Delta County Independent, May 2, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

44 ACRES BURNED

Multiple agencies respond quickly to wildfire east of Paonia, B1

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

ART IN BLOOM

First Friday Art Walks kick off in Cedaredge May 4, C1

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DELTA COUNTY

MAY 2, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 18

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INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

State funding for 50J bumped by $1.9M BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

An additional $1.9 million in state funding is headed to Delta County Joint School District #50 for the next fiscal year. State legislators are infusing $150 million statewide to buy down the “negative factor,” the difference between the current funding level and that established by Amendment 23. School board members expected to vote on a new salary/benefits schedule for staff members at their April 26 meeting. Instead, superintendent Caryn Gibson asked for more time to determine how the one-time funding should be allocated. She had previously proposed a salary increase of 3.12 percent for teachers and a 4 percent increase for classified staff. For bus drivers, kitchen personnel and other classified staff, the increase is largely driven by mandated increases in the minimum wage. Transportation, technology, safety/security measures and building maintenance have also been cited as funding priorities for the district. Jim Ventrello, business manager of Delta County Joint School District #50, said per-pupil funding is currently $7,441.93. The Joint Budget Committee at first proposed an additional $100 million to

buy down the negative factor statewide, but because of pressure from teachers, decided to increase the buy down to $150 million. Delta County’s share of the one-time funding is $1,930,650, or an additional $454.46 per pupil. With the negative factor figured in, Delta County is still owed $3,504,793, Ventrello said. He also noted that because of declining property values, Delta County is becoming increasingly more dependent on state funding. Closure of the coal mines has also reduced revenue for the school district. More good news was shared at the school board meeting, as Lincoln Elementary and Cedaredge Elementary were recognized as Capturing Kids’ Hearts national showcase schools. The Capturing Kids Hearts program was implemented districtwide two years ago. The award recognizes and celebrates campuses that go the extra mile each day, building an environment where students and staff feel safe and connected. It’s based, in part, on site visits and data that shows the program has made a significant improvement in attendance, discipline, climate/culture, or academics. SCHOOL DISTRICT TO A3

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Beyond the classroom

Students at Grand Mesa Choice Academy are learning construction skills while building a shade structure at Tamarac Park on Bluff Street in Delta. The project is in partnership with the City of Delta parks and recreation department, which will add a concrete base to the project. The construction class is taught by Cole Baldwin, who explained students spend six-week blocks on core subjects, then two to three weeks, all day, every day, in a project-based class. The students also built a storage shed, individual projects and wooden picnic tables which were delivered to area high schools. Students listed the skills they’ve learned this year: how to read plans, how to use power tools, and how to work together. Tamarac Park, located at the foot of Garnet Mesa, also features a nine-hole disc golf course.

Municipalities, districts share revenue woes BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

At their quarterly meeting April 27, leaders from organizations across Delta County shared agency updates, financial status, current concerns and plans for the future. Orchard City hosted the leaders this quarter at Orchard City Town Hall. Robbie LeValley, Delta County administrator, coordinated the discussions. After introductions, the first comment made was about protecting students and school safety. Superintendent Caryn Gibson replied that, since Sandy Hook, the district has been concerned about locking all doors to access from outside, including front doors. At front doors there will be two sets of doors. The first will have coverage through a video camera and a buzzer which must be activated for anyone to get in. This precaution is to stop an active shooter. It can also detain an upset parent or other person before admission. The second set of doors will be locked, with a panic button available at the desks of secretaries. In reference to questions about school resource officers, Gibson said she is working with Undersheriff Mark Taylor and municipal police chiefs to find solutions to that

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A7 Back Page ................... D6 Business ........................ A5 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-3 Obituaries ..................... A6 School Zone .................. A8 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ..........................B4-6 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

question. Providing a school resource officer, or officers, will be easier to bring about if each municipality can provide funds to match the school district commitment, she said. Coming up with matching funds will be challenging for municipalities that are seeing declines in revenue. Crawford Mayor Wanda Gofforth said Crawford has a 2.42 mill levy, which needs to be 7.42. Mayor Charles Stewart of Paonia said the town’s 2018 general fund budget of $581,000 was down from $774,000 for the 2014 general fund budget, noting Paonia has experienced a dramatic loss in mineral severance tax between 2008 and 2018. Delta City Manager David Torgler noted that Delta has no mill levy, has seen no increase in mineral severance tax, and is proceeding with the DURA gateway project as an opportunity to attract new sales tax revenues. He added that if sales taxes aren’t increasing, the only option is to reduce expenditures. Lea Hart, director of the library district, stated the district will be requesting a mill levy increase in the November 2018 election. The library district cannot continue reducing hours and decreasing the number of staff as the solution to decreasing revenues. In addition, money is needed

for building renovation. Laura Earley, president of the library board of trustees, stated that in the Delta Library there has been a 112 percent increase in user activity from 2007 through 2017, 108 percent increase in computer use, 24 percent decrease in staff, and 108 percent increase in the expenses of running the library. The elevator in the Delta building failed recently. If the elevator fails again it cannot be repaired because the parts are no longer manufactured. It would cost $120,000 to replace the elevator. County commissioner Don Suppes said the Eckert Cemetery District needs a mill levy increase, a statement echoed by Mayor Gofforth for the Crawford Cemetery District Commissioner Suppes reported that at a recent Colorado Counties, Inc. meeting with county commissioners from across the state, discussion centered around the Gallagher Amendment’s effect on the loss of value in the mill levy, which is particularly felt in rural areas. Suppes added that Gallagher causes the same decrease in value for special districts. Rural constituents may need to get together with urban libraries and special districts and work together to influence legislators, noting that rural and urban will either

Community prayer event planned

The community is invited to join area ministers at the 66th National Day of Prayer event at the Delta County Courthouse on Thursday, May 3 at noon. The theme of the 2018 observance will be “Pray for America – Unity,” based upon Ephesians 4:3, which challenges believers to mobilize unified public prayer for America, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Last year there were over 30,000 prayer events spread across the nation on the National Day of Prayer. The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.

swim or drown together. Earley said that most citizens don’t know what Gallagher is. A brochure explaining the Gallager Amendment is available from the county assessor; Torgler said there is also a good description on the assessor’s website under “Government and Taxes.”

At the September municipal quarterly, to be held in Cedaredge, the agenda will include an update on participants’ mill levies, update on school issues, intergovernmental agreements between the county and each municipality, housing issues and water conservation.

Olen Lund launches bid for state Senate BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Republican Olen Lund, a lifetime resident of the North Fork Valley and a former county commissioner, is challenging Democrat Kerry Donovan in Senate District 5. Lund is one of three Delta County residents seeking state office in November. Matt Soper is a candidate in House District 54; Mike Mason is the GOP candidate for House District 61. Soper notes that for the first time ever, a resident of Delta, a resident of Paonia and a resident of Cedaredge are running for the Colorado General Assembly in the same election. Lund entered the race just days before the Republican State Assembly in mid-April, and is in the initial stages of organizing his campaign. He has employed Square State

Strategy Group out of Denver to assist. He has also sought advice from Don Suppes, who lost the Senate race to Donovan four years ago. “Don lost the race by 1,100 votes, which is basically a small margin,” Lund said. “It will be a tough battle, but it’s not unwinnable.” Senate District 5 is an expansive district that covers seven Colorado counties, including Chaffee, Delta, Eagle, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Lake and Pitkin. Delta and Gunnison counties are largely agricultural; tourism, recreation and mining drive the economies in other areas of the district. Lund vows to use his experience in local government to fight for the district’s rural values at “a state capitol dominated by the DenverBoulder crowd.” OLEN LUND TO A3

Visitor services

Last chance

The GMUG forest headquarters is relocating visitor information services to Fort Uncompahgre, due to the upcoming remodel of the forest headquarters in S. Main Street in Delta. Permit, maps, literature and America the Beautiful passes will be available at the fort, along with information about trails, roads and campgrounds. The fort is open Monday-Saturday.

On Wednesday, May 9, the Delta County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on the draft Master Plan. This meeting will be the final opportunity to provide input on the draft. The meeting will be held at Delta High School at 6 p.m. If you are unable to attend the public hearing, written comments should be submitted prior to May 9. Comments can be sent to planningcommission@delta county.com.

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OPINION

LETTERS Don’t make Delta County safe for developers Dear Editor: Delta County is a rural oasis in a doughnut of suburban type development. Why has Delta County been spared the strip mall development and sprawling subdivisions that surround Montrose, Grand Junction, Glenwood and Carbondale? I think it’s because ours is a nearly lawless county. We lack building codes and zoning. And so Delta County does not “protect” private property rights. As a result, traditional capital investment avoids Delta County. Even the largest subdivision could end up with an egg production unit or a hog farm or a body shop as its nearest neighbor. So although Delta County is beautiful and relatively friendly (Hotchkiss, of course, is the friendliest town around), and though we say we are eager for business, we lag neighboring counties. When an individual can find the water, an upscale home may be built here and there, but unless that home sits on a large tract, they have little to no protection against inappropriate (by their definition) neighbors. As a result, traditional development has bypassed Delta County. The people of Delta County chose this path. When I moved here in 1974, zoning was referred to as the “Z” word only half jokingly. Building codes were similarly looked down on. The 1996 Master Plan and the special development regulations were an attempt to somehow direct development and give some security to those willing to invest in such a high risk (for capital) area. We know that SDRs have a mixed record. In my view, Delta County was lucky, for those of us who do not care for 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

traditional asphalt and concrete development, to have been protected by its own lawlessness and by the Balkanized rural water companies — each a small kingdom run by a monarch or two. But the consequence has been a population that earns $10,000 less per capita than the Front Range, is 10 years older, and is less educated. Another consequence has been a steady outflow of young people. In addition to lack of regulation, we’ve also been lucky, until recently, to have had a large, wellcapitalized underground coal industry. The county, with its anti-government attitude, does not acknowledge what made the coal industry such a wonderful neighbor: Federal regulation, with the state acting as a deputy to the federal government in certain areas. The hated feds protected the health and lives of the miners and the mine neighbors, and kept the air and water clean. If not for federal regulation, the SH 133 corridor would be an ugly mess with heaps of waste coal and polluted streams. Looking ahead, we may not be so lucky. Coal is mined in an intensive way, extracting an enormous number of Btu’s with relatively little land disturbance. What disturbance there is is underground. By comparison, natural gas and oil are spread out, requiring lots of roads, drill pads, and unlike coal — threatening the quality of the water. And instead of the efficiency of rail transportation for coal, gas and oil put huge trucks on our narrow roads. In addition, the oil and gas industries have a lot more political clout than the coal industry, which means lighter federal and state regulation and more damage to those unlucky enough to be its neighbors. So while underground coal mining fit in well with rural life, and accommodated recreation of all sorts by not getting in the way, gas and oil production are threats to other economies. So what is my advice to the planners? There’s nothing any conceivable Board of County Commissioners could do

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to minimize the harm oil and gas would do to competing economies given this county’s DNA and the county commissioners that DNA elects. In the BoCC’s view, gas and oil development is a successor to the coal industry. The board does not understand that while both are about fossil fuels, they are very different beasts. Luckily for us, natural gas remains well below $3 per MMBtu. I’ve been told that in our difficult terrain, gas prices would have to rise above $4 to make large scale drilling economic. The same forces that took down coal — efficiency and high technology (which enabled fracking) — will eventually also take down natural gas, as wind and solar and batteries become cheaper and more reliable. And that evolution may spare the east end of the county. In sum, Delta County is at this moment a politically and economically helpless place, without elected leadership with vision or clout. But there is one thing the BoCC can do: NOT adopt zoning and building codes. Cheap gas may continue to protect us. That’s the roll of the dice. But if we make Delta County safe for strip mall and subdivision developers, we are goners. Ed Marston Paonia

Delta County Independent

Master Plan does not protect future generations Dear Editor: As families with young children we are concerned that the proposed Master Plan does not adequately protect health, safety, clean air and water, and economic resilience needed to create longterm future opportunities for our kids. We live in Delta County because of the access to clean food, water, and air as well as incredible outdoor recreation opportunities and are particularly outraged to see that nowhere in the Master Plan are children mentioned. There is a passing reference to future generations, but nowhere does it state how those future generations are to be protected from threats to their health and their future here in the county. Commercial and industrial development is needed but has its place. We welcome responsible B-corporations into our county, but this Master Plan says nothing about how to prevent companies, especially those like unregulated, opaque, and private oil and gas companies, from cutting corners, contaminating our air and water, and sticking us with the bill. With this Master Plan update, we — planning commissioners and the community — have a unique opportunity to set the county’s policy as it relates to being a leader and model for protecting what we value the most — clean air and water, which is what our

economy depends on. That includes taking a strong position on the types of industrial and commercial activities that are appropriate or not appropriate, and yes, that means prioritizing. Prioritizing the health and safety of our kids by encouraging renewable and regenerative types of economic development. We, as parents, on behalf of our children — the future of this region — are calling upon planning commissioners to fulfill their duty as public servants and use this

Master Plan update as an opportunity to require that any economic development in Delta County is regenerative: it must improve air, land and water quality. In particular, we urge them in this Master Plan update to draw a clear line in the sand prioritizing the health and welfare of our children over oil and gas development and designating our watersheds that we depend on, as inappropriate for industrial development. Marissa Mommaerts Paonia

Yes, a woman can win! Dear Editor: Can a woman win the Third Congressional District? This question maybe would’ve been relevant in the 1950s, but with powerfully able women leaders as ambassadors to the UN, as justices of the Supreme Court, as governors and senators — it’s a question of yesteryear. The very question suggests that our district is a behind-the-times and bigoted place. The question should insult us, every one. The crucial reality of this race rests in electing a representative with both the passion and know-how to get the job done in Congress. This district depends on a change-out of our congressional seat to get our fair share of the 21st century economy; it

depends on smart science to answer the consequences of climate change; it depends on strengthening equal access to health care. This needed action depends on the skill and fortitude to get it done. In Diane Mitsch Bush, we have a three-term member of the Colorado House, so respected that she was chosen to head committees, so respected that she won awards such as Legislator of the Year in 2017. We must all ask the true question for our common interests: who best knows how to get our work done in Congress? The answer is transparent and real. Getting the vote out to ensure Diane’s election is a serious task owned by each citizen in this district. Jan Symchych Yampa

Delta Police, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Police Department: April 22: Officers responded to the 500 block of Labor for a welfare check. Officers responded to the 700 block of Dodge Street in reference to a possible adult male suicide attempt. Officers took a report of possible unlawful sexual contact and child abuse. Bill E. Higgs, 47, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of violation of bond. Officers responded to Quality Inn for a medical transport to Delta County Memorial Hospital. Officers responded to the 700 block of Grand Avenue in regards to having a vehicle towed from the area. Joby E. Wright, 37, of Delta was issued a proof of service for not having a valid driver’s license. April 23: Officers responded to the 500 block of Howard Street for an attempted break-in. Officers responded to Kwiki Tire, 1680 S. Main Street, for a burglary. Gene A. Thurston, 87, of Eckert was issued a summons for careless driving. Officers responded to Delta Housing Authority, 501 East 14th for lost/found property. Officers took a report of stolen medication. Maria D. Walter, 33, of Montrose was issued a citation for charges of fail to yield right of way. Officers responded to the 600 block of Main Street for a civil problem which resulted in the removal of fictitious plates. Officers responded to the 400 block of B Street for a disturbance. April 24: Brian J. Aucutt, 59, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of prohibited use of weapons. Officers responded to Stinkers Convenience Store for a report of counterfeit money being passed. Officers responded to 1410 Valley View Drive for a report of theft of fuel. Paige D. Murray, 19, of Delta was issued a summons for careless driving. Officers took a lobby report of a possible auto theft. Billy J. Knoeppchen, 40, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of violation of a protection order. David H. Reynolds, 24, of Austin was arrested and jailed on charges of aggravated motor vehicle theft, unlawful possession of schedule II, false reporting to authorities, failed to provide evidence of insurance, displayed fictitious plates, driving under suspension, and a taillight violation. April 25: Officers responded to the 100 block of East 9th Street for a reported structure fire. Officers responded to 40 Heinz for the report of a private property hit and run accident. Officers responded to the 700 block of Willow Wood Lane for a report of theft. April 26: Officers responded to the

900 block of East 5th Street to recover two syringes from a yard. Officers responded to 210 Ute Street for a report of criminal mischief. Kellan E. Hoyt, 30, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of protection order violation, obstruction of telephone service and third degree assault. April 27: Officers responded to the intersection of Meeker Street and East 9th Street for a hit and run accident. Tyler M. White-Oneal, 23, of Winslow, Ariz., was issued a citation for speeding and failure to provide insurance. Officers responded to the 1500 block of Yankee Girl Street for a report of theft from an auto. Officers responded to Delta Best Storage, 629 Crawford Avenue, for a report of criminal mischief. Francisco Abeyta, 34, of Delta was issued a summons for shoplifting at Walmart. Officers responded to the 600 block of Ray Court for a possible disturbance. Officers responded to the 400 block of B Street for a report of forgery. Amanda M. Cipriano, 30, of Delta was issued a summons for driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and careless driving. Officers responded to the area of 1558 Hwy. 50 for a report of theft from a vehicle. Officers responded to Walmart for a possible shoplifting. Officers responded to the 1400 block of Hwy. 50 for a traffic accident. Eric W. Lopez, 19, of Austin was arrested and jailed on the charges of violation of protection order, open alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle and failed to display lamps when required. April 28: Samuel P. Haag, 19, of Olathe was issued a summons for unlawful acts. Officers responded to Delta Self Storage, 694 Hwy. 50, for a burglary. Cody W. Dillard, 27, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two warrants from another jurisdiction with a total bond of $1,250. Officers responded to Fuel Coffee, 420 Hwy. 92, to collect lost/found property. Officers took a report of a possible sex offense. Brandon L. Sadler, 36, of Delta was arrested and jailed on two felony warrants and obstructing a peace officer with a bond of $9,000. Officers responded to the 1000 block of Palmer Street for a suspicious vehicle. Lindsay A. Moody, 26, of Hotchkiss was issued a summons for shoplifting at Walmart. Citations: Seven 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.

Deputies responded to a disturbance involving two brothers on the outskirts of Hotchkiss. April 24: A Delta area resident phoned 911 and asked for a deputy, but refused to provide any details. When deputies arrived on the scene, they learned that William Weitzel, 63, wanted to turn himself in on an outstanding warrant. The theft of a tow dolly was reported from a U Haul facility on Highway 65. The theft occurred several months ago but had not been reported because the U Haul dealer thought it would eventually turn up at another U Haul location. At about 1 p.m., deputies came across an Isuzu Trooper parked on E. Spring Circle near Eckert. They recognized the driver, who appeared to be sleeping, as an individual with an outstanding warrant. They woke Joshua Cross, 30, of Grand Junction and took him into custody without incident. In plain view, they saw what appeared to be methamphetamine, as well as a scale and small bags that could be used to distribute drugs. Cross faces additional charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of controlled pharmaceutical drugs, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Deputies took a lobby report of identity theft. At about 2:30 p.m., deputies were called to a road rage incident near the intersection of G and G50 roads, Delta. Both drivers were still on the scene. Temry Rodiguez said a vehicle driven by Kyle Weston was tailgating. Weston allegedly passed Temry’s vehicle, then suddenly slammed on his brakes and the two vehicles collided. Both parties reportedly got out of their vehicles and began exchanging words and kicking each other’s cars. Rodriguez was charged with criminal mischief, due to obvious damage to Weston’s car. At about 7:30 p.m., a pickup was observed striking a railroad crossing arm on Black Bridge Road near Paonia. The pickup flipped onto its top. The driver, later identified as Gordon Marr, 31, crawled out and ran into the bushes. He was located by officers from the Paonia Police Department, who arrived on scene to assist. The investigation was turned over to the Colorado State Patrol. April 25: At about 8 a.m., deputies were dispatched to 2200 Road, Delta, in reference to a call about a man who appeared to be passed out on the front seat of a parked car. The car had no license plates. Dustin Kolb, 29, of Crawford told deputies he was tired and had pulled to the side of the road to rest. He said the car had no license plates because he had just purchased it, but he could not produce a title nor the name of the seller. Deputies determined the vehicle From the Delta County had likely been stolen out of Sheriff’s Office (partial list): Cimarron. While inventorying the contents of the vehicle, they discovered suspected April 23:

methamphetamine and a firearm. Kolb was charged with violation of a restraining order prohibiting the use of drugs, possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and violation of bail bond conditions. Montrose County authorities are following up on the possible auto theft. Cedaredge firefighters and sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle fire on Austin Road at about 6:30 p.m. The driver, Raymond Ledford, 33, of Montrose was issued a summons for driving under suspension and driving without insurance. The theft of numerous items was reported from a shed on 1600 Road, Delta. Missing items include a cutting torch, two air compressors, Rigid wheelbarrow air compressor with Subaru motor (orange in color), camper battery, flat screen TV, DeWalt pressure washer, Ryobi paint sprayer and Champion generator. The incident is under investigation. April 26: Two school district employees reported they’d received inappropriate messages via Facebook. A 19year-old male was warned about the incident. April 27: A motorcycle accident was reported on T75 Road, Cedaredge, at about 5:30 p.m. Estle Bailey, the driver of the motorcycle, was transported to the hospital with facial injuries. Gusty winds spread a controlled burn on the Lazy H Ranch outside of Paonia at about 6 p.m. The fire burned an estimated 44 acres, mostly on the ranch. About four acres of adjoining BLM land was damaged. Paonia Fire Department, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control, BLM and a ground crew from the prison system fought the blaze, with air assist from Olathe Spraying. The manager of the ranch had phoned the burn line, so no charges were filed. April 28: A water pump, a backpack filled with sporting goods and a radio were reported stolen from a shop on Greenwood Avenue in Crawford. Three juveniles from Montrose suffered minor injuries in an ATV accident on Payne’s Siding Road. Deputies contacted the trio at the hospital, where they were being treated for their injuries. April 29: A woman who was fired from a Crawford area business became verbally abusive and was making threats. Her co-workers called dispatch to ask about their options. Deputies were dispatched to Kaiser Road after a resident spotted a suspicious vehicle at a neighbor’s hog barn. When the resident jumped in his truck to check things out, the driver ran from the hog barn, got in his vehicle and left the scene.

LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Information sought Olen Lund PAGE A1 on missing woman FROM Lund served as Delta BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Family members of Falon Kaufman are posting flyers on social media and in local businesses, searching for any infor-

Falon Kaufman

mation about her disappearance on April 19. Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee reports she spent the night at the Stay Wise in Cedaredge, and on checking out the following morning told the clerk she was headed to Grand Mesa and then home. McKee added that an officer from the Cedaredge Police Department had talked to her the night before and everything seemed fine. Kaufman is described as 5’2” in height. She weighs 120 pounds and has hazel eyes. Her hair is blonde, with roots coming in dark brown. She was driving a silver 2006 Chevy Trailblazer with license plate number 814-QTZ.

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County commissioner from 2004-2012, as a Colorado water commissioner, and chairman of the Painted Sky Resource Conservation and Development Council. He cites his role in building consensus among farmers, environmentalists, ranchers, and recreationalists to modify the Hartland Dam on the Gunnison River to facilitate passage of endangered fish and recreational boaters along the river. He also served on the DMEA board, including one year as chair, was an original member of the Gunnison Basin Roundtable and has served as a deputy water commissioner. He and his wife Debbi have three children. “Those of us born and raised in western Colorado know how to work together. We’ve done it all of our lives,” Lund said in a press release. “The capitol is broken, and we need to fix it. The challenges our state

FROM PAGE A1 CES principal Daniel Renfrow, LES principal Jen Magner and selected staff members will be traveling to Dallas, Texas, June 18-19 to accept the award and to begin Level II training. Renfrow said the district’s investment in the program has paid off. BY PAT SUNDERLAND It was also reported Managing Editor that 14 staff members, The Delta Academy with 230 combined years of dedicated service, are of Applied Learning retiring at the end of the (DAAL), a public school alternative for students school year. in grades 6-8, is moving from the second level of the Delta Family Center at 822 Grand Avenue, and from two classrooms to one. Those moves, and a four-year contract renewal Abraham Connec- for the alternative school, tion Homeless Shelter were addressed during a is hosting a community- school board work session wide yard sale Saturday, earlier this month. The DAAL school is May 12, from 8 to 4 in moving into the space the parking lot at 6th & Main, Delta (Edward formerly occupied by the Jones - Isaiah St. Peter’s band and choir programs, on the east side of the old office). Got some junk collect- middle/high school. The move was spurred ing dust? A 10x10 space is just $10. All proceeds by demolition of the old benefit guest services at sixth grade wing, in the Abraham Connection preparation for construction of a new addition to Homeless Shelter. Delta Middle School. For For more information or to download a regis- the 2018-19 school year, tration form, go to www. the sixth graders will be deltaabrahamconnection. moved to the upper floor of the Delta Family Cenorg or Facebook. ter, occupying the space formerly used by DAAL. School board members waived rent of $1,600 per year because of the move, which will have to be reversed at the end of the

faces are large and getting worse. Roads, access to health care, creating and recruiting good jobs — these are all things we care about in west-central Colorado, and these are the issues where I’ll bring my record of working together to get good things done.” Campaigns cost money, and as he gears up for the November election, Lund said he’s looking at 15 to 20 fundraising events, including several on the Front Range. “There’s a lot of interest in this race,” Lund explained, because Republicans have

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

just a one-seat margin in the Senate. With Democrats in control of the state House, the Republicans want to maintain the fragile balance at the state capitol. More information about Lund’s campaign can be found at www. olenlund.com.

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Olen Lund

DAAL to move

Community yard sale planned

Museum to host annual meeting

The Delta County Historical Society will honor museum director/curator Jim Wetzel at its annual meeting Saturday, May 5, at 1 p.m. The meeting will be held at the museum at the corner of 3rd and Meeker. Members will also be voting on trustees to fill vacancies on the board. Wetzel will conduct museum tours for those wishing to obtain additional history on many of the artifacts on display. The museum is also hoping to have a parttime director/curator on board by that time. Board president Keith Lucy said, “While our annual meetings have generally been conducted elsewhere in Delta, and have always included an interesting historical talk, it seemed appropriate this year to have the meeting at the museum because of our leadership transition. Refreshments are also planned, so come to the museum on the 5th, bring a friend or two, and enjoy the afternoon at the museum.”

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2018-19 school year. The only major change to the contract itself deals with enrollment. If preenrollment does not reach 18 by July 1, a provision in the contract will trigger a conversation about how the school will move forward. Enrollment is capped at 26. If enrollment falls below 18, Kim Egging, school director/teacher, said the school’s staff of two would simply work for less money. “We would still have a school,” she told school board members. Student/parent interest is high for the 2018-19 school year, she added, in part because of the concern some DMS parents have about the temporary placement of sixth grade students next year. Delta Academy of Applied Learning (DAAL) is a school of choice contracted with Delta County School District and the recipient of the 2017 Colorado Governor’s Distinguished Improvement Award. It was established in 2002 and features a hands-on curriculum and individualized student learning plans.

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ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Senior center displays the works of Anastasia Kenner

Old Flatbed

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The Delta Senior Center is pleased to display works of art by Anastasia Kenner in the dining hall located at 247 Meeker Street. Kenner was born in New York but grew up in Windsor. Her parents were artists, her father in woodworking and her mother in folk art. They encouraged her from a very early age to see the world in perspectives that translate into artistic endeavor and helped her with her first efforts. She is an engineer in telecommunications and for 22 years, her career path took her to Washington, Oregon and North Dakota before returning to Colorado. In her spare time, she taught herself artistic technique by experimenting with watercolors, oils and acrylics. Recently she began working with alcohol inks. She says, “This is a source of joy I have never felt with other mediums because of the vibrancy of the color. Art is the passion that releases the stress of my engineering job. Every day I wake up looking for the beauty in this colorful world to mimic on canvas.” The display of Kenner’s work at the senior center is impressive and represents her talent in a variety of styles. Her work will be on display through May.

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

Eye candy

More than 100 quilts were displayed at The Garden Center last week for the semi-annual quilt and art show organized by the Basket Case Quilt Guild. The show also featured vendors, trunk shows, quilt turnings, classes and demonstrations. In the program, Delta Mayor Ron Austin noted the exceptional skill of the quilters whose work was on display. “Their quilts and art pieces are truly ‘eye candy’ we all hope you enjoy,” he said.

Suicide training offered Suicide prevention training will be offered by the Center for Mental Health and Delta SEW (Safety, Education and Wellness) coalition. Heather Darbe, Center for Mental Health, will facilitate this event at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Monday, May 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The training program is known as QPR — question, persuade and refer. In three simple steps, anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide.

BIRTHS Malesa and Justin Miles of Delta are the parents of a son, Liam Alan Karter Stelzer, born April 22, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces and was 22 inches in length.

People trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help. Each year thousands of Americans, like you, are saying “Yes” to saving the life of a friend, colleague, sibling, or neighbor. QPR can be learned in a gate-

keeper course in as little as one hour. Everyone 18 years and older is invited to attend this course at no charge. Certificates will be awarded upon completion. RSVP by May 11 to Heather Darbe, 970252-3228 or hdarbe@ centermh.org.

Community invited to memorial service HopeWest invites anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one to a spring memorial service on Tuesday, May 8, at 5:30 p.m. at Cleland Park in Delta. “We encourage those who have experienced a loss to join us in remembering their loved ones, whether your loved one died while receiving hospice care through HopeWest or not,” said

Melanie McClanahan, bereavement coordinator. “We know the importance in finding meaning after loss and we want to create a place where our community can do so.” To have your loved one’s name read at the memorial, to learn about memorial tributes available for purchase, or to receive more information about HopeWest call Melanie at 970-874-0628.

Delta Hardware’s

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BUSINESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Post office, Delta Food Pantry team up for food drive

Photo submitted

In 2017, volunteers weighed, sorted and shelved the 3,500 pounds of food collected during the national Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which is coordinated by the National Association of Letter Carriers each spring; this year, the event is on May 12. The community is invited to help our neighbors in need by leaving a bag or box of nonperishable food at their mailbox on May 12. Your postal carrier will pick up your donation and deliver it to the Delta Food Pantry.

Saturday, May 12, is the 26th anniversary National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) annual nationwide food drive. The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the country’s largest singleday food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need in the community. Customers simply leave their donation of nonperishable food next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on Saturday, May 12. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes and distribute them to the Delta Food Pantry. Pick up your mail from your PO box? No problem — the Delta post office will have a food collection box inside where you may also donate food items. While all donations of

Ken Watson appointed to DMEA’s board of directors At its regular meeting April 24, DMEA’s board of directors appointed Ken Watson to fill the vacant District 4 board seat. Watson was one of five candidates who submitted interest in the open position. “I’d like to thank all of our candidates. We had a talented pool and it was a tough decision for the board,” said DMEA CEO Jasen Bronec. Watson is a 1993 graduate of Western State Colorado University with a bachelor’s degree in business. Since 1999, he has worked in the Montrose area for companies including Scott Fly Rod Company, Gordon Composites, and most recently, as the general manager and equity partner of Black Canyon Jet Center until its sale in 2016. “We are looking forward to bringing Ken on board. He will be a great addition and we know he will help us continue to do great things for our

members,” said Bronec. Watson will join DMEA’s nine-member board to help govern the cooperative on the members’ behalf. As a board member, he will be responsible for representing the needs and interests of DMEA’s 30,000+ membership. DMEA’s board of directors meets monthly to review the financial state of cooperative, discuss policies, evaluate new opportunities, and address issues the co-op may be facing. In addition to Watson’s recent appointment, DMEA has three additional board seats up for election: District 1, District 2 and District 5. Ballots will be sent in mid-May to all eligible DMEA members. Members can vote for their director representatives by completing and returning the mail-in ballot to arrive no later than June 12 or by voting in person at the DMEA annual meeting on Thursday, June 14, 4:30 to 8 p.m. at

Hummingbird expert to speak Thursday With reports of hummingbirds already showing up in western Colorado, many bird enthusiasts are starting to put out their feeders. Even those who might not necessarily consider themselves bird watching enthusiast find much enjoyment watching these smallest of all birds zipping around their backyards. World-renowned researcher Dr. David Inouye, professor emeri-

tus from the University of Maryland, will be giving a program on his 40-plus years of hummingbird research on Thursday, May 3, at Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta. His program will begin at 7 p.m. and will include a short video produced by the BBC natural history film department. The program is sponsored by the Black Canyon Chapter of the Audubon Society and is free to the public.

Learn about Rural Philanthropy Days The Community Resource Center and the Anschutz Family Foundation will host an outreach meeting Wednesday, May 9, in Hotchkiss to inform the community about the June 2019 Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days conference, which serves Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Mesa and Pitkin counties. The free session, held from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Memorial Hall, will share information about the statewide Rural Philanthropy Days program and the planning process for the June 2019 Western Slope Rural Philanthropy Days conference. Organizers will talk about what it means to serve on the regional Steering Committee that will lead the efforts in planning the conference. For 27 years, local communities have worked to coordinate Rural Philanthropy Days in partnership with the Community Resource

Center, the Anschutz Family Foundation and statewide grant-makers. Rural Philanthropy Days brings grant-makers into Colorado’s rural areas to discuss community needs with grant-seekers and local leaders. Rural Philanthropy Days began in the early 1990s, when a study found that only 3 percent of the funds granted by Colorado private foundations were awarded outside the Front Range; current Rural Philanthropy Days foundations now give 17 percent of their funding to rural communities. Rural Philanthropy Days has become the bridge to connect the foundations with rural nonprofits and provide opportunities for networking, building relationships and educating one another on needs and service of a region. For more information, visit crcamerica.org/ rural-philanthropy-days.

the Montrose Pavilion. Member registration and voting will open at 4:30 p.m. Family fun, educational booths, bucket rides, and local musician David Starr are just a sampling of the activities members can enjoy. A free barbecue dinner from Jimmer’s Back Country BBQ will also be served from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The election will conclude at the start of the business meeting at 6 p.m. and results will be announced during the meeting.

nonperishable food items are welcome, the Delta Food Pantry is in need especially of cereal, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, canned soups, peanut butter and tuna. In 2017, the community donated an amazing 3,500 pounds of food to the Delta Food Pantry during the Stamp Out Hunger drive! This year, volunteers at the food pantry are challenging the community to raise 5,000. If you are unable to donate food but would like to help your neighbors in need, please consider joining food pantry volunteers on May 12 to weigh, sort and shelve the food. Please call Mary at 970-275-9670 if you can help. You, your business, church or civic organization can also help by making a tax-deductible financial donation by mailing a check to PO Box 903, Delta CO 81416. Hunger affects about 50 million people around the country, including millions of children, senior citizens and veter-

Volunteers needed at museum The Delta County Historical Society is looking for volunteers to staff the museum at the corner of 3rd and Meeker during the summer. It’s hoped the museum can be open five days a week. For more information, stop by the museum or call 874-8721.

ans. Pantry shelves filled up through winter-holiday generosity often are bare by late spring. And, with most school meal programs suspended during summer months, millions of children must find alternative sources of nutrition. Since the first national Food Drive in 1993, the Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has collected more than 1.5 billion pounds of food; last year’s drive brought in a record 80

million pounds of food. This food drive is one way to help those in Delta who need assistance. Volunteer to staff, sort and distribute food are also needed on an ongoing basis. Or, a financial contribution may be mailed to The Delta Food Pantry, PO Box 903, Delta, CO 81416. The pantry is open weekdays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the alley behind St. Michael’s Catholic Church at 6th and Meeker.

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A6 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

OBITUARIES

Sharon McFarland

Sharon Denise McFarland of Hotchkiss died April 3, 2018. She was 59. She was born Nov. 19, 1958, in St. Joseph, Mich., to Richard and La rue Brooks. Mrs. McFarland is survived by her husband, Keith McFarland of Hotchkiss; son, Dominic (Christina) Anthony; grandchildren, Lila, Micah and Rose; parents, Richard and La rue Brooks of Mountain Home, Ark.; and brother, Rich (Vicki) Brooks of Lawton, Mich.

Mark Scheetz

Mark E. Scheetz of Delta died April 24, 2018, at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction. He was 51. Inurnment took place at Delta City Cemetery. A celebration of life was held at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel April 27. Mark Edward Scheetz was born July 22, 1966, to Eugene and Betty (White) Scheetz in Delta. He spent his childhood and attended school in Delta, graduating from Delta High School in 1984. Mr. Scheetz was a member of the Gold Panning Association. He enjoyed riding his Harley, hunting, fishing and camping with his family. He was a skilled welder. He is survived by his parents, Eugene and Betty Scheetz of Delta; two sons, Jake (Katharyn) Scheetz of Delta and Stewart Schmock of Littleton; two daughters, Amber (Chris) Potts of Texarkana, Texas, and Sarah (Jamin) Kuhnkes of Salt Lake City, Utah; two brothers, Jerry (Gina) Scheetz of Montrose and Ron (Angie Springer) Scheetz of Eagle; three sisters, Barbara (Manuel) Armendariz of Delta, Suzann (Cliff) Morgan of Delta and Tamra (Ray) Blake-Scheetz of Yacolt, Wash.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Nathan Scheetz; and nephew, Chauncey Morgan. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements.

Julia Doles

Cedaredge resident Julia Doles died April 22, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 83. Graveside services were held April 27 at Cedaredge Cemetery. Julia Belle Cornelius was born Jan. 27, 1935, to Willie and Rhoda (McCarty) Cornelius in New Mexico. She spent her childhood and attended school in Magdalena, N.M. She graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and was class president and a cheerleader. On Jan. 8, 1960, she married Robert Doles. They shared 44 years of marriage before his death on May 14, 2004. Mrs. Doles was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints in Cedaredge, where she held many positions of leadership. She also enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking and word puzzles. She is survived by her children, John (Carol) Doles and Jolene (Dwaine) Harper; eight grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Doles; and her sister, Lois. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Michael Bailado

Michael Steven Bailado of Delta died April 26, 2018. He was 65. He was born in Wahiawa, Hawaii, on March 4, 1953, to Miguel and Regina Bailado. The family moved stateside and he attended Kennedy High School in Fremont, Calif., graduating

�� The family of Leroy (Pete) Borich wish to say thank you to everyone who brought food, sent ﬂowers and cards, and came for moral support. God bless you all, Louise Borich and family

in 1971. He then joined the Air National Guard and retired after serving 25 years as an E7 master sergeant in the motor pool. After retiring from the service, he had a career in managerial services, beginning with an upholstery business with his wife Julie and ending with Tuff Coat Manufacturing in Montrose. Mr. Bailado was a member of the Calvary Chapel Montrose, where he served in many different capacities in addition to being an elder and advisory board member. He also ministered at Valley Manor Living Center. Mr. Bailado was an avid Packers fan. He enjoyed bowling on the “Jesus Saves” bowling team, coaching church softball games, playing golf, leading worship, cooking, raising funds for the church and spending time with family and friends. He was active in the Civil Air Patrol, Delta, serving as second lieutenant, unofficial chaplain, deputy commander, safety officer and drill sergeant. A military service will be held at 1 p.m. May 2 at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. May 3 at Calvary Chapel Montrose, 2001 S. Townsend Avenue. He is survived by his wife, Julie; mother, Regina Bailado; brother, Maurice (Trish) Bailado; six children, Christopher (Tom), Shirlina, Curtis (Monica), Stacy, Steven (Tina) and Nicholas; mother-in-law, Carolyn Howard; sisters-in-law, Lorinda Jordan and Traci Hehir; 14 grandchildren; and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Miguel Bailado.

Fred Heinze Jr.

Delta resident Edwin “Fred” Heinze Jr. died April 30, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He was 66. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Mr. Heinze enjoyed fishing, landscaping, working in the trees and helping those in need. He is survived by his mother, June Heinze of Delta; brothers, Kenny Heinze of Cory and Christopher Heinze of Montrose; sister, Cindy Heinze of Idaho; six children, Anisa of Colorado Springs, Levi of Alaska, Timothy, Rebecca and Sarah of Delta and Paul of Oregon; six grandchildren; and his ex-wife, Martina “Tina” Heinze of Oregon. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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Irene Bennett

Eckert resident Irene E. Bennett died April 25, 2018, at Horizons Care Center in Eckert. She was 90. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Irene Ellen Hawkins

Delta County Independent

was born July 2, 1927, to Ralph and Rachel (Lloyd) Hawkins in Pierce. She spent her childhood in Pierce until she was eight, when the family moved to the Surface Creek area. She graduated from Cedaredge High School in 1945. On July 1, 1945, she married Charles Bennett in Cedaredge. They shared 47 years of marriage before his death on Jan. 25, 1993. Mrs. Bennett belonged to the Cedaredge Seventh-day Adventist Church. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, fishing, camping, gardening and being a mother and grandmother. She is survived by two children, Earl “Sonny” (Rebecca “Becky”) Bennett of Crawford and Deborah “Debbie” (Bernard “Woody”) Wood of Eckert; 12 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 12 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Bennet; and siblings, Herman Hawkins, Etta Mae Lloyd, Leon Hawkins and Eugene “Bud” Hawkins. Taylor Funeral Service

Ruth Gallegos of Olathe; and a grandson, Gunner Lowrance. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Valdez. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is hanLeonard Valdez dling the arrangements. Visit the internet obitFormer Delta resident Leonard Valdez died April uary and sign the online 25, 2018, at his home in guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com. Clifton. Memorial services are pending at True Life Eugene Moe Church in Cedaredge. Eugene L. Moe died Mr. Valdez was born in Delta Oct. 12, 1968, to Jan. 22, 2018. A celebration of life Sinforosa “Rose” (Lopez) will be held on Monday, and Max Valdez. He spent his childhood and May 14, from 3-7 p.m. at attended school in Delta. his home, 9022 Marshalls He had lived in Clifton Road, Austin, CO 81410. Please dress for a casual for three years. He enjoyed old cars, outside affair. old movies, good music and model cars. Joseph Hofer He is survived by his Joseph J. Hofer of three children, Zach Kennell of Montrose, Shaw- Glenwood Springs died shawna Lowrance of Feb. 28, 2018, in Olathe Delta and Ali Boone of after a long battle with Colorado Springs; seven cancer. He was 59. He was born in Monbrothers, Frank and tana on Oct. 31, 1958, but Albert of Grand Junction, Tom and Eddie of Delta, lived and worked on the Roger of Olathe, Ben Western Slope for most of of Denver and Virgil of his adult life. Burial will be in the Montrose; three sisters, Highland Cemetery in Mary Jane Guy of Grand Junction, Marty Chap- New Castle at 4 p.m. May man of Montrose and 16.

and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Helen Ruth Wade Dec. 4, 1942 ~ April 26, 2018 Former longtime Paonia resident, Helen Ruth Wade, passed away on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at the HopeWest Hospice Care Center in Grand Junction, Colo. She was 75 years old. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the First Christian Church, 1326 N 1st Street, Grand Junction, Colo., with Reverend Susan Barton officiating. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Cedar Hill Cemetery with James Gall officiating. Helen attended school and graduated from Paonia High School with the class of 1960. She went on to further her education and attended Mesa College. On June 29, 1962, in Paonia, Colo., Helen married Wesley Wade. This June they would have been married for 56 years. Helen was a homemaker and bookkeeper

for their business. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Grand Junction, Colo. She also belonged to Christian Women Fellowship. Helen loved to travel. She and Wes traveled throughout the United States, took several cruises and most recently enjoyed trips to Denver, to attend plays and musicals. Helen loved to go camping and jeeping in the San Juan Mountains and loved going on color drives in the fall. Among her survivors are her husband, Wesley Wade of Fruita,

Colo.; a son and his wife, Bruce and Josie Wade of Hotchkiss, Colo.; a daughter and her husband, Debbie and Scott Malson of Brisbane, Australia; a brother, Allen Amsbury of Cedaredge, Colo. Additional survivors are her granddaughter and her husband, Mindy and Danny Tea of Dallas, Texas; greatgrandchildren, Lleyton and Deegan Tea of Dallas, Texas. Helen was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Chuck Amsbury, and a sister Carolyn Amsbury. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest Hospice, 3090 B N 12th Street, Grand Junction, Co 81506. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www.taylorfuneralser vice.com. Paid obituary

Honey Shane Lee Sept. 21, 1935 ~ April 25, 2018 Honey Shane Lee walked this earth for over eight decades, and left it peacefully, early Wednesday morning, April 25, 2018, in Colorado Springs, Colo., where she lived near her youngest daughters for the last 14 years. Prior to Colorado Springs, she was a long-time resident of Paonia, Colo. Honey Lee was born on Sept. 21, 1935, in Carlsbad, N.M. She grew up in the Dallas County area, the middle of three children, and the only daughter. She still has a large extended family in Texas. She contributed to her communities as a masterful business owner, bookkeeper, storyteller and historian. Her life’s passions included her dog CoCo, traveling, reading, writing poetry, dancing and spending time in her beloved Rocky Mountains. She was an outstanding hunter, archer, wilderness guide and high diver, but her greatest joy came from gathering with family and friends. Also known as Peggy Lee French, she was preceded in death by her parents, Larry Lee and Iris Ostein; her brothers, Terry Hines and Neil Ostein; and her second child, Don-

nell Lee Roberts Sandidge. She is survived by four children and their spouses: Robbie and Gwen Sandidge of Grand Junction, Colo.; Julia Sandidge and Duane Noriyuki of Eugene, Ore.; Karen Sandidge and Nelda Dettwiler of Colorado Springs, Colo.; Shannon Sandidge and Barbara Bennett of Denver, Colo.; and Gaynelle Ihms, her dearest friend/niece of North Carolina. As Grandma Peggy, she was blessed with six grandchildren and their spouses: Christopher and Allison Sandidge of Breckenridge, Colo.; Michael and Katy Sandidge of Loveland, Colo.; Nichole and Ted Lee of Cumming, Ga.; Dustin and Dana Sandidge of De Beque, Colo.; Tyson and Jessica Sand-

idge of De Beque, Colo.; Rhiley and Levi Ethridge of Broken Arrow, Okla.; Rhuby Noriyuki of Eugene, Ore.; Christine and Mic Wolfer of Colorado Springs, Colo.; and Nathan Sandidge of Denver, Colo. She was honored to greet 15 great-grandchildren: Austin, Sydney, Jaxon Sandidge; Blake, Elliana and Emery Lee; Allyson, Abram, Andrew and Aubrey Sandidge; Trenton, Grier, Wesley and Marcus Sandidge; Keean and Tahlia Ethridge. If she has her way, many more to come. She was the center pole of an enormous clan and also served to guide many nieces, nephews, step-children, children of choice and dear friends. A celebration of life will be held in Paonia, Colo., on June 16, 2018, from 2-6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at 40772 Lamborn Mesa Road. The family will provide a BBQ meal, soft drinks and water. If you would like to bring a special dish to share, please feel free to do so. BYOB. In lieu of flowers, she asked that you please cherish time with your family and spread her love and light. Paid obituary

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

�� Fort Uncompahgre is open

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Fort Uncompahgre on the Old Spanish Trail is now open to the public Monday-Saturday, 8 to 5 p.m. Admission fees apply. The fort is a replica of the trading outpost established by Antoine Robidoux in the late 1820s near the junction of the Gunnison and Uncompahgre rivers. This area was a hub for trails coming north out of the San Juan River Basin in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico, meeting the North Branch of the Old Spanish Trail

Rock Wranglers to meet

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Western Colorado, which is looking for volunteers to serve as greeters and docents. Two options are available — 9 a.m. to noon and noon to 4 p.m. Interested individuals are asked to call 874-8349 for additional information.

Pea Green pie auction planned The annual Pea Green pie auction will take place Saturday, May 5, at the community hall in Pea Green. Bidding begins at 7 p.m. — come prepared to support the community hall by purchasing a delicious homemade pie or two.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo The Delta, Olathe and Montrose LULAC clubs will sponsor a Cinco de Mayo celebration on Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held at Centennial Plaza and will include a car show, music and dance, performances, food and more. There will also be a crowing of royalty and scholarships presented. Please plan to attend this exciting event. If you are a vendor, club or other organization and would like to have a booth, please call 970-417-2828 or 970-2527938.

Handgun safety class held monthly Certified instructors Dave Brown and Christopher McMillan will lead a “Handgun Safety” class at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Proper completion of this class allows you to apply for a concealed handgun permit in Colorado. Course consists of safety and firing techniques of a semi-automatic pistol and revolver; laws related to owning a handgun; and range safety. Lunch is on your own, then individual firing instruction is provided at a local firing range in the afternoon. The class is $80. Please register by 5 p.m. three days prior to the class of your choice. To register, call Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 874-0923.

Outdoor adventures await Bill Heddles Recreation Center staff are organizing several outdoor adventures this summer. The first trip is Tuesday, May 15, and will consist of a four-mile

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(round trip) hike along the Curecanti Creek. After descending from the high rim of the upper Black Canyon of the Gunnison, the trail follows Curecanti Creek

Rode to the Cross raises funds for camps The Rode to the Cross, a horseback version of a walk-a-thon, will be held for the second year on May 12 on Rim Road west of Montrose. According to chairman Sarah Bowman, “This cross country competition of endurance and compassion will be for 5 to 21 miles in teams of three.” The event will raise funds for the Cowboy at the Cross youth outreach which produces three camps in the summer, as well as an event at the Apache Reservation in Arizona. The camps include rodeo, horse training and one for ponies. A horse training class will be given again by world

Hubwheelers celebrate Cinco de Mayo The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club will host a “Cinco de Mayo” dance on Saturday, May 5, from 7-9 p.m., at the Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street, Delta. Come early for a potluck dinner at 6 p.m. For more information, call 835-3771.

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beads and other prizes of the sprawling frontier. Your history lesson begins when you get out of your car. This year, the fort will also expand visitor information services. Due to a remodeling project, products normally obtained from the GMUG Forest headquarters on South Main Street will be relocated to the fort. Members of the public will be able to purchase permits, maps, literature and America the Beautiful passes at the new location. Information about trails, roads and campgrounds will also be available. Fort Uncompahgre, located at 440 North Palmer Street in Delta, is operated by the Interpretive Association of

Rock Wranglers will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, at the Calvary Baptist Church, 1290 A Street, Delta. The program will be filling kids’ rock bags for the June 2 rock show. Everyone is asked to bring rocks for the bags.

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(a pack route traveling east and west from Santa Fe to Los Angeles). The fort remained in operation until the mid 1840s before being attacked by a band of Ute Indians. It has been speculated that the attack on Fort Uncompahgre was the result of built up Ute hostility stemming from the introduction of “Taos lightning” in the 1840s. With the decline of the beaver population in the inter-mountain west, compounded by changes in clothing styles, the days of the mountain men were numbered. When you visit the fort in Confluence Park, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time, standing in the same space where tribes and trappers exchanged furs for guns, knives,

champion reining horse trainer Doug Milholland from Oklahoma. For further information text or leave a message at 315-777-0275. Details can also be found on the Cowboy at the Cross Facebook page.

as it falls toward Morrow Point Reservoir. The Curecanti Needle, a 700foot granite spire, towers above at the trail’s end. The trail begins at the Pioneer Point overlook off Highway 92 south of Crawford. Other outings scheduled this summer include a raft trip, GJ Rockies baseball game, a wildflower hike, a day in Telluride and a Morrow Point boat tour. Register at Bill Heddles Recreation Center, 531 N. Palmer Street in Delta, or call 874-0923 for more information. Registration deadline for the first hike is May 11.

Famous mountaineer to speak in Montrose Famous British mountaineer, Sir Chris Bonington, will present “My Life and Times” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 4, at the Montrose Pavilion to benefit the projects of the Western Colorado Friends of the Himalayas. Tickets are $20 and available at the door. For more information call 970-275-3671 or 970-209-1395. Western Colorado Friends of the Himalayas is a Montrose-based notfor-profit which raises money to go toward its many projects in Himalayan countries, mainly focused in Nepal. In recent years they have helped earthquake stricken areas in north, east and west Nepal, partnered with Rotary to provide shelter boxes for those whose homes

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have been destroyed, given funds to combat child trafficking, assisted with school and medical supplies for remote villages, built solar shower facilities and provision of clean water for other villages, assisted with first responder training and mountain rescue in the Everest region, donated a roto tiller for the upper Khumbu region, financed a child care center in upper Mustang and supported (financially) several Nepalese students in Nepal and the U.S. in pursuit of nursing and other degrees including masters and doctorates. For more information, see https://westerncolora dofriends.wordpress.com. For event information call 970-275-3671 or 970209-1395.

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A8 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

SCHOOL

Garnet Mesa’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photo by Don Benjamin

Eighth graders Rise Above with Commemorative Air Force able to fight for their country. Members of the CAF Rocky Mountain Wing helped the students understand how these pilots overcame their hardships and obstacles,

Photos submitted

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and ﬁrst grade students Cole Ballard, Dominick Archuleta, Caiden Carlson, Esmeralda Ramirez, Kenean Garcia, Charli Holst and Marcella Garcia. On the right are second graders Taylor Thomas, Aiden Duty, Zayla Lawrence and Enzo Sanchez.

Paonia eighth graders joined other Delta County students last week to tour the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Rocky Mountain Wing’s museum. A highlight of their visit was an up-close look at a World War II U.S. Navy Avenger torpedo bomber. Seventeen-year-old Mesa resident Tyler Ferguson (top right next to cockpit) was dressed in a period uniform as he answered student questions about the vintage airplane which is operational and still regularly ﬂown. The CAF museum is located at 780 Heritage Way at the Grand Junction Regional Airport and it is generally open for visitors on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. but call ﬁrst at 970-256-0693.

Delta County eighth graders had the opportunity to learn about military aviation, personal growth, setting goals, and developing a winning attitude as they attended the Rise Above program at the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Rocky Mountain Wing April 24 and 25. The eighth graders experienced the story of the Tuskegee Airmen — African American fighter pilots who became the most effective bomber escort group of World War II. These pilots overcame near unsurmountable obstacles just to be

Delta County Independent

and exceeded all expectations. Students met veterans, learned how to set goals for themselves, filled out a “Flight Plan for Life” and wrote a letter to a veteran.

Fundraiser will help send Scouts to camp Boy Scout Troop 485 will be holding a bingo fundraiser on Friday, May 11, at St. Michael’s Parish Hall, 628 Meeker Street in Delta. Doors will open and sales will start at 6 p.m.; bingo will start at 6:30. There will

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be a snack bar serving burgers, hot dogs, nachos and more. Come enjoy a fun evening and help raise money to send boys to Spirit of Adventure Ranch (SOAR) Boy Scout Camp near Gypsum this summer. Troop 485 is a communitywide troop chartered by St. Michael Church with membership open to any boy in the Delta area in sixth grade through high school. Cub Scout Pack 485, which is associated with Troop 485, is open to first through fifth graders. For more information about bingo or about Troop or Pack 485, call David Kuta at 874-0659 or 250-2448 or Kurt Roithmayr at 5965080.

Students of the Month

Photo submitted

Garnet Mesa Elementary School recently recognized fourth and ﬁfth grade Students of the Month: (back row) Andreas Alvarez, Amancia Gonzalez Cruz, Kaide Foote, Lizzie Harris; (front row) Delilah Munoz, Troy Siennicki, Bergen McCormick and Lilly Nelson.

VFW, Auxiliary assist police

Recently, members of Lee Marts Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 3571 and its Auxiliary, assisted members of the Contact the DCI: Delta Police Department Website: with voluntary kinderwww.deltacountyindependent.com gartener fingerprinting at �� Lincoln and Garnet Mesa E-mail ads to: Elementary Schools. The ads@deltacountyindependent.com children are fingerprinted E-mail articles and by the police officers, and Photo submitted letters to the editor at: Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Lee Marts helped to clean up by the editor@deltacountyindependent.com Post 3571 and its auxiliary provide cleanup detail VFW and Auxiliary mem�� bers. The fingerprint idenduring ﬁngerprinting of local kindergartners. tifications are given to the children’s parents for safeguarding. Although hopefully never needed, these fingerprints could become invaluable to identification and recovery of a child under a variety of circumstances. Parking lot at 6th & Main, Delta (Edward Jones - Isaiah St. Peter’s ofﬁce) Thanks to an annual cooperative effort with �� the Delta School District, Delta Police Department, �� and local VFW and auxil�� iary members, many par�� ents will have the opportunity to have possession of their children’s fingerprints — hopefully to become only one of many treasured memories of childhood, but also providing them a comforting and potentially valuable tool.

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD SALE • SATURDAY, MAY 12, 8-4

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Military information day planned A congressional staffsponsored U.S. Service Academy and ROTC/ NROTC information day will be conducted in Grand Junction on May 5. This event provides the opportunity for parents and students to join representatives from the U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy and ROTC/ NROTC college programs for an information session regarding the academy and ROTC/NROTC application process. The event will commence at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Colorado Mesa University, Love Recital Hall at the Moss Performing Arts Center, 1100 North Avenue, GJ.

NORTH FORK May 2, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Suspect charged in January shooting A suspect has been arrested after a three-month investigation into a shooting in Paonia on Jan. 12 which seriously injured 54-year-old Ryan Redifer. Paonia Police Chief Neil Ferguson, in a press release issued April 25, stated that an arrest warrant was issued and on April 13 Heather Jones of Paonia turned herself into police without further incident. The warrant charged Jones with a felony offense

of first degree assault, and misdemeanor charges of prohibited use of a weapon and violation of a protection order. Jones is being held on a $60,000 bond. Redifer was airlifted to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Grand Junction the night of the shooting. A GoFund Me account (www.gofundme. com/ryan-redifers-medicalexpense-fund) is still accepting donations to cover his ongoing medical expenses.

Masons to lay cornerstone May 3 Greg Allen, Art Wolverton and Roy Garner, officers of Mount Lamborn Masonic Lodge in Hotchkiss, announce that on Thursday, May 3, at 5 p.m, with the assistance of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Colorado, they will dedicate a cornerstone at the Hotchkiss Town Hall and Senior Citizens Center in Hotchkiss. This event is open to the public and sponsored by Mount Lamborn Lodge #102, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. The Hotchkiss Town Hall is located at 276 West Main Street. It is understood that members of the Hotchkiss Town Council, Delta County Commissioners and the public will attend the ceremony. A time capsule will be installed behind the cornerstone. The capsule will contain a history of the Town of Hotchkiss and a history of the Masonic Lodge, as well as other items as provided by the responsible organizations. It is the custom to seal the time capsule for 100 years. The public is invited and encouraged to attend this ancient ceremony. The lay-

ing of cornerstones for public buildings has long been a standing traditional practice of Freemasons. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy examples of this was the laying of the cornerstone of the United States Capitol building in 1793 by George Washington who officiated as master. A number of local buildings have Masonic cornerstones including the Hotchkiss Fire Station, Hotchkiss K-8 School, Hotchkiss High School, the Masonic Hall on Hotchkiss Avenue and the West Elk Clinic. Freemasonry arrived in Colorado with early miners. The Masonic Lodge in Hotchkiss was established in 1897. The cornerstone of the Colorado State Capitol building was laid by the Freemasons in 1890 and rededicated in 1990. Today in Colorado, there are about 7,000 Freemasons who belong to one of the 121 lodges scattered throughout the state. The Masonic Fraternity is worldwide. In the United States alone there are about 3.4 million Freemasons.

Tree honors Ofﬁcer Hart

Paonia Police Officer Loren Winnett helps plant a sensation box elder tree at Apple Valley Park last Friday in memory of Officer Bill Hart, a former police officer, volunteer fireman and Army veteran who lost his life a year ago to cancer. The Paonia town tree board sponsored the Arbor Day tree planting. Holding the tree is Samira Hart, Bill Hart’s widow and the Paonia Board of Trustees’ representative on the tree board. Next to her are tree board member Roger Baril, future tree board member Karen Hinkle, tree board member Paula Martin, and Hart’s daughter, Dana, who spoke eloquently about her dad during the ceremony. “Trees are our future,” said Samira Hart. “This tree is a representation of the future that makes me smile.”

Hotchkiss gears up for sheep camp stock dog trials BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

The 15th annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials are being dedicated to the memory of Mike Furcolow, a beloved friend and experienced dog handler who recently lost his long battle with cancer. Furcolow took great pleasure in working with his dogs and watching them progress through their training with his guidance. “I like to compete in the trials too, but not necessarily for the wins and recognition,” he said before he died. “The thrill for me comes from that day, with those sheep, when we, my dog and I, have it all together and are linked like ESP, and do the job that we came to do.” One of Furcolow’s favorite events was the “silent gather.” This event is held on the first day of competition, Friday, May 11. During this event, the dogs show off their natural abilities in a judged, timed event where the handler sends the dog out to gather the sheep and return them to the post. No verbal commands are given. “The handler can’t say a word to the dog or give any commands to the dog,” said Gordon Hebenstreit, the event’s general manager. “This is a fun event to watch, because the

Fire scorches 44 acres north of Jumbo Mountain Gusty winds fanned a planned burn on the Lazy H Ranch outside of Paonia into a wildfire on Thursday, April 26. No structures were reported damaged and the fire was quickly contained after being reported around 6 p.m.

The fire burned about 44 acres of land on the north side of Jumbo Mountain. Most of the area was on ranch property, with damage to about four acres of adjoining public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management. The fire was battled by

Photo by Neal Schweiterman

Neal Schweiterman photographed the reﬁlling of the water tank on a spray plane from Olathe Spray Service as it provided aerial support in battling a ﬁre on April 26 near Paonia. Airport manager Mike Clawson, local pilot Ken Pitt, and Paonia resident Richard Kinser assisted in the operation, and the plane was piloted by Leonard Felix.

Photo by Tamie Meck

the Paonia Fire Department, Colorado Division of Fire Protection and Control, BLM and a ground crew from the Delta Correctional Center. Air support was provided by Olathe Spray Service. They were able to control the blaze around 8:45 p.m. Ranch manager Lisa Escher had called the county’s burn line prior to conducting the burn, so no charges will be filed, according to the Delta County Sheriff ’s Office. Pre-positioning of resources at the North Fork Valley Airport played a big role in fighting the fire. Manager Mike Clawson said the airport maintains a 1,600-gallon water storage tank on-site that was donated by Leonard Felix with Olathe Spray Service. The Paonia Fire Department stores the pumps and hoses used to fill the crop duster at the airport. The tank is drained during the winter, and was refilled and all the hoses and pump were checked about two weeks before the fire erupted. “If they had to go to Olathe or Delta to refill the plane, it wouldn’t be as effective (in fighting fires in the North Fork area),” said Clawson.

Photo by Tamie Meck

This year’s Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials are dedicated to Mike Furcolow, shown above competing with his dog Meg. true talent of the border collie shows through.” The sheep camp stock dog trials are held in the Hotchkiss pasture one block south of downtown and begin at 8 a.m. Friday, May 11. Nursery classes lead off the competition, followed immediately by two novice classes. There will be a break from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a customer appreciation lunch at First State Bank. The action resumes at 1 p.m. with the silent gather. Admission is $4 for Friday’s competition and $5 for Saturday and Sunday events. Children under the age of 12 are free all three days. On May 12 and 13, trials begin at 7 a.m. Pro novice and open classes will run each day. Competition generally continues until 4:30 or 5 p.m. with a half-hour lunch break. Covered bleachers are provided, but some spectators

bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Leashed dogs are welcome, but owners are asked to clean up after their pets. There will be food and craft vendors, and on Saturday, the San Juan Weavers Guild will provide spinning demonstrations. Sheep shearing demos will take place every hour with Dan Toothaker. Other events taking place Saturday include a car show at Zack’s BBQ from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the Western Colorado Rabbit Breeders Association’s ninth annual rabbit show at Heritage Hall; and an open house at the North Fork Ambulance training center at 110 E. Hotchkiss Avenue. Hotchkiss Home Plate is holding a 5k run/walk on Saturday. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m. at the corner of Pinion and Hotchkiss next to St. Mary Margaret Catholic STOCK DOG TRIALS TO B2

Trustees sworn in

Photo by Tamie Meck

From left, Barry Pennell, Samira “Sam” Hart, Mary Bachran and Chelsea Bookout are sworn in as trustees for the Town of Paonia at the April 24 board meeting. Pennell and Bookout were re-elected, and Hart and Bachran are newly elected board members. They join Bill Bear, Karen Budinger and Mayor Charles Stewart on the board. The ﬁrst full meeting of the new board begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 8.

B2 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

North Fork Reads is a huge success BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

“The book, ‘A Wrinkle in Time,’ is our most checked out item of 2018,” says Leah Morris, collections and systems administrator for Delta County Libraries, when asked about the recent North Fork Reads program. “It checked out over 200 times in a month and a half during the countywide read and watch event.” North Fork Reads is a program, initiated by the Paonia Literary Committee, which encourages the community to read the same book during a designated period and then watch the film adaptation. The showing of the film, “A Wrinkle in Time,”

served as the culminating event of the 2018 program, and, like the book, proved widely popular. It brought in over 400 people to the Paradise Theatre during the two-week showing period in April. “One of the real draws was the free movie ticket that library patrons received when they checked out the book,” Morris commented. The program also extended to area schools. Eighty-five elementary, middle, and high school students used free passes to view the movie after reading the book. “The choice of book made the program attractive to readers of all ages,” says Laura Lee Yates, Paonia Library staff member. “That, along with the wonder-

ful collaboration between the libraries, the Blue Sage, and The Paradise Theatre, really made this event a success.” Additionally, a grant from the Kampe Foundation provided support for all of the sponsoring organizations. Paradise manager Sunshine Knight commented on the Kampe Foundation contribution. “The grant covered our licensing fee for the film, the cost of a majority of the books for the libraries, marketing costs for the Blue Sage Center, bussing fees for Hotchkiss K8 and Hotchkiss High School field trips, and some staffing costs for

the theater.” “It is truly a community-grown and nurtured program,” says Yates. “It began as Paonia Reads in 2016, became North Fork Reads in 2018, and we expect to see it continue to gain in popularity as it becomes Delta County Reads for the next big event.” To learn more about North Fork Reads and similar upcoming events, contact the Paonia Library, the Paradise Theatre, or the Blue Sage Center for the Arts. For information on all upcoming library programs, visit the online calendar at www.deltalibraries. org.

Stock dog trials FROM PAGE B1 Church, with race time at 9 a.m. Also happening in Hotchkiss during the dog trials are the community barbecue at First State Bank from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 11; a book sale at the Hotchkiss Library on Friday and Satuday; and free admission at the Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum on Friday and Saturday. Hebenstreit said the Hotchkiss stock dog trials attract some very good

handlers, so the level of competition is high. These high energy dogs are doing what they’re meant to do. With just a few well-timed whistles from its trusted handler the dog strategically approaches the flock, assumes control of the sheep, and completes the assigned task. Learn more about the 15th annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials at www.hotchkiss dogtrials.com, or call Gordon Hebenstreit at 970589–2139.

Photo by IHS Photography

Enchanted evening

Cameras ﬂashed as couples posed on a glistening wonderland bridge during last Saturday’s grand march for the Hotchkiss High School junior-senior prom. The school’s gymnasium was transformed into an Enchanted Forest as family and friends cheerfully snapped photos of the stylish students. Seniors Jordan Tamayo (left) and Sam Rodriguez were crowned queen and king.

Music lineup announced for Solar Fair Photo by Tamie Meck

The royal couple

Riley Simianer and Nora Dransﬁeld were crowned king and queen of the 2018 Paonia High School prom. The prince and princess were Alejandra Gomez and Harley Ewert. This year’s theme was Chinese New Year.

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Fourth annual Western Slope Solar Fair & Permaculture Expo brings seven acts to SEI’s Paonia campus The hosting organizations behind the Solar Fair & Permaculture Expo, held for its fourth time on May 19 this year, are honored to announce this year’s lineup of live music, from 11:15 until 6:45 p.m. on the campus

Vendors sought for Pioneer Days The Crawford Pioneer Days Committee is looking to fill open vendor spots for this year’s Crawford Pioneer Days. The booths will set up for one day, on Saturday, June 9 beginning at 6 a.m. Prices for spaces varies. The cost for food vendors is $50, items for sale (for profit) is $45, informational material only is $30, and non-profit spaces are $25. This is the 40th year for Crawford Pioneer Days. There will be activities in Crawford June 7 through June 10, and is always well attended. The parade theme is “There’s No Place Like Home!” Through this theme, the chamber wants to showcase all the great things that can be found right outside the front door in Crawford — biking, hiking, fishing, wine tours, agriculture, water sports, friends, family, churches and much more. For more information please contact Donna Cochran at 921-3706, and check out online at crawfordpioneerdays. weebly.com.

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of Solar Energy International. 11:15 a.m. — Solar Brothers 12:30 p.m. — Sam Heart 1:15 p.m. — Melanie Jean 2:15 p.m. — North Fork Valley Community and Parade Band 3:05 p.m. — The Kebler Elves 4:15 p.m. — Ky Burt 5:30 p.m. — Jericho (Please note: stage times and schedule are subject to change). The event runs from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and serves as a popular kickoff to the valley’s festival season. A $5 per person donation is suggested. In addition to live music, the Eat & Drink Local Station will be serving up local food and

craft drinks — available for purchase. Workshops on permaculture design, solar energy, microhydro systems, and biodynamics and exhibits from area nonprofits, businesses, and organizations round out the event. A kids’ tent and other activities make this an all-ages event. Sponsors that underwrite and provide support for the event include Big B’s Juices & Hard Ciders, First Colorado National Bank, Delta Montrose Electric Association, Pickin’ Productions, Simple Shelter/ECO Design & Build, High Country News, Azura Cellars & Gallery. The hosting groups join with the community in thanking them for their contribution. More information

Spring celebration

and details can be found online at www.Colora doFarmFood.org/Solar Fair2018.

Election reminder Ballots for the Delta County Memorial Hospital board election are due by 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. Electors will find 24-hour drop boxes at the Delta County Courthouse, 501 Palmer Street, Delta, at the North Fork Annex, 196 W. Hotchkiss Avenue in Hotchkiss, and at the Cedaredge Library, 180 SW 6th Avenue. Both the North Fork Annex and the courthouse will remain open until 7 p.m. Election Day.

Photos by Pat Sunderland

A huge maze dominated the grounds at Hotchkiss K-8 for the annual Spring Fling Friday, April 27. More games and activities lined the perimeter of the school. On the right, a silent auction featured goods and services donated by individuals and businesses. Student art was also auctioned to the highest bidder.

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“Where Beautiful Gardens Begin”

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Delta Dems exalt the First Amendment BY KATHY BROWNING Special to the DCI

Democrats gathered at Heritage Hall in Hotchkiss for their annual First Amendment dinner on Saturday, April 21. There was great food to enjoy provided by Pine Cone Catering of Montrose and guest speakers provided great food for thought and consideration. Finding respect for divergent viewpoints in our divisive nation is challenging. That’s because the stakes for our country are so high. Guest speakers spoke on how vital the First Amendment is to maintain a healthy democracy. Delta Dems chair David Jacobson introduced the first speaker, Cidney Fisk, who came by way of a letter read by her father, Robert Fisk. Cidney could not attend the dinner due to time-consuming midterm studies. “I was ecstatic to hear that the dinner this year is honoring the First Amendment. I truly believe that the freedoms granted to us and protected by this amendment were drafted first not only because they are extremely important but because they are a prerequisite to all other rights. If one couldn’t express that women ought to have the right to vote, there would be no 19th Amendment. If one could not protest inequalities, how would we have the 13th Amendment?” Cidney continued, “It’s hard to make the importance of the First Amendment into a short speech, but it was important for me to voice my admiration for it because I have been using it as a protection of my unpopular speech and without it I could have never pointed out injustices.” Cidney Fisk, a 2016 graduate from Delta High School, ran afoul of some teachers and counselors when she spoke out on financial expenditures that she felt favored sports rather than academics, Christian-based sex education in violation of the separation of church and state laws, and the fact she is an atheist. Her out-

Celebrating 90 plus

The Paonia Senior Center held its annual birthday party on April 24 for local residents who turn 90 or older this year. Nonagenarians, clockwise from upper left, are Eulah Norris, Betty Portman, Merle Shideler, Vivian Cheney, Lynne Bear and Vanette Hambek. Between Bear and Hambek is Celia, a dedicated volunteer. Delta County Council on Aging has sponsored the annual 90-plus celebration and started it as a way to get more locals interested in their local senior center. Volunteers of America prepares the lunch and provides the birthday cake. Photo by Kathy Browning

Sharing a light-hearted moment after the Delta Dems’ First Amendment dinner are (from left) State Rep. Millie Hamner, House District 61 candidate Julie McCluskie and Delta Dems chair David Jacobson. spokenness led to a loss of some traditional scholarship funding. Some of that loss was made up by donations from those who supported her right to free speech. She received a $4,325 check from Western Colorado Atheists and Freethinkers. In September 2016, she filed a federal lawsuit against Delta County Joint School District No. 50 for violating her right to free speech. She now attends college in Denver. Other speakers included Dick Gilmore, Democratic candidate for District 1 county commissioner. David Jacobson reminded voters that those who live outside the district can vote in the

Photo by Kathy Browning

Blogger Anne Landman spoke on personal attacks against her and also about her successes in challenging public institutions about freedom of speech.

Disaster declaration due to drought The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated Mesa and Otero counties in Colorado as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by a recent drought. Farmers and ranchers in contiguous counties, including Delta County, also qualify for natural disaster assistance. Qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for the Farm Service Agency’s (FSA’s) emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the dec-

Photo by Tamie Meck

laration of April 12 to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the emergency loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from the impacts of this disaster. Other FSA programs can also provide assistance. For more information go to www.fas.usda.gov or visit the FSA office in Delta at 690 Industrial Boulevard.

upcoming commissioner election. Stacey Lowe gave her reasons for running for county clerk. Julie McCluskie shared about her candidacy for Colorado House District 61. Representative Millie Hamner spoke about legislation in the state house and encouraged support for McCluskie. Hamner is term limited this year and is looking forward to moving on to other non-political pursuits. Two keynote speakers were invited. Anne Landman, who has a popular blog on “Alternative News and Views from Western Colorado,” shared about various experiences she has encountered while exercising free speech. Ruth Anna spoke about the importance of Colorado’s open meeting laws. She serves on the board for the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition. The non-partisan coalition’s mission “is to ensure that Coloradans — journalists, the general public, public officials, educators, students, business owners and legal professionals — understand and use the public’s rights of access to the records and proceedings of government and the judiciary.” By evening’s end, those in attendance felt inspired by the uplifting messages about our nation’s First Amendment. For more information about Delta County Democrats, visit www.delta dems.org.

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Photo by Kathy Browning

Ruth Anna of the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition addresses those gathered for the First Amendment dinner in Hotchkiss on April 21.

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Grief support meetings begin May 22 Although each person’s grief is unique, those coping with the death of a loved one share a common bond. “Mending Hearts,” a 10week support group, will meet Tuesdays from May 22 to July 23 (10 weeks) from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin. Each session begins with grief education, followed by a small group discussion. Anyone coping with the death of a loved one is invited to attend this group free of charge. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To register or for more information about these groups, call 970-248-8844 or email AdultSupport@ HopeWestCO.org.

B4 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS May 2, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

10-0 win over Aspen decides baseball title

Delta clinches 3A WSL

BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

The Delta Panthers played in three games this past week and won all three to move to 8-0 in 3A WSL play and 12-6 overall. More importantly the Panthers won their third straight league title with their 10-0 win over Aspen on Friday of last week. Weather conditions for the past week were more accommodating than in previous weeks. Last week’s Moffat County contest had been scheduled for April 21 but had to be moved due to inclement weather in Craig. That game was played on Monday, April 23, with Delta coming home with a 16-2 victory. Delta traveled to Basalt on April 25 and defeated the Longhorns 14-3 then hosted Aspen on Friday to complete a three-win week. Delta 16, Bulldogs 2 The Panthers were relentless on offense against Moffat County on Monday. Delta posted a single run in the first

inning and followed with two runs in each of the next two innings for a 5-0 lead heading to the fourth inning. Delta broke its tworun string of scoring with three runs in the fourth inning for an 8-0 lead with the Bulldogs coming to bat. Moffat County scored its two runs in the bottom half of the fourth to trail by six to begin the fifth inning. Delta’s offense exploded for eight runs in the top of the fifth and subdued the Bulldogs’ offense in the bottom of the inning to post a 16-2 win. Kolby Keller highlighted Delta’s win with a two-for-four day which included a home run and three RBIs. Nolan Bynum was one-for-five with three RBIs and Trevor Myers had two RBIs on a two-for-four day at the plate. Drake Horn picked up his third win of the season after working four innings and giving up six hits and two runs while striking out seven Bulldog batters.

Photo courtesy Andy Bockelman

Delta’s Josh Reeder slides safely into third base as the ball comes into view in the upper right hand corner. The Panthers, playing a make-up game on April 23 in Craig, defeated the Bulldogs 16-2.

Moffat County’s Jefferson Piatt had two hits, including a double, and scored one of the Bulldogs’ two runs. Delta 14, Basalt 3 The Panthers scored early and often to win their second five-inning contest of the week against the host Longhorns. Delta scored twice in the first and second innings then raced around the base paths for seven runs in the third frame for an 11-0 advantage. Scoring slacked off for the Panthers in the fourth inning with a single Delta run and a 12-0 lead. The visiting Panthers completed their scoring for the game with two runs in the top of the fifth. Basalt found some of its offense in the bottom of the fifth and managed to score three runs before the game ended due to the 10-run rule. Jaspar Carmichael helped power the Panthers to a win with a monster day at the plate. He had just two hits, a triple and a home run, but he scored three times and generated five RBIs for the winners. Dylan Hollenbeck, Trevor Myers and Josh Reeder each had one hit apiece which produced a pair of RBIs for each of them. Myers’ hit was a double. Thomas Wirth did most of Basalt’s offensive damage with a run scored and an RBI off a double. Hollenbeck earned his fourth win of the season against one loss with four and a third innings of work which included one hit, three runs and 10 strike outs. Delta 10, Aspen 0

With the knowledge on a double from Car- night before at practice that a win would mean a michael to score Matt and I told them (Delta league title, the Panthers Easter and a sacrifice fly players) that we’ve been went to work early and from Bynum to score KC in this spot before. Two years ago we had to beat tallied five runs in the Carlson. Delta scored the game- Palisade and Suplizio first inning against the ending run on a bases Field then win two at Skiers. Aspen pitcher Jamison loaded play where Matt Rifle to be league champs. Fuentes started the game Easter was hit by a Last year we had to go with a walk to Jaspar pitched ball to score John into Gunnison and win. I Carmichael and gave up Holgate who had come told them Aspen has been a double to Nolan Bynum into the game for Myers in this spot so we have an to score Carmichael. Josh who had hit a double ear- advantage. My message Reeder reached base on a lier in the inning. was to come out swingsingle to right field and The Panthers have ing and get them on their scored Bynum. had good success over heels, and I think we did Hollenbeck, the clean- the years with over seven just that.” up hitter for the Pan- straight years in postPlayers who had thers, was walked giving season play. impact games included When asked what Nolan Bynum and Trevthe Panthers runners at the key(s) to last week’s or Myers noted Reiher. first and third. Aspen made a pitching game against Aspen was, “They swung it well for change (Miles McConnell Delta coach Steve Rei- us.” for Fuentes) before Del- her had this response. “I Delta ends its reguta’s next batter, Trevor think our key was the lar season on May 5 at Myers, came to the plate. attitude we took towards Grand Valley with an 11 Myers laced a triple to the game. We talked the a.m. starting time. left field to score both Reeder and Hollenbeck to make the score 4-0. A wild pitch from McConnell allowed Myers to score Delta’s fifth run of the inning. Hollenbeck struck out the side in the top of the second inning and the Panthers tacked on a singleton after Carmichael smacked a double to center field and then scored off an error on Bynum’s bullet line drive off the glove of Aspen’s left fielder. Delta took a 6-0 lead to the fourth inning and added another singlePhoto by Wayne Crick ton on Reeder’s double to score Delta junior Andrew Baier slides into second after comBynum who had pleting a delayed steal attempt during last week’s 10-0 reached base on victory over second-place Aspen in Delta. The Panthers scored ﬁve runs in the ﬁrst inning and never looked back. an infield hit. Two more runs Delta’s win clinched the 3A WSL league title and marks the in the fifth came third straight time for the accomplishment.

Paonia, Hotchkiss split DH; ‘Dogs earn conference win BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

Just who will come out on top in Class 2A District 3/5 baseball remains a mystery after the two top teams in the district split a doubleheader last week. On Thursday, Hotchkiss won game one of the series, beating Paonia on its home turf by a single run. The game marked the Bulldogs’ first win over their rivals since 2016 and gave them the conference win. The next day, Paonia defeated the Bulldogs in five innings in Hotchkiss. “You never know with these two teams,” said Paonia head coach Nate Miller, who played on three state champion teams at Paonia High School. Hotchkiss 1, Paonia 0 Hotchkiss opened the series with a 1-0 win at Paonia. That the last game was a 1-0 win for Paonia in the state quarterfinal round didn’t escape notice. Paonia went on to win the state title and finish the season undefeated. “We’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Hotchkiss starting pitcher Jonathan Gonzalez. “We knew this was our game and we would be beating them at their house.” Gonzalez was awarded the conference win, allowing five hits, striking out five and walking one in seven innings. Gonzalez

also scored the winning run, opening the fourth inning on a double and scrambling to third base on a passed ball. “I told him to find any way to score,” said head coach Blake Carlquist. When Eagles catcher Jaden Miller momentarily lost track of the ball on a low pitch by KJ Seriani, Gonzalez scored. The ball deflected off of his foot and he lost sight of it, he said. “I knew he wasn’t going to find it and I took off.” Game one was also played for the conference win. The team seemed to know heading into the game that it was going to come out on top, said Carlquist. “We’ve been confident all week, all season... They believed in themselves.” Carlquist gave credit to Gonzalez, and to Paonia pitcher KJ Seriani, who struck out 10 and ended that fateful fourth inning with Ks against Bulldogs Jamison Yanis and Chase Hiatt, both solid hitters. “They both threw fantastic games on the mound,” said Carlquist. Gonzalez’s fourthinning double was one of three hits for Hotchkiss. Marvin Geureque was 2 for 3 and opened the game on a base hit. His second single came in the sixth inning. The Eagles had five hits for the game, but were unable to capitalize. Grey Neal was 2 for

3 including a double in the bottom of the seventh inning. The Bulldogs’ defense made sure Neal never got past second base. Anders Schopp opened the second inning with a single and advanced to third on a bunt by Soul Connolly. Both were left on base with Gonzalez putting the last two batters away. “The baseball gods were not with us yesterday,” said Coach Miller. “No excuses. Everything we hit was right at everybody. “But it was still a 1-0 day,” he said. “We just can’t let that happen later in the year.” Paonia 18, Hotchkiss 8 Friday marked a complete 180-degree turn for the Eagles, who opened the game in spectacular form. “They were not happy about yesterday and so they were ready to go,” said Miller. Slater Podgorny led off with a walk, followed by a base hit by David Lozano. Seriani loaded the bases on a walk, and Jaden Miller stepped up to the plate, aimed for the City Market parking lot and hit the ball over right field for a grand slam home run. In the bottom of the inning Hotchkiss left one runner on base. Paonia loaded the bases again in the top of the second, with Podgorny scoring on a walk.

Hotchkiss took care of business in the third, opening with a 1-3 out on a sacrifice bunt by Soul Connolly and ending with Presley Pene striking out the last two batters. In the fourth inning, the Bulldogs scored five runs on six hits. Pene led off with a base hit. After a fly out by Gonzalez, Eli Kirk hit a two-run homer. With two outs, Chase Hiatt got a base hit, Jesus Macias followed up with a double, and Devin Curtis brought them both home on a solid double to center field. Curtis then scored on “a big base hit” off Miller by Josie Hiatt that landed squarely between second base and center field. “She’s incredible,” said Carlquist. Hotchkiss trailed, 7-5, BASEBALL TO B5

Photo by Tamie Meck

On a double play by Hotchkiss, David Lozano (25) is tagged out by Devin Curtis while attempting to return to ﬁrst base in game one of last week’s twogame series between rivals Hotchkiss and Paonia. The Bulldogs won the conference game, 1-0.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia’s Derek Holt had to stretch out for this ﬂy out in right ﬁeld in game two of last week’s two-game series against Hotchkiss.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Bruins win three games BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Last Tuesday’s baseball game between Cedaredge’s Bruins and host Olathe provided some anxiety and late-inning heroics before Cedaredge could salvage a 7-3 WSL win. The Bruins had another late-inning surge where they scored four runs in the top of the seventh to secure a 91 win at Craig over the Moffat County Bulldogs on April 27 and closed the week with an 18-3 win at home over Grand Valley on April 28. Cedaredge, 6-1 and 124, can finish in second place in WSL play with a win in Aspen (6-1 and 11-3) in a game played on Tuesday, May 1. Bruins 7, Pirates 3 Cedaredge and Olathe played to a scoreless tie through two innings in Olathe before the Bruins notched a run in the top of the third inning. A walk to Peter Carlson started the third inning. Carlson stole second and Dusty Emig’s single drove in Carlson for a 1-0 Bruins’ lead. Olathe, following a strike out, proceeded to load the bases on a walk

to Anthony Garcia and singles from Matthew Hale and Dayton Sofka. Daniel Nieto’s single plated Garcia with Mackenzie Cox striking out for the Pirates second out of the inning with bases still loaded. Dedrix Waterman reached base on an error, allowing Hale to score and a walk to Eli Avila scored Sofka to make the score 3-1 in favor of the Pirates. Cedaredge tacked on a run in the top of the fourth after Pedro Madaleno got on with a double and later scored on Carlson’s single to make the score 3-2. Olathe (1-7 and 3-14) failed to score in its half of the fourth and neither team scored in the fifth frame. Cedaredge added the tying run in the top of the sixth and put the game away on a four-run seventh inning for a final score of 7-3. Madaleno was Cedaredge’s top hitter with a double and triple and an RBI. Emig finished with a double and an RBI with Carlson and Blair Brayden getting hits and an RBI each. Sean Dale

also had an RBI for the Bruins. Sofka had two hits for the Pirates and scored a run with Nieto and Avila picking up an RBI each for Olathe. Jacob Lewis was the winning pitcher after relieving Madaleno. Bruins 9, MoCo 1 The Bruins had three runs after two innings of play and added two more in the top of the fifth for a 5-0 lead against Moffat County (4-3 and 6-6-1). The four-run seventh gave Cedaredge its ninth run of the game with the Bulldogs scoring their lone run in the bottom of the inning. Blair paced Cedaredge batters with three hits, scored twice and knocked in two runs. Jacob Lewis and Emig had doubles for the Bruins and an RBI each. Jacob Brown scored a run and had a hit to drive in one run for the winners. Josh Turner had two hits for the Bulldogs and scored Moffat County’s lone run. Emig picked up the win for Cedaredge with six innings of work where he allowed just one hit and one run while strik-

The Cedaredge Bruins were participants at last weekend’s Montrose Invitational. Glenwood Springs won the 22-team field in the boys’ division with 133 points and Cedaredge finished sixth with 44 points. Cedaredge’s girls scored 42 points to finish seventh in a field of 23 teams. Cedaredge Boys Ty Grant, the Class 2A 100 and 200m top qualifier, won the 100m dash in Montrose with a time of 11.34. Grant’s 11.14 is the best time amongst Class 2A 100m sprinters. He has a 2A best 22.45 for the 200m and was 12th (52.97) in 400m competition coming into last week’s meet. Wyatt Camp’s time of

DCI Sports Editor

best triple jump effort of the season with a leap of 40-9 to place sixth. BRUINS TRACK TO B6

Cedaredge 400m runner Drew Markley sprints to the ﬁnish line during the boys 800m sprint medley relay.

and a two-run ground rule double. With one out, Hiatt took first base after getting hit by a pitch, and Macias followed with a base hit. Miller struck out Curtis and Guereque to end the game. Miller said he knew the team would bounce right back. He noted some big plays, including a diving catch by Derek Holt off of a hit to far right field by Gonzalez with a runner on first. In his first start of the season, Isaac Stanfield came through with a one-run single in the fifth inning after striking out twice. Also in the fifth inning, Clay Campbell broke a dry spell for a single and a sacrifice hit. “Paonia took advantage of any mistake we made on the mound and

defensively,” said Carlquist. “Against a team like that, you can’t give them extra opportunities without expecting to get hurt.” Friday’s league win gives Hotchkiss a 5-0 record with one conference game remaining. Up ahead on their 18-game schedule is a doubleheader at Sargent (15-2, 9-0, 2A District 3) at 1 and 3 p.m. Thursday, May 3 and a make-up DH at Meeker on May 7. Game one will be for the conference win. At 3-1, Meeker is third in district standings. Playing them later in the season could make the series more challenging than it would have been back in week four, said Carlquist. “They’ve got some good athletes over there. Meeker’s got a winning tradition going...

They’re a solid team.” Looking ahead to the two doubleheaders remaining in the season and the district playoffs, he said, “It’s all about how they respond to the loss” against Paonia. For the Eagles, there was a little panic after the loss, said Coach Miller, but he wasn’t worried. To bounce back like the team did shows its potential. But more important than beating up on Hotchkiss is winning the next few games. “It provides a little momentum for us.” Paonia played Tuesday at 1A Nucla (7-9) and will play a DH this Friday against 8-7 Sanford at Gunnison. “We’re at a point now where we need to win, and somebody’s going to have to stay home. I don’t want to do that.”

Photo by Tamie Meck

Delta’s Logan Church competes in shot put at last weekend’s Montrose Invitational. Church ﬁnished eighth.

Bruin tracksters in top 10 at Montrose DCI Sports Editor

BY WAYNE CRICK

11.85 was good for eighth place in the 100m race on Saturday. Cedaredge’s 400m relay team turned in a 46.65 to place fourth Saturday and Zach McMillan ran a 53.73 to place fifth in the 400m dash and better his previous season-best time of 54.43. The Bruins’ 800m sprint medley team was second in Montrose with a time of 1:38.21, which was just over eight seconds faster than Cedaredge’s previous season best time of 1:46.41. Bruin hurdler Danny Mendoza finished the 110m high hurdles with a time of 16.63 to place fifth and long jumpers Josh Jenkins finished fifth (18-6) and Alex Barron (18-2.5) was sixth. Kaleb Berardi had his

Photo by Tamie Meck

Baseball CONTINUED FROM B4 when the inning closed on a 6-4 out. “We were down big early and we found a way to get back within two runs,” said Carlquist. Unfortunately, and unlike the day before, “We were not on our A game and allowed a very quality team to get some extra looks. And when you give Paonia more times to look at the ball, you give up more hits and more runs.” Paonia broke open the game in the fifth, getting four hits and scoring 11 runs in 15 at bats. Before the inning was over, Podgorny had hit a two-run double and a one-run triple, and Neal had a two-run double. Hotchkiss opened the bottom of the fifth with three solid hits — singles by Pene and Gonzalez,

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge second-sacker Brayden Blair applies the tag to Olathe’s Matthew Hale (9) during last week’s 3A WSL baseball game in Olathe. The Pirates held a lead until the late innings and a four-run seventh earned the win for the visiting Bruins, 7-3.

Delta track teams finish fourth and fifth Delta’s girls and boys scored in the top five at last weekend’s Montrose Invitational track meet. The girls placed fourth with 68 points in a field of 23 teams. Host Montrose High School won the meet with 136 points. Delta’s boys scored 50 points and finished fifth. Glenwood Springs had 133 points to win the 22-team boys’ division. Delta Girls Sophomore Remi Baldwin was the only firstplace winner for Delta’s girls with her 48.96 in the 300m hurdles. Her winning time replaced the old season best mark of 49.60 which she established at the Hotchkiss Invitational. Baldwin also reset her season best time for the 100m hurdles with a time of 16.87 (old mark was 17.31) and finished third. Teammate Kaley St. Peter finished fourth in the 100m hurdles with a time of 16.96. Baldwin had a busy day in Montrose with the hurdles and relays. She helped the Panthers reset their season best mark for the 400m relay with a time of 52.54 to finish third. Delta’s old season best was 52.69. Other members of the team included Kat Rodriguez, Kaley St. Peter and Marcy Schaal. Baldwin was also a teammate of Rodriguez, Jessica Dexter, Hannah Sterns and Jada Lannon on Delta’s 3200m relay team which finished sixth in a time of 11.09.63. St. Peter collected second-place points for Delta in long jump (1511.5) and was fourth with Beki Atchley, Baldwin and Schaal in the 800m sprint medley relay (1:54.03) which was more than four seconds faster than the Panthers previous best time. Delta received secondplace points from Keely Porter in shot put (35-0) and a fourth from Reagan Clay in shot put (33-8). Ylissa Gilliam finished fourth in high jump (47.5) and Schaal was sixth

Beki Atchley runs the 400m leg of the 800m sprint medley relay at Montrose last Saturday.

BY WAYNE CRICK

ing out 10 Bulldogs along the way. Bruins 18, Cardinals 3 Cedaredge was in control from the start with an eight-run first inning. Another nine runs came in the third frame and the final run was scored in the bottom of the fourth. Grand Valley (0-8 and 2-13) scored all three of its runs in the top of the third. The Bruins will conclude their regular season schedule against Aspen (May 1) and Coal Ridge (doubleheader) in Cedaredge on May 5, with games schedule for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

in the 200m (27.72) who had a previous best time of 28.00. Clay collected points for her eighth place finish in discus (93-4) bettering her season best mark of 90-11. Delta Boys John Ames and Cameron Schaal claimed top points for Delta’s boys in Saturday’s competition in Montrose. Ames won the 3200m run with a time of 10:37.59 and Schaal spun the discus 134-8 to win that event. The Panthers’ Brandon Butler was sixth in discus with his throw of 111-1 and bettered his season best mark of 1073. Schaal was a double top-five placer with a 414.5 in shot put to finish

third and better his previous best effort of 40-8. Other third-place finishers included Jacob Wear in the 800m run with a time of 2:01.26 and Logan Freed in the 300m hurdles with his season-best time of 42.73 (old time was 43.92). Delta’s 400m relay team (Kula Moo, Dah Wah, Kole Granger and Colton Galvin) placed seventh with its time of 47.49. Moo had an eighth-place finish in triple jump (38-2.5) and Logan Church was eighth in shot put (38-10). Delta’s 800m sprint medley relay team (Noah Nortnik, James Goff, Colton Johnson and Galvin) finished fourth in a season-best time of 1:45.81 (old mark was 1:47.05).

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B6 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss medley, Young ranked first BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

In sprint relays, a few seconds can make the difference between a good race and a great one. On Saturday, the 800-meter sprint medley relay team of Yasmine Gaub, Elsie Vasquez, Jordan Tamayo and Kaiya Firor ran a great race, cutting 6.5 seconds off its prior best time to finish second in 1:53.39. Hotchkiss was in sixth place at the final handoff, with Firor passing all but one team and finishing 11-100ths of a second behind Montrose. The MileSplit US second team silver standard time also moves Hotchkiss into first place in state 2A standings in the event. Firor also won the girls 100-meter dash in 12.84. Her April 20 time in the event puts her in second place in top-18 standings ahead of this week’s 2A/1A Western Slope League meet. On the boys’ side, the 3200-meter relay team of Sam Rodriquez, Saul Cortez, Myles Zoutte and Robert Cochran placed fourth in a season-best time of 8:51.06, an improvement of more than five seconds. Hotchkiss remained in eighth place in MaxPreps top-18 state standings in the event. Darrin Young won the shot put with a preliminary throw of 46 feet, 2 inches before heading

out to help with prom. Young’s April 3 throw of 48-2 put him in first place in state. Kevin Chavez placed fourth in shot put with a PR of 41 feet, moving him up two places to the 17th spot in the top 18 state qualifiers. The 800 sprint medley relay team of George Arroyo, Elijah Patrick, Jace Peebles and Saul

Cortez placed fifth with a time of 1:49.78. Jace Peebles also placed seventh in the 110 hurdles and is currently ranked 10th in state in the event. Because the JuniorSenior Prom was held Saturday night, many student-athletes didn’t compete at Montrose or didn’t stay for the entire meet.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia’s Cade Meilner makes the ﬁrst baton exchange to Logan Green, left, and Sam Rodriguez hands off to Saul Cortez in the 3200m relay Saturday at Montrose. Both teams are qualiﬁed to run the event at the 2A state meet scheduled for May 17-19 at Jefferson County Stadium in Lakewood.

Paonia’s 3200m relay teams dominate race

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kevin Chavez releases the shot put Saturday at Montrose. In high school competition the shot put must weigh exactly 12 pounds and the discus three pounds, nine ounces.

2A playoff site shifted For those wanting to see some playoff action but didn’t want to drive to Cortez, here’s some good news: the May 11-12 2A District 3/5 baseball tournament was originally scheduled to be played

at Cortez but was moved last week to Olathe High School. With one week remaining in regulation play, Paonia, Hotchkiss and Meeker are the top three teams in the district.

Either Dolores or Ignacio will have to make the drive. Delta, which has won the 3A WSL title will host a post-season 3A district tournament site set for May 12.

The Paonia girls 3200 relay team of Randi Rapke, Poppy Lightfoot, Brooke Hillman and Tawny Roberts dominated at Montrose. At the race’s first exchange, Lightfoot was a close third and a few meters back from Olathe and Crested Butte when she handed the baton to freshman Tawny Roberts. About 100 meters into the second lap Roberts overtook both teams, making the handoff to Rapke about 15 meters ahead of Crested Butte. Paonia never relinquished the lead. Its time of 10:16.22 puts Paonia in first place in the event heading into this week’s 2A Western Slope League meet. Lightfoot also won silver in the triple jump

with a mark of 31-7.5, and Lyla Hayutin-Baril won bronze with a mark of 31-7.5. Roberts placed third in the 800m run with a time of 2:32.36. The 800 relay team placed fifth (1:53.05), Freshman Abby Reedy placed sixth in the 3200 run. Natalie Reich Rogers placed seventh in high jump (4-7.5). The boys 3200 relay team of Caden Meilner, Logan Green, Ethan Bartlett and Harley Ewert took six seconds off of its prior best time to win the race in 8:33.91. Meilner ran the first leg and was neck and neck with Sam Rodriguez of Hotchkiss at the first exchange. Logan Green took the baton and the lead. Bartlett held on to the

lead in the third leg, and Ewert finished almost 14 seconds ahead of second place winners Crested Butte. Their time moves them up in Class 2A top-18 standings from fourth to second place behind Burlington’s time of 8:22.09. Senior Cyrus MalekMadani had a career best throw of 43 feet, 5 inches to win silver in the shot put. The throw moves Malek-Madani up from 11th to ninth place in Class 2A. Kyle Long cleared 5-4 to place sixth in the high jump. Because the JuniorSenior Prom was held Saturday night, many student-athletes didn’t compete at Montrose or didn’t stay for the entire meet.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia freshman Tawny Roberts sets her sites on the lead runner in the 3200m relay Saturday in Montrose. They, and teammates Randi Rapke and Brooke Hillman, won the event by almost seven seconds. Paonia is ranked ﬁrst in state 2A ranks in the relay heading into this week’s 2A/1A WSL league meet at Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction.

Bruins’ track CONTINUED FROM B5 Tevin Keller bettered his season mark in the 800m run with a time of 2:07.93, with his previous best being 2:11.09. Cedaredge Girls Katie Hyke turned in Cedaredge’s best finish of the day with a secondplace throw of 115-0 in discus competition. The Bruins were dominant in the event with Grace Andrews placing third (111-4), Dalia Alejandre sixth (96-9) and Holly Jenkins seventh (93-8). Alejandre’s effort was nearly six feet better than her previous best. Merielle Comerer finished fourth in the 3200m run (14:25.62). In relay competition, the Bruins were third in the 3200m (10:48.97 with 10:49.85 being the previous best). Sixth-place finishes went to the 800m relay (1:53.24, .07 better than the old mark), the 400m relay (54.41) and the 800m sprint medley relay (2:00.31 to better the old mark of 2:03.20). There were several eighth-place finishes for the Bruins. Aspen

Furubotten and Baylee Harris tied for eight with times of 18.0 in the 100m hurdles; Harris was eight in long jump (144.5); Makayla Kehmeier in triple jump 30-4.5 and Darrian Bulbulian threeway tie for eighth in high jump (4-7.5 ... a season best). The Bruins are in Grand Junction this week

for a league meet at Stocker Stadium on Friday and Saturday. Athletes who haven’t already qualified for the state meet at Jeffco Stadium in Denver will have another opportunity to do so at this meet and next week’s Bruin Invitational in Cedaredge on Friday, May 11, at 2 p.m. or the Tiger Invitational in Grand Junction.

Photo by Tamie Meck

The Bruins’ Kylee Hanson (right) eases off after passing the baton to teammate Hannah Hatheway in the 3200m relay. Courtney Freeman and Camie Baldozier complete Cedaredge’s foursome who placed third in the race.

SURFACE CREEK May 2, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

First Friday Art Walks begin May 4 BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Surface Creek Valley’s popular First Friday Art Walk series begins this week on Friday, May 4. The event will be held downtown Cedaredge from 5-7 p.m. The theme, captured in a colorful poster designed by Trey Gronenthal, is “Art in Bloom.” This year, by mutual agreement between the two entities, the new Grand Mesa Arts and

Poster design by Trey Gronenthal

“Art in Bloom” is the theme of the opening segment of this year’s series of First Friday Art Walks. The event is scheduled for Friday, May 4, from 5-7 p.m. in downtown Cedaredge featuring live music, food and art.

Events Center has taken over coordination of the monthly event from the Cedaredge Area Chamber of Commerce. The new arts center is due to open in June and members of the public are invited to tour the new facility during this Friday’s art walk. As with past events, this Friday’s celebration will include live music, food, wine tasting, and local artists showcasing their latest work. New wrinkles this year will be garden demonstrations and an increased emphasis on children’s activities with a kids’ corner and, everyone’s favorite, cotton candy! Many merchants will be taking part in the art walk including the newest business, The Lost Mesa Grill, which is set to open in the old Scramblers Restaurant building. At ImpressionZ Gallery, 105 Main Street, artists Carol Ann Rasmussen, Arleta Pech and Karen Brueggeman will be sharing their amazing talent. Judy Leonard will have a table of beads for kids to make jewelry. Appetizers and punch will be served.

Photo by Reve Portraits

Activities for children will be a highlight of Cedaredge’s First Friday Art Walk.

New tipi added as Pioneer Town preps for opening BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

A new addition to the grounds of the Sutherland Indian Museum at Cedaredge’s Pioneer Town is a replicated Native American tipi. Helping assemble the tipi last month were Doris McGuire of the Surface Creek Valley Historical Society board, her son Philip McGuire, and Randy Fisher and his son John. The tipi is a gift from an anonymous donor. The Ute tribes indigenous to Western Colorado traditionally resided in dome-shaped brush shelters but they adopted tipi structures for winter use in the 1870-1880s. According to Doris McGuire’s findings, researchers from the Taylor Museum of Colorado Springs stated, “When the Utes got horses they changed their pattern and elaborated their

culture. This is when they started having tipis with long poles and were able to carry more buffalo robes and more buffalo hides to set up tipis.” Pioneer Town is gearing up for the start of its season. Clean-up days began on April 30 and are continuing through May 4. Anyone interested in helping to get the museum and historic town grounds ready for visitors is encouraged to call 970-8567554 to leave their name and number. Heritage Day, which marks the official opening of Pioneer Town, is scheduled for Saturday, May 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That day kicks off with the annual pancake breakfast at the Stolte Shed from 7-10 a.m. hosted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Grand Mesa Post 9221.

Persistence pays off

Cody Purcell, district wildlife manager for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, holds a coaxial cable that was tied around the neck of a small yearling deer. The animal was dragging a length of cable when it was spotted by citizens months ago in an area south of Cedaredge. Several efforts to safely capture it were unsuccessful until an anesthetizing dart gun ﬁred from a distance did the trick. After the cable was removed and the deer regained consciousness, she was released unharmed.

DMEA joins list of art center supporters Executive director Deborah Shaffer and board president Cindy Starr are pleased to announce the generous support of Delta Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) for the completion of the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center (GMAEC). A grant in the amount of $7,500 has been awarded, as well as the inkind donation of $8,484.13 in electrical work to assist in completing the preparations for the grand opening of the center for public performances and events this coming June. Jasen Bronec, DMEA’s chief executive officer, explained the association’s decision to support GMAEC by saying “As a cooperative, DMEA is guided by the seven cooperative principles. One of the principles that we hold dear is ‘concern for community.’ We live that principle out by supporting the organizations or events that make our communities special. We are particularly excited to support facilities like the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center. We believe projects like this can become the cornerstone of the community, bring our members together and offer an incredible platform to showcase our area.” “It’s a privilege,” Bronec continued, “for DMEA to sup-

Photo by Trey Gronenthal

Mark Eckhart (left) who represents District 7 on the DeltaMontrose Electric Association (DMEA) board of directors, recently got a close-up look at the new Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge. The tour was conducted by David Starr (right), the center’s vice president. DMEA has contributed nearly $16,000 in funds and in-kind services to support the center which is due to open in June. port our communities and the people who live in them. The Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center has received incredible support from the community and we are honored to now join that list of supporters.” “DMEA continues to demonstrate, with its generous donation of money and exper-

Helping hands

Photo by Don Benjamin

Pioneer Town has erected a new replicated Native American tipi on the grounds of the Sutherland Indian Museum.

Photo submitted

Terry Hotz (standing) brought her grandchildren to participate in the Hall of Helping Hands event for the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center on Saturday, April 28. Teressa Carleton applies paint in the next step of creating artistic hand prints in support of the new center. A total of 46 kids, from infant to high school, participated. Dea Jacobson, a member of the center’s board, notes, “Many hands make this dream a reality!”

tise how a consumer-owned cooperative works to support its own. We are honored to have them join the many supporters who have come forward to help make this dream a reality for Cedaredge and the surrounding communities,” said board president Cindy Starr.

Photos courtesy Dea Jacobson, Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center

C2 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Trustees sworn into office in Orchard City BY RICK SMITH Contributing Writer

The Orchard City Board of Trustees held a special meeting on April 25. Mayor Ken Volgamore presented outgoing trustees Tom Huerkamp, Gary Tollefson and Bob Eckels

with plaques of appreciation for their efforts while serving on the board. Bob Eckels was unable to attend. Town clerk Melissa Oelke administered the oath of office to newly elected trustees Jan

Gage, Doug Keller and Mel Cook. The new trustees then took their seats at the table. After the meeting, a reception was held honoring the outgoing and the newly elected trustees. Approximately 30 Orchard City residents attended the meeting and the reception.

All Saints plans yard, bake sale All Saints Lutheran Church will hold a huge yard and bake sale Friday, May 4, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, May 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Photo by Rick Smith the church on Highway Newly-elected trustees Doug Keller, Jan Gage and 65 one mile north of the Mel Cook take the oath of ofﬁce at a special meet- Cory Store. ing of the Orchard City Board of Trustees. Items will be displayed inside the church, with larger items outside on the patio. The always delicious bake sale will have items you can freeze or eat on the way home. Proceeds from the church will be used by �� the Women of the Church �� group for their donations �� to local nonprofit orga�� nizations plus special �� church needs and activi�� ties. Call the church at �� 835-3667 for additional �� information.

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

Photo by Reve Portraits

Royal court

The royal court of last Saturday’s Cedaredge High School junior-senior prom included (left to right) princess Marian Blanks, prince Peter Sandels, queen Grace Andrews, and king Jordan McMillan. The theme was “Ancient Rome.”

Cedaredge celebrates 25th Arbor Day tree planting Cedaredge recently received recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, being named a 2017 Tree City USA for its commitment to effective urban forest management. The town has been a Tree City USA for 24 consecutive years. Cedaredge has received this recognition in part for its observance of Arbor Day. To commemorate Arbor Day this year, the town’s tree board members are planting three trees on the east side of the bandstand in the town park. These trees, along with understory ornamental plantings to follow, will be our tribute to the town’s 25th year in a row of celebrating Arbor Day. Mayor Eugene Welch will read the proclamation. The tree board will be

assisted by students from the Cedaredge Elementary School’s fifth grade class. In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world.

Arbor Day is not just another holiday. It is a promise to future generations to enrich our community with trees that will be a source of beauty and joy in our lives. Trees provide not only beauty and shade to our community but also improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, as well as many other benefits. As always, the public is encouraged to attend this event. The tree board takes great pride in the cooperative efforts of the Cedaredge community in promoting the planting and proper maintenance of trees. For further information contact Cedaredge Tree Board chair Jim Leser at jfljwl@gmail.com.

Cedaredge Middle honor roll The following students were named to honor roll at Cedaredge Middle School for the third quarter of the 2017-18 school year. Listed in alphabetical order, they are: Damien Altamarino Lillie Andrews Savannah Baldozier Nathan Black Jaxson Blair Josiah Blanks Judah Blanks Elizabeth Brooks Jackson Brown Kyle Brown Laura Carey Aniyah Cohick Megan Conway Jada Deane Rhiannon Dillie Billy Finn Sarah Green

Karlie Hanson Christopher Hatheway Ezra Hawbaker Kole Hawkins Hailey Hayes-Pursley Kade Henderson Jaycee Hice Alexandra Hirsch Victoria Hirsch Lucas Hoerr Ayralin Hoffbauer Paityn Hogan Olivia Hohenstein Hero Hong Lane Hunsberger Shaelyn Hunsberger Emma Jenkins

Megan Jenkins Tristine Keller Anita King Hunter Kissner Lance Knutson Ashton Koch Amberlynn Lamm Corbin Loucks Alexandra Mannon Landon Martin David Martinez Paige McGovern Kacey McIntire Nikolette McKinney Kayla Mitchell Faith Morrow Taylar Myers

Hadassah Payne Lauren Pierce Graceanne Prosser June Pulver Andrew Purvis Emmaleah Rains Jayden Reed Kendra Richardson Jazmin Rivera Jocelyn Rivera Keona Rodriguez Hayden Rupp Keaton Sanders Keyra Sheppard Dylan Signs Kylee Terry Logan Tullis

Faith Vader Leah Vader Ashley Valenzuela Anguiano Rosita Varela Isabella Vasquez Taylor Vincent Hunter Voss Chasey Waitman Kacey Walck Ty Walck Ashlyn Webster Aric Williams Hope Williams Sophia Williams

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SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

CMS recognizes students who excel academically Cedaredge Middle Champions for the third students must end the School recently recog- quarter. To qualify for quarter with a GPA of nized the Breakfast of Breakfast of Champions, 3.83 or higher.

Photo submitted

Sixth grade recipients include (back row) Rosita Varela, Ashley Valenzuela, Jaxson Blair, Dylan Signs, Keaton Sanders, Hayden Rupp, Hadassah Payne, Lillie Andrews, Leah Vader; (middle row) Christopher Hatheway, Andrew Purvis, David Martinez, Logan Tullis, Sarah Green, Alex Hirsch, Emma Jenkins, Alexandra Mannon; (front row) Josiah Blanks, Hunter Voss, Kayla Mitchell, June Pulver and Judah Blanks.

World War II veterans honored

In honor of their service, two World War II veterans received eagle-head canes at last week’s monthly meeting of the Grand Mesa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 922. Pictured (left to right) are veteran Eldon Lyneis; Keith Kollasch who presented the canes; and veteran Phil Ellsworth. All the men are Cedaredge residents. The canes were handmade by the Grand Valley Wood Turners and Wood Carvers organization of Grand Junction. The tradition of presenting tribute canes to veterans dates to the time of the Civil War.

Seventh grade recipients include (back row) Keona Rodriguez, Kayla Bauer, Anita King, Hailey Hayes-Pursley, Rhiannon Dillie, Ashlyn Webster, Justin Williams, Hope Williams, Kole Hawkins; (middle row) Graceanne Prosser, Kendra Richardson, Taylor Vincent, Shaelyn Hunsberger, Ezra Hawbaker, Megan Conway, Laura Carey; (front row) Nathan Black, Kyle Brown, Jackson Brown, Tori Hirsch and Sophia Williams.

Photo submitted

Eighth grade recipients include (back row) Lance Knutson, Billy Finn, Faith Vader, Paige McGovern, Hunter Kissner, Savannah Baldozier, Karlie Jade Hanson, Kacey McIntire; (front row) Lucas Hoerr, Tristy Keller, Megan Jenkins, Keyra Sheppard, Olivia Hohenstein and Hannah Ledbetter.

The fourth annual AppleBlossom Ride is slated for Saturday, May 12, beginning at 8 a.m. in Cedaredge Town Park. There are three skill routes to appeal to riders of all skill levels. Aid stations will be found along all the routes, and there will be ride support. Those looking for a challenge will enjoy the Hard Cider 50-mile course. It is a mix of steep climbs, twists and turns and pleasant straight and flat roads of Cedar and Redlands mesa. The course is designed for seasoned road cyclists. Portions of this ride can be found on the Strava app. The Apple Core route has some of the climbing elements of Hard Cider, yet is half as long at 25 miles. It begins with a

Birds of the Western Slope A look at local birds with Evelyn Horn Raven Of all the birds that I’ve met and felt that I knew, the Raven is at the very top of the list. I’ve meet this bird during the Nevada years in numerous towns, along the California coast, at Borrego Springs, Calif., along a dry Nevada wash, and sitting in the trees at my Delta home. The sexes look alike, so the best way to distinguish is by the bird’s behavior. These birds have a long-term pair-bond (humans tend to say “forever”) with female often following the male. And I recall one windy day when the ravens decided “to play.” They left our trees and soared repeatedly over the pasture. Then the first bird (the male?) dived steeply downward to stop just short of landing. Back up he went, and the female repeated the maneuver. The pair flew off to the north, only to return to the pasture in sweeping

and curving turns. It looked like such fun! And another special time was in Nevada. We had driven out to Cuda wash and as we were preparing our inflatable boat to go fishing, a pair of ravens landed on the small hill near us. They checked us out, decided that we were non-threatening, and proceeded to their raven business. As they disappeared over the hill, I heard the most delightful “bell” call that I’ve ever heard! It sounded like a church bell, but of course there was no church for miles. The male repeated it several times and then I saw the pair circling together over the hill top. A magic moment for me. And I certainly remember the ravens of the northwest. They were frequently atop the totem poles and the stories that they represented were fascinating: Raven the wise bird, Raven the angry bird, and Raven the ho-hum

Photo by Reve Portraits

Mirror images

Last Saturday Harrison (left) and twin brother Christian Suppes donated their handprints to a “Hall of Helping Hands” event. Children attending the fundraiser created colorful handprint tiles which will be permanently displayed in the new Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center building. The center is on schedule to open in mid-June.

bird. And I recall the story about the raven pecking around the ground when he pecked at a particular spot and out came tiny human beings — many of them. Of course, they gave

homage to the raven. I’ve a book on loan from Jim Wallace entitled “Ravens in Winter” and I’m anxious to read it. Of course, there’s always Edgar Allen Poe’s “Quoth the Raven ‘Nevermore’.”

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Riders start off under a colorful arch of balloons at last year’s AppleBlossom Ride. Hosted in the spring by Boy Scouts of Troop 482, the event features three routes around Cedaredge climb out of Cedaredge to Aspen Trails and then onto Cedar Mesa before settling into a nice flat into Harts Basin, and looping back to town along Happy Hollow Road. For younger riders, families and those wanting an easier tour of around the Surface Creek valley, there is the AppleSauce route. This 12-mile route follows lightly traveled roads. The first half is a mix of subtle climbs and relaxing flats. The

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ride culminates with ice cream. It was said by more than one rider last year that this is the best tour in Colorado, with the amazing hills and lovely views. The ride is held as a fundraiser for the Boy Scout Troop 482 out of Cedaredge. For registration information go to www.apple blossomride.com or call 970-589-7567. The website also features maps of each route and a fun gallery of photos.

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CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Concert review

Simon & Garfunkel not forgotten in Delta BY CHARLIE HUFF

Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association

It was Tuesday evening, the 24th of April, that your Delta-Montrose Community Concert Association brought the Guthrie brothers, Jeb and Jock, to the Delta Performing Arts and Education Center to share with us the rhythms, the songs, and the memories of the ‘60s with the music of Simon & Garfunkel. These two brothers with their affable personalities and talented guitar accompaniments gave life to the spirit of the sometimes somber, sometimes light-hearted, but always

melodious, even “loverly” music from the imaginations of Simon & Garfunkel. It was they who embellished the incoming era of “soft country rock” — if that is an appropriate identifying term for the style that captured our youthful memories and gave such enjoyment to the near-capacity audience on Tuesday evening. For those who may have been a little too young to have personal memories of the ‘50s and ‘60s, the sheer fun and enjoyment of the toe-tapping, sing-along spirit of the performance, and the interaction of Jeb and Jock with our audi-

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ence surely made for an inspiring and enjoyable experience for all. The Guthrie brothers gave a very personally perceptive, talented, and authentic performance of such legendarily classic Simon & Garfunkel songs as “The Sound of Silence,” “Homeward Bound,” “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” to name just a few. Throughout the performance, Jeb and Jock successfully brought our enthusiastic audience along with them to sing themes and choruses, bringing a spirit of the once-upon-a-time fam-

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tet. The quartet consists of two young ladies and two comparable gentlemen who will bring their music and song “combining elements of pop, swing, rockabilly, country, and much more.” A season ticket for the

entire five-concert series is only $45 for a single adult membership. There are also family and student rates available. Visit www.deltamontrose concerts.com for all the sign-up details and concert previews.

Gardeners asked to plant a row for the soup kitchen Whether you’re planning a small garden in your backyard or several acres, The King’s Table urges you to plant a row for the soup kitchen. Nothing has more nutrients than fresh fruits and veggies. The King’s Table

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will turn the produce into delicious, nutritious meals for its guests. For more information, call 250-6637. Donations are greatly appreciated at King’s Table Soup Kitchen, PO Box 84, Delta, CO 81416.

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ily parlor song fest! By all accounts, we enjoyed nearly two hours of great music and pure fun, including a double encore after a rousing standing ovation. You really had to have been there to appreciate it! And speaking of being there, this was the last concert of our 2017-18 season, but the DMCCA has a truly wonderful 2018-19 season lined up for you with five more concerts beginning with first one in our 70th anniversary season on Saturday, Oct. 20, when we’ll be treated to the music and singing of the 7th Avenue mixed vocal quar-

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Classifieds

May 2, 2018

Real Estate

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Delta County Independent

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Real Estate

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Commercial Rentals COMMERCIAL FOR RENT: Downtown Paonia. A 400 sq. ft. office in the Harvester Building, 211 Grand Ave. Day light. All utilities including Elevate broadband for $500/month. Ed at 970.261.2737. (2x18)

Recreational Vehicles 2004 KEYSTONE CHALlenger 5th Wheel, Model 32TKB, 32 foot, 3 slides, new awning. Excellent Condition. 970-596-0719 (2x17)

Yard Sales Agriculture BULK COMMODITIES: Non GMO wheat, oats, milo, millet, corn, soy, pinto beans and honey. Laughing Goat. 936-652-4544. (4x17)

Wanted 1961-1964 DELTA HIGH School Yearbooks wanted. Please call Ron at 970-3149198, or leave message. (2x17)

COMMUNITY WIDE YARD sale, Saturday, May 12, 8-4, parking lot at 6th & Main, Delta (Edward Jones - Isaiah St. Peter’s office). Shoppers, come browse dozens of yard sales all at once! Got some junk collecting dust? Sell it with us and showcase to tons of yard sale shoppers, plus we’ll do the advertising for you! 10x10 space is just $10. All proceeds benefit guest services at the Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter. 970-7738290; www.deltaabraham connection.org; or Facebook for more info, registration form. (4x16)

AUTHENTIC SHORT Square Dance Outfits size 8-12, dresses, skirts/blouses, petticoats. Yard equip: hoe, shovel, seed spreader & more. Saws: radial arm, Autos table, skill & more garage stuff. Books, craft items, women’s size 12 clothes, 1999 BUICK PARK AVE, household, misc. May 4-6; 8 $1200.00 cash only, runs a.m.-4 p.m.; 20061 Fairview good, call 763-560-5438. Rd., Austin. (1x18) (2x17) WANT TO MAKE A QUICK SELL THAT CAR FAST IN sale, advertise in the Delta the DCI classifieds. Call 874- County Independent's Classifieds. Call 874-4421 4421.

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Yard Sales

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Help Wanted ��

TOWN OF CRAWFORD IS looking for a part-time Public Works Assistant. Performs skilled Public works duties involving streets, water, wastewater, parks, distribution and collections system. Assists with maintenance and updating of equipment and structures. Class B CDL preferred. Send resume to crawfordclerk@gmail.com or pick up application at 425 Hwy 92. Submit application or resume By 4:00 on May 9. 970-921-4725. (3x16)

Help Wanted

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D2 Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Help Wanted

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Public Service

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Concrete Form Setters and Finishers

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

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Call HR at 970-926-3737

Visit us at careers.gallegoscorp.com

IMMEDIATE OPENING: Summer Ranch Irrigation Job, Delta. Remote location, sprinkler & flood. Good seasonal job for retired person who likes outdoors and is in good physical shape. Irrigating experience required. Need a self-starter capable of planning and working alone without supervision. Good compensation and benefit package with housing and utilities furnished. Contact: Kent Davis at kdavis@escalanteranch. com or call 970-216-2864. (4x16)

Public Service

WHAT TYPES OF Cottage Foods Can I Produce? Whole eggs, spices, teas, dehydrated produce, nuts, seeds, Honey, jams, jellies, and preserves, fruit butter, candies, certain bake goods If you have any questions, please call: 8742165. Delta County Health Department. (4x16)

The Gallegos Corporation is seeking full-time experienced

ALL POINTS TRANSIT is seeking a Staff Accountant to join our team! A Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in accounting or finance, with a minimum of 5 years of experience is a requirement. The successful applicant will be a master in Excel and have experience with A/P, A/R, payroll and reconciliations. A high level of Quickbooks expertise is mandatory. Exceptional attention to detail is a must-have skill. This position is full time, nonexempt position with an hourly rate of $16.00 - $19.00, DOE. All Points Transit is a 501c3 non-profit organization based in Montrose, CO. Drug testing and background checks are a condition of employment. All Points Transit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Download an application online at www. allpointstransit.org/application or pick one up at 431 S 2nd St. To apply, email a completed application with a cover letter and resume to hiring@allpointstransit. org with “Accounting” in the subject line by 5/11/18. (2x18)

Delta County Independent

LOCAL BUSINESS IS now accepting applications. These positions will be filled no later than September. Aviation and mechanical aptitude background is a plus, but would train the right people. We offer competitive pay, insurance, and paid vacation. Potential candidates must be able to pass background check and drug screening. Please email your resume if interested to jaylynn@rmtscolorado. com. (4x18) FARM MANAGER/ASSISTant to ranch manager to coordinate, run and operate farming operations for the Escalante Ranch, Delta, Colo. Prefer 10-15 years minimum experience farming alongside and in conjunction with livestock, while handling all aspects of crop production. Looking for a productive, persistent, goal-oriented, self-starter who is a disciplined, organized, intelligent manager who can line out and supervise people, set priorities, and get the work done on a timely basis. Housing and utilities furnished plus a good salary and benefit package. Contact DMiller@mikaag.com or call 303-809-6234. (4x16) CURATOR FOR DELTA Museum - $12/hr, 20 hrs per week. Need self motivated, responsible person to manage daily operations and volunteers. Computer and office skills required, Fundraising experience+. Mail resume to Delta Museum, 251 Meeker St, Delta, CO 81416. (1x18) NEW ADDRESS? PLEASE notify the Delta County Independent prior to moving. PO Box 809, Delta, CO 81416 or 970-874-4421.

�� ALL POINTS TRANSIT, a non-profit public transit agency, is seeking a part-time driver (15 - 30 hours/week) for Delta County. We provide scheduled, door-to-door, driver assisted transportation for seniors, persons with disabilities and others in need. Qualifications for employment include compassion, patience and flexibility with scheduling. Must be able to squat, kneel and bend over; push/pull wheelchairs & lift 25 lbs. on a regular basis. Valid driver’s license required – motor vehicle record will be reviewed. Preemployment drug testing and background checks will be conducted. Applications are available on-line at www.allpointstransit.org or can be picked up at 431 S 2nd St. in Montrose. Call (970) 497-8662 for more information. (1x18)

THE CEDAREDGE AREA Chamber of Commerce is hiring a part time Executive Director (20-30 hours per week). The successful candidate will have experience in event planning and coordination and is able to work with Chamber members to enhance and support businesses and nonprofits working in the Surface Creek area. Must have above average communication skills and great customer service and be proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite and in Quickbooks. Knowledge and experience using all social media platforms, Squarespace, Constant Contact and basic graphic design desirable. Serious inquiries only. Email a resume, cover letter and three professional references to board president Mitchell Gronenthal at mit chellgphotography@gmail. com. (2x18)

Miscellaneous

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 Colorado Press Association Network at 303-571-5117.

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Cash for Mineral Rights �� Call: 720-988-5617 �� Write: �� Email: 303-571-5117 ��

THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta THE DELTA COUNTY A b r a h a m C o n n e c t i o n . Independent runs these org. items as a public service free of charge for non-profit HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS organizations, if no fees are Wanted! Delta County charged. However, each Memorial Hospital needs group is asked to please hospital volunteers. Days keep them current by call- and hours are flexible. There ing 874-4421. are currently openings in the ER, Oncology, Gift THE KINGS TABLE SOUP Shop and some additional Kitchen needs egg cartons. areas. If you are interested, If you have any to give please contact Volunteer please call 250-6637 and we Coordinator, Barbara Hall at will pick up. 250-2105 for an application. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WOMEN ONLY AA MEETSupport Group for Adults ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 and Children: Every a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Wednesday in Delta from Church, 5th & Palmer (back 5-7 p.m. there will be a free door). support group for adults whose lives have been FREE DIAPERS FOR UP impacted by domestic vio- to one year! Pregnant lence and a separate group women in Delta County can for children at the same now get help to quit smoktime. Please call 970-874- ing and get something they 4941 to sign up. can really use after their baby arrives — free diapers. WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Healthy moms have healthy Golf with a fun group of babies. Enroll in the Baby & ladies. Two membership Me Tobacco Free program options available. Sign up today. Contact the Delta at www.cedaredgeladies County Health Department golf.com. Get to know us at 874-2165 or your local on Facebook at “cedar physician. edgeladiesgolfclub” SUPPORT THE DELTA ALCOHOLICS ANONY- Library. Give a gently used mous meets Thursdays at 7 book in the Downstairs p.m. Friends of Bill W. Club. Book Store. 897 Palmer Street, Delta. WELCOME RETURNING CO FATHER’S NETWORK- Veterans, Post 9221 VFW dedicated to providing meets at 5:00 p.m. on the community and education 4th Thursday of each month to fathers of special needs in Cedaredge. To find out kids. Meets twice monthly how to participate in proon the 1st Saturday at 11 moting patriotism and a.m. and the 3rd Monday assisting veterans, contact at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250Delta. See our website for 1180. more details: www.codads. org AARP DRIVER SAFETY Course. Save on insurance, AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: keep up on newer traffic Hope and help for families laws, learn defensive drivand friends of alcoholics ing techniques. For details meets in Delta: Al-Anon and and schedule contact John Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 Loring (970) 856-6924 or pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal (970) 424-1778. Church, 145 W. 5th St., contact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 AL-ANON: HOPE AND or Shirley 970-323-5067. help for families and friends of alcoholics meets CARING FOR CARE- in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, givers, C4C - support- Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall ing hearts that care. Open behind First Baptist Church, to ANY caregiver. Meets 370 W. Main St., contact monthly in Delta, 2nd Mary M. 970-856-6123 or Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. Jim 970-874-7855. 10th St, Delta.

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Public Service HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. $3 admission or free to members. Come see our museum at 2nd & Hotchkiss Streets in Hotchkiss. 8723780. CHECK OUT THE BOOK store at the Delta Library. You'll find a great selection of paperbacks at reasonable prices. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, you will love the Downstairs Bookstore in the basement of the Delta Library. 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 in need. Donations of nonperishable food may be brought to 628 Meeker. HELP!!! KEEP THE animal population under control, and SAVE an animal's life. Adopt your new cat or dog from the Delta County Humane Society. Adoption fee is minimal. Call 874-2149. THERE IS A VFW MEETING on the first Monday of each month. At 6 p.m. there is a potluck and the meeting is at 7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 1250 Pioneer Rd., Delta. For further information, call 874-8172 Jim Baker, Quartermaster. HILLTOP COMMUNITY Resources offers free services and support to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. There are also ongoing support groups. Please call our office at 970-773-2251 for more information or if you are in crisis please call our 24 hour crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, Mondays at 6:30 pm, Methodist Church 285 N. 2nd, contact Elsie 970-2108090 or Marjorie 970-4331856. SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD jewelry and silver or bits of gold and silver scraps. The Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is sending them to: New Eyes for the Needy, 549 Millburn Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 or send them to: Gale Conger, Secretary of IOOF Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, Delta, CO 81416.

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Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

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D6 Wednesday, May 2, 2018

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B A C K P A G E T

Delta County Independent

World War II vet shares his story

While in the Army Drummond studied engineering at Ripon College. the program dissolved. Eight

Photo submitted

But, when he came back before retirement. He worked

BY EMILY LYNN ROQUE CISNEROS thousand cadets became pri- to the beach, he realized he in radio, at country clubs, sold Contributing Writer

he U.S. is losing its World War II veterans at a staggering rate. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, as of 2017 only 558,000 of the 16 million Americans who served remain. Kevin Drummond, age 96, is one of those 558,000. “There are so few of us left,” reminisced Drummond while looking over his photos from the war. “We must share our stories.” Drummond is the last of seven children born to Irish immigrant parents. He entered the world in 1922. “My parents’ last name is actually Drumm,” said Drummond. When they were on Ellis Island, the clerk couldn’t understand Drummond’s father, Frank, and put down what he thought he heard. “It was very much a pick them up and throw them out process for immigrants,” he said. Becoming a Man of Service/Joining the War Drummond was just 19 years old when he joined the military in the winter of 1941. He had left home only months before with just a suitcase and $17, determined to go get a higher education. Though registered in college and making decent wages, the hype of “serving your country” amidst the war fever impressed young Drummond enough to sign up with the Air Force. He wanted to fly. “At that time, everyone was geared up to get behind the war effort and do our part,” he shared. “It was a different atmosphere.” Not being needed immediately in battle, Drummond moved to Los Angeles to work before being stationed at the base as a cadet. “Unfortunately, due to a heart murmur I bounced around from cadet, to private, to being moved to the Army Specialized Training Program,” recalled Drummond. He went back to school at Ripon College to finish his degree but seven months later

vates again, to be trained as cable splicers and sent to Hawaii. While in Hawaii, he found a soldier using a hatchet to chop up cables near the airport. The young man confessed he was assigned to wreck various cables because there wasn’t enough work for all the new cable splicers. “The Army has a rather conflated sense of humor,” said Drummond. Disgusted, Drummond rebelled and was reassigned to a combat engineering battalion. He worked without rank for over a year as a surveyor on Hawaii before being sent to Okinawa. His unit worked alongside the Marines as they fought to secure the airport at Naha. With the Battle of Okinawa in full force his unit had to clear debris and bodies to find spots to work. They often only ate what they could scrounge for food. Finally, the unit established the needed maps. Drummond was assigned a new project, one that took him right into the middle of flying bullets. While on the island of Kuma Shina near Japan Drummond and his three assigned soldiers went to survey for air base construction. Shipwrecked Japanese sailors and downed pilots roamed the island in bands. One day, Drummond was working with a rodman when the Japanese attacked. Marines patrolling the island leaped into action. The Japanese scattered and Drummond felt a wave of relief. “One day of being shot at was enough,” he said. Drummond was awarded a Bronze Star for his work in the middle of all this fighting. Stories from His Service His grandkids’ favorite story from the war is from when Drummond went for a swim in the ocean thinking he was alone. “Swimming in those crystal-clear waters is unlike anything else I’ve experienced in life,” he said.

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Inside the Drummonds’ home, original inspirational sayings and poems line the wall.

wasn’t alone. “There were men and women everywhere from the units,” he said. “and I couldn’t find my clothes because the tide took them away!” He scrambled to the trees for cover, giggles and laughter echoing from the beach behind. Another of Drummond’s favorite memories is from when his unit was stranded for two months on the island. His unit was invited to stay with various villagers to help with the fishing. Every morning villagers launched boats into the sea while Drummond waded alongside. He carried grenades. “I would swim past the reef and toss a grenade at a school of fish,” he said. “Stunned, they would float to the surface for us to collect.” Drummond was quite the village hero. Back at Home After coming back to Okinawa, Drummond remained a private until one day the captain discovered what the Army did to Drummond. Stunned, he swiftly promoted Drummond to master sergeant. This promotion lasted for a month. Drummond’s records were still in Hawaii and with the end of the war everything had to be standard operating procedure. Headquarters saw the strange leap in promotion and cancelled the request. They expected his promotions to happen one step and one month at a time. After several months, Drummond was faced with a choice — go to Officer Candidate School or muster out. “I was bitter and wanted to go home,” he shared. After returning to the States in 1946, Drummond’s life filled up with the busyness of his 20s. Like many veterans, he had to find life beyond the war. Drummond didn’t notice any different treatment upon returning, nor did he have difficulty adjusting to life as a civilian. It wasn’t until time went on that Americans began to show appreciation for the World War II. He settled into life near Aurora and enrolled at the University of Denver. He joined a modeling agency and worked on commercials, TV shows, and even a recruitment film for the VFW, portraying a disabled veteran. The director was so astonished with Kevin’s acting he thought he was wounded. “I just remembered my father’s walking,” he recalled, speaking of his father’s limp. With little income from the GI Bill, Kevin also did odd jobs and gigs with his piano skills. He even played for a strip club, venue unbeknownst to him until he arrived at the location. “Playing the piano is a gift I could always rely on,” he said. He married his first wife, Jane, a teacher, and had two kids, Craig and Tara. After graduating, Drummond continued his adventures, trying various callings

real estate, started two businesses, owned a band, and even went to Sweden to teach sales tactics on breaking into the American market. In the early 1950s, Drummond chaired the Miss Greeley pageant as part of the Miss America competition. The previous year’s competition had been a disaster. Drummond jumped in, determined to get everything organized, from hiring an assistant to finding a dance orchestra. He flowed into his element with an unknown expertise. “I stepped out of my shell,” he said. “I had several talents and could be successful. This was a breath of fresh air.” Part of his surprise was due to his history with speech difficulties. You wouldn’t know it by talking with Drummond now, but he suffered from a debilitating stutter for all his childhood. Pronouncing his own name with the “K” for Kevin

was near impossible. He overcame this struggle by writing down goals and small reminders of how to stop the speech impediment, such as “Take a deep breath” or “Enunciate.” Today, original sayings and affirmations line the wall of his home. He hopes to make a book out of his writings and other works. Later in Life When Drummond was 50, he met his current wife, Dee. During their first 20odd years of marriage they traveled constantly with various motorhomes and trailers. They visited all states except Hawaii and North Dakota. The intimacy of travelling created a solid bond between the two. To this day, they complement and work together for the best of one another. The couple’s bond has also been tested throughout the years with Drummond’s health challenges. At age 65 he received a pacemaker and defibrillator after enduring a six-bypass surgery. The doctors didn’t expect Drummond to live much longer or do much after his surgery. He didn’t let this situation define him, a trait he learned from his father. “My father didn’t go past the sixth grade but that didn’t stop him from receiving an education through books,” he emphasized. In his 70s Drummond took to learning graphology and went to school for a year to study graphanalysis. He worked with major corporations and fraud cases through the court system. He even advertised himself as helping people explore their inner self through handwriting interpretation. The way someone crosses their t’s, for example, can say a lot about their self-esteem. Now at age 96, Drummond enjoys the simple life with his wife at their home in Delta. Like most WWII vets Drummond loves to share his stories. A few years ago, he wrote a 90-page memoir filled with details, pictures and news articles from his life. Drummond has seen many successes, and several setbacks in his life but he credits it all for making him who he is today. “I haven’t lived a ‘normal’ life,” he said. “But I like it that way.”

Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

Dee and Kevin love to share stories around their dining room table.

Photo by Emily Lynn Roque Cisneros

Drummond still plays the piano by ear as if his hands never aged. Dee, Drummond’s wife of 46 years, jokes that his piano skills are why they married.

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DCMH named Baby-Friendly facility “Delta County Memorial Hospital administration is very proud of the efforts of the OB team to achieve prestigious designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital,”stated chief clinical officer Jody Roeber, FNP, MSN, RN. “Becoming a Baby Friendly facility is a comprehensive, detailed and thorough journey toward excellence in providing optimal infant feeding outcomes and motherbaby bonding. Our OB department, Stork’s Landing, offers family-centered care by respecting every family’s choice about their birth experience. The team of professionals works to provide consistent and accurate information so that mothers can make informed choices for the health of their newborn. Only a small percentage of hospitals have achieved this designation. We are now one of 12 facilities to achieve this designation in Colorado.” There are more than 20,000 desig-

nated Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers worldwide. Currently there are 452 active Baby-Friendly hospitals and birth centers in the United States. The “Baby-Friendly” designation is given after a rigorous on-site survey is completed. The award is maintained by continuing to practice the Ten Steps as demonstrated by quality processes. Carol Swingle, RN, BSN, OB coordinator/manager of Stork’s Landing at DCMH commented, “It has been a big undertaking but well worth it. The journey to attain Baby-Friendly designation took on many aspects — support from leadership for the expenses and required training for staff and providers; clinic staff with patient education; and OB staff in following the evidence-based methodologies and putting into practice. Our community was highly receptive to the change in practices of promoting breastfeeding as well as parents’ choice

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in feeding methods and the support of bonding by rooming-in and skin to skin practices. I want to thank the team for all of their efforts from tracking education, applying principles, to performing audits required to prove our compliance,” Swingle added. Baby-Friendly USA, Inc. is the U.S. authority for the implementation of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, a global program sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Based on the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, this prestigious international award recognizes birth facilities that offer breastfeeding mothers the information, confidence, and skills needed to successfully initiate and continue breastfeeding their babies. For further information about the U.S. Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, visit www.babyfriendlyusa.org.

Stork’s Landing nurses Jan Humphrey, RN, and Mary Ellen Cranor, RN, are holding Kyleah Kuzov, dressed and ready for discharge.

Oncology Nurse Month is celebrated in May By Danielle Gallegos May is Oncology Nursing Month. Cancer is most often a terrifying diagnosis leading to a multitude of tests, scans and appointments for patients. The treatment path becomes complicated and confusing. It is difficult enough to deal with the physical components of cancer, not to mention the spiritual, emotional and mental aspects. This is where oncology nurses are critical. Oncology nurses are specialty trained in chemotherapy and biotherapy treatment. They are trained in the administration and special handling and disposing of these cytotoxic drugs. They are trained to deal with side effects of treatment, monitoring of critical side effects of treatment, and appropriate and timely interventions to treatment related adverse events. Their sharp assessment skills enable them to pick up on oncologic emergencies in a rapid, effective way. Oncology is a rapidly changing field, requiring oncology nurses to stay up to date on new treatment options for patients. They are always doing continuing education to make sure they know how

to administer, monitor and intervene to new cancer treatments. They are required to use their assessment skills to pick up on any changes throughout the entire body. They are also required to assess the psycho/social issues going on with the patient and their families. They have excellent listening skills and provide emotional and spiritual support to every patient they come in contact with. They are continuously multi-tasking while taking care of multiple patients at a time, while conveying a calm, confident and loving environment for patients and families. Oncology nurses are known to wear their heart on their sleeves, developing extremely close relationships with each one of their patients and patient’s family members. The work of an oncology nurse is shown through the compassion they convey through their hearts and their hands. We are honored to celebrate Oncology Nursing Month the entire month of May. Danielle Gallegos is the oncology nurse navigator at Grand Mesa Oncology & Infusion Center on the campus of Delta County Memorial Hospital.

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�� Home Health of Western Colorado Horizons Health Care & Re�rement Community Senior CommUnity Care PACE Senior CommUnity Meals The Homestead of Montrose Valley Manor Care Center

Walk-in clinic serves the North Fork

Delta County Memorial Hospital opened the West Elk Walk-in Clinic at 218 Grand Avenue, Paonia, in May 2017. Two providers cover the clinic seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

www.voahealthservices.org facebook.com/VOAWesternSlope

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Webb named a Colorado Health Care Star American Sentinel University and the Colorado Hospital Association (CHA) named Janel Webb, RN, BSN, ICU/clinical education, ICU manager at Delta County Memorial Hospital, as a Colorado Health Care Stars Award winner. This award recognizes Webb as an exceptional health care professional. Colorado Health Care Stars is a statewide health care professional award recognition program sponsored by American Sentinel University and CHA. The program was launched in February 2015 to acknowledge industry professionals in Colorado who exceed expectations in the delivery of health care. Webb’s supervisor, Jody Roeber, chief clinical officer at Delta County Memorial Hospital, says Webb has helped the hospital develop a comprehensive clinical education program in addition to her duties as ICU manager. Roeber says Webb is a remarkable

nurse. “Janel’s accomplishments at DCMH are far reaching in just the past year,” says Roeber. “She offers monthly mock codes and rotates them through different departments throughout the hospital. If a department manager feels their staff needs additional training, they refer to the mock code.” Roeber says Webb has been instrumental in the development of staff to offer the hospital’s advanced cardiac life support and basic life support courses and the hospital no longer needs to outsource those services. Webb is the lead instructor for these classes, and the hospital receives rave reviews about how they cater to the hospital’s needs. “Janel is an excellent role model for her staff, promotes safety and excellence in care and demonstrates excellent technical skills and complements that with

her compassion and kindness of manner,” says Roeber. “She’s a true leader in our hospital, and we are honored to

Janel Webb has been recognized as a health care professional making a difference.

name her our health care star.” “Janel Webb is an inspiration to nursing. Her tireless energy, dedication to her peers, compassion and kindness and ability to lead make her an outstanding role model,” says Chris Wolfe, vice president of partner relations and program Strategy at American Sentinel University. “It’s an honor to name Janel a Colorado Health Care Star and recognize her valuable leadership at Delta County Memorial Hospital.” Each month CHA draws from the pool of nominees and chooses an individual who will be featured the following month on the CHA Career Center website, receive a $100 Visa gift card courtesy of American Sentinel University and be entered into a drawing at the end of the year for a monetary scholarship toward an accredited health care certificate or degree at American Sentinel University.

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DCMH adapts to challenges in health care By Jason Cleckler, CEO This year marks my 10th year with Delta County Memorial Hospital and my sixth year in the role of CEO. It is remarkable to look back over the past decade and see how far our hospital has come in a rapidly changing and challenging health care environment. The hospital has grown to be a system that is focused on improving access, quality of care and treating the whole person. We have improved our access to primary care services while adding additional access points and therapies to provide a well-rounded health care experience close to home. We have started this year with a comprehensive strategic plan that involves all employees in leading our hospital on the journey from good to great. The plan is focused on continued quality improvement, long-term financial viability, continued strengthening of our hospital culture and areas that we need to stabilize, develop and grow. The hospital will continue to work on providing improved access to behavioral health services and addressing the opioid prescription drug crisis. We will also be attentive to what our patients and community want from their health care provider. We are quickly moving toward a consumer driven environment and the hospital is responding with greater transparency, convenience and customer care. This also includes not only our continued emphasis on being here for times of illness or traumatic injuries, but also improving overall health and wellness. We will continue to build on our complimentary and low cost classes and educational events to help our residents live healthier and happier lives. I am proud of the team we have assembled to provide high quality care and the recent awards over the past several years have validated my beliefs. In 2016 and 2017 we were picked as a Top 100 rural hospital and I recently received notification that we made the list again in 2018 making us one of the few hospitals to be selected three years in a row. We lowered our post operative surgical infection rate to 0.17 percent, which is well below the national aver-

age. We recently received an “A” grade for safety and quality by a nationally recognized company. I credit these successes to the great staff and their dedication to our vision and community they serve. The awards and recognition are valuable, but I also believe it is time to move our hospital system from being a consistently good provider to an exceptional one. We have the right team assembled and a strategic plan to guide our way over the coming years. Delta County Memorial Hospital will continue to be a voice nationally for rural health care by strengthening our dedication and focus on providing quality care to the people we serve. I appreciate the ongoing support we have received throughout Delta County and thank you for trusting us with your health care. Accomplishments in 2017 included: • Opening DCMH West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss and DCMH West Elk Walk-in Clinic in Paonia with a long term commitment to the families and patients in the North Fork. Medical Oral Expanded Care (MORE) program. • Grant for $525,000 for West Elk Clinic – Hotchkiss • Behavioral health integrated into family medicine clinics • 3D mammography and 3D mammography biopsy table — medical imaging • Achieved Baby Friendly designated facility • LAB accredited with CAP (College of American Pathologists) • ER Trauma Review — Level IV Facility, State of Colorado, with zero deficiencies • DCMH Urgent Care Clinic named as an Exemplary Provider and accredited as a rural health care clinic • Dermatology offered by Dr. Jesus Ochoa, through DCMH Primary Care • San Juan ACO — population health — working with family medicine providers to assist Medicare, higher risk patients with preventative health recommendations • Growth of Grand Mesa Oncology with integrated oncologist, Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Rouch and soft touch approach of

clinic RNs • New family medicine providers employed — Dr. Jon Richman, Dr. Matthew Lebsack, and nurse practitioners — certified for West Elk Walk-in Clinic in Paonia, and DCMH Family Medicine in Delta Community Outreach Food Drive — Three tons (6,000 pounds) of food and several hundred dollars in cash which was distributed to the food banks in Delta, Hotchkiss and Cedaredge as well as the Abraham Connection and the animal shelters. DCMH teamed up with Salvation Army in Delta to assist 22 children and families in need of assistance with warm clothing and Christmas gifts. Purchased steer during the Delta County Fair for employee BBQ and employee meat giveaway. Annual early blood draw and health fairs — assisting over 2,000 people from our community with low cost blood work as a preventative health measure. DCMH donated over $10,330 to Delta County events and organizations. DCMH employees participated in career and science fairs for Delta County schools. Hospital departments volunteered to serve breakfast to the homeless at Abraham Connection in Delta. Classes offered to the community — Stepping On, Tai Chi, Senior Cardio Fitness, Get Up and Go, Tobacco Cessation, Diabetes Cooking Classes, Weight Management and Diabetes Management through primary care. Oncology — music therapy, art therapy, yoga, stress reduction, Look Good, Feel Better, speakers including a naturopathic physician and Nuclear Partners; started a new women’s cancer support group. DCMH Foundation Two fundraising events were held in 2017, “Eat Drink and Be Very Generous,” a wine, beer and food tasting in Hotchkiss for the new West Elk Clinic and the sixth annual Pea Green Pedal in Delta — a total of $32,500 raised. Received donations from Alpine Bank for $3,500; First Colorado National Bank for $1,500. DCMH employee scholarships (14)

totaled $7,080 for 2017. Rural Track funds reallocated to help recruit a physical therapy student to DCMH through offering to pay down his student loans in the amount of $5,000 in 2017. Foundation purchased for the hospital during 2017: $9,025 HIVAMAT therapy unit for physical therapy; $9,280 for new white boards for med-surg; $3,203 for a folding machine for the business office; $2,542 for education for new mannequin and accessories for ACLS classes; oncology line items for $56.65 lymphedema sleeve; $379 for yoga equipment, and $10,150 to help furnish the new DCMH West Elk Clinic Hotchkiss. The Foundation raises and administers funds for Delta County Memorial Hospital for projects, equipment and provides support for employees to pursue health care related careers through scholarship funds. Over the years, the DCMH Foundation has provided more than $330,000 in scholarships, $10,000 in state-of-the-art equipment for the hospital and $20,000 in donations to area organizations advancing healthcare for our community. Volunteers Some 75 volunteers donated some 16,000+ volunteer hours to the hospital in 2017. Hospital volunteers donate their time to cover the front visitor’s desk, the concierge desk on the second floor, PACU (post-surgical area), ER, oncology, home health, physician billing and the gift shop. Junior volunteers, generally from local high schools, explore possible health-related careers and volunteer during summers off from school. The Hospital Volunteers awarded $4,000 in Delta High School scholarships to students going on to college in health related programs. Volunteers donated monies raised in the hospital gift shop for: ICU Gen II PICC with IV & Arterial Line Vascular Access Ultrasound Trainer $2,581, West Elk Walk-in Clinic $200 for children’s furniture, $50 for oncology flowers for outdoor containers, $125 in memorial donations to the DCMH Foundation for Volunteers who passed away.

Mindfulness: A new approach to well-being By Maddie White A Kidz Clinic According to Psychology today, “Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you carefully observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to your current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.” Rather than a biological trait or characteristic, mindfulness is a state of being. The best time to practice living in the moment is during times of stress. Even the thought of “awakening” to moments of stress may feel overwhelming, unattainable, or impossible for the brain, so why not tune into physical symptoms of stress to let our bodies do the “thinking”? Stress can look different in all of us, and some of the signs include: feeling irritable, defensiveness, restless sleeping, criticism of self and others, difficulty concentration, clenched jaw, increased heart rate, digestive problems, or even headaches or skin rashes. So, “I’m stressed, now what?” Here are a few examples of mindfulness practices: 1) take a moment to stop what you are doing, pause, and focus on taking three deep breaths, inhale for three seconds and exhale for four seconds; 2) tune in to your senses and notice what you are seeing, smelling, hearing, feeling, and tasting in that moment; 3) close your eyes and imagine yourself relaxing in the sun on a warm, whitesanded beach and tune into your senses — feel the sun, breathe the air, and notice your state of relaxation. Feel free to create your own “beach”; just find a place you imagine to be relaxing. Using mindfulness as a tool to help promote relaxation, just for a few moments a day, can benefit all of us with reaching higher brain functioning, increased immune function, lowered

blood pressure, lowered heart rate, increased awareness, increased attention and focus, increased clarity in thinking and perception, lower anxiety levels, experience of calmness, and experience of connecting with ourselves and others. Because mindfulness is a tool, a skill to practice, build, and strengthen, it is important to create a routine that works for you. There is no one right way to practice, yet consistency and regularity are the pathways to success. Find the right motivation, find the right attitude, find the right timing, find the right spot and posture, find what works for you, and stick with it!

Smoking is particularly harmful for teens Smoking is an unhealthy habit for anyone, but can be especially harmful to people who begin smoking before the age of 21. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who start smoking before the age of 21 have the hardest time quitting. In addition, people who begin smoking as teenagers are more likely to use alcohol and illegal drugs than teens who do not smoke. A recent report on the health consequences of smoking from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services noted that, if smoking rates among American youths continue at their current rates, more than 5.5 million Americans currently under the age of 18 will die early from a smoking-related illness. That equates to roughly one in 13 of today’s teenagers. Low-tar and additivefree tobacco products also are harmful, as are chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes and cigars.

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West Elk Clinic improves access to oral health

West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss is making strides to improve access to oral health in the North Fork through participation in the Medical Oral Expanded (MORE) Care program. Providers and clinical staff who are actively participating in the second cohort of the MORE Care program through the Colorado Rural Health Center include Dr. Marie Matthews, Meisha Parham, CMA, Phyl-

lis Pene and clinic manager Rae Sanchez. Since this program has been started, the West Elk Clinic has expanded well child checks to include an oral health assessment, oral health goals and dental varnish if deemed appropriate. During the six months since initiating the MORE Care program, the West Elk Clinic in Hotchkiss has improved statis-

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tics from 0 to about 55 percent. The MORE Care Process Using a breakthrough series collaborative model, MORE Care works in selected rural communities to establish inter-professional oral health networks (IPOHNs) to integrate and coordinate person-centered oral health care in rural communities. The MORE Care project team focuses first on assisting the rural medical practices in developing the skills and adopting the processes necessary to integrate oral health services into its patient well visits. Medical practices then work with an identified dental practice to develop a reliable and efficient referral and communication process. What is MORE Care? MORE Care (Medical Oral Expanded Care) is an initiative of the DentaQuest Institute (DQI) with an aim of providing primary and secondary preventive oral health services in primary care medical offices to underserved populations, as well as testing optimal patient-centered referral systems between primary care and dental care teams. In the MORE Care model at the medical level there is operational integration of oral health care. Oral health evaluation includes heads, ears, eyes, nose, oral cavity and throat. From the dental side of this model is the operational integration of primary care referral characteristics includes referral acceptance verified, clinical summaries completed for referral communication, referral dental care completion verified. Cooperative tasks shared by both

the medical and dental arenas are to: 1) implement a bi-directional referral system (medical-dental referral coordination); 2) initiate, develop and improve inter-professional communication protocols and processes; 3) identify areas of clinical and professional overlap to optimize time and care delivery. Addressing Rural Disparities Millions of Americans lack access to basic oral health care. Children and adults living in rural communities, however, face additional challenges including higher rates of poverty, dental provider shortages, and a lack of dependable transportation. Although rural primary care providers have the potential to play a pivotal role in the oral health of their patients, several key elements needed for successful integration of oral health into primary care are currently lacking, including: • Medical education training on oral health competencies needed for primary care providers to provide primary and secondary oral health prevention. • A sustainable, systemic model for collaborative practice with dental providers. • Practice systems that support oral health care delivery and coordination with dental providers. DQI is partnering with state offices of rural health to begin testing strategies to overcome these barriers and develop systems in primary care practices to support the delivery of oral health care as well as develop infrastructure to create a dental delivery system for patients who need dental treatment of disease.

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West Elk Clinic

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Four foods to boost energy levels

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Diet can go a long way toward increasing or lowering energy levels. Here are a handful of foods that pack an energetic punch. 1. Cashews: Cashews, which are high in magnesium, help to convert sugar into energy. Magnesium deficiency can lead to low energy levels, so nuts that are high in magnesium, including cashews, can provide that mid-afternoon jolt that some people are seeking. Cashews are high in calories, so it’s best for those looking to lose weight or maintain healthy weights to adhere to serving suggestion guidelines. 2. Skinless chicken: A study from researcher Judith Wurtman of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Clinical Research Center found that alertness tends to increase when the brain produces the neurotransmitter dopamine and the hormone norepinephrine. Skinless chicken contains an amino acid known as tyrosine that helps in the production of both dopamine and norepinephrine. If skinless chicken is not available, other foods that may provide this same effect include fish, lean beef and eggs. In addition, lean meats like skinless chicken contain enough vitamin B to help ease insomnia. 3. Salmon: Omega-3 fatty acids can help the body fight inflammation, which has been linked to a host of ailments, including chronic fatigue. Salmon is also high in protein, which can eliminate the mid- to late-afternoon hunger pangs that can derail healthy diets and contribute to weight gain. 4. Beans: Beans are loaded with fiber, and that’s a good thing for energy levels. Like magnesium, which can also be found in beans, fiber takes awhile to digest, extending the energy-boosting properties of foods loaded with fiber. Consult with your physician to determine how to get more fiber in your diet, but eating more beans is a good start.

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HEALTHCARE OF DELTA

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DCMH laboratory receives accreditation As part of an onsite inspection, Delta County Memorial Hospital Laboratory has been accredited by The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP). “ I am pleased with the recent review of our laboratory reflecting the continued dedication of our DCMH lab staff in providing quality lab services and high quality patient care,” stated hospital CEO Jason Cleckler.

This national recognition, considered to be the “gold standard” for health care facility laboratories was sent to Michael J. Benziger, MD who was congratulated for the excellence of services being provided by the DCMH Laboratory, as one of more than 7,700 accredited facilities worldwide. “Delta County Memorial Hospital Laboratory is pleased to receive this accreditation. This certification confirms

the excellence of the laboratory and reflects the dedication and hard work of all of the people associated with this laboratory,” stated Dr. Benziger, director. The U.S. federal government recognizes the CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begun in the early 1960’s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government’s own inspection program.

During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspections examine the laboratory’s records and quality control procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety program and record and overall management.

Weekly grief support group meetings begin May 22 Although each person’s grief is unique, those coping with the death of a loved one share a common bond. “Mending Hearts,” a 10-week support group, will meet Tuesdays from May 22 to July 23 (10 weeks) from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at All Saints Lutheran Church, 20101 Deer Creek Road, Austin. Each session begins with grief educa-

tion, followed by a small group discussion. Anyone coping with the death of a loved one is invited to attend this group free of charge. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To register or for more information about these groups, call 970-248-8844 or email AdultSupport@ HopeWestCO. org.

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DCMH trauma program impresses reviewers Last September, site reviewers from the trauma division of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment audited the Delta County Memorial Hospital trauma program. The reviewers toured the facility, interviewed staff, and completed a thorough review of the processes used in the care of trauma patients. The reviewers stated they will be recommending that

DCMH continues to be verified as a Level IV Trauma Center in the State of Colorado. The reviewers noted that the community is very lucky to have a place like DCMH. Additionally they stated that the trauma culture in the hospital is very evident. All DCMH staff seem very aware that trauma happens in this rural community and that the

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Dr. Reed, Dr. Funk and Dr. Huun are Accepting New Patients.

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emergency department provides excellent care to trauma patients. Strengths of the Delta hospital trauma program as outlined by the team of trauma program reviewers included: • DCMH is a high functioning Level IV facility, as high as the reviewers have ever seen throughout the United States. The reviewers commended the program for showing Level III and Level II functionality when required. • Trauma nurse coordinator Lisa Waddington, RN was congratulated for being outstanding in her position and was noted as the driving force of the program. Also noted were the trauma program co-chairs, Dr. Laura McCrackin and Dr. Michelle Gordon. Their ability to work well together in successful collaboration between the emergency department and surgical department is evident through all the documentation in the performance improvement process. The hospital’s administrative support is excellent. • The DCMH facility is outstanding in all areas: from the blood bank, laboratory, radiology, the ED, the OR, to the ICU. With strong administrative support noted. • The surgical support with the general surgeons and orthopedic surgeons is a huge strength. The reviewers don’t usually see this in Level IV facilities as it is not required for this designation. • The annual Trauma Conference hosted each May by DCMH is well received throughout the Western Slope and is a great educational opportunity for EMS, nurses and physicians. • The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Paramedic and Advanced Life Support services provided by Delta County Ambulance District and the North Fork Ambulance Association were applauded for their involvement and level of care. • The hospital demonstrates strong involvement in regional activities, including collaboration with other Western Slope hospitals. The reviewers told Waddington that she is now the

“shining light” of Level IV facilities in Colorado and to take on that responsibility to help others. • Additionally, public education is a strength. As demonstrated in the Tai Chi and Stepping On program. On a national level, “Stop The Bleed” initiative is very important, with DCMH taking a proactive approach to implement this program in Delta County. The impetus to do “Stop The Bleed” on the Western Slope came from DCMH. Misty Sakala, director of trauma and emergency services, notes that Lisa Waddington has worked to keep the program moving forward and stay current or ahead of the trends. She has reached out to work with other local trauma programs and is a stellar resource on our side of the mountain for rural trauma. We are very lucky to have her, stated Sakala. Jody Roeber, chief clinical officer at DCMH, confirmed that Delta County Memorial Hospital has a wonderful trauma team and also highlighted the work that emergency department manager Misty Sakala, RN has done for the program. The reviewers agreed that Misty Sakala is, and has been a huge strength to the program and again congratulated all for their involvement in the trauma culture that is so evident in Delta.

Lisa Waddington, RN (left) is the trauma nurse coordinator in the emergency department at Delta County Memorial Hospital. Misty Sakala, RN, manages the trauma program, the emergency department and Urgent Care.

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Caring for dentures �� improves oral health Proper dental care and oral hygiene is essential at all stages in life, even for people who have dentures, partials or implants. People with dentures must recognize that oral hygiene protects their dentures as well as their mouths. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 35 million Americans do not have any teeth, while 11 percent of the population requires the use of a complete denture. In addition, 5 percent of the U.S. population wears a partial denture. Removable dentures require care to keep them clean and in good repair. Servicing dentures also helps ensure wearers’ mouths stay healthy. Follow these guidelines to keep dentures clean. Handle with care. Dentures are strong, but they are not impervious to damage. Treat them with care while handling, being sure not to bend or damage any clasps when cleaning, and try not to drop the dentures. When handling dentures, Colgate recommends standing over a folded towel or basin of water for added protection. Brush daily. False teeth need to be brushed, so don’t trade in your toothbrush just yet. Brushing will help remove food deposits and prevent staining.

Take a break. Remove dentures before going to bed and soak the dentures in warm water or special denture cleansers. Removing dentures for six to eight hours allows tissue inside the mouth to recover. Soaking helps to remove stains, bacteria and tartar. The Mayo Clinic notes that most dentures need to remain moist to keep their shape, so do not allow them to dry out. Clean your mouth. While dentures are removed, use gauze or a soft toothbrush to clean the tongue, palate and cheeks. If you still have any natural teeth, use a soft-bristled brush to cleanse. Always rinse dentures before returning them to your mouth. Schedule regular dental visits. Dentists can advise how frequently to have dentures checked for fit and professional cleaning. Loose dentures can cause sores and infection, so it’s best to address any issues regarding fitting promptly. Dentists also will inspect the inside of the mouth for signs of disease or irritation. Eat healthy foods. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet to keep the body and mouth healthy. Cut up hard foods like fresh fruits and vegetables if dentures are impacting your ability to eat these foods.

Routine care is necessary to keep the dentures intact and mouths healthy.

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West Elk Clinic

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Offering comprehensive primary medical care and counseling for the entire family.

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What’s the DTaP vaccine? Newborns begin receiving vaccinations immediately after they’re born, and vaccination schedules continue for years afterward. One inoculation parents have heard of but may not necessarily understand is the DTaP vaccine. DTaP refers to diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, a collection of serious diseases that are caused by bacteria. Diphtheria: Diphtheria causes a thick covering to develop in the back of the throat and can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and even death. Tetanus: Sometimes referred to as “lockjaw,” tetanus causes muscles to tighten, typically all over the body, and is very painful. The AAP notes that tetanus can lead to death in up to two out of 10 cases. Pertussis: Pediatricians may refer to pertussis as “whooping cough,” which can produce weeks-long coughing spells that make it difficult for infants to eat, drink or breathe. Pertus-

sis can lead to other conditions, including pneumonia and seizures, and also may cause brain damage or death. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds, while diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. A safer version of the DTP vaccine, DTaP protects most children from diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis throughout childhood and is distributed in five doses at various intervals in a child’s life. When children receive a dose of the DTaP vaccine, parents should pay close attention to how their kids react. The AAP advises parents speak with their children’s pediatricians if children have a seizure or collapse after a dose of DTaP, cry nonstop for three hours or more or develop a fever over 105° F after receiving a dose of the vaccine. Children typically receive their first dose of the DTaP vaccine at two months of age.

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Exemplary provider

Photo submitted

DCMH Urgent Care was recently recognized for providing outstanding health care delivery practices for a rural health clinic. Pictured are staff members (front row, left to right) Shari Barclay, RN, Nellie Myers, clerk, and Katie Thacker, LPN; (back row) Kyle Rice, NP-C, Rachel Slogar, LPN, Jane Rosen, FNP-C. The award was presented by The Compliance Team of Pennsylvania, which provides accreditation services across the U.S. The Exemplary Provider Award is granted when a clinic receives 90 percent on a comprehensive onsite evaluation that reveals evidence of ongoing compliance with program standards that establish safety, honesty and caring as core patient relationship goals.

Understand the benefits of core strenthening Chances are, you’ve heard about the benefits of core-strengthening exercises. Those unfamiliar with core training might think it’s just another exercise fad, unaware of the many practical benefits of a strong core. It first helps to understand what such exercises are and dispel a common misconception about core training. People may mistakenly believe it’s merely a way to sculpt toned abdominal muscles. While core training focuses on muscles in the abdomen, it does not do so exclusively. Proper core strength training focuses on the body’s entire core, including the hips, back and chest as well as the abdomen. The following are three significant ways everyone can benefit from core strength training. Improved balance. While working muscles in the hips, abdomen and back, core strength training is training these muscles to function as a more cohesive unit. This can improve balance, which can prove especially beneficial to aging individuals who may feel like they are losing some of their coordination. Uniformity of muscles. People who adhere to more traditional strength

training workouts may notice certain muscle groups develop more than others, perhaps naturally or because they are willingly or subconsciously focusing on certain areas more than others. For example, a person who enjoys doing bicep curls might develop especially large biceps but may not focus as much on the muscles in his or her back. That can lead to muscular imbalances. Proper core strength training reduces the likelihood of such imbalances because the exercises focus collectively on a group of muscles, training these muscles to work together and developing them at the same pace. Better posture. According to the online medical resource WebMD, corestrengthening exercises are the best way to improve posture. That’s because some of the muscles worked during core training move the torso by flexing, extending or rotating the spine, while other muscles worked stabilize the pelvis and spine in a natural, neutral position. The Premier Sports and Spine Center notes that some of the benefits of good posture include lower injury risk, better alignment that can lower risk for arthritis and improved muscle health.

The Best of Delta County

DCMH Family Medicine - Delta was voted Best Medical Clinic/Doctor in Delta County by readers of the Delta County Independent. In 2017, the clinic improved integrated behavioral health services and new patient enrollments, and established a patient navigator to assist with all patient health care needs or challenges. The clinic’s mission is to be the people’s ﬁrst choice for accessible, high quality health services and to enhance the well-being of all those it serves.

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A gluten-free diet requires some sacrifices Dietary fads come and go, but the gluten-free movement is one nutritional trend that seems to have staying power. The gluten-free diet was once largely exclusive to sufferers of Celiac disease, a condition that damages the lining of the small intestine, preventing it from absorbing parts of food the body needs to stay healthy. That damage is the by-

product of the body’s reaction to gluten, a term used to describe proteins found in specific grains. But while the glutenfree diet remains a necessity for those who cannot tolerate gluten, nowadays even nonsufferers are embracing the gluten-free diet for a variety of reasons. One such reason is non-Celiac gluten sensitivity, or NCGS. Though NCGS is

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not as severe as Celiac disease, research has suggested that a gluten-free diet can relieve NCGS symptoms, which include abdominal pain and headaches. Allergies are another reason some people may opt for a gluten-free diet. Unlike Celiac disease or NCGS, both of which are digestive system responses to gluten, wheat allergy is an immunesystem response and, like other allergies, can be outgrown. But until a wheat allergy is outgrown, it’s best to avoid foods, including those with gluten, that might trigger an allergic reaction. While a gluten-free diet is a necessity for people with Celiac disease, NCGS or wheat allergies, according to Michell Nacouzi, MD, a primary care physician at Duke Primary Care Brier Creek, it may provide little health benefit to those without such conditions. But that doesn’t mean the popularity of the gluten-free diet is about to wane. Those without a preexisting medical condition who are considering a gluten-free diet anyway should know a few things about this diet before making such a drastic change. Certain foods and drinks must be avoided. Though people considering a gluten-free diet are aware that such a diet requires some sacrifices, they may not know which foods and beverages they will need to avoid until they have instituted the diet. For example, a gluten-free diet excludes any beverages that contain barley, meaning beer cannot be part of a gluten-free diet. Though many gluten-free beers are now on the market, beer afficionados may find such alternatives cannot compare to the real thing. Rye and wheat products also must be avoided, and these include products whose labels list bulgur, durum flour, farina, graham flour, kamut, semolina, and spelt among their ingredients. Though there are now many gluten-free foods on the market, unless labels say gluten-free, the following are a handful of products that should be avoided: • Breads

• Cakes and pies • Cereals • Croutons • French fries • Pastas • Salad dressings • Soy sauce • Soups Many doctors also recommend those on a gluten-free diet avoid oats, as they can easily be contaminated with wheat during the growing and processing stages of production. People must also be aware of additives that contain gluten proteins in order to avoid gluten entirely. Be mindful of the dangers of crosscontamination. Cross-contamination can occur during the manufacturing process when gluten-free foods come into contact with foods that contain gluten. Manufacturers typically include the phrase “may contain” on labels as a warning to consumers looking to avoid gluten and other ingredients. When labels include this phrase, there’s a strong chance that cross-contamination has occurred, and such products should be avoided by those on gluten-free diets. Cross-contamination also can occur when gluten-free foods are prepared on the same surfaces as foods containing gluten. For example, toasting glutenfree bread in the same toaster as regular bread can easily lead to contamination. Preventing cross-contamination can be a difficult task, and that difficulty merits consideration by people who want to adopt a gluten-free diet. A gluten-free diet may lead to a vitamin and nutrient deficiency. Grains are often rich in vitamins, and avoiding grains as part of a gluten-free diet can deprive people of these vitamins, weakening their bodies as a result. When adopting a gluten-free diet, speak with a dietitian to ensure your diet has enough iron, calcium, fiber, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate. If the diet is lacking, you will need to make adjustments.

Screening reduces colon cancer deaths

to 27 percent reduction in colon cancer By Dr. Dorinda Rouch risk when comparing the most with After celebrating my 50th birthday the least active individuals. Eating a this year, I soon found myself stardiet with high fiber and plenty of fresh ing at the box of prep solution for my fruit and vegetables may reduce the screening colonoscopy. What seemed risk of colon cancer. Vitamin D, calcium like a good idea when suggested by my and magnesium supplementation may primary care provider now seemed like decrease the risk as well. Daily use of self-inflicted suffering. I began asking aspirin and other drugs like aspirin myself ... may have a protective effect. Why do I need to do screening? But why a colonoscopy? Aren’t there Most colon cancers can be prevented other screening tests? Colonoscopy or detected early with screening. Most allows the doctor to see the colon directcolon cancers arise from benign (nonly and remove suspicious findings at cancerous) polyps that become cancer the time of the test. If there are no polover a period of years. Most polyps can yps at the time of colonoscopy, screenbe removed at the time of colonoscopy. ing is done every 10 years. Other tests If a colon cancer is found at an early that directly look at the colon include stage, it can be cured with surgery. CT colonography (screening interval of Screening has decreased the rate of every 5 years) and flexible sigmoidoscodeaths from colon cancer by 50 percent py (screening interval of every 5 years). over the last few decades. Stool based tests include an annual Why start screening at age 50? The fecal-based immunochemical test (FIT) chance of being diagnosed with colon which screens for hidden blood in the cancer starts to increase somewhere stool, or a FIT-DNA test which can be between ages 45-50, with 90 percent done every three years and looks for of colon cancers occurring after age hidden blood and DNA from colon can50. Some people have risk factors that cer and polyps. Guiac-based stool tests may alter the recommendation to start and barium enemas are not recomat age 50. These include a personal or mended for screening. family history of colon cancer or polyps, When can I stop screening? Talk to history of inflammatory bowel disease, your primary doctor, but in general history of pelvic radiation, or history of screening can stop between the ages of endometrial cancer before age 50. 75-85 depending on other What are other risk medical conditions. factors? Other risk facIn the end, when I tors include obesity, had answered all of my diabetes mellitus, condoubt-filled questions, I suming red and prodecided to swallow my cessed meat, cigarette fear. “Bottoms up!” I smoking and drinking toasted to the fact that more than two alcoholic I was making a positive beverages daily. A free and proactive health online assessment tool is decision. available at https://www. cancer.gov/colorectalDr. Dorinda Rouch is cancerrisk. an oncologist/hematoloHow can I reduce gist with DCMH’s Grand my risk of colon cancer? Mesa Oncology Center. Dr. Dorinda Rouch Studies have shown up

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DCMH brings physician billing in-house The new year brought big changes for Delta County Memorial Hospital’s physician billing department. Physician billing is again being done in-house. Patients will no longer receive statements from Reventics (ER and radiology group) or AR Services. “We understand that during the past couple of years it has at times been difficult for our patients to adjust to the outsourced billing companies,” said department director Darla Ballard. “Due to the dedication of our billing team, we are now at a place where we can once again provide the billing services that our patients deserve. Delta Physician Billing will take out the confusion over the many statements received when seeing our providers, and become your ‘go to’ for your physician billing needs.” Ballard continued, “Customer service was and will always be our number one priority. Our physician billing depart-

DCMH Physician Billing ment staff consists of several billing specialists and certified medical coders who will be available to answer all of your billing questions. Our billers and coders are knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to help you understand the billing statements you receive. Our goal is to bring

you top notch customer service by having our billers and coders available for you.” The main office is located in the oncology building on the campus of Delta County Memorial Hospital and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (including the lunchhour). Please stop by or feel free to call 970-874-2470 with any billing questions you may have. Some clinic locations have coders on site that are able to assist you as well. “If we are unable to answer your questions at that time, we will research it, find a solution, and call you back with the information in a timely manner (within 24 hours),” Ballard said. Delta Physician Billing offers multiple payment options, including automatic monthly payments, online bill pay (pay via the portal listed on your statement), payments over the phone (no checks over the phone), payments by mail, or you can stop by with your statement and pay in person. Cash, money orders, check, HSA payments, and major credit cards are accepted. Self-pay patients can take advantage of a 20 percent prompt pay discount for balances paid within the first 30 days of the first statement. If you are unable to pay the balance in full within the first 30 days, monthly payment plans can be tailored to fit your financial budget. The physician billing department handles billing for provider services from:

• DCMH Family Medicine - Delta • DCMH West Elk Clinic - Hotchkiss • DCMH West Elk Walk In Clinic - Paonia • DCMH Primary Care - Delta • Internal Medicine - Delta • Grand Mesa Rheumatology Center - Delta • Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center - Delta • DCMH Emergency Department • DCMH Radiology Department • DCMH Urgent Care • DCMH Cardio Pulmonary • Surgery • Anesthesia • Dietary • Sleep lab • Premier Women’s Healthcare of Delta - Obstetrics and Gynecology • High Country Orthopedics and Sports Medicine - Dr. Huene Please keep in mind that you may receive separate billing from DCMH facility, hospitalists, ambulance services, and pathology depending on the scope of your care. “We look forward to rebuilding relationships with our community in the next year, and for many years to come,” said Ballard. For more information on our department go to the DCMH website www. deltahospital.org, click on the “Services” tab, “Physician Billing.”

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Babies and sleep

Babies do not develop regular sleep cycles until about six months of age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, newborns may only sleep one or two hours at a time but still sleep roughly 16 hours per day. The AAP notes that newborn sleep occurs in stages and is divided about equally between rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep. The first stage of newborn sleep is characterized by drowsiness as babies begin to fall asleep. That drowsiness is followed by REM sleep, during which babies may twitch or jerk their arms or legs. During this stage, parents may notice their babies’ eyes moving under closed eyelids. In addition, a condition called “normal periodic breathing of infancy,” in which babies’ breathing can

be irregular and even stop for five to 10 seconds before starting again with rapid breathing that continues for 10 to 15 seconds, may occur. The rapid breathing during the REM stage will be followed by regular breathing until the cycle begins anew and repeats itself. The AAP advises parents that, during the pauses of normal periodic breathing of infancy, babies’ skin color does not change and parents need not be concerned. The third stage of newborn sleep is light sleep, a less active phase during which babies’ breathing becomes more regular. The fourth and fifth stages are deep nonREM sleep. During these stages, babies fall into a sleep that progressively deepens to a point where babies may be difficult to wake.

Dental hygienists can practice independently By Jennifer Kendall, RDH Brilliant Smiles Dental Hygiene The American Dental Hygienists Association defines dental hygienists as oral health professionals who are responsible for preventing and treating oral diseases. A state license is legally required to practice dental hygiene in the U.S. Dental hygienists must take and successfully pass a state authorized licensure examination as well as the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination. Other requirements include the successful completion of a state jurisprudence examination and CPR certification. A dental hygienist educates patients on ways to improve and maintain good

oral health. Colorado dental hygienists are allowed to practice independently, providing services such as oral health screenings, head and neck inspection, nutritional counseling and explaining the links of gum disease to overall health. They take X-rays, do adult and child prophylactic cleanings and periodontal maintenance, apply preventative materials to the teeth such as sealants and fluoride, fill out dental charts, take patients’ blood pressure and pulse, make dental impressions and whiten teeth. They can provide all of these services while building a one-on-one relationship and being sensitive to patients’ needs, all without the presence of a dentist.

Help your child develop self-esteem Confident children can grow up to become confident adults who are in better positions to reach their potential and find success. Parents can help their children build self-esteem that can benefit them throughout their lives. Children with healthy self-esteem may be confident to try new things, feel good about themselves and feel better prepared for life’s challenges than youngsters with low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can lead to feelings of insecurity and doubt and encourage children to focus on the times they’ve failed rather than succeeded. The resource Kids Health also notes that low self-esteem may lead to kids being self-critical. While parents may think they can foster self-esteem in children by consistently praising them and telling them they are wonderful, experts disagree. According to Jim Taylor, author of the book, “Your Kids Are Listening:

One-on-one time is a great way for parents to build their children’s selfesteem.

Nine Messages They Need to Hear from You,” rather than layering on the praise, parents can help kids become more competent in their worlds, which will help children develop self-esteem in turn. This may mean taking a step back and letting kids take risks and work through their own problems. Consistently telling children they’re great at everything never raises the bar, potentially discouraging them from trying to achieve greater goals. When they venture into “the real world,” artificially praised kids may be in for a surprise. Parents also can boost self-esteem by giving children choices, which may help them feel empowered. Parents can facilitate age-appropriate choices, such as letting kids pick their own breakfast foods or their own clothes, that can gradually prepare kids for more difficult choices. Parents may be tempted to do everything for their children, especially if it is faster or if parents want to ensure a task is done correctly. But letting kids do things themselves helps them to learn new skills. Even if kids don’t perform tasks perfectly, allowing them to do things themselves teaches them about approaching challenges, making mistakes and learning by practice. One-on-one with kids is another great way for parents to build their children’s self-esteem. One-on-one time gives parents an opportunity to initiate discussions while giving kids chances to express themselves. Oneon-one sessions provide opportunities to discuss problems or issues that may require some advice. Knowing they have a voice and that their views matter can be one of the easiest ways to help children develop confidence and self-esteem.

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Heart-healthy lifestyles begin in the kitchen Weight-loss initiatives and dieting often go hand-in-hand, but healthy diets can do more than help women shed pounds. Heart disease is the primary killer of females, but embracing heart-healthy diets can help them reduce their risk of develop cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association

reports that heart disease causes one in three female deaths each year in the United States. The AHA also notes that 90 percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. Heart valve problems, congestive heart failure, abnormal rhythm of the heart, and plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries can contribute to heart

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disease. Fortunately, healthy choices, including the right diet, can help reduce women’s risk for heart disease. Here are a few easy ways to modify eating habits to be more heart-healthy. • Avoid consuming too many calories. The Mayo Clinic says to control portion sizes so that you are not overloading on extra calories. Eat larger portions of nutrient-rich foods and go sparingly on high-calorie, high-sodium and/or refined foods. Being overweight can contribute to heart problems. • Increase produce consumption. A variety of low-calorie fruits and vegetables can provide ample nutrition and plenty of healthy antioxidants. Choose a variety of fruits and vegetables so that you get as many vitamins and minerals as possible. Make fruits and vegetables your largest portions when eating. • Reduce sodium intake. Harvard Health points out that too much sodium consumption can increase blood pressure and cause the body to hold onto fluid. Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular problems. • Add more whole grains to your diet. Dietary fiber from whole grains may improve blood cholesterol levels, thereby lowering your risk for heart disease. Dietary fiber also can lower risk of stroke, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. • Choose healthy fats. Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, olive oil and flax seed reduce a person’s risk of developing arrhythmia and atherosclerosis. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week as a way to boost omega-3 fatty acid levels. • Load up on berries. When choosing fruits, go heavy on berries. Health magazine reports that according to a 2013 study by the Harvard School of Public Health in the United States and

the University of East Anglia, United Kingdom, women between the ages of 25 and 42 who ate more than three servings of blueberries and strawberries a week had a 32 percent lower risk of heart attack compared with those who ate less. The authors of the study attributed the benefit to compounds known as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which are antioxidants, that may decrease blood pressure and dilate blood vessels. • Indulge in smart ways. When eating sweets, choose dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids called polyphenols, which may help lower blood pressure and reduce clotting and inflammation. Select varieties that contain at least 60 to 70 percent cocoa. In addition to a cardiac-friendly diet, women concerned about heart health should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. Also, pay attention to food labels to make smarter choices.

Healthy choices, including the right diet, can help reduce women’s risk for heart disease.

Habits for a healthy brain Although there is no definitive way to prevent dementia, living a long, vibrant life may be possible by encouraging some healthy habits for the brain. It is never too late or too early to begin health and lifestyle changes. Exercise. Becoming more active can improve brain volume, reduce risk for dementia and improve thinking and memory skills. Increased blood flow that occurs with physical activity may help generate new neurons in the hippocampus, an area of the brain involved with learning and memory. The Harvard Medical School says aerobic exercise may help improve brain tissue by improving blood flow and reducing the chances of injury to the brain from cholesterol buildup in blood vessels. Quit smoking. The Alzheimer’s Association indicates that evidence shows smoking increases the risk of cognitive decline. Smoking can impair blood flow to the brain and cause small strokes that may damage blood vessels. Eat healthy foods. Foods that are good for the heart and blood vessels also are good for the brain. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish-based proteins, unsaturated fats, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. Consume caffeine. Caffeine may help boost memory performance and brain health. In addition, compounds in cocoa and coffee beans may improve vascular health and help repair cellular damage due to high antioxidant levels. Work the brain. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can create new brain connections and more backup circuits, states Dr. Joel Salinas, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital. Working the brain through puzzles, reading and participating in social situations can stimulate the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule essential for repairing brain cells and creating connections between them.

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Acupuncture treats seasonal allergies By Christin Hawbaker Allergies, seasonal or otherwise, are one of the biggest health issues people deal with in the United States and the numbers are rising every year. Part of this is because our agricultural practices have changed drastically in the past 40 years and our bodies are not accustomed to dealing with genetically modified foods or the excessive amounts of pesticides now being put in and on our food. We are also being over-medicated with antibiotics used in the livestock we eat and that we are prescribed by our own doctors. This has created superbugs like MRSA that are no longer responding to antibiotics. Our immune systems just can’t keep up. Every year, the number of people experiencing allergies is increasing. An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen. This could be anything from something you inhale to something you touch to something you eat. An allergic

reaction may cause sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, a runny nose, sore throat and rashes. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, nearly 50 million Americans are affected by nasal allergies. These numbers are increasing too. To date, allergies are the sixth-leading cause of chronic illness in the United States. But what if there was a way to combat seasonal allergies without the harsh side effects of medications and to actually get to the root of the problem instead of just masking the symptoms? Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offer a solution to seasonal allergies with an all-natural approach that will ultimately save you money. Western medicine knows how allergies work and what happens to the body, but there is still no explanation as to why. TCM looks at the body as a whole and uses an elemental system to determine where there are excesses and deficiencies in each person. So the TCM treatments

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are completely customized to each patient, thus making them much more effective than one-size-fits-all over-the-counter medications. When using TCM to treat allergies, practitioners focus heavily on something called Wei Qi, (pronounced Chi). Wei Qi is similar to the immune system in Western medicine. Wei Qi protects the body against foreign materials that can lead to inflammation and eventually allergies. People with lower immunity/Wei Qi are more susceptible to allergies and frequent colds. Acupuncture helps to boost the Wei Qi making it more difficult for allergens to attack the body. This is one of the best reasons to get regular acupuncture treatments if you suffer from allergies of any kind. When energy becomes blocked due to inflammation caused by allergies, symptoms will flare back up. Acupuncture helps reestablish the flow of energy throughout the body. This will help to alleviate allergy symptoms. Many people who receive acupuncture treatments report they notice changes immediately. And over time, this will help to bring the body back into balance. Acupuncture has been shown to decrease heat associated with allergies. This can manifest as a sore throat, swollen sinuses and red eyes. There are specific acupressure points on the body that can almost instantaneously relieve these symptoms. Many allergy sufferers also report pain in various areas of the body, especially the eyes and head. Relieving pain is what acupuncture is most frequently used for and it is also what most scientific studies focus on. The pain associated with allergies can prevent people from enjoying life. But regular acupuncture treatments can help resolve that and allow people to be more active and happy. Probably the biggest reason to seek out acupuncture for the treatment of allergies is the amount of money a person will save. People spend over $18 billion per year on over-the-counter allergy medications, most of which only give minimal relief and have side effects like drowsiness and immune system suppression. TCM can provide relief without adverse side effects and for

a lot less money overall. For treating allergies, there are some wonderful herbs and formulas that can be implemented. Here’s a short list of items that can be used to treat non-life-threatening allergies. 1. Reishi or Medicinal Mushrooms: Medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to help with everything from balancing blood sugar to decreasing inflammation. But they are also wellknown for their immune-boosting properties. Reishi mushrooms are adaptogenic and they help regulate stress in the body. This is great for allergy sufferers because allergies can be exacerbated by stress. 2. Scutellaria or Huang Qin: This herb is frequently used to treat acute respiratory infections and bronchitis. Two key components of Huang Qin are particularly good at relieving allergic asthma attacks. 3. Saposhnikovia or Fang Feng: Fang Feng is used frequently by TCM practitioners to expel and prevent wind pathogen invasions. So for allergies that prompt headaches and nasal symptoms, this is a great herb to have on hand. 4. Magnolia Flower or Xin Yi Hua: Flowers are used a lot in TCM due to their aromatic nature. Xin Yi Hua is another great herb to have on hand when seasonal allergies flare up. This herb is great at relieving nasal congestion, sinus headaches and the runny nose that frequently accompanies allergies. 5. Cang Er Zi San: This is an herbal formula frequently prescribed for people who are suffering from allergy attacks. Cang Er Zi San works to open up the nasal passageways, helps expel congested mucus, decreases sneezing and helps to alleviate red itchy eyes. It is a go-to herbal formula for TCM practitioners during allergy season. Herbs can be very beneficial and help keep the body free from illness. The herbs and formulas mentioned above are just a few examples that would be good to have around if you suffer from allergies. A licensed acupuncturist, herbalist and massage therapist, Christin Hawbaker, La.C., owns Millennium Wellness in Cedaredge. For more information visit www.deltacountyacupuncture.com.

Responding to the behavioral health crisis By Pat Sunderland/DCI Delta County Memorial Hospital has established a behavioral health program for both the hospital and its four primary care clinics. Program director Becky Ela, a licensed clinical social worker, provided an update on the hospital’s efforts at a quarterly meeting of county and city officials at the Technical College of the Rockies. Two noteworthy trends are driving the hospital’s decision to dedicate resources to behavioral health. First, Ela said, anxiety, depression and substance abuse have been identified in more than half the patients seeking primary care. Second, in 2016, the number of mental health/substance abuse cases outpaced the level of trauma seen by emergency room personnel. Without any medical issues that require treatment, a patient may nonetheless be hospitalized for three, four or even five days until a bed can be located in a mental health facility. “Our goal is to decrease emergency room usage,” she said. Previous use of the jail to house mentally ill patients awaiting transport has been prohibited by the state Legislature, unless criminal charges have been filed against the individual being held. Commander Jesse Cox, Delta Police Department, commended the hospital for taking a huge burden off law enforcement. He mentioned the need for additional training to help officers determine whether a contact is being intentionally uncooperative or combative, or whether that individual is suffering some type of mental health crisis. Robin Slater, Center for Mental

Health, explained plans for a crisis clinic in Montrose that will fill a desperate need by providing a safe place for those requiring crisis stabilization. In addition, the Center for Mental Health is establishing mobile crisis response teams to cover the 10,000 square miles encompassing the six counties served by the center. A co-responder program will place a behavior health specialist in law enforcement agencies, to partner with officers responding to situations indicative of a behavioral health crisis. The Delta County Sheriff ’s Office has agreed to participate in the pilot. With the expansion of services in Montrose, fewer patients will require transport to Front Range facilities. In addition, Slater said the Center for Mental Health is seeking a grant to assist with patient transport. Transport of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis has affected every law enforcement agency in the county. The mayors of Cedaredge and Paonia said transport requires taking an officer from their small departments off the street. Undersheriff Mark Taylor said transport can sometime require two officers, if the individual is deemed a threat to himself or others. Growing concern for the uptick in behavioral health issues has previously brought together representatives from the hospital, law enforcement, the Center for Mental Health and other organizations serving families and children in Delta County. “These mental health issues are not unique to Delta County,” said hospital CEO Jason Cleckler. “What is truly different is that we’ve all come together to figure out what we can do to help people in crisis.”

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Grand Mesa Rheumatology

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Snoring increases risk for Alzheimer’s While many people may think snoring is a mere nuisance, it actually may be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. Over time, apnea can be associated with high blood pressure and increased risks of heart attack, stroke or death, advises WebMD. Now there is new evidence that those with obstructive sleep apnea may be at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as well. A new study published in the journal Neurology found that people with sleep apnea tended to develop memory problems and other signs of cognitive impairment earlier than people without such sleep disorders. Richard Osorio, MD, a research assistant professor of psychiatry at the NYU Center for Brain Health, found that, among 2,000 people studied, those who reported having sleep apnea or snoring tended to develop signs of mild cognitive impairment, including memory lapses and slower speed on cognitive skills, about 12 years earlier on average than those who didn’t report any sleeprelated breathing issues. Mild cognitive impairment often precedes dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. Some researchers believe snoring and sleep apnea may contribute to a buildup of the toxic protein in the brain

called beta-amyloid, which is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. If snoring has become problematic, visit a doctor or sleep specialist to see which therapies can be instituted to help improve sleep and overall health.

The National Sleep Foundation says that men are twice as likely to snore as women, and snoring can worsen with age.

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DCMH offers cancer �� survivorship program ��

Grand Mesa Oncology and Infusion Center is now offering its patients an innovative online cancer survivorship program called iTHRIVE that creates personalized lifestyle-based wellness plans to help survivors heal from treatments, reduce risk of recurrence, and feel better after their cancer diagnosis. This program is another value added benefit to Grand Mesa Oncology patients who already have access to complimentary classes and therapies including yoga, art therapy, music therapy and massage therapy. “We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Goldberg and her committed and talented staff,” said Karolyn Gazella, iTHRIVE co-founder and CEO. “iTHRIVE is a perfect complement to what they are already doing to help cancer survivors thrive in the community.” iTHRIVE is a software company out of Boulder that is teaming up with Delta County Memorial Hospital’s Grand Mesa Oncology to offer a comprehensive cancer survivorship program to oncology patients. The program uses a survey taken by the cancer survivor to create action plans in five key component areas: diet, movement, environment, rejuvenation and spirit. Jason Cleckler, DCMH CEO says, “The addition of the iTHRIVE Program for Grand Mesa Oncology’s patients is

a reflection of the dedication of that department, and the entire DCMH system, to providing the highest quality of care to patients, which includes providing the best resources.” Beginning in March, Grand Mesa Oncology introduced this new patient resource free of charge. The survivorship program has been made possible because of donations from the community to the DCMH Foundation. To make a donation that will support this program, you can donate at dcmhfoundation.org and add a special instruction indicating the donation is for Grand Mesa Oncology. Grand Mesa Oncology is overcome by the support shown from patients and the community thus far. “A person is a cancer survivor the day they are diagnosed and with the iTHRIVE Plan, cancer survivors can work on their wellness online when they have the time,” said Helen Goldberg, MD, medical oncologist and integrative oncologist. “It’s engaging and easy-to-use and we are thrilled to offer this new service to the cancer survivors in our community.” For more information, contact Danielle Gallegos or Linda Jacobson at Grand Mesa Oncology at 970-8746429. You can also email Danielle at dgallegos@deltahospital.org or Linda at ljacobson@deltahospital.org.

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Braces have evolved Braces have evolved considerably over the years. With new technologies available, plus an acknowledgment that braces are a necessity for many people, patients of all ages are choosing orthodontic procedures to give themselves healthy smiles. Early Braces Orthodontic treatment in some shape or form has been around since 1000 BC. Studies of exhumed Egyptian mummies found that some Egyptians were buried with crude metal bands around their teeth, and archaeologists believe a material may have been tied to these bands to provide pressure to move the teeth. Ancient Romans and Greeks wrote about bringing newly emerging teeth into proper position by pushing them with fingers. Pierre Fauchard is considered the father of dentistry and a pioneer in the field of orthodontics. Fauchard invented the bandeau, which was a horseshoeshaped strip of metal with regularly

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spaced holes to fit around teeth and correct their alignment, states Colgate Oral Care Center. Nowadays, braces have evolved even further, with millions of people choosing from the various types of braces to correct dental problems. The American Association of Orthodontics notes that one out of five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21 — proving it’s never too late to straighten one’s teeth. Why Braces? Braces were once considered a cosmetic procedure only. Dentists today recognize that correcting misaligned teeth can prevent periodontal problems, tooth wear, dental caries, infected gums, and various forms of dental disease. Engineering Feat Braces work by applying pressure to the teeth to gradually shift them and the jaw. Traditional braces consist of small brackets adhered to the teeth that are connected by a wire. Pressure is achieved by periodically using tight, thick wires. As pressure is applied to the periodontal ligament, which holds the teeth in place, the body will naturally create new room and adjust. If too much pressure is applied too soon, tooth loss may occur. New Technology Braces no longer resemble the railroad style metal braces that wrapped around teeth in the early 1970s. Brackets are small and may be the color of metal or enamel. Some people opt for clear plastic aligners. Many orthodontists use heat-activated nickel-titanium alloy wires that apply constant pressure and do not need to be tightened as frequently. Advanced photography and X-rays enable orthodontists to plan treatment plans more effectively. Orthodontists spend two to three years learning how to properly align teeth and jaws, says the American Association of Orthodontists. Braces treatment lasts an average of about two years, with patients visiting the orthodontist every four to six weeks for adjustments. Braces have come a long way. In a short time, anyone can have a beautiful smile to show off.

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Cleckler named a Top 50 hospital CEO Jason Cleckler, Delta County Memorial Hospital CEO, has been recognized as a “Top 50 Rural Hospital CEO to Know in 2018” by the National Rural Health Association. This marks the second year in a row Cleckler has been recognized nationally for his leadership. In 2017 he was listed among the Top 60 Rural Hospital CEOs to Know. In accepting nominations for this list, Becker’s Healthcare considered leaders making a positive impact on their organizations. The featured CEOs lead hospitals consistently recognized by the National Rural Health Association, American Hospital Association and HIMSS as top institutions; others sit on local chamber of commerce boards and serve state hospital associations. They have overcome significant challenges operating rural community and critical access hospitals to lead sustainable and thriving organizations. Many CEOs have served their institutions for decades, recruiting physicians, expanding services and implementing technology platforms to ensure the best care possible for their communities. Since joining Delta County Memorial Hospital in 2012, Cleckler has

DCMH is a tobacco free campus As an organization committed to the health of its employees and the communities it serves, all DCMH properties are now tobacco-free environments. The Tobacco Free Policy applies to all staff, visitors, vendors, patients and their families. What this means is that there will be no smoking or chewing of tobacco products within the facilities or property of DCMH.

overseen the hospital’s transition into a health care system employing more than 600 people at locations throughout Delta County. He oversees a payroll of more than $30 million and is currently working with his team to strategically plan for the future, with an emphasis on long-term financial viability. In 2017, the hospital opened

a new primary care clinic as well as an additional walk-in clinic that provides prevention and wellness services. On the state level, Cleckler has participated in a Colorado Hospital Association-organized state legislator briefing on the impact of the ACA and has been featured on National Public Radio in Denver to discuss healthcare issues. In

2017, the National Rural Health Association and iVantage Health Analytics named DCMH among the top 100 rural community hospitals in the nation.

PACE introduces new behavioral health counselor

be to our participants and helping in Volunteers of America and Senior the process of nurturing a behavioral CommUnity Care PACE (SCC-PACE) health discipline practicing at both is pleased to announce Jed Kovach, Western Slope SCC-PACE locations. LCSW, as the program’s new full-time There are many therapy models and behavioral health counselor. Kovach techniques one could use, and many will share his time between the program’s two day center sites in Montrose qualities that make a good behavioral health counselor. What I see as the and Eckert. most essential element is establishing “Frail older adults is a new populaand maintaining an open and trusttion for me to work with in therapy, ing relationship between therapist and and I am very excited to learn more about effective mental health treatment client. This is the one thing that can with this age group,” Kovach said. His promote the most healing in a person,” focus for the majority of his 25-year he said. career has been working with children, SCC-PACE executive director Cindy youth and their families. Simmers said, “I am so honored to have Prior to accepting the position, Jed be a part of our SCC-PACE and Kovach worked part time for the SCCVolunteers of America family and team, PACE through a partnership with the and that he reached out to us for this Center for Mental Health since 2017. opportunity. He brings tremendous “It was a great introductory experivalue with the services that we provide ence. With what I observed early on, to our seniors.” Kovach grew up in a I desired to be hired at large family in WilmingSCC-PACE full-time. ton, Del. He attended the Overall, SCC-PACE seems like a very solid and comUniversity of Delaware for mitted organization. The his undergraduate degree and Widener University program’s participants outside of Philadelphia have been great to me so for his master’s degree in far and I love working social work. He moved to with them.” Colorado in 2004 after sevKovach has a dual goal eral of his siblings moved for his new position. “I want to become the best to the state. For most of Jed Kovach behavioral counselor I can that time, he lived in Mon-

Jason Cleckler

trose. Kovach also served as an associate pastor for 12 years in an interdenominational church in Wilmington, Del., during the 1980s. Kovach enjoys many things about life in western Colorado. “I appreciate the grandeur of the mountains, the fresh air, the culture, wonderful people, and lots and lots of outdoor activities,” he said. “It is also great to be living close to my mother and brother in Gunnison and another brother in Woodland Park.” He maintains fond memories of the East Coast beaches and Philly cheesesteaks. Kovach is an avid reader and musician, singer and songwriter and has been playing the guitar since age 13. He is part of a musical trio called Jedi George that plays around the area. He also enjoys biking, hiking and following men’s college basketball. “Family and friends are very important to me,” he said. “I have been in a committed relationship with my partner Nancy, a school teacher, for almost six years. I have two adult daughters — Emily, 35, and Lauren, 32, who both live in Philadelphia.” Kovach also has a 4-year-old granddaughter, Ruby. “My favorite quote is from Ralph Waldo Emerson. ‘What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us,’ ” he said.

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New clinic improves access to health care The new and the old came together in Hotchkiss in September 2017 to herald the opening of the West Elk Clinic. Not only is the clinic new, so was the ceremonial ripping off of the bandaid to reveal the sign on the front of the building. Scott Stryker of Stryker Construction dreamed up the concept to replace the more traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. But there was still plenty of tradition, in the form of a cornerstone ceremony conducted by the Grand Lodge of Masons of Colorado. Masons traveled across the mountains to join Mount Lamborn Masonic Lodge and the Paonia Masonic Lodge to perform the same ceremony that was overseen by George Washington at the U.S. Capitol building in 1793. A cornerstone was laid in the foundation of the Statue of Liberty in 1884, and at the Colorado State Capitol in 1890. Numerous public buildings in Delta County also have cornerstones laid by the Masons. While today the ceremony is entirely symbolic, in ancient times proper placement of the cornerstone was essential to the accurate placement of subsequent stones, which were stacked on top. Cornerstones traditionally show the date, the name of the Masonic Grand Lodge, the name of the building and the

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Richard Stewart, grand orator of the Grand Masonic Lodge, places the cornerstone in the foyer of the West Elk Clinic as part of an orderly ceremony conducted by the Grand Masonic Lodge in conjunction with the Masonic lodges in Paonia and Hotchkiss.

Masonic emblem. A recess behind the cornerstone contains a time capsule, which in this instance was filled with newspapers, menus from local restaurants, and the names of hospital board members, clinic staff, town staff, council members, and the members of the Masonic lodges. The ceremony employs the ancient working tools of stonemasons — the plumb, the level and the square. The tools represent the virtues of morality, equality and rectitude. With each application of the tools, the officers attest to the fact the craftsmen have done their work correctly and with skill. The symbolism continues with consecreation, which employs corn, wine and oil. These three elements have been used in dedications since the time of ancient Rome, and represent nourishment and plenty (corn), joy (wine) and peace, healing and comfort (oil). To the residents of the North Fork Valley, the clinic represents the hospital’s commitment to improved access to health care countywide, a commitment that encompasses both behavioral and physical health in Hotchkiss and Paonia. Jason Cleckler, CEO of Delta County Memorial Hospital, said the hospital is also striving to improve affordability. “We believe providing care closer to home makes health care more affordable to people,” he said. He recognized board members David Lane, Bill Hellman, Jean Ceriani, Jim Briscoe and Dory Funk, the hospital’s administrative team, and the clinic’s staff and providers. Several dignitaries were on hand to witness the clinic opening, including State Senator Kerry Donovan, former Hotchkiss Mayor Wendell Koontz, town council and staff, and Scott Stryker of Stryker & Company, general contractors. The 10,000-square-foot clinic was designed by architect Thomas Chamberlain. Lofty ceilings and large windows make the clinic feel airy and spacious. Two central work areas, surrounded by exam rooms, attest to a team approach.

Photos, paintings and multimedia pieces by 23 North Fork artists are prominently displayed in the clinic lobby, reception area and exam rooms. The clinic is managed by Rae Sanchez and has four providers. Physicians Ryan Marlin, Marie Matthews and Matthew

Lebsack are board certified in family medicine. The fourth provider is Adam Zerr, a certified family nurse practitioner. All are accepting new patients. The clinic is located at 230 E. Hotchkiss Avenue and can be reached by calling 872-3800.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Pictured in front of the West Elk Clinic are (from left) Wendell Koontz, who was mayor of Hotchkiss at the time, contractor Scott Stryker, Senator Kerry Donovan and Jason Cleckler, hospital CEO.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Jason Cleckler, hospital CEO, hospital board members Bill Hellman (behind ﬂag) and David Lane, and Masonic ofﬁcers rip the bandaid off the front of the newlyopened clinic in Hotchkiss.

Treating arthritic knees Osteoarthritis of the joints can affect people of all ages, but is one of the leading causes of disability in the aged population in the United States. A study published in the Caspian Journal of Internal Medicine found incidence of knee OA is rising by increasing average age of the general population. Age, weight, trauma, and repetitive movements are common risk factors for the condition. According to Dr. Scott Paris of Central Jersey Spine and Wellness, more than 27 million people in the country suffer from knee arthritis. Knee arthritis occurs when there is a degeneration of articular cartilage that covers and protects the patella (knee cap) at the knee joint, offers the online resource Arthritis-Health. Since this cartilage has no nerve endings, some people can experience arthritis but feel no pain. However, pain may occur when doing specific activities that cause impact between bones, like jumping, walking up stairs or certain sports. Over time, knee arthritis may become worse, and pain can be accompanied by stiffness and loss of mobility. This may be accompanied by knee locking or buckling. Those who suffer from knee OA may seek treatment. In 2014, the Osteoar-

Osteoarthritis in the knee can be painful and restrictive. Working with a qualiﬁed doctor, individuals can develop a treatment plan that works for their speciﬁc conditions.

thritis Research Society International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting osteoarthritis research and treatment, updated its recommendations for the treatment of osteoarthritis targeted to different patient characteristics. The main categories of treatment include non-drug treatments, medication, injections, and surgery. Non-drug treatments: Examples of non-drug treatments include exercise, stretching and range-of-movement strategies. Weight loss can alleviate excess strain placed on the hips and knees and reduce pain. Braces, sleeves and orthotics may help reduce pain and joint stiffness when directed properly through a specialist. Medications: Many medications are geared around reducing inflammation and pain and include over-thecounter pain relievers and NSAIDs, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Topical NSAIDs may be tried, and these can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects from oral medications. OARSI also found that the antidepressant duloxetine may help with chronic knee pain. Injections: The Arthritis Foundation says that some doctors can inject corticosteroid compounds directly into affected joints. Use of hyaluronic acid injections can supplement the natural substance that gives joint fluid its lubrication and viscosity. These injections may help relieve pain and improve mobility. Surgery: In cases when the aforementioned treatments are unsuccessful, doctors may suggest surgery. The Arthritis Foundation says joint lavage and arthroscopic debridement, which involve flushing the joint with a sterile saline solution and the surgical removal of tissue fragments from the joint, are controversial but may help some people achieve short-term relief. Partial knee replacement may be another option that offers a similar improvement in function, but fewer complications than a total knee replacement.

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DCMH is in Top 100 Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta was recently named one of the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This is the third year in a row DCMH was given this honor. “This achievement speaks to the progressive health care team we have assembled to provide access to quality care in our community. I am thankful for the efforts of every member of our team in making this recognition a reality,” stated Jason Cleckler, CEO. Delta County Memorial Hospital scored in the top 100 of rural and community hospitals on iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX®. The INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural provider performance and its results are the basis for many of rural healthcare’s most prominent awards, advocacy efforts and legislative initiatives. The list of the Top 100 Rural &

Community Hospitals can be found at www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing hospitals. The Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals play a key role in providing a safety net to communities across America — and the INDEX measures these facilities across eight pillars of hospital strength: inpatient share ranking, outpatient share ranking, cost, charge, quality, outcomes, patient perspective and financial stability. “The Hospital Strength INDEX provides a true benchmark for helping rural providers to better understand performance levels and identify areas of improvement. When we look across the spectrum of rural-relevant INDEX indicators, the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals are establishing a new standard for how to deliver higher quality care to their communities despite an unpredictable healthcare environment,” said Michael Topchik, national leader of The Chartis Center for Rural Health.

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Protect your baby’s oral health The period when babies are teething can be tough on children and their parents. While parents who have dealt with teething infants in the past might be able to recognize when their new babies’ teeth are coming in, first-time parents may wonder why their baby suddenly seems so uncomfortable and irritable. In a 2016 study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers who analyzed studies from eight different countries determined that teething can make babies feel miserable. Thankfully, the researchers also found that teething usually does not make babies sick. An examination of 10 major studies found that the most frequent symptoms of teething in infants and toddlers were gum irritation, irritability and drooling. Because teething can be so uncomfortable for babies, parents must be patient as their children’s teeth slowly come in. As babies begin to exhibit signs of teething, parents also can take steps to protect their babies’ oral

When babies begin teething, parents can take various steps that can safeguard their children’s oral health for years to come.

health. • Discuss fluoride with your child’s pediatrician. A naturally occurring mineral that’s found in many foods, fluoride can benefit babies’ teeth in various ways. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, fluoride can strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to acid attacks that contribute to tooth decay. Fluoride also makes it more difficult for plaque bacteria to produce acid. Parents of infants can discuss fluoride with their children’s pediatricians, who may recommend prescription drops of chewable tablets as babies’ teeth begin to grow in. • Inspect and clean babies’ teeth. Babies can’t brush their own teeth, so parents must perform this task for them. The AAP notes that healthy teeth should be all one color. Any spots or stains should be brought to the attention of a dentist. Once a baby gets his or her first tooth, parents can use a smear of fluoride toothpaste that’s roughly the size of a grain of rice to clean the teeth at least twice daily. The AAP recommends cleaning teeth right after breakfast and before bedtime. • Feed babies healthy diets. Another way parents can protect their babies’ teeth is to feed their children healthy diets. The AAP recommends foods and drinks that do not contain a lot of sugar, such as fruits and vegetables. When feeding babies fruit, be mindful of dried fruits, such as raisins, which can stick to babies’ teeth and may contribute to cavities if not thoroughly cleaned off the teeth. • Do not put babies to bed with bottles. The AAP advises against parents putting babies to bed or down to nap with a bottle. Milk, formula and juice contain sugar, and babies who suck on bottles with liquids that have sugar in them before going to sleep may suffer from tooth decay.

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National Hospital Week

May 6-12, 2018 Caring

is our Calling

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