Delta County Independent, April 11, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

COUNTY MASTER PLAN

SPORTS

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

Community weighs in on draft plan at Hotchkiss open house, B1

A FIRST FOR DHS

Cedaredge-built kayak tackles the great lakes of Africa, C1

Logan Church earns recognition as first All-American wrestler, B7

DELTA COUNTY

APRIL 11, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 15

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Internships allow students to explore careers BY EMILY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS Contributing Writer

When Billie Flonnes, a senior at Delta High School, walks into Yost Family Dentistry she isn’t stopping by for a check-up or filling. She’s there to work as part of the Delta County Schools high school internship program. “I usually jump right in wherever they need me,” she said. Sometimes her afternoon means cleaning rooms, sterilizing equipment, or making models of teeth. If a patient is comfortable with it, Flonnes will also fill in as a dental assistant. “I look forward to when Billie comes in,” said Dr. Morgan Yost, her sponsor. “She fits right in and does well; I can see her confidence building.” The internship program is new this semester, with 14 junior and senior high school students placed in internships ranging from health care to automotive. This program serves to help students testdrive careers and gain valuable skills and experience in the workplace. Internships are unpaid to provide the best learning for students and affordable opportunities for sponsors, but they can be combined with a work study if the sponsor employs the intern for work that extends the learning experience. Interns work as special assistants to their sponsor, assisting with projects, attending meetings, preparing reports and participating in other organizational activities. This program is available

throughout the Delta County Joint School District. Students like Flonnes spend one to two class periods a day, or eight hours per week, at their internship. They also complete a weekly work log and have assignments through Google Classroom. Classroom topics include communication skills, human relations, leadership development, and self-assessments. To qualify for the program juniors and seniors need to fill out an application and be in good standing. “We place students for one or two semesters with sponsors in their community for the purpose of career exploration,” said Kim Klouser, workbased learning coordinator. “Our goal is to give students an opportunity to learn outside of the traditional classroom setting.” If a student realizes from their program a career isn’t for them, this is also an opportunity for them to be redirected to a better fit for their future. Current sponsors include West Elk Clinic, Delta Middle School, Delta High School, Garnet Mesa Elementary School, A Kidz Clinic, Tayshen Automotive, Hotchkiss Automotive, Yost Family Dentistry, Surface Creek Veterinary Center, Surface Creek Family Practice, Cedar Point Health and All American Concrete. All current interns received positive feedback from their sponsors based on a recent checkpoint evaluation. “Next school year we’re hop-

ing to place 30-40 students district wide and are looking for individuals willing to sponsor interns and teach them about their career and/or business,” said Klouser. She is also hoping to include apprenticeships and job shadows in the future. Internship sponsors provide opportunity for students to see available options for work and careers right in their own communities. Successful sponsors agree to help interns refine social and success skills such as confidentiality, accountability, work ethic and time management. Essentially, they act as a mentor and overseer. Interns do need personal attention and sponsors should help develop skills pertinent to the student’s specific career interest. The district also supports sponsors and interns by providing district worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. Klouser acts as a liaison between students and sponsors. If a student is interested in joining the program, they should speak with their school counselor. If sponsors are interested in learning more about what it means to have an intern, they can contact Klouser at 874-6504 or kim. klouser@deltaschools.com. “If there’s a student or sponsor not sure if this program is right for them, they need to realize sponsors are investing in the future of the students,” said Dr. Yost. Because of her experience with the internship program, Flonnes decided to enroll at

North Western Community College to become a dental hygienist. “I know for sure this is the career I want,” she said.

Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

High school senior Billie Flonnes sterilizes equipment during her internship at Yost Family Dentistry.

Clay, Carlson win city council seats

Meet-and-greet planned for hospital board candidates BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Delta County Memorial Hospital is hosting a meetand-greet for hospital board candidates Monday, April 16. The public is invited to attend this event in the Grand Mesa Oncology Center from 5 to 6 p.m., prior to the regular board meeting. The hospital is a special taxing district in Delta County, as are the ambulance district, mosquito control district and fire districts. Each of those special districts cancelled the May 8 election because they had just enough candidates to fill available seats. Five candidates are seeking the three terms available on the hospital board. A sixth, Dick Gilmore, withdrew his name from consideration and has since declared his candidacy for county commissioner. He is a Democrat seeking the District 1 seat. Hospital board candidates include Bruce Mixter, Tammy Smith, Doug Speedie, Robert Stechert and Wayne Wolf. Mixter is a family physician who was associated with

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D8 Bruin Tracks ............. C3-6 Business ........................ A8 Church ............................C8 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ...................B4-5 School Zone ............... A5-6 Sports ..........................B6-8 Surface Creek News ...C1-7 TV Listings ................. D5-6

Delta Family Physicians for nearly 25 years. He retired in June 2017. Because of his experience working at the hospital and with doctors, nurses and technicians, he believes he can serve as a liaison between the hospital board and hospital employees. He also understands how health care management is impacting patient care, not just from the physicians’ standpoint but from the patients’ perspective as well. He was with Delta Family Physicians when the clinic was purchased by the hospital. It’s very difficult for private practices to survive in the current medical environment, so many physicians are either retiring or becoming hospital employees. “The advantage is that you don’t have to worry about business and can just take care of patients,” he said. “The disadvantage is that you’re not a boss any more. There’s less independence, but fewer stresses.” Tammy Smith does not have a medical background, but served on the Delta County School Board for eight

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

At the conclusion of his final meeting as a member of the Delta City Council, Bill Raley said it’s time for the younger residents of the city years, including two years as to step into leadership roles. president. She understands Those two young leaders are how individuals from diverse apparently city council candibackgrounds must set any dates Nathan Clay and Kevin personal agendas aside and Carlson. Clay had no opposiwork together to do what’s tion in the April 3 municipal best for the organization. election; Carlson narrowly “I feel I could bring a neu- edged out Jay Stooksberry by tral voice to the table,” she 22 votes. Tallies are not yet said. official; there are a handful of She and her husband have outstanding ballots awaiting lived in the Hotchkiss area for signature cures, and military almost eight years. She recog- and overseas electors have nizes the hospital as a critical until April 13 to return their asset to the community, both ballots. economically and in terms of By a wider margin, votpeople’s health. ers approved taxation of retail Smith and her husband marijuana and unprocessed have lived in the Hotchkiss marijuana products, if the area for 38 years. She has sales of those products are held a number of jobs and ever legalized in city limits. is currently self-employed in The margin on both measures sports equipment sales and was roughly 61 percent in shipping. favor, 39 percent against. Doug Speedie, M.D., was City clerk Jolene Nelson associated with Internal said voter turnout was about Medicine Associates of Delta 31.5 percent, which is average for 23 years before he went for municipal elections. to work for Rocky Mountain Parting Words Health Plans in 2005. In Bill Raley was a member 2017, he welcomed the oppor- of the Delta Planning Comtunity to resume working in mission for six years before Delta County and he joined appointment to Delta City the Delta-Montrose PACE Council in 2011, upon the HOSP. CANDIDATES TO A3 death of Bill Seuell. He won

Delta man caught during break-in Leaf Glimpse, 27, of Delta was reportedly caught in the act of a break-in at a home on 2050 Road, Delta, at about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3. The break-in was discovered by a contractor who was hired to make repairs while the property owners were out of town. Three deputies and a Colorado State Patrol trooper responded to his call. When Glimpse was ordered to come out of the residence, he allegedly became very combative and opened the door with a straightedged machete and a box cutter in his hands. Glimpse was known to deputies

“Being in the office, doing actual work and learning about the dental field before school — this is a lifetime experience.”

and known to have outstanding felony warrants. He allegedly threw the machete at the officers, then grabbed a piece of the door frame and attempted to strike them. Deputies tried unsuccessfully to taze Glimpse. They backed off and eventually were able to talk him into exiting the house. He was taken into custody without further incident. He is charged with first degree burglary, three counts of second degree assault on a peace officer, violation of bail bond conditions (x2), criminal mischief and resisting arrest. He is being held on bonds totaling $33,500.

re-election to the council twice. “I can say I enjoyed almost every minute of it,” he said. “We didn’t always agree on everything, but we always had the City of Delta’s interests at heart.” He encouraged the new council to take the same approach. Ed Sisson has also been on Delta City Council for eight years, including six as mayor. “Have I made a difference? I hope so,” he said. One of his greatest joys was reading proclamations, and on April 3 he had an opportunity to read two — one for Altrusa Founder’s Day on April 11 and the other recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week April 8-14. “I have served with some very forward-thinking individuals,” he said at the conclusion of the city council meeting. “Serving with four other individuals can be at times very taxing. During many hours of meetings, we have learned to agree to disagree. In the end we try to make decisions that will benefit this fine city.” Sisson said he served with three city managers — Joe Kirby, Justin Clifton and David Torgler. In between, community development director Glen Black filled in. “David Torgler being hired was one of the best decisions CITY COUNCIL TO A3

DCED annual meeting Delta County Economic Development will host its 22nd annual meeting on Thursday, April 12, at the Orchard City Town Hall. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with light appetizers and refreshments being served. The meeting will be called to order at 6:15 p.m. Results of the election of directors will be announced, a recap of the 2017 year will be discussed and members will be briefed on the 2018 budget. The meeting is open to the public; however, voting is restricted to investors of $500 per year or more. Please RSVP to 970874-4992 or stacey@deltacountyed.org.

A2 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS There is hope in the world among all the tragedy in the world. Colossians 3:2 says “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Whatever we make an idol of will either be a cross, if we be believers, or a curse, if unbelievers. We are here for a minute compared to eternity. Kids are being taught negative lifestyles for a reason I can’t fathom. What good does it do for a child to be taught alternative sex practices? As another letter put it, kids do not have access to Bibles in school. They are on their own so families can earn a living and they’re taught

by their peers what is right. If this is the norm today, try to imagine it in 50 years. We took prayer out of school about that long ago and look at it today! If anyone stood up then, they didn’t do it in enough force to make a difference. Lisa, your letter ended with a request for “believers” to stand up. A lot of us are but we need more. Praise God it is time if we are to save this generation. God bless them and all who care. Gary Herby Delta

Unaffiliated voter campaign kicks off

Dear Editor: In the past I have written letters complimenting and praising Delta-Montrose Community Concerts for the excellent talent and entertainment they have provided to the residents of Delta. I am aware that this special opportunity for our residents is in danger without new blood and new resident members willing to support the musical arts in our community by joining and purchasing annual memberships. Some of you members know that this year celebrates the 70th anniversary of this fine voluntary organization. The last concert of the year season will be held on April 24, 7:30 p.m., at the Delta Center for Performing Arts. This concert will feature the Simon

Dear Editor: “Jesus Christ offers hope” was the start of Lisa Martinez’ letter. What a refreshing letter. Thank you DCI for printing it. Yes, there is hope

Hats off to letter writer Dear Editor: Hats off to Wayne Talmage! Well said Wayne, in your letter to editor, “Celebrating the producers in rural America,” in April 4’s edition. Sheila Maki Hotchkiss

Colorado Secretary of State Wayne Williams has rolled out a campaign intended to help unaffiliated voters correctly fill out their ballots in the June 26 primary election. Unaffiliated voters can ask to receive a Republican or a Democratic ballot. Voters who don’t state a preference and get both ballots in the mail can only return one marked ballot — if they vote both, the ballots will be rejected. “Coloradans in 2016 allowed unaffiliated voters to automatically participate in primary elections,” Williams said. “We want to make sure those votes count. “Unaffiliated voters through early May can go to www.govotecolorado. com and choose a Republican or a Democratic

ballot. If an unaffiliated voter can give a preference in advance by visiting www.govotecolorado. com their ballot packet will cost the county 62 cents instead of $1.” As of the end of March, 29,484 of Colorado’s 1.4 million unaffiliated voters have indicated a preference. Of that, 54 percent asked for a Democratic ballot and 40 percent a Republican ballot. The rest asked for minor-party ballots but if there is no minor-party primary they will get both a Republican and Democratic ballot. The measure has no impact on Republicans or Democrats, who will receive a primary ballot with their candidates’ names. Visit UChoose.co.gov for additional information.

Citizen Report files for case dismissal PRESS RELEASE

Delta County Citizen Report (DCCR), an apolitical, nonprofit media organization reporting on Delta County, Colorado government, has filed to dismiss its case against Delta County Commissioners after successfully negotiating a new policy that improves open meeting processes at the county. During the past three months, the DCCR board and county staff worked together to develop the policy that, in some cases, expands on state statute governing open meetings law. County commissioners adopted the policy via resolution this Monday, April 2. County attorney John Baier and DCCR attorney, Michael King, led the development of the policy document using Colorado Open Meetings Law as a base and incorporating many suggestions from DCCR board members. “We are hopeful that these changes will give Delta County citizens better communication and connection with county lawmakers in the future,” said JoAnn Kalenak, senior blogger and president of DCCR. The policy’s keystone elements include: • Notice will be given for all meetings where a quorum of commissioners are present to discuss county business and DELTA COUNTY

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

where decisions may be made. • Meeting notices and agendas will be posted at the Delta County Courthouse entrance and at the North Fork Annex (new posting site) with, at least, 24-hour public access. A copy will also be included on the county website, “as technology allows.” • A detailed agenda will include all known presenters and will be as descriptive as possible at the time of the posting. • Each agenda item will be given a clearly identified time slot. • Additions and changes within the 24hour notice period are permitted only under special and unusual circumstances, and must be justified on record. To further improve transparency, County Commissioners have agreed to set up a task force to investigate what staff and technology would be needed to put documents included in public meetings on the county’s website along with posted agendas. DCCR filed suit against county commissioners on Dec. 22, 2017, naming violations of state statutes designed to promote transparency in government. The Colorado Supreme Court ordered the case moved to Mesa County citing a “conflict of interest” within Delta County’s judicial body. Since November 2016, Citizen Report has blogged on county commissioner public meetings, county projects, county development plans, county policies, and county budget and finance. The goal of the organization is to help ensure that county government is properly serving all Delta County residents and its objective is to promote a transparent, responsive and engaged county government.

Delta County Independent

Commissioners are a bull in a china shop Dear Editor: At the March 19 commissioner meeting, dozens of residents were present to question the recent decision to eliminate the Upper North Fork seat to the Delta County Planning Commission (PC). Several simply wanted Jen Sanborn, who had held the seat for more than three years, reinstated. Others questioned the transparency of the appointments and their legality under county regulations. Commissioners summed up their reasoning by telling the public that the “system needed to be fixed.” They told residents they made the decision so that each district would have equal representation.

Find out what you’ve been missing & Garfunkel experience, titled Scarborough Fair. Please plan to attend and find out what you have been missing, then purchase an annual ticket to insure you don’t miss any of the upcoming events 2018-19 season. You can visit the organization’s website at www.deltamontroseco certs.com for more and important information. Please consider supporting this incredible local organization dedicated to bring to Delta the kind of entertainment only enjoyed by large cities with staggering traffic jams, limited parking and lengthy drives. You are fortunate to live in Delta. Enjoy the life you chose, and enjoy the perks of big cities without the hassle. Bill Sutton Delta

The problem with this line of thinking, however, is that Delta County’s planning areas are not divided by population, as are districts. They are — by design — divided by community. The Upper North Fork is very different, communitywise, from Crawford for example. More than 10 years ago, Delta County’s planning department put considerable resources into developing the planning commission bylaws, the planning areas and how each area would be represented. The process was long, and involved countless hours of well thought-out work, yet it took commissioners minutes to dismantle the PC makeup, conceivably breaking the system rather than fixing it. A close examination of meeting minutes obtained by a Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) request revealed that no discussion about why commissioners felt that the system needed to be fixed was recorded on public record. Commissioner Don Suppes, who brought the original complaint to fellow commissioners, said on March 20, 2017, during a public meeting, he did so “after a discussion with RPI,” the county’s consultant for the Master Plan update. He provided no details and commissioners simply agreed. In a conversation I had last week with Gabe Preston, principal consultant with RPI, he didn’t recall any conversation involving the PC markup other than anecdotally mentioning how Park County planning is done. He added that he didn’t know a lot about how Delta County’s PC was

configured. Commissioner Mark Roeber, whose district lost a PC seat, agreed that the system needed to be fixed. “There needs to be more equalization among the districts,” says Roeber. In other words, he and the other commissioners, have chosen their own political districts over community uniqueness and their right to representation. As a result, one such community has lost its voice — the Upper North Fork. Rather than district equalization on the PC, would it have been smarter to examine the planning areas, which were meant to be redesigned as communities grow and change? Commissioner Suppes’ original complaint could have been easily addressed by adding an additional planning area within his district. Cedaredge is arguably very different from Orchard City. At the end of the day, had this discussion taken place in a public forum with county staff, the planning commission and members of the public, well-considered options, without public backlash, would have been a lot more likely. It’s called the democratic process. P.S. At a planning meeting, new appointee, Lucinda Stanley declined to represent the PC in upcoming Master Plan public meetings. She cited her inexperience with the development of the Master Plan. In this case, shouldn’t she abstain from the final vote on the plan as well? JoAnn Kalenak Hotchkiss

Delta Police, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Police Department: April 1: Officers responded to East 2nd Street and Meeker Street to assist with a medical transport. April 2: Officers took a report of property damage in the area of Hwy. 50 and Hwy. 92 Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the area of West 1st Street and Palmer Street. The vehicle eluded law enforcement. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Bluff Street for a report of theft of license plates. Officers responded to the area of 2390 Pioneer Road for a private property accident. Officers responded to the 1300 block of Grand Avenue for a report of a burglary. Officers responded to the intersection of 5th Street and Main Street for a report of a traffic accident. Officers responded to the 400 block of Howard Street for a report of fraud. Officers responded to the 800 block of Dodge Street for a medical assist. Troy M. Messano, 51, of Delta was issued a summons on charges of trespass. April 3: Officers responded to 101 North Main Street, Stinkers gas station, for a report of a disturbance. Miguel A. Ramirez-Gonzalez, 20, of Olathe was arrested and jailed on a felony warrant out of Montrose County, Miguel A. Ramirez-Gonzalez, 20, of Olathe was arrested and jailed on charges of possession of schedule II (meth). Jacob G. Jones, 32, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a Delta County warrant. Officers assisted the Delta County Sheriff’s Office in trying to locate a missing juvenile female. Officers took a report of credit card fraud. Officers responded to the 600 block of Silver Street for a report of a missing person. April 4: Officers responded to 101 Hwy. 92, Maverik gas station, for a report of counterfeit money. Nicholas J.S. Danyluk, 39, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two Delta County warrants with a total bond of $2,000 cash only. Officers responded to 1400 Pioneer Road, Delta High School, for a private property accident. Officers responded to 790 Howard, Cleland Park, for a report of a burning plastic porta pottie. Jessica L. Forsythe, 33, of Montrose was arrested and jailed on charges of protection order violation. Officers provided an agency assist. Officers responded to an address on Ute Street for a Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) inspection. April 5: Brandon K. Hart, 28, of Montrose was issued a proof of service and had his driver’s license seized. Officers had an abandoned vehicle towed from the 600 block of Ray Court. Officers took a lobby report of possible harassment. Officers provided an agency assist for the Center for Mental Health. Officers took a report of a juvenile problem. Officers responded to the alley behind C&J’s restaurant for a report of found property. Officers responded to the 700 block of Main Street for a report of theft. Officers responded to 108 Gunnison River Drive, McDonald’s, for a report of theft. Officers responded to 820 Hwy. 92, Needle Rock Brewery, for a report of a private property traffic accident. Rebecca M. Loos, 24, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a $750 bond. Officers responded to the 100 block of Garnet Avenue for a report of criminal mischief. April 6: Officers responded to Hwy. 50 at Pioneer Road in response to a traffic hazard. Officers took a report of a vehicle trespass in the 900 block of Meeker Street. Officers responded to an unattended death, non-suspicious. Officers took a report of a vehicle trespass in the 600 block of Grand Avenue. A 15-year-old juvenile male was issued a summons for illegal possession of marijuana and minor in possession. A 15-year-old juvenile male was issued a summons for illegal possession of marijuana and minor in possession. A juvenile petition was completed and sent to the district attorney’s office for drug violations. Officers took a report of possible sex assault on a child. Brian J. Hunter, 49, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of violation of a protection order and drove vehicle without license under restraint. Khyrsten M. Springer, 27, of Cedaredge was arrested and jailed on a warrant out of Mesa County with a $500 bond. Officers responded to 122 Gunnison River Drive, City Market, for a private property traffic accident. Gonzalo P. Falcon, 78, of Eckert was issued a summons for restricted license and careless driving. Officers provided medical transport to Delta County Memorial Hospital. April 7:

Officers responded to Hwy. 92 at Stafford Lane for a report of a traffic accident. Aaron R. Clay, 64, of Delta was issued a citation for charges of following too close. Citations: Four tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): April 2: A resident of 2000 Road, Delta, reported a screen had been removed from a window of his home and items on his back porch had been moved around. Minor things were missing. April 3: A Peach Valley resident who said four saddles were stolen from a tack shed on his property found a neighbor’s cell phone in that shed. Deputies spoke with the neighbor, who denied the theft. They arranged a meeting between the two parties, who came up with an agreement for restitution. At about 4 p.m., a 59-yearold Delta woman was reported missing by her husband, who said she had left for a walk about 9 a.m. that morning. He also said she had been struggling with mental and medical issues. Delta County Search & Rescue searched until dark, then resumed the search the following morning. Early that afternoon, the woman’s body was found. Cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A resident of F Road, Delta, reported the theft of a credit card from his mail. Several days later, someone tried to use the credit card at a Delta business. The attempt was not successful because the card had not been activated. Using the information on the credit card, which was left behind, the business owner contacted the rightful owner. April 4: At about 1:30 p.m., Paonia and Hotchkiss firefighters were dispatched to a large out-of-control burn between 35800 and 35914 Highway 133. Two DMEA power poles, two campers and a privacy fence were damaged. A house suffered heat damage. The controlled burn was started by Samuel Fritzlan, who told deputies he thought he had thoroughly soaked the area with water before he left the scene. The sheriff’s office is considering a summons for fourth degree arson. A 13-year-old female was reported as a runaway from her grandfather’s home west of Delta. She reportedly ran away a week or so earlier but had returned. A Clifton area woman who drove to 1900 Road, Delta,

to look at property said she was confronted by a female she described as malnourished and uneducated. She contacted deputies because she believed the female to be Abby Blagg, missing from Mesa County since 2001. Deputies turned the information over to Mesa County authorities. April 5: At about 12:30 p.m., an out-of-control fire was reported on Pitkin Road, Paonia. The property owner had properly contacted the burn line, so no charges were filed. He and a neighbor agreed to work out restitution for damages. A Paonia resident reported that he had just received a prescription refill in the mail and 18 pills were missing from the bottle. Deputies responded to the hospital emergency room, where an Austin mother had taken her two daughters because she suspected child abuse. The emergency room physician found no physical signs of abuse. Child Protective Services was notified. At about 11 p.m., a Delta area man spotted someone trying to steal his tractor. Deputies contacted Chad Larkins, 34, of Hotchkiss, who initially provided a false identity. He was charged with criminal impersonation, third degree trespass, aggravated motor vehicle theft and second degree burglary. The owner of the tractor reported a battery booster was also missing; it was not located. April 8: A Delta resident called in a rollover accident near the intersection of 1600 and B roads at about 4 a.m. Delta firefighters arrived on the scene and were able to get the door of the vehicle open, but no one was inside. The Colorado State Patrol is handling the investigation. A deputy patrolling in Hotchkiss spotted a suspicious vehicle at Stop ‘n Save at about 7 p.m. As he approached the vehicle, the driver sped away. The driver, later identified as David Reed, 32, of Paonia, allegedly headed westbound on Highway 92 at a very high rate of speed. As speeds approached 100 mph, the deputy backed off and maintained visual contact. The driver allegedly turned off on Payne Siding Road, then came back onto Highway 92 without stopping. Flames were visible on the undercarriage of the car. Reed stopped and complied with the deputy’s commands to exit the vehicle. A Colorado State Patrol trooper and firefighters arrived to assist, but the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. It was determined Reed was wanted on a felony warrant out of Grand Junction. He is also charged with vehicular eluding, reckless driving, speeding 40+, driving under restraint and disregarding a traffic control device.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

No suspects identified in threats at Cedaredge Middle BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

On Monday, district superintendent Caryn Gibson said no suspects have been identified as making the threats at Cedaredge Middle School last week. Law enforcement, district leadership and school administrators

have all been working on the case, she added. On the morning of Wednesday, April 4, notice went out to parents at CMS and CHS of two separate threats — one written on a bathroom stall and the other on a desk at Cedaredge Middle School. The nature of the threats

was not revealed. Because of the proximity to CMS, CHS principal Randy Brown advised parents that staff was being extra vigilant, and officers from the Cedaredge Police Department were on hand to ensure a safe school environment.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

40+ vendors display their wares

Norm Coon, owner of Norm’s Home Improvements, explains his products during the Spring Expo at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. The spring home/garden improvement show is sponsored annually by the Delta Area Chamber of Commerce. Darnell Place-Wise, the chamber’s executive director, said vendors were pleased with the contacts they made over the two-day expo, even though they felt trafﬁc was down a bit.

Hosp. candidates FROM PAGE A1 program as medical director. He and his wife are residents of Orchard City. He is a member of the Orchard City Planning

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Committee and serves on the boards of Western Colorado AHEC and the statewide Colorado Physician Health Program. “I have a deep and abiding interest in DCMH because I worked there for so many years, and my wife continues to work there,” he said. He said his first priority is to ensure the hospital’s financial viability; the second is continued quality of care and continuing improvements at the hospital. Bob Stechert is a retired AT&T attorney who moved to Delta County in 2001. He served on the school board four years and is currently chairman of the Delta County Planning Commission. “I have always been interested in providing community service,” he said. “That’s why I ran for the school board and why I accepted an appointment to the planning commission.” His term ends in January and term limits prohibit him from seeking another term. With a general interest in health and the welfare of the community, he decided to run for the hospital board. He attended the most recent hospital board meeting and said he was impressed with how professionally the meeting was conducted and the thoroughness of the discussions. In terms of the hospital’s fiscal health, he said the annual report from the auditor was very positive. Wayne Wolf, a resi-

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dent of Delta County since 1972, was for many years involved in the operation of his family’s ranch. The operation has been scaled back, leaving time for Wolf to pursue a Ph.D. in public policy and administration from Walden University. A member of the instructional staff at Colorado Christian University, he teaches online courses in leadership and ethics. With the completion of his Ph.D., he was moved to CCU’s new public administration department. Wolf also taught high school math at Vision Charter Academy and served as county commissioner from 2001 to 2009. There are similarities between the county and the hospital, Wolf said. “When I ran for county commissioner, I thought the county was being run very well; I had no agenda. It’s the same with the hospital board. I don’t have an agenda, I have no bone to pick. I just want to contribute.” Every registered elector in Delta County will receive a ballot for the hospital board election, and will have the opportunity to select three directors for four-year terms. The ballots will go out in the mail early next week and must be returned by 7 p.m. on Election Day — Tuesday, May 8.

City council FROM PAGE A1 we made during my tenure. He has been and will continue to be a breath of fresh air to our wonderful community.” Sisson was complimentary of other city staff members, as well. He encouraged all council members to take advantage of training offered through the Colorado Municipal League. He urged Ron Austin, Gerald Roberts, Chris Ryan, Nathan Clay and Kevin Carlson to realize they are all on the same team.

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A4 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Visit your library for a book, a backpack, a packet of seeds BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

The second week in April is an ideal time to visit your local library. Libraries across the nation celebrate National Library Week, an observance sponsored by the American Library Association since 1958. This year’s theme, “Libraries Lead,” represents all of the ways in which libraries support the communities they serve. Misty Copeland, the National Library Week honorary chair, says, “Discover your passions and achieve your

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goals at the library.” In this way, Delta County Libraries offers many opportunities for library-goers in the springtime. Whether you are looking for information on birdwatching in the high desert, hoping for an opportunity to take a hike in a Colorado state park, or searching for an economical way to grow your garden, Delta County Libraries is there to help. Library patrons have a wealth of information available to them through the libraries, both in physical materials and online resources. Patrons also have access to some unique resources, like the Colorado state park backpacks that are available for check out with a library card and include a daily state parks pass.

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DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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Additionally, the Delta County Seed Library offers seed packets for check out at all five libraries countywide. “In 2018, we have over 2,200 seed packets available for check out from our five libraries countywide,” says Sarah Pope, Hotchkiss staff member and seed librarian. Also in April, Delta County Libraries delivers nearly 500 books, along with a craft, into the hands of four-year-olds throughout the county during the One Book 4 Colorado book giveaway. “Spring is a busy time for us here at Delta County Libraries,” says Lea Hart, district director for Delta County Libraries. “National Library Week is a great reminder to recognize everything that is happening at our libraries and the staff who make it possible. We would encourage patrons to visit their libraries, make use of library resources and thank their librarians for the work that they do during the week-long celebration.” In Delta County, people can participate by visiting any of the five library locations, perusing the online library from home, attending a library program, checking out a state parks backpack, browsing for seeds, or simply thanking a librarian for their service during the week of April 9-13. For information on library locations and hours, library services, and a calendar of events, visit www.deltalibraries. org.

90th birthday celebration

Lale Jackson celebrated her 90th birthday Thursday, April 5. As part of the celebration her brother, Sky Fairlamb, took Lale for a ride in his 90-yearold automobile, a 1928 Ford Model A.

Scholarships available for adult continuing education Delta County adults who are seeking higher or continuing education are invited to apply for a $1,000 scholarship, offered by Altrusa International of Delta, Inc. The service organization annually awards several scholarships to non-traditional students and to high school students who are members of the Altrusa-sponsored ASTRA Clubs. The deadline for applications is April 20. The applicant must reside in Delta County and must have been out of high school at least five years. Scholarship monies must be used for the summer

� �� Black Canyon Camera The registration dead�� Club will be hosting its line is May 20, and there �� fourth annual photog- is an early registration �� raphy show and sale at discount for the open class

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Call for photographers the Creamery Arts Center in Hotchkiss June 8-30. Photographers are invited to submit up to four photographs in one of three classes (18 and under, novice, and open). The open class comprises six categories.

Photo by Annette Brand

or fall terms of 2018. Applicants will be notified by May 15 if they have received a scholarship, and the scholarship will be awarded in July. Proof of enrollment must be submitted to Altrusa prior to funds being released. The funds will be sent directly to the student. Altrusa will also award $500 scholarships to members of Delta County ASTRA clubs at Delta and Cedaredge high schools who demonstrate excellent service to the community, academic promise, and plan to attend a college, university, trade school or online school this year. More information, qualification guidelines and applications are online at www.Altrusa InternationalOfDelta. com; please note that only digital applications

will be accepted. For more information, call Altrusan Kami Collins at 970-361-8905. Funds for the scholarships are raised in part from the club’s annual events, the Deltarado Days kickoff dinner at Cleland Park and the Sugar Plum Festival & Little Side Street Market in the fall. Altrusa is an international nonprofit organization, making our local communities better through leadership, partnership, and service. The mission of Altrusa International of Delta is to be leaders in service, addressing the needs of the community. We strive to be a positive influence by supporting projects that enable the greatest number of people to better themselves by improving their self-esteem through continuing education.

until April 30. The perimeter (sum of all sides) of an entry (including framing) must not exceed 200 inches. The prospectus and entry form are available on the club website: www.blackcanyoncamera club.com.

Sponsors sought for horseshoe, corn hole tournament

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VFW Post #3571 of Delta and the VFW Auxiliary are planning a new event — a horseshoe and corn hole tournament to take plae Saturday, June 9, at Cleland Park in Delta. The veterans organizations are seeking sponsors for this event, which is a fundraiser for a new building in North Delta. A donation of $70 or more would be greatly appreciated. Prizes are also welcome. Sponsor names will be prominently displayed at the tournament. For more information, call Della Ware at 8723327.

Photos by Pat Sunderland

An elegant afternoon

Helen Wurm attended her ﬁrst prom with her husband of 10 years, Duncan, Saturday, April 7, at Delta High School, where they were crowned queen and king. A silhouette of the Titanic dominated one wall of the high school gym, while gauzy fabric and a beautiful chandelier were hung from the ceiling. The gym was decorated for the DHS prom later that same day. The Senior Prom was well attended by members of the community, as well as residents of longterm care facilities in Delta, Eckert, Paonia and Olathe. Take Five provided live music for dancing.

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Four 50J seniors named Daniels Fund Scholars Four Delta County high school seniors who have demonstrated exceptional character, leadership, and commitment to the community have earned a place in the Daniels Scholarship Program. Among the 238 students selected as 2018 Daniels Scholars are Kayla Kensler, Cedaredge High School; Thomas Neil, Delta High School; and Slater Podgorny and Anders Schopp, Paonia High School. A total of 2,250 students applied for the Daniels Scholarship Program this year. Selected scholars include 146 from Colorado, 30 from New Mexico, 26 from Utah, and 36 from Wyoming. The Daniels Fund is one of the most coveted scholarships in the state. It allows recipients to choose from any accredited nonprofit university or college in the country and helps cover tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies and miscellaneous expenses after all other scholarships and financial aid are considered. “These young people have demonstrated the character, leadership, and commitment to serving their communities that define a Daniels Scholar,” said Linda Childears, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund. “Our goal is to help each of these scholars succeed in college and ultimately become independent, successful in a rewarding career, and actively engaged in their community.” Kayla Kensler, the daughter of Eric Kensler, plans to obtain a degree in premed from Colorado Christian University,

Kayla Kensler

then apply to CU Medical School. After four years of medical school and four years of residency, she would like to pursue a career as an emergency room doctor. “After becoming a doctor I would really like to come back to Cedaredge to work because I love the small town and everything it offers,” she said. “Becoming a doctor has always been my dream (I want to be in the emergency room because it’s something new every day and I enjoy the adrenaline) and this profession is my way of helping others and giving back to my community. “The Daniels has given me the opportunity to have my dream and a better chance of getting into medical school with little to no debt. I’m grateful for this and relieved that my dad won’t have to worry about putting me through college. I want to thank everyone who has helped me and pushed me to always do my best.”

a job here or somewhere close,” he said. “I don’t see any reason to leave if I don’t have to.”

Delta High School

Students of the Month Madeline Tracey

Age: 18 Parents: Brian Tracey, Kimberly Page

Favorite subject: AP Statistics, AP Environmental Science Favorite teacher: Mrs. Cronenberg and Mr. Graves. I love all my teachers and classes! Most influential person in your life: My brother. He is so independent and never makes excuses for anything. If he’s struggling at something, he’ll work harder to get better. After graduation I plan to go to college in the most beautiful state there is — Colorado — and after I’d like to join the Peace Corps to devote my time to a greater cause. Favorite saying: Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. ~Maya Angelou Favorite musician/song: Drops of Jupiter - Train Favorite TV show: I don’t have time for TV shows. They’re all too addicting. Activities: I am part of the Youth Outdoor Network Club. As the vice president, I help organize really fun activities to get more students involved outdoors. We do rafting trips, hiking, camping and so much more that really brings everyone together. In my spare time, I spend time with friends and family, go boating, bake and do crafts.

Brandon Harper

Age: 17 Parents: Missy Gallegos, Tom Gallegos Favorite subject: Biology Favorite teacher: Mr. Graves Most influential person in your life: My club soccer coach, Ron Edmondson. I grew up with him coaching me and he pushed me to be the best I can be. After graduation I plan to go to college to study biology and play soccer. Favorite saying: Go big or go home.

Favorite musician/song: I Fall Apart - Post Malone Favorite TV show: Impractical Jokers

Activities: I am a member of the Youth Outdoor Network. I challenge myself with AP and college level courses and am volunteering with the school pond project. In my spare time I like to get outdoors to fish, hunt and camp. I also love to play soccer and lift weights. I enjoy spending time with family. The Delta County Independent, Delta Elks Lodge and Maverik celebrate the success of these students. DHS would like to thank them for their generosity and support.

wanted to open the envelope with his mom, but couldn’t wait. He had a good feeling about it and just peeked inside the envelope. When Schopp heard Podgorny received his envelope, he headed for the post office and also opened the envelope as soon as he got it. When his mom found out, she was thrilled, said Schopp. “That was an emotional

day for her.” The Daniels Fund, established by cable television pioneer Bill Daniels, is a private charitable foundation dedicated to making life better for the people of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming through its grants program, scholarship program, and ethics initiative. Visit Daniels Fund.org to learn more.

Slater Podgorny Slater Podgorny, the son of Moni Slater and the late Greg Podgorny, said he is considering an in-state university, or Grinnell College in Iowa or Cornell University in New York where he could play baseball. Schopp is the son of Julie Bergdahl of Paonia and Peter Schopp of Grand Junction. He plans to study physics at Montana State University, and also wants to play baseball. Schopp and Podgorny applied for other scholarships, but were most

Thomas Neil Thomas Neil, the son of Dan and Jenni Neil, plans to attend Colorado Mesa University to study music business. He will probably transfer to the Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas. Neil has made his mark in both vocal and instrumental music, and he plans to combine his talent for music with a desire to serve as a youth minister. Southwestern Assemblies of God University offers a degree in church leadership that is broad enough to allow him to step into whatever role he feels called to. He hopes to return to Delta County. “It would be really amazing to get

anxious to hear from the Daniels Fund. They were notified by U.S. mail four days after receiving an email notice that selections had been made. They checked the mail every day. “It was a long, agonizing wait,” said Schopp. Their envelopes arrived at the Paonia post office on the same day. Podgorny said he

Anders Schopp

Students of the Month

Photos submitted

Delta Middle School proudly announces the March Students of the Month. Pictured above are sixth graders (left to right) Dakota Jessee, Ana Asavei, Kyler Pietak, John Martinez, Anabelle Kraii, Nicholas Serve and Wyatt Terrell. Below are seventh and eighth grade students (front row, left to right) Hayley Lancaster, Everlea Lewis, Hazel Lancaster, Ryelle Wilding, Kiara Fresquez, Ezria Abeyta, Evelyln Guttierez; (back row) Devan Neil, Jacob Edwards, Alexis Barajas, Mackenzie Sharpe, Ellie Ames and Ray Bermudez. Not pictured: Brendan Baier and Courage Gallegos.

A6 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Delta County students present air quality research Since January, nearly 100 Delta County high schoolers have been conducting hands-on air quality research, thanks to a partnership between the University of Colorado Boulder and three local high schools. And now the students will present their projects at two symposiums that are free and open to the public: • Wednesday, April 11, 6-7:30 p.m., Paonia

at Delta High School will present their research. The keynote speaker will be Joanna Casey-Gordon, who recently completed her doctorate in mechanical engineering at CU Boulder. These events, which will include free pizza dinners, are co-sponsored by the Western Slope Conservation Center. Under the guidance of CU Boulder mechanical engineering associate professor Michael Hannigan, graduate and undergraduate students have worked closely with teachers from Delta, Hotchkiss and Paonia high schools to help the students design projects that investigate local air quality issues. The high school students designed their own research project, collected samples using low-cost, next-generation air quality monitors developed in Photo submitted Hannigan’s lab and then Students in Delta County use a handheld monitor analyzed their own data. designed at CU Boulder to test air quality. Projects include: investigating carbon dioxide levels in classrooms, which High School, 846 Grand Avenue, Paonia. This will feature student projects from Jim Frasier’s class at Paonia High School and Michael Munoz’s class at Hotchkiss High School. The keynote speaker will be CU Boulder Environmental Engineering Professor Joe Ryan. • Thursday, April 12, 6-7:30 p.m., Delta High School, 1400 Pioneer Road, Delta. Students from Ben Graves’ class

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chip removed so there’s no limit on exhaust) versus an unmodified truck; and a project looking at

may cause sleepiness; differences in carbon dioxide emissions from a modified truck (a performance

how dogs sleeping in the bedroom with humans affects carbon dioxide levels.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Royal court

Shyanne Steele and Drake Horn were crowned queen and king at the Delta High School prom Saturday night. Trevor Whiteside and Abby Carlson were named prince and princess. Runners-up were Caleb Miramontes and Haylee Curry, juniors, and Logan Freed and Brianna Depaiva-Rapoza, seniors. Pictured above from left to right are Whiteside, Carlson, Freed, Steele and Horn. The RMS Titanic formed a backdrop for an elegant evening of dancing.

Delta Middle School’s PRIDE

As a student at middle school, you might have been worried if you heard the principal call your name. At Delta Middle School, hearing the principal call your name might be your proudest moment. Middle school can be a challenging experience, so knowing you are appreciated can be reassuring. Rewarding students for hard work and excellent behavior is the best way to teach students they can make a difference doing the right thing. Several years ago an old tradition was revived at Delta Middle School. The goal was to encour-

age positive behavior and effort, so the Golden Panther award was reborn. “This is not only for one character trait, but many,” according to Deanne Olivas, sixth grade social studies teacher. The Golden Panther award celebrates the following traits: • P - Perseverance • A - Active participant • N - Encouraging • T - Thankful • H - Honesty • E - Effort • R - Respect These same traits are used for Student of the Month awards, but stu-

dents can only receive one of those awards each year, regardless of whether they are worthy candidates. However, students that exemplify all of these traits are not ignored. They can be nominated for the Golden Panther. Individual teachers nominate the winners, but the staff must approve them. And that is only one of the awards for students. Each year, DMS selects students from the eighth grade for the Hall of Honor Award. This prestigious award is awarded only once a year to eighth grade students for their character and behavior during all three years at Delta Middle School. This means there can be many winners, but few students can actually meet that high standard for the entirety of their middle school years. In the past, there have been as many as 18 honorees, some years as few as seven. Since 2009, students who achieve this high honor are also commemorated with a special glazed tile (with their name and design) that is permanently mounted in the east hallway of the seventh and eighth grade building of the middle school. Students who

win the Hall of Honor Award almost always go on to future success in high school and college, because this award is really a sign of the individual’s character and determination. The Panther Elite award is another achievement for students at Delta Middle School. Panther Elites are students who participated in every sport possible for seventh and eighth grade boys or girls. All students can qualify for this award, but they have to remain eligible for the season. That means their grades have to be above an “F” every week. Managing a sport and their classes can be very demanding. For boys, this means their fall sport will be cross-country or football, their winter sports must be basketball and wrestling, and in the spring, they are in track. For girls, their fall sport must be cross-country or volleyball, their winter sport must be basketball or wrestling, and in the spring, they must be in track. Delta Middle School truly values all students, awards or not. But those students who go the extra mile are noticed and appreciated.

Photos by Pat Sunderland

Best of Show

Two receptions heralded the opening of the Delta County District Art Show at the Garden Center in Delta. Virtually every artist in the county is represented in the show, said event organizer Jamie Roeber. The entire 70,000-square-foot building is filled with original works of art from elementary, middle and high school students. In the high school category, “Brookie” (above) by Hunter Campbell of Cedaredge High School was named Best of Show 2D. Caitlyn Littlefield (below) used wood, watercolors, paint and black pen to create the seven wonders of the world. Littlefield is a student at Hotchkiss High School. A complete list of results will be published in the April 18 edition of the DCI. The art show is open at the Garden Center, 1970 S. Main in Delta, Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through April 22.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

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‘Scarborough Fair’ in series finale Prepare to fall in love again with the music of Simon and Garfunkel! The Guthrie Brothers, Jeb and Jock will bring you that opportunity on Tuesday, April 24, at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue at 7:30 p.m. This wonderfully authentic rendition

of Simon and Garfunkel songs is made available under the auspices of the Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association. From their first startlingly authentic rendition of “Sound of Silence,” to their playful version of Cecilia, Jeb and Jock Guthrie will have every

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Guthrie Brothers

Fly fishing expo, film tour planned Whether enjoyed as a solitary endeavor or with a fun-loving group of friends, the always essential ingredient for a satisfying fly fishing experience is a prime fishing spot. When RossReels and RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service bring the Fly Fishing Film Tour to the Montrose Pavilion on April 14, the evening will be all about

Gunnison Gorge Anglers to meet Gunnison Gorge Anglers announce a general meeting Thursday, April 19, 7 to 9 p.m. at Needle Rock Brewing Company, 820 Highway 92, Delta. Come for dinner and stay for an excellent presentation. Garrett Hanks, the Trout Unlimited liason for public lands, will be presenting on the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forest (GMUG) resource management plan as well as the Delta County Trails Master Plan. The end of the public comment period for these is rapidly approaching. Specifics of the plans can be viewed by searching online for GMUG Resource Management and on the Delta County website. Garrett will be “all ears” at the meeting, so bring your ideas and questions.

preserving and improving fishing habitat on the Uncompahgre River. On April 14, the films will be preceded by a fly fishing gear expo starting at 3 p.m. and featuring casting and tying demos, talks by local fly fishing expert guides Kirk Deeter and Matt McCannel, and giveaways every half hour. A cocktail hour with locally brewed beers starts at 6 p.m. and the films begin at 7 p.m. Tickets for the Fly Fishing Film Tour & Uncompaghre River Benefit at the Montrose Pavilion, 1800 E Pavilion Place, are $14 in advance online at https://shop.fishrigs. com/search/film or at RIGS, 565 Sherman Street, Unit #2, Ridgway, or $17 on Saturday, April 14. Admission to the fly fishing expo is free. For event information, go to www.uncompahgrewater shed.org/events.

audience member smiling ... and singing along. Through songs, stories, trivia and humor, they pay homage to the music of Simon and Garfunkel and playfully engage the audience along the way. The show highlights the brothers’ deep spiritual connection to this music, and to the 60s, the time period that made it all happen. The Guthries’ original music received national attention with the release of their self-titled album. The album garnered extensive airplay on both Americana and country radio stations. About the album, Billboard magazine said, “Many stations will find the well-written heartfelt lyrics and wonderful harmonies a welcome addition to their airwaves.” The album has been re-released and is available online at the iTunes Music Store, Spotify and Rhapsody. Jeb and Jock perform this tribute show with startling authenticity in an “unplugged” acoustic style. The brothers have been singing together for

as long as either one of them can remember — a major reason for the perfect blend of their harmonies. Both play acoustic guitar and sing, and add a bit of percussion and bass from time to time. If a 2018-2019 season ticket is purchased at this concert, the concert is free. Single admission prices are $20/adult, $5/ student. Season tickets are $45/adult, $15/student; $90/family. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to purchase tickets. For more information, contact Bob Brown, 970-835-4480.

AARP offers drivers ed Bill Heddles Recreation Center will host the AARP Smart Driver program Monday, April 16, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Save money on insurance and keep up on newer traffic laws. The cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Pre-registration is required; call Carol Layton at 399-3113.

Taste of Spring set for April 21 Delta County Young Life and the Delta Lions Club are partnering to present the third annual Taste of Spring event, April 21, 5-8 p.m., at Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Ticket holders who attend the event are treated to samplings of some of Delta County’s best foods and beverages. In addition, David Starr will provide live music, and there will be a live and silent auction. “This fundraiser benefits two incredible non-

profits in our community, Delta Lions Club and Delta County Young Life,” said Ty Gallenbeck, Young Life director. “We appreciate your interest in participating in this worthwhile event that showcases some of western Colorado’s finest cuisine, most soughtafter wines, craft beers and unique spirits offerings.” Tickets are $25 in advance. To RSVP, call 970-216-5680 or find Taste of Spring Delta 2018 on Facebook.

Spring into Shape on Saturday The City of Delta Recreation Department’s annual “Spring into Shape” 5k fun run/walk will be held Saturday, April 14, on the trails around Confluence Lake. This event is for all ages and begins at 9 a.m. Signups will be accepted until 8:30 a.m. race day, but pre-register to be guaranteed a T-shirt. To register, call Bill Heddles Recreation Center at 874-0923.

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Photo submitted

Utes past and present

Roland McCook, president of the Native American Cultural Programs, will talk about the Ute Indians of the past and present at Delta Library. Designated by his tribe as an ofﬁcial historian, McCook is a descendant of Ute leaders Chief Ouray and his wife, Chipeta. The program is scheduled Monday, April 16, at 5 p.m. at Delta Library. Contact the library at 874-9630 for more information.

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A8 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

National Crime Victims’ Week observed BY PAT SUNDERLAND

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Managing Editor

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In observance of National Crime Victims’ Week, April 8-14, Chief Luke Fedler and victim services coordinator Becki Havens provided an overview of victim services offered by the Delta Police Department. They spoke at the April 3 city council meeting. Havens said she works closely with Leah Valdez, victim services coordinator for the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office, and law enforcement agencies across the 7th Judicial District. That level of

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cooperation is rarely seen in other parts of the state, but is a necessity in rural agencies where personnel often wear more than one hat. Such is the case with Havens, who also serves as the police department’s public information officer. Her number one priority, however, is victim services. She explained the emphasis on services for innocent victims of crime originated with President Ronald Reagan shortly after the assassination attempt on his life. He formed a task force that came up with 68 recommendations and sought amendments to state constitutions establishing victim rights. The amendment was adopted in Colorado in the November 1992 election. The constitution now ensures that every victim of a criminal act (or their immediate family members) is treated as a

crucial participant in the criminal justice system. They have the right to be heard, informed and present at all critical stages of the criminal justice process. Victim statements are a crucial element of sentencing, and can have a profound effect on the judge’s determination, Havens said. It is the intent of the legislation that all victims of and witnesses to crimes are honored and protected by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and judges in a manner no less vigorous than the protection afforded criminal defendants. Victim services from the Delta Police Department are available 24/7 and can include crisis counseling, follow-up contact, criminal justice support, crime victim compensation, transportation and safe house shelter. Havens provides death

notifications and responds to unattended deaths to be with the family of the deceased. In 2015, the program provided services to 256 primary and secondary victims of crime. That number climbed to 290 in 2016 and to 377 in 2018, and Havens said she doesn’t see that trend reversing. The services at DPD are sustained through the Victim Assistance and Law Enforcement (VALE) program and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) assistance grants. In her 10 years with the DPD, Havens said the department has received grants totaling $450,000 to $500,000 to fund victim services. A brochure detailing all the services offered to victims of crime can be obtained from the police department at 215 W. 5th Street in Delta.

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

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Candidate meets with local Dems

Former State Representative Diane Mitsch Bush of Steamboat Springs made two stops in Delta County last week as part of her campaign for the 3rd Congressional District seat currently held by Republican Scott Tipton. She met with voters for roundtables in Delta and Paonia on Thursday afternoon. Topics included the local economy, jobs, health care, the Second Amendment, energy diversiﬁcation and immigration reform.

E-Verify launched On April 18, President Trump signed the Buy American and Hire American executive order to help reduce illegal immigration and preserve jobs for U.S. workers. To support these objectives, U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services encourages all U.S. employers to verify all new hires through EVerify. This website is the authoritative source for information on electronic employment eligibility verification. E-Verify.gov is for employers, employees and the general public. For more information on USCIS and its programs, please visit uscis.gov or follow USCIS on Twitter (@uscis and @EVerify), YouTube (/uscis), Facebook (/uscis), and Instagram (@USCIS).

Photo submitted

Fair Housing Month

On behalf of the Delta County Board of Realtors, the county commissioners proclaim the month of April as Fair Housing Month in the county and urge all citizens of Delta County to become aware of and support the Fair Housing Law. The year 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 which guarantees that housing throughout the United States should be made available to all citizens without regard to race, color, religion, gender, familial status, disability or national origin. Receiving the proclamation from Commissioners Mark Roeber, Doug Atchley and Don Suppes for Delta County Board of Realtors are Nancy Wood and Snub Liles.

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NORTH FORK April 11, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Voters increase Paonia sales tax BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Beginning in July, taxable purchases made in Paonia will cost an extra penny per dollar after voters approved Ballot Measure 2G asking for a 1 percent sales tax increase. Voters approved the measure, 264-241, or by a margin of 4.56 percent. Paonia currently collects 2 percent, or 2¢ for every dollar, on taxable items purchased within town limits. Of that, 1 percent goes to the General Fund and the other 1 percent to the Capital Improvement Fund.

The increase will become effective on July 1, according to town clerk Corinne Ferguson. The town estimates the increase will raise an additional $130,000 of revenue in its first full year, with 100 percent allocated to the town’s General Fund. The board of trustees will determine how to spend the new revenue through the budgeting process. The increase raises the total amount collected on taxable goods sold in town from 6.9 to 7.9 percent and includes a 2 percent Delta County sales tax, and a 2.9 percent Colorado sales tax.

Wilkening elected Hotchkiss mayor BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In the race for Hotchkiss mayor, Larry Wilkening soundly defeated Thomas Wills with 75 percent of the vote. The tally was 191 for Wilkening and 61 for Wills. Wilkening will replace Wendell Koontz, who is term-limited. While four candidates, Esther Koontz, Patricia Medina, Sheila Maki and Mary Hockenbery, will fill the four open seats, the election was held to determine which of the four will fill a two-year term. Esther Koontz picked up the majority of votes, earning a four-year term with 186 votes, or 30.54 percent of the 609 total votes cast in the

April 3 election. Medina and Hockenbery, both incumbents, received 164 and 140 votes, respectively, or 26.93 and 22.99 percent of the total votes. Sheila Maki, who received 119 votes (19.54 percent), will serve a two-year term. A total of 253 ballots were cast, representing 42.38 percent of the town’s 597 registered voters. Wilkening and the four trustees will be sworn in at the April 12 council meeting, following completion of old business. There will also be a plaque presentation to say thank-you to Mayor Koontz and trustee Wills, and for trustee Lindee Cantrell, who is term-limited. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Bookout, Bachran, Hart and Pennell elected in Paonia BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In Paonia, Chelsea Bookout, Mary Bachran, Samira “Sam” Hart and Barry Pennell were elected to the board of trustees. Bookout, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Charles Stewart when he was elected as mayor in 2016, received the most votes. Her 308 votes represents 16.77 percent of the 1,837 votes cast. Bachran received 305 votes, or 16.6 percent, and Hart and Pennell each received 232 votes, or 12.63 percent of the votes. Bookout, Bachran and Hart will serve four-year terms. According to town code, the candidate among the four winners who receives the least number of votes is elected to serve a two-year term. Because unofficial results show that Pennell and Hart are tied, if Delta County determines in its election curing process that the tie stands, the person serv-

ing a two-year term will be determined by a name draw. Paonia voters had 10 candidates to choose from, and were allowed to vote for four. Incumbent Suzanne Watson received 185 votes, or 10.07 percent of total votes; incumbent David Bradford received 178 votes (9.69 percent); Ross King received 158 votes; 116 votes went to former trustee William Brunner, Roger Baril had 75 votes, and James Jaahcco Thompson received 48 votes. A total of 516 ballots were cast, representing 45.66 percent of the 1,130 registered voters in Paonia. All results are unofficial until certified by the Delta County Clerk. The new board will be seated, a mayor pro tem chosen by the board, and committee assignments will be made at the April 24 meeting, following completion of old business by the current board. The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.

Crawford voters elect four, okay marijuana taxes BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Incumbents Mike Tiedeman and Chris Johnson won re-elections and Ralph Clark and Jessica Hart were elected to serve on the Crawford Town Board. Tiedeman received 88 votes, or 20.9 percent of the 421 votes cast. Johnson, who was appointed to fill a vacated seat in February 2017, received 83 votes, or 19.71 percent. Ralph Clark received 73 votes (17.34 percent) and Jessica Hart received 16.3 percent, or 70 votes. Incumbent Jeff Peed, who was appointed to the board in July 2017 following the resignation of Cameron Clark, received 66 votes, 15.68 percent of the total votes, and Julie Kinder received 41 votes

(9.74 percent). Trustee Chriss Watters, who was serving a two-year term, did not seek re-election. Ballot Issue 2A, asking voters to authorize a 5 percent special tax on retail marijuana and marijuana products, passed by a 25 percent margin, with 75 voting for and 45 against. Crawford does not currently allow the sale or manufacturing of marijuana or marijuana products. Of the 307 registered voters in Crawford, 122 ballots were cast, representing a voter turnout of 39.74 percent. Total voter turnout for Delta County was 38.29 percent. Trustees will be sworn in at tonight’s (Wednesday, April 11) monthly meeting, beginning at 7 p.m.

Looking for a spring snack

Photo by Randy Sunderland

The pastures around Crawford State Park are ﬁlled with deer, looking for a tasty snack of fresh, green grass. With spring weather, wildlife are on the move and drivers are urged to stay alert throughout the North Fork Valley.

County hosts master plan open house in Hotchkiss BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Community members began arriving early for the first open house to review the Delta County Master Plan on Monday, April 9, at Heritage Hall in Hotchkiss. Stations were set up around the room with posters providing information on different elements of the Master Plan, along with enlarged maps from the plan. Participants were given a packet of information relating to the Master Plan as they arrived, organized for their use in recording thoughts, comments and recommendations as they reviewed the posters and maps. County staff, planning commission members and members of area planning committees were available for one-on-one, or group, discussions as participants reviewed the information. The open house convened from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. About 6 p.m. a slide presentation on the elements of the Master Plan was presented by Elyse Casselberry, community and economic development director for the county. Casselberry stated some challenges the county is facing, which made it necessary for the county to undertake and prepare this Master Plan update of the 1997 Master

Plan. Casselberry noted that the Colorado state demographer has projected an average growth rate of 2 percent per year over a 30-year period for Delta County, which will require providing for 11,000 additional people. Delta County has one of the highest poverty rates in the state, a problem with housing supply and quality of housing, and a declining property tax base. Since 2007 the county has shown a decline in jobs. The planning commission has spent a year addressing these challenges, and others, to provide a framework to manage land use and development and problematic situations that arise. After the slide presentation, members of the planning commission introduced themselves and answered questions from the residents. Members present were Bob Stechert, chair; Angela Mackey, vice chair; Kim Shay, Tony Prendergast, Steve Shea and Steve Schrock. Richard Rudin asked, “How will you achieve enforcement of any of this?” Kim Shay replied that developing a process to do so will require research, and money will have to be found to pay for it. Bob Stechert added that the Master Plan is the begin-

ning of the process. When land use regulations are adopted, enforcement will be a central issue. As development comes, it must pay its own way. Regulations will establish the way for development to pay its way, and enforcement will be a part of that process. Elisa Greco, area planning committee member, related two questions asked of her during the first part of the meeting: how will “hazard” be defined, and what are the cross-hatched marks on the municipal maps. Casselberry said problems related to hazards are covered in detail in the “Hazard Mitigation Plan.” The cross-hatched areas denote urban growth areas, which have been identified by each municipality in that municipality’s master plan. Rudin asked if growth would be limited in hazard areas. An RPI Consulting member replied that risks would be mitigated before growth could occur: mitigate risk or limit development. A question was asked about protecting areas that are agricultural now from becoming a target for growth. Tony Prendergast replied that we should incentivize landowners to hold on to their agricultural land and to not designate it as a conservation area. MASTER PLAN TO B2

Volunteers needed for sheep camp dog trials BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Gordon Hebenstreit loves watching good stock dogs work. He also enjoys working with his own border collies, but he’s happy leaving them at home and just being a spectator at the annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials. Actually he’s grown into much more than a spectator — he and his wife Cheryl now assist founder Richard Bailey with the competition. “Richard Bailey is still the man in charge,” Hebenstreit said. “It’s his and always will be his trial. He just needs and wants more assistance.” So the Hebenstreits stepped up to help organize the event, which will be held over the Mother’s Day weekend. To make the event a continued success, he’s looking for volunteers — people who are available to help set up, run the event and clean up after. “There’s not a lot of preparatory work,” he said. “We just need people willing to put forth an effort focused on that one weekend.” That one weekend would not be possible without Larry Allen, who provides the sheep, and the Hotchkiss family, which graciously allows the use of their fields one block south of downtown Hotchkiss. “Both families are involved in the success of this trial,”

Hebenstreit said. “Without them, we couldn’t have a trial.” Allen provides close to 200 sheep. The event website notes that while the dogs are trained, the sheep are not! Les Mergelman, the event announcer, keeps the competition running smoothly and answers questions about working stock dogs. Judging is on a point system. This year’s judge, Bill Orr of Warrenton, Va., is a longtime competitor and the 2012 Hotchkiss open champion. On the Hotchkiss Dog

Trials website, Orr says, “I believe in the ISDS stated ‘Objectives for a Trial.’ A fair and impartial judge is essential. The dogs and handlers deserve that.” He also notes that Hotchkiss is the best “little” trial in the west. “The town, the hosts, the scenery and especially the sheep are fantastic,” he says. Learn more about the 15th annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials at www.hotchkissdogtrials.com. To volunteer, call Bailey at 970-216–5771 or Hebenstreit at 970-589–2139.

Report features North Fork as example for sustainable future The Center for American Progress, a nonprofit public policy research and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., released a special report today (April 11) that showcases the North Fork Valley as “an example of a rural community that is moving beyond reliance on boomand-bust extractive industries towards a more economically and environmentally sustianable future.” The report was developed

by the organization’s public lands team which visited the North Fork last year. It outlines what was learned as the team spoke with farmers, business owners, former miners, activists and residents. It offers solutions that will help other communities transition to a more diversified economy. The 28-page report is available online at https:// www.americanprogress.org/ ?p-449287.

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Michele Murphy earns doctorate in theology Michele Murphy, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D.W. Palmer of Paonia, recently earned her doctorate of ministry degree in theology from Life Christian University, Tampa, Fla. Dr. Murphy co-pastors at World Win Ministries in Delta with her husband Rev. David Murphy. She is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and 1978 graduate of Paonia High School.

Michele Murphy

Delta County Independent

Master Plan FROM PAGE B1 Steve Schrock said that was also a question for the towns because their growth policies control some of those areas. Casselberry added that municipalities are permitted to control land use by annexation; counties cannot annex. “The towns will control their areas as development occurs. We can eliminate conflict through coordination with the towns,” she added. Andrew Forkes-Gudmunson asked how agricultural land that interfaces with other land uses will be dealt with. Stechert replied that all land uses will be considered as the planning commission goes forward to identify the uses. Wendell Koontz asked how the Master Plan characterizes commercial business. Stechert said the planning commission is not there yet, has not inventoried and identified other land uses yet, having identified only residential and agricultural in the Master Plan. Consultant Gabe Preston added that the county assessor knows where these parcels are because she is required to assess property for its correct use. The map shows scattered uses, but currently there is no rhyme or reason to identify uses. It will have to be case by case over a long period of time. Businesses need an answer to “Where can I do this?” Now the answer is “nowhere” or “anywhere.” It is a question that has to be addressed.

Stechert said, “We are trying to get the Master Plan in place so that a process can be established to determine where and what kind of land use regulations will be appropriate across the county.” Casselberry added that the future land use regulations should enable the property owner and neighbor to engage in conversation, to engage the minds of those affected, including neighbors. An open house was

held Tuesday, April 10, at Orchard City Town Hall. The third and last open house will be held Wednesday, April 11, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. A public hearing prior to the adoption of the Master Plan will be held in May, the last opportunity for public input before the Master Plan is adopted. The county is requesting feedback from residents. The Master Plan is available on the county’s website, www.delta-

countyplan.com for those who want to review the Master Plan. Those who don’t attend one of the open houses are requested to submit feedback either in the online community forum on the project website or by an email sent directly to p lanningcommission@delt acounty.com. Comments are welcomed by mail sent to Delta County Courthouse, 501 Palmer Street, Suite 115, Delta, CO 81416-1796. Comments will be collected through April 25.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Robert Noonan art on display

More than 70 paintings by Robert Noonan are on exhibit at Paonia Bread Works. Noonan, a past president of the Blue Sage Center for the Arts board of directors, now lives in Delta. Bread Works owner Chris Jacobson, right, is renting the house where Noonan previously lived and found the paintings in the basement. While they aren’t for sale, the current owner of the house entrusted Jacobsen with the paintings, which will be on exhibit through April.

E-waste recycling event set for April 21 The Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring its annual e-waste recycling event Saturday, April 21, in the parking lot of the Delta County Fairgrounds. This event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is held with the cooperation with Double J Disposal of Austin and Recla Metals of Montrose. The purpose is to provide area residents an outlet for responsibly disposing of electronic waste that is banned from landfills. All e-waste is disassembled and recycled in the United States in compliance with American environmental and labor standards. The event also serves as a fundraiser to help support the mission of the chamber: “To support and promote the economic strength and viability of Hotchkiss and surrounding areas, in a manner which is deemed to be harmonious with the social interests of the community.” Most items powered by a cord or batteries will be accepted. There are just a few exceptions — nothing with refrigerants (refrigerators, freezers, air conditioning units); no stoves, dishwashers, water heaters or other major appliances; and no automotive batteries. The fee is 25¢ per pound for items without a screen or monitor,

and 40¢ per pound for items with screens, such as televisions, computer monitors and laptops. Accepted forms of payment include cash or checks. Checks should be made to Hotchkiss Community Chamber of Commerce.

Creative coalition ‘members mixer’ is Thursday The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition will host a members’ mixer from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, at Cirque Cyclery & Remedy Cafe, 232 Grand Avenue, Paonia. The event also features “Yesterday’s Snap,” an exhibit of photos by Kaspar Keil. Come meet coalition members and find out what they’ve been working on. Non-members are welcome and invited to share what they do and see what the coalition has to offer.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Paradise focus shifts to community collaboration BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The Paradise Theatre has seen many changes in recent years. Now the non-profit community theatre is heading in a new direction that includes more collaborations and more community-focused events. The Friends of the Paradise Theatre (FOPT) board that oversees theater operations “is committed to providing accessibility and programming to all audiences,” said Paradise general manager Sunshine Knight. “The priorities and goals are to bring programming that is beneficial to the entire community.” The focus is shifting to community-related events where grant funding is

available, said Knight. Gone are televised events like the Super Bowl and Academy Awards. Programming subscriptions are expensive and the theater can’t charge admission or get grants. They rely on concessions and donations, which don’t cover costs. Instead, the focus will turn toward collaboration with other non-profits and organizations. A good example is “North Fork Reads,” a collaboration between the Paradise, Delta County Libraries, and the Blue Sage Literary Committee. The program allows readers to check out a particular book from their library, and get a ticket to attend the movie of the same title. Discussion and com-

parison of the film and book are held at one of the shows. Grant funding pays for the libraries to purchase books, marketing, and movie licensing fees and staffing. The first movie, “A Wrinkle in Time,” opened on Sunday and runs through midApril. FOPT will also continue its relationship with The Paonia Players community theater group, and Rob Miller and Pickin’ Productions will continue to bring live music to the Paradise. “Rob has a lot of connections in the music industry and has been instrumental in making sure that the quality of music is of the highest caliber,” said Knight. Monday nights, nonprofits can rent the the-

‘Nature vs Nurture’ is a visual treat BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Burlesque theater returns to Paonia this Saturday night with the Bohemian Burlesque Society performance of “Nature vs Nurture.” The mixed media show features some 35 men and women from throughout the state performing aerial, comedy and classic Burlesque acts. Lindsey Ballyhoo is the force behind the show. The burlesque society is collaborating with the Hotchkiss Fine Arts Association, two professional costume designers, local body painters and others to bring this show to the stage. Burlesque’s roots date back to the Victorian Era and was popular in America from the 1860s until well into the mid 20th century. But it never really went away. The art form has evolved into a blend of theater, comedy, music hall and adult entertainment with music, elaborate costumes and physical feats of dance and contortionism. Ballyhoo founded the Paonia Burlesque Society about six years ago after watching the burlesque documentary, “A Wink and a Smile.” In 2013 the society put on its first show at the Paradise. It was a big hit locally and attracted artists and costume designers from all over Colorado, said Ballyhoo. More recently, burlesque performances have been included in the Unicorn Collective Fashion Show at the Paradise. Ballyhoo left Paonia two years ago. Last winter she performed with the Bohemian Burlesque Society in two performances of “Nature vs Nurture” at the Henry Strater Theatre in Durango. Both shows sold out. While the art form has evolved over time, it’s still about the performance, says Ballyhoo. Burlesque is very visual and thought-provoking, but isn’t for everyone. A lyra, a large stand for performing aerial acts, was brought in just for the one production. Because of the nature of burlesque, no one under 18 will be admitted. But the show is not so much about ladies getting up and dancing, says Ballyhoo. It’s about invoking change through the society’s mission of “Healing the masses through art and entertainment.” In light of the #metoo movement, the conversation is changing, said Ballyhoo. The show allows both the performers and the audience to move beyond fears and body issues and embrace sexuality in a safe environment. Ballyhoo admits there is a tipping point, a balancing act between tasteful and raunchy and degrading. “Nature vs Nurture” works to maintain tasteful, thoughtprovoking image while being a bit suggestive.

“We don’t want to offend anyone, but we also want to be creative.” Ballyhoo said she’s excited to bring burlesque back to Paonia. “Paonia has such high expectations of its arts and the

live arts,” she said. And it’s liberating. “Women are embracing their sexuality in more bold ways than before, which comes out in their performances... It’s really life-changing.”

Photo submitted

Members of the Bohemian Burlesque Society perform an act from “Nature vs Nurture” at the Henry Strater Theatre in Durango. The show is coming to the Paradise Theatre this Saturday night.

ater for events and fundraisers. In March, The Learning Council and Valley Outdoor Growers Association held a hemp forum, and Slow Food Western Slope will present “Deeply Rooted: John Coykendall’s Journey to Save Our Seeds” in May. The theater is also working with the Western Slope Conservation Center and The Cirque Cyclery to bring environmental films to the theater, and with The Nature Connection to present the annual Winter Wildlands Alliance Film Festival. The Paradise Cabin Fever series, which began in the 1990s and runs in January and February, will continue. Elsewhere Studios will bring three art films to the theater this summer, and David Alderdice and Embodying Rhythm will present four concerts at the Paradise through the 2018 World Music Series. “These collaborative events benefit so many people in the community,” said Knight. “When the nonprofits are able to pull together and provide really great quality programming, it benefits the community as a whole.” It also helps with getting grants, since grantors consider collaborations in their decision-making process. And, of course, the theater will continue to show great movies. A film committee, made up of volunteers ranging from their teens to their 60s, meets monthly. “They have a great time picking movies,” said Knight. Because the area has a diverse group of citizens, it’s important for them to select movies that are welcome to all members of the community. Last December the theater honored firefight-

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Paradise Theatre is shifting its focus to community-oriented programming and collaborations, as reﬂected on a recent marquis: from left, live performances, great movies, and collaborations with local nonproﬁts and organizations. ers by showing “Only the Brave,” about the deadly 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire in Arizona. While it’s difficult for the general public to watch films like this and box office receipts were low, about 30 firefighters took advantage of the free passes offered by the Paradise, said Knight. “I hope to do more of those events.” A “pretty great group of people” keeps the theater running, said Knight. They have nine employees, including new assistant general manager Aaron Watson, who brings an engineering background to the staff. The facilities, film and grant-writing committees are all volunteers, and the theater has a waiting list for volunteers, said Knight. FOTP also started an intern program and recently received grant funding for three high school interns, one from Hotchkiss and two from Paonia, to work at the theater through the summer.

They learn about non-profits, customer service and money-handling skills, attend board meetings, run concessions, and learn how to operate the sound and lighting systems. Recently elected FOPT board members include Bart Eller, Daniel B., Erin Jameson, treasurer Judy Martin, vice president Ben Lehman, who previously served two years on the board, and president Philip Salembier. “Phil is all about safety,” said Knight. He‘s working to eliminate fire and other safety hazards in the 90-year-old building. That means it’s curtains for the old stage curtains, which will be replaced with new, fireretardant curtains. Ryan Strand’s popular stick art stage installations are also flammable and have to go, said Knight. To replace them, said Knight, they are considering having Strand do an installation outside the theater.

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Why you should be in the DCI’s Delta County Visitor Guide . . . ��

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Delta County Independent

AmeriCorps volunteers serve with A Little Help In honor of National Service Recognition Day on April 3, AmeriCorps Members in Paonia teamed up with a local non-profit called A Little Help to serve their community. AmeriCorps VISTAs (Volunteers In Service To America) from Solar Energy International and Elsewhere Studios who are working on economic and community revitalization in Delta County got together to do direct service in their community. A Little Help is a nonprofit based out of Denver that also has a presence in Delta County. The organization is made up of locals who are volun-

Especially considering that one in every three people over age 65 live alone, and in particular when we know that loneliness can be harmful to health, to all ages; I have great compassion for folks that want to be independent, but are also looking for some support in getting things done around the house. Sometimes it can mean a lot to seniors to strike up a conversation with someone new, to have someone listen and share with them. I know I often learn something interesting in the exchange, and hope someone will be around to help me, if I am in a similar position someday.” One of the members,

Judy Lafferty, has been involved with A Little Help from its start in Paonia and says the organization is important to her because “It is very rewarding to meet new people and learn about different places.” She discussed how easy it is to help someone with a task that for them may have been difficult, and that the interaction with a neighbor is rewarding. Judy is both a member and a volunteer, and once a month she helps a fellow community member get to the laundromat and then back home. The AmeriCorps VISTAs spent the day helping five members clean out their gutters, rake their lawns, and tend their gardens. These activities can involve climbing ladders, kneeling, or bending down often, which may be diffiThe following students were named to honor roll at Hotchkiss K-8 School for cult for some of the comthe third quarter of the 2017-18 school year: munity members. One of Logan Naylor Maddie Brezonick* Vianney Mendoza Chayton Falkner* the members mentioned Third Grade Ty OConnell Annalise Hendrix Parker Pene Braeden Flores* 3.7-4.0 that the work the AmeriShilah Pinon Henry Hollembeak* Julia Pinon Pearson Fouts Lucero Alvarado Corps volunteers did in Terrence Rung CeCe Houseweart* Ben Rodriguez* Ryker Gallob* Kelty Andregg one hour would have Emma Shumway Raney Moore* 3.0-3.699 Alyssa Gillenwater Kyler Clark Jasmine Soria Macias Piper Smith Kailynn Carpenter John Hart Caleb Garcia* taken them three days. Danika Sparks Aizlyn Sommer Mikenna Carpenter Braydon Hendrix* Isabella Harrison* Beata Ramza reflects on Fifth Grade Sasha Taylor Damon Fausett Chase Knight* Alyssa Lovelace her day of service: 3.7-4.0 3.0-3.699 Ahna Guy Nevaeh Mock Charlie Jo Miller Jesalynn Borgman Tucker Houseweart Dana Hart Nick Miller Payson Miller* “As VISTAs our goal Kyle Elder Christopher Mann Jr. Izzi Houseweart Jaylen MonroyKiera Stroh* when serving communiCharlie Miller Hunter Thompson Esmeralda Lozano Mendoza 3.0-3.699 teers, members in need of aid, or both. Members are usually seniors or disabled neighbors who want to stay independent in their homes, and can use help with household tasks. Volunteers help members with a variety of projects from driving to the grocery store to house maintenance. This program helps residents age in their own homes safely, while remaining active members of their communities and encourages cross-generational engagement. Deirdre Morrison an AmeriCorps member says, “I learned about ‘Village to Village’ while living in Oregon, and A Little Help is a part of that network.

Hotchkiss K-8 honor roll

Dominic Barnes Sophia DeMoss Ellie Emmons Danna Govea Garnica Oliver Handy Cayden McLeod Wyatt Thompson Fourth Grade 3.7-4.0 Gage Adam Angel Bemis Toni Bennett* Anjolee Beveridge Ethan DeLoury Bryan Elizalde* Guadalupe Elizalde

Ethan Naylor Aneka Price Derick Sievertsen Roan Spencer Athziry VazquezMendoza Vanesa Verdeja Noel White* Laynee Zeldenthuis* 3.0-3.699 Juliana Alvarado Brooke Angelovich Mya Guyer Edgar Lozano Kyrah McCleland Sydney Palmer-Yovan

3.0-3.699 Reyna Broadbent Canaan Church Payson Pene Aaralyn Gallob Gabriel Garcia Kenaniah McDaniel Lola Mitchell Emma Reed Treyven Stevens Loryn Thompson Jenaya Tracy London West Sixth Grade 3.7-4.0 Brailey Angelovich

Seventh Grade 3.7-4.0 Victoria Clark Tia Moore* Sam Ware* 3.0-3.699 Danielle Elder Annika Knehs Kacie McCollum Claudia Verdeja Eighth Grade 3.7-4.0 Kayla Allred Audren Borgman* Lottie Hollembeak Justin Mattison*

Matilda McDaniel Bailey Miller Indigo Miller-Barnes Sara Morris Addi Neal Carter Neff Blaine Peebles William Poutre Drayden Taylor Mordecai White *Denotes straight As

Learn the tale of two historic .45-90 rifles Chuck Farmer will present a special program to the HotchkissCrawford Historical Society on Saturday, April 14, at 1:30 p.m. at the museum at 180 2nd Street, Hotchkiss. He will relate the history of two .4590 rifles in the museum’s collection. One was given to Otto Mears by Enos T. Hotchkiss in 1872. The other was presented to Hotchkiss from Mears a few years later. All are welcome.

Photo submitted

AmeriCorps VISTAs Shane Sobotka, Deirdre Morrison, and Beata Ramza helped out at the various homes. ties is to create sustainable programs that can help the community even after we leave. This means we don’t always work directly with every part of the community but spend lots of time in our office planning the programs, securing partners, implementing outreach, and fundraising. It was inspiring and educational to be able to spend a day doing direct service and meeting various neighbors we might not have met otherwise.

Over 220,000 AmeriCorps VISTAs have served since the program’s inception in 1965, and Paonia has been host to several such volunteers over the years. For more information and opportunities to serve, visit https://www. nationalservice.gov. Whether VISTAs are creating partnerships regionally or working with our neighbors, they’re a strong force in communities. For VISTAs, every day is National Service Day.

Dance Around fundraiser benefits local animals Dancers from Dance Around have put together a fundraising benefit for the Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary in Crawford. The dancers, ages 9-14 years old, began the initial planning of this event over one year ago. The benefit, Dinner and Dance for a Cause, will take place on Saturday, April 14, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Turn of the Century Saloon, 121 N. 4th Street, Montrose. and includes a full plated dinner, cocktail hour, a dance performance, a silent auction, and a dessert auction. All proceeds will benefit the Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit animal rescue program based in Crawford. Dance Around’s founder, Kate Florian said the girls wanted to do more than just dance, they also

decorated garden gourds for the silent auction, are serving the dinner and are creating home-baked goods for the dessert auction. When asked why they chose the Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary, the youngest dancer, Julia Gonzales, says, “We love animals! And after meeting with Ms. Debbie, we knew BCAS was the right organization to support.” Debbie Faulkner, owner and operator for the Black Canyon Animal Sanctuary (BCAS), is thrilled to be a part of this event. BCAS does not hold annual or regular fundraisers, but counts on local donations and volunteers to cover operations and costs. BCAS rescues and often rehabilitates dogs and cats, and helps to find them new loving homes.

The animals receive vet care, including spay/neutering, immunizations, and other health and healing procedures as necessary, as well as food and shelter during their stay at the sanctuary. BCAS also started the Silver Whiskers program which pairs senior dogs and cats with senior citizens, assisting in creating a higher quality of life in their later years for both animal and human. Tickets and donation opportunities are available at www.dancearound co.com/bcas-benefit. Tickets for the dinner and the dance show are $50. Appetizers and a cash bar will be offered at 5 p.m., with dinner to be served at 6 p.m. Patrons are also welcome to join the event after 7 p.m. for a $20 suggested donation to see the dance performance.

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Jim Smith

Jim Smith died Jan. 27, 1939, at the age of 79. He was born Jan. 27, 1939, in Montrose to Edwin and Iris Smith. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Deana; three daughters, Sindy (Don) Bruton, Shelly (Monty) Caldwell and Stacy Martin; eight grandchildren, Trudy (Jared) Gastineau, Vandy (Steve) Moralez, Malory (Dexter) Martin, Jeff (Tia) Caldwell, Jennifer (Terry) Brown, Derek Munyon, Jake (Emily) Martin; and McKenzie (Keefer) Zelinske; 22 great-grandchildren with one on the way; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Nancy Felix of Olathe; and extended family. He worked in the grocery business until 1975 when he went to work for Mountain Bell, now known as Century Link. He retired from there in 2001. For the past four years, he wintered in Mesa, Ariz., and spent the summers in Colorado with his daughter, Shelly and husband Monty. Due to health concerns, they recently moved back to

Colorado permanently to live with Monty and Shelly in Montrose. Mr. Smith was an avid pickleball player, playing almost every day for two to four hours. He enjoyed all kinds of sports, including golf, as well as fishing and playing cards. He was preceded in death by his brother Don and a nephew. Memorial donations may be sent to Lutheran Hospice at Collier Hospice Center, 3210 Lutheran Parkway, Wheat Ridge CO 80033 (please include his name in the memo section of your check).

A memorial service will be held at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m. Please remain after the memorial service to visit with family and have a bite to eat.

Ruth McKenna

Cedaredge resident Ruth B. McKenna died Monday, April 9, 2018, at Willow Tree Care Center in Delta. She was 91. She is survived by Gary (Maribeth) McKenna of Centennial, and a sister, Helen Dunn of Katonah, N.Y. Memorial contribu-

tions may be sent to Food for the Poor Inc., 6401 Lyons Rd., Coconut Creek, FL 33073 or to St. Philip’s Benizi Catholic Church, PO Box 713, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Services are pending with Taylor Funeral Service.

Henrietta Keenan

Henrietta Keenan died March 31, 2018, at Colorow Care Center in Olathe. She was 86. Services will be held Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at Crawford Community United Methodist Church.

Pauline Karcher April 6, 1927 ~ Feb. 20, 2018 Pauline Karcher was born to Merle Lee (a barber) and Thelma Pauline (Berga) Karcher at her grandma’s house in Newport, Ohio, on April 6, 1927. She was the second of nine children. Pauline was a diligent help to her mother in caring for the home and her siblings and was an excellent student. In the summer of 1944, 17-year-old Pauline met John Robert “Bob” Stoody at a church youth meeting. Bob was working on a mink ranch in Colorado. They corresponded during her senior year of high school. On June 3, 1945, three days after her graduation, they were married in a

church wedding in Marietta, Ohio, where his father was the Methodist minister. They came to Delta, Colo., built a very successful mink ranching business and raised two children, Monica Lynn and John Robert II. She died on Feb. 20,

2018, in Fort Collins, Colo. Both children survive. There are seven grandchildren, 23 greatgrandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, four brothers and two sisters. Two sisters, Jacquiline Brown and Tanya (Jim) Lenhart survive. A family memorial service was held Saturday, April 7, 2018, at Mesa View Cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her husband, Bob. Our gratitude to Taylor Funeral Service & Crematory for arrangements. Paid obituary

OBITUARIES

Delta County Independent

Betty Jo Wilkening

Betty Jo Wilkening died Feb. 20, 2018, following a long illness. She was 91. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at Crawford United Methodist Church.

Bob Bouwens

Bernard E. “Bob” Bouwens died Feb. 7, 2018, at his son’s home in Phoenix, Ariz. He was 88. Interment will be in Paonia on May 27 at 3 p.m. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion in Paonia.

Gene Passmore

Harrise Eugene “Gene” Passmore of Montrose died April 5, 2018, at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer and COPD. He was 76. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sharon; three children, Leigh

Emma Pearl Holiman Sept. 20, 1963 ~ April 5, 2018 Emma Pearl Holiman went to be with her Lord on April 5, 2018, at the age of 54. Emma was born in Delta, Colo., on Sept. 20, 1963, to Roy and Myrneta Schroeder. Emma was the eldest of four children and the most strong willed. She was married to James Holiman on March 16, 1990. They had four handsome boys, which were the light of Emma’s world. Emma was the definition of a soccer mom, always cheering on her boys and nephews for their accomplishments. She was a mother to more than just her own children with a pure gentle heart she radiated her Lord God’s Love. Emma loved the out-

doors; camping was the catalyst for family gatherings. include Survivors husband James Holiman; sons, Jonathan Taylor Holiman, Joshua Landon Holiman, Joseph John Daniel Holiman, Jason Micah Holiman; mother, Myrneta Louise Schroeder; brothers, Melvin Judson

Schroeder and Larry Dean Schroeder; along with many nieces and nephews. Emma is preceded in death by her father Melvin “Roy” Schroeder; sister, Loretta Ann Downey; aunt, Emma Edna Neil; and grandparents. A service celebrating Emma’s life will be held at True Life Church (formerly Cedaredge Assembly of God) Friday, April 13, 2018, at 3 p.m. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary

Margaret R. Mohning Jan. 24, 1925 ~ April 1, 2018 Hotchkiss resident, Margaret R. (Marge) Mohning, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at Paonia Care Center in Paonia, Colo. Margaret was 93 years old. Services will be held at a later date in LeMars, Iowa. Anna Margaret Rose Kuttler was born Jan. 24, 1925, to Jakob and Elise (Whittle) Kuttler. She was raised on a farm between Remsen and Marcus, Iowa. Marge graduated from Marcus Public High School in 1943 and went on to further her education at Nettleton Business Training School where she obtained a Business Certificate in 1946. On June 22, 1947, Marge married the love of her life, Merlin Henry Mohning in Remsen, Iowa. Margaret and Merlin made their home in LeMars, Iowa, until

moving to Hotchkiss, Colo., in 1982. To this union five children were born. The couple had the honor of sharing 65 years of love and marriage before Merlin passed away Nov. 12, 2012. Marge was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Paonia, Colo., and also belonged to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. In her free time Marge enjoyed quilting, gardening, embroidering,

canning, but most of all she cherished time traveling and fishing with her husband and loving her grandchildren. Marge is survived by two sons, Donald Mohning (Sue) and Paul Mohning (Maxine); daughters, Evelyn Roseberry (Bill), Janet Murray (Don), and Lois Rozman (Rudy); sister, Victoria Ott. She is further survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Marge was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Hilda Mohning. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary

W. Rex Raney Aug. 17, 1921 ~ April 7, 2018 W. Rex Raney was born in Collbran, Colo., Aug. 17, 1921, and made his way to the celestial fishing/hunting grounds April 7, 2018, surrounded by loving family. Rex grew up in a farming family in both Collbran and Fruita. He graduated from Fruita Union High School in 1939. He began his military work in 1938 as a member of the 157th Infantry Colorado National Guard in charge of Communications. When the Guard mobilized in 1940, they became part of the 45th Thunderbird Division. Rex served as SergeantMajor, 1st Battalion during active duty. By the time World War II ended for Rex on June 22, 1945, he and his unit had served a record number 511 days actual combat. They also had the honor of liberating the prisoners of Dachau. Rex came home and attended both Mesa College and the University of Denver (DU). After completing a BA in Accounting at DU, he went to Delta, Colo., in 1948 to teach in the business department for what he thought would be one year. Little did he know he would meet the irresistible school secretary, Betty Mae Sidebottom. They were married

July 3, 1949, and had two great kids, Cheryl Ann and Laurence Rex. He went on to complete a Master’s in Education at Western State College. During his 34 year career in education, he was a teacher, principal, interim HR Director, and Director of Special Services. Rex and Betty served the First Baptist Church in Delta in various volunteer capacities for many years. Rex is a 58-year Life Member of the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge #1807, and was an active member of the Delta Kiwanis Club for five decades. He also served in leadership roles in the Retired Educator’s Association and the Delta County Democrats. Retirement for Rex and Betty was centered around family, many travels and cruises, and especially their cabin on

Grand Mesa. They lived at the cabin for many summer and fall seasons. He is survived by: his wife of 68 years, Betty; daughter, Chery (Willie) Gordon; son, Larry (Vernann) Raney; sisters, Ruth Raney and Edith Ellis; grandchildren, Michelle (Gary) Jensen, William Sheffield, Becky (Dr. Tim) Winegard, and Mariah (Chad) McCune; greatgrandchildren, Gary II, Alex, Jaxson, and Stone; and great-greatgrandchildren, Gary III and Amaro. Preceded in death by: parents, J. Gurnie and Blanche Raney; sisters, Julia Fry and Mae Raney; brothers, Verne, Al, and Hall Raney; and grandson Larry Sheffield. A celebration of Rex’s life will be held at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 10 a.m. Graveside services will be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado that afternoon at 3 p.m. Per Rex, in lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations to the VAMC Grand Junction or HopeWest Hospice. He was professionally served with honor, dignity, and love by both. Paid obituary

(Jeff) Kreps of Sanford, David (Danea) Passmore of Kelso, Wash., and Daren Passmore of Grand Junction; 13 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; sister, Peggy Baumgardner of Montrose; sister-in-law, Lisa Passmore of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and extended family. He was preceded in death by a brother, Larry, of Montrose. At his request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest. He can be remembered by going to the mountains. Look at the beauty around you and thank God. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose handled the arrangements.

William Branigan III

William Parnell Branigan III died March 28, 2018, from complications of cancer in Cedaredge. He was born on May 5, 1943, to Air Force Major William and Muriel Branigan in Monroe, La. He lived in many places during his childhood but his parents called San Antonio home. While in San Antonio, he attended Saint Leo grade school and Saint Mary University. He joined the Air Force in 1963 and worked as a Morse intercept operator. He was stationed in Turkey after the Cuban missile crisis decoding messages between Russia and Cuba. After his military career, he returned to the states to travel and help the less fortunate until he finally landed in Liberty Hill, Texas. After Liberty Hill he spent a few years in Rockport where he met his wife, Barbara of 31 years. They moved to Colorado and lived in Breckenridge and Cedaredge. He was employed in apartment and condo management for 17 years. After moving to Cedaredge he worked as housekeeping superintendent at Delta County Memorial Hospital for 12 years. Mr. Branigan was a proud member of Mensa. He enjoyed his morning crossword, hiking in the mountains, fishing and smoking his pipe. He is survived by his wife Barbara; children Jon (Rose) Branigan and Sarah (Ted) Larison; grandchildren Cierra, Drake, Charli and Dax Branigan and Rhône and Maggie Larison; greatgranddaughter Kynlee and siblings, Renee Branigan and Kerry Branigan Garrison and her

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

husband Don. Arrangements for final disposition were handled by Brown’s Cremation Service in Grand Junction.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lynn; brothers, Dorman and Dale Frost; and an infant daughter, Laurel. Memorial contributions may be made to Eckert Masonic Lodge #136 AF & AM or to Eckert Presbyterian Church. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Alice Sanburg

Alice Mae Sanburg died April 4, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 89. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 13, at Eckert Presbyterian Church with Rev. Nancy Howarth officiating. She was born on Aug. 6, 1928, in Fort Morgan to Floyd and Olive (Mendenhall) Frost. She moved from Fort Morgan to Cedaredge when she was 6. She attended Cedaredge High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in education, starting at Mesa Junior College. On Nov. 28, 1946, she married Albert “Lynn” Sanburg. They shared 66 years of marriage before his death on Sept. 15, 2012. Mrs. Sanburg was a homemaker, mother, rancher, school teacher and secretary. She was a member of the Eckert Presbyterian Church and Spruce Chapter #129 OES Social Order of Beauceant, and Delta County Farm and Livestock Bureau. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, wildflowers and making quilts by hand. She is survived by her sons, Rolf Sanburg and Hugh Sanburg of Eckert; brothers, Lee Frost of Grand Junction and Vern Frost of Cedaredge; sisters, Velma Hodges of Grand Junction and Joyce Frey of Eckert; and one granddaughter, Caisa of Jonesboro, Ark.

Paul Gardner

Eckert resident Paul R. Gardner died Thursday, April 5, 2018, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 63. No services are planned at this time. Paul Raymond Gardner was born May 31, 1954, to William “Harry” and Irene (Artez) Gardner in Glenwood Springs. He spent his childhood in Glenwood Springs and graduated from Glenwood Springs High School in 1973. A master Subaru technician, he moved from Glenwood Springs to Eckert 18 years ago. He enjoyed camping, friends and family. He is survived by his parents, Harry and Irene Gardner of Glenwood Springs; two sons, Michael (Brandy) Gardner of Eckert and John Gardner of Glenwood Springs; two brothers, Bud Gardner of New Castle and Kenny Gardner of Glenwood Springs; a sister, Terry (Richard) Cerise of Cedaredge; a grandson, James Romero; and extended family. He was preceded in death by a sister, Stacy Gardner. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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B6 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS April 11, 2018

Delta County Independent

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Eagles sweep DH at Rangely to stay perfect BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

The Paonia baseball team remains undefeated after sweeping a doubleheader at Rangely Saturday. Both games ended in five innings. In their 21-0 conference-opening win over the Panthers, the Eagles put 11 runs on the board in the second inning for a 12-0 lead. Paonia scored four more runs in the fourth inning and ended the game on a five-run fifth inning. Senior Kayden Seriani earned the win, striking out five in two innings. Jaden Miller also struck out five in two innings, and David Lozano had 15 pitches in one inning and

struck out one. At the plate, Lozano was 3 for 4 with a home run and Seriani was 4 for 5 with a homer and six RBIs. Carlos Lozano, Derek Holt and Slater Podgorny each hit triples, and Anders Schopp was 2 for 2 with two RBIs and two doubles. Clay Campbell was 2 for 3 with a double and three RBIs. In game two, Schopp allowed one hit, struck out six and walked three in five innings in the Eagles’ 17-0 win over Rangely. Miller was 3 for 3 with two RBIs, two doubles and a triple; Seriani was 3 for 3 with two RBIs, a double and a triple. Podgorny was 2 for 2, and Lozano

hit 1 for 3 with a double. On April 3 the Eagles defeated the Coal Ridge Titans, 20-2. Paonia trailed, 2-1, after two innings. In the fifth inning the Eagles were energized by a home run by Miller and before the inning was over had put nine runs on the board. In the sixth they added 10 runs to end the game under the 10-run rule. Grey Neal, who was 3 for 5, had the big play of the day with a grand slam HR. Soul Connolly earned the win, allowing one hit and two runs and striking out six in four innings. Seriani threw five Ks, allowed one hit and walked one in two innings.

Paonia is now 7-0 overall. It faces Delta (5-5, 3A Western Slope League) Thursday at 4 p.m., at Delta High School. This is their second meeting of the season. Paonia opened the season on a 71 win over the Panthers. Next Tuesday, April 17, Paonia hosts Class 5A Grand Junction at 5 p.m. The Tigers are 6-6 overall and 2-0 in 5A/4A Southwestern League standings. Paonia also has conference games against Dolores (2-7, 1-2) and Ignacio (4-6, 2-1) Saturday. Both games will be played at Ignacio. The Eagles added a game to the schedule Photo by Tamie Meck and on April 18 will play Anders Schopp pitches against Olathe on March Moffat County (2-1-1, 3A 27. Schoop allowed one hit and struck out two in WSL) at Craig. Saturday’s 17-0 win over Rangely.

Bulldogs edge Bruins on Guereque fly-out BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Photo by Tamie Meck

In the sixth inning, Cedaredge’s Trey Geyer slides in at third base ahead of the tag.

Hilbig 3A WSL Coach of Year at Cedaredge BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

There were plenty of prep basketball teams for fans to watch this past basketball season. Cedaredge and Delta High School each sent their boys and girls basketball teams to various locations to participate in this year’s 3A State Basketball Championships. There were several athletes from Cedaredge and Delta who were recognized for their outstanding play during the 2017-18 campaigns. Those girls from

Cedaredge who were freshman Keely Porter, selected by 3A WSL were selected for the Honcoaches for this year’s orable Mention team. HILBIG TO B7 All-Conference First Team honors include senior Jade McGovern, junior Courtney Freeman and sophomore Makayla Kehemeier. Senior Addison Schwarz was selected to the Honorable Mention team. Delta High School’s girls selected to this year’s First Team AllConference Team were senior Aubrey Jones and sophomore Sara Geddes. Juniors Jenna Sutliff and Ryan Hilbig Missa Webb, along with

Hall of Famer

in the sixth inning. With one out, Geyer hit a single line drive into left field, Dale singled on a line drive past short stop, and Carlson brought Geyer home on a line drive past second. After a Bulldog timeout, Carlson scored a run on a sacrifice fly ball by Colton Hoerr to tie the game at 4-4. In the top of the seventh, Eli Kirk retired three batters, but the Bulldogs were unable to capitalize in the bottom of the inning and left runners on second and third. In the top of the eighth inning, Kirk caught an infield fly and struck out two batters, leaving a Bruin runner stranded on second. Pene led off in the bottom of the eighth with a

In a close game that went into an extra inning, the Hotchkiss Bulldogs defeated the visiting Cedaredge Bruins last Wednesday, 5-4. Hotchkiss scored three runs on two hits in the opening inning. Presley Pene scored the opening run from second on a hit to left field by Eli Kirk. Jamison Yanish, who was 2 for 4 on the day, opened with a double, and scored on a base hit by Jesus Macias. Neither team found a hit in the second inning. Pene struck out the first Bruin and with the bases loaded, struck out two more to end the inning. In the bottom of the second, Bruins pitcher Dusty Emig struck out two and the inning ended on a fly out at first base. With two outs in the bottom of the third, the Bulldogs took a 4-1 lead, with Yanish scoring on a hit by Jonathan Gonzalez. With the bases loaded, Emig ended the inning on a K. The Bruins got on the scoreboard in the third. Pene struck out Pedro Madaleno before walking Trey Geyer and Sean Dale. Pete Carlson, who was 3 for 5 and batted .600 for the day, brought Geyer in from second Photo by Tamie Meck base on a single. The Bruins scored Hotchkiss third baseman Jonathan Gonzalez tags three runs on three hits Brayden Blair out in the top of the seventh inning.

Photo submitted

Coach Al Blanc was inducted into the Colorado High School Coaches Association (CHSCA) Hall of Fame on March 24 in Denver. He is pictured here with his wife, Becky, and several former Delta High School basketball players and manager. Coach Blanc coached boys’ basketball at DHS in the 1980s. Pictured are (front row, left to right) Kirk Colburn ’84, Mark (Carlson) Lindsey ’85, Chris Frossard ’80, Troy Bohling ’80, Steve Jung ’85; (back row) Mike Seuell ’85, Becky Brennecke Muller ’85, Mike Grabham ’81, Becky Blanc, Al Blanc, Tommy Faris ’85 and Richard McClendon ’80.

line drive single to right field. Kirk also hit a base hit line drive to right field, and Pene advanced to third on a sacrifice hit by Gonzalez. With one out, the Bruins intentionally walked Yanish. With the bases loaded, Marvin Guereque hit a walk-off sacrifice fly, with Pene scoring the final run. Carlson was 3 for 5 with two RBIs and one stolen base for the Bruins, and Brayden Blair was 1 for 4 with a double. Bulldogs Pene, Kirk and Gonzalez were 2 for 5, and Yanish was 2 for 4. Macias was 1 for 3 with two RBIs. On the mound, Pene, Gonzalez, Kirk and Yanish each pitched two innings, combining for HOTCHKISS TO B7

In memory of Luke

Photo submitted

This photo is a reprint from last week’s edition due to the omission of Lisa Oeltjenbruns’ name in the list of family members. The Sports Department sincerely regrets the error. Those family members present at the Luke Oeltjenbruns dedication ceremony included, back row, left to right, Bob Oeltjenbruns, Zach Ahlberg, Bobbie Jones, Brittni Love, Roger Oeltjenbruns, Lisa Oeltjenbruns and Mandi and Rylie Ahlberg. On the bench is Cooper Ahlberg, Colton Oeltjenbruns and Ellie Ahlberg. Not pictured, Sandy Oeltjenbruns.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Delta High School’s first All-American: wrestler Logan Church places 5th at nationals BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After winning the Class 3A state heavyweight wrestling title in February, Delta High School senior Logan Church achieved another dream. Church became an All-American wrestler in March after placing fifth at the National High School Coaches Association High School Nationals senior class wrestling tournament. Church, the son of Rich and Kim Church of Delta, was honored by the school last Friday during the Spring Fling assembly. During his high school career Church compiled a 115-15 record. He wrestled his freshman year on the junior varsity squad while mentor and two-time state placer Marcus Garcia finished his high school varsity career. Being Garcia’s partner, “I really had to choose either to quit the team or toughen up,” he told the DCI last December ahead of winning his second heavyweight title at the highly competitive Central Warrior Classic. Head coach Clayton Curtis describes Church as “a true wrestler. He lives and breathes wrestling,” he told the DCI

last December at the Warrior tournament. It’s Church’s attitude that makes him a winner, said Curtis. “He really believes he’s going to do it this time.” His sophomore year Church placed sixth at state, and his junior year he was the 3A state runner-up and made the Colorado High School Activities Association All-State Second Team. Last spring he competed in his first nationals tournament, where he was one win away from placing. In February, Church won the state heavyweight title, ending the season with a 41-0 record. Held at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, the national tournament attracts more than 4,000 wrestlers and requires more than 40 mats, said Curtis, who along with assistant coach Luis Meza, traveled with Church to the tournament. Separate tournaments are held for each of the four high school classes, and there’s also a middle school tournament. Church advanced to the semifinal round, where he lost to a wrestler from New York,

marking his first loss since the 2017 national championships. “That was disappointing,” said Curtis, especially since Church had defeated that wrestler before. At the same time, “Hopefully the losses will keep him hungry” as he begins his career at Western State Colorado College this fall. The tournament also incorporates college outof-bounds rules for control, near-falls and falls, which is valuable experience heading into college-level competition, said Curtis. Church was also named to the CHSAA All-State first team in football last fall. Curtis said that on the trip he thought about Church’s accomplishment, and about when another Logan Church might come along. As a coach, having a wrestler of this caliber “is very rare,” he said, and nationals “is a tough tournament.” Some brackets might have 16 or 17 state champions, many of whom won’t even place. Anyone who can get to Virginia Beach can compete, said Curtis. “But you have to be a pretty special wrestler to go out and place.”

Delta boys first, girls second at Grand Valley BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta High School was highly successful at last week’s Grand Valley Open on April 3. The boys finished the meet with 97 points to outdistance the 12-team field while Delta’s girls finished in second place with a total of 84 points to Cedaredge’s 117. Boys Results Fifty of Delta’s 97 points came on first place finishes from freshman Hezekiah Huff (400m dash - 53.24), junior Jacob Wear (800m run - 2:04.34), junior John Ames (1600m run 4:41.90), Cameron Schaal (discus - 132-01.75) and the 800m relay team of Logan Freed, Wear, Jarret Hernandez and Huff (1:35.01). Eight points each went to second-place finishers, including Logan Church in shot put competition. Church tossed the shot 42-08.5 for his secondplace finish and in doing so erased his previous

best effort of 39-06. Third-place finishers for the Panthers included junior Jesse Phillips (110 high hurdles - 19.30) and Schaal in shot put (4008). A couple of fourthplace finishes went to sophomore Ed doh Htoo in the 400m dash (55.70) and Freed in the 800m run (2:09.46). Fifth-place finishes were awarded to Hernandez (200m, 25.21), Ames (800m, 2:10.99) and senior Colton Galvin (300m hurdles, 50.55). Sixth and seventh place finishes were earned by sophomore Evan Baier (6th place - triple jump, 36-02.25) and sophomore Shad Lewis (7th place 1600m run, 5:00.91). Girls Results Delta’s lone first-place finish in Parachute was junior Kaley St. Peter’s win in the 100m hurdles (17.29) Second-place points went to junior Beki Atchley (400m, 1:03.79), sophomore Remi Baldwin

(100m hurdles, 17.40 and the 300m hurdles, 49.94) and the 3200m relay team (freshman Grace Hall, freshman Jada Lannon, freshman Jessica Dexter and freshman Hannah Sterns) with a time of 11:28.48. Picking up fourthplace points were freshman Marcy Schaal (400m, 1:06.06), sophomore Madison Gieck (long jump, 13-10.75) and freshman Keely Porter (shot put, 33-01.25). Sophomore Kendall Somers (200m, 29.96), senior Kat Rodriguez (high jump, 4-7), junior Reagan Clay (shot put, 32-04) and Porter (discus, 89-05.25) all earned fifth-place finishes last Saturday. Panthers earning sixth-place points were freshman Tayler Huntley (400m, 1:06.56) and Sterns (high jump, 4-7). Delta will host the Delta Twilight Meet on Friday, April 13, with running and field events beginning at 3 p.m.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Logan Church (third from right) stands on the podium after winning the state Class 3A heavyweight wrestling title at the Pepsi Center in Denver in February. Church recently became an All-American wrestler after placing ﬁfth at the National High School Wrestling Tournament. He is Delta High School’s ﬁrst All-American student-athlete.

Delta’s big seventh results in 15-5 win BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta and Aspen are tied, 3-0, at the top of 3A WSL standings as of last week’s play. Aspen is listed first by virtue of its 6-1 overall record with the Panthers owning a 5-5 mark. Last week’s action, for Delta, was taking on the visiting Gunnison Cowboys on April 3. The Panthers had too much in the late innings for Gunnison and rolled to a 15-5 league win in five innings. Delta eased to a 2-0 lead after two innings and was ahead 5-0 heading to the fourth frame. Gunnison rallied for four runs in the top half of the fourth to take a 4-3 lead and silence a home crowd which had believed a rout was about to happen before the Cowboys exploded for four runs. The Panthers regained the lead with a three-run fourth and then outscored the Cowboys 7-1 in the fifth to end the game via the 10-run rule, 15-5. Freshman Nolan Bynum got things started for Delta with a single in the first inning and later scored on a Rowyn Carmichael double. Carmichael trotted home on Dylan Hollenbeck’s single to give Delta an early 2-0 lead. After that, the Panthers fell behind on a four-run third inning in which Delta committed three errors and gave up two hits to the Cowboys. Delta countered with a three-run third on an RBI double from Meyers and another Hollenbeck single to account for

Hotchkiss boys 3rd at Cardinal Open meet BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Hotchkiss senior Darrin Young shot to the top of the Class 2A state rankings with a winning throw in the shot put of 48 feet, 2 inches at the

the 13-team tournament. Colton Peebles won the 300m hurdles in 43.46. In discus, Peebles had a personal best throw of 119 feet, 1.25 inches to place third. HOTCHKISS TO B8

All-Conference First Team selections while juniors Andrew Baier and John Ames were picked for the Honorable Mention Team. Cedaredge’s Ryan Hilbig was also honored as this year’s 3A WSL Coach of the Year. Hilbig has been the head coach at Cedaredge High

School for the past five seasons and has compiled a record of 100 wins and 25 losses. In his tenure as the Cedaredge High School girls head coach, Hilbig has taken the Bruins to the state tournament all five years, including a third-place finish (a 56-54 win over Wray) in 2016.

Delta center ﬁelder Dylan Hollenbeck ran down this deep drive to left centerﬁeld to make the catch against Gunnison.

be held at Ignacio. The Bulldogs were scheduled to open district play Saturday at Meeker, but the doubleheader was

rained out and the trip canceled, said head coach Blake Carlquist. The games will be rescheduled.

(5-5, 3-0, 3A WSL) at 4 p.m. today. On Saturday it continues conference play against Dolores and Ignacio. Both games will

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta junior Rowyn Carmichael looks out to left ﬁeld where he deposited a three-run home run against Gunnison.

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Hotchkiss CONTINUED FROM B6 18 Ks, five walks, three errors and three earned runs. Hotchkiss hosts Delta

innings struggles with the Cowboys. “There’s always a fear with letting teams hang around until the late innings. Sometimes they get the advantage and can win games. We need to get rid of those bug-a-boo things.” DELTA TO B8

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Grand Valley Cardinal Open. Young is a twotime state qualifier in the shot put and placed third at state his junior year. The Bulldogs had a good day overall, scoring 78 points to finish third at

Hilbig CONTINUED FROM B6 On the boys side, Peter Carlson was Cedaredge High School’s First Team All-Conference selection and Baylee Piper was an Honorable Mention selection. Both players are seniors at Cedaredge. Seniors Jaspar Carmichael and Logan Freed were Delta High School’s

two runs. Meyers scored the third Delta run on a passed ball. Gunnison scored its final run in the top of the fourth and Delta tacked on three more runs in a three-hit attack led by Rowyn Carmichael’s three-run home run to left field. Delta led 8-5 going to the fifth. Delta scored seven runs on four hits, four walks and an error from the Cowboys to end the game, 15-5. Rowyn Carmichael’s day was extraordinary for the junior secondbaseman. His home run in the fourth inning was his first ever in any level of play. “It’s the first home run I’ve hit in any game and at any level. I’ve been working on my timing,” was his ready explanation for the day’s success at the plate. Carmichael finished the day with three hits in three at bats, scored three times, hit both a double and a home run and drove in five runs. Other multiple hitters for the Panthers included Meyers (3 hits, including a double and triple), Bynum (2 hits) and Hollenbeck (2 hits). Delta coach Steve Reiher expressed his feelings on the win and the early-

B8 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Bruins sizzle in two meets BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Cedaredge High School has had successful track performances the past few weeks. The Bruin girls won last week’s Grand Valley Open (April 3) with 117 points and tied for third with Fruita Monument at Saturday’s Frank Woodburn Invitational with 85 points. Cedaredge’s boys scored 81 points to place second at the Grand Valley Cardinal Open and was fourth (82.5 points) at the Frank Woodburn Invitational. Girls Results The Bruins had two individual champions in Parachute and a top winner in the 800m relay team. Senior Katie Hyke won the shot put competition with her throw of 37-01 while senior Grace Andrews placed second (34-05.75). Andrews won the discus event with a throw of 114-01.25 and Hyke finished second (111-10.25). Junior Dalia Alejandre finished seventh in shot put and senior Holly Jenkins was fourth in discus for the Bruins. Sophomores Brie McGovern and Reganne McIntire combined efforts with freshmen Aspen Furubotten and Kammie Henderson to win the 800m relay race in 1:54.83. The Bruins’ 1600m relay (McGovern, freshman Ellison Black, junior Courtney Freeman and

Henderson) placed second with its time of 4:37.81. Individual third-place finishes were earned by senior Hannah Hatheway (3200m run, 13:43.15), junior Nicole Miller (100m hurdles, 17.50) and Furubotten (300m hurdles, 51.96). Fourth-place finishers for the girls included freshman Kylin Mitchell (1600m run, 6:01.75), freshman Baylee Harris (300m hurdles, 18.18) and Jenkins (discus, 8910.25). Freshman Merielle Comerer earned fifth-place points in the 3200m run with a time of 13:43.15. Junior Courtney Freeman also had a fifth-place finish in the 800m run with a time of 2:40. One other fifth-place finish was achieved by the Bruins’ 800m sprint medley relay team (Grace Hatheway, McIntire, Summer Young and freshman Taelor Mills). Sixth through eighthplace finishes went to freshman Kimmy Milholland (6th - 100m dash), Harris (6th - 300m hurdles), and freshman Sophie Andrews and senior Darrian Bulbulian (long jump - 13-08.5). At the Frank Woodburn Invitational on Saturday, junior Camie Baldozier ran a 2:31.19 to win the 800m run and give the Bruins their lone first-place finish in the meet. There were several second-place finishes for

Cedaredge. Furubotten picked up two of them with runner up finishes in the 100 (17.54) and 300m (51.71) hurdle events. Grace Andrews threw the shot put 34-04 for another eight points. Harris’ third in the 100m hurdles (17.76) earned six points for Cedaredge. Other thirdplace finishes went to the Bruins’ 400m relay team (54.81) and the 3200m relay team (Hannah Hatheway, Baldozier, Kylee Hanson and Grace Hatheway) in a time of 10:49.85. A fourth-place finish went to Miller in the 100m hurdles (17.90). Grace Andrews placed fifth in discus (106-08) and the 1600m relay team (Baldozier, Hanson, Hannah Carlson and Brie McGovern) finished fifth in a time of 4:31.88. Mitchell (1600m), Henderson and Bulbulian (high jump) and the 800m sprint medley relay team finished sixth on Saturday. Seventh and eighthplace points went to Milholland (7th - 100m

dash), Comerer (7th 3200m run), Jenkins (7th - discus), McGovern (8th 400m dash) and the 800m relay team (8th - Violet Gonzalez, Grace Hatheway, Young and Ellison Black). Boys Results The Cedaredge boys track team got another stellar performance from senior Ty Grant last week. He won both the 100 and 200m dashes at the Grand Valley Cardinal Open and doubled up again on Saturday at the Frank Woodburn Invitational at Stocker Stadium. Grant won the Cardinal Open with a time of 11.25 in the 100m race then clocked a 22.91 to win the 200m race. As a member of the 1600m relay team, Grant helped the Bruins place first with a time of 3:36.66. Other members of the relay team were Jordan McMillan, Drew Markley and Danny Mendoza. Second place finishes for the Bruin boys included Markley (400m dash, 53.33) and McMillan (800m run, 2:05.26).

Freshman Alex Barron notched a third-place finish in long jump with a leap of 20-02 and senior Blake Gash finished fourth (50.03) in the 300m hurdles. Finishing fifth at Parachute were sophomores Josh Deal (high jump, 57) and Josh Jenkins (long jump, 19-04.5). Bruins who finished sixth through eighth included Markley (6th 100m dash), sophomore Tevin Keller (6th - 800m run), junior Sawyer Carey (6th - long jump), senior Isaac Vader (7th - 3200m run), the 3200m relay team, Gash (8th 110m high hurdles) and senior Andrew Richardson (triple jump). At the Woodburn on Saturday Grant won the 100m dash (11.27) and the 200m dash (22.76). Grant picked up his third firstplace finish as a member of the winning 800m relay team (1:33.44). Grant’s team members were Markley, Mendoza and junior Wyatt Camp. Grant was also a member of the 1600m relay team which finished

second in 3:38.10. His teammates for that race included Jordan McMillan, Markley and Mendoza. The Bruins continue to score well in both hurdle events. Mendoza was second in both the 110 high hurdles (16.80) and 300m hurdles (42.52). Markley placed third in the 400m dash with a time of 53.28. Barron had top eight finishes in the long jump (4th, 19-05.25) and high jump (6th, 5-08) with Jenkins placing fifth in triple jump (39-04.25). Carey was sixth in long jump. Cedaredge’s 400m relay team (Camp, Carey, Richardson and Zach McMillan) ran a time of 48.07 to finish fifth. Tevin Keller was a sixth-place finisher in the 800m run and the Bruins’ 3200m relay team (J. McMillan, Markley, Keaton Sheppard and Richardson) finished seventh. Cedaredge thinclads are scheduled to participate in the Delta Twilight on April 13 starting at 3 p.m.

Paonia boys top team in 3200m relay at GV Open BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

At the April 4 Grand Valley Cardinal Open track meet, the Paonia boys’ 3200m relay team took first with a time of 8 minutes, 48.08 seconds. At Saturday’s Frank Woodburn Invitational the team of Caden Meilner, Ethan Bartlett, Harley Ewert and Logan a 2-0-1 record and a 4- Green took nine seconds BY WAYNE CRICK 3-1 overall mark. Basalt off that mark, placing DCI Sports Editor Last week’s soccer (1-0-0 and 4-1-0) is lead- fourth overall and first action resulted in a tie ing the league with Coal and a win for the Delta Ridge (1-0-1 and 1-4-1) Panthers. A tie with resting in third place. Against Roaring Fork Roaring Fork (1-1) came after two overtime peri- on April 3, the Rams ods failed to produce a scored their only goal in winner. That game was the opening half while BY TAMIE MECK played on April 3. On Delta scored its goal in DCI Sports Writer April 5 Delta scored four second half play. The Paonia girls track Delta hosts Vail Moun- team scored 74 points goals in the first half of play and added two more tain April 12 at 6 p.m. and last Wednesday evening scores in second half play takes on visting Aspen on to place fourth at the 13for a 6-0 3A Region 3 vic- Saturday, April 14, at 11 team Grand Valley Cara.m. tory. dinal Open track meet. Delta is in Basalt April On Saturday the Eagles The Panthers find themselves in second 17 for a 4 p.m. contest finished fifth with 69.5 place in league play with against the Longhorns. points at Palisade High School’s Frank Woodburn Invitational at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction. Senior Mckenna Palmer currently holds best �� marks in Class 2A in the �� long and triple jumps. At �� the Cardinal Open she �� won the triple jump with �� a season-best mark of 34 �� feet, one-half inch, and at �� Woodburn improved her �� mark to win with a jump �� of 34-10. Also at the Wood�� burn Invitational, Palmer �� set the best mark of the in the long jump with �� year a winning leap of 15 feet, �� 11.75 inches. Palmer also �� won the 100m hurdles at �� Woodburn with a time of �� 16.97. Also at the Cardinal Open, Brooke Hillman won the 800-meter run in 2:30.24, marking the

Delta soccer ties; wins tilts

among Class 2A teams with a time of 8:39.98. They finish the week in second place in Class 2A standings. Also at Grand Valley, in individual events, Marco Carrillo placed sixth in shot put with a throw of 37 feet, 1.75 inches; Cyrus MalekMadani finished fourth in discus with a throw of 127-06; and Michael Hofman placed sixth in the 200-meter dash with

a time of 25.5 seconds. At Saturday’s Stocker meet, Malek-Madani threw the discus 120-5 to place fifth and was eighth in shot put with a throw of 39-1. Meilner finished third in the 3200m run with a season-best time of 11:01.08 and ran a season best time of 4:46.59 seconds in the 1600m. Ewert also placed fourth in the 400m (55.61); Green placed

eighth in the 800m (2:14.18), and in the 3200m, Bartlett and O’Rourke placed seventh and eighth, respectively. The 400m relay team of Jesse Burns, Michael Hofmann, Green and Anthony Felice finished sixth with a time of 48.71 seconds. Paonia competes this Saturday at the Demon Invitational at Glenwood Springs High School.

Paonia girls at two meets

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fourth fastest time to date in Class 2A. In the 300-meter hurdles, Alexandra Eaton finished fourth in a personal record (PR) of 52.08 seconds, Randi Rapke placed fifth with a PR of 52.38, and McKenna Johnson placed eighth (54.26). Lyla Hayutin-Baril set personal records in two jumps at Grand Valley, placing fourth in the high jump after clearing 4 feet, 9 inches, and placing third in triple jump with a mark of 31-6. McKenna Johnson finished sixth in the triple jump with a personal record of 30-8.5. In relays, the 400meter relay team took second in 53.99 seconds, the 800m team placed third (1:57.95), and the 800m sprint medley team placed fourth overall with its time of (2:01.48). At Saturday’s Woodburn meet, teammates Hillman, Poppy Lightfoot, Randi Rapke and Tawny Roberts won the 3200 meter relay in 10:30.07, which is cur-

rently the fastest time of the season in Class 2A track and field ranks. In individual events, Sabrina Leighton placed fifth in shot put with a throw of 33 feet, 7 inches. Hayutin-Baril tied for fourth in high jump at 4-8 and placed fifth in triple jump with a mark of 31-6.5. Eaton finished third in 300m hurdles (52.27) and McKenna Johnson placed seventh

(53.56). Abby Reedy finished eighth in the 3200m run. The 400m team of Palmer, Randi Rapke, Eaton and Lightfoot placed second in 53.87; the 800m team of Eaton, Lightfoot, Emily Miller and Sadie Lee finished fifth in 1:54.7; and the 1600m team of Hillman, Randi Rapke, Lightfoot and Roberts placed third in 4:24.99.

Bruin tennis wins The Cedaredge tennis team won two matches last week, 7-0 over Grand Junction junior varsity on April 3 and a 5-2 defeat of Fruita Monument’s junior varsity on April 6. Against Grand Junction, Samantha Ribbens won at 1 Singles; Clarity Call was a winner at 2 Singles and Sabrina Gilmore won at 3 Singles. The Bruins’ 1 Doubles team of Niala Stair

and Payton Donahue won its match 6-1, 62; Megan Branson and Julia Jackson were 6-2, 6-0 winners at 2 Doubles; Luiza Goes and Olivia McCrackin won their 3 Doubles match 6-0 and 6-0. Rebecca Hofius and Katie Lindley won by default at 4 Doubles. Last Friday’s match against Fruita featured wins at all three singles matches and all but the 4 Doubles match for the Bruins who are 4-2-0 overall and 1-2-0.

team of Oliver Mendoza, Saul Cortez. Malykai Klaseen and Colton Peebles placed second in a season-best time of 1:36.93; and the 1600m team of Rodriguez, Jace Peebles, Robert Cochran and Jesus Macias placed second in 3:40.09. The 400m team of George Arroyo, Cochran, Oliver Mendoza and Jace Peebles placed third in 47.34 seconds. Rodriguez also placed third in the 1600m run with a season-best time of 4:47.62; Arroyo finished seventh in the 200-meter dash (25.51); and Elijah Patrick placed fifth in 110m hurdles (19.86) and fourth in the high jump (5-9).

The girls also had some successes at Grand Valley. Junior Yasmine Gaub placed in three individual events, taking fifth in the 100-meter dash with a personal best time of 13.94, seventh in the 400m dash in a personal best 1:09.06, and seventh in the 800m run in 2:44.83. The girls’ 800m relay team posted a fifth-place time of 2:02.34, and the 1600m team finished third in 4:47.87. The 3200m relay team finished fourth in 11:32.01, and the 800m sprint medley relay placed sixth. Hotchkiss will compete this Friday at Delta’s Twilight Meet beginning at 3 p.m.

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Hotchkiss CONTINUED FROM B7 In discus, Nolan Egging placed second with his personal best throw of 126-5.5, and Kevin

Chavez placed eighth with a throw of 103-7.5. Relay teams set season records at the Cardinal Open. The 800m

Delta CONTINUED FROM B7 Reiher further commented on his team’s pitching and hitting. “I thought Drake (Horn) pitched well today, even though there was a letdown in the third. It was a good hitting day. We are starting to swing like we’re capable of.” Delta began a busy schedule this week with a game against Olathe (April 10) and faces

Hotchkiss (in Hotchkiss at 4 p.m.). The Panthers’ final game of the week is against the visiting Paonia Eagles April 12 beginning at 4 p.m. The Eagles are 7-0 in 2A District 3/5 standings with a 1-0 league mark. Hotchkiss is 7-0 overall and have yet to play a league game. Both teams are sitting atop Class 2A standings with their 7-0 records.

SURFACE CREEK April 11, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Food bank serves 200 needy families monthly BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

For 17 years, the Surface Creek Community Services Food Bank has fulfilled its mission to assist in alleviating hunger for families and individuals in need. The nonprofit food bank, which is located in downtown Cedaredge, is operated by volunteers and managed by a volunteer board of directors. Every month the food bank provides food to 200 families in the Surface Creek region, distributing food to as many as 560 individuals. A third of those served are children under 18 and a fourth are over the age of 55. The food bank serves qualified families and individuals who reside in Cedaredge, Eckert, Austin and Cory. The food bank uses the emergency food assistance program (TEFAP) guidelines for determining eligibility based on family size and income. For operating funds, the food bank relies on monetary contributions from churches; donations from individuals, businesses, and service groups; fundraising activities; and grants. In practical terms, the food bank receives about half of its support from area churches and half from individual donations. In addition to an ongoing need for cash donations, volunteers are essential to the food bank operations. People are needed every week to unload trucks and to sort and distribute food. Up to twenty volunteers are needed on busy days and volunteers donate as many as 500 hours each month. The need is ongoing for individuals to help with these tasks: • Unloading delivery trucks every Tuesday from 3:30 to 4 p.m. • Sorting and distributing food every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. • Sorting and distributing food every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon Where does the food come from? Most of it is donated and the rest is purchased using contributed funds. Food and other amenities are regularly donated by Safeway and Dollar General. The food bank also receives invaluable year-round assistance from the Food Bank of the Rockies (FBR) that operates a warehouse in Palisade. FBR is a Colorado-based non-profit organization that receives

By the numbers 200

The number of families served each month by the Surface Creek Community Services Food Bank.

500

The hours of service provided by volunteers each month.

Volunteers needed to run the operation on a busy day.

food from supermarkets and other donors. Food bank volunteers drive to Palisade every Tuesday to transport a trailer-load of food and other supplies back to the Cedaredge location. Other agencies also assist the food bank with contributions. Local U.S. post offices sponsor ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ drives every year on the second Saturday in May and canned food collected by mail carriers is contributed to the Surface Creek food bank. Twice a year, in spring and fall, Cedaredge Food Town holds a case-lot sale of foodstuffs and food bank volunteers are on hand at the store to encourage customers to contribute a portion of their purchases. And every year a local benefactor donates a generous amount of beef to the food bank. The Town of Cedaredge is also a vital partner in food bank operations. The town provides 1,500 square feet of space rent-free allowing the food bank to occupy what used to be the ambulance barn and town storage. And, as Christmas approaches, the children of Little Sprouts Preschool collect canned goods that they deliver to the food bank. And employees of Delta County Memorial Hospital band together in a holiday food drive and contribute a portion of their collections to Surface Creek. Monetary donations to the food bank can be mailed to Surface Creek Community Services, PO Box 963, Cedaredge, CO 81413. Please make checks payable to “Surface Creek Community Services.” Those seeking assistance or wishing to volunteer can contact the food bank at 970-856-1125.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Surface Creek Community Services food bank volunteers sort donated bread in preparation for distribution to those in need. Pictured left to right are: Karen Schuller and Ken Christenson of Cedaredge, and Jeanne Webb of Austin. Christenson is chairman of the food bank board.

Cedaredge-built kayak tackles the great lakes of Africa BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

For 20 years, Long Haul Folding Kayaks of Cedaredge has been building world class wood-framed kayaks. So when Ross Exler, a nationally-known adventurer and conservationist, envisioned his ambitious plan to kayak across the African great lakes system, he knew where to turn for a sturdy craft. Exler needed a folding kayak capable of tackling 1,000 miles of heavy-duty paddling. He contacted Long Haul owner Mark Eckhart who modified one of his stock boats to meet the adventurer’s needs. The result was a sturdy craft which has transported not only Exler and his supplies but also his folding bicycle. The Central-East African waters of Lakes Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria lie in a north-south line but they are separated by 600 land miles. Upon traversing each lake, Exler planned to ride between them while hauling his folded kayak on a bicycle trailer. The initial entry in Exler’s blog of his journey had high praise for the performance of his Long Haul kayak. According to him: “My Long Haul folding

Photo submitted

A sturdy expedition kayak constructed by Long Haul Folding Kayaks of Cedaredge was the craft of choice for adventurer and conservation enthusiast Ross Exler who is rowing 1,000 miles across the great lakes of Africa. kayak performed admirably on the first lake (Lake Malawi). Its stability provided me with peace of mind in rough conditions, and it proved durable and provided the payload that I needed to transport all of my equipment. After the first lake, it shows no sign of wear and no damage — not bad for three weeks paddling in

Africa!” Exler is continuing to post updates of his adventure at the Canoe and Kayak Magazine website under ‘expeditions’: https://www.canoekay ak.com For further information on Long Haul Folding Kayaks, visit their Facebook page or call 970-856-3662.

Is the Surface Creek open for business? Better customer service, business hours are priorities for consumers SPECIAL TO THE DCI

Is the Surface Creek Valley open for business? That was a question on the minds of those who attended a community meeting co-hosted by the Town of Cedaredge and the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce recently, where the results of the consumer/ business survey were revealed and priorities discussed. The goal of the 2018 Surface Creek Consumer & Business Survey was twofold, asking first for feedback from consumers on how area businesses can improve and earn more of the consumer’s dollars. The second part of the survey asked business owners or managers to give feedback on how the town or the chamber could be more effective at supporting new and existing businesses. “Overwhelmingly, we heard that consumers want to shop locally, but one of the bigger barriers is that businesses aren’t open when consumers are available to shop,” said Kami Collins, executive director of the chamber. As one survey respondent put it, “Open your businesses. If you want people to purchase, be open when I want to shop or eat.” One meeting attendee said it seems as if the Surface Creek Valley closes at 5 p.m., which makes it difficult for much

of the community to support local businesses — even though they want to. On the other hand, noted a business owner, it goes both ways. If a business offers extended hours and no one shows up, business owners not only get hit in the wallet with extra costs (and no extra revenue coming in) but they also get discouraged and can be reluctant to try new things down the road. “It’s definitely a catch-22,” Collins said. “But this came up so often within both the survey and at the meeting that it’s obviously a priority for our community, and so it’s something we need to work on.” Hand in hand with the response of more availability on business hours was the request for better customer service. One of the survey questions asked why people chose to patronize local businesses, rather than shopping elsewhere in Delta County or shopping online. “Make friendly customer service the number one priority,” one survey respondent wrote. “Poor service and unfriendly staff are the two reasons we do not spend money with some of the local businesses.” That sentiment was given time and again within the survey, said Greg Brinck, Cedaredge town administrator. “People speak with their dollars. If they go into a business and aren’t greeted with a smile and a welcome, if the staff is rude, if the store is dirty, or if it takes too long to get your water glass refilled

at dinner, people walk. And they take their money with them. We heard from consumers that if businesses want to keep that money in the Surface Creek, we all need to get better at customer service.” Several comments were made at the meeting and within the survey that consumers would like to shop locally more often out of convenience, but that businesses have to offer something more than just being the convenient option, Brinck added. He also noted that there was not any surprising or new information that came from the survey, but that the results verified the anecdotal comments both entities hear often. “We hear a lot that prices are high and that customer service could be better,” he said. “Those are obstacles the town and the chamber will work with our business community to overcome.” One woman who attended the meeting said, “You might remind businesses that customer service doesn’t cost a thing!” Collins also noted that they didn’t get a ton of feedback from business owners/managers on services they’d like to see from the town and chamber, but the feedback they did get are things both entities are actively working to address. As with any survey, the results are only beneficial if stakeholders take action steps to address service gaps, Brinck said. The town and the chamber each plan to enhance their services to the business community. One issue is signage

within Cedaredge, pointing locals and visitors to public parking and downtown businesses. The town is currently working on its wayfinding signage project as finances allow. He and Collins also plan to begin visiting with businesses to share some of the survey feedback, and during those conversations will address specifically the issues of customer service and business hours. “We hope to work with businesses on better promoting their business, overcoming some of the misconceptions about their price point or inventory selection, enhancing what they have to offer and connecting businesses to more educational opportunities for both owners and their staff,” Collins said. Mitchell Gronenthal, owner of Cedaredge business Reve Portraits and the president of the board of directors for the chamber, noted that his organization, too, was unsurprised by the survey results, specifically regarding the chamber’s services. “We do recognize that we can do better for our members,” he said. He added that one problem facing the chamber is the perception of what the chamber’s role is. “It’s hard for people to remember that we are a member-driven organization,” Gronenthal said. “Our job is to provide support to our members first and foremost.” The chamber provides cost effective marketing, members-only advertising opportunities, networking, referrals and members-only access to the

chamber’s digital/social media presence, he said, and added that the chamber is committed to working more effectively for members while balancing community-wide business support. He pointed to a recent change the chamber recently made to improve the benefits offered to members. “As a board, we decided to stop charging our members to attend Business After Hours,” he explained. At the first feefree event earlier this month at member 4B’s Brewery, chamber directors noticed a sizeable increase of attendees BUSINESS SURVEY TO C2

Collins resigns from chamber Kami Collins has resigned her position of Executive Director of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. Her last day will be April 17. The board of directors is accepting resumes for the position. If you or someone you know is interested, please email a resume and cover letter to board president Mitchell Gronenthal at mitchellgphoto graphy@gmail.com. As it sits now, the position is part time, but the board is working to more clearly define the hours, compensation and scope of work. Please email Mitchell for more information.

C2 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Voice of David Starr to fill Methodist pulpit April 15 David Starr will speak at Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church during worship at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 15. He is a local musician who understands his poetry and music to be “in service of the song.” This will be a metaphor as he encourages the congregation to live “In Service of the Community.” Starr has lived in Cedaredge for 17 years, generously supporting the community through Starr’s Guitars, his music, consulting with organizations and businesses about their sound needs and getting behind many community projects. He is a key leader behind the new Grand Mesa Arts and Entertainment Center (GMAEC), which plans to open in June. David is married to Cindy Smith Starr. They grew up in a United Methodist Church in Arkansas where they met as seven-year-olds

a church-for-others. The Cedaredge Voices are helping us keep our calling to serve.” The Cedaredge Voice in May will be Kami Collins, executive director of the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce.

David Starr in Sunday School. Both were confirmed as United Methodists. Cindy is the president of the GMAEC board. David affirms, “My writing and singing are expressions of my spirit. These both come from a place that is beyond understanding.” Starr is the fourth of five Cedaredge Voices who are assisting the congregation to respond to the needs of the community. According to Pastor Joe Agne, “We follow Jesus, the person-for-others, who calls us to be

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Orchard City voters turn down tax hikes

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Library will host book sale The Friends of the Cedaredge Public Library will host a used (hardcover and paperback) sale on Saturday, April 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town. Fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, mystery, romance, western, children and young adult books will be available. There will also be a selection of audio books, music CDs and movies. All proceeds support the Cedaredge Public Library’s various programs.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Looking for a little help

A Little Help — a nonproﬁt organization that pairs senior citizens with helping individuals — is continuing to seek volunteers in Delta County. The program has been successfully operating for three years in Paonia and other parts of Colorado. Last month the organization hosted a recruiting event in Eckert. Teaming up to recruit volunteers were (left to right): Tanya Matthias, member coordinator from Denver; Kathy Edwards, Delta County coordinator; and Dave Knutson, a founding member from Paonia. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Kathy Edwards by email: kathy@alittlehelp.org. For more information call 970-527-3482, or visit their website: www. alittlehelp.org.

In Orchard City the voters selected Jan Gage, Doug Keller and Mel Cook as trustees in the municipal election of April 3. The vote tally was: Jan Gage — 701 Doug Keller — 620 Mel Cook — 572 Gary Tollefson — 338 Robert Eckels — 283 Joe Gorrod — 215 The voters also were overwhelmingly opposed to three different taxing questions. Measure 2D, which sought a mill levy increase, was defeated with 897 votes opposed and 123 votes in favor. Measure 2E, which sought to impose a sales tax, excise tax and a transaction tax on the sale of marijuana, was defeated with 897 votes opposed and 270 votes in favor. Measure 2F, which would have imposed a municipal sales tax of 3 percent, was defeated with 868 votes opposed and 164 votes in favor.

Opening day for community garden BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Cedaredge community gardens are open for business. Last Saturday, a dozen garden members were busy clearing and tilling plots in preparation for this year’s planting. The allvolunteer organization is beginning its 10th year of operation. The gardens provide growing space to the local community within the 81413 zip code and members also donate fresh produce to the Surface Creek food bank. There are still plots available. Garden participation requires a $25 membership fee which

includes water, organic soil amendments, and access to hand tools and other equipment. Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact the gardens’ secretary, John Steighner at 970-856-1001, or the organization’s president, Larry Claxton at 970596-1776. To supplement its activities, the community gardens hold periodic fundraisers. This year the Dawson Springs Band performed for a full house at a benefit concert at the Cedaredge Community Methodist Church. The garden’s next big fundraising event will be a summer plant sale which is typically held in June.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Garden enthusiasts joined together to till the soil during last Saturday’s opening of the Cedaredge community garden. Left to right are Cedaredge residents Janine Adair, Ann Bristol, Janice Jones, Larry Claxton, Dea Jacobson and Shelley Larson.

Cedar Mesa Community Club to serve fundraiser dinner

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The Cedar Mesa Community Club’s annual spring scholarship fundraiser dinner will be held on Saturday, April 14, at its clubhouse, located at 15637 Peach Road on Cedar Mesa. The members have planned another gourmet menu for their “Spring Into Spring” dinner. The ladies will be serving homemade jambalaya (no shrimp) over saffron rice, Louisiana sunburst salad, bread, and for dessert a yummy bread pudding with hard sauce. Drink choices will include chicory coffee. The club’s annual dinner raises money to fund scholarships for deserving Cedaredge High School graduating seniors. Because of the popularity of the dinners and the continuing generous support of the community, the Cedar Mesa Club has been able to present thousands of dollars in scholarships during the past several years. The Cedar Mesa Community Club is a 501(c)(3)

charitable organization which has been active in the Cedaredge community for 110 years, whose members volunteer many hours in support of local and Western Slope charities, in addition to their scholarship program. Though the club is over 100 years old, the clubhouse itself is just short of 70 years old. Last year the club celebrated the listing of its clubhouse on the Colorado Historic Registry. This listing was announced in 2016 by

History Colorado. Advance reservations are required because seating is limited in the small clubhouse. There are two seatings available, 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. The dinner is $17 per person. Reservations can be made by calling Bev Henry at 856-4165. These dinners usually sell out, so call soon to reserve your seat for a delicious meal, shared with friends and neighbors, with profits going to a great cause.

Business survey FROM PAGE C1 who came to network with other business owners, and many of them said that doing away with the charge influenced their decision to attend. “We will continue working to enhance our benefits to better support our member businesses and nonprofits,” Gronenthal promised. The board also plans to begin host-

ing quarterly membership events where new members will be introduced and highlighted, business educational opportunities presented, and targeted networking opportunities made available. Full survey results can be obtained by emailing Collins at cedaredgeare achamber@gmail.com or Brinck at manager@ceda redgecolorado.com.

Friends of the Cedaredge Library

SPRING BOOK SALE! ��

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Cedaredge ��

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS C EDAREDGE HIGH SCHOOL

970-856-6882

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��575 Southeast Deer Creek Drive

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��chs.deltaschools.com

A Night in the Spotlight Azalee Hoffbauer Website Editor

On March 27th, the Cedaredge High School music program put on their notorious Night Club fundraiser. This annual performance allows the music department to put their talents on show for the whole community to enjoy. With a grand total of thirteen �� of performances and a great deal of talent. The 2018 Night Club was particularly important for many people. Ms. Gross, the band director for four years, has taken a position at another school making this year and this Night Club her last at CHS. She carried on the tradition of Night Club from the previous music director, and she wanted to make sure it will continue to happen “I want to leave the tradition of performing from the heart, not just what I tell them to perform, but to perform what they want in order to express themselves through their heart and through music.” Ms. Gross has spent her last four years at CHS making every year a great one with her students, music parents, community members and the school’s faculty. She described this Night Club as the best one so far because of the aid from the community and students. No sound issues developed due to the help of Pastor Junior Abbi Taylor sings from the heart during her solo at Night Club.

Senior Isaac Vader key��nal Night Club performance.

Dan, a loved community member. The show ran smoothly as well because the music students banded together to serve food, to take tickets, and to make sure all the Night Club attendees enjoyed their night. Night Club is all about showing the music program’s skills to the community. “It really brings everyone together. Nothing brings people closer than music, and that’s what we’re in it for. To make people feel something, is an amazing feeling.” one of the performers Abbi Taylor says, referencing what nightclub does for the community and CHS. She also expresses how “it is something special when someone takes times to listen to you when they may not otherwise.” Community members who may not always come to the music programs concerts always show their support at Night Club. This year’s Night Club was a big hit and was one of the music programs largest fundraisers �� instruments, food, and other various items for the program. Overall, Night Club was a fun way to show off the talents our students have to offer, to celebrate Ms. Gross’s last year at CHS, and to involve the community with our school. Sisters Elizabeth and Sabrina Gilmore stun the crowd with their duet.

What’s Bruin Inside Bruin men and women dominate home track meet, �� Grand Valley

Students boarded the Blood-Mobile and gave their blood to a good cause Mr. Montoya’s current events class �� drill to analyze students’ awareness of their surroundings Art students compete in Delta County Art Show AP students prepare for the exams with mock testing

Two Sides Tell the Story:

Drama thespians present “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Olivia McCrackin Staff Writer

With a change from comedy to the dark side, the CHS Theatre department presents The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Set in 1888 Victorian London, the thrill�� caught in a moral dilemma. Doctor and scientist Henry Jekyll discovers a chemical formula that will change a man into his other self. In his quest to unlock the dual nature of man, Henry Jekyll encounters dark characters, desperate situations, �� unfolds, Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego push him to make decisions that affect the lives of himself and everyone around him. In light of the general mood shift from comedy to drama, Mr. Parsons feels obliged to comment on the change; “This is an opportunity to grow my actors.” Mr. Parsons hopes that the audience will enjoy the change. Although he says the script has its downfalls, he also mentions that “it’s interesting because it presents two different sides of one man.” Both Mr. Parsons and the cast at CHS are excited to perform The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. ��ous drama. “Comedy kind of gets old; a more serious play will let us expand on our abilities,” says actor Devin Glidden. This is the cast’s opportunity to show the community what they can achieve. Marian Blanks and Cameron Signs narrate the thoughts of Dr. �� Playing Mr. Utterson, Jacob Chlarson discourages Dr. Jekyll from continuing his experiments.

Baseball falls in extra innings to rival Hotchkiss Bulldogs Tennis serves up success in competitions around the Western Slope Students and staff prepare to enjoy a week off April 16th to 20th

Dr. Jekyll aka Wyatt Camp shows his angry side as Mr. Hyde. Elizabeth Wood, one of six seniors in the theatre program, prepares her face to match the character of Ivy.

Soccer battles Vail Mountain April 12th at 4 Track runs in Delta April 13th at 3 Tennis plays Vail April 13th at 4 Baseball hosts a double-header against Basalt April 14th at 10 and 12

MEDIA DAY 2018

On March 5th, the Journalism class attended Media Day at Colorado Mesa University. They participated in various learning experiences including covering traumatic events, photography �� sessions, students received awards for various aspects of this year’s newspaper and last year’s �� the competition involved schools ranging from 2A ��

Best Individual Photo: Sports - Hannah Hatheway Best Individidual Graphic: Yearbook - Hannah Hatheway Best Individual Page Design: Newspaper - Hannah Hatheway ��

Tennis faces Paonia today at 4 in Delta

Happy Spring Break!

Grace Hatheway, Azalee Hoffbauer, Hunter Campbell, Olivia McCrackin, Hannah Gardner, Mrs. Gillis, Hannah Hatheway, Jessica Craig, Baylee Piper

C4 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS

Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Bruins Drew Markley, Ty Grant, and Tevin Keller �� dash at the Cedaredge Invite.

Starting for the boys sprint medley, Ethan Fish pushes out of the blocks to start his 100 meter leg of the race.

In Grand Valley, Reganne McIntire hands the baton to Grace Hatheway to run the last 400 meters of the sprint medley relay.

Meri Comerer, Hannah Hatheway, and Briar Wagner start their 2 mile race as the start gun ��

Bailey Harris and Nicole Miller leap over a hurdle during the 100 meter hurdles.

At Home: Bruins Dominate The Field Grace Hatheway Co-Editor

Every year, track athletes train all week for a weekend meet. That meet gives competitors a chance to qualify for state and to compete with other 2A schools from around the state. The Cedaredge boys hope to continue their state champion winning streak, and the girls hope to start one. Sprinter Wyatt Camp says that he started the 4x200 meter relay last year at state to lead his team to a gold medal. He hopes to go back and come home with another state title. With the largest team in a long time, Sprinter, coaches and athletes hope to take down their Brook Hogan, rival, the Paonia Eagles. Athletes have the �� opportunity to try different events and to in her heat determine what they do best. At the last two of the girls meets in Delta and Hotchkiss, the girls and 100 meter �� dash. behind Montrose, a 4A school. Shannon Goff reaches to optimize her jumping distance in the triple jump.

After 20 years, Coach Henderson continues to push athletes to do their best and to strive for new personal records. At the Hotchkiss meet, senior sprinter Ty Grant broke the school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.22 seconds. With the Cedaredge Invite on March 30th, �� Distance runner Briar Wagner chose to �� season, the 2-mile. She ran with teammates Meri Comerer and Hannah Hatheway. Briar, Meri and Hannah took 8th, 6th, and 5th place respectively out of 11 runners. Overall, girls and boys teams placed 1st out of 13 teams. The Cedaredge team continues to participate in meets near and far. After their home meet, they continued to impress fans with �� boys at the Grand Valley meet.

Isaac Vader �� boys sprint medley at the home meet.

Violet Gonzalez practices hurdles before her next meet.

Dalia Alejandre launches a shot put to take third and complete a girls sweep with Katie Hyke ��Grace Andrews taking second. Blake Gash �� the hurdle to stay in front of Grand Valley competitors.

Dakota Williams pushes himself in the last few meters of the 100 meter dash.

BRUIN TRACKS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Cedaredge

Bruins

Another Home Run Natalie Barnard Staff Writer

It’s a pickle! Our very own Cedaredge High School Bruin’s baseball team is doing great. The Varsity currently holds a record of 5-2 with the JV team at 4-2-1. Coach Montoya says, “Our biggest competitor is Delta because they have a very good program. Our teams are doing great because we have a great attitude and effort this season. We were very prepared this season after hours of hard work the guys put in during June summer ball.” The team met up to plan strategies in order to take down the competition. This means putting in more than just playing time. Montoya says,

“The process is great to watch, and seeing my boys grow so much as a family is all I need. “I love what I get to be a part of, and the culture of the team has made a change that is great” says Pedro Madaleno. Nobody looks at the players as just a team but as a cohesive unit. With their current game plan, it would be no surprise if they went all the way to state. They put forth 100% effort, and the paybacks are evident. “We have had some setbacks this season with the two losses, but we learn from our mistakes, and no doubt we will come back from it stronger,” says Pedro Madaleno.

Simon Varella steps up �� baseball game. His teammate Connor Brooks backs him up ready for a hit to third base.

Levi Smothers catches a hard driven ball during warm up before their home baseball game.

Chase Meyers winds up in the batting cage during practice. He practices a perfect swing so

Facing the Opposition with a Dynamite Serve Olivia McCrackin Staff Writer

Slam! The ball sailed over the net in a perfect serve. The 2018 Cedaredge High School girls tennis team had a very successful season. This year, Ms. Benson from Cedaredge Elementary School coaches with Ms. Jubert from Cedaredge Middle School as assistant coach. Together, they plan to lead the team to many victories. The team has downsized from last year with only fourteen girls playing. This gives the opportunity for more one-on-one coaching and team bonding. Because of smaller numbers, only a varsity team exists. This allows underclassmen the

Sabrina Gilmore spikes the ball into the court during practice.

opportunity to participate in varsity sports early on in their high school careers. The girls are enjoying the season, going into every game full �� well prepared. Coach Benson takes a slightly different coaching approach this year. She is focusing on attitudes and stressing the importance of mental strategy.

Clarity Call winds up for a serve against her opponent.

Addie Schwarz looks up line to pass the ball to her teammates.

Hold the Rope Jessica Craig Staff Writer

Jade Gummo wins the ball from her Montrose opponent and pushes the ball forward for a goal.

Feel the rush of the fresh air. Smell the dirt and grass. Adrenaline rushes through the body and causes a high. Eight Cedaredge girls drive thirty minutes every day to attend the countywide soccer practice. The Delta Girls Soccer team is comprised of Hotckiss, Paonia, Delta, and Cedaredge students. Sweating through the drills every day, the team compensates after the loss of twelve seniors. Jade McGovern, Jessica Craig, and Addie Schwarz comprise the entire team’s senior population. The team must come together and close the gaps between the different schools and ages in order to make the season great. The girls have to learn to trust each other. Their motto is “hold the rope”. If you were hanging from a cliff, who would hold the rope? The team needs to feel that each girl would hold the rope for the other.

The team started out their season with a seven to two win against Ridgway. After this game, the team has continued to excel. After a tough loss to Roaring Fork, the girls came back harder than before, and dominated the game. The game ended in a tie. “I am excited to see what comes of this season,” says Coach Deborah Vigil. Abby Williams, Zoe Williams, Marian Blanks, Sophia McCrackin, and Winnie Hirsch all participate in this sport. They work hard and contribute to the team that is on the rise. With the strong start, they have high spirits for the rest of the season.

C6 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

BRUIN TRACKS

Cedaredge

Delta County Independent

Bruins

Bringing Safety to Attention at CHS Hannah Hatheway Editor-In-Chief

One of the safety tests was Kamryn Spiker standing outside a locked door of CHS. She knocked on the door and was let in by a student despite the baseball bat in her hands.

What can we do to make our school safer? In response to recent events around Delta County and the United States, Mr. Montoya’s current events class conducted a study to determine how prepared Cedaredge High School is for threats. On Monday, students in the class walked around the school and examined the entrances. They discovered four unlocked doors in various places. They informed the admin, and they have since made it a priority to lock these doors. On Friday, March 9th, the main safety experiment occurred. During passing period, three students stood outside entrances to the school. They knocked on the doors, and they were let in with hardly a glance at their different attire. �� and timed how long it took from �� for all students and staff to exit �� drill, students with alternative attire walked through the hallway. Designated students from the class also wore matching t-shirts in a study to see how observant staff and students are. Mr. Montoya developed this �� the school protocol to make the school safer. “We are trying to be a little more proactive to make sure you guys feel safe.” Montoya and his class are in the process of developing a presentation of the results they found to present to the school along with

McKenna Mousner and Peyton Williams set up a camera to capture the reactions of the students during the mock drill.

Bradley Callenius strides down the hallway with a bat in his hands and his hood pulled up. The students don’t react to his behavior.

BRUIN TRACKS Editor-in-Chief Hannah Hatheway

Co-Editors Jessica Craig

Hannah Gardner

Grace Hatheway

Advertising Editor Hunter Campbell

Writing Staff Natalie Barnard Jasmine Cruthers Grace Hatheway Azalee Hoffbauer

Olivia McCrackin Emily Phillips Baylee Piper Jordan Taylor

The views expressed in the Bruin Tracks do not necessarily represent the opinions of Cedaredge High School or its staff. The Bruin Tracks is a public forum for student expression, striving for journalistic excellence; it is created as part of the Journalism class at Cedaredge High School. Bruin Tracks thanks all the advertisers and other community supporters. We welcome all comments.

HIGH DESERT SOLUTIONS HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING BRANDON KOHLES E: BRANDON@HIGHDSOLUTIONS.COM

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a message from the local police. Mr. Montoya wishes for students to take this event seriously and to become more aware of the people around them. He also hopes teachers will receive more training on how they can make the school a safer place and how they can best react in emergency situations. Following this social experiment, Mr. Brown and Mr. Montoya visited all the classrooms to discuss the event. Many students picked up on the students who were dressed differently, and they also noticed the six students wearing neon yellow shirts. Mr. Montoya and Mr. Brown were impressed with the level of awareness everyone demonstrated, but they still want to enforce the importance of every person being aware of his surroundings and knowing what to do in an emergency situation. Cedaredge High School is a safe environment where learning takes place, yet we will continue to strive to improve in every area. Principal Randy Brown made it very clear that this exercise was not designed to scare students. “The purpose is to get an awareness of what kids see… ultimately, we’re doing this to make sure we’re as safe as we can be.”

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

What’s bugging you? Local gardening questions and answers

So what does this mean to the average gardener in western Colorado? Well it depends. If you rely on ditch water, you are probably facing significant reductions in available water for your garden. One only needs to look at Surface Creek to see how dire our ditch water situation is. On April 7 stream flow near Cedaredge was about 4.5 cubic feet per second. The historical median for this date is about 11 cubic feet/ second. And flow should be increasing — it is not. If you are using town water, then it all depends upon whether your particular municipality decides to place restrictions on water use. So far, I am moving ahead as usual with my watering plans with one exception. I watered my entire landscape during the period of February through

March. Usually, snow and winter rains allow me to forgo this winter watering, depending how rapidly we warm up in the spring. If you didn’t do any winter watering you may be in BY JIM LESER trouble, especially in the Cedaredge Tree Board valley areas. I expect to There is a lot of talk see a lot of plant probabout the drought we lems due to lack of winter are experiencing in Colwatering once we really orado. But is this really start to warm up. a drought? I guess it all For me, since I watered depends on your perspecmy landscape in the wintive or situation. ter, I expect to use my A drought has been usual watering practices defined as a prolonged for the rest of the season. period of abnormally low Much of my landscape gets rainfall; a shortage of watered deeply every 30 to water resulting from this. 90 days, depending upon Our area has been rated the water needs of the paras under extreme drought ticular plants. This repreconditions. sents about two-thirds of But our current rainmy landscape. fall pattern has been fairly And lawns? I have normal over the last sevabout 800 square feet of eral months. So nothing buffalo grass I water every unusual there. What is 30-45 days. And I mow it abnormal is the amount three times. Why so many of snow we have received Coloradans have this fixathis winter, less than 50 tion on large expanses percent of what we usually of water-thirsty grass is expect. My personal snowbeyond me. fall amount was 25 percent So what can you do to of normal. reduce your yard’s water needs? First, mulch everything, preferably with an organic mulch such as shredded bark, except where you have very xeric plants. For them use a gravel cover such as a trail mix. An organic mulch here would suffocate these plants through waterlogged soils. I would also consider two other steps. One, consider reducing the size of your lawn. I know you enjoy mowing but really, there are other worthy things to do with your time. Two, consider replacing some of your more thirsty plants with more xeric ones. There are some really attractive plants out there. All you need to do is look and ask. Last but not least. Photo by Jim Leser Surface Creek in Cedaredge: Where is all the Because of our dry conditions, there is an increased water?

Art center hosting Q&A session and children’s event The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Centers (GMAEC) will host an informational question and answer session on Wednesday, April 18. The event will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Cedaredge Civic Center at 140 NW 2nd Street. The public is invited to meet GMAEC board members and officers who will be on hand to answer questions regarding the center which is on schedule to open in June 2018. On Saturday, April 28, GMAEC invites children and families to take part in a ‘Hall of Helping Hands’ event. Children attending will create a hand-print tile which will be displayed in the new arts center building. The cost to create a tile is $10 with proceeds going to support the cen-

ter. Donated tiles will be made available for children and families who are unable to afford the cost. A ticket to create a tile can be purchased in advance at www.tick etstripe.com/grandmesa artscenter. Or tickets can be purchased at the door

of the event which will be held at the Cedaredge Civic Center. There will be two opportunities for families and kids to participate in creating their tiles: in the morning from 9-11 a.m. and again in the afternoon at 1-3 p.m.

Spaghetti dinner benefits Families Plus All Saints Lutheran Church will host its 10th annual spaghetti dinner on Friday, April 13, from 4:30 until 7 p.m. A donation of $10 for adults and $3 for children 10 and younger is suggested. Proceeds this year will be given to Families Plus in Delta, which works with children and families through coun-

seling and other means to help them provide a thoughtful, caring relationship within their family. All Saints Lutheran Church is located on Highway 65 one mile north of the Cory General Store. For further information or to reserve a ticket, call 856-6920.

Laser Hair Removal ��

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danger from wildfires. Please, don’t burn unless absolutely necessary. And I would certainly do a general cleanup around the yard. Reduce the amount of combustible plant material that is close to your house. This is especially important for those that live in more rural areas where there are large expanses of vegetated land just primed for burning. Garden planning and advance preparations can take the sting out of the possibility of higher water bills and increased fire danger. I for one really enjoy my landscape but value my house way more. So should you. Jim Leser retired to Cedaredge in 2007 after a career with Texas A&M University Extension in entomology. He is a member of the Cedaredge Tree Board and a Colorado Master Gardener.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Signs of spring

A sure sign of spring, the apricot trees are blossoming in Cedaredge.

Garden club enjoys Jim Leser program BY JOAN CHAMBERS Plant & Dig Garden Club

For the March meeting of the Plant and Dig Garden Club of Cedaredge, a program was given by Jim Leser entitled, “A Closer Look at Garden Visitors.” Jim, one of our favorite guest speakers, has done numerous presentations in the past on numerous subjects, all of which have been informative as well as entertaining. So it was with pleasure that we anticipated his presentation on his specialty, entomology, And we were not disappointed. Jim enlightened us on practically every bug that crawls, flies or feeds in our gardens. He gave us good tips on how to control unwanted “guests” as our

garden season progresses. His presentations are always accompanied by colorful pictures and his narrative expands ability to handle problems that might arise. Thank you, Jim, as always, for sharing your knowledge with us. Larry Claxton, president of the Cedaredge Community Garden, made a short presentation on this organic garden, a volunteer undertaking. He explained that the garden gives vital fresh produce to the Cedaredge Food Bank throughout the summer as well as allowing participants to grow vegetables for their own use and enjoyment. He stated that the Community Garden needs funds. Anyone who wish-

es to donate can send a check made out to the Cedaredge Community Garden and can send it to him at 1020 S. Grand Mesa Drive, Cedaredge, CO 81413. In April, the club will take a field trip to Superior Sod Farm in Montrose to learn about this industry. We continue every month to learn about all aspects of gardening, give back to our community through our involvment in community projects at Pioneer Town and Horizons Care Center, and of course, enjoy the companionship of friends. We invite you to join us. Find out more about our club and our meetings by calling 856-7077 or 8563897.

C8 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

HopeWest hosts annual grief program HopeWest is hosting the Hospice Foundation of America’s 24th annual Living with Grief program on Tuesday, April 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Grand Mesa Oncology Center at Delta County Memorial Hospital, 1501 E. 3rd Street. This program is for professionals whose practice touches the lives of those who are grieving including counselors,

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

clergy, morticians and professionals working in hospice and palliative care. Experts in this topic will share information and tips on how to support growth after loss and the session will conclude with a panel discussion to ask questions, share concerns and learn from other professionals in our community. Continuing education credits for this program available through Hospice Foundation of America. This program is free thanks to the support of Taylor Funeral Service, but registration is required. Visit HopeWest CO.org to register or call Felicia at 970-874-2606 for more information.

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Republicans hit the campaign trail

Gubernatorial candidates Cynthia Coffman (above, wearing scarf) and Doug Robinson (in the photo on the right) visited with fellow Republicans during campaign swings through Delta over the past week. Robinson and Walker Stapleton have successfully petitioned onto the Republicans’ primary ballot. A petition from Victor Mitchell is under review. The petition process of collecting valid voter signatures from a certain number of members of your own party is one way to get on the June 26 primary ballot. The other is going through assembly, a process that began with precinct caucuses on March 6 and concludes with the Republican state assembly on April 14. Coffman is currently attorney general. Robinson, an investment banker, has never run for ofﬁce, although he’s grown up around some powerful politicians. He is a nephew of Mitt Romney and his grandfather was a three-time governor of Michigan.

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Photos by Pat Sunderland

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Classifieds

April 11, 2018

Real Estate

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For Sale Help Wanted

CEDAREDGE OFFICE FOR 2001 BUELL BLAST Rent. Convenient loca- 500cc $1,300. 970-312-5113. tion on Highway 65. Four- (2x14) room office,. 600 square feet. $590/month. Recently remodeled; like new. 970856-3032 (3x15)

Autos

FOR SALE: DELTA HOUSing Authority is selling a Rentals used vehicle. 2000 Ford Ranger with 119,893 miles. The vehicle will be sold AS CREEKSIDE! CEDAREDGE IS - No Warranty. It will 3 bedroom 2 bath, totally be sold to the highest bidremodeled, deck, laundry der. For more information hookups, double garage, contact Cathy Karch at 970non-smokers only, pets 874-7266 x 4. If interested, negotiable, $1,320/mo + submit bid by April 27, 2018 utilities, First and last by 4 p.m., email bid to: month plus $1,400/deposit, admin@deltahousingautho 2-Year lease (360) 929-5155. rity.org. (2x15) (2x14) APARTMENT FOR RENT in Delta, nice size 2BR/1BA with W/D hookups. $600/ month plus utilities and damage deposit. Pick up an application at Delta's Best Property Management located inside the office of Martin's Auto Body at 60 Tuscher Street, Delta, Colorado. 970-874-2801. (2x14)

SECTION

BUY • SELL • TRADE

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Yard Sales

HUGE RUMMAGE SALE at Delta Presbyterian Church, 135 E. 4th Street. April 20 and 21. The money goes to support The King's Table Soup Kitchen. We have something for every1 BDRM. APT. FULLY FURone. (3x14) nished down to the towels and forks. Very clean MULTI-FAMILY GARAGE modern executive apt. near Sale. Antque toys, furniture, the hospital and Crossroads lots of misc. 17726 B Road. Living Center. All utilities Follow the pinwheels. paid, (gas, electric, water, Friday and Saturday, 9-5. sewer). Wi Fi and cable No early birds. (1x15) available for an additional cost. Washer and Dryer in the unit. No Smoking, No Pets. $1500 monthly, $1500 ADVERTISE security deposit. Call 970874-4421 856-1059 (2x15)

having a yard sale?

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 which includes substantial contributions to Medical, Dental, Vision insurance for the employee and family, 10 paid holidays and 152 hours of Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual per year, Employee Assistance Program, Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA) of Colorado pension plan, generous contributions to a 401A retirement plan, Long Term Disability and 100% City paid Life Insurance. The City of Delta has an exceptional recreation center and the position includes membership to the recreation center and access to the top rated Devil’s Thumb Golf Course. 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. April 25, 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 (2x15)

Help Wanted

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Help Wanted

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ESTABLISHED LANDscape company is seeking help for landscaping position. Experience is helpful but not necessary. Valid driver’s license is needed. Position is full time seasonal. Background and driving record checks will be done. Pick up an application SEEKING PART TIME, at 20143 Austin Rd. Austin. energetic, caring, experi- (1x15) enced dental hygienist to join our general practice in Paonia area. We are looking for someone who values quality patient care, is a strong communicator, team player, understands dental needs, and believes in periodontal. Call 970-527-4853 or email PAONIADENTAL@gmail. com. (4x12)

CONFERENCE COORDINator. Enthusiastic professional with high level of event planning skills, technical capabilities and advanced communication skills to serve as the Conference Coordinator for the Western Colorado Food and Farm Forum in Montrose. Apply by April 18. Full details at www. foodfarmforum.org. (2x14)

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The Gallegos Corporation is seeking full-time experienced

Concrete Form Setters and Finishers

for our very busy concrete division in the Roaring Fork Valley. Top Pay, Full Benefits. $26-30 Plus/Hr Based on Experience

Call HR at 970-926-3737

Visit us at careers.gallegoscorp.com

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT 401 Meeker St., Delta • 874-4421

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

D2 Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Miscellaneous

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Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

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

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

Public Service

HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X11) 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.

should

your

Public Service

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. THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Kitchen needs egg cartons. If you have any to give please call 250-6637 and we will pick up. 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.

Public Service

WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Golf with a fun group of ladies. Two membership options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies golf.com. Get to know us on Facebook at “cedar edgeladiesgolfclub” YOU CAN QUIT. WE CAN help. Colorado Tobacco Quitline offers free, confidential assistance. Call 1800-QUIT-NOW. 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

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Community Newspaper

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

INDEPENDENT

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401 Meeker St. | Delta 970.874.4421

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NARCOTICS ANONYmous meets at 9th and Palmer, Delta, Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m.

DELTA FOOD PANTRY needs meals for Delta families who are temporarily THE ABRAHAM CONNEC- in need. Donations of nontion homeless shelter, perishable food may be located at 480 Silver St., brought to 628 Meeker. Delta, offers emergency KEEP THE overnight shelter and food HELP!!! to men, women and fami- animal population under lies in the Delta area mid- control, and SAVE an aniOctober- April. Call us at mal's life. Adopt your new 970-773-8290 to make a cat or dog from the Delta referral, or for informa- County Humane Society. tion on how to volunteer Adoption fee is minimal. or donate. www.Delta Call 874-2149. A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . THERE IS A VFW MEETING org. on the first Monday of each HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS month. At 6 p.m. there is a Wanted! Delta County potluck and the meeting is Memorial Hospital needs at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist hospital volunteers. Days Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., and hours are flexible. There Delta. For further inforare currently openings mation, call 874-8172 Jim in the ER, Oncology, Gift Baker, Quartermaster. Shop and some additional HILLTOP COMMUNITY areas. If you are interested, Resources offers free serplease contact Volunteer vices and support to vicCoordinator, Barbara Hall at tims of Domestic Violence 250-2105 for an application. and Sexual Assault. There WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- are also ongoing support ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 groups. Please call our office a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal at 970-773-2251 for more Church, 5th & Palmer (back information or if you are in crisis please call our 24 hour door). crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. FREE DIAPERS FOR UP to one year! Pregnant AL-ANON: HOPE AND women in Delta County can help for families and now get help to quit smok- friends of alcoholics meets Al-Anon, ing and get something they in Hotchkiss: can really use after their Mondays at 6:30 pm, baby arrives — free diapers. Methodist Church 285 N. Healthy moms have healthy 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210babies. Enroll in the Baby & 8090 or Marjorie 970-433Me Tobacco Free program 1856. today. Contact the Delta CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV County Health Department regular meetings on the at 874-2165 or your local second Monday of each physician. month at 7 p.m. at the SUPPORT THE DELTA Veterans Building, 15th & Library. Give a gently used Howard, Delta. For further book in the Downstairs information, call Paul Carter 874-5150. Book Store. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO change a child's life! Children are waiting for senior partners in Delta County right now! Can you spare 3 hours a week? We need your help! Call today for more information. Please volunteer to spend time with a child in our community. Partners of Delta, Montrose AARP DRIVER SAFETY and Ouray, 874-4661, www. Course. Save on insurance, partners-west.org. or www. keep up on newer traffic deltayouth@montrose.net. laws, learn defensive drivAMERICAN ing techniques. For details PAONIA and schedule contact John Legion runs a year round Loring (970) 856-6924 or non-perishable emergency food pantry. This is for the (970) 424-1778. North Fork area. For inforAL-ANON: HOPE AND mation, call 527-6252. help for families and friends of alcoholics meets SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, jewelry and silver or bits of Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall gold and silver scraps. The behind First Baptist Church, Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is 370 W. Main St., contact sending them to: New Eyes Mary M. 970-856-6123 or for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 Jim 970-874-7855. or send them to: Gale HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Conger, Secretary of IOOF Historical Museum. Winter Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. Delta, CO 81416. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our AL-ANON: HOPE AND museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss help for families and of alcoholics Streets in Hotchkiss. 872- friends meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, 3780. Wednesdays at 7 pm, CHECK OUT THE BOOK United Methodist Church, store at the Delta Library. 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa You'll find a great selection 970-395-3608, Chris 970of paperbacks at reasonable 527-3366 or Marjorie 970prices. 433-1856 WELCOME RETURNING Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the 4th Thursday of each month in Cedaredge. To find out how to participate in promoting patriotism and assisting veterans, contact Wayne Hamrick, (970) 2501180.

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

DELTA COUNTY

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.

Public Service

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

SUPPORT THE DELTA Public Library. Give a gently used book in the Downstairs Book Store.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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970-778-9574 LICENSED • INSURED ALEX MEHDER HOTCHKISS, CO ��

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970-778-9574

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D8 Wednesday, April 11, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A G E

A community gathering place Bill Heddles Recreation Center is aging gracefully, thanks to the rec center’s hardworking staff. The facility was built at a cost of nearly $4 million 25 years ago. In today’s dollars, that would be about $20 million, city manager David Torgler says.

BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

eadership, vision and courage — that’s what it took to elevate discussions about the replacement of Delta’s aging swimming pool into the fullfeatured recreation center that opened 25 years ago, on March 27, 1993. “Cleland Pool was quite old when we started talking about this establishment,” Gerald Roberts commented at the 25th anniversary celebration of Bill Heddles Recreation Center. Now, as then, he served on the Delta City Council. The pool’s retractable roof was no longer operational, and the health department had issued an ultimatum to either close or comply with current health standards. As Roberts recalls, the city was sinking $80,000 to $100,000 annually into pool repairs. “It was bandaid upon bandaid,” he said. Roberts and fellow council members — Karen Kooyenga, Ray Meyer, Bob Harding and Charlie Allinson — directed staff to begin looking at options. A 15-member task force representing a crosssection of area citizens was formed. It didn’t take them long to determine that it made no sense to make any additional repairs to the Cleland Pool. Rich Englehart, director of Delta Parks and Recreation, was instrumental in pulling together the initial task force that moved the discussion toward a multipurpose recreation center in the fall of 1990. Architect Rich Sales was hired to guide planning efforts. Roberts recalls he showed up at an early task force meeting with an easel and a blank sheet of paper. He drew a circle for the pool, a square for the gym ... soon he had a rough rendering of what task force members envisioned for the recreation center. “That was the end of the meeting and I thought, ‘That’s what we get for $4,000?’ ” Roberts said. But a short time later,

Sales returned with a schematic that looked much like the present-day recreation center. The design was “massaged” over the next several months. When construction estimates came in, and the project was a little over budget, Roberts said Sales took six inches off the perimeter of the entire facility to shave costs. “If you think about that, that’s a lot of square feet,” he said. Estimated cost was $4 million, Roberts said. Nobody knew how to pay for it, so the city went back to the task force. “They said a new tax would do it and we shuddered, because back then ‘No new taxes of any kind!’ was the battle cry.” By this point the task force was dealing with both design and funding, so the decision was made to break into working groups. Citizens for the Bill Heddles Recreation Center entered the picture at just the right time to create a whole new level of excitement for the recreation center. A one-cent city sales tax increase, from 2 to 3 percent, passed by a comfortable margin, thanks to the members of the group who visited service clubs, senior organizations and other gatherings to explain the concept and answer questions. “I contend that if council had tried to sell the concept themselves, the answer would have been no,” Roberts said. “The committee did virtually all the leg work.” Bill Carlquist, who chaired the task force, said the recreation center was originally sold as a gathering place for young people, “but I think we enlisted the right people from the senior community to sell it. Now, when you want something for the recreation center, seniors will carry it.” As part of the tax referendum, it was determined that three-fourths of the one percent increase go to paying off the bonds issued to fund construction. The remaining quarter percent would help cover operations and mainte-

nance. question, voters have twice and maintenance; the other Construction of the facility renewed their support for the three-quarters was to be began in October 1991 with a recreation center. In 2011 the divided among the parks, rectwo-month delay during the three-fourths of one percent reation and golf departments. winter of 1992. The 52,000- was to sunset at completion That question passed with 51 square-foot building housed of the debt service. With percent voter approval. a gymnasium, pool, tot pool, 72 percent voter approval, The recreation center contherapy pool, sauna, locker sunset was pushed to 2020 tinues to draw patrons from room, racquetball courts, and funds were dedicated to throughout Delta County, as weight room, aerobics and building expansion. A new well as Mesa and Montrose dance studio, activity room, fitness wing opened in Octo- counties. While the focus is snack bar, conference meet- ber 2013, and in November on fitness, the recreation cening rooms, staff lounge and 2013 the wellness pool/lazy ter provides a popular gathriver opened. The additions ering place for young and old offices. Prior to the grand open- brought the total square foot- alike, a place to play chess, relax in the sauna or shoot ing, Ruth Wild, manager of age to 62,900. Cleland Pool, arranged a hay In 2014, the city asked vot- hoops with friends. The 25th anniversary of ride. Anyone interested in ers to approve the 1 percent forming a procession to the sales tax for perpetuity. One Bill Heddles Recreation Cennew pool was invited to bring quarter of the 1 percent was ter will continue with special a bucket and meet at Cleland. dedicated to the recreation events throughout the year. Ruth dipped her bucket in the department for operations Stay tuned! pool, everybody else followed, and the hay wagon made its way to the new pool. Ruth again took the lead, dumping her bucket of Cleland water into the new pool. Task force member Gordon Wagner, a banker, observed that the timing was perfect for the tax question. “We had just come out of some real tough times, but it still took some vision to push it through.” He admits that he wasn’t initially sold on the concept — until he visited a new recreation center in Lafayette, his former place of residence. “I looked at that recreation center and thought, ‘Gosh, Photo by Pat Sunderland what an addition to a commu- The aquatics area was expanded in 2013. A new ﬁtness nity!’ That’s what sold me.” wing also opened that fall. “I thank the people who were courageous enough to have a vision and to see it through to give us something like this,” Carlquist noted at the anniversary celebration. “Thank you to all who take pride in it and maintain it. “As much as it’s used, it’s in absolutely amazing shape,” he added later. Also present at the anniversary celebration was Sky Fairlamb and his wife Melanie. Through his connections with the Republican party, Fairlamb worked with Sam Zakhem to bring the Kuwaiti ambassador to the community in the early ‘90s. Shortly before, the ambassador had been in Philadelphia and had given the city a small token of appreciation for the U.S.’s help during the Gulf Photo by Pat Sunderland War. When Fairlamb shared Nancy Doerer, who was hired as the older adult program the vision for the rec cen- coordinator, is the rec center’s only 25-year employee. She ter with the ambassador, he is now facilities coordinator. The wooden tree in the backacquire property at the north stunned area residents with a ground recognizes the individuals, businesses and foundaapproach to the city, then he $100,000 gift for the project. tions that contributed cash or in-kind services to help make created a park at the site, Since the initial sales tax the facility a reality. cadging funds and salvaging materials to install a sprinkler system and fencing.” Ball fields were laid out, backstops were erected and Skyland Foods furnished apple peels to neutralize alkalinity in the fields. Plans were made for picnic tables and trees, but before those plans could come to fruition, the city built Mountain View Park and the North Delta area was eventually abandoned. “He was always out doing something for Delta,” Hodgin told council members. At the end of his presentation on May 7, 1991, Delta City Photo submitted Council immediately and Nearly 50 patrons have been members of the recreation center since it opened 25 years unanimously voted to name ago. Those attending an anniversary celebration on March 27 included (from left) Robert the proposed new facility the Webb, Charlotte Webb, Sky Fairlamb, Melanie Fairlamb, Bill Carlquist, Pat Sunderland, Cliff W.F. “Bill” Heddles Recre- Payne, Brad Kolman, Lucy Hodgin and Gerald Roberts. Not pictured but in attendance was ation Center. Lynn Callicutt.

Who was Bill Heddles? The Delta City Council, at the urging of local historian and storyteller Gordon Hodgin, named the city’s new recreation center in honor of Willard F. “Bill” Heddles. Heddles was born in Paonia in 1912. After living in Chicago, Pueblo and Denver, he returned to Delta in 1934. He worked at Dunbar Drug, then in the early ‘50s bought O’Dell Drug with Don Cooper and changed the name to Comet Drug. Besides serving as mayor and councilman, Heddles put his mark on such tangibles as the mobile roof that made Cleland Pool a unique, indoor-outdoor pool, the present Delta municipal building and the former Heddles Park that was named in his honor. According to a front page article in the DCI on Feb. 16, 1984, “He encouraged the Delta City Council to