNCEment — Part-time Library Assistant, Delta Library, 30 hours/week. We are seeking a friendly, outgoing, customer-service oriented individual. Hours include evenings and Saturdays and occasional special events. Primary duties will include direct service to the general public. Must have above average computer skills, be willing to work with all ages and assist with program delivery and outreach activities. Customer service includes circulation help, reference help, computer help and readers' advisory help. Ability to aid patrons with research is highly desired. Spanish language skills highly desirable. Some college required. Applications are available on the Library District website: www.deltalibrar ies.org/ or send application with letter of interest and resume to: Lea Hart, Regional Library Manager, Delta Public Library, 211 W. 6th, Delta, CO 81416. For more information call (970) 874-9630. (2x41)

HELP WANTED CROSSROADS ASSISTed Living is accepting applications for the following positions: Cook/Dietary Aid P/T and F/T and QMAP (Qualified Medication Administration Person) must be QMAP Certified. Pick up application at 1380 Aspen Way, Delta. (2x41)

PUBLIC SERVICE

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PUBLIC SERVICE

DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of non-perishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker. (tfx36) HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. (DCHS)

THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each THE DELTA COUNTY month. At 6 p.m. there is a Independent runs these potluck and the meeting is at items as a public service 7 p.m. at the IOOF Hall, 860 free of charge for non-profit Hwy 92, Delta. For further organizations, if no fees are information, call 874-8172 charged. However, each Jim Baker, Quartermaster. group is asked to please (tfx12) keep them current by calling 874-4421. BECAWS! ADOPT A DOG or cat today. Call 970-527WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- 3350, or visit cawsonline. ings, Delta. Wednesdays, org. Delta County Citizens 5:30 p.m., closed for Animal Welfare and (Alcoholics only) at Friends Shelter (CAWS) of Bill W. Club, 897 Palmer. Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., open CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV (others may attend) at St. regular meetings on the Luke's Episcopal Church, second Monday of each 5th & Palmer (back door). month at 7 p.m. at the (tfnx3) Veterans Building, 15th & Howard, Delta. For further FREE DIAPERS FOR UP information, call Paul Carter to one year! Pregnant 874-5150. (tfx19) women in Delta County can now get help to quit smok- ARE YOU NEW TO THE ing and get something they Delta area? Stop by the can really use after their Delta Area Chamber of baby arrives — free diapers. Commerce at 301 Main St. Healthy moms have healthy for you FREE Welcome Bag, babies. Enroll in the Baby & filled with goodies, samMe Tobacco Free program ples, discounts and commutoday. Contact the Delta nity information, courtesy County Health Department of Chamber members and at 874-2165 or your local sponsored by Kim Guthriephysician. (TFNx2) Burch of Re/Max Today. SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store.

YOU HAVE THE POWER TO change a child's life! Children are waiting for senior partners in Delta County right now! Can you WELCOME RETURNING spare 3 hours a week? We Veterans, Post 9221 VFW need your help! Call today meets at 5:00 p.m. on the for more information. Please 4th Thursday of each month volunteer to spend time with in Cedaredge. To find out a child in our community. how to participate in pro- Partners of Delta, Montrose moting patriotism and and Ouray, 874-4661, www. assisting veterans, contact partners-west.org. or www. Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- deltayouth@montrose.net. 1180. (tfnx23) (tfx13) AARP DRIVER SAFETY PAONIA AMERICAN Course. Save on insurance, Legion runs a year round keep up on newer traffic non-perishable emergency laws, learn defensive driv- food pantry. This is for ing techniques. For details the North Fork area. For and schedule contact John information, call 527-6252. Loring (970) 856-6924 or (tfx49) (970) 424-1778. SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD jewelry and silver or bits of Historical Museum. Winter gold and silver scraps. The hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is thru December 24. $3 admis- sending them to: New Eyes sion or free to members. for the Needy, 549 Millburn Come see our museum at Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in or send them to: Gale Hotchkiss. 872-3780. (tfx44) Conger, Secretary of IOOF CHECK OUT THE BOOK Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. store at the library. You'll 548, Delta, CO 81416. find a great selection of THE AMERICAN RED paperbacks at reasonable Cross needs you. Become prices. one of the Red Cross volIF YOU LOVE BOOKS, unteers who says, “We’ll Be you will love the Downstairs There, Because Help Can’t Bookstore in the basement Wait!” Call your local Red Cross Chapter at 970-242of the Delta Public Library. 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW NARCOTICS ANONY- for information on the difmous meets at 9th and ference you can make in Palmer, Delta, Mondays and someone’s life as a disaster Fridays at 8 p.m. (tfnx5) volunteer. ((TFNx4))

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 BECAWS! DONATIONS force. (3x40) needed. Credit cards accepted. Call 970-5273350, or visit cawsonline. Seeking Employees? org. Delta County Citizens Advertise in the for Animal Welfare and Delta County Independent Shelter (CAWS)

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Delta County Independent

DELTA HAS A BOOKstore in the basement of the library featuring gently used books and magazines. Come check it out! SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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PUBLIC SERVICE

UNEMPLOYED? JOIN others for a time of networking, encouragement, and skill improvement. Latent Resources meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 at the Delta United Methodist Church (5th & Meeker). Attendants and visitors are encouraged to dress professionally and bring a note pad and a willingness to learn and be challenged. Find us on facebook.com & twitter.com - search "Latent Resources", or call James at 970-9019463.

THINK YOU'RE PREGnant? Abused? Need help? The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free service, support and advice to all teenagers and women in crisis pregnancy situations. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733.

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)

PARENTS FREE! INFORMation and referrals to licensed child care providers, call Bright Futures Child Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613. (TFNx4)

YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW. (TFNx28).

FAMILIES BELIEVING in families: Tandem Families is an innovative, HEALTHY BABIES START private non-profit mentorwith early prenatal care. ing program providing serDelta County Health vices for at-risk children of Department. Offers access Delta and Mont-rose counto immediate, temporary ties. Anyone interested in Medicaid for pregnant volunteering their services women who qualify. 874- or donating usable items should call 874-3000 or 2522165. (tfx25) 7445. (TFNx8) BOOKS MAKE GREAT stocking stuffers. Find THE AMERICAN LEGION books at great prices in Post 97 Paonia is seeking the basement of the Delta the names and addresses of all persons currently servPublic Library. ing on active duty in the BECAWS! DISCOUNT military from the North Fork spay and neuter coupons Valley in order to contact available. Call 970-527- them and show our sup3350, or visit cawsonline. port. Send addresses to org. Delta County Citizens American Legion Post 97, for Animal Welfare and PO Box 277, Paonia, CO Shelter (CAWS) 81428 or call 527-6552.

SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently SERVICIOS DE SALUD used book in the Downstairs De Campesinos: Ofrecemos Book Store. ayuda con doctores, dentis— FREE tas, y medicinas. Si trabajas PARENTS en agricultura puedes califi- information and referrals car para nuestros servicios. for licensed child care proPara mas informacion llame viders. Call Bright Futures Child Care Resource & al 323-0538. (tfx12) Referral at 877-728-5613. ADVERTISE TODAY! (TFNx1)

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MISC.

Colorado Statewide Classified Advertising Network To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 81 Colorado newspapers for only $350, contact your local newspaper or call SYNC2 Media at 303-571-5117. HELP WANTED - DRIVERS MISCELLANEOUS Indian Creek Express SAWMILLS from only $4397.00NOW HIRING– OTR CDL-A MAKE & SAVE MONEY with Drivers, Home Weekly. your own bandmill- Cut lumber any Health Benefits, dimension. In stock ready to ship! Big Miles = Big Money! FREE Info/DVD: Paid Weekly. www.NorwoodSawmills.com Call for more details: 877-273-3582. 1-800-578-1363 ext.300N SYNC2 MEDIA Buy a 25-word statewide classified line ad in newspapers across the state of Colorado for just $350 per week. Ask about our Frequency Discounts. Contact this newspaper or call SYNC2 Media, 303-571-5117

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, October 14, 2015

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D4 Wednesday, October 14, 2015

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. 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. Computer Class. What can I do with an iPad? Should I get a laptop? What about a desktop? Help! Where do I start? Friday, Oct. 23, at 10:30 a.m. Early Release Day Event. Come watch a movie at the Cedaredge Library this afternoon and bring a friend! Snacks available. Participants under the age of seven will need to have a parent in the building. All ages are welcome. The feature film is the new release version of a classic fairytale. It is rated PG and is about 112 minutes long. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1:30 p.m. Crafts Group. Crafters meet each Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas

and show and tell. Contact the library at 3997674 for details. Tech Soup Saturday. Bring your devices and your questions. Our expert “techies” will do their best to answer your questions. Saturdays, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Patron Appreciation Day. Let us thank you for being a part of our library! Come in for refreshments and to say hello. Wednesday, Oct. 14. Hotchkiss Paranormal Investigators. Learn about local paranormal activity, as well as other projects the Hotchkiss Paranormal Investigators have underway! Thursday, Oct. 22, at 7 p.m. Wii and Waffles. Join the fun on early release day! Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. Pumpkin Decorating. Calling all pumpkins! It is time to become jack-o-lanterns! Thursday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. Computer Tutor. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Just drop in during regular library hours or call ahead for a specific time. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details.

for the month of October. Bring your recipes to the Hotchkiss Library and add new recipes to your collection. Children’s Pumpkin Crafts. Come to the Hotchkiss Library on early release day for fun pumpkin crafts. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Sugar Skulls for Day of the Dead. Join the Hotchkiss Library and The Church of Art and learn about the cultural tradition of Day of the Dead. Discover the traditions of this celebration and make sugar skulls to take home. All ages welcome, but children under the age of 8 should be accompanied by an adult. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 4 p.m. Call the Hotchkiss library for more information 399-7781. 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. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Tuesday–Thursday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting 10:30 a.m. Contact Paonia Library at 3997881 for information. Knit and Crochet Fun Day. Take time out to knit or crochet and share project ideas. Always free

Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Family Movie. Bring your friends and family and come to the Delta Library to watch a comedy movie about a trio of witches on early release day. We’ll have snacks and fun activities. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 2 p.m. Wild West Ghosts - Paranormal Experiences. Acclaimed authors Mark and Kym Todd tell haunting tales about their paranormal experiences. Experience sound clips and photos of their investigations from local haunted locations. There will be a short presentation and then a Q & A session with the authors. Saturday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. 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. Tech Talk. Bring in your devices and get help from our tech-savvy staff! Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Call the library to find out about this week’s class at 874-9630. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Join us for stories, activities and crafts downstairs. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Pumpkin Recipe Exchange. Share your favorite pumpkin recipes

yarn and craft magazines and books to purchase by donation. Tea and cookies, too! Saturday, Oct. 17, at noon. Visualizing Red White and Blue in Utah 1988 with Katherine Colwell. Join Katherine Colwell for a viewing of her almost 22-foot-long

book of drawings and photographs representing time she spent in Utah. Colwell will give a short presentation and answer questions as visitors take in the work of art. Rolling chairs will be available for a four-wheel-drive tour of the book. Saturday, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m.

State tax extension deadline is Oct. 15 Taxpayers who did not submit their income tax filing by the April deadline are reminded that the extension due date for Colorado’s 2014 income tax filing is Thursday, Oct. 15. Complete the paper Colorado 104 form and appropriate schedules first. Then enter the information into Revenue Online and submit your return. Filing through

Revenue Online is free. Or, use the tax professional or tax software of your choice. If you cannot file electronically, complete the 104 return and appropriate schedules. Include your payment by check if you owe. The Colorado 104 booklet is available at www.TaxColorado. com under Instructions and Forms > Individual Income Tax.

CMU presents Shakespeare classic Colorado Mesa University will continue its 2015-16 theatre arts season with another of The Bard’s classics. William Shakespeare’s “All’s Well that Ends Well” will be presented Nov. 11-14 at 7:30 p.m. William Shakespeare is the most influential writer in all of English literature and is certainly the most important playwright of the English Renaissance — and his comedy, “All’s Well that Ends Well,” is one of his most modern romances.

It is the tale of the heroine Helena and her love for the adventure-seeking Bertram. This classic, directed by department head Tim Pinnow, proves the adage that the course of true love never did run smooth. Tickets for “All’s Well that Ends Well” are available at the Moss Performing Arts box office by calling 248-1604 or may be purchased online at coloradomesa.edu/moss tickets. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $6 for students.

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B A C K P A G E

Senior expo showcases local resources Photos courtesy Delta County Senior Reource Council

Gary West from Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta led the exercises at the 2014 Senior Expo. Gary threw balls back and forth with the seniors, led a resistance band exercise to strengthen the arms, led seniors in repetitions of getting up from their chairs and sitting back down, and other fun exercises. This year’s Senior Expo is set for Oct. 22.

BY ANNETTE BRAND

Staff Writer

n Thursday, Oct. 22, seniors from around the area are invited to come together to enjoy entertainment, a tasty free lunch, fun exercises, and to learn more about several matters that affect their lives. All these opportunities will be available during the seventh annual Senior Expo, held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street in Delta. This year’s Senior Expo runs from 9:00 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. Starting off the Senior Expo at 9:15 a.m. will be Cheryl Oeltjenbruns, co-owner of CM Management, who will speak in a general way about powers of attorney and advance directives. Popular performer Hugh Plumleigh will perform on the keyboard during the fun exercises before lunch. Lunch, which is free to seniors, will include a HUGE birthday cake in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Delta County Senior Resource Council (DCSRC), one of the sponsors of the Senior Expo. Bank of the West is a co-sponsor. The theme for this year’s Senior Expo is “Leaving a Legacy.” Leah Lewis, Senior Coordinator for DCSRC, says, “We are encouraging seniors to gather materials such as photos, stories and treasured items to preserve as a legacy for their children and grandchildren. “Often someone will recall, ‘I remember granddad telling me that story when I was a small child. How I wish I could hear him tell it again.’ Granddads living today can record their stories so their grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren, can have the pleasure of hearing the story in granddad’s own voice,” Leah said. “Or someone will recall having seen a favorite photograph of a relative who lived decades ago and say, ‘I wonder what ever happened to that picture.’ Now is the time to get those photographs together to save them for the future generations. “Since many of our recent photographs are on computers or thumb drives, now is a good time to get prints made of them so future family members can see what we looked like,” Leah added. Scrapbooking enthusiasts will be available at the Expo to demonstrate techniques and materials for preserving legacy items. Great opportunities are available at the Senior Expo for those interested in researching their ancestry. Genealogy specialist Don Pyle of Cedaredge will speak to seniors about genealogy and respond to the seniors’ questions. The Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of

Line dancing at one of the Senior Proms brought out young and old to the dance ﬂoor, where Delta High School JROTC cadets partnered up with seniors to learn the steps.

Latter-day Saints), active and respected in the field of genealogy, will bring to the Expo four computers and genealogy specialists to give seniors hands-on experience in genealogy research. VOA will bring six computers to aid in this research. The lunchtime speaker will be Delta attorney Aaron Clay who will speak on legal matters of interest to seniors that his senior clients bring to him. Leah says 45-plus vendors/ demonstrators will be available at the Expo, so seniors are encouraged to come early and take advantage of all the information and demonstrations in which they have an interest or need. Delta County Memorial Hospital will have representatives at the Expo to give blood pressure tests. Acupuncturist Catherine Rodeback will demonstrate ways to deal with stress. Mental Health Center will have staff on hand to answer questions and hand out brochures. Leah says, “They have loads of information.” Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Jim Baker will bring a claims person from Denver to talk about claims. A claims adjuster will be on site as well. USDA Rural Development’s Victoria Martinez will be present to discuss with seniors the availability of funds, up to $7,500, to cover such needs as rails, ramps, roof leaks and other home repairs. Leah stresses: “This is money set aside for that purpose and is given, not loaned.” In addition to that program, seniors can borrow USDA funds at 1 percent interest. CapTel Phones will demonstrate a phone that gives a visual translation of the conversation coming through the phone. For questions about the Senior Expo, call Leah Lewis

at 970-712-2295. DCSRC sponsors another stellar event every year for seniors, inviting “anyone age 55-plus from Delta and Montrose counties and beyond” to the Delta Senior Prom. The prom is held in the Delta High School gym during the afternoon prior to that night’s Delta High School annual prom. Seniors enjoy dancing in the decorated gym. Seniors may want to make a note in their 2016 calendar to attend next year’s Senior Prom, which is tentatively scheduled for April 16. Leah Lewis says, “The number of seniors who come has grown every year since we started the Senior Prom in 2012. We had over 100 in 2015.” Crossroads Care Center, Colorow Care Center and Willow Tree at Delta bring their residents. Paonia Care Center has participated every year, this year bringing two vans of their residents. Individual people from the communities of Montrose and Delta come. “This year we had a DJ and seniors enjoyed music from the ’20s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s. “JROTC members from Delta High come to the prom in their uniforms and dance with the seniors every year. The seniors really enjoy dancing with these young uniformed boys and girls. For some it brings back memories of when they were young and their boyfriends or husbands were going off to war or were home on leave,” Leah said. “No one goes away without having a dance,” she said. “It is such a delight to take people in wheelchairs and twirl them around and do the twist with them in their chairs. You see the biggest smiles on their faces. “Marilyn Wyatt from

Hotchkiss, celebrating her 80th birthday, brought her whole family, including grandchildren, so they could celebrate together.” “A king and queen are crowned during the prom,” Leah said. “Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in Montrose, a DCSRC member, provided a limo and driver to pick up the king and queen, take them to dinner after the prom and then to their home. Touch of Care sponsored the dinner this year.” DCSRC member Alpine Bank bought the king and queen crowns and sashes. Crossroads Assisted Living has made corsages and bou-

tonnieres for the seniors for several years. People Care Health Services made the decorations for the tables. VOA Pace Program provided the food in 2015 — platters and platters of meat and cheese, chips, nuts, fresh fruit and dessert. There were leftovers which seniors took home with them. Linda Fuller, a local photographer, comes to the prom, takes photos of every one and goes to Walmart to have the photos developed, then brings them back to the prom. “We insert the photos in individual programs and the seniors have a great souvenir to take home with them,” Leah said. Delta High Key Club members helped set up the tables this year. DCSRC and the DHS Junior Class took down the DCSRC decorations and tables, assisted by Rocky Top Ramblers 4-H Club. DCSRC is “donation driven,” Leah Lewis said. As Senior Coordinator, she is its only staff. Leah works from her office at 823 Main Street in Delta. She receives questions from seniors and provides information and names of contact people for the broad range of senior needs, either at the office or by telephone, 970712-2295. DCSRC’s mission is “To promote awareness, education, and collaborative opportunities for seniors seeking to enrich quality of life in our community.” Its vision statement is “Celebrate, develop, nurture and establish connections between our seniors and our community to enrich lives.”

Cherie and Ken Plant were crowned queen and king of the fourth annual senior prom, held last April at Delta High School. The event was enjoyed by 112 seniors, ages 50-plus, from Delta and Montrose counties.