Delta County Independent, Oct 21, 2015 by Delta County Independent

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DELTA COUNTY

BOUND FOR STATE

Confidence, momentum propel Bruins to state softball tourney, B6 OCTOBER 21, 2015 VOL. 132, NO. 42

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Court resolves hen house issue BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Colorado Supreme Court announced last week that it will not consider the case involving Delta County Commissioners, Western Slope Layers and Grand Mesa Layers. The decision of the Supreme Court to deny a “petition for writ of certiorari” filed by plaintiffs means a previous finding by the Colorado Court of Appeals in favor of the county and co-defendant Hostetler will stand. The appeals court decision issued last October overturned the local 7th Judicial District Court decision that led to a cease and desist order issued to Western Slope Layers on Powell Mesa. The egg-laying operation, in production for only a few months when it was served with the cease and desist order, disposed of its flocks and ceased operations. Grand Mesa Layers, another egg-laying operation approved by the county to open on Redlands Mesa, has not been built. Following release of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Delta County Commissioners issued an advisory stating, “The Colorado Supreme Court denied the petition for writ of certiorari by the plaintiffs in the litigation over the authority of the Board of County Commissioners to approve chicken houses in Delta County. With this denial by the Colorado Supreme Court, the court of appeals will soon issue a mandate which will return jurisdiction to the [7th Judicial District] trial court to comply with the appellate decision to reinstate the Board of County Commissioners’ decision and vacate the cease and desist order.” Travis Jardon of Redlands

Mesa, a lead plaintiff in the case against the county and the egg laying operations, replied to a DCI request for a statement with the following email: “I was very disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision. The appellate court’s opinion that overturned Judge Patrick’s ruling was poor. With the Supreme Court hearing only 8 percent of the cases submitted for their review, we knew that the chance of having our case heard was remote, but we had to try in an effort to protect the neighbors from the massive amounts of pollution discharged by these tunnel ventilated facilities. Both Hostetler facilities were approved far too close to surrounding neighbors. It bears mentioning that there was no opposition to Dr. David Kuntz’s egg-laying facility because he gave due consideration to the setback concerns of neighbors and located his facility appropriately. Our county would be well served if our commissioners required similar setbacks for all like operations.” County commission chairman Mark Roeber said on Monday that the Supreme Court’s decision to decline plaintiffs’ writ had been anticipated. County commissioner Bruce Hovde told the DCI, “It has been a four-year-long ordeal for all concerned, particularly for the Hostetlers.” Edwin and Eileen Hostetler, principals in the Powell Mesa operation, and Greg Carmen Hostetler, principal in the Redlands Mesa project, first applied to the county for specific development approval of their chicken barns in 2011. Hovde added, “Our county [legal staff] and Ken Nordstrom, environmental health director, put in a great deal

North Highway 50 speeds to increase BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Early next week, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will begin changing out the speed limit signs on Highway 50 north of Delta. According to CDOT, the new speeds were determined by a speed study completed by CDOT’s traffic and safety unit. Several factors were taken into account, including prevailing speeds, roadside development, accident experience, pace speed and parking/pedestrian activity. CDOT determined the 65 mph speed posting should be extended an additional (approximate) 1.7 miles to the east. (Heading into Delta the speed currently begins to reduce at MP 67.3 but will not reduce until MP 69 with the changes). From MP 69

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D8 Business ........................ A8 Church ............................B5 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness .........C5-7 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A6 School Zone .................. A5 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................B6-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ................. D5-6

the speed steps down incrementally heading into town (or steps up coming out of town). This is an increase of anywhere between 5 and 20 mph, depending on the exact location. The changes will be limited to the short stretch between MP 67 and 69.5. CDOT believes the more realistic speed limits will result in the maximum number of vehicles traveling at about the same speed, thus reducing conflicts caused by speed differentials. Studies show that raising the speed limit does not automatically cause an increase in the speed of traffic. Most people will drive the roadway as they perceive the conditions and will ignore a speed limit that is unrealistically too low or too high.

of work on the county’s position.” When the case went to the appeals court level, the county retained the Denver litigation firm of Holland and Hart whose bills for the work on the case totaled $130,000, confirmed Robbie LeValley, county administrator. Earlier this month and prior to the Supreme Court’s announcement last week, the

county commissioners issued a specific development approval for a 20,000-hen egg-laying operation, Kuntz Chicken Ranch, on Redlands Mesa’s Buffalo Road. Hovde told the DCI that the Supreme Court’s decision following closely on approval of the Kuntz application “was just pure coincidence.” Former county commissioner Olen Lund was on the

BoCC when the Hostetler approvals were first issued. Along with Delta County Farm and Livestock Bureau, he has continued to support the Hostetlers. He stated, “As a former county commissioner seated when the Hostetlers first pursued a permit for their chicken houses, I can say that the Delta County specific development regulation COURT TO A3

Photo by Norm Sunderland

Forever green?

A prolonged warm, dry period of weather came to an end this week with rain showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. In the photo above, a rainbow arches low over a field east of Delta. Although the temperatures have dropped, they’re far from typical for this time of year. According to the National Weather Service, the first frost (32.5° or lower) typically arrives in Delta on Sept. 27; the average date for the first freeze (28.5° or lower) is Oct. 15.

No rate increases expected for city utility customers BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The City of Delta is holding the line on electric, water, sewer and trash rates for 2016. The rates are built into the draft budget currently being reviewed by the city council. An allocation of $500,000 from the municipal, light and power fund is being set aside for implementation of the broadband project. Costs for Phase 1 buildout in the City of Delta are estimated at $1,845,462, but city staff has identified some potentially significant savings. In addition, Region 10 has applied for another grant, and the county commissioners have promised funds to help each municipality within Delta County build the new routes. Transfers from the other utility funds support the golf course — $180,000 from sewer, $50,000 from water and $150,000 from refuse. While play is up at Devil’s Thumb, the cost of food and

beverage service exceeded estimates and an additional transfer of $30,000 from the water fund will be required in 2015. The city had hoped to draw non-golfers for lunch or dinner at the grill, but the location proved “too remote to create volume.” Other budgeted items for 2016 include: • The installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Confluence Park, in addition to repairs to the trails and pavilions and completion of the handicap fishing peninsula. • Tennis court repairs at Cleland Park. The city is pursuing a GOCO grant to assist with the cost. • City hall renovations. The city has received a DOLA grant to remodel city hall with an eye on energy efficiency, handicap accessibility (including an elevator) and potential consolidation of the police department into the building. • Animal shelter expansion, in partnership with CAWS.

• Pictometry project, in partnership with Delta County. The city is looking for new aerial photography which shows the completed Confluence Drive. • Economic development, in partnership with Delta County Economic Development, Region 10 and the Department of Local Affairs. A feasibility study is currently underway for two potential projects in Delta County. The city has set aside $30,000 to pursue opportunities. • City staff will receive a 2 percent salary increase after two years of no acrossthe-board adjustments. The cost-of-living increase was approved after council learned sales tax collections are holding steady. At a September work session, finance director Tod DeZeeuw reported sales tax is currently up 3.48 percent over last year. City council reviewed the draft budget Tuesday night and will take formal action in November.

City manager search

Sewer line replacement

Unemployment drops

Delta Mayor Ed Sisson reports the search for a new city manager is moving forward as anticipated. The city’s consultant, The Mercer Group of Carbondale, told Sisson 45 applicants had indicated interest in the position by the Oct. 9 application deadline. The consultant has placed 15 of the most experienced and talented applicants in the “top tier” and will begin narrowing down the list of prospective applicants for council review. Sisson said the council expects to receive a list of eight to 10 candidates for the first round of interviews.

Two city projects have been awarded to Wells Excavation and Farming, LLC, which recently completed the stormwater improvements on 2nd and 5th. Using a camera purchased last year, City of Delta crews found a sewer line in the alley between Leon and Hastings and from 8 to 10th streets that had begun to collapse. Two bids were received, the lowest coming from Wells in the amount of $180,455. Wells also won the bid for the first phase of a project to install a water booster pump station at the corner of 13th and Pioneer. Cost is $33,708.

According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the unemployment rate in Delta County decreased half a percentage point in September to 5.0 percent. A year ago, unemployment was pegged at 5.4 percent with a labor force of 14,003. The September labor force was estimated at 13,438. Statewide, unemployment decreased two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.0 percent. Unemployment in Mesa and Montrose counties is estimated at 4.8 and 4.1 percent, respectively. The national unemployment rate is unchanged at 5.1 percent.

A2 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

OPINION

LETTERS Vote yes to remove obstacles to broadband Dear Editor: Regarding an opt-out of Colorado Senate Bill 05-152: As you receive your ballots for the upcoming Nov. 3 election, you will see questions regarding “re-establishing rights to provide all services restricted since 2005 by Title 29, article 27 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.” SB 05-152, as passed in 2005, prohibits most uses of municipal or county funds for infrastructure to improve local broadband service without first going to a vote of the people to let your community opt out of SB 05-152. In rural areas like Delta County, the bill has specifically served to stifle competition against much larger

incumbent Internet service providers (ISPs) and telecom companies, by forcing other startup services to duplicate expensive infrastructure if they wish to compete. Many public entities hold fiber optic assets that could be used to significantly improve the quality of our local broadband and communication services if such use wasn’t specifically prohibited by the 2005 regulation. Opting out of the regulation will enable ANY commercial interest, including existing ISPs and startups, to use those assets through public/private partnerships as the public entities will allow. In past elections other communities, including the City of Montrose,

have already chosen to free themselves of this regulation by substantial margins. These communities realize that high speed broadband and communication services are vital to their future well-being. In this election, many other communities and educational institutions are forwarding the same questions. Considering our current economic struggles, it is imperative that we allow the use of these public assets to diversify our local economy. Please vote YES on the questions to allow Delta County and your local communities to use these vital assets without restriction by the state. Scott Thomassen Eckert

‘Yes’ vote will make Delta County more competitive Dear Editor: I am writing to encourage the voters in unincorporated Delta County and the voters in Delta, Cedaredge, Hotchkiss, Paonia and Crawford to vote yes to opt out of the provisions of Senate Bill 152 as it relates to broadband. In no way does this obligate any of these entities to operate or contribute financially to efforts to bring greater Internet speed and reliability to all of Delta County. It simply provides another tool in the ongoing efforts to make us competitive with the rest of the world. Also, it has absolutely

nothing to do with the $5.2 million grant obtained by Region 10 to bring world class Internet service to Delta and Montrose counties and does not in any way obligate communities to come up with matching funds for that grant. The handful of fearmongers voicing these kinds of concerns are at the very least bending the truth and facts, perhaps even outright telling lies. In some cases there are some very self-serving motives for those voicing opposition to opting out of SB 152. We are not in this alone; the City of Montrose has

already opted out as have numerous other towns and counties across the state. In this election cycle, 17 more counties, 18 cities and towns and two school districts are seeking voter approval to opt out. Most importantly a strong yes vote sends a loud message to DeltaMontrose Electric Association that its owner/customers want it to use its access to the fiber optic cable that can make this desperately needed Internet service available to everyone. Tom Huerkamp Orchard City

It’s déja vu all over again Dear Editor: If Yogi Berra were still with us, he would describe the Delta County and town ballot issues on Internet and cable TV service as “Déjà vu all over again.” It’s “all over again” because Delta County fought and won a similar fight when it established Delta-Montrose Electric Association to provide rural parts of the two counties with electricity. Until 1938, our counties were dark outside of the towns. There wasn’t enough profit to convince the investor-owned utilities to string lines to rural places. Now, 77 years later, the telecommunication companies are refusing to provide small towns and rural areas with fast, inexpensive Internet and cable TV service. Once again, there isn’t enough money in the sticks. Fortunately, units of government need fast Internet. And because we

are an underserved rural area, there are various grants to help our local governments connect to fast Internet. You can’t teach children, provide for public safety, or run libraries and hospitals without fast Internet. In addition, bundles of fiber optic strands are so cheap that governments lay down many more fiber optic strands than they need without additional cost. Those extra strands then become (almost) available for renting to private Internet service providers. Those ISPs are the local businesses that will provide us with fast Internet. I write “almost” because in 2005, the Colorado Legislature listened to Big Telecom and passed SB 152. It forbids local government from renting its spare fibers without a vote of the people. Big Telecom does not intend to serve us. But it does not want

anyone else serving us either. The pokey Internet speeds it provides us with on the copper telephone lines they’ve owned forever are very profitable. Slow to us; profitable to them. So Delta County residents must jump through this ballot hoop as a step toward inexpensive Internet service. If it passes, we will become eligible for grants to lay more fiber, connect to fiber that’s already been strung, and so on. On your November ballot, you will be asked to exempt the county or your town from SB152, called Ballot Question 1A, Colorado Revised Statute Title 29, article 27. The ballot measures all start: “Without increasing taxes, shall the citizens of...” Let’s vote yes, the way residents of Delta County in 1938 supported rural electricity. Ed Marston Paonia

School district needs a strong, sensible voice Dear Editor: I would like to endorse Jill Jurca for the open seat in District 2 to serve on the school board in Delta. Jill is a graduate of Delta High School and is currently involved with DHS as the mother of two very smart young ladies. Currently her daughters are in band and Jill is the president of the DHS Band parent organization. She’s also involved with the DHS booster club and parent accountability team. Jill Jurca has a passion for education as is evident by her tireless service in multiple district budget panels DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published weekly on Wednesdays at 401 Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. Second class postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 401 Meeker St. Delta, CO 81416 (970) 874-4421

during the leaner years. She has served nine years at district accountability and on a citizens panel during a past search for a superintendent. The district can always use a strong and responsible voice with experience and solid judgment. I believe Jill Jurca would be effective in contributing her unique talents when collaborating and working as a team with other board members as she has proven in multiple district-related positions such as budget task force and district accountability. Her experience also lends itself to a successful school board in adopting curriculum, in gaining a solid understanding of vendor contracts, and working to set a school calendar. I’ve witnessed her fantastic analytical, leadership and collaborative skill sets to move this district forward. In my opinion, this will contribute to a local economy that needs desperate help. An educated workforce is a workforce that is less

likely to become unemployed and more likely to gain employment. I know firsthand that Jill is interested in the success of all students in the district. I’d like to ask the citizens of Delta County to please consider Jill Jurca for School Board Member for District 2. Kurt Roithmayr, M.Ed., Delta

Climate ‘deniers’ counter science untruths Dear Editor: This is a response to Thomas Wills and his incorrect remarks regarding both Mike Mason and his views on climate and climate scientists. Mike Mason offered good advice — check the facts. If you wish to say yes, we have seen about a oneto two-degree increase in temperature over the last 200-plus years and call that global warming, that is okay. Just do not call it warming due to humans’ use of fossil fuels, i.e. anthropogenic warming. What concerns me most is that so much of our population is still deceived by the flood of climate misinformation, deception and outright lies about climate science. Mr. Wills is one among many that seem to believe the IPCC is a scientific body. They are indeed nothing of the sort. They are a politically driven organization with very few true scientists. In fact, many of the real scientists involved with IPCC have removed themselves from such association. Then there is the infamous EPA, a rogue organization at

best. Decades ago EPA did a lot to help solve pollution problems but their actions have changed dramatically. One of the scientists that helped found the EPA has recently published a booklet entitled “Replacing the Environmental Protection Agency” (Jay Lehr, Ph.D.). Contrary to Mr. Wills’ statements, there are literally tens of thousands of scientists that disagree with all this global warming hysteria. For example over 31,000 scientists signed the Oregon Petition against the Kyoto Protocol including over 9,000 Ph.Ds. I also signed this in 1998 and I can attest to the rigorous methods to ensure that only qualified scientists and engineers were included in this petition. It is a sad time for one to be too outspoken about such views. There are a number of qualified scientists that have been fired from their professions in government, educational and private businesses for taking stands against this global warming hype. What a travesty!

The following is a direct quote authored by Robert M. Carter, Ph.D. “It is widely misrepresented in the public domain that Earth’s current levels of atmospheric CO2 are dangerously and atypically high. Such claims are false, because modern CO2 levels lie near to an all-time low as assessed against the geological record.” His book “Climate: the Counter Consensus” explains this issue in much detail. CO2 Science.com is an excellent online source of information developed by Dr. Craig D. Idso’s Center for the Study of Carbon Dioxide and Global Change. Increased levels of CO2 have increased plant growth all over the world. It appears that plants grow larger, are more productive and require less water with increased concentrations of atmospheric CO2. Climate “deniers” is a slam expression against many fine scientists around the world who are searching for the truth — not false pseudo-science. William H. Snyer Cedaredge

rise of 3.2 mm/year (1/8 of an inch per year) will drown Miami by the end of the century or in 85 years. Maybe Tom has a crystal ball no one else has but 1/8 inch per year comes to about 10 inches in 85 years not 2 meters (6 1⁄2 feet) and there is no guarantee of that as we are overdue for another ice age. The current rate of ocean rise is slowing, not increasing as Tom would have you believe. He does state one correct fact — global warming equals climate change; likewise, NO global warming equals NO climate change. Let me be perfectly clear: satellite data shows unequivocally there has been no global warming at least since global temperatures and sea level have been measured by satellite, period. By the way, both are consistent with each other.

No global warming, no ocean expansion, therefore the 1/8 inch per year sea level rise is entirely due to land ice melting in the Arctic and Antarctic. Yes, glaciers are melting, and have been melting nonstop for the last 16,000 years. Why satellite data? Cities, also called heat islands with their asphalt, air conditioning and winter space heating, have contaminated many terrestrial temperature stations. Satellites see it all — cities, vast plains and deserts and most of all the 75 percent of the planet that has insignificant human presence, the oceans. Satellite data is resistant to political manipulation, i.e., 2014 and 2015 hottest on record — hockey stick fraud. Mike Mason Cedaredge

Hogwash Dear Editor: Thomas Wills’ letter to the editor (10/14/15) didn’t cite a single primary data source. He used the usual ad hominem attacks, i.e., climate deniers. I would accuse Wills of being a science denier. Does he deny the satellite temperature record? Again look at it! No global warming or cooling since 1979 (36 years). Looking at the satellite record — neither this year nor 2014 has broken any records. That award goes to the Medieval Warm period when the Vikings settled Greenland in the 13th century. There is so much disinformation in Wills’ letter to the editor I can’t cover it all but I will cover another scare tactic he and other science deniers use and that is that the current sea level

Vote yes on 1A to increase economic diversification Dear Editor: I urge all Delta County Voters to VOTE YES on Delta County Ballot Question 1A. Delta County Ballot Question 1A asks the basic question to voters, shall the county have a role in bringing improved broadband infrastructure to the entire county. It is widely known that providing increased broadband in the county will help our area keep existing businesses and attract companies to Delta County. There are existing viable businesses that literally have to drive to other areas of the state just to upload and download data. That is burdensome and increases operating costs. Improving broadband allows these businesses to operate efficiently. Delta County will not get into the Internet business; they want to provide the infrastructure for the middle mile so that private enterprise can take the Internet direct to individual residences.

Question 4A benefits all residents Dear Editor: The board of directors of the Fire Mountain Canal and Reservoir Company urge voters in the North Fork Conservancy District to vote “yes” on Ballot Question 4A. We believe the proposal to allow the conservancy district to accept grant money and manage tax revenues more productively, with no increase in tax assessments, will be beneficial to the entire geographic area. While the benefits to irrigation water users would be most apparent with the pas-

Delta County Independent

sage of this measure, conservancy district projects have provided economic, habitat and lifestyle benefits to all area residents. The board of directors of the Fire Mountain Canal and Reservoir Company represents more than 480 irrigation water users within the conservancy district and we are in total support of the ballot measure proposed for the November election. Dixie L. Luke President Fire Mountain Canal and Reservoir Company Board of Directors

The main goal of providing the middle mile is to allow for increased capacity and redundancy for the county. In addition to the economic development, increased capacity allows our hospitals and medical community to function in the age of telemedicine and ensures our schools can meet testing standards. There are several examples of businesses that have not relocated or started here because they do not have adequate Internet capacity to function and thrive. Delta County needs to position itself to attract a wide, diverse range of businesses to offset the decrease in our mining sector, and broadband is one tool that allows us to do so. Municipalities, Department of Local Affairs,

Delta County, Region 10 and Delta County Economic Development are partnering in this effort and asking the voters to allow each entity to opt out of Senate Bill 152. If voters approve, this effort will only be for the middle mile of broadband infrastructure. There is no increase in taxes associated with this ballot question. This is an appropriate role for county governments and towns to provide the base infrastructure and then get out of the way and let private industry take the lead. I urge all Delta County voters to VOTE YES on Delta County Ballot Question 1A. C. Bruce Hovde Delta County Commissioner District 2

Vote yes on Proposition BB Dear Editor: Amendment 64, approved by Colorado voters in 2012, legalized recreational marijuana in Colorado, subject to local control. Proposition AA, approved by Colorado voters in 2013, taxed recreational marijuana, with the lion’s share of the proceeds earmarked for school construction and drug abuse prevention programs. About $40 million in taxes collected on retail marijuana in the 2014-15 fiscal year, the first full year of legal sales, was supposed to go for school construction, with another $12 million pegged for the drug safety programs. But a constitutional hiccup involving our TABOR tax limits is forc-

ing us to hand the money back to marijuana merchants and to marijuana consumers themselves, in the form of reduced taxes on their future purchases. Proposition BB, which is on the ballots arriving in our mailboxes, would allow the people of Colorado to invest marijuana tax revenue for schools and safety, which are the purposes the people intended when they legalized marijuana. Who should benefit? Our schools and drug prevention education, or marijuana consumers? I urge you to vote for school kids by voting yes on Proposition BB. Millie Hamner State Representative, House District 61 Dillon

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Court FROM PAGE A1 was never meant to discourage agricultural development in the county. As you recall, we did revise the regulation, but at that time our thought was that ‘agriculture is agriculture.’ We did not foresee the technical loophole that allowed an interpretation counter to that assumption.” Lund, speaking as a local Farm Bureau official, continued, “The Delta County Farm and Livestock Bureau would like to reiterate what I stated earlier. We are pleased that the Colorado Court of Appeals, and the Colorado Supreme Court, by their denial of the writ of certiorari, upheld the right to farm in Delta County. Although many Delta County farmers were discouraged, and millions of dollars of economic development was relocated to Montrose County, this court decision is a reassurance to the family farmers in Delta County that they can continue to produce agricultural commodities here. It was critical to the future of farming in Delta County that the court uphold our right to be productive citizens.” The county may have lent agriculture statewide a boost by being in the position of having to defend itself in the case. Hovde noted that the 7th District Court ruling was based on alleged negative health effects from chicken barns. If that decision had ultimately been upheld, it could have opened the door to many nuisance actions against other ag operators.

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That issue was a principle one in the case. In overturning the 7th District Court last October, the Court of Appeals described the issue as follows: “The 7th District Court found that the egg barns were incompatible with the neighborhood because the neighbors had presented unrebutted evidence that the WSL barn, then operating, was causing respiratory problems in the community. It further found that the new conditions regarding air quality were insufficient because they did not require medical input and set no specific limit on air quality.” However, in rejecting the 7th District Court’s line of reasoning, the Appeals Court judges found that “The [BoCC] and the Hostetlers also correctly assert that the record contains substantial evidence that the egg barns will not adversely affect respiratory health in the surrounding area,” and also, “The record also contains expert testimony that exhaust from poultry houses like the WSL barn extends a mere 50 feet before being dispersed into the atmosphere and that there have been no known airborne transmissions of salmonella from poultry to humans.” Colorado Farm Bureau president Don Shawcroft said, “This decision gives assurance to farmers and ranchers across Colorado

that agriculture production is protected. The unfortunate part of this court case is the financial cost and stress for the Hostetlers in their battle to defend the rights of all farmers and ranchers. We applaud the Delta County Farm Bureau and the community for their support of the Hostetlers in this prolonged battle.” The advisory issued by the county goes on to state, “The BoCC is pleased with the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to deny the petition and feels that the court’s decision solidified the right of the county commissioners to make land use decisions in their county. The BoCC feel that the denial of the petition supported the idea that decision making should stay at the local level and involve expertise that is most familiar with the area.” The county has been awaiting final resolution of the case before proceeding with a re-examination of its 1996 master plan. One issue expected to be on the table during that review is the relationship between the ma135ster plan as a document of general policy guidance, and regulations as policy implementation tools. Many believed that the advisory and regulatory roles were confused in the 7th District Court’s decision. LeValley said those roles need to be clarified.

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Citations: Five tickets for traffic violations were issued this week, two for speeding. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Oct. 12: Sheriff ’s deputies, fire and ambulance personnel responded to a one-vehicle accident that occurred on Highway 92 just east of Delta at about 11:30 p.m. Monday night. As a Colorado State Patrol trooper made a U-turn to pull

BoCC demands Congress response on N. Delta grazing BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Board of County Commissioners wants to see some congressional interest in grazing restrictions being proposed on public lands north of Delta. The BoCC has put an exclamation point to its recent comments opposing grazing cutbacks proposed by the BLM. The congressmen had received copies of the BoCC’s original letter, but on Monday commissioner Doug Atchley noted that no replies had been received. The county submitted its highly critical, two-page letter by the Sept. 24 deadline for comments on a 177-page BLM preliminary environmental assessment for nine North Delta grazing allotments. The county letter cited issues in range management science, the livestock industry’s importance to the county, and physical evidence in making its case that animal unit cutbacks in the area would be “excessive.” The commissioners on Monday directed county administrator Robbie LeValley to resend copies of their comment letter to this area’s three congressional representatives: Scott Tipton, Michael

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta no bond. Oct. 14: Police Department: Paige Y. Schmidt, 20, of Delta was issued a ticket Oct. 12: Tiffany M. Diehl, 32, for alleged possession of of Delta was issued a marijuana by underage ticket for alleged vehicle person. turning left after being Oct. 16: Patrick A.L. Gerlach, involved in a two-vehicle crash in the 1400 block of 20, of Delta was issued Highway 50 (at Western a ticket for alleged tresConvenience). Two peo- pass. ple were treated at Delta Oct. 17: Joseph P. Miller, 23, of County Memorial Hospital for “not serious” inju- Delta was arrested and ries. Both vehicles were jailed for alleged second degree burglary, third towed from the scene. Corissa D. Rule, 37, of degree assault and child Delta was arrested and abuse. Charges are being filed jailed for alleged first degree assault and two on a 17-year-old female of Delta for alleged third counts of child abuse. Gregory L. Rule, 34, of degree assault. Delta was arrested and Oct. 18: Bob A. Davis, 38, of jailed on two warrants Austin was arrested and with no bond. Corissa D. Rule, 37, of jailed for alleged turn sigDelta was arrested and nals required and DWAI. Jennifer M. Tafoya, 30, jailed on a warrant with of Delta was arrested and jailed for alleged third degree assault. Craig L. Smith, 31, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants with a total $1,000 bond �� and for alleged unlawful �� possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

in behind the emergency vehicles, his vehicle was struck by a car traveling at an unsafe rate of speed. The trooper and two individuals involved in the original incident were all transported to DCMH in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Oct. 12. No additional information was available. A cell phone was found at a convenience store in the unincorporated portion of Delta County. The clerk went through the messages in an attempt to identify the owner and found some information concerning possible drug activity. The sheriff ’s office was contacted but unfortunately could not come up with enough evidence to obtain a search warrant. Oct. 12: The theft of a $2,000 antique hutch was reported from a storage unit in Cory. Oct. 14: A 15-year-old Delta girl was reported as a runaway. She was later located at a religious facility in Delta. After consultation with the Delta Police Department and Center for Mental Health, the teen was taken to Delta County Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Oct. 15: Clara Sanderson, 74, of Montrose was hauling cattle in a horse trailer when the trailer began fishtailing on Highway 50 near the Delta-Mesa county line. She was unable to get the vehicle under control and her pickup rolled onto its side, although the trailer remained upright. Neither Sanderson nor the cows were injured. A camper trailer reported stolen two days previously was located by a relative of the owner. A female had allegedly taken up residence in the camper.

Bennet and Cory Gardner, and to specifically ask for replies explaining what the elected officials are going to do. Speaking for Commissioners Mark Roeber and Bruce Hovde who confirmed they were in complete agreement, Atchley said, “This board has always felt strongly, and has always advocated multiple use” on public lands. Atchley added the BLM’s proposed cuts in grazing “are arbitrary and capricious.” LeValley was also instructed to send the commissioners’ comment letter directly to Barb Sharrow, manager of the BLM’s Uncompahgre Field Office. In other business at its Oct. 19 regular meeting the Board of County Commissioners dealt with the following matters: • A jail census revealed 44 total in the detention and work release facilities. The average census the previous week was

51. • The commissioners rejected all five bids for a District #1 road department loader because the bids did not account for trade-in value of a county loader. The loader will be rebid. The county has budgeted $242,000 for the equipment. • The commissioners approved a lease agreement for a Colorado State Patrol office in the courthouse. The 95-square-foot office will cost the state $1,356 for a year’s tenancy. • Commissioners welcomed John Baier back on board as assistant county attorney following about a year and a half absence from the position. • Commissioners met in executive session with county attorney Jin Ho D. Pak to discuss four items of business: the Huffington property, House Bill 1041, contracts and mining permits and an additional item for “library oversight.”

�� — Potluck Meeting — Election of Ofﬁcers

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�� Using, Not Abusing, Our Public Land

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

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A4 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Holtons celebrate milestone Kenneth “Ken” and Elizabeth “Libby” Holton were married on Oct. 23, 1965, in Delta and they have made Delta their

home for the past 43 years. They have three sons, David and spouse Carmen of Maricopa, Ariz., Craig and spouse

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Yazmin of Lakeside, Calif., and Nathan of Aurora, and a daughter, Lori and spouse Jeff of Lake Elsinore, Calif. Even though they retired years ago, Ken continues to care for three adults with disabilities and Libby enjoys working part time from home as a hairdresser.

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Sponsored by:

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Five generations

Bill James of Delta recently met the newest member of his family, baby Gabriella, pictured with her mother, Ashleigh Fenzel of Brighton, greatgrandmother, Ruth Peeples of Wray, and grandmother, Shelly Greenwell of Littleton. Libby and Ken Holton

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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 Bring the kids in to decorate FREE pumpkins with nails, nuts, bolts, screws and more. NO NEED TO REGISTER.

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New mom celebrates a year of being smoke-free BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Sarah Hall tried every smoking cessation program imaginable, from hypnotherapy to the patch to acupuncture. It wasn’t until she tried electric acupressure on her ear that she was able to successfully modify her behavior and kick her smoking habit. DC Stop Smoking in Grand Junction boasts an 85 percent success rate with just one auriculotherapy treatment. Sarah had a big incentive to quit smoking — she was pregnant with her second child. She cut

Karate tourney supports DMS drama

10 a.m.-2 p.m.

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Photo submitted

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We are ready for Fall ~ Are you?

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The Delta Montrose Karate League and Delta Middle School present the 2015 Delta Fall Karate Championships Saturday, Oct. 24. The event is a fundraiser for DMS drama students. The tournament will feature kata, kumite and weapons kata competitors. Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the DMS gym. Competition begins at 10:30 a.m. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as the grand champion. Spectators are welcome to attend. Admission is $2 for adults, $1 for youth ages 7-17, and free for seniors over the age of 55 and kids under the age of 6. For more information, call Ray Sanford at 5969620 or visit the Facebook page for American Goju ryu karate do.

way back on smoking when she was pregnant with her daughter Ava, but quickly resumed the habit. The second time around, with love in her heart for both her daughter and unborn child, she was determined to succeed, and she found additional support at the Delta County Health Department. The health department has implemented the Baby & Me - Tobacco Free program, a prenatal cessation program to reduce the burden of tobacco use and help improve birth outcomes in Delta County. Karen O’Brien, health education coordinator for Delta County, says, “We know the harm tobacco use causes to pregnant women and their unborn child. We also know that pregnant women are highly motivated to quit smoking. This program is research-based and proven to help our pregnant Moms quit smoking and not return to smoking after the baby is born.” Laurie Adams, Baby & Me - Tobacco Free Program founder and executive director, provided the technical support and training to Delta County Health Department and staff members to enroll women into the program. “Delta County Health

Department is a perfect fit for implementing the program,” she states. “They provide services to a large number of prenatal women and they support their patients’ quit attempts. They also work with physicians, hospitals and health care providers within the county who could refer patients into the program. Quitting smoking is one of the most important things a pregnant woman can do. The program’s goal is to help women have healthy babies, born on time.” Women who enroll in the program, quit smoking and stay quit after the baby is born receive free diapers for 12 months. Because she gave up her teaching job to give birth, Sarah said the diapers have been a great bonus. She also enjoys getting through the day without a hacking cough or shortness of breath. “The greatest gift a woman can give her baby is a tobacco-free pregnancy and a tobacco-free home,” says public health nurse Kelly Beard. “We look forward to seeing more successes in the future.” More information about the Baby & Me - Tobacco Free program can be obtained by calling the health department at 874-2165.

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Public health nurse Kelly Beard congratulates Sarah Hall on her smoke-free lifestyle. Sarah has two children, Ava, a second grader, and Joseph, who celebrates his ﬁrst birthday Oct. 21.

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SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Prairie Rangers gain satisfaction from community service projects Community service is defined as services volunteered by a person or a group of people that help with something in the community without receiving compensation. Anyone who participates in community service does get a reward, though: the satisfaction of helping their community. Serving the community is a large part of being a 4-H member. It is also a great way for children to learn the value of helping others. The Prairie Rangers 4-

to start building its own large facility. The new location for the shelter is at the corner of 5th and Silver Streets in Delta. It is opening Nov. 1. The Abraham Connection is a place for people who don’t have a place to call their own to stay and eat. They spend the night and leave at 8 every morning after a filling breakfast and with a sack lunch. Then they are welcome back at 6 every evening and eat supper, talk with friends, and have a safe, warm place to sleep. The Abraham Connection will also have a family sleeping room, where families can be together through the night. The Abraham Connection is a great, local nonprofit organization and volunteers are always needed. If you want to help out in your area, then start doing some community service. Community service doesn’t have to be a big, grand thing. It can be you helping take care of your neighbor’s dog for free or helping Photo submitted Prairie Rangers 4-H Club members earned money by working at Delta Pizza your friends clean up the Hut. The money was then donated to the Abraham Connection, for ﬁnishing park. The possibilities are endless, so get out touches on the new homeless shelter. there and help your community today. Skyler Sakala Prairie Rangers Reporter H club has been involved in many acts this year that benefitted the community. The kids baked cookies for local Delta County first responders, which were delivered to them personally by a few of the club members. The club also chose the Abraham Connection to be the recipient of its monetary donation this year. The Prairie Rangers partnered with Delta Pizza Hut, where members volunteered their time helping bus tables and seat

State qualiﬁers

people. The money they received was given to the Abraham Connection as a donation to help them put finishing touches on their new building. Board members Karl Martin and Aaron Clay received a check from the club members and leaders at Cleland Park in Delta. The Abraham Connection used to be in the basement of the Delta United Methodist Church, but this year it received enough money, through grants and donations,

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Photo by Buffy Zentmeyer

The Delta High School marching band has advanced to 2A state competition after a regional qualifying event in Grand Junction last Thursday. Delta competed in class 2A with a score of 50.25. Field director Sara Jurca will lead the band onto Panther Stadium Saturday, Oct. 24, for a community performance at 4:30 p.m. The show “Forge” is free to the public but DHS band parents will be accepting donations to help fund the band’s many needs, including instruments, state competition trips and uniforms. Come wish band members well as they head to state competition at CSU/Pueblo. They’ll be leaving Sunday and performing Monday.

Parents, learn how to finance college

In the interest of student success, Delta High School is dedicated to providing parents with vital information through DHS Parent Academy. The first session takes place Tuesday, Nov. 3, and will focus on “Paying for College: FAFSA and Other Financial Options.” Two keynote speakers have been invited. Paul Giberson is the assistant director of recruitment and the transfer coordinator at Western State Colorado University. Staff Sergeant Will Harris is the career counselor for the Colorado Army National Guard. The Parent Academy will start at 6 and end at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be served and those wishing

to attend MUST pre-register. You can find the registration link on the Parent Academy website, dhs parentacademy.weebly. com. DHS counselor Holly Teyler-Crowder explains, “We are holding this night to educate parents and guardians of the options of financing education beyond high school. Delta County Joint School District was also a recipient of the Colorado Counselor Corps Grant from Colorado Department of Education, and one point of emphasis for this year is understanding and education of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).” For more information, contact DHS at 8748061.

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A6 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Naola Turner

Delta resident Naola Turner died Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta. She was 78. Services were held Tuesday, Oct. 20, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Delta. Inurnment followed at Delta City Cemetery. Naola Ruth Turner was born in Paonia May

OBITUARIES

3, 1937, to Elnora Hunt and Herbert Turner. She grew up and attended school in California. In 1953 she married Kenneth Drenk. She enjoyed quilting and attending Mass at St. Michael Catholic Church. She is survived by her mother, Elnora Turner of Arizona; a son, Cory Drenk of San Diego, Calif.; two daughters, Lauri Taylor of Paradise, Calif., and Teresa Smith of Delta; three sisters, Jeanette Morris of Arizona, Pat Price of Porterville, Calif., and Betty Baker of Virginia; seven grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father; a brother; and a son, Ken-

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neth Drenk Jr. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Heather Albrecht

Heather Albrecht died at her home in Delta Monday, Oct. 12, 2015. She was 39. A celebration of life was held Saturday, Oct. 17, at First Assembly of God in Delta. Burial followed at Delta City Cemetery. Heather Ann Shea was born in Delta Dec. 10, 1975, to Steve and Becky (Lucy) Shea. She spent her childhood in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1993. She received a bachelor of science degree in veterinary technology from Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs. On Sept. 30, 2006, she married Hank Albrecht in Dubois, Wyo. They lived in Green River, Wyo., before moving back to Delta in August 2015. Mrs. Albrecht was a floral designer at several flower shops in Colorado and Wyoming. She enjoyed raising rabbits and steers, showing her

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Delta County Independent

Betty Jean Burnett July 29, 1957 ~ Oct. 8, 2015

Betty Jean Burnett passed away unexpectedly in Tucson, Ariz., Oct. 8, 2015. She was diagnosed the day prior with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Betty was born July 29, 1957, to Arthur G. Scott and Mary E. (Harding) Scott in Delta, Colo., and was raised on the family ranch in Cedaredge. She attended Hunsicker Elementary School and Cedaredge High School, graduating in 1976. Betty had an extraordinary love and appreciation for horses which she excelled at an early

horse and sewing in 4-H, and spending time with family and friends. She 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; her maternal grandparents, Don and Peg Lucy, all of Delta; and extended family. Memorial contributions may be made at any Wells Fargo Bank to the Heather Albrecht fund to benefit her children’s education. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

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Corkey Wyman

Milton “Corkey” J. Wyman of Eckert died Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. He was 79. Services will be held at a later date. Mr. Wyman was born in Oakland, Calif., July 10, 1936, to Arthur and Agnes (Holmes) Wyman. He spent his childhood in Newark, Calif., and graduated from Washington High School in 1954. After high school he joined the U.S. Army.

age. A few of her many accomplishments in the Cedaredge area were: 4-H Western horsemanship, English equitation, Cedar Teens Horse Drill Team, Little Britches Rodeo queen and saddle winner, Delta County Fair queen, as well as sheep raising and showmanship. Betty so loved the out of doors in all aspects. Betty was joined in marriage with the love of her life, Rodney L. Burnett at the United Methodist Church in Cedaredge Sept. 24, 1977. They began married life in Grand Junction and later moved to Missoula, Mont., in 1980 where they raised their family and make their home now. Betty was an avid hunter and fisherman with her family, and loved boating, all in the Missoula area. Betty’s working career included 22 years with Missoula County School District #1 and co-owner of R&B Trucking most recently based

in Safford, Ariz. Betty was extremely happy with her newfound life and working adventures in the Arizona deserts. Survivors include her beloved husband, Rod; son, Michael; daughter, Kristy; and grandchildren, Nate and Aly, all of Missoula, Mont.; brother, Gregg Scott of Cedaredge; and sister, Linda (Larry) Hudgens of Montrose. A family and friends gathering and memoriam was held in Betty’s honor at the family ranch home of Gregg Scott in Cedaredge Oct. 17, 2015. Paid obituary

On Aug. 1, 1964, he married Patricia Malone in Reno, Nev. They lived in Hayward, Calif., before moving to Eckert in 2000. Mr. Wyman was a member of the Carpenters Union Local 713 in Hayward, Calif., and the Trap Club in Delta. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Wyman of Eckert; a son, Joseph Wyman of Livermore, Calif.; a granddaughter, Courtney Wyman of Incline Village,

Nev.; a daughter-in-law, Robin Wyman of Livermore, Calif.; four sistersin-law, Dixie Kendall and Jennie (John) Stroh, all of Hotchkiss, Barbara Ward of St. George, Utah, and Cindy (Aaron) Miller of Paonia; and a brother-inlaw, Jimmy Patterson of Hotchkiss. He was preceded in death by his son, Danny Wyman. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. View the Internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at taylor funeralservice.com.

Learn your options for hospice, palliative care HopeWest Hospice and Region 10 present “Hospice and Palliative Care Options” Tuesday, Nov. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. When do you start palliative care? When do you start looking at hospice options? Who pays for what? What does palliative and hospice cover? These are questions that

will be answered at the lunch and learn at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade Avenue, Montrose. Registration is required for this free presentation. Don’t wait to find out what your options are. Register online at http://www.region10.net/ calendar/ or contact Amy Rowan at 765-3123.

Free insurance fair planned in Montrose Volunteers of America’s assistance site for Connect for Health Colorado is hosting a free health insurance fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, in the old city council chambers off Centennial Plaza in Montrose (422 S. 1st Street). This public event is a one-stop-shop for anyone looking into their health insurance options. Representatives from Connect for Health Colorado,

Watson Insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare will be present to answer questions in preparation for open enrollment. Open enrollment and renewals start Nov. 1 and will continue until Jan. 31, 2016. For more information call 970-252-0660 — health coverage guides are available to answer questions and provide assistance to those who are looking to enroll for 2016.

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Buckets of school supplies

When First Colorado National Bank hosted Business After Hours at its Delta location, chamber of commerce members were asked to bring school supplies, rather than pay the typical cover charge. The school supplies were divided between Lincoln Elementary School and Garnet Mesa Elementary School. Pictured with branch manager Jennifer Abila and personal banker Taylor Buchheim are Joe Mock, assistant principal at LES, and Jim Farmer, principal at GMES. “We deﬁnitely have some kids who can use these supplies,” Farmer said.

Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

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Susan Ellinger to perform with Chess the Valley Symphony Orchestra tourney The Oct. 25 concert certo No. 1 in E minor Ellinger is the artisset for of the Valley Symphony with the orchestra. The tic director for the Blue Orchestra will feature orchestra will also per- Sage Center for the Arts’ North Fork piano artist form Beethoven’s Fidelio music series and received Nov. 7

Susan Ellinger perform- Overture and Symphony degrees from Oberlin, ing Chopin’s Piano Con- No. 8 in F Major. 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 inforThe 13th annual PunFor more information, mation contact the Valley kin Chunkin Festival pre- call 323-6559 or 209- Symphony Association at 249-7015 or visit valley sented by Olathe Volun- 7989. symphony.net teer Fire Department is set for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. DeVries Produce, located between mile markers 85 and 86 on Highway 50 south of Olathe, is the place to be. Activities include a corn maze, vendor booths, The Montrose Pavilion kids’ events, concessions, a haunted night maze Dance Club is hosting a and a helicopter pumpkin dance at the Montrose drop at 1 p.m. See who Pavilion, 1800 Pavilion can “chunk” a punkin the Drive, on Saturday, Oct. longest distance at 11:30 24, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. a.m. The most accurate Music will be provided aim is the goal of the by the Ghost River Band. Admission is $5 per per12:30 competition. There will also be a son. Bring refreshments gun raffle for two Henry to share if you wish. For Golden Boys and a Yeti information, call 252Susan Ellinger 7172. cooler.

Punkin chunkin returns to DeVries Dance to be held at Montrose Pavilion

Black Canyon Astronomical Society will meet Oct. 27 “Year 2015 in Review and 2016 Planning: Events and Images” is the discussion topic at the October meeting of the Black Canyon Astronomical Society (BCAS), 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. in the Centennial Room, 24 S. Uncompahgre Street, Montrose. The BCAS stimulates public interest and knowledge of astronomy in the local area. Monthly meetings are held in Delta or Montrose. The BCAS also holds public sky viewing events. More information can be found at BlackCanyonAstronomy.com or phone 856-7716.

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 8740923.

Special events at corn maze

Two special events are planned at the Red Shed corn maze at 1800 Road and Highway 92. On Friday, Oct. 23, Vision Charter Academy is having a fundraiser from 7 to 9:30 p.m. The movie “Big Hero 6” will be shown in the corn maze. The cost is $3 for kids and $5 adults for a fun, affordable night for the family. All proceeds go to Vision Charter Academy student council. Witches Night Out is Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit Abraham Connection. Enjoy a decadent dinner, moonlight hay ride and live music. Witches, you’re Photo by Ricky Smith, BCAS welcome to bring your The Milky Way arches over a Black Canyon Astro- britches (a date). Buy nomical Society event at the Black Canyon of the your tickets now ($25) by Gunnison International Dark Sky Park. calling 874-8888.

Fight childhood cancer at rodeo J$ Land and Livestock is hosting a fall roundup featuring five-member ranch rodeo teams Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Stirrup Cup Arena, 22507 E Road, Delta. The event is a fundraiser for Tyler Clymo, who wants to be a cowboy when he grows up. To help him on his way, he’ll be presented with a pair of boots at the rodeo. To register your ranch rodeo team, contact Jody Sheffield at 801-388-3276

or jodysheffield20@gmail. com. All teams must have one woman or a child age 14 or under. The action begins at 10 a.m. Wear your cowboy costume for the fight against childhood cancer and help Cowboy Tyler get some boots. Parking and concession proceeds will also go to help Tyler battle a rare form of cancer. Tyler is 11 and in the fifth grade at Cedaredge Elementary School. He and his moth-

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.

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Wednesday, October 21, 2015

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er, Ramona, have 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.

Square dance lessons set to begin Nov. 5

Square dancing lessons are scheduled to begin on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 7-9 p.m., at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1000 Pioneer Road, Delta. Sponsored by the Delta Hub Wheelers square dance club, these classes are your chance to join the growing square dance movement. All ages are welcome. Lessons will be held weekly, on Thursdays, at the same time and location, through early 2016. Sessions are only $5 per person, per week. Lessons will be led by instructor Naaman Moorehouse of Grand Junction, a popular area dance caller.

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It’s hip to be square, so give square dancing a try for the first two sessions. Many romances have begun on the square dance floor, and many married couples have been dancing together for decades! The Delta Hub Wheelers have regular dances scheduled on the first and third Saturdays, monthly, at 7 p.m. in the Bill Heddles Recreation Center’s aerobic room. All are welcome to come and watch the regular dancers at no charge. For more information on the classes or the club, contact Helen Chandler at 856-4187, or Moorehouse at 433-7854.

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A8 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Senior Expo is Thursday; VFW offers claims assistance

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Pictured with branch manager Cesar Garcia are the recipients of the Wells Fargo Community Assistance funds — from the left, Kami Collins and Cheryl Oeltjenbruns, Delta Homeless Ministries; Dr. Marvin Cox, Delta Food Pantry; Sheriff Fred McKee and Kim Shea, Delta County Search & Rescue; and Carlton Mason and Susan Welk-Valdez, CASA of the Seventh Judicial District. The Delta County Meth Task Force and Surface Creek Community Services also received grants.

Six local nonprofits receive grants from Wells Fargo Local recipients of grants from the 21st annual Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund were announced Oct. 14 by Cesar Garcia, Wells Fargo’s store manager for Delta. Six locally based nonprofit organizations received the donations totaling $5,000. “Our local, grassroots organizations make such a big difference to those in need in our community,” said Garcia. “Through these grants, we hope to show them we appreciate what they

• Surface Creek Community Services • The Delta County Meth Task Force

do on behalf of all of us to keep our community strong. We’re pleased to be able to make these special contributions as part of our overall community efforts in Delta.” The following local organizations received a Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund grant: • CASA of the Seventh Judicial District • Delta County Search & Rescue • Delta Food Pantry • Delta Homeless Ministries (Abraham Connection)

Statewide, more than 200 qualified, community-based nonprofit organizations in Colorado will receive funding from Wells Fargo through the Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund in 2015. Eligible organizations must be certified 501(c)(3) and have an annual budget of $350,000 or less. The Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund was started to provide greatly needed support to small, nonprofit groups that don’t have the resources to compete with larger organizations for community support dollars. Since its inception, more than 4,200 grants in excess of $4.3 million have been awarded. The Wells Fargo Community Assistance Fund is part of the company’s overall community support efforts. In 2014, Wells Fargo donated $7.1 million to 1,000 nonprofit organizations across Colorado, and team members logged more than 30,000 volunteer hours.

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 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 36965 Fruitland Mesa Rd., Crawford, CO 81415, or dropped in an envelope to be given to Susan Hamrick at Hotchkiss K8 School. You may also pay the dues at the meeting.

Lee Marts VFW Post 3571 in Delta has arranged to have a nationally trained and certified service officer present at the Senior Expo Thursday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Present will be Richard “Dick” Ball, VFW Department of Colorado assistant service officer from Grand Junction. Ball has completed training and has been certified to assist veterans and their family members who need to file claims with the Veterans Administration. Many veterans do not know what benefits they earned in their military service to the United States, and even more of the surviving spouses of deceased veterans are unaware of certain benefits that they are quali-

fied for because of the service of their loved ones. Ball will provide general information and will be available for private consultations with veterans and their family members for potential claims under the VA system. These and other services are offered by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States at no charge to all qualified veterans regardless of where or when they served or what branch of service they were in. All veterans need to stop by and talk to Ball about what benefits they may be qualified for, or for assistance with specific veterans’ issues they have. For additional information, call Jim Baker,

Lee Marts VFW Post 3571 Service Officer, at 874-8172. The seventh annual Senior Expo is being held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. In addition to the information on veterans’ benefits, there will be classes on preserving your family ancestry, stories and photos, and how to preserve valuable information for your future family members. Learn about advance directives, powers of attorney, wills and much more. Presenters include Aaron Clay, Cheryl Oeltjenbruns and Don Pyle. This event is sponsored by the Delta County Senior Resource Council and will include a free lunch. For more information, call 7122295.

A new restaurant in town

Photo submitted

Backyard Café is open for breakfast and lunch in Delta’s Columbine Mall, located at 326 Main Street. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting last week are (left to right) Jesse Messenger, ambassador/All Windows & Doors Plus; Linette Gerlach, ambassador/Heaven’s View Apartments; Nancy Wood, director/ReMax Today; Phyllis Hoffman, ambassador/Western Slope Long Term Care Solutions; Samantha Pasquariello, owner; Scharee Atchison, ambassador/Western Slope Long Term Care Solutions; Tina Oeltjenbruns, ambassador/JC Propane; Nick Pasquariello; Lisa Martinez, chamber staff; Kylynn Wilson, director/Crossroads Assisted Living; Kira Pierce, director/Pierce Construction; and Josh Applegate, chamber board president/ Farmer’s Insurance.

Know Your Neighbor

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Residential & Commercial Interiors & Exteriors New Construction Custom Matches Remodels Entry Doors We use all SWP Garage Floors Products Log Home Protection Stains, Polys & Epoxys Licensed & Insured

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Whiskey’s offers a large selection of wine, spirits and beer in a spacious new store

During his 15-year career in the beer industry, Matthew Horn was in and out of just about every liquor store on the Western Slope. He picked up the ins and outs, the do’s and don’ts, all in the hope of someday owning a store of his own. That dream came true in July, when he and his wife Susie opened Whiskey’s. Matthew was negotiating to purchase an existing liquor store when he quit his corporate job in February. The negotiations fell through, but his dream of offering a spacious, modern liquor store never wavered. “I thought Delta deserved something nice ... something like the liquor stores I’d seen in other communities. I wanted to step it up.” The vacant building at 1100 Highway 92 looked like the perfect alternative. In addition to a spacious retail area, the building offers plenty of parking just outside the door and easy access on and off Highway 92. The store is fully stocked with a large selection of wine, spirits and beer, plus tobacco and Colorado Lottery games. Many liquor stores are a maze of narrow aisles and towering cartons. Matthew is proud that Whiskey’s is open and clean. “You can stand in the middle of the store and see everything we have for sale,” he said, pointing to the coolers along the back wall and the

impressive array of wines displayed on racks. “It came together better than I could have ever dreamed,” he said. Susie’s artistic touches are evident in the seasonal decor out front, and the living area where tastings will be offered. This is a new opportunity for Delta — one that Matthew attained for all liquor stores in Delta by working with the City of Delta to develop the appropriate standards. The ﬁrst tasting takes place Friday, Oct. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will feature local wines.

Matthew and Susie were both born and raised in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1997. They count on Isabel Vette (Susie’s sister), and two friends, Tanya Dominguez and Cynthia Lopez, to ensure the high level of customer service they want for their community. The community has been very receptive. “I feel thankful and blessed,” Matthew said. “Dreams do come true.” Whiskey’s opens at 9 a.m. MondaySaturday and is closed Sundays. For more information, call 874-9463.

Matthew and Susie Horn, the owners of Whiskey’s, are pictured with their daughter, Vandi, 10, and son, Landen, 8.

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NORTH FORK October 21, 2015

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Crawford council will revisit town hall rental rates BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Crawford trustees plan to revisit the town’s rental rate schedule for the newly remodeled community room and other rooms at Town Hall at tonight’s regularly scheduled work session. The issues of the rates, where were passed in August, came up at the Oct. 8 town meeting when Crawford Chamber president Connie Layton, speaking on behalf of the Fruitland Mesa Club, requested that the rental for this year’s annual craft fair be waived, since the club can’t afford the $100 rate. Trustee Hetty Todd also noted that money made at the fair circulates back to the community. Current rates are as fol-

lows: Small classroom - $30 Community Room - $100 Historical Classroom - $30 Commercial Kitchen - $100 Damage deposit - $250 Internet usage - $5 Town Park/stage - no charge for use; electrical hook-up $25 Deposit for off-site use of tables/chairs - $50 Mayor Susie Steckel is also concerned about the rates, in light of the current economy. “We will revisit room rents so the community can use them instead of have them sitting up there like a shrine.” Trustees will also discuss the ongoing broadband issue, as well as the draft 2016 budget. The meeting begins at 7 p.m.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Fall settles over Paonia River Park

The Paonia River Park offered a quiet setting under mostly cloudy skies Saturday. Projects including new signs and installation of a handicap access ramp are currently underway at the park, located just west of downtown on the North Fork of the Gunnison River.

Former trustee offers own audit viewpoints BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A former Paonia trustee is at odds with the town and board of trustees over issues related to the 2014 audit, and more specifically, a document of viewpoints authored by the town’s auditors, RubinBrown LLP. Viewpoints documents are typically not released to the public, but trustees elected to do so with the 2014 audit viewpoints in order to be more transparent.

At the Oct. 22 trustee meeting, Bill Brunner was on the agenda after appearing in the last two meetings to express concerns over the budget, and specifically the viewpoints document which he says the town is using to guide it toward rate increases for sewer and water and other changes related to town finances. Brunner was granted a place on the agenda after criticizing the audit and viewpoints. He is also among a

group of pilots who are against the town selling its 75 percent share of the North Fork Valley Airport. Neither that issue, nor discussions related to it, have yet to appear as an agenda item. Mayor pro tem Charles Stewart, who chaired the meeting in the absence of Mayor Neal Schwieterman, allowed Brunner 10 minutes to state his case, and allowed equal time for both board members and the public response.

This particular document is not part of the public audit, said Brunner. “I’m frankly kind of critical of the way this thing is put together.” He also is critical of the document’s influence on trustees and notes that Page 1 states that information is intended solely for use by town staff, the mayor, and trustees, and the last page states the information is for additional analysis and not part of the audit. That makes it “a viewpoint …

Hotchkiss trustees offer insight on broadband Internet Special meeting set for Nov. 2 to discuss regional broadband project BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The board of trustees for the Town of Hotchkiss wants to make it perfectly clear that the town has no intention of entering into the business of providing broadband Internet services to the public. Trustees voted at the October public meeting to publish an FYI bulletin regarding Ballot Question 2-C. Ballots were mailed out last week. Question 2-C states, in part, “if the Town should be allowed to provide or partner in the provision of telecommunications services …” The town “has no intention of going into broadband service,” said mayor Wendell Koontz. The question asks voters to consider opting the town out of Colorado Senate Bill 05-152, a statute created in 2005 to ensure that no one company or individual is favored in supplying cable television, telecommunications services and highspeed Internet access. Passage of the bill prohibited municipalities, counties and the state from going into the business of providing cable or broadband services. While a “no” vote won’t prohibit the town from working with Region 10 of the Department of Local Affairs to help leverage a $5.2 million grant to build infrastructure, a “yes” vote gives the town “the freedom and flexibility to work with whatever provider” to facilitate expansion of broadband services within the town. The cities, and county, of Delta, Cedaredge, Crawford and Paonia also have ballot questions regarding SB 05-152, also known as Title 29, article 27, Part 1 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. No other municipalities have expressed an interest in going into the business. Delta County, which has pledged $800,000 toward

construction of broadband infrastructure, also has no intention of entering into the business, noted county administrator Robbie LeValley at the meeting. The project of linking broadband fiber to carrierneutral locations within local municipalities is expected to begin in 2016 and take up to two years, according to Region 10 executive director Michelle Haynes. The town will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2 to discuss the broadband issue. The meeting will also include a public workshop on the 2016 draft budget.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss residents are reminded to be aware of street and alleyway closures and heavy equipment as the sewer rehabilitation project to replace aging lines and manholes continues. Norwood-based Williams Construction started the project at the end of September and is expected to work through fall.

presented to the town council to influence the way they see it.” In an Oct. 14 letter to the editor in the DCI, Brunner accuses the “Paonia management team” of campaigning to convince town residents that the town needs more of their money. Brunner says he doesn’t dispute the fact that the town has financial issues or how they got there, “but I wonder if we’re really quite in the ditch as bad as the audit … might make us think we are in the way it’s being presented.” Brunner suggested poor accounting practices that reflect that “it’s all in the red.” He found it hard to believe that the town is “flat broke.” Stewart responded that no one said the town is “flat broke. What I’ve told people is that we have a cash crunch,” because the cash on hand is allocated. Some of that allocated money is for the Samuel Wade Bridge and Road. Through a 2011 intergovernmental agreement with Delta County, the town received $800,000 to cover future maintenance costs of the road. Brunner and the board disagree on what, how, and if the remaining $640,000 can be spent and should be accounted for, and said he can find no indication that the money is restricted to just that stretch of road. Reading from the conAUDIT VIEWPOINTS TO B2

Future Eagle Scout undaunted by bureaucratic process BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

When local Boy Scout Derek Holt came before the Town of Paonia Board of Trustees on Sept. 22, seeking approval and help with funding to place bleachers at the Apple Valley tennis courts for his Eagle Scout project, he didn’t quite get the response he expected. “I thought they would say OK,” and that would be it, said Holt. But as trustee Eric Goold said to Holt, “The wheels of the government turn slow.” Holt, 15, is the son of Don and Dee Holt of Paonia. He is a member of Paonia Troop 477 under Scoutmaster Jake Barnett. As a sophomore at Paonia High School, he is a member of the Eagles football team, baseball team and swing choir. He attended his first Scouting class before age 12 and has earned 37 merit badges, well above the 21 required to become an Eagle Scout. He will be the first member of his immediate family to earn the ranking, the highest a scout can achieve, and which is earned by fewer than 5 percent of Boy Scouts nationwide. Holt chose to install the bleachers because of his older sister, Jessie, a senior on the PHS tennis team. Last year she became the first Paonia singles player in school his-

Photo by Tamie Meck

Derek Holt, a member of Boy Scout Troop 477, has selected for his Eagle Scout project to install bleachers at the Apple Valley Park tennis courts.

tory to qualify for state competition. The new state-of-theart courts are impressive, but unless they bring their own chairs, there is no seating for spectators, many of whom are from out of town. Rather than get a green light from trustees, Holt got a lesson in bureaucracy when he discovered that coming before town was merely the first step in the approval process. Trustees quizzed him about cost, timeline, and where his funding will come from. While he was prepared to answer, he’ll

have to do some footwork, including more interaction with the town, finalizing cost and funding sources, and providing details of his plans, right down to addressing maintenance and vandalism, and the exact location for the bleachers. Holt was also urged to get the blessing of the North Fork Pool, Parks & Recreation District, which manages the courts. While they need more details before giving final approval, town leaders support Holt in his efforts. Town manager Jane Berry offered town services, and trustee Dave Bradford, who sits on the town’s services and recreation committee, said he would run the request through the committee and it can make a recommendation to the board. Goold, who reports on local high school sports, urged Holt to be patient and said the boys’ tennis team is already talking about his efforts. “It’s a great project,” said Goold. Even more people are likely to use the bleachers after pickleball lines were recently applied to the tennis courts, and local players consider hosting tournaments beginning in 2016. Holt must also follow all of the Scouting guidelines, including creation of a project proposal, adhering to the fundraising process, and com-

pletion of a project report. Going through the bureaucratic process is precisely what the BSA wants for its Eagle Scouts. Among the requirements, candidates must demonstrate service to community, and their project must have an impact on the community. While Holt envisioned installing the bleachers before snow flies, he remains ahead of his original goal of having the bleachers installed when the girls’ tennis season opens next spring. And he’s not at all intimidated by the process. If anything, it’s making him more determined. He estimates one set of aluminum bleachers will cost $500 - $700, including materials, and is considering raising more money for a second set of bleachers. In the future, other Scouts, and possibly Holt’s younger brother, Justin, may also be able to add more bleachers as part of their service learning. Holt said the process is moving ahead “very slowly.” The extra steps may take time, but they will ensure that the project is done right, said Holt. He plans to complete the project and have bleachers in before his 16th birthday next April, just ahead of tennis season, so that he can further his Scouting achievements by earning his Eagle Palms.

B2 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Pickleball has arrived in Paonia BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

One of the fastest growing sports in America, and the one with arguably the silliest name, has finally arrived in the North Fork area. Early last week, the North Fork Pool, Parks & Recreation District applied pickleball lines to the surface of Apple Valley tennis courts. Since a pickleball court is roughly half the size of a tennis court, there are now eight public pickleball courts open to the public. “These courts are great,” said Steve Gulick, a regular pickleball player who was among the first to play on the new courts. When the state-of-theart courts at Apple Valley were constructed in 2013, pickleball players Thomas Smith and Rand Kokernot approached the NFPPR board for per-

Photo by Tamie Meck

Allen Jacobson and Thomas Smith, on the left, take on Rand Kokernot and Greg Goossens in a game of pickleball last Thursday at the Apple Valley Park tennis courts in Paonia. The courts were marked for pickleball last week. mission to add pickleball lines. They were denied, and were told the tennis community isn’t in favor of it. The sport wasn’t as well-known or understood back then, said Smith. “This validates the sport in Paonia.” The creation of pickleball dates back to the mid 1960s and is credited to the late Congressman Joel Pritchard from Washington state, and a businessman named Bill Bell. It contains elements of tennis, Badminton and ping pong. The sport’s popularity on the Western Slope has grown dramatically in the last few years. The Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta, where Smith has taught classes, has eight outdoor and three indoor courts, Montrose boasts 13 courts, and Cedaredge has four. In 2014, the city of Grand Junction reno-

vated Lincoln Park and opened it as the Lincoln Park Tennis and Pickleball Complex. Pickleball courts were also created at the Pineridge Park courts on the Redlands, where beginners and intermediates can compete. The city also now offers pickleball tournaments, and it is included in the Western Colorado Senior Games. NFPPR recognized a need in the community for courts, and in 2014 allowed the group to create a court at the Paonia Skate Park on Third Street. A core group of players meets there weekly when weather permits, and when they’re not traveling to tournaments, which are held throughout western Colorado. When weather isn’t favorable, they play inside the Ellen Hansen Smith Teen Center when it’s available. NFPPR executive director Lenore Cambria

understands the sport’s growing popularity, and offered to have the lines applied to the courts after asking Smith what it would take to bring tournaments to the area. She is also hoping to start playing the sport. Due to its low impact, seniors and the disabled are flocking to the game. “As a recreation district we need to provide as many opportunities as we can to our aging population,” said Cambria. “And pickleball is the fastest growing sport among that population.” While it’s popular with seniors, younger generations are also catching on, said Smith. Cambria sees no problem in tennis and pickleball existing on the same surface, which is now quite common. The lines are a different color than the tennis lines, and high school coach Brian Benson, whom Cambria said was in favor of the idea, said his players have had no problem adapting to them. With the NFPPR committed to local high school teams, they will be given first priority. For as long as nice weather holds out, pickleball players will meet at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Apple Valley Park. For potential players wanting to give the game a try, no equipment is necessary, said Smith. The group is hoping to form a club in the near future, offer lessons for beginners, and begin hosting tournaments next year.

Audit viewpoints FROM PAGE B1 tract with the county, Stewart said the money is to be used to repair the road from the town limits to Highway 133, and for bridge maintenance. Prior to 2014, that money was inappropriately used for sewer and road repairs within town, and to balance the gen-

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eral fund, said Stewart, and the town still has a liability of $640,000 to the county. Brunner challenged the profits and losses graphs for the water and sewer accounts, which, along with rate comparisons from other municipalities, are being used in discussions regarding future rate increases. He argues that the graphs are accurate, and that the two funds together are profitable. Brunner said he sees in the graphs that “the town is doing a wonderful job providing water at a very reasonable price. You guys should be proud . . . Why would you want to raise rates just because you can?” “The reality is we have to continually put money into water systems,” said Stewart, and that money needs to go toward depreciation. In addition, said Stewart, $387,888 in loan payments must be made from water and sanitation funds, and the viewpoints state “a very significant projected shortfall of $461,000. That is a hard reality that we have to deal with.” Brunner and others have also been highly critical that the audit itself has cost an additional $17,000 above the original contract. Brunner stated that any contract changes to the audit should have been in writing and agreed to by both parties. Brunner said he filed for information under the Freedom of Information Act for those pages of the

Meditations make rare Halloween appearance The Halloween Reggae Bash will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss. The legendary Meditations, from Kingston, Jamaica, will perform this one-time-only show. Tickets are $25 and available at PJ’s Pub, Western Colorado Realty and Hardins in Hotchkiss and Lizzy’s Market and Hightower Café in Paonia, or at the door. Proceeds benefit Citizens for a Healthy Community and KVNF.

contract, and was told there are none. Brunner said he believes that puts the town in violation of the contract. “Yes, there were additional services by the auditors,” said Stewart. The contract allowed for additional services to be performed, and the board requested that RubinBrown look into them. Stewart said. “My view is that this is money wellspent.” Stewart said Brunner’s concerns over the board using the viewpoints are unfounded. The board voted to make the viewpoints public in order to be as transparent as possible, said Stewart. As for those viewpoints, they are recommendations of the auditors, whom he called highly experienced and who took 450 hours to review the town’s finances. “It would be foolish of this board not to look seriously at their recommendations.” Brunner said he appreciated being placed on the agenda and the invitation to join in the budget talks. “I just want it to be known that there are other ways to see it, and people see it other ways,” said Brunner. Trustee Ross King, who serves with Stewart on the town finance committee, stated that the board collectively made the decision to adhere to the recommendations of the auditors. “All of your points, we understand. I do not dispute any of them,” King told Brunner. “Your interpretation is your opinion. This board collectively expressed their opinion.” King also invited Brunner to sit in on upcoming budget discussions, “because that’s the kind of input we need from our residents.”

Correction In the Oct. 14 North Fork Times article, “Trash Collection Fees to Rise in Hotchkiss,” the first paragraph should have specified that the fees are the monthly rate for weekly residential pickup services. In the third paragraph, monthly charges for the optional 96-gallon toter will rise from $13 to $15. The DCI regrets the errors.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Schedule for budget meetings BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

At the Oct. 13 meeting of the board of trustees for the Town of Paonia, town manager Jane Berry introduced the first draft of the 2016 budget two days ahead of the state deadline. “I am pleased to introduce to you tonight a balanced, nodeficit-spending proposed budget...” said Berry. A year ago the draft budget reflected $410,000 in deficit spending. Trustees also approved a fiscal year 2016 budget workshop and adoption schedule, beginning with submittal of the draft budget. Tuesday, Oct. 17, the first of two planned budget study sessions begins at 5:30 p.m. A budget workshop starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17. The second budget study session is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 24, and the public hearing and final adoption is scheduled for the Dec. 8 regular board meeting. Berry said projections for 2015 “are within acceptable ranges,” and that potential amendments to that budget may be needed before the end of the year, depending on the final 2016 budget. New accounts have been added to clarify operations and activities, and others that weren’t being used were deleted. The budget also reflects “a tremendous number of policy decisions” included within the budget that need to be discussed, said Berry. The current mill levy of 8.322 mills was used in creating the draft.

Total taxable valuation is $12,031,703 and reflects an increase of $114,849 for new construction. Valuation must be certified by Delta County. Due to valuation changes, general fund revenues are expected to increase slightly. Property tax revenues to the general fund are expected to increase an estimated $2,700 due to increased valuation “and other minor revenue projection increases,” according to a cover letter from Berry to the board of trustees. The draft includes a 10-page “budget message” summary. Citizens may inspect the proposed budget during regular Town Hall hours and may file or register objections at any time prior to final adoption. The budget can also be viewed at www. townofpaonia.com. Berry told trustees the meetings represent a minimum number of pub-

lic meetings that should be held, and that more may be scheduled as necessary. The board also: • Announced it will no longer provide the infamous blue leaf bags this fall. “It’s a pretty costly project for us,” said Berry. To deal with all the fallen leaves and yard waste, the town is having the leaf vacuum repaired. The town will still collect bags of leaves, as well as yard waste, for composting. • Approved a letter in support of its application to the Colorado Tourism Office for a marketing grant to enhance marketing efforts for the fourth annual Paonia Film Festival, scheduled for April 28-30 at the Paradise Theatre. All films are eligible for the festival must be made by locals or filmed and produced in the area. • Approved a 14th

amendment to the engineering agreement with WestWater Engineering for an additional $68,000 engineering services for the Lamborn Mesa Water System Improvements project, and the 15th amendment for additional engineering services necessary for repairing structural cracks at roof truss support connections at the 1 million gallon Lower Water Treatment Plant site. The two amendments raise the total contract from $396,979.86 to $469,779.86. • Approved change orders No. 5, 6 and 7 to the upper Lamborn Mesa Water Treatment Plant improvement project, totaling $11,028.50. *** National Bat Week is Oct. 25-31. To learn more about bats in Colorado, visit cpw.state.co.us/ learn/Pages/Bats.aspx.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Oktoberfest maidens

From left, Courtney Mullin with the Paonia Chamber, Patti Kaech with KVNF, and Kathy Swarts from Solar Energy International ﬁt in well Saturday at the Chamber’s annual Oktoberfest celebration at The Living Farm Cafe in Paonia. Festival-goers enjoyed a selection of local beers and other beverages, strudels from Hightower Cafe, buns made by John Mattox and a traditional feast of brats and potato salad made by Chef Mike Gillespie. While festival goers such as Ulli and Inge Lange actually hail from Germany, where the traditional 16day Oktoberfest celebration originated, others simply enjoyed the lager, food, music and conversation. “I’m Swiss,” said Kaech. “That’s why I’m here.”

Water district seeks to ‘de-Bruce’ BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The North Fork Water Conservancy District is asking voters to approve a change in the use of the district’s mill levy to allow it to access state funds for needed repair and maintenance projects, and to leverage grants. Ballot question 4A of the Nov. 3 coordinated election seeks to “debruce” funding restrictions created by the state’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR). Under TABOR, state governmental enti-

ties, including water districts, are restricted from raising tax rates without voter approval, and areprevented from spending of indexed revenues when annual growth is greater than the rates of inflation and population growth. Passage would allow the district to access money already collected through its special taxing district established in 1972 and currently set at .561 mills. That money, according to district board president Tom Alvey, most-

ly goes toward payment to the federal Bureau of Reclamation for construction of the Paonia Project, which includes the Paonia Dam and Reservoir. The project, which dates back to the early 1960s, also enlarged and extended Fire Mountain Canal and increased storage capacity in the Leroux Creek area. A small portion of the mill levy goes toward the district’s operating budget, which generates about $14,000 to $15,000 a year. That allows the district, which has an all-volunteer board, to pay a small salary to its secretary, and to perform limited maintenance repairs and small projects and provide small grants to other area ditch companies, said Alvey. The district plans to use additional funds for repairs and maintenance of the system and modernization projects, with no increases in the mill levy

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Stomping out bullying

Photo submitted

Teachers and student body at Hotchkiss K-8 topped off their National Stomp Out Bullying Week by writing the letters G.R.I.T. (growth, resiliency, integrity and tenacity). Throughout the week of Oct. 5-9, students learned ways to treat others with respect, deal with bullying and how to maintain a positive self image. “The commitment is constantly a work in progress,” said principal Carrie Yantzer.

or taxes. Alvey said that money would go toward much-needed repairs to the aging Fire Mountain Canal and other ditches located within the district, and toward ongoing projects, including continuing efforts to minimize the effects of sediment flowing from Muddy Creek into Paonia Reservoir which takes away needed storage capacity. Also under TABOR, special taxing districts must count all non-fed-

eral grant money received toward revenue limits. Passage of 4A will allow the district to pursue more grant money and be more creative with its funding sources by excluding state grant money from its revenue limits. The measure is on the ballot alongside Proposition BB, which also involves the Taxpayer Bill of Rights as it relates to public schools, which Alvey said can cause confusion and isn’t related.

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B4 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

‘Aging in Place’ is focusing on future now BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Before the start of the Oct. 6 program at the Paonia Library, librarian Laura Lee Yates removed the clock from the wall because it was ticking too loudly. It was a suitable metaphor for the evening’s topic, “Aging in Place,” also the name of the group giving the presentation. Delta County’s population has a median age of 47.3 years, “significantly” higher than average compared to the rest of the state, accord-

ing to statistics shared by group members. In 2013, 22 percent of the county’s residents were 65 or older. Those numbers are expected to rise quickly in the coming decade. Statistics also showed that people 65 and older have a 70 percent chance of going into a long-term care facility. Aging in Place seeks to meet the needs of the local aging community, said group member Dave Knutson, who referred to it as “aging locally.” At the same time they

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can help support and build the economy. AIP was formed last summer and currently includes about 20 citizens of varying backgrounds at or near retirement age who are dedicating time and resources to addressing the needs of the area’s elderly, and to supplementing the options already in place. Their one “unifying activity” is that members have all been a caregiver. One common desire of the group, said Kathy Thompson, is “to make things better for ourselves and the next generation.” They also seek to inform people of the options currently available to the elderly, to reduce the odds of needing long-term care, and to create more opportunities for people to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Lynn Mattingly spoke of the new “Golden Girls Movement,” a network of women who are creating their own shared living situations. “It’s a solution that makes sense financially,” said Mattingly, who is “slowly creating a shared living space” in her home. This generation has to create its own options, said Mattingly, and there are many. What’s happening is exciting, she said, but what’s really exciting is that boomers, those born after World War II until the late 1950s to early 1960s, depending on whom you ask, are already creating those options. Rather than wait for disasters and life changes that result in dependence, it’s better to plan for aging, said Marjorie True, a retired nurse now with Hospice. True said boomers can manage their lives well, “but once in the eighth decade, things change,” said True, who, at 75, still maintains five acres of land. A video on the “Village-to-Village” network and Beacon Hill in Boston gave more of an urban picture of what’s possible, but also gave a glimpse of what goes on in these tight-knit communities.

Cohousing, also known as an “intentional community,” is already here. The group behind the Silver Leaf cohousing development, based on a concept founded by Kathryn McCamant and Charles Surrett in 1998, expects to break ground on a project in Paonia in 2016. While it’s targeted toward those 65 and older, its “Universal Design” concept can accommodate all ages from cradle to grave, and considers life changes in its design process, according to its planners. In cohousing situations, which originated in Denmark, ongoing relationships and other factors create challenges, and inhabitants need to know how to deal with situations and conflicts. “It can be difficult,” said True. Rules must also

be abided by and can be strict. Applicants must be deemed a good match for the community, and may be required to complete some training. Access to services also must be considered. Knutson said in an interview that the group envisions an online resource along the lines of Airbnb that gives information on providers and allows for reviews. Those reviews would go both ways and benefit customers and service providers, said Knutson. Providers would be paid directly. Services could include anything from lawn care and house cleaning to transportation, nursing and in-home care. The need for these services could also provide jobs and living wages for the younger demographics. Knutson noted that

the group is geared toward creating a network for people not eligible for Medicaid, because those services already exist. Their current focus is on those living in Paonia and surrounding areas. The group hopes to begin conversations and has no intention of negating any existing services or organizations, but rather aims to supplement them, said Thompson. There is “sufficient need” for all parties to play a part. Aging in Place will meet from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, at the library. For more information on shared housing, contact Lynn Mattingly at 527-4414; for cohousing information, call Marjorie True at 433-1856, and for more on AIP, call Dave Knutson at 527-3969.

Flag pole dedicated to 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, next to a bright, shiny flag pole in front of Memorial Hall. 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, Oct. 18, the Memorial Hall board dedicated the new flag pole in memory of Harold Martin, a 25-year board member, lifelong Hotchkiss resident and World War II veteran. Martin died in 2014. His wife, Karen, and son, Tom, attended the ceremony, and a plaque was placed on the flag pole. It was also an opportunity to share stories about the school bell. 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.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

The bell that sat atop Memorial Hall in Hotchkiss was recently given a permanent home in front of the hall next to a new ﬂag pole. The ﬂag pole was 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 Bob 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, Memorial Hall board president Paul Schmucker and Billie Martin. Not pictured: board member Lee Byram.

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Trick-or-treat for UNICEF

Photo submitted

Trick-or-treat fun run

Join these costumed characters for Tiny Treasures’ first 5k trick-or-treat fun walk/run to benefit early childhood education. The event will be held at Confluence Park Saturday, Oct. 24. Come to the Lions Pavilion to register at 8 a.m., or register in advance at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Start time is 9 a.m. The cost is just $5 for children 8 and under and includes a trick-or-treat bag for the first 50 participants. But this event isn’t just for kids — all ages are invited to join the fun. For more information, visit www.deltalutheran.org or call 874-3052.

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Delta United Methodist Church will once again collect donations for the United Nations International Children’s Fund annual Trick-orTreat for UNICEF drive. UNICEF helps the most disadvantaged children in 156 countries and territories around the world by providing immunizations, education, health care, nutrition, clean water and sanitation — many of the things we take for granted every day. Small donations combined together can make a difference to children. Five dollars a day can purchase five days of food for one child; $15 can mean a year of clean drinking water for one child. The community is

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Like us. DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT www.deltacountyindependent.com

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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 the gospel creates lasting changes in inmates’ lives. The event will be held

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Good News Ministry is changing lives

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invited to help children Delta United Methodist around the world by Church, P.O. Box 427, donating to UNICEF at Delta, CO 81416.

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B6 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

SPORTS

SPORTS October 21, 2015

Delta County Independent

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Delta wins big in football BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Delta Panthers, with help from Rifle’s Bears, stand alone at the top of Class 3A WSL football standings with a 4-0 record. There’s a logjam of teams tied at 3-1 that fill the second to fifth place standings, including Rifle, Palisade, Eagle Valley and Grand Junction Central. The Bears provided help to Delta in the form of a 13-7 win over previously unbeaten Palisade. That win vaulted the Panthers to the top of league standings by virtue of Delta’s 35-21 win over the Bears on Oct. 2. All the teams listed above, except Grand Junction Central, have 61 overall records. Those marks could begin changing as the league still has three weeks of competition left. Delta faces Eagle Valley this Friday at 7 p.m. in Delta and takes on Palisade on Nov. 6 in Delta for what could be the 3A WSL title. In between Eagle Valley and Palisade is Grand Junction Central on Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. Palisade plays Grand Junction Central this week and finishes the regular season with

Eagle Valley on Oct. 30 and Delta on Nov. 6. Rifle, with a seemingly less stressful schedule, takes on Steamboat Springs this week, is at Glenwood Springs on Oct. 30 and finishes 3A WSL play against Summit on Nov. 6. Eagle Valley finishes its regular season against Grand Junction Central on Nov. 6. Delta 56, Sailors 0 Delta unleashed a passing and running game that totaled 504 yards of offense on its way to a 56-0 rout over Glenwood Springs on its Homecoming last Friday night. Quarterback Kole Roberts threw for 158 yards of real estate on 12-of-15 passing attempts. Beau Byers hauled in six of Roberts’ aerials for 83 yards and one touchdown. A.B. Ontiveros made three catches for 40 yards. On the ground, Jonny Ponce rambled for 240 yards on just 14 carries and four touchdowns. Ponce’s average per carry was 17.1 yards. The Panthers finished the game with 346 yards on the ground. In the turnover department, Sam Komives fell on a Demons’ fumble

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge third baseman Kelsey Stroud watches as her throw across the inﬁeld to Mikkayla Wilkerson is in time to get Meeker’s Mackenzie Marshall at ﬁrst base. Cedaredge defeated the Cowboys, 143, to advance to this week’s state tournament.

in the first period that was later turned into six points. Brown Tristan accounted for two Panther touchdowns and had an interception in the second quarter. Roberts also grabbed an errant Jake Townsley pass in the second period. Both turnovers resulted in touchdowns by Delta. Brown scored Delta’s first touchdown, on a 4yard run, with 9:21 left in the first period. Ponce added the Panthers’ second score from 13 yards out with 6:33 remaining. Ontiveros kicked the extra point for both touchdowns in the first period. With a 14-0 lead on the board, the Panthers went to work in the second stanza and scored four touchdowns. Byers hauled in a 10-yard pass from Roberts to start the scoring parade with 9:03 left before halftime. Ponce’s 78-yard dance, for six points, through Demon defenders came with 3:25

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

There was tension and some nervous moments after Cedaredge High School’s softball team failed to win its first game of the day last Saturday. Brush High School had just defeated Meeker 1710 in the Region 6 Class 3A softball tournament at the Field of Dreams in Orchard City. With the win, Brush needed a victory over host Cedaredge to secure a playoff berth in this week’s state tournament in Denver. The Bruins, seeded sixth, could not match the firepower of number seven Brush as the Beetdiggers dealt Cedaredge a 13-3 loss. In order for the Bruins to advance to state competition, a win against league foe Meeker was needed in the tournament’s third game. Cedaredge started strong against the Cowboys and powered its way to a 14-3 win and the Region 6 second qualify-

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta senior running back Jonny Ponce has a clear path to the outside during last Friday’s 4A WSL match up with Glenwood Springs. Ponce shredded the Demons for 240 yards and four touchdowns in a 56-0 win for the Panthers.

ing spot. Brush 13, Bruins 3 The Beetdiggers got busy in the first two innings to produce five runs while their defense kept Cedaredge off the scoreboard in the first three innings of play. The Bruins managed to post their first run in the bottom of the fourth inning to trail 5-1. Brush went on a fourrun surge in the fifth and a three-run spurt in the sixth to account for a total of 13 runs. Cedaredge scored twice in the sixth, making the final score 13-3. The Beetdiggers out hit Cedaredge 12-5 in the game. One of the main reason’s the Bruins fell behind early in this game was errors. In all, there were seven errors recorded for the Bruins. Chey Christian was Cedaredge’s leading hitter with a home run and three RBIs. Sam Galley had two hits and scored two runs for the Bruins.

Bruins 14, Cowboys 3 There was a complete turn around for the Bruins in game two with Meeker. A nine-run first inning gave great momentum and confidence to Cedaredge. The Cowboys committed three errors in the first inning, allowing Cedaredge to score nine runs on four hits, three hit batsmen and a pair of walks. Scoring in the game slowed considerably in the second and third innings. Meeker scored once in the second inning and the Bruins plated a singleton in the third, giving Cedaredge a 101 lead heading to the fourth. Meeker had its most serious at bat in the top of the fourth with two runs on a pair of hits, a walk and a hit batsman. The Bruins scored four times in the bottom of the fourth with help from three hits, two walks and an error. Mik Wilkerson was

three-for-three with the bat and had two doubles and four RBIs to lead Cedaredge’s offense. Kelsey Stroud also had three hits that allowed her to score three times and knock in a run. Shayna Dale had two hits, with a double and a run scored, to go with her two RBIs. The Bruins’ Brittany Kendall (5-3) was the winning pitcher. She had seven strikeouts in the game. Number 14, Gunnison, failed to move on after losing to number 11 Valley, 3-1. State softball pairings have Cedaredge seeded tenth with its first game scheduled for 12:15 on Oct. 23 against number seven Eaton, on the fields of Complex A at the Aurora Sports Park. The winner of the 12:15 contest will face the number two seed, La Junta, at approximately 2:30 p.m. In the top half of the bracket is (3) Sterling, (6) Lamar and (11) Faith Christian.

Delta beats Sailors in VB DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

final touchdown. Ontive- 56-0 with his extra point ros made the final score kick.

Bruins on to state softball

BY WAYNE CRICK

Emily Baier (11) and Dani Sakala, right, team up to block an Eagle Valley kill shot during last Tuesday’s 4A WSL volleyball match between top contenders for the league title. Delta defeated the Devils, 3-1 to stay in contention and avenge an earlier loss.

remaining. Brown’s second score of the game came next on a 3-yard run with just 1:32 left before the half. Delta’s final score before halftime was on an 18-yard burst by Ponce with 30 seconds left before break. With Ontiveros’ PAT kicks on all touchdowns, the clock was set into motion for the remainder of the game as the Panthers had a 42-0 lead going to halftime. On Delta’s first possession of the second half, Ponce picked up his fourth touchdown on another 78-yard scamper to paydirt. Ontiveros’ kick made the score 49-0 with one quarter left to play. Delta averaged drives that took just five plays for most of the evening. On their final scoring drive the Panthers used 12 plays to cover 72 yards with their second team doing all the work. Tanner Webster scooted into the end zone from 4 yards out for Delta’s

A busy week of volleyball had league standings scrambled more than once. After the long week, Delta still finds itself in fourth place at 8-3 and 17-3. The Panthers’ 17-3 mark is the best among the top four teams. Delta began the week with wins over Summit, 3-1, and Eagle Valley, 31. In weekend play, the Panthers lost a chance to move up the list in standings, on Friday, with a 3-2 loss at Edwards to Battle Mountain. A Saturday trip to league-leading Steamboat Springs resulted in a 3-0 victory for the Panthers. Delta 3, Summit 1 The Tigers came into last Monday’s match with upset on their minds. After Delta scored a 2522 win in the first set, Summit roared back to tie the match with a 2513 second-set victory. Delta regained control of the match and scored wins of 25-19 and 25-22 in the third and fourth sets, respectively. Ashton Reese and Emily Baier controlled the net with 17 and 22

kills, respectively. Shanan Davey had 25 digs, Baier 15 and Emily Nortnik 10 to lead in that department. Service reception leaders were Baier (27), Davey (20) and Shelbi Ledesma (11). Nortnik finished the match with 38 assists and Harlee Roberts recorded five aces. Delta 3, Devils 1 A Tuesday match at home against Eagle Valley was well-played by the Panthers as they avenged their earlier season loss with a 3-1 victory. A slow start for Delta gave the visiting Devils an edge that led to a 2624 win for Eagle Valley. After that, Delta turned fierce and aggressive to overtake the Devils, 2519, 25-20 and 25-23. Baier had the upper hand at the net with 27 kills and she scored three aces for the offense. Reese also was a force at the net with 20 kills. Roberts added four aces and Nortnik dished out 46 assists on offense. Davey paced Delta’s team in digs with 27 with teammates Roberts and Ledesma chipping in 15

digs each. BM 3, Delta 2 The Panthers won two of the first three sets but couldn’t hold on for the important WSL win. A 26-24 decision put Delta in front 1-0 only to have the Huskies tie things up with a 25-17 secondset win. The Panthers regained the lead, 2-1, with their 25-11 win in set three. Battle Mountain used its home-court advantage to run the table for wins of 25-11 and 15-10 in the final two sets. Reese’s 23 kills topped Delta’s defense at the net, with Baier picking up 17 kills of her own. Ledesma and Baier had two aces each while Nortnik collected 36 assists for the Panthers. Davey finished the match with 20 digs and Nortnik had 16. Delta 3, SS 0 A very pleasant result was achieved in Steamboat Springs on Saturday. The Panthers fell to the Sailors, 3-1, on Sept. 19 in Delta. Last week’s 3-0 win more than made up for the earlier loss. Steamboat stayed close in all three sets but could

not solve the Panthers’ defense enough times to earn a set win. Delta won the first set 25-19 and allowed the Sailors one more point in a second-set win, 2520. The most closely contested set was the third. Delta held off the host Sailors to earn a 25-23 decision and the match victory, 3-0. As in previous matches, Reese and Baier were Delta’s kills leaders with 21 and 16, respectively. Reese also had one block while Baier had 11 digs and three aces in the win. Nortnik was good for 40 assists and 11 digs while Davey finished with 13 digs for the winners. This week’s volleyball schedule included a Tuesday, Oct. 20, match against Glenwood Springs. Those results will appear in next week’s sports section. On Thursday, Oct. 22, Delta will host Rifle for a 6:30 p.m. varsity match. Delta concludes its volleyball regular season against Palisade on Oct. 29, in Palisade, at 6:30 p.m.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Delta softball season ends BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta coach Steve Reiher was disappointed in the results of last weekend’s Region 6 play in Pueblo. The Panthers, according to Reiher, “picked the worst time to play sub-par games.” In their first game of the day, the Panthers (#22) fell behind early and never found a way to recover in a 14-4 loss to #11 Windsor. The Wizards scored three runs in the first inning, six more in the second and put a four-spot on the board in the third. Delta gave up one more run in the fourth frame before rattling the bats for four runs in the top of the fifth. No runs were scored after that and the final score was 14-4. Junior Lily Lockhart

was 1-for-3 with an RBI to lead Delta’s offense. Rachel Huerkamp, Megan Sandoval, Saydee Culver and Shayanne Steele all had a hit for the Panthers in the loss. The Panthers faced #27 Elizabeth in their next game. The Cardinals were not as run-oriented as Windsor, but did start the scoring with four runs in the bottom of the third. After a Delta run in the top of the fourth, Windsor plated three runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings to take a 101 lead to the last inning, where a single run ended the game, 11-1. Highlighting play in this game, for the Panthers, was Lockhart’s monster home run that cleared the fences by at least 30 feet. Five players finished

with a hit in the game for Delta. Lockhart’s blast was her 14th of the season, a mark that surpassed any, and all, classification leaders in the state. A check into a four-state region indicated Lockhart’s feat was not matched. In reflecting on the season, Reiher was complimentary of his squad. “I thought we had a great week of practice going into the tournament. Windsor is a very good team and they flat swing it and are aggressive on the bases.” “Highlights of the year would be how well we pitched on a gameto-game basis. I thought we pitched very well this year. I was proud of Keilee (Womack), Hannah (Easter) and Lily (Lockhart) for how they competed all

season in the circle. They brought it every game.” “I would also say the power in our lineup was a highlight. We finished with 32 home runs. Lily hit some of the farthest home runs I’ve been a part of and did it on a consistent basis,” noted Reiher. The final day of softball for many of the players was bittersweet for Reiher. “This was a special group because these seniors were my first group of freshmen. It’s always so gratifying to see young athletes grow and mature as athletes and as young adults. What a great group of girls I have had the honor Photo by Wayne Crick of coaching.” Delta finished the sea- Lily Lockhart watches as the ball arcs its way son with a 15-6 overall over the fence for a home run in a game against Durango earlier in the year. Lockhart ﬁnished with record. 14 dingers.

1A football teams in race BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

Football action in the 1A Western Slope Conference is only two weeks away from being complete, and teams are jockeying for position in the drive to the state playoffs. Paonia Eagles In Paonia, the twotime defending state champion Eagles are at the top of the standings at the moment with an overall record of 6-1 and a 3-0 mark in conference play. The Eagles went to Leadville last Friday night and beat winless Lake County 62-6. Paonia erupted for 50 points in the first half

and played all of its backups for much of the contest. Dagan Rienks, Sackett Chesnik, Trevor Smith and Caden Meilner were selected by Maxpreps as the players of the game. Rienks went five-forsix passing the ball and three of those tosses were for touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass. Taylor Walters was 3for-3 passing with two scores to go along with his 166 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Chesnik ran the ball nine times for 95 yards and two touchdowns. Jeramiah Hillman contributed two runs for

81 yards and a score in the win, and Smith had three receptions for 83 yards and two TDs. Colby Simpson recorded three grabs for 71 yards and two TDs in the win. Paonia controls its own destiny with a road game at Hotchkiss on Friday night and a home tilt against Cedaredge in the last game of the regular season. Wins in those two games will secure the conference title outright as well as a top-four seed in the state playoffs for the Eagles. Hotchkiss Bulldogs Hotchkiss got its second conference win last Friday after beating Grand Valley on the

road 41-0. The Bulldogs improved to 3-4 overall and 2-1 in conference with the win. Wade Katzdorn was the leading rusher for Hotchkiss with 154 yards and three TDs over 27 carries. Devin Curtis had 52 rushing yards and two scores while quarterback Colton DeLuzio was 6for-8 throwing the ball with a touchdown. Cole Carvill hauled in a 44-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of the Bulldogs’ victory and Colton Peebles kicked three extra points. Hotchkiss has two huge games remaining in the regular season, Friday night at home

Delta lands six on 2015 SB all-conference squad The 2015 4A Western Slope League Softball AllConference Team selections have been released. Delta’s Panthers had the most players honored by league coaches with five making the First Team, and one other selected for Honorable Mention. This year’s Player of the Year is Delta junior Lily Lockhart and the Coach of the Year is the Panthers’ Steve Reiher.

Reiher was humbled by the selection and noted, “I am blessed to have had a great group of kids to work with.” Other Delta players joining Lockhart on the all-conference team included Megan Sandoval (Jr. C), Keilee Womack (Sr. P/1B), Jenna Sutliff (Fr. SS) and Saydee Culver (Jr. 2B). Honorable Mention honors went to Delta

senior Hannah Easter, who pitched and played in the outfield for the Panthers. players Palisade selected included Caitlyn Charlesworth (Sr. C, CF) and Paige Orman (Sr. P/ SS). Honorable Mention players for the Bulldogs were Zeeda Nkana (Sr. RF), Ally Kissel (Sr. CF) and Piper Davis (Sr. 1B). Rifle’s selections on the First Team were Kaitlyn

Paonia tennis ends strong season; builds for future success BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The first high school sport of the fall season is over, and the future is bright for Paonia tennis. The boys’ team competed in the fall while the girls will hit the courts during the spring season. Paonia was home to the combined squad from Hotchkiss and Paonia this year. While the Eagles were small in number, they were large in heart and enthusiasm, preparing the way for future success on the courts at Apple Valley Park. Paonia wrapped up its season last Thursday and Friday in the regional match at Canyonview in Grand Junction. Eagles coach Brian Benson reported that perennial powers Steamboat Springs and Aspen dominated the finals at all positions except No. 1 singles, where Fred Edwards of Durango captured the title. “We played pigtails at each of our six positions on Thursday morning,” Benson said. “We had wins from Enoch Kropp and Nick Cambria at the No. 2 and No. 3 singles.”

Both Kropp and Cambria defeated opponents from Cortez in the first round. That set them up for semifinal contests, where Kropp fell to his opponent from Steamboat Springs and Cambria was defeated by Aspen’s No. 3 singles player. “On Friday morning they each played for third place versus Vail Mountain,” Benson said. “Enoch lost a tough threeset match and Nick lost in two sets. They both placed fourth.” Benson reported that all of the other Paonia players were defeated in the first round at regionals and were eliminated from further play. “For the season we basically went .500 with a 5-5-1 dual match record,” Benson said. Paonia had two wins each against the junior varsities from Fruita Monument and Grand Junction and also beat Cortez. The Eagles losses this season came against Vail Mountain (twice), Aspen, Durango and Grand Junction Central. Senior Luke Yerion went a respectable 7-7 during the season at No. 1 singles. Kropp, a sopho-

more, led the Eagles with his 10-5 record at No. 2 singles and senior Cambria finished the year 9-5 at No. 3 singles. At No. 1 doubles, Ethan Eller and Eli Etter battled to a 6-8 mark for the season. The Eagles were young at the other doubles spots but gained valuable experience to build upon. At No. 2 doubles, Quentin Varner and Zach Sinai posted a 4-10 record while Isaac Van Horn and Logan Smith recorded a 3-10 mark at No. 3 doubles. Paonia was shorthanded and did not have a No. 4 doubles team. “It was a good season considering some of our inexperience, and being shorthanded by one doubles team was probably the biggest obstacle that we were up against,” Benson said. “We’re basically a 1A school (even being combined) competing at the 4A level, so it’s an unenviable task.” Paonia learned a great deal this season and has a core of players coming back who will keep the Eagles going strong next year. TENNIS TO B8

Harris (Fr. C), Shaeley Arneson (Fr. 3B) and Peyton Caldwell (So. SS). Kaitlyn Jackson (Fr. P) was an Honorable Mention selection. Players making the First Team from Eagle Valley were Regan Bossow (So. C/Inf) and Cody Osteen (Sr. P/Inf). Freshman Caroline Paxson (SS/P) was an Honorable Mention selection for the Devils.

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against Paonia and then a game at Meeker. The Bulldogs will probably have to win at least one of those contests to have a shot at making the playoffs. Hotchkiss did make the 16-team playoff field last year with a 4-5 overall record and the Bulldogs still have much to play for. Cedaredge Bruins Cedaredge made the trip to Meeker this past Friday night and fell to the Cowboys, 38-12. The defeat was the first of the season for the Bruins (6-1, 2-1). Meeker’s standout

senior, TJ Shelton, put up a big game against Cedaredge. He had 24 runs for 223 yards and two TDs and also grabbed three catches with a touchdown. Doak Mantle and Devon Pontine also had touchdowns in the victory for Meeker (4-3, 2-1). Cedaredge can improve its playoff positioning with a win on Friday at home against Lake County. The Bruins will finish the regular season in Paonia for a game against the Eagles that could potentially have the conference title on the line.

B8 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

VB teams coming together BY ERIC GOOLD DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia volleyball team recovered from a rough regular-season stretch and posted three straight 3-0 victories last week. The Eagles rebounded to win five in a row since losing three of four matches in the middle of the season and have an overall record of 13-3. “Our offense picked up a little in the three recent wins,” Paonia coach Krista Carsten said. “We definitely hit better the last three matches.” Last Tuesday Paonia started the week with a home victory over Olathe, winning 25-16, 25-14, 2523. Emily Pieper recorded eight kills and Taylor Carsten had a big night with eight aces, 13 digs and 19 assists to lead the Eagles. “Against Olathe we served aggressively and played a fairly solid allaround game,” Carsten said. Then the Eagles went to Plateau Valley and won 25-17, 25-21, 25-18. McKenna Hartigan had nine kills and five blocks in the win while Pieper served four aces. Brianna Van Vleet totaled 13 digs in the win for Paonia.

“Plateau Valley is just a scrappy team that plays great defense,” Carsten said. “They hustle a ton and it’s hard to get a ball to drop on their side. McKenna Hartigan has really stepped up her play. She is passing extremely well and definitely has come on with her hitting.” The last match of the week was in Meeker, where the Eagles won 2518, 25-15, 25-22. Pieper nailed 12 kills while Hartigan had 10 kills and 24 digs in the victory. McKenna Palmer posted four aces and three blocks and Taylor Carsten recorded 20 assists in the victory. “Although the numbers don’t really show it, our blocking has improved greatly,” Carsten said. “We blocked a ton of balls in Meeker, but they did a great job of playing the blocked ball. McKenna Palmer had an outstanding match, both offensively and defensively.” Paonia hosted Cedaredge last night in a huge rivalry match, then finishes the regular season on Thursday at Caprock and then on Friday night at Hotchkiss. District matches are scheduled for Oct. 30-31. “What will create suc-

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cess for our team is to play with confidence,” Carsten said. “We need to play aggressively and have that ‘don’t hold back’ type of attitude.” Hotchkiss Bulldogs Hotchkiss won its first

two matches in over a year last week but then fell in two matches as the Bulldogs (2-14) head down the home stretch. On the road last week, the Bulldogs fell to Ridgway 8-25, 13-25, 15-25.

Then in Plateau Valley Hotchkiss was defeated 17-25, 9-25, 7-25. Gratia Fischer led the Bulldogs with three kills and eight digs against Plateau Valley. Noel Jaramillo had seven digs and

Sophia Fischer recorded six assists in the match. Hotchkiss was at Ouray last night and finishes out the regular season with home matches against Paonia on Friday and Meeker on Saturday.

Bruin volleyball team rolls, leads 2A/1A WSGML teams BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The top two teams in Class 2A/1A Western Slope Grand Mesa volleyball standings are separated by one game in the overall rankings while two wins separate the league standings leaders. Cedaredge holds the lead in both categories with records of 10-0 and 14-3 while Paonia is 8-1 and 13-3. Plateau Valley is third in standings with marks of 8-4 and 11-5. Cedaredge’s schedule last week included league matches against Meeker and Plateau Valley. In Meeker, the Bruins earned a 3-0 win on Friday and then traveled to Collbran to take a 3-0 win over the Cowboys. In Meeker the Bruins started the match with a 25-17 win in set one.

Meeker could not do much better in set two as Cedaredge played to a 25-18 win and a 2-0 lead. The final set, 25-15, gave the Bruins a match win, 3-0. Hannah Gilmore led Cedaredge’s defense with five blocks and was effective on offense with 11 kills and two aces. Nellie Freeman had an all-around solid match

with nine kills, three aces, 20 digs and 10 service receptions. Kenzie Henderson posted eight kills, 19 digs and 13 service receptions. Amber Jenkins had 18 digs and 12 service receptions. Against Plateau Valley, Henderson had 10 kills, two blocks, 13 digs and 12 service receptions. Jenkins served two aces,

had 20 digs and 15 service receptions. Kendall McHugh had 20 assists. The Bruins’ three-set win included scores of 2517, 25-20 and 25-21. Cedaredge’s next court appearance, following this Tuesday’s rematch against Paonia, will be Friday, Oct. 23, at home with Caprock Academy which has 2-9 and 5-10 season record postings.

Bruins lose to Meeker, 32-12 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Bruins were knocked out of first place in the 1A WSL football standings after losing, 32-12, to Meeker’s Cowboys last Friday night in Meeker. Meeker piled up 522 yards of offense, 438 on the ground and 84 through the air, on its way to an important conference contest. Cedaredge was held to just 164 yards of offense, with 121 coming through the air and 43 on the ground. Jacob Ostrom was good on 14 of 34 passes and 121 yards. Christian Reynolds caught an Ostrom pass to score one of the Bruins’ two touchdowns. In one of the lowest outputs on the ground this season, the Bruins top rusher, Tyler Cooper, ran for 34 yards on 12 carries. Meeker’s TJ Shelton rushed for 223 on 24 carries and Devon Pontine ran the ball three times for 110 yards to lead the Cowboys’ ground game. Shelton rushed for two touchdowns and caught a pass for a third score in the win. Defensively, Cooper and Reynolds paced the Bruins’ defense with 10 tackles apiece. Chase Rule and Casey led Meeker’s defense with 12 and nine tackles respectively. The Bruins hope to get back on track and add a win to their record when they host Lake County on Friday at 7 p.m. The Panthers are 0-3 and 0-7 in 2015.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta volleyball coach Beth Nelson discusses strategy during a timeout in a match played last week against Eagle Valley. The Panthers won the match to avenge an early-season loss and ﬁnished the week with matches against Battle Mountain and Steamboat Springs. The only loss during the week was against Battle Mountain.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Junior Kole Roberts, 13, gets set to cut up the ﬁeld last Friday night against Glenwood Springs. Roberts had a good night throwing the ball with 12 completions in 15 attempts and 158 yards and one touchdown. Roberts also ran the ball for 22 yards.

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CONTINUED FROM B7 “The kids enjoy the challenge,” Benson said. “And for the most part they really have fun with it, and there’s something to be said for that.”

Check out the DCI Print Shop. Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

First marathon

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Anica Wong (center) is surrounded by family to celebrate the completion of her ﬁrst marathon. She completed the Duke City Marathon, held Sunday, Oct. 18, in Albuquerque, N.M. Her time of 3:37:49 placed her ﬁrst in her age group and fourth woman overall. She is a 2005 graduate of Delta High School and lives in Denver. With her are her parents (left) Cory and Pam Wong of Delta, on the right are aunt and uncle Yoland Vigil and James Trujillo of Tesuque, N.M, and her cousins Sierra and Nieves VigilTrujillo.

SURFACE CREEK October 21, 2015

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Cedaredge voters to decide on sales tax hike BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Cedaredge voters are facing a tax increase question on the November ballot that was mailed last week. If they approve it, the proposed Healthy Living lifestyles tax would increase sales and use taxes from 2 percent to 2.5 percent, a 25 percent increase in the sales and use tax on things that everyone from retirees to working families use every day including vehicles, building materials and food. In addition, the tax question would remove limits on government spending growth established by the state’s voters with TABOR (the Taxpayer’s’ Bill of Rights amendment). Money from the tax increase, if approved, would go into four different town budget funds: streets; recreational, capital improvements; general capital improvements and the general fund. The question allocated 20 percent of the increased revenue to the street capital improvements fund, 20 percent to the recreation capital improvements fund, 15 percent to the capital improvements fund, and 45 percent to the general fund. The ballot question before voters places no other restrictions on use of the money the tax would raise. The town estimates the extra 1/2 cent sales tax will generate as much as $90,000

in the first full year. If realized, this would be allocated with $18,000 to both the street and recreational capital improvement funds, $13,500 to the capital improvement fund and $40,500 to the general fund. Town Hall tailored the tax increase proposal from results of a Healthy Living lifestyles survey sent to residents last spring. But the tax increase question voters are seeing on their ballots doesn’t mention healthy living or lifestyles at all. It does not identify any specific projects for the increased tax revenue. Proponents say the recreation capital improvement fund will be a restricted category within the capital improvement fund and would be used for such things as recreation, open spaces, trails and sidewalks. Others counter the question gives no clue as to how the money would be spent, especially the significant boost to the general fund. In the past, the general fund has been used routinely to subsidize the town’s enterprise funds — the sewer fund, the water fund and the golf course fund. The town’s Healthy Living survey last spring found that 60 percent (59.74) of respondents oppose using tax money for the golf course. If approved, the tax increase becomes effective Jan. 1, 2016.

Sights set on state

Photo by Julie Mulford

Drum Majors Zack Kaczmarek and Brooke Toothaker seem to have their eyes set on the next stop for the Cedaredge High School marching band after the band captured first place at the 1A regional competition last Wednesday in Grand Junction. The win earns the band a return trip to the state championship on Monday, Oct. 26. Cedaredge has won the 1A title the past four years. The competition will be held at DeRose Thunderbowl on the campus of CSU/Pueblo, with the semifinals beginning at 8:45 a.m. Cedaredge is scheduled to perform at 9:45 a.m. Delta will compete in the 2A division at 10:45 a.m. The announcement of the finalist bands in 1A and 2A is set for 12:30 p.m., and the finals will be later that evening. Competing in the 1A division with Cedaredge will be Monte Vista, Gunnison, Estes Park, Platte Valley and Bayfield. The CHS band is under the direction of Melissa Gross with help from Ryan Bigley. Ticket prices for the semifinals are $10 for adults, $9 for students and senior citizens, and children under 10 are free. Tickets to the finals are $11 for adults, $10 for students and seniors. A discounted combo ticket for both semifinal and final performances is available.

Many thanks for years of volunteer service BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Orchard City considers budget of $1.91 million BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

The Orchard City Town Board received copies of the town’s proposed 2016 budget of $1.91 million during its meeting on Oct. 14. The budget’s $1.91 total expenditure figure includes spending on the following individual items from the various budget funds. • $50,000 to pay for middle mile broadband infrastructure. The project would carry fiberoptic cable from the Orchard City DMEA substation on Fruitgrowers Road a distance of 3.37 miles to Tank Hill where a “carrier-neutral location” for providing access to broadband services could be established. • A total of $51,181 will be transferred from the general fund to the park fund where it will be used to pay various maintenance and operating expenses of the facility. • A $40,000 expenditure will pay for culvert repair on

2100 Road and other culvert work if required. • Three crack sealing road projects — Fox Ridge Drive, Saddle Ridge Road and Marshall’s Road — will cost $15,000. • Expenses noted in the water fund include a number of items, with $128,000 in general maintenance and repairs and $30,000 for replacement of a pressure reducing valve at T Road among them. • $300,000 will come from the water capital construction fund to pay for water line replacement in the Del Ray subdivision. $65,000 from the same fund will pay for two pressure reducing valve installations — one along Highway 65 at Eckert and another on Happy Hollow Road. The budget is normally finalized in December. It is a spending guide, and though projects are in the budget, there is no requirement they will be completed and funded in the coming year as proposed.

Local seniors who enjoy noontime meals, social time together, and other activities at the Civic Center will be missing the everyday, smiling, friendly and always helpful presence of Isal Shields. Shields, who has been a volunteer at the meal site helping with table service and also in the kitchen, has decided at age 91 to retire from her volunteer service there. She was surprised on Oct. 15, her final official day as a volunteer there, with a “thank you” for her many years of service. “It (the celebration) was something else,” Isal said. “It was a real surprise. I had no idea they were going to do that. They really laid it on.” Isal began her volunteer work when the seniors met in the former American Legion Hall, one door east of Town Hall, she explained. “I don’t really keep track of dates,” she said when asked how long she has been volunteering with the seniors. However, another member of the seniors organization recalls that the American Legion was at that location around the 1975 time frame — 40 years ago. Maybe the habit of not worrying about dates and times is good advice for other people who intend to keep on going like

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Isal Shields of Cedaredge, holding ﬂowers, was the recipient of many thanks and much honor on Oct. 15 as she marked her last ofﬁcial day of decades of volunteer work for the community on behalf of the Surface Creek Senior Citizens. Shown above on the occasion, back from left, are Myrna Bertram, Ginny Stohler and Dave Stueck. In front are Carolyn Goller, Isal and Dennis Messinger. “They really laid it on,” said a very appreciative Isal of the event. Isal does. She is used to living an active, self-reliant life. “I painted houses and picked apples,” she said of work she has supported herself by. “I painted the entire Horizons building inside and out,” she noted. “That was before they put on the addition.” Isal has had three children. One of them is still living, close by, in the Surface Creek area, she said, and so she gets to see him regularly. Recently on an outing to the mountains for sightseeing and hiking, Isal stopped to admire some wildflowers. She then noticed her son was setting up to take a photo of her. “What are you doing that for?” she asked.

He replied. “I just wanted to take a picture of a 91-year-old at 12,000 feet!” Isal said, “I give the Lord the credit. I have enjoyed volunteering and have always wanted to help out when I could.” Though her many friends in the Surface Creek Senior Citizens organization won’t see her every day, there will be plenty of chances to get caught up on life as she intends to stop in from time to time for lunch and friendly conversation. “You bet I will,” she said. But from now on, Isal will still be smiling as she becomes the one on the receiving end of the friendly service at the Surface Creek Senior Citizens noon meal site.

Lions celebrate one year of bingo BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Like a ship in the desert

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

A red-hued Doctor Mesa stands out from its evening-lighted surroundings, evoking an image of a great ship in the desert in this view seen with Grand Mesa in the background.

The Surface Creek Valley Lions Club is planning a special evening on Wednesday, Oct. 21, observing the oneyear anniversary of the club’s bingo fundraiser nights. The celebration will happen during the Bingo Night at the Civic Center, starting at 7 p.m. The club’s twice-monthly game nights have increased its ability to support community projects and causes. “There will be free coffee and cake, several drawings for

door prizes, and an opportunity to thank our players for their support,” reports Lions Club president Pat Means. Since beginning bingo, the club has doubled its scholarship gifts to two $1,000 awards. “We have designated $1,600 for donations this year to various other groups such as the Rocky Mountain Eye Bank, KidSight for eye screening, eyeglasses for individuals in need, Boy Scouts, and others, as well as the park work around the pavilion,” Means notes.

C2 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Local chapter celebrates 86 years of ESA BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

A local sorority comprised of energetic members who work yearround helping make the community better took time to mark an anniversary of its organization last week.

The local Zeta Omicron chapter of the Epsilon Sigma Alpha sorority took part in state and national observances honoring ESA’s 86 years of charitable work and community contributions. In Denver, the gov-

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ernor signs a proclamation honoring the organization, and the group’s state president is given a flag that is flown over the capitol building in observance of the event. Zeta Omicron has been in existence in Cedaredge for 45 years. The chapter has 23 members, explained chapter president Cathy Westlake, who also served as state president four years ago. “We have two major fundraisers. They are the Irish Stew luncheon in March, generally around St. Patrick’s Day, and the Edge of the Cedars Art Exhibit. Zeta Omicron has been staging this art show for 43 years, with the proceeds from the two fundraisers going for scholarships at DeltaMontrose Technical College and to a student in the art department of any Delta County school who is planning to pursue an art career.” In addition to the dedication and effort that members put into their community-boosting efforts, Westlake said, “We have a lot of fun.” The ESA organization also supports causes nationally and internationally. “Epsilon Sigma Alpha’s main project is St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital,” Westlake explained. “Nationally, ESA has donated $208 million to St. Jude’s, and one of the hospital’s floors is dedicated to ESA,” Westlake

explained. “A few of the entities and activities that we donate to are: Easter Seals, Cedaredge High School Graduation Night, Surface Creek Animal Shelter, Delta County Memorial Hospital, Delta County Ambulance District, Delta County Search and Rescue, Hospice, Abraham Connection, and the Surface Creek Community Services food bank,” Westlake said. The Oct. 15 anniversary in Cedaredge was also marked by Mayor Pat Means signing a proclamation honoring the local Zeta Omicron chapter. The town proclamation notes some facts about ESA: it was founded in 1929; there are over 650,000 direct service hours donated by members each year including more than 30,000 in Colorado; there are 56 chapters in Colorado with a total membership of 520; there are 1,000 chapters total in the United States and Australia; ESA raises $12 million each year for donation to charitable causes locally and internationally. Guiding principles of the organization include a strong emphasis on personal growth and professional development of members. Some points taken from its Ideal Book include the following ones, Westlake noted: •ESA is a leadership

Photo by Hank Lohmeyer

Members of the local Zeta Omicron chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority gathered last week at Cedaredge Town Hall for a proclamation signing in observance of ESA Day across the state and nation. In front, Cedaredge mayor Pat Means and Zeta Omicron president Cathy Westlake hold the proclamation document. Other members of the Zeta Omicron chapter are, from left, Rhonda Gold, Randy Palmer, Marilyn Cederberg, Shirley Clayton, Diana Clayton and Tammy Blanchette. and service organization bringing good people together to pursue programs that make a positive difference — locally, nationally and internationally. •ESA’s unique program provides members with the training, education and the support they need to promote successful public service projects while developing personal and professional skills in management, public relations and leadership. ESA has long been known as an organization on the cutting edge. Always ahead of its time, it has blazed new trails

in volunteerism. Current members of the local Zeta Omicron chapter are the following: Mary Belleville, Tammy Blanchette, Barbara Cairns, Mary Callahan, Nancy Carlson, Marilyn Cederberg, Diana Clayton, Shirley Clayton, Rhonda Gold, Waynella Gonzalez, Patti Hart, Mary Kinzer, Ann Knutson, Enid Lewis, Sarajane McCully, Susan Meyer, Elaine Muldowney, Randy Palmer, Karen Spears, Eileen Stanley, Anna Maria Turilli, Carol Vela, Cathy Westlake and Kay Westlake.

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

An interesting caterpillar has crossed my path several times this fall. Maybe you’ve seen it, too, in your fall forays. I am referring to the banded woolly bear caterpillar. These caterpillars are on the move this time of year, looking for a place to spend the winter. Banded woolly bears are very distinctive caterpillars, are very “furry,” black on both ends with a reddish-brown band in the middle. The adult is the Isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella). This moth is a dull yellow to orange in color with a furry thorax and an abdomen with a black spot on each segment. The banded woolly bear is found in northern Mexico, the United States, southern Canada and even in the arctic where it can take several years for a caterpillar to become a moth. In our area, one to two generations are possible in a

year. The banded woolly bear overwinters as a caterpillar, even freezing in some instances. Once they revive in the spring, they will pupate. The caterpillar transforms into a moth inside the pupal cocoon. The adult female moth emerges in a few weeks, finds a mate, and lays eggs, beginning the cycle all over again. The caterpillars are generalist feeders, rarely causing any damage to our gardens. But the most interesting thing about banded woolly bears is the folklore that the wider that middle reddish-brown section is, the milder the coming winter will be. Conversely, a narrow brown band is said to predict a harsh winter. But is it true? In the fall of 1948, Dr. C. H. Curran, curator of insects at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, went to Bear Mountain State Park and collected as many woolly bear caterpillars as he could that day. He determined the average number of reddish-brown segments, and forecast the coming winter weather through a reporter friend at The New York Herald Tribune. Dr. Curran continued his experiment over the next eight years,

attempting to prove scientifically a weather rule of thumb that was as old as the hills around Bear Mountain. The resulting publicity made the woolly bear the most recognizable caterpillar in North America. In reality, caterpillars from the same clutch of eggs can display considerable variation in their color distribution, and the brown band tends to grow with age. If there is any truth to the tale, it is highly speculative. Most scientists discount

the folklore of woolly bear winter weather predictions as just that, folklore. In spite of this, there are still many woolly bear festivals held in the fall, mostly in the eastern states. So what do you think? Do woolly bears predict winter weather? 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.

Amber Jenkins is honored student BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Amber Jenkins has been named Orchard City’s student of the month for October. During presentation of the honor at the trustee’s Oct. 14 meeting, Mayor Don Suppes noted that Amber, a senior at Cedaredge High School, has a 4.05 grade point average and is a member of National Honor Society. She is a member of a 4x100 relay state championship track team, is on the student council, has been a Lions Club outstanding student, and volunteers for numer-

Amber Jenkins ous community projects. Amber says she intends to be a physician. She is the daughter of Brenda Jenkins of Eckert, and of Shannon Jenkins.

Trustees handle town business BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

Among the business items heard by the Cedaredge Town Board at its regular Oct. 15 meeting was discussion of a report on the town’s fire insurance ratings. Town Clerk Patricia Luna outlined a report from a ratings agency. There was discussion of a 10-year program of improvements to increase ratings. Town public works staff said the ratings report placed the town, which has numerous fire hydrants, together with surrounding rural areas which are not as amply equipped with fire hydrants. Trustee Ray Hanson

noted that he has gotten reports recently from four different individuals, each of whom had a different home fire insurance carrier and all four had recently gotten rate increase notices on their fire insurance policies. In other business at the trustees’ meeting the following matters were dealt with: • Board members agreed that it is not the time to apply for grants to construct a pedestrian bridge across Surface Creek at High Country Park. • Trustees approved an ordinance for parking restrictions on Main Street during snow removal operations.

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Enjoy the great outdoors with Delta County Libraries BY LEAH MORRIS Delta County Libraries

What do Colorado State Parks and Delta County Libraries have in common? Until this month, it was hard to imagine that they shared much more than some of the same visitors and a few guide books. However, a new program orchestrated by the Colorado State Library and Colorado State Parks and Wildlife has pulled the two organizations together in an exciting way that is sure to please county residents who appreciate the outdoors. Still in its pilot stages, this program is called Check Out Colorado State Parks. Initially, eight libraries around the state will be given backpacks filled with materials relevant to local state parks, including items like binoculars, maps, guidebooks, brochures

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Check Out Colorado State Parks backpacks are ready for adventure. and more. And to make the program especially effective, each backpack will be equipped with a tag that will allow the

user free entrance to any Colorado State Park. Paonia Library was selected to participate in the pilot program, along

with libraries in Rifle, Grand Junction, Denver, Aurora, Trinidad, Las Animas and Brighton. Two backpacks should be available at the Paonia Library within the week for patrons to borrow. The Paonia backpacks will not be limited to Paonia residents; they will be available for anyone with a Delta County Libraries card to use. Once the program is off and running, district director Annette Choszczyk anticipates more opportunities throughout the county. “I’d like to see the backpacks in all of our libraries so that patrons throughout the county can easily take advantage of the park passes. This is a wonderful opportunity for residents to explore the natural resources in our own backyard.” There are a number of state parks within close

range of Delta County residents, including Paonia State Park, Crawford State Park, and Sweitzer Lake State Park. These parks offer opportunities to camp, fish, boat, hike, picnic, swim and more. Their splendid settings make for excellent photographs and nature watching. With leaves changing color, this fall is the perfect time to plan a visit, but with a variety of activities for every season, visitors can enjoy state parks year-round. Delta County Libraries offer numerous resources besides the backpacks that can improve a state park visit and encourage outdoor adventure. Among other things, patrons can take online photography classes, check out books on camping and boating, read outdoor magazines online

and in print, check out GoPro cameras and iPads for recording their adventures, and use library computers to research trips and upload photos. The backpacks are a perfect extension of library resources. “This program is a reflection of the incredible growth of library services over the years,” says Choszczyk. Libraries have had books on their shelves for ages. More recently, DVDs and audiobooks became available, then downloadable books and music, then seeds and iPads and other technology. Now libraries are providing entire outdoor experiences for patrons to check out, helping to ensure that libraries remain exciting and viable community centers well into the future.

Birds of the Western Slope A look at local birds with Evelyn Horn American Crow If it sounds like a crow and walks like a crow, it’s probably a crow. Well … it might be a raven. These two are easily confused even though the raven is larger at 24 inches long and weighs about two and a half pounds while the crow is only 17-1/2 inches and weighs only one pound. This big difference in size should easily identify the two birds — if you see them side by side. But most often that isn’t the case. And as I look out the front window, there’s a bird shadow moving across our lawn. It’s fairly large … moving from west to east toward

Photo by Gary Stolz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

American Crow

the east cottonwood. And there’s another shadow. Now the two shadows become birds, going toward the cottonwood. All black, and as they land, I can see that the tails are rounded, like most bird tails are. So these birds are crows (ravens have a wedgeshaped tails).

But here come more crows. A family? From my copy of the Birders’ Handbook, I recall that the pair may remain together (long-term pairbond or marry for life). Often last year’s young may stay and assist in raising the current brood so they’re considered to be “groupies” while the ravens are solitary (alone or with their mate). In the United States we have our American Crow, the Northwestern, and the Fish Crow. But there are other crows worldwide, all members of the Corvid group of birds. This large group includes ravens, nutcrackers, magpies, all of the jays and the crows.

The ecological position of our American Crow is filled in Europe by the Rook, the Jackdaw, and the Carrion Crow. These European crows are often mentioned in literature as “the birds of death” since they followed armies and war. And as all Corvids, these birds fed upon the dead. Now my crows are all on the lawn, behaving like a family. One of them flutters up into the west cottonwood to leisurely walk up a limb. Now my bird goes back to the lawn and begins begging from one of the adults. No luck. And suddenly they all fly. But I’ve had a rare bird experience.

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DMEA open house

DMEA treated its members to coffee, apple cider and an array of treats recently during the annual Member Appreciation Days. Open houses were held at both the headquarters in Montrose and the Read Service Center east of Delta. Shown are DMEA CEO Jasen Bronec (white shirt) visiting with a DMEA member as board members Jim Elder and Tony Prendergast look on. In the foreground is DMEA staff member Jim Heneghan.

C4 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month The DCMH mammography department is doing gift basket drawings again this year during the month of October when you come in for your mammogram. Call

970-874-2214 to schedule appointments. The American Cancer Society recommends annual screening mammograms for women ages 40 and over. Please visit

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its website at www.AmericanCancerSociety.org for more information about the importance of having a mammogram and information about breast cancer. Myth: If you don’t feel any changes in your breast, you don’t need to have a mammogram. Fact: Having a mammogram can show small malignant masses and micro-calcifications that can’t be felt. Myth: If you don’t have a family history of breast cancer, you don’t need to have a mammogram. Fact: 8 out of 10 breast cancers occur in women who don’t have a family Photo submitted history of invasive breast Delta County Memorial Hospital’s mammography staff (left to right): Michael cancer. Perry, Rochelle Somers, Danene Barberousse, Brittany Madsen, Susan Marshall and Toni Colby.

Mothers’ Milk Bank offers access to essential nutrients for babies

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30-year employee

Peg Parmenter has been a hospital employee for 30 years.

Human milk is the nutritional standard for all newborns and babies and provides them with essential immune properties, growth factors, hormones, enzymes and many other important properties that they cannot get from formula. More than nine million ounces of milk are needed annually to meet the needs of hospitalized preterm infants across the country and human milk banks are a critical supplier of this much-needed resource for women and hospitals so that all babies have access to the nutrition they need to

thrive. Mothers’ Milk Bank (MMB), a Colorado-based program helps women and babies nationwide access donor human milk. While much of the donated human milk that MMB collects and processes is given to hospital neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), MMB also provides donor human milk to babies whose moms are unable to provide milk for various reasons, including illnesses such as breast cancer. Megan Nelson, mother of two, underwent a double mastectomy after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer shortly after giving birth to her second son, Luke. Unable to breastfeed her son, Megan relied on donor human milk from Mothers’ Milk Bank. Megan says, “Being able to provide my sons with donor human milk has meant so much to my husband and I, but especially our sons. Mothers’ Milk Bank has always been professional and I know that I can trust that the milk they process from donors is safe for my growing boys.” to the According American Cancer Society, breast cancer is diagnosed in about one in every 3,000 pregnant women, and is the most common type of cancer found during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or within the first year of delivery. And in Colorado alone, one in seven women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Improvements in technology to diagnose and treat breast cancer have meant higher survival rates and, therefore, more women who desire to have children after concluding treatment. “For many babies, a human milk donation could be their greatest gift in life and donations are the best option when a baby’s mother cannot produce her own milk,” said Laraine LockhartBorman, director of outreach at MMB. “At Mothers’ Milk Bank, we strive to provide human milk to any baby who needs it. The human milk dona-

tions of generous, breastfeeding mothers allow us to grow our services, helping more babies and their families.” In 2014, MMB promore than cessed 545,000 ounces of donor human milk and plans to increase to one million processed ounces in the next few years. Each milk bank donor is carefully screened and all donations are pasteurized for safety while preserving essential nutrients babies need to thrive. MMB’s new 1,000 square foot ISO7 lab implements a clean room, which ensures low levels of microbial and particulate contamination during the processing of donor human milk, so mothers know the milk is safe. MMB welcomes donor milk from women throughout Colorado and most of the United States. Women interested in donating milk may fill out the donor screening form on MMB’s website at www.milkbankcolo rado.org or call 303-8691888. You can also follow us on Facebook to learn more about human milk, milk banking and how to get involved with MMB.

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10 years of service

Kellena Morfitt (above right) and William Branigan (below right) were recently recognized for 10 years of employment at Delta County Memorial Hospital.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

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“Use It or Lose It” class participants meet at the Stolte Shed. DCMH physical therapist Linda Bull has offered this exercise class as a community outreach event for the past nine years. The class is open to the public.

Free exercise classes offered Delta County Memorial Hospital physical therapists Linda Bull and Brooke Loucks are offering free exercise classes in Cedaredge as part of a community outreach initiative. Linda Bull has been the instructor of the “Use It or Lose It” class for the past nine years. The class is free with donations accepted for the use of the Stolte Shed. Exercise class participants have donated a total of $1,700 in the past six months to the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society for the use of the Stolte Shed. This class is held Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and is open to the public. People interested in attending may join in at any time as classes are ongoing and held year round. According to Bull, during the first six months

of 2015 over 1,800 people have attended the “Use It or Lose It” class. A new “Tai Chi – Moving for Better Balance” class is being jointly taught by physical therapists Brooke Loucks and Linda Bull for 12 weeks. This class is full, but another class is planned for 2016. This class is also free, being sponsored by DCMH and some grant monies from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Thanks to an anonymous donation of a defibrillator, a new class on how to use a defibrillator is being organized for October to be taught by Delta County Ambulance District EMTs. This class already has some 35 participants signed up to attend. For additional details on any of the classes please contact Linda Bull at 856-8587.

Grant targets well water safety A $547,000 grant will will enable local environmental health personnel to assist residents in learning more about the risks that threaten the safety of drinking water from area private wells and will provide well water testing for local property owners. Ken Nordstrom, Delta County director of environmental health, is a member of the six-county West Central Public Health Partnership that applied for and secured a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control to help address private well water concerns in Delta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Ouray and San Miguel counties. Public health agencies in the six counties had identified private well water quality as a high priority during the last regional health assessment. Now the group of public health leaders will have funding to address those concerns.

“Private well water is unregulated,” Nordstrom said. “We needed funding to gather data, documenting potential problems that may be affecting drinking water in private wells. This will help us address issues and make good recommendations to the public.” In year two, grant funding will allow for sampling and testing of well water across the region, as well as an educational campaign about private well management and upkeep aimed at approximately 10,000 private well owners in the six-county region. The West Central Public Health Partnership was formed in 2006 to strengthen the public health infrastructure in the region through collaboration and shared services. For more information contact Ken Nordstrom by phone, 970874-2169, or email knordstrom@deltacounty. com.

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

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C6 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

DCMH kicks off DohJe gratitude program DCMH recently kicked off the DohJe gratitude program at an allemployee barbecue. The Delta hospital is part of a Harvard-based study measuring the power of gratitude in the workplace by implementing the DohJe program.

DohJe (pronounced Dough-Jay) means “Thank you” in Cantonese, and is seen as a way to improve health care through gratitude. The mission of this program, started in 2013, is to make it easy to thank nurses, doctors, thera-

pists or any health care hero who goes the extra mile. Delta County Memorial Hospital is the third health care facility to institute the DohJe gratitude program, joining University of California San Francisco Medical

Center and Mountain Midwifery in Englewood. For health care heroes, the site provides a safe way to receive, respond to, and keep all of their positive feedback in one place. Each time an ethanks is sent out, a caregiver’s management team is notified. This gratitude data is extremely valuable in showing hospitals and other facilities a new point of view on staff performance. But don’t use DohJe to lodge complaints — it’s about gratitude only. “I started DohJe because I still have not been able to thank Laura, the amazing nurse who

helped me deliver my first son five years ago,” says DohJe CEO and Harvard Business School alum Amanda Krantz. “With the birth of my second son, I made sure I showed my gratitude before so much time passed that I couldn’t track her down. When I realized how many other people share this unpaid gratitude debt, I knew I needed to start DohJe.” Recently, a $5.6 million grant from the John Templeton Foundation was awarded to UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons. Emmons’ research shows that practicing gratitude can

increase happiness by 25 percent, lowers the lifetime risk for mental illness, and can alleviate depression. “Gratitude works,” he says. “It has the power to heal, to energize and to change lives.” (www. apa.org). “A person’s whole life can change through the expression of gratitude. But sometimes people just need help getting started. DohJe might be just the right tool to help a lot of people share their gratitude, and to a very deserving segment of society,” said Catherine Ryan Hyde, author of “Pay It Forward.”

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At the Delta County Memorial Hospital annual employee appreciation barbecue, a new hospital employee gratitude program was launched with employees getting their photos taken. DohJe is Cantonese for thank you.

10th anniversary

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Carol Chaffee, Marie Medrano and Paula Miller were recently recognized as 10-year employees of Delta County Memorial Hospital.

Region 10 offers help with planning long-term care “Understanding Long Term Care Planning: Avoid Being Underprepared and Overwhelmed” is the topic of a presentation sponsored by Region 10 and Brown and Brown P.C. Here’s why you should attend — 70 percent of all people over the age of

65 will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime, according to U.S. government statistics. That means there’s a high likelihood you or one of your loved ones may need care. Come learn about payment sources including private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and more. The presentation is scheduled Monday, Nov. 9, at Region 10, 300 N. Cascade, Montrose. Sign in at 4:15; the program begins promptly at 4:30 and will last about an hour. Registration is required. Register online at http://www.region10. net/calendar/ or contact Amy Rowan at 765-3123.

Medicare counseling is is also available at Region 10. Do you have questions about Part D prescription plans? Do you need help filing a Medicare claim? Or do you need to make an appeal? Counselors from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) are available for one-on-one sessions with individuals who need help with Medicare, available in Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel and Delta counties, with the main location in Montrose, 300 N. Cascade Avenue, Suite 1. Part D open enrollment is underway. Call to schedule an appointment today — 249-2436, ext. 213.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Melissa Palmer charged with hospital quality Melissa Palmer, RN is taking over the duties and responsibilities of quality director at Delta County Memorial Hospital, as Jeanine Finnell, RN retired recently. “Melissa has the personality and dedication to provide leadership in defining, implementing and integrating quality, safety and efficiency strategies into the organizational processes,” said chief clinical officer Jody Roeber. “Our goal of continual process improvement will be overseen by Melissa and the team of quality professionals at Delta hospital. It is our goal to see every department in the hospital demonstrating strategies for continual improvement to offer the highest level

of care to our community.” Palmer grew up in Paonia, and after 20 years in Texas returned home to the North Fork Valley. She obtained her RN in 2002 from McClennen College in Waco, Texas. For six years she worked as a nurse on a telemetry unit at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcus, Texas. Since 2008, Palmer has worked the hospital’s ICU for three years, at HopeWest Hospice for two years and in the DCMH case management department before accepting the promotion to quality director. She will manage risk management, infection control/employee health, meaningful use, quality

assurance, the information technology nurse, wound care, HCAHPs, compliance, patient advocate and case managers. “I am thrilled to have this new opportunity at DCMH. We are striving to provide the highest quality of care for those that we serve. We are continually looking for process improvement to better meet the needs of our patients,” Palmer said. There have been some recent changes in the quality department, with Elaine Sakala, RN taking over risk management, infection control/employee health and continuing her duties as a clinical documentation specialist. She has been a registered nurse for 30 years and has worked for the Delta hospital for 15 of those years. Jessica Bates, RN is now in charge of the patient portal, working on accreditation for the hospital with DNV, and is the clinical resource RN for information technology. Ramona Frazier, RN is the core measures coordinator and documents meaningful use. Jackie Robirds, with a master’s in social work, is the part-time patient advo-

cate who also works hourly with DCMH’s home health department. Carol Rustebakke, RN, another longtime hospital nurse, is now in charge of wound care, along with CNA Joyce Smith.

Case managers are resource nurses, educators and coordinators of care. They serve as a liaison between patients in the hospital and outside agencies to ensure that patients leaving the

www.facebook.com/VOAWesternSlope

hospital have appropriate care and services after discharge. DCMH case managers include Michelle Dean, RN, Hilary Showalter, RN, Julie Barton, RN, and Cynthia Pace, RN.

www.voahealthservices.org

Photo submitted

Jeanine Finnell, RN (left) retired recently as quality director at Delta County Memorial Hospital. Melissa Palmer, RN (right) was promoted to take her place.

Finnell retires as quality director Jeanine Finnell, RN recently retired as the quality director for DCMH, a position she held for the past two years. She has worked at the Delta hospital for the past eight years in obstetrics, infection control/employee health and in risk management. “Thank you to each of my co-workers for making Delta County Memorial Hospital a caring place to work and to be a patient,” Finnell said. “I feel that the successes in my department have been due to this motto for quality: ‘Don’t just do something, stand there.’ In other words, analyze situations before acting on them!” Finnell also worked at DCMH for 11 years as a registered nurse in PACU (post surgical unit), in the medical-surgical unit and as a day manager. Her husband, who is also a

registered nurse, and she were in Homer, Alaska, for 16 years, working in a 20-bed hospital where Finnell was the day charge coordinator and obstetrics coordinator. Chief clinical officer Jody Roeber said, “The hospital will miss the care and dedication that Jeanine brought to the quality department. Her experience and soft-spoken style will be hard to replace. Jeanine has been actively training Melissa as her replacement for the past two months, and I feel that Melissa is ready to take on this leadership role within the hospital.” Finnell plans to work occasional hours with HopeWest Hospice at the Plateau Valley office. She will enjoy quilting, and her two adult children and three grand children. Finnell dedicated 39 years to her nursing career.

Online hot tub auction benefits Bosom Buddies If you’ve ever wanted a hot tub in your backyard, this is your chance to get one and help your local Bosom Buddies aka Breast Cancer Support Group of Southwestern Colorado. Hot Water Productions is teaming with Watkins Manufacturing and Alpine Bank to donate a pink hot tub for an online auction to raise funds for Bosom Buddies. Just visit the Bosom Buddies’ website www.bosombuddies swc.org and follow the link to enter a bid. Bidding will be cut off at 10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15. The highest bidder can have a hot tub in his or her backyard by Thanksgiving. “We hope to raise as much money as possible for our Bosom Buddies organization,” says Paul Derence, owner of Hot Water Productions. “The retail price of the hot tub is $3,495 and the starting minimum bid is only $475. The entire amount of the highest bid will go to Bosom Buddies, so we hope to receive a big response.” Bosom Buddies offers financial assistance for a variety of breast cancer medical procedures including mammograms, ultrasound and surgical consultations for applicants who qualify. In addition, the group provides emotional assis-

tance through weekly support meetings which are Wednesdays at noon in the Bosom Buddies office at 645 South 5th Street in Montrose. Anyone dealing with effects of breast cancer is invited to attend.

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C8 Wednesday, October 21, 2015

STATE BAND

Delta County Independent

Good Luck to Cedaredge & Delta High School Marching Bands at the 1A-2A State Marching Band Competition Monday, October 26 • DeRose Thunderbowl CSU/Pueblo — 1A-2A STATE MARCHING SCHEDULE — 1A Semiﬁnals Monte Vista 8:45 a.m. Gunnison 9:00 a.m. Estes Park 9:15 a.m. Platte Valley 9:30 a.m. Cedaredge 9:45 a.m. Bayﬁeld 10:00 a.m. Break

10:15 a.m.

2A Semiﬁnals Berthoud Delta Englewood Elizabeth D’Evelyn Montezuma Cortez Classical Academy Eaton

10:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 11:45 a.m. 12:00 noon 12:15 p.m.

1A-2A Awards & Finalist Announcement at 12:30 p.m. Lunch Break at 12:45 p.m. 3A Semiﬁnals begin at 1:15 p.m. 3A Awards & Finalist Announcement at 4:00 p.m. Finals begin at 5:00 p.m. Full Retreat and Awards at 8:30 p.m.

March on to State Championships! Photos by Julie Mulford and Buffy Zentmeyer

Delta High School Marching Band

Community Performance

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 • 4:30 P.M. Delta High School Panther Stadium ~ Performance is Free ~

DHS Band Parents will be accepting donations to help fund the band’s many needs. ��

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�� A place where you can bee yourself ��

Auto • Home • Life • Business

Josh Applegate

Insurance Agent Joshua T. Applegate Insurance Agency 270 Hwy. 92, Suite C • Delta 874-4800 • 872-3400 www.farmersagent.com/japplegate

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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A World of Products and Services At Your Fingertips...

October 21, 2015

874-4421 • Fax: 874-4424 www.deltacountyindependent.com E-mail: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

REAL ESTATE

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Classified Ads can fit any budget. Call 874-4421 for one of our ad representatives to help with your advertising needs.

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TWO BEDROOM APARTment, downtown convenience, 2 full baths, garage, 1200 sq. ft., fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer & dryer, electric baseboard heat, evap. cooler, $600 per month plus utilities. $500 security deposit, no smoking, no pets. References required and checked with application. (970) 874-7845. (2x41) NEWER, BRIGHT AND cheery 2 BR, 1 BA duplex in Cedaredge, 1-car garage, washer/dryer, nice landscaping/area, no smoking, no pets, 1 year lease, $680/ month rent, $650 deposit. (702) 622-8783. (1x42) 1 BR, 1 BA APT. WITH garage at 341 W. 6th in Delta. No smoking, no pets. Water included. $500/month; $500/deposit. Available Nov. 1. Phone (970) 323-5555 or (303) 6185839. (3x42) NEED A PLACE TO rent? Find it in the DCI Classifieds.

WANTED

Horse Pasture Sought The USDA Forest Service, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are looking for pasture or horse boarding services near Delta, Colorado, for Forest Service stock For information contact Peggy Dobie at pdobie@fs.fed.us or (970) 642-4415.

ROADTRECK CAMPER van wanted in good condition with low mileage. Call (970) 901-9576 (2x41)

YARD SALES DOWNSIZING SALE Saturday and Sunday 9-4. Five miles NW of Cedaredge. 20990 Brimstone Rd., Coalby Canyon. Mini camper, sail board, canoes, jig saw, router table, sporting gear, tools, shower stall, Heywood Wakefield coffee table, furniture, wicker doll carriage, collectibles, dishes, linens, books, art, jewelry, holiday decorations, craft supplies, much more. Rain or shine. (1x42)

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Cold is Here! Is Your Heat Surge Electronic Fireplace Ready For Winter? (Authorized Heat Surge Repair & Warranty Service Center) Call

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GARAGE SALE - 20393 Vista Grande Dr., Austin. 95 Fri., Oct. 23. Crafts, scrap booking, stamps, unpainted plaster pieces, desk, grille guard for Ford F150 pick-up, misc. (1x42)

HELP WANTED 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) ADVERTISE TODAY!

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) YOUR LISTING HERE! call now... 874-4421

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today in the DCI! Call 874-4421

for your personal ad rep.

D2 Wednesday, October 21, 2015 HELP WANTED

CLASSIFIEDS

HELP WANTED

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KENNEL TECHNICIAN wanted: CAWS Adoption Center seeks someone who loves dogs and cats, is reliable and comfortable cleaning dog kennels and cat condos, working with the public and other tasks as assigned. Work schedule: Sat.-Sun., 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. and W-F, noon-3 p.m. 25 hrs/wk position, $11/hr., no benefits. Email resume: CAWS@CAWSonline.org or deliver to: CAWS, 640 W. 4th Street, Delta, CO. CAWS is an equal opportunity employer. (1x42) MARKETING GRAPHIC D e s i g n e r. High Country News (HCN), a non-profit multimedia news outlet, seeks a part-time marketing graphic designer to create marketing, advertising and development department marketing materials for both print and digital platforms. Candidates should have a background in both marketing and graphic design, experience working on teams and the ability to work across digital and print platforms. This part-time position works out of HCN's office in Paonia, Colorado. To apply, send cover letter and resume jobs@hcn.org. HCN is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work force. (3x42) SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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) 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) PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS in the classifieds. 874-4421

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)

HELP WANTED ADVERTISING SALES Representative: High Country News (HCN), a nonprofit multimedia news outlet, seeks a salesperson to sell print and digital advertising programs. Candidates should have excellent communication skills (written, phone and digital), two years of sales experience, preferably in newspaper or related field (or any other combination of education and experience). This fulltime position includes competitive salary and benefits. To apply, send cover letter and resume to jobs@hcn. org. HCN is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse work force. (3x40)

Delta County Independent

PUBLIC SERVICE

THE AMERICAN RED Cross needs you. Become one of the Red Cross volunteers who says, “We’ll Be There, Because Help Can’t Wait!” Call your local Red Cross Chapter at 970-2424851 or 1-800-HELP NOW for information on the difference you can make in someone’s life as a disaster volunteer. ((TFNx4))

THE AMERICAN LEGION Post 97 Paonia is seeking the names and addresses of all persons currently serving on active duty in the military from the North Fork Valley in order to contact them and show our support. Send addresses to American Legion Post 97, PO Box 277, Paonia, CO 81428 or call 527-6552.

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

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

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 PUBLIC (5th & Meeker). Attendants SERVICE and visitors are encouraged to dress professionally and bring a note pad and a willingness to learn and THE DELTA COUNTY be challenged. Find us on Independent runs these facebook.com & twitter.com items as a public service - search "Latent Resources", free of charge for non-profit or call James at 970-901organizations, if no fees are 9463. charged. However, each group is asked to please HEALTHY BABIES START keep them current by call- with early prenatal care. Delta County Health ing 874-4421. Department. Offers access WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- to immediate, temporary ings, Delta. Wednesdays, Medicaid for pregnant HAVEN HOUSE IS SEEK- 5:30 p.m., closed women who qualify. 874ing a Case Manager and (Alcoholics only) at Friends 2165. (tfx25) a Youth Director/Leader. of Bill W. Club, 897 Palmer. Haven House is a faith-based Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., open BOOKS MAKE GREAT non-profit that provides a (others may attend) at St. stocking stuffers. Find Transitional Housing pro- Luke's Episcopal Church, books at great prices in gram for those that might 5th & Palmer (back door). the basement of the Delta otherwise be homeless, (tfnx3) Public Library. with a focus on families DISCOUNT and a Child Development FREE DIAPERS FOR UP BECAWS! program for their children. to one year! Pregnant spay and neuter coupons The Case Manager is part women in Delta County can available. Call 970-527of a team that runs the now get help to quit smok- 3350, or visit cawsonline. Transitional program that is ing and get something they org. Delta County Citizens designed to guide those we can really use after their for Animal Welfare and serve towards self-sufficien- baby arrives — free diapers. Shelter (CAWS) cy. The Youth Director man- Healthy moms have healthy FARM WORKER HEALTH ages the Child Development babies. Enroll in the Baby & Services: We offer assisprogram for their children Me Tobacco Free program tance with medical, dental designed to keep them in today. Contact the Delta and medicines. If you work school, motivate them to County Health Department in agriculture you may excel and address behavior- at 874-2165 or your local qualify for our services. For al issues. It is possible that physician. (TFNx2) more information call 323one person could fill both SUPPORT THE DELTA 0538. (tfx12) roles, with an assistant. For Public Library. Give a gently more information and job SERVICIOS DE SALUD used book in the Downstairs descriptions please go to De Campesinos: Ofrecemos Book Store. w w w. h a v e n h o u s e h o m e ayuda con doctores, dentisless.org. Qualifications: WELCOME RETURNING tas, y medicinas. Si trabajas Degree in social work Veterans, Post 9221 VFW en agricultura puedes califi(Masters preferred), coun- meets at 5:00 p.m. on the car para nuestros servicios. seling, education or minis- 4th Thursday of each month Para mas informacion llame try (Youth Director position in Cedaredge. To find out al 323-0538. (tfx12) only) or a related profes- how to participate in prosion, plus experience work- moting patriotism and THINK YOU'RE PREGing with disadvantaged chil- assisting veterans, contact nant? Abused? Need help? dren and adults in a home- Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free less shelter or the field of 1180. (tfnx23) service, support and advice human services. A strong candidate is one that loves AARP DRIVER SAFETY to all teenagers and women working with families to Course. Save on insurance, in crisis pregnancy situamotivate and lead them to keep up on newer traffic tions. For Christian help, make a better life for them- laws, learn defensive driv- anytime, call 874-5733. selves. Please send resumes ing techniques. For details YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN or expressions of interest and schedule contact John help. Colorado Tobacco to havenhousejobs@gmail. Loring (970) 856-6924 or Quitline offers free, confi(970) 424-1778. com. (3x42) dential assistance. Call 1HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD 800-QUIT-NOW. (TFNx28). Historical Museum. Winter FAMILIES BELIEVING hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. in families: Tandem thru December 24. $3 admisFamilies is an innovative, sion or free to members. private non-profit mentorCome see our museum at ing program providing ser2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in vices for at-risk children of Hotchkiss. 872-3780. (tfx44) Delta and Mont-rose counCHECK OUT THE BOOK ties. Anyone interested in store at the library. You'll volunteering their services find a great selection of or donating usable items paperbacks at reasonable should call 874-3000 or 2527445. (TFNx8) prices.

Need printing done?

Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

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NEED A PLACE TO SELL THAT CAR FAST IN rent? Find it in the DCI the DCI classifieds. Call 8744421. Classifieds.

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PUBLIC SERVICE PLEASE HELP! VOLUNteers needed to help get new animal shelter in Delta off the ground. We need temporary or long term foster homes, foot soldiers, light research, paperwork and phone people. Many hands make light work. Thank you! Another Chance Critter Haven. 874-9011. DEDUCT IT FROM YOUR taxes! Donations of: pet food, old blankets, towels, kennels, carriers, pet beds or dishes, and money always appreciated. Another Chance Critter Haven. 8749011. 501 (c) (3)

SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently JOIN FORCES WITH US! used book in the Downstairs Animal lovers rescue Book Store. groups, shelters: let's band together and get a countyFOSTER GRANDPARENT wide shelter built! We Program enriches the lives are here for the animals. of senior volunteers while Another Chance Critter improving the education of Haven. 874-9011. children with special needs. Volunteers, 55 and older, BECAWS! DOG/CAT needed to assist in class foster families needed. Call rooms tutoring and mentor- 970-527-3350, or visit cawing children. Low-income sonline.org. Delta County volunteers may qualify for Citizens for Animal Welfare a stipend. Teachers in Delta and Shelter (CAWS) area class rooms request "Grandparents" to come COLORADO QUITLINE IS in and work with students a free, confidential telewho need the extra help to phone coaching service achieve their best. For infor- for anyone calling from a mation on how you can use Colorado area code. With your talents to help kids call QuitLine, tobacco users can receive free supplies of the Tanya at 263-9091. (tfx7) nicotine patch as they work PARENTS — FREE with trained coaches who information and referrals create a personalized quit for licensed child care pro- plan just for them. To conviders. Call Bright Futures tact the QuitLine, call 1-800Child Care Resource & QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) Referral at 877-728-5613. or visit www.coquitline.org. (TFNx1) BECAWS! DO YOU HAVE BECAWS! VOLUNTEERS an animal rescue sucneeded. Call 970-527-3350, cess story to share? Call or visit cawsonline.org. 970-527-3350, or email Delta County Citizens for rescuemagazine@gmail. Animal Welfare and Shelter com. Delta County Citizens (CAWS) for Animal Welfare and Shelter (CAWS)

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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 MISCELLANEOUS RN’s up to $45/hr SAWMILLS from only $4397.00LPN’s up to $37.50/hr MAKE & SAVE MONEY with CNA’s up to $22.50/hr your own bandmill- Cut lumber any Free gas/weekly pay dimension. In stock ready to ship! $2000 Bonus FREE Info/DVD: AACO Nursing Agency www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-656-4414 Ext. 11 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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D4 Wednesday, October 21, 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. Movie Matinee. 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. Genealogy. Who’s Who in Whoville ... find out who you really are. Friday, Nov. 6, at 10:30 a.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. 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 1-3 p.m. Pumpkin Decorating.Calling all pumpkins! It is time to become jacko-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. 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. Magic the Gathering Tournament. Come play Magic with your friends the first Saturday of every month. Saturday, Nov. 7, at 10 a.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 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. Seed Sorting Party. Calling all volunteers, seed library supporters, and seed sorting enthusiasts. Come help the seed library get ready for the 2016 spring season. We need your help sorting, organizing and labeling seeds for this coming gardening season. Join us at Memorial Hall for an evening of seed organizing, good company and tasty treats. Tuesday, Nov. 10. Open house from 4-6 p.m. 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. 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. Tween & Teen Halloween Movie. Watch a chilling, thrilling Halloween movie! Friday, Oct. 30, at 3:30 p.m. Evening Book Club. This month’s book club selection is “Round House” by Louise Erdrich. Copies of the book are available for checkout from the library. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 6:30 p.m.

Join the fun at the rec center Bill Heddles Recreation Center offers weekly sessions of duplicate bridge, party bridge, cribbage, pinochle, Scrabble and chess. In addition, Tuesday Needlers meet every Tuesday morning. Four-month sessions are offered for adults January-April, May-August and September-December for a small fee. Sign up at the recreation center or call 874-0923 for more information.

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BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

Providing inspiration through liturgical art

BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Lyn, Tim and Mary Morgan Hinz are committed to producing works with the highest quality and craftsmanship.

Managing Editor

ike the Shakers, Tim and Lyn Hinz express their faith through their craftsmanship. The Shakers believed that the excellence of their work was a form of worship; their furniture and crafts came to be known as “religion in wood.” Their motto, “Hands to work and hearts to God,” has been adopted by the Hinzes, who operate a studio dedicated to enhancing worship environments. Hinz Fine Art Studio was created in 1985 and has fulfilled over 375 commissioned

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The ﬁrst of three panels in the “Paradise from Revelations” series has been installed at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Delta.

works for churches throughout the United States. Tim’s most recent commission is close to home — at his own church, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Delta. A trio of three stained glass windows, each measuring 4 feet wide and 8 feet in height, depicts passages from the Book of Revelation. The center window, which features the Lamb of God, has already been installed in the church on Pioneer Road. The other two windows continue the story of Revelation 21-22, depicting the tree of life, the river of life, the new heaven and the new earth. Symbolism is an essential component of Tim’s designs, whether he’s working in an intimate or monumental scale. Tim used a contemporary design for the stained glass windows, to complement the building’s architecture and the stained glass windows already in place. The series of windows, called “The Path to Redemption,” was started in 2000 and has been funded through memorial contributions. Images from the Old Testament line one side of the church, with images from the New Testament on the other side. “Paradise from Revelations” will complete the ambitious undertaking. Tim’s background in construction serves him well — he’s not only familiar with a variety of materials, he also understands how to incorporate the design into the architect’s vision, and how to install the finished product, whether it requires a hammer, a welding torch or a concrete foundation. After working in construction for years, Tim earned a

Hinz Fine Art Studio photo

This font at Christ Episcopal Church in Denver incorporates marble, oak and a bronze bowl. “I get to use everything I went to school for,” Tim says, plus his construction knowhow.

master’s degree in fine arts, with an emphasis on sculpture, from the University of North Texas. He has taught sculpture, design, fine woodworking, stained glass, stone and wood carving at numerous colleges and universities in Texas and Colorado, including Red Rocks Community College. By then, he and Lyn were married and had started their business. Tim encouraged Lyn to enroll in college, telling her, “The best way for you to learn is to take my classes.” When they first moved to Colorado, Lyn had trouble finding a job so she began “peddling” Tim’s artwork. “It was easy for me to take his portfolio around and brag about him, because it wasn’t my work. That’s how we fell into church art.” “Church art” encompasses entrance doors, bell towers, pulpits, altars, crosses, fonts/baptismal pools, art, art glass, and more recently, jewelry. Tim is comfortable working with glass, marble, bronze, wood, metals, stone and ceramic. “You can’t make a living as an artist,” Tim said, “so I decided to do commission work.” While Tim has worked primarily with Lutheran, Catholic and Episcopal churches, he has also been commissioned to design custom entry doors for million-dollar homes in Dallas and Cherry Creek. Many of his commissions come by word of mouth or through his website, where a YouTube video captures the range of projects Tim’s undertaken. Daughter Morgan handles the website and occasionally lends a hand with carving and stained glass. Lyn is also “a good mechanic with stained glass,” and takes care of contacts and contracts — “the stuff I’m not good at,” Tim says. The Hinzes discovered western Colorado at the same time they were outgrowing their shop in Lakewood. Tim was doing some teaching at Mesa State and they happened to travel over Grand Mesa and through Cedaredge and Orchard City. Several years later, they found themselves in Austin, enjoying the quiet, slower pace of rural living. Between commissions, Tim and Lyn are restoring the 1893 homestead formerly owned by Dwain Stefan. They envision a pastor’s retreat, where ministers can relax and renew themselves spiritually. Tim also taught some classes at Delta-Montrose Technical College and did a year-long stint in Bill Koch’s pioneer town, restoring antiques and creating replicas when the appropriate piece couldn’t be located. Commission artwork can be “feast or famine,” but the Hinzes’ line of jewelry has provided a more steady source of income.

“This wasn’t our idea,” Lyn explains. “Tim put in a 6or 7-foot bronze cross and the church ladies liked the design so much they wanted to sell it in some fashion as a fundraiser to support a battered women’s group. We brainstormed and that’s how we started doing jewelry work.” Now many of the pieces Tim’s designed are reproduced in necklaces, earrings, plaques and pectoral crosses — the distinctive crosses worn by clergy members. One of the most recognizable pieces in the Hinzes’ “Proclaim Jewelry Collection” is the Lutheran Hour cross. Lutheran Hour is an outreach of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. The ministry airs a weekly radio broadcast, which leads Tim to joke that you can see the cross on the radio every Sunday morning. In reality, the cross adorns plaques given in recognition of benefactors, and is also reproduced on jewelry for both clergy and parishioners. Silver, gold, small, large ... the Hinzes sometimes find the jewelry variations a bit overwhelming, but they try to accommodate all requests. Tim estimates 99 percent of the jewelry sales come via the website, www.hinzfineart. com. Whether he’s working on a small cross or a monumental piece of stone, Tim never loses sight of the message that’s central to all of his art. “This is not just pretty art,” he said. “Everything we’ve done is based on a Bible verse or has some message to get the Gospel of Christ out there.”

Hinz Fine Art Studio photo

This design for a wall cross proved so popular, the church uses it on stationery, the priest’s stole ... even jewelry. Many of Tim’s designs reﬂect an enduring interest in medieval art history, which was largely church art of the 13th and 14th centuries.

Hinz Fine Art Studio photo

65’ bell tower at Bethlehem Lutheran in Lakewood.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Tim identiﬁes the glass colors he plans to use in the stained glass windows he’s working on for Redeemer Lutheran.