Delta County Independent, March 7, 2018 by Delta County Independent

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Paonia 104-year-old ‘doesn’t know when to quit’, B1

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DELTA COUNTY

MARCH 7, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 10

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Conversation turns to suicide

Volunteer; be ‘agents of change’

BY KAYLEE DUNHAM Contributing Writer

On Wednesday, Feb. 28, residents from across Delta County gathered to discuss solutions to the ever-growing issue of suicide within the community. It is common to respond with anger, numbness, or go into a frenzy after incidences like this occur. To kick off the meeting, Sheriff Fred McKee encouraged the group to put aside their anger, acknowledge there is a problem, and take responsibility while seeking positive practical solutions to the problem at hand. The forum was put together by the Safety, Education and Wellness (SEW) coalition, which was formed in the wake of two teen suicides within a month. Members of the coalition include 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, HopeWest, Delta County Health & Human Services, and numerous faith-based organizations. Sheriff McKee stated that from Jan. 1 to the day of the meeting on Feb. 28, Delta County law enforcement agencies had responded to 120 mental health/suicide calls. With the assistance of mental health professionals, the police department has been able to intervene and prevent deaths in most of those cases. So there’s been success in suicide prevention, but not enough. Ed Hagins, the chief operations officer of the Center for Mental Health, came forward

as an individual who has lived with the experience of mental illness and as a survivor of his own battle with suicidal thoughts and attempts, as well as knowing the loss of family members who have taken their own lives. He is a licensed professional counselor. “Blame and anger while real, honest, and normal responses to the loss of life, don’t serve to help reconcile why a fellow human being could take their own life. Instead seek to honor the person, try to respect them and those they have left behind and ultimately try to work with as many as who will join to curtail the tragic loss of life.” Shawna Magtutu, counselor at Delta High School, was next to step up to the podium. In Magtutu’s 11 years as a school counselor, she’s experienced five student suicides and said that not a single one gets easier. She said the old solutions haven’t worked so the SEW coalition are trying to prevent mental distress. She called this an upstream approach. “What I have found in my years as a school counselor is that kids do not want to ask for help,” she said. “They can all be talking in a group, and they are talking about some of the most difficult topics out there, but they are scared to talk to a parent, even a loving parent.” Magtutu continued by saying that Delta High School is working to implement a research-based national curriculum designed to be a comprehensive wellness program

Businesses sought to complement hotel BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) isn’t waiting to see how many hotel developers respond to a request for proposals, but instead is already considering complementary businesses for the riverfront development. At a DURA board meeting Feb. 27, Better City consultants sat in via video conference to discuss commercial development that would complement, but ideally not directly compete with existing downtown businesses. Better City surveyed several communities with successful downtown economics, including Palisade, Montrose, Pagosa Springs, Buena Vista, Gunnison and Salida. Targeted businesses included unique restaurants, wineries and wine tasting, boutique craft/ art shops, dessert shops, craft beverages and spirits, and recreational businesses that sell or rent bicycles, kayaks

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D6 Business .......................A10 Church .............................. 6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries .................. A7-8 School Zone ............... A5-6 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B7-9 Surface Creek News ...C1-6 TV Listings ..................C3-4

and other outdoor equipment. Delta’s existing businesses were also surveyed, to identify gaps that could help diversify offerings within the community. As the discussion unfolded, emphasis was given to equipment rentals, a microbrewery or wine tasting facility, and a national restaurant chain. Commissioner Tom Huerkamp said it would be wonderful to have a wine tasting facility that featured locally sourced wines, hard ciders and distilled products. Don Suppes agreed, saying, “If we’re going to be growing these businesses, we should start locally.” That’s where economic development comes in, said Huerkamp — helping existing businesses establish more than one location. The conversation got trickier when DURA commissioners considered national restaurant chains. DURA TO A3

that is not just for suicide prevention. This curriculum, called Sources of Strength, recognizes that some of the major risk factors include substance abuse, domestic violence, bullying and suicide. “This is all to try and encourage those peers and those students to ask for help and to make connections rather than keeping all to themselves,” said Magtutu.

She further stated that in times like this we respond with all the first responders and mental health experts we can have in our schools and in the community. “As you know that becomes exhausting and we can never truly guarantee success,” she said. “Over time the first responders become exhausted. If we start to focus our efforts upstream, like the Sources of Strength model,

there is so much more we can do by connecting, preventing, and building those relationships. Once your prevention is strong and focused, it often becomes the best postvention practice.” With that Shawna Magtutu handed the microphone to Joey Boese the executive director of A Kidz Clinic. A Kidz Clinic is a schoolSUICIDE TO A3

Photo by Kaylee Dunham

The conference room at Bill Heddles Recreation Center was ﬁlled with serious discussion about the serious topic of suicide. While the community meeting was spurred by two teen suicides, the issue affects men and women of all ages. As of the Feb. 28 meeting date, Delta County law enforcement agencies had responded to 120 mental health/suicide calls.

Opening arguments heard in Nathan Yager’s trial BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

After taking three days to seat the jury, opening arguments were heard Friday morning in the case of Nathan Yager. Yager is charged with second degree murder in the death of his estranged wife Melinda in 2011. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Yet, district attorney Dan Hotsenpiller said, Yager was acting quite rationally when he parked where his vehicle couldn’t be seen, approached Melinda’s house from the back, crawled through a doggy door to gain entry, then was caught by Melinda as he was leaving. After he spotted Melinda taking an incriminating photo with her cell phone, he chased her down, struck her so hard on the side of the head she was dazed or on the verge of unconsciousness, then slashed her neck so deeply she was nearly decapitated. As he was fleeing the scene, he had the presence of mind to get rid of the knife, discard the cell phone he’d taken from Melinda and skirt a railroad crossing arm that was dropping, leaving a Paonia police officer on the other side

Call before burning If you are planning to conduct any open burning, you must first contact the Delta County Dispatch (399-2955) on the day you plan to conduct the burn. If a red flag day has been declared, callers will be notified to delay burning. “Red flag” days are days when the danger of forest or grass fires is found to be high as determined by the National Weather Service. The burning of household trash and other dense smoke-producing materials is prohibited in Delta County. Penalties and fines have been established for failure to notify dispatch of the intent to burn, initiation of a fire on a “red flag” day and the burning of trash.

of the tracks. Nathan then called his mother, confessed his crime and through her, arranged to turn himself in at the Montrose Police Department to an officer with whom he was acquainted. Hostenpiller told the jury this series of actions demonstrates that Nathan Yager was not only capable of the crime, but he knew right from wrong — a key element of the insanity defense. Public defender Kori Zaplatel urged the jury to consider Nathan Yager’s mental state in the context of a stressful and contested divorce. “Nathan Yager did kill Melinda Yager, he did, and when he did he was suffering from mental illness.” Melinda’s death was “terrible and tragic,” she continued, “and you will not hear anything different from this side of the room.” She outlined a marriage that was “toxic” from the beginning. The divorce, like the marriage, was not smooth. Arguments over parenting styles and the house in Paonia (owned by Nathan and vacated by Melinda) were ongoing. Exchanges of their young daughter got to the

point where they were being recorded by both sides. The divorce was affecting Nathan’s work, Zaplatel told the jurors, and he was distracted and depressed. Nathan Yager tried to reach out to the police and to the court for help, but events continued to pile onto his unstable house of cards “and everything came tumbling down.” Expert testimony will come from two psychiatrists, Dr. Karen Fukutaki and Dr. Hal Wortzel. Dr. Fukutaki visited Nathan Yager in April 2011 and determined he doesn’t remember stabbing Melinda in the neck because he was in a disassociative state at the time of the murder. Dr. Wortzel, appointed by the court to perform a forensic psychiatric exam, comes to a “very, very different conclusion,” in the words of Hotsenpiller. It will be up to the jury to determine if Yager was in a “culpable mental state” when Melinda was murdered on Jan. 7, 2011. A three-week period has been set aside for the retrial. The first trial was overturned on appeal because the jury wasn’t allowed to consider an insanity defense.

Champions of rural health Last week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) acknowledged seven rural organizations from across the nation as champions in providing high-quality access to health care in rural communities. Families Plus of Delta was named Champion of Innovation in Health Care Delivery. Families Plus was created by therapists who developed an emerging wraparound system of care for children growing up in challenging circumstances. Families Plus now uses wraparound as an evidencebase model to deliver health care.

The organization shares the HRSA award with Stoney Mesa Family Practice, Delta Health and Wellness Center. As a team, these entities are integrating behavioral health into medical offices, allowing clients to receive complete health care. “These organizations are an essential part of the health care system because they understand their local communities, are able to fill significant health care gaps and ultimately improve the quality of life for those living in rural America,” said HRSA administrator George Sigounas, MS, Ph.D.

A2 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS Dr. Susan Bright will be missed Dear Editor: Dr. Susan Bright has been my primary care physician for almost a decade and I am in a state of disbelief and despondency concerning her departure. An unfillable void will be left, as she is an exceptional physician who views her patients as human beings with lives, not just numbers. She has always taken the time to not only answer my clinical questions, but to discuss my overall health. Her compassionate support after the loss of my mother made a significant difference in processing my grief. I can genuinely call her a friend.

Dr. Bright conducts her practice with integrity, accountability and compassion. I know as I have been a grateful recipient. I will not be alone in experiencing the loss of her services. Dr. Bright has served Delta County for the last 14 years and has touched innumerable lives. Her dedication and commitment to our community is more than honorable and should be recognized. As a woman, in a later stage of life, I am more comfortable having a female physician. Now, my options will be restricted due to limited available resources. Many physicians are

not taking new patients, and if so, the wait time can be extensive. I am unsure how all of Dr. Bright’s patients will be assimilated into the system, but I’m hoping that I remain healthy until I can find another primary care doctor. I will not be alone in my search. Again, Susan, I cannot thank you enough for not only caring for me, but for the members of our community. I want you to know and remember that you are not only an extraordinary doctor, but you are an extraordinary human being. You will be missed. Melissa Bland Montrose

Council members must uphold the constitution Dear Editor: I am writing to address every person who is a candidate for the municipal elections to be held in April. I am asking that every candidate who is victorious or who earns or retains a seat because of no opposition to remember you will take an oath. You will raise your right hand taking an oath (you swear) and in that oath you will promise to uphold and defend the constitution of the State of Colorado. That constitution contains the 5.5 percent revenue and spending limits on all towns and on top of that the TABOR limits and formulas is also a part of the constitution. Even if you disagree with either or both you are swearing that you will abide by them in casting your votes on the various department budgets in your community. Now I hate TABOR and campaigned hard against it as I foresaw that its greatest impact would be on small local governments. Yet serv-

ing many years in elected offices in districts and a town in Delta County I have upheld and defended these parts of the constitution and would continue to do so until such time as the voters of the state amend the constitution. I have heard lately from candidates that 5.5 percent and TABOR Amendments are so much “hocus pocus” and present boards should not factor the impact of these on budgets. Wait a minute — you will take an oath to uphold and defend. So before you accept a seat on a board of trustees or council you must ask yourself, are you lying not only to the residents of your community, but are you lying to yourself in the performance of your sacred duties. Additionally Amendments 64 and 65 to the Colorado Constitution give a pathway to communities legalizing marijuana. Again you will take an oath to uphold and defend the constitution. So if you oppose marijuana on any

grounds (entry level drug, increased crime, destroying our youth or moral and religious beliefs) can you use your elected seat to advocate against marijuana if the majority of your board is supporting. If you do, you broke your oath. The oath you take to upholding and defending the constitution does not contain any exceptions or variations. If your own beliefs conflict with this oath, you must set them aside. You are entitled to vote against, but if the majority prevails, then you must honor your oath or resign. Then as a citizen you can campaign against legalization in your community. But once you take that oath, you are no longer an ordinary citizen with your right to freedom of speech because you swore you would uphold and defend the Constitution of Colorado. So if you are a person claiming the “moral” high ground, can you take and execute that oath? Tom Huerkamp Orchard City

Lottery has contributed millions to Delta County Dear Editor: On behalf of the board of directors and the membership of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce, I am writing to endorse the reauthorization of Colorado’s Lottery Division by the General Assembly in 2018. Reauthorization of the division will ensure that parks, trails, rivers, wildlife and open spaces within our state continue to receive Lottery proceeds, giving our communities muchneeded financial assistance to continue to offer and improve the premier outdoor recreational and tourism opportunities found in Delta County. Each year, the Conservation Trust Fund receives 40 percent of Lottery proceeds; Colorado Parks and Wildlife receives 10 percent for state parks; and Great

Respect life? Start with one another Dear Editor: Last week’s paper had two letters that were long on finger pointing and short on compassion. I’m not as lucky to be so perfect as those authors apparently are; I do have my flaws. Although I’m not a perfect person I strive for perfection knowing I’ll never achieve it. In the meantime I’ll work darn hard to show compassion for everyone, especially those grieving for lost loved ones. I believe in times of crisis it’s better to hold out an open hand instead if a pointed finger. Respect life? Perhaps we can start by respecting each other. Clare Hydock Delta

Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) receives up to 50 percent, and that amount of funding is capped at $35 million, adjusted for inflation. Most years, the GOCO cap is met, and surplus funds go to the Colorado Department of Education’s school capital construction fund Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST). [Information gathered from www. KeepItCo.org]. This is a program that has very real benefits in the Surface Creek area and in Delta County, having contributed millions of dollars to our communities in the past 24 years. Our beautiful elementary school has benefitted from BEST dollars. GOCO dollars have paid for the Surface Creek Trail improvement, extension and connection project. Our neighboring communities in Delta County have also received GOCO dollars to improve and maintain park, trail and outdoor recreation initiatives. We also have several chamber members whose businesses benefit from the sale of Lottery tickets. Outdoor recreation and tourism brings significant money into Delta County, and improving our recreational and tourism opportunities, with help from GOCO funding, is vital to our continued economic success. Most importantly, we think, is that this funding source does not come out of the taxpayer’s pocket. Instead, it is funded by those who choose to purchase Lottery tickets. Additionally, we think it’s important to note that this is an issue that has wide bipartisan support. The chamber is proud to support this initiative, because we recognize the significant, positive eco-

nomic impact this legislation has on our communities. We also encourage you to reach out to your representatives and encourage them to reauthorize this funding mechanism. You can also show your support and learn more by signing the online petition at www. KeepItCo.org. Mitchell Gronenthal President Board of Directors

Added taxes, marijuana won’t solve OC woes Dear Editor: At the Feb. 14 Orchard City town meeting I said, “The solution to our problems is simpler than raising taxes. Citizen participation in the committees headed by our trustees is. I’m certain that solutions will come if our talented citizens are allowed to participate in these meetings. Again, the solution is neither additional taxes nor a marijuana enterprise. I encourage you to start calendaring meetings of the financial, water and road committees so that we, the people, can begin to take care of our town’s needs in a fiscally responsible, compassionate and ethical manner. Lastly, this room is just about empty because our townspeople don’t feel they should come. They tell me that they aren’t being heard. They are simply ignored. They have expertise, knowledge, experience and talent. Our townspeople are our “mother lode” and the solution to our financial challenges.” Mary Ditlove Austin

Delta County Independent

Taxed to death Dear Editor: I know I am not alone in my shock and disgust when I received my property tax bills this year. There is very little incentive to buy dilapidated properties/businesses and fix them up when the county immediately reassesses their value to an inflated amount and increases property taxes drastically. My property taxes increased from last year to this year over $3,000 when there is absolutely no economic growth or population growth to substantiate this. Delta County has had a net decrease in population and property taxes should not increase with that being the case. Increasing property taxes only makes those of us who invested here wish that we hadn’t and this bleeding of business and property owners will not stand. If someone wishes to buy property in Delta County and improve it, there should be a property tax freeze for at least five years. The property owner should enjoy some equity before the county re-assesses at their inflated rates of property appreciation. The values are evidently based on a state database appraisal system that does not consider the economically repressed Western Slope. Why should investors buy properties free and clear of bank loans when the county makes you pay an incredible amount for property taxes? This

means that instead of renting from a private party or bank, the property now has to pay this heavy property tax every month instead. The Chicken Roost Restaurant now has to pay $275 per month for property taxes when the city hired a building inspector that cost me more than $200,000 more than the original bid amount to improve this property that already existed as a restaurant. Never has this business had to pay more and it barely breaks even. Now the county put this business in the red with its heavy-handed taxes. The property owner does not enjoy immediate increase in value once

improvements are made. Value is based on what someone will pay for the property and none of the properties will appreciate here because the city and county have created obstacles to economic growth including this scheme to bleed money from investors and business owners. Values should be based on economic growth, not need for money. It is these county/city administrators who have chased businesses away and now they want to bleed the remaining businesses and property owners for their budget shortfalls. This will not stand. Tammy Murray Owner, Chicken Roost, Delta

Honoring Dr. Ridgway Dear Editor: Dr. Don Ridgway, who in my mind embodied the soul of what it means to be a physician, passed away this morning. I had the privilege of being his partner and essentially his apprentice when I first started the practice of medicine at the North Fork Medical Clinic in 1994. I was a medical greenhorn, a newbie, when Dr. Ridgway took me under his wing and taught me technical skills and life skills that still serve me today. I have yet to meet any physician more dedicated to providing care to a community than him. Day or night. In the home or in the clinic.

Sickness, trauma, births, surgery, ambulance runs — Dr. Ridgway took care of it all. “Dory, medicine is a jealous mistress” he told me in my first year. Ask anyone in the North Fork who was around in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and you will hear fond and sometimes hairraising tales about this stellar man and pillar of a physician. He was a breed apart, a special contrast from many physicians today. I only can hope that I might honor his memory with my own time and actions within the privilege of practicing medicine. Dory B. Funk, M.D. Paonia

The three-legged stool and the teepee Dear Editor: I’ve read a lot of opinions on what to do on the heels of the Florida shooting, all old and none are good. They seem to break down into three categories: the gun, mental health and a problem with our current times. Most opinions focus on firearms. Politicians hear anti-gun rant and vision future constituents. The uninformed scream anti-gun tantrums and the liberal media eat it up. Fact is gun ownership has been around for decades but the horrendous shootings of innocents appear to be recent. It isn’t recent. Charles Whitman killed 18 and wounded more than 30 with a bolt action rifle from a school tower in 1964. It really isn’t the AR-15 that is at fault. It’s a mental health problem. That could be another wrong path if taken blindly. So it must be the current times. Current times are good. I’m glad I’m living now rather than 100 years ago. It’s the broken three-legged stool. I use to give counselling lessons to hospitalized psych patients when I was a psych RN. One of my lessons was titled “The Three-Legged Stool.” It focuses on the human body being liken to a three-legged stool. Such a stool cannot function on one or two legs. Think of this human stool as one leg being BODY (physical health), one leg is MIND (mental health), and the

third is SPIRIT (emotional health). The Affordable Care Act really focused on the BODY. That alone will not support the stool. The MIND leg was broken when mental health institutions were closed for “civil right” reasons and insurance money was denied to keep inpatient psychiatric care viable. Montrose and St. Mary’s psych units closed. This is a tragedy. Mental health needs to be given the same importance as physical health. Just like everyone has suffered a headache or fever at one time, everyone suffered depression related to a loss of family, pet or job or just the fear of something. The third leg is a little more mysterious and complicated. As humans we have the capacity of thought and free will. I could write volumes on this topic but to be brief it’s the capacity to control stress. It’s not theology as much as it’s developing a moral compass. It’s not the loss of a father; it’s the loss of a small family unit who teach moral values. It’s the loss of discipline to understand and confront stress-causing factors. You can be mentally sound but this leg will fail if your moral compass is pointing in a harmful direction. What can be done to curtail school shootings? We have historically employed a health nurse in schools to tend to injuries and physical illness. My suggestion for

the second leg is to have a qualified psychiatric professional assigned to every school (choke point for our youth development) to be available for mental health evaluations especially following a warning of a student’s behavior. That evaluation should trigger, when necessary, proper follow-up investigation and action. The third leg should be more community oriented. We need to get back to the “village” and teach youth how to be prepared for stresscausing factors in a modern world. Compartmentalize mega schools and develop inclusiveness so students do not feel alone. A small “village” can substitute for a leaderless family to teach youth how to function as a team and respect each team member. For society policy actions with regard to modern gun safety we should mandate teaching gun safety for everyone through the police department, youth groups or gun clubs. Firearm training used to be more common in the rural father/son relationships or when youth entered the military more frequently. It makes no sense for a young person to be allowed to own or purchase a firearm without adequate training. We need to get back down to the teepee level and respect the experiences of elders, theologians and skilled teachers. Rick Spalenka Cedaredge

Don’t risk funding from the outdoor industry 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 removing federal pro-

tection for public lands projects like drilling in that led to the decision the Arctic National Wildto move the trade shows life Refuge. David Inouye from Utah, and that can Hotchkiss happen again. If Colorado were to lose its reputation for protecting public lands for recreDELTA COUNTY ation there would certainINDEPENDENT ly be other potential costs besides these particular DELTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT (UPS 152-700) is published trade shows. At a time weekly on Wednesdays at 401 when renewable energy Meeker St., Delta, CO 81416. prices are undercutting Second class postage paid at DELTA, CO. POSTMASTER: the costs of fossil fuels for Send address changes to: DELelectrical power generaTA COUNTY INDEPENDENT, PO tion, as in the recent Xcel BOX 809, DELTA, CO 81416 Energy bids (Denver Post 401 Meeker St. Jan. 16), there is no need Delta, CO 81416 (970) 874-4421 to put funding for the News: outdoor recreation induseditor@deltacountyindependent.com try in Colorado at risk by Advertising: Tipton’s and Gardner’s ads@deltacountyindependent.com support for fossil fuel

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Suicide

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

DURA

FROM PAGE A1 also considered to be an upstream prevention resource for the community. The clinic provides medical, dental, behavioral, and mental health services. Boese said, “What we know and what research tells us is that longterm relational support is important and it’s a protective factor in preventing our youth from becoming suicidal or acting on suicidal thoughts. As adults, we must be intentional in developing caring relationships with young adults.” Boese introduced Maddie White, the integrated care therapist for A Kidz Clinic, who shared eight sources of strength to be considered in small group discussions. Family support, positive friends, mentors, healthy activities, generosity, spirituality, medical access, and mental health were the eight sources of strength that were discussed. Sarah Young, pediatric nurse practitioner at A Kidz Clinic, then discussed the normality of three common emotions — anger, anxiety and depression. “All of these happen and they are part of being human. There may be one that tends to happen more in your brain chemistry and with your heart more than the

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others, but they come and go.” After a short break to give the group time to discuss and think about the eight sources of strength, Gary Hayner stepped to the front of the room to say a few words about his son, Ben, who was one of the two high school students who recently took their own life. “ ... He had been in counseling for over a year. The counselor had thought that we were making great progress, we thought we were making great progress. He apologized to his little sister ... he apologized to teachers that he made cry. “If we would have known these things we would have locked him up. He was making amends to everybody before this happened... “If I had known that he had apologized to that one teacher that he made cry every day in class, I would have known that something was wrong, but the teachers didn’t say anything ... “It just happened so quick. He came home smiling, happy, texting people and then we heard a gunshot. I walked into that room seven seconds after it happened but I want people to know you’ve got to listen to these kids. They mention it one time, they probably mean it. He wasn’t a dumb child by any means, he was an amazing young man, but he talked about with great knowledge comes great depression. I didn’t have any idea how smart that young man was. It scares me and hurts me that I didn’t pay attention,” Hayner concluded. Greg Teel is the pastor at the Hayners’ church, Calvary Baptist. He talked about being a trusted adult in the community. Teel explained that the community needs to get involved in others’ lives. Whether it’s the person you work out with at the gym, the boy next door, or the quiet individual in the back of a church, those relationships matter. “As we care about one another and love on one another in this community, we have to remember that it’s not just the young people, it’s the old, the middle age and everybody in between. Instead of trying to fix their problems, we’re really just trying to be on a journey with them and be there as support for them. If you do this for them, then they will do this for others and have the contagion effect.” Teel continued by saying that this is not just a problem for the professionals to deal with, it’s for each and every one of us to get involved and be an agent of change. Kurt Clay, assistant school superintendent, outlined action steps the community needs to take for this to be a success. He focused on hope and resiliency, and urged audience members to remember that a lot of things we are doing now are working. “It is important not to throw out everything,” he said. “Remember those lives we have saved, and there have been a lot, so we can be proud of that. Now we have to build on that. We can’t just focus on the negative; we really have to focus on the positives in that upstream model.” Clay reminded the group, “We are the agents of change. It’s not just the mental health professionals. It’s not just the principal at the high school. It’s not just the law enforcement. It is all of us as a

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community.” Clay encouraged the group to share stories of hope from their own connections in the community. Those connections can be made by volunteering in the community. “People want change. They bring up these great ideas, and five days later we never see them. We need our community to step up and say not only am I suggesting this, but I’m going to follow through and I’m going to see that this happens. That’s our action step. That’s what we are challenging each and every person here tonight to do — to step up and step out of the comfort zone and go make that one relationship, that one extra volunteering piece. That one extra step to make that commitment to someone else in our community,” concluded Clay. Shawna Magtutu returned to the podium to thank the members of the community who have been supportive through this difficult time. From their actions, Magtutu said students are learning how to connect when they are having struggles. They are discovering they do have trusted adults in their lives. Magtutu presented images of the activities and support the high school received before she opened up the floor to two individuals in the audience who wanted to share their thoughts. Derek Carlson, principal at Delta High School, closed the meeting with these comments: “We have endured a very tragic month. Over the life of a career working with kids, I hate to say it, but this isn’t the first time we’ve had to battle through these kinds of months. It’s heartbreaking and all of us want to see those incidences stop. “Number one I want to make sure you understand how appreciative we are at Delta High School for this community... “Number two, it is not that hard to do what Mr. Clay asked us to do just a few moments ago, to stand up and break that awkward silence. It’s not hard to do that as a kid either ... Our society has moved us away from one another and in times like this, we need to recognize that we need to move more towards one another.” Carlson finished by saying that his family recently lost a family member who struggled with mental health and as a result struggled with homelessness. After this incident, the Carlson family started to serve at the Abraham Connection. He again challenged the community to get involved in others’ lives.

FROM PAGE A1 Everyone has their local favorites, but they believe tourists traveling through an unfamiliar area prefer to eat at a restaurant they recognize. The Better City consultants said it would be prudent to try to leverage any relationship the hotel developer might have with a restaurant chain. But even if tourism increases, it’s unlikely the numbers would support an Applebee’s or a Chili’s. Huerkamp urged the consultants not to “oversell” the numbers. “Playing devil’s advocate, we’ve got restaurants here trying to eke out a living,” Suppes said. “Now we’re basically using taxpayer subsidies to bring in a new one. We’ve got to make sure it’s a good fit, one that’s going to inflict the least amount of pain possible.” Huerkamp stressed that DURA’s goal is to gen-

erate a new body of revenue by providing goods and services that aren’t available here. “We want to do everything we can to protect the people who have worked and sweat and survived in this county. Will there be a rotation of smaller shops on Main Street? Yes, that’s been going on forever but key businesses in our communities need to be given some consideration. It’s a balancing act.” The key is looking at the long-term effect, said commissioner Ron Austin. “We have to keep the vision of something bigger than just supplying the citizens who currently live here. We need to look beyond that, at having additional people coming in to town — tourists and new businesses.” On Monday, city manager David Torgler was asked about interest from hotel developers, who were given until the close

of business March 6 to submit proposals for a 70-room upper midscale hotel. Torgler declined to comment, saying he preferred the process remain completely open until the close of business Tuesday.

VFW partners with Arby’s Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3571 and its Auxiliary are partnering with the Delta Arby’s restaurant on Gunnison River Drive to help raise funds for a new veterans center and military museum in Delta. Next Wednesday night, March 14 (one day ONLY), between 5 and 8 p.m., a portion of Arby’s sales will be donated to the post when customers tell them that they want to support the VFW.

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Shamrockin’ Shenanigans ��

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MARCH 16, 17 & 18

You’ve worked hard to achieve success for your small business. And we’re here to help you keep it that way. As a family-owned company, we know how to work with you to keep your business successful.

A4 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Thomas and Rebecca Colbaugh celebrate 75th wedding anniversary On Feb. 10, Thomas and Rebecca Colbaugh celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary at their home with friends and family. A beautiful cake was made and decorated by their daughter,

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Karen Pagone. Thomas is from Corona, N.M., and Rebecca comes from Cedarvale, N.M. Thomas says he saw Rebecca when she was about 13 at a singing convention in Grand Quivera, N.M. He tried to find out her name that day but couldn’t. The next time he saw her, she was about 15. Both were at a basketball game, but he still didn’t find out the name of that pretty girl. When he got home that night, Thomas walked up a hill behind his house and asked the Lord for help in getting acquainted. He already had his mind set on marrying that girl.

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In 1942 Cedarvale’s junior and senior classes were overcrowded so the decision was made to bus the classes to Corona High School. Thomas finally learned her name, since she was placed in two of his classes. In two weeks everyone but Rebecca knew she belonged to Thomas. They became good friends and started dating. When they were seniors, World War II was in progress and the draft was taking boys out of their senior classes. The decision was made for them to marry before the draft called Thomas. Rebecca was eligible to marry at age 18, but Thomas was required to be 21 or have one parent sign the marriage license. Thomas had to borrow the money from a friend to pay for the license. They traveled to Estancia, N.M., where his mother Mary signed for him. They were married Feb. 10, 1943, in the office of Judge Garvin. Thomas and Rebecca lived with her parents. Thomas worked for her father on his large farm and ranch, and they both finished high school. In March 1944 the couple decided Thomas should sign up for the Navy. While in the service, Thomas had an emergency appendectomy. During the operation he lost the large artery in his left leg that carries the blood flow. He almost died and was in the hospital for a lengthy

time. He was discharged on March 17, 1946, while he was still hospitalized. He traveled to Albuquerque to meet Rebecca, who was expecting their first baby any time. Karen was born March 28. It was a hard birth, and neither Rebecca nor Thomas were able to work. Tom and Mary Colbaugh, Thomas’s parents, came to New Mexico two months later and moved them to Delta. In 1948, they bought a small house with a full basement for $3,500. Monthly payments were $35. Thomas was a selftaught auctioneer who built the OK Auction house. He retired in 1987. Rebecca worked as a clerk for the Delta Combined Courts. She also retired in 1987. They say getting old is hard work. Both are 93, still sharp in mind, and filled with love and respect for one another.

Award winner

Photo submitted

“Relics of Yesteryear” earned Dani Tupper an award for Best Colorado Artist at the 26th annual Rockies West National Exhibition at the Art Center in Grand Junction. Tupper was awarded a $500 prize. The water media exhibit will hang through all of March. Apologies to Dani Tupper; this piece of art was incorrectly attributed to another artist in last week’s DCI.

Region 10 program supports caregivers

Thomas and Rebecca Colbaugh

“Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is a six-week educational program designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves while caring for a relative or friend. You will benefit from this class whether you are helping a parent, spouse, friend, someone who lives at home, in a nursing home, or across the coun-

try. This class is offered by Region 10 in Montrose and will take place Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The first class is Wednesday, March 14; the last is April 18. A donation of $25 is suggested. Registration is required. To register or for more information, call 970-765-3131.

BIRTHS

Thomas and Rebecca Colbaugh

Josue and Maria Denisse Valencia of Delta are the parents of a daughter, Analiyah Janellie Valencia, born Feb. 23, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces and was 17.5 inches in length.

Levi and Jessi Heinritz of Paonia are the parents of a son, Gary Hank Heinritz, born Feb. 28, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 19 inches in length.

‘Blessed’ cowboy shares story of inspiration, hope and faith

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Cowboys are known for their strength, toughness and resiliency. Brian Baldwin has drawn on all those traits to survive stage 4 cancer, a headon collision, devastating rodeo injuries and addiction to prescription medications. His inspirational story, “Every Scar Has Its Journey,” is featured on an upcoming episode of “Special Cowboy Moments” on RFD-TV. (The channel’s name is a reference to Rural Free Delivery, the name for the United States Postal Service’s system of delivering mail directly to rural patrons.) “Special Cowboy Moments” captures the stories of rodeo legends, up-and-comers and “the cowboy way.” Baldwin’s story airs at 7:30 p.m. March 14 and March 21. He also hopes to share his inspiring story of hope and faith through motivational speaking engagements. Baldwin said he intends to spend the rest of his life sharing the message that we can overcome many different things. “Helping others is my whole goal, because I’ve been blessed and I want others to know they can be blessed too.” Baldwin was born and raised in Delta. “I was blessed to have a great cowboy, horseman and outdoorsman for a father, and two older brothers to compete against and push me every step of the way,” he said. At a young age, he began competing in Little Briches rodeo events. In 1976, he had the chance to meet the late, great Chris LeDoux and from that day on he dreamed of following in LeDoux’s footsteps and becoming a PRCA world champion.

Baldwin was a fourtime high school national finals rodeo qualifier in bareback riding, bullriding and team roping. In 1980, he became the national champion high school bareback rider at the age of 18. He graduated from Delta High School in 1980, attended college briefly (majoring in rodeo and girls) and then hit the road, traveling across western and southwestern U.S. to compete in rodeo. “No matter where you go or at what level you compete, rodeo is a family!” he said. In April 1981, at the age of 19, he was hit headon by a drunk driver. The accident put him in the Aspen Valley Hospital for four straight months, including 21 days in a coma. When he was finally released from the hospital, he began four years of grueling physical therapy. “Quitting was not an option even though the doctors told me I would not compete in rodeo again. That was the wrong thing to tell this cowboy,” he said. He dug deep, found his true grit, and four years later finished third in bareback. But after a very colorful, but injury-filled 13-year career, Baldwin was forced to give up his dream of becoming a world champion. He married and became the father of a baby girl. Then at the age of 41, he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer known as salivary duct carcinoma. The prognosis was devastating — Baldwin was told he had just six months to live. After going through a painful divorce, Baldwin gave up custody of his daughter so he could focus on saving his life.

Photo submitted

Brian Baldwin is proud to say he was born and raised in Delta. “This community has done wonderful things for me,” he says. After two major surgeries, three years of chemotherapy and 47 trips to the radiation table, Baldwin found himself among an elite group of folks who have beaten stage 4 cancer. Tears come to his eyes as Baldwin shares his journey — a journey he often acts out, to capture the emotions he experienced, from depression to happiness. At the end, “I’m totally spent because I want people to feel it just like I felt it.” Baldwin found an outlet for his story when he met up with a friend from Idaho, Kelly Wardell, who was featured on “Special Cowboy Moments” after he returned to bareback competition at the age of 51. Wardell said, “Brian, they need to run your story, not mine.” Wardell reached out to the producers of “Special Cowboy Moments,” and they asked to meet Baldwin at the National Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas. A 3.5-hour interview has been edited to the half-hour episode to be aired March 14 and 21.

Baldwin remains grateful to his mother, friends and family members who stood by his side throughout his cancer treatment. “It was the love and sympathy they gave me that made me want to try harder to live after the doctor told me I had approximately six months to live,” he said. “I never went to a doctor’s appointment or chemo treatment alone. Each member of my family took time out of their days to be with me so I was never alone; the love that showed me was so big. It tears me up to think about it right now.” Baldwin is also humbled by the recollection of a benefit rodeo and silent auction held at the Rimrock Arena in Fruita. Over 5,000 spectators showed up for the event, which drew rodeo contestants from 18 different states. His goal is to be able to pay for another rodeo, in the same venue, called the Brian Baldwin Thank You Rodeo to thank everyone who helped him during his time of need. With the proceeds from his speaking engagements, he would like to be able to pay for the stock, prize money and a barbecue. Baldwin is supplementing his income as an Aflac benefits advisor while he develops a website and begins spreading his message on social media. It’s a message he first jotted down six years ago: “It’s time for me to give back by sharing my life story. Trials and tribulations are not a test to be tolerated but a trust to be treasured. My body carries the proof of my life’s trauma through scars, but every scar tells a story and every scar has its own journey.”

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

‘Liberty in Action features everyday citizens who have taken action

4-H’ers feed 1,743

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Delta County 4-H’ers served approximately 1,743 dinners at their 69th annual 4-H Beef Roast Sunday, March 4. The once-a-year 4-H fundraising activity served 822 meals at Hotchkiss High and 921 at Delta Middle School, where the takeout line formed in the above photo. The 4-H Beef Roast will provide funding to support educational programming for boys and girls in Delta County who participate in the 4-H program. Delta County 4-H members, leaders, parents and the Extension Service would like to thank all volunteers for their work in helping prepare and serve the meal along with Delta Middle School and Hotchkiss High School for the use of their facilities. Thanks also to the patrons from the Tri River Area who enjoyed a delicious meal. These friends of 4-H are supporting the Delta County 4-H program by generously giving their time and through ﬁnancial contributions at this annual 4-H event.

Planning commission begins review of Master Plan update BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their Feb. 28 meeting at the county courthouse, members of Delta County Planning Commission began a pageby-page discussion of the review draft of the Master Plan update, prepared by Delta County staff and RPI Consulting. Elyse Casselberry, county community and economic development director, and Gabe Preston of RPI Consulting presented the report’s pages on screen, and spoke of the background information on those pages, as the discussion progressed. Bob Stechert, chairman of the planning commission, facilitated the discussion among his fellow members. The discussion was informed and evidenced serious commitment by the members of the planning commission to the matters under consideration in the Master Plan update. In several cases commissioners requested fine tuning of wording, and suggested broader representation of participation. Interested community members attended and commented also. The section entitled “Desired Future Conditions” drew considerable discussion, including the five bullet points identifying those desired future conditions. Concerns were expressed in regard to “protecting existing residential property,” “making clear existing ag operation has protection,” “protecting existing home owners’ property values,” “the old master plan was very specific” and “this is a regulatory document.” The word “zoning” was mentioned, and Kelly Yeager, the county’s contract planner, noted that Delta County is one of the last counties in the state to adopt zoning as a means of accomplishing compatibility. The commissioners agreed that they needed to spend more time discussing this particular section.

Casselberry responded, “We are talking about areas of complicated conflict, and we need to find balance between the uses in these areas of conflict. “Kelly, Gabe and I will get together this week and address the points of conflict you have addressed. We will work on the language, and include matters concerning design, material, limitation on use, and a zoning map.” The staff will bring back proposed changes to the planning commissioners at their March 7 meeting. That meeting begins at 5:30 p.m., at the Maloney House on the fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. The review draft for the Master Plan update states: “The vision of the master plan update is to promote prosperity in Delta County for present and future generations through stewardship of the county’s resources, and thoughtful, predictable land use regulations. The county will foster a culture that upholds the values of community, quality of life, and respectful, neighborly communication.” For over a year the planning commission held area meetings in Delta, Hotchkiss and Cedaredge in efforts to reach people throughout the county, which included meetings with students at all four high schools. Information was gathered through public work sessions with private sector business owners and experts, leaders representing agricultural interests, individuals with knowledge about water law and water use, and natural resources experts. Comments through the internet were received. Knowledge was also gathered from county officials, representing a wide variety of responsibilities, including roads and bridges, taxation, health and human services, and law enforcement. Members of the Delta County Planning Commission are: Tate Locke, Upper Surface Creek Area; Angela Mackey, at-

Town walk planned to raise awareness People First, a group for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, is planning a town walk to raise awareness Friday, March 9. Participants will visit Main Street businesses between 9 and 11 a.m., handing out flyers and stickers and taking a few moments to meet business owners and their

staffs. Then at 11 a.m., a celebration will be held at the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce office. Snacks, a short video and a presentation will take place. Community members are encouraged to attend to show support of our diverse community. Learn more at www. facebook.com/arcwcco.

large; Kim Shay, at-large; Layne Brones, Upper Surface Creek Area; Jennifer Sanborn, Paonia Area; Tony Prendergast, Crawford Area; chairman Bob Steckert, Leroux Creek area; Steve Shea, Delta area; and Steve Schrock, Delta area.

Can everyday citizens take action, get involved, and work to achieve a greater sense of liberty? “Liberty in Action” — an event hosted by the Libertarian Party of Delta County (LPDCO) — will highlight some everyday citizens who are doing just that. Taking place on Saturday, March 10, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Needle Rock Brewery, this event will showcase speakers and activists involved in local and statewide efforts to reform government and change policies. “Politics are intentionally intimidating,” says Jay Stooksberry, chair of the LPDCO and candidate for city council in Delta. “The entire process scares away good people so that they don’t get involved, ask questions, or challenge the status quo.” But it is easy to get involved, Stooksberry asserts — and he hopes that attendees leave the event with a greater sense of empowerment. Speakers for the event include a number of Colorado-based activists who are spearheading statewide petition efforts that address significant reforms to Colorado law. Steve Kerbel, a Colorado Springs native and former presidential candidate, will share his experiences with his current campaign to change how revenue is gathered for traffic tickets and other minor offenses. Called “Stop the Shakedowns,” Kerbel’s current ballot initiative would require that financial penalties for certain crimes first be allocated to the vic-

tim and the remainder be allocated to a designated nonprofit charity of the payee’s choice. If there is no victim, then the entire dollar amount would go to the charity. Also speaking during the event is Debra Schum, a longtime Colorado activist based in western Colorado. Schum was highly involved in the Taxpayers’ Bill of Rights (TABOR) campaign. She also founded the LPDCO and served as the chair for 17 years. She is now working to get the Fair and Simple Tax (FAST) on Colorado ballots. The potential proposition would reduce the current 162-page-long income tax law to a four-

line tax return. Both campaigns — Stop the Shakedowns and FAST Colorado — are currently in the petition stage. Event attendees will be able to sign the petition. With enough signatures gathered, Colorado voters could potentially be voting on these issues during the November midterm elections. In addition to acting as master of ceremony for the event, Stooksberry will share his vision for City of Delta as a potential councilmember. There is no fee to attend, though donations are encouraged. Food and beverage will be available.

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A6 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

SCHOOL

Garnet Mesa’s Terriﬁc Kids

Delta County Independent

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) Lain Munyon, Sada Angelo, Keven Gonzalez Cruz, Alexandra Padilla, Emmitt Tabor; (front row) Noah Barker, Peyton Sisemore, Maddysan Perez, Joe Wilson. Below are second and third graders (back row) Isabelle Ripper, Keagan Crespin, Drew Davis; (front row) Brayden Hernandez, Penelope Perez, Kaleb Marker and Becca Brewer.

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Pictured are national qualification competitors Caleb Frazier (first alternate), Lucy Streich, Sameha Haque, Bernice Rosales, Yadira Cansigno, Mairany Jaracuaro (first place qualifier) and Enrique Gonzales. The team is coached by Danielle Lopez.

Jaracuaro to compete in national speech tournament Delta High School’s speech and debate team recently competed in the national qualification tournaments. The Congress tournament was hosted at Central High School Feb. 9-10, and the main event tournament was hosted by Grand Junction High School March 2-3.

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DHS grad participates in poverty simulation Paula Strickland, an Elmira College education major from Delta, recently participated in a hands-on simulation with faculty and staff from the Elmira Heights School District, along with the nonprofit organization, Pro Action, to better understand what it’s like to live in poverty. During the simulation, Elmira College students were assigned professional roles including teacher, grocer, bill collector, banker, police office and social services worker. The high school faculty and staff took on roles of those facing poverty. The participants were

then placed into scenarios showing the obstacles for a family or individual in poverty, including going grocery shopping, running errands, or simply providing basic necessities on a limited budget. After interacting with each other throughout the simulation, the participants discussed how the experience impacted how they would approach poverty, teaching and learning in the future. They also took away a broader awareness of poverty and how better to help low-income families and learners. Elmira College is a private, coeducational, Phi Beta Kappa college founded in 1855, located in Elmira, N.Y.

The schools in attendance ranged from Moffat County to Ouray, and the competition was fierce. Two DHS competitors made it all the way to finals in informative speaking. Caleb Frazier is the first alternate and Mairany Jaracuaro won first place. Mairany will travel to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in June to compete in the national tournament. Delta’s speech team is hosting its annual Des-

serts and Diversions fundraiser on Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m in the DHS cafetorium. Tickets are only $5. Come enjoy unlimited entertainment and dessert. Proceeds help pay for tournament entry fees. See anyone on the DHS speech team or email danielle.lopez@deltaschools. com for more information. Also, the team always needs judges for competitions.

Terriﬁc Kids

Photo submitted

The Delta Kiwanis presented Lincoln Elementary students with Terriﬁc Kids Awards on Feb. 27. The students are recognized by teachers for outstanding characteristics, achievement and effort. The recipients (and their reason for recognition) for this week are (left to right) Serena Porter (compassion), Hadlee Whitaker (respect, kindness, responsibility), and Riley Avila (kindness).

DHS grad competes in college livestock judging

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For the third time in a row, the Casper College livestock judging team has placed in the top five finishers at a national judging show. The most recent win came at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo where the team was second in horses, second in sheep and goats, second in reasons, and fifth overall. Before the

Fort Worth win the team placed fourth at the Arizona National Livestock Show and third at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Individually, Alexi Goodnow of Craig, Colo., was first high individual in swine, eighth high individual in horses, and eighth overall. Shanan Davey, Delta High School graduate, was first in

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horses, second in sheep, second in reasons, and fifth overall. According to head coach Jeremy Burkett, the team will continue its spring run with two national contests remaining, the San Antonio Livestock Show and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Casper College livestock judging team has a rich history and winning tradition since 1978. The championship livestock judging team competes across the country and ranks among the nation’s top junior college judging programs. The team has produced nine academic All-Americans since 2005, including five All-Americans since 2014. Under coach Jeremy Burkett, Ph.D., Casper College has had four national contest wins including the Fort Worth Stock Show, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and the Arizona National Livestock Show since 2009. After Casper College, students are continually recruited to transfer to agricultural universities across the nation.

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Shanan Davey

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

of Cedaredge and Jonathan (Lltanya) Kunkel of Houston, Texas; two daughters, Kristal (Chris Crawley) Allbritten and Laura Thornton, all of Cedaredge; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild. She was preceded in death by several siblings Jeanette Kunkel and a son, Zane (Julie of Jeanette Kunkel of Montrose) Kunkel. Cedaredge died Feb. 23, Taylor Funeral Service 2018. She was 89. and Crematory is hanA memorial service dling the arrangements. was held at First Baptist Church in Cedaredge Dorothy Smith March 3. Lifetime Delta resident Jeanette Laura Kunkel was born in York, Pa., Dorothy M. Smith died on Aug. 10, 1928, to Wal- Feb. 20, 2018, at Four ter and Laura Linebaugh. Corners Health Care in She moved to Cedaredge Durango. She was 93. Funeral services were in 1968 and was a longtime member of the held Feb. 27 at Taylor First Baptist Church of Funeral Service Chapel in Delta with James Gall Cedaredge. Interment She is survived by officiating. three sons, Gregory (Deb) will be at a later date Kunkel of Red Lion, Pa., at the Veterans MemoGeoffrey (Susan) Kunkel rial Cemetery in Grand

Junction. Dorothy Mae Roberts was born in Chandler, Okla., July 19, 1924, to Grant and Arabell (Thomas) Roberts. She spent her childhood and attended schools in Chandler, Okla., Austin, Colo., and Delta. On April 19, 1942, she married Eugene Smith in Delta. The couple shared 64 years of marriage before his death in 2006. Mrs. Smith enjoyed cooking, gardening, arts, crafts and spending time with family and friends. She is survived by a son, Ronald Smith of Pflugerville, Texas; daughter, Pamela (Bill) Olson of Bloomfield, N.M.; sisters, Glendola Johnston of Cedaredge and Pauline Shoup of Lamar; six grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in

Betty Jo Wilkening June 24, 1926 ~ Feb. 20, 2018 Betty Jo Wilkening, age 91, died February 20, 2018 following a long illness. Betty Jo was born June 24, 1926, in Otterville, Mo. She was the second child of Asa Vest Bishop and Jo Ellis Bishop. Betty Jo grew up on a farm outside of Otterville with her sisters Nancy Ellen and Shirley Leigh. She graduated from Otterville High School. In 1946 she married Clifford Wilkening, Corporal USMC. As a career Marine, the couple lived all over the U.S. until Cliff retired in 1958. Cliff, Betty and their three children moved from San Francisco, Calif., to Crawford, Colo. Clifford passed away in June 1990 but Betty stayed in the Crawford area until she moved to Grand Junction in 2010. Betty worked at the First State Bank of Hotchkiss. She enjoyed working for the origi-

nal owners of the bank, Walt and Jim Addams. After Cliff and Betty retired they traveled all over the world and the U.S. They skied in the winter and river rafted in the summer. Betty continued to travel after Cliff ’s death. Betty was very civic minded. She was a former member of the Delta County Planning commission, helped establish the Crawford Mesa Water Company, Crawford Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, Hotchkiss Senior Citizens, and Crawford -Hotchkiss Historical Society and Museum. Betty was a 50-year member of Hotchkiss Order of Eastern Star, and attended St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Delta, Colo. If a volunteer was needed, Betty could be counted on to help with any area project. Betty was preceded in death by: husband Clifford, her mother and

father, Asa and Jo Bishop, brother Ellis, sisters Nancy Meyer and Shirley Bowers. She is survived by: daughter Ivy Jo Rezak (Norm Coon), Cedaredge, Colo.; sons Garry (Billie) Wilkening, Severance, Colo., Larry (Sherry) Wilkening, Hotchkiss, Colo.; six grandchildren, 11 greatgrandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at a later date. The family would like to personally thank Paul and Corene Ewing and staff at the Grand View Care Lodge, Grand Junction, Colo. for their loving care for Betty. Please consider making a memorial contribution in Betty’s name to the North Fork Ambulance Association, PO Box 127, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. Services have been entrusted to Brown’s Cremation and Funeral Services. Paid obituary

death by her husband and two daughters, Donna Hanson and Gena Smith. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory handled the arrangements.

Don Neal Ridgway died on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta, Colo. He was 89 years of age. Dr. Don Ridgway was born in Akron, Ohio, on Jan. 11, 1929 to Cecil M. and Neva G. Ridgway. He enjoyed a rural upbringing in Northeast Ohio and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1946. He was an honor graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, in 1950 and for a brief time worked in the chemical research division of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. He married Fern Antoinette Olds on Nov. 23, 1950, in Cortland, New York. They enjoyed nearly 58 years together before her death on Nov. 13, 2007, raising three children, Alan, Eric and Kathryn. He received his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1954 where he was both a Jessie Smith Noyes and John S. Knight scholar and received the Merck award for excellence in internal medicine. His post-graduate training began at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., but was interrupted when he was called to active duty with the U.S. Public Health Service where he served the Indian hospitals in Winslow, Ariz., and Shiprock, N.M. He continued his training at St. Mary’s Hospital in Saginaw, Mich., and while Chief Resident was awarded Mead Johnson grant for graduate education,

Paonia resident Imogene Shirley Johnson died Feb. 24, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 91. She was born on June 12, 1926, in Haxtun to Gertrude Burmood and Robert Sturges. She spent her childhood in Colorado, Nebraska, California and Oregon. On Dec. 1, 1945, she married Robert Johnson in Reno, Nev. They had three children. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in California. She enjoyed gardening and animals. Mrs. Johnson is survived by her daughters, Pam (Dana) Peterson of Paonia and Lynn (Ernie) Bussman of Sixes, Ore.; two sisters, Anna Olds and Dolores Wells, both of California; seven grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and 10 greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Johnson; son, Robert W. Johnson; three brothers; and two sisters. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

one of only 10 in the United States. Wanting his children to know the advantages of growing up in a small town, he relinquished his plan to pursue a career in noncosmetic plastic surgery. He joined the North Fork Medical Clinic in Paonia and Hotchkiss where he practiced general medicine, surgery and obstetrics until his retirement in 1998. He was a benefactor life member of the National Rifle Association as well as numerous professional and wildlife conservation organizations. He staunchly defended the true interpretation of the Second Amendment knowing that without it the remainder of the Bill of Rights was worthless. Most every pro-gun rights organization in existence counted him as a member and supporter. He enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hunting, skiing, river running, fishing and camping. He participated competitively in multiple shooting disciplines and earned his share of awards. Over the years he attended six graduation exercises as a participating graduate and remembered little from each except long boring

Marion Drown

repetitions. To counteract this universal phenomenon he developed his own speech. Unfortunately he was never invited to give said speech until now: “Be good, do good, do it well.” He is survived by two sons: Alan (Cheryl) Ridgway of Paonia, Colo., Eric (Lori) Ridgway of Riverton, Wyo.; one daughter, Kathryn (Roger) Linnell of Paonia, Colo.; one brother, William (Jackie) Ridgway of Strasburg, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, Kristin Ridgway, Derek Ridgway, Briana Ridgway, Tanner Ridgway, Lindsey Ridgway, Logan Ridgway, Kiley Ridgway, Aaron Linnell, Kurt Linnell, Ben Linnell; and one great-granddaughter, Brenley Ridgway. Don was preceded in death by his parents and his spouse, Fern. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018, at the Paonia United Methodist Church with Reverend Russell Fletcher officiating. In lieu of flowers or memorial contributions, honor his memory by reading a book, experiencing wilderness, loving your family, fearing your government, using common sense, eschewing lawyers and taking responsibility for yourself and your choices. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneral service.com. Paid obituary

Jerry Hawkins of CalNev-Ari, Nev.; a daughter, Deb (Gene) Lillard of Montrose; two sisters, Margaret McNeal of Eckert and Mildred Campbell of Paonia; five grandchildren, Ty Hawkins, Brandy Reimler, Nate Hawkins, Amber Lillard and Erin Blackwelder; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Memorial donations may be made to HopeWest, 725 S. 4th St., Montrose, CO 81401. Crippin Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

Imogene Johnson

Don Neal Ridgway Jan. 11, 1929 ~ Feb. 27, 2018

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Delta resident Marion Drown died Feb. 14, 2018, at his home. He was 68. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. He is survived by his wife, LouAnn Drown; son, Joshua Drown; three brothers, Roger (Val) Drown, Richard (Lois) Drown and James (Karen) Drown; two sisters, Jean (Frank) Morley and Lorraine (Paul) Malone; sister-in-law, Sheri Drown Dryden; three grandchildren; and extended family. Memorial contributions may be sent to Grand Mesa Oncology Staff Education Fund, 1501 E. 3rd Street, Delta, CO 81416. Donors may also wish to plant a tree. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Lottie Jones

Lottie Evilyn Hawkins Jones died Feb. 22, 2018, in Montrose. She was 87. She was born Jan. 31, 1931, to Roy and Ava (James) Morrris in Foss, Okla. She attended Cedaredge schools. She was a homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her sisters, friends and family. On Jan. 31, 1949, she married Clarance Hawkins. He died in 1999 after 50 years of marriage. She married Guy Jones of Mitchell, Neb., in 2004. He preceded her in death. She is survived by two sons, Bud (Cindy) Hawkins of Delta and

and Norwood, and graduated from Pueblo High School in 1956. In 1982, he married Carla Lippard in Pueblo. They moved to Delta in 1982. He enjoyed horses, camping, the mountains and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Carla Scott of Delta; six children, Rod (Carol) Scott of Centennial, Dean (Carla) Scott of Craig, Don (Jessica) Scott of Buena Vista, Receene (Charlie) Able of Nathrop, Dana (Stan) Fox of Craig, and Jack (Sarah) Wiseman of Craig; two sisters, Louise Jordan of Pueblo and Jenell (Joe) Walck of Hesperus; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Dale Scott

Longtime Delta resident Edward Dale Scott died March 3, 2018, at the HopeWest Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction. He was 79. A celebration of life will be held this summer. Mr. Scott was born in Pueblo June 7, 1938, to Thomas and Elizabeth (Wyndel) Scott. He spent his childhood in Pueblo

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A8 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

OBITUARIES

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

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Ronald Ayers

Ronald Roy Ayers died March 2, 2018, at his home in Paonia. He was 85. Services will be held at a later date. Ronald Roy Ayers was born Dec. 1, 1932, to John and Nancy (Allshouse) Ayers in Robinson, Pa. He spent his childhood and attended school in Robinson. After graduating high school, he served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard. On June 4, 1952, he married Alma Jean Penrose in Winchester, Va. They moved from Henderson to Paonia in 1996. Mr. Ayers was a member of Paonia United Methodist Church; he was also an active member of the VFW and the Ameri-

can Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading westerns and spending time with family. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alma Ayers; sons, Randy (Kathleen) Ayers and Rick (Carol) Ayers; daughter, Eva Ayers; sister, Joan Weaver; six grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Ayers; brother, Jack Ayers; and a son, Ronald Gene Ayers. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Delta County Independent

born in Maryville, Tenn., July 17, 1955, to William and Geneva (Eschelman) Tuck. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army. He is survived by his siblings, William (Jeanette) Tuck of Gunnison, Kevin Tuck of Delta and Karen (Joe) Abeyta of Tampa, Fla.; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, David Tuck.

Richard Tuck

Delta County resident Richard A. Tuck died March 5, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 62. Funeral services are pending at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Interment will follow at Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado in Grand Junction. Richard Allen Tuck was

Corky Menzel

Preston “Corky” Menzel died Feb. 22, 2018. He struggled with a heart condition and lost the battle at age 55. He was born to Georgia Greenfield and Donald Menzel on April 30, 1962.

After graduating from high school, he married Teresa Menzel in Granby. He mastered the trade of metal fabrication. In 2000 he returned to Delta County, where he was a business owner serving the Western Slope since 2004. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, camping and shooting trap. He excelled at target marksmanship. In his younger years he also enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling. He is survived by his wife, Teresa; parents, Georgia Greenfield and Donald (Sheila) Menzel; siblings, Cydne Menzel (Alvin Towell), Renee Jensen (Ronnie Smith), Roxanne (Gene) Delay and Kenny Heinze; children, Danielle Menzel (Jesse Leech) and Jeremiah Menzel; and grandchildren, Kalysta Menzel, Shealie Menzel and Zoie Menzel. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

LOCAL NEWS

Marijuana forum highlights concerns BY EMILY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS increase in THC levels.

in Delta, said his experiences have formed strong opinions regarding medicOn Monday, Feb. 26, a inal and recreational use community forum on the of addictive substances “Effects of Marijuana on such as marijuana. Our Community” convened “It is noted in the litat the Delta Performing erature that recreational Arts Center. This forum use of addictive substanccame together in response es far outweighs medicito the ballot question on nal use,” he said. taxation of retail marijuaPulsipher warned that na and marijuana prodthe effect on children is ucts in Delta and Orchard of grave concern due to City. Marijuana sales are its changed genetics and not yet legal in either comimpact on the developmunity. ment of the brain. “Legal The forum focused on access always creates a several aspects of mari�� backdoor to illegal access juana commercialization: �� and illicit access,” he risk to school age youth, �� said. criminal behavior increas�� Like Schaible, Pules, urgent care/emergen�� sipher also emphasized cy room costs, impact of �� the increased cost to grow houses on home val�� emergency rooms and ues, mental health and �� medical facilities due to addiction recovery, and �� hindered judgment from utility cost increases. �� marijuana use, particuA common sentiment larly impaired driving. shared among the speak�� Next, Undersheriff ers was the belief that �� Mark Taylor spoke on his marijuana sales will hurt �� research on the effects the “hometown secure �� of marijuana. After citfeeling” of Delta. �� ing the pros and cons for “Our goal is to inform �� retail marijuana legalizathe public what could �� tion, Taylor focused on a happen if marijuana sales �� 2016 report, “The Legalare to go into legaliza�� ization of Marijuana: The tion,” said Scott Schaible �� Impact from the Rocky before the event. “There’s �� Mountain High Intensity a lot of talk about the Drug Trafficking Area.” revenue benefits, but at �� This report is available �� what cost?” �� online at www.sheriffs. Schaible kicked off the �� org. lineup of seven speakers �� A chuckle of disbelief by being clear to empha�� echoed from the audience size the evening was about �� as Taylor cited from relatsharing facts, not opined data that “as of Januions. Schaible is familiar ary 2016, there were 424 with mental health and �� retail marijuana stores in addiction because of his �� the state of Colorado comwork with youth and his �� pared to 322 Starbucks own recovery from addic�� and 202 McDonald’s.” tion. Taylor referenced sevHe shared that while eral incidences of vehicuthose for legalization are lar homicide in various entitled to their opinions, cities across Colorado “to disregard the costs [of resulting from teen drivmarijuana] is inexcusers using marijuana. In able.” Delta County, he shared, Schaible stated that �� law enforcement received clinicians in addiction �� notification in November recovery centers will �� 2014 of a large marijuana testify it is an addictive �� grow above Cedaredge. and a gateway drug, par�� After obtaining a search ticularly because of the warrant, approximately 3,400 marijuana plants were located on the premises. “Every contact we had with this individual was �� extremely violent, pushing law enforcement to the limits,” said Taylor. �� “He was always armed and belligerent, making �� us nervous.” In 2016, investiga�� tors learned of a group �� that purchased property around Delta County, �� intent to grow marijuana. After obtaining search �� warrants making arrests, �� law enforcement realized many of the properties were destroyed due to the �� marijuana growth. “This is happening right here in our own backyard,” he �� concluded. Ron Austin, mayor pro�� tem for Delta, concluded the lineup of speak�� ers for the evening. The amenities Delta County �� Contributing Writer

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“The effects of high THC in marijuana can change the brain’s processing of good and wrong decision making, even triggering the impulse to take one’s own life,” he said. Marijuana use at an early age can lead to complications such as decreased IQ, addiction risk, and risk of dropping out, he emphasized. He believes availability of marijuana is the cause for increased problems in schools and law enforcement, reasoning that limiting availability will reduce issues. Schaible also gave a handout with tips for parents on how to talk with their children about marijuana. Concluding with a statement from a 2012 Huffington Post article on Colorado ranking highest in the nation for substance abuse with alcohol, marijuana and cocaine, Schaible ended with, “If the rationale is revenue, then I guess we should legalize cocaine as well.” Pat and Dave Andrews voiced their concerns that more suicides like their grandson’s will follow legalization of marijuana sales. After losing his grandparents, Benjamin, their grandson, started using marijuana and declined academically and socially. After he began using other drugs such as LSD, counseling revealed he was also trying to soothe childhood trauma. “When the police searched his room [after his death], they found a manner of drugs,” said Pat. “Benjamin was trying to erase the horrors of his life by using drugs. First marijuana, then harder drugs.” Dr. Kevin Pulsipher, a family medicine doctor

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is known for, such as the Grand Mesa, hunting and fishing, Devil’s Thumb and various businesses, do not alone provide financial stability, he acknowledged. “Here’s the blessing,” he said. “Unlike some cities, we are not so desperate [for financial needs] as to be forced into making risky decisions.” Austin noted that new revenue needs to help set Delta apart in a positive way while attracting others who wish to “share in our designation as an AllAmerica City.” We need to evaluate and explore our options, he said. “We must recognize that financial assistance can come with a cost.” Austin said many desire to provide their children with a community and careers that encourage them to return after higher education. He assured the audience he is committed to doing everything within his ability to fulfill this vision. “Our community sharing in that vision is a key element to maintaining Delta going forward,” he concluded. The question-andanswer session following the speeches generated some positive feedback. Discussion from this session included other cities’ experiences and what can be practically done in Delta. After another audience member asked if other cities have seen revenue benefit, Kevin Carlson, a city council candidate, shared some facts from Telluride, which has six legalized marijuana shops. He said the revenue generated from the shops seems to be “a wash” due to extra expenses from staff and licensing. A local pastor asked how church communities can address the issues leading people to marijuana in the first place. While the responses did provide clear answers, the speakers agreed there is more to the marijuana discussion that just the surface issue of use. After the event, audience member Hannah Armstrong shared her frustration. “We’re supposed to be known for our outdoors and our businesses. Instead Colorado is becoming known for marijuana and I think that’s sad,” she said. Armstrong also noted she wanted to do more research following the forum. “Many people talk about suicide being an issue with marijuana but taking away the drugs won’t take away the problem if the thoughts are already there,” she said. “We need to look more at the root of the problem.”

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

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The Blue Sage Concert Series is pleased to present a Modern Music Festival featuring wind ensemble Splinter Reeds with concerts on Saturday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday’s concert features works by modern composers including Sky Macklay, Marc Mellits and Eric Wubbels. Sunday’s concert features a world premiere by American composer Paula Matthusen commissioned for Splinter

Reeds by the Blue Sage Center for the Arts’ Concert Series. Splinter Reeds is San Francisco Bay Area’s first reed quintet, comprising five innovative musicians with a shared passion for new music. The ensemble is committed to presenting top tier performances of today’s best contemporary compositions, showcasing the vast possibilities of the reed quintet, commissioning new works, and collaborating with fellow musicians and

artists. The festival will feature a newly commissioned piece by composer Paula Matthusen, utilizing a live collaboration between a broadcast from KVNF to a live performance by Splinter Reeds onstage at the Blue Sage Center with audience interaction via transmitting devices such as digital phones, tablets and radios. This new work, entitled “Antenna Studies,” is made possible by support from New Music USA, The National Endowment for the Arts,

Amphion Foundation, and The Copland Foundation. Special thanks to the North Fork Valley Rotary Club for sponsoring Splinter Reeds’ outreach training and performances in Hotchkiss and Paonia public schools. Tickets ($20-25) are on sale now at the Blue Sage Gallery located at 226 Grand Avenue in Paonia, open Tuesday through Saturday 124, by calling (970) 5277243, or online at blue sage.org.

Broadway star comes to Delta Broadway star J. Mark McVey comes to the Delta Performing Arts Center on Saturday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. as a part of the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association’s current series, to perform a program of familiar Broadway favorites and some pops standards. J. Mark McVey made his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables” after having won the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Actor while on tour. He was also the first American to perform the role in London’s West End. He reprised the role with the Los Angeles Philharmonic to sold-out crowds at the Hollywood Bowl. He has won several other awards on his way to eclipsing 3,268 performances in Les Mis. J. Mark made his

Concert celebrates the west Saddle on up and join the Montrose Community Band on Sunday, March 18, at 3 p.m. at the Montrose Pavilion for a free concert with a fun western theme. Dust off your boots and come ride off into the sunset with us. For more information visit www.montroseband. com or call 970-596-1188.

Carnegie Hall debut with Marvin Hamlisch and continues to perform with numerous symphonies around the country and the world. His TV credits include America’s Got Talent, Huckabee and All My Children. He made his PBS debut with the special for the U.S. military troops where he was featured with the National Symphony Orchestra. He also appeared in the PBS special “A Tale of Two Cities in Concert.”

Join the Museums of Western Colorado’s guest lecturer Rob Gay, director of education for the Colorado Canyons Association (CCA), as he presents new findings on a fossil identified as the oldest dinosaur bone found in the state of Utah. This guest lecture will be held at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita on March 9 at 7 p.m. free of charge, and will highlight the results of an article published in the Utah Geological Association’s journal Geology of the Intermountain West that identifies this fossil from the Late Triassic Period (220-200 million years ago). The collaborative efforts of three paleontologists — Xavier Jenkins with Arizona State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Science, Dr. John Foster with the Museum of Moab, and

Colorado returns March 14 A Taste of Colorado is back for its third year. The event benefits the Black Canyon Boys & Girls Club and will be held at The Bridges Wednesday, March 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by The Liquor Store and The Bridges, this event will feature regional wine, beers, and spirits with food offerings prepared by local vendors. With the beautiful view from The Bridges as your backdrop, this is an event not to be missed. Tickets are $30 online at montrosewinefestival. com or $35 at the door.

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finest singers/actors you will ever see or hear. His exquisite voice produces very evocative, personalized singing that connects to every audience member. Single performance tickets will be on sale at the door beginning at 6:30 p.m. The auditorium opens at 6:45. For further information please contact Bob Brown, 8354480 or visit the website at www.deltamontrose concerts.com.

Talk centers on oldest dinosaur bone found in Utah

Youth present ‘A Night at Taste of the Movies’ The Valley Youth Orchestra is pleased to present “A Night at the Movies” Saturday, March 17, at Delta High School, 1400 Pioneer Road in Delta. The evening fundraiser begins with a silent auction starting at 4:30, dinner at 5:30 and the concert at 7 p.m. The VYO features string players ages 5 to 18 from throughout the region who will be playing pieces from Mary Poppins, Pirates of the Carribean, Phantom of the Opera, The Wizard of Oz and other films. Dinner is being provided by the Altrusa Club of Delta. Tickets can be purchased from orchestra members or online at http://valley symphony.net/vyo.

McVey earned a double platinum record for his participation on the Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” In addition, a collaborative touring project between Mark and Ernie Haase & Signature Sound included a recording entitled “Inspiration of Broadway.” The CD and DVD was recently released, as was another solo CD “Finding My Way.” McVey is one of the

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Robert Gay with CCA — resulted in this publication, and identifies this fossil as belonging to a small meat-eating dinosaur that roamed the area known as Utah. “This animal was buried less than 100 miles away from Fruita, 220 million years ago. Historically, fossil finds from the west have been taken back east, to Chicago, New York and Washington. It is great to see more local institutions holding onto the significant parts of the regional history,” says Gay. Not only is this fossil a vital piece of our culture, it also helps piece together the history of an era when no humans were alive to witness. By piec-

ing these links together, paleontologists are able to paint a clearer picture of periods previously unknown. “This dinosaur is important to the story of the Colorado Plateau because it not only shows us a little of what Utah’s oldest dinosaurs looked like, it is also the furthest north anyone has ever found a dinosaur of this age. Most Triassic dinosaur bones in the United States are found in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. This find may help us better understand how dinosaurs spread across North America during this time period.” The sacrum fossil is currently housed at Dinosaur Journey in Fruita.

DHS speech team plans fundraiser Delta High School would like to invite your participation in the annual speech and debate fundraiser, Desserts and Diversions. This performance-based event highlights unlimited desserts and unlimited entertainment. The performances are family friendly and door prizes are awarded if you are present (or not!). This year’s event will be held Monday, March 12, at 7 p.m. Contact Danielle Lopez and Delta High School if you need more information. The DHS speech and debate team expresses its gratitude for the support from the community. This program thrives on volunteerism. Please consider volunteering as a speech and debate tournament judge or anything else you could contribute to the team. Training is provided, as well as

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great food. Speech and debate matters! For more information on upcoming events, please email your inquiries to daniellelopez @deltaschools.com.

Ski race set for March 18 The Mesa Meltdown cross-country ski race will be held on Sunday, March 18, at Skyway on Grand Mesa. This features a 20k and a 5k, both freestyle races starting simultaneously at 10 a.m. Registration is on race day only, $15 for Grand Mesa Nordic Council members, $25 for others. All ages and abilities are welcome. For more information, call 434-9753 or go to www. gmnc.org.

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A10 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

BUSINESS

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Delta County Independent

Cleckler named a Top 50 CEO Jason Cleckler, Delta County Memorial Hospital CEO, has been recognized as a “Top 50 Rural Hospital CEO to Know in 2018” by the National Rural Health Association. This marks the second year in a row Cleckler has been recognized nationally for his leadership. In 2017 he was listed among the Top 60 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know. In accepting nominations for this list, Becker’s Healthcare considered leaders making a positive impact on their organizations. The featured CEOs lead hospitals consistently recognized by the National Rural Health Association, American

Hospital Association and HIMSS as top institutions; others sit on local chamber of commerce boards and serve state hospital associations. They have overcome significant challenges operating rural community and critical access hospitals to lead sustainable and thriving organizations. Many CEOs have served their institutions for decades, recruiting physicians, expanding services and implementing technology platforms to ensure the best care possible for their communities. Since joining Delta County Memorial Hospital in 2012, Cleckler has overseen the hospital’s

transition into a health care system employing more than 600 people at locations throughout Delta County. He oversees a payroll of more than $30 million and is currently working with his team to strategically

Jason Cleckler

plan for the future, with an emphasis on longterm financial viability. In 2017, the hospital opened a new primary care clinic as well as an additional walk-in clinic that provides prevention and wellness services. On the state level, Cleckler has participated in a Colorado Hospital Association-organized state legislator briefing on the impact of the ACA and has been featured on National Public Radio in Denver to discuss healthcare issues. In 2017, the National Rural Health Association and iVantage Health Analytics named DCMH among the top 100 rural community hospitals in the nation.

Dairy Queen has new owners Dennis and Nancy Doerer announce the sale and transfer of ownership of the Delta Dairy Queen at 240 A N. Palmer. The Doerers started the Delta franchise 20 years ago in 1998. “It has been a great business and a pure joy serving our local Delta customers,” the Doerers said. “We have had hundreds of employees — mostly teenagers with Delta Dairy Queen being their first jobs. It was amazing watching the young teenagers grow into responsible employees.” The sale of the Delta Dairy Queen was effective March 1. The new franchise owners are Gregg Gilfillan, Pete Simms and Bill Sladek. Gregg Gilfillan has been in DQ seven years. He started in high school

working part-time. Gilfillan worked his way up to shift leader then to operation manager and now he will be operations partner. Pete Simms started with IDQ corporate in 1992 and worked as a senior field consultant till 2006 when he left IDQ to become a DQ franchise

operator. Bill Sladek started with IDQ corporate in 1991 and left as an IDQ franchise salesman in 1999 and then became a franchise operator. “Again we would like to thank all our loyal customers for their support,” said the Doerers. “We’re very proud to be

a part of this community. A huge thank you to the current staff of DQ who were a great help during this transition. We want to ensure everyone that Delta DQ will be in great hands with the new owners and that the operation is continuing with all the same great products and employees.”

GMUG employee receives prestigious Karstaedt Award

Corey Wong, public service staff officer, for the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests (GMUG), recently received the Rocky Mountain Region Randall Karstaedt Lands Achievement Award. The award recognizes individuals who have Contact the DCI: demonstrated outstandWebsite: ing contributions to the www.deltacountyindependent.com national forest lands proE-mail ads to: gram through leadership, ads@deltacountyindependent.com efficiency, representation E-mail articles and of the Forest Service in Photo submitted their community, producletters to the editor at: editor@deltacountyindependent.com Forest supervisor Scott Armentrout congratulates tivity, interaction with call Randy Crespin at 874-4421. Corey Wong (left) on his award-winning efforts. co-workers, dedication, mentoring and innovative problem-solving. Over the past 15 years Wong has played an integral part in developing and maintaining a high-performing lands program for the GMUG National Forests with achievements in boundIt is currently illegal for retail marijuana stores to operate in Delta County. Marijuana cultivation, production, ary and title manageland adjustment and manufacturing facilities are also illegal. If this ballot for taxing marijuana passes it will open the door for these ment, and special use permitactivities to be legalized in the City of Delta and in Orchard City. ting. His achievements The proponents of this are touting the financial benefits of this legalization through the proposed taxation of include the addition of marijuana sales. The increase in revenue is largely offset by increased costs for law enforcement, hospital care, social thousands of acres of lands into the national services, municipal administration costs, and other cost increases. The biggest concern is for our youth. forest system, and building valuable relationships with local, regional 1. The urgent priority is the risk to our school age youth and young adults. It is illegal for anyone and national partners. under the age of 21 to buy, possess, or use marijuana. The latest statistics show Colorado youth rank #1 in “We are very proud the nation for marijuana use. This is 55% higher than the national average. Marijuana-related exposures to see Corey recognized for his hard work and (children in a marijuana home-environment) increased 210% in a four year average since CO legalized dedication to the Forest recreational marijuana. Delta County School Healthy Kids CO Survey reports that out of 1000 students, Service and its mission,” almost 400 said that it would be easy for them to obtain marijuana if they wanted to do so. Students voiced said Scott Armentrout, forest supervisor for the concerns about “the drug problem (marijuana and alcohol) within the schools and spreading throughout the GMUG.

For a quote on all your printing needs

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community”.

2. Law enforcement. Delta County law enforcement reports that there have been three active Cartels illegally producing marijuana in Delta County: Colombian, Russian, and Mexican. Arrests and convictions have been made in connection with illegal production and sales in Delta County. Seizures of Colorado marijuana in the U.S. Mail has increased 914% in the four-year average that recreational marijuana has been legal, leading to 3.5 tons of marijuana seized, 47108 marijuana plants seized, and 252 felony arrests. Delta County law enforcement has made arrests in connection with illegal production and underage use. Marijuana-related traffic deaths increased 66% in the four year average since Colorado legalized recreational marijuana compared to the four year average prior to legalization. 3. Emergency room/Urgent Care. The yearly rate of emergency room and urgent care visits related to marijuana increased 35% after the legalization of the recreational marijuana. The yearly number of marijuana-related hospitalizations increased 72% in the same time period. The rate of ER and Urgent Care visits by stoned teenagers more than doubled from 2009 to 2015. Teens with symptoms of mental illness account for 2/3 of the marijuana-related visits. An increase of marijuana-related visits has also been noted at Delta County Memorial Hospital. 4. Neighborhood grow houses or retail sales, is this the neighbor you want? 5. As of October 2017, 66% of Colorado local jurisdictions have banned medical and recreational marijuana-related businesses. If City Council wants to legalize these businesses, citizens must insist that it go to a vote of the people.

The City of Delta and Orchard City need you – Register and VOTE!! Kevin Carlson is the anti-marijuana candidate running for Delta City Council. Vote for Kevin!

Information courtesy of Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, www.rmhidta.org and Delta County Colorado Sheriff’s Office. PAID FOR BY CITIZENS AGAINST MARIJUANA

Photo submitted

Employee of the Year

Crossroads Senior Living has named Diane Martinez as Employee of the Year due to her dedication and interest in Crossroads residents. She is a contributor to the success of the dietary department. Diane is attentive to the residents and is a native of Delta.

NORTH FORK March 7, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Hotchkiss rejects lone water tank bid BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

In her 35-year career with the Town of Hotchkiss, town clerk Marlene Searle said she’s never seen the town accept a single bid for a project. Such was the case last week, when trustees rejected the only bid received for the Barrow Mesa water tank replacement project. Mayor Wendell Koontz politely thanked Ridgway Valley Enterprises for submitting that bid, but said the project would be re-bid, to assure competitive pricing and prudent use of taxpayer funds. His announcement came after an executive session with attorney Bo Nerlin to discuss negotiations. The water tank

project was the sole reason for a special trustee meeting on Feb. 28. Staff was directed to rebid the project, this time in two parts — one for piping (about a third of the cost) and one for the 500,000-gallon steel tank with an aluminum dome roof. Bidders are invited to attend a meeting at Hotchkiss Town Hall Wednesday, March 21, at 1:30 p.m. to address questions and visit the site. During the special meeting, trustees unanimously adopted an ordinance that pledges revenue from the town’s water fund to the bond that is partially financing the project. The town has also received grants and loans to assist with the project.

Candidate night in Crawford March 15 The Crawford Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting a “Meet the Candidate” night on Thursday, March 15. It will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Crawford Town Hall. There are six candidates running for four positions on the Crawford Town Council. On the ballot are Mike Tiedeman, Chris Johnson, Jeff

Peed, Julie Kinder, Ralph Clark and Jessica Hart. Profiles of these candidates will be in the March 14 issue of the Delta County Independent. There will be approximately 90 minutes of moderated questions followed by 30 minutes for questions submitted from the audience.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Sixty Delta County public servants including law enforcement, fire fighters, emergency medical services (EMS), tow truck operators, and department of transportation workers participated in training last week at the Hotchkiss Fire Station. Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training is intended to help emergency responders work together to protect themselves and motorists from the danger of secondary collisions that sometimes occur in the wake of roadway accidents.

First responders train to improve traffic safety BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Responders — it’s an allinclusive term that covers law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS), tow truck operators, and department of transportation workers. And last week sixty of these public servants assembled in the Hotchkiss Fire Station to talk about the vital topic of traffic incident management. Hotchkiss Fire Chief Doug Fritz arranged the three-hour training session. Peter Igel from the Colorado Department of Transportation and Corporal Larry Graves from the Colorado State Patrol conducted the training. Participants came from throughout Delta County to take part in the training which is a national program administered by the U.S. Department

of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. “We are pro-acting in the interest of promoting public and responder safety,” said Igel, who serves as the I-25 north metro highway incident commander. “The TIM (Traffic Incident Management) training program brings all agencies together to make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to tactics to avoid secondary accidents at a crash scene,” said Corporal Graves, who is headquartered in Montrose and also serves Delta County. “The idea is ‘one scene, one culture, save lives’,” said Chief Fritz as he cited the State Patrol motto related to incident management. The management of an accident scene is critical to avoid the dangers encountered by

emergency responders who work in or near traffic. Statistics document the hazards they face. Every year, inattentive drivers who make poor decisions kill an alarming number of responders who are working accident scenes. In 2017, national death tolls included: • Ten law enforcement officers • Four firefighters • As many as 60 towing and EMS recovery professionals • An untold number of transportation and public works professionals. Motorists not involved in original crashes are also killed by secondary collisions. Nationally, 18 percent of highway fatalities are caused by secondary wrecks. Non-fatal injuries of motorists and responders are also high. FIRST RESPONDERS TO B2

Dusk falls

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The clouds above Mt. Lamborn take on a pink hue as the sun sets and the moon ascends in the sky. This photo was taken from Main Street in Hotchkiss.

The Town of Paonia reminds dog owners to register their dogs. Town code requires that dogs six month or older be registered annually. Unregistered dogs caught running loose will be impounded and owners will be required to pay the license fee, impound fee, and any associated care and feeding and any veterinary charges. If the dog is registered, efforts by the

town to contact the owner will be made before the dog is impounded. The issue arose at the recent Paonia board meeting when trustee David Bradford noted that between Feb. 115, the Police Department recorded six animal control incidents, resulting in one written warning and two citations. At the time, 24 dogs had been registered. Town clerk Corinne Ferguson said that in past years, “upwards of 150” dogs would be registered by

late February. “I think we have more than 24 dogs in town,” said trustee Bradford. His concern stems from being attacked “a half a dozen times in the last two years,” including by an English mastiff that attacked his dog just outside of town limits. “It nearly killed my dog,” said Bradford. “This dog issue is problematic.” Cost is $5 for spayed/neutered dogs, and $15 for intact dogs; proof of vaccination is required.

Paonia resident celebrates 104th birthday BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

What do you say when a well-wisher corners you at your birthday party and asks how you managed to achieve the venerable age of 104? If you’re Margaret “Peggy” Clements, you smile with a twinkle in your eye and answer: “I guess I just don’t know when to quit.” Born in Illinois on March 1, 1914, as Margaret “Peggy” Durbin, she later married Kenneth Clements and the couple moved to Phoenix. They retired to Paonia in 1970. Peggy has three daughters all of whom live in Delta County and a son who resides in California. She also has seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great grandchildren. “That’s it so far,” she adds. As to whether she wants to be called Peggy or Margaret, she thinks for an official newspaper story she’d prefer Margaret, however everyone knows her as Peggy. It sometimes mixes people up she

admits. She recalls that her husband called her Peggy and that was the name her children recognized so years ago when she went on a family visit with her six-year-old son he was confused. After sitting through several family discussions he finally pulled her aside and asked, “Why is everybody calling you Margaret?” Speaking of names, someone at her birthday party pointed out that the names of all her children begin with the letter ‘K.’ “Any reason?” she was asked. “No reason,” she answers, “I just liked the names.” Karla Tschoepe, the eldest daughter, operates Wildwood Ranch on Wakefield Mesa near Paonia. It was Karla’s presence in Paonia that brought the rest of her family to Colorado. Kyra Kenniger, the middle girl, lives in Delta. And Karen Budinger, the youngest girl, serves on the Paonia Town Council. Kenneth, the youngest and only boy, lives in Los Gatos, California. The sisters are fond of reminding him that

he was supposed to be a girl and that they had his name all picked out: “It should have been Kristine, with a K.” Peggy’s favorite job was working as a secretary at Memorial Hospital in Phoenix. Her favorite hobby was raising rabbits. She tanned the hides and fashioned them into “vests, hats, bags, about 150 pillows, and at least one purse.” She also kept bees and grew roses. She enjoyed square dancing with her husband and the couple was active in local theater. Margaret was an actress and Kenneth wrote a play called “Life is Earnest.” And she has fond memories of attending horse races with her uncle and she hopes to see the horses run again someday. But Peggy isn’t stuck in the past. At age 99 she got her first computer and she still enjoys emailing family and friends. Peggy attributes her longevity to her Catholic faith and she also has some sage advice for her younger friends: “Avoid drugs. Enjoy life. Live naturally.”

Photo by Don Benjamin

A party at the Senior CommUnity Care Day Center in Eckert honored Margaret “Peggy” Clements, a Paonia resident who celebrated her 104th birthday on March 1. Her family was on hand and the turnout of well-wishers was so large the crowd had to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. “Oh my gosh,” said Peggy as the song came around the second time, “I hope they don’t sing ‘and many more’ at the end!” Seated with Peggy is her granddaughter, Ann Endter of Delta. Standing left to right are her daughters Karla Tschoepe of Paonia, Kyra Kenniger of Delta, and Karen Budinger of Paonia.

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North Fork Reads! ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

In December 2017, Delta County Libraries, in collaboration with Blue Sage Center for the Arts and The Paradise Theatre, presented the second annual Paonia Reads!, an event that encourages the community to read a book and then watch the film adaptation together. “We are ready to launch our next readand-watch event, but this time we are expanding to reach more participants in Delta County,” says Laura Lee Yates, Paonia Library staff member. Yates is also a member of the literary committee that spearheaded similar events in the past. The committee includes representation from the library district, the Blue Sage Center for the Arts, and The Paradise Theatre, along with other community members. “Introducing the first North Fork Reads! is exciting for all of us, not

only because we hope to engage more readers, but because of the selected book,” Yates comments. “‘A Wrinkle in Time’ offers the opportunity for all ages to enjoy an adventure together, both on the page and on the screen.” The book, “A Wrinkle in Time,” by Madeleine L’Engle, won the Newbery Medal in 1963. It is the story of the adventures in space and time of Meg Murry, her brother, Charles, and classmate, Calvin. They are in search of Meg’s father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government. “Extra copies of the book are available at all five libraries in Delta

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County,” Yates explains. “At the time of checkout, patrons will be given a free ticket to view the film at The Paradise Theatre in April.” The Paradise Theatre provided the library district funds to cover some of the cost of the extra books as well as tickets to the film that begins showing on April 6. The tickets are good for any show time when the film is offered in April. “Patrons will need to verify show times by contacting The Paradise Theatre or by visiting the website,” Yates says. “The matinee on Sunday, April 15, will include a guided book vs. film discussion following the film.”

“We are happy to see this successful program expand,” says Lea Hart, district director of Delta County Libraries. “Despite its name, participation in North Fork Reads! is open to all of Delta County. Library patrons are invited to check the book out from any library and receive a free pass to the movie. Before this event even began,” Hart chuckles, “it outgrew its name and we look forward to the next event reflecting that when we introduce Delta County Reads!” For more information about North Fork Reads! visit deltalibraries.org, bluesage.org or paradise ofpaonia.org.

timeline and agreed-upon tactics to manage an accident scene. Although each accident presents unique circumstances, the sequence of events from the occurrence of an incident until traffic conditions are returned to normal is sufficiently predictable to conform to an incident timeline. The longer a scene is active, the more likely secondary accidents can occur, so having an agreed-upon timeline plan is essential to quickly and safely clearing an incident. Within an incident timeline, specific tactics can be employed to assist accident victims while also making the scene safe for responders and motorists. Safety is enhanced by such basic tactics as quickly sizing up an incident and establishing command responsibilities. And physical aspects of the scene can be uniformly managed to position emergency vehicles (police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow

vehicles) and direct traffic flow around the accident scene. For example, positioning vehicles at an angle can reduce the chances of chain reaction collisions and using traffic cones to separate traffic and workers are tactics that keep motorists and responders safe. And at night, limiting emergency flashers to rear-most emergency vehicles can make the scene appear less chaotic and also reduce distractions experienced by motorists who approach from the opposite direction. The behavior of motorists is critical to traffic incident management. Colorado’s “move over” laws require drivers approaching a scene where emergency responders are present to change lanes and reduce speed. By the same token, motorists involved in minor crashes should move their vehicles out of travel lanes to the road shoulder or other safe area, providing there are no serious injuries and vehicles can be driven. Chief Fritz emphasized that motorists approaching accident scenes must be diligent. They must slow down; avoid distractions — including and especially the use of cell phones; and follow directions from responder personnel. He noted that such factors as weather conditions, time of day, and unique roadways make traffic scenes in the North Fork area challenging to manage. Regarding local incidents, the Hotchkiss Fire District and the North Fork Ambulance Association have been working together for 12 years to “solve the riddle of how to keep Highway 92 safe.” He noted that many accidents happen west of town where as many as one-third of Hotchkiss Fire’s responses to emergency calls occur on the two-lane highway between the town limits and 3000 Road. Drivers need to be especially cautious along that stretch of roadway late in the afternoon when the setting sun reduces the vision of westbound traffic. And motorists need to be alert and cautious when approaching and passing accident scenes on that narrow roadway.

First responders FROM PAGE B1 The purpose of the Traffic Incident Management Responder training program is to reduce deaths and injuries by establishing a systematic

Photo by Tamie Meck

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Delta County Independent

10 years of service

Ofﬁcer Patrick Hinyard was honored by Mayor Charles Stewart for his 10 years of ‘high-quality service’ to the Paonia Police Department, at the Feb. 27 town board meeting. “I can tell you that continuity in the police force is terribly important and really a good thing when ofﬁcers know the town and know the people of the town,” said Mayor Stewart.

Paonia considers dollar increase in trash service BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Paonia trustees were asked at the Feb. 27 board meeting to consider a resolution to increase town trash pick-up service by $1 per month. The proposed increase is in response to an increase in landfill tipping fees by the Delta County Landfill. Those fees were increased in 2017 from $28 per ton to $40.78 — a 43 percent increase, explained trustee Bill Bear during the Feb. 27 Public Works, Utilities and Facilities committee report. Bear said the increase will raise the town’s cost of providing trash pickup by about $10,000 annually. The committee is recommending the $1 per account per month increase, which will “come really close to making up the difference,” said Bear. While the increase won’t fully cover the county’s increased cost, town reserves can make up for the difference and still allow the town to build reserves, noted trustee

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Town of Paonia is considering an increase of one dollar in trash collection fees in response to increases in landﬁll tipping fees by Delta County. The town board is expected to consider the increase at the March 13 meeting. and committee member David Bradford. Those reserves, he reminded the board, will be needed when the time comes to replace the town’s only trash truck. The town has explored contracting collection services out, but has put that idea aside after requests for proposals issued last spring resulted in no response.

The town currently charges a base rate of $12 per month per single, 33-gallon container, with additional fees for additional trash cans and for additional items set out with the trash cans, according to town code. The resolution is expected to be considered at the March 13 board meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Paonia voters will select from 10 candidates BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Registered voters in Paonia will have 10 candidates to choose from in the April 3 town board election, and will be allowed to vote for no more than four candidates. The DCI has reached out to all 10 candidates to learn about what they see as the most important issues the town faces in the coming two to four years, and to learn a little bit about the candidates themselves. Interviews are listed in the order of the names of candidates as they will appear on the April 3 ballots, scheduled to be mailed out by Delta County Elections Office on April 12.

Chelsea Bookout

Chelsea Bookout 12

Age: 37. Years in Paonia: Almost

Occupation: Owner, Remedy Juice Bar Cafe in Paonia. Since moving to Paonia almost 12 years ago she has worked for the Delta County School District, with a small homeschooling co-op, with several farms, and directed a children’s gardening camp for several years. Prior to opening Remedy she ran the Unicorn Arts Collective’s Paonia Fashion Show. Family: Husband Sean. Two boys, ages 12 and 5. Her mother and stepfather, brother Ben and sister-inlaw Mara live on Redlands Mesa. Community service: Appointed to the town board in 2016, currently serving on the Finance and Personnel committee. Part of the initiative to create the North Fork School of Integrated Studies; volunteers or has volunteered for KVNF, The Blue Sage, The Kids Pasta Project, Elsewhere Studios, Paonia Cherry Days and the Mountain Harvest Festival. Why are you running for the board? “I believe there has been good forward momentum in the last six to eight months,” especially with the Space to Create project, which she calls a “huge opportunity” that exposes the town to national funding opportunities. It takes time to grasp how the whole system works, she said. While she has much to learn, “I feel like I had trudged through all the mud to get to this place,” she said. “Walking away didn’t feel like an option.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Creating a stable economy for all. “How does the town work together to create an economy that supports those who are here, that keeps young people from moving away, and that allows everyone to be successful?” she asks. “It’s a great place to raise a family, but at the end of the day, people have to make a living in order to stay.” People are coming to the area with their own jobs and making a living in different ways than they have done in the past, she said. She sees a lot of positive things happening. “If everyone can work together, we can move forward in a positive way.” Strategic planning: “What do we want to see this town look like in 10-15 years?” asks Bookout. “It feels like there’s not a lot of direction and that leads to conflicts.” Aging infrastructure is something the town needs to constantly be addressing, said Bookout. Recent water system upgrades are a start and have reduced

interruptions to service. Just as they are throughout the country, roads are also an ongoing issue. All of this costs money. Because current revenue streams are limited, “It’s never going to quite match up to what needs to be done.” She wants the town to work toward building strong relationships with grant writers, the Department of Local Affairs and others and seek alternative funding for future projects. “I think it’s a give and take,” she said. Living in a small community has its benefits, but “There just aren’t the resources to make everything perfect all the time.” That’s why the town needs to keep addressing infrastructure and finding creative ways to fund it.

James Thompson

James (Jaahcco) Thompson Age: 42 Years in Paonia: 1.5. Occupation: Tradesman. Over the years he’s worked in timber logging, as a roughneck in the oil and gas extraction industry, and other trades. Family: Most of his family lives in Minnesota. Thompson, his parents and five siblings lived in Paonia in the early 1980s. “It was my life goal to make it back here,” he said. Community service: Has served as a volunteer firefighter “since I was old enough” and served as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force. Has also done various service jobs over the years and is getting involved in his neighborhood homeowners association. Why are you running for the board? “Because this area means so much to me and I really like the people here,” says Thompson. Of all the places he’s lived, this is the one place where the people and energy “just feels good to me.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Overdevelopment at too fast of a pace: While he is not up to speed on all that is happening in the area and at town hall, generally speaking, he sees responsible, healthy economic growth as vital to a healthy community. Right now, he says, the town isn’t set up to be self-sufficient and allow people of all ages to have a healthy lifestyle. “It’s sad to me that so many brilliant people grow up here and then feel the need to move to Denver and other places because they feel that they don’t have a way of making a go of it here financially... I believe the valley has more than sufficient gifts to lend the inhabitants to live very happily and comfortably, and it doesn’t feel like it’s been extracted to its fullest potential.” Too many people coming in and buying up land: The town’s becoming very popular very quick. He wants the town to consider putting some kinds of controls in place, if it doesn’t already have them, to slow the growth. In considering the Space to Create Initiative, he believes the town needs to focus on keeping people here who are here and who have something to contribute and have a full appreciation for the valley. Creating avenues for them to stay is important. “If there’s any valley in the world where people can flourish, it’s this one right here.” The health of the land and the environment: Mining, logging and other activities on public land need to be done well and with respect to the land,

says Thompson. “Fracking, not at all.” He went to school to obtain his certification as a drilling fluids engineer and says he understands that the industry can have impacts on water. “Our entire valley depends on the health of the water and the soil.”

Suzanne Watson

Suzanne Watson Age: 54. Years in Paonia: 17. Occupation: Boot maker, currently working on a line of sandals; selftaught home renovator with an interest in historical homes. She’s also an avid landscape and vegetable gardener. Community service: Elected to town board in 2014, currently serving on the Governmental Affairs and Public Safety committee; former member Paonia Tree Board; formerly involved in the North Fork River Improvement Association/Western Slope Conservation Center citizens’ water quality testing project. Why are you running for the board? With several people stepping up to run, she wanted to give the community a broad selection of candidates and platforms to choose from. She has personal beliefs in what’s important for the town, but in the end, “It’s what the community wants to see.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Addressing the hostile environment: The town needs to work to eliminate the “atmosphere of hostility and intimidation that causes division among the council, the staff and the public.” Updating the master plan: The existing plan is 22 years old. Updating it would give the public “a voice in planning issues” and is critical for obtaining grant funding. It could also help the town look at housing affordability and the best zoning laws for increasing housing density. While cost has been an issue, she believes that updating the master plan can be done affordably. Grants specific to master plans are available, and information contained in the current town code, along with data contained in past studies such as the 2012-2013 “North Fork Heart & Soul Project” could be incorporated into it. “It would have been nice to be a little bit more prepared for growth,” she

said. In looking at the Space to Create Initiative, she would like to see more planning by the town, and wants to see “something very community oriented that benefits the greatest segment of the population.” inconEliminating sistencies in Town Code: Watson said she is more familiar than other board members with Town Code building and zoning regulations and believes the entire town code needs to be closely examined. “It creates the framework from which the town operates,” and the inconsistencies and inaccuracies result in different interpretations “that can lead to confusion, and sometimes mistrust.” When she was elected in 2014, board members were charged with codification, forcing them to study the code. “We knew when we adopted the code it was a work in progress, but recently it’s taken a back seat to other issues,” she said. She’d like to see the next board receive education on the code early on, and bring the public into the conversation. Citizens could come to meetings with a code question and everyone could “look it up together” to find the answers. “That’s a good place to start.”

president for Sacred Heart Church in 1990s, currently serving on council; member Knights of Columbus; committee member on the state’s North Fork Habitat Partnership Program 2004-2013, chair 20092013. Why are you running for the board? Bradford said he first ran for the board in 2014 to make positive contributions to the town, and because of a lack of candidates. The board completed updating of the Town Code and made it available online. It still needs work, he said. He helped develop policies for commercial use of town parks, naming of town features, and a street art policy, which “may seem like small things,” but can become big problems without a structure in place. He also helped implement the ongoing sidewalk replacement project, and most recently, he spearheaded the Town Park miner’s statue revitalization project. “We have had some success,” said Bradford. “I would like to continue to contribute positively.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Examining the effects of food trucks and short-

term vacation rentals on the town’s revenues and the established businesses: While brick and mortar businesses must follow existing regulations, he believes it’s important to begin the conversation on what level of regulation is needed on these other businesses, “and decide how far we need to go with it.” Coordination of newer art-related businesses with the traditional businesses: “There is a big push to grow the arts industry and I would like to help coordinated that effort with the traditions, customs, cultures and traditional uses of the valley,” said Bradford. With growth already occurring, as with all development, “We’ve got to have a plan in place to allow that to occur. I believe there is room for the creative industries, but the traditional agriculture and mining industries need to be recognized and also promoted... I believe a balance is possible if we all work in a positive manner.” Infrastructure/street repairs: Regarding the town’s proposed one-percent sales tax ballot initiative that voters will decide CANDIDATES TO B4

David Bradford

David Bradford Age: 65 Years in Paonia: Almost 25. Occupation: Retired from 33-year career with U.S. Forest Service in 2013; currently working as part-time consultant specializing in rangeland management and natural resources issues. Family: He and wife Jeannette are third-generation Colorado natives and have been married 44 years. They have a grown daughter, Chelsea, and son, Taylor, both of whom were raised and attended public schools in Paonia. Prior community service: Completing four-year term on board of trustees, during which he has served on the Finance, Parks and, currently, the Public Works, Utilities and Facilities committee. Served as mayor pro tempore since 2016. Highlights include serving as past director and board member, Society for Range Management; steering committee for Rangelands magazine; Paonia Tree Board 1998-2007, currently town board representative; Parish Council

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Delta County Independent

Paonia candidates FROM PAGE B3 on April 3, he pushed for revenues to go to street repairs, while trustees voted to designate them to the general fund to allow future boards discretion on where to spend funds. That revenue can still benefit the streets, he said. “Getting the sales tax increase will allow, if we have the discipline and fortitude, to make sure some of that goes to street repair and we can start moving ahead.”

Mary Bachran

Mary Bachran Age: 66 Occupation: Supposed to be retired, but runs The Sewing Bee and volunteers “lots and lots of hours” at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. Family: Widowed in 2010, kids and siblings “all over the place.” Years in Paonia: 16, including five living off the grid on Stephens Gulch. Prior community service: Volunteered five years for Mountain Harvest Creative, three years at Blue Sage (two years as treasurer), many years at the Paradise Theatre; HopeWest Hospice maker of Memory Bears and respite caregiver since 2011. Member of Space to Create Paonia steering committee, Paonia Planning and Zoning Commission. Why are you running for the board? For the same reasons she ran in 2016, says Bachran. “I want to see Paonia thrive and I want the people to thrive. I think I could help make that happen. And I’m a good team player.” A regular attendee at meetings for most of the past three years, meetings were “chaos.” But the past few meetings have run “without a lot of controversy and chaos,” and she wants that to continue. What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Infrastructure: “Infrastructure is, in my mind, one of the biggest things,” says Bachran. The town largely completed the intown water line project with funding, but now, “We have to get the streets paved.” Sidewalk upgrades are also an important issue that she would like to see focused on. Financial stability: Researching and finding grants to pay for as much of that infrastructure as possible is a priority, “So that we don’t have to over-tax the citizens.” She believes the town is more willing to look at grant funding and other revenue resources than it has been in the past. Creating financial stability also means building a strong tax base, bringing businesses in that pay sales taxes and offer jobs.

“I would like to see every store front on Grand Avenue with a viable working business.” She would also like to see less turnover in the Police Department, which will require more money. The town lost two police officers last fall to higher paying positions. With a small department, hiring straight out of the academy is understandable, said Bachran. “But it would be nice to have them stay and learn and become a more stable part of the system.” Beautification: As with infrastructure, “There’s money out there for projects like beautifying the entrance to town.” She supports upgrades to the Miner’s Statue at Town Park, and would like to find ways to have a lot of trees growing in town without damaging sidewalks.

William Brunner

William Brunner (Note: While the other candidate profiles were based on interviews, William Brunner submitted his profile in writing, which was edited for clarity or brevity.) Age: 69 Years in Paonia: Valley resident since 1976, town resident since 1982. Occupation: Owner Paonia Iron; welder/artist/blacksmith contractor. For the past 25 years Paonia Iron has employed between three and seven people. “It’s pretty much what ‘Space to Create’ wants to foster.” Prior community service: member West Elk Mountain Rescue; two year term Planning and Zoning Board, former board member Western Colorado Congress and Western Slope Environmental Resource Council. Town board member in mid 1990s, elected as trustee in 2016, resigned in June, 2017. Why are you running for the board? “My message is: Paonia needs new leadership. For the last four years we have been under the Bradford/Stewart/King alliance. They are very determined men. Together they are steam rolling Paonia. If either Mr. Bradford or Mr. King is elected, the balance on the Board will not change... “The building inspector was suddenly fired. Why? It wasn’t because he was enforcing pretend laws and regulations. He’d been doing that all along. The town has been shutting down work and dragging people into court on false pretenses. People are afraid of retaliation. “I believe there have been unorthodox changes to the Town’s books. I asked the auditor to examine a particular

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group of transactions and verify nothing is amiss. (Town treasurer Ross) King informed me that the auditor would not be looking into this. Paonia should re-bid the audit and change the eyes on the books regularly. “A trustee pointed out we don’t track (dispensing of) Town fuel. They were attacked by the Manager and staff and accused of slander. No one ever suggested putting a piece of paper by the fuel tank to sign for fuel use. In the end the Trustee was innocent but the staff never apologized and the Board warned the Trustee to be quiet. This is institutionalized bullying, not accountable government. It’s not supposed to be like this.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? “Lack of oversight while trustees focus on pet projects. I don’t see much difference between frittering away town resources, tolerating a building inspector who costs people thousands defending themselves or overpaying the auditor vs. the embezzlement of a few years ago. In fact, I prefer the honest thief. “How to grow without displacing those who just want to live here and won’t benefit from rising home prices. Paonia is ripe for a boom. We don’t have a system in place to fairly deal with an influx of gentrification and new people who expect good sidewalks and a fair shake from Town Hall. “The failure of the Lamborn Mesa water system reservoir. This is a big deal. Now a drought means rationing water. Paonia dumped over $1 million into that reservoir just two years ago. It was a Bradford/Stewart/King decision to take the money for a new tank and use it on the 3rd Street waterline. Now Paonia is in debt and a new tank is a couple of million more.”

Ross King

Ross King Age: 76 Years in Paonia: Almost nine. Family: Married 52 years to Andrea, two grown sons living in Vienna, Austria, and Paonia. Occupation: Retired from 35-year career with an investor-run utility company. Originally called Public Service Company of Colorado, following a series of mergers it eventually came to be today’s Xcel Energy. In the last years of his career he was vice president of delivery systems. Community service: Served as trustee from 2012-2016, appointed town treasurer in 2016. During his career he served on “hundreds” of boards,

committees, and organizations including Historic Denver, Mall Management District (now Downtown Denver Business Improvement District); chair, 16th Street Mall board; Denver Athletic Club; Denver Convention Visitors Bureau; Historic Georgetown; chair/treasurer Evergreen Sanitation District; numerous service clubs, Chambers of Commerce, improvement districts and various other companies in the Denver, Grand Junction, and Cheyenne, Wyo., areas. Why are you running for the board? “I feel, with my past experience and as the town treasurer I bring some experience and knowledge that would be beneficial to the community,” says King. What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? One percent town sales tax increase: Passage of the sales tax question that will be on the April 3 ballot “is very important to improve the financial well-being of the community.” Previous boards have done a good job to get enterprise funds (water, sewer, trash) on a “good financial footing.” The main area needing attention now is the general fund and improving and enhancing existing staff, providing better support to the Police Department, improving streets, and providing greater support for parks — all areas where general funds can be directed. Our staff needs help. With only a town administrator, clerk and finance officer, the staff needs some depth, said King. There currently is no back-up to cover for vacations or emergencies. He supports the board’s decision not to earmark funds for street repairs, allowing future boards discretion on where those funds are most needed. Infrastructure: Paving of streets and completion of water projects on Clark and Dorris avenues, pressure relief valve replacement on Minnesota Creek, and the lining at the 1 million gallon tank are all priorities, Staffing of the Police Department: This is a major concern and “something future boards will need to address,” said King. The majority of these issues falls under the proposed sales tax increase. If elected, King said his future as town treasurer is at the discretion of the board. Some trustees believe that the treasurer should not be a board member, he said. In a small community like Paonia, finding enough people to fill those positions can be difficult. The treasurer ensures that town funds are properly handled, that excess funds are properly handled and controlled and government restrictions adhered to, and that there are no expenditures made outside of the board’s approval. What would worry him is if the treasurer “tried to interject themselves into the day-to-day operations of the town.”

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Samira “Sam” Hart

Samira Hart Age: 39 Years in Paonia: 16 Occupation: Community Manager, Creek Vista Senior Apartments. Family: 13-year-old daughter, two grown sons; late husband Bill Hart, who served on both the Paonia Police Department and Gunnison Sheriff ’s Department. Prior community service: Chair, Paonia Tree Board; served about 5 years as volunteer victim’s advocate and hopes to again serve in that capacity in the future. Why are you running for the board? To serve her community and help make decisions. “I’ve always considered it, and there was never ‘the right time,” she said. She didn’t want to wait another two years. Hart said she and her family have been involved in the community in one capacity or another since they moved here, but that she still has a lot to learn. “I’m not going into this with preconceived opinions,” said Hart. “I’m a research person. A lot of the issues, I know, I’m not very familiar with. But I’ll dig into them. I’ll learn about them.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Moving the town forward: Based on what she has seen and heard, one issue is that several groups and interests trying to move the town forward. While people all have the same goal of making Paonia a better community, “There is a lot of division. I’m maybe hoping to bridge gaps.” Creative funding: “I think we need to spend a lot less time looking at what’s happened in the past to prevent us from doing things and start finding solutions,” says Hart. There are grants and other funding mechanisms available, but always some reason for having to wait to apply for them. “I just want to see people looking forward instead of backwards.” Master Plan update: The existing master plan was last updated in 1996. “If that’s something that’s keeping us held back from getting some of that funding that we need,” then updating it needs to be a priority. Improving communication between the town and the community: The Miner’s Statue upgrade is a good example of why the town needs to better communicate with the community, says Hart. After attending the past few meetings, she said that one of the letters to the editor criticizing the town and the board for what was happening at meetings didn’t reflect what she saw happening. “I don’t know how that can be fixed, but I know the town and the community need to get a little bit better on communication.”

of providing awareness and self healing massage and body work; 20 years of providing tree pruning services. Family: Daughter, Lyla. Grew up in a large family in the wine country in Sonoma County and spent most of his adult life in western Colorado. Community service: Paonia Tree Board member; involved in Citizens for Healthy Community, Western Slope Conservation Center, and a volunteer for A Little Help Paonia helping senior citizens remain in their own homes. Also spends a lot of time with area youth. Why are you running for the board? Baril said he was told about the vacancies on the town board and encouraged by friends to run. “There’s a real feeling for a need for some function and change,” he said. “I felt like I was willing to do it.” What do you see as the three most issues/priorities facing Paonia today? Growth: In considering growth, he believes the town should think wisely about sustainability, providing support for the arts, and making the town more inviting. A lot of people are coming to the area, he said. “Even though the coal mines are mostly shut down, it’s booming. Property prices are rising.” Downtown, he said, is changing and some nice things are happening. Small changes, like putting park benches on street corners, can make a big difference in the appearance of the town. He takes regular walks with a 104-year-old resident. With few places to rest, taking a walk to town is a big commitment. “Park benches are a good investment, and necessary for making this town a better place to live.” He’d also like to see some beautification projects such as flower planters, placed throughout town and at town entrances. The Jumbo Mountain trailhead is a “big asset” that’s getting very busy and will only get busier, he said. He’d like for the town to work with the BLM and neighbors to provide a shady place to sit, and a porta-potty. Lighting: Paonia’s proximity to the night skies and star-gazing makes it special, he said. However, its street lights “are intrusive.” They make a loud buzz, and some are extremely bright and shine all night in household windows. He would like to see the town invest in dark sky-friendly lighting. “The ambiance of a town’s lighting influences the desirability of a town in a big way,” he said. “Let’s raise some money for something that’s really good.” Hydraulic fracturing: Baril believes that the vast majority of the citizens living in and around Paonia have issues about fracking. People grow food in town, and the soil in town is some of the best around, he said. In addition, the North Fork area is garnering attention as an ecotourism destination and a “very special and rare” place to visit. “Fracking is a high-pressure industry that wants to come here in a big way,” he said. “If we’re going to represent this community, then we’d better represent it fully on that issue.”

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�� Barry Pennell Roger Baril

Roger Baril

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Age: 60 Years in Paonia: 20 years in North Fork area; seven years in town. Occupation: Local business owner and nationally board-certified massage therapist in his 30th year

Barry Pennell Age: 47 Years in Paonia: Three years; five years in the North Fork Valley. Occupation: Co-owner with wife Megan MacMillan of the recentlylaunched “Who Do You CANDIDATES TO B5

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Paonia candidates FROM PAGE B4 Love” granola bar company. Recently joined the staff of ENGAGE Delta County — ENtrepreneurs, Growth, AGriculture and Energy. Family: Wife Megan, 2-year-old daughter. Community service: Pennell was a board candidate in 2016 and was appointed to the board last July and currently serves on the town Gov-

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS Jessica Eaton, of Paonia, started coursework at Fort Lewis College on Jan. 8 as a firsttime freshman. Eaton’s major is biology.

ernmental Affairs and Public Safety committee. Member of Space to Create executive committee, Western Slope Conservation Center board member, and while he’s paid to work with ENGAGE, “I feel like it’s part of a community service.” Reasons for running for the board? “I feel like there’s a real sense of community here,” says Pennell. When a trustee seat opened up last summer, he saw an opportunity to try it out and determine if he’s a good fit. “The board needs continuity and familiarity,” he said. There have been some contentious times in recent years, but he believes the board is moving forward and the meetings are running

more smoothly, which “spurs great debate.” He also wants to help overcome the stereotype that one must have deep roots in Paonia to be a contributing community member. “I would call to task anybody that says I don’t have the best interests of this community in mind. I really want to raise this community up so that we can all be proud to live here.” What do you see as the three most issues/ priorities facing Paonia today? Economic development: With more people moving to the area and property values increasing, the town needs a long-term plan. As with the goals of ENGAGE and Space to Create to drive economic develop-

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ment, create jobs, promote tourism, and launch businesses, he believes he has the skill sets needed to help move the planning process forward. Comprehensive Plan update: In updating the 22-year-old plan the town can address several issues, including how best to use existing resources, and zoning. “Some things that have worked in the past don’t work now,” he said. One example is use of accessory buildings to create density. “Our ordinances don’t support that.” Longand short-term rentals are an issue, and while they can be “understandably contentious, I feel like we’ve got to start having those tough conversations.” Improving board com-

mittee structure: The Governmental Affairs committee, one of three town committees, often considers difficult and contentious issues, says Pennell “Everything I deal with is a hot potato.” He would like the board to examine how the committee system works. “I don’t think it’s effective.” Outside of the actual committee meetings there’s little interaction with the community. It also excludes participation by people living outside of town limits who have interest and involvement in the town. Opening up those meetings, he said, could help ease the perception that there’s little transparency on the board while tapping into local talents and resources.

KVNF to air candidate interviews March 23 KVNF Public Radio will air individual interviews of the candidates for Paonia Town Council from 6-7 p.m. Friday, March 23, during the Wildcard Show. In the pre-recorded interviews, according to KVNF news reporter Eric Goold, each candidate will give a brief introduction, then be given an opportunity to respond to three questions. All candidates will be asked the same question. The program will be streamed live at kvnf. org, and aired at 90.9 FM in Paonia and the North Fork area, or at 89.1 FM.

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Raising the mic for Mike Gwinn “Music for Mike,” a concert to raise funds for longtime Paonia musician Mike Gwinn, happens from 7-11 p.m. Friday, March 16, at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. Funds will be used to pay for medical expenses being incurred by Gwinn, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. More than 20 local musicians and bands, including the Bromigos, The Scones, Dave Sheppard and Ellen Hutto, Bill and Sarah Bishop, and Mike Gwinn, will perform. Admission is a suggested $20 donation at the door. A silent auction featuring more than 70 donations of goods and services will run from 5-9 p.m. at Lehman Images, 217 Grand Avenue, across the street from the Blue Sage, and is open to the public. Bids can also be made by phone or at the “Funds for Mike Gwinn’s Medical Expenses” event page. Auction winners will be announced at 9:30 p.m., at the Blue Sage. Donations are still being accepted through the events page, or by calling 970-201-7273.

Panel talks about hemp

Terry Moran with the Colorado Department of Agriculture, left, responds to a question Monday night at the What’s the Deal With Hemp? panel discussion at the Paradise Theatre in Paonia. To Moran’s left are panelists Brian Stratton and Ty Odle, moderator Emily Hartnett, and panelists Elliot Brown and Dawne Vrable. About 200 attended the standing-roomonly event, hosted by The Learning Council and Valley Organic Growers Association. A video of the event can be viewed on the VOGA Facebook page.

Jill Vandenburg tells the tale of the Hermit of Hubbard Creek The Hermit of Hubbard Creek, Rueben Dove, spent the last years of his life as a recluse, living under a ledge up Hubbard Creek. Learn more about him at a presentation in Hotchkiss on March 17. In 1888 Dove was

arrested by Gunnison County sheriff, Doc Shores, for setting railroad ties on fire. Dove maintained that a railroad contractor had cheated him out of payment for the ties he had cut. The contractor rejected the ties, but took them anyway, without paying Rueben. Dove spent a few months in the Gunnison County jail, but was acquitted of the crime. He vowed then to never work for anyone again. bott and hosted by Adam While he was never Burke, March Monologue accused, Dove may have Madness is an evening of PG-13 theater. From Shakespeare to Charlie Brown, the monologues will draw on material that is dramatic, comedic and inspiring. Tickets are $15 in The Hotchkiss FFA advance, $20 day of show, Alumni will be joining the and can be found online HHS chapter members at brownpapertickets. March 21 at Hotchkiss com and at the theater. High School for the annuFor more informa- al alumni Oyster Fry and tion, email paoniaplayers Member Auction. Tickets @gmail.com. are available from FFA

March Monologue Madness planned Paonia Players is back! Presenting “March Monologue Madness” Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17, 7 p.m. at the Paradise Theater in Paonia. A twist on this month’s basketball tournament, the event will bring 16 actors to the stage, performing 30 different monologues, with the audience voting on which actors advance to the next round. One winner will be named at each performance. Directed by Merrily Tal-

Photo by Tamie Meck

robbed the Ouray bank for a source of funds. He paid for what supplies he needed with $20 gold pieces. He was found gravely ill in the spring of 1926 and taken to relatives near Crawford, where he died. Jill Vandenburg has researched the life of Rueben Dove for several years. She will present a program on Dove’s life at the Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum at 180 Second Street in Hotchkiss on Saturday, March 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Oyster fry, member auction scheduled members and FFA Alumni for $16 for adults and $7 for children. Money from the dinner is used by the Hotchkiss FFA Alumni for leadership and scholarship opportunities.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Delta Police Department, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Pioneer Circle for a report of theft. Police Department: Officers responded to East 3rd Street for Feb. 25: Anthony A. Graham- a report of first degree Carrillo, 21, of Delta was criminal trespass. Tomi L. Peterson, 26, arrested and jailed on charges of violation of a of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of drivprotection order. Joshua J. Oard, 23, of ing under the influence Delta was issued a sum- and duty to report an accident. mons for shoplifting. Justin G. Oatman, 40, Feb. 28: Officers responded to of Montrose was arrested and jailed on a warrant Buffalo Street for a report of second degree burglary. with an $800 bond. Joby E. Wright, 37, of Justin G. Oatman, 40, of Montrose was issued Delta was arrested and a summons on charges of jailed on charges of seccriminal possession of a ond degree assault. Officers responded to financial device. Andrew W. Poe, 26, of 1410 Valley View Drive Delta was arrested and for a report of criminal jailed on a warrant with mischief. March 2: a $0 bond. Jennifer M. Barnett, Feb. 26: A theft was reported in 23, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of the area of 1575 Road. Jennifer M. Barnett, violation of a protection 23, of Delta was arrested order. Officers responded to and jailed for violation of 629 Crawford Avenue for a protection order. Officers responded to a report of burglary. Joseph P. Miller, 25, H38 Road for a fire. of Delta was arrested Feb. 27: Officers responded to and jailed on eight war-

rants with a total bond of $23,500. Officers responded to 1443 Mesa View Drive for a report of forgery. Joshua J. Oard, 23, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and introducing contraband in the first degree. March 2: Officers responded to 1550 Road for a fire. Mark A. Maier, 59, of Delta was issued a summons for charges of pedestrians walking or traveling in a wheelchair on highways and crossing at other than crosswalks. Robert A. Beck, 62, of Delta was issued a summons on charges of burning prohibited. Officers responded to 629 Crawford Avenue for a report of a burglary. Tammy J. McIntyre, 59, of Austin was issued a summons on charges of shoplifting. Abraham Espain-

Navarrete, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $500 bond. Clifford R. Henry, 38, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of DUI, DUI per se, failed to present evidence of insurance, failed to use turn signal and fictitious license plates. March 3: Brianna M. Anderson, 26, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of drug violation and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Officers responded to Bluff Street for a report of a burglary. Livan SantanderCalderon, 19, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of harassment and obstruction of a telephone or telegraph device. Kristi L. Duran, 32, of Delta was issued a summons for shoplifting. Citations: Three tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations and officers complet-

ed numerous VIN (vehicle reported that a neighbor identification number) was chasing her horses with a four-wheeler. He inspections. threatened to shoot them the Delta if they got on his property From County Sheriff’s Office again. (partial list): Avery Forester, 49, was issued a summons Feb. 28: for reckless endangerDelta County Search & ment after a dispute with Rescue mobilized to locate his neighbors on Cactus a cross-country skier who Park Road. The neighhad activated his personal bors accused Forester of locator beacon on Grand pointing a handgun, then Mesa. With the help of firing a single round in snowmobilers in the area, their direction. Forester John Burgevin, 75, of told deputies he had been Hotchkiss was located and shooting into an old burn transported to his vehicle. barrel. He had suffered a knee March 3: injury while skiing. At about 3:45 p.m., a March 1: fire was reported in the A caretaker report- 8000 block of Highway 65. ed that renters had left Daniel Long, 57, and his behind hypodermic nee- two sons were burning a dles filled with some type ditch. They left the area, of substance when they believing the fire was out, vacated a rental home. and when they returned Later, the owner of that Delta firefighters were on home reported a wood- scene extinguishing the burning stove valued at blaze. A neighbor claims over $2,000 was taken; the fire destroyed $15,000 he suspected the renters, worth of trees and shrubs. Fourth degree arson who had been evicted. charges may be filed March 2: A rural Delta resident against Long.

Congratulations on a Successful Season!

Here’s to the eﬀorts of our area high school basketball, wrestling and swim teams!

CEDAREDGE BRUINS

DELTA PANTHERS

HOTCHKISS BULLDOGS

Good Luck to the Cedaredge High School Girls Basketball Team at the State Basketball Tournament

PAONIA EAGLES ate t S e Tak ! s n i u Br

Thursday, March 8 – 8:45 a.m. at the University of Denver Cedaredge vs. St. Mary’s

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Hellman Chevrolet Buick

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Ollie’s Ice Crea m ��

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B8 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS March 7, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Next stop: DU Hamilton Gym, March 8

Bruin girls reach Elite 8

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

For the umpteenth time this season, Cedaredge High School’s girls scored narrow victories, this time, in the 3A regional playoffs at Cedaredge High School over the weekend. The No. 6 Bruins opened play last Friday with a 35-24 decision over No. 27 Liberty Common (12-10). That victory placed Cedaredge in the regional title game against No. 11 Jefferson Academy (17-7) on Saturday. A close game between the two teams ended with host Cedaredge scoring a 38-35 win to earn a berth in next week’s 3A quarter final round (Great 8) hosted at Denver University’s Hamilton Gym on March 8. Bruins 35, Eagles 24 The term defense is synonymous with Cedaredge in girls basketball. The Bruins used their defense to work past Liberty Common’s Eagles in the first round of the

2018 Class 3A regional playoffs. As a No. 6 seed, and sporting an 18-3 record, the Bruins hosted one of eight regional sites, where the winner of each regional advances to the Great 8 (quarterfinals) at Denver University (Hamilton Gym) on March 8. Neither team was highly motivated on offense in the first quarter. Cedaredge managed to sneak its way to the lead on a 6-5 finish to the first quarter. Another sluggish period followed with the Bruins’ defense limiting the Eagles to just one point while the offense scored six points to take a 12-6 halftime lead. Addison Schwarz and Grace Andrews led the Bruins on a 14-7 run in the third quarter with both players scoring four points in the period. The fourth quarter was Liberty Common’s best quarter with Eve Norman scoring five of the Eagles’ 11 points. Cedaredge fin-

Photo courtesy Lois Jump

Cedaredge senior Grace Andrews (2) shoots over a pair of Jefferson Academy defenders in last Saturday’s title game in regional play. Andrews tied the game late in the fourth quarter and put the winning shot in off a rebound.

Photo courtesy Joseph Harold

The Cedaredge Bruin girls basketball team (ranked sixth in Class 3A) hosted one of eight regional sites with four teams participating in each site. Cedaredge won its regional title with a 38-35 Sweet 16 win over No. 11 Jefferson Academy on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins made it into the ﬁnals with a 35-24 win over No. 27 Liberty Common in Friday night’s opening round. Saturday’s win sends the Bruins to Denver University (Hamilton Gym) for the Great 8 round of the 3A State Basketball Championships where they take on No. 3 St. Mary’s Pirates which carry a 23-1 record into Thursday morning’s 8:45 contest. The Bruins are 20-3 for the season. ished the frame with nine points to make the final score 35-24. Courtney Freeman led the Bruins with nine points and Schwarz chipped in five counters. There were five Bruins with four points in the win. Anne Dutton was Liberty Common’s top scorer with nine points and Norman finished with six. Bruins 38, Tigers 35 Cedaredge fans have become accustomed to close, and low-scoring, games during the season and Saturday’s regional title game was no different. Cedaredge began the day with a 10-7 run after one period and closed out the first half with a 6-5 edge in the second quarter to take a 16-12 lead to halftime. The 11th seeded Tigers came out with bared claws in the third quarter and battled to a 1610 advantage for a 28-26 lead after three quarters of play. The Bruins stayed with their game plan (defense)

and managed to hold Jefferson Academy to seven points while Cedaredge’s offense finished the game with 12 points (four of them from Andrews) in the final period to advance to the Great 8 with a 38-35 win. Sophomore Makayla Kehmeier was Cedaredge’s leading scorer with nine points, with seniors Grace Andrews and Jade McGovern scoring eight and seven points respectively and junior Dalia Alejandre was next high with five. Jefferson Academy’s Rachel Moreno was the game’s leading scorer with 11 points. Coach Ryan Hilbig was emotional after his team won the regional title. “This weekend we won the only way we know how ... way too close for comfort. But, the fun thing is, no matter how rough it gets, these girls never blink. They believe in each other and that we will be successful. Winning is a habit and we have created that habit here. I’m proud of

the mental toughness this team has shown all year. I didn’t know what to expect from this team this year, but I knew we could be pretty special.” Hilbig hasn’t been too revealing to the media about his future plans but spoke of things to come. “It’s definitely bittersweet to be leaving because the future of CHS hoops is bright with

talent and the WSL is on the rise as well. This league was the most competitive it’s been since I’ve been around.” A final thought from Hilbig was directed toward the people around him. “I have learned from watching some fantastic coaches and have enjoyed competing with them. And, I’m thankful for the support of good friends.”

Photo by Wayne Crick

From the left, Addison Schwarz, Jade McGovern, Courtney Freeman and Grace Andrews embrace in a group hug after Cedaredge defeated Jefferson Academy in the regional title game in Cedaredge.

Delta girls lose bid for title BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School’s girls basketball team was six points away from advancing to the Great 8 round in this year’s Class 3A State Basketball Tournament. Some key turnovers in the late stages contributed to a 57-52 loss on Saturday, to No. 1 seed Kent Denver, and ended Delta’s hopes of reaching the quarterfinal round (Great 8) in this year’s state tournament. The Panthers came into this year’s state tournament ranked 17th with a 15-7 record. Their first-round opponent in regional play was No. 16 Resurrection Christian (17-5). A good second half of play lifted Delta to a 5653 upset win with a shot at No. 1. Delta’s opening round win matches the Panthers’ start in the playoffs a year ago when Delta defeated St. Mary’s to advance to the Sweet 16. Delta 56, Cougars 53 Friday’s opening round game between Delta and Resurrection Christian began with a cautious first quarter featuring plenty of nerves from both teams. Delta squeaked out an 8-5 edge

as the two teams began second-period action. The Cougars found their offense to be more potent than Delta’s in the second quarter and used a 23-15 run for a 28-23 lead at halftime. The Panthers reversed the scoring numbers from the second quarter and prevailed in a 23-16 surge for a 46-44 lead going to the fourth quarter. A closely contested fourth period eventually went to the Panthers (109) allowing Delta to claim a 56-53 decision. Elisabeth Perl was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points for the Cougars with Katelyn Anderson

adding 10. Delta got 14 points from Sara Geddes, 11 from Jenna Sutliff, 10 from Missa Webb and eight from Keely Porter. KD 57, Delta 52 Delta played well for most of the game with an eight-point deficit in the second quarter (18-10) spelling the difference in the title game. Delta led by two at the end of one period and trailed 31-25 at the half. A one-point advantage in the third period wasn’t enough for Delta with both teams finishing the game with 12 points in the fourth quarter and a 57-52 win for Kent Denver.

The Sun Devils take a 21-3 record into next week’s Great 8 matchup against the top WSL team, No. 8 Moffat County (19-5) at 11:45 a.m. March 8. Delta ends its season at 16-8. An error-marked season plagued the Panthers all season but head coach Kyle Crowder was pleased with the overall performance of his team. “Overall, I’m really pleased with the weekend’s efforts ... We played with a ton of heart and effort. “The girls were fearless and seemed to have turned a corner in terms of believing that we can

CHSAA announces all-state wrestlers BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Colorado High School Activities Association, ColoradoPreps. com and MaxPreps have announced their annual all-state wrestling teams for the 2018 season. Among the top wrestlers in the state, six are from

Delta County. Named to the CHSAA first team in Class 3A is Delta senior heavyweight Logan Church, who finished the season with a state championship and a perfect 35-0 record. In Class 2A, Cedaredge’s outstanding freshman wrestler, Trey Geyer

(120) and sophomore Sean Dale (126) both were named to the 2018 CHSAA first team. Hotchkiss senior Devin Curtis (195), Paonia senior Jaden Miller (220) and Paonia senior Clay Campbell (145) were named to the CHSAA second team.

play with any team. The bright spots were great execution on defense with great hustle. “Offensively the girls were aggressive and seemed to relax and shoot the right shots. Missa and Jenna seemed to be our solids going for 19 and 20 points on the weekend and Sara had 27 total

and Aubrey had 17. Keely and Alex finished with 12 and 13 ... so a really balanced offensive effort. All the girls played well and I could not have asked for more from anyone of them. I am so proud of the season and excited to see how we grow as a team in the future,” noted Crowder.

Regional losses end basketball seasons in NF BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia boys, Paonia girls and Hotchkiss boys basketball teams all saw their chances for a state playoff berth vanish in the first round of regional playoffs last Friday. The Paonia girls ended the season with a 14-9 record following a 47-24 loss to Denver Christian at the Region 8 tournament at Ignacio. Of the Class 2A Western Slope girls teams to advance to regional play, Rangely (21-3) won its regional tournament and will be

seeded sixth when the Great 8 state tournament open this Thursday in Loveland. On the boys’ side, Paonia saw its Great 8 bid dashed Friday night on an 83-68 loss to Del Norte (19-5) at Highland High School in Ault. Paonia ends the season with a 14-9 record. Playing at Ignacio, the Hotchkiss Bulldogs lost, 66-53, to Limon (17-6). They end the season with a 14-9 record. In the 2A Western Slope League, Meeker was the only boys team to advance to the state tournament.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Delta boys ousted in 3A BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

A shot at playing in the 3A state basketball tournament was more than worth the 401 mile trip to Sterling last week. Riding a school bus for more than 15 minutes would be enough to cause depression for many who deplore such confining quarters for any length of time. Delta High School’s boys basketball team not only rode a team bus (regular route bus) for more than 15 minutes but endured around six hours (including a slow rush hour trek through Denver Metro) to reach a team practice session at Jefferson Academy last Thursday. The first leg of an earned journey to play in the 2018 regional state playoffs seemed endless for the Panthers. After arriving at Jefferson Academy, Delta worked out for an hour and a half as they prepared to face No. 17 seed Arrupe Jesuit, a game it won, in the Class 3A regional playoffs in Sterling on Friday night. Friday morning’s schedule included climbing back on the 103 Victory Express (so called by head coach Rob Ames) for another leg of the journey to Wiggins High School for another shoot around and practice session. Following that hour-plus practice session, the Panthers boarded the bus for the final leg of their trip to Sterling (another hour and a half). Sixteenth-seeded Delta faced an unfamiliar foe, Arrupe Jesuit Generals, who sported a shining 174 record. Delta’s season mark was 15-7 coming into the contest but had

confidence knowing it had played some excellent teams within the 3A WSL including No. 3 Coal Ridge, No. 13 Roaring Fork and No. 15 Grand Valley. The Cedaredge Bruins had also dealt the Panthers two of their seven losses on the year and were in the playoffs with a No. 31 seed. The Panthers played their final game against Class 3A top-seeded Sterling, which boasted a 220 record. A hot-shooting Bodie Hume single-handedly decimated the Panthers’ defense with 26 points and sent the Tigers into next week’s Great Eight round (at Denver University’s Hamilton Gym) with a 24-0 record following Saturday’s win over Delta, 62-22. Delta 76, Generals 66 Delta played a superb first half against Arrupe Jesuit and owned a lead of 38-28 at the break. The Panthers outrebounded Arrupe Jesuit and added eight more points to their lead in the third quarter. Arrupe Jesuit had a reputation of coming from behind in many of its wins during the season and the Generals demonstrated how that had happened with seven three-point goals in the fourth quarter during a 30-22 Arrupe Jesuit run. Eleazar Soto was responsible for three treys in the period while teammate Victor Ponce De Leon had two. The Panthers might have gained a wider margin of victory had they made more than 11 of the 21 free throws shot in the period. As it was, Delta held onto its lead with a 22-point performance to

weather Arrupe Jesuit’s bombardment and claim a 76-66 victory. Andrew Baier scored 17 points (six in the first quarter) and Logan Freed had 15 (six in the first and seven in the fourth quarters) to lead Delta’s offense. Jaspar Carmichael added 12 points in the win and John Ames hit three long-distance shots and finished with 11 counters for the Panthers. De Leon’s 16 points topped the scorers list for the Generals and was followed by Eric Dawson (14), Elijah Chavez (13), Magdiel Apodaca (12) and Soto’s 11. Tigers 62, Delta 22 Delta believed it had favorable matchups with the No. 1 Tigers before Saturday afternoon’s championship game began. Sterling’s offense sputtered twice down the floor before Hume hit his first three-pointer from the right baseline corner. In the end it was the offensive prowess which proved to be the major difference in the game. The Tigers used pinpoint passing and some devastating marksmanship from the perimeter, and an inside game which produced numerous dunks and putback shots. Delta’s defense was more porous than expected with Sterling moving the ball quickly to exploit gaps for easy buckets. A 23-5 first quarter set the tone for the first-half play and led to a 20-1 second quarter and a 436 halftime lead for the Tigers. Delta’s offense showed signs of life in the second half but was too anemic to change the game’s out-

come. Sterling’s offense tapered off in the second half but had enough firepower to earn a 19-16 edge in the second half for a 62-22 decision. Freed and Carmichael had six and five points, respectively to lead Delta’s offense. Delta finished the season at 16-8 with its second-straight Sweet 16 appearance in as many seasons. Though the final results were nowhere near desired results, Delta coach Rob Ames praised his team for its work throughout the season and acknowledged the accomplishments of his three seniors (Freed, Carmichael and Dylan Hollenbeck). “I’m so proud of you. You worked hard all season to get here. You were here because of the groundwork you laid down as freshmen.”

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Logan Freed scores on a twisting drive against Arrupe Jesuit on Friday night in Sterling during regional playoff action. Delta defeated the Generals but fell in the title game to No. 1 Sterling 62-22.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Baseball season opens next week in the North Fork Valley. The Hotchkiss Bulldogs open their season on Tuesday, March 13 at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale and will host their home opener on Wednesday, March 14, at Burns Drake Field at the Hotchkiss K8 School (across from City Market). On Thursday, March 15, the Class 2A defending state champion Paonia Eagles host their season-opener against Class 3A Delta at Volunteer Park. Games will begin at 4 p.m.

North Fork youth baseball/softball registration to open Registrations are now A copy of the child’s birth please contact Home being accepted for the certificate is required. Plate board through Hotchkiss Home Plate For questions or con- the Hotchkiss Home youth baseball and soft- cerns about the programs, Plate Facebook page. ball programs. Registration time for all sessions is �� open from 3:30-5 p.m. �� Wednesday, March 14, at Crawford Montessori �� School and The Maloney House at the Delta County �� Fairgrounds in Hotchkiss. Other dates include �� Friday, March 16, at �� the Maloney House. �� Wednesday, March �� 21, in front of the �� office at Hotchkiss K8. �� Friday, March 23, and at �� the Maloney House. �� Registration fee is $40 for T-ball and coach pitch �� leagues; $75 for ages 9-10, �� 11-12, and 13-15 and is �� due at registration time. ��

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge junior Courtney Freeman (11) rolls the ball off her ﬁngers on a shot against Jefferson Academy last Saturday during regional championship play. The Bruins won the game, 38-35, and the title to earn a berth in next week’s Great 8 against. No. 3 St. Mary’s at Denver University’s Hamilton Gym at 8:45 a.m. on March 8.

B10 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

SCHOOL DISTRICT

Delta County Independent

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SURFACE CREEK March 7, 2018

Mel Cook

NEWS

Bob Eckels

Jan Gage

Joe Garrod

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Doug Keller

Gary Tollefson

Six vie for three seats in Orchard City BY RICK SMITH AND RANDY SUNDERLAND Staff Writers

Orchard City voters will be filling three seats on the board of trustees in this municipal election. The election will be conducted by mail. Ballots will be mailed by midMarch and must be returned by Tuesday, April 3. The three seats are currently held by Gary Tollefson, who was appointed in May 2016 to fill the balance of the term vacated by Ken Volgamore upon his election to mayor; Bob Eckels; and Tom Huerkamp, who was elected to a two-year term in April 2016. Eckels and Tollefson are seeking reelection. All seats in this election are four-year terms. The following are profiles of the candidates, in alphabetical order:

Mel Cook Mel Cook moved to Orchard City about six years ago to be near his children and grandchildren. Cook “When I arrived here I had $2,000 in my pocket and am now the owner of five thriving businesses,” said Cook. These include an auto repair shop, towing service, an antique shop and restaurant operated by his wife, and has teamed up with Janell and Larry Dawson to do an auto wrecking yard. “I have turned my vision of the needs of the community into successful businesses,” he said. He started his career in the automotive industry at 16. Beginning as a mechanic, he worked his way into a management position and ultimately into ownership of a shop in Spanish Forks near Salt Lake City. “I have

a strong work ethic and try to lead by example for all my employees,” he said. When not working, or spending time with his family, Cook likes outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, camping and snowmobiling. “I also have a profound weakness for dogs, hot rods and muscle cars,” he added. “I am not a politician, but I am a businessman and I have learned that it is important to listen...,” said Cook. “Isn’t that what our politicians should be doing? Listening to problems that the community is having before trying to fix anything. That’s what I plan on doing. I’ve already heard from ... fellow citizens about what they think is wrong with our town. I’ve been in the business of fixing problems for 30 plus years and I plan on bringing that attitude with me to the board. I’m concerned about the community’s problems; not just those we have now but I want my children and their children to have a safe place to grow up and live as citizens.” He agrees with Jan Gage and Doug Keller that the town must find a solution to lower water rates. “We’ve got people on fixed incomes that simply cannot afford the new high rates. Next, we must transform our town board into one that is responsive to the needs of the community regardless of the issue. And last, we must make our local government work for the people of Orchard City and not against them. We must re-establish the trust of the people.” Cook believes the current board is not transparent to the community. “They appear to be doing things outside of the structure of ‘open government.’ Take the increase of water rates. When did our community ever have a voice in deciding how much the water rates would be? “This board seems to have no interest in listening to the

people and show little to no respect for those few citizens who do speak out at board meetings.” He also noted reports of different answers coming from town employees and board members. “There needs to be better communication within our local government so that the employees and board members speak with one voice.” When asked how familiar he was with the rules and statutory requirements of a trustee, Cook said he is willing to learn and to lean on the more informed board members until he is up to speed. “However, this will not impede my bringing up concerns of the community,” said Cook. “My sole purpose for getting on the board is to make our community a better place to live now and in the future.”

Bob Eckels Bob Eckels was elected to the board of trustees in 2014, and is seeking a second term. He is from Denver, working Eckels in the managed care industry. He is a licensed clinical social worker. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University, and has attained a Masters degree. His employment has taken him to South Dakota and in Colorado to Jefferson County and Rangely. He returned to the Denver area, due to his mother’s health, and started ACTS Inc. and served as the chief financial officer of that organization. He moved to Orchard City where he oversaw emergency services on the Western Slope and then as Director of Quality Services for the Center for Mental Health. “This was being in the right place at the right time,” said Eckels. “I knew the area because my son

The Scones to perform at Cabin Fever Dance Party The Scones will perform at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center’s fundraiser this Saturday. The first annual Cabin Fever Dance Party happens on March 10 from 7-11 p.m. at the Cedaredge Civic Center at 140 NW 2nd Street.

The Scones are a Paoniabased rock-harmony group featuring Rick Stockton (guitar, banjo, vocals), Helen Highwater (bass, vocals), Harry Knipe (drums, vocals), and Melanie Jean (flute, bass, percussion, vocals). Come dance to shake off

The Scones

winter and have a bowl of chili to warm the night. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Tickets are available at Starr’s Guitars at 250 West Main Street and Reve Portraits at 110 S. Frontier Avenue or at the door.

Photo by David Jacobson

and I fished in the area for a number of years. He is also licensed to sell insurance. He added, “I started a business hydro seeding for landscape trees. I currently still sell trees and have an asparagus farm.” Eckels, in addition to having served as a trustee for the past four years, has served for several years with the Orchard City Planning Commission. He also brings customer service skills from working with the Center for Mental Health and other organizations. “I have strengths in dealing with complaints,” said Eckels. “I will look into the issues and get back with you. “I am big on decorum and civility, for both the citizens and my colleagues,” said Eckels. “I strive to work for the greater good, and I believe I have done that.” He views continued services and financial stability as major priorities for the board. Other priorities are often dictated by the town’s committees — Eckels serves on the water and roads committees. “As a trustee,” he noted, “you have to make hard calls sometimes. I may need to support votes I may not agree with from time to time.” He is familiar with the regulations pertaining to the role of trustee, such as campaign finance. He has also received training through seminars offered through Colorado Municipal League. The statutes are clear and must be abided by, he noted. “No business by the board is hidden behind a veil of secrecy,” said Eckels. All meeting schedules are posted at the town hall and on the town’s website. He added that he has great respect for the mayor and trustees. Often, he said, trustees pay for their own expenses regarding research, time and travel. As an example, he cited Gary Tollefson paying for gas while out inspecting and traveling the 64 miles of roads in the town. Eckels would like citizens to do their homework when they bring issues before the trustees. “They should submit a substantive history and cite sources other than their own. If possible, give historical references.”

Jan Gage Jan Gage has called Orchard City home for more than 12 years. “About 35 years ago we visited good friends here in Gage Orchard City and found ourselves falling in love with the area,” she said. “As soon as I was able to set my retirement date, the hunt for our new home began ... we found the perfect location here in Orchard City.” Gage began her career in the paper and packaging business when she was 22 years old as an inventory clerk. She worked her way up through many positions, including sales management and vice president/division manager. Ultimately she was promoted to the company’s corporate offices and went on to being responsible for the entire United States and Mexico. “Running a town is much like running a business,” explained Gage. “Trustees must make decisions that keep the town financially healthy, and that look after the wellbeing of citizens of the town. This is exactly what I did in the 36 years before my retirement. “I am a strong leader and believe in complete transparency. I have no tolerance for dishonesty. These two things helped me to have a career that was successful and helped keep my employer financially healthy. That’s exactly what we need here in Orchard City.” She also has “tremendous knowledge” in the area of water. As a former trustee, and as vice president of Orchard City Irrigation District, Gage has spent hundreds of hours getting educated about water, both municipal and irrigation. “This education has served me well,” she noted. A priority for Gage is trust. “I believe it is extremely important for trustees to be in tune with the public. To do that, one must know what the citizens want ... one must seek out citizens and then listen to their concerns and their ideas for improving the town,” said Gage. “There is an arrogance CANDIDATES VIE TO C2

Crane Days set for March 16-18 Each year thousands of sandhill cranes create a majestic spectacle at Fruitgrowers Reservoir in Eckert as they pass through on their northern migration to nesting grounds in Canada and Alaska. While the numbers vary from day to day, visitors can expect to see hundreds of cranes in the pastures and wetlands that surround the reservoir. Members of the Black Canyon Audubon Society will be on hand with spotting scopes and binoculars to help bird watchers get up close and personal with these majestic birds. They will also explain the daily routine. In the late afternoon and evening flocks of cranes will spiral down to land in Harts Basin. As the cranes flare their wings to land, they are greeted with squawks from the birds on the ground in a beautiful and noisy chorus. In the morning, as the temperature rises to create thermals in the air current, the cranes lift off in large groups. The cranes will search out

these rising air currents, circling as they build enough altitude to carry them over the Grand Mesa to continue their journey north. For the best view of this spectacular morning liftoff, bird watchers will want to be in position along North Road by 10 a.m. Bring a chair or two — this is a natural process and not on a specific schedule. On Saturday, March 17, Western States Ranches in Harts Basin next to the reservoir, will host a lunch. Everyone is invited to visit with local conservation organizations and other crane lovers. Directions to the event will be available at the Audubon table at the view point along North Road. One way to track the spring migration is to visit eckert cranedays.com. This website explains what to expect, including a daily estimate of the number of cranes at the reservoir. It also includes viewing tips to make your time with the sandhill cranes a memorable experience.

C2 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Candidates vie FROM PAGE C1 about asking citizens for tax dollars when you’re not prepared to show them everything you’ve done to reduce expenditures.” She believes the town needs to work hard on cost reduction, and only then it is appropriate to consider new enterprises or taxes. Gage said, “Because I feel so strongly about reaching out and successfully representing the citizens of our town, I am aligning with two other like-minded candidates: Mel Cook and Doug Keller. We believe if we dig into current expenditures and if we listen to the citizens, then we will be able to reduce water rates, forego ask-

ing the citizens for new unwarranted taxes and we will be able to accomplish what the citizens of Orchard City want to have accomplished.” She notes that most of the current board does not seem to listen to the citizens who come to them with problems or potential solutions. “They have now officially put a limit on how long a constituent may talk, which sends a strong message that the board doesn’t really want to hear what folks have to say.” “The mayor and board of trustees are elected to represent the citizens of Orchard City,” said Gage. “To best do that, they need to know what people are thinking about

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rod. He explained that Orchard City has access to enforcement through the Delta County Sheriff ’s Department, and it can take as long as 45 minutes for a deputy to Joe Garrod respond. Normally, it is only a single officer to Joe Garrespond. rod has While not familiar with been a the regulations pertainresident ing to the role of trustee, of the Surhe is capable and willface Creek ing to learn. He is willarea for ing to attend classes and 60 years, Garrod seminars to learn. He is graduating from Cedaredge High very familiar with water issues and regulations. School. both problems and solutions. We have a lot of very smart people in this town. It only makes sense to listen to them.”

He has farm experience with fruit and cattle, 15 years as an electrician and five years as supervisor of Kroger Construction. He has also worked for many years in water management — seven years as water administrator for Leon Lake and six years with Orchard City Irrigation District, primarily on Fogg Ditch. His experience with construction and water are strengths that Garrod would bring to the board as trustee. “My construction and water experience, especially being on the water board, gives me a strong familiarity with water issues,” said Garrod. “I am willing to work with people and get back to them with real answers when they call me with questions or problems.” A priority for Garrod as trustee would be to “get rid of the ‘cookie’ system where someone asks for a fudge cookie and is told, ‘No. You can’t have it.’ So that person comes back and asks for another type of cookie.” He said, “I will listen to the concerns of the constituents and will be available to meet with them, and return phone calls.” Water is also a top priority. Garrod believes the board members are doing the best they can, but there needs to be more communication with the citizens. “There is also fat in the current system that I believe can be trimmed, with the proper research,” he added. Law enforcement is also an issue. “There is no police force,” said Gar-

Doug Keller Doug Keller has been an Orchard City resident for 22 years, having moved Keller his business to Austin in 1996. He was born and raised in Montana. He earned a BA in humanities from the University of Montana, and returned to get a BS in accounting. He moved to Colorado in 1985, working as a staff auditor with a CPA firm which audited long-term care facilities for the state Department of Social Services. He was promoted to manager and acted as liaison between the firm, the state and the provider community. He went into business for himself in 1989 as a consultant to the provider community. He assisted long term care facilities in all aspects of financial operations, from establishing accounting systems and internal controls to yearend statements. “My 20 plus years in long-term care made me an advocate for the elderly,” said Keller. “After working 20 to 25 years in the field of accounting,” said Keller, “I can bring a new perspective to the board which will better enable them to understand and analyze the financial impact of their options. This includes not only how their decisions will affect the town coffers but, more importantly, the impact on the resi-

dents of Orchard City.” “Mel Cook, Jan Gage and I have formed an alliance,” said Keller, “making our number one priority to uphold Article II, Section of the State Constitution ... that all political power is vested in the people. “We believe together we can achieve the following: Lower water rates from the 25 percent plus increase which occurred in 2017; work to create a more welcoming environment for our town residents to more easily participate in our political process; and make the government work for and with the people.” He added, “With every decision we make we will remember that decisions made on the local level are not likely to change the world, but they are likely to change somebody’s world and that somebody is living in our town.” Keller believes the current board of trustees is not in tune with the public. It also has a credibility issue. As an example, Keller said he repeatedly asked the board for a projected income from the new rates. The response was “either dead silence or some obfuscation about there being too many variables to make a prediction.” “They voted blindly without having any knowledge as to how much revenue the new rates would produce. They voted blindly without having any knowledge of the consequences of their action ... to me, the board completely abandoned their fiduciary responsibilities,” said Keller. Keller has worked to familiarize himself with town issues. Over the past year Keller has attended every regular board meeting and most of the board work sessions, and researched topics that were either brought before the board or brought up by the board. “I have already proven my ability to work with different political entities through my

Photo by Don Benjamin

Familiar ﬁxture

Mallach, a popular visitor at senior care facilities, passed away last week after battling an aggressive cancer. The gentle 4-1⁄2 year old bouvier herding dog was a familiar ﬁxture in his community and he was regularly seen in the company of his owners, Marlin and Tanis Stinson of Cedaredge.

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years of working with the Colorado Department of Social Services, the Colorado Attorneys General Office and the Colorado Health Care Association,” he said. “Regardless of the outcome of the election, I will continue to speak out on behalf of the people.”

Gary Tollefson Gary Tollefson was appointed to the Board of Trustees in May Tollefson 2016 to fill the balance of the term vacated after Ken Volgamore was elected mayor. Tollefson has lived in Orchard City since 1978. A graduate of South Dakota School of Mines and Technology with a degree in civil engineering, thanks to a three-year stint in the U.S. Army. He said, “A stint in the U.S. Army allowed me to use the GI Bill to complete my education. My service included Germany and Vietnam.” He is a life member of Post 9221 VFW of Cedaredge. “My life work has been as a civil engineer, working for the U.S. Forest Service for 23 years and self employed since,” said Tollefson. He has owned a home inspection business and an energy auditing business before retiring. “I enjoyed the freedom of home ownership here without all the noise of Fort Collins,” he said. “I stay here because this area is a little known secret. Many of us have stumbled upon this secret and been fortunate enough to stay.” After following the progress of the town for the past 40 years, Tollefson only recently dedicated the time to serve the community. As a trustee, he serves on the roads and parks committees. “My priorities are to preserve the investment that taxpayers have made in our roads, and our beautiful and well used park,” said Tollefson. He also puts a priority on the town’s reserves. He prefers to increase revenues rather than borrowing for yearly maintenance. “Normal maintenance costs are increasing,” he noted, “while revenues have decreased as severance taxed-based funds have all but disappeared. New revenue sources in the form of taxes are presently up for your review and approval at the April 3 municipal election.” As for town roads, Tollefson said the priority is on the roads which carry the most traffic. Failure to do the necessary maintenance on these roads now, which deteriorate at a higher rate due to use, will ultimately cost more to reconstruct later on. Topping the list of these roads include 2100 Road, Austin Road, North Road, Meyers Road, Fairview, Iris and Happy Hollow. When asked about his familiarity of the rules and statutory requirements of a trustee, Tollefson said he took the oath of office, affirming that he will support the Constitution and laws of the United States and Colorado, and the ordinances of the Town of Orchard City. In addition he had training by the town attorney on the Colorado Municipal League Handbook on ethics, liability and best practices. He also said, “Communication with all citizens is welcomed. I understand that everyone can not be in complete agreement, but everyone can be respectful, even in disagreement. It is a sign of faith in local government that people care enough to voice their opinions.”

TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

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TELEVISION LISTINGS

Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Birds of the Western Slope A look at local birds with Evelyn Horn

Photo submitted

Members of the Plant and Dig Garden Club gathered in the home of Gloria Good in February to learn about succulents. Their March program will feature Jim Leser.

Garden club learns about succulents BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

Sometimes life brings us pleasures beyond our expectations. That was certainly the case for our February meeting. Co-president Gloria Good conducted a great program on succulents, informing us of the many varieties in this group of plants. We learned how to plant and care for them successfully and what resources we could use if a problem arose. Then she handed each of us a jar planted with succulents and asked us to critique the plant as to what was good/bad about it. What a great learning experience this hands-on

clinic was! Gloria laid out long tables with all the components (containers of many sizes and shapes, charcoal to keep the pots fresh, special soil, many varieties of succulents both from her garden and purchased for her presentation, moss and pebbles for the topping, and special “wetting stones” for watering the planters successfully). Every member put together a succulent planter to take home. What a great reminder these will be for all members of a very special day and a very special program presented by a very special friend. Our members are look-

ing forward to the March program. Jim Leser will present a program entitled “A closer look at garden visitors.” As always, we welcome Jim and his vast knowledge, knowing that our dedication to learning about gardening will be expanded by his presentation. We invite anyone who shares our interest in all phases of gardening, our dedication to community service, friendship, and our commitment to promoting gardening through our scholarship fund to join or visit our meetings. These are the third Friday of every month. Learn more by calling 856-7077 or 856-3897.

Lewis’s Woodpecker Snow. Well, I know that they need it in the high country and we’ll need it in the low country come summer. But I can hear the wind whistling around the corners of the house and I really wish for spring. The reservoir was mostly open water a couple of days ago, but it was mostly ice yesterday. I look out the back window and there’s a bird. Scrub jay? I don’t think he is happy because the “Little Bosque” is much too small. I go to the dining room windows and here is another bird. It’s Lewis’s woodpecker. And he is not happy! I found the picture on Bill Schmoker’s website and maybe my Lewis’s is looking for some green leaves — sorry, but they’re all gone! Taking the trees

Lewis’s woodpecker, Baca County, August 2002.

down has been MUCH too hard! And our Lewis’s isn’t finding any leaves! It’s snowing again and he is squawking or at least his bill is open. Where’s my tree? He hops around the left hand side of The Stump ... now the lower part. He takes flight into his display and lands back where he began. More stomping and squawking and another display flight. How sad. He finally gives up and Silent movie flies across the road to night at disappear into the neighPioneer Town bor’s tall trees. My favorite bird (the The Surface Creek one you happen to be Valley Historical Society will host Silent Movie Night on Thursday, March 8, at Pioneer Town in Cedaredge, featuring Douglas Fairbanks in The Thief of Bagdad. The show begins at 7 p.m. Bring a basket or a in the Stolte Shed. Free bag to gather goodies on admission. Sat., March 31 for another fun Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by the Surface Creek Valley Lions Club. Ages 4 to 10 years old. Meet in the parking lot at St. Phillips Church, next to the old Hunsicker Elementary School. The Greet the start of day- hunt will start (promptlight savings time with ly) at 10 a.m., so arrive a music. The Cedaredge few minutes before. ChilCommunity Band, direct- dren will be grouped by ed by Grady Weiszbrod, age to allow the youngest will present its spring a fair chance at the goodconcert at 3 p.m. Sunday, ies. Parents welcome to March 11, at True Life assist. Church. Come enjoy a For information, call variety of music. Admis- Pat Means, president, at sion is free. 970-640-6614.

Lions will host Easter Egg Hunt

Community band will perform March 11

Photo submitted

Grand Mesa moonlight adventure

The Senior Hikers enjoyed a fun outing to Grand Mesa last week, under a nearly full moon. Calling it Full Moon Plus 1, the group included 14 regulars and two “relocated” hikers from Grand Junction. Also joining the fun was Sam, “our new 20-something librarian.” The group did the Lions Loop, with three on cross-country skis and the rest on snowshoes. The weather cooperated, and although it was windy, it was very warm and spring-like. Everyone finished the evening with hot chocolate and cookies. Juke Kieca noted that in the photograph, no one had headlights — the bright flashes are from reflective tape and glasses. “We go DARK into the night,” stated Kieca, as they enjoyed the bright light of the moon. Anyone is welcome to join the group as it explores western Colorado together. For information call Kieca at 856-7331.

looking at) is the Lewis’s. Rather than the usual patterned back and wings of woodpeckers, Lewis’s woodpeckers have a solid greenish black back, wings and head plus a dark face and an unusual pinkish belly. They can be seen regularly in the Surface Creek Valley but are considered uncommon birds in most locations. Their habits are unusual too: minimal nest excavation, communal nesting, hawking and hoarding on a regular basis, perching on wires and territorial displays to the extreme. Other birds dare not enter: flickers and downy woodpecker, nuthatch and titmouse, or any bird that “walks” on trees. Other birds are considered to be intruders such as the scrub jay, doves, or robin.

DMEA/ Elevate to host Power Bites Delta Montrose Electric Association will host an informal gathering on Friday, March 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at RJ’s Steakhouse, 2329 S. Grand Mesa Drive in Cedaredge. Meet up with your coop employees, managers, and board members for a quick bite and some great info. Come armed with your questions and appetite! Representatives from all parts of the co-op will be there to answer questions, plus Elevate Fiber. The event is free to attend and there is no formal presentation. Rather, chat one-on-one with DMEA and get to know your co-op and come and go as your schedule allows.

Delta County 2018 ��

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| www.tristate.coop/renewables

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C6 Wednesday, March 7, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Help keep Chaplain Tim in prison Good News Prison Ministry talent show on March 9 A favorite saying of the Chaplain Support Team, a local outreach of the national organization Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, which has placed Chaplain Tim Bergstrom at the Delta Correctional Center, is “We need to raise money in order to keep Chaplain Tim in prison.”

Although the Department of Corrections provides a beautiful place for the chaplain to conduct his ministry, the Chapel of Hope, originally built on prison grounds using both private and prison labor but financed by donations from the community, the DOC does not provide any financial assistance or salary to the chaplains in their various institutions. The salaries and expenses of the chaplains in Colorado prisons are raised by the chaplains, much like missionaries, from donations and contributions of individuals and

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churches and through fundraisers like the one coming up on March 9. On that evening, the Chaplain Support Team will provide a dessert banquet and host a talent show to help support Chaplain Tim and “keep him in prison.” The organization is very pleased with his ministry and wants to make sure he can continue the work without the distraction of constantly looking for money. The festivities start at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 9 (doors open at 6), at the Delta Christian Church, 795 1600 Road, Delta, with the serving of cheesecakes,

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mandatory. Good News Jail and Prison Ministry is also seeking monthly donors to help support the ministry of Chaplain Tim at the Chapel of Hope. For further

information or to purchase tickets or sponsor a table, call Brad Kolman at 970-275-0006 or Chaplain Tim Bergstrom at 970-874-5880 or 253-678-1416.

Reception honors 20 years ministry in Cedaredge The Abbott children and members of Cedaredge First Baptist Church would like to invite you to a 20-year anniversary celebration in honor of Pastor Dik and Christy Abbott’s min-

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istry in the Cedaredge community. A come-and-go reception is being held in Wick Hall at the Cedaredge First Baptist Church on Sunday, March 18, from 3-5 p.m.

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strawberry drizzle cake, tarts and other favorites, along with coffee, tea and punch. After an opportunity to fellowship and enjoy the goodies, guests will be treated to some superb entertainment, including Del and Laura Smith of Ridgway (formerly of Delta), Kathy Kolman of Delta, Doug Martin of Ridgway, and a very unique group of singing men and musicians. Tickets are $10 each, or $50 for a table of six. Those who are not able to attend and businesses may also sponsor a table for $50. As always, additional donations will be requested, but are not

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Classifieds

March 7, 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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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. (1x10)

Card Of Thanks THE FAMILY OF GENE Markley would like to thank all who sent flowers, brought food, sent cards and attended his service. The family also thanks Crippin Funeral Home, Steve Shaw of Montrose Christian Church and the Pea Green Ladies foe the wonderful meal and hospitality at the Pea Green Community Center. (1x10)

Wanted THE KING'S TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. (2x10)

Guns GUN SHOW AT MONTrose County Fairgrounds, Friday, March 16 4-8 p.m., Saturday, March 17 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday, March 18 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Buy, sell, trade, browse. $5 admission/3day pass $10. Sponsored by Montrose Rod & Gun Club. (2x10)

For Sale LARGE GREENHOUSES, great prices. Made in Colorado, for Colorado. 970-726-9555, altitudegreenhouses.com. (4x9) CRAFTSMAN LAWNmower. 19.5 horsepower, 6 speeds, 2 blades, 42 inch cut, 2 grass catchers. Asking $900. Call 970-3235474. (2x9) 1975 CADILAC DE Ville (low miles), roll-away bed (very nice), 2 resin patio chairs (new condition), Haier handwash type washer, free love seat. 970216-6045. (2x9)

Help Wanted THE TOWN OF CEDARedge is accepting applications for Town Clerk and Economic Development Coordinator. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining all town records, minutes of Board of Trustees and other committee meetings, and responsible for the town seal. This position also represents the Town of Cedaredge’s economic interests in local and regional organizations. The ideal candidate will have municipal experience and be an energetic self-starter. A detailed job description is available at Town Hall. The position is full time with a defined benefit plan. Hiring range is $15-20 hourly. Interested persons may submit a resume and cover letter or a Town of Cedaredge Employment Application to Town Hall on or before 4:00 p.m. March 19, 2018. Applications may be obtained at Town Hall, 235 W. Main, (P.O. Box 398 for mailing), Cedaredge, CO 81413, www.cedaredge colorado.com or by calling (970) 856-3123. The Town of Cedaredge is an EOE/ADA employer. (3x9)

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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 50 in Delta or call 970-8740612. (3x8)

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�� LOCAL TRACTOR AND Trailer Dealership looking for a parts associate. You must have computer experience, great customer service, and knowledge of farm equipment. You must also have the ability to diagnose small issues with farm equipment and trailers. Some responsibility would be answering phones and ordering parts for customers, inventory and our shop mechanics. ______ an hour... it is dependent upon skill level. If interested please apply in person at Varner Equipment at 1375 Highway 50 Delta, CO 81416 (3x8) NIGHT & WEEKEND help wanted. Apply in person - FirstLight Home Care, 122 Park Ave., Montrose, CO 81401. (3x8)

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WILBUR-ELLIS IN DELTA is looking for an Administrative Assistant who is also comfortable working as needed in the warehouse. Keen eye for details necessary. Must be proficient with computers/ order entry & have ability to lift bags/boxes up to 80 lbs. Excellent interpersonal/customer service skills required. Collaborative team environment, good company, pay, & benefits. Apply online at www.wilbur ellis.com. (2x9) ESTABLISHED LANDscape company is seeking help for landscaping and maintenance positions. Experience is helpful but not necessary. Valid drivers license is needed. We are looking for full and parttime positions. Background and driving checks will be done. Pick up application at 20143 Austin Rd., Austin. (2x10)

NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent 10 days prior to moving. PO Box 809, YOUR LISTING HERE! Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874call now... 874-4421 and talk 4421. PEOPLE LOOK FOR JOBS with an Ad Rep. in the classifieds. 874-4421 SUBSCRIBE! 874-4421

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THE TOWN OF HOTCHkiss is now accepting application for a full time position with Public Works Department. Requirements include the following: Minimum of D water and D wastewater operator’s license or ability to acquire within one year. Minimum of a class 1 water distribution and class 1 wastewater collection license or ability to acquire within one year. Minimum of a class B CDL driver’s license or ability to acquire within one year. Ability to perform physical labor. Successful applicant must be able to pass preemployment drug screening and background check. Experience with equipment operation, computer, mapping, map and blue print reading, electrical, plumbing, pipe laying, construction and mechanical skills are all great assets to the Public Works Department. Employees must perform rotating weekend assignments. Public Works is considered part of the emergency response team for the Town of Hotchkiss. Employees must be able to accept on call status and respond within 20 minutes. Town of Hotchkiss employment applications are available on line at w w w. t o w n o f h o t c h k i s s . com or can be picked up at the Town of Hotchkiss Town Hall, 276 West Main St., Hotchkiss, CO, 970872-3663. Compensation is based on experience and includes benefit package. Applications are due by 3:00 p.m. on March 16, 2018. Please send to Town of Hotchkiss, 276 W. Main Street, P.O. Box 369, Hotchkiss, CO 81419. EOE. (2x9)

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THE CITY OF DELTA Police Department in Delta, Colorado is now accepting applications for Police Officer. Under direction of the sergeant or assigned supervisor, patrols an assigned area in the enforcement of law and order and prevention of crime; takes intensive field and basic training in the early period of employment. Necessary special requirements are: High School Graduate; possess a valid Colorado driver’s license; State certified or certifiable in Law Enforcement through the Colorado Peace Officers Standards Training (P.O.S.T); must be 21 years of age or more at time of hire; will be required to pass a detailed background and criminal record check, a psychological exam, physical agility, written test, pre-employment drug test and a pre-employment fit for duty exam. The starting salary is $21.93 per hour plus an excellent benefits package. Please submit application and the supplemental application to: City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main Street, Delta, CO 81416. Deadline for applications is 5:00 p.m. March 9, 2018. Applications, supplemental applications and a complete job description are available at address listed above, or at www.cityofdelta.net. Applications received after the deadline, or incomplete, will not be accepted. EOE. (2x9) LOOKING FOR QUALITY employees? Advertise here in the DCI Classifieds. ADVERTISE!

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Help Wanted JOB OPENING: DISTRICT Conservation Technician. This position is offered through the Delta Conservation District (DCD) in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), located in the Delta Field Office on the western slope of Colorado. The position will provide engineering/survey technical assistance on agricultural irrigation projects, specifically the NRCS Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). This is a one-year, grant funded position, which may be extended as funds allow. Duties: Complete feasibility determinations and preliminary quantity estimates, conduct field surveys, prepare engineering designs and drawings, initiate and maintain contact with landowners who are interested in and/or qualify for federal government soil and water conservation plans/projects. Requirements: Proficiency in using Windows OS, MS Excel, Word, Outlook, AutoCAD Civil 3d, and principles of mathematics; knowledge and skill sufficient to conduct engineering surveys, interpret acquired data and develop plans through application of controlling criteria principles; knowledge of hydraulic principles of water, agricultural and community land-use operations and practices, and agricultural irrigation systems; familiarity with construction equipment; possess excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills. Qualifications and Skills: Bachelor of Science Degree preferred, or course work relevant to the position AND experience in designing irrigation systems, pipelines, pumps, surveying, AutoCAD Civil 3d, mathematic principles, clean, valid Colorado Driver’s License. Salary starts at $15/hour, FullTime, Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave. Please mail resume with cover letter to DCD, 690 Industrial Blvd., Delta, CO 81416 or email to deltaconservationd@gmail. com. (2x9)

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)

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WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x7) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Support Group for Adults and Children: Every Wednesday in Delta from 5-7 p.m. there will be a free support group for adults whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and a separate group for children at the same time. Please call 970-8744941 to sign up. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar edgeladiesgolfclub” ALCOHOLICS ANONYmous meets Thursdays at 7 p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. 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. PAONIA AMERICAN Legion runs a year round non-perishable emergency food pantry. This is for the North Fork area. For information, call 527-6252. PARENTS — FREE information and referrals for licensed child care providers. Call Bright Futures Child Care Resource & Referral at 877-728-5613.

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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. 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 AbrahamConnection. org. 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. AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall behind First Baptist Church, 370 W. Main St., contact Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Jim 970-874-7855. 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.

IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- Bookstore in the basement ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 of the Delta Library. a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal NARCOTICS ANONYChurch, 5th & Palmer (back mous meets at 9th and door). Palmer, Delta, Mondays and FREE DIAPERS FOR UP Fridays at 8 p.m. to one year! Pregnant DELTA FOOD PANTRY women in Delta County can needs meals for Delta faminow get help to quit smok- lies who are temporarily ing and get something they in need. Donations of noncan really use after their perishable food may be baby arrives — free diapers. brought to 628 Meeker. Healthy moms have healthy babies. Enroll in the Baby & HELP!!! KEEP THE Me Tobacco Free program animal population under today. Contact the Delta control, and SAVE an aniCounty Health Department mal's life. Adopt your new at 874-2165 or your local cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. physician. Adoption fee is minimal. SUPPORT THE DELTA Call 874-2149. Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs THERE IS A VFW MEETING Book Store. on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a WELCOME RETURNING potluck and the meeting is Veterans, Post 9221 VFW at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist meets at 5:00 p.m. on the Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., 4th Thursday of each month Delta. For further inforin Cedaredge. To find out mation, call 874-8172 Jim how to participate in pro- Baker, Quartermaster. moting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact AL-ANON: HOPE AND Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250- help for families and 1180. friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, AL-ANON: HOPE AND Mondays at 6:30 pm, help for families and Methodist Church 285 N. friends of alcoholics 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, 8090 or Marjorie 970-433Wednesdays at 7 pm, 1856. United Methodist Church, 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa DELTA HAS A BOOK970-395-3608, Chris 970- store in the basement of 527-3366 or Marjorie 970- the library featuring gently 433-1856 used books and magazines. Come check it out!

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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 at 10:30 a.m. 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. Online Shopping 101. In this class, we will explore the two largest online stores. We will

cover both how to buy items and how to keep your information secure! Friday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m. Maker Tintypes Space. Make a picture using tin foil and markers. All supplies provided. All month in March during library hours. 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 at 10:30 a.m. Crawford Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 3997783 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. 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. Tech Help. Librar-

Space. Watch how colors combine. Create your own rainbow using candy and water. All month long in March in the children’s area. Dr. Seuss Scavenger Hunt. Locate the Dr. Seuss characters in the children’s area of Delta Library. All month long in March during library hours. 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 at 10:30 a.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,

ians 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. Delta Storytimes. Storytimes for babies, tots and preschoolers are Wednesdays starting at 10:30 a.m. Contact the library at 874-9630 for details. Teen Tech Week. Come in and explore technology in the teen area anytime during the week to participate. March 5-10 during library hours. Delta Book Club. Join the Delta Book Club! Discussing Rachel Carson’s “Silent Spring” Saturday, March 10, at 1 p.m. Friends of the Delta Library Meeting. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Wednesday, March 14, at 3 p.m. Operation Troop Bounty. Delta Library, in partnership with the local VFW, will be gathnon-perishable ering food and personal items for overseas troops during the month of March. Items are gathered and shipped, with a specific focus on family members of local residents. Please visit Delta Library for a list of needed items or call 874-9630. Maker Rainbow

at 10:30 a.m. Underground Railroad. We will share stories and books about the Underground Railroad, and the important information that was transmitted on quilt patterns. Children will make their own quilt squares for a craft. Tuesday, March 13, at 4 p.m. Hotchkiss Book Club. Hotchkiss Book Club meets the third Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. October through June. Meets Thursday, March 15, at 3 p.m. Banana Piano. A small group of 10- to 16year-old coders will make a Banana Piano with our Makey Makey and the library laptops. Banana snack provided. Wednesday, March 21, at 5 p.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. Hot Chocolate and a Book. Teens are invited to the Paonia Library to share their best reading voice or just join in and listen to a read-aloud of “A Wrinkle In Time,” a novel by Madeleine L’Engle. Hot cocoa provided, bring

a pillow and blanket! Friday, March 23, at 4:30 p.m. Concert Equinox with Ellen Stapenhorst. Celebrate the arrival of spring with singer-songwriter Ellen Stapenhorst in a free indoor concert in the Paonia Library community room. Tuesday, March 20, at 6 p.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! 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. Art Exploratory 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.

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Delta County Independent

Leading by example

P A G E

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

or 20-plus years, Betsy Shepherd has been the face of Partners in Delta County. Her title is currently program director for Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray County, but during her career, she says she has done it all. The mission of Partners Mentoring is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and youth facing challenges in their personal, social and academic lives. The more good adult role models kids have in their lives, the better choices they make as they get older, Betsy explains. Partners is also involved in drug/alcohol prevention programs for youth and organizes activities for kids who are waiting for a match. Betsy estimates she’s made 500 or more matches over the years, and has served as a mentor herself to about 10 teenage girls. Being a mentor is all about being a good listener, she says. The first step is developing a bond with a child, and the best way to do that is often through an activity like rafting or bowling. “Someone once commented that all you guys do is have fun. That’s a good thing!” Betsy says. “How easy is it

to bond with someone when they’re having fun! Then, you can get into a talk about the choices the child made yesterday in school, when she got suspended.” A good mentor has views, but doesn’t announce them right away, Betsy explains. They let kids talk and try to figure out things on their own. Of course, some subjects can be touchy. Then the mentor might respond by saying, “I’d be more comfortable having your mom talk about this issue.” “We’re not doing this because we think parents need to be replaced. That is not what this is about,” Betsy says. “We’re just trying to add a good adult friend who maybe gives mom a break for a couple of hours and the child gets a chance to do something they might not ordinarily do.” Kids come into the program through referral, with the great majority of referrals coming from a teacher or counselor. Adult mentors are found throughout the community, and a big part of Betsy’s job is networking, being approachable, and nurturing partnerships. “I have mentors who have worked for me since I started and one who’s been here 26 years,” Betsy says. “These older mentors are just incredible and they understand

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Sledding is just one of the fun activities that helps mentors and mentees form a strong bond.

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Betsy has introduced several mentees to horseback riding, one of her favorite activities.

their roles so well. They’re not a replacement parent; they always want to get along with the families. We get so much more when we get along, in life in general.” Of the hundreds of matches she’s seen, there are 10 or 15 Betsy calls “sparkly special,” because years later, the mentor and mentee are still in touch and the relationship is still growing. “That’s the pleasure I get out of this,” she says. Betsy was born and raised in Denver and earned a teaching certificate from CSU, majoring in history with a minor in political science. She taught for a couple of years, but after going to school nonstop she decided to take a break. She explored courses at a vocational school outside of Fort Collins and that’s where she met Gayle Davidson. “We started a small business with a couple of other gals called Mother Nurture, taking care of plants in banks and restaurants,” Betsy explains. “That was the beginning of my lifelong relationship with Gayle.” Eventually, they went their separate ways. Betsy moved to Wyoming where she met her husband Kurt. Gayle was hired as executive director of Partners in Delta County. In 1990, Betsy and Kurt moved to Grand Junction and Gayle started a three- to four-year campaign to get Betsy to come to work for her. Betsy joined Partners as a case manager in 1996. “I think Gayle always thought this job changed her life, and I certainly feel like it did mine.” Betsy had been managing a restaurant in Grand Junction, so working for a nonprofit was a totally new experience. “I had lots to learn, and I’m still learning,” she says. She continues to find the work interesting and challenging. She says she has grown to love the Delta area and values the relationships she’s developed through the years. “My husband Kurt and I have a great life,” she says. They live north of Delta on a five-acre spread with horses, cats and dogs. Although Kurt works in Grand Juntion, he’s been very supportive of Betsy’s work with Partners and of the organization itself. Partners of Delta, Montrose and Ouray County is one of seven affiliates around the state. Each affiliate is dedicated to mentoring, but the approach varies from region to region. For instance, in 1999 Gayle Davidson realized the local program was not attracting older kids, so she came up with a program called Art Partners for teens 12 and up. “Those kids still get mentoring, but they also have a chance to learn a craft or a skill, like painting, singing or cake decorating — anything that allows children to spend more time with adults and feel rewarded by it,” Betsy explains. Art mentors are asked to commit three hours a week for 12 weeks. Senior Partners are asked to commit an average of three hours a week for a minimum of one year. At the conclusion of that year, the

partnership is reviewed and if the two want to stay together, they stay together. “If an adult comes to me and says they don’t want to finish, I remind them they made a commitment,” she says. “That’s role modeling. “If the mentor is done at the end of the year that’s fine, because they’ve done what they said they’d do.” Many times adults will ask for time to decide if they can fit the commitment into their schedule. “I respect that a lot, because if I match a child and the adults decide they don’t want to do it, the child is hurt more than they were before,” Betsy says. “That’s the serious part of being involved in Partners, but there are lots of fun parts too.” In addition to supporting partnerships in Delta County, Betsy supervises case managers in the three-county area served by Partners of Western Colorado, and works with the state affiliate to standardize policies across the state. As for Partners’ efforts to prevent drug and alcohol use among our youth, Betsy is a certified prevention specialist. She is involved with Drug Free Delta County, the Youth Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition, and CET — the community evaluation team that identifies and recommends appropriate services for adolescents in the court system. She follows the lead of Gayle Davidson, who believed that wherever children are, Partners should be there to let the community know they care about these kids. Partners also has a teen advisory board comprised of high-functioning kids who have been trained in substance abuse prevention. “We ask these teens to go talk to the kids in the middle and elementary schools, because they’ll listen to them,” Betsy says. New this year is schoolbased mentoring at Hotchkiss K-8 and Paonia Middle School. An AmeriCorps volunteer is working with five students

at each school, supporting them in class and planning after-school activities. “We’re learning as we go with this program,” Betsy says, “but I am hoping we can continue next year and perhaps expand to Delta Middle School.” Her job has led her “into all kinds of interesting relationships with folks,” she says. “It’s a lifestyle that I love. I love running into folks I know, and kids I’ve worked with.” Kids grow up and move on, and that’s exactly what Betsy hopes will happen, but it’s still a great feeling to run into them at the grocery store or the recreation center. “Kids don’t need that constant adult caring as much as they used to, but they still like to remind you how you impacted their life in one way or another. “For my partners, it was through horseback riding. Kurt and I never had children; we’ve always worked with other people’s children. I would say what surprises me about Partners is that I am as passionate about it as I was first started. I feel supported by the community and by the incredible people who are mentors. “This is a great organization and I’m very proud to have had a chance to see a lot of kids grow up.”

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Beach party time

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Betsy has mentored about 10 teenage girls through Partners. Jazmin (in yellow) is a former mentee who plans to enter the Job Corps. Many are referred to Partners because of choices their parents have made. Betsy wants them all to realize they don’t have to make the same mistakes.