Delta County Independent, May 16, 2018 by Delta County Independent

NORTH FORK TIMES

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

NEW SIGNAGE

Metal artist designs museum, park signs in the same style, B2

SPORTS

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GRADUATION 2018

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BOUND FOR STATE

Area graduates celebrate the next chapter in their lives, Inside

Track and field athletes pick up the pace for state competition, B6-10

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DELTA COUNTY

MAY 16, 2018 VOL. 135, NO. 20

75¢

INDEPENDENT

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Groundbreaking kicks off DMS construction BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Photo by Pat Sunderland

A Link-Belt excavator provided a backdrop for a groundbreaking ceremony at Delta Middle School that included school board members, school administrators, contractors and student representatives Caleb Weams (sixth grade), Sarah Teel (seventh grade) and Jillian Carlson (eighth grade).

Delta Middle School students settled comfortably beneath the trees in the open grassy space just south of the seventh-eighth grade wing for a groundbreaking ceremony Monday afternoon. This spot will soon be fenced off, as the sixth grade wing is demolished and a new two-story structure begins to take shape. Monday’s groundbreaking ceremony included an introduction of school board superintendent Caryn Gibson, assistant superintendent Kurt Clay, and school board members Pete Blair, Jan Tuin, Richard Hypio, Jill Jurca and Ron Germann. Tammy Smith, a former school board member, was also instrumental in the decision to move forward with what Gibson called a “21st century learning environment.”

Bob Brashears of Reilly Johnson Architecture was also on hand, jokingly promising students he designed the building to raise grades and make classes easier. He said the building will be filled with cool spaces and an abundance of natural light. Kissner GC is the general contractor; Austin Civil Group provided civil engineering for the project. John McHugh, the school district’s facilities supervisor, has been involved in the project from the getgo, and was instrumental in obtaining the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) grant that will cover the bulk of construction costs. Gibson said the two-story building will include new safety entrances, a security system, six classrooms, bandroom, choir room, cafeteria, kitchen, media center and DMS CONSTRUCTION TO A3

Paonia residents rally against oil/gas BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

The Delta County Planning Commission has worked on an update of the county’s 1997 Master Plan for over a year. Input has been solicited through a series of meetings and open houses. Individuals, businesses and organizations from across the county have responded through social media, mail and phone calls. On May 9, a highly advertised public hearing on the final draft was held at Delta High School. Twenty-eight people made comments, all from Paonia and the North Fork Valley. If people were present from other parts of the county, they

did not speak up. Before comments began, Bob Stechert, chairman of the planning commission, told the audience that the Master Plan applies only to the unincorporated area of Delta County and is advisory and aspirational. The Master Plan is a living document and it is envisioned that appropriate changes and additions will be made as needs arise over time. It is anticipated that rules and regulations will be enacted when the Master Plan is adopted so that existing and future landowners will know what they can expect on neighboring land. Stechert asked attendees

Salaries, security top 50J budget priorities BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Legislative action at the state capitol has paved the way for 4.6 percent salary increases for Delta County School District employees. As an added benefit, health insurance costs are holding steady and an increase in employee contributions to PERA, the state retirement system, won’t take effect until July 2019. The Delta County School Board was looking at more modest salary increases for both classified and certified staff members before state legislators approved the use of $150 million to “buy down” the negative factor, the difference between the current funding level and that established by Amendment 23. Delta County’s share of the one-time funding is $1,930,650, or an additional $454.46 per pupil. A portion

INDEX

Accent ........................... A4 Activities ....................... A9 Back Page ................... D6 Church ............................C6 Classifieds .................. D1-2 Editorial ......................... A2 Health & Fitness ...... A6-7 Legals ......................... D3-4 North Fork Times ........B1-4 Obituaries ..................... A8 School Zone .................A10 Service Directory ........ D5 Sports ........................B6-10 Surface Creek News ...C1-5 TV Listings ..................C3-4

of the funding must be shared with Vision Charter Academy and set aside for the Colorado Preschool Program, leaving a net of about $1.7 million. Of the school district’s $40.3 million budget, about $28.5 million, or 71 percent, is allocated for salaries and benefits. The 2018-19 budget, which will not receive final approval until June, also dedicates funds to student/staff safety, which superintendent Caryn Gibson describes as a top priority. District administrators recently met with Delta County Sheriff Fred McKee, Undersheriff Mark Taylor, and representatives from every law enforcement agency in the county to discuss security measures. Chief Luke Fedler, Delta Police Department, and Chief Dan Sanders, Cedaredge Police Department, also 50J BUDGET TO A3

to make comments about the Master Plan and the Master Plan alone. Stechert repeated this request two other times during the meeting. It was ignored all three times. Eighteen of the speakers spoke unalterably against all oil and gas development in

the North Fork Valley. Some included advocating for the protection of clean air, water and soil. Roger Smith said the Master Plan does not reflect what the residents of the North Fork have said in opposition to oil and gas. He said the

county commissioners have influence over development of oil and gas if they work with the Bureau of Land Management. Alex Johnson, Western Slope Conservation Center, said the Master Plan should MASTER PLAN TO A5

Gilmore launches bid for Dist. 1 county commissioner BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

Dick Gilmore is declaring his candidacy for the District 1 county commissioner position. Gilmore is a Democrat. His campaign slogan is “The Sensible Choice.” Gilmore says, “Lately I have been soliciting input from Delta County residents — retirees, small business owners, wine makers and others. “What I hear from these conversations is what I will call ‘economic envy.’ Folks wish there was a little more money changing hands in Delta County, a higher standard of living, like some surrounding counties have. “This wish comes up against the tightly held conviction that Delta County should stay just as it is — a rural, agricultural, quiet, wonderful place to live.” Gilmore also attended recent Planning Commission meetings regarding the update of the county Master Plan, the three open house meetings seeking citizen input, and the public hearing on the Master Plan. “There are conflicts of interest in the county and different thoughts about the possibility of zoning,” Gilmore said. “The only way forward

to accommodate conflicting interests is through a sensible plan of zoning and reasonable regulations for future development, which will actually increase property values and encourage new businesses to come to Delta County. “Next year the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners will be making decisions concerning all these interests and thoughts. There is the need for open-minded, factualbased leadership in dealing with these complex issues,” Gilmore said. “The decisions the commissioners will make require someone who can communicate with citizens, make sure citizens are heard and their

Dick Gilmore

opinions valued. The road ahead requires leadership experience and personal commitment. “As county commissioner I will bring these needed qualifications to carry out the commissioners’ responsibilities,” he said. Gilmore was born in St. Louis and raised in central Pennsylvania. He has a master’s degree in counseling from Penn State and worked for the Pennsylvania Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation. Gilmore and his wife, Ginny, lived in Golden for many years. Gilmore retired to Delta after 25 years with E.I. DuPont, working in pharmaceutical sales. “I utilized the latest research studies as I shared life-saving facts with specialized medical people,” Gilmore said. He also owned and managed residential rental properties for 20 years. With a skilled partner, he developed about 15 restaurants in Denver and Sedona, Ariz. He says these ventures gave him valuable business experience and respect for small business owners. The Gilmores built their dream home on a 40-acre parcel overlooking Sweitzer Lake.

Spring Cleanup Day

Hospital election

Graduation combined

Weather permitting, Delta County is hosting a free day at the Adobe Buttes Landfill, 12211 Trap Club Road west of Eckert. Spring Cleanup Day is open to residents of Delta County only Saturday, May 19, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The landfill will accept brush, appliances, furniture, tires, etc., but no household trash and no electronics. You’re reminded to secure your load! Standard tipping fees will be waived for the day. The North Fork Transfer Station will be open; regular tipping fees will apply at that location.

Bruce Mixter, Doug Speedie and Tammy Smith were elected to the Delta County Memorial Hospital board of directors during the special district election on May 8. A total of five candidates were on the ballot. In just a few weeks, ballots for the state’s primary election will be mailed. For the first time, unaffiliated voters who have not indicated a preference will receive both a Republican and a Democrat ballot, but they can only vote for one. For more information, visit www.deltacounty.com.

Graduates from the Vision Charter Academy campuses in Delta, Cedaredge and Paonia will be recognized in a combined commencement ceremony Wednesday, May 23, at the Delta Performing Arts Center, 822 Grand Avenue, Delta. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m. Graduates from the Vision Charter Academy, Paonia High, Hotchkiss High, Cedaredge High, Delta High and Olathe High are featured in a special supplement to this week’s issue. Unfortunately, the VCA information is not correct in the supplement, which had gone to press when the error was realized.

A2 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

OPINION

LETTERS ‘Phantom comments’ should have no bearing Dear Editor: Flashback to November 2016! The Federal Election Commission has just announced that Prohibition Party candidate Jim Hedges has been elected president of the United States. Mr. Hedges received 5,623 votes nationwide. The focal point of President-Elect Hedges’ platform is a ban on the production, sales, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The runner-up in this year’s election, receiving 60 million votes, was Donald Trump. When Trump supporters complained it was ludicrous to name Mr. Hedges the winner, the Federal Election Commissioners explained they had talked to a number of people who did not vote in the election and found that many of them supported Mr. Hedges. The Federal Election Commissioners stated they believed the 100 million U.S. citizens who didn’t bother to exercise their right to vote would have voted for Mr. Hedges had they cared enough to show up to vote. So, they put all 100 million non-existent votes in Mr. Hedges column and declared him the winner in a landslide! We know this is absurd because no one can presume to speak for you. If you want your voice to count, you must show up and participate in our country’s most important public comment period — Election Day. Yet a nearly identical scenario took place at the May 9 public hearing of the Delta County Planning Commission. The Delta County Planning Commission has conducted dozens of public meetings over the past year to receive

public suggestions, recommendations, and comments on the drafting of the Delta County Master Plan. Having completed their final draft, the Planning Commission requested written comments and held a public hearing to give citizens a final opportunity to provide their input. Everyone who wanted to provide comments has had dozens of opportunities to do so. And the overwhelming majority of people commenting have consistently voiced their strong opposition to oil and gas development However, the draft Master Plan does not reflect public opposition to oil and gas. For example, page 66 says, “Residents expressed support for oil and gas during the Master Plan process...” This statement couldn’t be further from the truth. Like the Federal Election Commissioners in the example above, Delta County Planning Commissioner Steve Schrock told the audience at the public hearing that the Planning Commission could dismiss the opinions of the overwhelming majority of public comments. This was because he believed the Delta County citizens who didn’t bother to exercise their numerous opportunities to provide input would have supported oil and gas development had they cared enough to show up to express an opinion. So, the Planning Commission put all nonexistent, phantom comments in the pro-drilling column and declared oil and gas the winner in a landslide! Mr. Schrock and the Planning Commission presume to speak for those who have not spoken,

Investigation won’t end soon Dear Editor: For those keeping track of Mueller’s “witch hunt,” I thought I’d give a current update. There have been over 100 indictments filed against 22 witches, plus one company of witches. Five witches have pleaded guilty and are aiding in the investigation. If you think this is taking too much time, remember that nine Benghazi witch hunts took three years, result-

ing in zero indictments. The witch hunt into Hillary’s email took 2 years and resulted in zero indictments. And for those old enough to remember, the Whitewater witch hunt took six years, $80 million, and resulted in zero indictments. My suggestion is to quit thinking this is going to wrap up anytime soon, and hang on! Carol Nudell Eckert

KUDOS Providing shelter

Dear Editor: The Abraham Connection Homeless Shelter would like to thank Edward Jones - Isaiah St. Peter, the ENGAGE Center, Double J Disposal and Delta Elks Lodge for helping us with our second annual community yard sale. The event was held this past weekend, and vendor fees went to offset the cost of case management services to our homeless and hungry guests. We thank everyone for their support and assistance! Board of Directors Abraham Connection

Providing sustenance

Dear Editor: Well as the weather is warming up more visitors are coming to town. Every day when Randy is out delivering lunches there are new faces and they are all hungry. So we have been picking up 3-5 new people almost every day. They are so thrilled that someone would actually give them a meal ... with no strings attached. We had hoped to partner with the Abraham Connection and use their kitchen facility and dining room to feed the hungry one hot meal a day but we got a letter from them stating that our schedule would conflict with theirs so we couldn’t. So we are still looking for a facility. We need your financial and food donations now more than ever as the amount of food we are using increases every week. We would like to thank you in advance for anything you can share with this outreach. King’s Table Soup Kitchen PO Box 84 Delta, CO 81416 250-6637

to know what the silent would have said, and to place greater importance on these unknown views than on those who actually showed up and expressed their concerns. As with voting, decisions on public policy are made solely by those who care enough to show up. If you don’t have an opinion or don’t care enough to show up, you have silenced your own voice. The Delta County Planning Commission cannot pretend to know the opinions of those who did not speak up during the Master Plan process. To do otherwise is improper, reprehensible, and legally questionable. Robin Smith Paonia

Delta County Independent

Planning commission bias affects Master Plan Dear Editor: The Delta County Planning Commission’s final public hearing on the Proposed Master Plan was Wednesday, May 9, at Delta High School. During the public comment period, about 29 people chose to express their opinions. Of the 29 speakers, 27 were opposed to oil and gas development (O&GD). These people ranged from young mothers, mature women, farmers, business people (one business person stated that she moved to Delta County from Parachute because of the impacts of O&GD) to regular concerned citizens. These folks were often cut off during their impassioned and scientifically factual testimony opposing oil and gas development and reminded to focus comments on specific sections. Sometimes, to the surprise of the committee, they then stated specific changes

needed in the plan. One person stated during his public comment time that he had read all of the public comments submitted to the commission and not a single comment supported oil and gas development. All the comments are available on the commission’s website. At the end of the public comment period, each of the Planning Commission members made a statement. The first Planning Commission member to talk was Steve Schrock who boldly stated he gave more weight to the silent majority supporting oil and gas, than the multitudes of people from across the county who clearly stated opposition to O&GD. Schrock also readily admitted that he had no data demonstrating that there was or wasn’t a majority supporting or opposing O&GD. One or two other members indicated agreement with

Stop sign is desperately needed Dear Editor: We have lived on the corner of SE Deer Creek Drive and SE Fairway Drive in Cedaredge since 2003. Cedaredge is a perfect place for us, but we do not feel safe! Speeding vehicles: cars, delivery trucks, construction rigs, and motorcycles, often speed past our house. Frankly, I pray that one of our grandchildren, an elderly person at the mailbox, or our dog does not get hit and or killed by a speeding vehicle. There is a stop sign for SE Deer Creek Drive, and we are thankful for that. Several yeas ago there was a stop sign on SE Fairway Drive, but for some unknown reason it was taken down. A stop sign is our first desire. There is a 15 mph speed limit sign posted

less than a block south of our house because of the Cedaredge Golf Course clubhouse and parking lot. We can only visualize how the speeding vehicles have to quickly apply their brakes in order to proceed to the congested area of the clubhouse. Probably, some of them do not adequately slow down and that is a tragic accident waiting to happen. If for some unknown reason a stop sign is not possible, then our second desire would be a speed limit sign somewhere on SE Fairway Drive. All other residential streets in the Deer Creek and Cottonwood developments have appropriate speed limit signs posted. Not so for SE Fairway Drive! Fairway starts off of Independence Street

and goes past the side of the Cedaredge Middle School and all the way around to the golf course clubhouse on Jay Street. There is not one posted speed limit sign and we do not understand why. Over the past two years this issue has been discussed with the former town manager, our current town manager and to the Cedaredge Police Department. No one has bothered to respond other than, “Thank you and we will get back to you.” That doesn’t eliminate the hazard. We have no choice but to yell, “HELP!” Please there needs to be a solution to this hazard before someone suffers a tragedy in their personal life. Dennis Smith Marilyn Willette Smith Cedaredge

Schrock, but also didn’t supply proof of a majority for either side. The key point here is that these demonstrated attitudes must be the reason that the comments in the proposed Master Plan directly supporting any specific energy development on page 66 is the following, “Residents expressed support for oil and gas during the Master Plan process often citing the need for jobs and tax revenues.” The next statement is “Residents also expressed concerns about the impacts and unintended consequences of future oil and gas development such as to water and air quality, county roads and other infrastructure and services.” The obviously missing statement is that a large number of county residents totally oppose O&GD. I now understand that the Planning Commission’s bias caused the statements on O&GD that are in the draft. The majority of public comments were against O&GD and these comments had no impact on the statements in the draft. The Planning Commission stated that they would develop a plan that reflected the vision and goals of the residents of Delta County. The driving public vision has been clear and consistent from day one: Delta County must protect clean air and water, prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of its residents and all new commercial and industrial development had to at least maintain and hopefully enhance this vision. Despite hundreds of comments agreeing with that statement, the Planning Commission, because of their bias, refuses to write the Master Plan to guarantee that vision. Mike Drake Paonia

Delta Police, sheriff’s blotter From the Delta Police Department: May 6: Officers responded to the 100 block of West 8th Street for a report of a motor vehicle theft. Armando Aparicio, 30, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of third degree assault, child abuse and reckless endangerment as an act of domestic violence. May 7: Theresa L. Valdez, 43, of Montrose was issued a proof of service for driving canceled/denied and had her driver’s license seized. Officers responded to Delta Middle School for an information only report. Joshua L. Husa, 27, homeless was arrested and jailed on a protection order violation. May 8: Officers responded to 766 Main Street, Grand Valley Convenience, for a report of criminal mischief. Officers responded to the 700 block of West 5th Street for a report of theft. Officers took a lobby report of a possible theft in the 800 block of Pioneer Road. Officers received a report of a 13-year-old female juvenile runaway. Officers responded to 600 block of Labor Street on suspicious activity. May 9: Officers took a lobby report of a juvenile problem that occurred at Delta Middle School. Officers responded to 1360 Highway 50 for a report of criminal mischief. Officers responded to the 700 block of Columbia for a report of a possible missing person. Officers responded to Bank of the West for a report of a hit and run accident. Officers responded to the area of 6th Street and Silver Street on an agency assist. Officers took a lobby report of theft that occurred in the 800 block of Cypresswood Lane. Tamera E. Sandoval, 42, of Delta was issued a citation on charges of careless driving. Rachel H. Barr, 25, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant out of El Paso County. May 10: Officers responded to the 200 block of Highway 92 for a theft. Luke A. Frazier, 19, of Delta was arrested and jailed on charges of auto theft, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, false reporting to authorities and possession of drug paraphernalia. Craig L. Smith, 33, of Delta

was issued a summons for shoplifting at Safeway. Officers responded to the intersection of Highway 50 and H38 Road for a two-vehicle traffic accident. May 11: Officers responded to 1055 East 3rd Street for an adult medical assist. John E. Wolverton, 64, of Olathe was arrested and jailed on charges of first degree criminal trespass and criminal mischief. Officers responded to the 700 block of Howard Street for a theft. Kali M. Newman, 18, of Delta was issued a summons for charges of vehicle turning left. Donald E. Gates, 36, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant with a bond of $500. Maryelizabeth A. Bingham, 47, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a warrant out of Garfield County with a bond of $1,500. May 12: Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital to seize fictitious license plates. Officers responded to Delta County Memorial Hospital for a welfare check. Tomi L. Peterson, 26, of Delta was issued a proof of service for revoked driver’s license and her driver’s license was confiscated. Chelsea R. Tiller, 28, homeless was issued a summons for charges of shoplifting at Walmart. Chelsea R. Tiller, 28, homeless was arrested and jailed on a warrant out of Delta County. Reaona E. Peraza, 34, of Delta was arrested and jailed on a Mesa County with a bond of $625. Citations: Eight tickets were issued this week for various traffic violations. Please remember: All criminal charges are merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty. From the Delta County Sheriff’s Office (partial list): May 7: While on patrol, deputies spotted Dustin Peterson, 32, driving east on Trap Club Road. Aware that he did not possess a valid driver’s license, deputies attempted to pull him over. Instead, he picked up speed, reaching 75 mph. Deputies backed off and tried unsucessfully to use stop sticks. A short time later, they found his vehicle abandoned at 8737 Marshalls Road, Austin. They later learned he had entered a garage at 8903 Marshalls Road and attempted

to steal a dirt bike, but was unable to get it started. A warrant was issued for traffic violations, eluding, second degree burglary and violation of bail bond conditions. Peterson was arrested without incident on May 11. He is being held on $7,500 bond. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance in Eckert shortly after 9 p.m. No charges were filed due to conflicting stories. In response to a REDDI report, deputies contacted a driver near the intersection of Highway 65 and Oatman Road, Eckert, at about 10 p.m. The Colorado State Patrol arrived on scene and took Carrie Rose into custody for suspected DUI. May 8: A warrant was issued for Christian Duran, 26, following a domestic disturbance on Orchard Avenue in Eckert. Duran allegedly grabbed his wife by the throat and punched her in the face. He had left the scene when deputies arrived. A fire was reported on SW 12th Street, Cedaredge, at about 2 p.m. Janet Carrillo-Miranda was conducting a controlled burn when the wind picked up and spread the blaze. The only damage was to a DMEA power pole, which reportedly did not need to be replaced. Deputies and Cedaredge firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Ute Trail Road at about 4:40 p.m. The 2004 Jeep SUV was driven by Karen Grimm of Cedaredge, who said she spotted smoke before the vehicle caught on fire. There was severe damage to the engine compartment. A property owner on Deer Run Road, Delta, reported the theft of yard decor. Several calls were received about a verbal disturbance on 2100 Road, Delta, shortly after 11 p.m. No charges were filed; however, Timothy Pawlish, 33, was arrested on an unrelated Delta County warrant. May 9: A 16-year-old Delta male escaped serious injury during a rollover on B Road near the intersection with Highway 50. He was the sole occupant of the vehicle. A 42-year-old registered sex offender is under investigation for potentially failing to register his current address. Three storage units were reportedly burglarized at a facility outside of Hotchkiss. A Delta area resident reported the theft of a pistol and a backpack. A Hotchkiss area resident reported a suspicious male

near her home at about 5:40 p.m. He said he was looking for his dog, then headed east on J Road. Deputies contacted a man who was being treated for a dog bite in the hospital emergency room. The dog bite occurred at a residence on 2150 Road, Austin. May 10: At about noon, Delta firefighters and sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to 1743 Highway 348, Delta, for an out-of-control fire. The fire destroyed a hay stack, a tractor, a feed trailer and a disker. Darrell Sinner was issued a summons for burning on a red flag day and failure to notify dispatch of his intention to burn. A one-vehicle rollover was reported near D25 and 1600 Road, Delta, at about 7 p.m. Delta firefighters helped get the driver out of the vehicle. Faron Kishbaugh, 23, of Delta suffered minor injuries. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. May 11: A dog bite was reported by an individual taking a walk in the Austin area. A Cedaredge area resident reported he was being chased by a neighbor’s dog when he jumped into a trailer for safety. He reported minor injuries to dispatch, and demanded the dog’s owner pay for treatment. May 12: A rollover accident was reported on Highway 348, Delta, at about 2 a.m. Daniel Lowe, 26, was out of the vehicle when law enforcement arrived on the scene. The Colorado State Patrol handled the investigation. May 13: A wildfire was reported on Redlands Mesa at about 10 p.m. A complete report was not available.

DELTA COUNTY

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Young ladies 9-18 invited to apply for fair royalty The Delta County Fair & Rodeo is looking for young ladies between the ages of 9-18 who are interested in serving as fair royalty for the 2018-19 year. These young ladies will serve as ambassadors for the Delta County Fair throughout the year. They must have an

understanding of what a county fair is, enjoy being out in the general public and have horsemanship skills as many of the activities they participate in requires them to be horseback. The ladies will be required to participate in other county fairs, help with community activities, do all the Parade of Lights in Delta County, attend fair board meetings, help all week at the fair and ride in various parades through the

summer. They will also have the opportunity to attend royalty workshops and meet Miss Rodeo Colorado and Lady in Waiting at various activities. They will be required to visit sponsors of the fair to help promote the fair. Applications are due June 4, to be able to compete in this year’s royalty contest. Applications can be found online at Delta CountyFair.com or by calling Teresa Burns at 970-270-4493.

Drainage improvements

Photo by Pat Sunderland

The intersection of West 1st Street and North Palmer is closed as the city addresses ongoing issues with drainage and subsequent roadway deterioration. The bid for the project was awarded to Wells Excavating and Farming. According to Mark Austin of the Austin Civil Group, another goal of the project is to eliminate a “signiﬁcant drop” on West 1st as it approaches Palmer, which is believed to be a deterrent to truck trafﬁc traveling from Highway 92 to the alternate truck route. ADA requirements will also be addressed. Public works/utilities director Betsy Suerth said the project will take four to six weeks to complete. The contract requires project completion by July 1.

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Cedaredge vandals ID’d

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the campus and the other BY PAT SUNDERLAND Photo submitted which spray painted vulManaging Editor Delta County Fair and Rodeo queen Tess Gore (left) Two groups of stu- gar sayings on outbuildis pictured with princess Annie Wilson and junior dents — one which TP’d ings and picnic tables at princess Aylin Bayles. Cedaredge middle and high schools have been identified. The vandalism occurred sometime FROM PAGE A1 ing opportunities. They tion, greenhouse, grow between 11 p.m. and presented their findings boxes and renewable midnight May 10 and offices, as well as upwas discovered early Frito-date technology and during a slide show at solar and wind energy. DMS math students day morning. Cedaredge flexible furnishings that the conclusion of sixth Police Chief Dan Sandwill allow teachers to set grade orientation Mon- worked through a real- ers appealed for help via life arithmetic probup their classrooms for day night. The eighth graders lem by calculating the Facebook shortly after tailor-made lessons and envision an amphithe- square footage of the the incident took place. activities. He updated his post a Sixth, seventh and ater built into the hill to new parking area and few days later: “We have eighth grade students the east of the football parent drop-off lanes. identified the involved have been involved in field. An outdoor learn- They determined how parties and most have interior and exterior ing area would include much dirt would have cooperated with us. design of the school, to native trees and plants, to be removed and how We will get everything give them ownership and water features, a fix-it many truckloads would provide hands-on learn- bike station, weather sta- be needed to get the job done. They learned about fill requirements for both asphalt and concrete, then calculated how many cubic yards of each type of fill would be required. The cost of material and labor for both concrete and asphalt was placed side by side with pros and cons for �� Reilly Johnson Architecture prepared this sketch both surface types. While �� of the DMS addition. A “sawtooth” rooﬂine will concrete is initially more �� maximize the amount of natural light in the central expensive, most teams �� recognized the long life �� portion of the building. and durability of cement. �� Other students argued that asphalt is considerably less expensive. All �� pointed out that their �� cost estimates did not include striping, signage or sealers. During construction, sixth graders will be housed in the second level of the Delta Family Center.

DMS construction

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wrapped up and work with the school district to get to a fair resolution ... They will all learn a valuable and somewhat costly lesson.”

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Photo by Pat Sunderland

This student graphic compares the cost of asphalt and concrete for the new parking lot and parent drop-off area.

50J budget FROM PAGE A1 attended a school board work session last week. The 2018-19 budget earmarks $10,000 for each of the 12 traditional school buildings in Delta County, to be used as the law enforcement agency in each community determines. Since his department is already short an officer, Chief Luke Fedler told school board members he would likely use the funding for overtime, to put officers into the schools on their days off. Chief Sanders hopes to secure the backing of the Cedaredge Town Council to fund a full-time school resource officer. “We’re on the same page regarding the prevention of violence in

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the schools, but we’re also on the same page with funding,” he said. Cedaredge elementary, middle and high school students don’t just come from town, he told the school board, so he hopes to secure additional support from Orchard City and Delta County. Funds are also budgeted for panic buttons in the front offices and more secure entrances at every school. The school district is asking law enforcement to make recommendations for entryway improvements for every school building in their jurisdiction. Building design is a big piece of the puzzle, Fedler and Sanders agreed, but locked entryways, surveillance cameras, buzzers and even school resource officers won’t stop someone who’s determined to get into the school. Volunteer patrols and armed teachers were also discussed briefly, but didn’t gain any traction. “We want our parents and our community to feel our students and our staff are in a safe place,” Gibson said. “We just need to step up our efforts.”

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A4 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

ACCENT

Delta County Independent

Carrs celebrate 50 BIRTHS years of marriage Leonel and Cendy Pauline and Marvin ebrate their 50th wedding Carr of Hotchkiss will cel- anniversary at an open house Saturday, June 2, 1 to 3 p.m. at Mountain View Bible Church, 8733 3100 Road, Lazear. The Carrs were married in Fort Collins March 9, 1968. Both are retired teachers and cattle ranchers. They have two children, Marge Carr of Johnston and Chad Carr of Wedding day Pocatello, Idaho, as well as eight grandsons. The community is invited to join the celebration on June 2.

Get your registration forms and all the other information you need on the web site at:

www.mountaintopretreat.com

June 6 – 11 ��

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Justin Frigetto and Kareen Hollenbeck of Montrose are the parents of a son, Cade Frigetto, born May 9, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20.5 inches in length. Jarrod and Evalynn Danielson of Delta are the parents of a son, Sampson Isaiah Danielson, born May 10, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 6 pounds, 2.4 ounces and was 18.25 inches in length.

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Elizaldi of Cedaredge are the parents of a son, Kayden Matteo Elizaldi, born May 7, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was 20.5 inches in length.

Dakota and Julianna Hubbard of Delta are the parents of a son, Calvin Fox Hubbard, born May Pauline and Marvin Carr 10, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds, 0.5 ounce and was 21 inches in length.

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DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT www.deltacountyindependent.com

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Libraries Rock ��

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Delta County Libraries is giving a “Libraries Rock” T-shirt to every kid who completes the 2018 summer reading program. Staff member Sarah Pope is posing here with the teen T-shirt design. Registration for the 2018 program opens Monday, May 21. Register at your local library or online at www. deltalibraries.org.

Photo by Tyler Werner

In 1999, Debbie Werner-Cayou was a single mother with two young children when she joined with volunteers to build her new Habitat for Humanity house in Delta. This year she paid off her mortgage. She is thankful for the home which she describes as “a tremendous blessing to me and my family.” The photo was taken by her son Tyler Werner who was four years old when the family moved into the home. Now he’s an adult who’s interested in photography.

Delta woman grateful for her Habitat for Humanity home BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The year was 1999 and Debbie Werner-Cayou was a single parent living in a small apartment in Delta. She was working fulltime and raising two children. A home of her own seemed a distant goal until her friend, Cheryl Hartter called to tell her about an advertisement she had seen in the DCI. Habitat for Humanity of Delta County was taking applications from local families who were in need of a home. The goal was to identify a family in need of housing then have the prospective homeowner work with volunteers and supporters to build a new home. The new homeowner would be required to invest labor and a down payment and had to agree to make mortgage and insurance payments. Debbie remembers thinking, “They aren’t going to pick me — not for a brand new house.” But her friend was insistent so Debbie applied and she was selected. After working alongside Habitat volunteers she and son Tyler and daughter Chrystal moved in on Aug. 28, 1999. She proudly displays the plaque she received that day. It reads: “May this home be blessed with the laughter of children, the warmth of close family, hope for the future, and fond memories of the

past.” And last Wednesday, in a ceremony at RJ’s Restaurant in Cedaredge, Debbie was honored for her persistence and faithfulness in fulfilling her part of the Habitat bargain. After 19 years she has accomplished every homeowner’s dream: this year she paid off her mortgage. “This house has been a tremendous blessing to me and my family,” she smiled. The Delta County organization is part of Habitat for Humanity International. The organization has been active in Delta County for 19 years. According to its website, Habitat is “a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization. We are dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action.” Perry Holz, owner and broker of Cedaredge Land Company, has been active with the Delta County Habitat of Humanity since the group’s inception in 1994. Holz emphasizes that the work of Habitat is “a hand up not a hand out.” He says helping families obtain housing “creates pride of ownership and a stable place to raise a family” which helps not only the family but also the community.

DHS students honor deceased with mandala A mandala is a tool that can be used to ease through life’s transitions. A mandala on the sidewalk in front of Delta High School helped DHS students come together to support one another and to honor those who have died, including two DHS students who died earlier this year. The project was a collaboration of HopeWest Kids, 4th & Main Exchange and Confluence Gallery. The ceremony began

with a song played by the high school band in honor of Ben and Jon. “This was a great way to set the mood,” said Carrie Bauer, youth coordinator for HopeWest. “Then the students were invited out to add shapes, designs and pictures to the mandala that reminded them of Ben and Jon and other special people in their lives who have died.” Bauer explains that a mandala is an abstract design that is usually circular in form. In fact,

“mandala” is a Sanskrit word that means “circle.” Mandalas are often used to represent wholeness and balance; often people will create a mandala during moments of personal growth. They also can represent positive intentions of those making them — for example, hope, peace, unity, compassion, family and community.

Habitat works with families and volunteers regardless of race or religion and they are in the process of taking applications from Delta County families who are in need of an adequate, affordable home. An informational meeting for interested applicants will be held on Saturday, May 26, at 10 a.m. at the Delta County Board of Realtors office, 724 Main Street in Delta. See the ad on page A10 of this week’s issue for additional information. A copy of the application announcement can be obtained by visiting the organization’s Facebook page: Habitat for Humanity of Delta County, Colorado. For further information or to donate to Habitat email hfhofdelta@gmail. com.

PEOPLE IN THE NEWS James Robert Rice of Delta was one of nearly 1,100 students who are candidates for graduation in three ceremonies at Emporia State University May 11-12. Rice graduated with a master’s degree in physical science with a concentration in earth science.

Camera club show planned Black Canyon Camera Club is hosting its fourth annual show and sale June 8-30 at The Creamery Arts Center, 165 Bridge Street in Hotchkiss. The awards ceremony is June 8 from to 7 p.m. An ice cream social is scheduled June 10 from 2 to 5 p.m. and wine, cheese and chocolate will be featured June 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendance is free. Call 970-260-9913 for more information.

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DHS students expressed their intentions and honored those who have died by adding shapes, designs and pictures to a mandala at Delta High School.

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LOCAL NEWS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Planning commissioners respond to NF concerns BY ANNETTE BRAND Staff Writer

After thanking the public for their comments concerning the Master Plan on May 9, planning commission chair Bob Stechert invited comments from planning commission members. Steve Schrock, District 1, said the public’s comments will be considered in adopting the Master Plan. He said some residents of the county do

support oil and gas development. “There will be no official polls, no votes by the population,” Schrock said. “The people on this commission represent all the people of the county, a broad population base throughout the county.” Layne Brones, District 2, said that in all the meetings the planning commission has held, there was not as much opposition to oil and gas

as there was that night from the North Fork. “We represent the whole county, not part of the county, and must listen to all the people,” Brones said. Angela Mackey, District l, said she was glad those attending tonight shared their concerns. “The planning commission must represent the entire county in connection with oil and gas,” she said. The Master Plan is advisory, a liv-

“Get your black pen out; it’s way longer than it needs to be. Leave what we can expect the county to be, what we are able to do, and don’t put oil and gas in the Master Plan,” he advised. Steve Wolcott, a member of an area planning committee, said if the county puts in zoning, land will increase in value, which will raise taxes. “Minimal regulations are why people live here,” he said. “The beauty of the present land use system is you (as a landowner) can ask the neighbors about the things you as the planning commission asked for in public comment.” Eli Wolcott said, “Some of the issues in the Master Plan threaten my ability to stay here. Prioritize human health and safety over oil and gas. Keep the regulatory burden low for the little guy.” Bob Pennetta of Crawford, a member of an area planning commission, said 18 months of hard work should not go unnoticed. He hopes to see agriculture continue to prosper, and said the impact of proposed land use regulations on existing landowners should be well considered. His concerns also included clean air, water and soil, the effects of global warming, and that water used in the extraction of oil and gas is water lost forever. He said to the Planning Commission, “Your only deadline is the selfimposed deadline.” David Livingston, farmer and the last per-

son to comment, said the timing of the Master Plan is unfortunate, that “we are under siege by oil and gas.” He is concerned that the work of the working groups will not be incorporated in the current proposed Master Plan. He asked the Planning Commission to extend its deadline. The Planning Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, in Room 234 of the Delta County Courthouse to adopt the Master Plan. Moving forward, the planning commission is seeking volunteers to participate in three working groups: contained animal feeding operations, oil and gas, and water development and sustainability across the county. More information can be obtained by contacting Elyse Casselberry, county community and economic development director, at 970-874-2105 or Kelly Yeager, contract planner, at 970-874-2110.

Master Plan FROM PAGE A1 provide more specific buffers, setbacks, etc.; preserve open space; protect wildlife and recreation on public land; and include more specific requirements for land use and energy. The recreation and trails plan (to become a part of the Master Plan) should contain provisions to improve recreation opportunities, hunting, fishing and boating. Allison Elliot said it is necessary for the county to state it will make an effort to work with representatives of public lands in regard to wildlife activity. Javier Izquierdo said, “With all the people here talking about oil and gas, it shows true concern about oil and gas. I was diagnosed with terminal cancer 2 1⁄2 years ago. I have twin boys, four years old, and am concerned about a legacy for them.” He turned and asked for people from Paonia to raise their hands. Almost every person in the audience responded. Sweeping his hand toward the seated Planning Commission members, he asked, “Where is Paonia representation up there?” Roars rose from the audience. There are three members of the Planning Commission who represent District 3: Bob Stechert, Kim Shay and Tony Prendergast. Roger Bentley told the Planning Commission they had done a good job, lots of work, amounting to a 104-page document.

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ing document, and will be reviewed and changed as needs arise, Mackey noted. She asked people to stop being afraid of regulation, assured those present that no one on the planning commission has turned a deaf ear, and assured them the planning commission will continue to protect the county in a logical way. Stechert, District 3, stated the process concerning the Master Plan is required by state law, and the planning commission has followed the requirements of that

state law. Regulation is possible, he said. Stechert suggested those with strong concerns about oil and gas join the oil and gas working group undertaking that subject. Tony Prendergast, District 3, thanked commenters for their thoughtful concerns, and commended them for how much they care. In conjunction with his fellow planning commission members, he noted they will be realistic and judicious concerning oil and gas. He believes

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Essay contest winner

Aylin Bayles, a sixth grade student at Delta Middle School, won second place at the state level in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest, “Why Our Veterans Are America’s Heroes.” On behalf of the Colorado Elks Association, Chery Gordon and Willie Gordon (Delta Elks 1235), presented Aylin with a check for $75, an American ﬂag and a ﬂag pin. Ryan Bond, the teacher who inspired his class to participate in the contest, is also pictured.

consulting the Gunnison County strategic plan regarding oil and gas will be helpful to him. Prendergast said, “The Master Plan won’t be a perfect document, but it will be a living document that can be amended over time.” Tate Locke, District 2, noted that everyone wants protections for their personal concerns — agriculture, water, air, personal property. Protections for those rights are strong throughout the Master Plan, he said. He encouraged those concerned about specific rights to join one of the three working groups being formed. Kim Shay, District 3, said she has always represented the North Fork Valley, along with Bob Stechert and Angela Mackey, as well as representing the entire county. She said, “We will work out solutions we can all work with. We appreciate all your comments and appreciate your help.” Steve Shea, District 1, said, “I took all your comments to heart. I hear your concerns and hope we represent you well.”

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A6 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Making summer memories

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BY ANGELA FEDLER Delta Family Center

al benefits to spending time, building relationships with children? This can be one of the most important pieces of your child’s development and the most inexpensive! By creating a positive relationship with your child, you are building their brain power. It’s that simple. Research has shown that people who have positive relationships in their lives are more likely to have a stronger sense of self, trust in others, and it also creates the ability to regulate our own emotions. Relationships help to shape our intellectual and emotional intelligence according to Louis Cozolino, 2006. So what activities are memorable? First, I would like to say that any activity that involves smiles, positive language,

Do you remember those long summer days that just wouldn’t come as a child? Dreaming of that warm sunshine hitting your knees while you dipped your toes into the pool or creek? As summer sneaks up on each and every one of us we may feel differently as an adult or caregiver. You may be asking yourself what you are going to do with these kids all summer? How in the world are they going to pass the time? With all of these questions rolling through your mind, I want you to think about your earliest memories. Which ones stand out to you? I’m hoping the ones that are the most special are the ones where you remember what activity you did with a parent, grandparent or special someone in your life. These are the memories that last through time. These are the activities that do not require tons of money, HopeWest welcomes even if your teens do not Georgia Rock, senior realize it yet! vice president and execuWhat are the additiontive director of Hospice,

laughing and general silliness is memorable for young and old alike. I understand however, that it could be hard to know what choices could be out there in our communities. Consider getting outside, walk around the park and make a game out of identifying the trees, flowers, or wildlife. Take the observations you find in the great outdoors to the library when it’s too hot and create a snuggly reading and sharing time with your kids. Another idea may be to create a race or bike path for those kids that are on the go. Depending on your child’s age and development level, board and card games are a hit on those long hot days. Allow your children to create their own art materials out of safe recycled paper

and materials. Each summer morning sit with your child for 10 uninterrupted minutes to hear what they have to say. Ask an open ended questions and just let them dream! At the end of the day, our children may not remember the new shoes that were bought, they may not remember all of those gifts we worked so hard to buy, but they will remember the time that was spent with them creating a memory. Keep your bodies active, a big bright smile with positive language that shows the enthusiasm that has been waiting to bubble out. I challenge you to build that brain power as parents and caregivers. Your children will be thankful for the memories!

HopeWest welcomes senior VP, executive director

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who will be joining our senior leadership team in May. Rock has more than 30 years of operational experience in both home health and hospice and will serve as the leader for our organization on topics related to the hospice program. “As we look forward to the future, Rock’s position is key as HopeWest continually experiences growth,” said Christy Whitney Borchard, president and CEO at HopeWest. “Her experience and leadership will set the direction of the hospice program working with our hospice team to achieve common goals as we move to the next phase of our organization.” Rock is coming to HopeWest after a 20-year career at Pathways, a large nonprofit hospice in California. There she served five years as vice president of hospice and more recently as the chief strategy officer. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix and bachelor’s degree in communication disorders from Colorado State University. Rock was recent-

Georgia Rock ly honored by the Silicon Valley with a Women of Influence Award. About HopeWest HopeWest is a non-profit hospice, palliative care and grief support organization dedicated to profoundly change the way the community experiences serious illness, aging and grief — one family at a time. Founded in 1993 through a communitywide vision, HopeWest now serves more than 4,000 individuals each year across 7,000 square miles of western Colorado in Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray and Rio Blanco counties. For more information about HopeWest call 970-241-2212 or visit HopeWestCO.org.

Grief support group meetings begin May 22 Although each per- groups, call 970-248-8844 son’s grief is unique, or email AdultSupport@ those coping with the HopeWestCO.org. 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 Photo submitted attend this group free of charge. Pre-registration is suggested but not required. To register or for more Kim McKinney was information about these recently recognized for ﬁve years of service at Delta County Subscribe to the DCI. Memorial Hospital.

Five-year employee

Call 970-874-4421.

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HEALTH AND FITNESS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Enjoy the sun and reduce your risk of melanoma BY DORINDA ROUCH, MD Grand Mesa Oncology Center

After returning from a beach-based reunion of my college friends a few years ago, I was dutifully “liking” our pictures on Facebook when I noticed a big, dark ugly thing on my chest. Where did that come from? I made an appointment with my dermatologists and the biopsy confirmed melanoma. I knew that melanoma was the most serious type of skin cancer and was the fifth leading cancer in men and sixth in women. But how did this happen? Sun exposure. Intense, intermittent sun exposure, especially early in life, puts a person at risk. Having five or more severe sunburns

before adulthood makes a person twice as likely to develop melanoma. Indoor tanning. A study found that women under 50 who had ever used a tanning bed were 2-6 times more likely to develop a melanoma. Physical traits. Light skin, red or blond hair, blue or green eyes, a tendency to freckle and inability to tan are all associated with a higher risk for melanoma. People with a high number of moles (greater than 25) or a history of atypical/dysplastic moles are at risk. Family history. History of other types of skin cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell cancer of the skin are associated with chronic sun exposure.

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25-year employee

Jeff Richmond congratulates Susan Marshall on 25 years of employment in the radiology department of Delta County Memorial Hospital.

After the biopsy, I saw a surgeon who determined what kind of surgery was needed. The thickness (or depth in the skin) determines what kind of surgery is needed. Thinner melanomas require a smaller area of skin to be excised around the melanoma, whereas thicker ones require more skin to be taken at surgery. Similarly, the depth of the melanoma determines if lymph nodes close to the melanoma need to be sampled to see if the cancer has spread. Thankfully, I did not need lymph nodes sampled. Now that I have had a melanoma, I am at increased risk for developing another one. What should I look for? There are different ways to help identify melanoma, but the most simple use the ABCDE list. A - Asymmetry (if you cut it in half, both halves would look different) B - Border Irregularities C - Color variegation (presence of shades of red, blue, black, gray or white) D - Diameter > 6 mm E - Evolution (a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color) Not all of the ABCDE’s need to be present. In addition, the abnormal lesion could have some redness around it, crusting or bleeding. In addition, melanomas can occur in unusual places

such as the bottom of the cautions, I can decrease enjoying the near 365 foot or in the nail beds. my risk of developing days of sun a year on the Melanoma in the nail another melanoma while Western Slope. beds occurs more commonly in the elderly, African Americans, Asians, �� and Native Americans. �� It can look like a brown to black band most com�� monly in the great toe or �� thumb. �� How can I prevent a melanoma? �� Avoid sunburns. Seek �� shade between 10 a.m. �� and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. �� Wear protective cloth�� ing and generously apply �� a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Avoid intentional tanning and tanning beds. With a few extra pre-

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Take the fitness challenge Bill Heddles Recreation Center is launching a summer fitness challenge with a �� differ� ent theme each month through September. This month, the most workouts/visits qualifies participants for a chance to win a month pass. Pick up a series one challenge sheet from the front desk. Entrants who compete in each series will be entered in a drawing for an annual pass. Call 874-0923 for details.

cleansing cotton, while the oil-absorbing “tail” of the micelles are attracted to dirt and oil and can draw out impurities in the skin. But micellar water is gentler than many surfactants used in cleansers, so it will work without irritation or drying out the skin. That is why it is often marketed as a facial wash, moisturizer and makeup remover all in one. Micellar water is not new. In fact, it has been around and used for more than 100 years, first gaining momentum in France, where it was designed to help Parisians deal with the harsh water in France. When new soaps and lotions were developed through the years, micellar water fell out of favor in different areas of the world. However, it recently has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and is attracting many new fans. According to dermatologist and Simple® brand skincare expert Dr. Debra

Luftman, micellar water is safe for all skin types and is designed to be used without having to wash off the product afterward. It may not work well on waterproof mascara or other stubborn eye makeup, and people with oily skin may find it isn’t thorough at removing all oil. Micelle tails can only

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hold on to so much grime; therefore, it may take a few fresh passes to get skin extra clean. Earlier incarnations of micellar water were only available in France, but manufacturers elsewhere have jumped on the craze. Micellar water can now be found in many retail shops as well as online.

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Sandra Bettes was recently recognized for 10 years of service at Delta County Memorial Hospital.

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Call Randy Crespin at 874-4421.

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Is micellar water worth the hype?

Micellar water is an increasingly popular beauty trend that many are touting as a potential replacement for cleaning and moisturizing supplies. Those who are unfamiliar with micellar water may wonder how it can revamp their wellness routines. Chemistry at the Root of Micelles The story behind micellar water begins with a cursory lesson in chemistry. Micelles are chemical structures that contain both hydrophilic and hydrophobic structures. Hydrophilic parts will mix in with water and hydrophobic repel water and are also lipophilic, meaning they like to absorb oils. Micelles form when there is an ideal temperature in the medium. In the case of micellar water, this is the water itself and a certain concentration of electrolytes, referred to as the critical micelle concentration. According to the beauty science resource Lab Muffin, a micelle is essentially a ball-shaped cluster of a bunch of surfactant molecules. Surfactants are the important ingredients in soaps, detergents, and shampoos. They help make oils and makeups soluble in water. What Do Micelles Do? Micellar water has the viscosity of water and it looks like water. But when feeling micellar water, people can tell that it feels softer and has a different texture than water. The idea is that water-loving “head” of the micelle will adhere to the water and

Check out the DCI Print Shop for all your printing needs.

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A8 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

“Criss” Roberts

Delta resident Lucretia “Criss” Roberts died May 8, 2018, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction. She was 77. Viewing begins at 9 a.m., and funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 19, at Taylor Funeral Chapel in Delta. Interment at Delta City Cemetery will follow. She was born on May 17, 1940, to Rufus and Georgia (McGee) Sisson in Cloud Creek territory in Oklahoma. She spent her first 10 years of her life in Colcord, Okla., and then moved to Hotchkiss. She graduated from Hotchkiss High School. On Dec. 31, 1956, she married David Roberts Sr. in Hotchkiss. They lived in Nucla for two years before moving to Alaska. They lived in Birchwood, Alaska, for four years then moved to Eagle River, where he worked for the Alaska Railroad and Mrs. Roberts worked for MTA. In 1983 they retired and moved to Delta. They shared 50 years of marriage before his death. Mrs. Roberts enjoyed gardening, canning, going to yard sales, collecting antiques and spending time with her family. She is survived by her children, Jackie (Ken) Sawyer of Anchorage, Alaska, and David (Sandra) Roberts Jr. of Wasilla, Alaska; four granddaughters, Kayla, Megan, Alyssa and Cassie; brother, John Sisson of Paonia; and sister, Nancy Pitt Cockroft of Hotchkiss. She was preceded in death by her husband, David Sr.; two sisters; and eight brothers. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Berta Linkletter

Longtime Delta resident Berta Linkletter died May 13, 2018, at Montrose Memorial Hospital. She was 91. At her request, no services will be held. Inurnment will take place in Delta City Cemetery. Berta Swisher was born on March 1, 1927,

OBITUARIES to Ray and Velma (Williams) Swisher in Deerfield, Kan. Her family moved to Delta when she was five, and she graduated from Delta High School in 1945. On Aug. 13, 1945, she married Jack Linkletter in Whidbey Island, Wash. He preceded her in death on Nov. 19, 2005, in Paonia. Mrs. Linkletter enjoyed knitting, crocheting, her home and her family. She is survived by her daughters, Sandra Reim and Susan (Don) Likens of Delta; three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Linkletter; and a grandson, Bryan Reim. Memorial contributions may be made to Delta County Search and Rescue, 555 Palmer St., Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Jayne Countryman

Cedaredge resident Jayne Countryman died May 7, 2018, at Delta County Memorial Hospital. She was 62. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 17, at Cedaredge United Methodist Church. Jayne Alice Richstatter was born Jan. 30, 1956, to William and Karoline (Poos) Richstatter in Halstead, Kan. She spent her childhood and attended school in Halstead. On Sept. 30, 1986, she married Stephen Countryman in Cedaredge. They moved back and forth from Kansas to Colorado before finally settling in Cedaredge seven years ago. Mrs. Countryman was a member of the Cedaredge United Methodist Church. She enjoyed painting tiles, stamping greeting cards, camping, traveling and going to cruises with her husband. They cruised to Alaska, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Hawaii. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Stephen Countryman; son, Michael (Julie Brown) Antonio; grandchildren, Josef and Mahlorie Antonio; sister, Kathy (Pat) Richstatter; brother, Jonathan (Juanita) Richstatter; step-children, Tammy Dossey, Robin Whitson and Troy Countryman; and four greatgrandchildren, Conrad and Leanna Antonio and Marcellus and Thelonious Parker. She was preceded in death by her parents and

her brother, Larry. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

Fred Heinze

A celebration of life memorial for Edwin “Fred” Heinze will be held Friday, May 18, at 6 p.m. at the arbor in Confluence Park, Delta. A potluck will follow. All friends and family are welcome.

Clayton Sorensen

Clayton D. Sorensen died March 13, 2018, at the age of 54. A celebration of life will be held in the Paonia Town Park Sunday, May 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mr. Sorensen is survived by three children, Eliya and Ariana of Gunnison and Kai Morgan of Cedaredge; his mother, Willa Sorensen; stepfather, Bud VanDenBerg; a brother, James Sorensen; best friends, Brian Owens and Jeff Carpenter and fiancée, Theresa Pekron of Arvada; and extended family. Memorial donations may be made to the chairty of one’s choice. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is handling the arrangements. Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com.

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ers. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory is han-

Visit the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice. com.

Sidney L. Christian June 29, 1926 ~ May 12, 2018 Longtime North Fork resident, Sidney L. (Sid) Christian, passed away on Saturday, May 12, 2018, at the Paonia Care Center. He was 91 years old. A memorial service will take place at 2 p.m., on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the Hotchkiss Elks Lodge. Private family graveside services were held at the Riverside Cemetery, Hotchkiss, Colo. Cremation has taken place. Sidney L. Christian was born on June 29, 1926, to Ralph T. and Mildred (Reigles) Christian in Hotchkiss, Colo., and grew up in Crawford. Sid did not graduate with his high school class but later earned his GED. He served in the Navy during WWII aboard the USS Missouri and witnessed the surrender of Japan aboard the ship. On June 6, 1949, Sid married the love of his life, Peggy J. Jardon, in Delta, Colo. This June of this year Sid and Peggy would have celebrated

69 years of marriage. Sid worked for the State of Colorado Dept. of Transportation in Grand Junction and Hotchkiss as a senior maintenance man until his retirement. He enjoyed his family, playing golf, hunting, and fishing. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Homer, a sister Marie, a daughter-inlaw Kelly Ann, and a grandson Ryan. Among his survivors are his wife Peggy Christian; three sons, Roger and David of Hotchkiss, Larry (Kelly) Christian of Rangely; eight grandchildren, Megan Dil-

lon (Martin) of Conifer, Lindee (Shon) Cantrell of Hotchkiss, Joseph Christian (Becky) of Hotchkiss, Clay Christian (Kayla) of Carson, Wash., Jordan Christian of Carson, Wash., Cody Christian of Grand Junction, Cory Christian (Mykell) of Grand Junction, and Sean Christian (Alysce) of Fort Collins; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, Sid and Mitch Dillon of Conifer, Marissa and Jared Cantrell of Hotchkiss, Joseph Jr. of Hotchkiss, David, Marlea and Tyler of Carson, Wash., Aydan, Taylor Gavyn and Cooper of Grand Junction, and Connor of Fort Collins. Memorial contributions may be made to HopeWest, PO Box 24, Delta, CO 81416. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. View the internet obituary and sign the online guest registry at www. taylorfuneralservice.com. Paid obituary

Colorado State Patrol tips By Trooper Evan Hilling

Dale Kuhn

Dale William Kuhn of Delta died May 12, 2018, at HopeWest Hospice in Grand Junction. He was 88. Visitation was held May 15 at Taylor Funeral Service Chapel in Delta. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 16, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church in Delta, with Pastor Greg Teel officiating. Mr. Kuhn was born March 3, 1930, in Aurora, Kan., to Bryan and Sylvia (VanLaningham) Kuhn. He spent his childhood in several different states. On May 13, 1950, he married Dorothy White in Atwood, Kan. They moved to Delta in 1952 and shared 46 years of marriage before her death. Mr. Kuhn attended Calvary Baptist Church. He enjoyed woodworking, fishing, playing horseshoes and taking care of his garden, especially his roses. He is survived by three sons, Gary (Barbara) Kuhn of Holcomb, Kan., Jerry (Cheryl) Kuhn of Aztec, N.M., and Danny (Verna) Kuhn of Delta; one brother, Valore Kuhn of Arizona; one sister, Jackie Spence of Delta;

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eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; daughter, Cindi; son,

Kenneth; and four broth- dling the arrangements.

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Delta County Independent

Wildfire. Just the sound of the word spikes the heart rate and dries the mouth. And in Colorado this summer, there is a reasonable assumption that we may be hearing the word far more often than we want. It will be a hot, dry summer to be sure — after a second, warmerthan-usual winter, the state’s snowpack level is just 68 percent of average. Moreover, many experts are predicting a worse fire season than the state experienced in 2012 and 2013 — the worst two years on record. As a motorist in Colorado, you have more than a moral duty to protect the state’s resources — you have a legal obligation to do so, as well. And the Colorado State Patrol is making it clear — zero tolerance for any behaviors that could spark wildfires. Whether the behavior is negligent or intentional, motorists will be held accountable. Already this year, our neck of the woods has seen numerous brush

fires adjacent to public roadways and near homes. Officially, the U.S. Drought Monitor has Southwest Colorado listed as a D4, or Exceptional, on a scale from 0 to 4. In June of last year, the Lightner Creek Fire began northwest of Durango and eventually forced the evacuation of 170 residents. In all, more than 170 personnel were used to fight the fire. CSP wants to remind motorists that wildfires can be avoided – simply by knowing the illegal and unsafe practices that many practice routinely. Among them: • Tossing a cigarette or cigar — or even tapping the ashes out the window of a moving vehicle is a violation of state law. You will be charged. • You may not possess, sell or use some fireworks. Know what they are. Don’t do it. • Do not start a fire where fires are not permitted. If you do, you’ll receive an automatic summons to court to see the judge.

Even those fires that appear to be well-contained, like campfires, can easily and quickly get out of control. Be mindful of fire bans — where and when they are in place. Low fuel moisture levels, windy conditions, high temperatures and hilly terrain can all contribute to fires getting out of control quickly. CSP also wants to remind motorists of other laws that help protect our responders and resources: • Always yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle. • Do not follow emergency vehicles, especially fire trucks. • Do not drive over a fire hose. • Do not park in front of a fire hydrant. These are laws ... with fines and penalties associated with them. And more than that, they are simply common sense practices. We all face a challenging summer this year here in Colorado. Let’s do our part to keep it safe, beautiful and bountiful.

Rainbow trout restoration spawns national interest A news crew from CBS This Morning spent nearly two days last week documenting the local fishing industry and highlighting efforts to restore native rainbow trout in the Black Canyon. Their piece is set to air later this month. Each year anglers from around the globe come to wrap their fingers around a brilliant rainbow trout from the cool, gentle flow of the Gunnison River. To preserve the trout’s ecosystem and keep the Gold Medal fishing waters of the river a destination, biologists and researchers with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) have been combating the devastating whirling disease, a fatal illness so severe that rainbow trout can no longer reproduce in significant numbers on their own. Now, they believe they

may have turned a corner in that fight. The CBS News crew, featuring veteran on-air journalist Barry Petersen, observed a Colorado Parks and Wildlife team catching and milking rainbow trout in the Black Canyon on May 8. The team arrived Monday and spent two days meeting local anglers, commercial guides and outfitters. Whirling disease is carried by a parasite, and is non-native as is their host, the rainbow trout. The fish was introduced during the 19th-century mining boom by settlers as a food source; the parasite’s journey began in Europe and wasn’t detected in Colorado until the 1990s. Researchers found a small group of fish in the Black Canyon that had built a natural resistance to the disease. This immunity led to genetic

testing where biologists could then breed more rainbow trout for stocking. This work pays dividends through local fishing tourism. Each year Colorado Parks and Wildlife spends millions to preserve fish habitats for the state’s multi-billion-dollar fishing industry. The CPW team captures spawning wild female rainbow trout, safely removes their eggs and fertilizes them with male rainbow trout. Those eggs are then taken to area hatcheries to be grown and stocked in other rivers in the state. By using hatcheries, the fish can be raised in water that is free of diseases like whirling. By rebuilding this population, biologists hope the rainbow trout can reproduce naturally with immunity from the whirling disease.

Delta County Independent

ACTIVITIES

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

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BY KELLEY ANN WALSH CU MFA Student/Dance

CU Boulder dance students will return to Paonia this month to lead dance outreach workshops and a public performance. CU Contemporary Dance Works will perform “Diversiform: An Evening of Dance,” at the Blue Sage Center for the Arts on Friday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. “Diversiform” will explore storytelling and connection through contemporary, improvisation, tap and transnational dance. In addition, the graduate student dance troupe, which goes on tour each

Hubwheelers host dance on May 19 The Delta Hubwheelers Square Dance Club is hosting a dance at Bill Heddles Recreation Center Saturday, May 19. Delta Hub Wheelers dance on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Dances are Mainstream with Plus tips and run from 7 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 835-3771.

Anglers plan social gathering Gunnison Gorge Anglers will be holding a social gathering beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 17, at 2 Rascals Brewing, 147 N. 1st Street, Montrose. Come on out, watch some fishing videos, swap some fish tales, and get your name in the hat for a drawing for a raft trip! All are welcome! You don’t need to be a member of GGA, a fly fisherperson, or even a fisher for that matter; all you need is an interest in and love of the incredible and varied waters in our area and an interest in spending an evening with your like-minded neighbors.

Fly tyers gather monthly Gunnison Gorge Anglers Thirsty Thursday Tyers Table will hold an open tying night from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at the Welcome Home Alliance for Veterans Warrior Resource Center, 4 Hillcrest Plaza Way, Montrose. The fly du jour for this session will be a cased caddis. Tyers of all experience levels are welcome to attend, as are those who are just curious about fly tying and/or contemplating learning to tie. Tyers have a choice to bring their own materials to tie their favorite cased caddis pattern, or for $5 a tyer can purchase enough materials to tie five flies. Come on out for a fun evening of twisting thread.

May to Colorado communities underserved by the arts, will teach dance workshops in local schools and offer community dance classes for children, adults and teachers from May 1418 at Blue Sage, located at 228 Grand Avenue in Paonia. The classes and performance support the center in providing a variety of art opportunities to North Fork Valley residents. Nada Diachenko founded the touring group in 1990 to bring dance to areas of the state with limited access to the arts, build awareness of dance as an art form to youth and provide additional performance opportunities for CU Boulder graduate dance students. Nearly 30 years later, Diachenko continues to serve as the program’s advisor. Since 1990, the dance troupe has served more than 20,000 people, and is CU Boulder’s longest running outreach program. In the past, CU Contemporary Dance Works went on multi-city tours as part of CU This Summer. Now, the company focuses on weeklong residencies in just one community, which they return to for three to five years in order to build relationships and strengthen community partnerships.

2018 marks the fifth year that the dance company is partnering with Paonia community organizations. For Bonnie Cox, a graduate student in dance and tour director, returning to Paonia for the past few years has created a bond with the community and members of the company. “It is amazing to have the opportunity to get on the ground floor and help Paonia students and the community understand the value of dance in bringing people together through an artistic medium,” Cox said. “This year we are getting into the students core classrooms and using dance to help them deepen their understanding of what they

learn everyday.” The program is partially funded through a CU Boulder Outreach Award, which helps connect faculty research, teaching or creative work to communities. Tickets for the “Diversiform” are $10, which will be collected at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Blue Sage. To find out more about the performance or the community classes, contact Matthew Hirschinger at asstmanager@bluesage. org. To find out more about the CU Contemporary Dance Works outreach program contact Peg Posnick, theatre and dance outreach coordinator.

‘Trumpet & Friends’ benefits arts coalition

Trumpeter Richard Weldon and Friends will present a concert Thursday, May 24, to raise funds for the Arts Coalition of Delta County. The concert will be held at 7 p.m. at the Delta Center for Performing Arts, 822 Grand Avenue. The performance will feature Weldon and a former student, Lindsey Lewis from the Cedaredge area, plus several accompanists. The program will include

a variety of music and styles showcasing the versatility of the trumpet. As a fundraiser concert, ticket prices have been set low to attract a large audience. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and will be available at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Arts Coalition of Delta County (AC/DC), a nonprofit organization that supports all the arts in Delta County.

Woman in the Middle: Life, loves and music of Clara Schumann Acclaimed pianist and actress Karolina Syrovatkova will be performing in two concerts: at the Montrose Pavilion on Thursday, May 17, at 7:30, and at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Grand Junction on Fri-

If you are a concert aficionado, you will know that the confluence of composer Robert Schumann, his wife, Clara, a leading pianist of her time, and his disciple Johannes Brahms represents one of the great love triangles of classical music. Czech pianist Karolina Syrovatkova, who has a background in acting, will appear as Clara Schumann. One of the finest pianists of the 19th century and a distinguished composer in her own right, Clara was also the love of the life of her husband Robert, and almost certainly (after Robert had succumbed to madness) the love of the life of Brahms as well, and her love stories with these two men are in a way as beautiful as the music they inspired. Dr. Karolina Syrovatkova Syrovatkova will share some of this beauty, both by her dramatic rendition of Clara’s life, and by a performance of some of the most loved music of these two composers. Seating is limited! Call Hazel Miller Band force of nature!” quotes is coming to Montrose the Rocky Mountain 970-241-4579 for more Thursday, May 24, for a News. Her voice has been information. fundraiser concert to ben- called “stunning, movefit Senior CommUnity ing and powerful.” Miller Care PACE’s wish grant- has been a sought-after ing and outdoor adven- performer in Colorado for ture programs. Donny the past three decades. Morales and the D&G She has performed for all Railroad Band opens. the Denver major league Hazel Miller Band per- sports teams. Miller and The Delta County forms an eclectic blend of her band was voted “Best Rock, Gem and Mineral jazz, R&B, blues, gospel R&B” band for 2017 by Show will be held SaturWestword magazine. and original music. day, June 2, from 9 a.m. Purchase tickets online to 5 p.m. at Bill HedThe concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Montrose at ageoutloud.voa.org or dles Recreation Center. Pavilion. Doors open at visit the PACE centers Admission is free to the in Montrose and Eckert. public, and children and 5:30 p.m. Hazel Miller is not just Call 970-417-5670 for adults of all ages are wela great singer; “She is a questions or assistance. come. day, May 18, at 7:30. Tickets are available online at www.JunctionConcerts. com, the Montrose Pavilion, and also by calling 970-241-4579. All seats are reserved, and start at $9 in advance and $12 at the door for adults.

Concert benefits PACE programs

Rock, gem show set for June 2

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A10 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

SCHOOL

Delta County Independent

Ag, science, JROTC students pitch in to beautify DHS campus BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

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Ag, science and JROTC students are combining their efforts to beautify the campus of Delta High School. Along the way, they’re learning new skills, discovering career possibilities, and applying their math lessons to real-life problems. Progress can be monitored from Pioneer Road. Those passing by may have seen students positioning rocks around the once-stagnant pond. The water that fills that pond is runoff from practice fields, the parking lot and perhaps even the school roof. To facilitate drainage, JROTC cadets constructed a “rock river” with curved concrete along the edge. Every rock was separately lifted into place, and the concrete was mixed and poured by the students. They continued placing rocks around the edge of the pond, to eliminate the mud they used to track into their classroom. At a service learning briefing, Col. Matt Clark explained the pond has long been used as an obstacle by cadets, who have learned teamwork and leadership by ferrying each other across the water using a rope bridge. Some cadets have fallen into the pond, and there have been some intentional dunkings, but even those who stay dry come away with mud-covered boots. So they have planned landing docks, to keep them away from the muddy edges of the pond. “If we reduce the mud on our shoes, that will make the janitors extremely happy, so there’s multiple benefits to all of this,” Col. Clark said. The rock-lined bank and the landing docks will also make it easier for biology students to pull water samples. The JROTC cadets designed the docks so they extend out a few feet from the water’s edge. During construction, students have learned how to use tools — including a basic shovel — safely and efficiently. Logistics are also critical, as the cadet battalion leadership class determines how to make arrangements for large boulders to be delivered to the site. The Colorado Department of Transportation donated the extremely large boulders

Photo submitted

Stevie Butler, Josh Reeder, Trevor Myers, Trevor Ledesma and Justin Hanning mount optimizers that will increase solar production at DHS by over 15 percent. to the project; the only catch is, the school has to arrange transportation from CDOT’s Cedaredge shop. The leadership class is working out arrangements with the Montrose unit of the National Guard, which has the equipment to get the job done. Cadets are also figuring out how to move some smaller rocks donated by private property owners. The ag class is working hard to complete a gazebo/pergola before the end of the school year. All the students involved in the project took a field trip to Delta Metals south of Delta to discuss their plans with designer Mike Lahoe. He took their rough sketch and with a computer program, came up with job specifications and a materials list. Students got a firsthand look at job opportunities in the construction industry,

and Delta Metals ended up donating the trusses for the project. When completed, the 10x15-foot shade structure will provide seating and USB charger ports powered by rooftop solar panels. A larger solar array is nearing the final stages of installation. The eight panels will provide up to 2.8Kw for the science building at DHS, which will reduce reliance on the electric grid. Eventually, the students in Ben Graves’ science class will have an opportunity to gain solar installation technician certification through a collaborative program with Solar Energy International. Graves also works with the biology students who have plans to beautify the area around the pond and improve the habitat for fish, minnows, frogs,

crayfish and plant life. As part of their research, they looked for solutions to the algae that blooms in the pond every year. They decided on an aerator powered by a small solar array. From there, the idea grew into the larger solar array that will be enclosed in a chainlink fence when it’s completed. A NOAA Planet Stewardship Grant funded most of the capital cost. The Colorado Education Initiative, which provides money for some AP programs at DHS, kicked in to help finish off the capital costs. The school district did the trenching and machinery work, and 50J electrician John Doran, now retired, offered his expertise. SEI has provided ongoing technical advice. Again, students are learning about possible careers in the electrical and solar fields. “It’s an exciting time,” said Graves. “Delta is one of the sunniest places in the state, and I think we’re going to see a lot of development in the solar industry.” Even if students don’t pursue careers in the solar, electrical or construction trades, they’re picking up skills that can be used on the farm or at home. With just a couple of weeks of school left, the focus now is on handing the beautification project off to underclassmen. “We hope we end at a good spot this school year,” said Melanie Osteen, a senior, “so our classmates can pick up where we left off.”

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Service learning is a major component of the JROTC program at Delta High School. These cadets are working with ag and science students to create an outdoor learning center and beautify the area around a once-stagnant pond.

Garnet Mesa’s Terriﬁc Kids

Photos submitted

The following Garnet Mesa students earned a Terriﬁc Kid Award from the Kiwanis Club of Delta for their efforts to be a responsible citizen and student. Pictured above are kindergarten and ﬁrst grade students Xander Murray, Gabriel Nieto, Aylin Rodriguez, Ivee Rodriguez, Jaidyn Ortega, Amihya Azevedo, Landon Hamilton. Below are second graders (back row) Natalia Ramirez, Ruben Duran, Anthoney Santos, Solomon Peter; (front row) Damyen Westwood, Hailey Kelly, Lily Gallegos and Bella Siennicki.

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“Where Beautiful Gardens Begin”

NORTH FORK May 16, 2018

TIMES

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Stock dog competition was ‘exceptional’ BY PAT SUNDERLAND Managing Editor

Handlers traveled from California, Utah, Montana, Arizona, Texas, Wyoming, North Dakota and other parts of the state to take part in the 15th annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials. Over three days of competition, the handlers worked with the dogs to herd small groups of sheep through a course laid out in a pasture owned by the Hotchkiss family. Competition was exceptional this year with a number of dogs in each class vying for the top spot. The event was judged by Bill Orr of Virginia, who commented that Hotchkiss hosts the best “little” trial in the west. “The town, the hosts, the scenery and especially the sheep are fantastic,” he noted in the program. Competition took place just south of the downtown area, providing easy access to the other events in town — an open house at the North Fork Ambulance Association’s new training facility, the ARBAsanctioned rabbit show at Heritage Hall, the Ute Trails Car Club show at Zach’s and some of the many, many yard sales waiting to be explored. First State Bank of Colorado hosted a customer appreciation lunch on Friday, and Bank of Colorado served lunch at the NFAA open house on Saturday. At the event site, a sheep camp wagon was displayed, vendors were selling food and beverages, San Juan Weavers Guild provided spinning dem-

onstrations, and Dan Toothaker drew a crowd with his sheep shearing demonstrations. Les Mergelman announced the event for the 15th year. He shared a lot of information about the working stock dogs, information that was enhanced by a demonstration where the judge explained how points are assigned to each team. Jess Deegan, who tracked the scores for the event, said he takes every opportunity to watch the “happy” dogs do what is in their genes — herd animals. “It’s truly amazing!” he said. “As a person who appreciates the unique environment in which we live, this event could be described as a picnic with quiet entertainment illustrating how well your dog could behave! It’s a great family outing!” Although the weather was a bit windy, especially on Saturday, the sun shone brightly and the trials were well attended. Gordon and Cheryl Hebenstreit, who head the dog trial committee, expressed their appreciation to all who attended this year’s competition and the volunteers who helped make the event a great success. They added that Richard Bailey, founder of the trials, had an unfortunate accident while moving the sheep wagon to the grounds. He was unable to run his dogs because of a broken ankle but was there in full support of everyone. It was the first time in 15 years that he was able to actually watch the trial, they noted.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

At Heritage Hall, youth and adults showed rabbits in an event hosted by the Western Colorado Rabbit Breeders Association.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

Joni Tietjen and Star placed ﬁrst in the open run Saturday, racking up an impressive 95 points (out of 100) and leaving 2:06 on the clock as Star successfully maneuvered four sheep through the course at the 15th annual Hotchkiss Sheep Camp Stock Dog Trials. Tietjen brought several dogs from Wyoming, and with Ben placed ﬁrst overall in combined total score.

Paonia creative district awarded signage grant BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition was recently awarded a $10,000 grant from Colorado Creative Industries’ Creative District Technical Assistance program to develop a “Signage and Wayfinding” master plan for the creative district and the Town of Paonia. Many towns around the state are suffering economically simply because they are not getting noticed well enough to bring visitors in, said creative coalition representative Elaine Brett. CCI and the state Office of Economic Development are encouraging the use of signage to bring attention and visitors into communities. The coalition will use the grant to hire C+B Design, LLC, of Henderson, Colo., to facilitate the planning process. C+B Design has done extensive work in other cities and communities, including creative coalition “sister cities” Ridgway and Trinidad, as well as Crestone and Ignacio. The master plan will include a comprehensive inventory of existing signs in and around

Photo by Tamie Meck

A sign made during a convention of pinstripe artists last October at Wisehart Springs beckons the public to enjoy the fruits of Paonia. The North Fork Valley Creative Coalition was recently awarded a grant to create a signage master plan that would guide visitors into town and to the various sites and amenities. A week of public events will kick off the planning process. Paonia. A team evaluated the communities located along the West Elk Loops Scenic Byway for how easy it is to find its way around the town and locate historic and other landmarks, explained Brett. In looking at Paonia, the team said the

NFVCC “has an excellent website, although cell service is intermittent and visitors information in short supply.” The team found most of the notable features “by randomly driving through town.” The downtown area has a lot to PAONIA SIGNAGE TO B2

Paonia considering Friday town hall closure, new hires BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

In what administration is calling an effort to improve customer service and allow the town clerk and finance officer to get their work done, the Paonia board of trustees will consider at the May 22 meeting the hiring of a parttime clerk and closing of Town Hall on Fridays. The two changes were suggested at the May 8 board meeting by the Finance and Personnel committee. Both items, neither of which was on the agenda, were being considered for a vote, but were tabled after trustee Barry Pennell suggested that in the name of transparency, the public be allowed to consider the changes. “I do think there needs to be a period where we inform the public,” said Pennell. Committee members Karen Budinger and Chelsea Bookout suggested the new hire could answer phones and greet the public. That person could also cross-train, allowing the clerk and finance officer to get their work done and have their jobs covered when they take time off. Funding for the position would come from the one-percent in-town sales tax increase recently approved by voters and scheduled to go into effect July 1.

“This position, and closing on Fridays, would be extraordinarily helpful to the staff and I think it would ultimately improve customer service,” said administrator Ken Knight. While they shouldn’t, town clerk Corinne Ferguson and finance officer Cindy Jones perform work “that never gets claimed” in order to keep up with demand, said Knight. That demand increases at specific times including election and audit seasons. Every other Friday is already spent preparing for board meetings. Closing the office would allow for staff to perform those and other duties without interruption, said Knight. Mayor Charles Stewart said that while he understands this is “a very real problem,” he has concerns about closing the office to the public. “The public’s business doesn’t stop on Fridays,” he said. “There’s a very reasonable expectation from the public that on a business day ... that the town’s not going to be closed to the public.” Pennell agreed, adding that hiring another staff member and closing the office a day a week may not sit well with the public. Trustee Bear asked, with the board recently having to search for $500 to cover purchase of a lawnmower that

went over budget, how the town can afford an additional staff member? Knight said that a parttime staff member is in the budget and has been working since last year. Ferguson said that while it has helped to have a parttime staff member to greet the public and answer phones, “it doesn’t solve the problem.” Bookout suggested that board members spend three or four hours or so in the office to understand the depth of the problem. “We shouldn’t make a decision until we have a clear understanding of what it is that they’re talking about,” said Bookout. The board will also consider using new sales tax revenues to shore up pay scales for employees whose salary levels fall below accepted ranges for their positions. They will also consider approval of a fourth fulltime police officer. The police department currently employs three full-time officers and one part-time officer. The move “would greatly benefit this department,” said Knight. When officers take vacations or attend court, “We are dramatically understaffed.” Police Chief Neil Ferguson said that when he first joined the department 10 years ago, it had five full-time employees NEW HIRES TO B2

Simple fun

Photo by Tamie Meck

Children with the Avalon After School Program in Paonia dip their feet in the chilly waters of the irrigation ditch at Paonia Town Park after school on Monday, May 14.

B2 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Paonia signage FROM PAGE B1 offer, but no signage at the entrances to town that mention them, aside from an “aging state historical sign planted in a weedy turnaround” at the north entrance to town. Their conclusion: “This fine downtown needs a more positive entry.” “What we’re proposing to do is provide a more positive entry,” as well as signs in and around town that point people to the Paonia creative district, said Brett. The Delta County Board of County Commissioners has pledged a $2,500 match toward the grant. In its letter of support the BoCC states that “Delta County has experienced positive economic growth due to strategic investments in broadband, an increase in the creative industries and a focus on business.” The creative district will kick off the planning process with a community-wide “Design Week” charette from May 30June 5, in the communi-

ty room at Paonia Town Hall. They invite all interested parties and stakeholders to participate in the process. “People are discovering Paonia,” said Brett. With the real estate market booming and more and more visitors coming to the area, all indications are that this is going to be a very busy summer. “We want people to be a part of this so that the signage reflects the nature and what matters most to this community.” The schedule of events is as follows: Wednesday, May 30, 12-5 p.m. — “Neighbors are Designers community conversation.

New hires FROM PAGE B1 and was increased to six for about two years. In 2015 the department was reduced to three officers, and a part-time position was added in 2016. Funding would come

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from existing General Fund revenues and would not use any of the new sales tax dollars, said Knight. The 2018 budget allows for three full-time officers and one part-time officer. The Delta County School District is also discussing the placement of a School Resource Officer (SRO) in each of its schools beginning next fall. If that is approved, said Knight, one officer would potentially be assigned as an SRO during the nine-month school year and would function as a town officer during the busy summer months. The district is considering budgeting $10,000 per school, to be used at the discretion of each police department. With so many staffing and budgetary issues at stake, town treasurer Ross King suggested that the town address all of them at a public work session.

Park gateway

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is seeking a citizen resident to serve on the town Planning and Zoning Commission. The town is also seeking letters of interest for a tree board member. Deadline for submitting letters of interest or volunteer interest forms, available on the town website under the “Government” tab, is May 16, with appointments to be made at the May 22 board meeting. Applicants for the commission must reside within town limits; tree board applicants do not need to reside within town limits. Call 527-4101 for more information.

Photos by Tamie Meck

A new sign was recently installed by metal artist Ira Houseweart at Paonia Town Park as part of the re-design of the park entrance and miner‘s statue area. Houseweart created the sign in the same style as the Paonia River Park sign and the newly installed sign on Grand Avenue near the North Fork River marking the entrance to Paonia River Park and the Paonia and Bowie Museums. Concrete work at the Miner’s Statue area is scheduled to begin in early June.

Changes coming for Pioneer Days parade BY RANDY SUNDERLAND General Manager

The first order of business for the Crawford Town Council on May 2 was to administer the oath of office to Mike Tiedeman. He was not present at the April meeting when Chris Johnson, Ralph Clark and Jessica Hart were sworn in following the municipal election. At the May 2 meeting, Mayor Wanda Gofforth announced that the top three vote getters in the election — Tiedeman, Johnson and Clark — would serve four-year terms, ending in 2022. Hart will serve a twoyear term, with her term ending in 2020. Collenette Vervloet with the Crawford Cham-

Paonia seeks P&Z, tree board �� applicants Vendors The Town of Paonia ��

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5-7 p.m. — Community workshop. Thursday and Friday, May 31-June 1, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. — Research and information gathering. Drop in and provide input and direction for new signage. Saturday, June 2, 9-11 a.m. — pancake breakfast and design check-in. Enjoy breakfast and see some of the preliminary design ideas. Sunday, June 3, 9-11 a.m. and Monday, June 4, 9 a.m-7 p.m. — preliminary design refinements. Stop by and say hello! Tuesday, June 5, 5 p.m. — design presentation; 5:30-7 p.m. — open house.

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. The Pioneer Days celebrate runs June 7 10. 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. For more information contact Donna Cochran at 921-3706, or online at crawfordpioneerdays. weebly.com.

ber of Commerce, offered an update on preparations for this year’s Pioneer Days. Preparations for the event, set for June 7-10, have included significant planning for changes in the parade lineup, route and parking. According to instructions on the parade entry, parade registration will be at the Crawford Montessori School between 8 and 9:30 a.m. The parade begins at 10 a.m. All participants need to go to the registration tent first and get their parade position. The parade route will remain the same, ending at Highway 92 and H Street. Due to traffic and safety concerns, the return route will go along Elm Street (north of town hall) and back to the starting point. It is important to note that no parade participants will be allowed to use Cedar Avenue. Parking restrictions are planned along one side of Cedar Avenue. Signs noting the restrictions have been ordered, and the town will assist in putting them up for the event. A letter will be mailed to residents along Cedar Avenue. informing them of the plan. Many roads will be marked for one way traffic for before, during and after the parade, including Cottonwood, Elm and Fir. The theme for this year’s parade is “There’s No Place Like Home.” Preregister by downloading the entry form online at https://craw fordpioneerdays.weebly.

com/ and looking under “Events.” A schedule for the four days of activities is also online. The town council also approved a Momerandum of Understanding with the Technical College of the Rockies regarding the Crawford Community Kitchen, located at the town hall. The MOA, according to Mayor Gofforth, would make the kitchen available, for a fee, to culinary students and participants in the school district’s Engage program. It would not cost the town anything, and would benefit the town by making more people aware of the facility. The council also approved a variance for Gil Saunders to transfer water and sewer taps to an adjacent property. His son is developing the property for his residence. They have worked with public works director Bruce Bair to plan for the utility access, and understand the town’s requirements for setting a trailer up as a residence. Under old business, the council took no action to amend a 10year agreement with the Crawford Cemetery, allowing the cemetery to use the town’s shares of the Clipper Ditch to water the property. The council had approved an agreement earlier this year, and had no desire to alter that agreement’s 10-year term. The council will conduct interviews for the public works assistant during its scheduled work session on May 16.

Local author to sign books

Photo submitted

Local author Joseph Colwell will share excerpts from his new books, “Sands of Time” and “Tales of Ravens Nest” at 4 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Hotchkiss Library. Refreshments will be served. Colwell has worked and lived across the west for over 50 years and holds a degree in wildlife management. He currently resides on his 40-acre nature preserve overlooking the North Fork of the Gunnison River valley. He has authored two books of nature essays: “Canyon Breezes: Exploring Magical Places in Nature” and “Zephyr of Time: Meditations on Time and Nature.” In 2018 he published two books of ﬁction: “Sands of Time: A Flight of Discovery and Search for Meanings of Time” and “Tales of Ravens Nest: A Life, A Place - Stories and Reﬂections.” For more information contact Hotchkiss Library at 399-7781. Colwell can be reached at ColwellCedars.com.

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Libraries welcome new Paonia manager BY TRACY IHNOT Delta County Libraries

Former Paonia Library manager and longtime librarian Jane Kelso retired in April 2018. A dedicated search for her replacement began in February and library staff are pleased to welcome Jay Mann to the position and to the community. “We are thrilled that we were able to recruit Jay for the Paonia manager position,” says LaDonna Gunn, assistant district director of Delta County Libraries. “Jay brings a wealth of knowledge and skill in library services to the role, including four years of experience directing small, rural libraries.” Before accepting the Paonia position, Mann was director of the Neder-

Jay Mann land Community Library District for three years. Prior to that, he served as assistant director of Dolores Public Library and adult services librarian at Albuquerque Bernalillo Public Library. Mann carries a bachelor’s degree in ecology and a master’s degree in library and information science. Mann jokes about what led him from field work to pursue a MLIS at

the University of Washington. “I fell in love with Colorado during a summer studying butterflies outside Lake City,” he says. “And working with plants and animals for several years after that was great. But conversations with butterflies are one-sided. I missed working with people. “I was originally drawn to libraries because of their service aspect and their democratic nature,” Mann explains. “Libraries are one of the only places that provide equal service to whoever walks through the door, regardless of their background. Over time, I have seen how libraries can help not just individuals, but entire communities.” Mann will have a great opportunity to tap into

BLM, USFS seek comments on oil/gas development The Bureau of Land Management Uncompahgre Field Office and Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests are seeking public comments on Gunnison Energy’s North Fork Mancos Master Development Plan preliminary environmental assessment which analyzes oil and gas development about 12 miles northeast of Paonia. The proposal is adjacent to the BLM Bull Mountain Master Development Plan and includes drilling up to 35 wells. The analysis considers placing the wells on three pads located on public lands managed by the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest Paonia Ranger District and two pads on private land. These proposed wells could produce up to

700 billion cubic feet of natural gas over the 30year life of the project. “This project could make additional energy reserves available for the American public while bringing additional jobs to our local communities,” said Greg Larson, BLM Uncompahgre Field manager. “Additionally, the expansion considers new or upgraded access roads and gas and water gathering lines while encouraging environmentally responsible development of energy and minerals on public lands.” The State of Colorado receives 49 percent of revenues from leases issued on public lands in Colorado, which could result in up to $27 million in payments over the life of the project. The proposal and preliminary environmental assessment can be

viewed online at https:// go.usa.gov/xQBaq. For comments to be considered, submissions must be received by June 9 via mail to the BLM Colorado River Valley Field Office, 2300 River Frontage Road, Silt, CO 81652, via email to comments-rocky-mountain-gmug@fs.fed.us or online at https://go.usa. gov/xQBaq. Before including your address, phone number, e-mail address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, you should be aware that your entire comment — including your personal identifying information — may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask us in your comment to withhold your personal identifying information from public review, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.

his desire to serve people and to experience the outdoor world with his recent move to Delta County. “I am someone who is passionate about not only libraries, but also communities and the natural world,” Mann states. “I am looking forward to getting to know the people and history of Paonia, as well as across the county, and I am giddy at all the possibilities for outdoor experiences.” Mann’s first day was Tuesday, May 1, and he has already undergone a variety of training in district policies, procedures and systems, as well as familiarizing himself with the Paonia Library and staff. “We are very encouraged by the way that Jay is stepping into his role as manager,” Gunn states. “He knows libraries, he is an experienced leader, and he is community-minded. We want to warmly welcome him to Paonia Library, the library district, and Delta County.” Library patrons and community members are encouraged to stop by the Paonia Library in the coming weeks to introduce themselves to Mann and welcome him to the area.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Bradford honored

Former Paonia trustee/mayor pro tempore David Bradford was honored with a certificate of appreciation for his four years of service to the town at the May 8 town board meeting. During that time the town hired a new administrator, completed a multi-million dollar water delivery system upgrade project, and codified its ordinances, said Mayor Charles Stewart. “That was a very difficult time in many ways... Trustee Bradford was always one of the most prepared board members. He was somebody you could always go to to get solid, good information. He truly has been an asset to this town over the last four years.”

Club needs pies for Memorial Day dinner The Fruitland Mesa Club is asking folks in the community to donate pies for its annual Memorial Day dinner, scheduled for Sunday, May 27, at the Crawford Methodist Church. Pies can be dropped off Saturday, May 26,

between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., or Sunday, May 27, by 11:30 a.m. For information call Shirley Cotten at 970-921-7411. The dinner will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger.

2018

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B4 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Mock crash provides sobering reminder to students BY TAMIE MECK Staff Writer

Donald Carter won’t be attending his graduation. In a staged scene, the Paonia High School senior, had a dangerous mix of alcohol and marijuana in his system on prom night when he made the decision to get behind the wheel of a car carrying four other prom-goers. Carter collided head-on with a truck carrying two more promgoers. In the fictitious crash at Roberts’ Corner on Highway 133, two students died at the scene, and another who was trapped inside the burning cab of the pickup with a dead driver was airlifted by CareFlight to a nearby hospital. Every other year, local EMS and law enforcement agencies work with schools to stage mock crashes as both a training exercise and a sobering reminder to students that drinking, drugs and distractions can instantly destroy lives.

The North Fork Ambulance Association, Paonia Volunteer Fire Department, Delta County Sheriff ’s Office and Dispatch, Delta County Coroner, and the Colorado State Patrol all donated their time and equipment to this year’s mock crash exercises. CareFlight out of Montrose also donated a helicopter flight, fuel and crew. “They’ve got one life,” said lead organizer Kris Stewart with both the North Fork Ambulance Association and Delta County Sheriff ’s Office. “If it prevents one kid from getting hurt, it’s all worth it.” To keep the potential consequences of driving while impaired or distracted in the minds of students, on the years the mock crash isn’t held, CSP Sergeant Scott Gardner holds a student assembly to share reallife stories and statistics. Planning for mock crashes begins in February when organizers meet with students

at both high schools to gather feedback, said Stewart. For example, what kind of injuries do they want to see? Do they want fatalities? If so, how many? This year, he said, for the first time, students requested that the driver be both drunk and high on marijuana after national surveys showed a high number of students have recently been in a car when the driver is smoking pot. Following the exercise students assembled to hear statistics and reallife stories from Sergeant Gardner, including a recent accident on Highway 92 involving a student who crashed while answering a call from her dad on her cell phone. Fortunately, he said, she was not injured. They also were watched a video of Carter’s arrest and booking into jail and learned that his family had to mortgage their home to pay his legal bills. They learned in detail of how deeply and permanently

the crash affected the survivors and their families while mock memorial photos of the two fatalities, Nolan Egging of Hotchkiss, who was driving the truck, and

Randi Rapke of Paonia, who was partially ejected from the car, were placed on the stage. While it’s all staged, the consequences of driving under the influence or

while distracted are very real. “We want students to realize all that goes into responding to a wreck, what happens afterwards, and for them to take it seriously,” said Stewart.

Photo by Tamie Meck

In an April 25 mock crash exercise, Hotchkiss and Paonia high school students look on as Sean Devlin, left, speaks with Delta County 911 Dispatch, Lexi Wrich looks with horror at the devastation, and drunk and stoned driver Donald Carter crouches behind the car after colliding head-on with a truck. Mock crash exercises are held every other year ahead of prom and graduation to remind students of the dangers of driving while impaired or distracted.

WHAT A GREAT SPRING SEASON FOR OUR AREA ATHLETES!

We are proud to support our area high school athletes!

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NORTH FORK TIMES

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

A Little Help could use a little help on May 26 A Little Help Paonia is seeking volunteers for the semi-annual North Fork Valley Service Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon on May 26. Service Saturdays provide volunteer assistance for seniors who need a little help with basic yard work like raking and household tasks such as washing windows, de-cluttering, dusting, polishing furniture, and other various tasks. Services are available to North Fork area ALH members. Service Saturday is also open to senior non-members as a free introductory service and to learn more about the organization. “We want to show people how helpful we can be,” said Delta County coordinator Kathy Edwards. ALH’s annual membership is $200, and the organization is willing

to work with seniors on a pay-as-you-can basis, said Edwards. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and can sign up at www.alittlehelp. org, or call 527-3482. Volunteers will meet at 8 a.m. at Apple Valley Park, 45 Pan American

Avenue, Paonia. If possible, bring gardening tools, rakes, leaf blowers, garbage bags and work gloves. Coffee and donuts will be available in the morning, and everyone is invited to enjoy a barbecue at Apple Valley Park after the work is done.

Street, alley closures set for art projects Due to the Village Building Convergence art projects planned for this weekend, town trustees approved two closures. The 400 block of Fourth Street adjacent to Paonia Elementary School will be closed from 9 a.m. Friday, May 18, and will re-open 6 a.m. Sunday, May 20, to allow for preparation and painting of the street mural, and the alleyway between the 100 block of Grand and Main avenues

will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday, May 18, to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20 to allow for work on the Art Wall at Elsewhere Studios. Beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, VBC will kick off the weekend of community art projects with a block party and potluck in the alleyway adjacent to Elsewhere Studios off of Second Street. For details and a full schedule, visit northfork creative.org.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Spring highway cleanup crew

On April 25 the Paonia Lions Club and Paonia Elementary School held their 10th annual trash pick-up. They collected garbage from along Highway 133, Garvin Mesa and at the north entrance to Paonia. This year’s participants (back row, from left): Lion Ron Sims, Mason Smith, Lion Mike Hughes, Abee Pabst, Josiah Peters, Kohen Booth, Elle Deja Connolly, Ella Eves, Marcos Camacho, Lions Dave Benson and Mike Peacock; middle row: Lane Allen, Kelly Thliveris, Ryder Hart, Copper Huff, Mariah Callen, Baylee Cowger, Kaidence Godwin, Jose Mojarro, Ember Ferguson, and Lion Rod Porteus; front row: Lion and PES teacher Bob Bushta, Alex Simpson, Avi Maya, Emily Reedy, and teacher Tammie Benson.

Good Luck to our area Track Teams at State! Thursday, - Saturday, May 17-19 Jeffco Stadium • Lakewood

Good Luck to our area Baseball Teams as they continue on in playoffs! DELTA PANTHERS

vs. University at Niwot FRIDAY, MAY 18 • 10:00 A.M.

HOTCHKISS BULLDOGS

PAONIA EAGLES

vs. Dawson at Runyon Canyon Complex, Peeblo SATURDAY, MAY 19 • 9:00 A.M.

vs. Front Range Christian at Runyon Canyon Complex, Peeblo FRIDAY, MAY 18 • 9:00 A.M.

Congratulations to Delta’s Doubles Tennis Team of Shoshana Vigil and Kendyll Siettmann on making it to the State Championships.

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We are proud to support our area high school athletes!

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& ACCOUNTING SERVICE ��

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B6 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

SPORTS

SPORTS May 16, 2018

Delta County Independent

www.deltacountyindependent.com

Firor sets hurdles mark BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

At the May 11 Cedaredge Bruin Invitational, Hotchkiss junior Kaiya Firor re-set the meet record in the 300meter hurdles with a season-best time of 45.5 seconds. The defending state 2A champion in the 300 hurdles, Firor’s performance took more than a second off of the 2013 record of 46.17 seconds held by Abi Grace McGee of Montrose. The winning time also puts Firor in first place in Class 2A heading into this week’s state track meet. The Hotchkiss girls now hold three meet

records, including a record of 9:57.63 in the 3200m relay, set in 2014 by Natalie Anderson, Mae Anderson, Katy Parsons and Sophia Schelle; and the 2013 400m dash record of 57.27 set by Jenny Celis. Running against a headwind, Firor also won the 200-meter dash in 26.73, finishing three100ths of a second off of her season-best time. In addition to the hurdles, Firor is ranked fifth in state in the 200, third in the 400, and 12th in high jump. The 800m relay team of Yasmine Gaub, Jordan Tamayo, Firor and Elsie Vasquez won silver with

a season-best time of 1:51.56; Gaub also placed sixth in the 800m run, and the 800m medley team placed sixth. The Hotchkiss boys won two events and scored 93 points to finish second Friday at the Cedaredge Bruin Invitational track and field meet. Elijah Patrick cleared 6 feet to win the high jump. Patrick’s thirdplace time of 18.57 seconds in the 110 hurdles marked a season-best performance. Patrick also placed fourth in the triple jump with a mark of 39-1.5. Darrin Young won shot put with a throw of 47-7.5, marking the

Photo by Wayne Crick

sixth consecutive shot put win of the season for the senior. Young is ranked first in state in the shot put. He also finished fourth in discus with a careerbest throw of 137-9 and is ranked seventh in state in the event. The 3200-meter relay team of Nick Jung, Myles Zoutte, Will Ela and Saul Cortez won silver with a time of 9:22.11. Senior Sam Rodriguez won silver in the 1600m run with a time of 4:50.43. Rodriguez is qualified for state in the 400-, 800and 1600-meter events. Senior Colton Peebles placed third in long jump with a mark of 19-2, and Robert Cochran took third in the 400m dash with a time of 53.66 seconds The team of George Arroyo, Oliver Mendoza, Malykai Klaseen and Jesus Macias won silver in the 800m sprint medley with a time of 1:43.62. And in its last attempt to make the top 18 qualifying list, the 400m relay team of Arroyo, Oliver Mendoza, Jace Peebles and Colton Peebles placed fourth in a state-qualifying time of 46.35.

Paonia girls first at Cedaredge track meet

Kaiya Firor was the runaway winner of last Saturday’s 300m hurdles with a record-setting meet performance of 45.5. Montrose’s Abi Grace McGee held BY TAMIE MECK the old record (46.17) set in 2013. Firor is ranked ﬁrst in the event heading into DCI Sports Writer this week’s state competition and is qualiﬁed for state in three other events In the final state qualfor the Bulldogs. ifying track meet of the

Delta wins Region 7 title BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Delta’s Panthers had an uneasy beginning to its baseball season losing five of the first eight games played, including losses to 2A powerhouse Paonia, 4A Erie, 5A Montrose, and a double header event against 4A Roosevelt. Since those first eight games the Panthers have lost once (to Paonia) in the last 13 games. A pair of wins last weekend boosted Delta’s overall record to 15-6 and vaulted the Panthers into the Class 3A state tournament for the second time in the last three season. Delta hosted the Region 7 tournament last weekend and swirled past Centauri’s Falcons 22-4 in first-game action. Colorado Academy’s Mustangs rolled over Platte Valley 10-0 in their opening round game and earned the right to face Delta in the Region 7 title game. The Panthers clawed their way to a 4-0 lead after one inning in the title game and never looked back. “We need to get on the board first against these guys,” noted assis-

tant coach Paul Shean prior to the start of the title game they did just that with doubles from freshman Nolan Bynum and junior Rowyn Carmichael. Junior Kolby Keller added a single to score Rowyn Carmichael and senior Dylan Hollenbeck to end Delta’s scoring in the first inning. Bynum’s double drove in senior Jaspar Carmichael who had been walked and Rowyn Carmichael’s double scored Bynum ahead of Kolby’s two-run single. Delta allowed five runs over the final four innings to claim 12-5 decision and earn a berth in this year’s 3A State Baseball Tournament. Delta 22, Centauri 4 After finding out one of their own teammates was diagnosed with a Bcell lymphoma earlier in the week the Panthers had more than enough motivation to play with a purpose. Utility player Clayton Abila had been in Denver at the Children’s Hospital in the middle of the week and had begun treatments for his lymphoma. That didn’t keep Abila from wanting to be at home to help his teammates battle for a berth

in this year’s state 3A baseball championships. He was in the dugout for both games on Saturday and his presence definitely made a difference. Delta hit three home runs in its opening contest against Centauri. The Falcons started their day with three straight singles to load the bases and scored runs on sacrifice fly-outs from Marting Garcia and Cimmaron Mestas. Delta countered with three runs of its own. Jaspar Carmichael started the inning with a double to right centerfield and Rowyn Carmichael reached base on a single and Josh Reeder loaded the bases after being hit by a pitch (the first of four straight for Reeder in the game). Hollenbeck connected on a one-andone pitch for a double to score both Carmichaels to tie the game at 2-2. Reeder later scored on a passed ball to give the Panthers a 3-2 lead going to the second inning. Delta held the Falcons scoreless in the second inning before going on a six-run explosion in its half of the inning. The Panthers started the six-

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta High School’s baseball team posed for this photo following a 12-5 win over Colorado Academy in the Region 7 title game in Class 3A action. The Panthers sign the number 21 for Clayton Abila (standing sixth from the right). The number signiﬁes “21 Strong” for the communities’ support for Abila and his family.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss’ Sam Rodriguez leads the pack around the ﬁrst curve during the 1600m run last Saturday in Cedaredge. Rodriguez (right) ﬁnished second in the race. Olathe’s Jonathan Munger (left) won the race and Paonia’s Ethan Bartlett (off Rodriguez’s right shoulder) was third.

run rally with one out on a Matt Easter double to left field. Jaspar Carmichael was walked to bring up freshman Nolan Bynum. Bynum, who had popped up to the catcher in his first at bat in the first inning, unloaded on 3-1 pitch for his first home run of his career to left field. On his way around the bases, Bynum gestured toward the team dugout to acknowledge his home run was for Abila. Delta’s rally continued with Rowyn Carmichael’s single, Reeder’s second time being hit by a pitch and Trevor Myers’ single. A Hollenbeck sacrifice fly to left field plated Rowyn Carmichael and a Keller blast to left centerfield scored Reeder and Myers. Keller, who had tried to stretch his double into a triple was thrown out for the third Panther out. As Keller came off the field he grinned and commented to the dugout, “I thought I was faster than that,” bringing a chorus of laughter from both the dugout and third-baseline fans. Centauri tacked on DELTA TO B7

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta’s Jaspar Carmichael controlled Colorado Academy hitters with 12 strike outs and only three runs.

season the Paonia girls scored 141 points to win the 11-team Cedaredge Bruin Invitational. Brooke Hillman won the 800m in a seasonbest time of 2:27.83. It was the seventh meet win in the 800 for Hillman, a senior who will make her fourth state appearance in the event this week. Senior Mckenna Palmer won the triple jump with a mark of 34 feet, 8.75 inches, and the long jump with a mark of 158.25. Palmer, who set the current meet record of 35-2.75 in 2016, is ranked first heading into this week’s state track meet. Palmer placed third in state in triple jump as a sophomore and won silver as a junior. Palmer, who will also compete in state in the long jump and 100-meter hurdles, won bronze in the 100 hurdles at Cedaredge with a time of 17.92. In the 300 hurdles, senior state qualifier Randi Rapke won bronze with a time of 50.92. Distance runner Katya Schwieterman set a state-qualifying time of 13:19.16 to win the 3200meter run. In high jump, sophomore Sadie Miller set a personal record of 4-10 to win silver and qualify for state competition. State qualifier Lyla HayutinBaril won bronze with a jump of 4-8. Natalie Reich-Rogers placed fifth

with a jump of 4-8. Alexandra Eaton won the 100-meter dash in 13.83, and Kassidy Rapke took silver with a time of 14.20; Emily Miller placed sixth (14.61). State qualifier Sabrina Leighton placed fourth in shot put with a throw of 35 feet, one-half inch. State qualifier Poppy Lightfoot won bronze in the triple jump with a mark of 32-2.75, Lyla Hayutin-Baril placed fifth (30-11) and McKenna Johnson placed sixth (30-8.75). Freshman Tawny Roberts placed fifth in the 800m run (2:31.94). The 400m relay team won silver in 52.33 seconds, and the 800m medley relay team won silver in 1:59.64. In the men’s competition, senior Cyrus MalekMadani had a career-best throw of 138-8 to win silver. Malek-Madani also placed sixth in shot put with a throw of 41-3.5. He will compete in both events at this week’s state meet in Lakewood. Harley Ewert won bronze in the 800m with a time of 2:07.24; Ethan Bartlett won silver in the 3200m run in 10:57.30 and won bronze in the 1600m run with a time of 4:54.40. Kyle Long had a season-best performance in high jump, winning bronze with a jump of 5 feet, 8 inches.

Photo by Wayne Crick

Sadie Miller shows great form as she clears the bar in last Saturday’s high jump competition in Cedaredge. The Paonia athlete won the event with her season-best effort of 4-10. Miller is also a state qualiﬁer in the event.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Cedaredge track teams finish third BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

There weren’t a lot of first-place finishes for the Bruins in either the girls or boys division at last Saturday’s Cedaredge Bruin Invitational track meet. Both teams, however, scored enough points to finish third in their divisions. The girls scored 125 points and the boys collected 93. Each team had just one first-place finish in the meet.

Cedaredge Girls The Bruin girls racked up six personal best performances at last Saturday’s meet. Two of those six PRs came in relay races. Junior Nicole Miller, sophomore Reganne McIntire and freshmen Aspen Furubotten and Kimmy Milholland ran a 53.65 in the 400m relay to improve on a previous best time of 53.78 and finished sixth in the race.

Cedaredge’s 3200m relay team knocked almost seven seconds off its previous best time of 10:46.55 with a thirdplace time of 10:40. That time also moved the Bruins to 10th in the 2A qualifying list for the race. Furubotten’s 50.96 in the 300m hurdles was a new PR and junior Shannon Goff bettered her previous best triple jump from 29-09 to 2909.5 and finished eighth BRUINS TO B8

Photo by Wayne Crick

Cedaredge’s Ty Grant (right) crosses the finish line ahead of Hotchkiss’ Robert Cochran with Zach McMillan on the heels of Cochran. Just out of the picture to the left was Montrose’s Jesus Vargas-Guzman who stole the show to finish first in a time of 52.79 with Grant second (53.49), Cochran third (53.66) and McMillan fourth (54.84).

Cedaredge falls in 3A baseball regionals BY WAYNE CRICK DCI Sports Editor

Photo by Wayne Crick

Carlson to McCook Community College

Delta senior KC Carlson, ﬂanked by parents Kevin and Ingrid, signed a letter of intent to continue his educational endeavors, and play golf, at McCook Community College in McCook, Neb. Carlson will pursue studies in Emergency Medical Technician/Basic Teaching.

Delta

CONTINUED FROM B6 two more runs in the top of the third on an error and two singles. The Panthers doubled their score with nine runs on six hits, including two doubles and a Rowyn Carmichael home run (who also gestured to the dugout signaling his home run was for Abila). Delta sent 14 batters to the plate in the huge inning. Reeder took care of the Falcons single-handedly in the top of the fourth frame with three straight put-outs on ground balls at third base. Delta scored four times in the bottom of the fourth with junior John Holgate entering the game for Keller and hitting a single to left field to score Skyler Kraai (the courtesy runner for catcher Trevor Myers). The highlight for the inning, however, was KC Carlson’s towering home run to left field that scored Hollenbeck, Holgate and Carlson himself. The Carlson dinger was the first of his career and he beamed with excitement as he took coach Steve Reiher’s congratulatory handshake coming around third base. Delta’s 22-4 lead held up in the top of the fifth with a three-up-andthree-down inning. Rowyn Carmichael had three hits, scored three times, had a double and a home run and drove in three runs for the Panthers. Jaspar Carmichael also had three hits, scored three times and had two doubles in the game. Bynum was the Panthers’ big RBI-guy with four runs knocked in on two hits (a double and a home run) and four RBIs. Carlson was 1-4 with a home run and three RBIs and Keller had two hits, a double and a pair of RBIs. Tristen Crowther had two hits for the Falcons and Cimmaron Mestes had one hit and three RBIs.

Drake Horn was the winning pitcher for Delta. Delta 12, CA 5 Colorado Academy came into last Saturday’s Region 7 baseball tournament with the top record in the field (16-3). When the final out was made Delta was the Region 7 champion and had secured a berth in next week’s Class 3A baseball state tournament. The Mustangs were held to a double in the first inning without scoring a run. Delta lit up the scoreboard with four runs in its half of the inning. Jaspar Carmichael drew a walk to start things off. A passed ball advanced Carmichael to second and Bynum laced a double to center field to score Carmichael. Rowyn Carmichael traded places with Bynum with a double to left-center field for another run. With two outs Hollenbeck was hit by a pitch giving the Panthers runners on second and third. Keller drove in Rowyn Carmichael and Hollenbeck on an 0-2 pitch with a single to make the score 4-0 after one inning. Jaspar Carmichael struck out the side in the top of the second and Delta continued its offensive run with a double from Easter to start the bottom of the inning. The Mustangs chose to switch pitchers and brought in Graham Osman to replace starting pitcher Sam Richards. Osman, facing his first batter, had a one and two count on Jaspar Carmichael and watched him send the ball out of the park on the next pitch making the score 6-0. Delta added another run in the third after Hollenbeck reached base on an error and scored when Keller’s ground ball to second base was booted allowing Hollenbeck to score. Colorado Academy’s Ari Fierer hammered a

double to left field to start the fourth inning and scored later off a single from Walker Hamilton to make the score 7-1. Delta scored four times in the fourth, including a run by Reeder who had reached base after being hit for the fifth time in two games on Saturday. A double from Myers scored Jaspar Carmichael, Bynum and Reeder. Myers scored on a wild pitch and made the score 11-1. Delta was hoping to close the game out in the fifth inning but had to extend the game after giving up a pair of runs with the help of a walk and an error. The Panthers got their fifth home run of the day when Easter destroyed an 0-2 pitch that landed over the left field fence for a 12-3 Panther lead. Jaspar Carmichael finished the sixth inning with his 11th and 12th strikeouts sandwiched around a fly ball to center field. Hollenbeck came on in the top of the seventh and gave up a home run to Emmett Ela for two runs to make the final score 12-5. Jaspar Carmichael had a hit (home run), scored three times and had two RBIs. Bynum was 3-4, scored twice, had a double and drove in one run. Easter’s day included two hits, scored twice with a home run and an RBI. Keller and Myers finished the day with two RBIs each. Jaspar Carmichael picked up his fourth win of the season against one loss for the Panthers. He worked six innings, gave up seven hits and three runs and struck out 12 batters. Ela was Colorado Academy’s leading hitter with a three-for-four day with a home run and two RBIs. Fierer had two hits and Hamilton had a hit and an RBI for the Mustangs.

Cedaredge High School’s baseball team had a better season record (15-4) than many of the 2018 teams that began regional play last week. After splitting games with Valley and Kent Denver the Bruins still have a better record (16-5) than four of the remaining eight teams which begin play in this year’s 3A State Baseball Championships. Cedaredge opened its hunt for a state baseball title against Valley in Region 3 play in Sterling. The Bruins used a seventh-inning run to advance to the next game, 4-3. An early deficit in game two proved to be too much to overcome and the Bruins were eliminated in a 9-7 loss to Kent Denver. Bruins 4, Vikings 3 Against Valley the Bruins jumped out to a 30 lead in the first inning and still held a 3-2 lead heading into the sixth inning. Valley scored once in the top of the inning to tie the game. The Vikings failed to score in the seventh and Cedaredge scored in its half of the inning to win the game, 4-3. Valley outhit the Bruins 5-4 but couldn’t generate enough offense in the late innings to score runs. Sophomore Dusty Emig had two hits for the Bruins, including a double and drove in two runs for Cedaredge. Senior Brayden Blair had a double in two at bats and had an RBI. Senior Pedro Madaleno also had an RBI for the winners. Kyle Bol and Tyler Kissler were Valley’s leading hitters with two hits each. Jacob Miles had one hit and one RBI and Ivan Rodriguez also was responsible for an

RBI. Sun Devils 9, Bruins 7 Cedaredge could not find its offense until the third inning and trailed 5-2 as the two teams headed to the fourth frame. The Bruins finally got the results they had been looking for in the top of the fourth with three runs to tie the game at 55. Kent Denver answered with a single run of its own to re-take the lead, 6-5. Cedaredge did not score in the top of the fifth but fell farther behind after the Sun Devils scored

twice in their half of the inning. Two runs for Cedaredge in the top of the sixth brought the Bruins to within one at 8-7. Unfortunately, Kent Denver added one more run to its totals and shut down the Bruins offense in the seventh to preserve a 9-7 victory. The loss eliminated Cedaredge from this year’s state baseball playoffs and while number 4 Kent Denver (11-9) moves on to face number 5 Faith Christian (18-3) this Friday at Butch Butler Field in Greeley.

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B8 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Hotchkiss, Paonia moving on BY TAMIE MECK DCI Sports Writer

After defeating rival Paonia by a single run in conference play, Hotchkiss (17-3) was seeded first heading into Saturday’s district baseball tournament at Hubbard Field in Olathe; Paonia (19-2) was seeded second. Both teams won their respective semifinal game in five innings. The championship

game, however, belonged to Paonia. This was the third consecutive year the rival teams played for the district tournament championship, and the second consecutive year that Paonia came out on top. The district win gives the defending state champion Paonia Eagles the No. 3 seed heading into this week’s sweet 16 regional base-

Photo by Tamie Meck

ball tournament, which opens Friday at Runyon Field Sports Complex in Pueblo. Because it is in fourth place in state RPI rankings, Hotchkiss also advances. The only topeight team to lose the district championship game, the Bulldogs are seeded fourth in the state. After losing to Paonia in state quarterfinals last season, both teams are breathing a sigh of relief after landing on opposite sides of the state bracket. Hotchkiss will face 13th seed Dawson School (137) at 9 a.m. Friday. The winner will face either No. 5 Rocky Ford (17-3) or No. 12 Lyons (13-4). Paonia will open regional play at 9 a.m. against 14th seeded Front Range Christian (13-6). The winner will face either No. 6 Limon (14-5) or 11th seeded Calhan (13-6). Peyton (21-1) and Sedgwick County (191) are ranked one and two in the state. “And there’s always one that sneaks up on you,” said head coach Nate Miller. He anticipates that every team they face will be playing good baseball.

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win over third-seeded Meeker, Paonia ace pitcher KJ Seriani allowed one hit and struck out 11. All but three of Meeker’s 17 at bats ended in a K, and Seriani ended the game with fewer than 70 pitches. Paonia had seven earned runs and eight hits for the game. Jaden Miller was 3 for 3 with two RBIs, two doubles and a triple. Anders Schopp and Grey Neal were 1 for 2 and Seriani was 1 for 2 with an RBI. In the first inning Miller scored Slater Podgorny and Seriani on a triple. Logan Schopp and Grey Neal also scored runs, giving Paonia a 5-0 lead at the end of the first inning. Hitting into the strong winds that battered players and fans alike throughout the entire tournament, Paonia hit three fly-outs to center field in the second inning. In the fifth inning Paonia scored five runs on four hits. With the bases loaded, Seriani and Schopp scored on a walkoff double by Grey Neal. The five-inning win

didn’t surprise Miller. “You never know what you’re going to get with Meeker,” he said. “They’re kind of scrappy, but we showed up and did everything right in that first game.” Paonia 7, Hotchkiss 2 For the third time this season, and in as many years, rivals Paonia and Hotchkiss met on the diamond Saturday in the district championship game. With the possibility of facing Hotchkiss in the state bracket, Paonia head coach Nate Miller said he didn’t want to give the Bulldogs another look at ace pitcher KJ Seriani. Instead, the win went to junior leftie Soul Connolly, who allowed one hit and struck out five in five innings. “He kept them off balance,” said Miller. “He’s got good stuff when he throws strikes... He did a heck of a job.” High winds and strong gusts blew balls sideways and shortened numerous hits, making it hard on the outfield. “It definitely changes the game for both teams,” said Miller. “It’s hard to hit in the wind.” BASEBALL TO B9

throw of 38-3.25 on Saturday. Cedaredge finished third in discus with senior Grace Andrews’ 112-10 effort and senior Holly Jenkins finished fourth with a throw of 105-4. Andrews is fifth in 2A discus qualifiers with a throw of 116-8 and Jenkins is 10th with a throw of 108-1. The Bruins had three of the top five places in the 100m hurdles with Baylee Harris finishing second (17.66), Furubotten fourth (17.95) and Miller finishing fifth (18.10). All three have qualified for this week’s state track meet in Loveland. Freshman Taelor Mills earned a point for an eighth place finish in the 300m hurdles. In the dashes, Cedaredge picked up points for fourth, fifth and seventh-place finishes from Milholland (14.44), Makaylie Reed (14.55) and Summer Young (14.74) in the 100m race. Sophomore Grace Hatheway placed fourth in the 400m dash (1:07.86) and Kylee Hanson was seventh in the 800m run (2:48.04). Junior Camie Baldozier has a 2:30.38 to her credit this season and is ranked 14th in state for the 800m. In the 1600m, freshman Kylin Mitchell finished third (6:13.50) and freshman Merielle Comerer was sixth (6:27.93). The Bruins earned points in the 3200m run from senior Hannah Hatheway (2nd, 13:49.77), Comerer (4th, 14:48.80) and junior Briar Wagner (6th, 15:28.09). Cedaredge’s 800m relay team (McIntire,

Furubotten, Harris and freshman Kammie Henderson) put together a 1:54.44 to place fifth and is qualified for the state meet with a best time of 1:53.24. Sophomore Brie McGovern, freshman Ellison Black, junior Courtney Freeman and Henderson ran a 4:32.38 to place seventh in the 1600m relay race. The Bruins 800m sprint medley relay team (McIntire, Young, Freeman and Milholland) finished third with a time of 2:02.85. Henderson, who has a jump of 4-11 in high jump, is 16th on the qualifying list for state in the event, jumped just 4-8 on Friday to place eighth. Long jumper Darrian Bulbulian finished seventh in that event with a jump of 14-0. Cedaredge Boys Cedaredge’s lone firstplace finish came in the 800m relay on an effort from seniors Ty Grant and Drew Markley, junior Wyatt Camp and freshman Alex Barron. The foursome turned in a winning time of 1:32.36 and is ranked first in 2A with a 1:32.33. Second-place finishers on Saturday include Camp in the 100m (12.52) and Grant in the 400m (53.44). Grant enters this week’s state meet with first-place times for the 100m (11.17) and the 200m (22.60) Two third-place finishes went to Markley in the 200m (23.88) and Josh Jenkins in triple jump (39-9.5), which was a personal best for Jenkins. Fourth-place points were earned by Zach McMillan in the 400m (54.84) who will join Markley at state in this event.

Markley has a 52.62 for 12th place and McMillan takes a 53.29 as his ticket to the big show. Senior Jordan McMillan finished fourth in the 800m (2:08.03); senior Blake Gash was fourth in the 300m hurdles (47.02) and was sixth in the 110m high hurdles (20.03). The Bruins’ Danny Mendoza is ranked 10th in the 110m hurdles (16.33) and is fifth in the 300m hurdles (45.18). Keaton Sheppard, sophomore Josh Deal, sophomore Ethan Fish and sophomore Hein Tillman ran a 1:49.94 in the 800m sprint medley relay for fourth place. The Bruins did not run the 3200m relay on Saturday, but in an earlier race this season, own the state’s second best time in the race with their 8:33.51, which is made up of Tevin Keller, Markley, Jordan and Zach McMillan. Keller was fifth in the 800m (2:08.21) with Deal (high jump, 5-4) and Barron (long jump, 18-4) also finishing fifth. Barron is seeded 11th (20-02.25) in long jump and eighth in high jump (6-1). Sawyer Carey (12.65) and Ashton Spiker (25.78) were sixth in the 100 and 200m, respectively on Friday. Jenkins was sixth in long jump (18-5.75) Seventh-place points went to the Bruins’ 400m relay team (Camp, Carey, Sheppard and Spiker) with a time of 47.19. Cedaredge has the state’s fifth-best time for the 400m relay. Junior Kaleb Berardi finished competition in the shot put on Friday with a throw of 40-6 to place seventh.

Bruins

Jamison Yanish got out of this pickle between Paonia third baseman Grey Neal and catcher Jaden Miller in the district championship game at Olathe CONTINUED FROM B7 Saturday, but the Eagles came out on top with a in the event on Satur7-2 victory. day. Sophomore Makayla Kehmeier earned a point in triple jump with her 29-5.75 effort. Dalia Alejandre’s seventh-place throw of 335.5 in shot put was better �� than her previous mark �� of 33-2 and senior Katie Hyke sailed the discus �� nearly six feet farther � �� than her previous best � �� with a throw of 120-9 � �� to place second. Hyke is currently second in the �� with her new PR �� state and ranks first in shot �� put with her season-best �� 38-10. Hyke won the shot �� put competition with a

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“If we execute and take care of business, we’ll be fine.” State brackets are available at MaxPreps. com and at CHSAAnow. com. Semifinal HHS 15, Dolores 5 In the opening semifinal game, the Bulldogs defeat fourth-seeded Dolores, 15-5, in five innings. The Bears scored four runs in the top of the first inning. “We kind of bounced back from that and took care of business,” said head coach Blake Carlquist. In the bottom of the first, the Bulldogs scored 11 runs and had 10 hits. Marvin Guereque was 2 for 2 with one RBI and a double, Jesus Macias was 1 for 4 with 2RBI, and Josie Hiatt was one for two with two RBIs and three runs. On the mound, Presley Pene allowed two hits and one earned run, walked five and struck out three in two innings. Jamison Yanish closed, allowing the Bears three hits and one run in three innings. Paonia 10, Meeker 0 In its 10-0 semifinal

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Photo by Wayne Crick

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Cedaredge’s Katie Hyke watches the ﬂight of the disc after a throw last Friday at the Cedaredge Bruin Invitational. Hyke ﬁnished second with a throw of 120-9 for a new PR on the season and won the shot put competition with a throw of 38-3.

Photo by Wayne Crick

The Bruins’ Kaleb Berardi completes a throw in shot put competition last week. Berardi placed seventh in the event.

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Baseball CONTINUED FROM B8 The Bulldogs put starting pitcher Jonathan Gonzalez on the mound. In the second inning, Gonzales allowed one hit by Anders Schopp before throwing three consecu-

tive Ks. After two scoreless innings, the Eagles got on the board in the top of the third, with Clay Campbell and Slater Podgorny scoring on a double by Jaden Miller.

Neither team scored in the fourth. In the top of the fifth inning Paonia stretched the lead to four runs when Seriani hit the only home run of the day, sending the ball over the left field fence to score

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior KJ Seriani (14) hits a two-run home run to left ﬁeld in Paonia’s district championship win against Hotchkiss last Saturday at Olathe High School. High winds, with strong gusts, challenged batters and kept outﬁelders on their toes throughout the entire three-game tournament.

Photo by Tamie Meck

Hotchkiss’ Eli Kirk beats the tag at ﬁrst base during play in the Bulldogs’ 15-5 district baseball tournament win over Dolores on Saturday at Hubbard Field in Olathe. Hotchkiss moves on to this week’s regional round of state playoffs at Pueblo. The Bulldogs enter regional play as the number four seed while Paonia has the number three seed.

“Coach Swartz” retires

Photo by Tamie Meck

Paonia senior Slater Podgorny gives Paonia assistant coach Steve Swartzendruber a base signed by members of the state champion 2017 team and the 2018 baseball team during Senior Night ceremonies.

Longtime Paonia coach finishes career Steve Swartzendruber, a longtime Paonia coach in several sports, recently retired. Swartzendruber is retiring after more than three decades of coaching ball in Paonia. According to wife Cindy, “Coach Swartz”

has coached sports in one form or another since 1985, beginning as a coach in the Babe Ruth Tri-County League. During his tenure he produced seven state champions and in 2000 was inducted into the Colorado Babe Ruth Hall of

Fame. Swartzendruber was an assistant coach in last year’s perfect 25-0 baseball season. He also was head basketball coach at PHS for eight years and in 2008 guided the Eagles to the state 2A runner-up.

David Lozano from first. “That was a game-changer,” said Miller. In the bottom of the sixth, a double by Bulldogs senior Chase Hiatt scored Eli Kirk from second and advanced Jamison Yanish to third. In leading off, Yanish was trapped between third and home, but the defense went after Hiatt, who was heading to third. Yanish scrambled home, and Hotchkiss trailed by two runs heading into the final inning. Carlquist credited Gonzalez’s performance against one of the top hitting teams in the state. “He definitely threw well enough to keep us in the game.” Unfortunately, said Carlquist, “offensively we didn’t get going until the sixth inning.” Photo by Tamie Meck With the winds picking up, the Eagles pulled KJ Seriani scores on a triple by Jaden Miller (12) in off a couple of squeeze Paonia’s district semiﬁnal round win over Meeker. plays. “It’s tough to defend that stuff,” said Miller. The Bulldogs intentionally walked Seriani at the top of the seventh. Miller followed up with a base hit. In the next atbat Schopp was thrown out at first. With one out, Grey Neal singled and Connolly hit a two-run single to center field before getting tagged out between first and second. When Connolly reached his maximum pitch count, Schopp was called on to close, allowing three hits and two runs and striking out one Bulldogs’ batter. With two Bulldogs on base in the bottom of the seventh, Podgorny caught a flyout at shortstop and threw to first for a double play. Paonia didn’t play great defense or have its best day running bases, said Miller. “Gotta get better with some of that, but we won the game, that’s the bottom line.”

B10 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

SPORTS

Delta County Independent

Photo by Tamie Meck

Kaiya Firor wins the 300-meter hurdles at the 2A state track meet last May. Photo by Wayne Crick Firor is ranked first in the 300-meter hurdles in 2018 as she heads into this week’s state competition in Loveland. She is also qualified for state in three Paonia’s Kassidy Rapke is shown handing the baton to Poppy Lightfoot on the other events. Her 45-50 in Cedaredge last weekend broke Montrose’s Abi first exchange of the 800m sprint medley last Friday in Cedaredge. The Eagles finished second in the race with a time of 1:59.64. Grace 2013 Bruin Invitational record (46.17).

Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta sophomore Shad Lewis had the ﬁrst leg of last Friday’s 3200m relay for the Panthers and he handed the baton to senior Logan Freed with a large lead to work with. Delta was unable to overcome a ﬁerce headwind in an attempt to better its 8:33.51 for a better seed in this week’s state track meet. Delta is ranked 18th heading into the three-day event beginning on Thursday.

Photo by Wayne Crick

The finals of last Friday’s girls 100m hurdles was closely contested as the picture above shows. McKenna Palmer (lane 5) battled Montrose to the finish line but finished third behind freshman Baylee Harris (lane 2). The Bruins’ Aspen Furubotten (lane 6) was fourth and Nicole Miller (lane 3) was fifth and Taelor Mills in lane eight was seventh.

Photo by Wayne Crick

The girls’ 3200m relay teams appear restless as race official Todd Markley gives final instructions before the race. Delta, third from the left, had a great race and shaved nearly 38 seconds off its previous best time (11:07.01) with a first-place time of 10:29.89 which vaulted the Panthers into 18th place in the state rankings and a berth in this week’s state track meet in Loveland.

Sr-Kat Rodriguez – 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay

4-11

2018 Track State Qualifiers The following list of 2018 state track meet qualifiers for Delta County athletes was compiled by DCI Sports Writer Tamie Meck and is intended to show who has qualified for this year’s state track meet in Loveland. Some information in today’s stories may not be the same as found in this presentation as changes do occur often in statistics gathered for large state venues which generate large volumes of information.

3A Boys - Delta Sr-Jacob Wear – 800m run 17th, 2:01.07, 4x400m relay 12th, 3:31.83, 4x800m relay 18th, 8:33.51

Sr-Katie Hyke – Shot put 2nd, 38-10, Discus 2nd, 120-9

3A Girls - Delta So-Remi Baldwin – Sprint Medley, 12th - 1:54.03, 4x200 relay, 15th 1:50.18, 100m 13th, 16.87 and 300m Hurdles 13th, 48.96

Fr-Jarrett Hernandez – 4x400m relay

TRACK

Jr-Kaley St. Peter – Sprint Medley, 4x200 relay, 100m Hurdles 15th, 16.96, Long Jump 9th, 16-9 Fr-Keely Porter – Shot Put 7th, 35-4.75

Jr-John Ames – 4x800m relay Sr-Logan Freed – 4x400m relay, 4x800m relay So-Shad Lewis – 4x800m relay

Fr-Hezekiah Huff – 4x400m relay So-Ed doh Htoo – Alternate Sr-Thomas Neil – Alternate 2A Girls - Cedaredge Jr-Camie Baldozier – 800m run 13th, 2:30.38, 4x800m relay 10th, 10:40.0

Sr-Grace Andrews – Discus 5th, 116-8, Shot Put 10th, 34-5.75 Jr-Dalia Alejandre – Shot Put, 33-5.5 Sr-Holly Jenkins – Discus 10th, 108-1 2A Boys - Cedaredge Sr-Ty Grant – 100m 1st, 11.17, 200m 1st, 22.60, 400m 17th, 52.97, 4x200m relay 1st, 1:32.33 Fr-Alex Barron – Long Jump 11th, 20-2.25, High Jump 7th, 6-1, 4x200m relay Sr-Drew Markley – 400m 12th, 52.62, 4x200m relay, 1600m relay, 3:32.21, 4x800m relay 2nd, 8:33.51

Jr-Nicole Miller – 100m hurdles 15th, 17.54

Sr-Danny Mendoza – 110m high hurdles 10th, 16.33, 300m hurdles 5th, 41.38, 4x100m relay 5th, 45.18, 1600m relay

Fr-Aspen Furubotten – 100m hurdles 16th, 17.54, 4x200m relay 16th, 1:53.24

So-Josh Jenkins – Triple Jump 18th, 39-4.5, 4x100m relay

Jr-Beki Atchley – Sprint Medley, 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay, 4x800 relay 10:29.89

Fr-Baylee Harris – Long Jump 17th, 15-3, 100m hurdles 18th, 17.66

So-Zach McMillan – 4x100m relay, 400m 18th, 53.29, 4x800m relay

Fr-Tayler Huntley – 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay

Fr-Kammie Henderson – High Jump 14th,

Sr-Jordan McMillan – 4x800m relay, 4x400m relay

Jr-Reagan Clay – Shot Put 12th, 34-3 Fr-Marcy Schaal – Sprint Medley, 4x100 relay 15th, 52.39, 4x200 relay, 4x400 relay 18th, 4:18.77

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2A Girls - Paonia Jr-Alexandra Eaton – 100m 12th, 13.26, 300m hurdles 13, 49.48 Sr-Brooke Hillman – 800m 7th, 2:27.83

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Sr-Mckenna Palmer – Triple Jump 1st, 35-0.25, Long Jump 8th, 15-11.75, 100m hurdles 9th, 16.95

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Jr-Katya Schwieterman – 3200m 16th, 13:19.16

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Photo by Wayne Crick

Delta left ﬁelder Kolby Keller is shown trying to stretch a two-run double into a triple against Centauri last Saturday in Delta. Keller was more than conﬁdent he was going to make his gamble work up to the point where the opponent’s third baseman had the ball waiting for him as shown above. Keller’s comment was classic as he looked at teammates. “I thought I was faster than that!”

Sr-Randi Rapke – 300m hurdles 9th, 48.97 So-Poppy Lightfoot – Triple Jump 32-2.75 So-Lyla Hayutin-Baril – High Jump 11th, 5-0 So-Sadie Miller – High Jump 20th, 4-10 Jr-Sabrina Leighton – Shot Put 5th, 36-8.25 Relays – 4x100 6th, 52.33, 4x200m 12th, 1:51.56, 4x400m 8th, 4:19.13, 4x800 2nd, 10:16.22 2A Boys - Paonia Sr-Caden Meilner – 1600m 12th, 4:46.46, 3200m 13th, 10:40.49 Jr-Ethan Bartlett – 3200m 15th, 10:42.28 Relay Teams – 4x800m 3rd, 8:33.91

Photo by Wayne Crick

Harper to Nebraska Wesleyan University

Delta senior Brandon Harper, ﬂanked by Delta High School head coach Wood (left) and Raul Ortiz, recently signed a letter of intent to attend Nebraska Wesleyn University in Lincoln, Neb. Harper will study biology and play soccer for the Prairie Wolves.

SURFACE CREEK May 16, 2018

NEWS

Section

www.deltacountyindependent.com

CHS project designed to improve access Project will redirect traffic flow to give better access and vehicle parking BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

Changes will create better and safer access to Cedaredge High School. According to Kurt Clay, assistant superintendent for public relations at Delta County School District 50J, construction is well underway on a new entryway for CHS. The present road, shown on the right, leads to the school which is visible in

the far right background. The road grader at left is leveling the new surface. The goal is to move the entry road further west to create a safer environment for students and to make better use of school property. The present road runs close to school sidewalks and cuts through school property creating essentially unusable islands of ground. In addition to the new road, the school parking lot will also be redone. Over the last two years, all other high schools in the district have undergone similar renovations. When CHS is completed, all district high school entryways and parking lots will have been improved.

Photo by Don Benjamin

The entry to Cedaredge High School is being moved to improve safety and make better use of school property. The county is assisting Delta County Joint School District #50 with the project.

Stained glass panel installed at arts center Inaugural concert is one month away BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

It was an historic day for the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center when workers installed a colorful stained glass panel on May 3. The panel is now permanently in place over the building’s main

entrance at the intersection of SW 2nd and West Main Street in downtown Cedaredge. Typical of the community spirit which has typified efforts to construct the center’s new home, the panel was created by a team of artists who volunteered their time and talents. The team included Diana (Dee) Brown of Delta and Cedaredge residents Teressa Carlton, Marc

Photo by Don Benjamin

A new stained glass panel designed by volunteer artists was recently installed at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center in Cedaredge. It features colorful images of western Colorado which shimmer in the changing light.

Water usage up despite voluntary restrictions BY RICK SMITH Contributing Writer

The Orchard City Board of Trustees met in regular sesson on May 9, with all trustees present. Newly elected to the board, trustees Doug Keller and Jan Gage asked procedural questions as the board dealt with routine matters of agenda, minutes and financials. Gage also suggested that the Orchard City Centennial Cookbook should be advertised on the local message boards as a resource for the town. During constituent time, Mike Vrabel with High Country Hemp, said he was looking to expand his hemp operation in the town. There is an existing location on 2100 Road, that will be ready for harvest in October. Vrabel asked about water usage and the possibility of drought conditions. High Country Hemp extracts legal medical products from the hemp, such as cannabidiol extracts, and is not involved, at this time, in processing the hemp plant for commercial use. The board will let Vrabel know if water restrictions will be put into effect. Rusty Baldwin voiced a complaint about approaching the town about developing an RV park. He said he was shut down and told that it would not happen, that there were too many trailer parks in the town currently. He stated that the town’s attitude was offensive. It was suggested that Baldwin present a proposal to the town planning commission. Tom Huerkamp stated that

Hunsaker, Peggy Papon and Cindy Starr. In addition to the artists who worked cooperatively to create the panel, other community members contributed to the stained glass project. Cedaredge residents Barbara and Jim Allen donated glass and the use of tools and Nancy Hovde also contributed glass. The arts center has scheduled June 15 and 16 for its grand opening weekend. And the inaugural performance in the new center will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, when David Starr takes center stage joined by mandolin player Erik Stucky and other special guests. The Saturday event will also mark the release of Starr’s new CD “South and West.” The ticket price of $20 for the inaugural concert includes a copy of the CD. Purchase tickets online at the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center’s Facebook page, or by calling Starr’s Guitars at 970-856-2331, or in person at 250 West Main Street in Cedaredge.

Photo by Don Benjamin

Carefully installing the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center’s new stained glass panel are (left to right) Mark Harris, John Haring, Timmy Buchanan and Mark Fairchild.

Cedaredge work session highlights drought concerns BY DON BENJAMIN Staff Writer

The Town of Cedaredge board of trustees met for a brief executive session and a longer work session on Thursday, May 10. The purpose of the executive session was stated as being “to determine positions relative to matters that may be subject to negohe doesn’t envy the board and tiations; and instructing negothe upcoming water issues tiators.” The Colorado Open for the town, water rights Meetings Law allows a public and determining priorities. body to confer regarding negoHuerkamp specifically men- tiations during an executive tioned a property on Ivanhoe session which is not open to and 2100 Road that has had the public. numerous owners and renters The work session was open that has not been properly taken to the public. The work session ORCHARD CITY TO C2 is a discussion-only meeting

A colorful tradition

which essentially previews for trustees the agenda for their next scheduled regular meeting when action will be taken on agenda items. No action is taken at work sessions. The trustees discussed the town’s drought response plan. Action at last month’s regular meeting declared the town to be at stage one. Scott Lock, public works co-director, reminded the trustees that the region saw its worst drought in 2002. Then in 2015 another seemingly dry year was made less severe due to the arrival of a single big storm. At present indications are that 2018 will be a dry year but not as severe as 2002. And 2018

is still a candidate for a big storm or two to improve the moisture outlook. In the meantime, the town continues to observe the actions outlined in stage one of the town’s drought plan. Those actions call for voluntary conservation measures on the part of citizens and continual monitoring of the situation by town officials. All town water customers received a copy of a “Wise Water Use” handout with their April water bill. The handout lists a dozen things that citizens can voluntarily do to conserve water. Lock stressed that one of DROUGHT CONCERNS TO C2

Photo by Don Benjamin

The Cedaredge Women’s Literary Club hosted last week’s Cedaredge High School senior girls tea at the historic Stolte Shed in Pioneer Town. It was the 60th year the club has honored graduating girls. The event included a luncheon, inspirational speeches, and an opportunity for each graduating senior to share her future plans. The girls received gifts including books and bookmarks. The club members gave the seniors three cheers and told them to approach life with eyes full of wonder plus a little spark of madness. The Literary Club, which was instrumental in starting the area’s ﬁrst library, has been in existence for 108 years. In addition to the annual spring tea, the group sponsors a Little Free Library at the Stolte Shed which is available year-round.

C2 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Kami Collins wraps up Cedaredge Voices series Cedaredge United Methodist Church will welcome Kami Collins to its pulpit on Sunday, May 20, at 10 a.m. Kami is the final preacher in the congregation’s 2018 emphasis on Listening to Cedaredge Voices. Collins is Cedaredge’s

town clerk and economic development coordinator. In the past she headed the chambers of commerce for Delta and Cedaredge. As a native, she attended Delta County public schools all the way through high school. She

graduated from Colorado Mesa University (when it was Mesa State College) and majored in communications and journalism. Collins, a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church of Delta, has served it in many volunteer and staff roles: coordinator of the nursery and youth ministries, clerk of the session, a deacon and an elder. Her husband, Allan Col�� lins, a software designer, and daughter, Addison, a �� 10-year-old public school �� student, will join Kami in worship. �� The four Cedaredge �� Voices who preceded �� Kami are Phil Ellsworth, �� Kathleen Ray, Mitchell Gronenthal and David �� Starr. According to Pastor Joe Agne, “We will �� welcome new Cedaredge Voices after the summer.”

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Gospel

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FROM PAGE C1 the most critical things every citizen can do is to be more efficient in watering lawns. Watering yards and outdoor plants early or late in the day reduces evaporation as opposed to watering in direct sunlight during the heat of the day. Other recommended citizen conservation measures are: • Take five-minute showers and use a lowflow shower head • Turn off the water while brushing teeth, soaping hands, and shaving • Wash only full loads in washing machine and dishwasher • If you wash dishes in the sink, turn off the water while scrubbing dishes • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and walkways • Mulch around plants to hold water in the soil and consider planting a drought tolerant garden • Put faucet aerators on sink faucets, use a shut-off nozzle on hoses, and put a half-gallon jug in your toilet tank to reduce water used per flush. In an effort to lead by example, the town is adjusting its water use for parks and the golf club. The town has also

reduced the number of flower displays on Main Street by 20 percent and the plots in the newly completed intersection will not be planted this year. Further information will be posted on the town’s Facebook page and in the town’s monthly newsletter “Writing on the Edge” which is included with town water bills. Citizens who wish to read the

FROM PAGE C1 care of. He also mentioned that the board has an obligation to enforce right of ways throughout the town, and added that the pothole on 2100 Road will soon become a major issue. Under new business, trustee Craig Fuller was elected by the board to serve as mayor protem. Mayor Ken Volgamore appointed trustees Dick Kirkpatrick and Gynee Thomassen to the finance committee; Kirkpatrick and Doug Keller to the water committee; Mel Cook and Craig Fuller to the roads committee; Jan Gage and Fuller were appointed to the parks committee; Gage was appointed to the housing committee. Trustee

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ACADEMIC Cele brating stu dents with a cade mic excellence!

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town’s drought response plan in detail can find a link at the town’s website: http://www.cedaredgecolorado.com/ At the website, type the word drought in the site search box. The trustees discussed the community garden and directed staff to gather further information for a continued discussion and possible action at the regular May 17 meeting.

The trustees ended their work session with a presentation by Les Mergleman, past chairman of Club 20. Club 20 is a non-partisan membership organization that promotes the interests of western Colorado counties. Trustees requested further information about the organization’s activities and Mergleman agreed to provide them with the most recent report.

Cook was appointed to Delta County Economic Development. Thomassen and Kirkpatrick were appointed to the personnel committee, and Thomassen and Fuller were appointed to the planning committee. Trustee Doug Keller objected to some of the appointments, stating that trustee Gage, with her experience, should be appointed to the personnel and water committees. He attempted to make a motion to amend, but was told that committee appointments were at the discretion of the mayor. Town administrator Melissa Oelke said the mayoral appointments were governed by the Municipal Code. The Eckert Food Store liquor license renewal was approved by the board after review of compliance. There were no complaints filed on compliance. In the water report, the monthly review was positive. The water operator for the town has turned his notice of 120 days, due to the fact that he is unable to comply with the requirements. The board will confer with the water commissioner regarding legal questions on requirements. It was

stated that municipal requirements such as drinking water and personal hygiene would trump irrigation uses within the town. In unfinished business, water usage in the town has increased, despite the town’s warnings. Currently the town has instituted voluntary, not mandatory, restrictions. If restrictions become mandatory it is possible that violations could result in water being shut off. Trustee Keller stated that he believed enforcement should begin as soon as possible. Others felt that tracking water usage would be needed before a special meeting would be needed to put mandatory restrictions in place. Under trustee comments, Doug Keller said he looked forward to working with the new board. He mentioned that there would be disagreements, but that, as a team, the board should be able to work together to resolve issues. He also said to the constituents that their voices would be heard and acted upon. Jan Gage read from a book on trusteeship, mentioning the seven deadly sins that a trustee could commit.

Orchard City

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Town ofﬁcials and members of the town’s tree board joined with students from Cedaredge Elementary School to dedicate the planting of three new trees. The ceremony was held in town park. It also marked the designation of Cedaredge as a Tree City USA, an honor the town has held for a quarter century. In his ofﬁcial Arbor Day proclamation, Mayor Gene Welch urged all citizens “to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.”

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Arbor Day 2018

Photo by Don Benjamin

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Renovations ﬁnished

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Travis and Annie Holton, owners of the Lost Mesa Grill, ofﬁcially opened their doors on Tuesday, May 15. The renovated restaurant at 130 West Main Street in Cedaredge is the former site of Scrambler’s. Lost Mesa Grill will be closed on Mondays but open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. serving breakfast and lunch. They plan on serving American cuisine and may add dinner hours at a date to be determined.

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Delta County Independent

SURFACE CREEK NEWS

Delta County Independent

Support team Photo submitted

Blue ribbons for student artists

Pictured above are grade school artists whose entries in the first annual 5x7 Art on the Edge showcase sponsored by the Grand Mesa Art and Events Center. Shown with their winning entries are Elijah Grant, kindergarten; Devin Tomas Miller, first grade; Natalee Sullivan, second grade; Macy Medill, third grade; Eugene Menges, fourth grade and Raquel JaneAnn Lemon, fifth grade. Making the presentation are Judy Fairchild, GMAEC board chair Cindy Starr and Terry Hotz. In April, the Grand Mesa Arts and Events Center invited students, from kindergarten to grade 12, to create a picture using any medium they wished. The entries were judged, and 12 finalists were chosen. The winners from Cedaredge Middle School were Kierra Mullally, sixth grade, and Madason Laman, eighth grade; high school winners are Halee Lowrance, freshman; Shelby Stone, sophomore; Tyler Saunders, junior; and Holly Jen, senior. Each student’s original entry was then recreated on a 5x7 canvas provided by GMAEC. Their finished pieces will be showcased with more than 60 other artists original 5x7 creations during the center’s grand opening scheduled for June 15. These 5x7 pieces will be part of a silent auction to raise funds for the center and to celebrate the tapestry of talent in Cedaredge.

CUMC hosts the Bible and the LGBTQ community workshop On Saturday, May 19, at 10 a.m., Cedaredge United Methodist Church will host a two-hour workshop entitled “The Bible and the LGBTQ Community” with Dr. Bob Anders as the keynote speaker. Dr. Anders received his doctorate in public health from the University of Hawaii. After a comment from an extended family member proclaiming “It is evil to be gay,” Anders experienced a call from the spirit to speak out. He decided, “I can’t let this slide. So I wrote a mini paper about how I am gay and Christian.” He was encouraged to do even

more by those around him: a boss; a priest and friend, Father Ron Gonzalez of El Paso; his husband, Dan Jaramillo; and many others. Dr. Bob, as he prefers to be called, is a Roman Catholic layperson. Prior to joining the Catholic Church, he participated in non-denominational, Seventh Day Adventist, Missouri Synod and Baptist congregations. He once considered being a priest and decided he was called to be a lay student of the Bible, especially the five passages many people interpret to mean homosexuality is incompatible

Exploring Utah

with Christian teaching. He disagrees and readily shares his research about what he believes these passages really mean. Other leaders in the May 19 workshop are Judy Reinhard, Sharon Pierce and Pastor Joe Agne. All are parents of LGBTQ children. Participants will also receive a small book, “Homosexuality and the Bible,” by Professor Walter Wink. For registration or questions contact Pamela Gubkin, pgubkin@cedaredge cumc.com or 970-8563696. Registration is needed but there is no charge for the workshop.

Photos courtesy Marv Kieca

Fourteen Senior Hikers from Cedaredge traveled to Utah to explore the rock art and Anasazi ruins near Bluff and Blanding. They hiked the Bear’s Ears National Monument, looking for two famous petroglyph panels, the Wolfman Panel and the Procession Panel, both in Comb Ridge. These panels date back more than 1,000 years and show precise images of both anthropomorphs and zoomorphs. The Senior Hikers spent four days climbing up slick rocks and down washes and encountered many ruins, some small granaries and some large, multifamily structures like Monard Cave and House on Fire in Mule Canyon (below). These ruins still have pottery shards, miniature corn cobs and lithic scatter. On the third day, their canyoneering skills were challenged as they dropped off the rim of Road Canyon on Cedar Mesa and descended several hundred feet to the canyon ﬂoor. They were looking for 7 Kiva Ruin, which amazed the hikers as several of the kivas had intact roofs and the original plaster on the interior walls. Every evening, the hikers enjoyed local eateries and each other’s company. Pictured below are, from the left, Walt Fick, Rex Repolgle, Richard Udd and Richard Veier in back; and Karen Lock, Lyn Vanier, Jude Kieca, Esther Miller and Joan Kennen in front.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Photo by Don Benjamin

The Apple Blossom Bike Tour would never get rolling without the help of lots of volunteers. The annual Mothers’ Day weekend cycling event is a fundraiser for Cedaredge Boy Scout Troop 482. Helping to cheer on and direct riders last Saturday were: (kneeling in front, left to right) Abby Durfee and Emma Cummings; (standing, left to right) Logan Tullis, Wyatt Camp, Elizabeth Gilmore, Natalie Durfee, Riley Cannon, Clara Cummings, Dylan Signs and Cameron Signs. All the young people live in Cedaredge except Emma and Clara who are from Eckert and Riley who lives in Delta. Wyatt and Cameron are life scouts; Dylan is a scout second class. The “Hard Cider” sign refers to the tour’s rigorous 50-mile course.

Gospel concert, dinner set for May 20 A gospel concert and dinner are scheduled Sunday, May 20, at 4 p.m. at the Cedaredge United Methodist Church at the corner of 3rd and Aspen. Performers include soloist Sherri Perone, 4 Heaven’s Sake Quartet, The Storehouse Quartet and the Wesley Singers Gospel Choir. A dinner immediately follows prepared by Angel Hands Caterers. The menu features chicken cordon bleu and their signature dessert, Cherries Divine. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from church members or at the Methodist Thrift Shop, 204 W. Main Street, Cedaredge. Seating is limited and deadline for ticket purchase is May 17.

C6 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

CHURCH

Delta County Independent

Kids invited to visit with Moses during VBS Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to join Moses in the desert on his journey as he builds the taber-

nacle during the community ecumenical Vacation Bible School June 4-8. Kids will have fun discovering the life of Moses

Prayer gathering planned at New Hope Delta County Ministerial Fellowship presents a praise ‘n prayer gathering at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 18, at New Hope Evangelical Church in Cedaredge. The evening of worship is a fundraiser for the chaplain ministry at the Chapel of Hope located at Delta Correctional Center. Everyone is invited to

attend and share in light refreshments following the program. This church is located at 17464 Surface Creek Road in Cedaredge. Dave Williams is the senior pastor. For more information, contact Delta County Ministerial Fellowship president Tom Seibert at 970-250-1479.

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with exciting Bible stocrafts, games, ries, music, snacks and fellowship. VBS will be held at Delta United Methodist Church on 5th and Meeker June 4-8 from 8:30 a.m. to noon each day. The cost to attend is $8 for one child, $13 for two children, and $16 for three or more children. Scholarships are available. Preregister on Facebook by searching for Delta Ecumenical Vacation Bible School or @deltavbs. You can also get a registration form via email by calling Delta United Methodist Church at 874-9501.

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Girl Scouts in Delta recently learned how to provide basic first aid and CPR after taking a training generously donated by Reuben Farnsworth and Josh Solaas with Rock Star Education and Consulting. Daisies and Brownies (girls in kindergarten-third grade) learned valuable first aid skills and how to be helpful during an emergency. Older girls learned first aid and became certified in CPR for infants, children and adults.

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Hands-on training

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Classifieds

May 16, 2018

Real Estate

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Delta County Independent

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Rentals 3 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, patio, fenced yard, in Delta. Available now. $875 a month plus utilities/deposit. 970-644-1010. (2x19)

Wanted To Rent WANT TO RENT: HONEST, 60 yr. old disabled women looking for a room to rent or studio. Fully self-contained, no drinker/smoker, Friend of Bill W's, clean and quiet, excellent references. Call: Susanna (307) 4311367. (3x20

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

Education 6-8TH GRADERS! ATTENtion! The North Fork Ambulance is holding a Safe Sitter Babysitting Certification Course Saturday, June 2nd from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (with breaks) at our new Headquarters (110 E. Hotchkiss Ave.). $25. Class includes a Student Handbook/Certification Card, CPR, Safety/First Aid Skills, Resume Building, and more! Available to the first 16 students registered. Questions? Contact Katie at network@northforkam bulance.com or 872-4303. (1x20) SIGN UP TODAY FOR a subscription to the DCI!

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

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HELP WANTED: THE City of Delta is now accepting applications for a Parks Part Time Laborer position in the Parks Department. This is a 25 hour per week position. Starting salary is $10.52 per hour. Under the direction of the Parks Manager or Parks Lead Municipal Service Worker, performs a wide variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance and construction work on city parks, cemetery and other public facilities. Works with hand tools necessary to fill graves, spray weeds, mow grass, irrigate parks and cemetery. May operate weed cutters, riding mowers, dump truck and pickup truck. May run hand power equipment including power mowers, compactors and chains saws. Any combination of training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and six months of general labor experience. Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license. Must successfully pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Submit applications to the City of Delta, Attn: Human Resources, 360 Main St., Delta, CO 81416 no later than May 18, 2018 by 12:00 noon. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Applications and a complete job description are available at the above address or online at www.cityofdelta. net. EOE. (2x19)

FURNITURE INSTALLER/ Warehouse Position Delta based company looking for the right person to join our install team. Duties include receiving, warehousing, loading and unloading furniture and accessories, driving for furniture transport, furniture installation and modification, furniture reconfiguration, and repair of furniture and accessories. This is a highly visible customer service position, good grooming and appropriate apparel are necessary. Requires clean driving record, and pre-employment drug test. Ability to safely lift up to 100 lbs. Send resume and references to: sunny@prospace. biz. (2x19) UNCOMPAHGRE VALley Water Users Association is looking for an experienced heavy equipment operator. Must have a valid unrestricted driver’s license with Class A CDL. Must have verifiable heavy equipment experience. Must be able to lift 75+ lbs., bend, stretch, stand for extended periods of time, climb stairs, reach twist and work in small spaces. Applicant must be a team player and selfmotivated. Please no phone calls. Applications and/or resumes can be delivered or mailed to 601 N Park Ave., Montrose, CO 81401. Application deadline May 25, 2018. (2x20) ADVERTISE!! 874-4421

Help Wanted I AM LOOKING FOR energetic people to deliver phone books in Delta, Montrose and the surrounding area, during the month of June 2018. You need to have your own car with proof of insurance and a driver’s license. Rate of pay is between .23 and .53 cents per book depending on how condensed the area is. Please text 250-1736 or call 250-0947 or 250-9219 for more information. (3x19)

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D2 Wednesday, May 16, 2018 Miscellaneous

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Miscellaneous Colorado Statewide �� Network

To place a 25-word COSCAN Network ad in 91 Colorado newspapers for only $300, contact your local newspaper or call Colorado Press Association Network at 303-571-5117.

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Public Service

HOW DO I SELL MY Cottage Food products? You may sell your products directly to the consumer from your residence, roadside stand, Farmers’ market, community supported agricultural organizations, or other similar venue. If you have any questions, please call: 874-2165. Delta County Health Department. (4X20) THE DELTA COUNTY Independent runs these items as a public service free of charge for non-profit organizations, if no fees are charged. However, each group is asked to please keep them current by calling 874-4421. SIGN UP TODAY FOR a subscription to the DCI!

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Public Service

AL-ANON AND ALATEEN: Hope and help for families and friends of alcoholics meets in Delta: Al-Anon and Alateen, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal WANNA PLAY A ROUND? Church, 145 W. 5th St., conGolf with a fun group of tact Elizabeth 970-874-9832 ladies. Two membership or Shirley 970-323-5067. options available. Sign up at www.cedaredgeladies CARING FOR CAREgolf.com. Get to know us givers, C4C - supporton Facebook at “cedar ing hearts that care. Open edgeladiesgolfclub” to ANY caregiver. Meets monthly in Delta, 2nd CO FATHER’S NETWORK- Tuesday at 11 a.m. - 511 E. dedicated to providing 10th St, Delta. community and education to fathers of special needs CHAPTER, UNITS OF DAV kids. Meets twice monthly regular meetings on the on the 1st Saturday at 11 second Monday of each a.m. and the 3rd Monday month at 7 p.m. at the at 6:30 p.m. - 511 E. 10th St, Veterans Building, 15th & Delta. See our website for Howard, Delta. For further more details: www.codads. information, call Paul Carter org 874-5150.

Community Newspaper

Shoppers are less willing today to accept advertising that is spooned out to them. They seek out advertising on their own. Newspapers are the medium shoppers use most for shopping in an average week More than half (52%) use newspapers, exceeding others like television (36%), ads appearing in search engines (11%) or ads on general interest websites (16%) Frank N. Magid Associates 2011.

DELTA COUNTY

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

you Why advertise should

Delta County Independent

More selective and less intrusive 401 Meeker St. | Delta 970.874.4421

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THE ABRAHAM CONNECtion homeless shelter, located at 480 Silver St., Delta, offers emergency overnight shelter and food to men, women and families in the Delta area midOctober- April. Call us at 970-773-8290 to make a referral, or for information on how to volunteer or donate. www.Delta AbrahamConnection. org.

Public Service 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., HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS Delta. For further inforWanted! Delta County mation, call 874-8172 Jim Memorial Hospital needs Baker, Quartermaster. hospital volunteers. Days and hours are flexible. There HILLTOP COMMUNITY are currently openings Resources offers free serin the ER, Oncology, Gift vices and support to vicShop and some additional tims of Domestic Violence areas. If you are interested, and Sexual Assault. There please contact Volunteer are also ongoing support Coordinator, Barbara Hall at groups. Please call our office 250-2105 for an application. at 970-773-2251 for more information or if you are in WOMEN ONLY AA MEET- crisis please call our 24 hour ings, Delta, Saturdays, 11:00 crisis line at 1-844-990-5500. a.m., at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 5th & Palmer (back AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and door). friends of alcoholics meets FREE DIAPERS FOR UP in Hotchkiss: Al-Anon, to one year! Pregnant Mondays at 6:30 pm, women in Delta County can Methodist Church 285 N. now get help to quit smok- 2nd, contact Elsie 970-210ing and get something they 8090 or Marjorie 970-433can really use after their 1856. baby arrives — free diapers. Healthy moms have healthy YOU HAVE THE POWER TO babies. Enroll in the Baby & change a child's life! Me Tobacco Free program Children are waiting for today. Contact the Delta senior partners in Delta County Health Department County right now! Can you at 874-2165 or your local spare 3 hours a week? We need your help! Call today physician. for more information. Please SUPPORT THE DELTA volunteer to spend time with Library. Give a gently used a child in our community. book in the Downstairs Partners of Delta, Montrose Book Store. and Ouray, 874-4661, www. partners-west.org. or www. WELCOME RETURNING deltayouth@montrose.net. Veterans, Post 9221 VFW meets at 5:00 p.m. on the PAONIA AMERICAN 4th Thursday of each month Legion runs a year round in Cedaredge. To find out non-perishable emergency how to participate in pro- food pantry. This is for the moting patriotism and North Fork area. For inforassisting veterans, contact mation, call 527-6252. Wayne Hamrick, (970) 250SAVE EYEGLASSES, OLD 1180. jewelry and silver or bits of AARP DRIVER SAFETY gold and silver scraps. The Course. Save on insurance, Grand Odd Fellow Lodge is keep up on newer traffic sending them to: New Eyes laws, learn defensive driv- for the Needy, 549 Millburn ing techniques. For details Ave., Short Hills, NJ 07078 and schedule contact John or send them to: Gale Loring (970) 856-6924 or Conger, Secretary of IOOF (970) 424-1778. Lodge #116, 5516 Hwy. 348, Delta, CO 81416. AL-ANON: HOPE AND help for families and AL-ANON: HOPE AND friends of alcoholics meets help for families and in Cedaredge: Al-Anon, friends of alcoholics Thursdays, 8 pm, Wick Hall meets in Paonia: Al-Anon, behind First Baptist Church, Wednesdays at 7 pm, 370 W. Main St., contact United Methodist Church, Mary M. 970-856-6123 or 3rd & Onarga, contact Lisa Jim 970-874-7855. 970-395-3608, Chris 970527-3366 or Marjorie 970HOTCHKISS-CRAWFORD 433-1856 Historical Museum. Winter hours, Saturdays 1-4 p.m. THE AMERICAN RED $3 admission or free to Cross needs you. Become members. Come see our one of the Red Cross volmuseum at 2nd & Hotchkiss unteers who says, “We’ll Be Streets in Hotchkiss. 872- There, Because Help Can’t 3780. Wait!” Call your local Red Cross Chapter at 970-242CHECK OUT THE BOOK 4851 or 1-800-HELP NOW store at the Delta Library. for information on the difYou'll find a great selection ference you can make in of paperbacks at reasonable someone’s life as a disaster prices. volunteer. IF YOU LOVE BOOKS, DELTA HAS A BOOKyou will love the Downstairs store in the basement of Bookstore in the basement the library featuring gently of the Delta Library. used books and magazines. DELTA FOOD PANTRY Come check it out! needs meals for Delta fami- PARENTS — FREE lies who are temporarily information and referrals in need. Donations of non- for licensed child care properishable food may be viders. Call Bright Futures brought to 628 Meeker. Child Care Resource & SUBSCRIBE!! 874-4421 Referral at 877-728-5613.

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Delta County Independent

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D6 Wednesday, May 16, 2018

BACK PAGE

Delta County Independent

B A C K P A Safe hunting G begins with education E

Photos by Don Benjamin

Colorado Parks and Wildlife district wildlife managers Stewart Sinclair (left) and Cody Purcell help young students ﬁre safely at targets. Students and instructors wear safety goggles and ear protection.

BY DON BENJAMIN

Staff Writer

n 1970 the Colorado legislature established a requirement for hunters to complete an education course. The goal was to reduce the state’s fatal and non-fatal hunting accidents. Between 1961 and 1969, Colorado had 91 hunter fatalities, an average of ten each year. During the first ten years of the hunter safety program the number of fatal incidents dropped to 45, cutting the annual average in half. Since 1980, the number of fatalities and non-fatal accidents have steadily declined until deaths have been reduced to an average of one per year and accidents have declined from an average of two dozen per year to four annually. The hunter safety course is offered in two basic formats: online and in person instruction. Students taking either format must pass a written examination and a live firing exercise. In Cedaredge, young prospective hunters seeking to earn a hunter safety card must take two full days of in person classroom instruction, pass a written examination, and successfully fire a .22 rifle. Local hunter safety instruction is a model of community cooperation. The classes are conducted by Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW). Cedaredge High School provides class-

Hunter safety students wait their turn to ﬁre live ammunition at the Cedaredge Rod & Gun Club. room space and transportation to the gun range through its Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. And the Cedaredge Rod & Gun Club provides the shooting range. This year’s group of hunter safety students totaled twenty-one. They ranged in age from elementary to high school students. The Cedaredge Rod & Gun Club has been working with CPW to offer hunter safety

CPW district wildlife manager Stewart Sinclair helps a hunter safety student adjust his ear protection. Students ﬁred live rounds to complete their instruction.

courses for three years. The club hosts other events for youngsters including a shotgun shooting event and barbeque for local high school seniors and an FFA shoot. The club also offers instruction for adults in personal protection and concealed carry. The club operates three separate ranges for pistol, rifle, and shotgun. All shooting facilities have undergone major renovations and the ranges are in top notch condition. Established in 1941, the club is a members-only, locked gate facility located at 18052 Green Valley Road west of Cedaredge. The club has 235 members including participants from Delta, Montrose, and Mesa counties. Instructions for those interested in joining the club are found at the website: http://cedaredge rodandgunclub.com/ Locally, CPW conducts multiple hunter safety classes per year, some through the schools and some for the general public. The school class is usually held during the students’ spring break. A general public class for May is already underway in Paonia. A second general public class is planned for June in the

A community effort by the Future Farmers of America (FFA) of Cedaredge, Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), and the Cedaredge Rod & Gun Club helped local students earn their hunter education certiﬁcates. CPW provided classroom instruction and tested students. FFA provided classroom space at Cedaredge High School and transportation to the Rod & Gun Club’s which provided the shooting range. Pictured with students are Mrs. Katie Greenwood, FFA advisor (far left) and CPW district wildlife manager and hunter safety instructor, Cody Purcell (far right in uniform).

Corbin Frost, a Cedaredge third grader, proudly displays his bright orange hunter education certiﬁcate. Corbin represents the fourth generation of hunters in his family. He and his father, Jeremy, have both completed the Colorado hunter safety course.

Cedaredge area with the exact date, time, and place to be announced. To find a hunter education class near you go to http://cpw.state.co.us/ and a traditional or online course click on the ‘Learn’ tab and listing. follow the prompts to either

The ﬂag is up so it’s safe to go down-range to check targets. The Cedaredge Rod & Gun Club provided its facility for last month’s hunter safety live-ﬁre exercise.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife district wildlife managers Stewart Sinclair (left) and Cody Purcell prepare .22 caliber rifles for students to use in the live-fire portion of their hunter safety course. Students must attend two days of classroom instruction and pass a written test before completing their training on the firing range.

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2 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Cedaredge High School

Russell William Alanko

Alexis Marie Anderson

Grace Marie Andrews

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

Noah Benjamin Bagwell

Katrina Marie Becker

Axyle Zylen Belveal

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Monday, May 21 • 6 p.m. • New Hope Church Commencement Thursday, May 24 • 7 p.m. • CHS Gymnasium Class Motto “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.” ~Nelson Mandela Class Flower Lily Class Colors Blue and White Class Song “All Star” by Smash Mouth Brayden Michael Blair

Clarity Leigh Call

Peter Bruce Carlson

Craig Moore Claunch

Jessica Rose Craig

Matthew Riley Dawes

Dylon Dalton Gartman

BENSON BROTHERS, LLC

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

HOMESTEAD NATURAL MEATS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

BIG JOHN’S LUMBER

Blake Edward Gash

Sabrina Denae Gilmore

Luiza Moreria Goes

Ty Orrin Grant

Jade Alexis Gummo

Hannah Rachel Hatheway

Christian Jordan Hawk

CEDAREDGE CREEKSIDE CAFE

BENSON BROTHERS, LLC

DELTA ACE HARDWARE

HIGH COUNTRY SHOPPER

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

FDIC

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 3

Colton Michael Hoerr

Megan Jean Huggett

Jared Alan Hulteen

Katie Beth Hyke

Emilee Paige Isaman

Alyssa Juel Janus

Holly Ray Jenkins

MODERN APPLIANCE COMPANY

CEDAREDGE CREEKSIDE CAFE

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

CEDAREDGE CREEKSIDE CAFE

BIG JOHN’S LUMBER

CEDAREDGE TIRE & AUTO

True Grayson Jiron

Kayla Jade Kensler

Alyssa Marie Kissner

Brooke Jael Klaseen

Justise James Koster

Jacob Nathaniel Lewis

Ricardo Lopez Jr.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

DELTA CABINET COMPANY

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

Angel Gabriel Lozano

Pedro Alvarez Madaleno

Drew Garrett Markley

Alexander Thomas McCracken

Olivia Ann McCrackin

Jordan Mark McMillan

Daniel Mendoza

DELTA ACE HARDWARE

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

CEDAREDGE TIRE & AUTO

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY REALTY

BIG JOHN’S LUMBER

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

Chase Hunter Meyers

Jayden Cariana Miller

Julie Lynne Mills

Zakere Lee Morgan

McKenna Pearl Mousner

Gerardo Muniz

Tyler Lee Neal

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

BENSON BROTHERS, LLC

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

BIG JOHN’S LUMBER

SHORT BRANCH LIQUORS

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

FDIC

4 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Baylee Lyn Piper

Jaelyn Noelani Rains

Samantha Ann Ribbens

Andrew Joseph Richardson

David Ray Schipmann

Addison Ruthann Schwarz

Salem Laine Shenold

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

MOUNTAIN VALLEY REALTY

BENSON BROTHERS, LLC

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

Kamryn Shea Spiker

Nathan Reed Stumpf

Kacey Laine Tsosie

Mikayla Mercedes Underwood

Colby Mason Urquhart

Isaac Aaron Vader

Diego Solomon Varela

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

CEDAREDGE TIRE & AUTO

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

Emily Renea Volgamore

Elizabeth Mae Wood

Wyatt Todd Woolley

MOUNTAIN VALLEY REALTY

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

DELTA CABINET COMPANY

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FDIC

The Perfect Gift for the Perfect Grad ��

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 5

Garret Michael Abeyta

Zanib Madlynn Albakawi

James Martin Annis

Commencement Wednesday, May 23 • 7 p.m. • Panther Stadium

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

THE CHICKEN ROOST

Class Motto “We didn’t know we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” ~Winnie the Pooh

Kestra Nichole Arrington

Allison Kae Atchley

Oceana Ananda Bergholtz

DELTA CABINET COMPANY

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

Delta High School Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Tuesday, May 22 • 7 p.m. • Delta Center

FDIC

Class Flower Sunﬂower Class Colors Black and Silver Class Song “Good Old Days” by Macklemore featuring Kesha Stephanie Berrelleza Roque

Taylor Kay Bess

Uriel Blanco Rodriguez

Megan Renee Bondi

Garret Samuel Burk

Roger King Rosceo Burns

Stephen Lee Butler

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

DELTA SALES YARD

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

Alberto Cansigno Rivera

KC Dean Carlson

Jaspar Thomas Carmichael

Joey Benjamin Carrara

Cameron Joshua Carter

Alejandra Chavez Gutierrez

Ananda Leann Christensen

GUILD MORTGAGE

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

TWO RIVERS VETERINARY CLINIC

THE CHICKEN ROOST

TACO TIME

CALLAWAY PACKING INC.

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

6 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Logan Richard Church

Paul Joseph Connett

Clayton Ray Cotten

Bradley Taylor Davis

Kaylee Dawn Davis

Korbin Emerson Davis

Brianna DePaiva Rapozo

BIG JOHN’S LUMBER

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

Hailey Marie Dockter

Halie Dominique Duran

Matthew Wayne Easter

Ariann Marie Ebell

Briana Janeira Escarcega Delval

Joseph Dee Fillmore

Billie Renee Flonnes

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

DELTA ACE HARDWARE

DELTA SALES YARD

Frankye Dawn Franklin

Logan Carl Freed

Amanda Marie Fuller

Colton Michael Galvin

Michelle Marie Garcia

Jordan Lee James Gerlach

Austin Lynn Germann

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

FOSTER FARMS

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

TACO TIME

DELTA ACE HARDWARE

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

Elena Margarita Gilliam

Tatum Lin Gilmore

Emily Patricia Gonzalez

Jose Alonzo Gonzalez-Lozano

Kole Brydon Granger

Zen Riley Greenlee

Ashley Emily Haag

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

AFFORDABLE APPLIANCE

THE CHICKEN ROOST

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

DELTA CABINET COMPANY

FDIC

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 7

Elisa Raquel Hammett

Brandon James Harper

Nevaeh Jean Harper

Shae William Hatton

Denise Hernandez Medina

Kendra Leslie Hillman

Dylan Kade Hollenbeck

AFFORDABLE APPLIANCE

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

CALLAWAY PACKING INC.

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

Drake Aaron Horn

Christopher William Hufman

Cynthia Jade Izzo

Ronald Hermann Jackson

Trynity Mae Jensen

Aubrey Grace Jones

Dezmond Chase Jones

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

THE CHICKEN ROOST

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

TACO TIME

Rosie Kristine Monique Komives

Joshua Jacob Kuhn

Amanda Cydney Kuta

Justin Tyler Lancaster

Marek Lupac

Emily Renee Martinez

Jasmine Marie Martinez

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

DELTA SALES YARD

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATES

CORNERSTONE HOME LENDING, INC.

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

Camila Martins Gomes da Saliva

Courtney Marie Mattler

Audrey Michaell Mayes

Lauryn Nichole Metcalf

Makyla Miramontes

Luis Fernando Munoz Vega

Paige Danielle Murray

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

FDIC

TWO RIVERS VETERINARY CLINIC

8 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Thomas Maurice Neil

Kaleigh Joy Nethington

Oakley Shay Kamie Newman

Zachary Edward Nicholson

Eloise Grace Norﬂeet

Michael Carman Orr

Melanie Marie Osteen

THE ABRAHAM CONNECTION

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

GUILD MORTGAGE

TAYSHEN AUTOMOTIVE

TACO TIME

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

Oveth Alexis Padilla

Sarah Morgan Parker

Taylor Layne Patrick-Beeson

Jesus Manuel Perez

Steven Lee Pitt

Alexia Brianne Quinn

Joshua Ronald Reeder

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

CORNERSTONE HOME LENDING, INC.

Jimmy Rae Resendez

Anha Le Richards

Harlee Jean Roberts

Katalina Gabriella Rodriguez

Rami James Rowley

Maribel Ruiz

Lavern Richard Russell

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

GUILD MORTGAGE

AFFORDABLE APPLIANCE

FOSTER FARMS

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

Gina Marie Sabo

Samantha DeBrey Sanford

Cameron David Schaal

Peyton Mackenzie Schuster

Breanna Rene Sprout

Brendon James Starr

Shyanne Ranay Steele

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

THE ABRAHAM CONNECTION

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

CORNERSTONE HOME LENDING, INC.

THE CHICKEN ROOST

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

DELTA CABINET COMPANY

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 9

Alexis Sue Stiggins

Lucy Danielle Streich

Zachary Allen Summers

Amber Leigh Swain

Isaac Nathan Timbreza

Madeline Lanai Tracey

Vicente Paolo Trevino

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

TACO TIME

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

TAYLOR FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORY

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

DELTA ACE HARDWARE

Ayden Dean Tucker

Bruce Lee Valdez

Dakota Eugene Waybill

Jacob Matthew Wear

Tanner Stuart Seicrest Webster

Samantha JoAnn Wollert

Ana Maria Zeferino Santiago

MODERN APPLIANCE COMPANY

TWO RIVERS VETERINARY CLINIC

FRENCH INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

HELLMAN MOTOR CO.

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REBAR & LUMBER

PEST AWAY SPRAYING

DREAM

BIG.

The future belongs to you, graduate. Remember the important values and lessons you’ve learned here at home, and carry them with you on your path to success. We wish you health, happiness and prosperity today and always. Congratulations.

DELTA COUNTY

INDEPENDENT

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10 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Grand Mesa Choice Academy

Alannah Joy Bailey

Alejandro Carrasco

Allison Ariana Castrejon

LILY & ROSE HOME FURNISHINGS

Dustin James Coe

Julie Sonya Diaz

Diego Emmanuel Duarte

LILY & ROSE HOME FURNISHINGS

Class of 2018 Commencement Wednesday, May 16 5:30 p.m. Delta Center for the Performing Arts Class Motto “We Rise Above” Class Flower Lotus Class Colors Black and Gold

Alex John Giron

Kaci Elizabeth Gulick

Samuel Luke Hedrick

Dustin Wade Lee

Alden Edward Mcquaig

Edith Carolyne Mendiola

Adrian Rodriguez-Renteria

LILY & ROSE HOME FURNISHINGS

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

LILY & ROSE HOME FURNISHINGS

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Lily & Rose congratulates the 2018 graduates of Grand Mesa Choice Academy. The future is yours, and the possibilities are endless. We wish you good fortune as you embark on the next step of your journey.

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 11

Raven Mariae Saenz

Gabriel Dean Sturgeon

Issac Jose Tavera

LILY & ROSE HOME FURNISHINGS

Christian Home Educators of Colorado

Ezra Paul Russell

Achieve Blended Learning Academy

Shelby Lynn Antal

Aliyah Sheree January

Katrina Lee Johnson

HELLMAN CHEVROLET-BUICK

BENSON BROTHERS, LLC

HIGH COUNTRY SHOPPER

Graduate Recognition Tuesday, May 15 2:30 p.m. Achieve Blended Learning Academy on the campus of the Technical College of the Rockies Class Motto “We Rise Above” Class Flower Lotus

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Class Colors Maroon and Black

12 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Generous donors give Delta High School In the spirit of gratitude, Delta High School counselors and administrators welcomed a large crowd of graduates, parents and donors to the school’s eighth annual scholarship breakfast May 3. The event is an opportunity for representatives from local businesses, service clubs and nonprofit organizations to meet the students who will benefit from their generosity, and for the students, parents and staff of DHS to thank the contributors who support the students’ dreams. School counselor Shawna Magtutu opened the celebration by quoting Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” She said the parents, teachers, coaches and community lead-

ers in attendance are the “giants” who have lifted up the graduates. Scholarship recipients included: Garnet Mesa Elementary School/College for Every Student — presented by principal Joe Mock, on behalf of staff members who pay for the privilege of wearing jeans and college shirts on Fridays. Recipients of the $500 scholarships were Allison Atchley and Tatum Gilmore. BELA/Backpack Program — Staff members wearing jeans to school donate to the scholarship fund. The scholarship is open to any former backpack participant in Delta County. From Delta High School, Thomas Neil and Tatum Gilmore were awarded $500 each. Cindy Watson Scholar-

ship — presented by Cindy Watson, Watson Insurance and Financial Services, to Taylor Bess. Cindy Watson sponsors an annual golf tournament to raise funds for 13 scholarships across the Western Slope. Bess plans to study elementary education at Western State Colorado University. Santos Chavez Memorial Scholarship — Presented by Sophia Chavez in memory of her brother, to his classmates, Peyton Schuster, Colton Galvin and Alexia Quinn. Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative (COSI) Grant — Awarded to Dylan Hollenbeck, who will attend Lamar Community College to study biology/chemistry and play baseball. Delta County School District Coordinating Council

— presented by Danielle Barnard and Scott Siettman to KC Carlson and Kestra Arrington. Carlson will attend McCook (Neb.) Community College, where he will play golf and study to be an EMT. Kestra plans to study elementary education at Colorado Mountain College in Glenwood Springs Delta Area Chamber of Commerce/Deltarado Days — presented by director Darnell Place-Wise to Emily Gonzalez and Colton Galvin. In addition to the $500 scholarship, the award conveys the honor of title of Deltarado Days 2018 queen/king. Galvin plans to study exercise science in Aberdeen, S.D.; Gonzalez will pursue a degree in early education. Delta County Federal

Credit Union — $1,000 was awarded by Nathan Sponseller to the Delta recipient, Cameron Schaal. Cameron plans to study criminal investigations/ forensic psychology at Colorado Mesa University. Western Colorado Credit Union — Through a golf tournament, credit unions throughout the region raise funds to award scholarships. Aubrey Jones received the $1,000 WCCU scholarship. She plans to attend CMU but has not decided on a major. Delta County Democratic Scholarship — presented by Carol Phelps and Dick Gilmore to Kaleigh Nethington, who plans to study education. Delta County Memorial Hospital Volunteers — with the proceeds from the hospital gift shop, the

DHS seniors were all smiles after the school’s annual scholarship breakfast May 3.

DCMH Volunteers awarded $1,000 scholarships to Peyton Schuster and Anha Richards. Peyton plans to become an oncology nurse; Anha aspires to become a nurse practitioner. DHS Alumni Scholarship — Dwain Bush presented Jaspar Carmichael with a $1,000 scholarship. Jaspar will attend Johns Hopkins University to study math or physics and play baseball. Delta Elks Lodge — presented to Samantha Wollert, who plans to study nursing at Texas Christian University. Delta IOOF #116 — The lodge has awarded scholarships for 36 years. Funds for the $1,000 scholarships are raised at Saturday night bingo. Recipients are Taylor Bess, Anha Richards and Joshua Reeder.

Photo by Pat Sunderland

grads a helping hand Reeder will attend Front Range Community College to study manufacturing and energy technology.Reeder will attend Front Range Community College to study manufacturing and energy technology. Delta Kappa Gamma — This scholarship goes to an aspiring educator. Taylor Bess was the recipient. DMEA — From the unclaimed capital credits fund, DMEA awards scholarships to students throughout its service territory. The recipients were Samantha Wollert and Tatum Gilmore. Tatum will attend CMU, to study early childhood education and American sign language. Delta County Livestock Association — From the proceeds of the barbecue held in conjunction with the Delta County Fair, the cattlemen award scholarships totalling $1,000 to students in all four high schools. The DHS recipient was Sarah Parker, who plans to study health and exercise science at CSU. First Colorado National Bank — the scholarships are funded by an annual basketball tournament which has been merged with the Jack Hawkins tournament. The DHS recipients are Aubrey Jones and Jaspar Carmichael. Katie Jo Park Memorial — Awarded to Anha Richards. Katie Jo was a graduate of Delta High School and Delta-Montrose Technical College who was passionate about her career as an RN. The scholarship, presented by her sister, Jessica Carlson, is awarded to a grad-

uate who has a heart for nursing. L&A Renfrow Scholarships — presented by DHS grads Les and Ann Renfrow to four applicants — Austin Germann, Derek Horn, Sarah Parker and Kendra Hillman. Austin will study mechanical engineering at CMU. Derek will also attend CMU, to pursue a degree in wildlife biology. Kendra will study business management/entrepreneurship at Grand Canyon University. Masonic Scholarship — Awarded to Logan Freed, who plans to study exercise science at Western State. Rotary Club of Delta — Scholarships totalling $9,000 were awarded to Taylor Bess, Joshua Reeder and Amber Swain, $1,000 each; Jaspar Carmichael, Logan Freed, Kaleigh Nethington and Peyton Schuster, $1,500 each. Amber will attend CMU to study computer science/forensics. Phipps/Wareham Vocational Scholarships —Awarded to Clay Cotten and Joshua Reeder. Cotten is preparing for a career in aircraft maintenance. Colorado Western Migrant Coalition — Awarded to Vicente Trevino and Maribel Ruiz. Both plan to attend Colorado Mesa University, Vicente to study mechanical engineering and Maribel to become a radiology technician. The Western Colorado Community Foundation and the Delta County School District have entered into a partnership allowing the community foundation to manage the investment and applica-

tion process for 12 scholarship funds available to Delta County students. WCCF made the following presentations: Dorothy Crousen — Awarded to Oceana Berholtz, who plans to study nursing. Weldon Crousen — Awarded to Thomas Neil, who will study music and business at CMU. David Moore — $1,000 was awarded to Sami Wollert, who met the criteria by participating in vocal and/or instrumental music at least three years. Diedrickson/Niles — Jaspar Carmichael was the recipient of the $1,550 award. WilkinJeannette son Memorial — $1,000 each went to Taylor Bess, Logan Freed and Aubrey Jones. Kay Armstrong Scholarship — This $1,000 scholarship, renewable for four years, is given to an aspiring teacher. Kayleigh Nethington was the recipient. Stewart/Watson/ Wheeler — Oceana Bergholtz and Peyton Schuster each received $1,000. Thomas Ward Osborn — Oveth Padillo plans to apply the $500 scholarship toward radiology studies at CMU. Wilson Education — This scholarship is awarded to a student from either Mesa or Delta County. Taylor Bess was the recipient of the renewable $3,000 scholarship. The Daniels Fund Scholarship covers the “unmet need” for four years of college anywhere in the country. Recipient Thomas Neil plans to study music and business at Colorado Mesa University.

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 13

Congratulations

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Cameron Schaal ��

Jordan Tamayo

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Tessa Gore

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Brooke Klaseen

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14 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Trevor Ballard

Hotchkiss High School

Corbin Beck

Mikayla Burnett

Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Monday, May 21 • 6 p.m. • Hotchkiss High School

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Commencement Tuesday, May 22 • 7 p.m. • HHS Gymnasium

Kaylee Carpenter

Class Flower Red Rose

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Kevin Chavez

ROGERS MESA STORE

Keaton Coe

Class Colors Cardinal and Gunmetal Gray Class Motto “I’d rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I’m not. ~Kurt Cobain Class Song “5 More Minutes” by Scotty McCreery Devin Curtis

Jordan Denison

Nolan Egging

NEEDLEROCK MOUNTAIN REALTY

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

Josie Hiatt

Shelby Hiatt

Kimberly Jurado

KWIKI TIRE II

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

Yasmine Gaub

NEEDLEROCK MOUNTAIN REALTY

Elijah Kirk

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

FDIC

Jonathan Gonzalez

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

Kambry Hall

Chase Hiatt

ROGERS MESA STORE

KWIKI TIRE II

Lillian Kuban

Jackson Little

Kylar Massano

NEEDLEROCK MOUNTAIN REALTY

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 15

Owen Mattison

Lane Mayberry

Jennifer McDonald

Trey McGraw

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

ROGERS MESA STORE

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

MODERN APPLIANCE COMPANY

Margaret Parsons

Wyatt Pearce

Colton Peebles

Dalton Raley

Madison Reed

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

HOMESTEAD NATURAL MEATS

HIGH COUNTRY SHOPPER

Elijah Sawatzky

Karsen Sommer

Cody Stevens

Jordan Tamayo

Braxton Trujillo

ROGERS MESA STORE

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

Kash Williams

Darrin Young II

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Chandler Widner

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Ashley Ziemer

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Morgan Miller

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Myles Zoutte

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Jeneve Mitchell

Jaren Oates

UNITED COUNTRY COLORADO BROKERS

Fatima Rodriguez

Sam Rodriguez

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Alex Tutor

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Isaac Van Horn

FDIC

ROGERS MESA STORE

16 â&#x20AC;˘ 2018 Graduation â&#x20AC;˘ Delta County Independent

A Salute to Excellence Jessica Craig Cedaredge High School Valedictorian

Hannah Hatheway Cedaredge High School Valedictorian

Holly Jenkins Cedaredge High School Valedictorian

Grace Andrews Cedaredge High School Salutatorian

Peter Carlson Cedaredge High School Salutatorian

Jaspar Carmichael Delta High School Valedictorian

Alexia Quinn Delta High School Salutatorian

Lucy Streich Delta High School Salutatorian

Nolan Egging Hotchkiss High School Valedictorian

Jordan Tamayo Hotchkiss High School Salutatorian

Cyrus Malek-Madani Paonia High School Valedictorian

Caden Meilner Paonia High School Valedictorian

McKenna Palmer Paonia High School Salutatorian

Kassidy Rapke Paonia High School Salutatorian

Helene Sharer-Meneley Paonia High School Salutatorian

Angel Alejandro Enrique - Olathe Valedictorian

Michelle Bautista Jaracuaro - Olathe Valedictorian

Selena Reyes Olathe High School Valedictorian

Shaylee Ann Hancock Olathe High School Salutatorian

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 17

Olathe High School

Jacob Clay Adair

Alejandra Almanza Campos

Fatima Almanza Espinosa

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Shannon Belle Bachman

Amy Bridget Baier

Janalyn Diane Barba Garcia

PRIMERICA LYNETTE ROWLAND

GRAND MESA DENTAL HYGIENE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Tuesday, May 15 • 6:30 p.m. • OHS Gym Commencement Sunday, May 20 • 12:30 p.m. • Wilson Field Class Motto “Chase your dreams, but always know the road that’ll lead you home again.” ~Tim McGraw Class Colors Blue and Gold

Diego Blanco Sanchez

Alexis LeAnn Boots

William John Brew

Juan Miguel Casillas Coronado

Mackenzie Shay Vanhorn Cox

Bradly James Culver

Angel Alejandro Enrique

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

HALE HOME INSPECTIONS LLC.

Serjio Espinoza

Denise Andrea Espinoza Martinez

Wendi Estrada

Claire Kathryn Felix

Darshawn Janelle Flowers

Ashlie Renea Fraser

Jorge Alexandro Gonzalez

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

PRIMERICA LYNETTE ROWLAND

RACHELL RICHMAN, DDS

OLATHE SPRAY SERVICE

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

18 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Miguel Angel Gonzalez

Matthew Ryan Hale

Shaylee Ann Hancock

Catherine Mae Hardman

Chloe Anne Haywood

Nayeli Hernandez

Jose Luis Herrera Campuzano

RACHELL RICHMAN, DDS

HALE HOME INSPECTIONS LLC.

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

PRIMERICA LYNETTE ROWLAND

SHEILA’S EMPORIUM

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

Micah Mathew Huff

Kasey Juany Ibarra

Michelle Jaracuaro Bautista

Hannah Marie Johnson

Elizabeth Lysann Kimbro

Stephen Michael Kubin

Celia Elizabeth Lenihan

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

SHEILA’S EMPORIUM

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

RACHELL RICHMAN, DDS

Mitchell Wayne Corus Logan

Madison Diane Lynch

Oswaldo Emmanuel Mariscal Rodriguez

Kalten Daniel Mattics

Rebecca Ruth McCormick

Traci Dawn McCracken

Lindsey Rae Mclaughlin

SHEILA’S EMPORIUM

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

BUSY CORNER MARKET & WHITE KITCHEN

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Jordan Lee-Cooter Molina

Jonathan Brayden Munger

John Daniel Nare

Daniel Nieto

Juan Sebastian Olide

Jose Alfredo Padilla

Giovani Padilla Aguila

RACHELL RICHMAN, DDS

OLATHE TRUE VALUE HARDWARE

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

PRIMERICA LYNETTE ROWLAND

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 19

Briana Lizbey Pena

Johnny Perez

Brian Perez Vargas

Bryan Francisco Ramirez

Pedro Abraham Ramirez

Yaqueline Ramirez

Miranda Evonne Rea

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

BUSY CORNER MARKET & WHITE KITCHEN

COLOROW CARE CENTER

OLATHE SPRAY SERVICE

Selena Reyes

Colten Micheal Ross

Nikolas Jamie Rubalcaba

Selena Kaylee Rubalcaba

Janelle Salazar

Rene Saldana Suarez

Miguel Angel Santana Perez

COLOROW CARE CENTER

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

RACHELL RICHMAN, DDS

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

COLOROW CARE CENTER

ROCKY MOUNTAIN STEEL

Manuel Santiago

Tyler Brody Snidow

Chen Rose Tafoya

Mayarit Tapia Jaimes

Jesus Antonio Villafana Suarez

Rachel Nicole Walker

Megan Ashley Young

ACCURATE TAX & ACCOUNTING

HALE HOME INSPECTIONS, LLC

PRIMERICA LYNETTE ROWLAND

BUSY CORNER MARKET & WHITE KITCHEN

OLATHE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

OLATHE SPRAY SERVICE

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

20 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Orin Blankenship

Paonia High School

Clayton Campbell

Anika Carlson

HOMESTEAD NATURAL MEATS

HIGH COUNTRY SHOPPER

Marco Carrillo

Donald Carter

Luis Chavez

BROSS HOTEL BED & BREAKFAST

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Sunday, May 20 • 6 p.m. • PHS Commons Commencement Monday, May 21 • 7 p.m. • PHS Gymnasium Class Motto “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.” ~Unknown

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Class Flower Sunﬂower Class Colors Gold and White Class Songs “Bye bye bye” - NSYNC “Good Times” - All Time Low FDIC

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Sean Devlin

Nora Dransﬁeld

Marcos Edmondson

Antonio Gonzalez

Tessa Gore

Kaden Heiniger

Brooke Hillman

KWIKI TIRE II

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

HIGH COUNTRY SHOPPER

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

HAIR DESIGNERS & NAILS

DON’S MARKET

BROSS HOTEL BED & BREAKFAST

Michael Hofmann

Derek Holt

Alex Hood

Justin Johnson

McKenna Johnson

Enoch Kropp

Elliana Kuhl

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

DON’S MARKET

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

DON’S MARKET

DEPENDABLE LUMBER

FDIC

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 21

Dominic Limone

Cyrus Malek-Madani

Caden Meilner

KWIKI TIRE II

DEPENDABLE LUMBER

DELTA COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Benjamin O’Rourke

McKenna Palmer

Julia Peterson

DON’S MARKET

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

Anders Schopp

Kayden Seriani

Helene Sharer-Meneley

Riley Simianer

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

DON’S MARKET

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

FARMERS INSURANCE JOSH APPLEGATE

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Jaden Miller

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC FDIC

Slater Podgorny

FDIC

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Wesley Morgan

Darien Norris

KEVIN PARKS INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

Kassidy Rapke

Randi Rapke

MODERN APPLIANCE COMPANY

FIRST COLORADO NATIONAL BANK

Isaac Stanﬁeld

Andi Todd

Kaitlyn Wist

BROSS HOTEL BED & BREAKFAST

DEPENDABLE LUMBER

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Hunter Norris

FDIC

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

John Roberts

FDIC

FIRST STATE BANK OF COLORADO FDIC

Congratulations Class of 2018!

FD FDIC

22 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

Vision Charter Academy

Katrina Lynn Bate

Rebecca Marie Bravo

Carly Adele Burch

JERRY REIHER INSURANCE AGENCY

SHELTER INSURANCE FRED CARSON

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

Elijah Andrew Cole

James Andrew Davis IV

Skylee Shirene Davis

CEDAREDGE LAUNDRY

JERRY REIHER INSURANCE AGENCY

SHELTER INSURANCE FRED CARSON

Class of 2018 Baccalaureate Thursday, May 11 • 7 p.m. • Cedaredge Assembly of God Commencement Sunday, May 21 • 1 p.m. • CHS Gymnasium Class Motto “The ‘90s Saved the Best for Last” Class Flower Blue and White Stargazer Lily Class Colors Blue and Silver Class Song “Good Riddance/Time of Our Life” by Green Day

Kaleb David Duke

Kadyn Xandra Dunnagan

Jordan Charis Evans

Kaitlynn Rene Gray

Shay Lynn Hamilton

Makenzie Ann Hill

Dillon M. Nelson

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

MODERN APPLIANCE COMPANY

TROY WELLS EXCAVATING

JERRY REIHER INSURANCE AGENCY

SHELTER INSURANCE FRED CARSON

CEDAREDGE LAUNDRY

TROY WELLS EXCAVATING

Delta County Independent • 2018 Graduation • 23

Dustin Chad Newman

Michael Lee Quinn

Vladimir Adam Saye

Zarrin Kase Smith

SHELTER INSURANCE FRED CARSON

KWIKI TIRE SERVICE

JERRY REIHER INSURANCE AGENCY

McDONALD’S OF DELTA

Sarah Ann Marie Wells

Shealene Danielle Wells

Jessyca June Woods

Bethany Marie Wright

SHELTER INSURANCE FRED CARSON

TROY WELLS EXCAVATING

CALLAWAY PACKING, INC.

JERRY REIHER INSURANCE AGENCY

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24 • 2018 Graduation • Delta County Independent

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