Delta County Independent, Feb. 21, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NATIONAL FFA WEEK

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

90 YEARS OF TRADITION

FFA members have a passion for agriculture, community service, B4-5

SPORTS

COMMUNITY LEADER

3 WRESTLERS TITLE

Brinck named sole finalist for Cedaredge town administrator, C1

DELTA COUNTY

Cedaredge ends 35-year slump; Church remains undefeated, B7-10 FEBRUARY 21, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 8

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

School district addresses student/staff safety concerns BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Safety has been a top priority of Delta County Joint School District #50, even before the recent school shooting in Florida and the report of a student with a gun at Grand Mesa Choice Academy. The school district is working on a plan to implement increased security entrances by eventually adding security systems, locked doors and potentially school resource officers. School administrators have also worked with local law enforcement on a safety plan that is unique to each individual school. Late last week, superintendent Caryn Gibson penned a letter to the community. She wrote, “This is a time of intense sorrow and anxiety for all school communities, and we feel it is important to share with you that Delta County Schools do have safety procedures and protocols in place. Please know that our top priority in Delta County School District is student and staff safety. We also have trained staff to care for our children in coping with the grief and shock that come with learning about tragic events like the shootings in Florida.

“As a school district, we have worked closely with local law enforcement to implement safety and security measures to ensure that schools provide a safe learning environment for all children. Our staffs are trained on safety policies and procedures. We are spending time working to ensure all schools are adhering to established safety protocols, enforcing that safety procedures are being followed. “As the situation in Florida continues to unfold, please know that Delta County School District is ready to support students with concerns or fears while they are at school. If your students are having issues dealing with the Florida situation, please have him/her visit with their school administrator. School administrators have access to trained mental health professionals and resources that can support students through this emotional event.” Gibson followed up with tips for parents to use when discussing the Florida tragedy. The day after the Florida tragedy, law enforcement responded to the campus of the Technical College of the Rockies after a 15-year-old

student was seen with a gun. The 15-year-old male attends Grand Mesa Choice Academy, which is on the TCR campus south of Delta. Law enforcement from the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, Delta Police Department and Colorado State Patrol responded to the 911 call at about 9 a.m. As law enforcement entered the school the 15-year-old male subject was taken into custody for questioning without incident. No shots were fired and no students or faculty were injured. School resumed shortly after the incident. After further investigation into the incident, sheriff ’s investigators learned the following information: A student attending the Grand Mesa Choice Academy overheard another student state he had a gun. That student did the appropriate thing and notified school administration staff. The school administrator then contacted the sheriff ’s office to report a student possibly had a gun on campus. “The Delta County Sheriff ’s Office and Delta Police Department responded to the campus in the appropriate SCHOOL SAFETY TO A3

Photo by Tamie Meck

Undefeated state titlist

Delta’s Logan Church capped his senior year with a perfect 35-0 record and the Class 3A heavyweight title at the state wrestling tournament last weekend. Cedaredge wrestlers Trey Geyer and Sean Dale won titles at 120 and 126 pounds, respectively. See complete coverage of all Delta County wrestlers in the sports section, pages B7-10.

Sold-out crowd demonstrates support for DHS BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

An event planned months before two student deaths at Delta High School became a rallying point for the community last week. A sold-out crowd of 600-plus filled the school gymnasium to watch the Harlem Wizards take on the Panther Pack — a team comprised of teachers, school administrators and law enforcement. Delta High School and its

student council split the cost of bringing the high-energy Wizards to town, with the primary goal being community unity. Student council advisor and school counselor Shawna Magtutu put hours and hours into ensuring the success of the event. She said, “The whole evening just made my heart grow with hope, strength and joy for this special community, and the amazing Harlem Wizards organiza-

tion that made the night so magical and healing for our community, on so many levels. This event also seemed to be the first time in Delta history that we completely maxed out the capacity of our gym (don’t tell the fire marshals!). The outpouring of love, support and courage displayed by this community leaves me speechless. I am beyond grateful to everyone involved — including the beloved families of Ben and Jon. We laughed,

danced, cried, and united as one community in our connection and commitment to break the stigma of silence, and continue to spread light and hope.”

Yager’s retrial begins Tuesday BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Panther Pack coach Renee Cronenberg offers words of encouragement to Pablo Payan, a fellow DHS teacher. Also pictured are team members Blake Carlquist, a teacher at Hotchkiss High School, and James Hughes, a teacher at Delta Middle School.

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ......................A11 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A12 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 FFA Week ................. B4-5 Health & Fitness ...... A7-9 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries ....................A10 School Zone ................. A-7 Sports ........................B7-10 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

The Panther Pack lost the game, which wasn’t surprising — the Harlem Wizards haven’t been defeated in 40-plus years. They treated WIZARDS TO A3

It’s now been seven years since the brutal slaying of Melinda Tackett Yager in Paonia, and while her estranged husband has been jailed since her death, his conviction is still up in the air. Yager was convicted of second degree murder following a jury trial in November 2012, but won an appeal when his attorney successfuly argued that the trial court erroneously refused to instruct the jury on the defense of insanity. The conviction was overturned and Yager is to be retried next week. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. In preparation for the trial, Judge Steven Schultz heard pretrial motions in January from public defender Kori Zapletal, district attorney Dan Hotsenpiller and Janet Drake from the state attorney general’s office. There’s little dispute about Yager’s role in the death of his wife; what’s in question is his

state of mind at the time of her death. Several incidents between the time the Yagers separated in July 2010 and Melinda’s death six months later illustrate that Yager acted knowingly and that he was sane at the time of Melinda’s murder, Hotsenpiller argued. He outlined several incidents which he says establish knowledge and intent, and counter the claim of insanity being forwarded by Yager’s defense. Zaplatel argued that several of those incidents are unduly prejudicial to her client. His world was coming apart, she told the judge, and he became so stressed out he went into a disassociative state. She has lined up experts to testify that Yager was not sane when he slashed Melinda’s throat. The trial is set to begin Tuesday, Feb. 27. The district attorney’s office anticipates jury selection will take the first three to four days. A total of three weeks have been aside for the trial.

Libraries forgive fines

Meet candidates

Suicide conversation

Wednesday, Feb. 28, is the final day of Library Lovers Month and it is fine forgiveness day. If you have not shown your library love yet in February, then this is the day. Find and return your lost library items, in good condition, during the month of February, and have your overdue fines cleared during this onetime, countywide, fine forgiveness day. Items must be returned by Feb. 28. Fees will not be cleared for items that are not returned. Fines begin accruing per Delta County Libraries’ borrowing policies on March 1.

The Delta Area Chamber of Commerce is providing an opportunity for Delta voters to get acquainted with city council candidates Nathan Clay, Kevin Carlson and Jay Stooksberry. A candidate forum is scheduled Thursday, March 1, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Delta Performing Arts Center. Audience members will have an opportunity to submit written questions to the event moderator, and each candidate will have an opportunity to respond.

Join fellow community members at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center for a forum entitled “Community Conversations on Suicide.” This community meeting is hosted by the Safety, Education & Wellness (SEW) Coalition, which consists of partnerships between the Delta County School District, the Center for Mental Health, Delta Police Department, Delta County Sheriff’s Office, A Kidz Clinic, Delta County Memorial Hospital, Delta County Health & Human Services, and numerous faithbased organizations. Be the connection to spread HOPE, HELP, and STRENGTH in all corners of our community.

A2 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Moving access won’t solve Highway 65 problems Dear Editor: Try building a house in Orchard City off of Highway 65 and see what happens. Seven years ago I bought three and a half acres off Highway 65 and this past summer built a small house on the back corner of the property. I had bought the property with the help of an attorney and thought everything was ready to go. I thought the well-developed road to the north of my property was my driveway, only to find it was an easement for Delta-Montrose Electric on my property. DMEA gave me permission to use the easement as my driveway, as long as I didn’t build anything that would obstruct the access. That was no problem since the house was being built on the back part of the property. I asked them to send a letter to Orchard City to that effect, which they did. In the meantime, CDOT informs me I had to move the access some 30 to 40 feet south to line up

with the road, Horseshoe Lane, an attempt to limit the number of accesses off Highway 65. I debated the fact the access road already there seemed to be the most logical way to go and moving my access road would not solve the real problem, which is the congestion and dangerous conditions related to the increase of traffic on an outdated highway. I finally had to get a certified engineer to draw up plans and submit them to CDOT for approval in order to get a notice to proceed (NP). I finally secured a NP and was fairly confident that I could get my certificate of occupancy from Orchard City, since they had been telling me I needed the NP before that could happen. I contacted Orchard City only to be told I could not get my certificate of occupancy until the road was built, although the access permit from CDOT gave me a year to put it in. The mayor of Orchard City said it is the town’s

policy for the road to be put in before the certificate of occupancy is issued. Without the certificate of occupancy, I can not turn my construction loan into a mortgage, pretty important. I stated once again the problem on Highway 65 is not my access road but the outdated highway needing turn lanes, frontage roads and widening. I have lived in Delta for the majority of my life and the flow of traffic on Highway 65 is totally out of control. The morning and evening traffic can back up with 15 or more cars if someone decides to turn in areas that should have turn lanes, or if a school bus stops to drop off or pick up kids. This is a serious problem for drivers. I see CDOT having funding to do road improvements everywhere else but on Highway 65. The safety of our residents should be the priority of every town government served by Highway 65. Melody Sebesta Orchard City

How did we lose our respect for life? Dear Editor: We have had another mass shooting. This time 17 people in Florida lost their lives. Why is this happening? It is easy to blame the tool used in this type of horrific deed but if we are going to make any real progress toward stopping this we need to look at the basic cause of such events. Mass killings of this type rarely happened in former times here in America. Something has gone wrong in our society. We now have sick people in a sick society doing terrible acts of violence against their fellow humans. My contention is that, as a people, we have lost our respect for life. How did this happen? Here are some ideas: Evolution — we are now taught that we are creatures of evolution. Essentially it is said that we are the result of a series of genetic mutations that brought pond scum through a series of changes to what we are now. “From goo to you by way of the zoo.” In

essence, human life is no more valuable than that of any other creature. Abortion — We are now allowed to terminate a human life because it is an inconvenience or for some other so-called “reason.” The fetus is not made up of dead lifeless cells, rather those cells have life in them which must be killed, thus diminishing the value of life. Assisted suicide — If life is too difficult on its own terms, the voters of Colorado have said it is permissible to have a doctor help terminate a life. What might this lead to in the future and what message does it send to society and impressionable youth? Violent video games — These are the games where players kill, kill, kill and become desensitized to the idea of wiping people out. I have seen research that makes a link between these games and mass shootings. Who knows what effect such games might have on some people. Movies and TV — How

much killing goes on in movies and on TV? There is a tremendous amount of that as well as in some of the popular music. One more huge factor — We have removed God and His directions for a successful life and society from the public arena and schools, thus eliminating the consideration of eternal consequences for the taking of innocent life. How about you? Are you guilty of supporting or taking part in any of the above stated points? If so, you share in part with creating a society where those mass killings take place. Blaming the gun is a cheap, easy way of attaching blame on an inanimate object. It is not so easy to put the blame where it really belongs, is it? How are you going to change to help heal our sick society? Again, it is not the fault of the gun or the bomb or the truck driven into a crowd of people. Think about it. Respect life! Vic Ullrey Paonia

Why you’re asked to buy Girl Scout cookies Dear Editor: You may have seen the following posted on Facebook in recent days, and we feel it perfectly says exactly what we as Girl Scout leaders hope our community understands about why our girls are asking you to buy cookies, and we wanted to share it with your readers. We have almost 80 Girl Scouts in Delta County, from kindergarten to high school, who come from each of our six communities, and who will be selling cookies until March 11. Each of these 80 girls are smart, feisty, kind, funny, loving, compassionate, amazing little girls, girls who come to Girl Scouts for a place to belong, a place to find friends, and a place where they’re learning, badge by badge and cookie sale by cookie sale, to be smart, feisty, kind, funny, loving, compassionate, amazing women. That little girl in front of your grocery store at the cookie booth, or the little girl who knocks on your door, bravely asking an adult stranger to please buy one box of cookies, just may be the little girl who grows up to sit on your city council. These are the girls who will grow up and teach in your schools, serve as the presidents of your nonprofit boards, cut your hair, manage your health care, manage your bank, run your businesses, chair

your fundraising committee, lead your church and raise the next generation of smart, feisty girls. Cookie season is more than just girls trying to earn patches, prizes and a discount at summer camp. It’s an investment in a kid. It’s a $4 investment that will pay untold dividends in her future. Yes, sometimes a cookie CAN do all of that. *** Girl Scouts all over the nation are out selling cookies. You’ll see them in their vests or sashes, in groups or with a parent, pulling wagons or carrying bags full of Thin Mints, Savannah Smiles, S’mores, Tagalongs, and Samoas. What you won’t see are the hours their leaders spent with them coaching on money skills, sales pitches, goal setting, and professionalism. What you won’t see is a big number 250 or 700 or 1,050 written down in a little girl’s handwriting and taped up by her bed, her mind set on selling that number of boxes. What you won’t see is the pounding heart of a little girl who gets nervous talking to strangers. What you won’t see is her parent reviewing a summer camp brochure and scribbling down how much money she’ll need to save each month plus how many boxes of cookies her daughter will

need to sell in order to get there. So please smile back. Please speak kindly. Please buy a box or few, or donate boxes. Please be patient while she counts money. Please let her do the math. Please ask her about her cookie goal. Please ask her about her badges, her awards and her adventures. Please, let her know she is valued. Yep, a box of cookies can do all that! #more thanjustcookies (Original author unknown) Alisha Komives and Toni Conger Co-leaders Troop #15055 Jessica Anderson, Jessica Early, Jessica Findley, Kami Collins, Co-leaders Troop #10083 Delta

Anatomy of a county ordinance Dear Editor: It’s times like these that I wish I’d paid better attention in my high school civics classes. Then, I might have been better prepared to reconcile how our county commissioners could adopt a hot-topic ordinance without hearing the voice of a single citizen publicly speak before the ordinance’s adoption. The Feb. 5 adoption of Ordinance No.2018-01 limiting marijuana cultivation on residential property, went off like clockwork — at least, from a bureaucratic process standpoint. Most state statutes were followed and the public had plenty of time to offer comments. “In fact, numerous members of the public did provide comments,” says

administrator Robbie LeValley. None of these comments, however, were read aloud at a public meeting and three prominent members of the community, present for the second reading of the ordinance, were not allowed to speak. Adding insult to injury, one of these citizens interrupted the Commissioner’s call to vote when he realized that public comment would not be taken. He was denied the opportunity until after the unanimous vote to adopt the ordinance occurred, and later told that, while his objections were heard, the decision had already been made. While this process followed “standard operating procedure,” at no time

during public meetings was the public invited to speak about the proposed ordinance. The ordinance notice in the DCI never mentioned that public comment was welcome, nor was contact information provided. It doesn’t really take a civics class to understand what went wrong here. Governing isn’t about going through the motions of bureaucracy, but about holding dear the spirit behind our republic and the democratic process. A healthy democracy demands real and earnest engagement between citizens and government. Bureaucratic maneuvering and Robert’s Rules of Order alone simply won’t do. JoAnn Kaleank Hotchkiss

Read the report, do the math Dear Editor: The NFMMDP cannot do for Delta County what industry agents claim. The North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan (NFMMDP) consists of three wells in Delta County and 32 wells in Gunnison County. Federal mineral royalty dollars and state severance tax dollars are distributed on a county-of-origin basis, meaning dollars go back to the county that produced the oil and gas. According to the operator’s production estimates, the three wells in Delta County would produce about two million cubic feet of natural gas per year. Based on current commodity prices, an effective severance tax rate of 1.86 percent and a royalty rate of 12.5 percent, that equals about $25,000 in severance tax and $650,000 in federal mineral royalties per year. That money is collected by the federal and state government and redistributed to counties and municipalities by state agencies using a complex series of formulas and factors. The long and short of it is that only 15 percent

of severance and 9.8 percent of federal mineral dollars go directly back to the county that produced the gas. That equals $3,750 in severance and $63,700 in royalties. Some of the rest (the feds keep 51 percent of royalty dollars) may return at some point to our communities in the form of competitive grants and loans, but it doesn’t hit the county budget, and there is no way for the county to estimate the specific amount that would return from the NFMMDP. I don’t know about you, but where I come from $67,450 is a lot less than the $25,000,000 industry agents are throwing around. We provided detailed interactive spreadsheets and templates in our guidebook if you’d like to follow the money on these complex redistributions for yourself: http://www.chc4you. org/guidebook-oil-gascost-benefit-analysis/ It’s too easy to say that oil and gas is great when you compare revenue from every well in Colorado with three wells in Delta County. These well-paid industry agents want you to see millions

of dollars and get in line without question. No one is denying that oil and gas projects generate revenue. In fact, we acknowledge that in our report — stating that the NFMMDP would result in $410,000 to $437,000 in direct revenue to Delta County. However, that same project could result in $810,000 of costs, outweighing the revenues. Every project is different, they all warrant close inspection, and our elected officials MUST challenge the industry’s claims. This is about trust. This is about due diligence. This is about transparency. Delta County supported the NFMMDP, and other oil and gas projects, without conducting a cost-benefit analysis. No matter what industry agents say to the contrary, that’s the issue. Industry agents are once again trying to distract from that. It sure looks like they are trying to stifle transparency, and discourage the county from doing its job. Natasha Léger Executive Director (Interim), Citizens for a Healthy Community

Don’t put funding for outdoor recreation at risk Dear Editor: Funding from the outdoor recreation industry is an important part of Colorado’s economy, and it has the potential to grow, as shown by the recent move of the Outdoor Retailer trade shows from Utah, bringing an estimated $45 million in direct annual spending.

I am upset to read in the Feb. 14 Denver Post that Congressman Scott Tipton’s and Senator Cory Gardner’s support for opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling is a threat to keeping that spending in Colorado. Please recall that it was elected officials’ support for remov-

We don’t have to choose Dear Editor: “We’ve always known that oil and gas is not compatible with our region.” That’s a quote from Jeff Schwartz, an opinion, presented as fact. While there’s no denying the often boom and bust cycle of the oil and gas industry, to say it’s not compatible with our region is ridiculous. The Western Slope of Colorado has an abundance of natural gas resources that have been developed safely, responsibly, and to the benefit of the community. Simply because a very loud pocket of residents doesn’t like it doesn’t mean they should have final and definitive say on what happens here. And the idea

Don’t play the blame game Dear Editor: I went to a suicide discussion meeting in Delta. Whenever there is a suicide a lot of the public blames the school system. The school system is here to educate. I made the comment that almost all of the kids who commit suicide really don’t have parents. I will clarify this statement. A good parent is loving, caring, provides guidance and spends time

Delta County Independent

with their kids. When I say kids don’t have parents, I’m referring to the families that have no time for their kids, or the parents are on drugs or alcohol. Do not blame anyone, including the school system and teachers. If you are not involved in preventing these problems, then you are at fault. Alan R. Story Delta

that it’s a choice between clean water and air or having oil and gas development is a talking point that has been debunked too many times to count. I hope Delta County makes the right decision and moves forward with the development proposed by Gunnison Energy. Mike Roberts Cedaredge

ing federal protection for public lands that led to the decision to move the trade shows from Utah, and that can happen again. If Colorado were to lose its reputation for protecting public lands for recreation there would certainly be other potential costs besides these particular trade shows. At a time when renewable energy prices are undercutting the costs of fossil fuels for electrical power generation, as in the recent Xcel Energy bids (Denver Post Jan. 16), there is no need to put funding for the outdoor recreation industry in Colorado at risk by Tipton’s and Gardner’s support for fossil fuel projects like drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. David Inouye Hotchkiss

Oil/gas study is flawed Dear Editor: I see that the local anti-oil and gas activists have released yet another flawed so-called economic study which claims oil and gas development is harming Delta County. As usual, the premise of the report is that oil and gas development inherently conflicts with and harms agricultural and recreational activities. This is obviously untrue. There are multiple examples in the state of Colorado where oil and gas development and other uses occur without conflict. But the best example is close to home in the North Fork Valley! For the past 15 years, oil and gas development as well as agricultural and recreational activities have taken place

without conflict. The fact that agricultural and recreational activities in the North Fork Valley have flourished during a time of continuous oil and gas development proves these activities are compatible. Don’t be fooled by this new “study.” Brad Robinson President Gunnison Energy 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

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Learn the effects of marijuana

Mad Dog Ranch sold at reduced price

“Effects of Marijuana On Our Community,” will be the topic of an informational open forum featuring speakers and a question-and-answer session. This event is free to the public and will be held at the Delta Peforming Arts Center Monday, Feb. 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Photo by Pat Sunderland The forum is present- At halftime, kids clutching team photos, jerseys and basketballs lined up for ed by Scott Schaible and autographs from the Wizards. friends.

The 15,873-square-foot home built by rock and roll legend Joe Cocker and his wife Pam outside of Crawford recently sold for $3,875,000. The seven-bedroom, nine-bath home was initially listed at $4,295,000. The home was built in 1994 and sat on 243 acres

Death of Olathe man investigated

BY PAT SUNDERLAND

Wizards

FROM PAGE A1 audience members to a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancy passing and On Friday, Feb. 10, aerodynamic athleticism Stephen Felix, a 52-year- — and a whole lot of dancold male from Olathe, ing! Young and old alike was brought to Montrose Memorial Hospital by the Olathe Ambulance in an unconscious state. Radiologic examination revealed traumatic inju- FROM PAGE A1 ries and an acute sub- manner given the inforarachnoid hemorrhage mation they had,” the over his brain. He was sheriff ’s office stated in a transferred by St. Mary’s follow-up press release. Care Flight to St. Mary’s After conducting inHospital where he even- depth interviews, investually died despite inten- tigators learned the stusive care. dent did not possess a An autopsy was per- weapon and the student formed for the Montrose was released to his parCounty Coroner’s Office ent. of Medical Investigation While investigators confirming his injuries were at the school, a pisand the hemorrhage. The tol was discovered in a cause of death was the vehicle in close proximacute subarachnoid hem- ity to this incident. After orrhage; however, the further investigation, it manner of death is still was determined the pispending investigation. tol was not related to this This case is under inves- incident. Investigators tigation by Olathe Police are continuing to look Department, the Colo- into the matter of the rado Bureau of Investi- pistol located in a vehicle gation and the Montrose parked on campus. County Coroner’s Office The press release conof Medical Investigation. cludes with this reminder: “The Delta County Sheriff ’s Office would �� like to remind everyone, �� if you see something tell �� someone, if you hear

got in on the fun. There were lots of opportunities for audience interaction that not only entertained the crowd, but gave the Panther Pack players a break! Earlier in the day,

School safety

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Your church or organization having a special event? Email the DCI. editor@ deltacounty independent. com

something tell someone. In this case law enforcement responded immediately and within a short time determined there was no threat to students, staff or the community.”

the Wizards visited the elementary and middle schools in Delta to drum up excitement, share inspiring words with the kids, and demonstrate a few of their tricks. When game time arrived, it didn’t take much encouragement from the Wizards for those kids to raise the roof — and their voices — with loud screaming and yelling. Only the volume of the music exceeded the energy level of the young kids in the gym, creating a memorable experience for everyone in the bleachers.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Cheri Reece and Kirsten Alsdorf cheer on the Panther Pack. JR Reece, an ofﬁcer with the Delta Police Department (in middle) and Marty Rover, Delta Middle School principal, refereed the game with the Harlem Wizards.

Managing Editor

of land adjacent to thousands of acres of BLM land. According to tax records, the Mad Dog Ranch was purchased by an LLC with a Santa Barbara, Calif., address. The Cockers’ furnishings, artwork and personal possessions were excluded from the sale.

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A4 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

DCMH Volunteers honored at 42nd annual banquet To kick off the annual Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteer banquet, a new ceremony was held to honor volunteers or spouses who had passed away. Carlene Dougan, a longtime volunteer who lost her husband Bert (also a volunteer), lit the memory candle. Over 75 volunteers attended the Mardi Gras themed banquet and enjoyed a meal from C & J Café on Feb. 17. Founding members of the group were acknowledged including Dorothy Loyer, 98 years old, Peg Lucy and Sondra Webb. Jason Cleckler, hospital CEO, shared his

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keynote address with the hospital volunteers. He mentioned a recent ski accident that required surgery, telling jokes which delighted his audience. Cleckler thanked the volunteers profusely for donating over 16,000 hours in 2017 to DCMH. He spoke of the hospital being proactive, rather than reactive with the challenges in 2017 including reforms of Medicaid and Medicare, economic development in Delta County and political issues affecting health care at both the state and federal levels. Cleckler talked about the community needs assessments which identified behavioral/mental health, affordability and access as key health care concerns locally from community members and regionally in a joint community needs assessment with the hospitals in Gunnison and Montrose. A summary of top accomplishments for DCMH in 2017 were presented by the hospital CEO and included: • Behavioral health was integrated into the

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hospital’s primary care clinics, and a regional coalition was established to work jointly on behavior health issues. • Building and opening the new West Elk Clinic – Hotchkiss, a 10,000 square foot clinic now seeing between 80120 new patients each month. West Elk Walkin Clinic was opened in Paonia. • Addressing transparency issues about price and affordability. In compliance with new legislation from the state, prices are posted on the hospital website. • Emphasis on collaboration over competition — working closely with other entities, hospitals and health care facilities. Cleckler said the future of health care is collaboration; perhaps the next step is to collaborate with insurance companies to benefit patients in the future. • DCMH was named in the Top 100 rural community hospitals in the nation for the third year in a row by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. • The surgery department managed to again lower the surgical site infection rate to 0.15 percent, when the national average for surgical site infection rates is between three and five percent. “We are facing even more challenges in 2018, but a new strategic plan

Photo submitted

Over 75 attended the 42nd annual Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteer banquet on Saturday, Feb. 17. created by every single hospital employee was then that was melded into the overall strategic plan for the hospital was orchestrated by the hard work of Jody Roeber, chief clinical officer. Areas of emphasis in 2018 include financial viability, continuing to provide quality care with ‘all hands on deck contributing,’ and exploring new types of services to offer to the families of our community,” explained Cleckler. Cleckler said the priorities for this new year of 2018 are: behavioral health and addressing the “emergency” of the opioid epidemic. He cited a statistic that the num-

VFW, library team up to help troops Lee Marts VFW Post 3571, its Auxiliary, and the Delta Library are teaming up again to help supply deployed active duty military men and women with “goodie boxes” from home. This joint project, dubbed Operation Troop Bounty, provides a way for community members to provide active duty military personnel with such useful and appreciated things like travel size toiletries, snacks (such as jerky, gum, individual size packs of snack crackers and cookies), and unfortunately exempting chocolate (which melts in so many environments), books, hard

Subscribe to the DCI. Call 874-4421 for rates in your area.

Delta County

candy, individual packets of baby wipes packaged individual drinks (coffee, tea, cocoa, etc.), puzzles, combs and more. A complete list is available at the Delta Library or you can call Jennifer Wright at 640-7720. So many simple little things can mean so much in the middle of nowhere, thousands of miles from home! Items donated at the Delta Library between Feb. 26 and March 31 will be collected, packaged and shipped overseas by VFW members to deployed individuals who share the bounty with their comrades. Local GIs are the number one priority of the local post, so if you have loved ones deployed in harm’s way overseas, call the Delta Library staff at 874-9630 or Jennifer Wright at 640-7720 with a name and address.

ber one cause of death for people age 50 and younger is now overdose from opioid drugs. There will be an increased focus on transparency issues for health care including pricing and access. The hospital CEO informed the audience that with changes in health care from past years, now the patient/ consumer is the number one payer for health care, as patients pay increasingly more out of pocket for their own health care. “Clearly those of us in the health care business want to make sure we are listening to what our patient/consumers want and what is important to them including access, affordability and convenience,” Cleckler said. He also stated that virtual visits with physicians will begin at the end of February at the West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss, following a national trend to make health care more convenient. “We are moving away from the traditional illness model of health care and now are concentrating on wellness and preventative health in a healthier environment,” explained Cleckler. “Our success as a health care facility is how many people are living healthier lives with prevention and early intervention of health issues, and treating the entire person including behavioral health with the goal of helping them to stay out of the hospital.” DCMH is now offering Tai Chi, smoking cessation, massage, acupuncture, diabetes counseling, weight loss classes, yoga and even a naturopathic doctor. Following Cleckler’s presentation, volunteers

were presented with pins recognizing their number of hours and years of service: pins — 500-hour Sandy Cross, William Pomgrantz and Dorinda Capodice. 1,000-hour pins — Barbara Hall, Susan Spinden and Michel Adams. 2,000-hour pins — Dora Allen, Betty Trmbly, Cherrie Gilliam and Diana Neil. 3,000-hour pin — Susan Flores, Evelyn Frazier, Mary Claxton and Rose Dittmer. 4,000-hour pin — Sondra Webb. 5,000-hour pin — Joyce Polfer and Clarine Johnston. 7,000-hour pin — Peg Lucy and Janamarie Dugle. Five years — Lynn Williams. Ten years — Susan Flores, Barb Hoffart, Joyce Raley and Wilma Reever. Twenty-five years — Rose Marie Prince. Thirty years — Ruth Marvel, honorary.

Photo submitted

Dorothy Loyer, age 98, is a founding member of the DCMH Volunteers. The organization was established about 42 years ago.

BIRTHS

2018 ��

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Makaya Love and Titus Koehn of Cedaredge are the parents of a son, Adam Scott Koehn, born Feb. 8, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 18.5 inches in length. Monik Chavez and Raul Mendoza of Hotchkiss are the parents of a son, Sebastian Saul Mendoza, born Feb. 11, 2018, at Delta County Photo submitted Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 12.4 Carlene Dougan, longtime hospital volunteer, lights ounces and was 18.75 a memory candle for all volunteers and/or spouses who passed away during 2017. inches in length.

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Photo submitted

Volunteer ofﬁcers for 2018 are (left to right) Lynn Williams, gift shop treasurer; Wilma Reever, general treasurer; Pat Moore, secretary; Connie Barry, vice president; and Ida Walden, president.

Delta County Independent

Students of the Month

LOCAL NEWS

Photo submitted

Garnet Mesa Elementary School recognized the Students of the Month for January. Pictured above are fourth and ﬁfth grade students Aaron Ornales, Willon Rice, Stefan Williams, Alexia Sanchez, Shelby Weidler, Kyndahl Duran, Giovanni Madrid and Xavier Gonzalez.

Prizes for photos

Where fashion meets comfort

Bill Heddles Recreation Center is turning 25 years old in 2018. The City of Delta is seeking photographs that best tell the story of the facility over the last 25 years. All photos must include people. Please pick up your photo information packet at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Submissions must be returned by Friday, March 16. For more information, call 874-0923.

Y ou’re Invited!

Delta Police, sheriff’s blotter

From the Delta Feb. 17: Officers responded to Police Department: the area of 5th Street and Main Street for a Feb. 11: Officers responded traffic accident. Adam A. Kasamis, 29, to an address on Bluff Street for the report of a of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with disturbance. a $750 bond. Feb. 12: Brian J. Ramirez, 22, Officers responded to an address on Palmer of Delta was arrested Street for the report of a and jailed on charges of suspicious incident/possi- third degree assault with ble burglary in progress. a $0 bond. Citations: Eight tickOfficers received a report regarding a pos- ets were issued this week sible sex assault on a for various traffic violations. child. Officers responded to an address on PinFrom the Delta ion Street for a citizen County Sheriff’s Office assist. (partial list): Officers responded to the lobby for a citizen Feb. 12: At about 1 p.m., Dirk assist. Officers responded to Pinto and Kelly Pollak Valley Sunset RV Park were involved in a headfor the report of a male on collision on Highwho was deceased. No way 133 near Paonia. criminal activity sus- Sheriff ’s deputies, North pected. Fork Ambulance and the Officers responded to Colorado State Patrol the 400 block of Main responded to the scene. Street for a traffic acci- Both drivers complained of some pain. Deputies dent. Officers responded to assisted with traffic conPalmer Street for a traf- trol while the CSP trooper completed the investific accident. Christopher J. Frent- gation. zel, 35, of Delta was An Eckert woman arrested and jailed on a reported a near-miss with warrant with a $1,200 a horse on the road in the bond. Eckert area shortly after Feb. 13: 10 p.m. At about 11 p.m., sherOfficers responded to an address on Porter iff ’s deputies assisted the Court for a possible sui- Delta Police Department cidal person. with the apprehension of Officers responded to Ricky Christenson, 40, of the 100 block of West Cedaredge. DPD officers 11th Street for the report spotted a suspicious vehiof a hit and run traffic cle in the area of Rose accident. Court. Christenson exited Feb. 14: the vehicle and was found Officers responded hiding on some property to an address on East nearby. He was arrested 19th Street for a possible on an outstanding felony warrant out of Montrose theft. John E. Norris, 52, of County and was taken to Delta was arrested on Delta County Jail pendcharges of hit and run, ing transport to Montrose failed to stop and give County or posting of the information, and driving $2,000 bond. under the influence. Feb. 13: Officers responded to A Hotchkiss resident 676 Hwy. 50 for a report was advised that a trade of first degree burglary, “gone bad” was a civil, theft and criminal mis- not criminal, matter. chief. A man living on 2000 Feb. 15: Road, Delta, observed a Officers took a phone half-ton Dodge pickup on report of a possible tres- his neighbor’s property. The neighbor had asked pass. Officers responded the man to keep an eye to 1760 Hwy. 50 for an on his property while he was out of town. The man agency assist. A juvenile female of walked over to the propDelta received a sum- erty and confronted three mons on charges of pos- individuals rummaging session of drug parapher- around in an outbuilding. They provided names nalia. Officers responded to and contact information the approximate inter- and complied with his section of East 10th request to leave. Nothing and Grand Avenue for a appeared to be missing. report of a traffic acci- When deputies arrived on the scene, the man dent. Officers took a lobby handed over the contact report of theft from a information. Deputies are attempting to detervehicle. A counterfeit $20 was mine if that information turned in to the police is real or fictitious. department for destruc- Feb. 14: tion. A man living on NiagRebecca M. Loos, 24, ara Avenue, Paonia, of Delta was arrested reported a maroon Chevy and jailed on a warrant Suburban had hit his with a $300 bond. fence. After taking down Feb. 16: the fence, the Suburban Officers responded to left the area. The man an area behind Stafford provided a description of Lane for the report of a the vehicle and its genpossible suicidal person. eral direction. Officers took a lobby A Delta resident who report of fraud. was expecting some Officers responded to important documents in the lobby to provide a the mail reported they’d citizen assist. likely been stolen. The Officers responded theft was one of several to Hastings Street for a that have been occurring report of a juvenile prob- throughout the counlem. ty. Delta County SherOfficers responded to iff Fred McKee advises Highway 92 and 1800 for recipients to check their a traffic accident. mailboxes as soon as posJesse A. Mcafee, 35, of sible after delivery, or to Delta was arrested and ask their neighbors to jailed on a violation of a do that favor if they’re protection order. not at home when mail is

delivered. Avoid the early placement of outgoing mail in the box; a raised red flag can draw wouldbe thieves. Feb. 14: A Peach Valley resident reported gunshots south of her home. Feb. 16: The Colorado State Patrol requested assistance with a traffic stop on 1800 Road, Delta, at about 6 p.m. Carl West, 25, of Delta was asked to perform roadside maneuvers and later taken into custody on alcohol-related charges. A Hotchkiss area resident requested assistance after hitting a deer. Although she was not injured, the airbags in her car deployed and she was unable to open her door. The car came to rest on a narrow shoulder with a broken windshield and a broken mirror. Feb. 13: A two-car accident involving Kandice Rigdon, 25, of Paonia and

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

a 17-year-old driver from Delta closed the Highway 92/65 intersection around 9 p.m. Sheriff ’s deputies, Colorado State Patrol, Delta firefighters and Delta County Ambulance responded to the scene. The extent of injuries is not known. Feb. 17: A Delta woman reported that $70 had been stolen out of her purse while she was at work. A debit card and a watch were taken from a co-worker’s bag. Feb. 18: A Cedaredge resident reported that her 17-yearold son was missing after walking away from Children’s Hospital in Aurora. The Aurora Police Department requested she file a report locally as well. Feb. 19: At about 1:30 a.m., Delta firefighters and sheriff ’s deputies were dispatched to an address on Soncrest Road, Delta, where a tree close to the house was on fire.

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25% of all proceeds will be generously donated to Fa milies Plus Email ads to: ads@deltacountyindependent.com

A6 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Photo by Pat Sunderland

As younger students listen, Challenge program students share catechisms they memorized from “It Couldn’t Just Happen: Knowing the Truth About God’s Awesome Creation.”

Classical Conversations celebrates ‘Excellence in Education’ Day For Classical Conversations, there are three components of a great education — the classical model of learning, taught within the framework of a Christ-centered worldview, in a supportive community.

when equipped with the tools of learning and the desire to honor Christ,” said CEO Robert Bortins. In western Colorado, Delta serves as the hub for the Classical Conversations community that stretches from Montrose to Cedaredge. Homeschoolers generally gather weekly to participate in a group assembly before separating into classes for an academically-charged learning experience. Parents participate in classes to learn how to teach classically at home. A community gathering earlier this month celebrated “Excellence in Education Day” and showcased student knowledge through memorization. The youngest students sang facts they’d learned about history, including Photo by Pat Sunderland the arrival of Columbus For her science fair project, Amelia Topliss designed in the New World and the an aquaponics system to raise kale, lettuce, spin- adoption of the Declaraach, herbs and bok choy. tion of Independence. From a young age, students are expected to stand up and present their memory work, so they are not bashful, said Lorraine Randlett, director of the San Juan Valley Classical Conversations. �� Older students took �� the stage to present �� memory work in science, math and Latin. Latin �� provides the foundation �� for the “classical” model of instruction that focus�� es on grammar, dialectic �� and rhetoric. �� New this year was a science fair for the older �� students. Their projects represented the culmination of weeks of research �� into a topic of interest. More information about Classical Conversations, with a link to the local community, can be found at www.classical �� conversations.com. The primary goal of Classical Conversations is to support parents and to encourage them on their homeschool journey. “Moms and dads are more than capable of educating their children, and they do especially well

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) Hunter Hines, Landon Foreman, Dameon Roberts, Ahlexia Padilla, Rudy Romero-Urrea; (front row) Enrique Sanchez, Adrian Lujano, Cesc Payan, Gauge Starr and Alejandro Romero. Below are second and third graders (back row) Brody Short, Trentin Munyon, Derick Curtis, Aleeya Giron; (front row) Molly-anne Mansfield, Andrew Crane and Kaci Teyler Crowder.

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Photo submitted

100 and counting

First graders in Ms. Martinez’ class at Garnet Mesa Elementary School dressed up for the 100th day of school as 100-year-olds. The 100th day of school for ﬁrst grade was on Wednesday, Feb. 7, and was celebrated by completing many activities involving the number 100.

Easter Eggstravaganza returns to Bill Heddles To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Bill Heddles Recreation Center, the City of Delta is bringing back the Easter Eggstravaganza Saturday, March 24, 10 a.m. to noon. The celebration will include indoor activities — egg decorating, games, crafts and the Easter Bunny. Remember to bring your camera for photos with the Easter

Bunny. At about 11:45 a.m., the kids will hop outside for an Easter egg hunt on Confluence Fields. Included with your admission to this event is an option to enjoy the pool until 2 p.m. for no additional fee. Advance registration is $3 per child ($5 the day of the event). To register, stop by Bill Heddles Recreation Center.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

The importance of making memories BY LISA MOCK Delta Family Center

I call my mother almost every day, mostly just to hear her voice and hear about her day. The other night I called and the conversation turned toward my own children’s future plans after high school and how fast the time has gone since they were little. We reminisced about their childhood, memories from when my sister and I were little, and even her memories as a young girl.

It brought up memories of food we ate on travels we had made as a family, working on school projects with my dad, and bike rides around the neighborhood. She told me about visiting her aunt on the farm and how they used to stock up the cellar with all sorts of canned goods. She also shared how she used to walk with her childhood friend to the ice skating rink in the knee-deep snow. The memories just kept com-

ing and it reminded me how precious each day is. Memories are fleeting for the most part, but spending time with your child and talking about their day can have a profound effect on their life, not just now, but for days and years to come. In the article, “The Power of the Earliest Memories” published in the Wall Street Journal, Sue Shellenbarger writes, “What you can remember from age 3 may help improve

aspects of your life far into adulthood. Children who have the ability to recall and make sense of �� memories from daily life �� — the first day of preschool, the time the cat died — can use them to �� better develop a sense of �� identity, form relation� � �� ships and make �� sound choices in adolescence and adulthood...” Using those little moments at the end of the day, on the way to the grocery store, or any time of the day, plays an important role in creat- �� ing a stronger, healthier �� child. In a world where we think memories are �� just a click away, Shellen- �� barger also states, “While �� the lives of many young- �� sters today are heavily �� documented in photos and �� video on social media and �� stored in families’ digital archives, studies suggest �� photos and videos have �� little impact. Parents play �� a bigger role in helping �� determine not just how �� many early memories �� children can recall, but �� how children interpret �� and learn from the events of their earliest experi�� ences.” Talking to your �� child about the events of their lives creates lasting �� memories. �� So I leave you with �� this challenge: Talk to your children and ask �� them questions everyday. Questions such as, what �� their favorite part was, �� who did they sit with at lunch, what was some�� thing funny that hap� �� pened today ... and then �� do it again tomorrow. The memories I have of my �� childhood have had an ��the � � �� enormous impact on person I am today, and �� for that I am grateful. �� I hope every parent can see the gift that each day �� with your child brings, and that parents every�� where try to give their presence as a present to their children every day. ��

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Mrs. Ogden’s ﬁfth grade students

GMES students provide hope with blue denim necklaces BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

More than 300 million people around the world are affected by a rare disease. James Kurtz was one of them. He was diagnosed with vici syndrome in 2009, just the 48th known case in the world. His brother Joseph is a student in Jaime Ogden’s fifth grade class at Garnet Mesa Elementary School. Early in the school year, he shared the story of his brother. He told how James passed away less than a year after his diagnosis. James was just shy of 17 months old. Joseph also wore a blue jean ribbon to class to raise awareness. Every year, Mrs. Ogden’s class reads the book “Wonder.” Auggie, the main character in the book, lives with a rare disease. In 2017, the book was made into a movie, also titled “Wonder,” which the students had an opportunity to see.

After reading the book and seeing the movie, Mrs. Ogden’s class decided to do a community service project. Remembering the story of James Kurtz, and the blue ribbon he wore, Mrs. Ogden approached Nichole and Joe Kurtz, the parents of James and Joseph, about a class project in conjunction with World Rare Disease Day. They decided to make necklaces out of blue jean ribbons, and to sell them at school Feb. 26-28. The necklaces cost $2, with the proceeds going to Global Genes®. Staff and student members are also encouraged to wear jeans on Wednesday, Feb. 28, in recognition of World Rare Disease Day. Global Genes® is one of the leading rare disease patient advocacy organizations in the world. The nonprofit organization promotes the needs of the rare disease community under a

unifying symbol of hope — the Blue Denim Genes Ribbon®. What began as a grassroots movement in 2009, with just a few rare disease parent advocates and foundations, has since grown to over 500 global organizations — and now to Garnet Mesa Elementary School. If you’d like to join the movement to support the individuals and families impacted by rare disease, stop by the office Feb. 26-28 to purchase a blue denim necklace.

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Thank You Delta Floral

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Nichole Kurtz cut denim into narrow strips, which GMES ﬁfth graders then looped over, glued and turned into a necklace like this one worn by Sophia, a cousin of Nichole’s.

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Working in small groups, GMES ﬁfth graders assemble blue denim necklaces with the help of a parent volunteer, Nichole Kurtz (right).

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A8 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Be an encouragement to young people BY SARAH YOUNG, RN, CPNP A Kidz Clinic

It has been said that children and teens need encouragement like a plant needs water. Young people are trying to figure out who they are and need to know that you believe in them. So what they need is praise, right?

Praise and encouragement are two different things. Praise tends to “puff up,” rather than build up. Yes, words of praise like “You’re so [smart or pretty or good at soccer]” make us all puff up our chest a little and feel happy for a moment. These types of comments point out natu-

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ral abilities that the person has little control over. Praise is like candy, a little is satisfying but too much becomes a problem. If teens are repeatedly praised for qualities they are born with, they begin to think their value is in being physically attractive or a star athlete. But what happens when they are not able to achieve and their natural abilities come up short? What happens when they are injured or fail a test? This is where encouragement comes in. Encouragement is all about helping a young person develop courage — courage to feel capable, to be resilient, to enjoy life and make a difference in the world. It’s also about having the courage to be imperfect knowing that making mistakes is a chance to learn. Great! So how do we change our words from praise to encouragement? Think about encouraging the effort. Instead of saying “You won the game! I’m so proud of you!” try “You’ve been working extra

Domestic violence support group meets Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., Hilltop Domestic Violence Services will sponsor a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. If there is enough interest we will also have an adult group in the North Fork. Please call 970-874-4941 to sign up.

hard on your free throws! You must be really proud of yourself.” The second comment leads to selfreflection and self-motivation. Here are a few tips for encouragement: Catch them in the act. Rather than random nice comments, offer encouragement in context: “I really appreciate how you take time to help your little brother practice his spelling words.” Focus on their feelings. It’s easy to say how proud we are of them but can we help them recognize their own feelings? Maybe say “The concert

went really well. How do you feel about it?” This gives space to reflect on their own experience and also permission to work through any challenges or disappointments. Notice their choices. Pointing out wise small choices builds confidence to make wise choices in the big things. It might sound like “You could have watched another video but you chose to help get ready for our trip. Thank you.” Actions speak louder than words. Finding time to attend sports games or events is a strong way to

show your support. Even a reassuring nod of the head or a cup of hot cocoa during a long study session can say “I notice you and I believe in you.” We all need a little encouragement, kids, teens and adults alike. Thank you reader for taking the time to think about this article. I believe in you and I know you can help build courage in others. Sarah Young is part of the A Kidz Clinic team, striving to help youth be physically and mentally strong. The clinic can be reached at 970-874-2753.

Never hesitate to report suspected child abuse or neglect Coloradans made a record breaking 211,554 calls to the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline in 2017, the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) reported recently. Launched in January 2015, 1-844-CO4-KIDS now enters its fifth year as a resource for Coloradans to learn the warning signs and report child abuse, neglect or sex trafficking. The high number of calls to the hotline in 2017 marks the end of the third year of a public awareness campaign by the department to promote the hotline and educate Coloradans on their role in reporting child abuse and neglect. In 2016, the department reported 206,107 calls to the state Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline. “If you are worried about a child or teenager in your neighborhood, at your church or in school, don’t hesitate to call 1844-CO-4-KIDS,” said Minna Castillo-Cohen,

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director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families at CDHS. “Even if you aren’t sure, making that phone call is one of the best ways you can help a kid in Colorado.” In 2017 — the first year in which calls about child sex trafficking, a form of child abuse, were tracked by the Colorado Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline — the department reported 307 potential cases of child sex trafficking. Child sex trafficking, a statutorily recognized form of child abuse or neglect, is the commercial sexual exploitation of children. “Child sex trafficking can sound far removed from our lives and communities, but we know survivors can be Colorado kids and teens from our own neighborhoods,” said Sara Nadelman, human trafficking specialist at the Colorado Department of Human Services. “Children and teens of any gender, age, race or background can be at risk. Sometimes traffickers identify and groom a child, and in other situations the trafficker is an individual the child knows, such as a parent, caregiver or ‘friend’ they met online. Even if you are unsure, we need everyone who has a concern to call 1-844-CO-4KIDS to report suspected child abuse. You can help put an end to trauma and ensure survivors receive the treatment and support they need.” Victims of child sex trafficking may not talk about their experiences, making it important to recognize the signs of child abuse. High-risk indicators a child or teen may already be involved in sex trafficking can include: The child or teen has money or other material items, such as a cell phone, they cannot explain. The child or teen has tattoos or scars they are hesitant or unable to explain, The child or teen experiences “stomach aches,” or difficulty sitting or standing. The child or teen posts

sexually explicit material or images online. The child or teen discusses participation in a sexual act in exchange for shelter, transportation, drugs, alcohol, money or other items of value. The child or teen is accompanied by an overly controlling “friend,” “partner” or “boss.” Other signs and factors that could increase risk include a history of abuse or neglect, identifying as LGBTQ, homelessness with no consistent caregiver and a lack of educational or socioeconomic opportunities. Visit CO4KIDS.org for more information about additional warning signs of child abuse, neglect and child sex trafficking. We all play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect. Never hesitate to report suspicious situations by calling 1844-CO-4-KIDS (1-844264-5437). If a child is in immediate danger, dial 911.

Photos submitted

20-year employees

Bobbie Sandoval (above) and William Laplante were recently recognized for 20 years of service at Delta County Memorial Hospital.

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Gallbladder and bile duct cancers are difficult to detect BY DR. HELEN GOLDBERG Integrative Oncologist Grand Mesa Oncology & Infusion Center

Photos submitted

Screening for health

In Paonia (above), 235 participants took advantage of the early blood draws offered by Delta County Memorial Hospital. The vast majority had appointments, so there was little waiting time. The same was reported in Cedaredge, 275 participants; and Delta, 373 participants on Friday and 317 on Saturday. At each location, eight to 10 phlebotomists were on hand to draw blood and volunteers from the Lions clubs (left) kept operations ﬂowing smoothly. Hospital volunteers sorted the samples and offered orange juice. If you missed the early blood draws, mark your calendars for the Health Fairs Tuesday, March 13, in Paonia; Thursday, March 15, in Delta; and Friday, March 16, in Cedaredge. Register online at www.deltahospital.org and see the ad in this week’s DCI for times and locations.

Colorado traffic fatalities are up 23 percent since 2014 Preliminary data from the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) indicates that traffic fatalities rose 23 percent in the last three years. In 2017 there were 630 traffic fatalities in Colorado, up 4 percent from 2016 when 608 people died. This includes pedestrians, motorcyclists, bicyclists and passenger vehicle occupants. “We can’t lay the blame for the uptick on Colorado’s population growth,” said Michael Lewis, CDOT executive director. “This comes down to poor choices many people make when driving, from not buckling up to driving impaired or using their phones.” Despite Colorado’s

seat belt law, Lewis says 16 percent of Coloradans do not buckle up and Colorado ranks 36th in the country in seat belt use. There were 211 unbelted deaths in passenger vehicle crashes last year. Those unbuckled deaths accounted for half of the 399 passenger vehicle fatalities in 2017. With 3.8 million licensed drivers in Colorado, one in every 33 Colorado drivers will be in a crash this year. Odds of surviving a crash improve immensely if motorists buckle up, watch their speed, avoid mixing driving with drugs or alcohol, and stay off their phones, says CDOT. “Fatal crashes continue to be a tragic ending

Hospital volunteers offer scholarships Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteers are offering scholarships to graduating seniors from Delta County high schools. The main scholarship is for students pursuing postsecondary education in a health care-related program. Letters and applications were emailed to high school counselors in Paonia, Hotchkiss, Cedaredge and Delta. A second scholarship is for Junior Volunteers actively working with the hospital volunteers, and who is a graduating high school senior majoring in a health-related field of study in college. The average size of scholarship awarded is $500. Scholarship applications must be received by DCMH Education Department, PO Box 10100, Delta, CO 81416

Scleroderma support group meets in GJ Scleroderma support group meetings are held every other month at Community Hospital, Legacy 1 Room, 2351 G Road in Grand Junction. The next meeting will be March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scleroderma support group meetings offer a friendly forum to share feelings, concerns and information, and as well as a place to learn more about living with this chronic disease. For more information about upcoming speakers or meetings, go to www.scleroderma. org/colorado.

by April 13 for scholarship committee review. No late scholarship applications will be considered under any circumstances. Students will be notified by May 1. Contact Patti Kalahar, manager, education/marketing, at 874-2291 or pkalalahar@ deltahospital.org for applications or additional details.

for hundreds of people in Colorado each year,” said Colonel Matt Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “Every life matters. They matter to me, my troopers, and the families suffering from these preventable tragedies. We encourage drivers to make good decisions, always drive sober and avoid distractions. Help us save lives this year by buckling up, dropping the distractions, and focusing on driving.” The one bright spot in the data involves motorcycle crashes. Motorcyclists killed declined by 20 percent to 101 in 2017, down from a record 125 fatalities in 2016. Most motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets. Pedestrians deaths rose for a second year in a row in 2017 to 93, up from 64 in 2015. Bicycle fatalities remained flat. The counties with the highest number of fatalities were: El Paso (76); Adams (64), Weld (62), Denver (46). Saving Lives • 25 lives could be saved annually with 100 percent helmet use among motorcyclists (NHTSA). • 58 lives could be saved annually with 100 percent seat belt use among passenger vehicle occupants (NHTSA).

February is Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancer Awareness Month. Green is the color that is used for public awareness. Gallbladder and bile duct cancers are rare, and together make up only 2 to 3 percent of all cancers. Gallbladder cancers account for two-thirds of these cancers; bile duct cancers are responsible for the rest. An early diagnosis, which is rare, is usually made when the organ is removed because of gallstones. Unfortunately these cancers have usually spread by the time they are diagnosed. They often present with jaundice (yellow tinge to skin, whites

of the eyes). There also may be abdominal pain and unexplained weight loss. Unfortunately there are no routine screening tests available for early detection. The causes of gallbladder cancer remain unknown, although 70 to 90 percent of those with the disease have a history of gallstones. Either the gallstones themselves or the irritation, infection, or metabolic changes they cause may be a major factor. Obesity is also a risk factor which may be related to the increase in gallstones in obese people. Gallbladder cancer is seen more often in women, Native Americans and Mexican

Americans. The cause of bile duct cancer is unknown, but exposure to environmental or industrial toxins which includes nitrosamines found in processed, cured meats, asbestos, radon and alcohol. There are also several medical diseases that lead to increased risk such as ulcerative colitis and pancreatitis. Treatment options vary based on how advanced the cancer is. Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are all potential therapies. There are several new therapies being investigated that will hopefully improve the outcome.

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25 years of service

Meri McCartney was recently recognized for 25 years of employment at Delta County Memorial Hospital.

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You won’t feel a thing... ��

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A10 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

OBITUARIES Daniel Hannigan

Gene Markley

Larry Pelc

Former Buena Vista resident Larry A. Pelc died Feb. 12, 2018, in Delta, where he resided for the past five years. He was 76. He was born May 10, 1941, to Art and Muriel Pelc in Spencer, Neb. In 1962, he married Marlene Wood. He worked at Climax Moly Mine for 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with family, ATVing and camping. Mr. Pelc is survived by his wife, Marlene; one brother; two sisters; two sons, Donald Pelc and Darrell (Aleisha) Pelc; one daughter, Carla (Mark) Gillespie; three grandchildren, Alisha (Mike) Perkovich, Drew Gillespie and Samantha Miller; and two greatgrandchildren. A family service will be held at a later date. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Nina Den Beste

Nina May Den Beste died Jan. 22, 2018, at Crossroads Memory Care. She was 96. Sharing of memories will take place Friday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. and memorial services will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. Both services will be at Paonia United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416 or Paonia United Methodist Church, 307 Onarga Avenue, Paonia, CO 81428.

Chester “Gene” Eugene Markley of Olathe died Feb. 15, 2018. He was 80. He was born May 18, 1937, to Roy and Dorothy (McCarty) Markley in Hotchkiss. He spent his childhood in the Pea Green area and graduated from Olathe High School in 1956. On Aug. 12, 1960, he married Barbara in Delta. Mr. Markley served in the U.S. Army and was active in the Olathe community as part of the Olathe Fire Department and OTA Baseball. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge #1053. He enjoyed being in the mountains, fishing, hunting, golfing and bowling. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara of Olathe; sons, Brad (Lisa) Markley of Olathe, Greg Markley of Montrose, and Todd (Shannon) Markley of Cedaredge; sister, Teri (Mike) Williams of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; brother, Lee (Florence) Markley of Olathe; seven grandchildren, Mason (Naomi) Markley, Paige (Seth) Palmer, Dessa Markley, Dylan Markley, Bryce Markley, Dante Markley and Drew Markley; and six great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 10 a.m. at the Montrose Christian Church in Montrose. Burial will follow at Olathe Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Colorow Care Center, PO Box 710, Olathe, CO 81425. Crippin Funeral Home of Montrose is handling the arrangements.

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Daniel Hannigan died Feb. 11, 2018, at Centennial Healthcare Center in Greeley. He was 80. He was born in Delta on Oct. 18, 1937, to Joseph “Jay” and Nova (Wilkinson) Hannigan. He attended school in Kannah Creek and Delta, graduating from Delta High School in 1955. Mr. Hannigan served in the U.S. Air Force. He retired from Coors Brewing Company in Golden. He is survived by his siblings, Marvin (Faye) Hannigan and Joan (John) Holton, all of Delta; sister-in-law, Velm Hannigan of Norwood; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph, Eugene and Walter.

Michael Farmer

Michael Joe Farmer died Feb. 7, 2018, in St. Augustine Beach, Fla., after an extended illness. He was 80. He was born in Delta to Joseph and Evelyn (Shales) Farmer. He worked for the family business, Delta Brick and Tile Factory, when he was young. In 1955, he graduated from Delta High School, where he participated in football, track and wrestling. He was a National Merit Scholar at the University of Colorado, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1959. After graduation, he accepted a position with the Central Intelligence Agency. He worked for the CIA from 1960-1988, serving in a variety of positions including three overseas assignments. He was eventually promoted to Senior Executive Service. Mr. Farmer moved to St. Augustine, Fla., in 1992, where he worked as a chemical dependency counselor for the state of Florida. He valued helping those with addiction and worked to establish or support recovery programs during his career at the CIA and afterwards. He was a strong advocate for AA’s 12-step process. He is survived by his first wife, Carol; four sons, Kevin (Tracy) Farmer of Lake Geneva, Wis., Brian (Gina) Farmer, Eric (Lisa) Farmer and Mark (Kristin) Farmer, all of Sterling, Va.; stepson, Howard (Linda) Friedrichs III of East Northville, Mich.; brother, Stephen Farmer of Tega Cay, S.C.; companion, Jo Auberton; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita Farmer.

Delta County Independent

Marion R. Drown July 28, 1949 ~ Feb. 14, 2018 Delta resident, Marion R. Drown, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, at his home in Delta, Colo. Marion was 68 years old. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta, Colo. Marion Robert Drown was born July 28, 1949, to Frederick and Lillian (Angus) Drown in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Marion spent his childhood and attended schools in Curlew, Iowa. He graduated from Emmetsburg High School with the Class of ‘67. Marion went on to further his education at Iowa Lakes Community College where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Mechanics. On Sept. 16, 1972, Marion married the love of his life, LouAnn Smith in Minneapolis, Minn. Joshua Ryan was born in 1988 to complete their family. Marion and LouAnn moved to Delta from Minnesota

in 1997. The couple had the honor of sharing 45 years of love and marriage. Marion belonged to Grace Community Church in Delta. Marion was also an active member and enjoyed the other members of the AA Group. He enjoyed the outdoors, often spending hours walking his dog on his Delta property. He loved reading, as well as discussing history. Marion especially enjoyed being with his siblings especially fishing with his brothers. He was a

favorite with his nieces and nephews. Marion is survived by his wife, LouAnn Drown; a son, Joshua Ryan Drown; three brothers, Roger Drown (Val), Richard Drown (Lois), and James Drown (Karen); two sisters, Jean Morley (Frank) and Lorraine Malone (Paul); sisterin-law, Sheri Drown Dryden; three grandchildren; 21 nieces and nephews. Marion was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Daniel Drown. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree. Donations can be made to Grand Mesa Oncology Staff Education Fund, 1501 E. 3rd Street, Delta, CO 81416. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralser vice.com. Paid obituary

James B. Allen Jan. 10, 1937 ~ Feb. 9, 2018 Hotchkiss resident SGM James B. Allen, U.S. Army Retired, passed away peacefully at his home in Hotchkiss, Colo., Feb. 9, 2018. He was 81. Born Jan. 10, 1937, in Bangor, Maine, to Henry and Dorothy Allen. Jim joined the Army National Guard at age 18, launching a 38-year career of inactive and active duty that included multiple assignments, trainings, campaigns and rank advancements. During this time he earned a college degree in business and accounting. As a leader of men, and having served his country with great devotion, Jim was honorably discharged from the United States Army (E9) Sept. 13, 1992. Married his High School sweetheart, Juanita MacDougall 1958. They shared two children, Jamie Haze and Janine Elaine. He is survived by his wife Pamela Allen and daughter Janine Ozment with her husband Joe Ozment. He was preceded in death by his son Jamie Haze Allen Shoob 2011. Jim and Pamela retired to Colorado in

2007 where he enjoyed spending time loving the Colorado Mountains, growing an organic garden, watching multiple wildlife/birds and hosting summers of joyful grandchildren. Jim was married to “the love of his life” Pamela. He was her husband, soul mate, best friend, lover, protector, confidant and companion. It is with the heaviest of hearts that she tells him Goodbye. Jim was a big brother to Jae. A loving daddy, father and friend to Janine Ozment, Jamie Allen, Page Osborn, Paulina Schubel and Paulette Davis. A loving father-in-law to Joe, Michael, Justin, Richie, Lorenzo and Jennifer.

A wonderful grandfather to Blake D., Chris, Amanda, Alex A., Samantha, Blake W., Britton, Tanner, Kristi, Kylie, Alex S. and Abby. A great-grandpa to Abigail, Gregory, Zaniyah bug, Christopher, Mason, Sawyer Jo, Charolette, and little Jameson who will grace us with his presence to earth in about three weeks. Loving friend and family member to Rick and Frankie Korcsog, Jewell (and late husband) David Farr. Jim was an asset to Society, a friend to all who knew him, served with him or had the pleasure of meeting him. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ, and emulated his life. Goodbye “Gentleman Jim” ... Until we meet again. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at the family’s home this summer in Hotchkiss, Colo. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com. Paid obituary

SCHOOL

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

874-4421

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Lincoln’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids awards on Feb. 13. 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) Garrett Roberts (helpfulness), Joseph Sanville (responsibility); (middle row) Antonio Springer (teamwork), Isabella Wells (leadership), Teyla McCart (kindness), Bianca Asavei (responsibility), Madison Whitaker (courtesy); (front row) Elly Payne (perseverance), Adrian Dix (respect), Aaliyah Sharkey (joyfulness), Courtney Severson (caring), Jordan Olivas (respect) and Leo DeAnda (caring).

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

A11

�� Pea Green Saturday Night returns ��

It will soon be time for the February session of the Pea Green Saturday Night concert series, and all of you are invited. On Feb. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. the Dawson Springs Band and Stray Grass

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Cribbage players compete Feb. 25

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It’s time for the City of Delta/Lee Martinson annual February cribbage tournament. This event is scheduled Sunday, Feb. 25, from 1 to 6 p.m. at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. All players must play singles; doubles are an option. Bring your own boards if you have them. It is helpful to register in advance but not necessary — you may register the day of the event prior to 12:30 p.m. The tournament will start promptly at 1 p.m. All ages are welcome. Come show off your skills and win prizes! The fee is $10 per person and $5 per person for doubles. Bring a snack to share. Register at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 874-0923.

Silent Movie Night planned

will perform their favorite old-time and bluegrass songs and tunes at the Pea Green Community Center located at the intersection of Hwy 348 and Banner Road, SW of Delta. The cost

Enjoy a romantic evening with the Valley Symphony Orchestra Valley Symphony Orchestra presents “Tis the Season for Romance,” a concert featuring guest violinist Carlos Elias. The concert will take place at the Montrose Pavilion Sunday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m. Advance tickets are $17 for adults, $16 for seniors (60 and older) and $5 for students (17 and under). Advance tickets are available at valleysymphony.net or at Clubb’s in Delta, DeVinney Jewelers in Montrose and the Montrose Pavilion. At the door, tickets will be $20 for adults and seniors and $5 for students. Carlos Elias will per-

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4-H’ers offer beef and pork March 4

Brenda Miller has been taking care of injured wildlife for over 20 years, giving hundreds of individual critters a second chance at life. She will share the highlights of her efforts at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta Thursday, March 1. “I always wanted to be a wildlife rehabber after seeing my cousin had tied a kestrel to her dresser while she was learning to become a falconer,” Miller said, “I thought it was cruel to take away that bird’s freedom ... the sky is everything to a bird!” Miller is executive director of the Roubideau Rim Wildlife Rescue, a nonprofit that takes

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The 69th annual Delta County 4-H Beef Roast will be held in two locations on Sunday, March 4. The county’s 4-H’ers will be serving a meal of smoked beef or pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, vegetable, cheesecake and a beverage at Delta Middle School and at Hotchkiss High School. Serving times are noon to 3 p.m.; takeout will be available. Prices are $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and under. For more information, call the Delta County 4-H in injured wildlife from Office at 874-2195. Montrose/Delta and surrounding areas. She has accepted wildlife that has been injured from a wide variety of causes including physical injuries in the wild, injuries and diseases related to bird feeders, and problems created Kids can learn a sport from interactions with for a lifetime with tenhumans. nis instruction offered by Miller’s presentation Christina Curtis and Bill will begin at 7 p.m. It is Heddles Recreation Cenopen to the public and ter. Start Smart Tennis there is no charge. The for ages 5-7, tennis clinics program is sponsored by for ages 8-13 and youth the Black Canyon Chap- mini-camps for ages 8-13 ter of the Audubon Soci- are planned in April and ety. Bill Heddles Recre- May. ation Center is located For a complete schedat 530 Gunnison River ule, stop by Bill Heddles Drive. For more informa- Recreation Center or call tion call 240-4913. Gary West at 874-0923.

Wildlife rehabber gives critters a second chance

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form “Violin Concerto in For more information G Minor.” Elias was the visit valleysymphony.net director of strings/orches- or the symphony’s Facetra at Colorado Mesa Uni- book page. versity and concertmaster of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra from 1999-2013. In addition, he was the music director of the Symphony in the Valley in Glenwood Springs from 2008-2013. Currently, he is the director of strings and orchestra at Cedarville University in Ohio. Following the concert, a reception will be held to honor Elias and to celebrate director Mike Kern’s 25th anniversary with the Valley Symphony Association. Carlos Elias

Fly tyers gather monthly

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will be provided and the famous “I’m a Pea Greener” lapel button will also be offered for those of you who promise to wear it proudly. For more information call Len Willey at 874-8879.

Dawson Springs Band

Two short Buster Keaton films from 1922, plus cartoons, will be featured at “Silent Movie Night.” This event is hosted by the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society and will take place Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Stolte Shed. The showing begins at 7 p.m. There is no charge, but donations are appreciated. Come early — seating is limited. Free popcorn will be provided, and soda pop will be available.

Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table is back in session! Pack up your kit and come twist some thread, or come enjoy a beverage or two while watching, or do a little of both, Thursday, February 22, 6-8 p.m. at 2 Rascals Brewing Company in Montrose. The loose theme for this month is spring patterns. Flies (a minimum of two of a given pattern in a given size) will be accepted to begin building a box of flies for charity.

is one sawbuck ($10) at the door, and seating is limited. Some people bring a snack to share and you can do likewise if you want to. The doors open at 6 p.m. for this sit-down concert. Chairs

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Get kids started on tennis

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A12 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

DCMH reaches Top 100 for the third year PRESS RELEASE

Delta County Memorial Hospital was recently named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the third year in a row DCMH was given this honor. “This achievement speaks to the progressive health care team we have assembled to provide access to quality care in our community. I am thankful for the efforts of every member of our

team in making this recognition a reality,” stated Jason Cleckler, CEO. Delta County Memorial Hospital scored in the Top 100 of rural and community hospitals on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX®. The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural provider performance and its results are the basis for many of rural healthcare’s most prominent awards, advocacy efforts and legislative initia-

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!

Be informed before you vote! The topic

“Effects of Marijuana On Our Community”

will be an Informational Open Forum featuring Speakers and Q and A. This event is free to the public at the

Delta Performing Arts Center Monday, February 26 6:30-8:30 p.m. Scott Schaible and friends

tives. The list of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals can be found at www.ivantageindex. com/top-performing-hos pitals. The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals play a key role in providing a safety net to communities across America, and the INDEX measures these facilities across eight pillars of hospital strength: inpatient share ranking, outpatient share ranking, cost, charge, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives and financial stability. “The Hospital Strength INDEX provides a true benchmark for helping rural providers to better understand performance levels and identify areas of improvement. When we look across the spectrum of rural-relevant INDEX indicators, the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals are establishing a new standard for how to deliver high-

Food truck vendors sought Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is exploring options for a food truck vendor for the summer months of 2018 on the South Rim of the park. The vendor would operate under a shortterm commercial use authorization. For further information and/or to submit a letter of interest, please contact Emily Keil at 970-641-2337, ext. 229 or emily_keil@nps. gov by March 16.

Shop Locally.

er quality care to their communities despite an unpredictable healthcare environment,” said Michael Topchik, nation-

al leader of The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Delta County Memorial Hospital System is a 49-bed hospital and

eight clinics providing high quality medical care to the families of Delta County for the past 100+ years.

Delta County Memorial Hospital

County contracts for fruit and vegetable feasibility study BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

The county commissioners approved a contract with McMichael Management Services of Carbondale for a fruit and vegetable feasibility study at their Feb. 5 meeting. The study was authorized in November 2017, when Delta County and Montrose County entered into a memorandum of understanding to evaluate the feasibility of a regional produce processing facility. The two counties will share equally in the cost of the $15,000 study. Elyse Casselberry, community and economic development director for

the county, said the county received four good proposals. McMichael Management Services has the best background for what the two counties want to see happen in this study, which is Phase 1 of the feasibility study. McMichael will assess the market concerning the different processing methods, such as individual quick frozen, dehydration, juicing, and other processes. The study will look at valueadded opportunities for crops coming out of Mesa, Montrose and Delta counties, and the market may extend to Cortez regarding processing opportunities.

The study will provide an assessment of the produce volume in the region, the external market for that produce, and evaluate whether a regional facility could process produce at a level to provide opportunities for valueadded manufacturing to occur. If the Phase 1 study provides information that indicates there are conditions to justify a regional processing facility, the counties will look for grant funding for a Phase 2 study, through READY grants through Colorado Department of Local Affairs or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Delta groups promote western Colorado at Denver show BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Representatives from Delta County, Delta Area Chamber of Commerce and Delta County Economic Development (DCED) were present during the Outdoor Retailer Show at the Denver Convention Center Jan. 25-28. Representatives from Montrose County and Mesa County also joined in promoting western Colorado. “The Outdoor Retailer Show was an opportunity for outdoor manufacturers to display their products and retailers to place orders for next year’s inventory,” explained Elyse Casselberry, community and economic development director for Delta County. “We were there to talk to manufacturers about why they should do business in our region,” Casselberry said. “We spoke

to a lot of manufacturers and media about Delta and the region. I think the exposure for our county was excellent.” Representing Delta County were Commissioner Don Suppes and Casselberry from Delta County government, Darnell Place-Wise with the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce, and Stacey Voight with DCED. Several Delta County business representatives brought along some of their products for visitors to sample. Rocking W Cheese and Milk brought cheese samples, Steve Ela and the Ela Family brought dried fruit and jam, and Jeff Schwartz brought Big B’s Juices. Mark Eckhart exhibited one of the folding longhaul kayaks he manufactures in the Cedaredge area. DCED and Delta Area

Chamber contributed a great amount of time in the process of bringing the Outdoor Show to the Denver Convention Center. The county commissioners expressed their appreciation to John Gavan, chairman of DCED, for sending Stacey Voight to the show and to Portia Vigil, chairman of the Delta Area Chamber, for sending Darnell Place-Wise to the show. Casselberry said they were told there were over 1,000 vendors and tens of thousands of visitors at the show. Commissioner Suppes said he would like for the county participants to discuss whether the county would like to do this again in the future, and also to consider participating in the summer show, since there was heavy emphasis on skirelated businesses at the winter show.

Chronic wasting disease sampling considered a success Although chronic wasting disease (CWD) once again made headlines across the world in recent months, Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff has been studying the disease over the past 40 years, gaining valuable knowledge about the prevalence of the fatal neurological disease and its effects on deer, elk and moose. CWD, caused by abnormal proteins called prions, attacks the immune system and brain of infected animals causing them to display erratic, abnormal behavior. Over the next two to three years after contracting CWD the infected animal becomes emaciated, eventually wasting away due to starvation. “Recent, sensational headlines likening affected animals to ‘zombies’ are unfortunate and a bit disappointing,” said Dr. Michael Miller, senior wildlife veterinarian for CPW. “The reality is these animals are just very sick — there’s nothing scary or supernatural about it. This is a disease that’s been around for quite some time, and it will likely persist for the foreseeable future. Hope-

fully we can begin making more steady progress on learning how to reduce its prevalence and lessen its effects.” The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission heard a presentation on CWD in free-ranging deer and the results of the 2017 mandatory sampling during the Feb. 8 meeting in Denver. “CWD and wildlife disease is a huge problem that we will continue to face. We need to continue working on management options and we need all of our partners to participate in this process,” said Bob Broscheid, director of CPW. Without hunters, CPW would have a harder time collecting the information needed to assess the health of Colorado’s herds. For some time CPW has been relying primarily on voluntary submission from hunters to help monitor the disease, but in recent years participation levels have dropped off significantly. During the 2017 hunting season the agency enacted a mandatory sampling for mule deer bucks in 19 high priority game management units. The man-

datory sampling focused on male deer harvested because all of the targeted units had buck licenses available. Mandatory sampling resulted in a 10x increase in submission rates in the targeted units compared to the previous year’s voluntary rate. Based on this success, different units will be targeted for the 2018 big game season. Monitoring has shown that adult male deer have the highest infection rate in herds statewide, which is why CPW focused on this as the most reliable indicator for tracking prevalence trends over time. The 2017 sampling results show that CWD is stable or has declined in areas where adaptive management practices have been in place for years. The rate of infection in other areas has increased. “We have a problem in some herds, but we are not facing a crisis,” said Matt Eckert, terrestrial programs supervisor for CPW. “The health of our wildlife is our primary concern and we must take management actions now to protect these animals for the long term.”

NORTH FORK February 21, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Paonia considers private company for building services BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Town of Paonia is considering hiring an outside company to provide services currently handled by the building department. The problem is, the town has no building inspector, hence, no building department. Following the dismissal of former part-time building inspector Dave Coleman last December, the town has not found a suitable replacement. Three applicants responded, but so far, said town manager Ken Knight, all of them would require training and certification, which the town would have to pay for. The town is again advertising the position, and applications will be accepted through this Friday, Feb. 23. With numerous home renovations, inspections required at the Silver Leaf Cohousing currently under construction on Third Street, and numerous other ongoing and upcoming projects, business is steady, said Knight. The town provided about twice the services in 2017 as it did in 2016, and so far, 2018 is not show-

ing any signs of a slowdown. Knight said staff is picking up the slack until a new inspector can be hired. At the Feb. 13 board meeting, trustees voted to allow Knight to pursue contracting building department services with SAFEbuilt, a private company providing building inspection, planning reviews, code enforcement, community development and other services to local governments. Contracting with SAFEbuilt would be “a big move for the town,” said Knight, and would likely transition the building department into “a compliance department as opposed to a building enforcement department.” The board would have the option of addressing exemptions and other specifics through changes in the town code. Hiring an outside company would require that the town relinquish control of building inspections, planning reviews and other services to a hired company. “Therefore, you do lose some local control,” said Knight. The town would still determine its own building BUILDING INSPECTOR TO B2

Perched near Somerset

Photo by Tamie Meck

A bald eagle perches in a snag above Highway 133 just north of Somerset early Sunday morning, Feb. 18. One of the largest birds in North America, bald eagles are year-round residents of Colorado. They are more commonly sighted in winter in Delta County, where they are attracted to the open waters of our streams and rivers.

Fresh start for Rogers Mesa research center BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Since its closing in 2011, several ideas for re-opening the Colorado State University Western Colorado Research Center at Rogers Mesa have been tossed about. Thanks to state funding and efforts by District 61 State Rep. Miller Hamner, a re-vamped center will open this spring, focusing on collaborations and community partnerships, business incubation programs, and on research and education. After the 83-acre site closed during the Great Recession, it sat on the real estate market, but no serious offers were made. Several public, private and mixed use ideas, including a food hub and incubation facility, were considered for the site. In 2014, CSU, Delta County, Region 10 and other partner organizations conducted a feasibility study of the site in hopes of re-purposing it as community resource. None of the ideas gained traction. Hamner is credited for securing funding for Rogers Mesa. A member of the Budget Committee and a frequent visitor to the North Fork area, in 2017 she convinced the General Assembly to provide $875,000 to revamp and restart research at Rogers Mesa. “That was fantastic news for CSU and for the community,” said station manager Frank Stonaker. “Everybody I’ve talked to is so psyched.” That base funding has allowed CSU to leverage more than $11 million in long-term

Photo by Tamie Meck

After closing in 2011, the CSU Western Colorado Research Center on Rogers Mesa near Hotchkiss is slated to re-open this spring. bonds for its agricultural experiment station system, including $8 million for a veterinary diagnostics lab and regional Colorado State Forest Service office at the CSU Western Campus on Orchard Mesa near Grand Junction, and roughly $2 million for upgrades to the Arkansas Valley Research Center at Rocky Ford. Within that budget is enough money to get Rogers Mesa going again, said Stonaker. A former horticulture assistant professor at CSU Fort Collins with degrees in horticulture and agronomy from CSU, Stonaker spent

Photo by Tamie Meck

CSU research scientist Frank Stonaker will manage the CSU Research Center on Rogers Mesa, which will re-open after closing its gates seven years ago. CSU leveraged state base funding to re-open the facility and upgrade other research centers around the state.

time at the Rogers Mesa facility before it closed and fell in love with the area. Five years ago, he and partner Beth Karberg, salinity coordinator for the Colorado Department of Agriculture Lower Gunnison Basin, moved from the Front Range to Rogers Mesa and purchased an orchard. When funding for the site was announced last July, he was hired as site manager. Brian Braddy, a former technician at Rogers Mesa, has also returned to help manage the site. “He knows the place inside and out,” said Stonaker. The 83-acre facility includes water rights, roughly 60 acres of arable land, fruit trees, grape vines, a three-bedroom house, and a 4,000-square foot lab and office space. Since last fall Stonaker has overseen efforts to upgrade buildings and prepare the site for a spring opening. Cover crops are being planted to re-build the soil, blocks of dead and dying cherry, peach, and poplar trees are being removed to make way for specialty crops, and about 500 mountain mahogany shrubs will be removed and are in need of a new home. The facility is still in the planning stages and an advisory group of local agricultural growers, producers, suppliers, and an economist are working to develop programs. Stonaker said he made a 20page list of priorities for the site, with education and outreach topping the list. Rogers Mesa is one of nine research stations in Colorado, and each site has a different research focus. For example, said Stonaker, Orchard Mesa focuses on viticulture (grapes) and pomology (tree fruit), and Rocky Ford focuses on irrigat-

ed crop production and optimal water use. A main objective in creating programs at Rogers Mesa, said Stonaker, is avoiding duplication. There is a lot of interest in developing an incubator and accelerator program to provide support for new and existing growers. One area of research Stonaker believes is lacking in the research center system, “and one that’s very vibrant in the agricultural

world,” is organic production. An estimated 65 percent of new farmers consider themselves to be organic farmers, and they need a reliable source for science-based references, said Stonaker. There are also plans for table grape trials, root stock trials on a variety of cider apples and testing of modern training methods for fruit trees that can markedly increase production, said Stonaker. A 20-acre area on the lower (south) side of the property isn’t conducive to growing, but could be used for a solar farm, or as pollinator habitat, said Stonaker, who has a masters degree in entomology from the University of Florida and a particular interest in native pollinators. Eventually, CSU graduates and undergraduates could live on-site and immerse themselves in agriculture and horticulture. With an emphasis on community, Stonaker would also like to revive the brown bag lunch program formerly offered through the CSU Master Gardener program. He also sees more job opportunities in the future, and volunteer opportunities. Unlike in the past, Stonaker said the facility won’t operate strictly as a research environment, and the gates will be open to encourage community engagement.

Photo submitted

Enjoy history this Sunday

The Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Sunday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. at the Crawford Town Hall. The program will be a presentation by Chris Miller, executive director of the Interpretive Association of Western Colorado. This non-proﬁt organization is dedicated to preserving, protecting and interpreting historic places in a seven-county region of Western Colorado, including the Hanging Flume, the Alpine tunnel, Escalante Canyon Homesteads, the Spanish Trail and many others. Refreshments will be served. The annual meeting provides an opportunity for members to renew their membership, and for others to join. The HotchkissCrawford Historical Society operates a history museum, located at 280 S. Second Street in Hotchkiss.

B2 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Building inspector FROM PAGE B1 codes and ordinances, but would deal with the company, rather than its own building department. Ouray and Montrose

are also considering contracts with SAFEbuilt. In recent years, Ouray has shared a building inspector with the Town of Ridgway, said Knight.

With building activities on the rise, Ridgway is no longer able to share its building inspector, and Ouray has yet to find a new inspector. While they currently operate on the Front Range, if enough communities respond, SAFEbuilt could open a Western Slope office and begin providing services in the near future, said Knight. Since SAFEbuilt charges based on a percentage of building permit fees, the town would lose that revenue, said Knight. They may also charge a fuel stipend. “These are all things that can be negotiated,” said Knight, and the board would have the power to approve or deny any contract.

Final Friday reception is Feb. 23 Elsewhere Studios’ Feb. 23 Final Friday will feature multimedia art by artist residents Stephanie Kranstover, Yifan Renxu and Erika Lundahl. Doors open at 6 p.m., and music by Hard Pressed and John Hickam starts at 6:30.

Citizens for a Healthy Community to present its study

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Citizens for a Healthy Community will present findings from its updated economic impact report on activities, policies and initiatives impacting oil and gas development in the area, beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, at the Paonia Public Library community room.

Photo by Tamie Meck

State wrestling is ‘must-see’

Rick Chermak, daughter Megan Chermak and wife Cristen Chermak attend the Colorado High School Activities Association state wrestling ﬁnals Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver. This was the 24th consecutive state wrestling tournament for Megan, who ﬁrst attended the tournament as a baby. Cristen has attended 28 consecutive tournaments, and Rick, 22. All three are Hotchkiss High School alumni and relatives of four-time state champion Jesse Reed of Paonia.

NFA surveys residents about emergency medical care Survey results will help the ambulance provide the best service to the local community Earlier this year, the North Fork Ambulance conducted a survey of North Fork Valley residents to gauge public opinion about emergency medical care services. Interviews were conducted toward the last part of January; the information gathered will help ambulance association leaders make the best decisions moving forward on how to provide the best service to residents of Crawford, Hotchkiss, Paonia and the surrounding area.

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The survey measured community views on current service and how the ambulance district operates. When asked to choose the most important attribute of emergency medical care, 46 percent of residents indicated response time to the scene of emergency as the most important, with the level of training of responders listed as second. The North Fork Ambulance covers approximately 1,550 square miles of land in and around the North Fork valley. Ambulance stations are located in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford so that people can receive the fastest response time in an emergency. “We are pleased that so many of our community members opted to participate in the survey,” states Dan Miller, president of North Fork Ambulance. “The survey shows that this ambulance service is an entity that is valued, appreciated and vital to the community.” The North Fork Ambulance is the only emergency ambulance response in the North Fork Valley. This ambulance service is not funded by tax dollars.

North Fork Ambulance is funded by membership dues, grants, donations, and by fees of service, which includes private insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. Only 34 percent of the valley’s households and businesses support the ambulance with a voluntary membership fee each year, yet North Fork Ambulance responds to 100 percent of emergency calls.

Mill levy increase doesn’t benefit NFA The recent mill levy increase approved by the voters in the Delta/ Cedaredge area for Delta County Ambulance District (DCAD) has nothing to do with funding ambulance service in the North Fork Valley. DCAD serves the west end of Delta County including the communities of Delta, Cedaredge and Orchard City and the surrounding area. The North Fork valley is served by North Fork Ambulance, which is not funded by tax dollars.

Hotchkiss candidate forum scheduled Hotchkiss voters will have an excellent opportunity to hear from the mayoral and trustee candidates on Wednesday, March 7, 6-7 p.m., at the Hotchkiss Town Hall. Mayoral candidates Tom Wills and Larry Wilkening and candidates for the board of trustees Mary Hockenbery, Pat Medina, Esther Koontz and Sheila Maki will be participating. The candidate forum

will be moderated by Robbie Winne of the Hotchkiss Area Chamber of Commerce. Submit your questions for the candidates to Marlene Searle, town clerk, at the Hotchkiss Town Hall prior to March 7. For more information, contact Searle at 8723663. Be informed. Come out for the Hotchkiss candidate forum at town hall on March 7.

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Photo submitted

Galician outreach

Uxía Senlle and Sergio Tannus performed Galician folk music for Paonia Elementary, North Fork School of Integrated Studies and Paonia High School students last week. Presented by Arts for All, a program of the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, the afternoon blended the Spanish, Galician, Portugese and English languages using the universal language of music.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

A melodious experience for Paonia singers BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

A select group of Paonia and Delta high school junior and senior students performed recently with some 600 other choir members from across the state at

the annual Colorado AllState Choir, held Feb. 1-3 in Denver. PHS students Derek Holt sang in the men’s choir, Cade Meilner sang mixed choir, and Jordan Evans sang in the women’s choir. Delta High

School choir director Julia Nicholas took two students to state choir. Stephanie Kleinsorge sang in the women’s choir and Thomas Neil sang in the men’s choir. Unlike state sporting events, all-state choir

Photo submitted

From left, Paonia High School choir director Dee Holt, Paonia High School students Caden Meilner, Derek Holt and Jordan Evans, Delta High School students Stephanie Kleinsorge and Thomas Neal, and DHS choir director Julia Nicholas attend Colorado All-State Choir at the Buell Theatre in Denver. Delta County was represented this year in all four state choirs.

Valentine’s party

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss K8 Gifted and Talented program sixth grader Sasha Taylor serves brownies during a Valentine’s Day party students threw for residents at Creek Vista Senior Apartments in Paonia. Students made cards and table decorations, prepared and served lunch, and dined with residents. School counselor Jeffrey Higgins said students researched music and studied “The Art of Conversation” in preparation for the community service project. He hopes the event is the start of a long relationship between students and residents. “It just does my heart good to see the bang they’re getting out of service to others,” said Higgins.

Workshop on NRCS programs is Feb. 28 A workshop on current National Resources Conservation Service programs and funding opportunities for landowners in the Delta Conservation District will be held at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta on Wednesday, Feb. 28, from 3-5 p.m. in the conference room. Topics will include developing a conservation plan for an entire property, and specific USDA funded programs for projects within a conservation plan.

Application processes for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTA) and a detailed presentation on the underutilized Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) will be presented. A current CSP participant will give insight into the application process and benefits of the program. Refreshments will be served. RSVP at deltaconservationd @gmail.com or 399-8194.

North Fork rec district seeks board nominations The North Fork Pool, Park and Recreation District has two- and fouryear board seats open for the upcoming election on May 8. The three directors will be elected to serve four-year terms, and a director will be elected to serve a two-year term. Self- nomination forms are available on the district website, north forkrecreation.com, and should be completed and returned to the NFPPR office at 333 Bulldog

Street, in Hotchkiss, or mailed to P.O Box 2093, Hotchkiss, CO, 81419, no later than the close of business on Friday, March 2. Affidavits of Intent for write-in candidates must be submitted no later than Monday, March 5. Absentee ballots must be filed no later than the close of business on May 1. For more information, call Lenore Cambria at 970-872-6122 or 970-9859220.

People in the news Emily Pieper, a nursing major from Paonia, was named to the Dean’s Honors List at Saint Francis University for the fall 2017 semester. To be named to the Dean’s Honors List, students must have fulltime status and attain a quality point average of

at least 3.5. Saint Francis University in Loretto, Pa., is the oldest Catholic-Franciscan college in the United States. Its mission is to help students grow into compassionate, successful professionals through a culture of generosity, respect, discovery and joy.

members don’t compete or perform by classification. Rather, students submit recorded auditions in October, then wait weeks for the results. All-state choir involves three days of intense rehearsal, and culminates in performances by all three choirs. After being held the past eight years at the Bellco Theatre performing arts center, this year’s event was held at the 2,839-seat Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre, the highest-grossing theatre of its size in the country. Because it’s a true concert hall, the sound in the Buell is amazing, said Holt. Holt, who has directed PHS choir the past four years, is a 1990 PHS graduate and two year all-state choir member. About 25 percent of the 1,500-2,000 students who audition are selected to perform at state choir. The tradition of sending North Fork area students to state choir was started “way back when” by longtime choir director Jan Tuin. Holt’s senior year, Tuin took seven students to state choir. Holt said she’s honored to carry on that tradition. “But the biggest thing is that the kids still want to do it. They are able to go from this small school and really represent their little town.” A long-standing tradition that disappeared for a few years was revived this year. The “Balcony Sing” features all three choirs singing from indoor wrap-around balconies, the mixed choir from the upper floors, the women’s from the middle floors, and the men’s choir from the bottom tiers. When state choir moved from Fort Collins to Denver, the tradition ended. Because the concert location changed this year, students stayed at a hotel with wrap-around indoor balconies on each floor. It was the first balcony performance in eight years, said Holt. This was also the first year North Fork students auditioned for All-State Jazz Choir, held prior to state choir at The Broad-

moor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Separate auditions are held for Jazz Choir, and only 36 members, usually students attending schools for the arts, are selected. Five North Fork students auditioned, and Evans, along with Montrose senior Timothy Novak, were the only two Western Slope students selected. The best part, said Holt, was that Evans sang a solo, which she called “a tremendous honor.” Evans also man-

aged to keep it a secret from Holt, who found out about the solo when she began singing during the performance. Holt said it was awesome to have a student from Paonia, basically the smallest school to send students, represented in each of the four choirs. Paonia choir students will perform at the annual PHS Dessert Theatre on March 23 and 24. This year’s theme is “Broadway.” The school will present the annual Spring Concert on May 14.

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B4 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

FFA WEEK

Delta County Independent

National FFA Week celebrated Feb. 17-24

National FFA Week, Feb. 17-24, embraces more than 90 years of FFA traditions while looking forward to the organization’s future. More than 653,000 members will participate in National FFA Week activities at local, state and national levels. These members have a passion for agriculture. Designated a national week in 1947, the week of George Washington’s birthday, National FFA Week runs from Saturday to Saturday and gives FFA members an opportunity to educate the public about agriculture. Chapters conduct a variety of activities to help others

in their school and community learn about FFA and agricultural education. Because of winter break, FFA activities in Delta County generally take place the week of Feb. 26. Today’s FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural and

hands-on learning, they are preparing for 255 unique career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. National FFA Week is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company. The National FFAOrganization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 225,891 alumni members in 1,934 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

Olathe winners earned ice cream after a great showing at the District 2 FFA speaking contest in November. In prepared speaking, JD Miller earned gold and was a state qualiﬁer, and Sydnie West earned gold and was runner-up. In extemporaneous speaking, Morgan Miller earned gold and was runner-up, and Ruby Shiﬂet earned gold. In creed speaking, Charley Perkins and Boston Sommer earned silver.

Tractor Supply hosts fundraiser This month, Tractor Supply Company stores in Colorado will collect donations during National FFA Week to support grants for FFA chapters in their community. Coinciding with National FFA Week (Feb. 17-24), Tractor Supply customers can donate $1 or more at checkout Feb. 16-25 while shopping in-store, online at

www.tractorsupply.com or by calling Customer Solutions at (877) 7186750. Donations will fund the national Grants for Growing program, supporting FFA chapters in CO that are making a difference in their communities through unique and sustainable agricultural projects. The program is coordinated through a partnership with the

National FFA Foundation and Tractor Supply. Today’s FFA members are the innovators and leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural and hands-on learning, they are preparing for 255 unique career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. National FFA Week is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company.

Olathe’s livestock evaluation team was the 2017 state champion and placed 14th in the nation. Pictured are Clay Kimberlin, 15th in the nation; Justin Mosher, 20th in the nation; Tyler O’Donnell, silver; and Cody Melchor, bronze. Justin Mosher was the top overall individual in the nation in beef.

Cedaredge FFA dedicated to service, education In Delta County, the conclusion of February break brings with it the beginning of National FFA Week for the Cedaredge FFA Chapter. Our members will celebrate the week themed “I Can, We Will,” Feb. 25 through March 3. FFA Week allows ag students the opportunity to celebrate the organization they love, while at the same time educating the public, providing service to the community, and engaging in fun activi-

ties. With nearly 8,000 FFA chapters across the country, there are 650,000 members celebrating during this special week in agriculture education. Since our beginning in 1981, the Cedaredge FFA has always made FFA Week a special time of celebration while focusing on our foundation of education, support and involvement. This year we will continue our mission of utilizing FFA Week to show our pride throughout our school

and community, educate and inspire future agriculturalists, give back to our community, and generate sustainability and support for the FFA, while also having a lot of fun. Our week will kick off with our traditional family church and barbecue where members and their families attend a local church service and join together for a potluck barbecue in the shop. This year following the barbecue, FFA mem-

bers and their families take the opportunity to give back to the community through a day of service. In conjunction with Cedaredge Police Code Enforcement, members plan to help clean up local yards. In an effort to share pride in our organization, and celebrate FFA, Monday will find the chapter member preparing a hamburger fry lunch with the entire high school. Cedaredge High students will enjoy burgers, beans,

Cedaredge FFA Chapter

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chips and cake provided in shared efforts with the Cedaredge FFA alumni. Tuesday will be dedicated to teaching the elementary about agriculture and hopefully inspiring the youth to participate in FFA. With lessons ranging from soil, dairy products, the apple cycle, honey production, and equine sciences, the day is a favorite of many, both elementary students and FFA members. The highlight of the week comes Wednesday with the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Member Auction. Uniquely the oyster fry is prepared entirely by the FFA members. An all-you-caneat oyster and chicken dinner with endless sides is provided to nearly 400 community members. We invite everyone to a delicious meal followed with great entertainment and an opportunity to purchase students for spring clean-up and various work hours. The auction is designed to allow members to volunteer hours in the community, while providing service and labor to successful bidders in the auction. The dinner kicks off at 5:30, and auction commences at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $12 for adults and $7 for elementary students.

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ACCURATE TAX

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& ACCOUNTING SERVICE ��

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The night promises good food, fun times and great laughs. The festivities don’t seem to slow down much as Thursday and Friday are filled with a teacher appreciation breakfast, barbecue and recruitment at the middle school, and ag Olympic games at the high school. Friday evening, the gym will be filled with FFA members and dodgeball as Cedaredge will host Hotchkiss and Delta FFA in a dodgeball tournament. Saturday concludes the week with a little relaxation and fun at the chapter trap shoot. As you can see FFA Week for Cedaredge FFA will be dedicated to celebrating our organization through service, education, support and involvement. Please make sure you join us on Feb. 28 for the Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry and Member Auction.

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FFA WEEK

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Delta FFA members have a passion for ag The Delta FFA Chapter has been active and growing since the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. The students have been working hard and learning about various facets of the agricultural industry, agricultural education and the FFA organization. The school year began with a new advisor, Ms. Kendal Butterfield, and enthusiastic, committed students. The Delta FFA Chapter attended BIG Conference Sept. 26 to expose first year agriculture students to the organization. All 38 students were given

the opportunity to learn the different aspects of FFA, meet members from other chapters, and learn leadership skills. On Oct. 4, Delta FFA students attended the District Leadership Conference (DLC). Members rotated through seven different leadership workshops hosted by the district officers, including two of Delta’s own: Morgan Redden and Sierra Nelson. The Delta FFA Chapter took eight students to FFA National Convention held in Indianapolis, Ind. The theme this year

FFA National Convention

was “I Can, We Will.” The attendees went to the first general session and the fourth general session. During the first session students heard a message from keynote speaker, Laila Ali, an undefeated boxing champion. During the fourth general session, the keynote speaker was Mick Ebeling.Throughout his speech, his message was to do good and help those around you. The members were brought to tears through his inspiration and challenge. While in Indiana, students also toured Keeneland Racetrack and multiple horse farms and significant equine locations, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Umbarger’s Feed, and saw the world premier of “Farmers for America”— a movie narrated by Mike Rowe of “Dirty Jobs.” Three of the attendees had never flown and for all students this was an incredible opportunity for learning, exposure, and growth. The Delta FFA participated in the Delta Parade of Lights. Before the parade, the chapter set up a booth that was run by our alumni/ag boosters members and Delta FFA members. They sold pulled pork meals, coffee and hot chocolate, and had a very successful turnout before

about 30 students joined the parade and rode the float. Delta FFA hosted the district speaking contest in November, which required significant effort from our members, both to organize and compete. Delta FFA had three members compete at this contest. Joslyn Carpenter and Doyle Young, both freshmen, competed in the FFA Creed contest. Sierra Nelson, a junior, competed in prepared public speaking. All three of our members placed silver. The speaking portion of the night was followed by dinner and an FFA dance for all district FFA members; overall this was a very successful night. In the month of November, members sold fruit and Homestead sausage to raise money for the chapter. The top five sellers were rewarded with a trip to the National

Western Stock Show and five industry tours. While in Denver, the members toured Colorado Serum Company, the Gelbvieh Association, Colorado Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University’s Agricultural Research, Development, and Educational Center, and lastly, Harper’s Lamb Feedlot. In January, Delta FFA brought seven freshmen members to compete at the District Quizbowl contest. These young members were great representatives of Delta FFA and Delta High School and the chapter was proud of their success. Lastly, Delta FFA has done its best to serve the community and assist when possible. The chapter served at the City of Delta’s Christmas dinner, the Delta County Livestock banquet, and the Elks’ Charity Ball fundraiser. The chapter

hosted a petting zoo during Halloween High to bring agricultural knowledge to younger students. The chapter will continue to seek opportunities to portray the FFA motto of “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve.” National FFA week is a great week of celebration for the chapter and the organization across the country; during the week, the chapter will host a teacher breakfast, organize activities and games with all students of DHS, and share their experiences within agriculture and the FFA. Delta FFA looks forward to the rest of the school year and is committed to making an impact. Delta FFA will be holding itsMember Auction and Oyster Fry on March 28 at 6 p.m.; call DHS for more information. The chapter hopes to see you there!

Delta FFA members

Hotchkiss FFA Chapter is growing strong the FFA website, FFA. org, America’s youth were losing interest in working National FFA Week on the family farm. happens Feb. 17-24. To celIts inaugural meeting ebrate the organization’s was held in 1928 in Kanpast, present and future sas City, Mo. accomplishments, chapToday, FFA’s mission ters across the nation are is to make a positive difgearing up for a week of ference in the lives of stuactivities. Because it falls dents by developing their during the week of winpotential for leadership, ter break, Olathe, Delta, personal growth and Cedaredge and Hotchkiss career success through high school chapters will agricultural education. celebrate FFA Week Feb. The organization boasts 24-March 3. 8,568 chapters spread Hotchkiss High across all 50 states, PuerSchool’s FFA chapter has to Rico and the U.S. Vira full week of activities gin Islands, and roughly planned, said Coley Won650,000 members aged dra, now in his fifth year 12-21. of teaching agriculture If anyone thinks there at HHS. Events include isn’t much interest in the future of agriculture, think again. Started in 1981 by Teresa Burns, the Hotchkiss chapter now has some 80 student members, of whom about 40 are actively involved in all aspects of the chapter. “Agriculture is a huge part of the community,” said Wondra, and FFA is a big part of the school. Cedaredge and Delta high schools also have very active FFA chapters, said Wondra, and chapters often work together on events and projects. “As chapters we’ve done a good job of unifying students,” he said. FFA is also about Hotchkiss FFA chapter members attended the District Leadership Conference more than agriculture. last fall in Collbran, where they were named the outstanding district chapter. Through its diverse proAlmost half of Hotchkiss students are involved in FFA. The annual member grams, members can prepare for careers in sciauction and Alumni Association dinner will be held March 21.

BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

an Agriculture Olympics, stick horse races, a movie night (John Wayne’s “The Cowboys”), Quiz Bowl (Knowledge Bowl, but with agriculture-related questions), and the annual Junk Yard Wars, where classes compete in making objects from recycled materials. Catapults and levers, sculptures, a helicopter, a dog, “And everything in between,” have come from past competitions, said Wondra. It all depends on what materials are available. Throughout the week chapter members perform community service projects, serve all of the teachers a pan-

cake breakfast, hold a Corn Toss tournament, and compete in dodge ball with Cedaredge and Delta chapter members. One interesting activity is called “The Escape Room,” where students are locked in a room and can only escape by solving a series of puzzles. The activity promotes teamwork, critical thinking and other skills. FFA, short for Future Farmers of America, began in the early part of the 20th century as a way to provide agricultural training and education to youth and adults living in rural parts of the country. At the time, according to

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service component, the Hotchkiss chapter also hosts an annual Easter Egg hunt at the Delta County Fairgrounds, which this year happens March 31, and an annual Halloween party at the fairgrounds. Both events are free and open to the public. To pay for all of their events, activities and trips, fundraising is a big part of FFA. Hotchkiss’s biggest fundraiser is the annual Labor Auction. Chapter members each commit to performing eight hours of labor and are auctioned off to the public. Work might include cleaning windows or staining fences, working in the garden, mucking out barns, and even branding. Funds go to a number of events, including the annual Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. During the auction the Hotchkiss FFA Alumni Association hosts an allyou-can-eat Rocky Mountain oyster fundraiser dinner (and for those who aren’t fans of the “oysters,” chicken tenders are also available), with proceeds going to the Alumni Scholarship Fund. This year’s auction and dinner will be held Wednesday, March 21. (More information can be found on the Hotchkiss FFA Alumni and Hotchkiss FFA Chapter Facebook pages.)

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ence, education, horticulture, production, forestry and other fields. One of the most important things to know about the organization is that all students are welcome to join, “Whether they are involved in agriculture or not,” said senior chapter president Morgan Miller. Students work yearround to prepare for state FFA Career Development Events, individual and team skills contests based on agricultural education instruction. Among its 19 contests are ag technical and mechanical systems (covering 14 skill areas), employment skills, farm and agribusiness management, Parliamentary procedure, veterinary science, and a freshman Quiz Bowl. Last year Hotchkiss placed third in the Livestock Evaluation event. This year, they are aiming for first. Student participation in FFA extends beyond the school year. During summer months members participate in the FFA state convention in June, then focus on the Delta County Fair held each August, giving them an opportunity for community service and putting to use a long list of skills learned throughout the years. Many participate in showing animals and crafts through 4-H. “Then it’s back to school,” said Wondra. As part of FFA’s public

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick ��

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B6 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

AGRICULTURE

Delta County Independent

Delta County horse women earn awards Several members of the Women’s Surface Creek Saddle Club traveled recently to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to collect their 2017 year-end awards from the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC). These amazing equestrian women, accompanied by their wonderful husbands and horses, traveled throughout Colorado and New Mexico to compete in eight different NATRC-sanctioned Competitive Trail Rides (CTR) from April through September 2017. A CTR is a competitive distance trail ride event over a measured distance and completed within a window of time. The horses, ponies, or mules are evaluated on their condition, soundness and trail manners. Riders are judged on horsemanship as it applies to competitive trail riding. Trail

ride. Open competitors cover 50 - 60 miles in two days. Carrie Gardner, from Eckert, and her big Tennessee Walker, SAS’s My Future is Spots, (aka Navajo), competed in Novice. Her horse Navajo had the highest average novice horse score with a 97.36 percent. Navajo won an embroidered horse blanket, as he was also the Region 3 Novice champion horse. Navajo and Carrie were first place High Point Novice Heavyweight Team, first place Novice High Point Heavyweight Horse, and Carrie was second in Novice Heavyweight High Point Horsemanship. Points are determined by the number of riders entered in each division and class, as well as the placing. Kristie LaValley, from Photo courtesy Bill Wingle Cedaredge, riding her Carrie Gardner and Navajo at Navajo Lake in New Missouri Fox Trotter, SenMexico. teney’s Spirt, (aka Siena) placed second in Novice Lightweight Horse, fifth in Novice Lightweight Horsemanship and third in the Team High Point

safety and courtesy are key elements, as is the ability to care for a horse during and after a long day in the backcountry. How far and how fast competitors travel depends on the division of competition. Novice is for riders and horses new to competitive trail riding.

Competitive Pleasure (CP) is for riders who are more experienced in CTR but who prefer the distance and pace of the Novice division. Open is for experienced CTR riders with well-conditioned horses. Novice and CP competitors cover approximately 40 miles over a two-day

Photo courtesy Bill Wingle

Kristie LaValley and Siena at Caballo Canyon in New Mexico.

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which combines the points for the horse and rider. Carrie Derco, also from Cedaredge, and her Arabian gelding Geron (aka Nash) won second place Novice Lightweight Team. Carrie was second in Novice Lightweight Horsemanship and Nash earned third in Novice Horse. This was only Carrie and Nash’s second year of competition. Don’t think for a minute any of these ladies are novice riders, they are just new to NATRC and everyone normally starts in the Novice division. It takes several years for horses to learn the correct way to perform the natural trail obstacles and for the riders to condition a horse for the long distance. Betty Garrett, from Eckert, and her Missouri Fox Trotter, Royal’s Rock’N EZ Cinnabar, (aka Cinna) did very well in the Competitive Pleasure division. CP always has 12 to 25 competitors and is not divided between heavyweight/lightweight riders and is considered the hardest division to win. Cinna won an embroidered horse blanket, as she received Region 3’s Competitive Pleasure Champion Horse Award.

Photo courtesy Bill Wingle

Betty Garrett and Cinna at Music Meadow Ranch in Westcliff. Betty and Cinna also had the highest combined horse and rider average in Region 3 with an amazing 98.54 percent. Betty and Cinna took home three red ribbons, were second place High Point Team, second High Point Horse and second High Point Horsemanship. Betty also finished sixth in Horsemanship in the NATRC national standings. Juleen Feazell, from Cedaredge, began the 2017 NATRC ride season on her Tennessee Walker, SAS’s Smokey Annie Oakley in the Open lightweight division. Juleen took third in Horsemanship and her horse Annie was fourth place Horse in Open Lightweight High Point year-end awards. As a team Annie and Juleen tied for third. Halfway through the season Juleen switched to her reliable American Paint Horse mare, Sixes Peppy Lady, (aka Kookie) and moved to CP. Kookie finished fourth place CP Horse, and Juleen took fifth in Horsemanship. As a team Juleen and Kookie were also fifth. These equestrians

are members of the local Women’s Surface Creek Saddle Club. They train and condition their horses together throughout the year. They have a great time at the rides, traveling and camping together with their horses, sharing in the adventures of riding in some beautiful country in Colorado and New Mexico. NATRC is a friendly competition where you more often find riders helping each other stay on the trail and just enjoying the beautiful well-marked trails. If interested in learning more about competitive trail riding and NATRC, the Women’s Surface Creek Saddle Club will be offering a NATRC clinic May 19, and will be hosting a CTR on the Grand Mesa the first weekend in August. Go to www. NATRC3.org to learn the details of these events and more general information about NATRC. Now is a good time to begin conditioning your horse. If you want to get started, contact Juleen Feazell at gjfeazell@icloud.com and go for a trail ride with her and her riding friends.

Photo courtesy Bill Wingle

Juleen Feazell and Kookie at Hartsel Springs Ranch in Hartsel.

Photo courtesy Bill Wingle

Carrie Derco and Nash at Music Meadow Ranch in Westcliff.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

SPORTS February 21, 2018

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Church 3A HWT champ BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After winning the Class 3A heavyweight title Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Logan Church walked over to coaches Clayton Curtis and Luis Meza and asked which one he should lift up in celebration. Rather than choosing, he swept both coaches off the floor and gave them a big bear hug. “It was kind of planned, kind of in the moment,” said Church. “I’m just so grateful to them and everything they do for me. They’re just the best coaches out there and I’m just thankful to have them.” Church had a lot to celebrate. He ends his senior year with a perfect 35-0 record. “It feels great,” said Church. If Delta has ever produced an undefeated state champion, it was a long time ago. “Not in the last 15 years, that’s for sure,” said head coach Curtis. Church was one of three wrestlers in the state, and the only Class 3A wrestler, to score 30 points by winning all four matches by fall. Over the three-day tournament Church wrestled a total of 7 minutes, 17 seconds. In the championship match he pinned his final opponent, Preston Duran of Alamosa, in 2:22. “I didn’t really have a match that pushed the pace for me,” said Church. A year earlier, Church lost the championship match by a 3-2 decision. This season all goes back to that match, said Church. “That’s my moti-

vation every day.” Church signed last fall to wrestle for Western State Colorado University at Gunnison. After he won the Warrior Classic title, Curtis called him “a true wrestler.” “Everybody wants to be great,” said Curtis, as the final scores and team winners were being announced at the Pepsi Center. “But there’s not too many willing to put in the time.” Even while wrestling on junior varsity, “He definitely put in the time, every year.”

Curtis said he hopes the younger wrestlers learned from him about what it takes to be a state champion. “I can tell them how to do it, but sometimes it takes seeing someone actually go through the process.” Curtis won three state titles wrestling for Alamosa under head coach Gary Ramstetter, whose team won two individual titles and scored 164 points to win the Class 3A team title. “He’s the greatest coach,” said Curtis. “I’m sure a lot of wrestlers feel

Photo by Tamie Meck

After winning the 3A state heavyweight title, Delta senior Logan Church hoists coaches Clayton Curtis, left, and Luis Meza Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Church ended the season 35-0. Delta coaches know of no other undefeated state titlest.

that way about their own coach, but he knows how to produce state champions and state championship teams.” Delta scored 42 points to place 14th out of 43 teams. Senior Drake Horn placed sixth at 160 pounds. It wasn’t what he’d hoped for, said Curtis of Horn, who ends the season at 31-11. But he defeated a tough Alamosa wrestler, 3-2, to get into the placing rounds. “That was awesome, to see him place and find all of his hard work finally paying off,” said Curtis. Sophomore Gauge Lockhart was one win away from placing. “Gauge has got to be the most improved wrestler on our team this year,” said Curtis. In his final match he pushed a Berthoud wrestler who pinned him twice in the first earlier in the season, losing the match by four points. To go all three rounds and lose by four — two points given up in a desperation move, against a top-ranked wrestler shows how much potential he has, said Curtis. At 170, junior Aiden Barrios was 1-2 for the tournament. While he went out early, three weeks ago, said Curtis, he upset a defending state champion, and later lost in overtime to the same wrestler. “I hope that motivates him, because he’s a really good wrestler,” said Curtis. Hopefully, said Curtis, they, and all the wrestlers, take a lesson from Church, work hard, and return to state next season so that it can all pay off.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta senior Drake Horn (160 pounds) wrestles to a 13-1 win over Anthony Martinez of Lamar Friday at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Horn placed sixth overall.

Bruins break 35-year slump, Geyer, Dale win state mat titles BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

According to a school banner, the last state champion wrestler for Cedaredge was Mark Brown. That was 35 years ago, said head coach Cutter Garrison. Last Saturday night the Bruins broke the dry spell when freshman Trey Geyer and sophomore Sean Dale won titles at 120 and 126 pounds, respectively. “That’s a big thing for Cedaredge,” said Garrison. “Back to back! It was a lot of fun.” Geyer, who wrestles at 120, was seeded fifth. He knew coming into the season that he had a shot at making the top four at state. In Saturday night’s championship match, Geyer won by a 16-3 major decision over Jacob Pelloni of Meeker. Having beat him three times this season, Geyer said he knew his odds were good. “It gave me a little more confidence, knowing I had wrestled

him before.” Dale, who placed fourth in state his freshman year, was seeded first and won his first three matches by fall, technical fall and major decision. In the championship match he faced second-seeded freshman Junior Arambula. Looking at his 38-5 record, Dale said he knew Arambula would put up a fight. “Coming in as a freshman he probably has some nerves,” said Dale. Dale scored first and held on for a 2-0 win. He credited his ability to keep Arambula from scoring to his coaches, hard work and Geyer. “I have a great partner in Trey,” said Dale. Cedaredge placed five wrestlers and scored 109 points to finish fourth in Class 2A. Rocky Ford was ranked first and placed third. Wray, which Garrison called “The Purple Monster,” surprised everyone by scoring 197 CEDAREDGE TO B8

Photo by Tamie Meck

Under ﬁrst-year head coach Nate Wiggins, left, the Paonia Eagles were runners-up with 147 points at the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 2A State Wrestling Tournament.

Eagles take second, place seven at state wrestling BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia Eagles placed seven wrestlers and scored 147 points to finish second at the Class 2A state wrestling tournament. “I thought they peaked at the right time,” said first year head coach Nate Wiggins. “They really performed.” Wiggins called the tournament and the season “A team effort... Really, they wrestle for each other as much as anything.” Paonia sent six wrestlers into the semifinal round. Two advanced to the championship round, and the other four wrestled for third place. Because the tournament gets more competitive toward the end, that was impressive, said Wiggins. Seniors Clay Campbell

(145) and Jaden Miller (220) marched Saturday night in the Parade of Champions — Campbell with his dad, and Miller with his grandfather. In semifinals Campdefeated Jared bell Bauer (35-12) of Crowley County, 5-4. Bauer, who dropped from 152 pounds a week earlier, “was really strong,” said Campbell. “He’s a lot bigger than I am. I felt a little underpowered but I went out and got points where I could.” Campbell said he disagreed with two stalling calls against him. “That’s a lot of weight and sometimes it’s hard to move,” he said. “I guess the ref thought there was more on my part that I could have done there.” In his 10-1 championship match loss to 45-

7 senior Carlos Romo of Rocky Ford, Campbell’s only point came on an escape. For Campbell, a four-year state qualifier, this is the first time to place. “It’s what I’ve been dreaming of since freshman year,” said Campbell. “Getting a shot at the championship was the goal and the dream. Now it’s here and it’s real.” A fifth-generation rancher, Campbell becomes the first member of his family to get his name on the “Faded Glory” wrestling wall at Paonia High School. Miller lost his championship match, 3-2, to undefeated senior Sky Carlson of Soroco. “He gave it a good effort,” said Wiggins. Miller, who was ranked second at 182 pounds for

most of the season, first wrestled at 220 at the regional tournament. It was Miller’s idea, said Wiggins. He replaced Cyrus Malek-Madani, who suffered a late-season injury, and also made room for freshman brother Anthony to qualify for state at 182. “It just kind of gave our team a better chance,” said Wiggins. Anthony didn’t place, but scored three points on a consolation match win by fall. It also worked out well for Miller. In semifinals he pinned Cedaredge junior Taj Van der Linde in 1:17. “I knew I had to be pretty aggressive and use my speed to my advantage,” said Miller in wrestling 34-10 Van der Linde. Four Eagles — two PAONIA TO B8

Photo by Tamie Meck

Cedaredge freshman Trey Geyer takes down Jacob Pelloni in the 120-pound state championship match Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Geyer was one of ﬁve state placers for Cedaredge. The Bruins scored 109 points to place fourth overall.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Sean Dale defeated Junior Arambula of Wray, 2-0, to win the Class 2A state 126-pound title Saturday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Dale, a sophomore, placed fourth as a freshman.

B8 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Three Hotchkiss matmen place; Curtis runner-up BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Not every coach beams with pride after his wrestler loses a big match, but on Saturday night, as the 82nd annual wrestling tournament was winding down, Hotchkiss head coach Richard Flores had nothing but praise for his wrestlers. And none made him more proud than senior 195-pounder Devin Curtis. In the championship match, Curtis gave up some early back points, but he never quit in his 72 loss to Dahlton McGee of Fowler. McGee was undefeated and seeded first going into the tournament. Curtis was seeded third. Had he not given up those early points, “He probably would have had a different mindset going into the final period.” Despite being down, Curtis stayed calm. Anything can happen at state,

and it’s easy for kids to freak out, said Flores. A wrestler from Merino who was ranked first all year didn’t even place. “For him to place, I’m really proud of him,” said Flores. “For him to be in the Parade of Champions was awesome.” Unlike many top wrestlers in the state, Curtis didn’t start wrestling until eighth grade, said Flores. His junior year he wrestled at state, but didn’t place. This year he was the Region 1 champion and the state runner-up. “For him to make it here just lets you know how hard he worked,” said Flores. “He earned every bit of that second place. Hard work. Extra time. He never slacked off.” All four years Curtis gave his all to the sport, said Flores. This year, he emerged as the team

leader. “He got everybody going, and he kind of ran the show. As far as anyone who’s slacking, if someone wasn’t wrestling up to their potential, he kind of let them know. Everybody needs one of those guys.” Curtis was one of three placers for Hotchkiss. At 132 pounds, freshman Traycer Hall placed fifth. Hall, who was seeded fourth, opened with a pin over Sierra Grande and won in sudden victory in the quarterfinal round against Highland. In semifinals Hall lost by a 9-2 decision to the No. 1 seed from John Mall. In the fifth-place match, Hall pinned the No. 3 seed from Cheyenne Wells in the third period. At 126, junior Presley Pene (27-16) opened with a 6-2 loss to junior Brendyn Nordyke of Holly, then advanced to the placing rounds on three consecutive wins, placing sixth on a 7-3 loss to Mountain Valley. Hotchkiss’s seven state qualifiers scored 51 points

to place 10th in Class 2A. “I was happy with it,” said Flores. Every wrestler also won at least one match, including freshman Robert Cochran (113), sophomore Jace Peebles (145), and firstyear senior heavyweight Nolan Egging. At 220, freshman Kevin Chavez was 2-2 for the tournament. One little mistake resulted in a one-point loss to the kid who went on to place third, said Flores. “That’s wrestling.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss junior 126-pound Presley Pene takes Yuma’s Blaze Brophy down in second-round consolation action at the Pepsi Center in Denver. After a ﬁrst-round loss, Pene wrestled back to a sixth place ﬁnish.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss senior Devin Curtis scores back points in his semiﬁnal win at the 2A state wrestling tournament Friday. After placing fourth his sophomore and junior years, Curtis was the state runner-up in 2018.

Cedaredge CONTINUED FROM B7 points to win the team title. “Like us, they’re a young team too,” said Garrison. “They’re well coached and Matt Brown does a good job... That’s what makes this tournament so fun.” Cedaredge lost six of 11 wrestlers in Saturday’s consolation rounds. “We came out a little bit flat when we needed to be up for it,” said Garrison. While seniors Alex McCracken (132), a four-year state qualifier, David Schipmann (138), Colton Hoerr (152) and Jared Hulteen (160) didn’t place, each scored points for the team. At 106 pounds, freshman Sam Campbell was 0-2, and freshman heavyweight Derek Sanchez was 2-2 for the tournament and pinned two competitors to score eight team points.

Of the three other placers, freshman Adrien Nieto placed fourth at 113 pounds and ends the season with a 25-6 record. In semifinals Nieto lost by a point to a 24-4 sophomore and 2017 state runner up, then won by decision to advance to the third-place match. “He’s young,” said Garrison. “It’s gonna happen for him.” In his first state tournament, junior Taj Van der Linde (220) was seeded 12th and placed sixth. Van der Linde opened the tournament with two solid wins, then lost by pin to Paonia senior Jaden Miller in semifinals. Miller was wrestling up from 182. “That kind of hurt,” said Van der Linde, especially since Miller jumped from 182 to 220 in time for the regional tournament.

In consolation semis Van der Linde was tied, 5-5, with Wray, but lost momentum, resulting in a 10-5 loss. Wrestling for fifth, he said, he was more focused and pinned 26-8 Brayden Dillingham of Calhan in the first round. “Next year,” said Van der Linde, who ends the season at 34-10. Junior Toby Waddell, who was seeded 12th, wrestled back to sixth place. After opening on a loss Garrison told Waddell to show him what he’s got. In his first consolation match Waddell pinned his opponent from Akron in 15 seconds, making it the shortest match in Class 2A. Waddell then worked his way to consolation semifinals on a 7-5 decision over Wray and a technical fall over Sedgwick County/Fleming.

come back from five-point deficits,” said Neal. Over winter break he watched videos and worked to clean his mistakes up. In the last two weeks, “All that work paid off.” Sophomore heavyweight Levi Peterson wrestled back to third place after an opening round loss. Peterson won all five of his matches by pin, scoring the most pins in the least amount of time for the tournament. In the third-place match he pinned a Wray wrestler in 38 seconds. In semifinals, junior Sackett Chesnik (138, 424) battled to a 10-8 loss against Burlington, then advanced to the thirdplace match on a 15-5 win over Dolores Huerta. He finished on a 12-2 win over Keenan Hayes (29-8) of Hayden. At 170, junior Anthony Felice was seeded 13th and placed third. In his final match Felice pinned Norwood’s Austin Overholt, a wrestler he’d lost to by fall at the regional tournament. Junior Jesse Burns placed fourth on a loss to 32-7 Trent Elliott of Merino. Burns was seeded fifth and upset the number four seed from John Mall in quarterfinals. In semifinals he lost to the No. 1 seed from Rocky Ford. Sophomore Zeb Etter (126), a two-time state qualifier, and senior Caden Meilner (132) also wrestled at state. Like his brother, Jaden Miller qualified for state as a freshman, but didn’t place. He started wrestling at age 5. “It’s been a love/hate relationship.

You lose, you hate it, but going,” he said. “It teaches you just have to keep you a lot of life lessons.”

That was a big step for Waddell, said Garrison. “He battled and battled.” After coming off of a regional team championship and looking to a promising state tournament, Garrison said that after the consolation and third and fifth place rounds were over, he was asking himself what happened. Then came the two championships. Garrison said he started looking to next year, and recalling his first tournament four years ago when Cedaredge brought four wrestlers to state. In looking at next year, said Garrison, there’s a lot to work with. All five placers and two state qualifiers will be eligible to return next season. “That’s what’s great about this sport,” said Garrison. “There’s ups and downs.”

Paonia CONTINUED FROM B7 juniors and two sophomores — placed third. In wrestling for third, sophomore Grey Neal’s match was tied at 7-7 when he pinned Cade Hillman of Wray in 4:44. “It was a scramble,” said Neal, who called Hillman “a really good wrestler. I scrambled better than he did, and that’s who gets their hand raised in the end.” Neal said that early in the season he lost a lot of matches by giving up fivepoint moves. “It’s hard to

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Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior Jaden Miller pins his opponent from Baca County in the Class 2A state 220-pound quarterﬁnals. Miller was runner up after losing by a 2-1 decision to undefeated senior Sky Carlson of Soroco.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Clay Campbell wrestles Carlos Romo of Rocky Ford in the 145-pound state championship match Saturday night at the Pepsi Center. Campbell, a threetime state qualiﬁer, placed second.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Delta boys win out; earn third in WSL race BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

A pair of wins, including an exciting venture to Parachute, elevated Delta High School boys’ basketball team to third place in the final 3A WSL standings. The Panthers rolled to a much-needed victory over league foe Moffat County on Friday, winning by an 80-43 margin. Saturday’s game against Grand Valley came down to a wild finish with Delta claiming a 63-62 decision to finish regular season play with a 6-3 league mark and 13-6 overall. Coal Ridge (9-0, 17-2) won the league title with Roaring Fork finishing second (8-1, 17-2). Grand Valley was fourth (6-3, 16-3). Delta 80, MoCo 43 Moffat County’s Brent Cook made the Panthers’ life miserable in the first quarter with 10 points in a 19-11 Bulldog run in the opening quarter. The Panthers took a deep breath and regrouped in the second quarter and turned Andrew Baier loose in a Delta 20-6 run. Baier’s 10 points, and a pair of 3s from John Ames, propelled the Panthers on their run and a 31-25 halftime lead. Six players combined in the third quarter to generate 27 points offensively for Delta. Ames,

who finished with six 3s, hit another pair in the period with Logan Freed and Baier chipping in an equal number of points (six). Jaspar Carmichael contributed another five points in the huge run by the Panthers. Moffat County finished the third period with an 11-point effort leaving the Panthers on top, 58-36. Felipe Bedoy and Ames canned a pair of 3s each taking Delta on another big run of 22 points. A seven-point effort by the Bulldogs in the period made the final score 8043. Delta finished the game with 11 three-point goals. Baier collected most of his game-high 19 points in the middle quarters for the Panthers with teammates Ames (18), Carmichael (14) and Freed (11) adding double-digit scoring support in the win. Cook’s 17 was high for the visiting Bulldogs. Delta 63, GV 62 Delta took an early lead and held onto it for most of the game. A three-point lead at the end of one period was sparked by the play of Freed who had six points in the period. Carmichael led Delta scorers in the second period with seven points helping the Panthers outscore Grand Valley 19-

13 for a halftime lead of 33-24. Second half play was highlighted by Carmichael’s 11-point third quarter and Freed’s eightpoint fourth quarter. Grand Valley made a furious run to close the gap with a 22-point fourth quarter to come up short in a 63-62 loss. The Cardinals had a pair of chances at the end of the game but could not convert the winning goal as time ran out. Delta’s Freed and Grand Valley’s Garrett Magee shared game-high scoring honors with 20 points each. Carmichael finished the game with 19 markers for the Panthers with Ames finishing the game with three 3s (nine for the weekend) and nine points. Kade Hurst (16) and Indra Griggs (14) gave the Cardinals three players with double-digit scoring. The Panthers played on Tuesday against sixthseeded Olathe with the winner advancing to district semifinal play at Central High School in Grand Junction on Friday (Feb. 23). Tuesday’s winner would face either 2 Roaring Fork, 7 Gunnison or 10 Moffat County at 5:30 p.m. with a title game awaiting the winner Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at Central High School.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Joe Bules seems to be doing a magic trick with the ball in last weekend’s 3A WSL basketball game in Parachute against Grand Valley. Bules’ ability to contort his body at odd angles has enabled him to haul in some extraordinary rebounds this season. The Panthers built leads throughout the game but could not run away with the game but did win 63-62.

Paonia ends season fourth in 2A District 5 BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The first three quarters of Paonia High School’s boys basketball game between the Eagles and Rangely essentially spelled the difference in last week’s game. The Panthers were a fivepoint winner, 61-56, when the final buzzer sounded.

Delta girls fourth in WSL BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta’s Panthers made a run at the 3A WSL title last weekend but came up just short. A win both nights could have handed the team title to Delta. Unfortunately, the Panthers stumbled in Parachute with a 58-41 loss to Grand Valley and finished fourth in the team race with a 7-2 league mark and 14-5 overall. Delta’s victory (54-25) over Moffat County on Friday night was a convincing win, but, by process of sorting out the details of a four-way tie for the title, the Bulldogs became league champions with a 7-2 and 14-5 record. Sandwiched in the middle of Moffat County and Delta were Grand Valley (7-2, 13-6) and Cedaredge, the leader for most of the season, (7-2, 17-2). Delta 54, MoCo 25 The Panthers were determined to hold their ground in the team race and possibly move up with a win. An 18-7 first quarter was fueled by Missa Webb’s eight points, and a parade of free throw shooting Pan-

thers where 13 freebies were taken and six points scored. Moffat County stayed cold, with the help of Delta’s defense, and fell deeper into a hole with just two points coming on 13 free throw attempts in the second quarter. Delta posted another 13 points, with Jenna Sutliff ’s seven points leading the way. The Panthers added another point to their lead in the third quarter to take a 41-18 lead to the final period of action. Aubrey Jones scored seven of her 11 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Panthers on a 13-7 run to finish the game for a 54-25 victory. Webb’s 14 points led the Panthers, and all other scorers in the game. Jones’ 11 counters were the second-most scored in the game with Sara Geddes finishing with eight points. Moffat County’s Tiffany Hildebrandt and Jana Camilletti had seven points each for the Bulldogs. Cardinals 58, Delta 41 The ball seemed to be a foreign object in the hands of Delta’s Panthers in the middle quarters against Grand Valley

on Saturday afternoon. Turnovers and missed shots accounted for just 10 points in the two middle quarters for Delta. Meanwhile, Grand Valley stormed to a comfortable lead with a 32-point production over the same time span. The Cardinals were leading 45-23 entering the last quarter. Delta held its own in the first and fourth quarters with 31 points to 26 being scored by the Cardinals. Geddes’ 11 points topped Delta’s point production with Keely Porter’s nine counters next high for the Panthers. Grand Valley’s Shaya Chenowith scored 21 of her game-high 25 points in the two middle quar-

ters where the Cardinals did most of their damage offensively. Other doubledigit scorers for Grand Valley included Loghan Teter (15) and Jordyn Pittman (12). Delta, the four seed in this week’s district tournament, hosted number five Gunnison (4-5, 910) Tuesday night with the winner advancing to Central High School for semifinal and championship play on Friday and Saturday (Feb. 23-24). A Delta win (Tuesday) would have the Panthers facing either 1 Moffat County or 7 Coal Ridge/10 Aspen at 4 p.m. Friday. The third-place game is set for 9 a.m. and the title game for 12 noon on Saturday.

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Rangely was two points better than the Eagles after one period and a 15-13 Panthers’ edge in the second quarter gave Rangely a four-point, 2521, halftime lead. Another point was added to Rangely’s lead in the third quarter on an 18-17 advantage for the Panthers. The final period was played evenly with each team scoring 18 points making the final score 61-56. Paonia ended the season with a 9-3 league record and was 12-7 to finish fourth in the 2A District 5 standings. The Eagles hosted a

pigtail round on Monday and faced fifth seed Hotchkiss (8-4, 12-7). That winner moves on to play either 1 seed Rangely (11-1, 14-5), 8 seed Vail Mountain (5-7, 7-12) or 9 seed Soroco (1-11, 4-15) at 4:30 p.m. at De Beque High School. Losers of the pigtail games play in consolation semifinals at De Beque High School Feb. 22 at 4:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. Consolation finals are set for Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. with a third-place game scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Championship play is at 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta freshman Alexa Huff has the inside position in Parachute against a Grand Valley player. A slow start by the Panthers hindered execution on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in a 58-41 loss last Saturday afternoon.

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B10 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Bulldog quints split games BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Hotchkiss’ basketball teams had close games against Vail Christian last week with different outcomes. The girls won their game on a buzzerbeater, 40-38, from Kaiya Firor at midcourt. The boys led late in the game but gave up the tying shot at the end of regulation time forcing an overtime period. The Saints outscored Hotchkiss 7-4 in the extra period to win the game. Girls Hotchkiss 40, VC 38 Vail Christian’s 14point first quarter seemed to give the Saints momentum early. Hotchkiss refused to give in and a solid offensive effort in the third quarter produced a 34-33

lead for the Bulldogs. In a low-scoring fourth quarter, Hotchkiss trailed 3837 with just seconds left in the game. Firor pushed the ball up the court quickly and had to take a shot at the midcourt line. The home crowd’s reaction was thunderous when Firor’s shot passed through the rim for a three-point goal to make the final score 40-38. Elsie Vazquez scored 13 points for Hotchkiss with Carson Collins adding eight and Firor and Shay Glaser contributing seven points each. Vail Christian’s Sarah Heredia had 13 points and Jesse Raitt finished with 12. Boys VC 52, HHS 49 OT There were runs from both teams but no big

leads for either squad throughout the contest. Hotchkiss had a modest lead in the fourth quarter but could not keep it at a comfortable margin. The Saints kept making contested shots that found their marks too often to suit Hotchkiss fans. The loss of seven-footer Jacob Stucker to fouls was critical to Hotchkiss’ success late in the game. With Stucker’s departure Vail Christian found its way more consistently to the rim. The Saints hit the tying shot late in the fourth quarter and Hotchkiss could not get the shot they needed to end the game forcing an overtime period. Ethan Kuhns was big for the Saints in the extra

Bruin girls lose for second time this year BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The 3A WSL was thrown into a spaghetti ball this past weekend. Cedaredge, the team which had occupied the top spot in 3A WSL standings for most of the season, lost, 43-32, to Moffat County helping send the top four teams into a tie for the league title with identical 7-2 league records. The tie-breaker used resulted in Moffat County winning the title with its 7-2, 14-5 record, Grand Valley second (7-2, 13-6), Cedaredge third (7-2, 172) and Delta fourth (7-2, 14-5). The Bruins started the weekend right with a 3027 win over Roaring Fork on Friday. Bruins 30, Rams 27 There hasn’t been a lot of offense in recent games for Ryan Hilbig’s Bruins. Against Roaring Fork the defenses dominated

play with minimum scoring throughout the game from both teams. Cedaredge took a 1611 lead at halftime and then had to scrap to hold on in the second half for a 30-27 victory. MoCo 43, Bruins 32 The first and fourth quarters had decent scoring from both teams but the scoring in the middle two quarters was sketchy to say the least, especially for Cedaredge. Cedaredge hit one of its coldest offensive nights of the season which was compounded with a fourpoint total for the second and third quarters combined (three in the second and one in the third). Both teams played in Tuesday night’s qualifying games. Three seed Cedaredge hosted 6th seed Roaring Fork and number one Moffat County hosted the winner of the 7 seed Coal Ridge and 10 seed Aspen. A win

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advances teams to Central High School on Feb. 23 and 24 for semifinal and final round action.

period with five of his team’s seven points in the overtime. Hotchkiss fell short by three points in the 52-49 loss. Kuhns finished with 10 points for Vail Christian and Zak McKeever

led all scorers with 17 followed by Bryan Trujillo’s 14. Sam Rodriguez finished the game with 13 points and Stucker had nine before departing the game.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Cedaredge senior Addison Schwarz, 23, guards Roaring Fork junior Kendall Bernot in last week’s 30-27 win over the Rams at home.

District playoffs commence this week with semifinal and final round action scheduled to take place on the campus of De Beque High School Feb. 22-24. See colorado preps.com for schedules.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Cedaredge sophomore Fabian Barron caustiously approaches Roaring Fork junior Oscar Miranda in last week’s 56-34 loss to the visiting Rams.

Bruin boys split hoop tilts BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Cedaredge High School boys basketball team split its last two regular season games, losing to Roaring Fork on Friday, 56-34, and defeating Moffat County, 48-41, on Saturday. Cedaredge’s final league standing is 2-7 with an overall record of 5-14 giving the Bruins a number nine seed heading into this weekend’s district tournament at Central High School. Rams 56, Bruins 34 Peter Carlson’s 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks weren’t enough to stop the bleeding in the second half where the Bruins scored five and six points respectively in the final two quarters of play. Roaring Fork started strong with 19 points in the opening quarter to the Bruins’ 13 counters. A nine-point second quarter allowed Cedaredge to shave one point off the Rams’ lead and go to halftime trailing 28-23. A 28-11 second half sealed the win for Roaring Fork. Bruins 48, MoCo 41 Cedaredge outpointed the Bulldogs 14-6 in firstquarter play and held on to take a 31-26 lead to their locker room at half-

time. Neither team showed signs of mounting a sustained offensive presence in the second half with the Bruins winning the second half by a 17-15 margin. Jacob Lewis hit four 3s for the Bruins and finished with 18 points for the winners. Carlson scored 14 points, had 13 rebounds and blocked five shots in the win. Monday night’s play-

in games had Gunnison (7th seed) hosting Moffat County (10th seed) and Aspen (8th seed) hosting Cedaredge (9th seed). Winners from those playin games played again on Tuesday, Feb. 20 in quarterfinal action. Number one-seeded Coal Ridge faced the winner of the Aspen/ Cedaredge game; fourth seed Grand Valley hosted fifth seed Basalt; second seed Roaring Fork played

the winner of the Gunnison/Moffat County game and number three Delta hosted sixth seed Olathe. The remainder of the district tournament games will be held at Central High School, Feb. 23-24. Friday’s semifinal games (boys) are set for 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Saturday features the boys third-place game at 10:30 with the championship game scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Paonia girls stumble against Rangely five BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Last week’s basketball schedule included two games to end the regular season for Paonia’s girls. The Eagles played Montrose’s junior varsity on Feb. 13 and recorded a 37-16 non-conference win at home. Rangely was in town on Feb. 16 and managed to get past an 18-18 tie at halftime to ease its way to a 45-36 win. Rangely 45, Paonia 36 Paonia seemed to have an upper hand in the first quarter and outscored the Panthers 13-7 to start the game.

The offensive edge was reversed in the second period with Rangely scoring six more points than the Eagles to tie the game at 18-18 at the break. Rangely’s offense was a little stronger than the Eagle’s defense in the third period allowing the Panthers to take a 37-33 lead to the fourth quarter. Paonia could not get its offense going in the final frame and was outscored by five points to make the final score 45-36. Todd’s 12 points (including three 3s) led Paonia scorers with Mautz next high with 10 points and four steals. Kassidy Rapke finished

the game with seven points and four steals and Palmer pulled down six rebounds for the Eagles. Paonia finished fifth in 2A District 5 standings with a 7-4 league record and 12-7 overall. On Feb. 21 Paonia travels to number 4 Vail Christian (7-4, 13-6) to vie for a berth in district tournament play. Game time is 5 p.m. A win there sends the Eagles to De Beque High School on Feb. 23 for semifinal play or a loss to consolation semifinals on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Consolation finals are at 9 a.m. on Saturday with the third place game set for 12 noon and the title matchup set for 3 p.m.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Paonia’s Taralee Mautz scores a layup against Rangely last Friday night in Paonia. The Panthers and Eagles were tied at halftime, 18-18, but Rangely had a better second half of play and went on to score a 45-36 victory.

SURFACE CREEK February 21, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Cedaredge cancels municipal election Raymond Hanson, Patricia Michael and Catherine Brown will fill three of four open seats BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The Town of Cedaredge has cancelled the municipal election scheduled for April 3 and declared Raymond Hanson, Patricia Michael and Catherine Brown (a write-in candidate) elected to four-year terms. That leaves one seat vacant on the town board. Town administrator Greg Brinck said the vacancy will not be officially declared until the new board is seated in April. In addition to adopting a resolution cancelling the election, town trustees: • Accepted the resignation of Darcy Fabian from the Cedaredge Planning Commission and appointed Dave Pipkin to the Cedaredge Tree Board. • Approved a special events liquor permit for the Cabin Fever Dance, to be held at the Cedaredge Civic Center on March 10. The event is a fundraiser for Grand Mesa

Arts and Events Center. No comments for or against the special events liquor permit were voiced during a public hearing held prior to the regular meeting. • Heard a treasurer’s report indicating 2018 sales tax for January is down by 2.31 percent from 2017, due to slow auto sales in the county. • Heard a report from chamber president Mitchell Gronenthal, who said the chamber and town are collaborating on a business survey. • Heard from Kathy Edwards, county coordinator for A Little Help, about efforts to expand the program to Cedaredge, Eckert and Austin. A short informational program will be held at Volunteers for America’s Eckert site at 5 p.m. March 7. • During constituent time, Loretta Busch complained about the process, and the cost, of transferring tap fees following the purchase of property in Cedaredge. She proposed a more logical method of pro-rating water and sewer rates between the buyer and seller. She also said the $100 charged for the 15 minutes it takes to update the town’s records is “highway robbery.” Trustees were unable to immediately provide a response, but said they will look into the matter.

Photo by Don Benjamin

After a long, dry period of winter the Grand Mesa is beginning to receive badly needed moisture in a series of quick-hitting storms. The surrounding mountains are once again coated in white and long-range forecast is for more normal weather with spring moisture. Winter sports enthusiasts and local growers are certanly hoping so.

Hopeful signs that wetter weather is in the forecast BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Clouds billowed over Grand Mesa last week, then parted to reveal a glimpse of higher elevation snow. This scene suggests the area’s per-

Greg Brinck named sole town administrator finalist BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Interim town administrator Greg Brinck has been named the sole finalist for town administrator. The announcement followed a short executive session at the Feb. 15 Cedaredge Town Council meeting. Trustees reviewed three applications independently prior to the meeting, discussed their findings during executive session, then reconvened the business meeting to take formal action on the matter. By state statute, formal appointment can not take place for 14 days after the names of the finalists have been announced. Trustees plan to finalize their decision at the March work session. Brinck joined the town as an administrative intern through the “Best and Brightest” program in January 2016. While working under the guidance of town administrator Katie Sickles, he completed his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado. Brinck explains that the Best and Brightest program is a partnership between CU Denver’s School of Public Affairs and the Department of Local Afffairs. Graduate students are placed in

Greg Brinck

File photo

administrative roles, typically in small towns. The process is quite competitive, Brinck said, so when he was offered an internship in Cedaredge, he jumped at the opportunity. “It was a little bit sight unseen, but I took a leap of faith after a good interview with Katie,” he said. The twoyear program was approaching its conclusion when Sickles resigned as town administrator and recommended the town keep Brinck on as interim. Brinck was born and raised

Living with wildlife

Photo submitted

These two mountain lion cubs, discovered west of Highway 65 and north of Fir, are a reminder to Cedaredge residents that we live with wild animals. The Cedaredge Police Department and Colorado Parks and Wildlife were notiﬁed and handled the situation without harming the cubs.

in the Denver metro area. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas he worked in nonprofit management. He initially focused on that area when he began the MPA program at CU Denver, but decided to explore courses in local government. He said he became intrigued with how local government can positively impact the lives of community members. “I certainly didn’t grow up thinking I would go into city management,” he said. Since moving to western Colorado, Brinck said he’s fallen in love with the area and the opportunity for outdoor recreation. “And my dogs love not living in an apartment,” he said. One of Brinck’s first priorities is hiring a town clerk to replace William Warner. After meeting with town staff and assessing the needs of the town, Brinck determined the responsibilities of the town clerk do not warrant a fulltime position. He proposed, and town trustees agreed, the position should also include economic development — someone dedicated to local and regional initiatives to diversify the economy. Brinck himself previously served as town liaison with the Cedaredge Chamber of Commerce, Delta County Tourism and Delta County Economic Development, but no longer has the time. As town administrator, Brinck will also be overseeing two major construction projects that are slated to begin soon. On Feb. 26, the Highway 65 and Main Street enhancement project kicks off. The goal is to extend the 2013 reconstruction of Main Street to make the intersection more pedestrian friendly, improve traffic flow, redo the “teardrop of concrete and dirt,” and maintain the historic aesthetics of the initial phase of construction. The intersection will be closed until construction is completed, hopefully by May 15. “I believe planning on this project started in 2012 and we finally went out to bid last fall,” Brinck said. The Highway 65 water line replacement project is also budgeted in 2018. The main line from Centennial to Independence, as well as water lines on Frontier and Greenwood, will be replaced. The laterals on Frontier and Greenwood have had a number of leaks, Brinck said.

sistent drought may yet yield to seasonal moisture, but will it be enough and arrive in time? Around Valentine’s Day, Surface Creek received a few hours of welcome rain and snow — especially in Cedaredge and areas north of town and on the mesa. But western Colorado’s moisture and snowpack for 2018 remain below average and storms continue to track further north. Yet we may be in for a wet spring, at least that’s the feeling up on Grand Mesa. Mike and Rose Wenner have operated Grand Mesa Lodge for going on seven years and they report that their snow totals for January 2018 were respectable but nothing like the 115 inches of snow that fell last January. That 2017 snow was so wet

and heavy it broke the roof on their lodge. This year is unlikely to be that wet but things are looking up. After a slow start, snow at the lodge for January 2018 added up to 38.8 inches and — as of Sunday — the February 2018 total had already reached 45.6 inches. In the Wenners’ opinion, these steadily increasing totals mean two things: 1) there’s more snow on the way and 2) the weather has shifted to follow a normal pattern. If they’re correct, wet weather for Grand Mesa may be just around the corner. The website weatherbase. com maintains a 30-year record of Grand Mesa weather and its data suggests increasing precipitation for February followed by heavy moisture in March, April and May. So fingers crossed, folks, and watch the skies.

Orchard City hears from new DCED director BY RICK SMITH Contributing Writer

The Town of Orchard City board of trustees met on Valentines Day, Feb. 14. After dealing with routine matters of approval of the minutes and disbursements, Jayden Miller was recognized as Orchard City’s February Student of the Month. Jayden is a senior at Cedaredge High School. Stacey Voigt, the new executive director of Delta County Economic Development, introduced herself and spoke of DCED’s plans for the future. Voigt grew up in a small town in Washington state. Her professional experience includes working with several Native American communities around the country and, most recently, the Loveland Downtown Business Association. Her family — husband Travis, and two boys, age 11 and 7 — are looking for property in Delta County. Stacey sees a great foundation for economic development and support in the county. She looks forward to building a team effort and partnerships in the initial phases of the DCED. Plans include entrepreneurial and eco systems, being involved in the Delta River Front Project, helping to initiate Elevate, and helping with branding and marketing. She is a firm believer in a diverse business community. She can be reached at the DCED office, 540 Main Street (PO Box 627), Delta, stacey@deltacountyed.org and through www.deltacountyed. org. Elyse Casselberry was also on hand to update the trustees on the Delta County Master Plan, which was last

updated in 1997. Over the last 15 years, work has been done to change it, but it has not kept up with the ongoing changes in the county. The goal is to get as many people as possible involved in the process. Plans to evaluate land use policies and regulations, neighbor-related issues vs. property rights, and public input are being established. So far input has been positive. Various work sessions and public meetings are planned in the near future. During constituent time, Jack Ditlove spoke about the board work session the week before. He was shocked and embarrassed by the bullying by a trustee’s comments at the meeting. He expressed First Amendment rights were being ignored by the board and that the board of trustees has little tolerance for opinions other than their own. Later, during trustee comments, trustee Tom Huerkamp responded, stating that, by law, the board of trustees is required to uphold the state constitution, and his comments at a previous meeting were made to stress that point. Mary Ditlove spoke of Article 2 Section 1 of the Colorado Constitution which expresses ‘certain inalienable rights’ of the citizens. These rights include discussions on the ballot questions that will be up for consideration in the April election. She observed that the regular meeting of the board of trustees this night was nearly empty of constituents. She admonished that the board needs to encourage participation through proper notice of all meetings held by the town. ORCHARD CITY TO C2

C2 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Orchard City FROM PAGE C1 Doug Keller addressed the board about its fiduciary responsibility to the public. He felt the trustees take umbrage if there is a ‘nay’ vote on issues presented and that the board of trustees has a lot to learn about the public and citizens of Orchard City. Under new busi-

ness, trustee Bob Eckels reported that the town has an opportunity to purchase additional decreed domestic water from Leon Lake at a cost of $5,000. Currently, there is $41,000 in the water fund that has not been tapped since 2010. This would be a permanent allocation of water which could be beneficial in the

event of severe drought. Trustee Craig Fuller moved to buy the water and the board approved the purchase. Trustee Eckels also reported that several maintenance projects have been scheduled in March, April, May and August. The town’s Drought Plan Ordinance is also scheduled

for review. A discussion followed on the possibility of water rationing. Historically, this has not been required in previous drought years. Trustee Tollefson reported that two major road projects are scheduled for the Austin Road and bids are being solicited. Traffic counts on arterial roads will continue. There are 19 road intersections in Orchard City that cross or terminate at Highway 65. Any work on these areas will need to be scheduled with

CDOT. A trail in the town park needs repair. Currently the trail consists of a shale base and is located in a high water area, causing mud issues. Plans are to replace the problem areas with a granite base. Town administrator Melissa Oelke reported that the new computers have arrived. The town is also checking into the possibility of obtaining grants for disaster relief. Mayor Ken Volgamore commented that town

staff is doing well with various projects. Trustee Fuller noted that the Town of Hotchkiss has recently installed radar equipped speed limit signs, showing the speed of vehicles passing by. The board is interested in a similar, affordable system for the busy sections of Highway 65. He also mentioned that the soccer program is doing well, with additional teams being added this year. There is a possibility that a new field may be needed.

Photo submitted

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, those attending A SweetArt Evening, a fundraiser for the new Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center, were greeted by members of the welcoming committee.

More than 150 enjoy ‘A SweetArt Evening’ BY DEA JACOBSON Special to the DCI

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The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center hosted A SweetArt Evening at the AppleShed Gallery in Cedaredge on Valentine’s Day, to the enjoyment of over 150 attendees. Sweethearts and friends were treated to delicious chocolate truffles, donated by Johannes Chocolatier, as well as other fine desserts and Williams Cellars wine and hard cider. Musicians David

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WINTERFEST 2018

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Tracy Munson offered tasty trufﬂes, donated by Johannes Chocolatier.

and Tamara Hauze were on hand for entertainment and a silent auction of gift baskets added to the fun. Deborah Shaffer was introduced as the new executive director of the Art Center. Shaffer had served as the president of the board of directors since its beginning. She moved to Cedaredge in 2004 and plans to use her background in art history to create and organize program activities at the new center. The board elected Cindy Starr to take over as the new board president. Cindy was chosen Volunteer of the Year in 2016 by the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce and serves on its board of directors. “Cindy has been the driving force behind the dream of having an art center here come true,” said fellow board member Dea Jacobson. Next up, the Art Center will present its first

Photo submitted

Deborah Shaffer is the new executive director of the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. annual Cabin Fever Dance at the Community Civic Center in Cedaredge on Saturday, March 10, from 7-11 p.m. There will be a cash bar and you can dance the night away to music by The Scones. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at Starr’s Guitars and REVE Portraits in Cedaredge or at the door.

Watch silent movies Thursday BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Surface Creek Valley Historical Society will present another of its popular silent movie nights on Thursday, Feb. 22. The program features vintage cartoons plus two short Buster Keaton comedies (The Blacksmith and The Electric House). The Electric House is a 1922 Keaton classic which demonstrates what can go hilariously wrong when an amateur is hired to wire a modern electric home. The shows begin at

7 p.m. at the Stolte Shed at 388 South Grand Mesa Drive in Cedaredge. The films are free and the popcorn is free but donations are appreciated. The Surface Creek Valley Historical Society was founded in 1981 to preserve area history. The society owns and operates Pioneer Town, a five-acre living history village adjacent to Hwy. 65. The historic village features 25 historic buildings including a blacksmith shop and three neer Town opens every rare wooden silos. Pio- year on Memorial Day and is open throughout the summer until October. The Stolte Shed is the site of several annual events including heritage days in May and an allcommunity ice cream social in July.

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Rebekahs to serve breakfast Elberta Rebekah Lodge #106 is hosting a biscuit and gravy breakfast fundraiser for a new fire escape door. Breakfast will be served Saturday, Feb. 24, from 7 to 11 a.m. at the corner of NW 3rd and Main Street. The cost is $7 per plate. Come enjoy a hearty breakfast and help the lodge get a new fire door.

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Free help preparing taxes in Delta County • Social security cards or other SS identification forms for each taxpayer and dependent • W-2 forms for all employers • All applicable 1099 forms • Any forms relating to income, interest, dividends, stock sales, home sales, and similar transactions A person who wishes to itemize deductions must also bring documents related to proposed deductions including the 1098 form showing home mortgage interest, a list of medical expenses, a list of donations including addresses of organizations donated to, and information about unreimbursed business expenses or unreimbursed investment expenses. A 1095 form or correspondence from health

BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

insurance providers or other evidence of health insurance may be required. And, if the taxpayer is claiming special credits, documents must be provided relating to dependent health care provider status, educational expenses, or student interest loan interest. For a comprehensive list of tax documents to bring to a tax help session, visit the AARP website: https://www. aarp.org/money/taxes/ and click on the ‘Tax Aide’ link to find the ‘Tax-Aide Locator’ link where the document list is located. For those outside Delta County there is a map at the website that lists the location and hours of AARP tax assistance in Montrose, Grand Junction, and other regional communities.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation is offering free income tax preparation help in Delta County. Assistance is provided by volunteers through the foundation’s ‘Tax-Aide’ program and is intended to serve lowto moderate-income taxpayers, especially those 50 years of age or older. Delta County volunteer coordinators report that many of those served locally are returning taxpayers who have received assistance in the past but everyone needing help should be aware of new hours and dates and come in as Photo submitted soon as possible. There are two sites in Delta County, one in the Nora and Hershel Eversole of Cedaredge were crowned 2018 Valentine city of Delta and one in Sweethearts at last week’s Surface Creek senior citizen luncheon. CelCedaredge. ebrating the coronation were the group’s ofﬁcers (standing, left to right) The Senior Citizens’ Ginny Stohler, social coordinator; Dennis Messinger, president; Natalie Center at 247 Meeker Messinger, secretary; and Joan Hanson, vice president. Following the cerStreet in Delta proemony, Prince Hershel had only one question: “Can we keep the crowns?” vides free AARP tax (The answer was yes.) Senior CommUnity meals are served at four dining help through April sites in Delta County: Cedaredge Community Center (Monday-Thursday), 11. Appointments Delta Community Center (Monday-Friday), Hotchkiss Senior Center (Monare required in Delta. day-Thursday) and Paonia Senior Citizen Center (Monday, Wednesday Appointment times vary. and Friday). Meals on Wheels are also delivered from each location. More To set up a time, call information is available by calling the Cedaredge meal site, 856-3636; the 970-874-7837 on Mon.Delta meal site, 874-7662; Hotchkiss Senior Center, 872-3494; and Paonia Fri. between 10 a.m. Senior Citizen Center, 527-3435. and 2 p.m. The Civic Center at 140 NW 2nd Street in Cedaredge provides free AARP tax help through April 4. Hours are Wednesdays 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5-7:00 p.m. No appointment is needed in Cedaredge so there may be a wait for service. Working individuals are encouraged to Cranes �� come during evening (Here, there, and hours, so it will be helpeverywhere) �� ful if those without a The phone rings, and �� work schedule can come it’s a fun call for me. in the afternoon. Vera Schultz has read �� Those seeking assismy column about the �� tance must bring with spotted towhee and she �� them important tax dochad three towhees at �� uments which include her feeder. It’s always the following: such fun when someone �� • Last year’s tax has read my column! �� returns Last year she even had Photo by Bill Smoker© • Photo ID for each �� a green-tailed towhee Sandhill cranes at Bosque del Apache. taxpayer (but the cat attacked it). One of the useful season Jim Wallace had things about the com- a report of about 4,000! puter is the emails that With global warming, I receive. I’ve a folder are the birds choosing (2017) which includes to stay here rather than all of those messages cross the wintry moundealing with our cranes. tains? Are the farmOn Dec. 7, 2017, Vic ers leaving more food Zerbi had 24 at Ridg- on the ground for the way. Carol Ortenzi birds? Are all of these reported 450 plus more birds “our” cranes that cranes along the Gun- come to Hart’s Basin nison River on Nov. each spring? Are there 30. On Nov. 17 Robert some that fly to the Wilson had 30-80 and Yampa Valley to add to Leon Stigen had 25 plus their population for the and about 50 in a “V” fall festival? We really formation overhead. don’t know who’s who! And in our phone disA nice group of cranes was reported by Jim cussions, Jim Wallace Beatty from Durango. and I do wonder! But On Dec. 12 Mike Hen- we’ve decided that we wood and Grand Val- simply DON’T KNOW! ley birders saw 2,000 Each season brings plus a large group going new understandings to roost on their Audu- and loads of informabon Society trip to the tion. But is it “reliable”? Escalante State Wildlife Keep these ideas in Area west of Delta. On mind as we await our Dec. 31, Dick reported coming cranes! Black Canyon Audu�� about 1,000 birds at the new “wintering flock” bon will host this �� location (G Road near year’s Crane Days and �� Jim Durr will have Delta). And of course, this his website up (www. �� brings up many new EckertCranesDays). �� I hope to manage the questions but few answers. This crane hotline again this year �� group has been grow- and, with luck, I’ll have �� ing every year and last a report each night.

Valentine Sweethearts

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Birds of the Western Slope

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A look at local birds with Evelyn Horn

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C6 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Don’t judge a book by its cover Enjoy brownwrapped books, fine forgiveness day in February BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Valentine’s Day has come and gone but February is still “Love Your Libraries” month so there’s still time to try a blind date with a book at the Cedaredge Public Library. Books from all genres and for all age groups are wrapped in plain brown paper and patiently waiting for someone to connect with them. After the book is unwrapped and read,

the reader fills out the “Rate Your Date” book review. There’s also time to return overdue items by Feb. 28 to take advantage of the libraries’ special fine forgiveness day. According to Lea Hart, district director of Delta County Libraries, “The final day of February is a one-time countywide fine forgiveness day that will clear overdue fines for all patrons.” To learn more about Love Your Libraries month, fine forgiveness day, or to participate in the closing days of the February countdown, visit your local library, Photo submitted www.deltalibraries.org, Mari-Emilie Sweigart from the Cedaredge Library or www.facebook.com/ staff demonstrates how to (not) choose a book deltalibraries/. based on its cover.

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reflection. When he looks out his home window and sees a person in need, he “gets off his butt and helps.” He does the same wherever he is: at work, having fun in Cedaredge or driving down the road. The title of his message for Sunday is “Passion.”

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Each month Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church welcomes a Cedaredge voice in worship; they are letting us know what they think the Cedaredge community needs from CCUMC. This month’s voice is Mitchell Gronenthal, who will speak at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25. Gronenthal, president of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, is co-owner of Reve Portraits in Cedaredge and serves on the boards of Little Sprouts Preschool, Arc and the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. He believes action is more important than theological or philosophical

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Mitchell Gronenthal speaks on ‘Passion’

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Classifieds

February 21, 2018

Real Estate

D SECTION

Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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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.)

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DCI DEADLINES

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Commercial Rentals OFFICE FOR RENT. CEDaredge, 4 room office, 600 square feet plus bathroom. Great location, right on Hwy. 65 in town. Plenty of parking. $660 per month, includes electric and water. Call 970-856-3032. (4x8)

Rentals CREEKSIDE 3 BEDROOM 2 bath in Cedaredge, totally remodeled, 2 decks, laundry hookups, double garage, non-smokers only, $1,120/ mo + utilities, First and last month plus $1,200 deposit, 1-Year lease (360) 929-5155. (1x8)

Card Of Thanks

Help Wanted ��

THE FAMILY OF ROY H. Long would like to thank all our friends & families for all the support, love, food, cards, visits, prayers & contributions to the Delta FFA Chapter during his illness and passing. The Long Family 3L Ranch. (1x8)

Help Wanted CLYDE'S CAFE IS TAKing applications for experienced server. Apply in person, 326 Main, Delta. No phone calls please. (2x8) NIGHT & WEEKEND help wanted. Apply in person - FirstLight Home Care, 122 Park Ave., Montrose, CO 81401. (3x8) SEEKING PART TIME Hygienist in a friendly work environment. If interested please call Paonia Dental at (970) 527-4853 (4x6)

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Help Wanted ��

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�� FULL-TIME AGRICULTURAL mechanic needed for tractor and trailer dealership. Must have experience with farm machinery, a knowledge of tractor hydraulics, PTOs, transmissions, etc. Must have tools and some computer experience. $15$20 an hour, dependent upon skill level. If interested please apply in person at 1375 Highway 50 in Delta or call 970-874-0612. (3x8)

VARNER EQUIPMENT IS taking applications now for a yardman. Experience in driving a skidsteer and forklift. Must be self-motivated and focused to complete jobs on your own. Starting pay is $10/hour. Apply in person at 1375 Highway LOOKING FOR QUALITY 50 in Delta or call 970-874- employees? Advertise here 0612. (3x8) in the DCI Classifieds.

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Classified Advertising Makes Sense!

Call 874-4421

to reserve your space now!

Help Wanted

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CAM ELECTRIC IS seeking licensed Journeymen. We offer top pay, health, dental, and vision insurance, sick and vacation pay, and a simple IRA. Email a resume to janihcam@aol. com or call 970-249-6617. (2x8) PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS in the classifieds. 874-4421

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ADVERTISE 874-4421

D2 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Help Wanted 7 POSITIONS-TEMPORARY/ seasonal work planting, thinning, pruning, harvesting apples, cherries, peaches, blackberries in an orchard, from 3/10/2018 to 11/1/2018 at Leroux Creek Food Corp. , Hotchkiss, CO in Delta county. This job requires a minimum of three months of prior experience working in a tree fruit orchard, handling both manual and machine tasks associated with commodity production and harvest activities. Saturday work required. Must be able to lift/carry 60 lbs. Employerpaid post-hire drug testing is required upon reasonable suspicion of use and after a worker has an accident at work. $10.69/hr or current applicable AEWR or applicable piece rate depending on crop activity. Raise/ bonus at employer discretion. Workers are guaranteed 3/4 of work hours of total period. Work tools, supplies, equipment supplied by employer without charge to worker. Housing with kitchen facilities provided at no cost to only those workers who are not reasonably able to return same day to their place of residence at time of recruitment. Transportation and subsistence expenses to work site will be paid to nonresident workers not later than upon completion of 50% of the job contract. Interviews required. Apply for this job at nearest State Workforce Agency in state in which this ad appears, or Delta Workforce Center, 206 Ute Street, Delta, CO 81416. Provide copy of this ad. CO Job Order #7256123. (1x8) FAMILIES PLUS IS HIRING part-time person who works well with children in difficult circumstances, to come along side of the parents and support them in these challenges. Training is provided. Must pass a background check. Must have reliable transportation to travel throughout Delta County. For more information or to receive an application please call 970874-0464, email resume to kristihensleyfp@gmail. com. (1x8)

CLASSIFIEDS

Help Wanted HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Project Manager in the Public Works Department. Position is Full-Time, FLSA Exempt with excellent benefits. Salary is based on qualifications with range of $59,446 to $72,069. Under general supervision of the Director of Public Works and Utilities, performs professional level planning and management of construction; replacement and repair projects for City infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bridges, utility improvements and extensions; identifies, drafts and manages grant opportunities; collaborates with City departments and outside agencies to draft and update master plans; tracks and updates asset management systems; maintains records, maps and computer files for projects. Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related technical field of study; up to 5 years of progressively responsible work in civil infrastructure construction or related experience; public sector work preferred, but not required. Will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen, physical and background check. Submit completed City of Delta employment application to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main St., Delta, CO 81416 by first review date March 12, 2018. Applications and a complete job description are available at the above address or online at www. cityofdelta.net. This posting will remain open until filled. Incomplete applications will not be considered. EOE (3x8)

Help Wanted

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 LOCAL TRACTOR AND questions, please call: 874Trailer Dealership look- 2165. Delta County Health ing for a parts associate. Department. (4x7) You must have computer experience, great customer THE DELTA COUNTY service, and knowledge of Independent runs these farm equipment. You must items as a public service also have the ability to diag- free of charge for non-profit nose small issues with farm organizations, if no fees are equipment and trailers. charged. However, each Some responsibility would group is asked to please be answering phones and keep them current by callordering parts for custom- ing 874-4421. ers, inventory and our shop mechanics. ______ an hour... WANNA PLAY A ROUND? it is dependent upon skill Golf with a fun group of level. If interested please ladies. Two membership apply in person at Varner options available. Sign up Equipment at 1375 Highway at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us 50 Delta, CO 81416 (3x8) on Facebook at “cedar BIG JOHNS ACE LLC edgeladiesgolfclub” has an opening for a Contractor Counter Sales- THE AMERICAN RED person. Building knowledge Cross needs you. Become is a PLUS. Computer and one of the Red Cross volcustomer service skills and unteers who says, “We’ll Be the willingness to learn new There, Because Help Can’t programs is required! Our Wait!” Call your local Red lumber yard has been in this Cross Chapter at 970-242same location for 114 years, 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW we have a loyal customer for information on the difbase of professionals as ference you can make in well as many homeowners someone’s life as a disaster and do it yourselfers. This volunteer.

CROSSROADS ASSISTed Living community is looking for Part Time possibly Full Time Housekeeper. Please pick up application at 1380 Aspen Way, Delta, CO. (2x7)

Delta County Independent

Public Service

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 AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 or Shirley 970-323-5067. 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.

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HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780. CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the Delta Library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices.

WOMEN ONLY AA MEETings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 AMERICAN a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal PAONIA Church, 5th & Palmer (back Legion runs a year round non-perishable emergency door). food pantry. This is for the FREE DIAPERS FOR UP North Fork area. For inforto one year! Pregnant mation, call 527-6252. women in Delta County can ANONYnow get help to quit smok- NARCOTICS ing and get something they mous meets at 9th and can really use after their Palmer, Delta, Mondays and baby arrives — free diapers. Fridays at 8 p.m. Healthy moms have healthy DELTA FOOD PANTRY babies. Enroll in the Baby & needs meals for Delta famiMe Tobacco Free program lies who are temporarily today. Contact the Delta in need. Donations of nonCounty Health Department perishable food may be at 874-2165 or your local brought to 628 Meeker. physician. HELP!!! KEEP THE SUPPORT THE DELTA animal population under Library. Give a gently used control, and SAVE an anibook in the Downstairs mal's life. Adopt your new Book Store. cat or dog from the Delta WELCOME RETURNING County Humane Society. Veterans, Post 9221 VFW Adoption fee is minimal. meets at 5:00 p.m. on the Call 874-2149.

THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out org. how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180.

person will have many SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421 opportunities to learn at our company. We will train to do material estimates as needed, work with window estimating programs and Miscellaneous point of sale. Plus fill in as Miscellaneous needed on our well stocked hardware sales floor. Weekends in a rotation with other staff is required. This Colorado Statewide position is full time, paid �� hourly. Submit resume to Network Big John's Ace, 200 S.W. 2nd St., Cedaredge, CO To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado 81413 or email to susan. newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or bigjohns@gmail.com. (1x8)

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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, Barbara Hall at 250-2105 for an application.

Public Service

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.

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.

HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support AL-ANON: HOPE AND groups. Please call our office help for families and at 970-773-2251 for more friends of alcoholics meets information or if you are in in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, crisis please call our 24 hour Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. behind First Baptist Church, AL-ANON: HOPE AND 370 W. Main St., contact help for families and Mary M. 970-856-6123 or friends of alcoholics meets Jim 970-874-7855. in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, DELTA HAS A BOOK- Mondays at 6:30 pm, store in the basement of Methodist Church 285 N. the library featuring gently 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210used books and magazines. 8090 or Marjorie 970-4331856. Come check it out!

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401 Meeker St. | Delta 970-874-4421 www.deltacountyindependent.com

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Delta County Independent

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Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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D4 Wednesday, February 21, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

What’s happening at your library? The Delta County Libraries offer many educational and entertaining activities and events for you and your family to enjoy. If you want to know what else your library is offering, please contact the library or visit the Delta County Libraries website at www.delta libraries.org. Cedaredge Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays starting at 10:30 a.m. February-March StoryWalk®. The woodland animals of Burrow Down are ready for a bedtime story, but where are the books? The February-March StoryWalk® book is “The Snatchabook — Who’s stealing all the stories?” written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty. Visit Cedaredge Library after your walk for activities and books related to the story. Pick up a Snatchabook mask take home craft. Write or draw a Snatchabook bedtime story and be entered to win a Snatchabook book. Contact Cedaredge Library for more details at 399-7674. Blind Date with a Book. Visit the Cedaredge Library for a blind date with a book during the month of February. Books of all genres for all age groups will be wrapped and patiently awaiting someone to connect with. Choose a book based on genre and age group and then fill out the “Rate Your Date” book review after reading the book. Bottle Cap Maker

Space. Create your own bottle cap magnet at the maker space station. Decorate with pictures, googly eyes and more. All supplies provided. Adult supervision necessary for young children. All month in February. Databases A-Z. Friends of the Cedaredge Library present an informative program covering the basics of Delta County Libraries online library. Learn how to access valuable online resources with your library card! Presented by Tracy Ihnot, communications and outreach administrator for Delta County Libraries. Refreshments and the regular friends meeting to follow. Thursday, March 8, at 2 p.m. OverDrive 101. Attention all e-book and e-audiobook enthusiasts! OverDrive is your ticket to the digital world of literature. Swing by with your devices and learn all that there is to know! Friday, March 9, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Crafts Group. Crafters meet every Tuesday at 10 a.m. to share ideas and show and tell. Tech Soup Saturday. Bring your devices and your questions. Our expert “techies” will do their best to answer your questions. Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 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 Thurs-

long in the children’s area of Delta Library. Information Station. Delta Library offers an open information station in the conference room for all ages and skill levels to seek technical assistance with computers and tablets. Attendees will also receive an introduction to utilizing library databases for online classes. Monday, March 5, at 4 p.m. Teen Tech Week. Come in and explore technology in the teen area anytime during the week during library hours to participate. Teen Game Night. Board games and card games will be available in the teen area every Wednesday night at 4 p.m. 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. 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. October through March. All ages

days starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Wednesday through Saturday by appointment. Contact the library at 399-7783 for details. Crochet Club. For beginners and old pros! Come and learn or come and teach. Bring your own yarn and hooks. Every Friday at 10 a.m. at Crawford Library. Scrapbooking. Join friends at Crawford Library and get your pictures and other treasured items in your scrapbook. The first Monday of every month at 11 a.m. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Roger Hutchison Art Display. During the month of February, Delta Library will be displaying the works of local artist Roger Hutchison. The display will feature Hutchison’s abstract metal structures. Hutchison is a retired local art teacher who inspired many students during his teaching career. Heart Tower Maker Space. See how high your heart tower rises at the Heart Tower Maker Space! All month long in February in the children’s area at Delta Library. Scavenger Hunt. Find the hidden pages in the children’s area and build a book for Library Lovers Month. All month

welcome. With special guest David Alderdice on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 4 p.m. Blind Date with a Book. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Go on a blind date with a book and perhaps it will be love at first sight! If you don’t enjoy it, no hurt feelings, just dump it (in the library book drop!). All month long in February at Hotchkiss Library. Master Builder Club. Explore your creativity as a master builder with LEGO and other materials! Join us for monthly design themes and free building time. All ages welcome; children under 7 should bring an adult. Tuesday, March 6, at 4 p.m. Knitting Group. Do you knit or crochet? Join us for ideas, help, and good company the second Thursday of every month October through April. Anyone is welcome to join! Thursday, March 8, at 10:3 a.m. Tech Help. Librarians will be available to help you with questions and problems about computers or mobile devices. Tuesday–Thursday by appointment, 399-7781. Paonia Storytimes. Baby, tot and preschooler storytimes are Tuesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact library at 399-7881 for details. Armchair Travel. Join Bill and Sarah Bishop on Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. as they relive their Peruvian adventure, with scenes and tales from the heights of Machu Picchu to the great river Amazon.

Armchair Travel Matinee: The Odyssey of Laura Lee. Back by popular demand! Come early to get a seat for the second showing of pictures and stories from librarian Laura Lee Yates’ research trip to London, the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, Ireland, Andalusia, and Morocco. Saturday, March 3, at 11 a.m. North Fork Reads! Delta County Libraries joins the Blue Sage Literary Committee and The Paradise Theater in presenting “A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle, the first North Fork Reads! Copies of the book will be available at each library in Paonia, Hotchkiss and Crawford — starting March 1. At checkout, the reader will receive a ticket to attend a free showing of the new movie at the Paradise Theater on Sunday, April 15, at 3 p.m. All Delta County residents are invited to participate and can place holds on the book for pickup at any North Fork library. A discussion and comparison of the book and film will follow the showing. Exploratory Art Class. Local art teacher Natalie Haines will provide a guided art activity for children age 3-5 and their parent or guardian. Bring your own snack and clothes to paint in. Space limited to 10 children. Sign up at Paonia Library. Every Friday from 3:45 to 4:45 p.m. through the end of March. Tech Café. Tech assistance for all ages and skill levels. Every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

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Delta County Independent

Conductor celebrates 25 years with the Valley Symphony Orchestra

P A G E

The 2017-2018 VSA Orchestra with conductor Mike Kern

BY STACEY RYAN Special to the DCI

he Valley Symphony Association (VSA) invites the entire region to come together to celebrate conductor Mike Kern’s 25 years with the volunteer organization. The concert, “’Tis the Season for Romance,” will feature music of the Romantic Period that, 150 years later, showcases timeless songs, soaring melodies, and rich harmonies performed by virtuoso instrumentalists. The Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m. concert at the Montrose Pavilion features internationally recognized violinist Carlos Elias, formerly the director of strings and orchestra at Colorado Mesa University and concertmaster of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra for 14 years. A reception with a complimentary buffet will follow the concert and allow the public to greet Elias and congratulate Kern. “It’s not just waving a stick in the air,” said Kern, of working with a volunteer orchestra. “There are so many things to consider.” Musicians span 75 years in age and hail from throughout the North Fork and Uncompahgre Valleys. The group gathers only weekly under Kern’s baton to coordinate — to fractions of a second — physical actions and complexities that must come together during a single concert, all so that an audience can be moved through the creativity and talent these artists offer as they make music together as one. Schedules allow for just a few two-hour rehearsals before they must be “concert ready.” Synchronizing all this has been Kern’s responsibility, and his passion for 25 years. Now retired from teaching instrumental and vocal music in public schools, he played string bass and electric bass guitar professionally for many years in all genres of music and has performed with such notable musicians as Marvin Gaye, Freddie Hubbard, Wes Montgomery, Doc Severinson, and Buddy DeFranco. Kern plays bass regularly with a local jazz quintet, Take 5, and recently played bass for the 2017 Magic Circle production of “West Side Story.” Reflecting on his longevity with the organization and its cultural importance to the community, Kern stressed the dedication of the board that keeps the doors open and the musicians who, for 47 years, continue to draw people through them. “Without a great board of directors who believe that the VSA Orchestra and Chorus

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Vivian Cheney, 91, lower left, faces Christian DeCosta (16, of Eckert) as he plays cello at a recent concert. The two represent the organization’s 75-year age span.

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Mike Kern conducts the VSA Orchestra during a recent performance. Kern is celebrating 25 years with the 47year old regional volunteer arts organization. are an integral part of our community, and that the music adds to the overall worth of our community, we could not survive,” Kern stated. Underscoring how much he enjoys working with the VSA board, Kern gave a shout out to longtime board member Priscilla Fry, stating, “Her boundless energy and dedication make the whole organization function smoothly, and it is a joy to work with her.” When asked about the board’s vision, Fry emphasized their aim to grow the audience to multiple performances of each concert. “It’s really a matter of getting the word out about the VSA and what a special, enjoyable experience an afternoon of live orchestral and choral music can be,” explained Fry. “We encourage people who might not consider themselves ‘symphony goers’ to attend a performance, and use it as an opportunity to bring people together, be it a group of friends who get dressed up and go out together, a date night, or a way multiple generations of a family can connect,” Fry noted. “People are truly blown away when they attend a concert for the first time and experience the talent that lives and walks among us.” Kern spoke to the historical importance and cultural character arts organizations bring to a community. He mentioned that such groups are becoming “more and more rare,” and that Montrose is “so lucky” to have two such organizations — Magic Circle Theater for 56 years and the VSA for 47 years. “In small communities, it takes dedicated artists to make performances happen, as there are usually not that many resources to fund professional organizations,” Kern continued. “Without the arts,

a community does not have a heart and soul,” Kern stated, “And art is a reflection of its life and history.” As for the work product — the music — Kern pointed out the extraordinary alchemy that makes the VSA possible. “It’s not easy finding talented instrumentalists who are capable and willing to invest their time to make performances special and something to be proud of,” said Kern. “These musicians have spent years — some, decades — learning to play their instruments,” he stated. “These performers are real people who have lives of their own, yet they are willing to give of themselves to perform some of the greatest music in the world,” Kern continued. “It does not happen often that small communities without colleges (with music students and their musician instructors) can have an orchestra that does a regular subscription series of concerts year after year,” he said. “It’s really exceptional.” The 75-year age range of its membership is another unique aspect of the performance group. “It speaks to the notion that music really is the one ‘universal language of mankind,’ to call on Longfellow, that it brings us all together, regardless of age,” said Kern. Youthful musicians sit side-byside with seasoned musicians, and they benefit from each other’s presence while coming together to deliver memorable performances. At 16 years old, cellist Christian DeCosta of Eckert, who has been performing with the VSA since he was 13, is its youngest member. “I get to experience what it will be like to play in a professional orchestra one day,” said DeCosta. “I love that the people around me will take the time to help me when I need it,” he continued. He described the atmosphere as light yet serious, and that “everybody is awesome.” His contemporaries include teenagers from Telluride and Delta, all who also perform with the Valley Youth Orchestra (VYO), which the VSA supports. VSA concertmaster Debbie TenNapel of Montrose serves as the VYO conductor. The longevity award easily goes to violinist Vivian Cheney, 91, of Paonia. Active with the VSA for 41 of its 47 years, the former schoolteacher has always looked forward to Thursday evening rehearsals. She said of the age range, “It’s a joy to play alongside

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Allison Sullivan (17, of Cedaredge), Christian DeCosta (16, of Eckert), and Chase Ferguson (21, of Eckert) at a recent rehearsal. Sullivan and DeCosta also play with the VYO, which the VSA supports, while Ferguson is an alumna. The VYO is led by Debbie TenNapel of Montrose, who also serves as the VSA’s concertmaster.

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Youth and maturity in harmony: Violinists Chase Ferguson (21, of Eckert) and Vivian Cheney (91, of Paonia) at a recent VSA orchestra rehearsal. young people; we really do complement each other.” The VSA started out small. In 1970 a small group of classical musicians met to practice in the parlor of Wilma and Charles Lowe’s Eckert home. By 1982, there were 30 musicians practicing once a week in Delta and performing four concerts a year. Cheney noted that in the VSA’s early days, “We used to be fewer in number and not so good, but we’ve made real progress over the years, having grown in size and musical ability.” Today, more than 50 instrumentalists and 60 vocalists make up the VSA and orchestra and chorus that perform six concerts at the Montrose Pavilion between October and May, including two performances in December of “Christmas by Candlelight.” Together they kick off each season in September with two free outdoor performances of popular music, known as their “Pops Concerts” in Cedaredge and Montrose. “Each and every musician who has contributed over my 25 years, and those who did so before my tenure, has made an indelible contribution to our community,” Kern said, again bringing the focus back to VSA’s cultural impact on the past, present, and future. “And we are always welcoming new members, those who will help make the future possible,” he said. “I enjoy working with all the different personalities and talents, and every time we perform, I am extremely, extremely proud of the musicians and how much we grow musically at each showing, all while giving our audience an outstanding concert.” Cheney is quick to point out that much of this growth in size and quality has come under the leadership of Kern, and speaks for the entire organization when she says, “I think he’s terrific.” With this admiration and gratitude for his years of service, the organization’s 47th season has been a love letter of sorts to Kern and his consistent and passionate presence. With no thought of slowing down, his focus is on the VSA and its musicians. “Right at this moment, I cannot envision doing anything else; I am just so proud and humbled to be a part of it,” Kern said. “Vivian is 91 and still playing; we’ll see how long I can last!”

For information, upcoming concerts, the audition process, and tickets, visit ValleySym phony.net and on Facebook @valleysymphonyassociation.

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Carlos Elias, guest violinist will perform Violin Concerto in G Minor with the VSA on Sunday, Feb. 25, at the Montrose Pavilion. Elias, an internationally recognized violinist, is the former director of strings and orchestra at Colorado Mesa University and was concertmaster of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra for 14 years.

Committed to perform How much time does it take to put on a performance? Kern mused, “It depends.” To provide some perspective to the uninitiated, he used this year’s “Christmas by Candlelight” concert to illustrate. “There were 42 musicians who came together for five 2-hour rehearsals, and each averaged five hours of private practice, showed up to a sectional or two, attended a dress rehearsal, performed in two concerts that included early stage call times,” he explained, “and when you factor in commute times, conductor prep-time, and board meetings, the math easily adds up to well over 1,000 man-hours for a single performance.“ He emphasized that this number does not include the time the 60+ member choir put in or other volunteers who helped with staging and large instrument transport.