Delta County Independent, Jan. 10, 2018 by Delta County Independent

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Marijuana petition withdrawn; new council may settle question BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

On the wild side

Photo by Randy Sunderland

This portion of the extensive Escalante State Wildlife Area can be found just a few minutes west of Delta off 5th Street, near the conﬂuence of Roubideau Creek and the Gunnison River. Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages additional access areas off G50 Road, Highway 50 and Escalante Canyon Road. In the Hamilton Tract pictured above, cottonwood groves, a large heronry, and cliffside brush provide important habitat for birds, deer and small mammals. Visit cpw.state.co.us for maps and directions to the numerous tracts of land set aside for hunting, ﬁshing and recreation.

An effort to legalize marijuana sales and cultivation within the City of Delta has taken a new direction. Christi Prettyman was circulating a petition asking city council to repeal the ordinance that prohibits marijuana sales and cultivation in the City of Delta. Citing family issues, she said last week she is withdrawing the petition, as well as her intention to run for city council. If she had gathered a sufficient number of signatures on the petition, she would have taken it to city council asking for repeal of the ordinance that’s been on the books since 2013. City council is authorized to reaffirm or to repeal the ordinance without a vote of the citizens. But if the council had declined to repeal the marijuana ordinance, the

PRESS RELEASE

lin Willett. Matt Soper, a fourth generation Coloradoan, grew up in Delta and earned his way through Colorado Mesa University by hand-picking Olathe Sweet® sweet corn. During his time at CMU, Soper served two terms as student trustee and earned the coveted Wayne Aspinall Award. He later earned graduate degrees from the University of Edinburgh and the University of New Hampshire. Soper served seven years on the Delta County Museum’s

Photo submitted

Rep. Yeulin Willett (left) has announced he will not seek reelection to House District 54. Matt Soper will seek election to that seat in November.

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D8 Business .......................A10 Church ........................... D6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-5 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A8 School Zone ............... A6-7 Service Directory ........ D7 Sports ..........................B5-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ................. D3-4

The fact that the petition was being circulated opened a discussion about marijuana zoning and taxation. To be proactive, Delta Planning Commission and Delta City Council members have been reviewing proposals for the zoning of retail marijuana stores, marijuana cultivation facilities, retail marijuana products manufacturing and marijuana testing facilities within the City of Delta. The final decision on zoning rests with the city council, but voter approval is required to levy taxes on marijuana sales. Two questions authorizing the collection of sales and excise taxes on marijuana, if sales are allowed, will appear on the April 3 ballot, along with the candidates for two council seats. Currently, Jay Stooksberry and Kevin Carlson are circulating CITY COUNCIL TO A3

County limits marijuana plants to 12 on residential property BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

The Delta County Commissioners have adopted an ordinance giving notice that, pursuant to Colorado statutes, the county will limit the

Rep. Willett won’t seek re-election; Matt Soper announces candidacy State Representative Yeulin Willett announced he will not seek re-election to House District 54, but will serve out his term, ending in January 2019. Concurrently, Matt Soper announced his candidacy to run for Willett’s House seat. “This past summer I expressed to the party the possibility I would not seek re-election. I have confidence in Matt Soper, and look forward to seeing him elected to represent the people of House District 54,” stated Rep. Yeu-

question would have gone to the voters, in accordance with state statutes. Instead, Prettyman said she plans to wait until two new council members are seated in April, then take the request to city council. A petition is not required for council to act, but was primarily intended to demonstrate community interest, then to spur a vote of the people. Even though voters won’t be asked to approve marijuana sales, Delta’s citizens will still have an opportunity to let their opinions be known. “If the citizens of Delta elect council members who are known to be pro-cannabis, then that’s the direction the population wants to go,” Prettyman concluded after consulting with her attorney. “Whoever gets elected ... the people will have spoken,” she said.

board of trustees, as well as chairman of the City of Delta’s Historic Preservation Board, and as an Orchard City trustee. In 2016, Soper was appointed, as a Republican, to the 7th Judicial Nominating Commission. He volunteers at the Abraham Connection homeless shelter, is a youth mentor, and is active in his church. Soper is a professional researcher and writer, serving clients in the private sector, with areas of expertise in law and history. “I look forward to continuing the good work of Rep. Willett, as well as focusing on the basics of protecting our water, getting our roads fixed, and keeping a lid on spending,” said Matt Soper, candidate for House District 54. Rep. Yeulin Willett is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and family and less time on the road to and from Denver, and focusing on civil dispute resolution and addressing local issues important to Mesa County. Willett was first elected in 2014 and re-elected in 2016. He has won numerous awards as a legislator, including ones from the Colorado Sheriff ’s Association, the Colorado Non-Profit Association, the Colorado Civil Justice League, the University of Colorado, Americans for Prosperity, among others.

cultivation, growth or production of marijuana plants to residential property within unincorporated Delta County to 12 marijuana plants per residential property, regardless of the number of persons residing at the property. The ordinance will be published in full in the Delta County Independent on Jan. 10 and is expected to be adopted on second reading Feb. 5. The ordinance will become effective Feb. 10. In November 2000 Colorado voters approved Amendment 20 to the Colorado Constitution which created limited right to possession and use of medical marijuana by persons suffering debilitating medical conditions who were placed on a statewide registry by their primary caregivers. On Nov. 6, 2012, Colorado voters approved Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution which created a limited right for persons 21 years of age and older for the possession and use of small amounts of marijuana plants. Commercial marijuana cultivation facilities, retail marijuana product manufacturing facilities, and sales and testing facilities of retail marijuana and marijuana products are prohibited in unincorporated areas of the county. On June 8, 2017, the Colorado General Assembly enacted House Bill 17-1220 to provide clarification about the number of marijuana plants a person is authorized to cultivate, grow or produce. The law took effect Jan. 1, and places a maximum cap of 12 marijuana plants that can be cultivated, grown or produced on or in a residential property regardless of whether the plants are for medical

or recreational use “unless a county, municipality, or city and county law expressly permits the cultivation, growth, or production of more than 12 marijuana plants on or in a residential property ....” Participating with the commissioners in the work sessions on the study and considerations for Ordinance No. 2018-01 were John Baier, county attorney; Fred McKee, county sheriff; Mark Taylor, county undersheriff; and 7th Judicial district attorney Dan Hotsenpiller. The commissioners found — as the Colorado General Assembly recited in HB 171220 — that large-scale cultivation of marijuana plants in residential structures may produce a variety of harmful effects on the residents and welfare of residential communities, such as unsafe structural alterations or additions to residences; potentially unsafe alterations to residential electrical systems; additions for water and humidity that can facilitate growth of dangerous or damaging molds and fungi; increased risk of fire and electrocution due to the proximity of electrical and water supplies; potential toxicity of residential air supply due to use of heating devices, generators and the addition of carbon monoxide to growing environments; and the increased risk of fire due to the presence of hazardous materials such as fertilizers and flammable or volatile substances used in the cultivation, production and processing of marijuana plants and derivatives. The ordinance contains definitions for residential property, such as “enclosed,” “locked space” and “residential property.”

County designates meeting posting site

Museum updates memberships

In response to a lawsuit filed by the Delta County Citizen Report, alleging a lack of transparency in the noticing and conduct of county commissioners’ meetings, county administrator Robbie LeValley issued the following press release: Delta County Board of Commissioners has consistently followed Colorado State Statutes. Colorado Revised Statute 24-6-402 (2)(c) directs the Board of County Commissioners to designate annually at the local public body’s first regular meeting of each calendar year the public place for posting meeting notices. At the Jan. 2 Board of County Commissioner meeting, the board designated the front entrance of the Delta County Courthouse located at 501 Palmer Street, Delta, to be the official location for posting of meeting notices. In addition, as has historically been done and technology allows, a courtesy copy will be placed on the Delta County website at www.deltacounty.com.

After 20 years, the Delta County Historical Society is changing its membership format. Annual membership has been $7.50 for seniors and $10 for non-seniors. Beginning this year, the annual membership for all adults, senior and non-senior, single or couple, will be combined to one flat fee of $15. Three additional levels of membership were established to define donation levels. Four levels of membership are available — bronze, $15 to $49 (annually); silver, $50 to $249 (annually); gold, $250 to $499 (accrued); and platinum, $500+ (accrued). Membership benefits are the same at all four levels. Members have free access to the museum and will receive a quarterly newsletter. For more information, call the museum at 874-8721 or stop by 251 Meeker Street, Delta.

A2 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

OPINION

Time to focus on school choice in Delta County and across America

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BY ANDREW R. CAMPANELLA live or how much money cation environments for is the National School Special to the DCI

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Delta County Independent

Later this month, schools, homeschool groups, organizations, and individuals in Colorado and across America will work together to raise awareness about the importance of opportunity in K-12 education. National School Choice Week begins on Jan. 21 and celebrates all types of schools and education environments for children. Nationwide, 32,240 different events and activities — such as open houses, school fairs, and information sessions — are being planned, with an estimated attendance of 6.7 million people. In fact, 559 of those events and activities will be held in Colorado, and five are in Delta County. National School Choice Week has been celebrated every year since 2011. And even with increased awareness, many families still have questions about school choice and how it can benefit them and their communities. The first thing to know is that school choice isn’t partisan or political. It isn’t about a specific set of policy goals either. Rather, it’s about parents making personal decisions for their children. School choice means empowering individual parents with the opportunity to search for, and find, the best education environments for their individual children — regardless of where they

they make. Finding the right school is important, because every child has unique talents, challenges and needs. School choice isn’t about finding fault with any of the schooling options available. Instead, it recognizes that while one student might thrive at a neighborhood school, another student might do better somewhere else. Research shows that when parents actively choose schools and education environments for their children, students are more likely to succeed in school. They are also more likely to graduate from high school, get good jobs, and participate in their communities. School choice isn’t just theoretical. Right now, more parents in Colorado and across America are actively choosing the edu-

their children than at any other time in history. Families in Colorado can choose from traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, private schools, online academies, and homeschooling. In terms of public school choice options, Colorado has one of the nation’s broadest “open enrollment” policies in the country; students are permitted to attend virtually any public school in the state, regardless of where they live. Searching for a new school, or considering an alternative education environment, doesn’t have to be daunting. Parents can start by talking to their children and other parents, researching schools online, and visiting schools in person. A good place to start

Choice Week website: www.schoolchoiceweek. com, where we provide more information about specific school choice options. National School Choice Week is a time when the country comes together around the idea that every child can succeed when they find the right school fit. This January, parents have more options and opportunities than ever before to find that right fit. For individual communities and for our country, that is a good thing. A nationally recognized advocate for children and families, Andrew R. Campanella serves as president of National School Choice Week, the world’s largest annual celebration of opportunity in education. He lives in Northwest Florida.

Law enforcement blotter From the Delta and jailed on charges of alcohol/unlawful acts. Police Department: Jan. 4: Christopher D. JohnDec. 31: David B. Gallegos, son, 22, of Delta was 44, of Westminister was arrested and jailed on a arrested and jailed on warrant with a bond of $750. charges of trespassing. Roberto C. Campas, Jan. 5: Luke A. Frazier, 18, 19, of Delta was issued a summons for minor in of Delta was arrested possession of 2 ounces and jailed on charges of or less of marijuana and unlawful possession of a possession of drug para- controlled substance. Charles D. Perry, 27, phernalia. of Delta was arrested Jan. 3: Blane D. Chesleigh, and jailed on charges of 58, of Delta was arrested harassment/obstruction of a telephone or a telegraph service and child abuse. Donald C. Abeyta, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, second degree assault on a peace officer, third degree assault, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer and criminal mischief. Daniel R. Soliz, 29, of Clifton was issued a summons for shoplifting. Suzette R. Ortega, 52, of Montrose was issued a summons for shoplifting. A juvenile male was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a bond of $500. Jan. 6: Richard K. Walker, 57, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of driving under the influence, drove with license revoked, displayed fictitious plates/stickers, owner operated uninsured vehicle. Citations: Eleven tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Jan. 1: At about 11 p.m., a man banged on the door of a residence on F Road, saying he had fallen in the river and needed help. The homeowner let the man in to warm up while he called dispatch. Deputies learned the man was visiting from Texas. The man was transported to the homeless shelter to wait for his brother, who was traveling from Texas to pick him up. Jan. 2: An Eckert resident reported the theft of a ring from his vehicle. The Delta Police Department also received several reports of thefts from vehicles, prompting a reminder to area residents to lock their car doors. 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

Jan. 3: Deputies responded to a domestic incident on Highway 92 south of Crawford, where an estranged couple were reportedly arguing. Deputies monitored the situation until Montrose County sheriff ’s deputies arrived. Jan. 4: Deputies responded to the emergency room at Delta County Memorial Hospital, where a 33year-old Colorado Springs man was being treated for a dog bite to his face. The incident occurred on Sundown Road near Delta. A Chevy pickup collided with a bale of hay on Highway 92 near the Austin turnoff at about 6 p.m. The collision caused the air bags to deploy. Both of the pickup’s occupants were transported to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Delta County Ambulance, Cedaredge firefighters, the Colorado Department of Transportation, Colorado State Patrol and sheriff ’s deputies responded to the scene. Jan. 5: An eastbound Kia caught fire near the DeltaMesa county line on Highway 50 at about 4:30 p.m. The Grand Junction man driving the car said he had been having trouble with the clutch. He saw smoke and was able to exit the vehicle without injury. The fire was extinguished by the Lands End Fire Department. Jan. 6: Daniel Duran was charged with harassment, child abuse and violation of a protection order after a domestic incident in Orchard City. At about 10:30 a.m., an electric service truck wound up in a ditch on Highway 92 just outside of Hotchkiss. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. A 16-year-old Delta driver lost control of his vehicle, which landed upside down in a ditch on F Road at about 11 p.m. Slick road conditions may have contributed to the accident. EMTs were dispatched but the driver did not require transport. Jan. 7: A truck owned by Tracy Butler of Austin rolled down an embankment and struck a neighbor’s privacy fence and house before flipping onto its side. Butler lives on Tank Hill in Orchard City and had left his vehicle unattended while it warmed up. He told deputies he thought he had set the emergency brake. Damage to the truck was minor; no estimate was provided for damage to the house and fence. Jan. 8: At about 6 a.m., a sheriff ’s patrol vehicle was struck by a deer in the 3000 block of Highway 92 outside of Hotchkiss. Deputy Gates Shaklee was driving the vehicle, which was not damaged.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

High school students offer input on county Master Plan BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Representatives from the student councils of Delta County’s four high schools met with the Delta County Planning Commission Dec. 20. They shared the results

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of their open discussion meetings with their respective student bodies in which they gathered information for use in the county Master Plan update. Student participation in the discussions at each of the four high schools ranged between 20 and 45 students. Students shared with their student councils what they valued and appreciated about their communities, concerns they had about school or community, and where they saw room for improvement. The students also addressed the question of whether they would remain in Delta County after their graduation from high school, or if they would return to Delta County to live after completing higher education and/or having better paying employment elsewhere. Student leaders who discussed their findings with the Planning Commission were: Carmen, seventh grade vice president for combined Paonia JuniorSenior High School; Jessica and Holly of Cedaredge High School; Casey, Blake and Lauren of Delta High School; and Nolan from Hotchkiss High School. The message from students from all four high schools was that they appreciated the car-

Gubernatorial forum to be held Jan. 11 The Mesa County Republican Party is sponsoring a forum for Colorado’s seven top GOP candidates running in the governor’s race for 2018. The forum will be held Thursday, Jan. 11, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and will include a dinner and drawings. Panelists Ashley Watson, Rose Pugliese and Marty Chazen will ask questions of the seven candidates: Steve Barlock, Cynthia Coffman, Greg Lopez, Victor Mitchell, Doug Robinson, Walker Stapleton and Tom Tancredo, and there will be time before and after the event for attendees to visit with the candidates as well. The forum will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel on Horizon Drive. For details and reservation information visit mesacountygop.org.

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ing populations of their communities, their communities’ support and involvement in attending sports events, music events and other activities at the school, and the financial support of the business community for these events. Concerns included lack of bike lanes at one school, lack of places for young people to get together for activities, the need for more entertainment and an entertainment center, and a lack of places for little kids’ activities. The need for more books was identified and the road to one school needs to be fixed. Lack of public transportation, lack of job opportunities, need for scholarships and help applying for scholarships were noted, as was the need for more community events and more public parks. The drug problem within the school and spreading through the community were also identified. Requests for organized group trips to the wonderful outdoor places in the county and more restaurants with outdoor seating were included. The obstacles to students remaining in Delta County after graduation, or returning to Delta County after attaining their higher educations, include more opportunities elsewhere and no jobs or careers that students want to pursue available in the county. Some students want to travel and some will leave the county because they have dreams and big ideas. Some may come back to visit family and some may come back to raise their families. Individually, members of the Delta County Planning Commission thanked the students for attending and sharing the results of their listening sessions. Members engaged the students in identifying ways to offset the lack of opportunities in Delta County. Planning commission chairman Bob Stechert said, “We need to identify ways to attract youth to Delta County, how to provide more job opportunities for youth and have those solutions find their way into the Master Plan update.” Jen Sanborn said the

students had planted seeds to addressing the problems, such as providing gathering places and transportations routes. “We want you guys to come back to Delta County later in your lives,” she said. “You have expressed your concerns well,” said Layne Brones. “Delta County has great opportunities in agriculture and agronomy, such as big dairy herds, feeding lots. I hope you will stay.” Tate Locke said he was interested in hearing the students’ perspec-

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City council

FROM PAGE A1 nominating petitions for the at-large seat. Nathan Clay is running for the District C council seat. Candidates have until Jan. 22 to return signed petitions, so it’s possible other candidates could step forward. The municipal election will be conducted by mail. The county clerk’s office will send out ballots in mid-March.

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ples such as job shadowing, involving working one day a week with a person who had that job, where they would gain ideas of careers they would like to pursue; opportunities that would help them figure out what they really want to do. Also helpful would be a one-day job fair which would provide students with information about what jobs are available in the area and whether they are interested in those jobs. Kim Shay asked the students to stay involved.

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tive regarding gathering spots. He also asked, “What are people your age looking at as a career?” He heard answers of engineering, aircraft, technology, and jobs in high speed internet. Locke also asked what kind of drugs the students were referring to in their concerns. They identified marijuana and underage alcohol use. Steve Schrock asked what the students meant by better jobs — youth jobs in school, jobs with training, mentoring? Students gave exam-

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The Delta County Independent publishes engagements, anniversaries and wedding stories free of charge.

DCI works to resolve TV guide issues Readers who use the TV guide published weekly in the DCI have noticed a computer “glitch” that causes the listings to look like gibberish. The television listings are obtained from a contract service, then imported onto pages that are transmitted electronically to the Montrose Press, where the DCI is printed every Tuesday. Somewhere during the process, the software is failing to communicate and the files are being corrupted. The DCI and the Montrose Press have been working diligently to resolve the issue. If the problem occurs again, subscribers are invited to stop by the DCI at 401 Meeker Street or call 874-4421 to request a readable copy of the TV guide.

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A4 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

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ACCENT

Delta County Independent

BIRTHS Ricardo and Alma Torres of Montrose are the parents of a daughter, Yaneli Sofia Torres, born Jan. 4, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was 19.5 inches in length.

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Photo submitted

An investment in Scouting

Delta Elks Lodge #1235 recently presented $500 to each of the three Boy Scout troops in Delta. The donations were made possible by a one-time $1,500 Anniversary Grant from the Elks National Foundation commemorating the 150th anniversary of Elkdom. The grant is one of four totaling $8,500 given to the Delta lodge this year. The funds are being used to better the community as part of the Elks National Foundation Community Investment Program.

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Resolve to get free music this year

�� • Acupuncture • Massage Therapy • Cupping • Facials • Supplement Store

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Daphna Russell Studio ��

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Like us.

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resolution that’s easy to your 2018 music world keep. If you have a Delta just got rocked! To stream Here’s a New Year’s County Library card, and download music for free all you need is your library card number and internet access. To access the Freegal Music website (that’s “freegal” as in “frugal”) go to https:// deltaco.freegalmusic. AARP Foundation Tax- return. Aide offers free tax prep• Social Security cards com and log in with your aration help to anyone, or other official documen- library card number. Delta County Library especially those who are tation of Social Security 50 and older, who can’t number for yourself and patrons get five free afford a tax preparation every individual on your downloads and three hours of streaming time return. service. • Photo ID for all tax- per week. Streaming time Tax-Aide is the nation’s and downloads expire if largest free, volunteer-run payers. tax assistance and prepa• Checkbook if you not used but you get a ration program. AARP want to direct deposit new set each week. You can create playlists and Foundation Tax-Aide any refund(s). volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes and additions to the U.S. Tax Code.There’s no fee and The Delta Senior Cen- cennes, Ind. I’ve worked no sales pitch for other services. AARP member- ter is honored to display as a freelance artist, works of art by Linda advertising manager, artship is not required. For an appointment Aubery in the dining hall ist for a newspaper and in Delta call the Delta located at 247 Meeker a college’s audiovisual department, and even Senior Center, 247 Meek- Street. Aubery says, “Art has had my own ad agency er, at 874-7838. For an appointment in Montrose, been a part of my life for a short time. I’m curfrom an early age. I had rently a fulltime ordained call 252-4889. The checklist below such encouragement from children’s pastor, yet art includes items you need family and teachers and is still a big part of my to bring when you visit art instructors that it was life. “Each summer I teach an AARP Foundation a natural plan for me to seek a degree as a com- kids different forms of art Tax-Aide site: • Last year’s tax mercial artist from Vin- at a weekly Festival of cennes University, Vin- the Arts. I have directed five different puppet teams winning several gold medals in competition. I am also a gospel chalk artist carrying on an old art form missionaries have used.” Aubery is a member

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Free tax service available from AARP

Delta Senior Center displays works of Linda Aubery

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Gold Members ��

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Silver Members

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save them on your personalized page. And if you have provided your email address to the library to receive due notices, you’ll get a weekly update from Freegal reminding you to use your free downloads. Music choices run the gamut from classical to heavy rock and country to pop (think: Beethoven to Nine Inch Nails and Vince Gill to Pink and everything in between.) So make a resolution to take advantage of this great service offered by your Delta County Library and check that one off your list.

of Delta Fine Arts and the Black Canyon Camera Club. She says her favorite mediums are oils and alcohol inks, but a move to Colorado inspired her to also learn photography. She enjoys scrapbooking, quilting and crafting of all types. Aubery’s work will be on display through January. The senior center is open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. The thrift shop is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is served at noon in the hall. Donation for lunch is $3 for those 60 years old and older. All are welcome to view this impressive display of work.

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Bronze Members

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Grace Church begins search for a permanent home in Delta BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

A group of Christ’s followers who once met in the home of Brian and Trish Workman is now planning to build a church to accommodate the growing number of folks who call Grace Community Church home. The Delta church is an extension of Grace Community Church Montrose. Brian Workman, pastor, recalls that the local movement began with about 12 couples. They gathered in the living room of his house, while 15 or so kids met in the basement. Among the church followers was Gregg Hawkins, who was the assistant principal at Delta High School. As the group grew, he suggested the church move to the school cafeteria. After filling out the necessary paperwork, the church began holding Sunday morning worship services at DHS. That was four years ago, and the church has continued to grow. Workman estimates that about 350 people call Grace home. “When the average church attendance is 98, and on the decline, it’s pretty nice to see so many people from our community want to get involved and stay involved with Grace. It’s pretty cool to watch.” The ministry team has also expanded and now includes Brian; his wife Trish, director of children’s ministry; Jacob Sullivan, worship/associate pastor; Mat Lujan, youth pastor; Lindsey Lujan, youth pas-

tor/office manager; and Brian Anderson, facility director. Church offices are located at 300 Stafford Lane, Suite 30200 (above Aaron’s). In addition to 10 a.m. Sunday worship and activities for children and youth, smaller life groups meet in homes or at venues that support common interests, such as archery and paddleboarding. With the growth the church has experienced, Workman said it’s time to find a permanent home. Plans for a new building are being drawn up while the search continues for a suitable building lot. Acreage off 7th Street previously under consideration was recently crossed off the list due to the cost of infrastructure requirements. Ideally, Workman said, the church will be located as centrally as possible, because an important component of church ministry is community involvement. “We are continually looking for ways to give back,” Workman said. “We want to be a vital part of this town. We also want the building to be available for use by the community,” he said. Regardless of where followers meet, the vision remains the same: “We strive to be a group of people who desire to love God more, and to love one another more.” The church website explains, “We’re all at different stages in our faith and commitment. On any given weekend at Grace you’ll run into people who have been following Jesus for decades, people

who are brand new in their faith, and others who are just exploring their options. We strive to make everyone feel welcomed and loved, regardless of where they’re coming from.” Workman himself was not raised in a churchgoing home, but through his wife was introduced to a life of faith that eventually led to his ministry. A 2000 graduate of Delta High School, he initially studied wildlife biology at Adams State College. He soon realized that wasn’t the path God had laid out for him, and he enrolled in an online pastoral program through the Assembly of God Global University. His education continued with Foursquare, a worldwide network of churches that provides a model for the future development of Grace Community Church. Workman recently completed the ministry certification process and will be ordained during a service in January. The Foursquare model of church development is demonstrated through the extension of Grace Montrose to Grace Delta, and in the future to Gunnison, Ouray/Ridgway and eventually the North Fork area. The church at Ephesus in Turkey developed and multiplied this way (Acts 19-20). “But we will still be one church, with central leadership that provides resources that might not otherwise be available in smaller towns,” Workman said. Grace Montrose has topped 1,000 followers

and continues to grow, even as a portion of disciples broke off to provide a foundation for Grace Delta. When asked if a church can become too large, Workman said the risk in any church is for members and leaders to forget their mission. “A church of any size can lose its way,” he said. Being an integral part of the community is a vital way for Grace to keep sight of its goals — to send and support missionaries, develop a group of healthy churches with a common goal of serving others, share the gospel and pursue Jesus. “That’s how movements gain momentum,” he said.

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Dr. Jess Deegan named to Region 10 advisory council Dr. Jess F. Deegan II, a resident of Crawford, has joined the Regional Advisory Council managed by Region 10. Dr. Deegan is a former university professor of psychology. He previously served on the board of directors for the Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County (California), as a Kern County Commissioner on Aging, and as the chair of the board of directors for the Center of the Blind and Visually Impaired, as well as other executive committee positions for local community groups and nonprofits. Dr. Deegan retired to Crawford with his wife, who was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s in 2012. Dr. Deegan started O’Deegan Consulting, which provides two caregiver support group sessions on a weekly basis with the support of the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado and Crossroads Memory Care of Delta. Dr. Deegan currently

serves as the president of the Hotchkiss Lions Club, is on the Delta County Advisory Council for Volunteers of America’s Western Slope office, chair of Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC) Advisory Council, and was recently appointed to the All Points Transit board of directors. Dr. Deegan was also recently appointed to the Abraham Connection board of directors and the Delta County Library board of trustees.

Dr. Deegan is excited to serve on the Regional Advisory Council (RAC) as a representative of Delta County, as he has served on similar councils before and understands the impact these organizations have on their communities. Dr. Deegan hopes to use his skills as a psychologist and a researcher to help identify resources for the community and help make this area an excellent and hospitable environment for seniors to live.

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Dr. Jess Deegan II

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Class teaches women self-defense Ed Langrand, a fifth degree black belt in tae kwon do, will teach a women’s self-defense class Saturday, Jan. 20. The one-day session will be held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center and will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $20. Call 874-0923 to register.

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DCMH Primary Care ��

Top 100 Rural Hospitals in the Nation for the second year in a row.

A6 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

CMU scholarships established for students interested in energy

Garnet Mesa’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photos submitted

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terrific Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and first grade students (back row, left to right) Reese Nelson, Camdyn Stoddard, Nevaeh Meza, Ella Black; (front row) Brynleigh Reiher, Duke Walker, Angelice Medina and Carson Blake. Below are second and third graders (back row) Cassidy Ballard, Hailey Dearing, Maliya Salazar, Evelyn Caraveo; (front row) Raiden Colton, Shanne Huff, Haley Williams, Ben Morfitt and Alex Torres.

Providing emergency food and shelter to the hungry and homeless of Delta County. ��

Volunteer or donate and help those most in need right here at home!

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Register for spring soccer The City of Delta will be running the youth recreation soccer program. If you are interested in coaching, officiating, sponsoring or participating please contact Bill Heddles Recreation Center at 874-0923. Registration deadline for participants is Feb. 18. Practices will begin in mid-March. There will be two practices a week for one hour each (U6 may be less). Games will begin near the end of March or at the beginning of April. Games are played on some Thursday and Friday evenings and Saturdays. Six games will be played in Delta, Hotchkiss, Paonia, Orchard City and Olathe. All coaches are volunteers. Anyone interested in coaching a team is encouraged to call the recreation center. A mandatory coaches meeting will be held March 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. For questions or more information, contact Whitnee Lear at 874-0923 or whitnee@cityofdelta. net.

The Colorado Mesa University Foundation and the West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association announced availability of applications for the 2018 Colorado Energy Scholar Award Series. The Colorado Energy Scholar Award is worth $12,000 and recognizes Colorado’s most outstanding student pursuing a future career in Colorado’s energy industries. The announcement of availability also introduces new awards within the prestigious series including the newly formed Chevron Energy Scholar Award, the Shear Family Energy Management/ Landman Scholar Award, and the Energy Athlete Scholar Award. Chris Clark, the West Slope Colorado Oil & Gas Association’s president, noted that the Colorado Energy Scholar award is a merit-based award that is much more than just a scholarship. “The Colorado Energy Scholar Award is just one award within the series meant to showcase the skills, talents and hard work of Colorado’s science and community-minded students,” Clark said. “Even students who are fully scholarshipped are still eligible because the award is a merit-based recognition of a student seeking excellence in the areas of STEM.” The Colorado Energy Scholar Endowment Award was initially funded by a $25,000 donation from WSCOGA. The gift was matched by the CMU Unconventional Energy Center and combined with additional energy funds within the Colorado Mesa University Foundation. “The Colorado Mesa University Foundation prides itself on thinking outside the box creating programmatic initiatives that can encourage additional program growth in the future,” said Liz Meyer, the university foundation’s president and CEO. In 2016, the Colorado Energy Scholar Award Series grew with the addition of the Chevron Energy Scholar Award. The Chevron Energy Scholar Award is issued to a student seeking a career in the areas of math, science and engineering. Nick Moschetti, Chevron’s Colorado operations superintendent, said, “The Chevron Energy Scholar Award is an effort to support Colorado students interested in pursuing a career in science and math fields such as geology, math, biology, chemistry, engineering, environmental stewardship or any energy-related trades like welding or process technology.” The

Chevron Energy Scholar is selected each year by the Colorado Energy Scholar Award Series selection committee. Also in 2017, the Shear Family of western Colorado added the 2017 Shear Family Land Management Scholarship with a fully endowed scholarship resulting from a significant philanthropic contribution. Said Chuck Shear, “Our family wanted to find a way to help grow the series while making sure that the newly accredited Landman/Energy Management Program received the contribution. The scholarship is our way of giving back to the university that has been so good to our family while also supporting energy-related fields and promoting the Landman Program in perpetuity.” The Shear Family Energy Management/ Landman Scholar Award is available to a student pursuing a career in land and energy management. Finally, the West Slope

Colorado Oil & Gas Association added in 2017 an additional $3,000 scholarship known as the Energy Athlete Scholar Award. Robert Drury, who founded the association energy scholarship program noted, “Athletes often have the leadership qualities that are critical to the future of the energy industry, so we wanted to find a way to support student athletes who want to pursue a future in energy business.” CMU Foundation president Brook Blaney concluded that when it comes to the $12,000 Energy Scholar Award and other awards in the scholarship series, “We are looking for students who are community minded, interested in energy-related fields, academically motivated, and interested in the quality of life that Colorado Mesa University has to offer students.” Students may apply for the 2018 Energy Scholar Award at www. wscoga.org.

Delta High School

Students of the Month Kaleigh Nethington

Age: 17 Parents: Elaine Nethington and Peter Nethington

Favorite subject: AP statistics Favorite teacher: Mrs. Cronenberg Most influential person in your life: My mom. She gives unconditional love to everyone she knows and inspires me to be a great teacher like her. After graduation I plan to go to college at Indiana University Southeast and major in elementary education. Favorite saying: “Have courage and be kind.” ~Disney’s Cinderella Favorite musician/song: Ed Sheeran Favorite TV show: Glee Activities: I have been involved in Student Council for the past four years and I am now the senior class president. I am also the president of National Honor Society. I manage girls’ varsity basketball and I am on the girls’ varsity tennis team. In my spare time, I play tennis, read, watch Netflex and bake cookies.

KC Carlson

Age: 18 Parents: Ingrid and Kevin Carlson Favorite subject: Math Favorite teacher: Mr. Ames Most influential person in your life: My dad, because every day he teaches me something new. Through sports and coaching, he’s been a great role model. After graduation I plan to attend college to play golf and major in education or sports management with a minor in sports broadcasting. Favorite saying: “Remember kid, there’s heroes and there’s legends. Heroes get remembered, but legends never die. Follow your heart kid and you can never go wrong.” ~Babe Ruth Favorite musician/song: Lee Brice “I Don’t Dance” Favorite TV show: Friends Activities: I am in HOSA, FBLA, Student Council, golf and baseball. I also have been in National Honor Society since sophomore year and help with community needs in all my clubs. In my spare time I like to play golf and anything sporty or recreational. I also like to be with family and friends.

Sign up for winter dance classes Winter dance classes begin at Bill Heddles Recreation Center the week of Jan. 16. Linda Dysart teaches preschool dance and beginning, intermediate and advanced classes in ballet and jazz. The cost is $65 for the 10-week session with a recital at the end of the session. (There is an additional fee for the recital costume.) Schedules are available at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta. Call 874-0923 for more information.

For all your printing needs call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Commissioners re-elect Doug Atchley chairman BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Dec. 19. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are: (back row, left to right) Ramon Lopez (perserverance), Aaliyah Salas (kindness), Connor McCain (self-control), Willa Clay (kindness), Hayden Labrum (kindness), Anna Jones (respect), Yahir Carrusco (diligence), Erika Dressel; (front row) Ayden Tejeda (respect), Brodie Kirkman (kindness), Brooklyn Carlquist (teamwork), Jocelyn Aragon (diligence), Nadira Dorzweiler (kindness), Kiyia Hatch (respect) and Raylynn Hardin (kindness).

At their organizational meeting Jan. 2, commissioners Mark Roeber and Don Suppes re-elected commissioner Doug Atchley chairman of the Board of County Commissioners for 2018. Roeber was reelected vice chairman. The BOCC will meet the first and third Mondays of each month beginning at 8:30 a.m. If circumstances, such as holidays, prevent meeting on those dates, substitute dates will be posted in advance. Regular BOCC meetings are held in Room 236

Tobacco cessation program starts Jan. 22

Delta County Memorial Hospital’s Cardiac and Rehabilitation Department is offering a sixweek tobacco cessation program beginning Monday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 7 p.m. in Classroom A in the hospital. This class is olution, but year-round.” led by a certified tobacco Visit the Delta Coun- cessation instructor and ty Libraries website at is open to all ages. Cost is $30 for six weeks of classhttp://deltalibraries.org/ databases/ to get started! es. For additional information, call 874-2420.

Learn a new skill in the new year with Universal Class BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

In a recent survey conducted by YouGov, an online polling firm, “learn a new skill” came in at number six on the top New Year’s resolutions for 2018. Even further up the list, “spend less money” came in at number three. Realizing both of these popular resolutions in tandem is possible with a library card. “People who visit our libraries regularly tend to know a great deal about the kinds of services and resources Delta County Libraries offers at each library location during open hours,” says Leah Morris, collections and systems administrator for Delta County Libraries. “But patrons sometimes overlook the considerable resources available through the online library 24 hours a day, seven days a week.” Universal Class is one of nearly 50 online resources found in the library district’s online library. Accessing the online library requires a library card, a computer or device, and an internet connection. Once connected, Universal Class alone offers over 500 continuing education courses, including over 100 courses in career training, over 65 in computer training, and over 90 in office skills. “The variety of courses available is really quite impressive,” says Morris. “There are courses in alternative medicine, general education, teacher and homeschooling resources, real estate, accounting, social work, spiritual studies, web development, do-it-your-

self, and much more.” All Universal Class courses are self-paced, instructor-led, and generally take 10 to 20 hours to complete. In addition to being available to answer questions, the instructor monitors, assesses and records all coursework, exams, participation and activities. Successful completion of a course results in a printable report card and a Continuing Education Unit (CEU) certificate. “Despite the incredible value of this resource, usage is not what we would expect,” Morris explains. “We are continually seeing new users sign up but overall usage has dropped significantly.” Each year, library district staff make the difficult decision whether to continue renewing certain databases, like Universal Class, with an increasingly tight budget. “We use statistics and staff and patron feedback to make tough choices. Fortunately, the decision is easy with our more popular databases,” Morris states. Resources like Freegal Music and Mango Languages saw substantial increases in 2017. Freegal Music offers over 13 million songs for downloading and live streaming and Mango Languages offers 72 online language-learning courses. “I really believe there is something of value for everyone through our online library,” says Morris. “I would love to see our patrons take advantage of Universal Class and all of the other online resources we offer, not only as a New Year’s res-

of the Delta County Courthouse. Work sessions will be scheduled as needed. The official newspaper for Delta County is designated as the Delta County Independent. Emergency radio stations are KVNF and KUBC. All three commissioners will serve on the courthouse security committee, Airport Advisory Board, Fair Board, Delta County Housing Authority, 7th Judicial District and as library board represen-

tative in each of their respective districts. They will represent the county with the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, Recreation Task Force and Colorado Counties, Inc. County administrator Robbie LeValley will join all three commissioners in representing Delta County with Club 20. Additional roles in local, regional and state entities were divided among the three commissioners.

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A8 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

OBITUARIES

the charity of the donor’s choice. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

(Robert) Kochs; six greatgrandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years; son, Robert LeGault; and brother, Donald Hemenover. A memorial service will be held in May.

Bob Burritt

Robert “Bob” Burritt died Jan. 1, 2018. He was 78. He was born July 31, 1940, to John and Iona Burritt of Redlands Mesa. He attended first grade in the Eckert School and all subsequent grades in Hotchkiss, graduating in 1958. He was employed first by Johnson and Youvan Drilling and later by Longyear Drilling. In 1963, he went to work for the Bureau of Reclamation drilling core samples for proposed dam sites across Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Arizona. On Nov. 21, 1962, he married Melba “Jeannie” Ryan of Delta. They settled in Uravan where Mr. Burritt worked for Union Carbide as a carpenter and heavy equipment operator. In 1984 they moved to Nucla. That year, he planted 2,500 peach trees, and later hundreds of sweet cherry trees, on his farm property on Redlands Mesa. After commuting between Nucla and Redlands Mesa, he and Jeannie built a home on the edge of their Redlands Mesa orchard in 1993. He enjoyed hunting with his prized mules, fly fishing, trapping and skinning bobcat and coyote. In 2001, he was diagnosed with the first of many cancers. He is survived by his wife, Jeannie; son, Ricky (Tina) Burritt of Golconda, Nev.; daughter, Brenda (Spencer) Garner of Fruita; grandchildren, Spencer Garner Jr. of Grand Junction, Wade Garner of Fruita, Bailie (Cody) Weaver of Loma, Pete Steelsmith and Stacy Sullivan, both of Golconda, Nev.; eight great-grandchildren; and extended family. He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters. Services will be Saturday, Jan. 13, at 11 a.m. at the Mountain View Bible Church in Lazear. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416, or to

Frances LeGault

Frances Elaine LeGault died Dec. 24, 2017, at her home. She was 97. She was born July 25, 1920, in Fort Morgan to Lee and Afia (Thompson) Hemenover. She grew up in eastern Colorado, mostly in Fort Morgan and Englewood. During World War II she worked for the National Association for Teen Youth, where she met her husband, Lawrence LeGault. They were married in Englewood Dec. 6, 1938. They owned LeGault Trucking Company in Littleton. It was later known as LeGault Fertilizer Company. Mrs. LeGault handled business operations while Lawrence did heavy equipment driving and maintenance. They sold the trucking company in 1980 due to poor health. In 1982 they moved to Delta, where they built a home and established a large yard. Mrs. LeGault enjoyed gardening, canning, baking fresh bread and traveling south during the winter. She sang and played several instruments. For 20 years, she made birthday cards for orphaned children in India and other countries. She taught Sunday school and kids’ club for 35 years. Her faith was very important; she was involved in Mission of Mercy Ministry in Colorado Springs after the death of her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Laurel “Laurie” (Herb) Helberg of Cedaredge; her sister, Carol (Hank) Danley of Colorado Springs; brother, Rolland Hemenover of Kingman, Ariz.; grandchildren, Michael (Brenda) Helberg, Dianne (Rocco) Volante, Lisa (Rick) Griffith, Jana Lynn (James) Kinnaman, Jill LeGault and Paige

Rick Jimenez

Richard “Rick” Jimenez died Dec. 30, 2017. He was 55. He was born March 5, 1962, to Jesse and Stella Jimenez. He grew up and attended school in Olathe. He enjoyed the outdoors, riding his fourwheeler and motorcycle, playing guitar and working with his hands. He worked for Betz Transformers in Olathe for many years. He is survived by his children, Dennis “Denny” (Tonya), Danielle (Clint), Darrin and Devin; grandchildren, Isaac “Ike,” Olivia, Krissy, Drayden and Ashlyn; siblings, Lillian Medher, Elizabeth Prieto, Teresa Valdez, Becky Manzanares, Jesse Jimenez and Debbie Madril. He was preceded in death by his parents. A private family memorial will be held in the spring. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Robert Spindler

to Colorado. He pastored at First Baptist Church and Immanuel Baptist Church in Delta. He is survived by two daughters, Connie (Kevin) Townsend and Kathie (Glenn) Hawk; two sisters, Lorraine Albert and Nelda Griess; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Juanita; and daughter, Karen Spindler. Funeral services were held Jan. 9 at the First Baptist Church. Interment followed at Mesa View Cemetery in Delta. Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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Darla Dick

Darla Lee Dick died Jan. 2, 2018, in New Orleans, La. She was 72. Darla Lee Mills was born on Rogers Mesa March 25, 1945, to Parks and Lola (Sparks) Mills. She attended school in Hotchkiss and graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1963. On July 25, 1970, she married Frank Dick in Delta. He was a career U.S. Coast Guard sailor and served in many Coast Guard stations in the U.S. and Guam. Their last duty station was in the New Orleans, La., area. They retired in Patterson, La. She is survived by stepsons, Bob Dick of California and Michael Dick of Alexandria, Va.; eight stepgrandchildren; a sister, Lorena Henrie of Eckert; a brother, Ronald Mills of Delta; and extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank in 2002; and three siblings, Yola, Garland and Loretta. Services will be held at a later date.

Lloyd Sims

Dorothy Hill

Dorothy (Warner) Hill died Dec. 29, 2017, at her daughter’s home in New Mexico. She was 95. She was born to Ted and Mae Warner in Olathe in 1922. She graduated from Olathe High School and worked as an assistant to Dr. Robert Rigg in Montrose and Olathe. She married Robert “Bob” Hill in 1943. Mrs. Hill was involved in many of her family’s activities in church and school. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, nature, the ocean, Grand Mesa, working in her yard and garden, and traveling. In retirement, she and her husband spent a decade traveling in the U.S. and Mexico in their RV. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Hill moved to Delta. She was active in the Senior Center and volunteered for the Willow Tree Care Center. In 2007 she moved to the Atrium (Solstice) in Grand Junction, where she enjoyed volunteering and helping out with activities. She is survived by her children, Judy Comstock, Jerry (Dora) Hill, Ted (Cindy) Hill and Lynn (Santiago) Hill Plata; seven grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; three brothers; and a sister. A memorial service will be held at the Atrium (Solstice) in Grand Junction Saturday, April 14, at 2 p.m.

Grand Junction resident Robert Spindler died Jan. 4, 2018, at the HopeWest Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 90. He was born Oct. 10, 1927, to Arthur and Christena (Hansen) Spindler in Holyoke. After graduating from Phillips County High �� School in 1945, he was �� drafted into the U.S. �� Army to serve in World War II. After the war he continued his education �� by receiving his bache�� lor’s degree at Ottawa �� University in Ottawa, Kan. He received his �� master’s of divinity from �� Central Baptist Theologi�� cal Seminary in Kansas �� City, Kan., in 1953. �� On Aug. 8, 1948, he married Juanita Oyer. �� Rev. Spindler pas�� tored at several church�� When we think of New �� es in Kansas, then in �� Year’s resolutions, often 1967 moved his family the first on the list is to get physically fit. But there’s another type of fitness goal that should be just as high on the resolution list, and that’s financial fitness. Take time in January to ensure that your financial house is in order. �� Get Organized �� Create and carefully maintain an orderly �� system for your current investments and money �� management accounts. �� Whether it’s a designated drawer with organized files, a computer �� program, or one of the �� newer online personal �� finance tools and apps �� that allow you to orga�� nize, manage and even �� pay bills through one cen�� tral account, keeping all �� your affairs in a place �� that’s easy to access and �� review on a regular basis �� is the best way for you �� to monitor your financial

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Delta County Independent

Delta resident Lloyd Sims died suddenly Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017. He was 61. A celebration of life will be held in the summer. Lloyd Eugene Sims was born Nov. 28, 1956, to Lloyd and Marjorie (Griffith) Sims in Monte Vista. He spent his childhood and attended school in Monte Vista, Alamosa and Sargents. Mr. Sims worked as a truck driver and was a member of the Left Lane Gang. He enjoyed working on trucks, computer games, helping out friends and spending time with his faithful companion, Jamie. On Sept. 14, 1990, he married Patricia Pierson in Olathe. He is survived by his wife, Patty Sims; his mother, Marjorie Sims; and brothers, Donny Sims, Mike Sims and Jimmy Sims. He was preceded in death by his father; a brother, Wayne Sims; and sister, Tinker Akison. Cards and donations for funeral costs may be mailed to Patty Sims, 365 W. 2nd St., Apt. 6, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Jerry Beall

Crawford resident Jerry Nels Beall died Jan. 1, 2018, at his home. He was 72. He was born on Aug. 28, 1945, in Crawford to Lester and Mildred (Rodstrom) Beall. He spent his childhood in Crawford and graduated from Hotchkiss High School in 1963.

He was an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force for 25 years, then worked at a trade school in California. He moved back to Crawford after he retired. He was a member of the Crawford Community United Methodist Church, Hotchkiss Elks Lodge and the Experimental Aircraft of America Association. He enjoyed rebuilding old cars and flying. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jimmy and Bob; and one sister, Mary Ann Yates. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Carolie Karner

Carolie M. Karner of Eckert died Jan. 5, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 95. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Taylor Funeral Chapel in Delta with Pastor Buddy Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in Delta City Cemetery. Carolie May Lamar was born on May 29, 1922, to Quincy and Esther (Morris) Lamar in Delta. She spent her childhood in Delta and graduated from Delta High School in 1940. Mrs. Karner was a member of Delta Assembly of God (River Church). She enjoyed art. She is survived by her son, Jeffry Karner of Delta; daughter, Chrystal (Martin) Terry of Findlay, Ohio; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Richard Moorshead; and one grandson, Michael Terry. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Earl Buzzard

Grand Junction resident Earl J. Buzzard died at HopeWest Jan. 6, 2018. He was 83. A graveside service will be held Friday, Feb. 2, at 1 p.m. at Cedaredge Cemetery. Mr. Buzzard owned and operated a trucking company. He is survived by his wife, Lenora Buzzard of Grand Junction; children, Willie Austin, Warren Austin and Karol Austin, all of Grand Junction, and Ron Austin of Beaver Creek, Ohio; one sister, Marva Simpson of Grand Junction; and five grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson Association of the Rockies, 1420 Ogden St., Denver, CO 80218. Callahan Edfast Mortuary is handling the arrangements.

Put financial fitness at the top of your 2018 resolutions

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health. Meet with a Licensed Financial Professional The beginning of a new year is a great time to take a look at how things were managed in the previous year. It can also be beneficial in getting an early start preparing for tax season. When meeting with a licensed financial professional, take a notebook to write down questions, notes and next steps so that the things you discuss won’t be forgotten or overlooked once the meeting is done. It’s also helpful to review your statements side-by-side with your professional. Be sure you can explain what he/she is discussing with you in your own words. Ask questions and don’t leave until you have clarity. This will create a dialogue between you and your professional and ensure that decisions are based on what’s most

suitable for your goals. It will also help you better recognize if there are any changes or issues that may arise in future statements. Get Legal Affairs in Order The beginning of a new year is always a good time to set up a meeting with an attorney or someone who helps manage your legal affairs. Review documents pertaining to your wishes for power of attorney, wills and other important considerations that would need to be in place should you face an emergency in the coming year. If you need assistance, ask DORA. The Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) is available to take your calls and questions about these three tips and more. Call the 303-894-2320 or the DORA Senior Hotline at 720-593-6720 for help at any time.

Delta County Independent

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ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Local author to discuss historical novel Local author David Delo will give a talk at the Delta Library on the life of Margaret BourkeWhite, ace photographer and the subject of his most recent historical novel. The presentation will take place at 211 W. 6th Street, Delta, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13. Delo will sign copies of his newest book, and will have copies of his other books on hand. Delo earned a master’s degree in journalism from NYU but didn’t start writing books until the age of 48. His original goal was to complete one non-fiction book and one book of fiction. The non-fiction book, “Peddlers and Post Traders: The Army Sutler on the Frontier,” was published by the University

AARP offers drivers ed Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP Smart Driver program Monday, Jan. 15, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; call Carol Layton at 399-3113 to register. The course will be repeated Monday, Feb. 19, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

of Utah Press in 1992. It was touted as one of the best researched books of the 1990s and remains the only book on the topic. Delo’s initial effort in fiction resulted in “The Yellowstone, Forever!” He sold about 3,500 copies. “But even then, I had not convinced the publishing world my fiction was worth their attention, so I started my own company, Kingfisher Books,” he explains. “Every book of fiction I have written remains as historically accurate as possible, including locations. The Yellowstone book and two historical

The Western Slope Concert Series will present two concerts with acclaimed pianist Kathryn Mientka — Saturday, Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Western Colorado Center for the Arts in Grand Junction; and on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion. Tickets are available online at www.JunctionConcerts.com, and the Montrose Pavilion. All seats are reserved, and start at $9 in advance and $12 at the door for adults. Kathryn Mientka has performed internationally to critical acclaim as

3D photo mapping with drone and GIS computer technology, to test how the site might have functioned to channel game for prehistoric hunters. The public is invited; the meeting will be Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, S. First and Park Street, Montrose. For more information contact Leigh Ann Hunt, 970-835-5228.

Chili supper, sock hop support veterans Members of Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3571 and its auxiliary encourage everyone to start a New Year’s search for your 1950s heirloom clothes. Why? Post and auxiliary members are working out the final details of their chili supper and sock hop. Reserve Friday, Jan. 19, and watch for the details on this great retro event. Plan on coming and reminiscing if you remember the ‘50s, and plan on coming and chuckling if you don’t — but plan on coming for sure. This gala event will be a fundraiser for the new building the VFW is working toward. This will be a headquarters for them to use in assisting local veterans, while offering the community another place to gather for family or club gettogethers. The building will also house a military museum.

David Delo

my protagonist, so I kept going.” He wrote a 10-book series of action mysteries based on his experience in France with NATO, a memoir and then returned to historical biographies. His latest effort features the life of photojournalist Margaret BourkeWhite, who stood the photographic world on its ear between 1929 and 1956 when she was the photojournalist for Fortune and Life magazines. Delo says “Ace for Life” will be his last book, as he plans to turn his attention to oil and watercolor painting which he started in 2002.

Kathryn Mientka presents piano concerts in Paonia, GJ, Montrose

Archaeologist to talk about buffalo jump site A unique local “buffalo jump” site near the Gunnison River in Delta County is the subject of a talk by archaeologist Connor Johnen of Alpine Archaeological Consultants of Montrose. The site is a large series of low walls, rock circles, and branches up and down a steep river canyon wall. Johnen will discuss recent research Alpine conducted using

biographies took four years each, as did the non-fiction book about military post traders. By 2000, I was getting great personal satisfaction from placing my reader on the page, inside the age, and within the life of

All of these goals need community support, and this crazy trip back to the ‘50s will be an opportunity for you to help out.

the pianist in the Mientka Duo, which her late husband, Tyme Mientka co-founded in 1983. The duo gave concerts in Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland and the USA, where they were featured nationally on radio and television. Their debut at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. was received with an enthusiastic standing ovation. They also were featured numerous times on National Public Radio’s Performance Today and on PBS television. The Mientka Duo was the recipient of many honors and awards, including a special prize at the Concours International de Musique de Chambre in Paris. Kathryn holds a master’s degree in music performance from the University of Southern California. She taught at Montana State University for two years. Subsequently she and her husband moved to Germany, where they lived for eight years, teaching and touring internationally. Mientka resides in Grand Junction, directs the Western Slope Concert Series, and is a founding member, pianist and music arranger in the cross-over Celtic band FEAST, which has toured nationally with great success and has been fea-

tured on PBS. She is also adjunct faculty at Colorado Mesa University as piano accompanist. After her cellist-husband passed away in 2012, Mientka turned to her love of solo piano playing, and especially her dream to acquire a smaller keyboard. Her tiny hands had always held her back technically on the piano, and created problems with tendonitis. In 2017 she was able to purchase the DS-5.5 keyboard, which is now in many universities. There is a worldwide movement to get these keyboards into every concert hall. The smaller keyboard mainly benefits women, who are generally at a great disadvantage when attempting to master the piano, due to smaller hands. Discovering that she had to completely revamp her technique, Mientka moved to Sedona on Oct. 1, to do a selfimposed artist retreat and relearn how to play the piano. She returned to Grand Junction on Dec. 30. Her recital will feature big-handed, virtuoso works including the epic Sonata by Franz Liszt and the dazzling “Arabesques on the Blue Danube,” arranged by Schulz-Evler. Call (970) 241-4579 for more information, or buy tickets online at www. JunctionConcerts.com.

Harlem Wizards are coming to Delta All the way from New Jersey, the Harlem Wizards are coming to Delta High School on Tuesday, Feb. 13. This Delta CommunityUnity event is an exciting show of basketball tricks and talent for all ages. Watch the Harlem Wizards’ professional players take on Delta area principals, staff and Delta police officers. Tickets are on sale now at https:// harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/122419 or the DHS website. Stay tuned for more details!

Kathryn Mientka

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A10 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Health insurance enrollment continues through Jan. 12 The Division of Insurance (DOI), part of the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), reminds Coloradans who buy individual health insurance plans (not through an employer) that they have until Jan. 12 to enroll in coverage for 2018. After that date, people who want to buy an individual plan, either through the state’s health insurance marketplace, Connect for Health Colorado, or directly from an insurance company, cannot do so without experiencing a life-changing event, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of child or losing employer-sponsored coverage.

Colorado is one of a dozen states that operates its own health insurance exchange, and one of just nine states that has extended the deadline to purchase individual health plans past the Dec. 15 deadline for the federal online exchange, healthcare.gov. Despite significant national upheaval and uncertainty in the individual marketplace, the Division of Insurance worked to retain all of the 2017 on-exchange, individual health insurance companies for 2018. These carriers include Anthem (HMO Colorado), Bright Health Insurance, Cigna Health and Life Insur-

ance, Denver Health Medical Plan, Friday Health Plans (formerly known as Colorado Choice), Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Colorado and Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization “With all of the chaos at the federal level, we worked to provide stability here in Colorado,” said interim insurance commissioner Michael Conway. “Providing choices to Colorado consumers was important to us, and we hope that people searching for coverage are able to take advantage of those options before open enrollment closes.” In addition to keeping the same companies

Webinars highlight opportunities for rural economic development A six-part webinar series taking place in January aims to provide ideas and education to help rural Coloradans improve their eco-

nomic outlook in 2018 and beyond. The Rural Development Learning Series will connect Colorado communities with rural economic develop-

Baes joins Region 10 advisory council Kathy Baes, a resident of Paonia, recently joined Region 10’s Regional Advisory Council representing Delta County. Baes has lived and worked in Paonia for 45 years. She worked at the North Fork Medical Clinic and also drove a school bus for the vocational college. After retirement, Baes worked for paonia. com and also as a Mary Kay consultant. Baes lives with a disability and uses a motorized chair to leave the house. She is dedicated to improving the lives of older and disabled adults across Region 10. Baes says that she joined the Regional Advisory Council to help older people

stay in their homes longer and have a better quality of life. Baes hopes that, by joining the Regional Advisory Council, she may help connect older adults with the resources necessary to age in place and prosper in life.

Kathy Baes

ment experts, increasing knowledge of best practices and inspiring solutions. Co-presented by the Colorado Nonprofit Development Center, The Colorado Trust and several of the trust’s Community Partnerships resident teams, the free, 90minute webinars began Jan. 8 and run every few days until Jan. 18. Advance registration at www.coloradotrust.org/ rural-webinars is required for each event, and space is limited. The live webinars will be held in English, and all of the presentations will be recorded and later available on demand at this website in both English and Spanish. Resident teams that helped produce the series include community members from the towns of Antonito, Avondale, Dove Creek, Olathe, Saguache and San Luis. For more information about the webinar series, contact Tera Wick of The Colorado Trust at (970) 901-1046 or twick@coloradotrust. org.

for 2018, the Division was prepared when the Trump Administration announced in October that it was discontinuing Cost-Sharing Reductions, or CSRs, for the individual health insurance market. The DOI was ready with a contingency plan that

quickly revised premiums for individual plans. On average, across the state, individual premiums will increase around 34 percent in 2018. But many Coloradans who purchase their plans on Connect for Health Colorado may be eligible for

financial help (Advance Premium Tax Credits, or APTC) to make premiums more affordable. In fact, net premiums for those who qualify for the APTC — what the individual pays after the tax credit — will drop an average of 20 percent.

Dominguez-Escalante advisory council holds final meeting The Bureau of Land Management’s Dominguez-Escalante National Conservation Area Advisory Council held its final meeting Jan. 8 in Delta. The agenda for the meeting focused on implementation priorities for the approved DominguezEscalante Resource Management Plan. “It has been a pleasure working with this advisory council,” said Dominquez-Escalante NCA manager Collin Ewing. “Their contributions to the plan have been invaluable and will help us manage this special place for generations to come.” The BLM signed the approved plan for managing the DominguezEscalante NCA on Jan. 9, 2017. The plan provides long-term management goals for the area’s cultural and historic sites along with biological, geological and paleontological resources. The plan also addresses the management for multiple recreation opportunities including hiking, horseback riding and all-terrain vehicle use. Under this plan, BLM programs such as livestock grazing and recreation would contribute $3.4 million annually to the local economy and provide 114 jobs. The approved plan is available at http://1.usa. gov/1qKkMVi. According to the NCA’s founding legislation, the council remains in effect

until one year after the signing of the approved plan. The council met over 40 times throughout the development of the plan, providing guidance to the BLM for managing the 210,000-acre Dominguez-Escalante NCA. Its

members were appointed by the Secretary of the Interior and represent the broad range of interests and uses in the NCA. For more information, contact Chris Joyner at 970-210-2126.

Photo submitted

Pictured (from left): Lane Gunn, branch manager at the Delta sales and construction ofﬁce, and Brian Ransom, Cleary general manager of east operations.

Local Cleary manager receives certification Cleary Building Corp. congratulates Lane Gunn, branch manager at the Delta sales and construction office, on receiving his master’s of branch administration certification from Steel Wood University. Steel Wood University is an extensive training program designed to teach both new and veteran employees the fundamentals of success

at Cleary Building Corp. The week-long course includes training on leadership, accountability and customer service. Cleary Building Corp. is a nationwide leader in customized pre-engineered buildings. Building applications include commercial, residential, suburban, farm and equine facilities along with metal roofing and re-roofs.

�� Know Your Neighbor ��

Valley Sunset RV Ranch promises a relaxing stay and the lowest propane prices in town

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Valley Sunset RV Ranch has been part of the Delta business community since 1977, and under the ownership of Teresa Grego and Kit Johnson for the past 10 years. Kit is a retired truck driver from Chicago who was looking for a new challenge. He also has a background in property management, so the RV park seemed like a great fit. Valley Sunset RV Ranch is a full service campground that can accommodate tents, campers and Class A motor homes up to 45 feet in length. After purchasing the property in 2008, Kit and Teresa added 25 full-service camping spaces and increased sales. Amenities include full hookups, a heated pool (summer), game room, playground, laundry facilities, free wi-fi and cable, two cabins and the lowest propane prices in the valley. Water, beverages, snacks, ice cream, toiletries and ice are available onsite. Walmart, Safeway, fast food restaurants and several other businesses are a short distance away. Kit, Teresa and all their employees live in Delta and take pride in where they live and work. They provide fast, friendly service that regularly exceeds the expectations of most campers. Return visitors comment

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they enjoy the “home like” feel of the park, which is located at 1675 Highway 92, Delta. “Very clean, quiet and reasonable,” another guest commented. “The showers/bathrooms are perfect! The water pressure was good; hot water never ran out. The grounds are well manicured and the rest of the staff was very helpful.”

Whether you’re looking for the best propane prices in the valley or a friendly, quiet spot to park your RV for a day, a week or a month, stop by Valley Sunset RV Ranch. The office is open 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Call 874-0200 or visit www.valleysunsetrvranchdelta.com for more information.

Since purchasing the Valley Sunset RV Park in 2008, Teresa Grego and Kit Johnson have made a number of improvements, all geared toward ensuring a pleasant, relaxing stay for guests.

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NORTH FORK January 10, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Petitions are out for candidates in Crawford election BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

With four seats up for election on the Crawford town council, candidates have begun circulating petitions to be placed on the ballot. According to town clerk Cally Gallegos, as of Tuesday, Jan. 9, eight petitions have been picked up. Those holding three of the four seats up for election have picked up petitions. Incumbents Mike Tiedemann and Chris Johnson are seeking reelection. Jeff Peed, who was appointed to fill a vacancy last fall, is seeking election to the council. Chriss Watters has decided not to seek reelection. Three other citizens have taken out five candidate peti-

tions. To qualify as a candidate, the petitioner needs to gather a minimum of 10 signatures from residents registered to vote in the Town of Crawford, and return the completed petition to Town Hall by Tuesday, Jan. 22. The petitioner must also be a citizen of the United States, be registered to vote, be at least 18 years old, and have resided in Crawford at least 12 months prior to the election. Submitted petitions are then reviewed to make sure the petitioner and signatures meet the legal requirements. Successful candidates are then placed on the ballot, which will be mailed in midMarch and must be returned by Tuesday, April 3.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Frosty, foggy morn

Crawford eyes taxing questions BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

At its regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 3, the Crawford Town Council began discussions of possible taxing questions to place before voters in the April 3 municpal election. These discussions were suspended to allow further research, and will be resumed on Wednesday, Jan. 17, prior to the regularly scheduled work session. The council began talking about municipal taxes when Chriss Watters mentioned that he had looked at a publication from the Colorado Municipal League about the various taxes established in all of the municipalities in the state. Former mayor Jim Crook pointed out that the City of Delta was bringing a question to the voters in April which would authorize the city of collect sale tax on retail marijuana sales, although such sales are currently prohibited. Mayor Wanda Gofforth noted she had talked to the town attorney about putting a similar measure before Crawford voters. “We don’t allow marijuana sales, but it would enable the town to collect taxes if it should ever be allowed.” A rumored petition to place a question on the municipal ballot in April to allow retail marijuana sales has not been presented to the town for approval. Council

members believe it unlikely such a petition could be presented, approved, circulated and signed before the Jan. 22 deadline. Gofforth also asked council if it wanted to put another mill levy question on the ballot. Crawford voters have turned down mill levy increases in the past two elections. Council member Hetty Todd quickly stated she was not in favor of another mill levy question at this time. Chris Johnson added, “Having one meeting to talk about this ... I hate making these kinds of decisions that quickly. It does not seem prudent.” He asked if a tax question could be placed on the November ballot. Gofforth said it could, but it would be an additional expense for the town to conduct the local election. The talk shifted back to taxing marijuana sales. As the council and the audience weighed it, it became clear there were questions regarding the differences between excise, use and sales tax and how much the town is allowed to tax medical and recreational marijuana sales. The mayor suggested the meeting could be suspended and reconvened on Jan. 17. This would allow time for the town attorney to come up with a possible question to consider. If council acts that night, it would be able to meet the Jan. 22 deadline to place it on the April ballot.

A light fog ﬂoats in the air as a cyclist and his dog make their way down Third Street in Paonia Sunday morning, Jan. 7. After an unseasonably dry December, the weather pattern is shifting to bring much needed moisture to western Colorado this week.

Building community through senior meals BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A newly-established senior meal program is attracting a lot of attention, and a lot of senior citizens from the North Fork Valley. Chrys Bailey recently founded the “Valley Organic Lunch Program for Seniors” at the Old River Road Trading Post on Black Bridge Road in Paonia. Held most Fridays, the program offers a nutritious lunch and an opportunity for seniors 60 and older to socialize while nourishing their bodies. But it’s so much more. Bailey believes the program provides a working template for areas nationwide looking to “support a healthy and happy senior community.” At last Friday’s program, a fire glowed from a wood stove in the corner of the large dining room. Volunteers welcomed guests and answered questions. An array of foods were artfully laid out buffetstyle on a large table. On the menu: potato-Leek soup, spinach salad, salad greens topped with edible flowers, and a platter of halved hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with capers. There were teriyaki chicken legs, roasted Japanese sweet

Photo by Tamie Meck

Thesa Callinicos, center, dishes up roasted root vegetables with a smile last Friday at the new Valley Organic Lunch Program for Seniors at the Old River Road Trading Post. The program supports seniors through healthy, locally-sourced and affordable meals and provides social opportunities while supporting local farmers and the economy. potatoes, and roasted root vegetables in a rainbow of colors simmering in a purple stock. The meals are lovingly prepared using locally-grown and -processed ingredients, explains Bailey. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are always available, and fermented foods like pickles and

sauerkraut provide enzymes, vitamins and other nutrients. Before diners head to the buffet table, Bailey explains each dish, its ingredients, who grew them, and their nutritional value. She introduces the volunteers who made the meal possible and gives an overview of the program. SENIOR MEALS TO B2

Hotchkiss Fire District commissions new truck BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A fire truck recently donated to the Hotchkiss Fire District is providing more safety and a greater ability to respond to emergencies than the unit it replaces. HFD Ladder 1, a 1990 Pierce Arrow, was donated to the district by the Colorado River Fire Rescue in Garfield County. According to HFD Fire Chief Doug Fritz, it has a 475-HP Detroit Diesel engine, 50-foot TeleSquirt, and a Federal Q-siren. Its two-stage pump has a 1,500gallons-per-minute capacity. It also has 360-degree LED emergency lights, vehicle stabilization struts, state of the art Hurst battery-operated extrication tools, lift airbags, and a trauma kit; seven ladders, Res Q Jacks, Paratech Rescue air bags, 700 feet of rescue rope, and forward and rear dash cameras. As for handling, “The truck drives like brand new,” said Fritz. “It’s easy to handle.” Ladder 1 is also capable of carrying four firefighters, more than the truck it replaces, and provides better safety for firefighters once they are on the scene of an emergency, said Fritz. As an added bonus, the “great,

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss Fire District recently added Ladder 1, a 1990 Pierce Arrow donated by Colorado River Fire Rescue, to its fleet of emergency vehicles. The unit can carry more firefighters than the one it replaces while providing better safety on the scene. smooth-working aerial ladder will help us enormously on structure fires, and the unit pumps work extraordi-

narily well.” “While the unit was in good shape, we used district funds to update it and outfit

it to our needs,” added Fritz. Among the upgrades, Watson Hopper in Delta painted the formerly lime-yellow unit fire

engine red, installed a Jake Brake to allow the truck to descend the Hotchkiss Grade safely, and fabricated a new bumper. Firefighters put hundreds of hours of work into the unit, cleaning every inch of it, installing new tires, a siren and air horns, and applying lettering, stripes and chevrons to the newlypainted surface. They also repaired seals and valves on the pump, converted some of the scene lighting from 120volt halogen to 12-volt LED lights, and rebuilt shelving and mounting in the compartments to improve storage and accessibility to rescue gear. The truck it replaced was decommissioned and salvaged for “all sorts of parts,” said Fritz. The district is working hard to train firefighters to drive the Ladder 1 to emergencies like car wrecks, and is holding separate training operations on the operation of the aerial ladder and pump, said Fritz. According to Fritz, Ladder 1 went out on its first call, a single-car rollover on Highway 92 near Bulldog Street, about 10 hours after going into service.

B2 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Senior meals FROM PAGE B1 Bailey believes in the power of food as nutrition for body, mind and soul. She started preparing fresh foods for family and friends when she was a little girl and was making “ground-to-table” meals before they were en vogue. Over the years she’s fed new and expectant mothers, farmers in the midst of the busy harvest season, families experiencing medical crises, and her own eight children and their friends. Part of what she loved was the social aspect, the friendships and bonds built through the sharing of food. A chef and teacher, Bailey is well-known for hosting popular organic, vegan and macrobiotic cooking classes at the Trading Post. A petite, slender, spry woman with wavy dark gray hair, as she began experiencing what she calls “seniorhood,” she saw more clearly the importance of nourishment and companionship to the lives of seniors. The impacts of isolation, loneliness and sadness can have a profound effect on the health and well-being of the elder population, she said.

Last year she saw the effects of isolation in a family friend of 25 years who was nearing the end of his life. Several days a week she and others brought homemade meals, drove him to appointments, and kept him company. “He was withdrawing from his friends,” she said. Had they not helped, she’s certain he would have died alone. While caring for her friend delayed the start of the meal program, it also showed her that the program was right for this area. The first meals were served last October. Turnout has varied from a small group to as many as 60 or more diners. Meals are followed by an hour of social time, which might include a talk by a local expert on senior health-related topics, a visit from one of the farmers who grew the food, or a performance by local musicians or students. Valley Organic Lunch benefits more than just seniors, says Bailey. It also supports the many local farmers who grow the food, and the local economy. “Supporting local farmers is very important to me,” she said.

Education is also and important component of the program, says Bailey. Kitchen workers, mostly young people, are learning how to plan and cook meals to serve large groups of people, commercial kitchen etiquette, and how to prepare vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals. The program also builds bridges, connecting diners with each other and with local farmers, younger and older generations, and in other small, tangible and intangible ways. Bailey credits financial support from The Kampe Foundation and The Learning Council, the program’s umbrella organization, for making the program a reality. Newcomers are asked to fill out a short questionnaire. And while there is no charge for the meal, diners are asked for a donation. People give what they want to or can afford, says Bailey. Donations have largely been generous. After attending the program twice, a local couple recently donated $1,100. But donations are falling short of covering costs, says Bailey. She is currently waiting to hear on some grant applications, and a fundraiser has been established on YouCaring.com (www. youcaring.com/thelearn ingcouncil-1042595), with a goal of raising $25,000 to keep the program going through 2018. While it’s all run by volunteers, Bailey would like to provide some financial compensation. Each meal takes three full days of preparation and clean-

up. Some weeks she even helps with the harvesting of food. Bailey is always looking for guest speakers and entertainers, and for grant writers. The program is offered most Fridays from 12:302:30 p.m., and is open to North Fork area seniors age 60 and older, and to those who provide their transportation, regardless of age. Transportation is also available by calling Zoe at 970-6839844. The next program begins at 12:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 19. A schedule is posted on the Old River Road Trading Post Facebook page. Or call Chrys at 860-402-1111.

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The Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce is hosting a meeting of the Main Street Committee at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at ShadeScapes, 130 E. Bridge Street. The meeting will start with a 30minute presentation by town trustee Tom Wills, to help the group more fully understand the Town of Hotchkiss Master Plan, as it applies to future downtown improvement. PowerPoint visuals will aid the presentation. Following the meeting will be discussion, and planning for a spring educational forum. All town business folk and interested citizens are encouraged to join the discussion.

A free beginner adults program is under way and is held from 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays. Adult league competitions are held Tuesdays and Saturdays, beginning with a session from 6-7 p.m., followed by competition beginning at 7 p.m. and ending around 9 p.m. A traditional adult archery competition begins Thursday, Jan. 11, with warm-ups from 5-7 p.m. and league action from 6-8 p.m.

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Fire station tour

Rachel Burt and her two children, Yeshua (above) and Lorelei Metatron of Paonia, explored the Hotchkiss Fire Station after visiting with Santa on Dec. 18.

Main Street committee meets in Hotchkiss

Indoor archery programs beginning in Paonia Adult and youth archery programs are under way at the Ellen Hansen Smith Center, located next to the football field at Paonia Town Park. The After School Archery Program (ASAP) for kids ages 4 through high school will be held from 3-5 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays beginning Jan. 15. Kids must be able to pull a bow and have a parent accompany them. Pre-registration is not required, but parents will need to fill out a form.

Photos by Pat Sunderland

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KPP service award dinner is Jan. 15 The Kids’ Pasta Project will host its 2018 “Building Bridges Service Award KPP Dinner” on Monday, Jan. 15, at ShadeScapes, 122 E. Bridge Street, Hotchkiss. Each January, KPP celebrates organizations that support the community with the Building Bridges award. KPP kids will prepare and serve a special five-course gourmet dinner for the occasion. Door prizes include a ShadeScapes umbrella with a retail value of $395. Cost is $25 for adults, $15 for kids 18 and under. Gluten free and vegetarian options are available. Those making reservations by Jan. 10 will receive a complementary beverage.

For details and reservations, email kppreservations@gmail. com or call 985-9220.

Cabin Fever Book Sale planned in Crawford The Friends of the Crawford Library will host their annual Cabin Fever Book Sale at Crawford Town Hall. You’ll find great prices on books and other materials Friday, Jan. 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Crawford Library.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

Hotchkiss K-8 students explore interests at Bulldog Learning Centers “Fly Fishing Frenzy,” one of four Bulldog Learning Centers offered at Hotchkiss K-8, was so popular, it’s being

expanded from an afterschool program to a club. The learning center was offered by Leslie Kaminski, a sixth grade math

Photo by Pat Sunderland

and science teacher. She says she’s been fly fishing for two years and is excited to share her passion with fellow students. On the final day of the after-school sessions, the December weather was warm enough for students to practice casting outside. Henry Hollembeak says it’s important to learn to cast correctly, to avoid getting your line stuck in the bushes. “That was my problem when I first started,” agreed fellow student Wyatt McArtor. Caleb Beall and Karston Hebertson also picked up valuable tips for reeling in a big one. In the kitchen, students whipped up Asian pot stickers, chicken tacos with mango salsa, two kinds of milkshakes (banana and strawberry)

and flavored popcorn with Ron Jardon, a professional chef who volunteers at the school. Roslyn Bauer led a session called JumpKick!, an introduction to tae kwon do. Sarah Marshall led a session called Fall Garden Soup. Bauer and Marshall are both Hotchkiss K-8 teachers. Hotchkiss K-8 administrators expressed their appreciation to all the instructors for donating their time to expand student learning.

Paonia Jr./Sr. High honor roll The following students were named to honor roll at Paonia Junior/Senior High School honor roll for the first semester of the 2017-18 school year:

Seventh Grade 3.25-3.49 Ace Connolly Payton Fister Zoe Foster-Frank Malikhi Hamilton Ella Jensen Natasha Meader Odessa Shenk Lexi Todd Keira Tyan 3.5-3.99 The following students were named to the honor roll at Hotchkiss High School Andrew Boyce Leia Ellenberger for the first semester of the 2017-18 school year: Logan Farnsworth Zac Ziemer Jesus Macias Yasmine Gaub Charley Perkins Freshmen Matthew Horn Juniors Peyton Short Kambry Hall Candace Siebler 4.0 & Above Autumn Kiefer 4.0 & Above Logan Smith Chase Hiatt Ava Taylor Isabella Brezonick Diego Lareau George Arroyo Bruce Turnbull Josie Hiatt Abigail Vespia Kenny Drbohlav Kayla Miller Carson Collins Seniors Shelby Hiatt Sophomores Adair Ela Nikoya Schevene William Ela 4.0 & Above Lily Kuban 4.0 & Above Traycer Hall Mia Stolmeier Nadia Hill Kaiya Firor Nolan Egging Jenny McDonald Amelia Hickam Easton Tribble 3.3-3.9 Hunter Lyons Eli Kirk Jeneve Mitchell Adam Smith Delilah Vasquez Shayne Bayles Caitlin Nordstrom Morgan Miller Fatima Rodriguez Isabella Spano Ian Wallace Ethan Buy Katie Powers Margaret Parsons Karsen Sommer Ian Van Horn 4.0 Gilly Knott Lexie Wrich Sam Rodriguez Braxton Trujillo 3.3-3.9 Milo Chavez Evan Mattison 3.3-3.9 Jordan Tamayo Kash Williams Carson Beck Malachi Deck J.D. Miller Cesar Camacho Isaac Van Horn Ashley Ziemer Jaden Borgman Matthew Delaney Tycee Taylor Brandon Egidi 3.3-3.9 Myles Zoutte Yahir Cavez Zoey Duncan Elsie Vazquez Kimber Hendrix Kevin Chavez Ivy Kirk Faith Frazier Sydnie West Caitlyn Littlefield Jordan Denison Nathaniel Mattler Keira Moxley

Henry Hollembeak, Wyatt McArtor, Caleb Beall and Karston Hebertson practice casting with Leslie Kaminski during an after-school session offered at Hotchkiss K-8 during the ﬁrst semester.

Hotchkiss High honor roll

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Aspiring chefs Dakota Sheldon, Juan Morlang and Nathan Jardon picked up cooking tips from a professional, Ron Jardon, who also volunteers at the school.

Carmen Rodriquez Graham Waltermire Eighth Grade 3.25-3.49 Alissa Anderson Jason Kuntz Princessa Mora Dawson Morgan Laurell Norris Samuel Roberts 3.5-3.99 Alyster Birk Alejandro Garcia Shaylee Odle 4.0 Arjun Bacigalupi Larissa Cotton Kaya Crawford Abby LaBounty Alexandria Leighton Leona Myers Lydia Puckett Sienna Reese Irene Shenk Mason Van Vleet Ninth Grade 3.25-3.49 Mia Cowan Dominic Felice

Noah McDaniel Emily Wist 3.5-3.99 Hailey Emmons Allison Godwin Cleya Hartter Anthony Miller Maria Mojarro Abby Reedy 4.0 Simon Cox Sean Maulhardt Taneal Mautz Tawny Roberts 10th Grade 3.25-3.49 Kristal Camacho Ellia Carlson Logan Green Grey Neal Alexis Newland Austyn Norris Mercedes Norris Shane Odom Alysia Olson 3.5-3.99 Jessica Deaton Grace Deck Lyla Hayutin-Baril Jai Petmezas Connolly

4.0 Sophia Cox Carly Horn Sadie Miller Audra Niermann Katya Schweiterman Seraya Talbott-Carey 11th Grade 3.25-3.49 Sackett Chesnik Kendra Falkner Elan Maulhardt 3.5-3.99 Ethan Bartlett Jesse Burns Harley Ewert Alejandra Gomez Lissarrague Sabrina Leighton Poppy Lightfoot Taralee Mautz Jacquelin Mora Verdeja Dantrick Reed Angela Reynolds 4.0 Shyliea Clark Jade Ellenberger Calvin Reese

12th Grade 3.25-3.49 Orin Blankenship Tessa Gore Darien Norris Isaac Stanfield 3.5-3.99 Clayton Campbell Marco Carrillo Brooke Hillman Derek Holt Enoch Kropp Elliana Kuhl Jaden Miller Benjamin O’Rourke Randi Rapke Anders Schopp Kayden Seriani Kaitlyn Wist 4.0 Anika Carlson Nora Dransfield Marcos Edmondson Antonio Gonzalez McKenna Johnson Cyrus Malek Madani Caden Meilner McKenna Palmer Slater Podgorny Kassidy Rapke Lene Sharer-Meneley

B4 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

In search of the elusive Canada lynx Why are Canada lynx so elusive? Their range stretches across 25 states including Colorado, yet, this intriguing medium-sized wild cat with large, furry feet, is fairly obscure. Lynx are rarely observed partly because of their secretive nature, and partly because of their naturally low population numbers over large landscapes. “Even in an area with great habitat,

there aren’t many lynx there, and the ones that are present generally stay hidden,” explains Matt Vasquez, wildlife biologist for the U.S Forest Service. Most lynx sightings are reported during the snowy months. So if you are observant while wandering in the high country during winter, you may just spot the tracks of this elusive snow cat. Lynx are often mis-

Photo courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Canada lynx just released with a new radio collar for tracking.

Volunteers needed for Farm to Fiddle fundraiser Volunteers wanting to help with the second annual Winnie’s Navajo Taco fundraiser dinner on March 16 are asked to meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Tuckers Pizza, 221 E. Bridge Street, in Hotchkiss. The event, which was a huge success in its first year, features

the Navajo taco recipe once served at the popular Winnie’s Restaurant in Hotchkiss. The dinner is a fundraiser for the third annual Farm to Fiddle Summer Festival, coming in August. Those wanting to volunteer can call Marsy at 970-778-9241 or email farmtofiddle@gmail.com.

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taken for bobcats which are about the same size. There are a few discreet differences between the two cats: the hair tufts on lynx ears are longer (over an inch), lynx coats are shaded while bobcats have spots, and the lynx tail has a distinctive black tip which bobcats do not have. But when it comes to tracks, the lynx tracks are much larger than bobcats. The feet of the lynx are huge, resemble snowshoes and allows these wild cats to walk on snow without sinking. In winter, staying on top of the snow gives them an edge over other competing predators hunting for their main prey — the snowshoe hare. On the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests, Vasquez is monitoring wildlife through snow tracking and other monitoring strategies which provide information on occupancy trends, and help identify factors that may contribute to population increases or declines. Snow can be a virtual white board of an animal’s daily activities. Each fresh layer erases old tracks and reveals new information about an animal’s habits and routines. Coupled with other sign like scat, hair, feathers, blood or urine markings, tracks in snow are like the pages in a book, telling a story about a particular animal. Snow tracking surveys are also a good way to document and observe prey species important to lynx, such as snowshoe hares and red squirrels, and potentially document lynx use of habitats, if lynx tracks are detected along snow

tracking routes. Vasquez initiated a snow tracking program six years ago, involving student volunteers from Western State Colorado University to monitor animal activities in the forest. Several times each winter, students ski or snowshoe along predetermined routes and identify tracks. According to Vasquez, “students have recorded tracks of coyote, bobcat, mountain lions, short and long tailed weasels, mountain cottontails, snowshoe hares, ground and red squirrels, mice, voles, moose, elk, mule deer and black bear.” Another monitoring technique for lynx involves determining habitat quality for snowshoe hares — the preferred prey of lynx. A dense understory of herbaceous plants, shrubs and young coniferous trees provides plenty of food for hares and also good cover from predators. Forest Service biologists estimate cover in timbered areas, which gives them a pretty good idea of the quality of habitat for hares. Dense understories equate to thriving hare populations. A food bonanza for lynx! The results of these long-term monitoring techniques are used by biologists to make better decisions on management activities involving timber treatments (thinning, prescribed fire or commercial harvest) for beetle killed forests. In the short term, treatments could impact lynx in some areas by reducing suitable habitat, leading to reductions of small mammal populations in

Photo courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife

Matt Vasquez, holding a sedated Canada Lynx ready to be collared with radio telemetry equipment. treated areas. But over the long term, the eventual natural regeneration of replacement stands of young, dense conifers and tree planting reforestation efforts by the Forest Service following harvest would benefit prey species and lynx habitat. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) lynx researchers also bait certain areas with predator smells and shiny objects to lure lynx near remote cameras that capture their occurrence. During the last four years, CPW biologists using remote cameras and snow tracking techniques have monitored 50 areas with suitable lynx habitat in southwest Colorado. Lynx have been documented occupying about 15 of those sites.

Paonia native to serve as superintendent of historic site

parks on management challenges and oversaw �� the development of the �� Knife River Indian Villages National Historic �� Site Draft Archeological �� Resources Management �� Plan. “While working on the Knife River plan, I was taken by the peaceful beauty of the park and its amazing archeological resources, its history, and the local community,” Todd said. “I am thrilled to implement a Dr. Brenda Todd plan that I had a significant role in developing. I Colorado Boulder. She look forward to bringing �� has worked with tribes my passion for the park, and agencies through- its resources, and work�� out the country and con- ing with native peoples �� ducted fieldwork in the and other partners to my Southwest and Midwest. role as superintendent.” �� In 1974, Congress Her tenure with the National Park Service established Knife River began in the Office of Indian Villages National �� Indian Affairs and Historic Site to preserve, �� American Culture in the research, and interpret Intermountain Regional an area rich with history Office. She served as a and culture including the �� cultural resource spe- remains of three large cialist and later became Hidatsa villages. Brenda and her husa project manager with the Denver Service Cen- band, Adam Reynolds, ter Planning Division. are avid outdoor enthuWhile at the center, Todd siasts and enjoy hikworked with over 30 ing with their two dogs, �� backpacking in national parks, and traveling to learn about history and � experience different cul� � � tures. � � �� Todd was born in Delta � � � �� County and attended � � �� Paonia elementary, mid�� dle and high schools. She graduated from Paonia �� High School in 1999 as �� co-valedictorian with Kristin Ridgway. Her �� parents recently moved to Wyoming, but many �� members of the large �� Todd family still reside in �� the North Fork Valley. Todd says her inter�� est in anthropology and �� archaeology was sparked at a young age. “When I was 6, my parents took �� me to Mesa Verde National Park and I thought it �� was the most fascinating, �� amazing thing I’d ever seen,” she said. “I knew �� at that point that I wanted to study the past.” �� Then in middle school, she had an opportunity �� to sign up for academy ��

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Vasquez, continues his part of snow-track monitoring — searching for those distinctive “snow cat” imprints and ongoing habitat evaluations. Last winter, he got lucky, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife lynx crew trapped and collared one cat on the GMUG National Forest in the Lake City area. “Ultimately we would like to continue to confirm the presence of lynx in suitable habitat throughout our forest, and learn how occupancy changes over time,” Vasquez explained. Of the 3 million acres on the GMUG National Forests, about 47 percent, about 1.4 million acres, is determined to be suitable habitat for lynx. Once again in 2018, the hunt for the elusive snow cat tracks continues.

Dr. Brenda Todd, a native of Paonia, has been selected as the next superintendent of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton, N.D. Todd is a 10-year veteran of the National Park Service and is currently the program manager at the Public Lands History Center at Colorado State University. Her new assignment will begin Feb. 4. “We’re pleased to welcome Brenda to Knife River and the Midwest Region in this new role,” said regional director Cam Sholly. “Her background and experience in tribal engagement, archaeology, and community engagement will complement the outstanding team there and continue the very positive direction of the park.” Todd has a proven track record of facilitating meaningful tribal involvement and consultation in decision-making. She holds a PhD in anthropology with a specialization in archeology from the University of

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week classes that focused on archaeology. In both seventh and eighth grade, she went on field trips led by Cindy Swartzendruber. Students traveled to Cortez, where they made pottery, studied artifacts and spent time with a professional archaeologist. The opportunity to work with a real archaeologist further spurred Todd’s interest in that field of work. With the assistance of PHS instructor Mike Jensen, she applied for a grant from the Colorado Department of Education to create her own anthropology course. With the $2,000 grant, she immersed herself in a study of people of the Southwest. The course culiminated with an transformative field trip to Canyon de Chelly on the Navajo Reservation. While many graduating seniors struggle to identify a career path, Todd knew she wanted to work in anthropology and archaeology, so she enrolled at Fort Lewis College in Durango. She later earned her master’s degree and PhD from the University of Colorado Boulder. To earn her doctorate, she directed excavations of archaeological sites at Chimney Rock National Monument near Pagosa Springs. Chimney Rock was not yet a designated national monument, but the research Todd and her colleagues did into the lives of ancestral Puebloans helped demonstrate its importance. President Barack Obama declared Chimney Rock a national monument in 2012. Todd became associated with the National Park Service while she was pursuing her master’s degree. After completing a student research project, she was invited to join the NPS as a student employee. She worked for the NPS while pursuing her doctorate, then in 2012 became a full-time employee.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS January 10, 2018

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Delta girls win, boys lose BY WAYNE CRICK

played title game. Delta bounced back with its first win of 2018 last Friday night when it defeated the visiting Roaring Fork Rams, 55-39. Delta’s boys, on the other hand, were looking to begin the 2018 year with another victory to stay unbeaten, but Roaring Fork had other plans in a 59-47 decision over the Panthers.

Girls Panthers 55, Rams 39 Senior Aubrey Jones A new year brought scored in each of the four about changes which quarters of her game were pleasing for some against Roaring Fork and not so for others in (1-1, 4-3). She contribDelta High School’s basuted 17 points, with a ketball camp. The girls’ six-point second quarter program suffered its first being her biggest scorloss of the season last ing quarter. Her effort year in the First Colorahelped generate a 19-10 do National Bank tournaPanther run to create a ment when Cedaredge’s 29-18 halftime lead over Bruins won a closely the Rams. The Panthers (1-0, 51) took a 43-25 lead to the final stanza. Nine of Delta’s 12 fourth-quarter points came at the free throw line with sophomore Sara Geddes hitting five of seven charity tosses in the period. Geddes finished eight of 11 for the game from the free throw line and finished with 12 points. Junior Missa Webb and freshman Keeley Porter contributed 10 points each to the Panthers’ win. Logan Erickson had 11 points and teammate Photo by Wayne Crick Gaby Sentzna had 10 Delta senior Aubrey Jones (12) battles Roaring for the Rams in a losing Fork’s Gaby Sentzna for a rebound last week. cause. DCI Sports Editor

Boys Rams 59, Panthers 47 A very quick and athletic Roaring Fork team jumped out to a fair lead early in the first quarter only to have Delta roar back to take a 15-14 lead after the first eight minutes of action. The big difference in this game was Roaring Fork’s 21-point second quarter giving the Rams a 35-25 halftime lead. The Panthers (0-1,5-1) managed to pull to within four late in the game, but Roaring Fork (1-0, 6-1) staged yet another regrouping effort to hold off Delta’s determined play. The Rams outscored Delta 15-12 to make the final score 59-47. Delta’s hoops teams hit the floor next on Jan. 12 against Montrose in Delta at 6 and 7:30 p.m. Photo by Wayne Crick (girls and boys varsity Junior Jonathan Robinson goes high for a shot teams, respectively). The Panthers host against Roaring Fork in ﬁrst quarter action Jan. 5. Gunnison this Saturday with varsity games at 4 and 5:30 p.m. Next week’s action begins on Jan. 16 with Cedaredge coming to Delta for 6 and 7:30 p.m. contests.

Bulldog teams win on hardwood

4th-year Eagle seniors adapt BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Does height matter in basketball? Two starting players for the Paonia Lady Eagles will tell you in a very convincing way that, in the game, height doesn’t always equal success. When twins Kassidy and Randi Rapke were first coached in basketball in third grade by their uncle Travis, they fell in love with the sport. “It’s just stuck with us,” said Kassidy. “It’s something we look forward to every year, and something that’s deep in our hearts.” They knew they wanted to play in high school, but with few classmates wanting to join them, they didn’t have a fifth or sixth grade team. So they played one-on-one. In seventh and eighth grade they played for coach Johnna Martin, along with another player who loves the sport, Mckenna Palmer. By their freshman year the Rapkes stood 5 feet tall. They’ve always been told that “height doesn’t matter in basketball,” said Randi. “We have an advantage as well.” Paonia head coach Scott Rienks saw something in the twins, and suited them and Palmer, then 5-foot-11, up for varsity while they played at the JV level. “They have always shown a tremendous competitive spirit, despite often being matched against opponents who are taller,” wrote Rienks by email. “They don’t like to lose, so they are always willing to do what it takes to

improve.” After two years on the JV team, their jobs changed dramatically their junior year. With five all-state seniors in the starting lineup, “It was important for us to come off the bench and not lose momentum for everyone else,” said Kassidy. “That was our big job last year.” They succeeded, and Paonia enjoyed an undefeated season. “This is a new year and a new team,” said Rienks. “Until this season they played off the bench behind other, older players... This is their chance and I think they’re ready for it.” Until this year the Rapkes spent most of their time with defensive coach John Blair. Early in the season Rienks described them as “hardnosed defensive players.” This year, their role on offense is changing. “They are definitely a much bigger part of the offense because of their experience,” said Rienks. They also have good chemistry with Palmer, who is now 6 feet tall. She moved to Paonia in seventh grade, “They were the first ones to take me in and make me a part of their friends group,” she said. When all three suited up for varsity their freshman year, they grew even closer. “From then on we’ve been ‘The Three Amigos.’” Kassidy and Randi are competitive on the court and at home. Which one is best, they said, depends on the day. Both lean toward studying the sciences in college, and both

excel in track — Kassidy in sprints, Randi in middistances; and in volleyball. Like many twins, they’re hard to tell apart. On court, Randi wears number 3, Kassidy 15. Side by side, 5-foot-5 Kassidy is about three inches taller than Randi. Both wear their long auburn hair in either a ponytail or braid, but Kassidy always wears hers on the side. Both are goal-oriented players and head into each game with a new goal — play crisp defense, don’t let the girl they’re guarding score, take the right shots. It depends on the game. As they did last season, both want to help the team get to the state tournament in March. In the first eight games of the season the Rapkes have combined for 55 steals and 13 defensive rebounds. Their focus is also getting the ball to Palmer, who is averaging almost 12 points per game. As the team’s high scorer, opponents want to take Palmer out of the game. At Plateau Valley, where she was held to a season-low eight points, she popped the ball out to them. “The nets were on fire when they were shooting,” said Palmer. “They’ve been working on their shots, and that really showed.” In their last two games the Rapkes have combined for an average of

16.5 points per game. “If they’re taking (Palmer) away, we have to be able to score on our own,” said Randi. “We have to be a threat, too, and a lot of teams are not expecting that.” They love the challenge, said Randi. “It makes the game a lot more fun.” And they still play vicious defense. Paonia is now 6-2 for the season, after opening the 2A/1A Western Slope conference season last week with a 47-23 win at Plateau Valley, and a 618 win over Caprock Academy. As they make their way through the remainder of the conference season, they will face tougher teams, Vail Christian, Rangely, Hotchkiss and others, and they look forward to it.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Hotchkiss sophomore Shay Glaser scores a basket against Plateau Valley last Saturday evening in Hotchkiss.

Paonia boys top PV and Caprock BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

Seniors Mckenna Palmer, right, pressures a player while Randi Rapke, left, and Kassidy Rapke guard half-court in Paonia’s 61-8 conference win over Caprock Saturday. After three years of playing from the bench, the three seniors are now ﬁnding their own rhythm as starters for the Eagles.

The Paonia boys basketball team opened the conference season with a convincing 68-37 win at Plateau Valley last Friday. On Saturday it took a 70-20 win over Caprock Academy in Grand Junction. The Eagles are now 20 in 2A/1A WSL conference play and 5-3 overall. Paonia doesn’t have a home game this week. It hosts rival Hotchkiss next Thursday, Jan. 18.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Senior Eli Sawatzky scored eight points for Hotchkiss in a 61-53 win over the visiting Plateau Valley Cowboys.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Hotchkiss High School’s basketball teams enjoyed a successful weekend of hoops with victories over league foes Caprock Academy and Plateau Valley. The Bulldogs defeated Caprock in girls action by a score of 72-7 while the boys scored 77 points to just 26 counters for the Eagles on Friday night. Against Plateau Valley on Saturday, Hotchkiss’ girls regrouped following a six-point deficit in the first quarter to score a 45-41 decision. The boys registered a 61-53 win against the Cowboys. Girls vs. Caprock Hotchkiss 72, Eagles 7 Elsie Vazquez led a trio of Bulldog players in double digits with 13 points against the Eagles. A 16-0 run in the first quarter was followed by a 19-2 second quarter which put Hotchkiss firmly in control of the game at halftime. The Bulldogs’ defense continued its stingy play in the second half and allowed just five points in 16 minutes of play. Meanwhile, Hotchkiss’ offense was prolific with 25 counters in the third frame and another 12 in the fourth to produce the 72-7 verdict. Caprock is winless in seven starts. Kaiya Firor contributed 12 points with freshman Amelia Hickam adding 10 points in the victory. Sophomore Shay Glaser and junior Carson Collins had eight points each in the win. Versus Plateau Valley HHS 45, PVHS 41 The visiting Cowboys jumped out to a 14-8 lead after one period creating one of their largest leads. Hotchkiss used a constant pressure defense to create turnovers and its offense did the rest in the second quarter with a 1711 run which produced a 25-25 tie at halftime. Plateau Valley held a slim 33-32 lead going to the fourth period but a determined Bulldog team outscored the Cowboys 13-8 in the final stanza to score a 45-41 victory. Hotchkiss (2-0, 6-3) had 21 steals in the game with Firor’s seven leading the way. Glaser was the team’s leading scorer with eight points followed by Vazquez’s seven. Hotchkiss coach Hailee Taylor was still showing the excitement of the game after coming out of

the team’s locker room. After gesturing to her throat, Taylor said, “My heart is still here.” In the locker room, “We were excited to have won and to play as well to earn a victory,” quoted Taylor regarding the team’s mood. Glaser’s play sparked the Bulldogs at various times in Saturday’s game. When asked how big Glaser’s play was for the Bulldogs, Taylor said, “She’s a big-time player. Her long arms help make big plays for us. She makes things happen.” Hotchkiss faces De Beque (0-1, 4-3) on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Boys versus Caprock Bulldogs 77, Eagles 26 The Bulldogs totally overpowered Caprock Academy last Friday night. The Eagles managed a double-digit score (11 points) in the third quarter while Hotchkiss’ offense scored 48 points in the first half before tapering off to just 29 in the second half. Hotchkiss coach Eric Hollembeak played everyone against the Eagles. “This was enjoyable in the sense we played well as a team with everyone looking to include teammates throughout the game.” Versus Plateau Valley HHS 61, PVHS 53 The Bulldogs were slow to get started and trailed by three going into the second quarter. A 22-11 run by Hotchkiss in the second period gave the Bulldogs a 29-21 advantage at halftime. An evenly played second half produced the eight-point win for Hotchkiss. Jonathan Gonzalez topped Hotchkiss scorers with 13 points followed by Sam Rodriguez’s 12 and Jacob Stucker’s 11. Plateau Valley’s Layne Christensen scored 16 of the Cowboy’s 21 points in the fourth quarter, including numerous scoring opportunities from the free throw line. Coach Hollembeak commented on the game. “We were up 15 midway through the fourth but Christensen (Layne) kept Plateau Valley in with wild drives to the basket and free throws. It was a fun game, though, and we needed that type of game. We’re getting better, even though we didn’t shoot well in the game.” Hotchkiss (2-0, 6-3) is at De Beque (2-0, 7-0) on Saturday at 4 p.m.

B6 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Bruins dominate Dogs BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

In a dual between two of the top three teams in class 2A state rankings, Cedaredge claimed all but one match and gave up six points to a forfeit to defeat Hotchkiss last Friday, 65-12. The dual opened at 126, with No. 2-ranked sophomore Sean Dale pinning Bulldog freshman JD Miller in 1 minute, 54 seconds. At 132, Cedaredge took a 10-0 lead when Traycer Hall, a top-10 ranked freshman for Hotchkiss, lost by major decision to fourth-ranked senior Alex McCracken. The Bruins’ one loss came in the 138 match when Danny Mendoza was pinned in 3:37 by Kylar Massano. Head coach Cutter Garrison said Mendoza was returning to the mat for the first time in a month following an injury. At 145, David Schippman pinned Bulldog JP Scriver in 3:14. The 152-pound match

saw the No. 4 wrestler defeat No. 5 when Bruin Colton Hoerr won by an 11-2 major decision over Jace Peebles. At 160, Bruin Jared Hulteen pinned Ethan Guy in 2:20. At 220, Taj Van der Linde pinned Kevin Chavez in 5:13. At heavyweight, Derek Sanchez scored six points for the Bruins in a first-round pin over senior Nolan Egging, who was wrestling his second match of the season. Sanchez is one of three freshmen varsity wrestlers for Cedaredge. “He’s big, he’s tough and he’s mean,” said Garrison of Sanchez. “That takes you a long way in this sport.” At 113, Bruin Adrian Nieto trailed by two points throughout his match against freshman Robert Cochran. In the final seconds, Nieto scored a quick takedown and back points to win by a 5-2 decision, giving the Bruins a 59-12 lead. The biggest upset of

the night came at 120, with No. 2 ranked freshman Trey Geyer pinning No. 1 ranked junior, Sergio Campos in the second round. “I had a lot of confidence going in” said Geyer. “He found a way to win,” said Garrison. “Two versus one in the state, a big win.” Like Sanchez, “He’s a tough freshman,” said Garrison. Cedaredge gained 18 points from forfeits by Hotchkiss at 106, 170 and 182 pounds; Hotchkiss won by forfeit at 195. Garrison said the team did well overall, but that he’d like to see a little more offense from his wrestlers. And while the Bruins celebrated the win, Garrison noted that winning is cyclical. “I’m giving my ‘hats off ’ to Hotchkiss,” he said. “I remember going up there my first year of coaching and they did the same thing as us. It comes and goes. We’re just trying to ride that wave, stay on that high, and get the job

done this year.” The win bumped Cedaredge’s dual record to 6-1. In the first On the Mat ranking of the new year, the Bruins, who have wrestlers ranked in the top 10 in 10 weight classes, are first in Class 2A team rankings, ahead of No. 2 Paonia and No. 3 Hotchkiss. “This could be the highest ranking in school history,” said Garrison. While he was a little surprised at the rankings, he said this is what they have worked for the past three seasons. Wrestlers don’t talk about rankings, but are aware of it, and are excited about it. “I’m excited,” he said. “If they keep working hard and stay healthy, we’ll be fine.” That being said, added Garrison, “There’s still a long way to go before the state tournament.” Cedaredge wrestles at Paonia on Jan. 11. On Jan. 12, it hosts Rocky Ford, currently fourth in On the Mat rankings.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Bruin Taj Van der Linde scores the takedown leading to his pin over Bulldog Kevin Chavez last Friday in Cedaredge’s 65-12 win over Hotchkiss. Cedaredge is the No. 1 team in the most recent On the Mat team rankings, followed by Paonia and Hotchkiss.

Bruins win, Delta fourth at Eagle Valley Invite BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After coming in at No. 1 in Class 2A On the Mat rankings, Cedaredge Bruins wrestlers scored 180 points and won one title match to win the annual Eagle Valley Varsity Invitational at Eagle Valley High School Saturday. The Bruins sent seven into the championship match, with freshman Trey Geyer claiming the only title on a win over Grand Valley’s A.J. Serna. Geyer pinned Serna with nine seconds remaining in the match.

Ryan Imhoff (113), Sean Dale (126), Alex McCracken (132), Jered Hulteen (160), Taj Van der Linde (220), and Derek Sanchez (HWT) all brought home silver. Adrian Nieto (113) was seeded 11th and placed fourth, and Colton Hoerr placed fourth on a championship round loss to Palisade’s Austin Bernal. At 182 pounds, Toby Waddell was seeded 12th and placed fourth. Waddell lost in semifinals to Palisade’s top wrestler, No. 2 ranked Terrence Williams and wrestled

back to the third-place match. Delta senior heavyweight Logan Church continues his winning streak, winning two matches by technical fall and one by pin to claim the heavyweight championship Saturday at the Eagle Valley Varsity Invitational at Eagle Valley High School. In semifinals Church defeated Tel Linke, a 15-4 wrestler from Middle Park currently ranked 12th in the state by On the Mat, 170. Brandon Harper was

runner-up in the 152pound bracket. Harper was seed 14th. Ranked sixth in Class 4A, Harper defeated Cedaredge’s No. 4 wrestler, Colton Hoerr by a major decision in semifinals. Drake Horn (160) placed third, pinning three opponents in a total of 4 minutes, 7 seconds. Brendon Starr pinned four opponents on his way to a fourth-place finish at 145 pounds; and Aiden Barrios placed fourth at 170. Delta scored 105.5 points to place fourth out of 29 teams.

Dogs second in Gunnison the Class 2A Hotchkiss against the 4A Palisade Bulldogs won five match- Bulldogs. Held Jan. 4 at ColoIn a dual of the Dogs, es in their 40-22 loss rado Mesa University, the dual opened at 138 pounds with an 8-1 win for Hotchkiss’s Kylar Massano over Lodan Head. Palisade wrestlers won the next three matches by pin: Cody Head over �� JP Scriver at 145, Austin Bernal over Jace Peebles �� at 152, and Cody Cordova �� over Ethan Guy at 160. Hotchkiss forfeited at �� 170, and a double forfeit occurred at 182. In �� the 195-pound match, Palisade’s highest ranked �� wrestler, No. 2 Terrance �� Williams, won by major decision over No. 2�� ranked Devin Curtis. At 220, Hotchkiss senior Kevin Chavez won by a 9-0 major decision �� against Gabe Correa. �� In his first match of the season, Hotchkiss senior �� heavyweight Nolan Egg�� ing lost by pin to Ricardo �� Valenzuela. After a double forfeit at 106, Hotchkiss freshman Robert Cochran won by forfeit at 113. At 120, top ranked junior Sergio Campos won by a 2-1 decision against top-10 ranked Jaggar Wade. Hotchkiss freshman Traycer Hall pinned Palisade’s Wyatt Wilbourn in the second round to win the 132-pound match. Hall had the team’s only pin of the night. HHS 2nd in Gunnison Following the loss, and a dual loss Friday at

BY TAMIE MECK

DCI Sports Writer

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Cedaredge, the Bulldogs scored 205 points to place second at the Cowboy Invitational wrestling tournament Saturday at Western State Colorado University Field House in Gunnison. The Bulldogs sent seven wrestlers into the championship match. Landen Mayberry had three pins and one technical fall to win the 106pound title. Sergio Campos won at 120. Placing second were freshmen Robert Cochran (113) and Traycer Hall (132), Jace Peebles (152), Devin Curtis (195) and Kevin Chavez (220). Taking home bronze were Kylar Massano (138), JP Scriver (145), and Ethan Guy (160). Campos, Scriver, Peebles and Hall all won four matches by pin. In his first tournament of the season, senior Nolan Egging (285) placed fourth. Placing fifth were JD Miller (126), Kaleb Lovelace (145), and Christian Matus (285). Adam Smith (126) finished sixth. The tournament is a 16-man scramble bracket, a pool play to bracket format that places up to 16 wrestlers. Karsen Sommers (132) placed eighth, and Boston Sommer scored six team points and placed ninth. Hotchkiss duals at Olathe at 6 p.m. Thursday.

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Photo by Tamie Meck

In the Bulldog’s only win of the night, Kylar Massano works toward a pin over Bruin Danny Mendoza in the 138-pound match.

Eagles earn win at Cowboy Invite BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Paonia won eight championship matches and scored 219 points to win the Cowboy Invitational Saturday at Western State Colorado University Field House in Gunnison. Individual champions include Sackett Chesnik at 138 pounds, Clay Campbell (145), Grey Neal (152), Jesse Burns (160), Anthony Felice (160), Jaden Miller (182), Cyrus Malek-Madani (220) and Levi Peterson (285). Campbell won his five matches by pin. His total of three minutes on the mat was recognized as the most pins in the least amount of time for the tournament. Campbell’s 12-second match win over Kaleb Lovelace of Hotchkiss tied with Robert Cochran of Hotchkiss for the fastest pin of the tournament. For Burns, MalekMadani and Peterson, all of whom won their championship match by pin, it marked their first high school tournament win.

Zeb Etter (126) and Anthony Miller (170) placed third; at 106, freshman Reagan Todd placed fourth; Soul Connelly (120) won the fifth-place match on a 57-second pin over Montrose; Ethan White (120) and Austyn Norris (182) placed seventh; and Shane Odom (145) and Carlos Lozano placed eighth. The tournament follows a 16-man scramble bracket, a pool play to bracket format that places up to 16 wrestlers. Paonia was ranked No. 2 in Class 2A On the Mat team rankings heading into last week’s competition. It hosts No. 1 Cedaredge this Thursday. Depending on the final pairings, matches between two ranked wrestlers could occur in up to eight weight divisions. Jan. 19-20 is the annual Paonia Duals and Screamin’ Eagle tournament. Twenty-two teams, including numerous top15 ranked teams in the state, are entered in the tournament.

Bruins split on Olathe court BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Last week’s lone basketball action for Cedaredge High School was against Olathe. The girls team stayed unbeaten with a lopsided 4015 decision. A spirited Olathe boys team, led by Jorge Gonzales’ 33 points, upended Craig Cerise’s team with an 80-71 win. Ryan Hilbig’s girls team took an early 19-8 lead in its game against the Pirates and never looked back with everyone getting into the game. No game statistics were available. In boys action, the Bruins (0-0, 4-3) looked to have early control with a 17-10 lead following the end of the first quarter. Olathe, 0-0 and 4-4, found its offense in the second quarter to match Cedaredge’s 20-point effort and remained seven points behind at the break, 37-30. A third-quarter explo-

sion by the Pirates’ offense produced a 30point surge which put Olathe up 60-51 with one period left to play. The Pirates kept their momentum in the final stanza with 20 more points to tie Cedaredge’s scoring output for a gameending 80-71 decision. Gonzales’ 33 markers led all scorers in the game with Pirates’ teammates Dominique Gonzales and Stephen Kubin contributing 12 points each. Cedaredge had four players who scored 16 points each; Baylee Piper, Jacob Lewis, Jared Reynolds and Peter Carlson. Carlson had 14 rebounds and seven blocked shots in the game and Lewis finished with 10 boards for the Bruins. Cesar Suarez pulled down eight rebounds for Olathe with teammates Mackenzie Cox, Dawson Walraven, Jorge Gonzales and Giovonni all grabbing five caroms each.

SURFACE CREEK January 10, 2018

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2018 brings optimism

Cedaredge businesses hold their own in 2017 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

As another year begins, a random and completely unscientific survey of Cedaredge businesses suggests two things: sales for Christmas 2017 kept pace with — and sometimes exceeded — the 2016 holiday season and prospects for 2018 look bright. Stacy’s on Main is a coffee shop, gift store and restaurant in downtown Cedaredge. Owner Stacy Malmgren feels that Christmas 2017 was definitely busier than 2016, primarily because the shop expanded its breakfast and lunch menus to include soup and sandwiches. Malmgren has owned the shop since 2016; prior to that it operated for nearly two decades as Munson’s Main Street Gallery. The shop’s location at 260 West Main has always been a community gathering place and Malmgren has continued the traditions of providing friendly service, showcasing local artists and hosting mini-concerts. She hopes to expand those activities in 2018. Next door at 250 West Main is Starr’s Guitars owned and operated by musician and singer/songwriter David Starr. Starr opened his shop in 2001 which makes him one of downtown Cedaredge’s veteran merchants. His Christmas sales this year were about the same as 2016. But contrary to town folklore, which presumes his is primarily an internet business, no more than 25 percent of Starr’s business is conducted in the online arena where, he notes, competition for customers is fierce. The majority of Starr’s sales take place the old-fashioned way: face to face, with a handshake. The success of his well-stocked shop relies on service, atmosphere and providing his customers with a shopping experience that includes the intangible “vibe” which musicians covet. His plans for 2018 call for a multiyear transition from dealing in both electric and acoustic instruments to a greater emphasis on acoustic guitars. Across the street at 215 West Main Street is 4B’s Brewery, a family-owned brew pub that will celebrate its third anniversary in May 2018. Owner Barbara Breitnauer explains that the “B” represents her last name and the “4” refers to her four-person family: herself, her husband, and their two children. Breitnauer and brewery manager Brandy Atencio agree that their in-house 2017

holiday business was similar to last year. However, taking 2017 as a whole, outside sales to restaurants and other venues increased dramatically. As a result of their marketing efforts, 4Bs’ beers can now be found on tap in Delta, Montrose and Grand Junction and kegs are increasingly being purchased for weddings and other events. Breitnauer and Atencio have high hopes for continued success in 2018 even though this season’s lack of snow may reduce their winter trade from skiers and snowshoe and snowmobile enthusiasts. Further down Main Street at number 105 is Grand Mesa Impressionz Gallery, an artists’ co-op that sells locallyproduced arts and crafts. Two dozen area artists show works at the gallery which is staffed by co-op members. Ella Kelly is a board member and exhibitor and she explains that, since the gallery opened its doors in December 2015, sales have increased every Christmas. This promises to be a banner year because, after three years in existence, the gallery is eligible to join with others to try establishing a Colorado Creative District. The state’s official creative district designation is a significant milestone for communities seeking recognition as centers of arts and culture — a recognition that generally results in increased local commerce. Several nearby towns have already established recognized creative districts. Paonia, Hotchkiss, and Crawford banded together to form the North Fork Valley Creative District and Ridgway, Telluride, Carbondale, and Crested Butte have established separate community districts. One downtown enterprise that could not yet be interviewed for this article is beginning to emerge at the corner of West Main and 2nd Streets. The new Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center (GMAEC) building is undergoing renovation there to create a 175-seat performance venue and backers plan to stage their first event as early as June 2018. Meanwhile GMAEC promotional activities continue with the next fundraising event planned for February. Hopes are high that this newest addition to downtown Cedaredge will have a significant impact on the town’s image and economy. A few blocks from Main Street, at 110 S.E. Frontier Avenue, is Leisure Time Sports. Owner Barb Burnett has oper-

ated the eclectic sports shop for 10 years. This year’s holiday sales were up from 2016 with business increasing substantially just before Christmas. In addition to sporting goods, Leisure Time also rents and sells contemporary DVD movies. Its recreational inventory includes camping, fishing, and

Storm brewing

BY RICK SMITH The first meeting of 2018 of the Orchard City Board of Trustees was held on Jan. 3. All trustees, town administrator Melissa Oelke and town attorney Jeff Hurd were present. Three constituents, Doug Keller, Jack Ditlove and Mary Ditlove, also attended the workshop. The ballot proposals for the April election were discussed, with each trustee receiving a draft of the proposed language that will appear on the ballot. The ballot questions will be presented to the trustees for approval at their regular meeting Jan. 10. If approved, a municipal sales tax of 3 percent, with some exemptions, would go into effect in July 2018. Funds would be designated for public works and law enforcement needs. Business licenses are not required, but would be beneficial to keep track of revenue. The state Department of Revenue would collect the sales tax. The town estimates $65,000 would be collected during the last half of the year. Orchard City could collect use tax on building materials delivered from outside of the town. A second question addresses the taxation of marijuana, if marijuana sales are authorized by the municipality in the future. The ballot issue

would provide a means of collection, licensing and distribution of the collected fees only if marijuana sales are approved by the municipality. Taxation could include a special marijuana tax of up to 5 percent on retail sales, an excise tax of up to 5 percent on unprocessed retail marijuana, and a $10 occupation tax (transaction fee) on medical facilities for each sales transaction by any medical or retail marijuana establishment. Funds are designated for public health and safety, including road construction and law enforcement services. The third question asks electors to approve a mill levy of 6.5 mills, with the funds again going to road construction and law enforcement services. The mill levy would generate an estimated $130,000 annually. Town hall meetings will be scheduled to address questions about the ballot issues. Trustee Gary Tollefson raised the issue of fund reserves. Currently, Orchard City has around $500,000 in reserve. With six bridges within town limits with an estimated replacement cost of $750,000 per bridge, he asked if the reserve is sufficient in the case of an emergency without taking revenues from other funds. The trustees will research reserve vs. worst case scenarios. The discus-

could negatively impact seasonal fishing and hunting activities. One treat when visiting Burnett’s shop is the chance to view the 19-pound, 15-ounce splake trout mounted there. On May 9, 1976, Cedaredge angler Robin Perkins caught the giant fish through the ice CEDAREDGE BUSINESS TO C2

Photo by Don Benjamin

A storm builds over Grand Mesa but ﬁelds adjacent to Cory remain dry. After brief December snowfalls, residents along the Surface Creek drainage and most of Delta County are hoping the coming year will bring more moisture.

Erik Hansen ready to tee it up at Cedaredge Golf Club BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Like the sandhill cranes that visit Fruit Growers’ Reservoir every year, Erik Hansen has come full circle. But, unlike the birds, he’s here to stay. Last month, Hansen was hired to serve as the Cedaredge Golf Club’s new clubhouse operations director. He replaces Larry Murphy who directed golf club operations from April 2008 to December 2017. Hansen had previously served as Murphy’s assistant. Hansen grew up in the Denver-Boulder area and after high school in 1989 he

Orchard City trustees discuss ballot language Contributing Writer

hunting supplies including licenses; cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals; plus firearms and reloading supplies. Burnett anticipates success in 2018 although the current lack of snow has already led to a reduction in winter sports equipment rentals and the specter of long-term drought

enrolled at Florida’s Edison State College on a golf scholarship. He later transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a minor in business economics. It was during his undergraduate days in Florida that he first encountered sandhill cranes. During an internship, he worked on a project to make a Florida golf course more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The course was situated near the Peace River adjacent to endangered waterfowl habitat so Hansen’s clients included not only the golf course but also the sandhill cranes and other birds that lived nearby. Eventually his work helped the golf course obtain an environmental certification from Audubon International. In 2002, after university graduation, Hansen applied

to work at Western Slope golf courses. He received an offer to interview for a job at Fairway Pines in Ridgway (which is now named Divide Ranch) and the person who was on hand at an Orlando, Fla., trade show to conduct the interview was none other than Larry Murphy. He and Murphy worked together at Fairway for three years. In 2005, Hansen was offered the position of managing a Domino’s Pizza franchise in Montrose. As a young married couple, he and wife Tara decided to take the Montrose opportunity. So the Hansens migrated north. After 11 successful years with Domino’s, he wanted to return to golf so he contacted Murphy — who had since taken the reins at the Cedaredge Golf Club — and Hansen was hired as an assistant in July 2016. ERIK HANSEN TO C2

sion was tabled until after the April election. The board will also review the floodplain regulations on building permits. This matter will be presented as an ordinance to be considered at the Jan. 10 meeting. Mayor Ken Volgamore normally designates trustees to town committees in January. With the upcoming election in April, he asked if the trustees would remain on their current committees until after the election. The trustees agreed to the request. The next trustees meeting will be Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.

Ballot issues will be explained The coordinated elections slated for April 3 will include three tax questions for the Town of Orchard City. To address voter questions, a town hall forum will be held at Orchard City Town Hall, 9661 2100 Road, Austin, at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. Voters are encouraged to bring their questions and concerns so they may be addressed at this session.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Erik Hansen is enjoying his roles as Cedaredge Golf Club’s new clubhouse operations director and ﬁrst-year coach for the high school golf team.

C2 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Erik Hansen FROM PAGE C1 Upon Murphy’s retirement in December 2016, and following a competitive application process, Hansen was selected to become golf clubhouse operations director. Hansen’s new role will be to oversee clubhouse operations including the pro shop as well as related purchases and equipment. He will also supervise golf course employees and volunteers and he will work collaboratively with Adam Conway who serves as golf course superintendent. Hansen will also provide direction for all play-related activities including rules and instruction. It’s the instructional part of his new job that has Hansen particularly fired up. In addition to his golf club duties, Hansen will also be the Cedaredge High School golf coach. Last year the high school golf team qualified four players for state competition. Those four talented youngsters have all graduated so Hansen will be fielding a very young team this coming season. Practice traditionally begins in August and Hansen looks forward to working with interested students. Hansen’s plans for

the future are strongly focused on community outreach, on youth instruction, and on working with children and families to interest younger generations in the sport of golf. When Hansen’s predecessor gave his final report to the Cedaredge Board of Trustees, Larry Murphy reported that one of biggest future challenges facing the golf course would be to involve younger golfers, and Hansen has taken that advice to heart. He is supporting the efforts of the Cedaredge Ladies Golf Club to promote interest in golf through the “First Tee” program which integrates golf into the elementary school curriculum. The ladies club held a golf tournament last year to raise money for the program and students from Cedaredge Elementary School participated last October. (See a related story about “First Tee” in the Nov 1, 2017, issue of the DCI.) Hansen has more initiatives in mind to involve kids including a series of free golf instructional clinics geared toward children throughout Delta County. He plans to waive the cart fee for any student, high school age

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and under, who plays golf with his family. And he envisions more summer camps for youngsters of all ages. As for the golf course itself, Hansen feels that Cedaredge is a unique course with an especially challenging back-nine. The final nine holes feature narrow fairways and several elevation changes which makes that portion of the course “a thinking person’s course.” He feels that tackling the backnine is more than a matter of hitting a tee shot as far as one can. “It’s a shot-maker’s course,” he said, “And that makes it a challenge and fun to play.” Mindful of the desire to get the general community more involved with the golf course, Hansen is considering — once there is sufficient snow — designating certain areas for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The challenge will be establishing routes that do not impact the putting greens because the grass there is sensitive to pressure. Lack of moisture this year has been a mixed blessing. Snow is needed to keep the grounds healthy but the present lack of snow has kept the golf course busy. During the last five January’s there were zero golfers on the course. So far, as of January 4th, twentynine golfers have played. The unseasonably warm and dry weather has also encouraged more golfers to purchase annual passes sooner than usual. Overall, it looks like Hansen’s early work to save the cranes has been paid forward. He has found his way to a new home and to his selfdescribed best job ever. He is thrilled with his new position and his sincere hope is to get more people, especially youngsters, involved in the sport he has come to love. As he enters his first year at the golf course, he looks forward to a bright future full of good things for the golf course and the community.

Photo submitted

Cindy Starr (second from the left) accepts a $10,000 contribution from Bank of Colorado on behalf of the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. Attending the presentation ceremony, held at the Bank of Colorado’s Cedaredge branch, were (left to right): Sami Ruble, Starr, Libby Waibel, Sherri Fillmore, Sharla Riegel and Kacy Stillings. Not pictured are Kayla Brown and Kristine Beach.

Bank of Colorado donates $10,000 to arts center BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Bank of Colorado has donated $10,000 to support the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center (GMAEC) in Cedaredge. Kacy Stillings, the bank’s market president, presented a check to Cindy Starr, secretary of the GMAEC board. Describing the bank’s decision, Stillings said, “Commu-

nity is a core value for our company. The communities that we live and work in are our key focus. It is more important than ever to support them, and we will continue to participate, volunteer and help them to grow.” In addition to its generous donation, the bank has agreed to match all contributions to GMAEC made by other donors dur-

ing the month of January, up to another $5,000. GMAEC is currently renovating a building in downtown Cedaredge which the nonprofit organization hopes to have ready for performances by June 2018. Tax-deductible contributions can be made online at grandmesa artscenter.com or by mail to GMAEC, PO Box 583, Cedaredge, CO 81413.

Cedaredge business FROM PAGE C1 on Grand Mesa’s Island Lake and established a Colorado state record that still stands. Not far from Leisure Time Sports is one of Cedaredge’s most enduring businesses, Big John’s Lumber. The site at 200 SW 2nd Street has been a lumberyard since 1904. General manager Susan Kunkel has been with Big John’s for 39 years and she feels that December 2017 was a strong month. This winter’s warm and dry weather has been good for construction in general plus new housing starts are on the rise. Big John’s has a loyal contractor base and the store’s retail hardware and lumber sales are steadily increasing. Every day Kunkel sees familiar shoppers and also new faces as more people relocate to the area. New

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people tell her that the first two things they want to see in a new place are the hardware and grocery stores and they are pleased that Cedaredge has both. With building materials in high demand, Kunkel anticipates that 2018 will bring increased prosperity. Another business that regularly sees new faces is Cedaredge Tire & Auto at 1220 South Grand Mesa Drive. After a slow start, business picked up toward the end of 2017 when sales out-paced the 2016 holiday season. Owner Cassandra Kelton usually sees a hectic rush for tires when the first snows arrive. But this year, as dry weather continues, the shop’s volume has remained even and steady without the sudden spike of customers reacting to a big snowstorm. Kelton has owned the business for 21 years. The outlook for 2018 seems positive and Kelton is happy to report that she has been around long enough to witness an important change in consumer habits, namely that residents no longer feel compelled to drive out of town and are choosing instead to shop locally. Bert Sibley is a real estate agent with RE/MAX Mountain West at 975 South Grand Mesa Drive. While stressing that his observations are generalizations, he feels that both 2016 and 2017 have been good years for real estate. Currently prices are up, sales volume is up, and inventory is down so a correctly priced property tends to sell quickly on the local market. Sibley anticipates that current trends will continue which means good prospects for

sellers in 2018. And he has observed that, when buyers shopping at certain price ranges can’t find the house they are seeking, they sometimes purchase a lot and build — a decision that is good for real estate as well as benefiting other sectors of the economy. At 16199 Happy Hollow Road, on a bluff overlooking the town of Cedaredge, is Stoney Mesa Winery. Since 1990, Bret Neal, owner and winemaker, has followed in his family’s footsteps and has thereby earned the distinction of operating Colorado’s firstever second-generation winery. Comparing Christmas 2016 to the 2017 holiday season, Stoney Mesa has seen a slight increase in sales. And, taking all of 2017 into account, this year’s wine club sales have doubled thanks to Neal’s ability — beginning in February — to ship wine out-of-state. His oldest vineyard, which is visible from his tasting room, has been in service for 28 years. In all, Stoney Mesa operates four vineyards — two in Delta County and two in Mesa County — plus two tasting rooms, one at the Happy Hollow site and the other in Grand Junction. All wine is produced at the Happy Hollow site and Neal also processes grapes from other growers. Regarding prospects for 2018, Neal hopes to continue expanding his wine club and supplying wine to additional area restaurants. He’s also watching the weather because unseasonable temperatures, unanticipated frost, or a severe lack of moisture can have significant impacts on his future harvests.

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SURFACE CREEK

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

What’s bugging you? Local gardening questions and answers BY JIM LESER Cedaredge Tree Board

Do you sometimes have spiders or other creepy crawlers in your house? Could any of these house pests be the result of your landscape? The answer to these two questions is yes. How many of you use bark mulch in planting beds near or adjacent to your house? While the use of mulches has all kinds of benefits, it could also be supplying a steady stream of creepy crawlers into your house. Some possible culprits are sowbugs (also known as pillbugs or roly-polies), springtails, field crickets, earwigs and spiders. Mulches provide ideal habitat for these pests through conditions of higher relative humidity and safe places to hide. Another source of invading household

Army Cutworm Moth

insects could be because of the plants you have in your garden. These insects become nuisance pests, especially when they invade during the onset of winter conditions. These landscape sourced house invaders include boxelder bugs that breed on boxelder seeds, goldenrain tree bugs that feed on the seeds of the goldenrain tree, elm leaf beetles that feed on elm leaves, western conifer-seed bugs that breed on the cones of pines, and cluster flies that breed as parasites on earthworms. The pest that can be quite spectacular in their sheer numbers is the army cutworm moth, Euxoa auxiliaris. Many call these “miller moths” although I find this somewhat redundant since millers and moths are words often used interchangeably. This moth makes annual migrations in late spring. Their numbers can literally exceed hundreds of thousand moths all at once. And their attraction to light could force homeowners to draw all their blinds and even forego lighting some rooms at night. While living in West

Texas I often experienced these migrations out of New Mexico. These moths were attracted to my flowering yaupon bushes by my entryway and consequently many found their way into my house. Their numbers could be so great that cars traveling on roads in open rangeland areas would have their windshield visibility obliterated with yucky dead moth bodies and we would have to stop frequently to clear off the offending beasties. Flowering plants such as fruit trees, lilac, dandelions, spirea and cotoneaster attract army cutworm moths searching for nectar. Also, houses surrounded by large amounts of plants can provide dark areas for shelter during daylight inactivity periods. So when planning your landscape and plant choices, think not only about attracting butterflies, bees, birds and other desirable visitors; consider also the nuisance pests you might inadvertently attract. 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.

Photos submitted

Having fun in the great outdoors

The unseasonably warm weather has allowed the Senior Hiking Group to hike every Wednesday. The group has not been able to head up on Grand Mesa to snowshoe and cross-country ski and everyone is hoping for winter to hit hard and fast. Instead the group has enjoyed hikes in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison and the Gunnison Gorge Conservation area as well as the canyons west of Delta. Last Wednesday was a special outing near Cottonwood Canyon for their annual Stone Soup Gathering. After a short hike everyone contributed something to the pot, with the reading of the Stone Soup Legend. The group enjoyed each other’s company and even did some rappelling down a rock face.

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Bear Den for November

Photo submitted

Students at Cedaredge Elementary School are nominated each month by their teachers to be included in the Bear Den. The different characteristics which can earn recognition are Perseverance (P), Respect (R), Integrity (I), Duty (D) and Excellence (E). November’s Bear Den students are: kindergartners Alexander Mabry and Aris Ryan from Mrs. Keller’s class, Dominick Mannon and Brystal Dawes from Mrs. McAdam’s class, and Sammi Hunter and Shane McPherson from Mrs. Parson’s class; first graders Zoie Menzel and Frankie Barbich from Mrs. Laurita’s class, Kinzie MacKendrick and Shawn Marshall from Mrs. Long’s class, and Tony Scartezina and Isabella Johnson from Mrs. Shriver’s class; second graders Bentley Nichols and Savannah Pierce from Miss Benson’s class, Kalli Haining from Mrs. Hawkin’s class, and Dane Brown and Alicia Toothaker from Mrs. Montoya’s class; third graders Colt Camp and Jaelynn Weed from Mrs. Hoerr’s class, Kimbry Hebert and Benjamin Varela from Mrs. Galvan’s class, and Logan Locke and Corbin Frost from Mrs. Lampton’s class; fourth graders Andreas Saenz-Castillo and Kaleb Kilcoyne from Ms. Rienk’s class, Crystal Wolfe and Kyler Loucks from Mr. Stanfield’s class, and Maya Cerise and Zavier Koehn from Mr. Henderson’s class; fifth graders Ethan Toothaker from Mrs. Whitney’s class, Isaac Nichols and Elliyah Hawbaker from Ms. Edwards’ class, and Robert Norris and Jessica Barbich from Mr. Thompson’s class; and Kelsea Kissner and Macy Medill from Mrs. Henderson’s PE class.

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C6 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Farmer, Rancher of the Year honored At the well-attended annual meeting of the Delta Conservation District (DCD), Chann Fogg of Cedaredge was honored as the Farmer of the Year and Dan Sullivan of Crawford was named Rancher of the Year. Both received a framed certificate and gift card to Ace Hardware. The meeting, held at the Orchard City Town Hall, began with president Tom Kay introducing DCD staff and personages present. The meeting proceeded with presentations from Elyse Casselberry, Delta community and economic development director and Seth Urbanowitz, CSU Extension agronomist. Both presenters

highlighted what is happening in each area and what plans are coming in 2018. Board member Ralph D’Alessandro presented the district’s annual report. The district is now celebrating its 66th year. D’Alessandro highlighted the DCD’s community outreach projects that include student and producer educational presentations, staff support for the NRCS, irrigation management education and agricultural economic development. He thanked Delta County for its financial support of the district conservation technician program and its support of the demonstration pasture plot at the Delta County Fair-

Photo courtesy Delta Conservation District

grounds in Hotchkiss. prepared by Davetos After a tasty dinner of Delta, guest speaker Frank Stonaker, CSU Rogers Mesa scientist and manager, informed the attendees of the status of the research station as well as what lies ahead

Ag conference highlights strategies for success With a three-state draw, the Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum enters its sixth year with workshops on sustainable agriculture Jan. 2527 in Montrose. Registration is open at www.food farmforum.org. The conference theme, Strategies for Success in Demanding Times, draws on the expertise of a diverse set of innovative “founding farmers and ranchers” who have successfully weathered the ups and downs of agri-business. Bruce Talbott, a fifth generation orchardist, Dan James of the James Ranch, George Whitten of San Juan Ranch, and longtime orchardist Santiago Barajas will share key strategies that have enabled them to survive and thrive. This year’s conference brings new elements to the conference such as a farmer-to-farmer invention convention with cash prizes, an affordable produce safety certification class, and bilingual farm

worker to ag entrepreneur sessions designed to inspire and provide resources for beginning farmers. Headlining the conference is Temple Grandin, PhD., world-renowned expert in decoding animal behavior. Considered the most accomplished adult with autism in the world, she will present a special evening Jan. 27 at the Montrose Pavilion, open to the public via separate registration. In total, 22 workshops designed for advanced to beginning producers include sessions on maximizing season extension, cover crop selection, innovative livestock management, soil health, the current state of hemp, livestock and crop certification options, bio-control of pests, whole farm risk management, labor management, scaling up for wholesale markets, aged cheese making, honey production and more. The National Young Farmers Coalition and Rocky Mountain Farm-

ers Union host a Produce Safety Training Certification Course Jan. 25 and 26. Two additional halfday workshops presented by Kirk Gadzia on Managing Nature as a Whole for Healthy Land, People and Profit, and Dan Hobbs on Advanced Scaling Up for Crop Producers provide in-depth learning opportunities. “The conference is designed to provide a rich menu of options and to encourage networking among participants during a chili dinner Friday, a farmer-to-farmer invention convention, and a post conference bowling night,” says organizer Carol Parker. The Valley Food Partnership, CSU Extension, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, National Young Farmers Coalition and Shavano Conservation District organize the conference collaboratively. For a complete list of topics or to register please visit foodfarmforum.org or call 970-249-3935.

This week the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forests published a draft Wilderness Inventory, including the criteria and map, for comment. It will offer a webinar on Thursday, Jan. 11, and Friday, Jan. 12, on the process and answer questions. A mandatory component of Forest Plan Revision, the inventory is the first, very inclusive step in the required fourphase wilderness process, identifying a broad sweep of lands that are generally unroaded, relatively undeveloped, and either adjacent to existing wilderness or at least 5,000 acres in size. The GMUG requests comments by Monday, Jan. 22, for this first in a series of multiple steps open for public

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very worthwhile project. DCD would like to thank all those who helped with the meeting and those who attended. The district is looking forward to a busy and successful 2018.

comment. supervisor Forest Scott Armentrout notes, “While the GMUG has a lot of areas that qualify for the inventory, being included in this initial map does not mean that an area will be managed in any special way. It’s the first filter in a series of steps.” The GMUG has produced a Wilderness Guide to provide an overview of the entire process, and the planning team will host two webinars to delve further into each step and answer questions. Interested community members are invited to join these webinars on Thursday, Jan. 11, from 4-5 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 12, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. The recorded webinars will be available on the GMUG website after these scheduled times. Forest planner Samantha Staley emphasizes, “As with all components of Forest Plan Revision, the best process is a result of informed input from all who care about the GMUG. We hope folks will take a moment

to learn more about it and then participate at any stage of the Wilderness process.” After this step with the draft inventory, the GMUG will publish the draft evaluation protocol for comment. That document spells out how the GMUG will evaluate the inventoried areas. Later in the winter, the GMUG will publish the full draft evaluation report that will assess the inventoried areas, including areas with lower and higher wilderness character. Public engagement is a key element in the ongoing Forest Plan Revision, and the Forest Service is using a variety of tools to maintain communication, including webinars, newsletters, and updates on the website and through email. For links to the webinars, further information on the process and how to comment, and other helpful resources, please visit the GMUG NFs’ planning website at www.fs.usda. gov/goto/gmug/forest plan.

Learn to trap at Jan. 17 workshop in Montrose If you’ve ever wanted to learn the basics of livetrapping or if you want to improve your chances of live-trapping animals, plan to attend a workshop sponsored by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Wednesday, Jan. 17, in Montrose This is an introductory course for participants to learn the basics of successfully using cage traps. Small game and furbearer populations are healthy in western Colorado providing trappers a unique opportunity. Officers from Colorado

Parks and Wildlife will lead the presentation on cage trapping. They’ll discuss animal biology, trap location, trap sets, use of lures/baits/attractants, skinning, fleshing and stretching. The class will be held at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office in Montrose, 2300 S. Townsend Avenue, 6-8 p.m., Jan. 17. The class will be limited to 25 people, and registration is required. To register, call the Montrose Parks and Wildlife office at 970-2526000.

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in operation, educational programs and planned projects. He noted that Rogers Mesa will be an organic research station. Bringing the station back to full operation is going to be a challenging but

Forest Service offers webinars this week

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Photo courtesy Delta Conservation District

Conservation district vice president Dave Whittle- Conservation district board member Mike Cleary, sey, left, presents Chann Fogg of Cedaredge with left, presents Dan Sullivan of Crawford with the the Farmer of the Year award. Rancher of the Year award.

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Submit your listing for Farm Fresh guide Published by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, and presented by Kaiser Permanente, the Colorado Farm Fresh Directory promotes Colorado farmers’ markets, roadside stands, u-picks, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) producers, agritourism activities and farms and ranches that sell direct to the public. The 2018 edition is being organized, and producers are encouraged to submit their information for inclusion. “Consumers love Farm Fresh and they look forward to the new edition every year,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. “It is a great pub-

lication to market local agricultural products.” More than 100,000 copies of the publication will be distributed in June to consumers through libraries, extension offices, farmers’ markets, welcome centers, chambers of commerce, home milk delivery services and other businesses. In addition, Farm Fresh will be available as a mobile app for smartphones and online at www.coloradoagricul ture.com. The fee to be included in the directory is $25, and the listing deadline is Feb 15. For more information or to request a listing form, contact Loretta Lopez at (303) 869-9175 or visit www. coloradoagriculture.com.

Classifieds

January 10, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Rentals

Help Wanted

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�� AVAILABLE JANUARY 1, 2018 in Cedaredge. 270 W. Main St., 2650', 3 bed., 3 bath home with bonus room. Near elementary school and Main St. $1200/ mo. plus utilities, first & last month's rent and damage deposit required. Pets are negotiable. Call 970234-5869 or 970-234-3502 if interested. (TFNx1) FOR RENT: 2 BEDROOM apartment in Delta, new remodel, new management. $700 down, $700 per month, includes water, you pay other utilities, 970-9858106. (2x2) FOR RENT: 2 BEDROOM house, 1 3/4 baths, Cedaredge, $850 per month, $1,000 deposit, 970-9858106. (2x2)

Notices ��

Card Of Thanks THE FAMILY OF GEORGE William Volk Jr. would like to thank Dr. Call and the nursing staff at DCMH for taking such good care of George. Thank you Pastor Jim Jesser for giving a beautiful caring service and the Paonia Masonic Lodge #121 for their special graveside service. A large thank you goes to the Delta County Livestock Assn. and the Black Mesa Cattle Women for furnishing the food and help at the Celebration of Life at the American Legion after the services. A special thank you to all our family and friends for the flowers, food, cards, condolences, the donations to the DCLA scholarship fund in memory of George and all of you who came to be with the family while we said our goodbyes. Some day we will be together again. (1x2)

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Advertising Makes Sense! Call 874-4421 For Info

MOVING? CHANGING YOUR ADDRESS? Please give the Delta County Independent 10 days notice — PO Box 809, Delta CO 81416 970-874-4421

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HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Assistant Golf Course Superintendent for the Devil’s Thumb Golf Course. Starting salary is $13.94 per hour. Works under the direction of the Golf Course Superintendent. Operates & maintains golf course irrigation systems, supervises work crews as assigned, and assists in application of chemicals and/or fertilizer. Position is seasonal/ part-time and hours to be worked will be scheduled as needed; ability to work flexible hours with some weekend and holiday work is required. Must have any combination of experience and training equivalent to graduation from high school and two to four years turf care management degree or related field. One to two years of past experience in supervisory capacity preferred. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. Submit applications to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main St., Delta, CO 81416 (do not submit application to the golf course). Deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m., January 24, 2018. Applications available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta. net. EOE (2x2)

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EDITOR WANTED FOR A position in a 25-year-old Delta County publishing company. Must be very familiar with Microsoft WORD, and be precise and accurate in all aspects of the process. This is a part-time, home-based business, operating primarily between February and July. Some travel within Colorado may be involved. Only serious applicants please. No resumes. Applicants must respond by letter stating qualifications, current employment situation, and a statement as to how this position fits your personality. No benefits. Salary negotiable. Respond to SU Company, P.O. Box 86, Delta, CO 81416. (2x1) THE TOWN OF ORCHARD City is currently seeking applicants for a full-time Distribution Maintenance Worker position. The position reports to the Town Administrator. The hourly pay range starts at $17.00$25.00 per hour (dependent upon qualifications) plus a comprehensive benefits package. Qualified applicants must be customer service oriented. Position requires a high school diploma or equivalent; a Colorado Water Treatment Class D and Level 1 Distribution licenses or better; two years public works/utility maintenance; a valid Colorado Driver’s License is required with the ability to obtain a class “B” Commercial Driver’s License. Send resume, cover letter and employment application to finance@kaycee.net; with “Distribution Maintenance Worker” noted in the subject line or mail to Town Hall, Attention Town Administrator at 9661 2100 Road, Austin, CO 81410. Closing Date: February 2, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. An employment application and a detailed position description are available at www.orchardcityco.org. (3x2) LOOKING FOR QUALITY employees? Advertise here in the DCI Classifieds. Call 874-4421.

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Help Wanted

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Autos THREE '89 PORSCHE 444. All three $10,000. 970-5896594. (2x2)

EVENTS AND EXECUTIVE Assistant Vision Charter Academy has an opening for an organized assistant and events coordinator. See www.visioncharter academy.org for more information. (1x2)

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Classified Ads are where people look for jobs! Call 874-4421 to place your ad now.

DCI DEADLINES Space Reservation for ALL Display Advertising Fridays (5 p.m.) Copy for Display Advertising Mondays (noon) Legal Notices Mondays (10 a.m.) Classified Ads Mondays (10 a.m.) Too Late To Classify Mondays (noon) Calendar Of Events Items Tuesdays (10 a.m.)

Thank you for your cooperation

D2 Wednesday, January 10, 2018 Public Service

CLASSIFIEDS

Public Service

WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x49) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta.

Public Service

WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar edgeladiesgolfclub” CO FATHER’S NETWORKdedicated to providing community and education to fathers of special needs kids. Meets twice monthly on the 1st Saturday at 11 a.m. and the 3rd Monday at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. See our website for more details: www.codads. org YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW.

Public Service

CARING FOR CAREgivers, C4C - supporting hearts that care. Open to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Delta. HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Wanted! Delta County Memorial Hospital needs hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, Gift Shop and some additional areas. If you are interested, please contact Volunteer Coordinator, Percy Ake at (970) 596-7458 for an application. SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store.

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Public Service

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back door). FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant women in Delta County can now get help to quit smoking and get something they can really use after their baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Enroll in the Baby & Me Tobacco Free program today. Contact the Delta County Health Department at 874-2165 or your local physician. DELTA HAS A BOOKstore in the basement of the library featuring gently used books and magazines. Come check it out!

you Why advertise

Delta County Independent

Public Service

WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250-1180. AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, keep up on newer traffic laws, learn defensive driving techniques. For details and schedule contact John Loring (970) 856-6924 or (970) 424-1778. DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily in need. Donations of nonperishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker.

Community Newspaper

51.8%

choose the community newspaper as their news source while only 13.2% turned to television and 13% turned to radio and the internet. * 2011 Community Newspaper Readership Survey. Based on a nationwide telephone survey of adults in markets served by newspapers of 15,000 or less circulation, the National Newspaper Association examined the relationship between Main Street America and its newspapers. Center for Advanced Social Research, Reynolds Journalism Institute, The Missouri School of Journalism.

INDEPENDENT

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HEALTHY BABIES START with early prenatal care. Delta County Health Department. Offers access to immediate, temporary Medicaid for pregnant women who qualify. 8742165.

CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices.

BOOKS MAKE GREAT stocking stuffers. Find books at great prices in the basement of the Delta Public Library.

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

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

NARCOTICS ANONYmous meets at 9th and Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m. HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster. CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV regular meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Veterans Building, 15th & Howard, Delta. For further information, call Paul Carter 874-5150. PAONIA AMERICAN Legion runs a year round non-perishable emergency food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For information, call 527-6252.

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.

401 Meeker St. | Delta 970.874.4421

HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. thru December 24. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 872-3780.

SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of gold and silver scraps. The Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is sending them to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 544 St. Hwy. 548, Delta, CO 81416.

Most people turn to their community newspaper for news before turning to any other media

DELTA COUNTY

Public Service

Miscellaneous

SERVICIOS DE SALUD De Campesinos: Ofrecemos ayuda con doctores, dentistas, y medicinas. Si trabajas en agricultura puedes calificar para nuestros servicios. Para mas informacion llame al 323-0538. THINK YOU'RE PREGnant? Abused? Need help? The Pregnancy Resource Center in Delta offers free service, support and advice to all teenagers and women in crisis pregnancy situations. For Christian help, anytime, call 874-5733. FAMILIES BELIEVING in families: Tandem Families is an innovative, private non-profit mentoring program providing services for at-risk children of Delta and Mont-rose counties. Anyone interested in volunteering their services or donating usable items should call 874-3000 or 2527445. THE AMERICAN LEGION Post 97 Paonia is seeking the names and addresses of all persons currently serving on active duty in the military from the North Fork Valley in order to contact them and show our support. Send addresses to American Legion Post 97, PO Box 277, Paonia, CO 81428 or call 527-6552. PARENTS FREE! INFORMation and referrals to licensed child care providers, call Bright Futures Child Care Resource and Referral, 1-877-728-5613. 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)

Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or call SYNC2 Media at 303-571-5117. �� Cash for Mineral Rights �� with the details: �� Call: 720-988-5617 �� Write: �� Email: ��

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, January 10, 2018

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PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

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. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Little Free Libraries in Cedaredge and Beyond. Learn about Little Free Libraries in this presentation by Ginny Warner at the Cedaredge Library. Hosted by the Friends of the Cedaredge Library. Light refreshments and the regular friends meeting will follow the program. Thursday, Jan. 11, at 2 p.m. SnowEx on Grand Mesa. Brenda Harvey, Fellowship Ambassador for NASA JPL, will discuss the research and findings of the snow study conducted by NASA on the Grand Mesa in 2017. Thursday, Jan. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at the Stolte Shed in Cedaredge. Seed Sorting Party. Calling all volunteers, seed library supporters, and seed-sorting enthusiasts. Come help the Delta

County Seed Library get ready for the 2017 spring season! Join us at Cedaredge Library for an evening of seed organizing and good company. Wednesday, Jan. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Snowflake Maker Space. Come to the Cedaredge Library during the month of January and make a beautiful snowflake to take home. All supplies provided. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Genealogy. Who’s Who in Whoville? Find out who you really are! The first Friday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Cabin Fever Book Sale. Friends of the Crawford Library host their annual Cabin Fever Book Sale at Crawford Town Hall. Great prices on books and other materials. Proceeds support Crawford Library. Friday, Jan. 26, from 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Delta Storytimes. Story-

author David Delo for a book signing on Saturday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. Build a Snowman Maker Space. Build a snowman using marshmallows and toothpicks. All supplies provided. All month long during library hours. Winter Scavenger Hunt. Locate snowflakes with favorite book titles in the children’s area. All month long during library hours. Genealogy One-onOne. Get the help you need researching your genealogy in this ongoing class taught by Mickey Watts. Meets the second and fourth Monday of each month at 5 p.m. Talk & Tangle Yarn. This is a group of knit and crochet enthusiasts who get together to talk and work on their individual projects. Anyone is welcome to join. Mondays starting at 5:30 p.m. Hotchkiss Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7781 for details. Winter Wonderland Maker Space. Enjoy making your own unique winter creations with an assortment of craft items provided by the library at our maker space table. All month long during

times for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Teen Game Night. Board games and card games will be available in the teen area every Wednesday in January at 4 p.m. Friends of Delta Library Meeting. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Wednesday, Jan. 10, at 3 p.m. Bucket Bands and Rhythm Jams. Participants will explore basic rhythm patterns and play a variety of drums and other percussion instruments. Ideal for third, fourth and fifth graders. Pre-registration is not required, but there are a limited number of openings for each class. It is not necessary to attend every session. Wednesday, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31, at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 20 and 27 and Saturday, Feb. 3, at 10:30 a.m. Call the library at 8479630 for more details. Seed Sorting Party. Come help us package seeds for the Delta County Seed Library! Do you have seeds to donate from your garden? Bring them along! Thursday, Jan. 11, at 4 p.m. Book Signing with David Delo. Join local

library hours. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company the second Thursday of every month October through April at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at 10:30 a.m. Hotchkiss Book Club. Hotchkiss Book Club meets the third Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. October through June. The book club will discuss, “The House of Seven Gables,” by Nathaniel Hawthorne on Thursday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m. Around the World. Travel the world and explore a different country every month. Join us for stories, games, recipes and activities from around the globe. The fourth Tuesday of the month October through March. All ages welcome. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 4 p.m. What is Raspberry Pi? Code Academy Presents: What is Raspberry Pi? Teens are invited to come to the Hotchkiss Library to explore computer operating systems. Snacks provided. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at 5 p.m. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details.

Knit Crochet Day. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow knitters and crocheters; share projects and browse our library of craft books for use or purchase. Saturday, Jan. 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Armchair Travel. The Odyssey with Laura Lee. Join Paonia Library staff member Laura Lee Yates as she relives her overseas travel researching her new historical novel. After flying into London, she experienced the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, the west coast of Ireland, Andalusia in Spain, and the walled city of Fes in Morocco. Tuesday, Jan. 23, at 6 p.m. Library Lab: Movie Makers Club. Learn how to direct and produce a short film to submit for the 2018 Teen Video Challenge. This year’s theme: Libraries Rock! For teens age 13-18. Thursday, Jan. 25, from 4 to 5 p.m. Snap Circuit Maker Space. Have fun learning all about electronics with snap circuits. All month long during library hours. Paonia Reads ... Again! Did you read the book? Then come to the Paradise Theatre for a free showing of the movie on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 3 p.m. A guided discussion will follow the movie.

PUBLIC NOTICES ��

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Financial Peace University offers hope to families More than 4.5 million people have positively changed their financial future through Ramsey Solutions’ Financial Peace University (FPU). Created by financial expert Dave Ramsey, the nineweek course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for long-term financial suc-

ADVERTISING

MAKES SENSE.

CALL 874-4421

cess. FPU will be held in Delta at Calvary Baptist Church, 1290 A Street. The classes will begin Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 6 p.m. Go to www.fpu. com/1052234 for more information or to register. Through common-sense principles, FPU gives people the tools they need to change their behavior and succeed financially. Along with Ramsey Personalities Rachel Cruze and Chris Hogan, Ramsey teaches lessons on budgeting, relationships and money, getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing. On average, families who complete FPU pay off $5,300 and save $2,700 in the first 90 days. Following the class nearly 94 percent of those

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families budget regularly. “FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your life,” says

Residents can ring in the new yar with 10 free flowering trees by joining the Arbor Day Foundation any time during January 2018. By becoming a part of the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation, new members will receive two Sargent crabapples, three American redbuds, two Washington hawthorns, and three white flowering dogwoods.

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“These beautiful trees will beautify your home with lovely flowers of pink, yellow and white colors,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “These trees are perfect for large and small spaces, and they will provide food and habitat for songbirds.” The free trees are part of the foundation’s Trees for America campaign.

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The trees will be shipped postpaid at the right time for planting, between Feb. 1 and May 31, with enclosed planting instructions. The 6to 12-inch tall trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge. Members will also receive a subscription to the foundation’s bimonthly publication, Arbor Day, and The Tree Book,

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fit from the information.” An FPU membership includes access to online video lessons, a one year subscription to the EveryDollar Plus budgeting

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which includes information about tree planting and care. To become a member of the foundation and to receive the free trees, send a $10 contribution to TEN FREE FLOWERING TREES, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Avenue, Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Jan. 31. Residents can also join online at arborday.org/ january.

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tool, member workbook for all nine lessons and other additional resources. Go to DaveRamsey. com/FPU for more information.

Ring in the new year with free trees

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Ramsey. “This isn’t a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can bene-

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SERVICE DIRECTORY

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

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D8 Wednesday, January 10, 2018

B A C K P A G E

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

Creating realism, luminosity in her art

Photos courtesy Arleta Pech

This painting was created for an international, juried show for a museum in Wausau, Wisconsin. The theme was “Birds of a Feather.” Arleta went on a hunt for glass ﬁgurines, considering about 30. Her attention was captured by the big toucan, which appears to be conducting the meeting, “It was fun to paint,” Arleta said. “Birds of a Feather” was included in a four-year museum tour across the U.S.

BY ANNETTE BRAND

Staff Writer

rleta Pech, an artist of renown in several areas of art, calls Austin home and is exhibiting at Impression Z in Cedaredge and The Purple Peacock in Ouray. Arleta also teaches art. “I teach adults watercolor or oils in private sessions at a time convenient to each artist’s schedule,” Arleta explained. She has return students scheduled throughout the year: a student from Kentucky returning in February for her sixth year; a new student coming from Washington in April; a student from Connecticut returning for her third year in September; and a student from Arizona coming for her seventh year in October. “I also teach large workshops in Wisconsin, Michigan, Connecticut, and have traveled the world teaching groups of artists,” Arleta said. “But I prefer the private sessions of one or two friends so that I can concentrate on each artist’s needs. “I teach step by step to help them learn, instead of overwhelming them with too much too fast. I design a lesson for them personally for what they want to learn, painting silver, flowers, landscapes, even animals.” Arleta grew up in southern Illinois in a rural area. She

Arleta works with a 1400 degree torch in creating Lampwork beads. She takes glass rods and melts the rods to enable her to create unique glass beads. She loves the luminosity and transparency she sees in the beads. Pictured above are Intense Blue Focal Bead necklace and earrings and below are several shawl pins.

Arleta and Bruce Pech. Their ﬁrst meeting involved a challenge of whether his 1967 Mustang or her 1966 Mustang was the fastest. This encounter resulted in love at ﬁrst sight and, 47 years later, they are still in love. began drawing when she was very young. “Being an only child, it kept me out of the animal pens on the farm,” she says. “My parents moved to Colorado when I was in fifth grade,” Arleta said. “The reason I like this area so much is because it reminds me of home.” “My art teacher in Arvada wanted me to go on to art school. Toward the end of my senior year, she came in with an ad for an assistant commercial artist at Decals, Inc. in Denver. It was an on-the-job training opportunity and I was hired for the job,” she said, recalling the excitement of the opportunity. Arleta learned watercolor in 1974 and began teaching watercolor at the rec center in Edgewater in 1977. Arleta’s art was receiving attention in magazine and the press in the late 1990s. Her art was discovered by Mill Pond Press, an agent that created limited edition prints to sell to print galleries around the world. She signed with Mill Pond Press in 2000. Mill Pond liked to “gift” their artists with research trips. While Arleta was on tour doing shows for Mill Pond’s galleries, she was “gifted” with a trip to the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. Visiting the National Gallery was a life-changing experience for her, she said, adding, “I have always known a painting is worth 1,000 words for anyone who views it.” Arleta also works in Lampwork beads, working with glass rods to make unique glass beads for her jewelry and shawl/sweater pins. She said, “My original work is known for its realism and luminosity, painted with layers of transparent glazes, in oil or in watercolor. That’s why I’m also drawn to making glass beads, for that same luminosity.” As a young adult she met Bruce Pech at the gas station where Bruce was working. “He insulted my Mustang!” Arleta exclaimed.

After her mother died, Arleta found a small photo of sewing machines among her mother’s things — left. Her mother had worked for a shoe company and used old treadle machines in her work. At the time Arleta’s mother died, so many U.S. manufacturing jobs were going to other countries, reminding Arleta that work done on the machines in the photo was being outsourced. Bruce was driving a 1967 Mustang, white convertible, 6-cylinder engine. Arleta was driving a 1966 Mustang with a 289 cubic inch racing engine. Arleta challenged Bruce to a race. “I left him and his Mustang in the dust,” she said. “It was love at first sight,” Arleta declares, “and 47 years later we are still in love.” Bruce and Arleta looked at each other with that love evident. Together they said, “We wish we still had those Mustangs.” Bruce and Arleta lived in Arvada for many years. Arleta said, “Bruce’s parents, Richard and Violet Pech, bought land in Cory over 40 years ago. His brother, Gary Pech, has lived over here for 50 years. We have been coming

here to see family for that long. So it seemed natural for Bruce to retire here and for me to move my art studio here. Bruce retired from Ace Hardware in Lakewood. They moved to Austin last year in June. “Bruce is one of those men who knows something about all types of things,” Arleta said, “from electrical, plumbing, he’s a great fix-it guy. Perfect for the Ace job.” “We bought an old home sitting on the bluff, which was Muriel Marshall’s home that they built,” Arleta said. Bruce, pointing out many of the special features of the house, confirmed his knowledge about “all types of things.” “The house is happy to have another creative person living

in it,” Arleta added. Arleta has written two books: Painting Fresh Florals in Watercolor, 1998, and Radiant Oils, published in 2010. Both publications have sold over 35,000 copies each. Impression Z in Cedaredge will be featuring Arleta Pech as its Artist of the Month from Jan. 11 through February. Arleta invites those interested in her art to visit with her during the Impression Z reception for her on Friday, Jan. 12, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. She invites interested persons to visit her website: www. arletapech.com. Her email address is Arleta@arletapech. com and her telephone number 303-902-2006.

Arleta created this beautiful scene for a one-woman show in South Carolina. She chose a party theme from “Alice in Wonderland.” All the pieces painted are found in that book. Arleta picked ﬂowers from her garden in Arvada. She had something of a problem keeping Bruce from eating the pastries before she ﬁnished the painting.