Delta County Independent, Sept. 7, 2016

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NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

ARCHAEOLOGICAL GEM

SPORTS

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Eagle Rock shelter offers insights into Paleo-Indian culture, B1

2016-17 school year is offer to a strong start, C1

DELTA COUNTY

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Paonia’s Brooke Hillman medals at Battle Mountain Invitational, C7 SEPTEMBER 7, 2016 VOL. 133, NO. 36

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INDEPENDENT

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OHV travel restrictions eyed BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

An area in North Delta open to cross-country ATV travel could be subject to limitations under the BLM Uncompahgre Resource Plan now under review. The open area covers 8,560 acres about six miles northeast of Delta. While it’s open to cross-country travel of all types, including biking and hiking, the heaviest increase in use is attributed to offhighway vehicles (OHVs) such as four-wheelers and side-bysides. “Current OHV use exceeds historic levels and new, morepowerful vehicles are capable of accessing steeper and rougher terrain,” the RMP notes. “In the past, visitors drove principally Jeeps, trucks and motorcycles. Today the BLM has seen an increase in use of OHVs of all types and sizes. “Increased visitation and the use of more powerful vehicles have contributed to the widening, deepening, braiding and eroding of some existing vehicles routes, and an increas-

addressed by eliminating the open riding only in the northern third, where the hookless cactus grows. Reducing the open area and changing to designated trails in that area only would also have a positive effect on the salinity and erosion concerns, TMW states in the comment letter. That move would cut the open area by about 2,000 acres. “TMW would suggest the team give full consideration to leaving the open area intact at least in part for the OHV community that has lost over

ing number of hill climb, play and camping areas.” One potential solution is limiting motorized and mechanized travel to designated routes, eliminating the crosscountry travel that is unique to the North Delta area. BLM believes that move would protect habitat for the threatened Colorado hookless cactus, limit erosion of the fragile soil, and protect downslope waters from saline and selenium runoff. The Thunder Mountain Wheelers ATV Club, which has about 450 individual and business members, says any attempt to limit open travel “would be an enforcement and signage nightmare.” In a letter to the BLM, Walt Blackburn, the club’s government liaison officer, said, “The motorized community has recreated and enjoyed the area for decades and policing such a major change would be next to impossible.” While the club recognizes the BLM’s environmental concerns, the ATV club believes those concerns could be

75 percent of their trails and riding opportunities over the past two decades,” the letter concludes. “We also would like to remind the interdisciplinary team that the ‘open area’ has a very positive impact on the socio-economic impact on the City and Delta County with the many out-of-town visitors that use the area.” The Uncompahgre Field Office is revising the BLM Uncompahgre Resource Management Plan for over 675,000 surface areas within the Uncompahgre Area. The RMP

details the current state of resources and guides management actions for the next 20 or so years under the BLM dual mandate of multiple use and sustained yield. Four alternatives for the revised RMP are currently under review. For the open area in North Delta, three call for designated routes of varying degrees and one would leave the area open to crosscountry travel. The plan can be viewed on the BLM website. Public comment will be accepted until Nov. 1.

Assessor: No need to pay ‘finder’s fee’ BY HANK LOHMEYER Staff Writer

A private company that has obtained address lists is mailing area residents offering to have their property tax classification changed and their tax lowered, county assessor Debbie Griffith reports. Griffith said the company wants 30 percent of any money saved by the homeowner for getting their property taxes lowered. Griffith said there is no need for homeowners to pay the company’s 30 percent “finder’s fee” if their property qualifies for re-classification. Citizens can come into the

assessor’s office at any time and request a review of their classification, Griffith said. She said that anyone with questions about the letter they received or about any other property tax matter can call her office at 874-2120. There is no charge for the service even if they bring the letter they received from the private company with them. Griffith said that if a property does qualify for re-classification and lower tax on the basis of the letter they received, her office will do it for free and not charge the 30 percent fee the private company wants.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Motorcyclists and ATV riders have enjoyed open access to over 8,500 acres of BLM land in North Delta. The BLM is considering restricting travel to designated trails to protect the fragile soil and the Colorado hookless cactus.

Districtwide program helps staff connect with students BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Swain named county coroner NEWS RELEASE Delta County Board of Commissioners

Delta County Board of Commissioners appointed Chalmer Swain as interim county coroner on Thursday, Sept. 1. Swain was sworn in by Judge Sandra Miller shortly after. The Board of County Commissioners is pleased to have Chalmer as interim coroner and wants to sincerely thank Kevin Lucy for his many years of service to Delta County. Chalmer Swain comes to the job with a long history and working knowledge of Delta County as he has lived in the county since 1978. Chalmer grew up in the Uravan

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A5 Agriculture .....................C4 Back Page ................... D8 Business ........................ A7 Church ............................B8 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-5 Obituaries .................. A8-9 School Zone ............... A5-6 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................C5-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-3 TV Listings ................. D5-6

and Paradox area and holds an associate’s degree from Colorado Mesa University. In addition, he has a mortuary science degree and has served as the chief deputy county coroner for several years. Swain previously served as the county coroner for 12 years and he sincerely looks forward to serving the county in the interim capacity. Chalmer and his wife Marge own Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory and are involved in numerous county service organizations. The Delta Board of County Commissioners looks forward to working with Chalmer Swain.

Managing Editor

A new program known as Capturing Kids’ Hearts has been implemented across Delta County Joint School District #50, from the cafeteria to the bus to the classroom. The program underscores how adults impact the lives of students every day. “Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a program to help us create healthy relationships,” said superintendent Caryn Gibson. She speaks of the relationships between students and adults, as well as the relationships among staff and community members. Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a process for instruction and leadership in education. By teaching students respect and responsibility, it’s also seen as a great way to elevate academic and behavioral standards, Gibson said. “We can’t always control what comes into our schools,

but once we have students in our classroom, this training will help us better relate and create higher achieving classrooms for all students.” Staff training began this summer with team building activities. School board president Tammy Smith said she went to a training session with the intention of observing for a few minutes and was so intrigued she wound up staying all day. By outlining expectations from the start, Capturing Kids’ Hearts is expected to cut down on disciplinary issues. Trust is an important element of the program, with each teacher building a personal connection with their students. With a strong personal connection and shared expectations, all parties approach conflict from a position of mutual respect. Both students and staff are expected to manage and accept responsibility for their own

behavior. “This is really not brand new,” Smith said. “It’s just a different way of looking at things. “The reality is, sometimes a kid’s outlook can affect their conduct in the classroom,” Smith said. Many times classroom disruptions, or instances of kids acting out, are manifestations of an occurrence outside of school. With a positive approach to the school day, student focus is brought back to the task at hand. In addition to student behavior, the nationally recognized program supports character education, bully prevention, safe school initiatives and career preparation. “It will be really interesting to see how this works out,” Smith said. The number of expulsions, suspensions and office referrals will be the primary tools for measuring success.

Downtown DeltaFest

Pool remains closed

Party headquarters

The final Downtown DeltaFest of the summer takes place Thursday, Sept. 8, on Main Street. The street will be closed late Thursday afternoon and vendors will begin setting up between 3rd and 5th. Hoodoo Hedz will provide live music, and the Moto Mayhem will take place between 2nd and 3rd. This month, kids will love the water walkers — with the large balls they can climb inside. Delta Library will host Words on Tap in partnership with CB’s Tavern starting at 5:30 p.m. Stop by the booth in front of CB’s for trivia, music, prizes, treats and more.

The aquatics area at Bill Heddles Recreation Center remains closed due to an issue with the lighting. The closure affects all the pools, the hot tub and the sauna. Renee Ealey, City of Delta recreation manager, said, “We are waiting on electricians and some re-configurations of the light fixtures. We are in hopes it is completed this week.” Patrons are advised to call 874-0923 for updates. The entire facility was closed in late August for scheduled maintenance. With the exception of the pools, the recreation center re-opened Sept. 1.

The Delta County Democratic Party has opened an office in Hotchkiss for the North Fork Valley. The office is located at 215 East Bridge Street and is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Stop by for campaign yard and window signs, bumper stickers, buttons, candidate information and voter registration. A grand opening celebration is planned at noon Saturday, Sept. 17, in conjunction with Hillary Clinton’s national day of action for voter registration. Refreshments will be served. For more information call 872-4217.


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Delta County Independent, Sept. 7, 2016 by Delta County Independent - Issuu